Mold Connection June 2023

Publisher: Connection Magazines Ltd

Editor: Trevor Arnold

Tel: 01824 707 013

E: trevor@connectionmagazines.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

Hello lovely readers and welcome once again to the latest edition of the Mold Connection.

Last month was a very interesting one for me as I noticed a swarm of bees in my garden. I love bees and was about to start working with some bee keepers to learn how to become one so it was fascinating to see the bee keepers gather the swarm. If someone doesn’t know about a swarm and what to do if they find one, it might be a bit frightening so I have written an article to help. You’ll find it on page 18.

Well, the last Bank Holiday weekend is behind us for a while but that doesn’t mean boring weekends, oh no.

July and August are always busy months with local fetes, carnivals, and other events. If you know of any being planned, please drop me a line or give me a call even if you are not the organisers. I want to help promote as many of the events in the area as I can but all to often, I only find out about when it’s too late. Next month of course, there is the International Eisteddfod to look forward to. (You can win a pair of tickets with this magazine)

We have a number of new advertisers this month so please, as with all of the advertisers, if you use their services or shop with them, please tell them you saw them in the Mold Connection.

I hope you have a great month

Trevor

Company registration No. 6293261

VAT reg No. 928 4888 65A

Printed by Buxton Press, Buxton

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

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By Caroline Knight

What do we mean by exotic plants?

It’s not unusual for those who love gardens to yearn for something that looks tropical or exotic. These plants remind us of holidays and help with a contemporary feel.

Tropical gardens

Bold foliage and dazzling flower colours can create a lush, dramatic oasis. Tropical plants can be used to create a framework for your garden and the spaces between can be filled with plants that provide complementary shapes and colours. Grasses such as carex and miscanthus work well, as do large-leafed evergreens including Fatsia japonica and ferns. Hostas can pop up during spring and summer, together with shadedwelling brunneras, brightly-flowering crocosmia and day lilies in the sunnier areas. Japanese anemones are partial-shade lovers that fit in well for some late-summer flowers combined with interesting foliage.

It is possible to grow bananas (Musa) here in the UK, although they might need some winter protection. They can form huge statement plants up to three metres high and their tropical leaves can reach a length of two metres. It is rare for them to form fruit in the UK, but it is possible! Then there are the much- coveted tree ferns, Dicksonia antarctica, which are said to be some of the oldest plants in the world.

The iconic tropical forest trees are palms, such as Trachycarpus fortunei and wagnerianus, also known as windmill or chusan palms, Phoenix canariensis, the Canary Island date palm and Chamaerops humilis, the dwarf fan palm. These varieties have proved to be fairly hardy here in the UK, although they often sustain damage that needs to be tidied up in the spring.

Go for a lush, full appearance and consider using bamboo to screen out the constraints of your boundaries. Clumping varieties including fargesias are easier to maintain, but use a root barrier to be sure your bamboo won’t invade further afield.

Desert gardens

It’s not easy to create a desert garden within a country with high rainfall. However, if you have a south-facing, sheltered site and you prepare the ground adequately, it is not impossible. Desertdwellers need very free-draining soil of almost pure grit or sand. Plants will be those that store water, such as cacti, agaves and aloes. You can use desert as your inspiration and be inspired by the Sahara, Gobi and Kalahari, creating a garden that has the atmosphere of this unique type of ecosystem. Ornamental grasses are a must for the desert vibe, with their sandy-coloured seed heads and narrow leaves. Yuccas are well-adapted to desert life and you can include perennials such as salvias, cistus, sedum and creeping thyme. Drought-tolerant plants often have silvery foliage and fine hairs on the leaves that help them conserve moisture. You will definitely not see a lush lawn in a desert!

Canary Island Date Palm

Agave desert plant

Banana palm with fruit

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This indulgent Italian-style ice cream dessert is simplicity to make and keeps well in the freezer for at least a month.

Serves 8

Preparation time 35 minutes Freeze 6+ hours

Ingredients

• Oil, for greasing

• 4 large free-range eggs, separated

• 100g caster sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 300ml double cream

• 6 tbsp salted caramel sauce (or dulce de leche), plus extra for drizzling

For the almond praline

• 100g caster sugar

• 50g toasted whole blanched almonds

NOTE: Raw eggs are used to make the semifreddo, so pregnant women, older people and anyone with a severely weakened immune system should check before eating this.

