Est. 2008
COED COED--Y-GLYN And District LIFE Your Community Magazine
Win in our competition! A meal for two and a bottle of wine at the Squire Yorke
Marketing your business In the local community Have you written a will? Read our legal Q&A
A Voice through the Decades ~ 70s
July 2011
PAGE 2
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
Find us on Facebook! facebook.com /communitymagazine Please mention Coed-y-Glyn & District life magazine when responding to any of the adverts in this magazine We have received no funding or grants with this magazine . Our advertisers ensure we can continue bringing your mag to your door. Advertise Your Business To advertise your business in Coed-y-Glyn & District Life email margot@coed-y-glyn.com or call 0770 7992387 for more information or visit www.coed-y-glyn.com
Get in touch Coed-y-Glyn & District Life PO Box 2339, Wrexham LL11 1AA
Telephone 0770 7992387 info@coed-y-glyn.com
Jane Redfern Jones (Editor & Content)
Margot Wicksted (Sales & Content)
“Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them down to your level. It’s cheaper.” Quentin Crisp Coed-y-Glyn & District Life is the community magazine for Coed-y-Glyn, Green Park, Maes Tomas, Longueville, Derwen Court, Howard’s Field, Hermitage Park, Erddig Road, The Ithens and local businesses. Distribution 600 copies plus internet. Established 2008. Disclaimer: The views in coed-y-glyn & District Life are not necessarily the views of the editorial team and businesses advertised are not in any way endorsed by us.
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 3
Editors Corner… The school holidays are nearly upon us and I have to admit I love having the children at home. There is so much to do and fun to be had. After enjoying the Llangollen Eisteddfod we are now looking forward to the Wrexham Eisteddfod, and also picnics, days in the park, meeting up with friends and so on. It’s not easy to work when you have two little children to entertain though, so I have to start my day at 5am and get a few hours in before they wake. In this month’s magazine we have a new business column. Many local businesses are struggling and we should support them whenever we can by buying local. It’s often easier to jump in the car and visit the out-of-town supermarkets but this has a knock on effect on our local stores which we will miss if they close. With so many empty shops already in Wrexham we really can’t afford to lose any more. What sort of impression are you giving your neighbours? Take a look at ‘What your garden says about you’ on page 9. Give those weeds an inch and they’ll take your yard... Have a good read, Jane Cover photograph of Nicola Roberts and daughter Rhiannon on the field off Sontley Road. Photo: Jane Redfern Jones. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this magazine, and to our team of delivery helpers. Please keep sending in your news, comments and pictures. We always love to hear from you.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
News
4
People
6
Voices Through the Decades
7
What your garden says about you
9
Business
10
Poetry
11
History
12
Law
14
A Walk on the Wild Side
16
Children
18
Events
24
The Last Word
27
PAGE 4
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
News...news...news... Spotted!
Right, Our cover stars this month are Nicky Roberts and daughter Rhiannon spotted rolling down the hill on the grassland off Sontley Road. Hermitage houses are in the background.
Road works A number of traffic restrictions will be in place throughout the National Eisteddfod ( 30 July— 6 August). The main one is on the A525 Ruthin Road, Wrexham, which will be one way from Berse Lane to Croesnewydd Road with traffic only allowed to travel towards Wrexham. Outbound traffic will be diCoed-y-Glyn & District Life verted via A5152 Victogoes digital! ria Road, A5152 Rhostyllen and A483 WrexYou can now read Coed-y-Glyn & District Life in ham by-pass. our new digital format. Visit our website at www.coed-y-glyn.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/community magazine for more information. Now you can easily share our little mag with friends and family!
Anniversary Celebrations Congratulations to Angela & Brian Gibson (left) of Coed-y-Nant who celebrated their Ruby Wedding Anniversay on the 19th June. The happy couple were married in Chester Register Office in 1971 and have been residents of Coed-y-Glyn since 1981. They have 2 daughters, 1 son and 5 grandsons.
Please mention Coed-yGlyn & District life when responding to any of the adverts In the magazine
Wrexham Chamber of Tourism & Trade Local businesses working together to promote Wrexham County and support local people and businesses. Email Nigel at Eyecatchercomm@aol.com for more information or call into HSBC Wrexham to join (ask for Louise Harper)
News
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 5
Going away on holiday? Get Help from your neighbours It’s a good idea to get help from your neighbours. You could ask them to collect post, sweep up leaves, mow the lawn, open and close curtains, and so on. They could even occasionally park their car on your driveway. Anything to make the place look lived in. You can repay the favour by doing the same for them. Warn your neighbour not to put your surname, address or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands. Let your neighbour know when you will be away and, if you can, give them details so that they can contact you, or someone who can act on your behalf, in an emergency. Is there a Neighbourhood Watch scheme where you live? Your local police will tell you if there is a scheme in your area or help you set one up. Or you can look on the internet at www.neighbourhoodwatch.uk.com. It could help you make your home more secure while you’re away, and has many other crime-prevention and community benefits.
Break-ins There have been some break-ins in our locality and the police are giving the following advice. If you see or hear anything suspicious please contact local police.
In an emergency always dial 999 For non-urgent matters requiring police assistance or to give us information contact 101.
Spotted!
Above Peter Lesley from Hermitage Park cycling through Howard’s Field on his way home from his allotment. Picture: Margot Wicksted
Also remember; Keep doors locked—even if you are home. Lock garages and sheds; Consider fitting a burgular alarm certified to BS EN 50131 and make use of it; Consider fitting window locks, especially on ground floor windows. Make sure your house keys and door keys are kept in a secure place, not visible through the letter box. Consider fitting external security lighting, remember to position the sensor and light to avoid ‘overspill’.
