Clwyd Connection April 23

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CONNECTION

Hello lovely reader and welcome once again to the latest edition of the Clwyd Connection.

Goodness, March was quite a month, wasn’t it? What with the snow and then 3 days later, the temperature in double figures.

I had a surprise in my garden during the cold snap. My pond froze over when we had the snow but 2 days later, after it had thawed, I noticed the local frog population had been busy and there were 3 large clumps of frogs spawn in there with the male sat guarding them, or maybe he was waiting to woe more females.

What I haven’t seen so far this year is any hedgehogs in the garden but I keep putting food out in case they return. For the last 8 years I’ve had hedgehogs visiting and even nesting in my garden using the pond for a drink.

Publisher: Connection Magazines Ltd

Editor: Trevor Arnold

Tel: 01824 707 013

Email: trevor@clwydconnection.co.uk

16 Parc Alun, Mold, CH7 1LQ

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, the publishers cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions. All adverts are published in good faith using information supplied by each company, on the understanding that relevant permissions have been obtained.

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With Easter just around the corner, I’m looking forward to spending the whole weekend with my adult children and to catch up on what is going on in their lives. My daughter was recently awarded a national prize for some work she did in relation to fighting covid and my son has just started a new job.

Once Easter has past, the next big thing, of course will be the Kings Coronation and another Bank Holiday. Are you making any plans? A street party maybe?

Obviously, there will be many other events though the summer so can I remind you that if you are organising anything locally, that you get in touch as soon as possible so that this magazine can help to promote your event. This is FREE for non profit events

Wishing you a Happy Easter and a great month.

To keep up with local what’s on, why not pop along to our Facebook page Facebook.com/ConnectionMags and like us

Or you could follow us on Twitter. @Connection_Mags

CARPET EMPORIUM CARPET EMPORIUM

FLOORING SPECIALISTS

25 High Street, Denbigh, LL16 3HY

(opposite Holland & Barrett)

Tel: 01745 814235

www.carpetemporiumnorthwales.co.uk

We

offer a wide choice of carpets, vinyl, rugs and runners, to suit every budget.

Come in and see Lyndsey who can help you choose your perfect carpet, vinyl or laminate flooring, based on your individual requirements and interior decor.

Phil - who has many years’ experience - will expertly measure your rooms and ensure the fitting is carried out to the highest standard, and in a professional and efficient manner.

*NOTE:- Our fitters are employed and trained by us. We don’t use any contract carpet fitters.

We take pride in every job we do and make sure customers are happy with our service. We even hoover up and take any unwanted bits away for you; as a result, many customers return time and again and recommend Carpet Emporium to their friends and family.

MADE TO MEASURE OPTION AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR RUG AND DOORMAT BINDING SERVICE

OPEN: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri - 9.30am-5pm. Wed and Sat 9.30am-2pm

WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT LOCAL BUSINESS NOT A CHAIN AND AS SUCH OUR ONLY SHOP CAN BE FOUND IN DENBIGH

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS SO IMPORTANT TO US

Follow us on Facebook @carpetemporiumdenbigh Follow us on Twitter @CarpetEmporium1 @carpetemporium1

Seed potatoes now in stock - new and old varieties

Onion sets, Shallots, and Garlic bulbs

Dahlias and other summer flowering bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs in pots - ready to plant and a huge assortment of new plants

Veg plants and seeds, fruit bushes and fruit trees

Basket plants and some bedding plants coming ready

Great choice on quality composts, fertilisers etc

Outdoor plants bursting into growth and flower

The Mold Connection is delivered to Mold and surrounding villages.

The Clwyd Connection is delivered to Ruthin, Denbigh and surrounding villages

Delivered to over 95% of the residents of Ruthin, Denbigh, Mold and surrounding villages. Effectively promoting local businesses since 2005.

By Caroline Knight

Ask anyone what their ideal garden would feel like and the phrase ‘low-maintenance’ will likely be high on the list. Maybe even ‘no-maintenance’ from those with little garden knowledge. Does this type of garden exist? In the latter example, the answer is an easy ‘no’. But low-maintenance is definitely achievable. It’s largely down to the choice of plants and ratio of lawn or paving to beds and borders.

