Mold Connection January 2023

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.

Welcome to your Clwyd Connection, I hope you had a lovely Christmas.

January is the month to think about fresh starts and new beginnings and as we start 2023, many will feel compelled to make New Year’s Resolutions. Do you do this and do you stick to them?

It’s easy to beat yourself up about such things, feeling compelled to set targets for the sake of friends and family, but don’t. Do what is best for you. For example, if losing weight is what you want to do, fine, but if not, don’t feel compelled to try.

If you are going to set a New Year’s Resolution, why not look for things that will bring you joy or a sense of achievement?

Personally, I’m starting a Social Media Marketing course at Glyndwr University, (at the grand old age of 62, I’m finally a Uni Student) you could decide that you’re going to be more active or learn something new or that you want to volunteer to help in the community.

When it comes to volunteering, there are always many local organisations and charities that are looking for volunteers, and from personal experience, having volunteered to help many local organisations and events over the years, I can tell you that it can be hugely rewarding. Not just for the organisation but for you personally.

I hope you find something to inspire you to try something new.

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May the New Year bless you with health, wealth, and happiness. See you next month. Trevor

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New Year Health MOT

Get into gear this new year by giving yourself a DIY health MOT that will power you into and through 2023.

We book our cars in for an annual MOT, yet rarely show the same level of care for our bodies… which often take on more stress than our trusty motors. So this January, why not start the year with a health checklist to set you on the road to wellbeing success.

Calculate your BMI

One of the most effective ways to see where you are weight-wise, is to work out your BMI. You can do this using an online calculator, a visual chart or with the following formula:

weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared

This will tell you whether you are underweight, healthy, overweight, obese or extremely obese. And, while you may not be thrilled with the result, it is a helpful tool to plot where you want to get to as the months go by.

Measure your habits January is the month we allow ourselves

to get really honest about the effects our lifestyles are having on our bodies. So, while you may tell the odd white lie to your doctors, try to be frank with yourself.

Put your best foot forward, whilst accepting it may take a few goes to get your pistons firing again.

Check your diet

If you’ve had a decadent festive period, you may want to embark on a strict regime to reset your metabolism. Studies show that national wellbeing initiatives such as Dry January or Veganuary make us more likely to stick to our personal goals thanks to the comradery and exposure they provide us. So bite the bullet (or butternut squash) and devote at least 31 days to the new you.

Run a risk assessment

Anyone over the age of 40 – but under 74 – is entitled

to a free NHS health check. This a simple check of your heart health which tests your vascular or circulatory health, and works out your risk of developing some of the most disabling – but preventable – illnesses. It is free of charge, including any follow-up tests or appointments.

Make a plan

Make the next 12 months count by setting yourself achievable goals.

Perhaps you want to run your first 10K by the start of spring, or be down a dress size by summer. Maybe you are determined to quit smoking once and for all or are keen to get your five-aday on a regular basis.

Whatever your aim, make life easier by plotting a course to success and by giving yourself small rewards along the way.

Since your will was written, have your circumstances changed? This includes being married, moving in with a partner, being divorced, separated or having children, grandchildren or dependents. Have you bought a property, started a business or received inheritance? We provide easy to understand advice, enabling you to make the right decisions for you and your family. Choose from an appointment in the comfort of your own home or opt to come to our Hawarden based office.

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We’re rapidly approaching the annual selfassessment deadline. If you’re self-employed or in a partnership, you’ll need to file your return by 31st January. These are some top tips to make life simple and (legally) cut your tax bill.

Use an expert. If you have very simple business affairs accounts, you may be able to complete the return yourself, but for everyone else, using a tax professional could make sense. Don’t forget accountancy fees are an allowable business expense.

Remember to claim for every allowable expense, which covers most spending that’s ‘wholly and exclusively’ for business purposes. Most office supplies and equipment are allowable expenses, as is software that you use for a short time or on a subscription basis.

You can claim your actual business-related travel expenses, including parking and a proportion of repairs and servicing on your car. Alternatively, you can claim a flat rate of 45 pence a mile for the first 10,000 miles of business driving and 25 pence a mile after that, though this doesn’t cover a regular commute. If you are going to designate some of your driving as a business activity, check how this affects your car insurance.

