Welcome to our March issue!
March has arrived, bringing that fresh spring feeling! Lots of things are planned in Wrexham on St David’s Day on Sunday 1st. Alongside the fantastic parade through the city, there will be a street market, live music and food, and a St David’s Day service at St Giles’ Church - a perfect way to celebrate Welsh culture. (Itinerary on page 16).
One date I’m especially excited about is Made in UK Day on Saturday 9th - a brilliant reminder to support UK makers by buying something made here in the United Kingdom. You can find out more at: www.makeitbritish.co.uk/madeinukday.
Later in the month, on Sunday 15th, we can show some extra love to the amazing mums in our lives on Mother’s Day. And as March draws to a close, the clocks ‘spring forward’, giving us those longer, lighter evenings to enjoy.
For a bit of fun this month, we’ve hidden five little Welsh daffodils in this edition, instead of “Find the Mice”. (See page 6 for details).
Whatever your plans, I hope you have a wonderful month!
All the best, Vicky
Heathfield
EMAIL: vicky@essentialsmag.co.uk CALL: 01978 855459 www.essentialsmag.co.uk
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Editorial - 10 March
Advertising - 13 March
Two editions of EssentialsMAG are published each month - North and South Wrexham. Total circulation 15,500 copies
Carving A Story: The Making of Wrecsam’s Installation
By SIMON O’ROURKE
I love, love, love commissions that come with challenges!
When Joe Bickerton and I started chatting at a VOX Networking event a few years ago, he mentioned that he’d noticed large letters spelling out city names in several major cities across Europe. Installations like this attract photos, social media attention, and are often shared multiple times, leading to more footfall and increased interest in the location. Joe had been thinking about something similar for Wrexham, and I got genuinely excited about the prospect of being involved in the design.
I had to tone down my enthusiasm, though, as I felt an installation like this should involve the community, not just one person’s vision. I offered my services as a designer and artist and suggested we focus on two major aspects that capture the ethos and history of Wrexham.
I put forward an idea that had been circling in my mind for some time: a set of wooden letters set on steel stands, using natural materials that have a deep connection with Wrexham.
The idea was approved, and with a few tweaks suggested by my wife, Liz, and my right-hand man, Paul, we began searching for the right timber. I was ready to buy some oak logs from a local tree surgeon - they were the perfect size - but there was one issue: they were sourced just outside the county! I really wanted to use a tree from
within Wrexham. After contacting several tree surgeons and keeping people on the lookout, an unexpected encounter delivered exactly what we were looking for.
We were in the workshop working on another project when a man walked in and asked if we wanted a tree! I’m usually sceptical when people say, “It’s a big tree,” and I always need the key details: “Where is it?”, “How big?”, “How accessible?”, “What species?”
The man turned out to be the manager of an estate just down the road (✔). I went to see the tree - it was over a metre in diameter and really tall (✔). We could drive a truck and trailer right up to it (✔), and it was an oak tree (✔). Four perfect ticks!
The tree had blown over in a recent storm, and the first thing I did when we severed the root ball from the stem was count the growth rings - it was around 175 years old!
The verifiable age of the tree was one of the most exciting parts of the project, as it meant I could bring into reality another thought that I had been mulling over; marking specific growth rings that correspond to events in Wrexham's history!
Each letter has a map of a part of Wrexham carved into it, and by noting particular growth rings, we could match certain areas with historical events. Being so specific, we only managed three of these, but it added another level of depth to the artwork.
Another key part of the project was allowing representatives from different communities to carve a little piece of their area - or something significant - onto the map. I feel strongly that art should be inclusive, and this was a great way to give some ownership of the installation to the people of Wrexham.
The whole project has encouraged me to think more deeply about trees and the way they grow. Each growth ring is shaped by the environment the tree grows in, and communities - much like trees - are shaped by the events and environment around them.
When we work together, we gain strength from the support of others, knowledge from listening, the ability to grow and nourish the wider community, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Here’s to the growth of the city of Wrexham and the amazing communities that make it!
By Simon O’Rourke, local Environmental Artist specialising in wood sculpture,
Can You Find The EssentialsMAG Daffodils?
Hidden throughout this magazine are five daffodils, just like the one here (but smaller), waiting for you to find them!
WIN £25
Find the five daffodils for a chance to win £25! (PLUS this cute felt mouse toy)
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Read this magazine cover-to-cover and find the five hidden Welsh daffodils.
2. Visit: www.essentialsmag.co.uk/mice and complete the competition form with your answers.
3. Closing date: Tuesday 24 March at 12pm The first correct entry drawn at random will win. The usual EssentialsMAG competition terms and conditions apply.
Delivering Driver Training in Wrexham for 25 Years
By STEVE TILSTON, Tilston Training
Tilston School of Motoring, as we were originally known, began delivering driving lessons to customers in Llay, Wrexham in January 2001. Now trading as Tilston Training Ltd, we remain a family-run business, and founded by us, husbandand-wife team, Steve and Samantha Tilston.