No digging

This is exactly as it sounds – gardening without digging. This allows mycorrhizal networks of fungi to spread. Plants require less water and fertiliser because the fungi, in effect, extend the root system of plants so that they have a wider area in which to source nutrients and moisture. It’s good for the environment as the soil develops better drainage. It also contains more carbon and is less prone to lose nutrients in water runoff during rainy periods. You can add mulch to the soil, when required (early winter is best). Plant directly into the soil – you will be surprised how quickly things become established and start growing.

Mind the gaps

Fill any blank soil spaces with plants to prevent weeds from growing. Nature fills a void! Plant shrubs for the easiest gardening experience, but be sure to select wisely.

Right plant, right place

A plant in the wrong place will always need attention. If you’re not sure what type of plants are suited to the soil in your area, take a look at your neighbour’s gardens. Evergreens provide year-round interest, but they are not necessarily those with the most interesting flowers. Watering

is a high-maintenance requirement, as are the tasks of weeding and deadheading. Gardening is a balance between practical solutions and aesthetic interest, and much of your choice will be based on personal preference.

Can lawns be low-maintenance?

Some say that a lawn represents the most intensive maintenance requirement of any garden feature which explains why artificial grass has become so popular. But contrary to popular belief, fake lawns are not maintenancefree. Weed seeds will eventually take hold and weeding a lawn of this nature is not easy. Artificial turf also requires washing, on occasions, especially when used as a toilet by dogs and cats. Artificial grass is an emotive topic and there is still a lack of scientific knowledge and a shortage of research when it comes to assessing the environmental impact of such a relatively new product.

However, there’s no doubt that professionally installed artificial turf will cut down on maintenance when compared to a living lawn that requires regular mowing. The lack of biodiversity on a fake lawn is an obvious drawback, but some say that we should view them as another non-living component of a garden, similar to a patio.

No garden is maintenance free

Nearly one in five people (17.5%) aged 55 and over have been the victim of a financial scam, according to findings by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Scammers often target people who are more vulnerable because they aren’t necessarily working fulltime, or are partially or fully retired.

The Financial Conduct Authority has an informative section on its website – www.fca.org. uk/scamsmart – giving advice on how to avoid both pension and investment scams, a list of the most-searched-for investment and pension scams, plus a useful link if you’ve been contacted about a scam or paid money to fraudsters.

Report Scams

• If you have been defrauded or experienced cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud. Report it either online at www.actionfraud. police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

• You should also report what’s happened to the Financial Conduct Authority, either online or by calling 0800 111 6768.

• If you’ve lost money to a scam and you paid with a credit or debit card, or sent money through an account transaction, tell your bank or payment provider as soon as possible.

Help Protect Yourself

• Protect your PIN and OTP

Never share your PIN or one-time passcode (OTP), or indeed your password.

• Make sure they are who they say they are Fraudsters will pretend to be the police, banks, businesses or even friends to trick you. And they might even know personal details about you. If in doubt, hang up!

• Don’t be pressured

Fraudsters will try to put you under pressure to act quickly. Don’t let anyone rush you – always take a moment before you share any details and only click on a link when you know it’s 100% legitimate.

Trending Scams

The ‘friend in need’ text

You’ll receive a text or WhatsApp message (from an unknown number) supposedly from someone you know, saying that they have a crisis and asking you to transfer money across to them.

Pension review scam

You’re contacted and offered a free pension review. The supposed financial adviser will recommend that you move your money into another scheme or fake investments.

Suspicious activity on your account

Your ‘bank’ calls to say there’s been suspicious activity on your account. They will attempt to obtain your private, sensitive information, such as banking details, PINs and passwords, supposedly to confirm your identity. They might also suggest your move your cash to a new account which you think is yours but isn’t.

Energy-related scams

Scammers pose as a major supplier and announce in an email that you are entitled to a refund on your energy bills because of a ‘miscalculation’. They then give you a link to click to provide your payment details.

HOW TO PLAY

Fill in the grid so that every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 without repetition. That’s all there is to it.

You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. There’s no maths involved, It’s fun, challenging and addictive. Solutions on page 39

Open Goal?

While enrolling on an Open University course has been marketed as one of the most practical and rewarding routes for kickstarting learning and qualifications – at any age – it pays to be prepared if you’re to make it to the finish line.

