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your life, your home, your community. Happy New Year. In true January style despite New Years Day being over a week ago, it feels so much longer. You think time would fly by returning to work after nearly 2 weeks off, but somehow it just doesn’t in January. I’m sure it would at any other time of year. I don’t know about you but it’s like waking up after a long sleep having time off over Christmas and trying to get back into work mode, well for those of us that are fortunate enough to get time off that is. I’m aware for some of us this is a busy time of year, particularly for retailers and the hospitality industry, and I’m sure our local pub and hotel owners are shattered after the Christmas period. Anyway I hope you’ve all had a lovely Christmas and New year and had some quality time with your families. Mind you the flooding and rain I’m sure has had us all on edge, particularly those of you in Bangor on Dee who seem to cop for it worse of all in the Wrexham area. The road closures, flooded fields, and the poor woman trapped in her car nearby on the A525 just before Christmas wasn’t quite the run up to Christmas we would
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like to see. The lady had to be rescued by firefighters in a boat but is absolutely fine I’m pleased to say. As I type there are no local flood warnings in place but I’m so shocked by the recent devastation and how wet the year has been. The straight mile and the slip road leading to the old bridge in Bangor-on-Dee were both closed by Wrexham Council due to the flooding, and the A525 through Bangor-on-Dee was closed after flood waters spread. Some 437 households received a call from the Environment Agency in the early hours of the morning warning them their properties could be at risk, with the opinion “The river hasn’t been this high since 2000 when residents were evacuated’. If you have any flood related stories, images, or advice you would like to share please feel free to get in touch with them. Let’s hope 2013 is a drier year and we won’t have to put waders or wellies on our Christmas lists!
All the best, Jill
Welsh Carvery every Sunday FROM ÂŁ9.95
Choose from a selection of succulent roasts, a tasty vegetarian option and a delicious fish course all served with the trimmings of course! Then what better way to relax in our peaceful setting with a good pudding and coffee to round off your day?
Make your way to The Inn at The Lanes this Sunday where you can really taste the difference! The Inn at The Lanes BEST WESTERN Cross Lanes Hotel Bangor Road, Cross Lanes, Wrexham LL13 0TF
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robbieburns Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 to William Burness, a poor tenant farmer, and Agnes Broun, Robert Burns was the eldest of seven. He spent his youth working his father’s farm, but in spite of his poverty he was extremely well read - at the insistence of his father, who employed a tutor for Robert and younger brother Gilbert. At 15 Robert was the principal worker on the farm and this prompted him to start writing in an attempt to find “some kind of counterpoise for his circumstances.” It was at this tender age that Burns penned his first verse, “My Handsome Nell”, which was an ode to the other subjects that dominated his life, namely scotch and women. When his father died in 1784, Robert and his brother became partners in the farm. However, Robert was more interested in the romantic nature of poetry than the arduous graft of ploughing and, having had some misadventures with the ladies (resulting in several illegitimate children, including twins to the woman who would become his wife, Jean Armour), he planned to escape to the safer, sunnier climes of the West Indies. But, at the point of abandoning farming, his first collection “Poems- Chiefly
in the Scottish Dialect Kilmarnock Edition”, was published and received much critical acclaim. In a matter of weeks he was transformed from local hero to a national celebrity, fussed over by the Edinburgh literati of the day, and Jean Armour’s father allowed her to marry him, now that he was no longer a lowly wordsmith. Alas, the trappings of fame did not bring fortune and he took up a job as an exciseman to supplement the meagre income. The last years of Burns’ life were devoted to penning great poetic masterpieces such as The Lea Rig, Tam O’Shanter and a Red, Red Rose. He died aged 37 of heart disease exacerbated by the hard manual work he undertook when he was young. His death occurred on the same day as his wife Jean gave birth to his last son, Maxwell. On the day of his burial more than 10,000 people came to watch and pay their respects. However, his popularity then was nothing compared to the heights it has reached since. On the anniversary of his birth, 25th January - Scots both at home and abroad celebrate Robert Burns with a supper, where they address the haggis, the ladies and whisky. A celebration which would undoubtedly make him proud.
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I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the best for 2013. I hope you all enjoyed the festive holidays. I am happy to say it was rather quiet over this period with no major issues which is good news. The Senior residents Christmas lunch was a great success once again which took place in December. A big thank you to everyone who was involved with this, giving up their time to help out, waiting on, cooking, washing and clearing up etc., especially to Dave Jones who is the main organiser and without him this wouldn’t take place. Feed back from the day is good as usual and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the lovely food and the afternoon in general. On a more serious note, it has been brought to my attention, yet again, regarding the dog fouling in Marchwiel. The pavements have been quite bad of late and this will not be tolerated, the Environmental Officers have been made aware and we will all be on the look out for the few irresponsible people (you know who you are), who let the side down by leaving the mess behind them. With regards to the parking problems on The Ridgeway during school times, I would like to bring to everyones attention that some of the residents have had white lines (H bars) painted outside their properties. 8
These are there for a reason and anyone who is seen parking on these lines will be prosecuted as they are a ‘NO PARKING’ zone. Please be aware of how and where you park/ leave your vehicle when collecting or dropping off the children to and from school. Whilst I appreciate we are all busy and rushing around, it only takes one small incident to cause a massive problem or an accident, so please be vigilant and considerate at all times. Lynne
CONTACT NUMBERS PCSO 0151 Lynne Maurice Blackberry 07854 352 815
email: lynne.maurice@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
PCSO 2946 Stephen O’Connell Mobile 07854 352 601
Bronington, Sesswick & Marchwiel Rural Council Wards
PCSO 2940 Stuart Roberts Mobile 07791 278 740 Overton Police Station 01978 348 425 CALL 101 which is a 24 hour number for non emergency calls ie. Threatening and abusive behaviour, Drunk and rowdy groups, Drug related anti-social behaviour.
