Clwyd Connection magazine, February 2023

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CONNECTION

Welcome to the latest Clwyd Connection, I hope you are well and life is being kind to you.

In previous years, I have been notified of pancake races taking place locally but I’m not aware of any this year. This might be because I think Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) is on the 21st Feb which, I think is during Half Term and it’s normally pupils form the local schools who take part. I’m sure there will still be lots of pancakes consumed. What’s your favourite topping? For me it’s Nutella with slices of banana.

There are many great businesses in the Vale of Clwyd and in the current economic climate, I know from talking to many of the owners, that they are really feeling the pinch at the moment.

It’s worth remembering that all of these companies employ local people so by shopping locally, we help local people. If you haven’t taken a good look around the towns of Ruthin and Denbigh lately, including off the main roads, why not take some time to do so, there are many surprises to be found, businesses that you might not have known about.

Did you know?

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.

Copyright retained All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be re-produced in any way without the permission of the Editor

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If ever you can’t find your Clwyd Connection and you’re trying to find the details of an advertiser, you will find the magazines and our advertisers on our website at www.connectionmagazines.co.uk and if you’re still stuck trying to find a contact, please feel free to call me and I’ll always try to help.

I hope you have a great month.

Good bye for now

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.

The benefits of travelling are infinite. However, the increase in plane travel and overcrowding of tourist hotspots has undoubtedly had a negative impact on the environment too.

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, but still want to see the world, don’t lose hope. There are lots of ways to make your trips more sustainable – whether that’s by choosing the right destinations, seeking out eco-experiences or choosing greener modes of transport.

Choose a destination closer to home

You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to have an unforgettable holiday. There are plenty of awe-inspiring destinations sitting right on your doorstep here in the UK, or just a short plane or train journey away.

With the pandemic putting a halt to foreign travel for over a year, many of us will be more accustomed to holidaying in the UK. However, if your sights are set on somewhere far-flung, reduce your carbon footprint by taking one longer holiday per year instead of multiple shorter trips.

Use efficient modes of transportation

Too often, we choose the easiest option when it comes to travelling, instead of thinking about the journey as an experience in itself.

Air travel tends to be the easiest but least efficient mode of transportation. When visiting destinations that are close to home – such as cities in Western Europe – why not consider travelling by train or coach? You’ll cut your emissions, while soaking up the scenery along the way. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, avoid renting a car and travel by bus, rail or bike instead.

Take the road less travelled

Nowadays, more and more destinations are becoming victims of overtourism. This is when there are too many visitors at a particular destination, resulting in locals being pushed out, damage to the area and more.

While it’s tempting to visit the bucket-list destinations you see on social media, as a tourist you can make a difference by getting off the beaten path. Do some extra research and look beyond the top attractions in the area you’re staying. You could also ask locals or other travellers for recommendations. By doing so, you’ll be spreading the benefits of tourism to more remote communities!

Seek out local and sustainable experiences

While you’re enjoying yotur holiday, take advantage of every opportunity to give back to the local community. Buying gifts for your family? Snap up locally made souvenirs at smaller independent stores. Fancy a meal out? Avoid big hotel chains and find restaurants run by local residents.

Homestays, local guides and programmes that give back to the community are also good ways to ensure your money is injected back into the local economy.

Pack like a pro

Plastic waste might not be a huge issue in the western world, but developing countries have been suffering from uncontrollable plastic rubbish in oceans and beaches for years. You can avoid single-use plastics on your travels by packing reusables like a water bottle, coffee cup, steel or bamboo straw, collapsible food container and bamboo cutlery.

Škofja Loka, Szlovénia

Cornwall, England

Ingredients

(makes 8 hearts)

Lisa Faulkner’s Choux

Hearts with Berries

Introduction

Having met her now husband, John Torode, on the 2010 series of Celebrity MasterChef – on which he was a judge and she a contestant – Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Put the butter and water in a medium saucepan, add the salt and sugar, and bring to the boil. Ensure the butter is melted. Remove from the heat, add the sifted flour all at once and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan. Return to the heat and cook for 2 minutes until the paste is pale. Cool a little.