While on paper, the strength and appeal of the Open University is in its relatively unrestricted barriers to entry in terms of grades or qualifications, it is a fact that many people fail to complete studies because of the other demands they have on their time.

The median age of an undergraduate being 28, and in most cases is someone who is returning to education a significant time after the usual period associated with university students. That means its graduation rate of less than 20% is perhaps not a surprise, given life commitments such as day jobs and children. This reinforces the need for students to enter the process fully aware of the significant demand on their time a degree course will bring.

And yet, over 200,000 current students will attest to the educational and psychological value of distance learning, benefitting from the OU’s reputation and versatility for learning.

What matters is undertaking study whilst being fully equipped with the knowledge required. That means understanding an undergraduate degree course

will take between five and six years to complete, on the basis of earning 60 degree credits per year in accumulating 360 in total. For an integrated Master’s degree, it’s even more – 480 credits requiring up to nine years of study.

Lesser qualifications are offered – a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) takes around four years, and a Certificate of Higher Education, two. Alternatively, Open University Certificates usually require one year of part-time studying, for 60 credits.

There are also Undergraduate Modules (6-9 months) and generalised short courses (25100 hours, although these do not offer academic credits).

The popularity of subjects among students changes from time to time, often reflecting the trends and fashions of wider society at that time. Yet some studies hold firm no matter what is going on in the world –these include:

• Computing and IT

The IT industry holds no age bias, and its usefulness across all industries makes it a key target for those looking to boost knowledge and employability, even in later life.

Its accessibility has also been enhanced by faster internet and better gadgets, meaning the doors to entry are always open.

• Nursing and healthcare practice

COVID-19 has furthered a desire in people to move into the industry, and this has been reflected in a steady increase in OU applications.

• Business and management

Finally business, and in a nation of shopkeepers (to quote Napoleon, no less), it’s little surprise to see this field as one that never goes out of fashion.

Is my Will up to Date?

Having an outdated Will can be just as risky as having no Will at all. It can mean that the ones you leave behind may have to pay more Inheritance Tax and it could even cause disputes, leading to greater costs.

Here at Swayne Johnson Solicitors, we recommend reviewing your Will every five years, or sooner if there has been a major event within your family and/or change in circumstances (such as a divorce, marriage, birth or death).

Reviewing your Will does not necessarily mean that you will need to update it, it could be as simple as checking over the document to see whether or not it remains relevant to your current situation and that you are still happy with the contents.

If you’re not sure whether you need to amend your Will then you can always

partner (having inherited the whole state) then requires care, most of the leted in order to meet the cost of

can offer a solution. You can alue of one-half of the joint nsuring that the surviving ner will be financially secure. w if a Life Interest Will is ou, call me or speak to a m. We are always matters on the phone n initial meeting, at to you and without

contact us to check and we will be happy to go through the document with you to see whether or not the Will needs to be amended or not. For example, with a change of address, the Will may not necessarily need to be changed but instead, a note of the change of address can be stored with the Will. On the other hand, if you are leaving a specific item of jewellery to someone but you have already given this away during your lifetime, then for the sake of clarity, we would suggest that your Will is amended accordingly.

portunity to get ou.

Here at Swayne Johnson Solicitors we are happy to provide you with tailored advice whatever your circumstances. Call now to speak with a friendly expert, in confidence.

Kristin Charlton

M a r c h n a d o e d d W y t h n o s o l

D y d d I a u , D y d d G w e n e r a D y d d S a d w r n 1 0 y b - 4 y p

D e w c h i s i o p a a m g y n n y r c h l l e o l , d y l u n i o a c h r e f f t y n n e u a d d

f a r c h n a d r h e s t r e d i g G r a d d 2 h a n e s y d d o l R h u t h u n .

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S i o p G o f f i I C y f e i l l g a r i G ŵ n

N e u a d d y F a r c h n a d R h u t h u n , S t r y d y F a r c h n a d , R h u t h u n L L 1 5 1 B E

Celebrate spring with our selection of glorious garden-themed books.

Venetian Gardens – Monty Don & Derry Moore

Inspired by Monty’s BBC2 series, Adriatic Gardens, his latest book with Derry Moore is a sumptuous visual journey through the gardens of Venice. Starting in the heart of the city and working their way out to the Veneto, the pair celebrate the beauty of these places and tell some of their remarkable stories. With stunning colour photography throughout, readers will discover new insight into one of the world’s most beloved cities.

