Two top performers from Welsh National Opera gave an intimate performance just for the residents of Pendine Park care homes.

Doctors Diva and Divo – alias the “singing doctors” Zoe Milton Brown and David Graham – gave show-stopping performances in four one hour shows for residents of the care groups’ Bryn Bella, Bodlondeb, Penybryn, Cae Bryn and Hillbury homes.

The award winning care organisation is a Gold Community champion for their support of Welsh National Opera and its ground-breaking three year community project in Wrexham.

The homes also regularly welcome the Hallé orchestra as visitors.

Pendine Park’s artist in residence Sarah Edwards explained: “We thought this WNO project would translate well for our residents. We are very proud to be Gold Community Champions and have supported WNO in its ‘Nine Stories High’ project in Wrexham.

“The therapeutic values of music are well documented and it’s wonderful for some of the relatives to witness how it brings a smile to the faces of our residents.”

WNO corporate development officer, Catrin Joy said: “A group of our artistes have visited Wrexham Maelor Hospital singing to patients in a whole range of situations and it’s gone really, really well.”

WNO also plan community outreach projects in Caia Park this spring. “Last year we concentrated on the story of Wrexham and this year we are concentrating on the voice. The third year is in development and will bring together lots of little projects to show the Wonders of Wrexham,” said Catrin.

WNO’s Singing Doctors residency at the hospital will run until June. The project aims to use music to boost the health, well-being, sense of expression and community amongst residents, patients, visitors and staff, in hospitals and homes.

Soprano Zoë Milton-Brown (Dr Diva) was born in South Wales and graduated from Christ’s College, Cambridge, where she was a choral scholar. She studied singing with Italian soprano Iris dell’Acqua before winning an entrance scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music.

She has performed in masterclasses in London and Vienna as well as being invited to appear in concerts and masterclasses in the Festival International d’Eté de Nice.

But at Pendine Park she was melting the heart of Highfield resident John Galley, formerly of Hoole, Chester.

John, who has MS, worked at Castrol in Stanlow for 30 years. “The music was very good, really professional and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Senior care practitioner Tracy Green, who organises the Music Therapy at Pendine Park, was delighted that the residents had been given such a “wonderful musical tonic”.

She said: “The residents gain real pleasure and enjoyment out of music and it’s just fantastic that world class singers from WNO have come to support our projects to enrich people’s lives with disabilities through the medium of music .”

Songs from The Student Prince and West Side Story were also sparking memories for residents Joanne Davies and Eileen Lewis who were singing along with the handsome Dr Divo.

Tenor David Douglas was born in Ayrshire and trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and the Royal Northern College of Music. He has worked with companies as diverse as Buxton Opera Festival, Phoenix Opera, and Opera Engine.

“At the hospital we sang for patients in the Alzheimer’s ward, the cancer recovery ward, the mental health unit and the children’s ward. It was a really lovely experience,” he said.

More than 60 Pendine residents got the chance to listen and take part in the WNO workshop sessions.

Photograph: Zoe sings with resident Pamela Welti

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Business is booming at stores like Trespass and Mountain Warehouse at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.

Sledges and snow suits have been particularly popular and they’re now having to get their skates on to order new stock to keep up with demand.

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley paid tribute to the tireless efforts of the centre’s maintenance and cleaning staff who had “worked like Trojans” to clear the snow.

Mr Critchley said: “They have been nothing short of heroic and they have ensured that Eagles Meadow remains a safe and enjoyable shopping environment despite the wintry weather.”

With no sign of a let up of the big freeze, Trespass store manager Matthew Langwine was also grateful.

He said: “It’s been unbelievably busy to be honest. Unreal in fact. January can be a a bit quieter once the sales clamour has settled down. However, the heavy snow has given us a massive boost.

“We are way up on last year’s figures, in fact it’s going to be a record January and that’s down to the last few days.

“We have hardly any sledges left but children’s snow suits have also been flying out of the door along with hats, scarves and gloves. And we have been selling a great many more wet weather coats than normal too.”

He added: “Basically it has been an outstanding few days and as far as we are concerned, let it snow from now until Christmas!

“Thankfully we have a large delivery coming in as we are getting short on some stock.

“I have been the manager since we opened the store a little over 12 months ago and trade over the last few days has been the best busiest we have seen, even beating Christmas.

“And we actually had very good trading figures throughout December.”

It’s the same story at another Eagles Meadow outlet, Mountain Warehouse.

Day manager David Morris has worked at the store for the past three years and the last few days have been some of the busiest he has seen.

He said: “It’s been remarkable few days and a very welcome boost to trade. We are just about out of sledges, snow boots, gloves, hats and scarves.

“We are having extra deliveries to cope with the increase in trade. Our year-on-year figures are well up, through the roof in fact. And it’s pleasing that we are also selling more top quality winter outdoor coats too.”

He added: “It’s been fantastic and all I can say is the more snow we get the happier I will be, it’s been absolutely wonderful for trade.”

Photograph: Matthew Langwine at Trespass

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Award-winning builders Anwyl Construction have started work on building 127 homes, with a further 20 awaiting planning, on two sites in the town for top social housing organisation Wales & West Housing, in partnership with Wrexham Council.

The developments at Rivulet Road and Kingsmills Road are worth a total of £15 million and Anwyl Construction Director Tom Anwyl said: “In all 80 per cent of that cost will go on wages and with 80 per cent of the workforce involved from within ten miles of Wrexham it’s a massive boost for the local economy.

“We estimate that will mean over £10 million injected into the economy and it is accepted every £1 will be spent locally five times so that adds up to more than £50 million being spent on goods and services in the area.

“In addition there is the added boost to employment and to training because both Wales & West Housing and Anwyls are keen to see the sub-contractors we use take on apprentices from the area.”

Councillor Mark Pritchard, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Planning, said: “Congratulations must go to Wales & West Housing and Anwyl Construction who are helping local businesses, providing jobs for local people and giving a huge boost to the local economy by their working practices.”

The developments in Wrexham will see them building on two sites, at Rivulet Road where more than 35 houses and apartments will be built while a further 92 houses and apartments will be developed on Kingsmills Road. The scheme will be completed with a new community resource centre and clinic, which is expected to be finished in 18 months.

Craig Sparrow, Development Manager North for Wales & West Housing, added: “We’re delighted to see these figures. Wales & West Housing and Anwyls are committed to maximising opportunities to increase local employment and training during development, as well as using local supply chains, which has provided a real boost to the local economy.

“When finished, this exciting project will provide much needed good quality, affordable homes and a new Community Resource Centre, helping to support a sustainable community in Wrexham.”

Currently working on the Kingsmills Road site is groundworks contractor Drumreed, from New Broughton, Wrexham, and director Phil Roberts, who runs the family business with his brother, Emlyn, said: “We’ve been going for 28 years but if we hadn’t had this work we’d have been laying men off.

“It’s the biggest part of our work at the moment so it has been very important for us.

“We’ve done work for Anwyls for a number of years now and we always try to use other local suppliers ourselves to make sure they benefit too.”

Andrew Evans, General Manager of Jones Roofing, with bases in Wrexham and Colwyn Bay, said: “This is a great job to have and it has meant we’ve been able to keep staff on.

“It’s money in the pockets of Wrexham lads and it’s good to see two such major building projects going ahead in the town which seems to be a hive of industry at the moment.

“The Wales & West developments are probably the biggest in North Wales at the moment.”

Anwyl’s Construction Manager Iain Murray said: “We have employed a range of sub-contractors after holding a Meet The Contractor event last June.

“We are a North Wales company with an established trade base in Wrexham where we have been building for more than 15 years and we have now expanded that trade base.

“We have a core base of contractors and the volume of work has meant more opportunities for local workers and businesses to come on board.”

Already eight apprentices have been taken on by bricklaying sub-contractor Alan Davies and Sons, of Gresford, with four of them coming from Yale College’s Faculty of Construction and Engineering.

Faculty Director Graham Evans said: “We’re delighted that four of our students have been taken on and we hope that as the job progresses we will also see opportunities for apprentice joiners, plasterers, electricians and plumbers.”

To keep up to date with the latest on the developments, find out about upcoming opportunities and to have your say go to www.hightownflats.com

Photograph: Pictured on site at Kingsmills Road, Wrexham is Anwyl’s Construction Manager Iain Murray, left, and Councillor Mark Pritchard, Wrexham County Council Lead Member for Housing and Planning, with Phil, left, and Emlyn Roberts, of Drumreed groundworks and Andrew Evans, centre, of Jones Roofing

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WNO’s ‘doctors’: Dr Aria, Dr Diva, Dr Divo, Dr Drama, Dr Forte, Dr Keys, Dr Song, Dr Songbird and Nurse Notes, will make fortnightly visits to the Older Persons, Mental Health and Children wards of the hospital.

The project follows on from WNO’s innovative Alzheimer project which was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Royal Society for Public Health Arts for its significant health outcomes. Singing Doctors builds on that project and extends its reach to diverse groups of patients and engages with people of all ages. It forms part of WNO’s three year programme of community work in North Wales.

During their rounds of the wards, waiting areas and day rooms they sing music from a range of musical genres and invite patients, visitors and staff to participate, be that vocally, instrumentally with percussion instruments or with props such as puppets. The Singing Doctors work one-to-one, in groups and offer choral sessions. This provides an opportunity for self-expression, emotional relief and entertainment at what can be a difficult time.

Singing Doctors will also visit the Macmillan Information Centre which gives practical and emotional support, as well as medical information to those affected by cancer. The ‘doctors’ will offer a Good Vibrations session which provides uplifting singing sessions for patients, family and friends who are living with, or have previously suffered from cancer.

Elizabeth Aylett (Head of Arts Therapies and Lead for Arts in Health & Wellbeing) says “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Betsi Cadwaladr health board to work with such a high calibre national arts organisation and to be part of the Wrexham counties community and education work. Taking part and having first hand experience of fun singing being performed whilst being in hospital or attending one of our healthcare venues, will be an enhancing experience and improve general wellbeing.”

A Wrexham based carehome, Pendine Park are WNO Gold Community Champions who directly help deliver creative activities for North Wales by supporting the work of WNO MAX. As part of their Community Champion membership they sponsor the Singing Doctors project. Dr Diva and Dr Divo will be banishing the January blues with Pendine Park residents on 17th January 2013.

Singing Doctors runs in Wrexham until June 2013.

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Aled Roberts AM commented:

“Ever since I was leader of Wrexham Council I have argued that there is a strong case for a new prison located in North Wales.

“Many prisoners from north Wales are imprisoned a long way outside of the region, which can then lead to a huge amount of emotional and financial strain for their families who have to travel such a long distance to visit. There are also issues in regard to Welsh speakers.

“Significant overcrowding issues in prisons within the North West of England could also be tackled by siting a new super prison in North Wales which, together with the planned closure of Shrewsbury Prison, makes a North Wales site even more attractive.

“There are significant jobs and economic development gains for North Wales should this project go ahead and we must work on a cross party basis with our six local authorities, as well as Welsh and UK government ministers, to ensure that our region is properly considered.”

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The Aussie superstar can trace his family roots to the town where grandfather, John Crowe, ran the grocers, Crofruit, before emigrating to New Zealand in the mid-1920s.

Oscar-winning Crowe’s latest film, Les Misérables, the first major movie blockbuster of the New Year, will be coming to the Odeon cinema at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre on Friday (January 11).

Cinema manager Andy Elvis wants to track down relatives who would like to come to see the screen adaptation of Les Misérables, the hit 1980s musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic 19th-century novel.

Andy said: “It’s amazing that Russell Crowe’s family can be traced right back to Wrexham. It seems his great grandparents, Fred and Kezia, emigrated to Canada in June1925 along with 12 of their 13 children.

“Russell‘s grandfather, John, stayed behind to run Crofruit. He was also a member of Grove Park School’s water polo team. His older brother, Frank, returned from Canada in 1927 to help John run the business.

“It seems that John decided to emigrate himself, to New Zealand where he married and had two children, David and Alex, Russell’s father. The family later moved to Australia when Russell was still a child.”

“However, Frank stayed put in Wrexham and had a family of his own. And it seems that many of his descendants still live in the Wrexham area today.”

Andy Elvis says he wants to hear from anyone who can claim a connection with Russell Crowe and the first five descendants who come forward and can prove a family connection will each receive a pair of tickets for a screening of Les Misérables after January 24.

He said: “Les Misérables is going to be huge. Advanced booking ahead of the January 11 release date have gone extremely well and we are already making plans to have more screens showing the epic film.

“Les Misérables is the cinema adaptation of the stage sensation that has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe. The theatre show is still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year.

“Directed by Tom Hopper, who won the Academy Award for Best Director for The King’s Speech, it stars Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks. Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen alongside Russelll Crowe.”

He added: “Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

“Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.”

If you believe you have a connection to Russell Crowe, email ceidiog@ceidiog.com and put Russell Crowe in the subject box, explaining your family connection and why you deserve one of the five pairs of tickets, or ring Ceidiog Hughes on 07958 497592.

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Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths has declared her support for the notion and will write to charities in the area asking if they could respond to the panel’s request.

Business rates are a tax on the occupation of non-domestic property. Understandably, charitable and nonprofit making organisations are offered forms of relief which are administrated by local authority and they do not affect the ratable value of a property.

In brief, the reliefs on a charity and other nonprofit making oganisations are a mandatory 80% on their occupied properties. An additional discretionary relief, of up to 20%, can also be applied for.

There is a realisation of certain retailers and landlords that there is a distinct advantage of having a charity organisation within their property. There are examples of charities and retailers attempting to work together to gain a mutual benefit.

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, is aware of cases where charities are being approached by retailers and landlords of hard to let property to enter into tenancy agreements that would relieve the landlords of the requirement to pay full business rates. Equally, some charities are actively marketing their willingness to enter into tenancy agreements with commercial landlords. However, although the idea appears positive in theory, it will be problematic in the long term.
The regulator is concerned that these charities may find themselves involved in what local authorities might consider to be business rates avoidance by landlords. This could potentially result in charities losing the discretionary discount and being required to pay 20% of the business rates.

Discrepancies and other complexities such as this have spurred the Welsh Government to act. There is a belief now that there might be reason to limit the relief of certain charities. The independent panel is keen for anyone who has experienced or been involved with this issue to express their opinions.

Responses are invited by email or post and the deadline is Wednesday 19th December 2012.

The panel is particularly interested in views regarding the current levels of relief available to charities and what impact any change in relief would have. Any evidence or examples relevant to the panel will be gratefully received.

