Offa Community Council
offa Community News
Be an angel this Christmas... Come to St Giles! History with Gareth Vaughan Williams: The Jacobite Cycle Club Christmas at Erddig Time to hunt down the holly Liz Williams: Poetic answer phone messages...
Winter 2013
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NEWS Erddig Youth Club - A Busy Year! The Erddig Youth Club have had a busy old year so far. If you have visited Erddig you may have seen them flipping pancakes, selling vegetables, helping recruit new National Trust members, toasting marshmallows, dressed as fairies cutting out fairy wings, and dressed in costume for our Halloween Hootings. There is no end to their talents! All of the hours the members have contributed to Erddig are recorded and at the end of the year they will receive certificates and awards. We still have space at Erddig Youth Club for 11 – 18 year olds. The club is held in the Felin Puleston Countryside Centre on the Erddig estate (LL13 7RF). If your son/daughter would like to join then you can pop along to the youth club on a Monday night between 6.30pm and 8.30pm or contact Laurel Smith on 01978 315179 for more details. There is no fee or subscription all we ask is that the young people take part in some voluntary activities throughout the year at Erddig.
St Giles primary School Christmas Fair Stalls ~ refreshments ~ entertainment All welcome 6th December ~ 3.15pm
www.stgilesschool.co.uk Cover photo of Santa’s Grotto, Erddig. Thank you Sue Jones, Erddig. Offa Community Council, Upper Floor, Parciau Community Centre, Bellevue Road, Wrexham LL13 7NH. 01978 291562
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NEWS BE AN ANGEL – COME TO ST GILES’! This year, St Giles’- and the angels in the roof - will be host to a number of special events during the Christmas period as usual, including carol services for local schools, the RWF and others. One of the highlights, though, is the CRIB SERVICE which takes place on Christmas Eve at 4pm. It is a great way for children to enter into the true spirit of Christmas, and the Church is filled with excitement as youngsters of all ages share in the drama and beauty of the Nativity. Children are encouraged to come dressed up, and can take part in a number of ways. We sing familiar carols, we rejoice and have fun. What better way to start this joyful period! Then at 11.30pm it is the turn of the adults to enter into the mystery of Christmas, as we celebrate our MIDNIGHT SERVICE. This beautiful and ancient building is decorated to the rafters (well, almost!), and filled with light, the majestic sound of the organ, and all our upraised voices, as we celebrate this great festival. No matter how many times you have heard carols in the supermarket and elsewhere, there is nothing to compare with singing them at the Midnight Service! St Giles’ is a magnificent mediaeval church, which warmly welcomes everyone, and is open daily throughout the year. Come and join us – not only at Christmas, but at any time. We are here to serve you, and to proclaim the love of God to all. So…BE AN ANGEL – COME TO ST GILES’! Email your news and stories for inclusion in our magazine or for our website to webmaster@offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk.
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news GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS IN OFFA Offa Community Council has a policy of giving grants to community groups that meet within the area and serve the local community. If you would like your group to be considered for a grant please write to the Community Council giving information on your group, where you meet and how many members you have. The Community Council will also need to see a copy of some up to date financial information on your group such as a balance sheet or a recent bank statement. Please write in to: Mrs Karen Benfield, Clerk to the Community Council, Parciau Community Centre, Bellevue Road, Wrexham LL13 7NH. For further information: tel 01978 291562. All applications will need to be received by Friday 14th March 2014.
Friends of Bellevue would like to thank The RAF Cadets, All Saints Youth Group and Wrexham Junior Rugby Club for their help with the Collection Buckets. The money raised was shared between Friends of Bellevue towards further events, and the groups that helped. The Veterans day went really well with crowds of people on a lovely day. The veterans had tea with the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress and also Ian Lucas MP and his wife Norah. Thanks to the Police and Fire Brigade for attending as well. The Rose garden is flourishing and now has 20 roses with memorial plaques attached. This has been a really beautiful sight all summer and a fitting memory of Jean.