The Gardener’s Almanac – Alan Titchmarsh

A month-by-month treasury of gardening advice, inspiration and knowledge, along with illustrations by Alan himself, who has written more than forty gardening books, twelve novels and three volumes of memoirs. As well as what to grown and sow, find out what wildlife to spot, projects to engage in, weather notes, gardens to visit, birds and flowers to celebrate and much more…

Home Harvest: Your Pocket Card Guide to Kitchen Gardening

– Bridie Cotter & Tom Gaunt

A practical, fun and easy-to-read deck of cards by organic veggie farmers Bridie and Tom that will help you plant and grow your own kitchen garden. Divided into four sections (Gardening 101, Veggies, Herbs and Flowers), these beautifully illustrated cards will help you start your garden from scratch, offering helpful guidance and advice on everything from plant health to common pest management.

Gardens for the Soul: Sustainable and Stylish Outdoor Spaces

–

Sara Bird & Dan Duchars

Whatever the location or size of your garden, a sustainable and ecofriendly ethos can be at the heart of creating a beautiful outdoor space to suit your lifestyle. From tiny spaces to larger patios, and to glean ideas, tips and inspiration, you’ll find suggestions for choosing garden elements from decor and lighting to furniture and accessories, as well as easy craft projects that add quirky personal touches.

The Little Guide to Wildflowers – Alison Davies

Discover the intriguing world of wildflowers with this handy pocket guide, with each of the featured flowers delicately illustrated by printmaker Tom Frost to capture its individual characteristics and accompanied by information about the plant and where it can be found, plus associated facts and fables. Adding to the charm of this delightful book is an interactive spotter’s guide at the back, where you can tick off each flower you find.

The English Country House Garden – George Plumptre

From the Victorian grandeur of Tyntesfield and Cragside, to the Arts and Crafts simplicity of Rodmarton Manor and Charleston, from Scampston to new gardens by Dan Pearson and Tom Stuart-Smith, and with favourites such as Sissinghurst and Hidcote alongside new discoveries, this book takes a fresh look at the English country house garden, starting with the owners and the stories behind the making of the gardens, with glorious photographs capturing the gardens at their finest moments through the seasons.

CMW Building & Contracting Ltd

Tool

Garden machinery

Mowers hedge cutters, Brush cutters, Verge cutters, Rotavators, Lawn scarififiers, Spikers post knockers, Chippers log splitters

General Builder’s equipment

Concrete mixers, Compacter plates, Trench rammers, Beam screed, Screed demon, Acrow prop, Plaster board lifter, Tower scaffold, Genie lift, Vibrating poker, Carpet cleaner, Concrete breakers, Core drills, Tile cutters, Water pumps, Security fencing, Floor sander, Genie Lift

0397 588

This is just a small selection available Brickfield Lane, Denbigh Road, Ruthin, LL15 2TN 01824 702268

The first ‘seven wonders of the ancient world’ list was made more than 2,000 years ago, but over the course of many centuries most of these wonders were destroyed. So in 2001, the New7Wonders Foundation set out to find a new list for the modern era, asking over 100 million people for their votes. The result was seven new wonders of the world, spanning four continents. Which are on your bucket list?

Machu Picchu, Peru

Perched high in Peru’s Andes mountain range, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel dating back to the fifteenth century. The mysterious maze of buildings, plazas and platforms was only discovered 100 years ago and continues to bewilder historians and archaeologists –who are still to this day struggling to understand its original purpose.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal is India’s most iconic symbol. Shah Jahan, king of the Mughal empire from 1628 – 1658, employed over 20,000 people to build the mausoleum as a monument to his beloved wife, who died in childbirth. A marble tomb in the centre is surrounded by forty-two acres of grounds, where gardens, a mosque, guest house and pool complete the complex.

The Great Wall of China, China

The world’s largest and most impressive man-made structure, the Great Wall was built to protect China from invasion and to guard its Silk Road trade. Taking a staggering 2,000 years to finish, the structure snakes its way along mountain ridges, valleys and hills for over 13,000 miles.