You can even claim business costs that aren’t for goods or services. For example, you can claim the cost of any interest or fees on business account overdrafts, loans and credit cards. This is limited to £500 if you use the cash basis for your accounts, meaning you list costs and expenses when payment is made rather than at the point of invoicing.

If you use a room exclusively for your business, you can claim a proportion of your household bills. The standard formula is that you base the proportion on the number of rooms in your house, not counting bathrooms or kitchens.

If you only work part-time or the room serves another purpose (e.g. spare bedroom) you’ll need to reduce the proportion in a ‘fair and reasonable’ way. This is often a better option, as designating a room as being solely for business could have capital gains tax implications if you sell your property.

As well as energy, broadband and other utility bills, you can claim the relevant share of council tax and even rent or the interest part of your mortgage payments.

You can instead claim a flat rate of expenses: £10 for each month with 25 to 50 hours of business use; £18 for 51 to 100 hours; and £26 for more than 100 hours. This replaces your claim for actual household costs other than phone and broadband, so you’ll need to calculate if it works out better for you. Watch out for things you aren’t allowed to claim for, as this could bring extra hassle, delay and potential financial penalties if you include them in your self-employment expenses. Examples include: most clothing other than uniforms or protective gear; legal fees that came about because of your wrongdoing; and most food and drink, including hospitality for clients.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is intended to constitute legal or financial advice.

Got some spare time on your hands?

Then becoming a volunteer could be the perfect option for you.

From being a tour guide at a National Trust property to fostering an animal that had a difficult start to life, there’s a volunteer’s role out there for everyone. You may have more time on your hands now you’re retired, the children have gone off to university, or your working routine has changed since the pandemic – whatever the reason, before you commit to volunteering think about what you want to do, why you want to do it and realistically how much time you can give. Would you be able to commit regularly, say a few hours every week, or is it more likely to be on an ad hoc basis?

There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities, which include:

• Abroad

• With animals

• Online

• Helping the elderly

• As a driver

Or it may be that you are inspired by a cause and want to get involved with a charity. Some ideas to get you started…

• Crisis response charities

• Nature and the environment

• Faith-based charities

• Homeless and hunger charities

• Women’s charities

• Military charities

Close to home

Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time, as well as give you an opportunity to use your skills and experience to support a cause or organisation close to your heart. If you’re keen to volunteer locally, contact your parish council or check out the notice board in the local library or community centre.

• Read your local newspaper or check online for

upcoming events. At certain times of the year councils often appeal for volunteers to help clean up beaches or river banks. If you have a National Trust or English Heritage site close to you, you will find a huge range of volunteer roles available.

• Is there a ‘be a friend’ or ‘buddy’ scheme, where you can visit a neighbour who is housebound for a cuppa and a chat or do some shopping?

• Check out your local charity shops too – they are always keen to welcome new volunteers in a variety of roles.

Further afield

From aid projects in Africa to teaching English in Nepal, there are a multitude of opportunities to do worthy and rewarding voluntary work overseas. Don’t be put off from getting involved because you’re not the classic gap-year student volunteer. According to Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), for instance, around two fifths of its volunteers are in their fifties or sixties, with two per cent in their seventies. Organisations value older people for their calm, problem-solving skills, empathy and experience.

Visit vsointernational.org.

For more information

• doit.life/volunteer is a website that makes volunteering easy. Simply put in your postcode and a list of local opportunities appear.

• The National Council for Voluntary Organisations, visit www.ncvo.org.uk.

• Volunteering Matters, previously known as CSV (Community Service Volunteers), the UK’s volunteering and social-action charity has a retired and senior volunteer programme (RSVP) for those aged 50 and above. Visit volunteeringmatters.co.uk.

Why it’s never too early to think about Lasting Powers of Attorney

When it comes to planning for later life, we think about our pensions and whether we have saved enough for that long overdue car upgrade or that luxury holiday we have been meaning to take. But what happens if we become incapable of making or communicating decisions? The pandemic has naturally forced people to consider worst-case scenarios –most people will consider what will happen after their death by having a valid Will in place. However, it is just as important to ensure planning is put into place should you lose mental or physical capacity.