2. Add the beaten eggs, a little at a time, incorporating fully with a wooden spoon after each addition. The mixture will go glossy then back to dull. Add the eggs until the mixture is

shiny again and it just drops o the wooden spoon. Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes. Put in a piping bag and pipe heart shapes on to a baking sheet dampened with a little water.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes then reduce the temperature to 160°C, gas mark 3, and bake for a further 15-20 minutes until golden.

4. Pour the cream into a chilled bowl and whisk, either by hand or with a hand mixer, until sti peaks form. This may take a few minutes.

5. When cooked, turn the hearts over and pop back into the

For the choux pastry

• 90g butter

• 360ml water

• pinch salt

• pinch sugar

• 110g plain flour, sifted

• 3 whole eggs, beaten well

To serve:

• 500ml double cream

• 400g mixed fresh berries

Top Tips

Be careful not to overwhip your cream. As soon as you have firm peaks (you should be able to hold the bowl over your head without it spilling out!) you should stop.

If berries aren’t your thing use whatever fruit you prefer… mango and passion fruit, for example.

oven for 2 minutes to dry out a little. Split each heart in half horizontally and then spoon or pipe the whipped cream on the base. Top with the other half and fill the centre with the fruit. Serve immediately.

A Santes Dwynwen Valentines Special - Love and the Law

Whether you have or will mark[ed] the occasion with flowers & chocolates for your loved one or perhaps by “popping the question”, it is important to be aware of the effect of the status of your relationship. In the UK, married or civil partnered remains the most common legal partnership status. However, statistics show we have an ageing married population and the unmarried / cohabiting population is growing. If you and your partner are unmarried / co-habiting it is even more important for you both to make adequate provision for each other by making Wills.

Here are a few important facts worth remembering:-

1) If there is no Will, an unmarried partner is not entitled to any provision

under the statutory rules of intestacy.

2) Any assets inherited by an unmarried partner will not be exempt from Inheritance Tax and the tax-free allowance (the “Nil Rate Band”) is not transferrable.

l partner (having inherited the whole estate) then requires care, most of the pleted in order to meet the cost of

3) There is no such thing as “common law married” although it is possible to formalise some aspects of your relationship with something called a “cohabitation agreement”.

4) If you have children, it is even more important that you prepare a Will to ensure that both your partner and your children are adequately provided for.

5) Beware: marriage / civil partnership automatically revokes a Will.

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

portunity to get ou.

Kristin Charlton and her team can guide you through the Will making process, whatever your circumstances. Call now to speak with a friendly expert, in confidence.

Swayne Johnson Solicitors, 2 Hall Square, Denbigh LL16 3PA Telephone 01745 812835. Email: charltonk@swaynejohnson.com Kristin Charlton

Santes Dwynwen has just passed and Valentine’s Day is around the corner. In the words of John Paul Young “Love is in the Air”!

Tool hire, Servicing and Sales

Available to hire

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

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

The Connection Sudoku Puzzle

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

The Trouble with change

Change can be hard on children, but with these handy tips you’ll be able to easily navigate whatever life throws at your family.

Start a conversation

Having a frank and honest chat with your children about what’s happening in their lives is vital. It may be that the problem at hand is a bigger deal for you that it is for them.

Either way, make it clear that it’s okay to have big emotions about the new situation and reassure them that you are always there to listen to their fears and thoughts.

Read books on change

Whether a new baby is on the way, you’re moving to a different town, or one parent will be leaving the family home, there is a book –or 10! – for your specific needs. With titles like: Two Homes; You Were First and My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary Big Move, stories are great for solving problems in a gentle, kind and even humorous way.

Involve them

If something is going to change then get the kids involved. They will enjoy planning and embracing this new aspect of their lives.