Petra, Jordan

Half-carved into vibrant red, white, pink and sandstone cliff faces, the prehistoric city of Petra in Jordan was ‘lost’ to the Western world for hundreds of years. Once a thriving trading centre and the ancient capital of the Nabataean empire, the city sat empty and in near ruin for centuries before being rediscovered by a European traveller in the 1800s.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

An impressive feat of engineering, The Colosseum in Rome was built in the first century. The amphitheatre was once capable of holding 50,000 spectators, who watched a variety of events – including gladiator fights. According to some estimates, about 500,000 people died in the Colosseum, and so many animals that some species became extinct!

Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The iconic emblem of Brazil, Christ the Redeemer rises over thirty metres on the top of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Made from reinforced concrete and clad in over six million soapstone tiles, this totemic statue of Jesus is actually the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Deep in the Mexican state of Yucatán lies Chichen Itza, a historic Mayan city built between the ninth and twelfth centuries. Constructed by the pre-Columbian Mayan tribe Itzá, the city includes a series of monuments and temples – the most famous being El Castillo. A testament to the Mayans’ astronomical abilities, the structure features 365 steps, one for every day in the solar year.

This classic bake with a berry twist is the perfect finishing touch when the family gather for a celebratory Easter feast – or just when it’s time for tea!

Serves 10

Preparation time 30 minutes

Cooking time 1½ hours

Ingredients

• 500g ready-made marzipan

• 150g raspberries, plus 11 for the top (about 50g)

• 200g self-raising flour, plus 1 tbsp

• 175g butter

• 175g caster sugar

• 3 medium eggs plus an egg yolk, beaten

• 50g ground almonds

• 150g sultanas

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten to loosen

Method

1. Line a 20cm loose-bottomed baking tin with parchment. Roll out a third of the marzipan to a 20cm circle – you can use the base of the tin to cut round. Wrap the remainder and any offcuts and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 170°C / fan 150°C / gas mark 3.

3. Toss the 150g raspberries in the extra 1 tbsp of flour and set aside. Beat together the butter and sugar until pale and creamy, then gradually whisk in the eggs and the extra yolk. If the mixture begins to curdle add 1 tbsp of flour and mix in. Sift the flour over the mix and fold in gently until smooth. Fold in the ground almonds, sultanas and floured raspberries.

4. Scrape half the cake mixture into the tin and carefully lay the marzipan round on top. Add the remaining mixture, level the top and bake in the preheated oven for around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 15 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Roll out half the remaining marzipan to a circle and sit it on top of the cooled cake. Shape 11 balls from the leftover amount and arrange in a circle on top.

6. Preheat the grill to medium. Brush the cake all over with the egg white and then place under the grill or use a cook’s blow torch to brown gently. Remove from the grill, leave to cool and then decorate with the fresh raspberries.

7. The cake keeps well in airtight container for up to 5 days without the extra berries on top. Alternatively, freeze the cake before adding the marzipan top for up to a month.

The Berry Best For more sweet and savoury recipes starring British berries – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries – visit www.lovefreshberries.co.uk.

If you suffer from loneliness from time to time, ironically, you’re not alone. According to ‘The Lonely Society’, a report published by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), 48% of those surveyed believed that Britain is becoming a lonelier place.

The Covid-19 pandemic is partly to blame. After spending so long in survival mode, isolated from the ones we love, many of us still find it increasingly hard to coax ourselves out of that more guarded and introverted mindset. This is made even more pronounced when we factor in the move from communal offices to remote working, which has changed the lives of millions of people across the UK.

The ever-advancing progression of technology and social media is also believed to be a contributor. Despite claims that technology helps us connect with people, many experts believe that having constant access to technology can actually prevent us from building personal relationships.

Although many of us will be familiar with the upset of not being invited to a party, or the devastation of losing a loved one, what many people don’t know is that loneliness can also have a serious impact on our physical health. The work of neuroscientists such as John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago has shown that the stress of loneliness can directly affect our mental and physical wellbeing, with a cumulative effect on the heart that is the equivalent of a non-smoker taking up smoking. So, with this in mind, what’s the best way to overcome loneliness?

Get a new job or share your skills

You could use your free time to volunteer for a local charity, or try joining a new group or class. You’ll meet new people and be filled with a revived sense of purpose.

