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Featured posts

‘Babs’ – Wrexham’s very own Lightning McQueen
There are some great Wrexham stories…
We love both hearing them and telling them – and quite frankly, the more unbelievable the better 🙂
And the tale of the affectionately named ‘Babs’ and J.G. ‘Daredevil’ Parry Thomas is probably the most unbelievable and the most un-Wrexham like thing you’ll ever hear…
And it’s true!
So strap on your seatbelts and prepare for the ride…it’s sure to be a speedy one 😉
Babs
Babs is the name of a racing car which was designed, built and driven by John Godfrey Parry Thomas of Wrexham.
Babs and Parry Thomas would go on to become local legends (for many reasons that we’ll get to). As a starting point, we’ll look at J.G. Parry Thomas and what led him to create Wrexham’s very own Lightning McQueen.
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‘Daredevil’
Parry Thomas worked as an aero-engine designer during the First World War. It’s fair to say he was a leader in this up-and-coming industry.
In 1923, he decided to enter the exciting world of motor racing and he became a professional racing driver at Brooklands racing circuit in Surrey.
He was soon given the nickname ‘Daredevil’ as his talent began to show. His ultimate goal was to break the land speed record, but this was always going to be difficult for him to accomplish…
This was because Daredevil didn’t have as much money at his disposal as his rivals – so it’s a credit to himself that he was able to compete with them.
It was his talent as a designer, engineer and racing driver that kept him competitive…a man of many talents.
Enter Babs…
In 1924, Daredevil bought himself a Higham special sports car as he believed it to have the potential to be the fastest car on earth.
He bought the car from the estate of a racing driver who’d been killed in the Italian Grand Prix – a reminder of the dangers that existed.
Daredevil quickly set about creating the fastest car alive. He made several mechanical changes to the vehicle and painted it white.
The car was then christened Babs after his favourite niece 🙂
Into the history books
On April 27, 1926, Daredevil and Babs made history by breaking the world land speed record when Babs raced across the Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire at a speed of 169mph…a momentous achievement!
But Daredevil felt he could better this still…
After a night of tinkering with Babs, on the following day they returned and recorded a flabbergasting 171mph.
The Wrexhamite made his dreams come true 🙂
A deadly set of events
Daredevil’s rivals were spurred on and sought to take the record from him…
On February 4, 1927, Malcolm Campbell hit 175mph in his ‘Bluebird’ – also on the Pendine Sands.
Daredevil wanted to take his title back and returned to Pendine Sands. The weather halted his efforts for two days, then eventually on March 1, 1927, he was able to ride Babs…
Daredevil knew he was pushing himself and Babs to the limit, but his will was so strong, he couldn’t resist attempting another shot at glory.
Then, on his sixth attempt of the day, tragedy struck…Babs flipped and cart wheeled three times before crashing…
J.G. ‘Daredevil’ Parry Thomas was killed in the process.
Onlookers were horrified, but many claim they believe Daredevil and Babs to have been travelling at over 180mph before the accident. The official speed was never recorded.
The legacy
Babs was buried in the Pendine Sands and Daredevil was buried in a churchyard near to his beloved Brooklands racing circuit.
In 1967, Owen Wyn Owen, an engineer at Bangor University, was keen to bring Babs back to life. He sought permission to dig up the remains, which he achieved in 1969.
Owen wanted to get Babs as close to her original condition as possible…it was a long and careful process. In the instances that it couldn’t be done, he used authentic replacements.
After a couple of hiccups, Babs was eventually restored to full working order.
She now remains the star attraction at the Museum of Speed on Pendine Sands and various classic car rallies around Britain.
Babs made her way back to her creator’s hometown on April 1, 2012 and was displayed outside Wrexham Museum for six hours. Pictures of this can be found on the council website.
You don’t necessarily think of land speed records and Wrexham in the same sentence, but a local visionary made this possible 🙂
Babs was the car that allowed Daredevil’s biggest dreams to come true…
Babs belongs to a trust made up of Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, Pendine Community Council and Dr. Geraint Owen (son of the late Owen Wyn Owen).
We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.
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November 9, 2018
New drive to improve in-school mental health support for Wrexham pupils
Pupils in two North Wales counties are to be given earlier in-school mental health support as part of an innovative programme aimed at preventing more serious problems from occurring later in life.
The In-Reach to Schools programme will see dedicated Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) practitioners from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board work directly with school staff in Wrexham and Denbighshire to strengthen the specialist support teachers, children and young people receive.
Practitioners will provide teachers with training, help and advice, ensuring pupils experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, and self-harm or conduct disorders receive early help in schools from suitably trained staff, preventing more serious problems occurring later in life.
A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…
The two year pilot programme, which is also being delivered in Ceredigion and South East Wales, is part of a £1.4m Welsh Government investment to strengthen the support from specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to schools. The pilot programme will cover year 6 pupils upwards across all schools in Denbighshire and Wrexham.
It forms part of wider multi-agency efforts to support the emotional wellbeing of children and young adults amid a steep rise in referrals to CAMHS services across Wales.
The In-Reach programme will cover year 6 pupils upwards across all schools in Denbighshire and Wrexham and see teachers trained in ‘Youth Mental Health First Aid’ to ensure they are able to react appropriately to pupils who are experiencing mental health problems.
In addition, schools will be supported to develop mental wellbeing strategies aimed at teachers, pupils and families which use the Five Ways to Wellbeing as a foundation.
Research shows that focusing on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, which encourage people to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give, can boost personal wellbeing.
Andrew Gralton, Assistant Director for Children’s Services at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said:
“This is a great opportunity for the health and school systems to work together to ensure that we can improve the experience and knowledge on all sides, the child and young person, the school team and the health board.”
http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/news/49534
We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.
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November 9, 2018
Treat yourself to a taste of Christmas at Tŷ Pawb
Here’s a Christmas event to really wet your appetite!
Tŷ Pawb’s fabulous food court eateries, Curry-on-the-go, Plât Bach and Just Desserts and Milkshakes, have come together to create an extra special, mouth watering menu of Christmas treats to be enjoyed for one night only this December!
A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…
Fine foods, drinks and music!
The three course menu includes such treats as a spiced lentil and spinach soup, mini Yorkshire puddings stuffed with rare roast beef, sprouts sauteed with bacon and flaked almonds, Welsh honey and thyme roasted parsnips – and pigs in blankets of course!
The pudding will be a festive cheesecake or Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce.
Alcoholic drinks will be available from the bar and we’ll have some top quality live Christmas music from the So What Now jazz band!
The full menu
Starter – Provided by Curry-on-the-go
Spiced lentil and spinach soup served with a warm mini naan.
Main course – Provided by Plât Bach
Mini Yorkshire puddings filled with turkey breast, pigs in blankets, crispy potato cubes, stuffing balls, sprouts sautéed with bacon and flaked almonds, Welsh honey and thyme roasted parsnips and a jug of festive jus. Vegetarian/GF option available.
Dessert – Provided by Just Desserts and Milkshakes
Festive cheesecake or Christmas pudding served with brandy sauce.
- A Taste of Christmas takes place on Saturday December 8 at 7pm.
- Spaces are limited so booking is essential!
- A minimum of two bookings is required.
- Cost is £24.95 per head.
To book your place email typawb@wrexham.gov.uk or phone 01978 292144
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November 9, 2018
Safeguarding week on the agenda for agencies across North Wales
Public social care and health organisations across North Wales will be doing their bit to promote this year’s National Safeguarding Week (November 12-16), with a mixture of training and information events.
Events being held across North Wales during the week include sessions on self-harm awareness, safeguarding children, modern day slavery and adults at risk.
A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…
One of the highlights of the week is a day-long conference where staff working for the various agencies get together to learn about good practice in safeguarding, sharing case studies and learning from each other.
Jenny Williams, Director of Social Services at Conwy Council, who also chairs the North Wales Safeguarding Board, said:
“National Safeguarding Week has long established itself as a great opportunity to highlight the good work going on nationally to improve people’s well-being, but to also inform the public on what they should do if they have any concerns.
“Children and adults at risk regularly access a range of our services and safeguarding is a responsibility for us all.
“If people have the slightest concern about a child or adult at risk, then in must be reported. It’s very much a case of better being safe than sorry.
“All partner agencies have a clear role to play in ensuring that all staff are fully aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and where/how they should report their concerns.
“The North Wales region is pleased to be supporting this year’s national campaign.”
Further information is available on the North Wales Safeguarding Board’s website.
We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.
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November 9, 2018
Community schools produce booklet on WWI history
There’s plenty going on this week throughout the Wrexham area as part of centenary commemorations for the First World War.
And pupils at Ysgol Cefn Mawr, Ysgol Min y Ddol and Ysgol Rhosymedre produced a booklet detailing the lives and histories of men from the area who went to fight in the First World War, with each school looking at about 40 men.
A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…
Their work was part of a wider project to teach children in the area about the war, which also saw pupils visit the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The booklet was funded with a £9,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. Part of the fund went towards the booklet, with the remainder going to silhouette models used to commemorate soldiers who served in the war, which have been installed at schools in the area and the village cenotaph.
Cllr Derek Wright, ward member for Cefn, said: “Children at a number of schools put a lot of work into researching the history of some of the men from Cefn Mawr who served during the war, and we wanted to make sure that their work was properly collected, displayed and kept for posterity’s sake.
“All those children involved in producing the booklet deserve to be congratulated for their work – there are plenty of stories about the role that the community of Cefn Mawr played during the First World War, and the children have captured them excellently.”
Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion, said: “I’d like to thank and congratulate Cefn Mawr Community Council for the effort they’ve put in to the production of this booklet, as well as the hard work of all pupils involved in gathering stories on the Cefn men who fought in the First World War.
“There isn’t a community which escaped the impact of the war, and as we come to marking 100 years since the end of the war, it’s so important that all those who served are remembered.”
We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.
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November 9, 2018
War Horse Screened at Tŷ Pawb
The memorable and poignant film “War Horse” will be screened at Tŷ Pawb on November 12 at 7pm.
The film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg is based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel of the same name.
The film is rated 12A and the cost is £8.00 for adults or £5.00 for young people and tickets are available here.
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November 9, 2018
Come and enjoy a crafty shopping treat at Tŷ Pawb this Christmas
Tŷ Pawb looks set to be a cracking place to spend your time this Christmas and here’s one of the reasons why!
The wonderfully talented artists from Helfa Gelf have teamed up with us to provide a very special day of crafts, shopping and entertainment for all ages.
A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…
Get that Christmas feeling!
Our market hall will be filled with stalls selling arts, crafts, cards, prints and all sorts of fabulous gift ideas by artists from the Helfa Gelf community and beyond.
There’ll also be some crafty activities with some of the artists involved.
So this year, why not buy local, handmade, unique gifts made especially for you in North Wales?
Our markets and food court will be open as usual, as will Santa’s grotto and we’ll have some live choirs singing carols around the Christmas tree!
Join us for the Helfa Gelf Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday December 9, 11am–4pm.
For more information contact us: typawb@wrexham.gov.uk – 01978 292144
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November 9, 2018
International Welsh Rugby League returns to Wrexham this weekend – be part of it!
Who caught Wales’ big 50-12 victory against Scotland last Friday (November 2)?
For those of you who missed out, here are some of our favourite moments from the game…
And you can see the lads in action for yourself this coming Sunday (November 11), when they take on Ireland…right here at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham!
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November 8, 2018
The story of Private George Houghland
George Houghland was born around 1896 – the eldest of five children born to George senior and wife Mary. They lived at 27 Offa Terrace, Wrexham.
In the census of 1911 he was working as a draper’s errand boy and his father was a coal miner. He joined up with the Territorial Force on October 1, 1914.
He was 19 years and one month old, was 5’5” tall with a 31” chest and good eyesight. Many of the 4th Battalion were recruited from the collieries of North Wales.
George disembarked in France with the British Expeditionary Force on February 20, 1915. Conditions in the trenches around the Festubert area were very poor due to a period of very heavy rain.
In May, his battalion were involved in attacks on German positions on Aubers Ridge sustaining heavy casualties.
After periods in the front line the battalion were formed into a pioneer unit which utilised the miners’ digging experience to full advantage in excavating trenches.
It was not long before the 4th Battalion were again called upon, being involved in the battle of Loos.
It was during these operations that George was reported as wounded in action on October 4, 1915 and he died of his wounds the day after.
He is remembered with honour in the Sailly Labourse Communal Cemetery in France. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British Service and Victory medals.
This is one of many stories currently on display at Wrexham Museum as part of the Wrexham Remembers Them exhibition.
For more information about Wrexham Remembers Them, take a look at our article from last week.
This year it will be a very special Remembrance Service as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
It will be held at the Royal Welch Fusilier Memorial on Bodhyfryd on Sunday November 11 starting at 10.55am.
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November 8, 2018
Consultation shows 38% of pupils missed school because of periods!
The results of the recent Task and Finish consultation into the effects of periods in school are now available and 28% of those who responded said they had missed days in school in the last year because they couldn’t access suitable sanitary products. 38% of Year 7 pupils also admitted they had to miss days off primary school.
We recently asked our female students about access to sanitary wear in schools and whether or not they sometimes missed school because they were having their period.
The results were reported to the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee who heard the availability of sanitary products and sanitary disposal facilities in schools are available across all schools but students don’t always know about it. There’s also a difference between where free sanitary products are available and how students would like to get hold of them with students preferring to get them straight from vending machines or boxes in toilets and staff preferring indirect access through nominated member of staff.
A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…
The consultation also showed that there is a provision of sanitary disposal facilities across schools but not all of them are in line with Welsh Government guidance on this issue.
We also asked about the type of sanitary products students would prefer to be available and overall sanitary towels and tampons are the preferred products.
Less than 50% of those who responded thought the choice and quality of products available is suitable with comments pointing to the need for students to have more choice.
Other key messages also came through such as access to toilets during the school day and how students can find out about the provision of sanitary products.
The work of the WINGS Wrexham project was praised by the Group. Under the Project free sanitary products are made available in schools from a nominated teacher with links to student support services and nominated pupil ambassadors and the benefits of this method of distribution noted was. However, it was felt that in line with the views expressed in the consultation this should not be the only method of distribution to students who should also have direct access to dispensing shelves.
The group felt the limited Government revenue grant funding be prioritised as follows:-
- the provision of sanitary towels across all Secondary Schools for direct access within the toilet cubicles, with tampons also being made available on request from a nominated member of staff, in accordance with education guidance.
- some provision of sanitary towels in all primary schools
The Head of Education is requested to submit an Information Report on the spending of this Welsh Government grant funding in March 2019.
The Chair of the Committee will now forward the report and recommendations to the relevant Welsh Government Ministers , along with highlighting the ongoing need for specific and sufficient funding to address the issue of period poverty.
The Head of Education will advise all schools that sanitary bins should be provided in all age appropriate toilet cubicles, as recommended in Welsh Government guidance and reflected in the Council’s model School Hygiene Policy, and consideration be given to exploring the current cost of provision with a view to improving procurement of sanitary disposal facilities across all schools, including opportunities for collaborative procurement.
The Head of Education will also continue to capture opportunities to work with voluntary groups and businesses to contribute to the provision of free female sanitary products for schools in the longer term (eg WINGS scheme which provides and publicises free female sanitary products in schools which can be obtained from a nominated teacher with links to student support services and nominated pupil ambassadors).
A progress report will be available in 18 months time.
You can take a look at the report here.
Chair of the Task and Finish Group, Cllr Carrie Harper, said: “On behalf of the group I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. The results will help to improve the situation for our female students who will hopefully be able to access suitable and free sanitary products in the future.”
We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.
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November 8, 2018