Voices through the decades GEORGE WOOD I have lived in Green Park for 30 years, retiring from my Management Consultancy business in 2002. I now get a great deal of satisfaction from a little part time work as a Driving Instructor. Margot asked ‚What’s your life like now that you are in your 70s?‛ I didn’t have to think long to conclude that my life is still very enjoyable and much better than the alternative. When I was a child my grandparents seemed very old and doddery. Personally I don’t feel very different now from 20 years back, except that I have had 2 worn out knees, replaced. Isn’t modern medicine wonderful!
people
reading the paper priming myself for my one answer, the final clue, in my wife’s daily crossword puzzle and smugly claim the victory. There is time for DIY and I like to be kept busy. My family can help on that score. ‚Dad, can you check my tyres and fix the heel on my shoe?‛ Free Driving lessons, for grandchildren, has boosted my popularity. It’s good to be wanted ! There is also some financial security! ‚Hey Dad, can you lend me £xxxx for a new car?‛ I have always been very competitive, I wouldn’t let my kids win at tiddley -winks. I am still the same and enjoy nothing more than a hard fought
Of course, there is a downside to ageing. I have always had memory lapses. Nowadays I come downstairs to pick up a letter only to forget why I am in the kitchen. Retracing my steps usually prompts the reminder. I need glasses for reading but 6 times a day I can’t find them and 7 times the case is missing. Am I the only one with this problem? A few months ago my wife complained, that the TV was always too loud and that I should be able to hear her giving me instructions from the garden through 2 rooms. I duly obtained a hearing aid which solved the TV problem but I am still struggling with understanding instructions from the boss. Is that selective hearing loss? There are benefits in being 3 score years and ten. Nowadays I only need about 7 hours sleep a night, probably because I nod off in 5 minutes flat in front of the TV. On balance though, I do have more waking hours. No longer do I try to cram every minute of every day. I can still do all the things I did when I was young, albeit a little slower. Time is not the enemy anymore. I have more time for hobbies, holidays and leisure. Gardening is a pleasure and not the once a week chore. Our dog gets her walk in Erddig every day. I can spend an hour each morning
game of tennis with a group of like minded coffin dodgers or exercising the grey cells in a game of bridge and a glass of wine with friends. Sometimes more wine than bridge. My parents both lived to a ripe old age with my mother reaching 101, so I have inherited the long life gene and currently enjoy excellent health. I have always had a very positive attitude which age has not diminished. I have warned my offspring that I intend to be a nuisance to them for many more years to come. There is an old saying, ‚A man is as old as the woman he feels‛. Oh dear, my wife Rona is in her 70’s too.
PAGE 7
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
PEOPLE The Corcerans Introducing our not quite so new residents and why they feel living in Coed-y-Glyn has the best of both worlds. John, Deborah, Robert and Rachael Corcoran moved to Ffordd Glyn back in July last year and can’t believe how lucky they are to live in such a wonderful place. ‚We should have moved here years ago‛, says Deborah who is still finding new paths to walk in beautiful Erddig. ‚We did look at moving back in 2005 when our son Robert joined St Joseph’s but we were very happy in Borras at the time so put a move off. ‚It is amazing to wake up in the morning and have the nature and woodlands on one side of the house and on the other to have wonderful neighbours and a sense of belonging and support. Deborah originates from Salisbury Road and says it is nice to come back to this side of town. ‚I certainly forgot how convenient it was and especially with the added advantage of being so near to school.‛ Robert has left school now and goes to Yale where he is doing A level Maths, Physics, English and Music as well as a Welsh Bacclaureate, but Rachael is currently in year 9 at St Joseph’s and will be starting her options in September. They love their new found freedom of being able to just go places without relying on us for lifts and it is so nice for them to enjoy the outdoors. John’s two brothers also live here on the Ithen’s estate so it is also nice to be near to family. Although we used to take great pleasure in going for bike rides or walks to Acton park, it just doesn’t compare to the natural beauty found here and after a long day working in our businesses, Carpets2u and C2U Blinds, (you’ve probably seen the van about the estate), it is really nice to look forward to going home and enjoying our wonderful surroundings whether it be a walk, a bike ride or just sitting in our garden taking in the beauty and wildlife. Many thanks to the Corcerans for sharing this—Margot. See ad on page 22.
ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY Help your local chari'tee' by signing up for the Nightingale House Hospice annual Wrexham Golf Day. Wednesday 20th July 2011, 8am-4pm, Wrexham Golf Club. Get your space before they all go! Call 01978 314 292.
competition
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 8
This month’s winner... WIN A MEAL FOR TWO and a bottle of
ther side.
wine in our Best Travelled Competition. This month’s winner of the Coed-y-Glyn & District Life Travelling Mag Competition is Will Jones from Ffordd Glyn, Coed-y-Glyn. This is Will’s story:
We then went on to Xian,once the capital of China where the main attraction is the Terracotta Army and the newly discovered Han Tombs with its miniature animals.On arrival in Xian we were given a warm welcome by locals dressed up in ancient costumes and given the freedom of the city and then a visit to the famous Goose Pagoda. Then on to Chengdu mainly to see the Giant Pandas Breeding Research station.
My wife Eiddwen and I returned recently from a three week visit to China and Hong Kong which involved, in all, nine flights, one five hour train journey and a four hour bus journey. We started off in Shanghai visiting the busy Nanjing Road with its ancient Wu Xing Ting tea house and the Ya Yuan Gardens and a visit to the beautiful Jade Buddha Temple and whilst we were there it was visited by a very important, high ranking, monk from Mongolia. Most of the old town has been replaced by modern office blocks and high rise buildings and then crossed the river to stroll along The Bund which is a riverside boulevard. The next morning, an early, 5 a.m. wake up call to travel by train to Suzhou which is situated on China's historic Grand canal and we visited two famous Gardens and a canal cruise which ran through the town with houses and shops on ei-
We then flew to Chongqing which has a staggering 32 million inhabitants, approximately half the UK population, where we embarked on a three day Yangtze cruise down to the newly built Three Gorges Dam and passed through the five locks. It was then on to Beijing where we saw the iconic Olympic buildings which include the Aquatics Centre ,better known as the Water Cube and the National Stadium,better known as the Bird's Nest. We visited the incredible Forbidden City home of the Imperial Palace with its 9999 rooms and moved on to the massive Tian an Men Square, the scene of the unknown man confronting the tank. We also visited the magnificent 800 year old Summer Palace. The next morning we travelled some 40 miles north of Beijing to Badeling to walk, or is it climb, The Great Wall which was built wide enough for five horsemen or ten soldiers to walk abreast and we managed to go up to the sixth building on the ramparts and at times it was like going up a ladder, it was so steep - a very fulfilling experience. The photo is of Eiddwen and I on part of the wall. We then flew on to cont
The Squire Yorke is offering 2 free desserts for Any entries sent in but not printed.
The Squire Yorke
- Your feedback could win you £1,000. Simply log on
to www.tellusandwin.co.uk and enter the following code 2408. cont… Hong Kong for five days, landing at the comparatively new airport on Lantau island. We stayed on Hong Kong Island but used the hop on hop off buses going around Hong Kong one day and Kowloon the next having crossed the water by the Star Ferry, which for Senior Citizens is free. On our last day we used the local trams which we rode for some two hours for the princely price of 1HK$ which is about eight pence, had lunch in Victoria Park and then a 13 hour flight to Heathrow.
How to enter To enter take our magazine on holiday or a day out and photograph it. You or someone else should be in it and a picture of a landmark needs to be recognisable. There is a Prize of a meal for two and a bottle of wine, donated by the Squire Yorke, for the best photograph printed. Send your entries to margot@coed-y-glyn.com or to the address on page 2. Our Travelling Mag Competition is open to everyone who has our magazine in their possession and not just residents of the District.
What your garden says about you... ‚Show me your garden and I shall tell you what you are. - Alfred Austin Have you ever glanced into someone’s garden and wondered what type of person they are? Secluded seating and gigantic garden tables can say a lot about a person, as can the broken sun-lounger, or a garden devoid of any furniture at all. Your garden style is – or should be – as expressive of you as your style of dress or the choice of décor for your home. It is time to abandon the universal Victorian recipe of immaculate paths, shaven lawns and sharply cut beds. Let the garden be a reflection instead of your own tastes and ideals, and your own concept of what is practical and/or beautiful. Do you, for example, want a minimum maintenance garden that you can simply relax in, or one that supports your eco-living lifestyle and provides you with food you have grown yourself? Or perhaps you would like a haven for wildlife? Do you envisage a calm oasis, Elizabethan formality, a riot of colour that attracts admiring (or jealous!) looks from your neighbours, or maybe a secret refuge where you can hide away from the rest of the world? Any of these concepts can be achieved. As you work on your garden and your plan comes to fruition, you will find that it embodies the most important element of all – you. Have a look at your neighbours’ gardens – do they reflect the personality of the house or its occupant or not? Does your garden have character or is it just the same as when you moved in and more indicative of the tastes of the previous owners? Think what your garden says about you – and have a peep at your neighbours garden too and think about what it says about them< Jane Redfern Jones
PAGE 10
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
Business Marketing your business in your local community by Jane Redfern Jones It’s worth taking advantage of the numerous affordable ways to market your business locally, especially if local customers are an important source of sales for you. Working with your local community brings a wide range of business benefits. By improving your reputation, you can attract new customers and you may also find it easier to recruit employees. A good relationship with local authorities can also make your business life much easier as some local authorities prefer to award contracts to businesses with a record of community involvement. There are many ways to get involved. Some businesses choose to support a local charity, or sponsor a local event. If possible, it makes commercial sense to get involved in an activity related to your product because this lets you use your expertise as well as showing the human face of your business. For example, some restaurants provide food to local homeless groups, while builders may give free labour and materials to community projects. Look for opportunities that will directly benefit you at the same time as helping your community. Generate publicity by improving the neighbourhood around your business premises. Many businesses involve their employees in working with the local community. For example, you might support charities chosen by employees. Some businesses encourage employees to volunteer for community activities and also give them paid time off for this. Some businesses get their staff to help in local schools, this can improve the employees’ skills and confidence and at the same time help the school as many are short staffed. As well as improving your community relations, it can help motivate employees and can help develop their interpersonal and team participation skills. For most small businesses, all marketing is local marketing but even if your company is regional
or national in scope, it's a good idea to "go local" to select targeted communities – look at Cadburys in Chirk for example. Get involved and participate in the community to generate visibility and good will. Send press releases out to local media. Get personal - as much as possible, market on a one-to-one, face-to-face basis. Get involved in your community. Volunteer, serve on local boards, participate in your local Chamber of Commerce and work for local charities as a way to grow your grassroots marketing efforts. You may find that your neighbours become your customers. Support community events. Sponsor a team, participate in parades, special celebrations, or other local events. Generate awareness for your business locally by writing news items or a column in the local newspaper, get booked on local radio talk shows. You can also create alliances with noncompeting businesses - you promote me, I'll promote you. Business Quote of the Month: ‚Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking ‘What’s in it for me?’‛
Pictured are staff from Cadbury Trebor Bassett’s Chirk factory taking part in one of many community projects the company is involved in.
WWW.OED-Y-GLYN.COM
A Poem for june
PAGE 11
Cerdd ar gyfer Mehefin
As you all know the Eisteddfod is really on our doorstep and the pink pavilion is up awaiting the world to descend upon our town. Instead of chosing a poem for this issue I have decided to remind you of a few nursery rhymes ( hwiangerddi) in Welsh that mention Wrexham. The first that springs to my mind is:Galop, galop a charlam Dros y mynydd i Wrecsam Rhoi'r ieir a'r mochyn yn y sach Galop galop a charlam The little verse reminds us that Wrexham was a very busy market town and people would travel on horseback over the mountain bringing their animals to sell in the market. In this case hens and a pig in a sack ( ieir a mochyn yn y sach ) Another verse begins like this:Galop, galop a charlam I ffair y byd yn Wrecsam This describes galloping to the great fair (ffair y byd – literally the world fair ) in Wrexham. How apt as the Eisteddfod is coming to town and people from all over the world will visit during the first week of August. However one of my favourite nursery rhymes is about a traveller to Wrexham meeting a little old lady on the road eating a traditional currant bun or flat cake. The cake must have been hot from the oven because the traveller tells her not to burn heself and that there's a river or lake nearby. I wonder which river or lake the old poet is thinking of? Ar fy ffordd wrth fynd i Wrecsam Gwelais wraig yn bwyta wigsan Dwedais wrthi am beidio â llosgi Fod y dŵr yn agos ati . I suppose the modern Welsh equivalent to a wigsan or whig cake would be the ever popular Welsh Cake or even Bara Brith and I have a feeling that these Welsh favourites will outnumber the burgers consumed during the festival week Os oes gennych hen rigymau eraill yn nodi Wrecsam rhowch wybod er mwyn inni allu eu crybwyll yn y rhifyn nesaf. Mwynhewch yr Eisteddfod a pheidiwch â bwyta gormod o gacennau cri ( pice ar y maen ) na Bara Brith 'chwaith Liz Willams
Eisteddfod Target reached The Offa Appeal Committee for the Wrexham National Eisteddfod has reached the target sum of £30,000. To date the committee has raised £31,100 and there are still one or two more money raising events being held. The Appeal Committee wishes to thank the Offa Community Council for its most generous financial contribution for the National Eisteddfod. The Secretary of the Offa Appeal Committee also wishes to thank the inhabitants of Offa for all their support in making contributions and in attending the various efforts.