We are the only driver training provider in the area to offer every category of driver training, from car right through to Class 1 HGV/LGV.
We also operate the only DVSA-approved customer test centre in Wrexham, which has the highest official HGV/LGV pass rate in the whole North West of the UK, based on official DVSA test centre data.
We are proud to have been awarded the highest DVSA Grade A rating for many years.
With our own DVSA approved Customer Test Centre our operation is quite unique, with HGV/LGV customers able to complete everything on site - from medicals through to all practical training and the actual practical test.
As Samantha explains: “Only a very few training providers in the country have their own DVSA approved customer test centre like ours, where the DVSA driving examiner conducts the practical test from our premises. This makes the whole test process far less stressful and is one of the reasons for the exceptionally high first-time pass rates.”
We have now grown to a team of 14 staff offering a wide range of driver training, including:
• HGV/LGV Class 1 & 2 (C+E/Cat C), Articulated Vehicle/Rigid Lorry
• HGV/PCV/CPC periodic training
• 7.5 tonne/7.5 tonne & trailer
• Car/Car & trailer
• Minibus/Minibus & trailer
• Caravan & Motorhome
• Car instructor training.
We offer both male and female driving instructors, and cover all areas in Wrexham, Mold, Queensferry, Deeside and Chester.
New training ventures
Our latest venture is CPC periodic training for HGV/PCV drivers, and with two completely new training ventures launching in 2026, the business continues to grow.
Join our team!
We are always looking for new instructors to join our team. Whether you’re already an instructor seeking a new challenge, or you’re considering a complete career change with the potential to earn up to £60,000+ per year, we offer full ADI training packages covering Part 1 (theory), Part 2 (driving test) and Part 3 (instructional test).
For details call Steve or Samantha Tilston on: 01978 851179.
For information contact Steve Tilston at Tilston Training based in Llay, Wrexham. T. 01978 851179 www.tilstontraining.co.uk
Would You Know What to Do?
By DAVE JONES, Red Dragon Ventures
Keeping a First Aid casualty warm and dry can significantly improve their chances of recovery. Emergency Services and Mountain Rescue teams report that there is a massive difference in outcome if casualties have been well looked after. By making sure your casualty is kept warm and dry, you can help maintain their body temperature, which is crucial for survival. Keeping the casualty dry can prevent further injury or infection, which can occur if the casualty is left exposed to the elements.
What to do?
We always emphasise the importance of keeping our casualties warm and dry on our Outdoor courses. Every practical scenario starts with these basic reminders:
• Where will they lose heat from and get wet?
• What do I have to keep my casualty warm and dry?
We lose massive amounts of heat from our points of contact with the ground, so get something for the casualty to sit or lie on - a blanket or coat. We also lose great amounts of heat from our head and hands, so ask them to pull their hood up, put a hat on, or use other items of clothing to cover their head. Ask them to put gloves on, put their hands in their pockets, or under their armpits - it’s always nice and warm there!
Be prepared!
That fine Scout motto. A foil blanket is packaged nice and small. It can easily
fit in your glove compartment or bag. They are not expensive - we sell them for £2.90, so shop around. A blanket in your car is a good addition. A survival bag, or even bin bags, can be used to make an improvised shelter around your casualty to keep the rain off.
Practice and share
You will be surprised at the difference a foil blanket and sit mat make. Don’t just take my word for it - have a go, then share and tell others. Spread the life saving skills.
Is that it?
No, of course not, but it’s a start and you could save a life. What if your casualty has a fracture or a spine injury? What if the Emergency Services are delayed? If you want to learn more, please get in touch and book some First Aid training with Dave@RedDragonVentures.co.uk and like and follow our Facebook page.
Red Dragon Ventures
Based in Hollywell, Red Dragon Ventures provides expert First Aid training, helping people gain the skills and confidence to save lives in everyday and outdoor situations.
By Dave WW Jones Red Dragon Ventures Ltd
Dates for your Diary
SUN 1 MARCH
St David’s Day
Lots of things are planned in the city to celebrate St David’s Day, including a parade and street market. See page 16 for itinerary.
SUN 1 MARCH
St David's Day Concert
Capel y Groes, 10 Stryt Holt, Wrexham LL12 7AG
Cantorion Rhos with special guest Tenor, Rhys Meilyr. 4pm
£15.00 adult/free child
Tel: 07944 143119
FRI 6, 13, 20, 27 MARCH
Lent Lunches
The Church of St Martin of Tours, Market Place, Llay, Wrexham LL12 0SA
Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a Lent Lunch of soup and cheese. 12pm - 1:30pm
£6.50
suestmartins@yahoo.com
FRI 6 MARCH
Quiz Night
Tallarn Green Village Hall, nr Malpas SY14 7LJ
Teams of four people, cost includes refreshments. Call to reserve a table.