It’s not pleasant to imagine being in a situation where you don’t have complete control over your affairs / decision-making. The reality is that there are many illnesses that can leave us incapable and reliant on loved ones. Statistics show that every 90 seconds, someone is admitted to hospital in the UK with a brain injury. Sadly, there are many other unexpected incidents that can affect our ability to make decisions.

What are LPA’s?

Lasting Powers of Attorney are a way of giving someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lack mental capacity at some time in the future. Your Attorneys will be able

to act as if they are you.

There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney. An LPA for Property and Financial Affairs covers our property, savings and income. An LPA for Health and Welfare covers things like our care, where that care is received and the manner in which we receive it, life sustaining treatment and end of life care.

You must have mental capacity to prepare the documents.

How are they used?

An LPA for Property and Financial Affairs can either be used with your authority whilst you have capacity and also if you lack capacity. The Health and Welfare LPA can only be used if you have lost mental capacity.

l partner (having inherited the whole estate) then requires care, most of the pleted in order to meet the cost of 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 m. We are always matters on the phone n initial meeting, at t to you and without portunity to get ou.

It’s often assumed that if a person loses their capacity to manage their financial affairs, an immediate family member can simply step in for them. This is not the case (even for a spouse) unless the proper paperwork is in place. Assets will usually be frozen if a person has lost capacity to deal with them themselves.

If you would like peace of mind for you and your loved ones and wish to discuss Lasting Powers of Attorney further, please contact one of our experienced team members who would be happy to assist.

Swayne Johnson Solicitors, 23 Clwyd Street, Ruthin, LL15 1HH Telephone 01824 703833. Email: edwardsa@swaynejohnson.com

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Anna Lloyd Edwards

New Year, New Book!

This month, four books that will lead you into 2023.

A Nation of Shopkeepers:

The Unstoppable rise of the Petite-Bourgeoisie by Daniel Evans

Lifting the lid on the UK’s modern class structure, Daniel Evans’ forthcoming book, A Nation of Shopkeepers: The Unstoppable Rise of the Petite-Bourgeoisie, focuses on the class of people existing between the working class and the bourgeoisie – those shopkeepers, small-time landlords and self-employed artisans who were expected to be swallowed up by monopoly capitalism, but who’ve actually grown in recent years.

Referring to them as a “mysterious class”, he investigates what their seemingly unstoppable rise might mean for the Left. Published by Repeater Books on February 14th

You Are Not Alone by Cariad Lloyd Cariad Lloyd losing her father at 15 inspired her awardwinning podcast, Griefcast, in which she talks to celebrities about navigating their own experiences of loss.

In You Are Not Alone, the comedian and writer explores society’s reluctance to talk about death and its impact. Amid stories from those she’s interviewed,

including Stephen Mangan, Sara Pascoe, and Adam Buxton, are Lloyd’s own thoughts on therapy and friends as, amongst other things, she debunks ‘the five stages of grief’ in appraising loss and heartache in all its unexpected forms. Published by Bloomsbury on January 19th

8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty, author of the no.1 New York Times bestseller Think Like a Monk, offers a revelatory guide to every stage of romance, drawing on ancient wisdom and new science.

Instead of presenting love as an ethereal concept or a collection of cliches, Shetty lays out specific, actionable steps to help you develop the skills to practise and nurture love better than ever before.

He shares eight rules, each teaching and empowering, detailing how to win or lose together, how to define love, and why you don’t ‘break’ in a breakup, and more. Published by Harper Collins on January 31st

Look Both Ways by Linwood Barclay

The latest breakneck thriller from powerhouse writer Linwood

Barclay introduces us to Sandra Montrose, who hasn’t been the same since her husband died after he fell asleep at the wheel of his car, leaving her a single mother to Archie and Katie.

When, in an experiment, the cars on Garrett Island are switched for driverless vehicles called Arrivals. Sandra is hesitant. Sure enough, as the day of the big reveal gets underway, a member of the press has gone missing and there are rumours of industrial sabotage.