PAGE 12
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
Plas newydd
history
I often lament the fact that people often don’t appreciate what is on their doorstep, many not having visited some of the attractions we have nearby that visitors to the area will travel halfway across the country to see. One place that I myself have neglected to visit, yet have often passed by the end of the drive, is the wonderful Plas Newydd in Llangollen. This beautiful gothic building oozes history from every corner. Originally an unpretentious small cottage when The Ladies of Llangollen moved there, they made additions and alterations, including a kitchen and a brew house. The rooms were painted white, with varnished doors and brown skirting boards. However, it was between 1796 and 1814 that they embarked on the elaborate ‘gothicisation’ of their home creating the stunning black and white building we see today. Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, aka the Ladies of Llangollen, set regency tongues wagging when they eloped together. Even straight-laced William Wordsworth visited their Gothic fantasy at Plas Newydd. The ladies’ maid Mary Caryll was as much a character as the ladies themselves to whom she was devoted. ‚She wore high heels and a stiff dress, using a profusion of hair powder and pomatum.‛ She had been a servant at Sarah Ponsonby’s house, and had helped them escape. In Ireland she had been known as Molly the Bruiser, and had been dismissed for throwing a candlestick at a fellow servant. Her strong voice, Irish brogue and abrupt manner made her a formidable opponent for the Llangollen tradesmen. When she died in November 1809 she reputedly left Aberadda field, bought with her life savings, to Sarah Ponsonby. The ladies for their part were devoted to her. They erected a three-sided memorial to her in Llangollen churchyard where they themselves also planned to be buried. Visit Plas Newydd, on Hill Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8AW. 01978 862 834 heritage@dengigshire.gov.uk www.plasnewydd.co.uk. Jane Redfern Jones
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 13
Did you know< The Grade I listed gardens at Erddig were landscaped by William Eames in the late 1700s. Today, it’s one of the most important surviving 18th century gardens in the UK, home to the National Ivy Collection and some very rare fruit trees. Bon Chrétien d’Hiver (a late 15th century pear) and Edelsborsdorfer (a 16th century apple) are just two of them. And if you need to walk off that Welsh cream tea, Erddig’s footpaths total over 13 miles.
EPIC CHALLENGE AT ERDDIG A new quiz show on the BBC called 'Epic Win' was filmed at Erddig earlier this month. It is to be hosted by Alexander Armstrong and will air on Saturday night in August. The rules are very simple. Members of the general public put themselves forward to do challenges to earn money for charity. At Erddig it was the turn of Brian Radam who is the curator of the Lawnmower Museum in Southport. He challenged himself to identify which piece of grass had been cut from a selection of different lawn mowers on the main lawn at Erddig. Brian had twenty to choose from; one of which was pulled by Duke one of the Erddig horses. He picked five and each were driven by Glyn Smith Head Gardener who mowed the strips. Did Brian succeed? Well you will just have to watch the programme when it is aired in August to find out. Here you see Brian inspecting the lawn trying to work out which lawn mower had been used.
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 14
Legal Q & A’s Legal Q & A “If a couple have Wills leaving everything to each other, does it matter whether or not their assets are held in joint names?” If a couple own all their assets in their joint names then on the first death everything will pass automatically into the sole name of the survivor. If a couple own any assets in their sole names then these assets pass in accordance with the Will of the deceased. There are certain formalities which must be met before the assets of the deceased can pass to the beneficiary. The exact formalities will depend upon the requirements of the individual asset holders and the value of the assets involved. In most cases, a Grant of Probate is needed to enable the Executors of the deceased’s Will to transfer the deceased’s assets to the beneficiary. The Grant is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry which gives an Executor authority to deal with the deceased’s assets. Some banks and building societies will not require a Grant of Probate where the value of the deceased’s assets are considered to be part of a ‘small Estate’ (usually less than £5,000.00). In these cases a certified copy of the deceased’s Will is usually sufficient. Ruth Heap—Wills and Probate Solicitor at Hillyer McKeown. If you have a question regarding Wills, Trusts and Estates, Family Law, or Conveyancing and would like to see your question featured in the magazine please email Ruth.Heap@law.uk.com.