Commenting, AM Griffiths said:

“This is a significant issue which affects all our charitable organistations in Wrexham.”

“I will be writing to every charity in Wrexham urging them to reply to the panel’s request to help rectify the outstanding issues.”

Responses can be sent by e-mail: businessrates@wales.gsi.gov.uk  or by post to:
David Warren
Welsh Government
Department for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science
QED Centre
Main Avenue
Trefforest Estate
Pontypridd CF37 5YR

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The lyrics are all in the hands for Roger, 65, and fellow members of the Dee Sign Choir because most of them are  profoundly deaf or hard of hearing.

Their version of Silent Night and other carols thrilled shoppers at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre where they were raising money for charity.

Earlier this year, Roger was one of four of the choir members who attended a Garden Party with the Queen at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their fund-raising efforts.

Roger, who hails from Brymbo, near Wrexham, but now lives in Chester, recalled: “It was the proudest day of my life.

“I never dreamed I would be sitting in the Queen’s garden being awarded for performing to music, none of which I can actually hear!”

He joined Dee Sign Choir a decade ago after retiring from his cook’s job at the Countess of Chester Hospital where he worked for 37 years.

Through his sign language interpreter, he said: “I was bored sitting at home. I’d been to the Deaf Club and knew about the choir but decided to join as a collector, standing by the side of the choir rattling a tin.

“But then I thought I’d like to have a try myself so asked Anne if I could give it a go. I love it and the choir is improving other people’s sign language which is good.”

Roger and his wife, who has full hearing, met at work and used to pass love notes to each other as she couldn’t sign and he couldn’t hear her.

He said: “We have been married now for more than 40 years and have five children and eight grandchildren, all of whom have normal hearing. It is difficult sometimes getting the people to understand but it is getting better, no doubt about it.

“When I was a child it was really hard and very difficult. Very few people signed and it was really hard to be understood.”

Roger added: “I love coming to Eagles Meadow, we have been here a few times before. Everyone is very friendly and very generous. We always raise a lot of money here.

“The choir is really important to me as it has given me some big opportunities. I never would have thought I would be on a theatre stage in Jersey performing to music I can’t even hear.

“And to go to the Palace was wonderful. I met several members of the Royal family and was really impressed as Prince Edward and Zara Phillips both signed to me and asked me if I had enjoyed the day. I also saw Princess Anne and of course, Her Majesty The Queen.”

The choir’s director, Anne Hesketh, a retired member of staff with the Deafness Support Network, says the 62-strong choir is made up of members who range from the profoundly deaf to having full hearing.

She said: “We always love coming to Eagles Meadow because there’s always a lovely atmosphere. My hardest task is to stop too many choir members slipping off to the shops during performances!

“The choir was formed in 1997 and performs at many different venues including schools where we also offer deaf awareness sessions.

“Many Deaf and hard of hearing children are now being integrated into main stream education and it is important their peers understand their individual communication needs.

“Since we formed we have raised more than £150,000 for the charities we support, including the Deafness Support Network. The main role of the choir is to support deaf people and help more people learn British Sign Language.”

She added: “The last three years have been really exciting for the choir as in 2010 and 2011 we won The Jersey Eisteddfod’s Signing Choirs Class coming away with Gold both times. In fact we are still the only choir to have achieved the actual Gold standard.

“And in 2011 we formed a junior choir called Dee-Sign Dynamix and won Silver at our first attempt in The Jersey Eisteddfod. The choir is made up of youngsters aged from six to 16.

“The choir also performed on the pavilion stage at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in July this year and we have appeared on various TV programmes over the years too.”

However the Anne says the choir’s proudest achievement came in June this year when they were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the MBE for voluntary groups.

Anne said: “In May, in connection with The Queen’s Award, four of our members were invited to The Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and, on October 16, 21 choir members attended the Award Presentation Ceremony at Chester Town Hall.

“The Award was presented by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. The Award consists of a certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen and an engraved glass Crystal dome.”

She added: “It was hard to choose from 62 members the four people to attend the Garden Party but it was ultimately based on length of service and attendances.  One of those chosen was Roger Boddy, a profoundly deaf man, who has a choir member for 10 years.

“Allyson Smith, of Northop Hall, was also chosen to attend. Allyson has full hearing although her daughter has had hearing problems growing up. Alyson has been a massive supporter of Dee-Sign Choir and is always out taking her part at performances along with her two children.”

Allyson Smith, 46, from Northop Hall, really enjoys performing at Eagles Meadow Wrexham.

She said: “I have no hearing issues at all but my daughter, Danielle, now 16, had problems growing up. She has had several operations in fact to correct problems with her hearing.

“She is also a choir member as is my son, Tyler, 14, who has perfect hearing. Danielle and Tyler are also members of Dee-Sign Dynamix.

“It’s always a pleasure to come to Eagles Meadow everyone is always so warm and friendly and the atmosphere is always nice.”

Allyson joined the Dee Sign Choir after passing her British Sign Language Level Three exam.

She said: “I really started to learn sign language thanks to Roger Boddy. I worked at B&Q in Chester and Roger was a regular customer. However, he used to get so frustrated trying to get staff to understand what he wanted.

“There was not one member of staff that could converse with him so |I thought that’s it, I’m going to learn. It was while learning that I learned of Dee-Sign Choir.

“The first time I saw them perform I had goose-bumps and signed up there and then. That was five years ago and I am out with the choir just about every weekend.”

She added: “I was delighted to be chosen as one of the four to go to Buckingham Palace. It was wonderful and a real once in a lifetime occasion.”

Photograph: Sign Choir  at Eagles Meadow  ,Wrexham. Pictured is Roger Boddy, Alyson, Tyler and Danielle Smith.

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Wrexham Maelor Lions Club set up camp at the town’s Eagles Meadow shopping centre where they raised £460.

The first batch of morale boosting goodies were sent to the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh  who’ve just returned home in time for Christmas after a six month tour of duty.

They who were operating from a far flung outpost in Helmand Province, as part of the peace keeping duty with the International Task Force.

The squaddies were patrolling in temperatures that soared up to 47 degrees celsius, often blinded by sandstorms blowing dust and grit.

The items sent by the Lions included greetings cards for soldiers to send home to their family and friends, Sudoku or crossword puzzle books, playing cards, paperback books, magazines, sweets, crisps, biscuits, and toiletries.

The treats helped make life more bearable and prompted letters of thanks from the troops which touched the Lions members and inspired them to carry on with their fund-raising.

Among those who wrote was Sergeant Sean Griffiths, Bravo Company, Ist Battalion Royal Welsh, who comes from Wrexham,

He said: “The soldiers at my command are extremely grateful and it gave me great pleasure to hand over the packages knowing they came from my home town.

“I love and miss Wrexham. A big thank you for your kindness as it makes a huge difference to us all.”

It was a sentiment echoed by his Commanding Officer, Major Owain  Luke, who wrote, saying: “I was delighted to receive your welfare parcels.

“I am certain that the toiletries and the other items which you have provided will be put to immediate use, as the soldiers are on patrol at least twice a day, clambering in and out of ditches in temperatures of up to 47 degrees Celsius.”

“Life in the checkpoints can be quite claustrophobic and lonely so your parcels provide reassurance to my soldiers they have not been forgotten by the British public.

“We are all therefore very grateful to you and the members of your club for sending us these parcels.”

The next batch of goodies will be sent to the Mercian Regiment who are replacing the Ist Battalion Royal Welsh.

Joan Williams, President of Wrexham Maelor Lions Club, explained they had been first alerted to the soldiers’ needs by a plea by the Battalion’s Chaplain.

She said: “In April 2012 there was a printed request in the St Giles’ Church newsletter from the  Chaplain to the First Battalion The Royal Welsh, serving in Afghanistan, for packets of ‘morale’ to put in a shoe box for serving soldiers.

“Wrexham Maelor Lions knew they could do better than a shoe box, so we set out and organised a shipment of goodies.

“We are now making arrangements for our second shipment of goodies to be shipped.

“The aim of Lions Clubs throughout the world is to help those less fortunate than ourselves or where there is need.

“We’re very grateful to Eagles Meadow for giving us such a wonderful spot at the shopping centre.We thank Mr Kevin Critchley, manager of the site, for his support.

“The regiment will be holding a parade in Wrexham on November 29, and we will most certainly be there to welcome them home.”

For more information on the Wrexham Maelor Lions Club email Joan Williams on joanwilliams736@btinternet.com or ring on 0845 8335781.

Photograph: Wrexham Lions (back left to right) Richard Huelin, David Bithell MBE, Frank Lloyd, Shaun Evans, Joan Williams president, Ray Powell, (front left to right) Derek Edwards, Ann Monslow and Kevin Critchley Eagles Meadow shopping centre manager

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The brainy film buffs from the Odeon, at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, have reached the UK final of a competition organised by the cinema chain.

The team captain is the cinema manager Andy Elvis and the supporting cast includes his colleagues Andy Fisher, Pete Edwards and Chris Haskins.

Andy said: “The quiz competition is for teams of employees of every Odeon Cinema across the UK. We won the regional heat which was held at the Manchester Print Works.

“We came top out of 15 teams from Blackpool to Stoke-on-Trent and across as far as Lincoln. We actually scored 50 out of a possible 56 which was way ahead of the second place team.

“We are now through to the final which will be held in September again at the Manchester Print Works.

“We are desperate to win the £2,000 first prize. There is no cash prize for second place, it’s all about winning.”

He added: “We are a bit reliant on Chris Haskins who is the brains of the team”

Pete Edwards said the competition was tough but the quiz, which was based on general knowledge with some very difficult cinema questions thrown in,   had been an enjoyable event.

He said: “It’s tough and I’m glad we have Chris Haskins on our side as he certainly saved us. The cash prize would certainly be good and I think I’d spend my share on a holiday.”

Andy Fisher said he was hoping for a few more sports questions when it comes to the final.

He said: “It was definitely a difficult quiz and it can only get tougher when we get to the final. However, we have to be confident after winning our regional heat by such a big margin.

“Just like in the regional heat there will be 15 teams including Blackpool who were runners-up to ourselves. So we know we have the beating of at least one team.”

He added: “I wouldn’t waste a penny of my share of the cash if we win. I’d spend the lot on wine, women and song!”

Chris Haskins said: “I suppose I’m the senior member of the side being the eldest. However, we have done a magnificent job to get this far and let’s hope the questions fall kindly for us in the final.

“I’m not thinking about winning a share of the £2,000 just yet, let’s wait and see how we get on. I do enjoy the general knowledge questions and mostly you just need to think before rushing the answer.”

He added: “And of course when it comes to questions on cinema working here at Eagles Meadow means we get to see all the new films and that means it’s an ideal venue for research and revision. In fact a film buff’s paradise!”

Photograph: Staff from the Odeon in Eagles Meadow, Wrexham who have reached the national finals of a quiz compeition, from left, Pete Edwards, Andy Elvis and Andy Fisher

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Staff at the Debenhams store at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, in Wrexham, are raising funds for the BBC’s Children in Need Appeal.

A trio of men who work there are going through the pain barrier to raise a mountain of cash by being sponsored to have their legs waxed.

The intrepid threesome, Blaire Howard, Matt Jones and Aaron Bennett, had no hesitation in putting their names forward to have their legs waxed as it’s for such a good cause.

The big day for the waxing and all the other fund-raising activities at Debenhams will be Saturday, August 4, when Pudsey Bear will also be in attendance.

Aaron, 26, who works as a loss prevention officer, says this isn’t the first time he has agreed to being waxed.

He said: “I had my chest waxed last year during another in-store charity fund-raiser and I’ve never known pain like it! In fact I didn’t actually volunteer for this leg wax in truth, it seems someone volunteered me!

“However, it such a good cause so I really don’t mind. As a store all the staff want to raise as much for Children in Need as we can. Everyone is getting right behind the fundraising which is brilliant.”

And Blaire Howard, 23, has previous experience of charity fund-raising too having run a marathon to raise funds for Leukaemia Research.

He said: “The problem with the marathon was I didn’t really prepare properly and in fact only ran six miles in training.

“Not ideal really and it’s no wonder it took me more than six hours to complete the 26 plus miles! Having my legs waxed will be a doddle in comparison.

“Children in need is a great cause and I had no hesitation whatsoever in putting my name forward. We want to be the top Debenhams store when it comes to fund-raising if we possibly can.”

Men’s wear Sales Advisor Matt Jones, 22, says he has his own reasons for agreeing to have his legs waxed for charity.

He said: “I want to get more in touch with my feminine side! I don’t think my fiancé would be too happy though if she heard me say that! Seriously, I just thinks it a great cause and we want to raise as much money as we can.”

Beautician Faye Byrne, who works for Arch Angels, who have a franchise within Debenhams’ Eagle Meadow store, says she is looking forward to getting to work on waxing the legs of the three male members of staff.

She said: “To be fair they are very brave and definitely good sports. Of course we will enjoy doing the waxing but the main thing is we raise as much as possible for Children in Need.”

Debenhams Sales Manager Faye Brown says staff of the Eagles Meadow store have been set a target to raise £1,000 in a month but everyone’s  hoping to raise at least double that figure.

She said: “Every Debenhams store is fund-raising for Children in Need this year and here at Eagles Meadow we are, yet again, hoping to come out as the top fundraising store in the region.

“We have lots going on including a staff race night social event, we have been loaned a Ford car which we will be filling with balloons and inviting our customers to guess how many balloons are in the vehicle and our Visual Display Team have produced a giant Pudsey which we will be using in a ball throwing competition.

“And there are lots of other fun things going on for staff and customers to enjoy.

“In the past our customers here at Eagles Meadow have been very supportive of our fund-raising efforts and we are sure this year will be no different.”

Photograph: Steeling themselves for sponsored leg waxing at Debenhams… Matt Jones is first with the help of beautician Rosie Byrne with Aaron Bennett, left and Blaine Howard looking on with sales manager Faye Brown

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The mythical creature will go on display at the mini pop up museum that’s opening at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham next month.

It was drawn by talented Niamh Gillon, aged seven, a pupil from the nearby St Giles’ School.

As a result, Niamh has won a family ticket for the Odeon cinema at Eagles Meadow for herself.

On top of that, she won a pizza based maths lesson with a difference at the Frankie and Benny’s restaurant for her class.

They will enjoy mouth-watering pizzas, made up and cooked with ingredients of their choice while they learn about fractions, adding up, multiplication and division.

The mini museum will be opening at Eagles Meadow from Friday, August 17, to Sunday, August 19.

The exhibition will feature Niamh’s picture and a selection of others, from her class mates and other local schools that took part in the competition.