7:30pm
£8.00 adult/£5.00 child
Tel: 07795 529492
SAT 7 MARCH
Annual Coffee Morning
Overton Village Hall, Pen-Y-Llan St LL13 0EE
Lots of stalls and produceand famous bacon baps! 10am - 12:30pm Tel: 01978 710451
SAT 7 MARCH
Marvellous Medical
Women ‘Walk & Talk’
Wrexham Cemetery, 140 Ruabon Road LL13 7RE
Wrexham History Circle Walking Tour. 11am Free wrexhamhistorycircle @yahoo.com
SAT 7 MARCH
Race Night
Hafod Colliery Club, Rhosllannergrugog, LL14 1RB
Have a flutter and help raise money for Cor Meibion Rhos 7pm
£3.00
TUE 10 MARCH
Wrexham National Trust
St John's Church Hall, Herbert Jennings Avenue LL12 7YF
A talk by Dr Tim Astrop on How to Grow a Fossil Forest 7pm
£5.00
TUE 10 MARCH
Darland Divas WI
Rossett & Burton Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE
Join us to celebrate International Women's Day. 7:30pm darlanddivaswi@gmail.com
SAT 14 MARCH
Spring Fayre
All Saints’ Church, Gresford LL12 8RG
Stalls, popular tombola and an Easter Raffle. 11am - 2pm
£5.00 adult/free child Includes refreshments
SAT 14 MARCH
Wheelchair Rugby
Wrexham University Sports Centre, Mold Rd, Wrexham LL11 2AW
Wheelchair Rugby - Wales take on the Armed Forces. 2:15pm Free
SAT 14 MARCH
Gresford Comedy Club
Gresford Trust, High St, Gresford LL12 8PS
Four of the UK's top touring circuit comedians. 18+ only. 8pm
£12.50
https://tinyurl.com/55s2z53e
For a comprehensive list of local events, scan the QR code:
TUE 17 MARCH
Holt Flower Club
Wrexham Golf Club, Holt Road, Holt LL13 9SB Flower Demonstration with Sionedd Hughes. 7pm
£8.00 (visitors)
Tel: 07857 896495 (Christine)
TUE 17 MARCH
The Friends of Wrexham Museum Lecture
Wrexham Memorial Hall, Wrexham LL12 7AG
Talk on “A 19th century squatter settlement on Ruabon Mountain.” 7pm
£5.00 (non-members) asandra66@hotmail.co.uk
WED 18 MARCH
Pulford & Poulton
Local History Group
Pulford Village Hall, off Burganey Court, Pulford, Chester CH4 9ES
A talk on "Cheshire's Greatest Poem - 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'".
7:30pm
£3.00 members/£5.00 non pplhg.org.uk
SAT 21 MARCH
Spring Fair & Coffee Morning
St. Margaret's Church, Chester Road LL11 2SH
Spring Fair and Coffee Morning, raffle & live music.
10am - 12pm
£5.00 (incl. refreshments)
21 & 22 MARCH
See the Baby Lambs!
The Bungalow, Darland Lane, Lavister LL12 0GA
Come and see the baby lambs! Homemade cakes and refreshments available. No dogs please!
10am - 12pm
SUN 22 MARCH
Easter Eggstravaganza
Overton Scout Hut, Willow Street, Overton, Wrexham LL13 0DY
Easter Bonnet competition, refreshments, crafts, Easter trail, raffle - for all the family.
2pm - 4pm
£3.00 per child
THUR 26 MARCH
Holt Local History Society
Holt Community Centre, Chapel St, Holt LL13 9DJ
Talk on "Basingwerk Abbey and Croxton’s Field."
7:30pm
£5.00 (visitors)
Tel: 01829 270562 (Brian)
While every effort has been made to ensure all the details are correct at the time of going to print, it is advisable to check details with the venue concerned.
FRI 27 MARCH
Cantorion Gogledd Cymru
St Chad's Church, Hanmer SY13 3DE
The Maelor Music Society presents Cantorion Gogledd Cymru, Male Voice Choir.
7:30pm
£12.00 (on the door)
Tel: 07722 629545
SAT 28 MARCH
Easter Craft Fair
Rossett & Burton Village Hall, Station Road, Rossett LL12 0HE
Stalls, cakes and produce and much more! 1pm - 4pm Free
SUN 29 MARCH
Art Exhibition
Pulford Village Hall, off Burganey Court, Pulford, Chester CH4 9ES
A curated exhibition of work by local, talented artists. 11am - 4pm Free
TUE 31 MARCH
Coffee Morning
The Golden Lion, Chester Road, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HN
10am - 12pm
£5.00 (incl. coffee & cake)
Business Spotlight
By VICKY HEATHFIELD
Delmar World
Delmar World is a long-established, family-run travel agency based in Wrexham, renowned for creating bespoke holidays with exceptional attention to detail. For more than 60 years, the team has combined first-hand travel knowledge, personal service and genuine passion to craft unforgettable experiences - from luxury escapes and escorted tours to tailor-made adventures.
With deep roots in North Wales and a reputation that spans the globe, Delmar World continues to evolve while staying true to its founding values of trust, care and expertise. This case study explores how partnering with EssentialsMAG has helped Delmar World strengthen its on- and offline presence and deepen connections with a community of travel-loving clients.