Shortly afterwards, the sleek driverless cars stop taking orders. In fact, they have rules of their own and start targeting the trusting residents of Garrett Island. Published by Harper Collins on February 3rd

Our essential guide outlines what to look for when buying a new stove. With fuel bills rocketing, homeowners are turning to wood-burning stoves as a cheaper heating alternative. What are the key considerations?

Efficiency first and foremost

All newly manufactured stoves have to comply with Ecodesign efficiency and emissions regulations. The clearSkies label shows models that exceed the regulations, with clearSkies level 5 the highest. Stoves also have energy efficiency labels ranging from A++ to G.

Smoke control areas

In a smoke control area, you must have a DEFRA-exempt wood burner – look for the ‘DEFRA approved’ logo. ClearSkies accreditations 4 and 5 are suitable for use in smoke control areas. Always discuss these requirements with the manufacturer or retailer. What size to buy?

“Before purchasing a stove, verify the heat requirement for its intended location,” says Declan Kingsley-Walsh, managing director at Morsø UK. “To calculate the heating demand of a specific space, work out the volume of the room in cubic metres and divide by 14.” Stove capacities vary from 3kw to 15kw.

A classic design incorporating the latest technology, this wood burner is suitable for heating areas of up to 75 cubic metres. 3112 wood burning stove, £1,550, morsoe.co.uk.

This striking pedestal stove is DEFRA-exempt and features an airwash system that keeps the large glass door clean. NEO3PECO wood-burning stove, £2,530, acrheatproducts.com.

Storing your wood

Think about where you will store your log supplies. Some stoves have a small, built-in log storage section, and you may have space near your stove or fireplace for a basket or other container. Logs must be kept in a dry and well-ventilated area, and ‘wet’ wood must be dried for at least two years.

Comply with regulations New installations must comply with building regulations regarding the flue, the hearth and the distance from combustibles. A ‘Competent Person’ installer can certify it for you. They will do a smoke test to check your chimney is sound. You must have a carbon monoxide detector in the room, and consider a fireguard to keep pets and young children safe.

Regular maintenance

A stove can take time to light, needs to be fed with fuel and the ash has to be cleaned regularly – a removable ash pan helps with this. Polish the exterior with a lint-free cloth or a clean shoe brush, says Jon Butterworth, director of Arada Stoves. “For the interior, dip a damp cloth in the wood ash and use it to clean the glass door, then vacuum away any soot or remaining ash. When the stove isn’t being used in the summer, remove the throat plate and leave the air inlets open to prevent rust.” Budget for having the chimney cleaned at least once a year.

By Katherine Sorrell

Never been to Elite before?

Elite Studios is your leading dance and fitness centre in the heart of Mynydd Isa, Flintshire, with a unique offering of dance and fitness classes in a fully functional studio We're ready to swing our doors open and welcome some new members this new year.

Come on down during our Open Week, where non-members are entitled to 3 FREE taster sessions and if you sign up, you will receive two months for the price of one! Use the link at the bottom of this flyer to redeem your free classes or call by calling 01352 879550 and quoting Flintshire Connects.

Already a member?

Members can grab 1 free taster session, and unlimited members will receive a free fitness review or consultation!

5 classes pm: £23.00

10 classes pm: £34 00

15 classes a month: £42.00

Unlimited Off Peak: £41 00

Unlimited: was £52.00

Walking holidays are a fantastic opportunity to venture off the beaten track and see a different side to the country you’re visiting.

But with so many to choose from, where do you start? From world famous pilgrimages to secluded alpine mountain trails, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best walking holiday destinations in Europe, so you can start planning your next adventure.

Albania

Albania

Mountains make up 70% of the terrain here, so it’s no surprise that they form the basis for most of the walking tours. Book a tour within the Albanian Alps to discover towering waterfalls, meadows of wildflowers and charming mountain villages, or soak up the coastal charms of the ‘Albanian Riviera’ – home to some of Europe’s best beaches.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

If you’re looking for drop-dead gorgeous scenery, a combination of sun, sea and sand, and an endless number of trails to choose from, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is the answer to all your prayers.