The list of mythical beasts include the Adar Llwch Gwin, giant birds like griffins given to the warrior Drudwas ap Tryffin by his fairy wife, the Afanc, a terrifying water creature – one of them is said to inhabit Bala Lake – and, of course, the mighty Draig Goch, the Welsh Dragon.

A delighted Niamh said: “We had lots of fun doing the drawings. I drew a flying bird – every  time it goes in the sky, lightning comes down.

“I’m going to come and see it when it’s in the museum. I am very proud.”

Teacher Joanna Evans said: “The Year One and Year Two class took part and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Their creativity and the enthusiasm has been extraordinary.

“The children have been absolutely brimming with brilliant ideas and they’ve all come up with such wonderful pictures.

“Niamh’s picture was fantastic. She’s a very creative child, she’s very artistic, and we’re very proud of her.”

“It’s always wonderful when children represent St Giles’ School in such a wonderful way.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley went to St Giles’ School to tell them the good news.

He said: “We have received hundreds of fantastic pictures of mythical Welsh beasts from all the school that took part so judging the competition was astonishingly difficult.

“They were all winners in my eyes but Niamh’s picture was very special and the flying bird was just a little bit scary.

“Welsh folklore is so rich and full of wonderful characters and beasts – and they will be coming to life at our mini museum in August.

” As well as the exhibition, we are organising a host of interesting activities for the children. It’s going to be fascinating – and a lot of fun. I can’t wait.”

Photograph: Winner Niamh Gillon with Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley, her classmates and teacher Joanna Evans

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Advice on where to go for help if you feel unwell is now available via the new application available free to download on Apple platforms this week, and on Android from the Autumn.

The application is backed by the ‘Choose Well campaign’ which aims to help Welsh patients access the most appropriate services should they become unwell.

The ‘app’ features details of the range of health services available in Wales, which is most appropriate for you condition, which is nearest, and how to get there.

A significant number of people still go to hospital emergency departments (A&E) or dial 999 when there are other services more convenient and suitable for their needs.

The service carries details of pharmacists, GPs, optometrists, dentists, minor injury units and emergency departments, using your location to find the closest services to you.

Commenting on the new service, Lesley Griffiths said:

“Swift access information about which health services are closest and most appropriate can save time, resources and indeed lives.  New technology provides a powerful l tool which can help patients the access the information they need.

“This Choose Well app can help send the patient straight to the most appropriate service for their health needs.

“This application represents a quick win for the patient and the practitioner, free to download, and easy to use.

“This really is great opportunity to transform the way patients access information on their care and help them to help themselves”.

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The centre is based at the offices of the award-winning Pendine Park care organisation Hillbury House, in Wrexham.

It was officially opened by Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths, who is also the Welsh Health Minister.

The aim of the centre is to provide personal and professional development for nurses and care practitioners.

The centre is within the offices of Smartcare, the training arm of Pendine Park, and is the first of its kind to be located within an independent sector care organisation.

The initiative was made possible by a partnership including the Royal College of Nursing, the Wales TUC and the Betsi Cadwaladr Trust.

Seed corn funding of £1,600 came from the Welsh Government via the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF).

Pendine Proprietor Mario Kreft was an enthusiastic advocate of the collaboration. He said: “Our people are our most valuable asset.

“What we’re trying to do here is work with partners to ensure that Pendine people and others have the very best opportunity possible for their professional and personal development, and particularly for their learning.

“We are opening a centre here within our teaching care centre where any nurse will be able to make an appointment and come and use the facilities, use the internet, use the computers and all the other resources at their disposal.”

“I think what is often overlooked is the breadth of skill that nurses and care practitioners need when working in the independent centre.

“The independent sector in Wales provides as many beds as the NHS – it’s got over 12,000 beds for people registered with nurse in care.

“Anything that we can do to bring the nursing family together and get nurses from the independent sector working more with the NHS and vice versa is a good thing.”

“What’s available here is very much along the lines of what we’re doing in our care facilities where we provide learning hubs.

Elizabeth Rees, a Learning Representative with the RCN, said: “About a third of our members are in the independent sector so this is a very important step and we’re really delighted that it’s happening”

“Nurses and health care assistants give so much while they’re working, but you can’t keep giving and giving without enabling  people to access learning.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Barbara Hale, who works as a development officer with the Wales TUC.

She said: “It’s not just about staff training. It’s about personal development as well, and supporting people if they have gaps in their skills, literacy, numeracy, computers. It’s all about supporting people really and giving them options.”

According to Lesley Griffiths, the WULF project was very dear to her.

She said: “As a staunch Trade Unionist, I know of the important role of Trade Union learning representatives. The issue of lifelong learning and upskilling is something very close to my heart.

“If we can ensure that our staff are up-skilled and are able to access learning in such a great environment as they are at this learning centre,  the people that will benefit are the people are receiving care.”

“I hope that other organisations follow Mario’s lead on this – you don’t need a lot of space. With a little bit of funding you can make a big difference.”

Photograph: Lesley Griffiths AM cuts the ribbon at the opening of the new learning centre Hillbury House watched by Liz Rees, Mario Kreft, Anita Curley and Barbara Hale

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First Minister Carwyn Jones announced the Welsh Government Legislative priorities for the next twelve months in the Senedd this week. The Welsh Labour Government will introduce a total of eight Bills next year in addition to plans to consult on four White papers.

Bills to be introduced include the Local Democracy Bill, Human Transplantation Bill, the Social Services (Wales) Bill and two bills on the future of education in Wales – the Further and Higher Education Bill, and the Education (Wales) Bill. On top if this White Papers will be published on subjects ranging from domestic abuse and violence against women to tenancy reform.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths said:

“Good Government requires constant reappraisal of how best to keep the public safe, preserve the health of democracy and deliver sustainable, quality public services.

“This legislative programme shows this Welsh Government remains ambitious to its core, forwarding a legislative programme which ranges from the way Social Care operates, to how organs are donated and the future of Education in Wales.

“By the end of this year the Welsh public will be better protected from Dangerous dogs than anywhere else in the UK, and better connected to democracy at local level.

“These are important reforms, in areas which really matter to the people of Wales. “

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The new road was officially unveiled on Monday by Welsh Government Minister Carl Sargeant, and provides improved access into the south and north entrances to the Industrial Estate. The project was completed on time and within budget, thanks to £35 million of Welsh Government investment.

Previously, the B-road style access had caused issues for larger vehicles servicing Wrexham Industrial Estate. However, the new roads now permit the largest goods vehicles access to Wales’ largest Industrial Estate.

The new northern access includes 3.2 kilometres of new two-lane dual carriageway, in addition to another 1.2 kilometres of single carriageway at the southern access to the Estate. The roads are served by three new or upgraded junctions alongside a new bridge over the River Clywedog.

Construction materials in the project include rubble from the recent demolition of the Hightown Flats.

Following the opening ceremony, AM Lesley Griffiths said:

“I am thrilled to see this long-planned project finally realised thanks to Welsh Government funding.

“The opening of the new link roads begins a new chapter for Wrexham Industrial Estate and for the town. The estate can now boast access which can compete with the premier industrial zones across the UK and Europe, making it more attractive as a place to site businesses and jobs.

“This is a great day for Wrexham, I want to thank all who have worked hard to secure the funding and complete this project on time and within budget. “

Wrexham MP Ian lucas added:

“This is excellent news for the Industrial Estate and its construction was a remarkably fast job. The link road has been long needed and its construction is a success story for Wrexham which shows the value of public investment to back private sector growth.

“The road will have major benefits for our local economy and for jobs in the area. It is truly good news.”

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By the time the staff of Next were ready to throw open the doors for the 5am start more than 600 people had formed a line that snaked right around Eagles Meadow.

At the head of the queue were Wrexham pair Tiffany Burgess and Nicola Plant who even brought camping chairs to sit on as they waited for the store to open.

Pregnant Nicola, who is expecting her baby in a little over a fortnight, says she wanted to stock up on baby and children’s clothes.

She said: “We got here just before 2am and was surprised to be first in the queue. We brought camping chairs along to make it a bit comfier.”

Tiffany added: “I love the Next sale but have never managed to be first in the queue before. It has been a long night but at least we will get first chance of the bargains.”

First to emerge from the packed store clutching a Next carrier bag was Ian Williams, an advisor with Age Concern North East Wales, who managed to snap up a new suit for his October wedding.

Ian, of Summerhill, said: “I got here at 4.45am and was quite a bit down the queue. However, I knew exactly what I wanted, my wedding suit, and managed to get it saving a fortune in the process. I am delighted.”

First woman to fight her way to the tills and emerge carrying a bulging bag of children’s clothes was account assistant Rhian Millington, of Acton.

She said: “I arrived at 4.30am and was shocked by the size of the queue. I wanted to stock up on baby clothes for my daughter, Keona-May who is 10 months old.

“It was certainly worth getting up early for and I’m made-up with the bargains I have got.”

Sharon Shaughnessy, of Little Acton,also managed to grab more than a few bargains.

She said: “It’s been a bit of a crush but I managed to get what I came for which was clothes for my nine-year-old daughter, Hannah, and myself, I am very pleased.”

Lisa Williams, of Weston Rhyn, Chirk, was accompanied by her bargain-hunting daughter, Ellie, seven.

Lisa said: “Ellie insists on coming with me, she loves the buzz of the sales. We were shopping for clothes for Ellie, her sisters Elisha and Chloe, who are five and three, and her brother, Peter, who is almost one.

“We got here at 4.30am and were quite a way down the queue but we got what we came for which is brilliant.”

Friends Natalie Sheil, of Chirk, Hannah Davies, of Ruabon and Amie Tekeian, of Wrexham emerged from Next loaded down with bags crammed full of bargains.

Hairdresser Natalie says she was shopping for clothes for her two boys, Jayden, four, and Zac, 15 months.

She said: “We arrived at about 3.45am and had quite a good laugh while we queued. I spent about £150 but got some real bargains. I’m really pleased even if I am tired out!”

Hannah, who works as a dental nurse along with Aimee at a Ruabon practice, says she spent £130 but got just what she needed.

She said: “I was shopping for clothes for my two sons, Oliver, four, and Louie, 18 months.

“I’m delighted with what I managed to get and it was certainly worth the early start even if I feel dreadful. I can’t believe I came out without any make-up on!”

Amie, who spent more than £330, says she now won’t need to buy any clothes for her son, Bradley, for more than six months.

She said: “It’s definitely worth it, no doubt about it. I won’t need to shop for clothes for my son now until after Christmas. Probably when Next have their big sale which usually starts on Boxing Day.

“It might sound like a lot to spend but it’s actually a better, and more economical, way of doing things. I’m thrilled at what I managed to get and there were some real bargains. It was certainly worth the early start.”

And as Natalie, Hannah and Aimee sat on an Eagles Meadow seat to take a break and compare the bargains they had bought, a steady stream of late comers continued to file into the Eagles Meadow store.

Kevin Critchley, the manager of Eagles Meadow, revealed that business was also brisk at other stores in the centre during the day.
He said: “We have some very happy shoppers -   a lot of people have saved themselves hundreds of pounds so it really was worth the effort.

“But those who did not get up before the crack of dawn  need not worry – there are plenty of bargains left.”

Photograph: NEXT sale at Eagles Meadow, Wrexham

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But the surprised bargain hunters at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre soon got into the swing of things when a Zumba flash mob burst into life.

Shoppers were tapping their feet and swaying to the Latin beat as more than 40 youngsters and adults performed a 10 minute routine, designed to show what Zumba is all about.

As a qualified Zumba teacher, Claire is now running five classes a week through her Zumba Zoom company enticing people to “ditch the workout – join the party!”

“I was probably the first Zumba teacher in North Wales, now there seem to be hundreds,” said 42-year-old Claire who is trained in dance and drama.

Zumba is a Latin inspired dance fitness class, where the emphasis is firmly on fitness.

“What we have showed today is what you can expect in our classes, it’s not a polished performance but we wanted to show people no matter what age they are, no matter what their fitness level, you can join in and have fun.

“It does not matter whether you have two left feet and if you feel you are unco-ordinated, you can still have access to a class.

“On average we get about 30 at each class but I would like more, particularly at Wrexham Memorial Hall where the venue is large,” said Claire.

She trained at the Elliott-Clarke College of Dance and Drama and worked for many years as a professional actor and dancer and is currently a freelance dance and drama practitioner in North Wales.

She worked with various touring theatre companies around the UK before helping set up the Cwmni Theatr Indigo, a bi-lingual Denbighshire-based community  theatre group, which she ran as director for several years before her children came along.

Children are 13-year-old Myfannwy, a pupil at St Brigid’s Denbigh, where husband Adam is a drama teacher, Gabriel, a pupil at Llanfair DC primary, and Bili (corr) three, and Joseff, two.

“I also teach workshops and classes to private groups and functions ,” said Claire.

“Zumba classes are for everybody no matter what your ability. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve never danced or exercised before. I hope to make you feel comfortable enough to let your hair down for an hour and burn some calories!”

Helping Claire out on Saturday were 10 and 11-year-old pupils from Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, near Ruthin, fresh from their successful second place in a Zumba event at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Caernarfon.

Ten-year-old Alaw Hughes was one of the pupils from Ysgol Llanfair DC who was part of the successful  Urdd team. “Claire comes to our school to give us classes. It’s really good fun and keeps us fit,” said Alaw, who led some sections of the dancing on Saturday at Wrexham.

Another Ysgol Llanfair DC pupil – and the only boy in the entire line-up on Saturday was 10-year-old Sam Evans from Pwllglas. “There are other boys in the group but some dropped out and others were ill. It’s a good way to keep fit,” said Sam.

Zumba was accidentally created by a Colombian aerobics teacher who turned up at a class one day, realized he had forgotten his usual music and instead improvised with some Latin music tapes he had in his car.

Claire’s classes are held at Pwllglas village hall Ruthin on Mondays from 7-8pm; Wrexham Memorial Hall, Bodhyfryd, Wednesdays 6.15-7.15pm; Zumba Golad classes for over 55’s at Llanfwrog Community Centre Thursdays 10-11am; Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd village hall, Ruthin, Thursdays 7.45-8.45pm; and Ruabon community centre Saturdays 10-11am.

For more details about Claire’s company visit www.zumbazoom.co.uk or about Zumba in general on www.zumba.com or contact Claire on claire@zumbazoom.co.uk or mobile 0774238 0638.

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Recruitment has exceeded expectations since the Village Bakery opened a third bakery on Wrexham Industrial Estate.