999 FOR EMERGENCY
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Happy Financial New Year Now that the last of the Christmas turkey has been finished off and we are into the New Year, it’s time to dust off the annual financial New Year resolutions to get our finances in good order for 2013. With prices going up and interest rates remaining low, it’s doubly important that we get the best value for all of our money this year. Below, I have outlined some areas that you should revisit at the beginning of the year to ensure that you are getting the best deal. Savings. Check those savings account rates with banks and building societies. Did they have an introductory rate to entice you in, and has that rate now finished? For example some are offering an instant access account paying a rate of around 2.00 % which includes a bonus for 12 months. Savers who leave their money in beyond 12 months will see their rate reduce to just over 0.52%. Does your account have a similar arrangement? Cash ISAs may have the same issue as mentioned above. Many people use Cash ISAs as long term investments. However, low interest rates mean that the returns do not justify tying up the capital. Currently you could have a 5 year fixed rate cash at 3% and with inflation at 3.2% (RPI October 2012 – ONS) means that in real terms this account is currently losing value. Consider the option of moving long term cash ISAs to investment linked ISAs as there is the potential to make a real return after inflation and all your ISAs can be in one place. However, this is not a decision to be made lightly, as although you can transfer a Cash ISA to a Stocks and Shares ISA, you cannot transfer a Stocks and Shares ISA to a Cash ISA and the security of capital associated with a Cash ISA does not apply to a Stocks and Shares ISA. The ISA allowance this year is £11,280 and
you have until April 5th to use this to make an investment. Pensions. How well are your current schemes performing? You should review the performance on a regular basis with your adviser. At the same time look again as to how much you are contributing, is it enough to provide a good income? Are you taking advantage of the tax relief available on pension savings? The deadline for making a contribution is April 5th, so make sure you have everything in place before then. Investments. Do they need reviewing? Is the performance respectable and does your portfolio need rebalancing? The key to decent investment performance is making sure your assets are held in the right areas at the right time. Has your portfolio become too concentrated in one asset class and increased the risk? If you have a mortgage are you on the best deal available to you? If you are paying the standard variable rate, should you switch to a fixed rate at very low levels now, to ensure that when rates eventually increase you will not be affected? There are some very good fixed rates available at the moment and it’s worth reviewing your rate with a mortgage adviser to ensure that you are on the best deal. The secret to making sure that your money is working hard is to keep on top of things, but in many cases we don’t have the time or the inclination to do so. This is where a relationship with a good Wealth Manager or Financial Adviser can be crucial to a happy financial new year. * source – Moneysupermarket.com
The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and with the exception of the ISA, are dependent on individual circumstances. Contributed by Warren Hadlow & Medwyn Edwards, Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited. Telephone: 0800 652 8175 – e-mail hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products
At Hadlow Edwards we offer a distinctive approach to our clients and their financial affairs. You get all the benefits of personal attention and years of experience, from an approachable, friendly team of professionals. We take care of the details and take away the frustration of financial planning.
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essential
gardening TOP OF THE LIST THIS MONTH Prune gooseberries and red and white currants. Aim to keep the centre of the bush open, with strong branches. Prune unproductive stems back to younger, more vigorous shoots. Remove weak growth and low horizontal branches that would easily bend to soil level under the weight of the crop. Remove about a third of the oldest stems of blackcurrants close to ground level. This will encourage productive new growth from the base. Store your seeds in a cool, dry place. Collected seeds and open packets (inset) are best stored in airtight containers. It can be helpful to use those moisture-absorbing sachets of silica that often come with mail order deliveries. Take stock of your vegetable seeds and check the sow-by dates. Some, such as lettuce and especially parsnips, deteriorate quickly and it is best to buy fresh seed every year. Order mail order herbaceous perennials in good time. This is a most economical way of buying choice plants, but the season ends in spring and demand can be high for the best plants. Next month is peak mulching time. Do this after any fertiliser applications to trees, shrubs and climbers. Order mulch material
and fertiliser now – if you shop around you can make significant savings. Christmas houseplants can bring vine weevil, mealybugs, leafhoppers, whitefly and other pests – examine these plants closely and treat as required. Take root cuttings of perennials of oriental poppies (Papaver orientale), verbascum, phlox, acanthus and eryngium. Check stakes of newly planted trees to ensure that high winds have not loosened the soil around the rootball. Adjust the tie or stake and firm the soil. Now would be good time to send garden machinery for servicing and tools for sharpening, to avoid the spring rush. Encourage amaryllis to reflower - Their striking, blowsy flowers make amaryllis (correct name Hippeastrum) a popular Christmas present. Given the right care, the bulb will charm you with its flowers year after year. After the plant has flowered don’t cut off the leaves, but continue watering, feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser and keep in good light indoors. You can move the pot outside during the summer, but protect from sun scorch, slugs and snails. Take care not to overwater: this can cause rotting of the roots and the base of the bulb.
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divorcemyths Myth: If a spouse has behaved badly or has had an affair, this will have an effect on how the family finances will be divided. Fact: Only in rare and extreme cases will a spouse’s marital behaviour affect the division of assets. In most cases it has no bearing on the court’s decisions. Myth: Long-term cohabiting couples have the same rights as married couples when they separate. Fact: Legally speaking, a cohabiting couple are treated very differently from a couple who are either married or in a civil partnership. Unlike married couples, partners in a cohabiting couple cannot bring claims against each other for assets such as property or maintenance payments. Myth: Pre-nuptial agreements in England and Wales are not worth the paper they are written on. Fact: Historically, pre-nups in England and Wales may have been persuasive in helping the court make a final decision regarding a financial settlement. Nevertheless, the court could also disregard the pre-nup if it considered the agreement to be unfair. This has led to the common view that pre-nups in England and Wales are rarely binding. However, a high profile case in 2010
(Radmacher v Granatino) which ultimately went to the Supreme Court, may now mean pre-nups have more weight. The Supreme Court highlighted that if the pre-nup was entered into under certain circumstances, it could indeed be considered fair. These circumstances included both parties entering into the agreement freely and that both parties also understood that the agreement was legally binding. That said, pre-nups are no more legally binding than they were prior to the Radmacher case, but they do have the potential to be more influential under the right circumstances. Myth: It is possible to get a ‘quickie divorce’ and be divorced in a few weeks. Fact: No matter what the media may report about ‘quickie divorces’ in England and Wales, for most people they do not exist. Typically the divorce process will take several months, with a required six week gap between the Decree Nisi and Decree Absolute before the divorce is formalised. Outside of the UK, there are some countries which allow speedier divorces, but the couple would need to have ties with one of those jurisdictions in order to get divorced abroad.