Perhaps it’s the prospect of a new room or finding exciting places to visit in your new

area, or maybe there is a problem you can’t work out on your own that your child – with their brilliant, open and diverse mind – can solve it in a jiffy.

Remember, kids are more resourceful and resilient than we give them credit for.

Prioritise routines

Humans, in general, like routine, yet kids thrive on it. So always seek to find that fine line between things being different but also being a bit the same.

From a simple bedtime story, to seeking out the pool in your new area so you can maintain your Sunday swim, it’s all about consistency.

Provide coping skills

Teaching children how to

cope with their emotions is vital, regardless of what is going on in their lives. Typical coping strategies include slow deep breaths (to relax), distraction (thinking about something else), problem-solving (finding a way to improve the situation) and positive selftalk (telling yourself it will all be okay).

Be positive

No matter how you are feeling about the change ahead, try to put a good spin on it for the sake of your kids.

Ultimately, the future only has the potential to be as brilliant as you can imagine it, so if you find yourself clinging needlessly to the past listen to George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass and focus on brighter days ahead.

Driven to distraction

Driving on UK roads is about how we respond to danger and hazards… both of our own doing, as well as those around us. We look at how these factors collide, and how being aware means being safe.

The actions of others

The AA regularly poll their members on a variety of road issues, and over time have gathered the responses of a quarter of a million people on the habits and traits that irritate them most. The results are revealing, with talking on a mobile phone, in recent years, having become the thing that creates the most ire.

Most frustrating habits of other road users:

1. Talking on a mobile (30%)

2. Tailgating (23%)

3. Middle lane hogging (20%)

4. Swooping or cutting across lanes to leave a motorway at the last minute (10%)

5. Overtaking on the inside (7%)

6. Driving too slowly (4%)

7. Speeding (3%)

8. Littering (3%)

Our own misdemeanours

Most of us know the key things we need to avoid on the roads, yet there are a few other

seemingly inoffensive actions that you may also land you in trouble.

A bad apple

Around two thirds of British drivers have had a bite to eat while behind the wheel – but how many of those would have snuck a piece of sandwich had they known it could mean big trouble? The Highway Code, under Rule 148, states that “safe driving and riding needs concentration,” and advises against eating, drinking, smoking, listening to loud music and trying to read maps while behind the wheel.

Anyone tucking into their lunch could well be committing an offence of driving without due care and attention, or not being in proper control of a vehicle.

Making a splash

Mean-spirited motorists careening through surface water and subsequently soaking pedestrians may be infringing section three of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which states that driving “without reasonable consideration

for other persons using the road” is an offence. So next time you see an inviting puddle, steer well clear or risk being hit with a fixed penalty notice!

Horn blower

The horn is a vital part of staying safe on the roads and should be used to warn other drivers of your presence, particularly if you are about to tackle a sharp corner or a situation where there is poor driver visibility.

Beeping in a moment of anger can in fact be considered breaking the law; while sounding the horn between 11.30pm and 7am in a built-up area is prohibited, unless it is an absolute emergency.

The late winter month of February brings into focus the romantic festival of Valentine. Did you know that a gift of a thornless rose is said to represent ‘love at first sight’, and a single rose of any colour other than red means ‘thank you’? The single red rose doesn’t need any explanation, but if you feel generous and buy a bunch of twelve red roses, it could mean ‘I want to marry you’.

Living roses also make a wonderful gift. They can be planted now, provided the ground is frost-free. You can include a dose of mycorrhizal fungi, which will form a symbiotic relationship with any tree or shrub.

Types of roses

There are dozens of different types of roses and thousands of varieties in each category. New roses are being bred every year, but some of the old favourites include:

• Wild roses such as Rosa rugosa and Rosa canina, which can make wonderful informal hedges.

• Old Garden rose varieties, which are often over 100 years old, such as the pink, perfumed Rosa chinensis – the China rose.

