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Museum remembers Royal Welsh Fusiliers in Egypt and Palestine
There’s a new exhibition opening on 22 September at Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives that highlights the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in Egypt and Palestine during the first world war.
Exactly one hundred years before five battalions of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers were camped near Deir El Belah close to the frontline in what is now the Gaza Strip, but was then the border between Egypt and the Ottomon Empire. Although the officers and soldiers did not know how they would be making history over the next few months they had been in good spirits since the arrival in June of General Edmund Allenby their new commanding officer. They could see he had the determination, drive and tactical brilliance to ensure the autumn campaign would see the Allies break the stalemate and roll back the Turkish armies.
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“the only exhibition about this front during the 2014–18 commemorations”
The Heat of Battle, Wrexham Museum’s latest ‘Windows on the World’ exhibition commemorates the story of the Allied campaign in Egypt and Palestine and highlights the distinguished role played by Welsh regiments on that front. Despite the importance of its successes to public morale during the First World War and the impact of the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in 1918 on world history during the 20^th century, The Heat of Battle is the only exhibition about this front during the 2014–18 commemorations of the First World War.
The exhibition is based on and inspired by the reserve collection of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum which is held at Wrexham Museum. Highlights of the exhibition include:
- The Union Flag flown over General Allenby’s Headquarters in Jerusalem
- The Victoria Cross presented to Corporal John Collins, 25th RWF, for valour shown during the Third Battle of Gaza.
- The Frank Brangwyn painting ‘Entry of the Welsh Troops into Jerusalem’ on loan from the National Museum of Wales
- A selection of gallantry medals connected to the campaign – displayed for the first time in Wales courtesy of the Ward Collection
- The sketchbooks of Lieutenant Richard Lunt Roberts, who served with the 6th Battalion from his arrival in Gallipoli in October 1915 through to the end of the war
“dedicated team of volunteers”
Councillor Hugh Jones, Deputy Leader of the Council said:
“This exhibition is the latest in Wrexham’s programme of events to mark the First World War. Wrexham County Borough Council would like to acknowledge the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Welsh Government for this project. Alongside the exhibition at Wrexham Museum, a touring exhibition will be travelling to Cardiff and Brecon. There is also a dedicated team of volunteers who are exploring the archives related to the campaign and they will be sharing their research over the coming months.”
General Jonathon Riley, Chairman of the Trustees of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum, added:
“During 2017, attention has focused on the sacrifice of the Welsh Regiments at Passchendaele on the Western Front. We should not forget, however, that as many Welshmen fought and died in the Middle East during 1917 as in France and Flanders. As the Third Battle of Ypres closed in November 1917; the Third Battle of Gaza opened. Unlike Passchendaele, Third Gaza was decisive: it opened the way for the capture of Jerusalem and the end of Ottoman rule in the Levant and Arabia. Our Territorial battalions and Yeomanry regiments in the 53rd (Welsh) and 74th (Yeomanry) Divisions made a crucial contribution to victory — one that this exhibition rightly remembers.”
As an introduction to the exhibition there is a film presentation on the history of the First World War and the campaign in Sinai and Palestine produced especially for this exhibition by Charley Wiles and Adam Cooke of Wrexham Glyndwr University. Visitors will also be able to hear poems written by members of the regiment during the First World War and recited by veterans of the Royal Welch Fusiliers thanks to the assistance of Calon FM.
The exhibition is on show at Wrexham County Borough Museum & Archives from September 22^nd, 2017, until January 6^th, 2018. Admission is free.
For more information, please contact Wrexham Museum on 01978 297 460 or via email: museum@wrexham.gov.uk
* The official title of the regiment during the First World War was the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This spelling will be used in the exhibition. The ‘Welch’ spelling was officially adopted in 1920.

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September 14, 2017
“What do I pay my Council Tax for?” – find out here!
It’s a very common question.
Someone might find themselves dissatisfied with their service, or annoyed at some of the ways in which our services work.
And the first thing people tend to ask is “What do I pay my Council Tax for?”
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Well, here’s where you can find out!
We’ve got a breakdown below – and some of the figures might surprise you!
For info
We’ve given the figures based on the annual amount of Council Tax paid by Band D properties.
That’s because Band D is considered the average band, and the amounts for all other bands are calculated from that, decreasing or increasing the amount payable as you up or down the alphabet between A and I.