Careers, health and life Career Countdown Jane Redfern Jones With many of our younger readers having left school recently a few pointers on job searching seems a good idea. The current economic climate means getting your ideal job might not be an easy task and involves more than just waiting for your dream post to be advertised. Most importantly getting your dream job involves good planning, persistence and patience. A well planned path to your ideal career will enhance your personal development and greatly improve the chances of achieving your desired position. If you are already in a job then first you need to decide whether you want to progress further in your current position or move to a different area. If you are unsure, if possible consider a position with a rotational or secondment programme so that you can gain wider experience without having to resign each time you change jobs. Actively seek unadvertised jobs and opportunities. Ask someone who is in a similar position to the one you are aiming for if you can shadow them at work for a day. As well as being a good contact for the future, they may have inside information on jobs that are likely to come available. Although some private sector jobs may be filled without being advertised, most public sector jobs will be. However, many employers will have someone in mind for the job, through word of mouth or if someone has been acting in the role temporarily. Using networking skills, undertaking informal visits, shadowing and sending off speculative CVs are still worth the effort cont next page
Taking Control
Jane Redfern Jones
Most people take their health for granted until they have a health problem, and then expect their doctor to fix it. Unfortunately this attitude doesn't work, and more and more people are suffering from poor health despite the increasing sums of money being spent on health care. So what is going wrong? People have excuses for poor health: ‘I know I'm overweight but I've tried to diet and it didn't work’; ‘I don't have time to exercise’; ‘I've given up smoking several times, but I just start up again’; ‘I wish I could cut down how much I drink but I just can’t’. These are some excuses we make to ourselves, but in the end we are the losers. And, if you are one of those people who think that your doctor or the government are responsible for your health, then it’s time to think again. Your doctor isn’t there to look after your health. Your doctor only looks after your illnesses. When your doctor says you are 'healthy', all it means is that you are not showing any actual disease symptoms. Most people in this state are still far from 'well', however their health can be improved dramatically. They are the walking unwell. In the past I have worked in the NHS as a staff nurse and district nurse, and in private practice. Over the years it never ceased to amaze me how many people do not think that it is their responsibility to take control of their own health. People would often ask why they should change a lifetime of bad eating habits when all they need to do is take a tablet to make them better. Unfortunately it is not that simple. Take high blood pressure for example. The best way to get high blood pressure under control is to eat healthily, lose weight and exercise. If this alone does not get it under control then medication may still be necessary, but many people are not prepared to change their lifestyles and prefer to just take the tablets. These people then think that they no longer have a problem as their blood pressure falls, but the underlying problem is still there – it is just controlled. You are responsible for your own health. Your doctor and the NHS are only interested in you if you are ill. Being healthy is down to you and your own efforts. Your health is precious and you should treat it as such. Preventative health care is the most important thing you can do to increase your health. The little things you do every day really do add up to either a healthy or an unhealthy life. Your future really is in your own hands. cont from previous page before the interview. as employers will find it very hard not to be influenced by getting to know a potential candidate . Keep an eye out for jobs advertised in journals, local and national newspapers and on the internet. Many businesses now advertise their positions on their own websites and even through Facebook and Twitter. Be wary of taking the first job you are offered unless you are certain it fits your career plans, and always take time to research a potential employer beforehand. If you do get an interview for a new job, arrange an informal visit before the interview. By setting realistic targets and actively seeking opportunities, you will soon reach the top of your career ladder. Believe in yourself, then others will too.
PAGE 16
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
A walk on the wild side ... Strolling down Sontley Road today, a little later than my normal "first thing" wake-up walk (today around 8.45 instead of 7.15-7.30) I was woken from my revery by the sight of three dark coloured beasties scurrying across the road. Ah, think I, they're much bigger than mice, but no-where near as large as a rat so what could they be (the sighting was brief, and I wasn't fully awake) ? A few steps further and to my delight another two of the animals shot across the road, this time close enough for me to recognise them as weasels. At the side of the road opposite the car park, after a bit of investigation, I found where they'd gone to - there's a small hole near the wall where they'd headed and to my surprise and delight, one of them popped his head out (to see if I'd disappeared yet). Look out for them if you're strolling around there - they're sure to be active - but whatever you do, don't poke your finger down the hole or you're likely to get an unpleasant surprise when they investigate whether it's edible ! I'm pleased to report that our swans and cygnets are still doing fine - the remaining four cygnets are growing up well, under the watchful eye of their excellent parents. Mom's usually to be see herding them and making sure they don't stray too far, while dad keeps a beady eye open on the wider front to spot any potential
dangers while his wife's engaged with the more immediate issues. My apologies for the photo they wouldn't pose for me today ! Over recent years there's been a lot of press about the UK bee population declining. While this may be true for the Honey Bee, it's certainly not true regarding the wider bee population in my garden. Every day, the flowers are alive with tens, even hundreds of native bees, all seemingly very healthy and foraging for nectar on anything they can find. I think most of "my" bees are Early and White Tailed Bumblebees as well as the larger Buff-Tailed Bumblebee, but we also have a healthy population of Solitary Bees and (I think) Red Mason Bees. I must admit to having quite a preponderance of bee-friendly plants in the garden, but it's a delight to see the tall white spires of Verbascum absolutely covered with bees, the Thymes and Lavenders similarly - although I admit to being a little concerned by a hole in the house wall where an overflow pipe lived some years ago and which, despite my wife's insistence, I haven't yet got around to plugging up, becoming the home for a small population of bees. At least it's much better than wasps, which seem to be few and far between this year. I reported in the last issue that I was disappointed by our Common Spotted Orchids being late in showing bud - they're all out in flower in the park now, but the display's not as spectacular as
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 17
with Bryan chesworth many previous years. They're not too easy to spot until your eye becomes tuned to them they're a bit shy, and typically grow in places frequented by Red Clover so you may walk past them without noticing. They're starting to "go over" now but you'll still find the spikes of flower anywhere from the "Stone Bridge" up to the end of the reed beds at the Sontley Road end of the lake if you stroll down the river bank and keep your eyes open. Finally, I'm mortified. Despite having the delight of Goldfinches permanently in the garden, greedily guzzling at my Nyjer seed feeders, it's in my neighbour's garden that they've nested - the ungrateful birds. I often tease my neighbour that his garden's too neat and tidy to encourage wildlife (despite living next door to me, he sees far fewer birds than I) but it appears that Mrs Goldfinch must be a bit too house-proud to have a home in my scruffy neighbourhood so she nested next door in the "posh" part of the Ithens just close enough to dine at her local fast food restaurant but not mixing with the riff-raff who've nested on my patch.
Oh well, I can't win
them all - at least this year's Blackbird chicks are still coming back routinely for their mealworm treats as is my "tame" hen blackbird who sits outside the lounge window and clucks at me if I haven't spotted her (then when I open the patio door, she scoots off to where she knows she'll be fed and stands almost at my feet while I strew the food for her).
North-East Wales Wildlife Fancy looking for otter-traces along the Clywedog in Erddig area? contact S_G_Brown@tiscali.co.uk Check out the new NEWW website at http:// www.newwildlife.org.uk.