• Hybrid tea roses such as: ‘Compassion’, an apricot pink, scented beauty; ‘Claret’, a red/ crimson variety with lovely fragrance; and ‘Aphrodite’, a pink rose with good disease resistance. Hybrid tea originate from the old tea roses, which smelled of spiced tea. They have strong, single blooms that are good for cutting.

Rose bushes can be planted in February

• Floribunda roses have a profusion of smaller flowers, which appear in delightful clusters. These flower repeatedly and it is possible to have floribunda roses all through spring and into late summer.

• Patio roses are smaller than the shrub varieties and suitable for pots and containers. If you have a courtyard garden or even a large window box, this might be the one for you. The Gold Standard, award winning ‘George Best’ is a rather wonderful red, fading to pink. ‘Special Friend’ is the palest of pinks with a delicate fragrance.

• Ground-cover roses can look wonderful at the front of a border or draping across a low wall. Rosa ‘Kent’ is a white variety that has many excellent attributes, including large clusters of rain-tolerant blooms.

• Shrub roses are the modern equivalent to the Old Garden variety. They have been bred to be generally fairly disease resistant, having fairly large blooms that flower for many weeks. An unusual one is ‘Ferdinand Pichard’, being striped in clashing colours of bold pink, crimson and purple.

• Rambling roses are probably not for the faint-hearted! They grow beautifully through trees but might be too vigorous for a trellis or pergola. They generally flower just once a year, but it’s a show worth waiting for, particularly the white ‘Rambling Rector’.

• Climbing roses are a more orderly bunch of characters that love to grow over pergolas and can usually be trained to obey the chief gardener. They often flower more than once per year. Try ‘Gardener’s Glory’, a yellow rose that is a Gold Standard award winner, or ‘Gloriana’, a striking purple rose that flowers almost all summer long.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

New rose varieties are being bred constantly, some with striped colours

Are

Seed potatoes are 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

Denbigh Retail Park, Station Road, Denbigh LL16 3EA Tel. 01745 815 279 open Monday to Saturday

what3words:- wooden:slugs:darkest

J.T Williams

Large range of garden machines for sale

Mowers, Hedge cutters, Chain saws, Rotavators, Chippers & more

Part exchange welcome.

We also do servicing & repairs

Brick Field Lane, Off Denbigh Road, Ruthin LL15 2TN

Open Mon – Fri 8 – 5, Sat 8.30 – 12 noon.

01824 702268 JTW-co.com

If you’ve ever forgotten your shopping list or lost your train of thought, you’re not alone. Memory changes are a normal part of ageing, so symptoms of mild forgetfulness are usually nothing to worry about and aren’t indicative of a serious memory problem.

Poor memory health, on the other hand, can make it harder to do everyday things. Sometimes, memory problems can be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or in rarer cases, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s memory, there are a few signs to look out for –some of which include:

• Asking the same questions over and over again.

• Getting lost in places one knows well.

• Having trouble following instructions or directions.

• Becoming more confused about time, people, and places.

Unfortunately, there are no drugs or treatments that prevent or permanently treat dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, although there are several drugs your doctor can prescribe to treat the early and mid-stage symptoms. There are also no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, but there are certain activities that can help.

Keep active – mentally and physically

Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, which can help keep your memory sharp. Keeping your mind active is important too. The best way to keep your brain in good shape is to engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as crossword puzzles or sudoku. You could also try challenging your memory by taking alternate routes when driving, or even learning a new skill.

Stay social

Humans are social creatures, so it’s no surprise that social interaction has been proven to boost our happiness by warding off depression and stress – both of which are known contributors to memory loss.

Look for opportunities to get together with friends and family – especially if you live alone. Or, why not consider volunteering at your local school, church or community centre?

Sleep well

Along with countless other benefits, getting a good night’s sleep has been proven to play an important role in memory consolidation, a process in which short-term memories are strengthened and transformed into long-lasting memories. The NHS advises that adults should get between seven to nine hours of sleep a day.