The company invited Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths to help celebrate the good jobs news.

The family firm is run by Alan Jones and his three sons, Robin, Tim and Christien.

They make premium breads, morning goods, savouries and bespoke products for major supermarket chains and their own shops and cafes.

The main bakery is in Minera and in 2008 they opened the most modern gluten-free bakery in Europe as part of a deal with the Swiss giant, the Hero Group.

The £3 million state-of-the art Village Bakery (Nutrition) Ltd on Wrexham Industrial Estate was officially opened by the then First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan AM.

Then just over a year ago the company invested £7 million in the third bakery when they took over a 30,000 sq ft unit next door to the gluten-free bakery.

Originally, the aim was to employ 30 people but in the event we’ve recruited more than 40, taking the total workforce over the 250 mark.

According to Lesley Griffiths, who is also the Welsh Government Health Minister, that’s “fantastic”  news for the local economy.

She said: “It’s great to see a home grown company doing so well and flying the flag for quality produce from Wrexham.

“They have perfected the right combination of the art of the craft baker with the latest technology.

“The Village Bakery is a family firm which means they can respond quickly to the needs of their customers.

“The other great thing is that wherever possible they try and source their ingredients locally.”

Joint Managing Director Robin Jones is delighted with the success of the new bakery.

He said: “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time. It’s been very hard but we’ve got some great people working with us and they’ve helped make the difference”

“The economy has been very difficult over the past few years but we believe that   if you make the right products of the right quality that customers will want to buy them.

“Throughout this time, we’ve continued to invest in the latest technology whilst remaining true to our traditional values,

“We are craft bakers born and bred, but we utilise the best of European machinery to make our products even better.

“Our local sourcing policy is something we hold dear to our hearts and it’s helped us in expanding with the larger supermarkets because they are looking for quality and provenance.

“We have a passion and a commitment to making even better products and we are very fortunate that we have a great team here.

“Together, we try and improve things all the time – we are never content to rest on our laurels.”

Photograph: Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths, who is also the Health Minister, visited the Village Bakery’s two bakeries on  Wrexham Industrial Estate. Pictured are Robin (left) and Tim Jones with Lesley Griffiths during her visit

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Gloria Davies, 69, from Buckley, has just retired after working for the Wrexham-based family firm, Gerrards, for 41 years.

She was the area supervisor with responsibility for the award-winning bakery’s 15 shops across North Wales and the Wirral.

As a retirement gift, Gloria and husband, Albert, 74, enjoyed a two-night break at the Portmeirion Hotel set in the magical Italianate village created near Porthmadog, in Gwynedd, by the Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.

Appropriately, she was also presented with a beautiful cake decorated with a picture of her taken in 1971, the year she started with Gerrards.

After paying tribute to the incredible support she’d received from Albert, Gloria said: “I have really enjoyed working at Gerrards. I’ve got some very fond memories of working here  over the years.”

Gloria  was born at Leasowe on the Wirral where she left St George’s secondary modern school at 15 and went to work at a pharmacy. Albert, from Wallasey, worked as a motor mechanic for the GPO in Birkenhead.

After a spell working for the Timothy Whites chemists chain at Chester, Gloria switched to a delicatessen and cake shop in Buckley, which was taken over by Gerrards. Albert meantime transferred to the GPO in Mold.

The couple have two children, twins Andrew and Helen, and three grandchildren.

Gerrards, established in 1838, is now being run by the sixth generation of the Gerrard family, Dawn van Rensburg and her husband, Dirk.

Gloria’s role as area supervisor involved passing on her experience and enthusiasm to more than 130 staff  at shops in Bangor, Llandudno, Mold, Buckley, Wirral (two shops), Wrexham (four shops), Bala, Corwen, Chirk, Gresford and Llangollen.

She also supervised the fleet of eight sandwich vans that supply offices, factories and business parks in North Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire and the Wirral with freshly baked products.

Dawn said : “I’ve known Gloria since I was a child , she’s an incredible woman.

“She’s been a real mainstay of the company, providing so much support to all the staff. Her  loyalty has been remarkable, she is very much part of the family.

“We will miss Gloria terribly but we certainly won’t lose touch with her.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Dawn’s father, Philip Gerrard Jones, who ran the company for all his working life until he passed on the baton to his daughter and her husband Dirk.

Mr Gerrard Jones recalled: “Gloria was the assistant manager of a delicatessen we bought in Buckley which is the shop that is now our bakery.

“With Gloria in charge, the display was wonderful, the staff were all turned out immaculately and her figures were always spot on.

“She became the perfect manageress and she was the logical choice to become the  shop supervisor.

“We are obviously sad to see her go but we wish her and Albert a lovely retirement.”

For her part, Gloria certainly doesn’t intend putting her feet up.

She added: “I really enjoy painting to I’m going to go back to my art and I’m going to start bowling and cycling again.”

Albert, who retired 19 years ago, is now looking forward to seeing much more of his wife.

He said: “She always enjoyed her job with Gerrards and she was treated very well by the family.

“We are going to be able to get out and about which is something we’ve not done much  before.  I’m looking forward to it.”

Photograph: (front L/R) is Gloria Davies with Dirk van Rensburg,Albi Davies, Claire and Philip Gerrard-Jones and Dawn van Rensburg

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Anwyl Construction are to build 127 new homes on two sites in Wrexham this year for leading social housing landlord Wales &West Housing.

Anwyls are keen to ensure that the work brings benefits to the local area and are holding a Meet The Contractor event at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground on Friday, June 29, to identify potential sub-contracting partners.

It is the second major contract that the Rhyl-based company have landed with Wales&West in the last 12 months since starting work on Llys Jasmine in Mold, an £8.5 million Extra Care development for older people.

Anwyls, North Wales’s biggest local house-builder, have a wealth of experience of major projects and have recently worked on a series of developments at colleges across North Wales including Glyndwr University, Deeside College, Llandrillo College and Coleg Menai.

The developments in Wrexham will see them building on two sites, on Kingsmills Road, and on Rivulet Road with both due to be completed by December 2013.

The Rivulet Road site will see more than 35 houses and apartments built and a further 92 houses and apartments will be developed on Kingsmills Road. The scheme will be completed with a new community resource centre and clinic, which is expected to be finished in 18 months.

Anwyl Construction Director Mathew Anwyl said: “This is a major contract for us and a fantastic investment for the local community. We’re delighted to have been awarded the work and are looking forward to creating opportunities among the local workforce.”

Craig Sparrow, Development Manager North for Wales& West Housing, added: “This is an exciting project, providing a range of affordable housing together with a modern community facility that will benefit the wider neighbourhood.

“We are delighted to be working with Anwyls who continue to demonstrate their commitment to maximising opportunities for local labour and local supply chains.”

The new housing has also been backed by Wrexham Council and Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning Mark Pritchard, said: “This is another example of how partnership working can deliver good quality, affordable housing for Wrexham.

“We’re very keen to work with local companies and in addition, affordable housing is one of our priorities in Wrexham and this will go some way to achieving the targets we have been set by the Welsh Government.”

The new development will also be built to high ‘green’ standards, Anwyl Constructions Manager Iain Murray said: “We have considerable experience of building renewable energy systems into houses and we will be installing solar panels and solar photo voltaic panels across the development.

“Importantly too we are a local, North Wales company with an established trade base in Wrexham where we have been building for more than 15 years and we are now looking to expand that trade base.

“We have a core base of contractors but the volume of work means there are more opportunities for local workers and business to come on board. Come to the ‘Meet the Contractor’ event on June 29 and help us create a fantastic local team.

Anwyl Construction’s Meet the Contractor event is being held at the 1873 Suite, at the Glyndwr Stadium, The Racecourse Ground, in Mold Road, Wrexham, from 9am to 3pm.

Sub-contracting opportunities have been identified for: Demolition, Groundworks, Bricklayers, Roofers, Joiners, Plumbers, Electricians, Plasterers, Metal/Stud work, Floor tilers, Wall tilers, Cleaners, Landscape Gardeners, External Railings, Mastic, Brick Cleaners, Scaffolders, Fencers, Insulation Contractors, Photovoltaic Installers, Painters and M&E Contractors.

For further information and to book an appointment please contact Eirian Davies on 01970 636280 or email eirian.davies@menterabusnes.co.uk

Photograph: Pictured at the old Hightown Flats site on Kingsmills Road are, from left, Anwyl’s Construction Manager Iain Murray with Cllr Mark Pritchard, Wrexham Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, and Craig Sparrow, Wales & West Development Manager North

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Next week (from Jun 11) a letter of intent will be sent to Ofcom from Deeside (Wales) Community Media (DCM) that it intends to apply for a licence to establish a full-time community radio station called Radio Deeside.

Some local politicians have already thrown their support behind the station which will be run by a not-for-profit charity, backed by volunteers.

One of the key players is a man who has been the voice – and face – of local radio most of his working life, Roy Norry from Hamilton Road, Connah’s Quay.

Roy ‘cut his teeth’ on the original Radio Deeside set up as one of a series of community stations by the BBC in 1978 prior to the launch of BBC Wales.

It became so popular it had its broadcast range extended and became Radio Clwyd based in an old school house in Mold. Roy also worked for the former Marcher Sound commercial station based just outside Wrexham.

Supported by Barry Dugdale, a former health trust manager with a keen interest in community broadcasting, Martin Ellett, former councillor Gareth Williams and social media expert Jonathan Sheppard, Roy wants Deeside to have the community radio which has been granted to just about everywhere else in North Wales.

“We started about three weeks ago and are in the process of forming a committee to include the people with the necessary skills. We’re hoping to send off our letter of intent next week. We’ve been thinking about this for more than two years, we tried once before but it was just the wrong time, wrong place.

“Ofcom has given out 11 licences in Wales, mostly in North Wales, so that we now have community radios from Anglesey to Wrexham with only Deeside as a large urban area missing out,” said Roy.

While commercial radio depends on advertising for its funds, community radio can legally raise only a small portion of its budget through advertising and looks for the rest through grants and the support of volunteers.

Roy had previously launched the popular www.northwalesextra.com website where he  runs the North Wales Daily, a news and information website.

In addition, he is now working on developing a more Deeside-orientated news and information website called A548 News to service DCM.

The letter of intent will tell Ofcom that DCM is serious in its aim of applying for a Restricted Services Licence (RSL). These 28-day licences give the broadcasting authorities time to assess the quality of the output and local support for the station before granting a full licence, which can take years to achieve.

But first DCM is on the look out for premises to base their station.

“Flintshire county councillor Bernie Attridge from Connah’s Quay has been very helpful. We understand that the old Mold Road primary school in Connah’s Quay is closing and it may be that it would be an ideal site for a community focused development including a radio station.”

Despite the plethora of local radio stations, Roy believes there is nothing truly “local” for the huge population of Deeside – which can probably lay claim to be the home of modern local radio in Wales.

“It’s ironic because we were one of the first community radio stations in Wales back in the early 1980s when steel making was closing down in Shotton. Now everywhere seems to have a community radio – except Deeside.

“We went out with microphones and cameras for the Olympic torch and for a Jubilee street party in Mancot and the reception we got was marvelous. It’s amazing how many people still remember the old Radio Deeside days.

“We’ve had indications of support from local Assembly Member Carl Sargeant and we’ve put out some feelers with Deeside College. A local radio station could provide a very valuable asset for training.

“Technology has changed so much that people could make programmes in their own homes and present them to us. Unlike commercial radio which covers much wider areas, we would be a truly local community radio.

“The local drama group can come and put an appeal for new members on air, we can tell people about local events, discuss local issues of interest in the area, give out local travel news and weather, put out charity appeals, broadcast from local events, play music from local bands.

“We would want to put out a live breakfast show and afternoon show with pre-recorded specials for late evening,” said Roy.

Those wanting to get involved in the local radio station should check websites www.deesidecommunitymedia.co.uk and www.radiodeeside.com

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Wrexham-based Pendine Park was honoured at the glittering Arts and Business Cymru Awards at the Millennium Centre, in Cardiff.

They were recognised for their ground-breaking collaborations with the world-renowned orchestra, the Hallé, and Welsh National Opera.

The  Arts, Business and Community Award was presented to Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE and their artist-in-residence, Sarah Edwards. The other finalists in their category were John Lewis and Waitrose.

Pendine Park have previously been nominated several times and in 2008 they won the Arts and Business Cymru Sustainability Award for their long-standing commitment to the arts.

They were believed to be the first independent care organisation to employ an artist in residence when Sarah Edwards was appointed 16 years ago.

Pendine Park and the Hallé have collaborated for the last four years to bring residents something new in the form of music workshops.

They are now working with the orchestra to develop an in-house course for staff with a view to developing it into a nationally recognised qualification that could be rolled out across Wales.

Last year Pendine Park Pendine teamed up with Welsh National Opera to help promote the cutting edge three-year programme in Wrexham.

They were among the first of the WNO’s Community Champions to be unveiled in North Wales.

Residents were involved in the pioneering opera project, Nine Stories High, and their stories formed the basis of the first episode.

As part of the project, two members of WNO’s acclaimed Chorus, soprano Meriel Andrew and tenor Simon Buttle, raised the roof at a concert at Pendine Park’s Hillbury home.

Sarah Edwards said: “I was surprised but absolutely delighted that we won – not just for me and Pendine Park but also for the residents.

“It was a wonderfully glamorous occasion at the Millennium Centre, a truly unforgettable evening.

“I must pay tribute to Mario because when I approached him all those years ago, art therapy was virtually unheard of – especially in the care sector.

“He and his wife, Gill, are great lovers of the arts and, luckily for me, they were able to see how art can and does benefit people, enriching their lives.

“I think the arts gives the residents a focus away from their illness, it provides escapism and creativity – and something different.

“As well as our partnerships with the Hallé and WNO, I conduct one-to-one sessions, regular group art therapy sessions and photography classes which definitely raise the spirits of the residents. We also regularly visit art galleries.”

An equally delighted Mario Kreft added: “Being recognised in this way has given us all at Pendine Park a real sense of pride.

“The arts gives people a sense of purpose and the work that Sarah does has certainly helped residents to lead fulfilled lives.

“Very often, people have not realised that they have an artistic talent – so it gives them an enormous sense of achievement and pleasure.

“They look forward to the lessons and the gallery visits and the exhibitions that we put on here.

“We have also been extremely lucky to be able to work with world class musicians from the Hallé and WNO to support our projects to enrich people’s lives through the medium of music.

“I know that from the feedback I get from residents and their families how much an impact the arts has in improving their quality of life.”