Spotted!
Below: Joan Rogers of Coed y Glyn waiting for the local bus into town. Picture Margot Wicksted
PAGE 18 WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
children
Colouring fun
Colour in this beach holiday picture
Did you know... Most people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lick their own elbow (go on, try it...if you can you're quite unusual!). Jack is the most common name in children's nursery rhymes. The average pencil can draw a line almost 35 miles in length! To see a rainbow you have to have your back to the sun.
children
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 19
wordsearch
s
e
n
a
l
p
o
r
e
a
f
u
d
i
n
n
e
r
c
d
d
i
n
t
e
r
s
g
a
b
b
e
i
s
e
s
a
c
r
y
r
b
r
a
h
l
k
b
a
a
e
l
e
f
n
i
h
e
v
d
h
e
r
k
v
c
n
d
a
i
t
t
w
a
a
t
h
e
n
l
a
o
e
e
i
f
t
a
r
o
e
h
b
r
a
i
n
y
s
h
w
e
a
b
h
y
e
n
o
m
cases
bags
Can you find these words?
Sunshine
rain
weather
beach
holiday
aeroplane
money hotel caravan bed breakfast dinner Tip: they go in all directions!
Trick question! A question to ask the grown-ups to get them thinking: Apart from 'angry' and 'hungry', what other common English word ends in 'gry'? Answer; There isn't one! No other English word ends in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.
PAGE 20
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
Fantastic fun
Sharon jones
As the summer months are here at last most of us will be heading to the coast if only for a day trip. My family love walking along the beach looking for interesting pebbles and shells and we often bring our favourites home with us. Sometimes it is their colour that attracts us or it could be the shape of a pebble that makes it interesting. Quite often the children like to put their seaside treasure in their sandpit to add interest when they are digging. Pebble painting is a fun activity that uses pebbles you may have collected and could be made into a paperweight, or doorstop if you use a small rock, a design could be added to help you recall a special day. Before you begin painting make sure that the pebbles you are going to decorate have been washed and dried thoroughly. If you’re going to do a detailed design it may be a good idea to draw it out on paper first to see what it looks like and make any changes before applying it to your pebble. Choose a pebble with an unusual shape for added interest, you may get a long pebble which may suit a fish design for example. You could paint a row of tiny cottages using several pebbles to make an ornamental display, try and choose pebbles that stand up for this project. Use a fine paintbrush to paint on tiny windows and doors and perhaps little rose bushes along the front of the cottages. You could recreate your holiday cottage or somewhere nearer home that holds a special memory or interest. You will probably need to apply a couple of coats of paint to the cottages or building to give a good surface for decorating. When you have finished your design and it is completely dry apply a coat of clear varnish to protect your artwork and give it a nice glossy finish. Some other design ideas could be decorating your pebbles to make a special gift, you could decorate it with flowers for a gardener or a Welsh dragon for someone patriotic. How about using a club emblem and selling your finished products at a fundraiser. The scouting motif would quite easy and you could use brightly coloured backgrounds to make it stand out. Pets are another popular design as are football designs or something to mark an occasion, such as the Olympics or Wimbledon. Shells can be used decoratively in so many ways. By applying a layer of grout to a small clean storage box and gently pressing on your shells you could create a pretty jewellery box. A seaside photo could be placed in a shell decorated frame made by applying grout to a circle of thin card with a hole cut out of the centre. When using grout always leave your artwork to dry off completely and when it is dry paint on a layer of clear varnish to give the shells an attractive finish. The Little Tiger Cubs is is free to join and takes place from 9.30am - 2.00 pm, Tuesdays in Mold, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Oswestry. They are run by Sharon who is the Pre School Activies Co-Ordinator.
Did you know... On average a four year old asks 437 questions a day (many of them just a simply..."why"!).
Quote: ‚We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.‛ ~Stacia Tauscher
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 21
Phil Benfield & Sons Professional Treecare Tree Surgery, Felling and Hedge-Cutting Fully Insured ~ Free Quotes Tel 01978 822465 / 0780 3317131 Longridge, Newbridge, Wrexham, LL14 3JQ NPTC Qualified Over 30 years experience Seasoned Hardwood Logs For Sale
T.L.C. Nursing and Homecare Plus Ltd For all your nursing and homecare needs Director and Registered Manager: Paul Murphy RGN—Licenced by C.S.S.i.W.
Tel/Fax: 01978 351596
Flowers on the Corner Designer Florist
Fresh flowers & plants, wedding designs, birthdays & anniversaries, funeral tributes, corporate work, gifts & cards, balloons. The Old Post Office, Victoria Road, Wrexham,
01978 311774
www.flowersonthecorner.net
Secretarial & Business Support Confidential. CV on request Ring Margot on 0770 JW Jones Electrical Services Reliable & responsible electrical contractors. All types of domestic work undertaken, no job too small. 01978 355655 / 07711821996 jwjelectrical@btinternet.com NICEIC Approved Contractor
Gatewen Road, Wrexham, LL11 6YA
01978 720362 By appointment only. Weekdays 8.30am—6.30pm Saturday 8.30am—1.00pm
Chiropody / podiatry Jane Armstrong 01978 367756 / 0791 9505559 24 hr answerphone Elm Villa, Wrexham Road, Marchwiel, Wrexham hpc registered ch22098
Chris’ Luxury Travel •Airport Transfers •All UK airports covered •Executive hire •Same day courier service •Any distance •6 seater executive vehicle •credit card facility available •Free estimates
07958 730 077 ~ 0800 118 24 52 chrisluxurytravel@live.co.uk Mention Coed-y-Glyn Life for £5 discount off any airport transfer
PAGE 22
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
Call us on 01978 359401 / 07521 273507
Bryn-y-Grog Antiques Centre Marchwiel on A 525 Wrexham/Whitchurch Rd. 17th/18th Century Furniture, also Pine/Oak items, Ceramic, Glass, Jewellery, Pottery, Pictures, Coins, Collectables etc . Instant cash paid for unwanted goods. Up to 40 Dealers buying and selling – bring your unwanted goods for immediate cash pay out.
01978 355 555 – 10am to 5pm Daily
Lesley Griffiths Assembly Member for Wrexham I hold regular surgeries at my Wrexham office and at various venues throughout the area. These are usually held on a Friday afternoon. Please contact my office for further details. Lesley Griffiths AM, 41 Rhosddu Road, Wrexham LL11 2NS
Telephone Wrexham 355743
STUDENT ROOMS TO LET
Rooms to let locally in large town house. Available now. Ring John on 07730 401 143 Find our website at www.coed-y-glyn.com and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/communitymagazine Don’t forget to check out our new digital edition too and share it with family and friends!
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 23
Find the Coed-y-Glyn & District Life Magazine on Facebook at Www.facebook.com/communitymagazine Page 23
PAGE 24
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
WHAT’S ON…
Summer Holiday Family Fun Days. Always something to do at Erddig this Summer Holidays. A variety of activity days including our popular Victorian Tuesdays, Workshops, Open air Theatre, Wild Child Creating Days, playing the Victorian Toy Playground, and Punch & Judy. Weekends include the Victorian weekend, Mad Hatters Tea Party and The Enchanted Garden. Between 16 July 2011 and 29 August 2011. Call for further details on 01978 315180.
It Is Rocket Science By Helen Keen. Theme: Earth and Universe. Venue: Glyndwr University 18/07/201, 7.30pm. Suitable for age 14+. Contact Wrexham Year of Culture Team on 01978 667320 or email wyoc@wrexham.gov.uk. Free.
Rock Guitar in 11 Dimensions - Part of Wrexham Science Festival. Dr Mark Lewney. Sponsored by the Institute of Physics. Theme: The Earth and Universe. Venue: Glyndwr University. 18/07/2011; 6pm. Suitable for age 10 +. Contact Wrexham Year of Culture Team on 01978 293466 or email wsf@glyndwr.ac.uk. Free.
Refugee Week Event at Eagles Meadow - Batala African Drum Band leading the way from Queen's Square to Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre. Then an acoustic set by popular band The Big Beat followed by musicians and dancers from Myanmar presenting traditional entertainment. Also apprearing: Gary Potter - the UK's premier Gypsy swig guitarist and The Readyget Set - one man band. There will also be an exhibition of African Art at Nandos restaurant, art and craft workshops, clean graffiti workshops and more... And 7pm till late at Letage restaurant, River Niger Orchestra, Tacsi Crew (welsh reggae) and DJ MC sound. Starting at Queen's Square and making way to Eagles Meadow, then at L'Etage Restaurant.18/07/2011, 12 noon - 4pm then 7pm – late. Contact Wrexham Year of Culture Team on 01978 667320 or email wyoc@wrexham.gov.uk. free
Future Food - GM or NOT? Dr Meriel Jones, Institute of Intergrative Biology, the University of Liverpool. The Wales Gene Park. Theme:Human Mind and Body. Venue: Glyndwr University 19/07/2011 at 7.30pm. Suitable for age 14+. Contact Wrexham Year of Culture on 01978 293466 or email wyoc@wrexham.gov.uk. Free.
How to manage your business finances - This workshop will take you through the process of preparing and analysing financial statements and provides information on how to prepare cash flow forecasts, profit & loss accounts and balance sheets. The workshop demonstrates how using and understanding these tools can help you to control your business finances. Funded by Welsh Assembly Government. Venue: Bersham Enterprise Park 19/07/2011 10.00am – 1.00pm. Contact Hilary Neil-Williams on 01978 366366 or email: Hilary.neil-williams@wrexham.gov.uk. Price: Free. Right: Carys and Katie Jones from Coed-yGlyn enjoy meeting the owls at an event at Erddig.
WHAT’S ON…
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 25
Tree Walk Join the Council's tree officer for a guided tour of the park’s trees. Meet by the bowling pavilion. Venue: Acton Park,20/07/2011, 2.00 - 3.30pm. Contact Country Parks on or email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk. Free.
Wrexham Golf Day - This is the 19th annual Wrexham Golf Day to raise funds for Nightingale House Hospice. Teams are for four players and follow the Stableford scoring system. Handicap limits are 30 for ladies and 24 for men with a 7/8 handicap allowance. The event is £90 for members of Wrexham Golf Club, £110 for non-members, and £130 for companies including branding at one of the holes. The rates also include a round of golf and a two course meal. There are some fabulous prizes and a raffle on the day. Venue: Wrexham Golf Club 20/07/2011 Time: Tee off every 10 mins from 8am - 4pm. Contact Samantha Lee on 01978 314292 or email samantha.lee@nightingalehouse.co.uk. Price: £90 for members, £110 for non-members, or £130 for corporate teams.
Clay Play - Today’s the day to play with clay. Venue: Alyn Waters Country Park 27th July 1.30 - 3.30pm. All ages with an adult. Contact Country Parks on 01978 763140 or email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk. Price: £1.75.
Community Fun Day. Join us for lots of activities and children’s entertainment. Tractor rides and refreshments all afternoon. Venue: Ty Mawr Country Park. 28 th July. Starts at 1.30pm. All ages with an adult. Contact Country Parks on 01978 822780 or Email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk.
BMX Coaching. Join a free BMX coaching session with a pro coach. Spaces are limited. Venue: Ponciau Banks Park. 2nd August 11.00am - 2.00pm. Contact Country Parks on 01978 844028 or Email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk. Free.
Welsh Dragon Masks. Who can make the best Welsh dragon mask? Venue: Nant Mill Country Park. 2nd August 1.30 – 3.30pm. All ages with an adult. Contact Country Parks on 01978 752772 or Email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk. Price: £1.75.
Sticky Colour Crowns Make a colourful crown fit for a Welsh prince. Venue: Alyn Waters Country Park. 3rd August 1.30 – 3.30pm. All ages with an adult. Contact Country Parks on 01978 763140 or Email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk. Price: £1.75.
Clay Cows and Pottery Pigs. Make your favourite farm animal from clay. Venue: Ty Mawr Country Park. 4th August 1.30 – 3.30pm. All ages with an adult. Contact Country Parks on 01978 822780 or Email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk. Price: £1.75.