Practice meditation and mindfulness

Studies have shown that both mindfulness and meditation can lower stress and improve concentration and memory. You can incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine by paying more attention to your present situation, concentrating on your breathing and resetting your attention when your mind wanders.

Watch your diet

Cutting out sources of excess sugar, reducing overall caloric intake and limiting your alcohol consumption have all been proven to help protect the brain.

More surprisingly, caffeine from coffee or green tea has also been shown to have a positive effect on memory retention, as has dark chocolate. This is due to cocoa flavonoids, the active compounds in chocolate, improving blood flow to the brain and therefore boosting brain function.

On these dark, cold mornings, spring still seems a very long way away. Our skin and hair (not to mention our mood) often suffer during the winter months as biting winds and central heating take their toll. Thankfully, a little TLC can make a big difference.

When your skin is feeling dry, the temptation is to pile on a super-rich face moisturiser. But dryness often goes hand in hand with sensitivity, and too heavy a product can make things worse. Instead, switch to a gentle balm cleanser. Tea & Tonic’s The Meadow’s Secret Cleaning Balm (£28, www.teaandtonic.co.uk) is a good choice. It’s 100% natural and rich in seed and flower oils to nourish your skin as it cleanses. Massage a small amount of the balm into wet skin, then wipe it off with a warm, damp cloth. The jar may seem small, but you only need a tiny amount of the balm, so it lasts for a surprisingly long time.

Prefer soap to shower gel? Trii’s Hand & Body

Exfoliating Wash

Bars (£8, trii.co.uk) gently remove dry skin as they clean. They’re also rich in natural moisturisers, like aloe vera. And they smell amazing. (The lemongrass scent is particularly uplifting.)

Our hands can really suffer during winter. If yours feel dry, cracked and sore, the first thing to do is ditch your liquid hand soap. Liquid soaps usually contain sodium lauryl sulphate and other harsh ingredients that can really irritate skin. Swap to a solid soap bar, like the ones from Faith in Nature (£2.75, www.faithinnature.co.uk).

acid serum or a face oil to hydrate

Follow your cleanse with a hyaluronic acid serum or a face oil to hydrate without clogging pores.

to treat your skin now and then. Go for a gentle body scrub with added

Natural salt away dead skin, and coconut,

almond, sunflower, wheat germ

you

Body scrubs and lotions often go out of the window during winter, when we’re covered up from head to toe, but it’s worth taking the time to treat your skin now and then. Go for a gentle body scrub with added moisturisers. Sanctuary Spa’s Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub (£16) uses sea salt to exfoliate away dead skin, and coconut, almond, sunflower, wheat germ and jojoba oils to add moisture. Your skin will thank you for it. In between uses, the

Does your scalp feel itchy, flaky or sore in winter? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to put up with it. As Anabel Kingsley says, “The scalp is simply an extension of the skin on your forehead, and therefore it should be cared for with the same attention devoted to facial skin.” Philip Kingsley’s award winning Flaky/Itchy

Signature Natural Oils Ultra Rich Shower Oil (£8.50) will keep your skin feeling soft and pampered. Both are available at www.boots.co.uk.

Signature Natural Oils Ultra pampered. Both are available

Scalp range has gained thousands of five-star reviews. And no wonder. The products work to gently clean your hair and scalp, while soothing irritation, stopping the itchiness and clearing dandruff in a matter of days. From £10.50, at www.philipkingsley.co.uk.

0300 200 6206 darren.millar@senedd.wales

0300 200 6206 darren.millar@senedd.cymru www.darrenmillar.cymru

Working for you! Gweithio drosoch

All animals need exercise and cats are no different. However, if you are concerned about letting your pet out, you might be thinking about buying a harness and talking your cat for a walk. It may be possible if you start this when they are a kitten, but it’s really not recommended for the following reasons.

