Clwyd Connection March 2023

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If you’d like to discuss featuring your property in future updates, we would be very pleased to hear from you. When browsing the magazine, you can click the links on any of the properties to view full details online.

CONNECTION

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

As we move through the year, I’m guessing that a number of people in local groups and clubs, are already making plans for events that will take place in the summer. I have already been informed of a few but if you are involved in organising any event this year, please get in touch as soon as possible, so that I can help you promote it for free (non profit events)

This also got me thinking about the listing at the back of the magazine for local clubs, groups, churches, charities etc.

Before the pandemic, this was used by a lot of local groups etc to highlight their existence and what they offer, but since the country has moved past the lockdowns and everything has opened up, not all of those groups have been back in touch to let me know if they are back up and running.

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.

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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I know that some will not be re-forming, but if you are involved in a local group, club, choir, church, youth activities etc and you would like to use this space to get the organisation listed, please get in touch. Let me know the details, such as where you meet, the times and dates and any contact number to be included please. My contact details are on the left of this page.

One last thing, a reminder of Mother’s Day. It’s the 27th March. If you are going to treat your Mum to a special meal out, you will need to book early.

I hope you have a great month.

Good bye for now Trevor

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.

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

DRUID BUILDINGS, HIGHGATE, DENBIGH, LL16 3LE

By Katherine Sorrell

The best bathrooms are both briskly functional and luxurious, relaxing havens. Replacing an out-of-date bathroom is costly, but it may possible to update some aspects without a lot of trouble or expense. Here are eight suggestions.

On the walls

Scrape old grout from between the tiles on tiled walls and regrout. It may be possible to replace the tiles entirely or tile on top of what’s there. This isn’t the cheapest or quickest option but is the most effective. Walls that are not tiled can be covered with a fresh coat of paint (choose one suitable for humid environments). Wallpaper is a great way to introduce colour and pattern without tiling. Provided it’s not too near a watery zone, a splashproof or wipeable wallpaper makes a fabulous focal point.

Lighting updates

Choose new lights to go in the same positions as your existing fittings and, while you have your electrician there, consider swapping the light switch for a dimmer to create a relaxing ambience in the room when desired. Change to low-energy LED bulbs to save money in the long run.

Window treatments

Changing the window treatment gives the room a whole new look. Roller blinds are inexpensive and practical, but also consider a Roman or Venetian blind, or even custom-made shutters.

Storage

Clear out the bathroom clutter first, then consider whether anything can be stored elsewhere. For the bathroom itself, look for wall-mounted or tall and thin storage options. For small items, choose a coordinated selection of woven baskets, acrylic and wooden boxes, ceramic pots and so on, adding texture as well as places to hide things away.

Mirror on the wall

A large mirror is useful and helps increase the feeling of light and space. For ultimate luxury, swap a conventional mirror for a heated one with a backlight and perhaps a shaver/toothbrush charger socket – and even a Bluetooth speaker.

Taptastic taps

Replacing the taps is an easy job for a plumber but make sure you choose like for like – a mixer tap where there is only one hole, and a pair of taps where there are two. Old shower heads and hoses benefit from an occasional upgrade, too.

Plant perfection

Provided you have enough light in your bathroom, adding a selection of pot plants brings a calming sense of wellness, colour and interesting textures and shapes. Choose plants that enjoy heat and humidity, such as ferns and bromeliads.

The finishing touches

A new set of coordinating towels will make your day. For softness and absorbency choose 100% cotton, and look for closely stitched edges and a weight of at least 500 grams per square metre. For a spa-like feeling, try ribbed, waffle or honeycomb towels, while lightweight linen gets softer as it ages and is lovely for hand towels.

Black bamboo bath rack, £10, dunelm.com.

A selection of new bathroom products from matalan.co.uk.

The right fragrance can lift your mood, boost your confidence and (pardon the pun) really put a spring in your step. Now that we’re heading into spring, you might prefer a lighter, fresher fragrance than the one you wore over winter. It’s worth considering some of the newer fragrance houses. Shay & Blue, for example, offer a wide range of genderneutral, modern fragrances at affordable prices. Their Tallulahs Camellia is a particular highlight. It’s floral without being overly sweet, with notes of bluebell, gardenia, lily and white tea. £55 for 100ml is great value, and the subscriber offers are also worth checking out.