Practice self-care

It’s easy to let loneliness eat away at your confidence and self-esteem. Try to avoid falling into a negative headspace by practicing gratitude, meditation and mindfulness. Reminding yourself about the good things in life or reminiscing on happy times can help you to think more positively.

Reach out to someone

Talking to someone about how you feel can be a helpful way to cope with the negative emotions associated with loneliness. If there isn’t anyone you can trust, the campaigning and lobbying organisation Campaign to End Loneliness can help. Although they don’t recruit volunteers directly, you can visit their website at www. campaigntoendloneliness.org to find information about volunteering opportunities.

Find support online

Using technology in the right way can be a fantastic way to meet new like-minded people. Find people with similar interests by joining Facebook or Meetup groups, and check to see if any apps you use, like fitness or workout apps, have a social element or discussion board to join. While you do have to be careful, it’s possible to find real support, connection and lasting friendships with people you meet online.

By Katherine Sorrell

Cosy yet minimal, luxurious yet understated – use pale colours and gorgeous textures for a home that looks and feels utterly inviting. Neutrals never go out of fashion and adding an array of delicious textures is a dream combination. The popular ‘Vanilla Girl’ aesthetic is a simple yet luxurious look of creamy, neutral shades and textures such as chunky knitted throws, pampas grass and satin bedding. Neutral colours, from pure white to earthy tones of grey and beige, combined with pales such as blush pink, celadon and buttercup, let you vary your look while keeping that tranquil feeling.

Why neutrals?

A well-planned neutral scheme is good-looking, harmonious and inviting, and works well everywhere. Neutrals are perfect for room-toroom cohesion, and make a perfect backdrop for plants, artworks or collections, as well as providing a calming backdrop in any room.

All white now

Rooms painted pure, brilliant white appear bigger and brighter, fresh and airy, and white is a great background for vibrant paintings, books, plants or fresh flowers. Try a shade of white with a touch of yellow or pink to prevent starkness in north- or east-facing rooms. Slightly muddier off whites can complement original features in period homes.

Choosing and using neutrals

The range of neutral colours varies in hue from cream to sand, beige to stone and more. Use one everywhere, or use different neutrals in different rooms, but with a visual link. Or opt for one colour ‘family’ and use several sibling shades within a room – experts recommend darker tones for woodwork and lighter ones for walls. Avoid clashing hues of the same tone. Shiny gold or brass accessories can offset the subtle scheme, but a dash of black is often a good finishing touch.

Surface matters

Choose your finishes carefully: ultra-flat, matt, eggshell, satinwood or gloss, though the shinier the finish, the paler the colour will appear, so compensate with a slightly darker colour. Lighting makes a difference, so look at test paint patches under different lighting conditions..

Attractively tactile

Textures bring a room to life and make a house a home. From the polish of smooth ceramic to the soft squish of cashmere, the nubbly weave of wicker to the homely warmth of felted wool, a variety of textural surfaces add visual appeal and feels comfortable and secure. Natural textures such as sisal, shell, stone, brick, wicker, timber, leather, linen, wool come to the fore. Layer texture upon texture for pleasing, subtle contrasts. There’s an enormous variety of colours, tones and textures to explore and enjoy.

A tranquil soft green paint is paired with white, grey, natural timber and soft fabric for an inviting dining space. Crystalline AF-485, £59 for 3.79l ben™ Interior Matte, benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk.

Don’t be afraid of authentic texture – this brick wall and timber floor are fabulous, and offset the pale bed marvellously. Cotswold Scandi-style double bed frame, £499, furniturevillage.co.uk.

From unwanted presents to 2in1 shower gel, a lot of products can end up cluttering up our bathrooms. If your make-up bag is bursting at the seams and your cupboards are overflowing, it’s time for a spring clean.

First off, lay a couple of old towels on the bed to protect it from crumbled eyeshadow and leaky bottles. Dig out all your cosmetics and toiletries. Yes, all of them. Sort everything into piles of similar products on the towels. Grab a box to use as a temporary bin.

Ditch any almost empty bottles that you’re unlikely to finish.

Check the remaining products to make sure they haven’t gone off. Most toiletries and cosmetics only last for six to twelve months after opening although pump action will last longer, so check the little icon on the back of the bottle. Bin anything that has been open for too long.

Reluctant to let go of something? Check whether it smells funny or if it’s changed in texture or colour. If it hasn’t, you might be able to use it for a bit longer than the label says. Be extra cautious of anything that’s going near your eyes or lips though, as products can carry bacteria, which could lead to a nasty eye infection or stomach upset.

Look over what’s left. Is there anything you won’t use at all in the next six months? Get rid of it.

Do you have any duplicates? If they serve different purposes, it’s fine to keep them. For example, you might want a volumising black mascara for nights out, and a more subtle one for daytime use. However, if there are multiples of one product that all do the same job, consider getting rid of some.

Check each of your

remaining cosmetics. Do you still like the colour and texture? (If you bought a blue eyeshadow for a 70s party and are unlikely to use it again, you really don’t need to hang on to it.)

Now go through your box of binned products. Unopened products under three years old are probably OK to pass onto a friend or drop off at a charity shop. Toiletries that have been opened in the last six months are also usually fine to give to a friend, but it’s best not to pass on things like mascara and lipstick.

If you do need to bin anything, most packaging should be recyclable, but do empty out the contents first. While hard plastic containers usually can’t go in your recycling bin, they can be processed through the Recycle at Boots scheme, so pop them in a bag to drop off next time you go into town.

Finally, it’s time to put everything that you’re keeping back in your bathroom. Before you do, take the opportunity to wipe down shelves and drawers, and handwash your cosmetics bag with a mild detergent. Leave the bag to dry before you refill it.

And you’re done! Revel in the beauty of your uncluttered bathroom.

What’s On and Local groups.

Public Crown Green Bowling Facility at the Llanfwrog Community “The Centre” on Mwrog Street, Ruthin, is OPEN.

Crown green bowling, “Pay and Play” facilities open to all, including all equipment. Contact “The Centre” on 01824 702885 or info@thecentreruthin.co.uk.

Membership of the Llanfwrog Bowling Club, is also available. Beginners welcome. Club meetings are at 11am on Tuesdays and 2pm on Thursdays and Sundays. For details contact Guy Alford on 01824 703645 or guyalford@tiscali.co.uk

Vale of Clwyd Mind.

We meet at The Naylor Leyland Centre on Tuesday afternoons from 1pm until 3.30pm with an optional walk leaving from the centre at 2pm. Sessions are £1.00 which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. The group is for anyone over the age of 18 who lives in Denbighshire and wants to maintain their mental wellbeing. 01745 812461 or 01745 351635. Facebook:- ‘Vale of Clwyd Mind’

Ruthin Girl Guides are open to all girls aged between 10 and 14 years old. Meetings are Monday evenings during term time. You can apply and register for a place via the Girlguiding website girlguiding.org.uk

Please message Girlguide Leader Alex Jones for more information via 2nd Ruthin Guides Facebook page or ruthingirlguides@outlook.com

Ruthin W I meet for a Craft afternoon at 2pm on the 2nd Friday of every month and on the 3rd Friday of the month for our normal meeting, both in LLys Erw Community Hall Ruthin.

We have guest speakers , outings and meals out. Come along and see what we get up to. For further information call Mary Marquess on 01824705166 or Jen Roberts - Jones on 01824 703816.

Trefnant WI meet on the second Thursday of every month in Trefnant Village Hall at 7.00pm. In addition to guest speakers we have outings and meals out. Why not come along and see what we’re up to. We are not just about Jam and Jerusalem! We always welcome new members. For further information please call Jane Wood 01745 710 201.

Denbigh Church Ladies Guild, A warm and friendly social group, have now restarted meeting at 2pm every 2nd Wednesday of each month at Eirianfa, Denbigh. New members welcome.