• Cats are naturally cautious and want to explore at a pace that feels right and safe for them. They will want to be able to hide, run away or avoid potential threats without restriction.

• Cats are naturally very attached to their home and need to feel they always have access to this. Being taken on a lead takes them into new territory and prevents them from being able to access their own space.

• If the lead is dropped or they escape their harness it is unlikely they will return to you, especially when they are scared. Cats are more likely to bolt in order to reach a place of safety and will be at risk from cars on the road as well as other threats.

• Dogs have a high chase drive and, if they see a cat, may try to run after them. Being on a lead or harness makes your cat vulnerable to all sorts of dangers like this that they would naturally avoid.

Rather than using a harness and leash to provide access to the outdoors, the RSPCA recommends providing your cat an enclosed outdoor space with cat-proof fencing.

Aelod Senedd Cymru dros Orllewin Clwyd

Member

Clwyd

Talwyd costau’r cyhoeddiad hwn gan Gomisiwn y Senedd, o gronfeydd cyhoeddus The costs of this

have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds

DRUID BUILDINGS, HIGHGATE, DENBIGH, LL16 3LE

Terms

‘trans’,

What do we mean by gender?

We tend to use the terms ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ interchangeably, but they’re actually different things. Sex is about our visible biology: when we’re born the doctor looks at our bits and proclaims “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” That’s our sex.

Gender is different: it is the label you’re given –boy or girl, man or woman – and the rules you’re expected to follow. The rules vary from place to place, from culture to culture and from era to era: boys don’t cry, girls are nurturing, those jobs are for the boys, girls should and shouldn’t do certain things… that’s gender.

Largely the judgement of your gender will be based on what your sex appears to be, based on things like your clothes, your haircuts and other visual cues.

For most of us, our gender matches our biological definition. That’s often called ‘cisgender’, where ‘cis’ means ‘on the same side as’.

However, some people’s gender doesn’t match their birth sex, and those people may be transgender, non-binary or use other terms to describe themselves.

What does transgender mean?

Transgender is when the gender everyone thinks you are – such as man or woman – doesn’t match who you know you are. For example, you might have been born in an apparently female body but your mind strongly disagrees. People who take steps to fix that, for example by changing the clothes they wear or even undergoing surgery, are typically called transgender or trans for short. Trans means ‘across’, and trans people cross from one gender to another.

What does non-binary mean?

For most of us, gender is a binary: there are only two options, man or woman. But not everybody feels they fit into those categories. If you imagine gender not as a binary but as a spectrum, most people are at one end or the other – but some people are much closer to the middle. That’s non-binary. Non-binary people don’t feel they can categorise themselves as either a man or a woman, but somewhere in between the two.

What about genderfluid and other terms?

Genderfluid is a bit like non-binary but it’s less fixed: genderfluid people may feel closer to male or female at different times. And you might see the terms ‘gender expansive’ or ‘gender non-conforming’. They’re used to describe people who don’t stick to traditional gender roles, so for example someone born male with a very feminine presentation might still feel 100% male but enjoy expressing himself differently from most men.

Here to stay

Society’s oppression – from opinion to the law – meant that these variations were very much hidden in the past, and in many societies still are. Times have changed though, and younger generations are not only accepting of non-traditional gender definitions, but rail against a world where appearance, behaviour, places and products are meant only for one narrowly defined gender.

such as

‘genderfluid’ and ‘non-binary’ seem to be everywhere. If you’re a bit baffled by it all, we’re here to help.

Turning the page

For February, four books that will weave a fictional spell.

The Angel Maker

by Alex North

Haunted by the violent attack of her brother Chris years ago, Katie Shaw sees threats everywhere. When her brother disappears, Katie leaps into action to help him once more.

Meanwhile, Detective Laurence Page’s investigation of a brutal murder of a professor leads her to suspect the case is connected to Chris’s attack... and to a serial killer said to be able to predict the future.