Crusaders in Business - driving forward together Crusaders In Business is a group of individuals working together to improve the economic and social environment in the local community. We meet once per month for business, networking and social events in a relaxed atmosphere. For more information contact Hannah Clarke on: 01978 262129 or email hanna.clarke@crusadersrfl.com.
www.crusadersinbusiness.co.uk
PAGE 26
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM
Quiz 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Which of the seven States of Australia shares it’s name with an ex British monarch? Which popular town and seaside resort, once nicknamed The Garden by the Sea is situated about halfway between the city of Cardiff and the town of Barry? Name the three largest cities whose countries are in the EU whose names begin with the letter M? Which are the only two North American States whose names contain just one consonant? Which is the most highly populated city in China with a current population of over nine million inhabitants? Who, from 1976-1988 was the original host of the ITV game show Winner Takes All? Screened from 2002-2006, which ITV British reality show centred on a group of 30 young males attempting to turn their lives around with a dose of 1950’s National Service discipline? Featuring Peter Wyngard in the title role, the 1970’s series Jason King was a spin off from which popular series, originally broadcast in 1969? Was Hawaii amongst the first or the last places to celebrate the new millennium on Jan 1st 2000? Which TV series did the lead character have a wheelchair bound wife named Jean and also assistants named Mike Jardine and Jackie Reed?
Answers on page 27. Thanks to Peter, quizmaster at the Squire Yorke, for supplying the questions this month in Paul’s absence.
10 Silly Facts 1. Coca-Cola was originally green. 3. The name of all the continents end with the same letter that they start with. 4. The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue. 5. There are two credit cards for every person in the United States. 6. TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row 1 of the keyboard. 7.. The ‚sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick‛ is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language. 8. If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die. 9. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents great king from history. Spades – King David Clubs – Alexander the Great, Hearts – Charlemagne Diamonds – Julius Caesar. 10. What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers all have in common? Ans. – All invented by women.
If you are interested in advertising your business in the Coed-y-Glyn News please email margot@coed-y-glyn.com or phone/text 0770 7992387. Sign up for a 5 month ad in the magazine and you will receive one month free. Email margot@coed-y-glyn.com for more information.
THE LAST WORD... Anything and everything can change in a blink of an eye. The dreams, health and memories we take for granted can be swept away by the beginnings of a small breeze, an angry wave or a glitch in a brain cell. We take out insurances to cover every practical eventuality, but what type of insurance is there if we get ‘caught short’ in a public place; ‘embarrassment liability’? I don’t think so and therein lies my tale. It was just an ordinary late Saturday afternoon and food stocks were low. I had been trying to keep my supermarket trips to a minimum, but the lack of basic items was pushing my resolve over the edge and I needed to shop or go hungry. Now I will admit to not being a loyal shopper and flit between them all wherever the fancy takes me and depending what side of town I find myself or the ‘specials’ on offer. I never shop with a list or a husband in tow. He got ‘out of doing the shop together’ with the words ‘I do not’ at the Church alter. Either that or he played an ace by bestowing words of wisdom no woman (me) wants to hear ‘why don’t I shop logically, up one aisle and down the next’?. Our shopping marriage was dead before it begun. We would never again push a trolley together, or discuss lovingly over the meat counter his preference for the evening meal, never mind tinned or fresh. So as far as supermarket shopping went the divorce papers were signed before the ink on the marriage certificate had dried. I have digressed. Let me ask a question, how many times
WWW.COED-Y-GLYN.COM PAGE 27
have you been frustrated and cursed in a supermarket queue because of some hold up at the till? Well look no further, it was probably me. I have become immune to embarrassment at the tills. I will stand my ground for an overcharge of 10p on principle that if thousands of customers are overcharged similarly that is a lot of hidden pennies slipping in the trade door. It is me who has the unnamed item in the baggage area or needs an assistant to key in a bar code when the reduced sticker gets crumpled and won’t read. Yes, my love affair with the self service tills is all give and no take. However, for that Saturday only my immunity to embarrassment was not as resistant as previously thought when this 21st century piece of hi-tech checkout thing endearingly asked me to ‘insert my card into the reader’ at the same time my angel took a coffee break. I was exposed and vulnerable as my 20th century mini computer of a brain had exceeded its memory capacity. I had forgotten my pin number. I had only used it 20 minutes earlier, and now it was gone. David Cameron is the prime minister, Christmas is on the 25th December every year and the bunnies come at Easter, I remembered all that in a split second so this was just a glitch. I paid by cash and found my way home successfully to cook the dinner. 18731 was my mother’s cooperative number. I was taught that at 5 years old and the day that goes, well who knows, I might need to take my husband shopping. Best Regards to all Margot. PS: Can anyone help me please, I am short of a February 2011 edition. Many thanks.
Quiz answers: 1. Victoria; 2. Penarth; 3. Madrid, 4. Milan and Munich; 5. Ohio and Iowa; 6. Shanghai; 7. Jimmy Tarbuck; 8. Bad Lads Army; 9. Department S Last; 10. Taggart.
Do you have any news to share? Email to info@coed-y-glyn.com or post to Coed-y-Glyn & District Life, PO Box 2339, Wrexham LL11 1AA.
WELSH NATIONAL HORSE CARRIAGE DRIVING TRIALS & COUNTRY FAIR – ERDDIG 22nd TO 24TH JULY 2011 The car has changed the way we get around but travelling by horse has always remained a popular leisure and sporting activity. One of the fastest growing equestrian sports today is Carriage Driving. It has gained in popularity because almost everybody can learn to do it. The experienced and expert drivers now compete in national championships and one of the most challenging courses is Erddig, the National Trust property near Wrexham. It promises to be a great family day out for both the sporting action and traditional crafts and skills that we thought were long forgotten. Entry to the Country Fair & Show Arena is £10 for adults (£5 for National Trust members). Children aged 14 years and under get in free. The Driving Trials are on July 22nd to 24th from 9am to 4.30pm. The Country Fair is on July 23rd and 24th from 9am to 5pm.