Offa Community News winter 2015
Offa Community Council
Page 2
News CCTV Cameras Offa Community Council has agreed to purchase 2 CCTV cameras in response to incidents over recent Luke O Connor House Resource months where cars have been Centre is owned and managed by damaged in the community. One will Offa Community Council. be located on Bron y Dre where there It has a fully equipped computer have been several incidents of room available for residents to use numerous vehicles having their tyres free of charge Monday to Friday up slashed and other damage caused. until 4.30pm. The second camera will be located in The main room can also be hired for the Percy Road area following several meetings Monday to Friday between car fires. 9am and 9pm. At weekends it can be Incidents like these cause great hired up until 8pm and is suitable for distress and inconvenience and anyone with information is asked to children’s parties etc. contact their local Police Community To book please contact Councillor Support Officer or ring 101. Further John Williams on 290767 or Mrs Karen Benfield, Clerk to the Council information on reporting information anonymously is available on the on 291562 . North Wales Police website. Luke O’Connor House Resource Centre, 21 Barter Court, Hightown
New Toddler Play Area for Bellevue Park Offa Community Council in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council has submitted a grant application to WREN to provide a new play area for toddlers in Bellevue Park. The present play area equipment badly needs replacing with some items already having been removed for safety.
Cover photograph:
Photograph of the Joiner’s shop at Erddig © National Trust Steve Rawlins Email your news and stories for inclusion in our magazine or for our website to webmaster@offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk.
Page 3
News Grants for Community Groups Offa’s very own sheep! You may have seen them up on the in Offa Offa Community Council has a policy of giving small 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.
bank above St Giles Way Wrexham’s own little flock of sheep! That is before some reveller on their way home from a night out thought it a good idea to take a few for a walk and re-locate them elsewhere. But not to worry they have been found and all are now in safe keeping back at WCBC sheep HQ.
The tourist office is proposing to relocate them more securely in various locations around the town with a ‘sheep trail’ being planned. Local businesses and communities are being asked to get on board by Please write in to: Mrs Karen purchasing and designing their own Benfield, Clerk to the Community sheep and Offa is joining in. Local Council, Parciau Community Centre, schools have been invited to design Bellevue Rd, Wrexham, LL13 7NH and name our sheep and it will be for further information: tel 01978 located at the new ‘Welcome to Offa’ 291562. All applications will need garden on Kingsmills Road. We will to be received by Friday 11th be featuring the winning design in March 2016. the next edition of the newsletter. When in place give him a wave as Indoor Football At St Christopher’s School, you drive past! Stockwell Grove, Wrexham, LL13 7BW Offa Community Council, Upper Floor, Parciau Community Centre, Wednesdays 18.45 until 20.45 Bellevue Road, Wrexham LL13 7NH. Juniors 10 -16 years 18.45 until 01978 291562 19.45. Seniors 16+ 19.45 until 20.45
Page 4
School News St Giles’ School Year four pupils at St Giles’ VC Church in Wales Primary School had the chance to work with renowned Welsh Artist Catrin Williams. The children produced artwork linked to Christian Values (below). Year one pupils visited St Giles’ Church (right with Reverend Dr Jason Bray), and the whole school held their Harvest Festival in the church.
A warm welcome awaits you at our All Age Worship Why not come to St Giles’ Church and try our new style of worship. *Lasts about 35 minutes *Lots to join in *Tea, coffee and soft drinks
All welcome 9.30am on the second Sunday each month. For more information call 01978 358808 Or better still, just come along and give us a try!
Follow St Giles’ Church on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/stgileschurch.wrexham
Page 5
Christmas at St Giles’ Church St Giles’ Parish Church, which has been described as “the glory of the Marches”, and which has recently been classed also as a Greater Church, will be as always full of glory at Christmas, its iconic angels looking down upon our splendid celebrations of the Birth of Christ.
Nativity. Children are encouraged to come dressed as angels and shepherds and wise men, even as sheep of other beasts of the field! This service is a joyful anticipation of Christmas for young families of all ages…and of course we have some carols as well for us all to join in.
of Christ is solemnly revealed in the words of the liturgy. All are welcome, but do arrive early as there is usually a very large gathering for this special service. There is another Eucharist held on Christmas Day too, at 10am.