Photograph: Pendine Park Proprietor Mario Kreft MBE and Artist-in-Residence Sarah Edwards with the prestigious Arts and Business Cymru Award

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But now, aged 50, he has become the latest tenant of a unit in the town’s Eagles Meadow centre, and is excited by the prospect.

The Caran d’Ache shop has opened its doors, and Colin and his partner Lisa Moxham. who live in Kelsall, are determined to offer the same service as that which has helped establish their reputation at their three other premises in Birkenhead and Tarporley.

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was delighted to welcome another fashion store to the bustling shopping centre.

He said: “Caran D’Ache is the third new arrival at Eagles Meadow this year – on top of the seven new stores that opened here in 2011.

“We now have a burgeoning critical mass of fashion specialists in Wrexham which makes us the perfect destination for fashionistas of all ages and underlines our credentials as the shopping capital of North Wales.”

Originally from Connah’s Quay, Colin started work at the Harry Fenton men’s outfitters in Wrexham and was even relief manager for a short while at the age of 17.

In 1982 he eventually opened his own Caran d’Ache men’s shop in the Grange Precinct in Birkenhead and this October it celebrates its 30th anniversary there.

Ten years ago he opened his first women’s shop in Tarporley and three years later the business expanded when he opened a second shop nearby in the same village.

He and Lisa made a deliberate decision to switch the shops’ focus from teenagers and women in their early 20s to “Yummy Mummies”.

“They want more comfortable, good quality clothes, and we pride ourselves on the service and advice we provide, which we shall continue in the Wrexham shop,” said Lisa.

“There are not many independent boutiques around these days and we are confident we provide a shopping experience which our customers appreciate. We are also confident in our stock.”

They took the step to open in Wrexham because a growing number of their Tarporley customers came from North Wales.

“They kept telling us there was nothing comparable in the area, so we started looking for premises and it’s a good time to come here because there’s a real buzz about the town at the moment,” said Colin.

“We started looking for somewhere about six months ago but decided not to go into the town centre,” he said.

“ This unit in Eagles Meadow is ideal. It’s the right size and, being the first one people see after coming over the footbridge from the town, is in a brilliant location. It’s also useful being right opposite Starbucks where so many women pop in for coffee.”

The three jobs created in Wrexham, which takes their total workforce to 12, were not advertised but the staff were recruited by word of mouth.

Having announced the opening date for the new premises, however, left Colin chasing a deadline, with only six days to refit the unit.

The name Caran d’Ache is probably most commonly associated with the Swiss arts company which produces crayons and pencils but was the pseudonym of the 19th-century French satirist Emmanuel Poire. It is derived from the Russian word for “pencil”.

Photograph: Caran D’Ache at Eagles Meadow. Pictured is Lucy Thomas

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Tutor Billie Owens is helping 18 teaching assistants from local schools who have signed up for a pioneering scheme to learn conversational Welsh.

The 20-week course called Cwrs Iaith Meithrin (Nursery Language Course), is  being held at Gwersyllt Resources Centre and is being put on by adult education specialists Coleg Harlech WEA.

It is the first initiative of its kind for Coleg Harlech WEA  to run in North Wales and the experience is proving educational and enjoyable for the students.

The course is aimed specifically at teachers, nursery workers and childminders who work with very young children and who want to start learning or build their confidence with the language.

Under the guidance of tutor Billie Owens – herself a Welsh learner who hails from Harrogate – the students learn everyday words and phrases which a growing number of children now use in the classroom and playground.

Billie’s interest in the language began when she spent a holiday in North Wales at the age of 13. Until then she didn’t even know the language existed, and she later learned her first phrases from a fellow student at Manchester University who was from Anglesey.

She met her husband Geraint, who hails from Rhos, in 1996 and they married in 2000, when she took an intensive three-week Welsh course while still living in Manchester.

Other courses followed, including GCSE, A-level and, currently, a two-year course through the North Wales Welsh for Adults Centre to teach adults.

“Now my obsession has changed into my job,” she quipped.

The family now lives in Ruthin, where children Catrin, eight, and Math, five, attend the Welsh primary school Ysgol Penbarras.

Several of the assistants on the Gwersyllt course explained that they had asked their headteachers to find out whether any such courses existed so that they could improve their skills.

“There are plenty of courses for teachers but until now there has been nothing for teaching assistants,” explained Viv Valentine, one of eight assistants from Borras Park Primary School on the course.

Viv herself is a former pupil of Borras Park and her two daughters have also attended the school. She has been a classroom assistant there for eight years.

“When I was younger I spoke some Welsh although my parents didn’t and although the children in our school are largely from English families I think it’s important to be able to understand fairly elementary phrases,” she said.

“At the end of this course I may well want to take it further,” she added.

She said she found the weekly two-hour sessions not only stimulating but also relaxing.

“The way the lessons are conducted there is no pressure,” she added.

Karen Moore has been at Borras Park for about the same length of time and was also a pupil there as a child. As the family moved to live in Barmouth her son Liam quickly learned Welsh and after returning to Wrexham he attended Ysgol Bodhyfryd and then Ysgol Morgan Llwyd.

“He is fluent in Welsh but doesn’t use it at home because no-one else in the family can speak it, so when this chance came I was glad to sign up,” said Karen.

“It’s an opportunity to progress in work and the course has been even better than I expected,” she added.

Meinir Tomos Jones, Coleg Harlech’s Welsh For Adults co-ordinator, said the next step is to expand and run the course throughout North Wales and North Powys.

She said:  “Wrexham was chosen for the pilot following the National Eisteddfod last year and because of the surge of interest in Welsh in the area with a significant increase in the demand for Welsh medium education.

“Gwersyllt, where the course is held, has been identified as a possible location for a new Welsh medium primary school.”

“The Cwrs Iaith Meithrin course  builds on the success of Coleg Harlech’s Welsh For The Family courses which were  delivered in conjunction with the North and Mid Wales Welsh for Adults Centres and the Mudiad Meithrin which helps parents play a more active part in their children’s education, language and development.”

Coleg Harlech Principal Trefor Fȏn Owen believes that Billie is the perfect role model for her students.

He said: “I am full of admiration for Billie who is a real inspiration to her students – a Yorkshirewoman who is proving to be an effective champion for the Welsh language.”

Photograph: Tutor Billie Owens with (l/r) Viv Valentine and Karen Moore

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The Academy of Care Practitioners is the first body of its kind to be established in the UK and is expected to inspire a network of similar organisations in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Eire.

The launch took place at the Senedd in Cardiff today at a ceremony hosted by the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas AM.

The Academy is the brainchild of Care Forum Wales which represents more than 500 independent social care providers.

It has been set up as a company limited by guarantee with the aim of it becoming a charity and Glyndwr University, in Wrexham, will be its main base for the foreseeable future.

The aim is to promote, support and develop Care Practitioners and raise standards in social care provision – and raise the status of the “undervalued profession”.

The launch came after a successful 12-month pilot programme.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, is passionate about the need for the new Academy.

He said: “People rightly talk about safeguarding service users, vulnerable people who  receive a care service, but in my opinion not enough is considered in terms of safeguarding the social care workers.

“The whole social care system in Wales, and indeed the whole NHS system,  is predicated on tens of thousands of people getting up early every morning and doing a really difficult job.

“It’s high time that group of people had the opportunity to join a professional body for vocationally qualified social care workers that is dedicated 100 per cent to them.

“By showing respect for people who work in social care you’re also showing respect for the people they care for.

“I think those members of the public who either receive or are close to family members of those who receive social care in the main they know that they’re getting a good service.

“But I think it’s fair to say that social care is seriously undervalued as a profession and this is a means of raising their status.

“Why should social care workers in Wales be just about the only group of workers without a professional body to support them, to protect them, and to assist with their personal and professional development?

“Until now social care policy had developed in Wales without their input because there was no organisation to represent them but they really do deserve a place at the top table.

“For the first time, this army of unsung heroes and heroines across Wales will have their own voice. This is history in the making.

“What we’re doing in Care Forum Wales, with our partners, is making it happen and the aim is for the Academy to be independent, democratic, and owned by social care workers.

“The creation of the Academy dovetails with Welsh Government policy and is in accordance with the codes of practice of the Care Council for Wales.

The development of the Academy is being watched closely by members of the Five Nations group,  made up of organisations representing the care sectors in the four home nations and Eire, who are keen to follow suit.

Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas said: “The Academy addresses the need for a professional body for social care workers, giving them more direction in their professional development and a louder voice when it comes to developing social care policy.”

Photograph: Stakeholders at the launch of the Academy of Care Practitioners at the Senedd in Cardiff

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The town centre of Wrexham was transformed into a real-life set for the concluding episodes of the Welsh National Opera project, Nine Stories High.

Just to show that anything is possible in the world of make-believe, even Santa dropped in for an unseasonal visit to the Eagles meadow shopping centre.

The big. kindly man in a red suit was distraught that his wife had walked out on him.

However, to roars of approval and cheers of delight from shoppers and visitors to  Eagles Meadow,  Santa was saved by an angel from M&S!

The performance was all part of the Welsh National Opera scheme to bring the art form to the people of Wrexham.

Since September last year there have been nine performances, each telling one part of the story, around the town as part of a live soap opera.

It has included a whole host of local people including the residents of the Pendine Park care organisation, which is a WNO Community Champion.

At a WNO workshop at Pendine Park, resident Christine Jones told how she married a village policeman nearly 50 years ago, only for most of the village to turn out and watch the wedding.

With little money and no prospect of a honeymoon, she recalled a friend of her parents giving them an envelope with £5 (“a lot of money in those days”) and a key – which opened a caravan in Blackpool which they were to use for their honeymoon.

Christine’s story was one of those told on Saturday when performers and musicians from Welsh National Opera re-enacted all nine performances around Wrexham on the one day.

That also  meant a return for the down-at-heel Santa who last visited Eagles Meadow on Christmas Eve.

Rhian Hutchings, the Welsh National Opera’s Director of Educational and who also manages it’s outreach programme, says she is delighted with the way the public responded to the live performances.

She said: “We have had three performances at Eagles Meadow, each telling a different part of Nine Stories High. We have used the main shopping mall as well as Debenhams and tenpin.

“Nine Stories High is all about live soap opera, inspired by Wrexham stories told by Wrexham people and performed by world class opera singers including members of Welsh National Opera’s chorus.”

She added: “I am really pleased with the reaction from people in Wrexham. This is all part of a three year programme of events centred around the town all aimed at making opera more accessible and better understood.

“And we can see from the reaction of people here in Eagles Meadow it has been really well received. I was particularly delighted to see so many young people taking an interest.”

Ruth Evans, Welsh National Opera Production Manager, said: “This is just one part of a three year funded project which is taking opera out into the heart of local communities and showing that opera can, and very often does, depict everyday life.

“The story at Eagles Meadow is all about a down-on-his-luck Santa who is saved by his own angel of good fortune.

“We have recruited our own community Wrexham choir to back the performance which has clearly been a big hit with shoppers.

“It’s been a thrill to bring opera to Eagles Meadow and we hope people have learnt a little about what the art form is all about.”

She added: “Of course we have been putting on these live performances since September and today we are attempting to perform all nine parts of the story on a single day which is a bit ambitious! But its certainly been good fun too.

Shoppers Barbara Pugh, of Penycae, and her daughter, Delyth Pugh, of Johnstown, watched the performance with Delyth’s young son Thomas and daughter Emily.

Barbara said: “Well I didn’t expect to see Santa here in Eagles Meadow in May, nor a choir in Christmas hats!

“It’s been wonderful and I really enjoyed watching the performance.

“I do like the fact you can come to Eagles Meadow and see something different going on, it makes shopping days a lot more fun.”

Delyth, was delighted to see her daughter Emily waving a Welsh National Opera flag and added: “I thought it was brilliant and really different. The performers have incredible voices and I could get used to watching something like that.

“I always enjoy street performances and think we should have more of them, it always adds atmosphere.”

Kevin Critchley, the Manager of Eagles Meadow, was delighted to welcome the WNO team to entertain the shoppers once again.

He said: “The WNO residency has been a brilliant project and the three episodes they performed today were absolutely superb.
“And as Santa’s fate was in the balance, I am really glad there as a happy ending to the story!”

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Ministry and Calling Sunday focuses on people thinking about becoming or training to be priests in the Church in Wales. The day is part of a wider drive by the church to seek out its next generation of leaders.

The services will have prayers and readings themed around ministry and people will be invited to think about whether they, or anyone they know, may have a vocation to be a priest.

The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, who leads the Church’s vocations strategy called Here I Am, Send Me, will be at a service at St Margaret’s Church, Wrexham (starts 9.30am).

He said, “Every human being finds fullness of life in doing what God has made that person to do.  Ministry and Calling Sunday seeks to put the question to everyone ‘What did God make you to achieve in life?’  In particular, the Church wants to discover those whose gifts and calling are to lead the Church in the future – and that leadership could come from the most surprising directions, so we want to cast the net as widely as possible.”

People can find out more about vocation and serving the church online at the Church’s Vocation Wales website. It includes video clips of people describing times in their lives when they valued the ministry of a priest and new leaflets which can be downloaded, about all aspects of ministry.

The website address is:  www.vocationwales.org.uk

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Having finished second in the Blue Square Premiership, Wrexham narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, despite an impressive haul of 98 points.

On Monday, although fighting valiantly back from a goal down to secure victory on the night, Wrexham lost 3-2 to Luton Town on aggregate in the playoff semi-final. For fans this was a painful reminder of last season where Wrexham lost also to Luton in the same fixture.

Following the match, Lesley said:

“For want of better words I am gutted. Gutted for all our incredibly loyal fans and even more for the players and staff who have performed so magnificently to bring us this far.

“However ,  we must all remember how far the club has come in the last year and just how many hurdles have been overcome to get there. This time last year nobody was even sure we would have a club, let alone one owned by the fans, for the fans, and which would go on to exhibit such great form on the pitch.

“Be it our FA Cup run or our performances in the Conference, the team have had some fantastic results this season, and are the pride of our Town as ever. We may not have made it this time, but we will be back – in contention and fighting as strongly as ever next season.”

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Voters in the Wrexham County Borough Council area returned 23 Labour Councillors, almost doubling their representation at the Guildhall and making Labour the largest Council grouping.

Across Wales, Labour now has the greatest number of Councillors since local government was reorganised in 1996, having taken control of Councils in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, and putting Labour in a controlling position in Flintshire and Wrexham.

Commenting on the results, AM Lesley Griffiths said:

“It was a great night for Labour with nine new Labour Councillors in the Wrexham constituency. Our candidates fought positive campaigns firmly grounded in local issues and the concerns of their communities.