We also hold a coffee morning every 2nd Saturday of the month 10am - 11.30am at Eirianfa which is open to all. For more details contact Annwen on 01745 815 827

Denbigh & Distric Probus Club is a club for retired or semi retired professional and business people. Join us for lunch, friendship and talks once a month at the Oriel Hotel, St Asaph. Our next meeting is on the 6th March where we will have a talk about protecting ourselves from fraud and scams. New members warmly welcomed. For more details, please contact Gareth Williams julmwilliams1974@ gmail.com or 07881 783735

Dementia Friendly Ruthin meets quarterly at the Naylor Leyland Centre and our next open meeting is scheduled for 01/03/2023. We are also hoping to start an inclusive choir in the New Year. If anyone is interested in joining or volunteering for a few hours a week, please contact Debbie at debbiebookofyou@gmail.com

Ruthin Local History Society

Meetings are held every third Wednesday in the month in Ysgol Stryd y Rhos, from 7:30 to 9pm. We recommend you visit our website “ruthinhistoryhanesrhuthun.org”. You can find a host of interesting papers on the history of Ruthin, including details of our winter programme and guest speakers.

Non-members are warmly invited to our meetings. Cost to non-members to attend is £2 with annual membership costing £5.

‘Clwb Natur’ workshops in Denbigh and Llanrhaeadr.

Take place Tuesdays (Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh) and Thursdays (Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch, Llanrhaeadr) during term time 3.30 – 4.30pm and include workshops aiming to connect people with each other and the environment – gardening, nature studies, arts & craft, mindfulness. All ages are welcome. There’s no charge to attend.

Denbigh & District Male Voice Choir meets at 7.30 on Tuesdays at the Eirianfa Centre, Denbigh. We have seen an upsurge in membership since the appointment of Sam Pritchard as Musical Director and a warm welcome awaits those who would like to join us. Contacts : Choir Secretary mbaines@uwclub.net or 01824 703832. www.denbighchoir.com

Denbigh Floral Art Club

Ladies have you ever thought about flower arranging? We are Denbigh Floral Art Club.

We meet the first Tuesday of the month at Plas Piggott Club, Ruthin Road, Denbigh at 7.30pm

Shed in Rhuthun.

At Ruthin Mens Shed, guys will have a brew and generally discuss anything that may be causing anyone problems in their life, we openly talk, laugh, cry about mental health and no judgement is made on anyone. If you are a man or you know a man that needs help and emotional support, get in touch. Our email ruthinmensshed@gmail.com or Rhuthun Men’s Shed The Skills and Happiness Exchange is our Facebook page.

Henllan Table Tennis club has started up again in the Community Hall at 7pm. For further information please contact one of the following:- Don Grigg Tel 01824 709959. Email d_grigg@sky.com

Iain Macgillivray 01824 780672

Email Iainmacgillivray@btinternet.com

Trinity Table Tennis club meet in the Village Hall in Trefnant on Monday evenings from 7:30pm and every Thursday except the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm.

We are a very social club and cater for all levels of play, whether a seasoned player or indeed a newbie

to our game, youngsters or more mature folk, physical disabilities not a problem, all will be made most welcome.

Contact :- David Jones Tel :- 07502 544 688 or Email :- david.trinitytt@gmail.com

CHURCH MEETINGS

Ruthin Quakers meet on the second and fourth Sundays of the month 10.30 - 11.30 in the Parish Rooms behind St Peters Church, followed by social time over refreshments - all welcome! Just tollow the signs round the Church or from School Road! Phone 705592.

New CAFE CHURCH held in St. Thomas’ Church Hall, Vale St Denbigh on 2nd Sunday each month at 10.30am.

We start with coffee and cake followed by a short very informal family friendly service

Why not give it a try everyone is welcome

To have details of your non profit event, club, group or Church included here, please EMAIL the information to:-

trevor@clwydconnection.co.uk by the 18th of each month.

Competition and puzzle solutions

Cryptic

Where’s Rebus

WIN £15!

I have hidden 5 pictures of “Rebus” the dragon in this magazine

For your chance to win £15, just email or write to the address on page 4 and tell me where he is hiding. Don’t forget to include your name and address. NOTE Only 1 entry per person. The winner will be picked at random on 18th April and will receive £15.

The winner of the “Where’s Rebus” competition in February was:- S. Lewis from Fron Haul, Ruthin Well done.

Rebus was hiding on pages :- 19, 21, 25, 32 and 40

Connection when using

Please mention The Clwyd Connection when using any of the advertisers

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We

need

Decorative gravel and slate (bagged or in bulk)

Morgans, for all your Agricultural supplies, Joinery, Building & DIY supplies, Landscaping, Tools, Garden Supplies, Workwear and much more.

Bespoke fencing

Sheds of all sizes