Covering a stretch of coastline from Punta Campanella to Salerno, the trails here are truly out of this world. Carved out by Greek settlers as early as the eighth century BC, the mythical Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods) is perhaps the coastline’s most famous. You’ll truly feel as though you’re walking in the heavens as you explore this sky-high coastal path, drinking in the far-reaching ocean views.

Camino de Santiago, Spain

Culminating in a visit to the spectacular Santiago Cathedral, this 155km pilgrimage in northern Spain is a journey of holy significance that dates back over 1,000 years. Travelling through undulating countryside, rural farmland and medieval villages, what makes the Camino so popular is that you can walk as much or as little as you like. Spend a month walking from St Jean Pied de Port, or just a few days trekking the final stretch. If you commit to walking the last 100km, you’ll even receive your very own Compostela pilgrim certificate.

Madeira, Portugal

Hiking Madeira’s levadas is an experience not to be missed. These irrigation canals were built to bring water from the northern slopes to the south side of the island. Although still in use, they now have another purpose, giving hikers a way to explore the island’s secret interior and dramatic landscapes. With more than 2,000km to explore at heights reaching 1,861m, this Portuguese island has trails to suit all experience levels. If you’re up for a challenge, why not take on the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo?

La Gomera, Canary Islands

The Canary Island that time forgot, La Gomera is shaped by cloud forests, steep-sided valleys and ancient hiking paths – the most famous of which wind their way through Garajonay National Park. Ascend to the summit of Garajonay, the highest point on the island, or follow the island’s network of stunning footpaths and historic mule trails.

Around 25% of the flora and fauna are endemic to the island, but what makes La Gomera all the more fascinating is its 500-year old whistling language, ‘el silbo gomero’.

is an overlooked corner of Europe that’s perfect for escaping the typical tourist trails.

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Perfect Parenting?

Our pursuit of perfect parenting is one that never ends, but can some answers be found in a bevy of scientific research studies?

We’ve outlined the findings from six leading research papers:

1. Parents are happier than non-parents

Here’s one for us, the parents, to start with. It’s a statement that should restore your faith, endorse the incredible and often selfless things you do every day, and provide you with the sort of shot in the arm we all need from time to time.

Studies have found that parents derive more pleasure from life than non-parents, with fathers, in particular, experiencing high levels of positive emotions.

2. Emotional expression in children is good

It’s obvious when you think about it, but parenting that encourages children to speak up about their emotions generally results in happier offspring who are more equipped to deal with the world’s challenges.

There has been a notable acceleration in mindfulness studies in schools over the past few decades, with the old expression that ‘children should be seen and not heard’ consigned to the vault of outdated values that failed to empower our youngsters in the way they deserve.

3. Helicopter parenting is bad

It’s always tempting to want to oversee every element of our

children’s lives – sometimes out of concern, other times because we are so enchanted by them.

However, various studies have shown how ‘helicopter parenting’, as it is known, restricts the competence, autonomy and confidence of children, who feel maladjusted and exposed when they go out into the big wide world.

4. Regular bedtimes are essential

Research shows that between the ages of three and seven, children who have irregular bedtimes typically achieve lower scores in spatial awareness.

It is believed that a set sleep routine cements processes, presence and cognitive performance.

5. Doing household jobs together is valuable

The typical division of labour between co-habiting parents when it comes to jobs around the house is one that, research

shows, provides a positive image for children.

Indeed, involving young people in this not only brings about emotional maturity in terms of understanding the mechanics of a household, but also builds important early notions of fairness and teamwork.

6. Intense parenting is bad for you

To conclude, research that shows we must parent in a way that protects and consolidates our own mental health, rather than just looking to construct around our children’s lives.

Parents who don’t allow themselves to unwind and recalibrate will typically be more likely to experience depression, and have less satisfaction with life.

Research studies referenced: One, Nelson et al 2013; Two, McKee et al 2019: Three, Scriffin et al 2013; Four, Kelly et al 2013; Five, Galovan et al 2013; Six, Rizzo et al 2012.