“They fully deserve congratulations after all the hard work they have put in, and I look forward to working with them towards improving the lives and services of the people of Wrexham.

“The results across Wales represent an emphatic endorsement of Welsh Labour. Voters are responding to the fact that Labour representatives are in touch with their lives, concerns  and communities.

“It is great to see Labour back in the driving seat as the natural party of Local Government in Wales.”

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Goat meat is now becoming a firm favourite with customers of the favourite fishmonger of the world’s biggest band, U2.

According to Tim Wooldridge, the owner of Tim’s for Fish at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, in Wrexham, it’s healthier than lamb, pork, beef – and even chicken.

The popularity of goat meat here is now soaring after continental customers asked Tim if he could supply it.

Tim, who provided U2 with salmon and shellfish when they were staying in Mid-Wales, was happy to oblige.

After sourcing a local supplier, he’s discovered the healthy meat option is proving an even bigger hit with his loyal Welsh customers.

Goat meat is also proving popular with some of the world’s best chefs.

It’s now on the menu at culinary flagships like Chez Panisse in the fashionable town of Berkeley in California and Blue Hill in New York.

Goat meat is a staple for 70 per cent of the world’s population and is a mainstay of Jamaican, Mexican and Arab cuisine.

It certainly has healthy credentials, containing only 122 calories per three ounces compared with 162 for chicken, 175 for lamb, 179 for beef and 180 for pork.

Goat is also less fatty than other meats and is high in iron and B vitamins. It is the most widely consumed meat in the world with more than 500 million reared annually for the table.

Tim said “I was initially asked by a Spanish lady customer whether I could supply goat meat as it is readily consumed on the continent and is the basis of many Mediterranean dishes.

“We also have quite a sizeable Filipino population living in the Wrexham area and goat meat is a very popular dish in the Philippines too as it is in the Caribbean where goat curry, for example, is hugely popular in Jamaica.

“However, having begun stocking goat meat I am surprised to find it is becoming a big favourite with Welsh customers too.”

“I think discerning customers understand it is a lot healthier than other red meats and contains very little saturated fat.

“It’s similar in many respects to lamb because you can have it diced, in cutlets, a leg, a rack of ribs, or shoulder joints. In fact,   just about any way you want.

“Goat meat is similar in taste to lamb when hot and beef when cold. When talking about goat meat most people think curries or highly spiced foods but a roasted leg or shoulder is excellent.

“It makes good casseroles, burgers, sausages and mince, anything in fact that can be done with any other meat. It also lends itself to Mediterranean style herbs like thyme, basil, marjoram and oregano.

“It’s strange goat meat has never really taken off in the UK before as it is so popular elsewhere and is a staple North African meat. And it’s ideal for summer barbecues too and can be spit roasted Greek style.

“It’s delicious and I am amazed at the range of recipes available for goat meat. It certainly seems to have been a big hit with real foodies and I’d recommend it to anyone.”

“I am pleased to have teamed-up with a local fully-licensed supplier of goat meat, less than 30 miles from Wrexham, and know the meat I can offer is absolutely top quality.

“I can supply any cut to order, from diced goat through to a whole kid for spit roasting but orders must be placed by the Tuesday of the week it’s required.

“I think, in the not too distant future, we will see goat as a staple on many restaurant menus. It really is a fabulous tasty and healthy option.”

For more information go to www.timsforfish.co.uk or ring 01978 261227.

Photograph: Tim Wooldridge of Tim’s for Fish with his new line – goat meat

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The Odeon, at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham, already screens at least three subtitled films a week.

During Deaf Awareness Week, May 7-13, the cinema will increase the number of screenings to two subtitled films a day and has the option to show even more if there is a demand.

According to Odeon manager Andrew Elvis, he wants cinema to be inclusive and available to everyone.

He said: “We really do want more people to take advantage of what we have to offer. It is really a case of supply and demand.

“If there are deaf and hard-of-hearing people that want to come along and enjoy a film then we want to be able to accommodate them.

“We are showing more subtitled films during Deaf Awareness Week but would be happy to increase the number of films available on a regular basis.”

The cinema’s plans has been given the thumbs up by members of Mold Deaf Club.

Former social worker Barbie Nirvana, 59, from Bala, was born hard-of-hearing but is now profoundly deaf. She also uses a wheelchair.

Speaking at Mold Deaf Club, which she visits with her friend, Cynthia Arthur, 55 also of Bala, Barbie says she is pleased the Odeon is showing subtitled films.

She said: “The biggest problem we face is awareness. I never feel lonely at home but I can feel terribly lonely and isolated if I go out with hearing people. The problem is, it’s as if I’m in a big plastic bubble.

“If hearing people don’t face me I can’t lip read and you end up unable to communicate and more and more withdrawn. I have found it easier to rely on my deaf friends for company which is quite sad in a way.”

She added: “The trouble is deafness is invisible and hearing people simply can’t understand.

“It helps, if I go to a restaurant or somewhere, if there are trained staff who are able to understand  my needs. And of course I’m not a baby, being deaf doesn’t mean I’m a child or an imbecile it means I can’t hear, that’s all.”

Cynthia Arthur, added: “Hearing people make us disabled, especially in social settings. As deaf and hard of hearing people we are not disabled with each other.

“Everyone should be treated the same and if it means a film having subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing people then, so long as it is advertised as such, no one can complain.”

Barbie added: “I can understand a hearing person getting annoyed if they want to watch a film without subtitles but they should also think about deaf and hard-of-hearing people too. Why shouldn’t we be able to enjoy going to the cinema?

“It’s great news that the Odeon here at Eagles Meadow is supporting Deaf Awareness Week and I am sure many deaf and hard-of-hearing people will be coming along to enjoy a film.”

Andrew Elvis said: “I am delighted that Barbie and Cynthia are pleased we are trying to raise awareness and are showing more subtitled films.

“If the demand is there we will endeavour to increase the number of films on offer for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.

“And having spoken to Barbie and Cynthia we are now going to ensure we e-mail North Wales Deaf Association regularly with the listings and times we will be screening subtitled films.

“I would encourage any deaf and hard-of-hearing customers to check what we are screening during Deaf Awareness Week.

For a list of subtitled films and screen times at Eagles Meadow please visit www.odeon.co.uk

Photograph: Andy Elvis, manager at the Odeon cinema at Eagles Meadow, Wrexham with Barbie Nirvana and Cynthia Arthur, members of the Deaf Society

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From a modest investment of £250 in 2006, the rapidly expanding fashion jewellery chain, Mococo, is projecting a turnover well in excess of £4 million this year.

The latest chapter in the story of Mococo’s spectacular growth will see them open a sixth store at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham in June, adding to their existing shops in Ruthin, Mold, Chester, Liverpool and Tarporley.

Not unlike the iconic Laura Ashley in the 1960s, it all started with mum of two Maureen Hooson making her own jewellery at her kitchen table at the family home in Northop, in Flintshire.

Maureen is the creative driving force behind Mococo, which specialises in “affordable glamour”, while husband Lee keeps the wheels turning in the engine room of the business, in a partnership of complementary skills that’s proving a winner.

Born in Liverpool and raised on the Wirral, Maureen worked for more than 20 years for the high end jewellers, Boodles in Chester.

Following the arrival of sons Oliver and Adam, now 22 and 19 respectively, she worked part time and it was then that the idea for Mococo was born.

It started out in 2006 with Maureen making her own jewellery for a party plan business and later buying in jewellery from other designers.

She and Lee opened the first shop in Ruthin a year later at a time when the recession was beginning to bite but, counter-intuitively, it was the ideal time to do so.

Maureen explained: “When the recession kicked in, the sales of really expensive high end items slowed down while sales at the affordable end of the spectrum took off.

“What, on the face of it, seemed to be an inauspicious time to start a business was actually the perfect launch pad for Mococo.

“Just because there’s a recession, people don’t stop wanting to treat themselves.

“On top of that, a lot of what we sell is for important occasions like birthdays, for an anniversary, Christmas, Easter or Mother’s Day – those occasions never go away.

“We keep refreshing our range as fashions change, we keep on top of it. We spend a lot of time abroad or in shows – anywhere we can find the next big thing.

“In addition to favourites like Thomas Sabo and Pandora, we also sell stunning jewellery from cutting edge designers like Stephen Webster, Shaun Leane, Chlobo and Monica Vinader.

“We regularly see our jewellery being worn by the likes of Christine Aguilera, Martine Mccutcheon, Holly Willoughby and Cheryl Cole.

“Meanwhile, the boy band JLS like the bright sparkly bracelets made by Tresor Paris and Peter Andre loves Chlobo.”

“Our main focus though is our customers – customer service is king. Without our customers, the business would not exist. They are our number one priority.

“What we sell is fashion jewellery that is real, it’s semi-precious – it’s affordable glamour.

“For example, if a girl has bought a new outfit she’ll come in with the outfit to find the perfect jewellery to go with it.”

According to Lee, Eagles Meadow is the perfect location for the  next staging post as part of their ambition to open more than 30 stores nationwide.

They are taking over the premises formerly occupied by the Jane Norman fashion empire which bit the dust because of problems at a national level that were totally unrelated to the thriving shopping centre.

He said: “I know we have a lot of customers from Wrexham and other parts of North Wales who currently come to our stores in Chester or Tarporley, so we wanted to bring the shop to them rather them having to drive to us.

“There is a buzz about Eagles Meadow, I was there the other day and I couldn’t believe how many people were there. The demographics at Eagles Meadow are great, it’s a busy place.

“We’re really looking forward to opening our store there. Every time we open a new store, we go to the next level, we add a bit more.

“It’s a big store which will enable us to bring in more new brands like Toywatch which is very cool at the moment with their aluminium and tortoiseshell watches.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was “really excited” about the arrival of Mococo at the busy shopping centre.

He said: “We already have a whole host of shops catering for fashion lovers so the range of fashion jewellery sold by Mococo will be the perfect fit.”

Photograph: Maureen Hooson

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Torrential rain greeted more than 70 men dressed up to the nines for the third annual Nightingale House Hospice Drag Walk which started and finished at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.

Despite the appalling weather Laura Parry, Nightingale House Hospice’s Community Events manager, was delighted with the turn-out for the three mile sponsored walk.

She said: “It’s absolutely amazing and we really do appreciate the efforts of all the guys for talking part.

“This is the third year we have held the event and this is the first time we have started from Eagles Meadow.

“We are grateful participants have been given a parking concession by Vinci while Gregg’s the bakers have supplied every walker with a hot sausage roll at the end of the walk.

“As an added incentive Frankie and Benny’s have supported us buy offering massive discounts to walkers too which is brilliant.”

Laura added: “The Hospice needs £2.5 million a year to keep going of which only 18% comes from statutory sources. That’s why we rely on events such as this to boost our income and means we can continue to offer the services we do.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was full of admiration for all of the participants.

He said: “With the weather being so awful, they’ve certainly gone above and beyond the call of duty – but it’s all in very good cause and they did look a treat.”

One walker, in a team of four made up of three managers of Wrexham-based Gap Personnel and a supervisor from Plus Foods, had an extra incentive for his fundraising  drag exploits.

Adam McGrath, 22, of Wrexham says his granddad, who suffers motor neurone disease, has been a patient at Nightingale House ove rthe past two years.

He said: “The treatment Taid has had has been just brilliant. All the staff are wonderful and treat everyone with such respect.

“They have made things so much easier for all the family while Taid has been suffering from this horrible illness over the past two years. That’s why when I heard about the Drag Walk I had to join in.

“Between my colleagues at Gap, Vaughn Parry and Gary Richards, and Rob Jones who works at Plus Foods, we have raised around £900 which is brilliant.”

Andy Wright, 47, the licensee of the Black Lion pub in Rhos headed a team of nine regulars who took part in the walk.
Andy said: “I have a lot more respect for women now as I didn’t realise how hard it was to walk about in high heels!

“Seriously we try to raise as much money for Nightingale House as we can. It’s a brilliant charity and deserves all the help it can get. One of our regulars, Steve Davies, lost his dad to cancer a few years ago and the Hospice gave him so much wonderful care.”

Steve Davies said: “My dad Keith Davies passed away four years ago and as a family we could never thank Nightingale House enough for the wonderful care they gave my dad and they way we were treated as a family.

“I am so glad to be able to help by taking part in this drag walk, however daft I feel, as I want to support them for what they did for us and so many other families too.”

Jim Gill, 67, of Salford met up with Dave Griffiths, 55, of Shotton on the start line having met each other at last year’s event.

Jim said: “I took part a year ago as I saw it advertised and thought it was a brilliant idea and a lot of fun. The weather could have been better for this year’s walk but it doesn’t matter.

“I met Dave last year and recognised each other when we arrived at the start line so we shall probably walk together.”

Dave Griffiths who works for Deeside hairdressing supply company Aston and Fincher, said: “I wanted to help Nightingale House Hospice as it’s such a worthwhile charity that needs as much help as it can get.

“The drag walk is a great laugh and it was good to meet up with Jim who I met at last year’s event.”

Wrexham lads, Daniel Hellyn, 27, and Anthony Statham, 41, joined forces to tackle the Walk in their best ladies outfits.

Daniel said: “It a great laugh and such an important charity. I’m hoping to raise around £200. The weather could have been better but who a cares, raising money is what it is all about.”

Anthony added: “I’m not sure how women manage to wear stuff like this everyday but it’s worth it if we raise a good amount of cash. It is a charity I feel very strongly about supporting.”

Mark Salisbury, 49, a Nightingale House Hospice volunteer and a Wrexham Pantomime Company performer, dressed in a stunning  dame’s outfit to warm the walkers up before they set off although injury prevented him from taking part in the actual walk.

He said: “I was delighted to be asked to come along and give the lads a few warm up exercises to do. I’m actually on crutched at the moment so couldn’t do the walk myself.

“The Drag Walk is a brilliant idea and starting and finishing here at Eagles Meadow is an inspired choice of venue.”

Photograph: Charity Drags during the warm up session

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The bargain transfer came as Cllr Roberts and wife Hilary opened the town’s new international “Store” at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.

The former Wales and Manchester United player and now radio star Mickey Thomas was a “cheap copy” which Cllr Roberts got for £1 on an artistic menu.

Llanrwst-based Migrations contemporary dance and performing arts group, which draws on dancers from all over the world, set up ‘Store’ at Eagles Meadow.

For the next four days, until April 28, two performers invite customers into their shop, show them a menu of more than 60 acts, invite them to make a selection and will then perform for them – and passers-by.

Japanese born dancer, Michikazu Matsune, now based in Vienna, and Austrian born David Subal, now based in Paris, who perform all over the world, will be performing at Wrexham between 10am-4pm every day.

Included on the menu are “today’s specials”, “takeaways”, and “cheap copies”. For £1, Michikazu slowly copies an iconic photograph of Mickey Thomas making a left-footed shot – although for this performance the football was a ping pong ball.

Then, as Cllr Roberts watched both men on bended knee in front of his wife, for a performance of ‘Just Love’, he said: “It’s crazy and it’s humorous. It’s brilliant and it’s a change and brings something different to the centre of Wrexham.

“It brings a smile to everyone’s face. It also adds an extra dimension to shopping in Wrexham and helps bring in the visitors.”

Eagles Meadow Operations Manager Stuart Bellis said: “There’s never been anything quite like this in Wrexham before. Hopefully it will attract the crowds.”

Anthony and Nancy Wright from Caia Park were among the first shoppers to visit the Store. “It’s certainly something very unusual, I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” said Nancy. “It’s something I would like to bring our children to, they would really enjoy it.”

Anthony added: “In the 16th and 17th century I suppose street theatre was like this. You would give the performers a few coppers and they would perform, I suppose this is an upgrade.”

Migrations has its roots back in 2004, initiated by Conwy County Borough Council which wanted to fill a void and bring high profile contemporary dance and performance to North Wales.

Since then it has become an independent not-for-profit voluntary organisation and run as a community interest company, with Karine Decorne (corr) as its director and bringing in artistes from all over the world.

Karine said: “Mich and David were invited a few years ago to perform at the Nottingham Festival and the person in charge of the programme recommended them to me because they knew I was looking for new performers and it seemed like such a good way to use empty shops. She said I had to look at this pair because they are such a success everywhere they go.”

Stefan Jones-Hughes, Wrexham County Borough Council’s Arts manager, got himself involved in a performance of Blue Monday Workshop and said afterwards: “They’re just great, so off-the-wall, it’s fantastic to have something like this in Wrexham and it’s great use of an empty shop unit to have something which engages the public.”

Photograph: Performing Arts group Michikazu Matsune and David Subal perform ‘Just Love for the Mayoress Hilary Roberts watched by the Mayor Ian Roberts and Stuart Bellis from Eagles Meadow

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The ‘Roots & Fruits‘ Caia Park Food Coop sources produce from the Wrexham and Flintshire area and sells this direct to the consumer in ‘veg boxes’. It is one of a growing number of food cooperatives in the Wrexham area.

Food co-operatives link volunteers with local suppliers to provide their customers with fresh, affordable, fruit, veg and salad at a wholesale price. As a result food co-ops usually provide better value than other outlets.

‘Roots and Fruits’ veg boxes are on sale for £1.50 for a small veg box and £3.00 for a large, which is typical of other food coops in the Wrexham area.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths said:

“Food cooperatives are a great way to support local producers, save the environment and save money.

“Many of our groceries today are overpackaged and come from halfway around the globe when we have great produce right on our doorstep.

“The veg box service food cooperatives provide cuts all this out, reducing  air miles and unnecessary landfill, passing  the savings on to the consumer.

“I would encourage people to find out about their local food cooperative, as a way to look after your own pocket and support the local economy at the same time.“

Roots & Fruits Caia Park Partnership Food Co-op operates out of Prince Charles Road, Caia Park each Thursday from 11–12pm & 2-3.30pm.

Photograph: Lesley Griffiths AM meets ‘Roots and Fruits’ food coop workers in Caia Park

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The creation of the Academy of Care Practitioners was announced by Care Forum Wales at a conference at Glyndwr University, in Wrexham.

The new organisation will be the first of its kind in the UK.

It will be officially launched at the Senedd in Cardiff on Monday, May 21, a reception hosted by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths,  and the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas.

The news was welcomed by social care worker Tracey Green, from Wrexham.

She said: “I think the support of a professional body like the Academy of Care Practitioners will be important to everybody who works in social care.

“We are currently one of the few professions, unlike social work and nursing, that does not enjoy the benefits of a professional body which will also help to raise the profile and the status of people employed in the care sector.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Teresa Pritchard, a who took part in a pilot project for the Academy of Care Practitioners.

She said: “When you are promoting career pathways and personal development, an independent voice and somewhere where you can go for advice and support is very valuable. -  sometimes you need more than just the employer or the regulator.

“As a concept, it’s been widely supported for some time and the pilot project we have undertaken has shown overwhelming support of care practitioners themselves.

“It is widely acknowledged that professional bodies can be a real source of support and greatly assist in promoting best practice and raising standards to the benefit of service users.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “We talk a lot about raising the status and the professionalism of the social care workforce.

“One of the biggest issues in our view is that vocationally qualified social care workers  are a profession without their own professional body. We believe it’s about time that was put right.

“Due to the nature of the demanding job, it’s unrealistic to expect the care practitioners themselves in Wales to be able to bring about the creation of their own body.

“It is time social care workers were given some assistance to make this a reality.

“It’s really about providing a support mechanism, helping people with their personal and professional development, and gaining added value benefits..

“This innovation will create the first body of its type for social care workers in the UK and it is fitting that it should be created in Wales where we have seen a great deal of innovation in recent years.

“We are delighted that Professor Mike Scott, Vice Chancellor of Glyndwr University, has seen fit to support this initiative for the first two years while it establishes itself.

“It’s very important that something like this is seen as independent, that it’s not part of any employer group, so its home for the foreseeable future will be Glyndwr University.”

Professor Michael Scott, Glyndŵr University Vice-Chancellor said: “Glyndŵr University has recognised the need for an independent body helping to assure the profession, the government and stakeholders to have confidence in the important work of social care across the country.

“It is delighted therefore to work with Care Forum Wales to host and thereby help facilitate the creation and development of the new Academy of Care Practitioners as a significant step forward for the profession.”

Speaking at the event, Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “I recognise and value the support the Academy of Care Practitioners is already providing to the social care workforce and I hope the announcement by Care Forum Wales today will have the desired effect of bringing the Academy to the attention of a wider audience of care workers in Wales.

“This development will add to the reputation of social care work as an attractive and challenging occupation making a real difference to the every day lives of people in Wales.”

For more information about the Academy of Care Practitioners ring Sue Thomas on 01978 752500 or email her at sue@careforumwales.co.uk

Photograph: Health Minister Lesley Griffiths with, from left,  Jan Wood, Tracey Green, Olivia Thomas, Roberta Hayes, Mario Kreft MBE, Prof Mike Scott and Prof Karen Graham and Ceri Smith

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Hundreds of local people joined in the celebrations when Bradley Park Bowling Club, near Gwersyllt, was officially opened by Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths.

The “fantastic” all-weather crown green is the only outdoor facility of its kind in the area which has access for wheelchairs.

The club has had a team competing in the Wrexham and District League for the past two years – but now at last they can play their home games at home.

The lion’s share of the funding came from the Aggregates Levy Fund, set up by the Welsh Government to compensate communities for disruption caused by quarrying.

They gave a total of £125,000 while other funding included a donation of £28,000 from Gwersyllt Community Council and £25,000 from the Sports Council of Wales.

Work started on January 13 and was completed in record time thanks to the project management of Groundwork North Wales.

Lesley Griffiths, who is also the Welsh Health Minister, said: “This is a great example of community spirit in action.

“This was a derelict site and the bowling club has risen from the ashes like a phoenix thanks to a great deal of work by the community and a number of key individuals.

“It’s a fantastic facility and bowls is a sport that can be played by all ages and wheelchair users can play as well.”

Club Chairman Ray Barnes was a driving force behind the revival, along with several others including Secretary Louise Roberts and her father, Sam Roberts, the Vice-Chairman.

Mr Barnes recalled when he first came up with the idea of resurrecting the club.

He said: “I stood on the green which was all derelict and saw the potential.

“This is absolutely overwhelming, to come here and see the project finally completed.

“It’s absolutely wonderful to see the dream become a reality.

“We’re now in the Wrexham and District League and we’ve got a veteran’s team.

“For the first two season, we’ve been playing away without a green at New Broughton and Pentre Broughton.

“In our first season we won the division and last season we finished fourth.

“Now, can start building a really good team here.”

A special buggy costing £2,500 has been donated to the club by the Barchester Foundation to enable people with disabilities to play there.

Trustee Nick Oulton explained: “The Barchester Foundation aims to make a difference to people’s lives, the money is raised by Barchester staff and match-funded by Barchester Healthcare.”

The Pendine Park care organisation, that’s based a couple of miles away on the outskirts of Wrexham, has also pledged on-going support.

One of the first people to have a go was wheelchair user Paul Williams, a Pendine Park’s resident, who joined Lesley Griffiths as she bowled the first bowl.

He said: “It’s very good. I used to be into bowls but I haven’t played for donkeys years.

“The idea of being able to play again is absolutely magic. We could even get a league going between the different homes at Pendine Park.”

Pendine Park Activities Manager Gerry Humphreys added: “We’re delighted to have these brilliant facilities so close at hand.

“We have quite a few residents who would enjoy coming here – the ladies can come to watch and have a cup of tea or join in if they fancy.

“As a society, we need to be more focused on providing facilities for disabled people and this is a shining example of how to get it right. It’s amazing.”

Among the VIPs who attended the official opening was Tom Middlehurst, the President of the Welsh Crown Green Association.

The former AM and Welsh Government Minister said: “It’s a great day for crown green bowling in Wales.

“There are over 5,000 people playing this game in Wales so we’re a big sport.

“We’re a truly inclusive sport, it’s great for all ages, both sexes and all abilities – and very few sports can claim that.”

Photograph: Lesley Griffiths AM with the first bowl watched by Pendine Park resident Paul Williams, chair of the club Ray Barnes ad secretary Louise Roberts

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Leighton and Lesley met staff at the Remploy Stansty road factory site on the morning of Thursday 19th April. The AM for Wrexham and the Minister for Education and Skills took a tour of the factory and spoke with factory floor workers about their concerns.

Seven of the nine Remploy sites in Wales have been earmarked for closure under proposals recently outlined by the UK Conservative – Liberal Democrat Coalition Government.

The visit follows a series of protests over the planned closure, including a protest last Thursday over Nick Cleggs refusal to meet with workers on a visit to the town.

Commenting on the visit, Lesley Griffiths said:

“You meet the workers and your heart simply goes out to them. This is a period of intense worry for these people and their families.

“I applaud Leighton for his efforts to engage with these people whose livelihoods are under threat as a result of this unfair UK Government proposal. This marks a stark contrast to the way Nick Clegg refused to meet with them and ran away from Remploy workers a week ago.

“Remploy workers can be assured the Welsh Government will continue to engage fully with them, as we look for a positive way forward.  The UK Minister, Maria Miller, really needs to visit these Remploy sites for herself to see what excellent work is undertaken at them.

“We hope to see the next three years of funding for Welsh Remploy sites devolved to the Welsh Government, so we can save sites such as Wrexham Remploy and retain as many jobs as possible.”

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The money comes as part of an award of a £4.67m funding boost for Care & Repair services across Wales, announced this week by Welsh Minister for Housing Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis.

The Care & Repair offers a range of services to help older people to adapt their homes and enable them to continue living in them both comfortably and independently.

Research has shown that every pound spent on Care & Repair saves the tax payer another £7.50 in NHS and Social Care costs, at the same time as helping older people remain in their communities and away from hospitals and costly residential care.

In 2010/11 Care & Repair Agencies in Wales helped 27,568 older people in Wales and funnelled £12,119,900 into the repair, improvement and adaptation of older people’s homes.

Of the announcement, AM Lesley Griffiths said:

“The Welsh Government is showing its continued commitment to Care & Repair with this funding.

“The £155,000 Wrexham Council are to receive will enable more adaptions to take place, which will directly improve lives here in Wrexham.”

“Most older people would prefer to continue living in their own homes and almost a quarter of Care & Repair recipients say they would not have been able to stay on in their homes without it.

“Care & Repair keeps people out of hospital, away from social services and residential homes. The service really is win-win; saving the taxpayer money, and improving the quality of older people’s lives at the same time.”

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Crowds of shoppers clapped and danced along to the music as the professional models strutted their stuff at Eagles Meadow, showing off the latest fashion trends.

Wales’ top style expert and popular S4C television presenter Huw Rees, known to his legion of fans as Huw Fash, said the Fashion on the Move event was an indication of the town’s increasing popularity as a fashion hot-spot.

Huw said: “To create an exciting centre for shopping and the natural buzz that this brings, people need to know that Wrexham is a place to visit so organising events such as the roaming fashion show underlines the town’s commitment to fashion.”

The fashion show certainly had Wrexham Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) Keith Jones and Michelle Knox tapping their feet to the music as they chatted to members of the public watching one of the three shows held throughout the day.

Keith said: “I think it is absolutely brilliant that Eagles Meadow puts on entertainment such as the fashion show.  It’s great seeing crowds of people enjoying the sun, music and fashions on show.

“It gives the town a real sense of community and hat has to be a good thing.”

Michelle agreed, adding: “Really enjoyed it and it has given Keith and myself an opportunity to join in and chat to shoppers and visitors at Eagles Meadow.

Wrexham’s Hayley Matthews, 22, her son Harry, 19 months, and mum Christina Matthews, 58, joined in with a few dance moves of their own as they watched the fashion parade.

Hayley said: “I used to do Morris dancing so I think I’ll leave the catwalk stuff to the models.”

Christina added: “The music was great and the way the models danced together as they showed off the outfits was brilliant.”

Amanda Shelmerdine,of Gresford, and her daughter Libby, three, and son Lloyd, eight months, stopped to watch the fashion show.

Amanda said: “I really enjoyed it and Libby was certainly tapping her feet in her push chair! It’s nice to see something different and I really enjoyed watching the performance of the models, they were excellent.”

And the shows model performers certainly came out with a clean bill of health from two Wrexham-based doctors.

Lucie Waugh, of Catwalk Model Management and Events, explained the concept of Fashion on the Move.

She said: “It’s fun and lively and a great way to show off the range of fashions available in stores within Eagles Meadow.

“We are showing off clothes from M&S Debenhams, Bank, Top Shop and Top Man, River Island, Ragazzi, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Next and Wallis while jewellery has been supplied by F Hinds.

“Hair stylist from Gozo helped make sure the models looked absolutely perfect as they paraded around Eagles Meadow and took to the temporary stage we set up.”

She added: “It has been a big hit with customers and everyone has enjoyed the show and the music. We had seven models, including two child models, as well as a presenter.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley was delighted the event has been such a resounding success.

He said: “Eagles Meadow is undoubtedly the place to come for dedicated followers of fashion.”

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He will be welcomed to his new ministry at a special service led by Bishop Gregory and the Archdeacon of St Asaph, the Venerable Shirley Griffiths on May 14th, 2012 at St Mary’s Church, Ruabon at 1900hr.

Reverend Anthapurusha was born and brought up in South India before moving to North India for higher education.  During his church ministry in India he served as Bishop’s Chaplain and in outreach ministry in the slums.  A year of study at Westhill College, Selly Oak, Birmingham brought Anthapurusha to the UK where he went on to serve as India Link Facilitator in the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh.  Anthapurusha moved to North Wales and to the parish of Bistre in 2002 before moving to Wrexham in 2009 with special responsibility for St. James’ Church.

Anthapurusha is married to Nandita who was a teacher but now works for NHS and has three children Prajwala 21, Poornima 20, and Pratishak 14.

‘I consider it a privilege to share the ministry and mission of Christ with the people of Ruabon and Rhosymedre’, say the Revd Anthapurusha. ‘My vision is to lead people to encounter God in their lives and thereby enable them to share their experience of God with their neighbours and friends.’

In welcoming this new appointment within the Diocese of St Asaph, Bishop Gregory says, ‘Anthapurusha brings a wealth of wider experience from India and Scotland to ministry in Wales, and I’m very glad that he now brings that wider world of talent to ministry in Ruabon and Rhosymedre.  Anthapurusha will continue to build bridges among communities of different faiths, but also boldly proclaim the good news Christians celebrate in Christ.’

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Welsh Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, Huw Lewis announced the £100,000 cash boost this week, which is to be shared by local radio stations across Wales.

The eight Community radio stations which are to benefit are all small-scale, not-for-profit operations and were chosen for their commitment to the communities they serve.

Calon FM has operated out of Glyndwr University campus since 2008 and in 2009 was nominated for a Times Higher Education Award for its work supporting local schools and charities. The station aims to’ truly reflect
the full diversity of the many different social and ethnic groups in Wrexham and beyond’.

The new money has been granted to enable the station to cover core costs such as management, administration, fund raising, community outreach and volunteer support.

Speaking of the funding boost, Lesley Griffiths said:

“I am delighted to hear local radio stations are to receive this funding boost from the Welsh Government.

“The money is designed to help these non-profit organisations continue the vital role they perform binding communities together across Wales.

“I regularly work with Calon FM which has done a fantastic job of reflecting the life of Wrexham over the last four years, and I believe this is reflected in the cash boost they have been awarded.

“This will allow the staff at Calon FM to continue the exceptional service they provide for the community of Wrexham.”

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Thousands are still homeless following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Sendong in the Philippines.

Arlene Elana narrowly escaped being caught up in the disaster as she was on her way home for a holiday when the typhoon struck.

It caused flash floods and landslides that devastated the town of San Francisco, in Agusan del Sur province, where she was brought up.

A tearful Arlene described how she had been deeply touched by the support of colleagues and residents of the Bodlondeb care home, which is part of the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham.

Their latest fund-raising effort was a pyjama day when staff came to work in their PJs.

So far, they have raised more than £200 and there are many more events in the pipeline, including a Bodlondeb’s Got Talent concert.

Arlene, who is the  home’s Deputy Manager, said: “The typhoon and the flash floods that came in its wake were really devastating. Three villages have just disappeared, they’re gone.

“My brother in law’s father died, it’s really heartbreaking. Thousands of people are homeless, staying in temporary accommodation like schools and gymnasiums.

My colleagues here at Pendine Park are very supportive. I love living in Wrexham and really enjoy working at Pendine Park, it’s such a happy place and I have fantastic colleagues and special people to care for.

“I am very touched by the support from everybody connected with Bodlondeb, they are doing their very best to make these fund-raising events successful.”

Ann Chapman, the Manager of Bodlondeb, and the rest of Arlene’s colleagues were determined to help.

She explained: “We were all terrified when the typhoon happened because we knew that Arlene was on her way to the Philippines.

“We couldn’t get hold of her because all the telephone networks were down. It was a nightmare.

“Arlene is an absolute brick, she’s a star so raising money to help the victims is the least we can do.

“We sold cakes for Valentine’s Day, we had a free hair and make-up day and we asked for donations.

“We’ve also got poetry sessions set up along with other cultural activities and a Bodlondeb’s Got Talent concert.”

Photograph: Anne Chapman with some of her staff at Bodlondeb dressed in their pyjamas for charity, from left, Lisa Hill, Hayley Bull, Anne, Susan Craig, Arlene Elano, Diane Jones and Norina Balaba

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The growing Animal chain is planning to open their new store at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in time for the May Day Bank Holiday.

The news has delighted centre bosses and local AM Lesley Griffiths who heard about their impending arrival during a visit to Eagles Meadow.

Animal was founded in Cornwall 25 years ago and now has 45 outlets across the UK.

They opened five new stores last year and the Wrexham branch will be their first of 2012.

It’s a lifestyle brand that specialises in fashion and sportswear for surfing, skating, BMX and water sports.

Animal spokesman Chris Crook explained: “Animal was conceived in 1987 by two surfers who were really fed up with losing their watches in the water due to the straps breaking under extreme conditions.

“They came up with a solution in the form of webbing and a velcro strap that seemed to put an end to their problems.

“They originally set up production in a back bedroom at one of their mother’s homes – and the rest is history.

“Animal’s range has now grown to include freesports-inspired clothing, watches, wetsuits, technical outwear, eyewear, footwear, luggage and accessories.

“This is our first store for 2012 but we opened five stores last year so the brand is going from strength to strength.

“We chose to come to Eagles Meadow after looking at the excellent footfall figures, it seems like a busy place and the centre itself is really impressive.

“We’re hoping to open for the May Bank Holiday and we’re recruiting 10 members of staff including a Manager and an Assistant Manager.

“We’re really excited about coming to Wrexham, we can’t wait to get the store opened.”

It was music to the ears of Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths who said: “It’s great news that there’s another new business coming to Eagles Meadow followed, I believe, by several others in the near future.

“The more shops you have, the more attractive the town becomes as a destination for shoppers and Wrexham now has a huge variety of shops for people to choose from.

“I meet people all the time who come from right across North Wales and from Shropshire and even from Mid Wales because Wrexham is such a great place to shop.

“The impending arrival of Animal just serves to emphasise Wrexham’s credentials as the shopping capital of North Wales.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley revealed he was expecting another three business to open soon.

He said: “We had seven new tenants last year and I’m still very hopeful that we’ll actually be 100 per cent full by next Christmas.

“Eagles Meadow has combined with the rest of the town centre to create a retail powerhouse to rival anywhere other than the larger cities.

“It’s the perfect partnership and Wrexham how has a fantastic offer for shoppers, with a host of high street favourites and a terrific array of independent stores.”

Photograph: Animal Shop to open at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham. Pictured: AM Health Minister Lesley Griffiiths, Animal rep Chris Crook and Eagles Meadow’s Manager Kevin Critchley

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The AM has also spoken of her belief this would not be happening if it were not for devolution.

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones is leading a trade delegation to the subcontinent this week to promote Wales as a place to invest, visit and do business. The delegation will include representatives from the Welsh business community and Higher education institutions.

The delegation will visit Indian capital New Delhi and the financial and business hubs of Mumbai and Bangalore this week, to meet with representatives of the Indian Government and Industry.

The itinerary features the Indian launch of Welsh natural beauty firm Montagne Jeunesse, an event to promote Wales as a tourist destination, and a cultural event at the British Council India to highlight the Cardiff hosting of the 2013 Womex world music event.

As part of efforts to promote further partnership in Higher Education, the trade mission will also include representatives from Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan, Bangor and Glyndwr universities.

Speaking of the visit, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“The First Minister is performing a vital role promoting and strengthening the bond between India and Wales and now is the right time to do this.

“However, without devolution we would not have a First Minister to promote our interests on the international stage and would be without the strong representation we deserve.

“Wales has much to offer the Indian businessperson, tourist or student alike. We boast top class educational facilities, a highly skilled workforce and access to the world’s largest common market all within one of the world’s most beautiful parts of the British Isles.

“I am pleased to see Glyndwr University actively promoting what the Welsh Higher Education Sector has to offer. Glyndwr already has strong international relationships in China and India, and this will only serve to bolster its international standing.”

The Welsh Government recently reiterated its commitment to developing economic and educational links with India when it announced a further three years funding of £300,000 for the UK India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI). The funding will help Welsh universities to access funding to support their global research, innovation and educational activities.

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For as little as 50p shoppers will be able to buy something which has been on sale in capital cities across the globe.

The Llanrwst-based Migrations contemporary dance and performing arts group, which draws on dancers from all over the world, will  set up shop at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, in Wrexham, to perform their highly acclaimed work ‘Store.’

Over four days, April 25-28, performers will invite customers into their shop, show them a menu of more than 60 acts, invite them select an act and to make a purchase from as little as 50p, and will then perform for them – and passers-by.

Japanese born dancer, Michikazu Matsune, now based in Vienna, and Austrian born David Subal, now based in Paris, will fly into the UK and give performances over the four days, between 10am-4pm with some ‘shop assistants’ to help take orders from customers.

It’s part of an events packed month for North Wales’ premier shopping centre which is striving to offer the public much more than just a first-class shopping experience.

“This has been performed in Vienna, Oslo, New York and Philadelphia, so to have Wrexham in the same company is great,” said Iwan Williams, a member of Migrations co-ordinating team.

“It will show that world-class performances can come to North Wales.

“Migrations had its roots back in 2004, initiated by Conwy county council which wanted to fill a void and bring high profile contemporary dance and performance to North Wales.

“Since then it has become an independent not-for-profit voluntary organisation and run as a community interest company, with Karine Decorne (corr) as its director based in Llanrwst and bringing in artistes from all over the world when needed.

“Store was performed last year at Bangor. People selected acts from the menu and paid between 50p and up to £20 for a performance. Some people stayed there all day watching performances which were often hilarious and very addictive – they wanted to stay and see what came next.”

The “stage” will be a shop unit in Eagles Meadow, but shoppers can watch through the window for nothing, and sometimes the performance spills outside.

“At 50p it has to be the cheapest piece of original international art you will ever buy,” said Iwan.

Meanwhile one of the biggest music festivals to hit North Wales will bring the sound of live bands to Eagles Meadow on April 19, 20 and 21.

Focus Wales 2012 Music Festival and Conference was successfully launched last year in Wrexham, but this year it promises twice as much music, with a staggering 81 bands already confirmed to perform live music over the three days.

Eagles Meadow is providing a shop unit for Music Wales to base itself and which will operate as a ticket sales shop for all the gigs and the music conferences.

Promoter Neal Thompson said: “Thanks to Eagles Meadow we will have a shop with a small exhibition and display of a wall hanging which children from Barnardos are preparing, there will be a music stall with CDs on sale along with tickets for all the events. And weather permitting some of the bands will be giving performances outside for the shoppers.

“Wales Arts Council is behind us this year which has allowed us to expand considerably.”

For the gigs, the acts will be performing at Central Station, South Central, St Giles Church, Wrexham Museum, Glyndwr University, Grove Park Theatre, Royal Oak and Saith Seren pubs.

The conferences on Thursday and Friday are at Glyndwr University and Grove Park Theatre. These provide a series of educational and informative music industry seminars and an opportunity for music makers and anyone interested in the music industry to gain practical career related advice from music industry experts, from the various sectors of the music industry.

See Migrations in action by going to: youtu.be/adGzSwMPqwo

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Wrexham – based Techniquest Glyndŵr is to receive £349,400 as part of a package announced by Education Minister Leighton Andrews this week.

The money will be used  to provide STEM  (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities for more able pupils in all 21 Secondary Schools across Wrexham and Flintshire. 1,890 pupils from the two counties will benefit from two day STEM courses aimed to boost Welsh performance at Key stage 3.

Cardiff-based Techniquest will also receive £1, 300,600 to support science theatre programmes in primary schools and secondary schools.

Alongside this, a programme of employer related activities for 14-16 year old across Wales is to be introduced, with the aim of encouraging post-16 interest in STEM subjects.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths said:

“Supporting and promoting STEM subjects is vital for the future economy of Wales, and the extra funding for Techniquest Glyndŵr is great news for the young people of Wrexham and Flintshire in particular.

“Wales has a great heritage of leading the world in science and engineering. However, it is important we look to inspire the next generation of innovators.

“This extra funding will enable Glyndwr Techniquest to reach further and inspire more yet more young people to develop a passion for STEM subjects.

“Who knows, we may have the next Thomas Telford or Alfred Russell Wallace in our midst.”

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Roaming fashion shows will be taking place at Eagles Meadow on April 14 to showcase this season’s hottest new styles from retailers which can be found at the shopping centre.

Models will make their way through the shopping centre at half past every hour with the first show kicking off at 11.30 am and the last show at 3.30 pm. There will also be free mini makeovers on offer for visitors to Boots and Debenhams on the day.

Wales’ top style expert and popular S4C television presenter Huw Rees, known to his many fashion fans as Huw Fash, said the event was an indication of the town’s increasing popularity as a fashion hot-spot.

Huw said: “Marketing Wrexham as a fashion favourite is vital to encourage people to visit the centre. This in turn encourages more and more stores to have a presence there.

“To create an exciting centre for shopping and the natural buzz that this brings, people need to know that Wrexham is a place to visit so organising events such as the roaming fashion show underlines the town’s commitment to fashion.”

Huw added that he had noticed on his own visits to the town that Wrexham’s residents were natural style setters so he had no doubt the roaming fashion show would be a very popular event.

He said: “Street fashion is a natural occurrence in Wrexham. The diversity in age groups who shop in the city centre offers a wide range of unique styles.

“Wrexham is fast becoming a major fashion capital and this is the result of the people who live, visit and shop in the area.

“Style promotes style and with the availability of more and more fashion people experiment and this has a direct influence on the personal look of the shoppers.”

So which hot new styles should you be looking out for at the upcoming Eagles Meadow event? Huw has come up with four of his top tips for the spring/summer season to help Leader readers stay on trend.

Photograph: Pastel, ice cream shades of pink, blue and yellow. These candy sweet colours will be found on a multitude of items from pretty summer dresses to headbands, bags and bikinis.
Park Avenue dress £39.50, bag £22.50 Marks and Spencers

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