For many years, Delmar World has featured a regular double-page spread in EssentialsMAG - one half dedicated to advertising, the other to an informative, experience-led article showcasing the team’s global travel expertise. This dual approach not only raises brand awareness but also reinforces Delmar’s authority and credibility in the travel industry.
“There’s an expectation among EssentialsMAG readers - we all pick up a copy and enjoy reading it from cover to cover,” says Ann Anglesea, Director of Delmar World.
Passionate about both travel and effective local marketing, Ann sees EssentialsMAG as a key part of Delmar’s wider strategy. Ann also praises the personal touch and community focus of EssentialsMAG’s owner, Vicky Heathfield.
“I have a lot of respect for Vicky and the way she does business. She genuinely cares about the community - EssentialsMAG isn’t just a publication to her. She connects people and gives back locally. Our village of Gresford could easily have lost many small businesses over the past few years, but thanks to Vicky and this fantastic magazine, the heart remains in our community.”
For more information about Delmar World, please visit: www.delmarworld.com
Want to make your business a local household name and reach more potential customers? Call Vicky at EssentialsMAG to find out how an effective advertising campaign can boost your business profile: 01978 855459. www.essentialsmag.co.uk
Big Bingo Night to Support Penycae FC Girls
Support is underway for girls’ football locally, with fundraising efforts in aid of Penycae FC Girls Under 12s. To help raise money for this year’s team kit and expenses, a BIG Bingo Night will be held at The Ebenezer in Cefn Mawr on Friday 20 March, starting at 6:30pm.
Organisers are hoping for a fantastic turnout to support the young players of Penycae FC Girls. As an added bonus, Chris Mac will be performing at The Holly Bush, after the bingo, rounding off what promises to be an enjoyable evening for all.
Anyone wishing to support the event or donate a prize for the bingo is encouraged to contact Lianne Davies or Ann Morris at The Holly Bush, or call 07892 359253 or 07944 440 577. The Ebenezer & The Holly Bush Inn Cefn Square, Crane Street, Cefn Mawr, Pontcysyllte WHS, Wrexham LL14 3AB
Wrexham Tourism News
By JOE BICKERTON, Tourism Manager, Wrexham County Borough Council
Welcome to my update for March and I’m looking forward to blue skies and longer evenings returning soon hopefully.
I’ll start this month with a huge congratulations to our 11 newly qualified White Badge tour guides who all graduated last week!
With the increase in inbound tourism, walking tours are proving really popular and we now have a collective group of official tour guides ready to build new business across the city. The guides completed a 12week intensive course that involved training on storytelling, public speaking, group management, accessibility, health and safety, and responsible tourism. This gave them a ‘white badge’ which formally allows them to guide anywhere within Wrexham County.
Looking to the future again, it was great to see colleagues over at the Wrexham Community & Culture Trust submit their intention to compete for Wrexham to be UK City of Culture in 2029. I worked over in Liverpool during the 2008 European City of Culture and, although this is a UK competition, winning has the potential to effectively double our annual tourism income and provide an incredible legacy for our area - whilst showcasing everything about the communities and people that each make Wrexham a very special place.
We’ll be backing the bid as a tourism partnership and doing what we can to help win.
Finally, it won’t be long now until Wrexham has two huge new visitor attractions opening their doors!
Wrexham Museum
Later this year, Wrexham Museum re-opens it’s doors after a huge refurbishment to accommodate the National Football Museum for Wales, whilst retaining a local history platform that enables more local artefacts to be displayed from the archives!
Stori Brymbo
In addition, we’re all excited to see there’s progress being made up at Stori Brymbo too - with the old machine house undergoing refurbishment next to the 300-million year old fossil forest, which visitors will be able to get up close with!
Look out for the opening dates for both attractions being announced soon.
Wrexham Museum: www.wrexhamheritage.wales
Stori Brymbo: www.storibrymbo.co.uk
By Joe Bickerton, Tourism Manager at Wrexham
County Borough Council T. 01978 292015
www.thisiswrexham.co.uk
LIVE MUSIC
Your go-to venue for live entertainment, offering a great selection of well-priced beers
New Kid
Saturday 7th March
From 8:30pm, Holly Bush
Elvis - John Daniel Evans
Saturday 14th February
From 8:30pm, Holly Bush
Big Bingo
Friday 20th March
From 6pm, Ebenezer
Chris Mac
Friday 20th March
From 8:30pm, Holly Bush
Rockwood Road
Saturday 21st March
From 8:30pm, Holly Bush
500 Darts Tournament
Sunday 22nd March
From 12pm, Ebenezer
Hit Man & Her
Friday 27th March
From 8:30pm, Holly Bush
Just Shelie
Saturday 28th March
From 8:30pm, Holly Bush
Regular events: Open MIC on first, third and fifth Wednesday in the month, at the Holly Bush. Jazz & Blues every second Wednesday in the month, at the Holly Bush, 8pm. Mr C Karaoke every Friday Night in the Holly Bush Inn, 8pm onwards (except for the 20th & 27th March) Steve Daniels Disco every Sunday 8pm onwards.