It’s cold and dark, and most of us are trying to tighten already tight belts. So this month, we’re focusing on little pick-me-ups to lighten the grey days.

Time to breathe

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to ease stress and anxiety, boost energy and aid sleep. You can buy ready-made blends or make your own. For uplifting scents, try blending lemon, sweet orange and cedarwood, or sweet orange and bergamot. For stress-relief, blend neroli with a few drops of bergamot and clary sage, or neroli with ylang ylang and lavender. Need a restful scent to help you sleep? You can’t beat lavender. If you find it too strong on its own, combine it with vetiver and camomile.

Time to focus

Try combining mindfulness with your daily skincare routine. Put some calming music on. Slow down and focus on the sensation of cleansing and moisturising. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Appreciate the fragrance of any scented products. Consciously unclench your jaw and relax your muscles.

Time to move

Numerous studies have shown what most of us already know – time in nature is hugely beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. It’s hard to drag yourself outside when the weather is miserable, but you will feel better for it. Try to take at least a short walk outside every day. Ideally, aim for the morning, as that supports your natural circadian rhythm so can help you sleep better. If you live in a town or city, make time to be in nature at least once a week, whether you head to the woods, a beach, a riverside path or just your local park.

Time to treat

Why not make a home-made bath oil? Just add forty drops of your chosen essential oils to half a cup of a base oil, such as olive, jojoba, apricot kernel, grapeseed or sweet almond. You can use the oil straight away, but the aroma will get stronger if you leave it to sit for a couple of weeks. Just store it somewhere dark, like a cupboard. Add a tablespoon of the oil to your bath while the water is running to release the scent and leave your skin soft and smooth.

Little luxuries boost our spirits, and they don’t need to be expensive. Ideally, choose something you’ll appreciate every day. A new nail polish is a good choice. Leighton Denny’s are easy to apply and stay chip-free for ages. Plus, they’re vegan and free from formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals. Jungle Juice is a gorgeous rich plum that really ‘pops’ (£12.50, www.leightondenny.com).

Hand creams, fragranced shower gels and lipsticks also make ideal little luxuries. Why not team up with a friend to gift each other one small treat a month? You could set a budget of £10 or less, and some treats could be homemade or free.

Beautiful bloomers and bark

The shortest day has passed, so don’t assume that everything in the soil is dormant. Winters are generally warmer than they used to be and you will find glorious snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses, tiny irises and even early narcissi. These are plants with short stems, protecting their flowers from chilling winds. Look above the ground level and you’ll be delighted to find winter honeysuckle, Viburnum bodnantense and witch hazel with its spidery flowers, all blooming in January. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a heavenly intake of sweet fragrance. It’s also the very best time of year to appreciate tree bark. You need look no further than the popular cherry family to find one of the best displays imaginable. Prunus serrula, or the ‘birch-barked cherry’, looks as if it is on fire during winter when its horizontally striped, mahogany-red bark shines like a beacon. Notice, also, beautiful members of the silver birch family with stunning white stems. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii and various cultivars provide ghostly, atmospheric charm. Some people actually wash the bark in order to obtain the best display. Not only are birch trees the source for traditional witches’ brooms, but bark oil can be used to treat skin conditions.

Acer griseum, the paperbark maple, is also showing its true splendour this month. The cinnamon-coloured bark peels, or exfoliates, as it grows. The thin, papery layers shed to reveal smooth, orange bark underneath. This winter interest is highlighted at a time of year when there is little undergrowth competing for attention.

By Katherine Sorrell

Protect tender plants

We all know that January weather can bring snow, heavy frosts, rain, strong winds and very low temperatures. Tender garden specimens will therefore benefit from protection. It’s often the chilling winds that do the most damage. If you wrap horticultural fleece around their shivering forms, it will help to prevent serious damage. Shake off snow from limbs of shrubs and trees in order to release the heavy burden. You will notice the shape begins to splay as the boughs bend, and this is the moment to act.

There are few plants than can tolerate vigorous pruning at this point in the year, so leave the matted hydrangeas and fuchsias but turn instead to the tough climbing roses, wisteria and definitely the grape or ornamental vine such as Vitis coignetiae. All new vine growth can be cut back to within two buds of the main woody framework from which it sprouted. You can be pretty ruthless – it will be sprouting again as soon as the sap starts rising.

Longer days

Rumour has it that January 12th is the magical date when the day length becomes noticeably longer and outdoor plants soon recognise the subtle change. Nature’s force is truly remarkable and it seems that however cold above the soil, there are always things happening beneath. Most plants are poised ready for action, their buds just awaiting a silent signal before a new dawn.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Tibetan cherry, Prunus serrula

Betula jacquemontii, equally as impressive in summer or winter

What

• Plastering, Dry-lining or Brickwork?

• Roofing, Guttering or Fascia’s?

• Chimney repointing and capping?

• Fencing, Groundwork and Drainage?

• Fibre glass Flat Roofing?

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

Serves 4

Cooking time low 6-7 hours, high 4½-5½ hours

Ingredients

• 30g dried porcini mushrooms

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped

• 1 celery stick, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, finely diced

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped

• 380g chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped

• 150ml red wine or extra hot stock

• About 300ml hot vegetable stock

• 160g brown lentils, rinsed

• 400g passata

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp yeast extract or brown barley miso

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve

• Cooked tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta

• Grated vegetarian Parmesan (optional)

• Freshly chopped basil

Cost-effective cooking Recipe extracted from Healthy Vegetarian & Vegan Slow Cooker by Nicola Graimes, published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £16.99, with photography by Kate Whitaker © Ryland Peters & Small.

Method

1. Put the dried porcini in a heatproof bowl and pour over enough just-boiled water to cover. Leave to rehydrate for 30 minutes. Strain the mushrooms over a bowl with a slotted spoon and squeeze out any excess liquid. Finely chop the porcini and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and fry the onion, celery and carrot for 5 minutes, until starting to soften. Add the garlic, rehydrated porcini and chestnut mushrooms and cook, stirring often, for another 5 minutes, until softened.

3. Pour the red wine into the pan, if using, and allow to boil until reduced and there is no aroma of alcohol – alternatively leave this step out and increase the quantity of hot stock.

4. Pour enough hot stock into the jug containing the porcini soaking liquor to make 500ml. Add to the slow cooker pot with the lentils, passata and thyme and stir until combined. Add the mushroom mixture and bay leaves. Cover and cook for 6-7 hours on low or 4½-5½ hours on high. Just before the ragu is ready, stir in the yeast extract or miso and season with salt and pepper to taste, then leave to rest for 5 minutes.

5. Serve spooned over pasta, adding a ladleful of the pasta cooking water to the ragu, topped with grated vegetarian Parmesan and chopped basil, if you like.

This ‘Veganuary’, why not whip up meat-free meals in a slow cooker – a convenient and economical way to cook healthy, delicious meals without having to spend extra time in the kitchen?

What’s On plus Local 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, 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 treasurer, Richard Rowley, tel. 0l352 756835.

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 January the 19th 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. bowelcancersupport.co.uk All will be made very welcome

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

Mold Choral Society

Are you looking for something to be involved in and to meet new friends? Do you enjoy singing? Mold Choral Society have been singing since 1969 and are back with a great programme for 22/23. We are one of the biggest mixed voice choirs in Flintshire and sing in both English and Welsh. We meet in St Davids Church Hall on Wednesdays between 7.30 and 9.30pm. Please come and join us, you will receive a very warm welcome. For more information contact Gail Roberts on 07827 968 707 or email:- gail13.roberts@gmail.com

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.

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

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

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.

Chatterboxes Communication Support Group

Struggling with getting your message across? Chatterboxes is here to help. We are a communication support group, part of the Stroke Group Network. We are run by enthusiastic volunteers who encourage interaction through a variety of activities. We meet every Monday from 10.30 to 12.30 in the church hall of Our lady of the Rosary in Buckley. A warm welcome plus tea/coffee and biscuits guaranteed! For more information, please contact Kate - tel: 01824 750713

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.

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. are meeting again 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

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.