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news Christmas Weekends at Erddig 23, 24 and 30 November, 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 December 10 - 4 It is that time of year again everyone. Hunt down the holly and find your inner ho ho ho, Christmas is almost here. The Erddig Christmas weekends welcome over 20,000 visitors who enjoy the live music and performances; are tempted by tasty treats and mulled wine; explore the wonderful house decorated for the festive season and of course discover the reindeer who make a visit to Erddig at Christmas extra special. New for 2013 is the free park and ride service. Working in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council we have secured parking at Ysgol Clywedog, the council offices on Ruthin Road and at Glyndwr University for the Christmas Weekends. We will have buses running throughout the day to and from Erddig. With the ever increasing popularity of this event parking has become a challenge both in terms of the capacity of the fields and also the conservation impact caused. Please consider this option for parking. Grotto Due to the over-whelming popularity of the grotto we are operating a pre-booked only system for 2013. Tickets are ÂŁ5 per child and can be booked via a link on the Erddig events webpage: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig/events. The grotto will have a traditional feel, with a log fire, Christmas tree and lots of presents of course. STOP THE PRESS! FREE ENTRY to the gardens, shop, restaurant and house (below stairs only) Boxing Day and New Years Day. Walk off the Christmas pud!
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life Meet the Hightown Community Centre Line Dancers: Our Community Centre at Brynycabanau Road is alive and dancing thanks to Mr Valentine Kostowskyj (Val) who has been teaching line dancing there since early 2009. The class in Hightown is a popular activity for local people to come together and learn current dances while feeling part of a special group who share the same taste in music and look forward to meeting each week. A warm and friendly reception is assured as newcomers, from beginners to established dancers, learn new dances every week. Social events are always great fun and very well attended. Val, with his easy going nature and good sense of humour, sets the pace to suit all abilities. Along with his wife Marianne, a fun double act has evolved with Photo: Val and Marianne far left, with some of the class. Marianne keeping a watchful eye on Val’s dance steps should he, on a very rare occasion go right instead of left. Val’s class Line Dance is every Monday 1-3pm £3.50: First class free! Margot Wicksted. Luke O Connor House Resource Centre The main room can be hired Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm or evenings. At weekends it can be hired between 9am and 5pm and is suitable for children’s parties etc. To book please contact Councillor John Williams on 312236 or Mrs Karen Benfield, Clerk to the Council on 291562.
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by Margot wicksted
It’s only my Opinion… Having lived in Wrexham more years than my native Glasgow, I consider myself a dual nationalist. Wrexham is my adopted home and it makes me sad sometimes to hear local people bring the town down. Many areas have changed beyond recognition since I arrived in the late 70’s. Where cows once grazed now tills clink at Homebase, roads are being dug up or waiting to be, and a new by-pass to the Industrial Estate diverts heavy traffic away from the Centre. My Glasgow family love Wrexham and tell me how lucky I am that my hospital, shops and social needs are all catered for within a short radius. Traffic congestion is considered to be slow moving vehicles on Victoria/ Bradley Road - we don’t know we’re born! Our town centre, with its empty shops is a legacy of our own doing as we flock to the all-inone mega-structures we know as supermarkets. Coffins, made to measure, aisle 38, new cars last aisle next to the double doors for easy exit. Self scanning inappropriate on bigger items! The Day of the Triffids has arrived in the name of the ‘SuperStore’, they are taking over our land space. Wrexham is a town with a living past and a futuristic outlook. Walk or drive down Beechley or Norman Road, and see big houses built more than 100 years ago. Ignore the cars and look at the structure and spare a thought that those same houses have seen two world wars. Where yesterday meets today we have the new builds on Brynycabanau Road, pristine and ready to make their own history, future unknown. The Memorial Hall notice board is full of advertising offering classes in line-dancing, karate and weight-watching to ‘what’s on’ in every corner of the Borough. What’s to complain about? We have everything at our doorstep.