The Ebenezer & Holly Bush Inn Cefn Square, Crane Street, Cefn Mawr, Pontcysyllte WHS, Wrexham,LL14 3AB 01978 449814, www.pkcgroup.wales
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Gardening Tips and Advice March - Spring Arrives
Spring usually arrives by mid-March and the frequent sunny days provide the opportunity for an increasing range of gardening tasks. It's time to get busy preparing seed beds, sowing seed, cutting back winter shrubs and generally tidying up around the garden.
TOP 10 JOBS TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH
1. Protect new spring shoots from slugs.
2. Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes.
3. Plant summer-flowering bulbs.
4. Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.
5. Top dress containers with fresh compost.
6. Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed).
7. Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown for colourful winter stems.
8. Hoe and mulch weeds to keep them under control early.
9. Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain; remove pond heaters.
10. Prune bush and climbing roses.
Welsh Rarebit Crumpets
A rich, warming dish perfect for St David’s Day or any soulful brunch. This version uses Wrexham Lager to deepen the cheese sauce and celebrates a fabulous local producer. The addition of a poached egg turns this into a ‘buck rarebit’ .
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE RAREBIT:
250g mature Welsh Cheddar, grated
2 heaped tsp plain flour
1 tsp English mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
100ml Wrexham Lager
2 egg yolks
Salt and black pepper to taste
FOR SERVING:
4 thick slices of sourdough or 4 crumpets
4 fresh eggs (for poaching)
A handful of fresh watercress
COOK: 10 minutes
METHOD:
Make the rarebit mixture:
• In a saucepan over low heat, melt the cheese with flour, mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, and lager.
• Stir until smooth and thickened slightly.
• Remove from heat and beat in the egg yolks. Season to taste.
Toast the base:
• Toast the sourdough or crumpets until golden. Butter lightly.
Poach the eggs:
• Bring a pan of water to a gentle simmer. Add a splash of vinegar.
• Crack each egg into a ramekin, then slide into the water.
• Poach for 3-4 minutes until whites are set but yolks are runny. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Assemble:
• Spoon the rarebit mixture generously over each toasted base.
• Grill briefly until bubbling and golden.
• Top each with a poached egg and a few sprigs of watercress.
Recipe by ADAM GAUNT-EVANS
Adam is a local chef and cookery teacher. Follow Adam’s cooking, news & events through instagram: @adam_gaunt_evans www.adamgauntevans.com
Seasonal Treats in March
With the clocks going forward, blossom budding and the days noticeably longer, spring is most definitely in the air this month – and there are some new tasty ingredients around, too.
Purple sprouting broccoli
Home-grown purple-sprouting broccoli is only available between February and March, and its emergence signals the start of a seasonal shift away from roots to leafy spring ingredients. Related to calabrese, large-headed broccoli is sometimes compared to asparagus for its fleeting appearance and delicate flavour. It’s bursting with nutrients, including vitamins A, C and K, and only needs the briefest of cooking. Keep it simple by steaming or stir-frying for a couple of minutes until still tender, or try it tossed in olive oil, seasoned and roasted until slightly charred.
Lemon sole
With a delicate flavour and tender, juicy meat, lemon sole is a type of right-eyed flatfish and a member of the plaice family rather than a true sole. Bang in season in March, with most coming from the waters off the southwest of England, it’s perfect for oven-baking or roasting, grilling or frying – one per person makes a great meal. You’ll get more flavour if you leave the bones in, but it’s still delicious cooked as fillets.
Try it coated in seasoned plain flour, cooked in a hot pan in olive oil and a dab of butter – fry skin-side down for two minutes, then flip over and cook for another one to two minutes, before serving drizzled with the pan juices.
Wild things
Wild garlic
Wild garlic grows in vast clumps across damp woodland floors and is easily recognisable from its familiar garlicky aroma. The entire plant is edible, including the pretty white flowers which grow from April to June. Prep is easy: give it a good rinse, pat dry then store in the fridge for up to five days. Use chopped towards the end of cooking time in a casserole or risotto, as a topping for a pasta dish or to pep up a salad – it’s far less pungent than bulb garlic, so it won’t overpower your meal.
March Shopping List
Beetroot, Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Chard, Cod, Endive, Hake, Jerusalem Artichoke, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Parsnips, Pollock, Pumpkins, Purple-Sprouting Broccoli, Radishes, Forced Rhubarb, Shallots, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Swedes, Turnips, Venison.
The Community Resource Sharing ‘Free Shop’
By JACKIE KIGHTLY, Incredible Edible Wrecsam
Do you hate waste? Do you think that too many things go to landfill? Are you concerned about the continuous extraction of the Earth’s resources?
No problem! Come along to the Community Resource Sharing ‘Free Shop’ at the Caia Park Partnership Hub in Wrexham this February and March and find out about a quick and easy way to help the environment.