We want to keep the sums and the breakdown fairly simple – but for anyone who wants to look into it a bit more, the full ranges payable are detailed on our website.
Breakdown
The chart below divides spending into a number of key budgets and areas of responsibility.

There’s a lot of work we have to do as a Council, with a lot of demands on funds and pressures to face.
Although public spending belts have got tighter and the amount from central government has decreased, the Wrexham Council part continues to be the lowest Band D Council Tax in North Wales and the seventh lowest in England and Wales.
As you might expect, our biggest spends are on education/schools and adult social care, followed by children’s social care, and refuse collection and disposal.
These are some of our biggest areas of responsibility, and involve us working with thousands of people each year.
But you might be surprised at some of the spends further down the list.
Get Libraries, Parks and Heritage – all for just over £25 a year!
For example, the Library Service – which runs 10 fixed library buildings and provides a Homelink service; a mobile library; learning resources; magazine subscriptions; free Wi-Fi and a huge range of online and offline information services – costs Band D taxpayers just £10.20 a year!
And our Country Parks and open spaces service, which manages seven open-air country parks across the county borough, runs events and provides an educational service to children in the area on the benefits of the great outdoors costs just £10.48 a year.
And the money spent on Arts and Heritage, which pays for Oriel Wrecsam, the Wrexham Museum (and its range of exhibitions and events) and the archives service comes in at just £6.48.
All of these services involve a lot of hard work and cover large areas – both geographically and in terms of responsibility and effort.
So it may be surprising to note just how little they cost individual taxpayers each year!
You might also have spotted in the breakdown that we also collect precepts and charges on behalf of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police.
That’s to spare residents the inconvenience of getting two separate bills.
Any money collected by us on behalf of those other services will, of course, go straight to them.
“Less than a magazine subscription or TV licence.”
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Finance, Performance, Health and Safety and Governance, said: “One of the questions that councillors and service providers tend to be asked by members of the public is where their Council Tax goes.
“It’s very important that people know what happens with their money, and we’re always happy to make that public.
“But I’d hope it also goes to show what incredible services we’re able to run and offer for less than people might think – in some cases, less than the price of a magazine subscription or TV licence.”
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September 14, 2017
Watch out for possible disruption as road resurfaced
There’s some disruption expected in Rhosrobin/Rhosddu Industrial Estate from Monday as works start to resurface Main Road between Olivet Gardens and Ty Gwyn Lane.
Whilst the works are ongoing here will be 3 way manually controlled traffic lights and motorists are advised to find alternative routes or allow extra time for their journey.
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Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said:
“We will be making every effort to minimise disruption to residents and businesses, however some inconvenience is inevitable and your co-operation during the works will be appreciated to ensure the works are completed as quickly as possible.”
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September 14, 2017
New mobile payment system will make using car parks “even easier”
Do you use Wrexham Council’s car parks very often?
If so, you’ll be interested to know that a new payment method will come online next week.
New parking machines were installed at eight Wrexham Council car parks late last year, introducing new card payment methods, allowing users to pay using Chip and Pin or Contactless technology.
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A new “Mobile Payment” system, allowing users to make payments via their mobile phones, will go online from Tuesday, September 19.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The new machines were well-received by car park users when they were installed at the start of the year, and the new Chip and Pin and Contactless payment methods have certainly made life easier for those using the car parks.
“The JustPark Mobile Payment system will make things even easier and I’m happy to announce that the new system will go live from next Tuesday.”
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September 13, 2017
Groves update – September 13, 2017
Posted on behalf of Wrexham Community Safety Partnership.
Council, police, health and charity workers are continuing to work together to try and manage substance misuse and homelessness in Wrexham.
A small group of people on the former Groves site has been the focal point in recent weeks, with outreach workers continuing to engage them.
Security patrols are also continuing day and night to help keep the site and building safe, while police continue to respond to calls and patrol the area.
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Over the past week, a couple of tents have been spotted on other parts of the site – away from the small managed area close to Chester Road where the majority of tents are situated.
Outreach workers have been out to talk with the people in these tents, who are homeless, and are trying to help them find accommodation.
The majority of people sleeping on the site are continuing to stay in the area close to Chester Road.
The numbers overnight have remained around 10 or less, but numbers have varied during the day.