1. Lightly oil a 1 litre loaf tin and line with cling film.

2. Beat the egg yolks, sugar and vanilla together with a hand-held whisk until thick and a trail is left when you lift the beaters.

3. Beat the egg whites in a clean dry bowl until they form stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat the cream until it holds its shape and forms soft peaks.

4. Gently fold the cream into the egg yolk mixture and then fold in the eggs whites with a metal spoon in a figure-of-eight motion. Gently swirl the salted caramel throughout the mixture and transfer to the lined tin. Level the top, cover with cling film and freeze for 6 hours or until solid.

5. Meanwhile, make the praline. Line a baking tray with foil and brush lightly with oil.

6. Put the sugar in a heavy-based pan set over a low heat. Swirl the pan occasionally until the sugar melts. As soon as it darkens to a deep amber and starts to caramelise, remove from the heat and stir in the almonds. Spoon onto the lined baking tray and leave to cool and set hard, then smash into shards.

7. When you’re ready to serve, remove the semifreddo from the freezer and unwrap. Turn out onto a serving platter and top with the praline shards. Cut into slices and serve drizzled with extra salted caramel sauce.

Extracted from The Salted Caramel Cookbook by Heather Thomas (HarperNonFiction, £12.99), with photography by Joff Lee).

Look after our pollinator friends

Ihada wonderful surprise when I got home a week ago. As I walked up my garden path, I noticed quite a large swarm of bees low down on a tree in my front garden.

I love bees and had already booked to start a bee keeping course, so I wasn’t fazed by the sight of about 5000-6000 bees, it was a fantastic sight for me. This got me thinking, if you found a swarm, would you know what to do? No? Then read on.

When bees swarm, the queen and half an existing hive try to find a new home. Most of the bees will cluster around the queen while scouts go looking for a suitable home. This could be in a shed or the roof of a house. It’s better for them and us if they are collected by a bee keeper and put in a manmade hive.

The word “swarm” can sound threatening and scary but in fact, there is no need to be scared if you find one. Honey bees are normally very placid, particularly a swarm as they have no home to defend at that point in time. Just follow some simple advice and the bees will be fine, and so will you.

Honey bees are the only bees that swarm. However, there are other types of bees that can look similar to honey

bees, so it's important to try to identify that they are bees and not wasps.

Once you've identified the bees, you should contact a local beekeeper. Beekeepers are experienced in handling them and will be able to remove the swarm safely. Details of where to find a local bee keeper can be found below.

Do not attempt to remove the swarm yourself. Honey bees are not aggressive, but they can be defensive if they feel threatened. If you try to remove the swarm yourself, you could get stung.

Here are some tips for keeping the bees safe while you wait for a beekeeper to arrive:

• Do contact a local bee keeper or bee keeping association, NOT a pest controller.

• If the swarm is in a public place, try to keep people away or at least, warn them.

• Don’t panic. Stay calm and quiet.

• Don’t disturb the swarm.

• Don’t attack it, prod it or touch it with anything.

• Don’t spray it with water, pesticides or anything else.

• Keep pets away from it but if you have inquisitive children, they can be allowed to look at the bees under supervision if they want, but not to touch.

Once the beekeeper arrives, they will be able to safely remove the swarm and rehome it in a new hive. This process doesn’t take long for someone that knows what they are doing.

Trevor Arnold - editor of this magazine

COMPETITION TIME!!

WIN

a pair of tickets to see Guy Barker’s Big Band at the Llangollen Eisteddfod on Friday July 7th.

To enter, simply answer this question:-

How many years has the Eisteddfod been staged?

A) 35 B) 76 C) 94

Entries must to by email or postcard only, NO PHONE ENTRIES. Send your entry to trevor@connectionmagazines.co.uk or by post to “Eisteddfod competition" 16 Parc Alun, Mold, CH7 1LQ . You MUST include your answer, your address and your phone number. CLOSING DATE 18th June.

*The prize is a pair of tickets to see Guy Barker’s Big Band at the Llangollen Eisteddfod. This does NOT include travel to the venue. There is no cash alternative to the prize. This competition is open to readers of the Clwyd & Mold Connection magazines. Only one entry per address. The winner will be notified by phone on 19th June. Your data will be passed to the Eisteddfod organisers for the purpose of this competition only. It will be deleted after the winner has been chosen. The winner’s name will also be announced on our social media page.

By Katherine Sorrell

Combine practicality with good looks to create a welcoming entrance to your home.

If you’re unhappy with your hall, there are five key areas to consider.

1 Walls

Paint can transform a bland hallway, or opt for wallpaper, tiles or timber cladding. While pale colours reflect light and emphasise a sense of space, dark schemes can be cosy and interesting, but need adequate lighting. For practicality, protect the lower halves of the walls with tiles, timber or extra-tough paint. Periodstyle patterned tiles, beaded wall panelling or embossed wallpapers suit older properties with original features, while in a modern home consider geometrics, oversized florals or tongueand-groove cladding.

2 Flooring

Add a runner, either washable or in a dark colour that won’t show the dirt, to revive the floor. Alternatively, sand and varnish a timber floor, or replace tired carpet or vinyl. Hall floors must be durable, non-slip, resistant to dirt and stains, and easy to clean. Stone, ceramic, quarry or Victorian-style encaustic tiles are ideal. Timber boards or parquet need regular polishing or waxing, though some are water-resistant, extratough boards that are super-easy to care for. Cheaper laminates may not last long. Good quality vinyl flooring is practical and comfortable. A dark 80:20 wool-nylon mix twist-pile carpet should withstand heavy usage, or consider tough natural matting such as coir, sisal or rush.

3 Lighting

Halls should be welcoming and illuminate steps or thresholds. Consider specialist light-reflecting paint, or wallpaper with a metallic sheen. Add a large mirror. Wall lights can act as obstacles in a narrow hall but recessed ceiling downlights or a pendant (or a row of them) are ideal.

4 Storage

Built-in wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling storage, including any wonky areas, makes the most of available space. Tall, shallow cupboards painted the same colour as the walls, or mirrored, will be barely noticeable. Alternatively, choose freestanding cupboards, sideboards or console tables. Add umbrella stands, dog beds, boot racks, high-up bike hooks, a coat rack or a radiator shelf for post and keys, depending on available space.

5 Decoration

Paintings or photographs can make an impact in a hallway and up the stairs. With sufficient light, house plants in attractive pots are fabulous, as are books on a side table or shelf. A console table or a deep shelf gives space for a lamp, a basket for keys etc., and a vase of flowers.

This traditional hallway has lovely monochrome tiling, with a class combination of a console table and mirror above. Retromix Cold Star large patterned tiles, £49.75 per square metre, londontile.co.uk.

Starkey Hearing Technologies

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St Andrews Business Centre

St Andrews Park, Queens Lane

Bromfield Industrial Estate

Mold, CH7 1XB

perfect for Father’s Day (18 June)

Cricket’s Greatest Rivalry: A History of The Ashes in 12 Matches by Simon Hughes With the 2023 Ashes Test Series set to start at Edgbaston on 16 June, all eyes will be on England to see if they can get back to winning ways on home soil – they haven’t won the famous Urn since 2015. For cricket-crazy fans, this book is a fast-paced distinctive history of the iconic, 137-year-old cricketing rivalry between England and Australia by commentator, analyst and award-winning cricket historian Simon Hughes, along with complete statistics and records of all the Ashes fixtures and results and much more!

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

A decade-old cold case leads Osman’s beloved aging investigators, the Thursday Murder Club, to a local news legend on the hunt for a sensational headline and a murder with no body and no answers. Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill... or be killed. Can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again? Full of Osman’s trademark charm, insight and intelligence, this is the third novel in his record-breaking, million-copy bestselling Thursday Murder Club series.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Regularly voted one of the best English-language novels of the past 100 years, this witty, wise and bittersweet 1951 novel is a tale of postwar alienation told by angst-ridden 17-year-old Holden Caulfield as he grapples with growing up, loss, sex, depression, his identity, and understanding the events that shaped him. Controversial at the time of publication for its frank language, this ultimate American coming-of-age novel was an instant best-seller.

The Gold by Neil Forsyth & Thomas Turner

The astonishing true story of the robbery of the century, Brink’s-Mat, Britain’s biggest heist. On 26 November 1983, an armed gang stole gold bullion worth almost £26 million from the Brink’s-Mat security depot near London’s Heathrow Airport. For 40 years, myths and legends have grown around the Brink’s-Mat heist and the events that followed. This is the conclusion of extensive research and includes exclusive testimony from one of the original robbers, who gives his version of events for the first time.

A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain

Part travel memoir, part gastronomic journal, lifelong cook and bestselling author of Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain’s passion for food and adventure shines through in this culinary classic as he travels around the world in search of the perfect meal. And as he makes his way from California all the way to Cambodia, he experiences some of the world’s greatest – and most delicious – culinary adventures. But being Anthony Bourdain, this was never going to be a conventional culinary tour…

Wordle Challenge

The chance to play the online sensation Wordle offline, with a collection of 500 brainteasing word-based puzzles to do anytime, anywhere. Based on the same format that has proved a runaway success, these stimulating Wordle puzzles are graded from Easy to Expert level. Puzzlers must guess what the correct word is, deducing from previous words in the grid what letters go where. A clue means there is only one correct solution to each puzzle, and answers can be found at the back of the book.

From history to sport and from cookery to crime, we round up the pick of the books

The Bookshop, Mold What’s

7th June Book signing

The best-selling children’s author Cressida Cowell will be signing copies of the 20th Anniversary edition of “How to Train Your Dragon” in The Bookshop on 7th June at 4.30. Ticket required

21st June

An evening with David Elias

David will be talking about his book “Shaping The Wild: Wisdom from a Welsh Hill Farm.” The talk will start at 7pm in Mold Library. Tickets from £6.00

28th June An evening with Alison Weir

Why not join Alison in the splendid setting of The Coach House, Soughton Hall, Northop to hear her talk about her book “Henry Vlll: The Heart & the Crown.”

Tickets from £7

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 45

Unexpectedly Terrific UK Towns

An assortment of top towns to put on your visit list this summer.

Forget the city – the UK has some truly beautiful, characterful and tourist-ready towns that can offer all the same charm and enchantment, whilst providing a feeling of connection and belonging that’s so easily lost in bigger, bustling conurbations.

1. Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Located on the banks of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is an underrated gem, albeit it pulled in seven million visitors in 2022. The town boasts over 600 listed buildings, including Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury Abbey, and the historic market square. It’s also the birthplace of Charles Darwin.

2. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

This picturesque town, complete with historic canals, is nestled within the stunning Calder Valley, surrounded by hills and forests. It is well-known for its artistic community, independent shops, and vibrant cultural scene.

Visitor numbers were boosted last year by the success of

Sarah Lancashire’s Happy Valley BBC drama.

3. Rye, East Sussex

Rye is a medieval town steeped in history and charm, and is visited by over a million tourists each year.

With its cobbled streets, halftimbered houses, and ancient Mermaid Inn, Rye has an enchanting atmosphere. Visit the Rye Castle Museum, the 14th-century St. Mary’s Church, and the surrounding nature reserves such as Rye Harbour or Dungeness.

4. Alnwick, Northumberland

Alnwick is a charming market town that features the magnificent Alnwick Castle, which alone welcomes over 600,000 visitors each year. It is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK, and the inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

The Alnwick Garden, adjacent to the castle, is similarly stunning.

5. Bakewell, Derbyshire

Known almost exclusively for its Bakewell pudding and tart, this

charming market town, situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

It boasts beautiful stone buildings, a medieval bridge, and lovely walking paths along the River Wye.

6. Tenby, Pembrokeshire

This picturesque coastal town is located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and boasts colourful Georgian buildings, sandy beaches, and a historic harbour. Explore the town’s medieval walls, visit the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, and take a boat trip to the nearby Caldey Island, which is home to a Cistercian monastery.

7. Hitchin, Hertfordshire

A market town with a rich history and well-preserved medieval layout, visitors can take in the British Schools Museum, St. Mary’s Church, and Hitchin Lavender Farm, a popular attraction where you can ‘pick your own’ during the summer months. The town also hosts a weekly market and boasts a variety of independent shops and eateries.

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Mini Cryptic Crossword

Across

1. Made a hole through, feeling weary (5)

4. Audibly permitted we hear (5)

7. I arrive distraught in this coastal area (7)

8. Come by in storage tanks (3)

9. Pries into olfactory organs (5)

12. This will last for weeks (5)

14. Prompt snooker stick (3)

15. Tent for the brave (5)

17. Armed conflict leads to fantasy (5)

20. Friend in Kampala (3)

21. One isn’t about to cause stress (7)

23. Bend to heal about five (5)

24. Tree found on the shore, we hear (5)

Down

1. Desolate-sounding peer (5)

2. Meanders, turning over to a point (5)

3. Gaming cube to expire (3)

4. Mad earl somehow filled with

apprehension (7)

5. Vital body part heard in church (5)

6. Watercourse to abandon (5)

10. Lyrical poem in Modern English (3)

11. Poor respect for emblamatic staff (7)

13. Drink a letter, we hear (3)

15. Theme in desktop icon (5)

16. Less colourful type of pearl (5)

18. Superior group the Spanish tie formed (5)

19. Norwegian painter to chew noisily (5)

22. Writer overturns rubbish receptacle (3)

From smoothing skin to lightening sun spots and tackling thread veins, today’s non-surgical treatments can work wonders…

Microneedling to smooth and tone

Microneedling involves pricking your skin with needles to stimulate collagen and elastin, which then help to smooth and tone your skin. If that sounds like something straight out of a horror film, be reassured that the needles are tiny. Microneedling can also reduce scarring, sun damage and pigmentation. You’ll normally need at least three treatments and won’t see results for six weeks.

Ouch factor: a topical anaesthetic will be applied before your treatment, so it should be uncomfortable rather than painful.

Cost: from £250 per session.

Ultherapy to lift and tighten sagging skin

Ultherapy uses ultrasound to boost collagen. This brings a range of benefits, including lifting, tightening, firming and smoothing skin. In other words, it’s a great all-rounder. Unlike the other treatments we’ve mentioned, the ultrasound penetrates deep into the tissue. Results last for up to a year, although some people might need top ups before then.

Ouch factor: your skin will feel hot and tingly, but only while the treatment is taking place.

Cost: from £1,800 per session.

A Hydrafacial to tackle sun damage and blocked pores

We do love a multi-tasker, and few are as good as a Hydrafacial. In one session, your skin will be deep cleansed and hydrated, pores will be unclogged, collagen will be stimulated, and so much more. It can help with everything from pigmentation to fine lines and acne. You should see an improvement after your first treatment, but monthly visits are recommended for best results.

Ouch factor: pain-free!

Cost: from £125 per session.

Laser therapy to reduce redness and thread veins

Laser works by ‘shutting off’ blood vessels. As a result, the problem veins eventually disappear. You’ll likely need at least six sessions for maximum results.

Ouch factor: the laser can feel a bit like a pin prick and your skin will feel quite warm. Depending on the type of laser used, your skin might be tender for a few days after treatment, and there could be some bruising.

Cost: from £150 per session.

Wrinkle relaxing treatment

Botulinum toxin (commonly referred to as Botox) is a widely used treatment for wrinkles. It is only approved for medical use, but it is much better known as a cosmetic beauty treatment because it is a toxin that stops a muscle moving for a limited period. It is widely used to smooth the lines and wrinkles that people get as they age, such as crow’s feet and frown lines. Strictly speaking aestheticians shouldn’t advertise Botox as a treatment. In reality many do or might use the term ‘wrinkle treatment’.

Ouch factor: the needles are very thin, so it’ll probably hurt less than you might be expecting, but there will still be some discomfort.

Cost: from £150 per session.

Choosing the right practitioner

If you do decide to try a ‘tweakment’, make sure you go to a registered, qualified and insured practitioner. Book in for a consultation before your treatment and ask about risks and possible side effects.

Further info

You can find lots of information about different non-surgical procedures, choosing a practitioner and things to consider at www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures

Incapacity and death happens – why it is so important to plan for it.

Death and incapacity can cause financial and emotional turmoil for you / your family, yet there are still so many of us who do not plan for it. The following crucial preparations can lessen the impact on you and your family:-

1. Make a valid Will

This is the only way in which you can ensure that your loved ones are provided for in accordance with your wishes. Without a Will, your estate will be dealt with in accordance with the rules of intestacy which can often produce unwanted results as well as cause family disputes further down the line.

2. Make a Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney enables you to appoint individual/s to make decisions regarding your finances and / or your health and welfare if you ever become incapable of making them yourself. Not having these documents can cause your family a headache further down the line.

3. Plan early to save on Inheritance Tax (IHT)

When you die, the government will assess the

value of your estate to ascertain if Inheritance Tax will be payable. Many can expect a 40% IHT bill (subject to certain reliefs/allowances). There are ways in which one can mitigate IHT but it is vitally important you seek professional legal advice in this respect and in good time!

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

3. Review your assets with a professional Meeting with an independent financial advisor can ensure that your estate is as it should be – what happens to your pension when you die and are they nominated? Do you have life insurance and are your beneficiaries up to date? Do you have mortgage cover? If you do not know the answer to any of these questions, you should meet with a financial advisor.

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 portunity to get ou.

Protect yourself, your family and your estate and speak to one of our experts today.

If you often feel fatigued or experience cravings, your blood glucose levels could be to blame. French biochemist, Jessie Inchauspé, discusses this in her book, Glucose Revolution. She says that although we typically associate glucose regulation with diabetes, monitoring our blood-sugar levels is something we could all benefit from.

‘Glucose’ and ‘blood sugar’ are used interchangeably, but both refer to your body’s main molecule of energy. Your body breaks down sugars and starches into glucose. Healthy foods that are rich in fibre slow the release of glucose into the blood, but when you eat sugary foods, your body becomes overwhelmed with glucose and reacts to this increase in blood sugar by releasing insulin. This is known as a glucose spike, which if repeated over a prolonged period of time can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. Even in the short term, glucose spikes can cause energy crashes, brain fog and cravings. Simple carbohydrate sources containing pure sugar, honey and sweeteners are the main culprits and get broken down into glucose much faster than more complex carbohydrates like wholegrain bread or rice. However, while it can be helpful to reduce your intake of simple carbohydrates, ‘Glucose Goddess’ Jessie argues that you don’t need to cut out these foods completely. Instead, she recommends trying her glucose ‘hacks’, which aim to balance your blood sugar without drastically changing your diet:

Enjoy a savoury breakfast

The food you eat first thing has an impact on your glucose levels for the rest of the day. For this reason, Jessie advises starting with a savoury or low-sugar meal. Some options to try include eggs, Greek yoghurt, a protein shake, peanut butter on wholemeal toast, or a plate of meat and eggs.

Eat your vegetables first

When it comes to glucose regulation, the order in which you eat your food is important. Vegetables are great sources of fibre that break down slowly in the digestive system, and by doing so also slow down the speed at which you digest starches. This means that glucose trickles into the bloodstream much slower than if you had eaten the same foods in reverse order. For a quick and easy option, snack on some baby carrots and hummus while you cook.

Move after eating

Taking a short walk or hitting the gym after a big meal is another way of halting the accumulation of glucose in the body. Spending just ten minutes doing any exercise you enjoy can make a difference – whether that’s strength training, yoga or running.

Incorporate vinegar into your diet

Vinegar slows down the breakdown of starches into glucose and encourages your muscles to soak up glucose as it arrives in your bloodstream. Any vinegar will work, Jessie claims, but apple cider vinegar might be the most palatable. You could try mixing a tablespoon of vinegar in hot or cold water and drinking it twenty minutes before eating, or alternatively adding vinaigrette to your salad.

What’s On

MOLD FLOWER CLUB

The next meting will be a Floral Extravaganza with Marc Entwistle, a floral enthusiast and Chelsea Gold winner.

Entrance by ticket only for the meeting on 15th June at St David’s Church Hall, St David’s Lane, Mold at 7.15p.m. Tickets £10 including refreshments. Available from 01352 755796

Nightingale House Fund Raising

On Friday 16th June at Mold Rugby Club 7pm., we are having a fun Race Night . Tickets are £6 to include refreshments and must be bought prior to the evening please, we are unable to sell tickets on the door. Contact Chris on 01352 759156. We can promise you a fun evening and help us raise funds for the Hospice

The Mold Bowel Cancer Support Group Mold Bowel Cancer Support Group

Have now changed their venue and now meet at the Beaufort Hotel Mold CH7 6RQ. Our next meeting will be on Thursday May 15th at 7pm. Anyone affected by Bowel Cancer are welcome to our informal meetings. For further information contact Haydn on 07522 483374 or Janet on 07849 441566. www.bowelcancersupport.co.uk All will be made very welcome

GENERAL INTEREST GROUPS & CLUBS

WAF MOLD WALKS. FREE led walks in Mold

Subject to Welsh Government guidelines these walks will take place

Monday 10.30 Tesco Car Park near Click & Collect CH7 1UB. Grade 1 / 2 Easy to moderate. 60 to 90 +minutes duration

Tuesday 14.00 Queens Head Chester Road CH7 1UN. Grade 3 Hard 90 to 120 minutes duration. Both walks finish in a cafe for a cup of tea or coffee. See walkaboutflintshire.com for more walks

Chatterboxes Communication Support Group

For over 20 years, we have been supporting stroke survivors and people with brain injuries who have communication difficulties. Part of the Stroke Group Network, Chatterboxes is run by enthusiastic volunteers, who encourage interaction through conversation activities, quizzes, gentle chair based exercises, outings and more. We meet every Monday from 10.30 to

12.30 in the church hall of Our lady of the Rosary, Buckley. A warm welcome plus refreshments guaranteed!

For more information, please contact Kate –tel: 01824 750713

Butterflies After Stroke Club

Struggling after a stroke to find somewhere to meet? Butterflies is here to help. We are a voluntary group, part of the Stroke Group Network, who meet every Thursday at Ewloe

Social Club from 10.30 am to 2.00 pm. We are run by a lovely group of volunteers and have various activities throughout the day, including Tai Chi exercises. A warm welcome awaits you with tea/ coffee/biscuits. For more information contact Brenda – telephone 01244 547672

Northop Brass & Northop Sunday Band

Come and join Northop Brass and Northop Sunday Band. All ages and abilities very welcome! Whether you are a brass or percussion player and interested in playing for fun, contesting, or returning to playing after a break, please do get in touch. Northop Brass meet Tuesdays and Thursdays

6.30pm – 7.45pm

Northop Sunday Band meet Sundays 1pm – 3pm

Northop Bowling Green

Come and join our club for the perfect socially distanced game with friends and family in beautiful peaceful surroundings. No experience or own equipment necessary. Call Aled on 07778 512 385 or email:- northopbowls@btinternet.com for more information. Facebook: Northop Bowling Green.

Wood Turning and Carving.

Want to learn new skills? The woodcraft Association are a friendly group of people who meet on a Monday morning from 9:00 until 12:00 at Level Road Community Centre in Ewloe. We make things for ourselves, friends and for charities. We have a lot of lathes and machinery and we will show you how to use them safely. The only thing you will need to start is your own tea or coffee. Just turn up and enjoy the beauty of wood. For more info ring Phil Moyes on 0771 245 4044 or look at our website: woodcraftassociation.org.uk

Continued on page 44

FLINTSHIRE U3A. learn - laugh - live WANT TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, SHARE INTERESTS, DEVELOP NEW SKILLS?

u3a is an international self-help organisation for retired and semi-retired people, in their third age, who draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members.

Flintshire u3a has a wide variety of group activities and interests in informal and friendly atmospheres on your doorstep offering two free “taster sessions” prior to joining. 07800 930549. www.flintshire-u3a.co.uk

DANCING WITH DEMENTIA. This is a new group for people with dementia and their careers.

Music has a unique connection with dementia and people can often remember music and words to songs they have heard in the past, so if you love music and find yourself tapping your toes come along to my group and have fun with dance, movement and singing. We meet every Tuesday from 2-4 at Edith Banks Memorial Hall in Northop village, Flintshire, CH7 6BQ. There is free parking in the car park opposite the hall. Contact Pauline on 07521 377 945 for more information.

Mold Derby & Joan Club

Join us for bingo, a friendly chat, tea and coffee. We meet on Wednesday afternoons at Grosvenor Hall on Grosvenor Street from 1.45pm - 3.15. Come and join us, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

LADIES GROUPS & CLUBS

Mold WI meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at St David’s Hall Mold. The meeting starts at 7pm. We welcome visitors and hope that they will become members in due course. We are a friendly bunch and enjoy getting together. Come to a meeting and try us out.

Mynydd Isa Butterflies W.I. meet on the first Thursday of the month at the Women’s Institute Hall on Chambers Lane in Mynydd Isa at 7.15. All are welcome. For more details contact Julie Wilkins 07970961703

juliewilkins.826@gmail.com

Mountain Harmony Ladies Chorus

Do you enjoy singing? Do you want to make new friends? Mountain Harmony might be just the group

for you.

Why not come along to our rehearsals at Gwernymynydd Village Hall and have a listen? We practise every Monday from 7.30pm

Mountain Harmony sing songs to suit all tastes and ages including traditional, ballads and contemporary music. For more information email mountainharmonychorus@gmail.com For further information please contact Graham 01244 520370, Rhys 07733 337746 or you can email northopbands@outlook.com

MENS GROUPS & CLUBS

Mold & District Probus Club, which was formed in 1976 to arrange talks and social events for retired and semi-retired men, continues to meet monthly in the schoolroom at the Bethesda Chapel, New Street. The meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month except August, with hot drinks served from 9.45 a.m being followed by a talk and questions ending around 11.30 a.m.. The annual subscription is £12.00. New members are welcome and further information is available from the membership secretary, David Thacker, tel. 01352 756655.

To have your club, group, church, charity or non profit event listed, in this section, email:-

trevor@connectionmagazines.co.uk by the 18th of each month for inclusion the following month.

Please note, a word limit of approximately 75 words applies.

Inclusion is NOT guaranteed but is dependant on space available.

By appointment only due to social distancing guidelines. Please call 01352 706 100 Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM

Restore your confidence with a new, natural smile.

Competition and puzzle solutions

Where’s Wyddy

I have hidden 5 pictures of “Wyddy” 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 June and will receive £15.

The winner of the “Where’s Wyddy” competition last month was:- Mr R Evans of Maes y Dre, Mold Well done.

Wyddy was hiding on pages :- 9, 18,27, 32 and 38

Index to advertisers

Northop, Mold

An attractive property with 2 bedroom annexe

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

• Sitting room, kitchen with Aga

• 2 bedroom annexe

• Grounds extending to 1.02 acres

• EPC rating G

£ Guide price – £695,000

Abergele, Conwy

An exquisitely presented and architect designed residence

• 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

• Open plan living area

• Double garage & private parking

• Extending to approx. 0.18 acres

• EPC rating A

£ Guide price – £630,000

Machynlleth, Ceredigion

Rare opportunity to purchase a charming country residence

• 3 bedrooms in main residence,

• Self contained 2 bedroom apartment

• Extensive outbuildings

• Approx 800 yds of fishing rights, in all about 17.31 acres

• EPC rating: Main residence - E. Apartment - F

£ Guide price – £1,250,000

25 offices nationwide

Chester 01244 409660

Knutsford 01565 757970

Abergele, Conwy

An imposing residence with enviable coastal views

• 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

• 3 reception rooms, orangery

• Double garage

• Approximately 0.73 acres

• EPC rating B

£ Guide price – £1,100,000

Daniel Hayhurst Susan Wallace Toby Gale-Hasleham Michael Harris

Alstons Aalto Corner Group

Various fabric and seating options available

Example: 1-corner-2 group in fabric grade SE costs £2,357.00

*With a 10-year Frame Guarantee and Cold Cure Seat Cushion Guarantee

JUST LOOK AT THESE STUNNINGLY STYLISH DESIGNS INSTORE NOW. THEY WOULD MAKE A PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR HOME.

Alstons SoFo

Various fabric and seating options available incl. additional headrests from £111.00

Example: 3-seater sofa + 2-seater in fabric grade C costs £2,258.00

*With a 10-year Frame Guarantee and Cold Cure Seat Cushion Guarantee

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR LARGE CARPET AND FLOORING SECTION? WE SUPPLY AND FIT ALL THE WELL KNOWN BRANDS INCLUDING: Axminster, Ulster, Brintons, Westex, Victoria, Furlong, Cormar Abingdon, Amtico, Karndean, Woodpecker, V4 CALL IN SOON FOR A FREE, NO

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