How it works:
1. People who have quality items that they no longer use (but someone else could) give them to the shop for reuse.
2. People come, see what they like and take items home for free - saving carbon, water, material resources and electricity!
3. People help in the shop by hanging clothes up, tidying, counting items in (to keep a record of how much carbon emissions have been saved) and putting them out.
And that’s it!
The ‘Free Shop’ is all about people sharing - sharing with our families and friends, sharing with the wider community, sharing with people we know and don’t know - so that we reduce the need to keep spending money, whilst actively helping to protect the environment for future generations.
We thank everyone involved, especially those taking care of the shop; those gifting and receiving; those helping to spread the word; and our collaborating organisations:
Incredible Edible Wrecsam, Give and Take, Creuynni Wellbeing CIC, Repair Café Wrecsam, Caia Park Environmental Group, Caia Park Partnership, and Wrexham Council’s Decarbonising Wrexham
The shop belongs to everyone and no one is excluded. However little or much money you have, you can help the environment by giving these gifted items a good home - so come and join the Sharing Economy and start a no-spend revolution!
You can find us here:
The Caia Park Partnership Hub, Prince Charles Road, Wrexham LL13 8TH (opposite St Anne’s school and church). Please drive through the main gates and you can find the Hub at the end on the left hand side. Opening times on poster above.
The Physio & Therapy Clinic is an established and independent clinic with a team of highly specialised and experienced physiotherapists and hand therapists. We treat a broad range of conditions - sports injuries, dizziness, women’s health and general musculoskeletal physiotherapy - using a variety of treatment techniques.
Physio & Therapy Clinic, Gwenfro, Unit 10, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham LL13 7YP Tel: 01978 312 407 / Email: info@thephysioclinic.org.uk
www.thephysioclinic.org.uk
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‘Walks and Talks’
at Wrexham Cemetery
Wrexham History Circle has launched a new programme of ‘Walks and Talks’ at Wrexham Cemetery to celebrate Wrexham’s Year of Wonder 1876–2026.
The series begins on 7 March 2026 with ‘Marvellous Medical Women’, marking International Women’s Day and highlighting the stories of pioneering women connected to Wrexham’s medical history.
Further monthly walks explore:
• ‘The Garden Cemetery Movement: The Founders and Builders of Wrexham Cemetery’, (4 April 2026).
• ‘The 1,078 Forgotten “Inmates” and Dedicated Staff of Wrexham Union Workhouse’ (2 May 2026).
• ‘Highlights of the Cemetery’s First Burials’ (6 June 2026).
• A classroom colouring experience for primary school children, to learn about gravestone symbols and their meanings (5 September 2026).
• ‘Notable and the Notorious: The Virtuous and the Villainous Interred at Wrexham Cemetery’ (31 October 2026 - Halloween)
Event details
• Tours are co-led by Madeleine L. Dale, Adrian Howells and local historians.
• All Walks and Talks take place at 11:00am
• Tours are free to attend, wheelchair accessible and limited to 25 participants.
• In case of rain, walks will take place the following day at the same time.
Email: wrexhamhistorycircle@yahoo.com to register, stating the name of the Walk and Talk you wish to attend and the number of people in your party.
wrexham@monopolybuysellrent.co.uk
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We’re proud to be Wrexham County’s number one selling agent for 2023, 2024 and 2025, also covering Chester, Flintshire, and North Shropshire.
With state-of-the-art IT systems and Giraffe 360 Cameras for high-quality property photos, floorplans, and virtual tours, we make sure your property stands out.
If you are thinking of selling or renting your property please get in touch today for a free-of-charge property appraisal/valuation - we’re here to help you move forward with confidence!
Acton Park Primary School
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Acton Park Primary School is a friendly, caring and nurturing school with a ‘family feel’, catering for children aged from 3 - 11 years. To find out more about our school, or to arrange a visit, please contact us.
Lane, Wrexham LL12 8BT
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Alyn Family Doctors Latest News
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common discomfort, affecting the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. While they are often treated with antibiotics, the way you access care can vary.
While the "stinging" sensation is a wellknown sign, UTIs can also cause cloudy urine, a sudden urgency to pee, lower tummy pain, or even a high temperature. It is important to note that symptoms can vary.
In children, a UTI might manifest as irritability, vomiting, or bed-wetting. For older, frail individuals or those with dementia, the signs are often neurological - look for sudden confusion, agitation, or increased incontinence.
If you are a woman aged 16–64 with an uncomplicated UTI, you no longer need a GP appointment. Under the NHS Common Ailment Service, community pharmacists in Wales can now assess and treat you directly. In a private consultation, a pharmacist can test your urine and, if necessary, prescribe free antibiotics. This service provides faster access to relief. Men, children, and pregnant women should still see their GP.
If a GP requests a urine sample for further testing, please ensure it is returned in a sanitary surgery-provided container before 12:00pm. This allows us to send the sample to the lab on the same day for accurate results.