Perfumes can be expensive, but even the priciest ones usually work out at just a few pence per spray. Still, you’ll want to choose wisely. When you’re trying perfumes on in a shop, spray them onto cardboard tester strips first. Consider how each scent makes you feel. Keep hold of the strips and smell them again in an hour. Fragrance is made up of top, middle and base notes. The top notes are lighter and evaporate quite quickly, so the scent changes subtly over time. Which fragrance do you like best? Head back to the counter and spray it onto your skin. Again, check whether you still like it after an hour. If you do, you’re onto a winner.

On a tight budget? It’s worth checking discount stores like TK Maxx, www.perfumedirect.com and www.thefragranceshop.co.uk. We found Calvin Klein’s Euphoria reduced to £24.99 for 30ml (RRP £42) at Perfume Direct, and Gucci’s Guilty reduced from £57 to £34.20 for 50ml at The Fragrance Shop.

It’s also worth considering dupes. While they won’t smell exactly the same as the original, they’re often a pretty close match, at a fraction of the price. Lidl’s Suddenly Madame Glamour, for example, is very similar to Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle, but costs under £5. And many of Primark’s fragrances are remarkably similar to those of top brands.

If you have your heart set on a particular designer fragrance, you can save money by buying the eau de toilette version rather than the eau de parfum. However, as there’s a lower concentration of fragrance in an eau de toilette, it wears off much quicker, so you’ll need to spray it more often.

Easily bored? Consider buying a discovery set rather than one full-sized bottle. The Floral Street Discovery Set, for example, gets you eight miniatures for £16. You won’t get many sprays from each 1.5ml bottle, but if you don’t wear perfume every day, it’s a fun way to mix things up. Shay & Blue also offer discovery sets, and they’re often on offer.

No idea where to start? Some fragrance brands offer online quizzes or free virtual or in-person consultations. Search online or just ask in-store.

PS You Got This, £2, Primark

Spring-flowering plants – choose wisely

The sap is flowing! Peer closely at a few twigs and you will find buds galore. You can’t fail to have noticed beautiful bulbs are already brightening up the borders. There are wonderful hellebores that never fail to enchant, ravishing rhododendrons and azaleas, elegant camellias, and marvellous magnolias, bergenias and a host of other early spring beauties.

Don’t assume that you can grow anything, anywhere, however. Plants are like people in that they have their own particular needs and dislikes.

Rhododendrons and azaleas were once categorised as separate species but they are now grouped together. There are subtle differences. Azaleas are always evergreen, whereas some rhododendrons are deciduous. They all need slightly acidic, moist soils and prefer dappled shade and sheltered conditions

The leaves of a rhododendron are thick and leathery, but azalea leaves are generally smaller, often with fine hairs covering the surface. Rhododendrons produce large trusses of multiple flowers whereas azalea flowers appear at the end of the stem, in smaller numbers. The range of colours within this genus is impressive, from the purest white flower, through to yellows, oranges, reds, lilacs and purples. These shrubs were introduced to the UK way back in the sixteenth century and are currently enjoying a revival in popularity.

Camellias are newer arrivals, having been brought here early in the eighteenth century. These evergreen shrubs also need an acidic soil and they like dappled shade, sheltered from wind. Avoid an east-facing position where morning sun can scorch the winter and spring flowers. It is important to keep these flowering shrubs well-watered in summer when they are forming next year’s flower buds. Use rainwater, where possible, because tap water is generally too alkaline.

Magnolias are shrubs with shapely forms and wonderful creamy-white and pink spring flowers. Some of these are giants but they are often shoehorned into spaces that are too small. The resulting pruning tends to spoil their shape and often promotes a wild growing frenzy that makes matters worse. Many magnolias produce goblet-shaped flowers, whilst others delight the season with glorious star-shaped blooms. It’s important to appreciate that their ancestors inhabited primitive, ancient forests. This tells you that they like a little shelter, even though the modern cultivars can tolerate city living and even bright sun.

Hellebores are woodland-edge plants that like dappled shade and moist (but not boggy) soils. They can thrive in most types of soil, provided it is nutrient-rich. Give them the right conditions and they need very little care, save a mulch to help retain moisture within the growing position.