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News Police and Community Council Joint Problem Solving Action Plans Every 3 months members of Offa Community Council will meet with representatives of the local Offa policing team to agree on 3 issues that need addressing and put action plans in place to address them. The first 3 action plans agreed are as follows: 1. Burglary other than dwelling. This is due to a sharp rise in the previous 3 months of burglaries from sheds and garages throughout the area. Crime prevention advice is available from the police please contact your local PCSO for further information on the ‘safe in the home’ scheme. 2. Traffic Enforcement. In the next 3 months police will monitor: reports of dangerous parking outside school entrances; traffic light infringements at the 3 Ruthin Road junctions with Bradley Road, Morrisons and the A483 following reports of motorists jumping the red lights; speeding vehicles and illegal mobile phone use whilst driving on several roads in Offa; match day parking problems on Mold Road. 3. Drug Misuse. Intelligence gathering will take place throughout the area identifying premises, locations or individuals.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS Santa's Grotto Visit Father Christmas in the People's Market, Chester Street, Wrexham. Saturday 7 December - 12.00 noon 4.30pm; Monday – Friday - 11.00am – 4.00pm; Saturday - 10.30am – 4.30pm; Christmas Eve - 10.30 – 12.00 noon.
Wrexham Christmas Market Church Street and St Giles' Church Thursday 12 December, 12 noon – 8pm.
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news Advice Services are now available to all local residents of Offa completely Free of Charge Offa Community Council is supporting the provision of much needed advice services to their residents. Your Free Advice Service is available now and in a venue near you every Monday. If you would like support and advice with any of the following
Your benefits Housing and Council Tax Benefit Rent Arrears Debt Housing and Consumer Problems
You can drop in to see the advice worker who will be in Luke O Connor House between 9.30am and 11.30am, and Parciau Bellevue Park Community Centre between 1pm and 3pm every Monday (excluding bank holidays). These are both drop in sessions and no appointment will be required, but please be prepared to wait. The advice worker will do their best to see everyone. If you require any further information regarding the service please don’t hesitate to contact Caia Park and Hightown Communities First On 01978-357583.
How to contact Communities First We now have two offices, please call in to see us at either office: Caia Park : You can find us in the Blue Building in Caia Park Partnership, Prince Charles Road. Hightown . We are still in Luke O’ Connor House, Barter Court on the Barracksfield Estate. Or you can telephone us on 01978 357583.
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History On the front wall of the Wynnstay Arms, High Street, to the right of the entrance, there is a plaque. If you are very tall and have extremely good eyesight you may be able to read the bilingual inscription. The Wynnstay Arms. Formerly called 'The Eagles'. Jacobite Cycle Club met here. Town elections were once held in the coaching yard behind. Rebuilt in 1972. Only the facade now remains. Y Wynnstay Arms. Ei hen enw oedd 'The Eagles' ac yma y byddai'r Jacobite Cycle Club yn cyfarfod. Cynhaliwyd etholiadau'r dref yn y buarth yn y cefn un tro. Cafodd ei ail godi yn 1972. Ond y ffasad yn unig sydd ar ol bellach. In 1714 George I the Hanoverian king ascended the throne. He was not universally welcomed as many people in the country still supported the house of Stuart and 'the king over the water'. The country was divided into two factions, the Whigs and the Tories. The
Jacobite Cycle supporters of the Hanoverian king were Whigs. In Wrexham the Whigs were led by the Myddelton family while most of the other gentry families were Tories and were in favour of the Stuarts. In 1715 riots broke out in Wrexham in opposition to the Whigs but in reality supporting the Jacobites. Two Dissenting meeting houses were wrecked. The riot lasted a fortnight but when the Jacobite Pretender invaded and marched as far as Preston only one man from Wrexham went to his aid. However a 'secret' society had been established in Wrexham. The Cycle of the White Rose was a society that aimed at restoring the Stuarts. The Cycle was certainly meeting at The Eagles in 1723 to drink the health of the king over the water and to sing Jacobite choruses. Many of the gentry of the Wrexham area were members. Initially there were about 20 members led by the Tory Watkin Williams Wynn who had won the parliamentary seat for Denbighshire defeating the Whig Myddelton candidate in a very exciting and violent election. Among the other
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by Gareth Vaughan Williams members were the heads of families of the Pulestons of Emral and of Pickhill, Eyton of Leeswood, Clayton of Brymbo Hall, Edwards of Plas Newydd Chirk, Egerton of Acton, Shakerley of Gwersyllt, Hanmer of The Fenns, Davies of Gwysanay. AH Dodd refers to the Cycle as 'a club embracing the cream of society'. The club had strict rules. Non-attendance led to censure by the society unless a written explanation had been submitted by 12 noon of the day of the meeting. Every member had to have dinner at 12 noon from Michaelmas to Lady Day and at 1 o'clock from Lady Day to Michaelmas. (In 1723 that meant from September to New Year's Day and from New Year's Day to September).
the return of 'Bonny Prince Charlie' not one member went to his aid. After his defeat at Culloden in 1746 the Cycle remained active as a social club and remained in existence until the end of the nineteenth century. With riots, election struggles between Whig Myddelton and Tory Wynn, elections being held on open hustings in the coaching yard It is not clear how serious was the behind the Wynnstay and the support of the society members for activities of the Jacobite Cycle the Pretender apart from drinking Wrexham and High Street in particular must have been an his health. When the Jacobite exciting place. Rebellion broke out in 1745 with Gareth Vaughan Williams. appeal for stock to sell in Claire House shop Help raise much needed funds for the Hospice. Any items you would like to donate can be collected. Contact Carole on 01978 366717 anytime.
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POETRY CORNER BLEEP BLEEP You may think that there is nothing poetic about an answer message on the telephone. I would have agreed with you until I read the winning literature at the National Eisteddfod in Denbigh this year. Unfortunately this year we did not have the pleasure of seeing a chairing ceremony because the adjudicators felt that no one was worthy of the honour. Therefore, the fine and rather ornate chair carved by Dillwyn Jones of Celfi Derw Maerdy, Corwen is still in the hands of the Eisteddfod Council until it will be presented ultimately to a local school or the new museum proposed for Denbigh. I hasten to say that this does not happen very often but when it does happen and the pink pavilion is filled to capacity and the gorsedd members in their regalia it is indeed a sad occasion. When Dr Christine James the first ever lady Chief Druid stood on the vast stage a chill wind crept through the audience. I should add here that Christine James a University Lecturer comes from o non Welsh speaking family from Tonypandy, Rhondda. However, most of the entries presented this year were on the whole of a very high standard and the number of competitors was very high. Undoubtedly the shortest poetry competition was the humorous Englyn and this year the task given was to create an Englyn suitable for use as a message on an answer phone. For this competition a 拢100 was awarded to the person writing under the pseudonym of BLIP BLIP. There were 34 contestants and some of them were quite funny. Neges i'w rhoi ar beiriant ateb ( A message for an answer phone) Hawddamor, fi sydd yma - wedyn Nid ydwyf adra' Felly, 'r么l y blip ola Dweud dy ddweud, os gweli'n dda. Blip blip
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by Liz Williams The verse starts in a formal way by saying Hawddamor which means Greetings. The poet then states fi sydd yma ( it is me here) but then explains that he is not at home and asks the caller to get on with it and leave message after the bleep. Even if you have only a smattering of Welsh some of the words are sure to be recognisable but if you read it aloud you will notice the rhymes and alliteration in the Englyn This short verse must contain 30 syllables written in four lines of 10,6,7,7 syllables and in cynghanedd which is a very strict metre with a rigid pattern of consonants and of course it must rhyme. Quite an achievement! How different from the prosaic message on our answer phone which is simply : Nid ydym ar gael ar hyn o bryd gadewch neges a rhif ar 么l y t么n hir. (We are not available at the moment please leave message and number after the long tone). Ys gwn i faint ohonoch chi ddarllenwyr y golofn sydd wedi clywed neges mor gaboledig 芒'r englyn wrth wrando ar beiriant ateb rhyw ffrind neu'i gilydd. Tan y tro nesaf, Hwyl Liz Williams
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Bellevue Park Bellevue welcomes a new gardener Bellevue has a new gardener. Rob Jones arrived in June, and has settled in very well, continuing the excellent work of Gary Steele who retired this summer. Rob has had a long and varied career with Wrexham Council, he started out looking after the gardens around the Guildhall in 1978. Rob went on to train as a greens keeper at Northorp college, and spent 18 years managing the bowling greens across the County. Many years ago Rob even spent time at Ty Mawr Country Park, caring for the animals and milking the goats! Most recently Rob has been one of the Councils tractor drivers. If Rob appears familiar, that's no surprise, as during the late 90s and early 00s Rob was our gardener here at Bellevue, living in the park house. We're very pleased to welcome him back.
Let's Walk Cymru is a Wales-wide walking programme designed to increase the number of people using the great outdoors as a way of improving their health and well-being. The abundance of natural green spaces in Wales provides great opportunities for people to participate in and enjoy walking. To join the Ramblers as a member of the Wrexham Group phone: 01978 312515.
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Bellevue Park Park news The gardeners, Rob and the apprentice Kyle have been busy preparing the flower and shrub beds for winter. The bowling greens have also been receiving a lot of attention, their autumn maintenance includes, spiking, scarifying, dressing and reseeding, work that will insure that the greens are in good condition for the new season in the spring. All the parks hedges have been cut and the parks colourful Autumn leaves cleared up to keep the grass healthy.
Bulb planting Thousands of snowdrop bulbs have been planted this Autumn. Kindly donated by Offa Community Council the bulbs were planted by local school children together with the Friends of Bellevue, using tools paid for with a grant from Keep Wales Tidy. The bulbs were planted to extend our snow drop avenue, look out for these beautiful flowers in the Spring along the edge of the park near Ruthin Road. Many thanks to all the children and grown-ups who worked so hard.
Events Carols in the Park Following on from last years successful event, there will be a carol service in Bellevue Park hosted by Bradley Road Evangelical Baptist Church at 4pm on Sunday the 15th of December. The service will take place at the bandstand and everyone is welcome. Christmas Crafts and mince pies Saturday 7th December Christmas Craft and mince pies at the Bowls pavilion 10.30am - 2pm. All ages. ÂŁ2. Park opening hours Please note that between November the 1st and March 31st, Bellevue Park is on winter opening times, with the park gates open between 7am and 5.30pm.
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wellbeing What New Year resolutions will you be making for next year?
from. Being around such people regularly can make a big difference to your level of success.
Perhaps you want a new career or maybe improve your fitness or Don’t be afraid to ask for help. lose weight. Whatever you need advice on It’s easy making a list of resoluthere will be someone to help: tions, but harder to keep them. your doctor, leisure centre staff, But, with a little hard work business advisors, library and anything is possible. college staff. Ask for guidance on courses, fitness training, setting Who you hang around with matters a lot. Forge relationships up your own business. You’ll usually find that people are very with people who will help you happy to help someone who develop and grow. Don’t get shows initiative and enthusiasm. stuck in a rut and spend too much time with people who will pull you down. If you spend time with people who are successful, perhaps doing a job you would like to do, or following a healthy lifestyle, then your chance of achieving the same increases dramatically. It’s said that you become a combination of the five people you spend the most time with. Make sure you’re spending time with the right people. People that inspire you, that motivate you, that fuel your ambition and drive, and who you can learn
If you are keen to improve, and you are prepared to take the initiative, the opportunities are there. There’s a very big difference between people who actively work on building and planning their future, and those who just go with the flow, not really having any direction. Nobody ever became successful from having a lie in or watching TV. If you want to be successful you’ve got to work hard. If you are passionate about what you want to achieve you have to put in the hours. All you need is a
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by jane redfern jones dream, a dedicated work ethic, and an alarm clock. If you want to get ahead get up an hour before everyone else. Sometimes we simply allow things to happen to us by our inaction and our unwillingness to do what is necessary to create or maintain what we want.
your current thoughts and your present feelings. You are in charge of what you say and do. You are in charge of what goes into your mind – the books and magazines you read, the television you watch, the people you spend time with. Every action is under your control. If you want to achieve more in your
But nothing ever just “happens” to you. If you want to be successful, take steps to create your desired outcomes. Successful people give up an hour’s television at night to fit in the time for that course; they write a plan of action so that they know how to reach their goals. They replace negative self-talk such as “I feel like a victim; nothing ever seems to work out for me” With positive words such as “I feel great; I am in control; I can make things happen.” You are in control. You are the one who is creating the way your life and career is. The career you currently have is the result of your past thoughts and actions. You are in charge of
career, or life, it’s not up to anyone else to come to you to suggest courses or opportunities, it’s up to you to look for them. It’s up to you to take action. If you want to be successful, all you have to do is act in ways that produce more of what you want. So whatever resolutions you do make always remember: You are 100% responsible for what happens in your life. Picture credit: fotolia.com
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Offa Youth Provision Over the last few months the services being delivered by the Youth Team in the Offa Community Council wards have been going well with many young people benefiting from accessing the provisions. As always the youth workers within the Youth Team have gone the extra mile to engage with the local community as well as young people. During the Bellevue Carnival several staff members ran a sports day assault course in the main arena and also ran a face painting tent all day with all the proceeds going to the youth clubs for activities, prizes and equipment. The day went really well with team members having the pleasure of meeting new young people and parents and being able to promote the services on offer to young people in Offa. Recently young people from Maesgwyn Youth Club enjoyed a trip to the Sandycroft Go-Karting circuit as a reward for participating in several informal education sessions. The young people planned this activity themselves and really enjoyed the experience. Another achievement over the summer has been the ‘Kick Out Racism’ Football event, organised and played in by members of the Senior Football Session who played against the RAFA Club Sunday Football Team. The event went really well with the end result being 2-0 to RAFA but the main objective of the event was achieved which was to raise the awareness of racism within football.If you would like any further information or would like to know what services are available for young people in the Offa Community Council wards, please contact the Youth Team at Caia Park Partnership on 01978 310984.
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School news Victoria CP School Victoria CP School have just been awarded the Healthy Schools Award to recognise the school community’s commitment to healthy lifestyles. Victoria Community Choir will be performing at Bellevue Community Centre for the Parciau Ladies on Tuesday 8th October. Victoria CP School have been successful in their Comenius application again this year. The Headteacher and staff will be visiting the Czech Republic at the beginning of October to share good practice with other teachers. Victoria CP School (Junior Department) will be holding their Christmas service at the Parish Church this year on: Thursday 5th December 6.30pm – 8pm Friday 6th December 1.30pm – 3pm The children will perform the service and the transitional, junior and community choirs will be performing. Victoria CP School are holding a ‘Big Quiz Night’ on Thursday 24th October, starting at 6pm. Please contact school for further details or to reserve a table. Victoria CP School will be having their Christmas Fair on Friday November 29th. 6pm – 8pm
Wrexham Carers Service Are you looking after a relative or friend, who because of a disability could not manage without your help? If yes, the Carers Information and Support Service can assist in many ways. If you would like further information phone us on 0800 2761070 . Magazine edited and published by Jane Redfern Jones. www.janeredfernjones.co.uk. Send items for insertion to webmaster@offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk or post to the address on page 2.
Colour me in!
Image: dcoloringpages.com
Offa Community Council Contact Us: Karen Benfield, Clerk to the Council: 01978 291562
clerk@offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk www.offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk