news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • Blood cancer survivor meets the man who saved his life 

    Blood cancer survivor meets the man who saved his life 

    Guest Article – Welsh Blood Service

    Robert Morgan overcame cancer thanks to a lifesaving bone marrow donation from a complete stranger, Tom Heaven. The duo recently met for the first time to launch Welsh Blood Service’s #ChilledOutLifesaver campaign, urging more people to join the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry to help other patients in need.

    Diagnosed in 2017 with myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare blood cancer stopping the body from creating healthy cells, Robert took part in a clinical trial before being told his only chance of surviving was to receive a bone marrow transplant.

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    “It was a shock to hear the big word. The Big C. I went downhill quickly, became tired and struggled to work.” Robert from Aberbargoed said.

    Fortunately, Robert was one of the seven in ten patients across the UK able to find a suitable bone marrow match, thanks to a complete stranger, 30-year-old Tom from Dinas Powys.

    Ahead of meeting Tom for the first time, Robert shared: “Without that donor, without Tom, I wouldn’t be standing here now. It is so difficult to describe the thought of ‘I have a chance’.

    “I didn’t have a clue what to say. My first thoughts were should I shake his hand, or should I hug and kiss him?”

    Tom joined the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry whilst giving blood with the Welsh Blood Service and is hoping his story will encourage more 17 to 30-year-olds to join.

    Tom said: “When I first donated blood, it was an option on a form, and I ticked it and gave samples thinking that the chances of being matched were probably very slim. Two years later, I got the call to say I was potentially a match with a patient.”

    “To hear Robert’s side of the story, knowing that I’ve helped save someone’s life and knowing they can obviously spend more time with their family, is a really, really good thing.

    Blood cancers stop the body’s bone marrow from producing healthy blood cells. Typically, the last treatment option for blood cancer patients following radiotherapy and chemotherapy is to receive a bone marrow transplant.

    Head of the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry, Emma Cook, said: “The chances of being chosen as the perfect match for a patient anywhere in the world is extremely rare, but the opportunity to find a life-saving match increases as more donors sign up.

    Each year, over 50,000 patients across the globe hope to find a suitable bone marrow match from an unrelated donor.

    Emma continued: “You could be the one and only person in the world who could be the match – which is why we need more people to sign up to the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry and increase a patient’s chance of survival.

    “It is easier than ever now to become a #ChilledOutLifesaver, as there are opportunities to register from home through a swab kit or by giving blood.”

    There are two ways 17 to 30-year-olds can join the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry, from home by requesting a swab kit at www.wbmdr.org.uk or, like Tom, joining by giving blood with the Welsh Blood Service.

    Robert ended by saying: “If it wasn’t for Tom, I wouldn’t be here. I would have missed out on so much, including meeting my great-granddaughter.

    “Please consider joining the Registry if you can. It really can save someone’s life.”

    If you’re aged 17 to 30, find out how you can join the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry at www.wbs.wales/bmv or call 0800 252 266 today.

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Have your say on the public toilet provision in Wrexham

    Have your say on the public toilet provision in Wrexham

    Whether we’re in a country park, city centre or in one of our villages we all get caught out from time to time and in need of a public toilet.

    In order to find out what people think of them we’re now reviewing our public toilet strategy and you’re invited to have your say about the current situation across the county borough.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    The consultation asks what you think of such things as hygiene, changing facilities, the size of public toilets, opening times, accessibility, quality and would you be willing to pay for their use.

    The consultation will run from 21 November 2022 to 9 January 2023

    The survey is available online here.

    Paper surveys are also available at the libraries throughout the borough as well as

    • Contact Wrexham
    • AVOW/Shopmobility
    • Guildhall
    • Visitor Information Centre
    • The Wellbeing Hub

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Up The Town! – The Fans of Wrexham AFC

    Up The Town! – The Fans of Wrexham AFC

    New Photographic Display on Wrexham Museum Forecourt

    Wrexham Museum forecourt is the venue for a new outside photography exhibition by north Wales documentary photographer, Carwyn Rhys Jones.

    The display is part of a wider project about the life experiences of Wrexham AFC supporters and their commitment to the club.

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    Carwyn Rhys Jones started the project because of his belief in the importance of fans to football clubs and how their life stories are a key part of their relationship to the club. Carwyn got the project rolling by contacting Wrexham’s many fan clubs and through them getting to know the community that supports Wrexham AFC better.

    Carwyn Rhys Jones said “I started the project when I met Richard Chadwick and heard how being a supporter of the club had played a vital role in his adult life. I shared Richard’s story on Instagram and the project went from strength to strength with more people getting involved including Wrexham’s oldest fan, Arthur Massey; the club’s disability liaison officer, Kerry Evans; and Tim Edwards, the editor of the fanzine, Fearless in Devotion.

    “I chose a variety of fans for this exhibition because I wanted to represent everyone. I have felt that this project has made me an even bigger Wrexham AFC fan. The loyalty these fans have for the club is outstanding.”

    Cllr, Paul Roberts, Lead Member for Community Safety and Partnerships “With the World Cup about to start and the giant bucket hat representing the fans of the national side in place on the museum forecourt, this display by photographer, Carwyn Rhys Jones, is a reminder of how important fans are to our local football club and to football in general.

    “Wrexham as ‘the spiritual home of Welsh football’ is proud to celebrate the dedication of fans to their clubs. Their love of the game is as strong as that of those early enthusiasts who established the first Wales team back in 1876.”

    The photographic display officially opens/opened at 12 noon, Saturday, 19 November 2022 on the museum forecourt on Regent Street.

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Big success for information and recruitment event with over 100 people attending

    Big success for information and recruitment event with over 100 people attending

    A special information and recruitment event took place in Tŷ Pawb this week. The Local Health Board event, in partnership with Communities for Work Plus, Job Centre Plus and Wrexham County Borough Council enabled people to find out more information about the facilities teams at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the career opportunities that are available.

    With more than 100 people attending to find out more information, the event enabled Wrexham Maelor Hospital’s facilities team to share more about the work they do to help hospital services to function.

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    A fantastic partnership brought this event into fruition and enabled 40 referrals into the scheme.

    Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “This event was a huge success and it will hopefully be the first of many more similar events in the future. Events like this can make it easier and simpler for people to apply for jobs and in turn can also make it easier for employers to recruit. It’s great to see such a successful example of partnership working that has already lead to the health board recruiting some excellent candidates.”

    Gwen Scotson Facilities Manager, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “We were very pleased indeed with the fantastic turnout to our first Facilitates Information/Recruitment event and grateful to the many excellent applicants who came to find out more about the posts we have on offer. We have already made provisional permanent job offers to a number of successful applicants and will be making further offers in the coming days. Working in collaboration with Communities for Work Plus and the council was a new experience for me, and I’m grateful that they gave me the confidence to go ahead with such an event.”

    The Health Board offers excellent working conditions including a generous entitlement of paid holiday (starting at 28 days a year plus bank holidays for staff who work 5 days a week), staff uniform, an opportunity to join the pension scheme and enhanced pay for weekend and night working. For more information about the current job opportunities at Wrexham Maelor Hospital please visit the BCUHB website

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Routine highways maintenance to take place

    Routine highways maintenance to take place

    Our Environment staff will be busy between 21 November and 3 December doing some routine maintenance on some of our busiest highways.

    There’s likely to be some minor disruption to road users although, as usual with this type of work, we’re not proposing to undertake any traffic management during peak hours.

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    Overall staff will be busy with highway verge mowing, road sweeping, gulley flushing, pot holing and repairing street lighting and signage.

    The programme currently looks like this:

    Llan y Pwll link road – W/C Monday 21 November – Tuesday 29 November

    Works starts at the JCB Industrial estate end and will alternate from lane 1 to lane 2 until we complete on the following Tuesday.

    A541 Mold Road – W/C Wednesday 30 November – Thursday 1 December

    Works start from the B&Q roundabout through to St Giles Park Roundabout, Gwersyllt. Again works will alternate between lane 1 and then lane 2 closures from B&Q roundabout through to St Giles Park Roundabout, Gwersyllt.

    A539 Ruabon (link from junction 1 A483) – Friday 2 December for 2 weeks, grass cutting, gulley cleaning, litter picking

    Christmas Planned Roadways Embargo

    None of these planned works compromise the defined Christmas Embargo for the town centre (all of the above are outside of the defined town centre network anyway) which commences from Monday 5 December and will as usual run up to and through the Christmas period.

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Help with the cost of living – find out what you’re entitled to

    Help with the cost of living – find out what you’re entitled to

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

    There are various grants and benefits that could help you with things like heating your home, sending your children to school and paying your rent.

    You can also get advice on how to reduce your household bills, and look after your health if you’re worried about money.

    Wrexham Council recently set-up a special cross-party working group to maximise support for local communities, and is urging people to take advantage of help available.

    Claim what you’re entitled to

    You can find some useful information on the council’s website at www.wrexham.gov.uk

    This includes info about benefits and grants, tips for reducing household bills, coping with money-worries and other related issues.

    You can also call Citizens’ Advice Bureau for general advice and food bank vouchers on 0300 330 1178 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-2pm).

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    Information drop-in sessions

    Drop-in advice sessions, where you can speak to someone in person, are also taking place at libraries across the county borough:

    • Friday, November 18, 2022 – Chirk Library, 10am-2pm
    • Friday, December 2, 2022 – Coedpoeth Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, December 16, 2022 – Rhos Library, 11am-3pm
    • Friday, January 6, 2023 – Gwersyllt Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, January 20, 2023 – Ruabon Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, February 3, 2023 – Llay Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, February 17, 2023 – Wrexham Library, 10am-2pm

    Just pop along to find out more about help available.

    And if you’re a council housing tenant, you can go along to one of the following events to get advice on saving energy, reducing bills, debt advice and financial support:

    • Friday, November 18 – Gwersyllt Resource Centre, 10am-1pm
    • Monday, November 21 – Johnstown Community Centre, 1pm-4pm
    • Thursday, November 24 – Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, 1pm-3pm

    Keep warm

    With fuel bills rising, many people are worried about heating their homes this winter.

    Did you know that all public libraries in Wrexham County Borough have opened their doors to provide ‘warm places’?

    These are places where you can go to keep warm and comfortable during the day.

    Libraries taking part include Brynteg, Cefn Mawr, Chirk, Coedpoeth, Gwersyllt, Llay, Overton, Rhos, Ruabon and Wrexham.

    Practical help for communities

    Councillor David A Bithell, who chairs the group, says: “The cost of living crisis is a huge challenge and it’s going to be a difficult winter for many people.

    “That’s why all the political parties on the council are working together to try and provide as much practical help as possible to our communities.

    “It’s also the reason we’re providing extra support to Wrexham Foodbank, Citizen’s Advice Bureau and other local agencies.

    “If you haven’t done so yet, please make sure you know what support you’re entitled to. Visit the council website for information, or pop along to one of our drop-in events to get help and advice.”

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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    Warm Places grants – expression of interest – news.wrexham.gov.uk

  • Late Night Football Club filmed in Wrexham by the BBC before each Welsh game

    Late Night Football Club filmed in Wrexham by the BBC before each Welsh game

    Wrexham will once again be on national TV when Late Night Football Club airs on Sunday evening on BBC 1 Wales.

    The Late Night Football Club – will be shown before every Welsh match and we hope more as the team progresses 🙂

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    The BBC describe it as “a late-night entertainment and music series fused together with football and presented by former Wales international Robbie Savage and broadcaster Polly James, along with film producer and football fanatic Jonny Owen.

    “It’ll be a fun and cheeky programme to get the party started each episode will be recorded in front of an audience of football fans, based in the very heart of Welsh football, Wrexham. Each episode will line up star guests to talk about all things football and will be packed with segments and challenges.”

    It will be aired on BBC Wales at 10.30 and on iPlayer.

    The programmes were pre-recorded at the Rockin Chair.

    Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration said, “It’s really encouraging that so many TV companies are now filming from Wrexham and to be classed as being at the very heart of Welsh football is great recognition of everything that’s happening here right now. I hope many of you tune in and get the excitement of the fans as the World Cup begins. Pob Lwc Cymru”

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • If you can’t get to Qatar, get to Wrexham!

    If you can’t get to Qatar, get to Wrexham!

     (This blog post will be added to during the month of November)

     Football plays a huge part in the identity and culture of Wrexham.

    We have the oldest international stadium in the world and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) was formed here back in 1876.

    It’s little wonder that we consider Wrexham the spiritual home of Welsh Football.

    Plans are ongoing for the development of the Football Museum for Wales to be based here in Wrexham, and the future of football locally and internationally looks bright.

    This November we look to celebrate together and follow the current success of our national team through a series of events held here in Wrexham.

    We would love to see how you are marking Wales’ first world cup appearance in 64 years. So if you are joining us in one of the fanzones, or watching from home use the #WalGochWrecsam #Tag to share your pics/video and thoughts.

    We’ve also teamed up with Expo’r Wal Goch and are inviting football fans to send messages of support from the #WalGochWrecsam (Wrexham Welsh Football Fans) to the Wales team! The messages of support will be delivered to the Wales camp ahead of their departure to Qatar. You can send your message of support HERE

    A packed  month of events and activities can be seen on the list below:

     11-13th November – Expo’r Wal Goch

    15th – 20th November- National Theatre Wales – A Proper Ordinary Miracle

    Fanzones

    *Under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult

    21st November – Wales v USA (K.O 7pm)

    • High St Fan Zone – English commentary (5pm onwards, free entry). Live music from The Columbians, The Big Beat and DJ Tony Bear.
    • Tŷ Pawb Fan Zone – Welsh language commentary (5pm onwards, free entry). Live music from Megan Lee, Alpha chino and Rhos Male Voice Choir.

    25th November  – Wales v Iran (K.O. 10am)

    • High St Fan Zone – English commentary (9.30am onwards. Free entry).
    • Tŷ Pawb Fan Zone – Welsh language commentary (5pm onwards. Free entry).

    29th November  – Wales v England (K.O. 7pm)

    • High St Fan Zone – English commentary (5pm onwards. Free entry). Live music from The Big Beat, Tom Collins and DJ Tony Bear
    • Tŷ Pawb Fan Zone – Welsh language commentary (5pm onwards. Free entry). Live music from 1987tilpresent and Mei Emrys.

    Further details on the High St Fanzone:

    The outdoor fanzone is located on High St so we can support Wales and our City Centre pubs and bars at the same time.

    However the fanzone area itself is subject to licencing conditions and only drinks (alcoholic and soft) purchased from the venues inside the fanzones can be consumed there. Food can be purchased from venues inside the fanzone, or brought in from elsewhere.

    The fanzones are free and you do not need tickets to attend – although there is a capacity.

    To ensure that this is a family friendly event bag searches and security will be in place, and anyone intoxicated will not be allowed in. Any individuals acting in an anti-social manner will be removed from the fanzone – and as the fanzone is the High Street, please do not climb on any street furniture!

    Toilets will be available to use inside the pubs and bars along with portable toilets located on High Street during the evening matches. The Henblas Street toilets will be opening for the morning match.

    The events will involve a full road closure from the junction of Hope Street / Church Street down to the junction with Yorke Street (no vehicular access to Charles Street). The one way system on Charles Street will be reversed to allow taxis to come down and exit via Chester Street.

    As part of our World Cup celebrations and to show support the Wales team, St Giles Church will be lit up in red, green and yellow for the Wales v USA (21 Nov) and Wales v England (29 Nov) matches.

    As a football loving county, the fanzones will be a great way to experience the joy of watching Wales in the World Cup together. Use the #WalGochWrecsam #tag on social media to share your images and video of the celebrations!

    Other events and activities:

    Wrexham Museum

    Saturday November – 5, 12, 19, 26, December – 3, 11am-1pm: World Cup Sticker Swap Shops with football themed craft/LEGO activities  

    Exhibition: Shirt Stories: A shirt by shirt history of Welsh football
    www.wrexhamheritage.wales

     Ty Pawb

    12th November, 10am – Family Art Club: Design your own football scarf! £3

    12th November, 10am – FIFA 23 Tournament with House of Retro

    Saturday 12, 19, 26, November – 3, 11am – 1pm: World Cup Sticker Swap Shop with The Personal Present People

    21st 4pm, 24th 4pm, 29th 4pm – Screen print your own football flag to take home – with printmaker, Rhi Moxon. FREE!

     Selected World Cup matches to be shown live throughout the tournament. See website for details:www.typawb.wales

    20th November – Charity game Wrexham Police FC (@wrexhampolicefc) Vs  (Wrexham Legends (@LegendsWrexham) Game starts at 1.30pm at Penycae Football Club. Raising funds for Nightingale House Hosipce (@NightingaleHH)

     Libraries

    Cefn Mawr Library: World Cup Book Sweepstake for children.  (Suitable for children under 16) 

    Rhos Library: Rhos Aelwyd FC football shirt & historical programmes on display

    Ruabon Library:

    • Free World Cup Themed Craft Pack for younger children to do onsite or take away.
    • Find the Footballer Treasure Hunt …just for adults! Free
    • Find the Football Treasure Hunt children only. Free

    Wrexham Library

    • Design your own World Cup competition. Can you improve on the design of the current World Cup?  Come and have a go if you think you can!  The competition is open to children under 16. Free
    • World Cup Treasure hunt for children. How many clues can you find hidden around Wrexham Library? Free

    https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/events?combine=&field_event_categories_target_id=54&start_date=&end_date

  • Warm Places grants – expression of interest

    Warm Places grants – expression of interest

    As the cost of living crisis deepens and with winter approaching Wrexham County Borough Council intends to do everything it can to support its residents during these difficult times.

    The council needs the help and support from our partners as well as community groups and organisations across the county borough to work together to support vulnerable individuals and families.

    The council is looking to provide a network of ‘warm places’ to support anyone struggling with the cost of living. We are keen to work with any community group or organisation that would be able to provide warm spaces within their community.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cost of Living Group, said: “The cost of living crisis that the UK is experiencing is putting unprecedented pressures on people, who are being forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.

    “We want to do more to help Wrexham residents, but we can’t do this alone. We’re keen to work with community groups and organisations, building on the great work carried out during the pandemic, to create a network of warm places where people can come together, get warm, stay warm and enjoy some company.

    “If any organisation or community group are able to provide a warm place this winter, we want to hear from you. This is our collective opportunity to make a positive difference to our communities and will help residents during this crisis.”

    If you are a group or organisation who can provide a warm place please email warmplaces@wrexham.gov.uk

    In your email, please include the following details:

    • Organisation name
    • Address
    • Email
    • Telephone number/Mobile
    • Contact person

    (Please note it is an expectation that the basic offer of a warm place is FREE of charge to all attendees)

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • The UK’s best ABBA tribute band are coming to Tŷ Pawb on Friday 25th November!

    The UK’s best ABBA tribute band are coming to Tŷ Pawb on Friday 25th November!

    Award winning ABBA Tribute Band ‘Revival’ has recently been voted as the UK’s Official No.1 ABBA tribute act by the Agent’s Association of Great Britain. Revival’s renowned ABBA stage show has proved a hit time and time again in the UK and the world over, wowing audiences from Europe to the Middle East and just recently the band has been invited to perform a 5 day tour in ABBA’s homeland of Sweden.

    The show includes faithful choreography, spectacular and authentic costumes, stunning production and, most importantly, excellent musicianship.

    Sign up to get Tŷ Pawb’s newsletters straight to your mailbox

    ABBA Revival takes their audience on a musical journey back to those heady pop-tastic disco days when ABBA ruled the dance floor! They’ll guarantee to get everybody dancing – even the biggest party grouch will be throwing shapes in no time.

    Tŷ Pawb’s food court and bar will be open and it’s set to be a fantastic night not to be missed!

    Tickets are £14 and can be purchased via this link

    Sign up now

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