Bergenias are brilliant ground-cover evergreens that can grow almost anywhere, even though they prefer slight shade and moist soil.

Elephant’s ears, as they are commonly known, are great perennials for the beginner as they also help to supress weeds. The early spring flowers are generally pink but can also be red, lilac or white. These are held on stalks and they create a truly uplifting scene at a time when colour is scarce.

Bergenias and daffodils

Azalea

Are

Flower and vegetable seeds, onion sets and shallots, seed potatoes, dahlia tubers. Pansies, primroses and pots of spring flowering bulbs

Large range of outdoor trees, shrubs, roses, fruit bushes etc.

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Sweet Dreams

Coping with the scourge of insomnia.

The effect of insomnia can be tiredness, irritation, an inability to perform even simple tasks, plus feelings of confusion, depression and despondency.

Yet by managing sleep routine, it’s possible to temper the effects of insomnia.

Routine

Creating and sticking to a solid night-time routine is essential for managing insomnia.

This should begin with a set timeframe for going to bed, encompassing a gradual but planned wind-down as the evening progresses.

Waking up at approximately the same time each day is also important – sleeping in too late can mean the body isn’t tired enough to embrace sleep that night.

Pre-sleep activity

Reading a book or taking a bath will help your body and brain to relax during the process of calming down towards sleep. Peaceful activities prior to bedtime will positively enhance your chance of falling asleep.

In contrast, it’s not wise to eat or drink anything substantial before retiring to bed. Smoking and consumption of alcohol or caffeine are a bad idea, as is the use of devices that emit blue light, such as televisions, smartphones or tablets. These will all prolong your time awake.

Surroundings

Ensure your bedroom is fully dark, quiet and calm when

you go climb into bed. This will give you a head start in overcoming the battle against sleeplessness. Having fewer things to irritate or distract you is an important factor – even the ticking of a clock can keep brain function at levels that prevent it from relaxing.

In contrast, some insomniacs feel more assured with the presence of background noise. Technology can play an important role in this, with everything from full-on podcasts to pre-recorded sounds such as crackling fires, thunderstorms and white noise, all of which are proven to help some drift off. It may well be a case of trial and error in discovering what works best for you.

Exercise during the day

While sleep is vital for the body to regenerate and recover from the day’s exertions, so too does it rely on having enough activity to feel it needs to drop into unconsciousness in order to rest and recover.

That means the more active you are during the day –physically and mentally – the more energy you will use and, in turn, the more you will need to recuperate.

the convalescence

Night-time convalescence is the perfect antidote to a tired and weary physique, so be active enough that the suggestion of sleep is one your brain cannot resist.

Russia is continuing to target the energy infrastructure in Ukraine

Russia’s targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is affecting the whole country. It’s affecting food production at farms and factories but it is having a terrible impact on the ability of medical centres and hospitals to function normally or even, at all.

This is having massive implications for everyone, from mother’s giving birth, to the ability to perform day to day operations and provide general health care to, not just the general population, but also those injured in the conflict – civilians and military personnel.

A generator can make a huge difference!

If you have a generator you no longer need or you know someone who does, would you consider donating it?

Don’t worry if it needs some minor repair or a service, the generator(s) will be collected (or you can drop it off) and then taken by lorry to Ukraine.

We have already had some success in getting generators to Ukraine but the need for more is growing.

CAN HELP

If you can help or know someone that can, please contact Paula on 07778 406 430 or JT Williams Garden Machinery & Tool Hire Brick Field Lane, Ruthin, LL15 2TN Tel 01824 702268

They are with 2 donated generators plus a brand new one, (donated by JT Williams) which will be sent to Ukraine very soon.

If you have a generator that you don’t need or you know someone that has, YOU

Pictured left to right are Ihor Yavorskiy, John Williams (of JT Williams) Iryna Yaorskiy and Paula Sells.

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.

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From the page to the mind

For March, four books that will entertain, engage and heal the soul.

Hello Beautiful

by Ann Napolitano

When William meets Julia Padavano, a lively girl extremely close to her parents and three sisters, he quickly becomes a part of the close-knit Padavano family. Although cracks start to appear in the family, William never imagined he’d be the wedge to drive them apart.

A homage to Little Women, Hello Beautiful gorgeously describes family and sisterhood, mental health, and forgiveness, in such a way that you will never forget this story.

Published by Random House on March 13th

The Women Behind the Few

by Sarah Louise Miller

This is the little-known story of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, the women’s branch of the Royal Air Force in the Second World War, and the vital work they did behind the scenes to ensure the success of some of the most important missions of the war.

During the Battle of Britain, WAAF personnel worked in the radar network and the Dowding system, while across the Blitz, they operated with ground-controlled interception radar to aid Fighter and Bomber Commands in protecting Britain’s civilian population from German area bombing.

The list goes on, with this book aiming to recover missing

pieces of history, granting the WAAFs the recognition they deserve for their wartime contribution to British military intelligence. Published by Biteback on March 23rd

Finding the Words

by Colin Campbell

Finding the Words: Working Through Profound Loss with Hope and Purpose, is a powerful account of Colin Campbell’s navigation through unimaginable grief, with the author offering readers a vision for how to embrace and mourn indescribable loss, drawing on his personal experience of losing his two teenage children in a car crash caused by a drunk driver.

Finding the Words offers a vocal, lively path for processing pain and keeping memories of lost loved ones alive. Campbell

says, “I wrote this book in the hopes of making grief less frightening, mysterious, and lonely for those of us who suddenly find ourselves on this difficult journey.” Published by Michael Joseph on March 14th

I Will Find You

by Harlan Coben

International bestselling author Harlan Coben has been a tearaway on Netflix since his show Stay Close launched this summer, but it’s on the page that his stories are the most compelling – and his forthcoming novel is no different.

In I Will Find You, the worst tragedy strikes a family of three when their toddler goes missing – and all evidence points to his father, Will, having killed him.

So when his sister-in-law arrives five years later with a life-changing bombshell, Will is set on a mission to clear his name – and find his son.

Published by Penguin Books on March 14th

7pm,

Tickets

7pm,

Tickets

Mixed Berry Bake with Coconut Macadamia Crumble

Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are a tasty way to get your five-a-day – and they make a wonderful addition to this scrumptious dessert sweet.

Serves 4-6

Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 700g mixed fresh blueberries, strawberries and raspberries

• 100g caster sugar

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

For the topping

• 150g plain flour

• 100g salted butter, cubed

• 50g desiccated coconut or large flakes

• 50g soft brown sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 50g macadamia nuts, roughly chopped

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the fruit with the sugar, cornflour and vanilla paste. Pour into a baking dish (approximately 20 x 30cm).

3. For the topping, mix together the flour, butter, coconut, sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it has a rough gravel consistency. Mix in the chopped nuts, then scatter it over the fruit. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

For more recipe inspiration, visit lovefreshberries.co.uk.

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Mini Cryptic Crossword

Across

1. Sacked and set alight (5)

4. Lowest in importance when slate is mined (5)

6. Place to sleep out of boredom (7)

9. The Latin language (6)

10. Agrees about fatty matter (6)

12. Footwear to see off, we hear (4)

15. Large quantity heard at church (4)

17. Apostle one depicted (6)

19. Sheltered and dashed about (6)

20. Point me towards spice (7)

22. Requested a desk change (5)

23. Upright tree felled round about the first century (5)

Down

1. Superman stories? (6)

2. Ruin one type of celebration (7)

3. Budge up to remove faults (5)

4. Boy seen in a glade (3)

5. Gains points and notches (6)

7. Keen man, it’s said (7)

8. Wander about in Italy, we hear (4)

11. Fish in rased surroundings? (7)

13. Customs put on by sisters (6)

14. Sharp side found in hedges (4)

16. He enjoys inflicting pain; it’s sad in a way (6)

18. Complete excavation, we hear (5)

21. Fellow goes back to give silent assent (3)

These fair isles

Why a trip to the Faroe Islands might be just the adventure you need.

Set adrift in the North Atlantic, nestling desolately between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands possess a rare magic and mystery.

Comprising of 18 rugged volcanic isles, this land is far from desolate; in fact, it is teeming with both birdlife and a unique brand of Scandinavian culture borne from the ancient land and uncompromising weather.

Why visit?

Fortune favours the brave in this green and rocky land, and those who adore the great outdoors will thrive as they navigate the sweeping fells and vertiginous mountains. The weather may be wild, but that’s what makes the Faroes a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Beyond a breathless beauty, this epic archipelago offers much in terms of culture. To make up for the bleakness, visitors can drink up the multicoloured fishing villages which cling to the furious coastline; and diminutive though it may be, the capital Tórshavn (pronounced, roughly, ‘Toeur-shaown’) has a charming medieval quarter, Tinganes, and a cosmopolitan array of bars and restaurants.

One might be surprised in fact, at the astonishing quality of cuisine waiting to greet you throughout the isles. Unfortunately, Michelin-starred eatery KOKS is closed until 2024, but their sister restaurant ROKS is a seafood and wine bar serving sea urchins, mussels, crab, langoustines and an impressive roster of wines, positioned in downtown Tórshavn.

Though part of Denmark, the Faroe islands are actually self-governed and within their small, isolated community have nurtured an impressive art and music scene.

Where to stay

Most of the hotels on the Faroe Islands are located in the capital. These included the highly rated Hilton Garden Inn, Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 and Hotel Føroyar. The benefit of staying in Tórshavn

is that you can easily access other main islands via tunnels and bridges, while outliers are served by ferries and helicopters.

Top tips

• It is important to book your accommodation, restaurants and any specific trips you would like to do well in advance, especially if visiting during the high season between June and September.

• May to September are the driest and warmest months, though prepare for rain and wind at any time – a good waterproof is essential.

• Outside capital Tórshavn, cafés are sparse; pick up coffee, snacks (plus petrol) at service stations.

• Head to the tourist board website for practical advice and inspiration (visitfaroeislands. com). Fly to Vágar international airport on the twice-weekly direct service from Edinburgh with Atlantic Airways or via Copenhagen with SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

Copenhagen

Clever Little Cookies

How to stay safe online by avoiding scams, whilst keeping on top of what data you share and with whom.

While technology has made many areas of our everyday lives considerably easier –online banking, shopping and navigation for example – it’s also made us more vulnerable, and often we can underestimate the lengths that others will go to in attempting to obtain our data.

Online scams to look out for Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and even those of us who are skilled at using the internet can be caught out. Scammers sometimes send bogus emails in the hope that people will enter their personal or financial details.

Scam emails can look genuine and appear to be from official places, like HMRC or a bank, but you can often tell it’s a scam. Look out for:

• Errors in the spelling or grammar, or an unusual style of writing

• Requests for personal information, such as your username, full passwords or bank details - genuine organisations will never ask this

• Threats that unless you act now your account will be closed

Occasionally these emails will redirect you to a fake website requesting you to provide personal or financial information. For example, a fake bank website may be set up asking you to update your account or security information. If you have any suspicions, check the URL or type in the bank’s official web address.

Another way of parting you from your well-earned money is via social media or dating apps. Once a scammer has gained your trust, they’ll start asking for money, often by telling you an emotional or hard luck story. If a relationship feels odd, be wary.

How can I protect my data?

data?

• Keep your passwords strong and change them regularly. Use different passwords for different accounts, avoiding using words or dates that are personal to you and can be found on social media, for example your dog’s name and birth date!

• Install security software on your computer. Antivirus software will look for and remove viruses before they can infect your computer, while anti-spyware software prevents unwanted adverts from popping up, and stops programs tracking your activities or scanning your computer for private data, such as credit card numbers or bank details.

• Protect your wireless network. Read the instructions that come with your wireless router to find out how to set up a ‘key’ (a type of password) so that no one else can access the internet through your router.

• Keep your device updated. Your device will be better protected from viruses if you keep the operating system updated. You should receive notifications when new updates are available, but you can also update your system manually.

Homemade Wills What can possibly go wrong?

Signing a valid Will provides peace of mind and ensures that your hard-earned assets pass to those you hold dear. Having a valid Will in place also place ensures that your wishes are adhered to and can avoid family disputes further down the line.

Many people are now choosing to prepare their own Wills with DIY Will packs becoming increasingly popular. But what if your Will contains errors?

With the rising popularity of homemade Wills over recent years, high court inheritance disputes have seen a sharp rise by an incredible 62%. Even apparently obvious and trivial clerical errors in a homemade Will can provide fertile ground for a dispute further down the line.

DIY Wills and their errors were highlighted in a 2022 case brought before the High Court. The deceased had accidently disinherited his wife of whom he had been married to for many happy years. The result being, his devoted wife inherited just £1,000 worth of his belongings. With a view to achieving fairness, the court varied the provisions in the Will to provide for his wife but only after lengthy and costly court proceedings.

This particular case highlights the need to ensure that your Will is written by a qualified and professional person. A simple clerical error is indeed capable of being rectified, but can lead to additional costs being incurred should the case go to court. It can also delay the distribution of the estate in some cases by years.

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

Swayne Johnson Solicitors run a strict monitoring policy in connection with all of our Wills. They are always prepared by an experienced and qualified person. You will only sign your Will when you are completely happy with it, and we are confident that you understand the effect of your Will and that it reflects your true intentions. Speak to one of our team today regarding your 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.

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Homework Helpers

Eight top tips to help parents nurture and encourage their children with their weekly homework.

It may feel like a lifetime since your own school days, but providing proper support for your child as they navigate their homework is not only beneficial for them, it’s also highly rewarding for you as a parent. And who knows, you might even learn a thing or two in the process.

1. Create a study space

If you don’t have the room for a dedicated desk, commit to a certain period of every evening where your child can have the use of the kitchen table. Either way, a comfortable, well-lit area with access to stationery, pencils and a plug socket will help create the best atmosphere for learning.

2. Limit distractions

Commit to a period every evening of no phones, TV or music, during which your child can entirely focus on the job at hand.

3. Establish a routine

All kids are different, so figure out what period after school

is best for your youngster to concentrate. Some will prefer to crack on straight away when they get home, whereas other will want to relax and have dinner before resuming schoolwork. Whatever it is, once you find a rhythm, stick with it.

4. Set an example

Whether it’s organising your monthly budget or time spent reading a book, it helps for kids to see their parents ‘doing’ rather than just ‘telling’.

5. Motivate

Engage with what your child is doing and help make it fun. Maybe you could create some fun quizzes or games - both proven ways to help information retention.

6. Don’t do it for them

Tempting though it may be to demonstrate your academic prowess, it is important to make sure your youngsters are thinking for themselves

and, at the same time, learning from their mistakes.

7. Engage with teachers and other parents

Understanding what your child’s teacher expects from them will help you guide their homework. Also, it can be helpful to communicate with other parents who may be able to reassure you that all children have certain areas of learning where they struggle and others where they thrive. And don’t be afraid to seek additional assistance if you feel your child needs it.

8. Rewards and praise

If your child exhibits real enthusiasm and determination, it is vital that you reward them. Arrange for a special treat if they get a certain grade or achievement, and make a fuss of them by informing family and friends of their ongoing success.

They’re cute, cuddly and a bundle of fun – but adorable little puppies don’t stay puppies forever, and as they grow so do their needs and demands. So, no matter how much you (or the children!) may want a dog, it won’t be fair on your furry friend if you’re unable to fully commit and cater to their needs.

On 6th April 2020, Lucy’s Law was introduced, which bans the sale of puppies or kittens in England from third parties or ‘middle men’, meaning that anyone looking to get a new animal should go directly to a breeder or a rescue or rehoming centre. Is a dog for you?

Remember, a dog will be a big part of your family, hopefully for many years to come, so before you make any decisions, ask yourself eight key questions:

1. Can you commit to this long-term?

2. Can you afford to maintain a dog?

3. Do you have enough space?

4. Do you have enough time?

5. Can you commit to exercising your dog?

6. Can you keep your dog company?

7. Have you talked about it with your family?

8. Will a new puppy get along with children and other pets?

New or rescue?

Rehoming a rescue dog is very rewarding, however, it’s good to know what their background is before you decide to rehome them, as this may affect their behaviour in a variety of ways.

What’s On and Local groups.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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 March and will receive £15.

The winner of the “Where’s Rebus” competition in February was:- H. Williams Jones, Erw Goch, Ruthin Well done.

Rebus was hiding on pages :- 1, 12, 19, 23 and 31

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