Published by Celadon Books on February 28th

The Porcelain Moon

by Janie Chang

At the end of the First World War, Pauline Deng runs away from her Chinese family in Paris to escape an arranged marriage back in Shanghai. In the French countryside, Pauline finds shelter with Camille, a French woman planning to escape her own abusive marriage, until Pauline finds out a terrible secret about Camille, forcing them to make a decision that will bind them together forever. Published by William Morrow on February 23rd

Someone Else’s Shoes

by Jojo Moyes

Globetrotting Nisha Cantor has the perfect life money can buy until her husband divorces her and cuts her off. Scrambling to hold on to her previous lifestyle, Nisha’s distress hits a peak when even her gym bag is stolen.

Meanwhile, Sam Kemp is desperately trying to keep her

family afloat. When she tries on a pair of expensive shoes from a gym bag she took by accident, the jolt of confidence inspires her to change her life.

This is a story of mix-ups, mess-ups and making the most of second chances.

Published by Michael Joseph on February 2nd

The Worst Woman in London: A Victorian Romance

by Julia Bennet

A defiant Victorian wife fights to escape a bad marriage but her love for a forbidden man jeopardises her chance at freedom.

James Standish knows how to play society’s game. He’ll follow the rules, marry a virginal debutante, and inherit a massive fortune. At least, that’s the plan until he meets Francesca Thorne. She’s not the sort of woman a respectable gentleman like James could ever marry… not least because, strictly speaking, she’s married already.

Francesca is determined to flout convention and divorce her philandering husband. When James sweet talks his way into her life tasked with convincing her to abandon her dream of freedom, she’s unprepared for the passion that flares between them.

James and Francesca must choose whether to keep chasing the lives they’ve always wanted or take a chance on a new and forbidden love. Published by Entangled on February 2nd

Tom Bullough will be talking about his new book Sarn Helen - A Journey through Wales Past, Present & Future.

An evocative journey along the old Roman Road from South to North Wales

February 8th at 7pm in Mold Library, Earl Rd. Mold

Tickets £5 for event entry or £16.99 including a copy of Sarn Helen available from The Bookshop or online here:https://bit.ly/3ZPUgfw

Jon Gower will be discussing his new book The Turning Tide - A Biography of The Irish Sea.

A fascinating account of a stretch of water with a turbulent history and an abundance of wildlife.

February 24th at 7pm in Mold Library, Earl Rd. Mold

Tickets £5 for event entry or £20.00 including a copy of The Turning Tide available from The Bookshop or online here:- http://bit.ly/3GX7CxL

Upgrading your lighting design is an easy way to transform your home. You can make a big difference within a short timeframe and on a small budget.

1 Swap your shades

Replacing the shade on a table lamp or pendant is easy, and a bold colour or pattern adds instant pzazz. Choose fashionable materials such as rattan or smoked glass, or buy a plain shade with a warm-coloured, reflective metal lining for an appealing glow.

2 Retrofit a dimmer

Turn your lights down for atmosphere with a dimmer switch (it’s best to use a qualified electrician for this). Choose an LED-appropriate dimmer for LED bulbs or fittings.

3 Plug in more lamps

Bring light to dark corners by adding table or floor lamps for an attractive spread of light at different heights.

4 Use smart bulbs

‘Smart’ bulbs can be switched on and off, dimmed or colour-changed via remote control, app or voice command. Some can be linked to other household ‘smart’ systems.

5 Choose the best CRI

A bulb’s colour rendering index (CRI) measures how colours appear under its light compared to natural daylight, with 100 being daylight-equivalent. Above 90 is preferable.

6 Get the Kelvins right

Light bulb colour temperature is measured in Kelvins. Choose 2,700K for ‘architectural’ lighting and 2,200-2,400K for decorative fittings.

7 Use cordless lamps

Cordless lamps are rechargeable fittings with an integral battery and can be placed anywhere you like.

