LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A
s always, readers, we’ve been delighted to receive so many letters from you. Thank you for getting in touch and letting us know about the things that are important to you. We’re always touched when you share your stories and experiences, and we know other readers like to know what’s been happening too. We’ve printed a few here but do keep them coming – and if you can include a photo, so much the better. Whatever you
want to send or share with us, get in touch at editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk We have a supply of previous issues we’re happy to send out too. Let us know if you’ve missed an issue and we’ll pop it in the post – just send an sae for £1.60 to Shire Magazine, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR. Even better, subscribe to the magazine so you never miss a copy of again! See page 50 for details of how to do this. Meanwhile, keep writing, keep emailing – and keep reading!
Life-saving installation
Given the need for emergency defibrillators, I wanted to let your readers know that a new one has been installed on the Rhug Estate. The unit is located in the Farm Shop car park and is for everyone’s use if they should ever need it. Defibrillation in under five minutes in the event of cardiac arrest can produce survival rates as high as 50-70 percent. Ambulance Service staff can direct members of the public to the nearest defibrillator in an emergency. This new unit has been paid for by Lord Newborough. We are always grateful to those who care for their community by purchasing and managing the safety and maintenance of defibrillation units across Wales. These machines save lives. Tomos Hughes, on behalf of the Welsh Ambulance Service
Step in the right direction
Do any of your readers feel they might benefit from monthly Walk and Talk days, aimed at helping people to rebuild motivation following a physical or mental trauma? The free events Talk with people who understand are being organised by Shropshire charity Climbing Out, and are open to anyone aged 18 and over who has been through a mental or physical trauma. The pandemic has increased the need for our work and in 2021 alone we helped over 100 individuals through a mix of outdoor activities, mental resilience coaching, teamwork, camaraderie, fresh air, fun and one-to-one support. Throughout 2022 we will hold one walk a month in Shropshire. I lead the group on a four-hour walk, at a pace achievable for everyone. Combining fresh air, exercise and the conversation of people with relatable experiences is a really good starting place to build confidence to move forward with more purpose and direction. We usually finish at a café for a brew and some cake! Upcoming dates are 31st March and 30th April. If you are interested in coming along email Jo at admin@climbing out.org.uk or fill in the form on the Walk and Talk page at climbingout.org.uk Kelda Wood, Climbing Out Charity founder Enjoy the fresh air and breathe!
READER F E E D B AC K I really enjoy your magazine, more so in these difficult times. It’s always full of good ideas and inspiration. Diane Robinson Tomos Hughes from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Lord Newborough with the defibrillator unit in the Rhug Estate Farm Shop car park
Front line to bass line?
Well done to all at Shire once again for a great winter edition. It brightened up a cold day reading your lovely mix of articles. Keep up the good work! Josh Symmonds
Thank you for my copy Wrexham Sounds music studio is of Shire Magazine that celebrating a new grant that will arrived in the post. It enable us to offer even more free has been a great help music lessons at our revamped base to have it delivered in the town’s former Vic Studios. as my mobility is not Since launching last summer, we’ve what it was. And thank made huge progress behind the scenes, you to the lovely lady forging new partnerships and securing on the phone who the services of talented freelance helped me organise it. musicians and tutors to deliver lessons Sheila Manfred and activities across the genres. Personal skills courses have already taken place with learners from Bryn Tirion Hall School in Caergwrle, and parent and toddler activities were well-received in the autumn. Now we’ve secured grant support from AVOW to deliver free music lessons to NHS front-line workers and carers, and from the WCVA Third Sector Relief Fund to enhance the services we can deliver to local organisations and families who refer children and young people to them. So much has happened in the last six months! We’ve had an incredible Wrexham, get ready to make some NOISE! response from the public, schools, local residents, charity organisations and supporters in the private and public sectors. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we are all confident that when the time is right and it is safe to ‘go live’, the studio will be a hive of activity, bringing together children and young people from across North Wales and beyond to experience the amazing opportunities we offer here. Not least of which are our brilliant tutors and mentors, who will no doubt make a big impact on their lives through music. To register your interest in lessons, visit www.wrexhamsounds.org Olivia Gallagher, General Manager, Wrexham Sounds
March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 137