The Family Law Department atThe Thomas Andrews and Department Partners has a good Family Law reputation having runand very successfully for the at Thomas Andrews Partners has a good lastreputation 30 years and is run based experience having veryonsuccessfully forand the our approachability clients. We believe that last 30 years and istobased on experience and ourit is extremely important upthat a good approachability to clients. to Webuild believe it is relationship with our clients our motto is extremely important to build up aand good relationship
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PLASTERING CONTRACTOR M.T. Proudlove
I’m writing in reference to the article titled Suffering from poor pension performance in the October issue of Essentiallyours.
ALL ASPECTS OF PLASTERWORK • DRY LINING In the article I identified many • SKIMMING benefits of moving ones pension • RENDERING to a self-Invested Personal Pension • TILING (a Self-Invested Personal Pension) a Pension Today’s investment world is a very volatile highlighting the benefits of doing
G FROM POOR PENSION PERFORMANCE?
lution!
who want to e disillusioned place and, following the banking crisis of made for the 21st Century. so. In reflection I feel the article was d the so called This• is a plan into which you can invest in 2008, positive returns on your pension Free estimates Reliable local resident estments and investments are becoming increasingly sided, neither illustrating some an array of alternative approved productsone ve that can be to find. Massive changes are a including farmland, hotel rooms, studentof difficult the drawbacks of establishing being made in Europe which will affect all accommodation green oil, overseas property,SIPP or detailing the benefits of a , after reading gold, car parks and much more. The benefit of us in years to come. Who knows where traditional pension. we will be in 10 or 20 yearsFor time? example ent 10 years to you is that the majority of these products The Holding Brynhovah, Bangor-on-Dee Road ot going to be traditional offer many Take actionpensions now and call Jon the on 0844 give fixed market beating returns. Overton-on-Dee LL13 ODA ke care of my 800 6661 for an informal chat on howfor benefits when investing SIPPS were introduced in 1989 and since thentaxable diate action. you could boost the performance of we have seen over £75 Billion transferredones retirement. d my annual from traditional pension funds by over your pension. Alternatively register on our website www.ipsbmv.com & we shall taken annual 600,000 investors to this modern approach.We should also note that a SIPP is for y pension was A SIPP offers you many of the same benefits contact you directly to discuss the options people who take a keen interest in ere just had to offered by a traditional pension and regulated available to you. investing, are aware that investments Ltd can provide a FREE in a similar way. However, additional benefits In addition, IPS reviewas which willup enable to a include: – canpension go down well andyou take native options see the performance of your over d to property, • Freedom and flexibility to take controlproactive interest in the pension investments the past 5 years and how much this will d that tangible personally they make for their retirement plan. mean to you upon retirement. hing linked to • Improved cash flow – you can contribute I going to be Ainge •Director Managing Director • IPS Ltd what you want when you want JonJonAinge, sts that I had • Inheritance – it is easier to pass your inheritance to your heirs ever made as • Value – Reduced annual costs to traditional f my future & pension schemes How many of us know exactly what is in our more uncertain pension or where it is invested? by the financial How much will you have when you retire and the so called can retirement actually be afforded? 28 Bridgeway Centre Many of the schemes offered by IPS Ltd will y know better, Wrexham Industrial Estate give you a fixed return and all offer a simple n feeling our Wrexham • LL13 9QS way of tracking your pension’s performance. y. Many of us 0844 800 6661 eving there is Do you really see any sense in having your e: info@ipsbmv.com tional pension retirement plans invested in funds linked w: www.ipsbmv.vom ollow. to the stock markets or managed by a fund manager you do not even know? e called a SIPP
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At the heart of local conservation Wildbanks Conservation is run by husband and wife team Mick and Clare Smith who moved to the Old Smithy in Overton in March, expanding their business from its roots in Holmfirth in West Yorkshire and returning to North Wales where Clare grew up. We are enjoying discovering our garden finding beautiful lilies and rambling roses which stand as testament to the green fingers of the Smithy’s former owner, George Misal. Back in the summer, you may have noticed our roadside mini-meadow of Cornflower, Poppy and Corn Chamomile which we sowed to help attract pollinators into our garden and help our vegetable plot flourish! Wildflower meadows are something we enjoy establishing and we have created a variety over the six years our business, Wildbanks Conservation, has been growing. We have been working in conservation for over 10years, since meeting as volunteers for the Flintshire Countryside Service. We specialise in Countryside Management and Environmental Education, delivering all kinds of projects, from
woodland management, hedge laying, pond creation to installing boardwalks and footpaths. A large part of our work involves helping schools improve their grounds for outdoor learning. We have worked with many schools securing grants to pay for projects such as outdoor classrooms, learning zones, nature trails, dipping platforms and much more. Working with the pupils from the design stage right through to the build is very satisfying. We take great pleasure in creating something which so many children will benefit from and at only a fraction of the cost to the school. We hope to help schools and community groups in the local area so if you have a project, or a dream of transforming a green space into a wildlife haven at home or in the community we may be able to help. See our website for further details.
