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Featured posts

Independent Gallery looking for support
Nestled in the corner of the Butcher’s Market in the town centre, you’ll find the the Wrexham Independent Gallery (tWIG).
It’s run entirely by volunteers, and its aim is to showcase and promote local creative and artistic talent.
tWIG gives local artists a place to display and sell their work, for first-time amateurs and longstanding professionals alike. And it also offers a range of classes for those who are looking to brush up on their brushwork or get sharp with their carving.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF HOUSING IN WREXHAM.
It’s also an excellent place in the town centre to find unique, handmade gifts which can’t be found anywhere else.
When it first opened in Wrexham over a year ago early indications were that there would be a lot of support from volunteers wanting to help to artists who needed to sell their goods.
But in recent weeks the gallery has announced that it may have to close, due to dwindling financial support – so it is appealing for more volunteers and local talent to come forward and offer their help to ensure it stays open and continues to offer a space for artisans and crafters.
It currently has a range of paintings that are produced by local artists and are reasonably priced.
One recent customer, stuck for a present for her 40 year old son took a look inside and was delighted with a hand painted abstract for £40.
“My son was delighted with it” she said “It was unique and local and he really appreciated the thought that I’d put into buying it”
Other items in the shop include books and a very fine range of hand made earrings – certainly worth a look for that present that’s a little different.
Keith Evans, Founding trustee, said; “We have put a lot of effort into this but the support we initially had has faded until now we struggle to source creative and artistic items to sell and also for volunteers to help run the gallery. Most importantly we need friends to contribute financially to its running costs and of course customers to drop in and take a look at what they can buy.”
So, if you are looking for somewhere to sell your product, be it a wall painting, handmade jewellery, items of upcycled goods, arts or crafts of any description, tWIG is well-placed to help.
And if you have a few hours to spare each week to help out in the gallery, or have other skills that can be used, the trustees would love to hear from you.
You can contact them direct on or take a look at their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/twigwxm/
You can also contribute financially to this by going their funding page https://localgiving.org/charity/thewrexhamindependentgallery/</a
You can also contribute financially to this by going their funding page https://localgiving.org/charity/thewrexhamindependentgallery/

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April 23, 2018
Blue Planet II Affects Pupils in Wrexham
The shocking images of plastics damaging the world’s oceans aired by the Blue Planet II team on their final episode has left most of us wanting to do more to protect the environment.
Years one and two at Ysgol yr Hafod in Johnstown were no different and they started to look at the effects of plastics on the environment and how it impacts animals and humans. They also wanted to know what was happening in their own area and to learn the impact it has on our local environment and so they decided to contact their local councillor to find out more.
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Their local councillor, who also happens to be the Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, promptly arranged a visit to Wrexham’s Recycling Facility run by FCC on the Industrial Estate. Once there they could see for themselves how much plastic was collected and recycled in Wrexham and how they could do their bit by using recycling bins when they were available.
Cllr David A Bithell, local councillor for Johnstown and Chair of Governors at the school went with the children and said after the visit: “The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I would like to thank FCC and our own recycling staff for their help. Learning about waste, recycling and how to manage a sustainable service will give them valuable lessons for the future that I hope they will take away with them and use at every opportunity.”
Cllr Bithell added: “It’s also encouraging to see large companies starting to question their use of plastics and I hope that n the near future there will be really positive moves from the retail trade to make sustainable changes to their use of plastic.”
Any other school who wishes to make arrangements to visit the recycling centre please contact John Walsh, 01978 729733 or email john.walsh@wrexham.gov.uk.
The visit will be free but schools will have to pay their own transport costs. Places are limited.

Tell us how we should meet the housing challenges of the next five years.
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April 20, 2018
Cosplay evening at Tŷ Pawb
Thousands of cosplayers, comics fans and fantasy and sci-fi aficionados are expected to arrive in their droves at Wales Comic Con this weekend.
To complement all the goings-on at Glyndwr University throughout Comic Con, businesses at Tŷ Pawb have organised a casual afterparty for con-goers from 4pm until 9pm on Saturday, April 21.
Shakes and puddings will be available at Just Desserts, while Plât Bach will be offering Welsh-inspired tapas throughout the evening.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF HOUSING IN WREXHAM.
Bar Bach will also be open for drinks, with coffees available at Blank Canvas.
Pop-up trade stalls will also be available on the evening, and the open performance stage will be available for open-mic performers keen to sing songs or tell a few jokes.
“People keen to keep the atmosphere going after Comic Con”
Sarah Hughes, owner of Just Desserts, said: “Wales Comic Con is a fantastic event, and we know a lot of people are always keen to keep the atmosphere going after the Con has finished for the day, and we wanted to offer something which would give convention goers somewhere to go in the evening.
“It will be a very casual evening, but there’s a warm welcome for anyone who wants to come along and enjoy some of what we at Tŷ Pawb have to offer.”
Tell us how we should meet the housing challenges of the next five years.
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April 20, 2018
Heart attack survivor marshals race
A man who suffered a heart attack while taking part in a triathlon returned to help in the marshalling of this year’s competition.
George Jones, a 73-year-old Glyn Ceiriog resident, suffered a cardiac arrest when taking part in the cycling leg of the 2016 Chirk Triathlon.
He took part in the triathlon as part of a relay with two friends, with him taking the cycling leg of the competition while his co-competitors filled in for swimming and running.
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Unfortunately, he suffered a cardiac arrest during the race while cycling on Church St, and was cared for by volunteers with St John Ambulance and race marshals.
He was then flown to Royal Stoke University Hospital, Staffordshire, by the Wales Air Ambulance and later recovered.
As part of his recovery, Mr Jones undertook a 10-week exercise programme, part of which was designed by staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, and he regularly trained at Chirk Leisure and Activity Centre.
He has since remained a keen user of the centre, and returned to marshal this year’s Chirk Triathlon, which took place on Sunday, August 15.
“I’ve always been a keen cyclist”
Mr Jones said: “I’ve always been a keen cyclist, but I didn’t like the running part – swimming was alright, but I’ve always found running awful.
“In the three years before my heart attack, I’d been a member of a relay team taking part in the triathlon – and the combined age of the team was over 200!”
He recently took a break from training due to a bout of pneumonia – but was back in the centre on Monday, less than a week before taking part in the marshalling.
It was the first time he had returned to the gym since improvement works were carried out at all Freedom Leisure-run leisure and activity centres in Wrexham last year.
He added: “It went very well – I was marshalling from noon until the end. And I was very impressed with those taking part.
“It’s nice when riders who are really doing their best thank the marshals as they ride past – there’s no need for them to do that.
“I’d like to have been taking part in it myself, but my days of doing it are finished.
“Delighted with the facilities at Chirk”
He said: “I decided to take a break as I’ve just got over pneumonia, but I was back in on Monday and I was delighted with the facilities there – especially being able to monitor my pulse.
“They can see what’s going on with my heart, and that’s a very good thing. They can see if I’m overdoing it, but also there might be exercises where I could be doing a bit more.”
He added: “I’m 73 now, and I was hoping to be active into my eighties – I suppose I still will be, but not quite as fast as I’d hoped!”
Cllr Andrew Atkinson, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti-Poverty, with responsibility for Leisure, said: “Mr Jones’ enthusiasm and continued keenness to train at the Chirk Leisure and Activity Centre is admirable, and I’m glad that the weather behaved not just for him and his fellow marshals, but all those taking part in this year’s Chirk Triathlon.”
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April 19, 2018
“Welsh can open doors in the workplace”
The Welsh language plays an increasingly significant role in the workplace in Wales, with employers placing more and more importance on Welsh language skills when looking for new employees.
Children from four different Wrexham primary schools had the chance to speak to employees from across North Wales for a Welsh in the Workplace day at Ysgol y Grango, Rhosllanerchrugog.
The schools taking part in the event were piloting an initiative jointly planned by Wrexham County Borough Council, Careers Wales and a representative from the schools to support Wrexham’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).
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The four schools taking part were Ysgol Penycae, Ysgol ID Hooson, Ysgol Yr Hafod Johnstown and Ysgol Maes y Mynydd, with more than 160 pupils taking part and speaking directly to representatives from the local economy organised by Careers Wales.
The pupils attending had the chance to speak with workers from organisations including:
- Scottish Power Energy Networks
- Principality Building Society
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
- Welsh Water
- DFS4 /Big Ideas Wales role model
- Wrexham County Borough Council
- Excell Supply
- Coleg Cambria
- Menter Iaith
- The Presbyterian Church
The speed-networking event saw individual groups of pupils spend 10-minute sessions with each group of employees, and quiz them on details such as their day-to-day work, how much they use Welsh during their working day and the sort of skills and qualifications needed to fulfil their role.
“We want to do everything we can to encourage people to learn Welsh”
Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “As part our Welsh Education Strategic Plan (WESP), we want to do everything we can to encourage more people to learn Welsh – be that through traditional education, or other wider channels outside of the classroom setting.
“But as well as teaching pupils Welsh, we also want to show them how learning Welsh can benefit them later in life and can open doors in the workplace.
“With that in mind we wanted to give them the chance to speak to people who use Welsh in their day-to-day work and give them an insight into how bilingualism can be a real benefit when it comes to paid employment.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the day’s event, schools and employers alike.”
Lesley Lloyd, Business Engagement Adviser with Careers Wales, said: “This style of workshop will help young people to develop their communication and listening skills, and give them a valuable insight into different job roles and career prospects that require Welsh language skills.”
Tell us how we should meet the housing challenges of the next five years.
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April 19, 2018
Old People’s Commissioner for Wales to visit Wrexham Library
On Wednesday 2^nd May from 1-2pm, the Old People’s Commissioner for Wales will be visiting Wrexham Library to give a free talk.
This is the perfect opportunity for you to tell her what matters to you and find out how she can help. The Commissioner is an independent voice and champion for older people across Wales. She works to make Wales a good place to grow older – not just for some but for everyone.
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She works to ensure that those who are vulnerable or at risk are kept safe, and ensures that all older people have a voice that is heard, that they have choice and control, that they don’t feel isolated or discriminated against and that they receive the support and services they need. The Commissioner’s work is driven by what older people say matters most to them and their voices are at the heart of all she does.
This event is part of the learning at lunchtime sessions, which are hosted by Wrexham library on the first Wednesday of every month.
The learning at lunchtime programme is aimed at exploring new ways in which you can learn whilst also having fun, and each month visitors to the library can participate in exciting sessions.
This is a free session at Wrexham Library taking place on Wednesday 2^nd May from 1-2pm.
If you want more information please call Wrexham Library on 01978 292090
Tell us how we should meet the housing challenges of the next five years.
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April 19, 2018
Funding bid secures almost £750,000
We’re sharing some good news with you today as we announce that we have successfully secured funding of almost £750,000 from the Welsh Government for improvement schemes to travel and road safety projects over the next 12 months.
Over £200,000 will go towards developing more walking and cycling routes across the county borough known as Active Travel Routes. A further £243,500 will be spent on Wrexham bus station to improve the area for visitors to and from Wrexham town centre.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF HOUSING IN WREXHAM.
Projects to improve road safety in and around schools and other road safety schemes have also been given the green light and over £158,000 will be spent on 20 mph routes at St Peter’s school in Rossett and the Cefn Mawr area.
Other road safety schemes include improving the Junction in Penley, the Pass Plus Cymru scheme, child pedestrian training, older driver development scheme, bike safe and national standards cycle training have also received funding.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This is very good news and I would like to thank everyone involved in securing this funding to make road safety and travel improvements across the Wrexham area.”
Tell us how we should meet the housing challenges of the next five years.
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April 19, 2018
Have your say on the future of housing in wrexham…
Access to good quality, safe, affordable housing is one of the most important and essential things we as a Council can help to provide.
To help us achieve this, we are producing a written plan which outlines how we intend to work with our partner organisations to provide housing which best meets the needs of our population.
Our new Local Housing Strategy 2018-2023 will set out a 5-year vision for housing supply and housing-related services in the County Borough.
It will recognise individual needs, working to improve housing and housing-related services for tenants and residents.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF HOUSING IN WREXHAM.
We want to hear from all of you
Although it will be published as a Council document, the strategy is intended to cover all types and tenures of housing and not just those that are socially rented.
To help us produce the plan, it is essential that we can gather your thoughts and opinions on what you think the priorities and aims for housing in Wrexham should be over the next few years.
You might be a council tenant or a homeowner, or perhaps you live in a private rented property.
Whatever your housing situation, we want to hear from you!
We are also very keen to capture views from developers, landlords and professionals that have an interest in housing or housing related services.
‘Vital’ to have a plan for the future
Lead Member for Housing, Cllr David Griffiths, said: “This is a particularly busy time for housing in Wrexham, with new developments in the pipeline and all sorts of improvement work being carried to thousands of homes and communities across the County Borough.”
“The need for more good quality housing continues to be a priority for us as a council so it is vital that we have a plan in place that will help us deliver this in way which joins the dots between the various types of accommodation on offer and which best recognises the needs and aspirations of our growing population.”
How to have your say
- Click here to fill in our consultation.
- The consultation will be active from Monday 16 April until Monday 28 May.
- If you’d like a paper copy to fill in, email us – getinvolvedinhousing@wrexham.gov.uk or telephone 01978 298993
Tell us how we should meet the housing challenges of the next five years.
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April 18, 2018
The history of North East Wales in 100 objects
A new exhibition which opens at Wrexham Museum on 21 April is based on the challenge of telling the story of North East Wales in 100 objects.
This exhibition is the culmination of a two year Heritage Lottery Fund project by the North East Wales Heritage Forum, which was set up to celebrate, conserve and promote the rich heritage of the North East Wales borderlands. The Forum brought together community heritage groups across the region and asked them to suggest objects that each represent an aspect of our local history. With the suggestions flooding in, the search was on to track down the recommended items and secure their appearances in this unique exhibition.
“Thousands of years of history”
The final 100 represent thousands of years of history from the first evidence of human life up to the technology of the 21st century. The exhibition divides into six sections
• Early Inhabitants
• Castles and Conflict
• Industrial Innovation
• Travel and Transport
• Religion and Culture
• Everyday Life
The display is an eclectic mix of objects ranging from a prehistoric horse jaw from Gop Cave, arrow heads from Denbigh Castle, a River Dee coracle, the smoking hat of poet John ‘Ceiriog’ Hughes, a copper manilla from Greenfield Valley to the modern day Airbus wing rib.
Students from the Creative Industries Department at Glyndŵr University have been involved in creating audio pieces related to some of the objects.
“Area rich in in both heritage and culture”
Head of HLF Wales, Richard Bellamy, explains why the project was considered important enough to be awarded a Grant: “North East Wales is an area rich in both heritage and culture. This ambitious project is not simply about preserving collections– it’s also about making them meaningful and accessible for people today. With the support from National lottery players, this exciting new exhibition will give people opportunities to learn about, enjoy and become immersed in their unique heritage of which they can be immensely proud.”
“Outstandingly diverse representation of our region’s past”
Dr Shaun Evans, Chairman of the Forum said, “The hundred objects have been selected and grouped to illustrate themes which wind their way through the area’s history. The result is an outstandingly diverse representation of our region’s past, stretching over centuries and including items from every part of our corner of North East Wales. We would invite people living in the area to visit this exhibition and to treat this exhibition as a gateway to further explore and discover our towns and villages, our landscapes, heritage sites and other museums and archives.”
He added, “Many thanks go to all of the groups, organisations and individuals who have allowed us to include items from their collections within the exhibition – without their support this project would not have been possible. We are exceptionally grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding the two-year project. We are also delighted to be holding the exhibition at Wrexham Museum, whose team have been wonderful to work with.”
“A real honour for us”
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the North East Wales Heritage Forum, who represents the many museums, archives, community heritage groups, societies and individuals across the region, for bringing this two year project to an end in Wrexham Museum. It is a real honour for us and I know many people will take full advantage of the wonderful facilities here and pay the exhibition a visit. Well done to all involved.”
The exhibition, which is free of charge, is on display at Wrexham County Borough Museum & Archives from 21 April until 30 June 2018. The exhibition is accompanied by a book The History of North East Wales in 100 Objects that will be available from Wrexham Museum and other local outlets, including The Bookshop in Mold and Ruthin bookshops.
For more information, call 01978 297 460 or visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage or www.walesheritageforum.org.uk
April 18, 2018
What role does the voluntary sector play in an emergency? Read this…
When there’s an emergency we all expect the police, fire and health services to play a big part. The local council often plays a big part as well.
What isn’t so obvious though is the role of voluntary groups during emergencies. For example the Red Cross, Mountain Rescue and others can often play a key role in dealing with an emergency.
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Very recently voluntary groups from across North Wales took part in an event to find out the services that they can provide in terms of planning for and responding to an emergency. It turns out they’re a very valuable asset and complement the work of the blue light services very well.
Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard who is Chair of the North Wales Resilience Forum said: “Whilst organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities and health boards have frameworks in place to plan and deal with major emergencies, the voluntary sector has an important role to play in supporting these statutory bodies.
“Access to specialist equipment”
“The voluntary sector can provide a wide range of skills and services in responding to an emergency, from practical support such as first aid, access to specialist equipment, to support with counselling as required.
“We know that engaging with voluntary organisations in preparing for potential emergencies in terms of planning, training and exercising can only benefit how we respond in the event of an emergency.
“This regional event provided an excellent opportunity for those organisations that have statutory responsibilities to better understand the services that the voluntary sector can provide and allow us to build on the relationships that are already in place on a local level. Many thanks to all who were involved in arranging the event”
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April 18, 2018