“…not a permanent arrangement…”
As part of Wrexham Community Safety Partnership, the council, police, health services and charities are working together closely.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “The council and its partners are tolerating the situation while we try to engage the people on site and get them the support they need.
“Most of them have complex needs, including substance misuse, and we’re trying to persuade them to accept help…rather than just push them – and the problem – straight on to another part of town.
“However, it’s important to reiterate this isn’t a permanent arrangement.
“The site isn’t suitable and it’s not a good situation for anyone – including the people sleeping there, or nearby residents who are understandably worried.
“Sooner or later the situation will have to change, but it’ll have to be done properly…and we’re trying to engage as many people as possible on-site before that happens.”
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September 13, 2017
When should my dog be on a lead?
Did you know that there are measures in place across the county borough for dog owners and you should be familiar with them to make sure you don’t fall foul of them.
When on the highway or footpath dogs should always be on a lead.
When visiting our country parks they should remain on the lead in the Visitor Centres and car parks but they can run free and have a great time in the rest of the park areas.
Dogs are also not allowed on bowling greens, marked sports pitches and fenced children’s play areas, skate parks, tennis courts and multi use games areas.
Owners are also reminded that they should have a bag with them when exercising their dog to make sure they “pick up the poo” after their dog fouls.
Failure to stick to the measures could cost you a fine of up to £100 and no-one wants that to happen.
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The measures are part of the Public Spaces Protection Order which came into force earlier this year following public consultation which showed strong support for control of dogs in certain areas of our parks and visitor centres. The apply all over the county borough and are clearly signposted in our parks and public area.
“They’re very simple to understand “
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said:
“The new measures have been very well received and for most dog owners they’re common sense. They’re very simple to understand and we don’t believe there should be any confusion about where they can and can’t go off the lead. there are fines that can be issued so please make sure you’re familiar with the new measures when you’re out and about with your four legged friend.”
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September 13, 2017
How does Wrexham compare against other local authorities?
A report called the “All Wales Comparative Performance for 2016 – 17” has been released which gives information on how well councils in Wales have performed.
The report follows a range of nationally agreed indicators that have been given to the Welsh Government by all local authorities. The Data Unit Wales then collates and analyses the information and brings the report together this then shows how each authority has performed compared to others.
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“top in Wales in four areas”
We have maintained or improved our performance in 19 out of 26 indicators and came the top or joint top in Wales in four areas:
- The percentage of food establishments which are broadly compliant with food hygiene standards
- The percentage of visits to local authority sport and leisure facilities during the year where visitors will be taking part in physical activity
- The low percentage of pupils in LA care in any LA maintained school, who leave compulsory education, training or work based learning without an approved external qualification.
- The percentage of final statements of special education needs issued within 26 weeks.
On the whole Wrexham compares well to all other Welsh local authorities and Cllr Mark Pritchard welcomed the report and said:
“During these financially challenging times it’s good to see that we are continuing to improve in key areas and I am pleased to see we are number one in 4 different areas. We must not be complacent, however, and we must continue to work and improve to give the very best service to our residents. I would like to thank all staff for their commitment and dedication to our standard of service.”
The report does not include any Social Services’ data as this will be published later in the year.
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September 13, 2017
Watch out for new sign on main route to village
Drivers will have new reminders to watch their speed on a village route.
New road signs are in place on Heritage Way, the main route which links Brymbo and Tanyfron with the Ruthin Road/A525 in and out of Wrexham.
The new responsive signs are in place to warn drivers if they’re going over the 40mph limit.
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The signs were bought after Wrexham Council secured accident reduction funding, with the specific aim of improving signage along the road.
The funds were applied for by the council after concerns raised by residents.
Cllr Paul Rogers, ward member for Brymbo, said: “Heritage Way is a well-used road, linking Tanyfron and Brymbo with Wrexham.
“But drivers need to keep in mind that this stretch of road very quickly becomes a suburban road upon nearing Tanyfron, and is also used by pedestrians going to and from the nearby Sports and Social Club.
“These new signs should act as a helpful reminder to drivers to watch their speed and not break the limit while going through the area.
“We got the signs specifically after issues of speed and safety were put to us by residents, so we know people in the area have seen fast drivers on the road and are obviously keen to keep the route safe.”
“Drivers should keep speed in mind”
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I’m very pleased the new signs have gone in place on the Heritage Way, and would like to thank Cllr Rogers for bringing the concerns of residents to our Highways department.
“Drivers should keep their speed in mind across all routes in the county borough and certainly shouldn’t be breaking the limit.
“Signs such as these will go a way to reminding them to keep to the limit and to drive safely.”
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September 13, 2017
Steve’s a winner with his canal bridge shot
The August winner of the Wonders of Wrexham 2018 Calendar competition has been announced as Steve Harvey from Bangor on Dee.
Steve’s shot of the Monk’s Bridge over the Llangollen canal just outside Chirk was judged the best of all the entries and judges were once again impressed with the quality of entries.
Steve gives his photo the amusing description of “Chugging along the Llangollen Canal” which is exactly what many people did for their holidays in August.
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Steve said:
“I am very pleased to have gained the August spot. The canal is a beautiful place to take photos and I am often taken with the spectacular scenery that surrounds it. Wrexham has some wonderful “little gems” and we should all be grateful that we live in such a naturally beautiful area.”
There’s now only two months left of competition and if you’re an amateur photographer with an eye for a little gem of your own you can enter your photos for September by sending them to calendar@wrexham.gov.uk.
“North Wales is ranked fourth in the world”
The Wonders of Wrexham calendar 2018 competition was launched at the beginning of November following the news that North Wales is ranked fourth in the world of regions to visit. Staff at the time thought it was only right that Wrexham celebrated its place in the world with a snapshot record of Wrexham throughout the year.
The winning photographs will all be featured in the Wonders of Wrexham 2018 Calendar.
There’s no prize except all 12 winners will receive copies of the Wonders of Wrexham 2018 calendar when it is produced in November 2017 with their photo and name attributed.
All profits from the sale of the calendar will be donated to the Mayor’s chosen charities.
Entries can be of anywhere in the county borough taken during the month of September and terms and conditions apply.
Photos should be submitted via email, full resolution preferred to calendar@wrexham.gov.uk.
Further information and terms and conditions are available on the Council’s website at www.wrexham.gov.uk.
You can view the previous winners here:

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September 13, 2017
Town centre footfall breaks 100,000 mark in the summer
We’ve already looked at a number of businesses around the town on this blog, including Café in the Corner, Mad4Movies, Just Desserts, Wrexham.com and King Street Coffee.
Many of those interviewed reported steady trade and an encouraging optimism in improvements to the town centre.
And there’s more good news for the town centre as one week this summer sees a record high of visitors.
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Wrexham town centre saw its visitor count reach more than 100,000 people during a week in August, reaching the high point during the school summer holidays.
A weekly visitor count of footfall on the high street reached 102,487 during the week starting on Sunday, August 13, with the highest daily count – of 17,462 visitors – on Saturday, August 19.
The count of visitors is recorded by a new pedestrian counter at the corner of Hope Street and Regent Street.
“a sign of confidence in our town centre”
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Performance and Regeneration, said: “I’m very pleased to see that the weekly figure broke the 100,000 mark – that’s fantastic for a single week.
“We normally expect good footfall during the summer holidays, but this really is excellent, and I hope this will be a further sign of confidence in our town centre and an encouragement to those trading, or looking to trade, in Wrexham.
“We’ll have more detailed figures by the end of the quarter and that will help us to look at the knock-on impact this high level of footfall had on traders and overall takings, so we can expect some interesting findings when it comes back.”
Following an analysis of Wrexham’s High Street performance by the Manchester Metropolitan University back in 2014, a number of recommendations were put forward and last year a new town centre steering group was created to implement a 25-point plan for the town.
One of these goals was to look at ways of increasing footfall, through initiatives such as enhancing the appearance of town along with developing new events. Data from a new electronic pedestrian counter installed on Hope Street has been feeding through weekly counts to the Town Centre Management team
The businesses currently taking part in the project are spread across the town centre and their sales figures (expressed as a percentage increase or decrease) are submitted every Wednesday. The data is then processed and a sales report returned to each business showing how their sales have done vs the town centre, plus they receive an overall view of sales and footfall in Wrexham.
The team now hopes to install additional counters in other parts of town as they continue to collate more information to support future initiatives and the development of the town as a competitive destination.
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September 13, 2017