Many of our local Schools, including of course St Giles’ School, will be holding Carol Services here during the month of December. The Church will be holding its own Carol Service on Sunday 20th December at 3pm, and the following afternoon, Monday 21st, the Wrexham Youth Orchestra will be holding their annual concert at 7pm, highlighting the gifts and dedication of these young musicians. On Christmas Eve, the Crib service begins at 4pm, and the Church is filled with excitement as we retell the story of the
The greatest service is at Midnight on Christmas Eve. It actually begins at 11.30pm, with the celebration of the First Communion of Christmas happening at about midnight. The Church is decorated in all its splendour, the rafters ring to the carols, and the mystery of the Birth
This year will be the first Christmas at St Giles’ Parish Church for our new Vicar, the Rev. Dr, Jason Bray, so there is a particular air of excitement all round. Do come and be part of our great celebration in this treasure, which is St Giles’.
Page 6
Incredible Edible
Incredible Edible Wrecsam – Tyfu Wrecsam An informal network of self-organising individuals and groups who are creating spaces in Wrecsam where food is grown for anyone to access freely. It is part of the Incredible Edible Network.
‘If you eat, you’re in’ We aim to provide access to good local food for all by • working together • learning – from field to classroom to kitchen • supporting local business More volunteers, projects, land suggestions, donations of edible plants, tools etc welcomed/needed. In Offa there is a community garden free food growing space on Mount Street, and a Planting of Native Edibles at Felin Puleston, Erddig. Maisie Langridge says: There are two council planting areas at the top of Madeira Hill in the Offa region. Incredible Edible Wrexham is managing these and we have been attending to sites as best we can. However, there are only a tiny, tiny handful of volunteers at the moment who are involved in managing the two beds and we would love to get a larger pool of people involved locally so that we can manage the beds better, grow more veg, have more people eat the produce and raise awareness about the scheme.
It would be great if you could help us. Find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/incredibleediblewrecsam
Page 7
Dumplings / Pierogi Enjoying pre theatre meals in and around the town with friends, we have sampled Chinese and Indian restaurants, pubs offering value for money food including a free drink, as well as offers with our Wrexham Saver Card. However, receiving an email suggesting this time we try the Polish Restaurant ‘Dumplings’ on Charles Street, I was a tiny bit apprehensive and sorry to say, reflected a hint of negativity on the choice. The closest I have been to Poland are the aisles in our supermarkets. Nevertheless our ‘meal organizer’ who had visited Krakow on a quick city break thought I needed to open my mind and try something different! Polish Cuisine it was! The appeal of the restaurant is instant with its fresh clean airy atmosphere. A true family business owned and run by Piotr and Grazyna
Margot Wicksted (Grace) Kowal since May 2014. Side by side, with family commitments including raising two young daughters, they work hard to make a success of the business, bringing to their tables traditional Polish homemade cooking washed down with, if the mood takes you, Polish beer. It is the personal touch that Grace provides, interacting with her customers, in excellent English, that adds to the relaxed atmosphere of this small restaurant. Nothing is a bother as she takes time to explain the menu, printed in both English and Polish. She will happily recommend and explain if you are unsure what to order. The food is deliciously fresh and filling and I am so pleased that I had been persuaded to try. The Restaurant also caters for takeaway. Check out Dumplings Restaurant Facebook page for times, menu and family parties or alternatively just pop in and speak to Grace. Photo: Piotr and Grace in their restaurant. Margot Wicksted
If something's troubling you, then get in touch. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
08457 90 90 90
Page 8
Shopmobility Shopmobility in Wrexham saved by AVOW The Wrexham Shopmobility service has been taken over by AVOW – Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham following a decision by the Council to cut funding and procure a new management. The service which has been in Wrexham for over 20 years was taken over on 1st September. AVOW will be retaining the existing staff members and will be looking for volunteers to carry out a number of roles to expand the services that are available. Volunteers are required to take mobility scooters to other locations in Wrexham as part of the roll out of a ‘Meet and Greet’ service – this will open up the town in areas that previously could not be covered. The service now will extend to the railway station, Island Green, Border Retail Park, Central Retail Park and other locations by request. Volunteer are being sought who will deliver and meet customers at these various places. Volunteer assistants will also be required to assist in the office and help people collecting scooters or wheelchairs from the main base in Wrexham Bus Station. Scooters and wheelchairs are available for people to borrow for a small fee for other events – slim versions are available to go in the boot of a car- if someone is going to a wedding or family social event we can help – if you are going on holiday we can help or if you are going on a coach outing we can help. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs will also be available in the evenings by prior arrangement. The service is being run with a low level donation scheme to ensure that the service is accessible to all – AVOW are always looking for donations to ensure the service can be enhanced- if anyone would like to make a financial donation please send to Shopmobility, AVOW, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham , LL11 1ND or www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/avow Gifts for raffles are also welcome. If you have any other ideas how the service can be enhanced contact John.Gallanders@avow.org or tel 01978 312556.
Page 9
Christmas Offa Pensioners Christmas Party On Saturday 12th December Offa Community Council is hosting a free Christmas party for residents over 60 years of age who live in the Offa Community. It will run from 1.30pm till 4pm and will be held in the Parciau Community Centre in Bellevue Park. The event is subsidised by Offa Community Council and is only open to Offa residents. A 4 course traditional Christmas turkey lunch is being served and there will be carol singing from a community choir and prizes. Santa will be paying a visit along with the Mayor of Wrexham. This is a strictly ticket only event with numbers restricted. To apply for your free ticket please contact Mrs Karen Benfield the Clerk to Offa Community Council on 01978 291562 or by email: clerk@offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk by Friday 4th December at the latest.
A new Green Flag for Bellevue Park Bellevue Park has successfully retained its Green Flag status. The Green Flag Award scheme is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK. The park is judged on a number of different criteria, such as cleanliness, how well maintained the park is and how welcoming the park is to visitors. A big thank you goes to Rob, our gardener in the park, who works hard to maintain the park to a very high standard and to the ‘Friends of Bellevue’ who’s much valued support makes our Green Flag award possible. Park winter opening times: From November 1st to March 31st the park will close and the gates locked at 5.30pm.
Page 10
History Why is Bradley Road so named? The bilingual sign on the Watery Road roundabout implies a link with the village of Bradley, but there is no obvious connection and the road forms no direct route there. The answer is that the road is named after a person, not a place; in fact it honours George Bradley, one of Wrexham’s most highly regarded mayors who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential and well-liked men in the town.
Cllr Dr David Jones became increasingly involved in the life of the town. He was on the Wrexham Board of Guardians for several years, and a founder member of the District Highways Board. He was first elected to the Wrexham
Born in 1825 at Cefn, Ruabon, Bradley spent his early years in business. He was apprenticed aged fifteen to a firm in Oswestry before starting his own businesses in Rhosymedre and Cefn. He later became a partner in an earthenware factory, but writing was his real interest and he began to contribute articles to Wrexham’s Liberal newspaper, the Wrexham Advertiser. When that paper’s editor died in 1863, Bradley was Image of George Bradley copyright invited to take over not only as Wrexham Archives. editor but also as a partner in the printing firm, and in the years under Town Council as a Liberal member in his management the paper November 1877, and re-elected in flourished. November 1880 when he became Mayor of Wrexham for the year 1880 By 1865 he was living in Wrexham -81. with his wife and young family and
Page 11
People On 8 March 1881, he cut the first sod in the new road (named after him) from Regent Street to Watery Road which opened on 3 October the same year. (It would, however, be a further ten years before it assumed the form and length we know today – but that’s another story!) In 1881 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace whose judgements were described as always ‘tempered with mercy.’ He didn’t stand at the Town Council Elections in 1883 owing to the death of his wife the previous year and his own ill-health. Sadly this deteriorated over the next few years later complicated by the onset of diabetes. He died on 25th April 1890 aged 64. At his death flags were hoisted halfmast and tributes flooded in. He was variously described as ‘kind and genial’ in manner ‘a very straightforward, honest speaking man’, ‘always a good advisor’, and ‘a perfect gentleman’ whose ‘high qualities and character’ he displayed as ‘a public man and as a true citizen.’ In Bradley Road his name lives on. Cllr Dr David Jones.
BEM Award for Offa Resident Mrs Barbara Jones recently celebrated receiving her BEM award at Buckingham Palace. She was awarded the BEM in recognition of services to the Offa community, including Chair of Victoria Park Residents Association. She is also chair of Friends of Bellevue Park. As well as her chairing roles, she is always organising events and trips from days out to the National Memorial Arboretum, environmental clean ups, visits to see other parks and community events such as street parties.