To help manage the discomfort from home:
• Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of fluids so your urine stays pale.
• Pain relief:
Use paracetamol (up to four times a day) to reduce pain and fever.
• Rest:
Give your body time to recover.
If your symptoms require a GP’s attention, please complete a Klinik form on our website or contact reception before 12.20pm Monday - Friday. A GP will triage your request and decide if a urine sample is needed.
If requested, please use a surgery-provided container and return it before 12:00pm to ensure it reaches the lab for testing.
For further guidance on identifying and managing symptoms, visit the NHS website. Staying informed ensures you get the right treatment quickly to help you feel better and stay healthy.
Tel: 0333 332 3260
www.alynfamilydoctors.co.uk
www.facebook.com/alynfamilydoctors
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Getting a Divorce - Five Financial Tips to Help You Through the Process
By WARREN HADLOW
Going through a divorce is usually an emotionally difficult time but it also has ongoing financial implications. Amid the transition, it can be easy to overlook some important steps that might shape your financial future. We look at five key areas to help keep your finances on track for the long term.
1. Define your priorities
Many people come out of a divorce feeling the outcome did not meet their needs because they didn’t spend enough time identifying what is most important to them.
Creating a realistic list of priorities based on what you want your life to look like could add clarity and confidence. If you spent more time running the household than building your career, it should be recognised during discussions. If there are any physical items you would like to keep, such as a car or something of sentimental value, include them.
There is no formula for who gets what in divorce. The best negotiations come from openly discussing what each person needs for the future and working towards what feels fair to both sides.
2. Estimate your future income & expenditure It can be hard to predict your financial needs for a new phase of life when so much is changing, but putting together even a rough outline can be immensely helpful.
Start by listing your expected income and all your outgoings to give you a clearer picture of how to approach financial discussions with your former partner. Doing this early could bring you financial peace of mind and having a basic plan removes some of the uncertainty about the years ahead.
When building a list, consider your long-term goals in addition to your day-to-day costs. Establishing how much you have in your savings and investments is a great place to start.
3. Don’t forget your pension
Financial settlements are rarely straightforward. There will likely be points of disagreement, especially over assets you might have shared or contributed towards in different ways.
By Warren Hadlow of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management Limited hadlow.edwards@sjpp.co.uk
Tel: 01978 311 611 www.hadlowedwards.co.uk
Making a new will ensures your wishes are clear and avoids complications in the future.
5. Team up with the right experts
Financial contributions are not the only measure of value. Responsibilities such as childcare or looking after the home should also be recognised when discussing pension arrangements.
4. Update your will
Many couples leave assets to each other to make sure the surviving spouse is financially secure. But divorce does not automatically invalidate a will.
Your former spouse is treated as deceased for the purposes of your will so if you have appointed them as executor or trustee, that appointment becomes invalid - as well as any gifts you might have left them.
Having the right support around you can make an enormous difference. A trusted lawyer can guide you through the legal stages, while a financial adviser can help you understand what different outcomes might mean for your future.
During this challenging period, it is also worth leaning on family and friends – especially those who have been through something similar and can offer reassurance.
Will writing involves the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place and are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Lesley Griffiths MS
Member of the Senedd for Wrexham
Wrexham Lager’s rebirth and growth in recent times has been an incredible success story. The award-winning brewery was brought back to life in 2011 and was moving from strength to strength even before Wrexham AFC co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came on board.
Now, the sky is the limit and ambitious plans have been revealed for a brand-new brewery, taproom, shop and museum to be built in Wrexham close to the Racecourse Ground.
Along with other stakeholders and local dignitaries, I was recently invited to the former Jewson builders yard next to Wrexham General Station, which is the proposed location for the new brewery, to tour the site and hear more about the plans. The iconic brewery is also working closely with Coleg Cambria. At their new site, they hope to provide opportunities for students to train and learn the skills needed to become the next generation of brewers.
Wrexham Lager’s exciting venture ties in with the Wrexham Gateway, a long-term project which centres on the regeneration of the Mold Road area – a key corridor into our city.
While a planning application has been submitted, I understand the brewery’s plans are not yet signed off. However, I know the partnership, which includes Wrexham Council, the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, Wrexham University and the football club, is determined to deliver this game-changing redevelopment for Wrexham.
As well as a new Wrexham Lager brewery and new Kop stand at the Racecourse, a new transport hub will be created at Wrexham General Station, new office space and a public plaza. Additional funding was announced by the Welsh Government at the beginning of the year to help improve traffic flow and infrastructure constraints. This transformative development is something I have long supported and I will continue to do all I can to back Wrexham Lager and the wider Gateway project.
Sadly, this will be my final EssentialsMAG column. Retirement - and the next chapter - beckon and I will stand down on 7 April ahead of the Senedd election on 7 May. What an honour and privilege it has been to be the Member of the Senedd for Wrexham and to represent our wonderful city for 19 years.