Tel: 01978 710786 info@wildbanksconservation.com www.wildbanksconservation.com
Wildbanks Conservation Countryside Management
Environmental Education
Ecological Consultancy
Delivering cost effective habitat and land management projects Improving school grounds for outdoor learning
01978 710786
Overton-on-Dee
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Specialists in securing grants for schools
celebrating
30 YEARS IN BUSINESS
You’ll find us in the heart of Overton-on-Dee where our pub is truly a part of the community
MIDWEEK CARVERY Every Wednesday 6pm - 9pm
SUNDAY CARVERY LUNCH 12 - 3PM
Cosy homely atmosphere with our newly installed log burners
www.thewhitehorseoverton.co.uk
Tel: 01978 710111
Extensive ranges in beautiful kitchen, bedroom and office furniture. All manufactured and installed by our own highly skilled craftsmen. Free no pressure, no obligation consultations with Jane, our lady proprietor. Superb Value For Money
Tel: 01978 265381 Mobile: 07802 606352 www.reflections-wrexham.co.uk
Unit 2, Fairfield, Barkers Lane, Borras LL13 9TP Showroom open Monday - Friday 9am - 4.30pm with evenings and weekends by appointment.
We offer storage solutions for your caravan, motorhome or boat. At Clwyd Storage Limited we offer a cost effective, secure and friendly service. Call us on 01978 354 454 or visit our website for more information www.clwydstorage.co.uk. Storage for caravans, motorhomes & boats Great location for touring Less than 1 miles from Jct 6 on A483 24hr recorded CCTV • Locked facilities Jet-wash bay • Easily accessible storage Leave your car when using motorhome
t: 01978 354 454 • clwydstorage.co.uk
essential
recipe
Smoky fish & potato layer SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 455g (1lb) smoked cod, haddock or whiting fillets, skinned and cubed 30g (1oz) butter or margarine 1 Onion, finely chopped 1 Clove garlic, crushed 30g (1oz) flour 300ml (10fl oz) milk 55g (2oz) grated cheese 2 Large courgettes, sliced 680g (1lb 8oz) sweet potatoes or home-grown potatoes, peeled, sliced and par-boiled METHOD Preheat the oven to 200째C/400째F, Gas Mark 6 Melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, remove from the heat and gradually add the milk. Return to the heat and cook, stirring until the sauce is thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in half the cheese and all the fish. Arrange half the courgettes and potatoes in a layer onto the base of a shallow ovenproof dish. Spoon over the fish mixture. Top with the remaining courgettes and potatoes, sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes and serve with seasonal vegetables.
♦ MOT’s ♦ Repairs ♦ Service ♦ Tyres ♦ Exhausts ♦ Recovery ♦ Bosch Trained Technicians ♦ Courtesy Cars Available ♦ Specialists in the supply of low mileage vehicles up to three years old Knolton, Nr. Overton on Dee Wrexham LL13 0LE
Multi Make servicing and repairs at competitive rates. Ford • Nissan • Volkswagen Skoda • Vauxhall • Renault Peugeot • Citroen New & Used Car Sales
We can find the make and model you require Four Wheel Laser Alignment The Trotting Mare Garage is a small family run business with a large stock of quality used cars. All cars are sold with warranties, MOT’s and service and we believe that our after sales service is unrivalled. As a small business we will take the time to make sure that you make the right choice and if you require something specific we will make every effort to match your needs no pressure, just good honest advice.
Tel or Fax : 01978 710 435
www.trottingmaregarage.co.uk
Our commitment is to provide fresh fish and game of the utmost quality and freshness as well as friendly and professional advice on the preparation and cooking of our products
LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
OFFay 10% y & Wednesd
Tuesda in store only
Free parking and easy pick up available right outside our shop in Wrexham HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS
www.timsforfish.co.uk 01978 261 227 36 St. George’s Crescent, Eagles Meadow, Wrexham
we put customers first using traditional values in a modern way It’s over twenty years since Camgas started supplying LP Gas (Propane and Butane) in cylinders and tanks, direct to domestic customers. We cut out the middle-man to ensure consistent, competitive prices delivered promptly whatever the weather and installed by our local, friendly and competent staff. Our family run business philosophy is simple - we put customers first using traditional values in a modern way. There are no automated consumer unfriendly telephone systems that keep you waiting, listening to adverts etc. Camgas staff are ready to answer your questions and take your orders.
Whether you need portable gas bottles to fuel your BBQ, patio or mobile heater, Camgas are able to fulfil your cylinder requirements. For central heating, cooking and water heating there are large Propane gas cylinders or a selection of Propane tank sizes to suit your requirements. Domestic bulk tank users are now able to switch suppliers without moving the existing propane tank. It’s a simple procedure, taking 28-42 days, providing you are out of contract. Camgas staff can talk you through the procedure, send out further information and arrange visits.
Chester 01244 520551 Wrexham 01978 752843 www.camgas.co.uk Get ready for Winter with Camgas, your local gas company. We supply Bottled & Bulk Gas for: Central Heating Mobile Heaters
Patio Heaters & BBQ’s Autogas
New year - fresh new home £20 OFF CLEANING On production of this advert Min charge £50 • Valid until Feb 14th 2013
CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICE Has it been 12 months or longer since you last cleaned your carpets or upholstery? THE MOST THOROUGH CLEANING YOU’VE EVER SEEN OR IT’S FREE That’s right, the most thorough cleaning ever. If you’re not 100% delighted with my carpet & upholstery cleaning service, I’ll quickly return and give you a free re-clean. If I still can’t make you happy - for whatever reason - I’ll refund your money 100% - What could be fairer?
100% NO-RISK IRON CLAD GUARANTEE What does this mean? Simply this: If you’re not totally happy with my work, I’ll reclean the area for free. If you’re still not satisfied, I’ll give you your money back.
CALL 0800 695 1352 FREE CONSUMER INFO-LINE 24HR RECORDING HOW TO CHOOSE A CARPET CLEANER
01978 798016 CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION
Housing development takes on local apprentices A major new housing development in Wrexham is already reaping employment rewards in the town. A local building firm has just taken on eight new apprentices to learn their trade on Anwyl Construction’s £13 million contract to build 127 new homes on two sites in Wrexham for leading social housing landlord Wales & West Housing and Wrexham County Borough Council. Bricklaying specialist sub-contractors Alan Davies and Sons will be doing much of the work on the two sites on Kingsmills Road and Rivulet Road and they have already recruited the apprentices. Four, who come from Yale College’s Faculty of Construction and Engineering in Bersham Road, will be trained as bricklayers while the remaining four, from Caia Park will be on general building duties with the opportunity to move on to specialist apprenticeships. Iain Murray, Construction Manager for awardwinning builders Anwyls, said: “It was always our intention to ensure that this major contract should bring benefits to the local area and we’re delighted that this is already happening. “It was important to us that this project provided training opportunities and that was one of the reasons why Alan Davies was successful at the Meet The Contractor event we held in June. Alan Davies, 63, learned his trade as an apprentice bricklayer in the old Llay Main colliery, building ventilation shafts and bricking up old mine workings and he said: “I’ve always been keen to have apprentices and we always use Yale College. “I would think almost every bricklayer in the town has worked for me at some time and a lot of them learned their trade with us. “We’ve taken on four from the college as
apprentice bricklayers and they will be with us four days a week and in college one day a week and the four from Caia Park will be on general building duties but if they impress us there will be apprenticeship opportunities for them too.” The twin developments are due to be completed by December 2013 with Rivulet Road seeing more than 35 houses and apartments built while a further 92 will be developed at Kingsmills Road. The apprentice recruitment has also been welcomed by Yale College’s Graham Evans, Director of the Faculty of Construction and Engineering, who said: “We’re delighted that four of our students have been taken on and we hope that as the job progresses we will also see opportunities for apprentice joiners, plasterers, electricians and plumbers. “This is the only significant building project locally and it is very encouraging that it is taking on young men from within the catchment area. To have four on one job is excellent and we’re over the moon about it.” Anwyl Construction Director Mathew Anwyl said: “We regard apprenticeships as vitally important to the future of the construction industry and we have close links with colleges such as Deeside and now Yale and the excellent training schemes they run.”
essentiallove Long before it was actually called Valentine’s Day, there was a good old pagan festival called Lupercalia. It was held in ancient Rome at the beginning of February to honour the god Pan and herald the arrival of Spring, and was associated with purification and fertility rituals. Sounds promising! During these rituals, goats and dogs were sacrificed, and young men were anointed with the blood. Then there was the usual feasting, raucous drinking, and so on, that we all know and love. Afterwards they had to run round and round the city slapping young women with strips of soggy goat flesh called Februa. Apparently this was welcomed as a blessing by the women as it was supposed to make them more fertile. Although the extra laundry probably wasn’t. Another cracking tradition: after they’d run out of slabs of dripping goat corpses, the names of all the young women in the city were placed into a giant urn. Each young
man in the neighbourhood waited in turn to take a random name out of the urn, and the couple would be paired up together for a year after a bit more feasting, eroticism, and sexual-game playing. This weird matchmaking often resulted in marriage. Valentine by name - The early Christians decided to put a stop to all this unbridled eroticism and overt sexuality, and changed the festival to one of romantic love. They grabbed hold of a fantastic public relations opportunity in the shape of Saint Valentine. The Catholic Church recognises at least three people called Valentine or Valentinus, who were martyred, so the Valentine story could be about any one of them, or indeed all of them. One legend says that Valentine was a priest or bishop who lived in third century Rome. Whatever your view on Valentine’s Day, past and present, don’t be caught out by forgetting your loved one!
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Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction.
Trade Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is ÂŁ20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.
Individual Membership*
Sign up for Membership with this advert and receive a FREE gift! Costco Chester only Valid until 31/03/13
The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is ÂŁ25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.
Join in the warehouse or online:
www.costco.co.uk For further information, please contact our Membership Team at Costco Chester on
01244 852 070 *
Membership Criteria applies. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.
Costco Chester Dunkirk Trading Estate Chester Gates Chester CH1 6LT T: 01244 852 070 E: marketing119@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk We are 2 minutes from Cheshire Oaks!
Sesswick Community Council Report of Sesswick Community Council meeting held on 26th November TRAFFIC • Graham Lloyd, Wrexham County Borough Council’s road safety officer, attended the meeting to address residents’ concerns over certain issues on Bedwell Road and Holt Road that have not improved since the opening of the new link road to the Industrial Estate. The county council had conducted a traffic survey in September, which showed there had been an 85% drop in vehicular movements on Bedwell Road since July. The average speed was recorded at 34mph, with only one car exceeding the 60 mph speed limit for the route. Residents present expressed their worries over excessive speed, along with the use of Bedwell road as a short- cut and Holt road by HGVs trying to access the Industrial Estate. Mr Lloyd stated it was not possible to remove the Bedwell Road signs from the new access road, neither was it permissible to close Bedwell Road to through traffic nor install traffic calming measures there. However, Mr Lloyd had been working closely with County Councillor Pritchard and other officers in Wrexham County Borough Council to try to ameliorate matters: • A temporary community speed sign should be erected on Bedwell Road for a two- tothree week period before Christmas to display vehicular speed and to discourage motorists from using the route • A review of signs on the A483 road will be carried out shortly, and it is planned to direct lorries away from Eyton (and therefore Cross Lanes) when going to the Industrial Estate
“Arrive Alive” vans and speed guns. At the moment, these devices cannot be used where national speed limits apply. • The weak bridge sign currently by the Coop shop will be brought closer to the cross roads, so HGV drivers will be warned before turning into Holt road. • A “No Sat- Nav” sign will be placed by the cross roads, to inform drivers to heed the signage to the Industrial Estate and not follow the directions given by their satellite navigation systems Residents were urged to strongly support efforts to obtain the reduced speed limit. Once in place, this will be crucial in targeting and prosecuting motorists who speed in Cross Lanes. BENEVOLENT CONTRIBUTIONS • £100 was donated to the Wrexham Citizens’ Advice Bureau. COMMEMORATIVE STONE • The community council has purchased a decorative stone in remembrance of the Jubilee year. This has been placed by the new roundabout opposite the entrance to the Cross Lanes Hotel. CLERK / OFFICER
RESPONSIBLE
FINANCIAL
There is a vacancy for the above role in the council. This is for an average of 3 hours a week, paying a minimum of £8 per hour (gross). Please email sesswicknews@aol.com for more information. PRECEPT LEVEL FOR 2013/ 2014
• Wrexham County Borough Council refuse lorries will be informed only to use Bedwell road for access and not as a through route
It was agreed to set the amount for next year at £1,500. This equates to a weekly cost of 9p for the average household
• An examination of speed limits will be taking place in April 2013. At this point, it seems very likely that a reduced limit will be applied to Cross Lanes sometime in 2013/ 2014. Once this is enacted, the authorities will then be empowered to enforce this new limit with
The next meeting will take place on Monday 21st January 2013. The agenda, time and venue will be displayed nearer the time on the council notice boars (one on Bedwell Crescent, one at the entrance to Nant Clwyd Park).
Discount applies to food only. Valid Mon - Thurs, Jan - Feb 2013. Excludes 14/02/13.
To make a booking call 01244 570 560 Please fill out the following section in order to redeem your discount Name Email
Please tick the box if you do not wish to receive offers from Ciro’s Brasserie via email . Your details will not be passed on to any third party.
Please bring this advert with you to receive your discount. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. One voucher only per transaction.
Ciro’s Brasserie at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Wrexham Rd, Pulford, Chester, Cheshire CH4 9DG www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk
yourmoney
Bob Dylan once wrote “Money doesn’t talk, it swears,”. Getting control over your finances will provide a passport to a speedy, stress-free year. However, gaining control is easier said than done. We’ve all seen the figures marking the increasing level of UK consumer indebtedness over the past year. When outgoings exceed income, debt is the only outcome. A survey earlier this year found that one in five people in the 18-29 age bracket is permanently overdrawn and one in three uses their overdraft to finance other debt. Every year the banks hoover up at least £40 million in penalty charges incurred by customers who breach current account and overdraft rules. But you don’t have to be a victim; instead take a few simple steps to minimise and eventually eradicate your overdraft and increase the amount of money you have ‘left’ each month. 1: ANALYSE YOUR EXPENDITURE Leaving aside the large monthly direct debits and standing orders, where can you make savings on the small stuff? Check bank statements to ensure you’re not still funding
long forgotten causes (eg associations, charities, societies) or subscribing to facilities you have ceased to use, such as gym memberships. 2: ITEMISE WEEKLY OUTGOINGS Note down every purchase you make - no matter how small. Budget food and drink at a sensible level. For instance, do you need a smoothie every day as part of your government-approved five portions of fruit and veg? A fresh apple or carrot would be a lot cheaper. Establish a weekly limit for such expenditure and pay with cash so that you can see the money disappearing. It is simple common sense; if you haven’t got the pure hard cash then you can’t spend it. 3: CREDIT AND STORE CARDS Read the small print, do the sums and understand the dangers of compound interest. If possible, switch your balances to a 0% interest deal, but note the increasing prevalence of upfront balance transfer fees and other conditions. Try to always make more than the monthly minimum repayment. Consider that a £1,000 balance at an APR of 14.9% would take 19 years and seven months to clear and cost £1,116 in interest if paid back at the minimum 2% level. Paying back at 3% each month brings the time down to 11 years and seven months, and the interest paid to £545.
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Offering a Professional Quality Service l Over 25 years experience l Central Heating PAInstallation UL NELSON l Energy Efficient System Upgrades Matsons Croft, Hollybush Lane l Boiler Installation l Bathroom Installations Penley, Wrexham, Clwyd LL13 0NF l System Powerflushing M. 07918 263 T. 01978 710 897 l Oil Tank631 Installation info@coppercroftltd.co.uk l FreeE.Estimates l AllW. Work Guaranteed www.coppercroftltd.co.uk C
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LEGAL, SAFE and PROVEN way to clear your credit card debt quickly. FYD helps you transfer your credit card debt to a company which takes it over. Answer a few key questions - and there is a good chance PAFYD U L can N Ehelp L S Oyou. N Call Eric now for a confidential chat on Matsons Croft, Hollybush Lane Penley, Wrexham, Clwyd LL13 0NF M. 07918 6312371 263 T. 01978 710LL11 897 0JZ FYD PO Box Wrexham E. info@coppercroftltd.co.uk freeyourdebt@hotmail.co.uk W. www.coppercroftltd.co.uk
07816 441 963
E. info@coppercroftltd.co.uk W. www.coppercroftltd.co.uk
Loft & barn conversions Roofing • Pointing • Walling Stonework • Decking • Repairs UPVC Windows doors facias & sofits Mini digger & driver
t: 01978 228107 m: 07968 237086 w: www.chbuildersltd.co.uk e: chbuilders1@btinternet.com
A message from Stephen O’Connell. This past month has seen flooding across north Wales. St Asaph and Ruthin saw the worst of the flooding, but we were also effected in Wrexham with the river Dee flooding a Bangor on Dee causing the closure of the A525 and the straight mile. It was a somewhat surreal sight to see the surrounding fields flooded and to have a strangely eerie quietness in Bangor on Dee due to the lack of traffic. The road closures and diversions were in place swiftly and effectively by Wrexham council and I’d like to thank those who abided by the temporary arrangements. However, many drivers thought they knew better and ignored the signs. Not only does this cause significant risk to themselves but also to others. On the night of the floods the fire brigade received a report of a car stuck in the water on the A525. An elderly lady had become stuck in the water up to here waist and was stranded there for 45 minutes before being rescued. During this time, I had to turn round several drivers coming from 32
the Wrexham direction who stupidly thought they knew better and were going to risk driving through the floods. If we are unfortunate to experience flooding again this winter, DO NOT ignore the closed roads signs! If you do drive past a road closure sign and get stuck in the water, not only will you be damaging your vehicle (possibly beyond repair) but you also may be committing a road traffic offence with the possibility of going to court. Please do not ignore the road signs.
CONTACT NUMBERS PCSO 0151 Lynne Maurice Blackberry 07854 352 815
email: lynne.maurice@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
PCSO 2946 Stephen O’Connell Mobile 07854 352 601
Bronington, Sesswick & Marchwiel Rural Council Wards
PCSO 2940 Stuart Roberts Mobile 07791 278 740 Overton Police Station 01978 348 425
32 for non emergency calls ie. CALL 101 which is a 24 hour number Threatening and abusive behaviour, Drunk and rowdy groups, Drug related anti-social behaviour. 999 FOR EMERGENCY
Trotting Mare Garage
• Business Accounts and Taxation • Self Assessment Tax Returns • Bookkeeping, VAT and Payroll • Construction Industry Scheme • Business Start Ups • Fees Fixed in advance • Meetings at home or your business premises
Professional
CAR VALETING NEW IN HOUSE SERVICE at Trotting Mare Garage
Call Shona Hambleton for a free initial discussion without obligation on
Knolton, Nr. Overton on Dee LL13 0LE
support@simplytaxandaccounts.co.uk • www.simplytaxandaccounts.co.uk
www.trottingmaregarage.co.uk
01978 310 600
Tel 01978 710 435
ALL MAJOR BRANDS STOCKED Axminster - Wilton - Gaskill - Westex Suppliers & Fitters Of Laminates - Vinyls - Carpet Tiles - Ceramics Natural Flooring - Large Selection of Rugs
WE NOW SELL BLINDS
as well as carpets! Suppliers & Fitters Of Rollers - Venetians - Verticals - Large selection of colours and styles - All at competitive prices
IF YOU CAN’T COME TO US WE WILL COME TO YOU WITH OUR HOME SELECT SERVICE
www.carpets2u.net • enquiries@carpets2u.net Behind Heart FM, Mold Rd, Gwersyllt
SOFT FURNISHINGS Made to order • Free quotes • Installation service Wide range of fabrics, poles and tracks available Vertical & roller blinds • Over 25yrs experience 1 HIGH STREET, ABOVE PICASSO HAIR SALON, BANGOR ON DEE
01978 781 079 • 0771 735 0931
essentialresolutions The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year. The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn’t begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had. The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one
on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus he could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year’s Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the god Janus became more common New Year’s gifts. In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year’s Day to December 25, the birth of Jesus. Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called the Annunciation. In the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII revised the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned to January 1.
10 MOST COMMON NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 1. Lose weight 2. Stop smoking 3. Stick to a budget 4. Save or earn more money 5. Find a better job 8
6. Become more organised 7. Exercise more 8. Be more patient with others 9. Eat better 10. Be a better person
Unit 4 Gardden Industrial Estate. Tatham Road. Ruabon.
UNBEATABLE PRICES & SERVICE Main dealer for Hankook tyres • All leading makes of tyres supplied • 4 x 4 specialist • Full range of exhausts • Batteries (3 year guarantee) • Tracking (free check) • Tyre repairs All our tyre prices include fitting, valve & balance
WE DO THE BUSINESS, BECAUSE WE KNOW THE BUSINESS www.johnstownruabontyres.co.uk 5% discount when spending over £60 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 8.30am - 4pm
01978 822702
Superior cleaning results on all ovens, agas, ranges and extractors • Professional steam cleaning of freezers and fridges • Intensive cleaning and sanitising of washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers • Microwave oven cleaning and sanitising • Commercial ranges, salamanders and extraction hoods • Commercial contract work undertaken for pubs, schools, nurseries, play barns, colleges and letting agents • Set prices including bulbs and filters • Fully insured and also qualified through TAAOC
Local family business focusing on reliability, trust, client satisfaction and repeat custom
Tel 01978 822 767
Mob 07896 275 888 www.wynnstaycleaning.co.uk
All Things Trees is one of only three Arboricultural Association approved contractors in North Wales. • Tree felling • Crown shaping, thinning and reduction • Pollarding • High hedge reduction • Insured to £5 million A competitive, high quality service from someone you can trust
Contact: Ian Atkinson
01978 852 520 07880 555 547
web: allthingstrees.co.uk email: ian@allthingstrees.co.uk
We can meet all of your electrical needs, such as larger projects like house rewires, new fuse boards or extensions, through to smaller jobs, even a single light fitting.
• Repairs • Installations • Additional sockets • Lighting • Rewires • Conversions • Alarms systems • Outdoor power • Testing & certification
TELEPHONE
01978 365680 MOBILE
07955 007633
www.rates-electrical.co.uk
Bangor and the Floods Contributed by Miss Viv Lavis-Jones
Smithy Cottage spring to mind.
For centuries Bangor has had to endure the problem of water overflowing from the river in times of heavy rain and, in the past centuries, certain places along the riverbank were often breeched, particularly opposite Maes-y-Groes and near Church Avenue and are mentioned in the Quarter Sessions Records. The bulwarks have always protected the village from the worst of the water thanks to the clay of which it is constructed that underlies Bangor. Many of the older residents take great delight in recounting tales of past floods to newcomers or visitors - of rising water marooning families in their upstairs rooms and of fresh food and water being conveyed to them in coracles and placed in baskets and hauled up by the waiting folk. The onset of the rising water was usually signalled by the milkman on his early morning round who saw the water creeping up the Graig lane and would spread the word to all the cottagers that the flood was coming. This would give them time to collect all their valuables and retreat upstairs. There was never any panic - it was just regarded as a cross they had to bear. In bad winters many houses had water coming in over the windowsills - Abbots Way and the Old 36
Brian Hamlington of Overton reminded me of the floods a few months ago when he regaled me with a tale from his first days as a plumber. It was in the days when he was working with Ian Woolley having not long completed his apprenticeship with his father, Jim Woolley.They used to do all the work for the council in the Hundred of Maelor. It was their responsibility to maintain the sewers and when flooding was imminent they would check the holding tank in the field between Abbots Way and Field Oaks. It is 30 to 40 feet deep and works on a ball valve system and when the sewerage reaches a certain level in the tank it pumps it all up to the Craig tanks. One day when they received a call that flooding was imminent and they made a series of regular checks. The first one, at about 6 o’clock in the morning, revealed no problems and no sign of flooding. The next time they went, about 2 hours later, they had to put on Wellingtons to reach the tanks. By 10 o’clock in the morning they had to don waders to undertake the inspection.At noon they were knocking on Clem Robinson’s door asking to borrow his canoe! That was how quickly the water could rise! The village has not flooded since the Dee Barrage Scheme was built in Bala in the early 1960’s, although water can collect in one or two places if leaves block the drains. Major strengthening of the riverbank with steel rods, backed by boulders, took place after the heavy rains of 2000 and the bulwarks were raised round to the Graig. So hopefully the danger of flooding is past.
Bangor on Dee Community Council Bangor Isycoed Community Council
Vacancy
Clerk to the council Applications are invited for the part-time position of clerk to Bangor on Dee / Bangor Isycoed Community Council. The position involves the administration and financial duties associated with the day to day responsibilities of a small community council. Hours of work will be subject to discussion – currently 5 hours per week. Based on the national joint council agreed scales for local government services. Previous experience and knowledge of local government and the role of the clerk at this level would be a distinct advantage, but not essential, as full training will be provided on a continuing basis. The successful applicant will have a sound educational background with good communication skills, excellent organisational ability, keyboard skills, be computer literate, self motivated and flexible. Applicants should send a covering letter and cv to: Mr Glyn Hughes, (Chair), Halghton Lodge, Whitchurch Rd, Bangor on Dee, Wrexham LL13 0BN Closing date Friday 25th January 2013
HIRE BOD Village Hall for details contact 01978 780622
OVERTON PLAYCENTRE
School Lane, Overton, Wrexham, LL13 0ES
Open Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm Including school holidays We can offer free funded Places to 3 and 4 year olds.
Your child could be entitled to 4 Free sessions per week With the early entitlement scheme. If your child has their 3rd birthday on or before the 8th January they will be eligible for a place with us As of January 2013 You could also qualify for assissted places for your children. For information on how to apply Contact us on 01978 710688 All our staff are qualified and CRB checked
Rainbow Centre - Penley
Luncheon Club
1st Thursday of the Month £5.50 for 2 courses and coffee 12 – 1pm £10.00 for 2 courses coffee and activities 10.30 – 3pm Booking essential Please register your interest by contacting Jane on 01948 830730 (Transport can be provided for an additional cost please ask for details)
Could you support a vulnerable adult from your own home? Do you have… Room to spare? Time to Share? Some people in our community need additional help and support in their daily lives because of learning or physical disabilities, mental health problems or being elderly. With your help, they could lead fulfilling and varied lifestyles. Do you have a spare room? Could you support someone in your own home? Could you include someone in your social network and leisure activities? Wrexham Shared Lives believe that people should be able to lead the lives that they want, whilst they receive the support that they require in the home of their choice. We arrange for people with additional support needs to have short breaks or live long term in the homes of carefully selected people called Shared Lives carers.
Wrexham Shared Lives Contact: Eleri Evans at eleri.evans@wrexham.gov.uk Tel: 01978 298419
“The most rewarding part of being a Shared Lives carer is seeing the change in the people that come to live with us. We have had adults come to us without any confidence. Some have spent much of their lives being over protected and it is lovely to see them become independent. Some people will then move on into their own homes.” Shared Lives carer
We would like to hear from you if:
You want to make a real difference to people’s lives You are enthusiastic and motivated You are positive and caring You are sensitive to people’s needs You can work to agreed plans You are looking for a flexible way to earn additional income
Experience in the care sector would be useful but it is not a requirement. Enthusiasm is just as valuable. In return, we will provide you with induction, training and support. You will also receive a weekly payment (includes a generous tax allowance).
Elderly, vulnerable, disabled or isolated local people During severe weather Social Services are particularly concerned about people who are vulnerable, elderly, disabled or who may be isolated and living alone. Members of the community are asked to let social services know if they are concerned about anybody as a result of the severe weather.
Social Services can be contacted on
01978 292066
Annual Race Night Royal British Legion, Gresford
Friday 22nd Feb - 7pm
This is an extremely popular and enjoyable night where you can not only go home winning but go home knowing that in so doing you have helped support our Armed Forces and their families. Everyone is welcome
Maelor Music Society
Chetham’s School Students
6th February Kosmos Ensemble Gypsy/Folk Music 27th February 2013 Maelor School, Penley. 7.30 pm Contact 01948 770633
Tallarn Green Chapel
Annual Quiz Night
at Tallarn Green Village Hall Friday 1st February 7.30pm Entry will cost £5 for adults and £3 for under-16's, which will include refreshments. The quiz master will be Brian Felstead from Ellesmere. Teams should have a maximum of 4 members. It would help with catering if people could let me know they are coming on 01948 830 249 or 07795 529 492
IMPORTANT NOTICE We endeavour for all events to be in date when you receive your magazine.
However, sometimes events will be imminent or have been and gone and this is because we haven’t been given enough notice to publicise the event, or have control over how soon you read the magazine, and of course some of you get the magazines before others due to volume of delivery. We still publish them for those people that read the magazine straight away and do so in the hope that a few people will be able to support the event and attend at short notice. A few extra people at a charitable cause makes a huge difference!
Rainbow Centre - Penley
Nordic Walking
We are a group that normally meets at the Penley Rainbow Centre we go on various walks with an option to finish with a coffee and a chat. If you would like to join our group please contact Rebecca or Jane on 01948 830730
Little Scholars Nursery, Glyndwr University Mold Road, Wrexham.
littlescholars@activechildcare.co.uk
01978 314912
CALL REBECCA OR CATRIN
FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY
tive re so crea a n e r d il h C tive that a in g a im d an ring you to they just b r again. life all ove y Moira Kell