Page 12
Why we should buy local I would never tell someone not to eat meat. People don't like change or being told what to do. Change has to come from within, and, after all I myself am not a vegan. However factory farming is horrific. The industrial model of factory farming simply doesn't find it efficient or profitable to consider animals as sentient beings. Instead they are cruelly treated as mere machines, turning feed into meat, eggs, or milk. They are treated as though they have no more feelings or rights than a vending machine. In the meantime the future of the small family farm hangs in the balance as more and more traditional farmers give up, unable to compete with the soulless, mechanistic, and inhumane practices of the huge multinationals. The farms I remember as a child are becoming few and far between. I would like to see people who don't want to become vegetarian eat less meat, and then only from free-range organically raised animals. People can still choose to eat meat, but I hope they will start to think more about where their meat came from, and make ethical choices. I use a local butchers for local free-range eggs (from the Garth), locally made cheese, and local organic meat (for
Jane Redfern Jones
other family members). We need to support these small family businesses before they are gone forever, and then we will have no choice but to be controlled by the huge multinationals who will always put profit before health and wellbeing (of humans as well as animals). Also I have never understood how people can be outraged at the slaughter of dogs or horses for meat, yet turn a blind eye to pigs and other farm animals. Food co-ops A food co-op is a fun way to buy your fresh fruit and vegetables as well as being good value, healthy and sustainable. It's an affordable alternative to the supermarkets and money spent though a food co-op is re-invested into the local community plus there is less waste, less packaging and fewer food miles which has to be good news. Locally there are food co-ops in St Christophers School, Salisbury Park United Reformed Church, Waterworld, and Caia Park. Visit www.foodcoopswales.org.uk for more information. For meat look out for local family butchers, and always ask where the meat comes from. Locally grown/ reared fresh food tastes better too!
Page 13
Bradley Road Evangelical Baptist Church This year Bradley Road Evangelical Baptist Church marks a significant anniversary. There has been a church building on the site since 1899, but the current modern building was officially opened 20 years ago on 11th November 1995. Many long-standing members of the church who were there that day are still with us and were actively involved in the construction. One member speaks of that time saying ‘pages could be written’ of how God provided for them so that the church could be built. Bradley Road Church is a community of people who believe that the gospel of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a life-changing message that is still relevant for Wrexham today. Back in 1899 the first pastor of the church, Joseph Beaupre, preached his first sermon to the church from a book in the Bible called 1 Corinthians. This verse reads, ‘We preach Christ crucified.’ He said in this sermon, ‘We preach Christ crucified because it is the power, and the wisdom of God.’ He went on to say that it was his prayer that this message would be ‘a blessing to God’s people and lead to the salvation of many in our midst.’ That is the same message that we share today and the same prayer that we pray. Over the last twenty years we have watched the church grow and diversify, just as Wrexham grows and diversifies. Whoever you are and wherever you are from, you would be welcome to visit us and find out more about what we do and why we do it. We meet every Sunday at 10:30am and 6pm. You would be especially welcome to join us for a thanksgiving service to celebrate this twentieth anniversary, which will take place on Sunday 8th November at 6pm. Andrew Graham
Website: bradleyroadbaptistchurch.org.uk
Page 14
erddig
Follow Erddig on Twitter: @ErddigNT And on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ErddigNT
Page 15
erddig
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 .
Page 16
events Christmas Grotto Opens 05/12/2015 A visit to The Grotto is the perfect way to start the festive season. It opens Saturday 5th December 10am4pm. People's Market, Wrexham 10am-4pm. suitable for up to 12 years. Price: £4.50. Victorian Christmas Market 10/12/2015. 80 stalls selling a selection of festive treats and gifts, including quality local and regional products, crafts, clothing, accessories, jewellery, unique gifts and stocking fillers which are sure to make the perfect present! Don't forget to sample the delicious hot food and drinks, including tasty mulled wine and hot smoked sausages; the perfect way to keep warm whilst enjoying the market. Venue: St. Giles' Parish Church and Church Street, Wrexham 12noon - 8pm. Bryn’s Buddies - Childrens Activity 12/12/2015 Wrexham Museum’s history club for children aged 7 – 11 years. Each session we travel back in time to discover and explore. Drink and a biscuit provided. 10.30am12.30pm. Wrexham Museum on 01978 297460 or email Museum@wrexham.gov.uk. Price: £4 per child. Handling Trolley 19/12/2015 Get up close and personal with a variety of both real and replica objects from our collections. Objects are themed or based upon a current exhibition. Supervised by our Young Volunteers. Venue: Wrexham Museum 11am - 12.30pm. Contact Wrexham Museum on 01978 297460 or email Museum@wrexham.gov.uk. Free. Christmas Crafts - Childrens Activity 19/12/2015. Christmas themed crafts to take home. Drop-in event. Venue: Wrexham Museum 11pm - 1pm. Contact Wrexham Museum on 01978 297460 or email Museum@wrexham.gov.uk. Price: £2 per child. The Stars from "THE COMMITMENTS " 19/12/2015 The ultimate Xmas Soul party night featuring Kenneth Mc Cluskey and Dick Massey from the film " The Commitments " Venue: Glyndwr University, Wrexham, LL11 2AW. Time: 7:30PM. Contact Chris Hill on 07956 427603 or email jangigs@rockandrollenterprises.com. Price: £18.
Communities First 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.
Page 17
events Come Sing Your Heart Out with Wrexham Community Choir every Tuesday Wrexham Community Choir is open to new members to come and sing their hearts out at weekly practices every Tuesday at the Methodist Church in Regent Street. The choir, formed in 2012, is open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. There is no upper limit to numbers – the more the merrier. There are no auditions, no solos, no need to read music and everyone is invited to turn up and join in. Singing is aerobic exercise, boosts endorphins, uplifts the spirits, and is a great way to make new friends. Venue: Wrexham Methodist Church Time: 7.30pm. Age 16+. Contact Wendy Paintsil on 01978 354706 or email info@wrexhamchoir.co.uk. Price: £3.00 full £2.00 concessions.
Denbighshire Historical Society Saturday February 6th 2016 2.30pm ‘Erddig’s “Thief Cook” Monday evenings 6.30 - 8.30pm Felin Puleston Countryside Centre (LL13 7RF) Young people aged 11—18 welcome! For more information please contact Laurel and the team on 01978 315179 or laurel.smith@nationaltrust.org.uk or call in to youth club on a Monday evening.
- Fact or Fiction?’ Speaker: Mrs Jill Burton Venue: Capel y Groes, Wrexham, LL127AG Free admission. All welcome. Contact: 01978353363.
The people and homes charity in Wales
Support line : 0845 075 5005
Page 18
children & young people Toddler Plus Group We are a toddler plus group operating from Salisbury Park Church. We are in our sixth year and welcome bumps, babes in arms, toddlers and older children. We are called. FAMILY LINKS and are a close community group offering a friendly, supportive environment for both adults and children to thrive. We have crayons, paints, playdough, glue, sand and waterplay throughout the session 9.15am until 11.10am and tea and coffee, healthy snacks and enjoy a wide range of other activities such as baking, group time talks and trips away all for ÂŁ4 per session. For more information call Debra Davies on 07504466180.
Detached Youth Work Friday evenings from 18.30 until 21.00. Within the Offa Community Council Areas
All services are free of charge for young people to come along and experience a fun packed evening in a friendly, staffed and safe environment. We offer a variety of activities including table tennis, pool, arts and crafts, board games and a play station 4 with Fifa 16. Additionally, we offer issue based activities which enable young people to deal with and overcome any day to day issues they are faced with and these activities are Maesgwyn Youth Club Maesgwyn supported with accreditation for the young people who take part. Community Centre, Lilac Way, During the period July to Wrexham LL11 2BB. Mondays from September we have delivered many 18.45 until 20.45. Aged 8+. sessions exploring subjects such as: Belle Vue Youth Club Parciau Self Esteem, Drugs and Alcohol Community Centre, Bellevue Park, awareness, Healthy Eating, Knife Wrexham, Thursdays 18.45 until 20.45. Crime and many other areas have Aged 10+. also been discussed. We also have extremely good links with other agencies and can, if needed sign post young people for further support if requested. If anyone requires any more information please contact Caia Park Youth Team on 01978310984
Page 19
children
Colour in the Christmas tree! Find more pictures at www.activityvillage.co.uk Magazine edited and published by Jane Redfern Jones. www.janeredfernjones.co.uk with support from Karen Benfield (Clerk to the Council). Send items for insertion to webmaster@offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk or post to the address on page 2.
FREE Advice Service available to all residents in Offa. We can help with a variety of issues including benefits, housing and council tax benefit, rent arrears, debt, housing and consumer problems. Every Monday Luke O’Connor House, Barter Court, Hightown 9.30 am to 11.30 am & 1pm to 3pm Every Wednesday Parciau Community Centre Bellevue Park 1 pm to 3 pm
Drop in sessions, no appointment required Supported by Offa Community Council Offa Community Council Contact Us: Karen Benfield, Clerk to the Council: 01978 291562
clerk@offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk www.offacommunitycouncil.gov.uk