8 Add a light strip

LED light strips are easy to use, slender and customisable and can go almost anywhere. Add them to coving, bookcases or shelves, underneath or inside cabinets, up the stairs, around mirrors and picture frames, and even inside drawers.

9 Lower the height of pendants

Create ambience by dropping pendants low over a dining area. Consider slightly varying the heights of a row or cluster of three or more, or swapping a plastic flex for an elegant cotton one.

10 Embellish with string lights

Fairy lights add sparkle wherever you like. Great for children’s rooms, an empty fireplace, around a headboard, wound up a staircase, and to highlight a picture or mirror.

11 Choose interesting bulbs

Modern bulbs come in a variety of decorative styles, such as iridescent, oversized and in glorious shapes.

12 Add a kinetic light switch

A self-powered, wireless, battery-free kinetic switch lets you move a light switch or dimmer without installing wiring (you’ll need a receiver wired into the fitting or existing switch). They can be used in bathrooms or outdoors.

By Katherine Sorrell

The design of this pendant was inspired by Art Deco and Modernist hanging lights. Milano pendant light in antique bronze, £139, atkinandthyme.co.uk.

Winner of the UK Gift of the Year 2022, this extraordinary lamp is a decorative feature in itself, and provides a gentle glow with three different light temperatures. Smart Moon Lamp, £139, gingkodesignstore.com.

Be sure you’re insured

The simple mistakes that make can invalidate your car insurance.

Following the four pieces of advice below should ensure that, in the event of the worst happening, you get what you’re owed:

Renew and refresh

When your renewal comes around, think about what’s happened in the past year. Some companies auto-renew, meaning points gained in the last 12 months don’t automatically get added. And yes, you’ve guessed it, when it comes to claiming, they’ll be asking why these weren’t declared.

It’s not just about underpaying for insurance, either – if you’re claiming having lost control of the car and there are points on your licence for speeding… well, in their eyes, two plus two might well equal four.

Think as well about predicted mileage, a new job location perhaps, or even some natty car modifications – these will all have implications.

Put your claim in the fast lane

If something happens to your car on the Monday, call your insurers on that day, not Tuesday, not Wednesday, not the week after. Delayed reporting raises suspicion levels, and the first thing insurers will ask is why you didn’t act with the urgency expected or someone who had been in an accident or suffered damage to their prized possession.

Delayed claiming isn’t, in itself, a reason not to pay out, but it won’t do you any favours and, if combined with other aspects that show a lack of care, attention or urgency, may make an insurer think twice.

As good as your word

Consider as well the agreed terms of the motoring insurance that you took out in the first place.

Perhaps, for instance, your vehicle requires special maintenance on a regular basis; maybe you’ve said it’s parked off-road, yet it’s been sat on the grass verge of a busy A-road.

If your policy states certain conditions must be fulfilled, make sure they are.

Honesty is the best (insurance) policy

Finally, if your insurance states you’re the sole driver then it has to be you behind the wheel, however tempting it is for your mate to drive you back from the pub.

In a similar way, if you’re tempted to add on existing damage to a new claim or, worse still, feign injury should you be involved in a collision, think again. Insurers identified over half a million dishonest insurance applications last year, and in extreme cases police were involved.

Ultimately, insurers are happy to pay out for honest claims, and the price per pay-out has steadily risen in recent years. So steer clear of simple or careless mistakes, and you’ll find you’re covered!

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

What’s On and Local groups.

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 6th February where we will have a talk on classic car rallying & touring. Now 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.

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'

‘Clwb Natur’ workshops in Denbigh and Llanrhaeadr.

They 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 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

Ruthin W I meet for a Craft afternoon 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.

Ruthin Girl Guides are reopening 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

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

Continued on page 39

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 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 crossword

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 February and will receive £15.

The winner of the “Where’s Rebus” competition in January was:- Mrs W. Curran of Pwllglas Well done.

Rebus was hiding on pages :-

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