My first EssentialsMAG column was in October 2020 and it has been a pleasure to regularly contribute. EssentialsMAG is a vital community resource and I know there is a loyal readership that trusts and values the information they obtain from the magazine. I wish EssentialsMAG and all its readers the very best.
Tel: 01978 355743
Lesley.Griffiths@senedd.wales www.lesleygriffiths.co.uk
Facebook & Twitter: @lesley4wrexham
Fun Time For Kids..!
Welcome to your March colouring adventure! Grab your crayons, felt tips, or pencils, and let your imagination run wild. Have fun, and get creative!
Please share your colouring creations with us with us on Facebook: @EssentialsMag Wrexham
What’s your favourite colour?
Little Scholars Day Nursery
The Centre for the Child, Wrexham University, Mold Road, Wrexham LL11 2AW
For information about places please contact KIM or BECCA
Tel: 01978 314912 littlescholars@activechildcare.co.uk Why not pay us a visit and see what we
“Children
• Purpose built nursery
• Dedicated and passionate practitioners
• Registered to deliver EE and the Childcare Offer
• Open to the general public as well as students and staff at GlyndŴr University
• Holiday Club provision for ages 4‐12 also available
Horoscope
Aries 21 March-19 April
March ignites your courage. Under the Year of the Horse, momentum returns fast this month. Say yes to bold moves, fresh collaborations, and spontaneous travel. Trust instinct; lead without apology.
Cancer 21 June-22 July
Sensitive Cancer, March asks for brave vulnerability. Under the Year of the Horse, emotional honesty creates momentum. Refresh home spaces, release grudges, and welcome supportive community. Financial clarity improves too.
Libra 23 Sept-22 Oct
Charming Libra, March restores balance through movement. The Year of the Horse invites adventure in love and art. Collaborate boldly, renegotiate contracts, and trust intuitive timing. A surprise arrives mid-month.
Capricorn 22 Dec-19 Jan
Ambitious Capricorn, March demands strategic courage. Year of the Horse momentum rewards calculated risks. Ask for promotion, refine longterm plans, and invest in skills that increase authority. Partnerships stabilise nicely.
Taurus
20 April-20 May
Steady Taurus, March rewards patience. The Year of the Horse pushes you beyond comfort zones. Invest wisely, nurture loyal bonds, and protect energy. Slow persistence outpaces dramatic gestures at work.
Leo 23 July-22 Aug
Radiant Leo, March spotlights leadership. The Year of the Horse fuels ambition and visibility. Pitch daring ideas, update your image, and accept applause without shrinking. Romance heats up quickly too.
Scorpio 23 Oct-21 Nov
Magnetic Scorpio, March intensifies desires. Year of the Horse energy propels transformative decisions. Clear debts, deepen intimacy, and pursue passions with fearless focus. Career recognition builds behind scenes this month.
Aquarius
20 Jan-18 Feb
Innovative Aquarius, March electrifies community ties. The Year of the Horse amplifies progressive ideas and digital ventures. Share visions publicly, upgrade technology, and expect surprising invitations. Friends reconnect unexpectedly now.
Gemini 21 May-20 June
Curious Gemini, March crackles with news. Year of the Horse energy accelerates conversations and contracts. Choose clarity over gossip. Short trips spark inspiration and unexpected romantic possibilities. Midmonth breakthroughs.
Virgo 23 Aug-22 Sept
Practical Virgo, March reorganizes priorities. Year of the Horse momentum favours decisive action over perfectionism. Streamline routines, delegate tasks, and say no to draining obligations. Health habits strengthen steadily now.
Sagittarius 22 Nov-21 Dec
Adventurous Sagittarius, March opens horizons. Under the Year of the Horse, travel and study accelerate destiny. Commit to one visionary goal and gather loyal allies. Legal matters resolve favourably soon.
Pisces 19 Feb-20 March
Intuitive Pisces, March heightens spiritual insight. Year of the Horse currents carry dreams toward manifestation. Protect boundaries, monetize talents, and forgive yourself for past confusion. Creative recognition grows steadily now.
A huge thank you to all the businesses listed here for their continued support. Your partnership allows
Interior & Exterior Plastering Services
Whether
Puzzle Page...
Just For Fun
Crossword
ACROSS
1 Killer whale (4)
3 Came into possession of (8)
9 Two lines of verse (7)
10 Clod of turf (5)
11 Dictatorial (12)
13 Make certain of (6)
15 Of the eye (6)
17 Showing total commitment (12)
20 Hurts (5)
21 Vent for molten lava (7)
22 Picking (8)
23 Eat like a bird (4)
DOWN
1 Dweller (8) Waterslide (5)
4 ___ acid: lemon juice constituent (6)
5 Not discernible (12)
6 Restoration to life (7)
7 Facts and statistics collectively (4)
8 Decomposition by a current (12)
12 Severe traffic congestion (8)
14 Fast musical composition (7)
16 Havens (anag) (6)
18 Historic nobleman (5)
19 Stylish (4)
Classic Sudoku
If you’d like to know the answers, they will be published in next month’s edition.
Here are the answers from February:
