Category: Featured

We’re really excited about hosting Wales Armed Forces Day this year and plans are well in hand for an excellent day of celebration for all the family.

The event takes place on Llwyn Isaf and Queens Square and there’ll be loads to see and do starting with a parade of 300 from Bodhyfryd at 10.30. Led by the Royal Welsh Band accompanied by the Queens Dragoon Guards Farrier Major Mark Holland with the regimental mascot L.Cpl Jones a Welsh Mountain Pony and the Royal Welsh Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson and Shenkin IV the regimental goat. The rest of the parade will march closely behind.

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Wales Armed Forces Day Parade Route

They’ll leave Bodhyfryd and march along Chester Street, High Street, Hope Street, Queens Street, Lambpit Street, left under the arch and onto Llwyn Isaf where they’ll come to attention for the official opening ceremony. Speeches will be given by the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Brian Cameron, who will welcome everyone to the event, Cllr Beverley Parry Roberts, Armed Forces Champion, who will thank the Armed Forces Community and Brigadier Andrew Dawes CBE, Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade and head of the Army in Wales, followed by the National Anthems.

The Battle of Britain Flight Lancaster Bomber will fly past at 13.38.

Photo courtesy of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Throughout the day everyone is free to enjoy the exhibitions, chat with the representatives of all three armed services and enjoy the displays. There’ll be refreshments available, both alcoholic and non alcoholic and entertainment from the bandstand (see schedule below)

Entertainment on the Band Stand:

• 11:30 – 12:15 – Ifton Colliery Band
• 12:15 – 13:00 – Rhos Male Voice Choir
• 13:00 – 13:45 – Royal Welsh Band
• 13:45 – 15:45 – The Big Beat

Corner of Hope Street and Henblas Street:

• 11.00 – 12.00 RAF Cadet Band
• 12.00 – 12.30 Royal Welch Fusiliers Corps of Drums Volunteers
• 12.30 – 13.30 Gwent and Powys ACF Band

At 3.45 there will be closing ceremony speeches by the Mayor, Cllr Brian Cameron and Air Commodore Adrian (Dai) Williams OBE ADC RAF Air Officer Wales, who is originally from Denbigh. Short Sunset ceremony by the Royal Welsh band and march off.

Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, Armed Forces Champion, said, “It’s going to be a magnificent spectacle which will make me feel proud of our armed forces. Seeing such superb display of ceremonial uniforms it is hard to realise that these are the same men and women that put on battle dress and put their lives on the line for our security.

“I hope everyone enjoys the event and joins me in personally thanking our armed services and their families for their commitment and dedication to duty to ensure our safety.”

If you’re travelling from outside Wrexham you can check out car parking here

https://wrexham.gov.uk/service/parking/find-car-park

https://www.wrecsam.gov.uk/service/parcio/dod-o-hyd-i-faes-parcio

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We want to issue an important reminder to residents that they should always be extra careful and follow the correct guidelines for disposing of any self-combustible items such as batteries or gas canisters.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Environment, said: “Hazardous waste items including batteries, gas cylinders, chemicals or other possible sources of heat should never be placed in your general waste. Putting these items in your bin can cause fires to break out at the recycling centres, creating dangerous situations and putting many people at risk.

“There’s also the terrible impact this has on the environment. When the toxic materials within the items get released it’s harmful to the environment and human health. Please be responsible and recycle the items, or where possible return them to the supplier you got them from.”

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What should I do?

Batteries

Lithium batteries are the biggest causes of fires within waste facilities. You can recycle all types of batteries at the three recycling centres in Wrexham – even car batteries!

But if it’s just your everyday household batteries you’re looking to recycle, and if it’s more convenient for you, you should have the option to recycle them at a local shop too.

That’s because since February 2010, shops who sell more than 32kg of batteries a year (approx. 345 x four-packs of AA batteries) have to provide battery recycling facilities in-store…so all the larger supermarkets and retailers provide these.

Gas canisters

With summer fast approaching, many of you will likely be having barbecues over the coming months, so it’s really important to consider the following advice…

Gas canisters are potentially hazardous and should never be put in your rubbish bin. If you have one it’s best to check with the company you bought it from as they should be able to refill or dispose of it for you.

The smaller non-refillable gas bottle canisters (used for small cooking heaters) can be recycled with plastics and cans at kerbside ONLY IF they have no fluid or gas inside. If they do have anything left in them you will need to take them to one of the three recycling centres.

Disposable BBQs

Disposable barbecues can cause fires if they aren’t dealt with correctly, so please be careful if you use these at all.

Hot coals should only be disposed of in general waste bins after they have been fully cooled. This can be done either by waiting 48 hours, or by soaking the items in cold water until the temperature has been lowered.

It’s much better to avoid disposable barbecues if possible. Like many single use products they offer convenience but at the cost of the planet. Disposable barbecues can’t be recycled, plus having a reusable one will work out much cheaper for you in the long run.

For further information about recycling in Wrexham, please visit wrexham.gov.uk/recycling

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The sale of illegal tobacco is a big problem in Wales and here in Wrexham we’re supporting the Welsh Government’s campaign “No Ifs. No Butts” a new national crackdown to put a stop to it.

The illegal sale of tobacco puts cigarettes in the hands of children, as well as harming public health, local businesses, and can contribute to serious organised crime.

STAY SAFE – GET THE LATEST ALERTS ON SCAMS, PRODUCT RECALLS AND OTHER PUBLIC PROTECTION ISSUES

The campaign aims to encourage people to step forward and allow Trading Standards to do what they do best and remove illegal tobacco from our communities and away from our children, family, and friends.

No Ifs. No Butts – help drive this trade out of Wrexham

Roger Mapleson, Trading Standards and Licensing Lead, said, “Smoking seriously damages health and illegal tobacco traders don’t think twice about selling to children.

“If you know someone dealing in this product please report it using the link below and help drive this trade out of Wrexham.”

What is illegal tobacco?

Illegal tobacco takes all shapes and forms and refers to illegal cigarettes and rolling tobacco pouches. The most common forms are:

• Cheap genuine tobacco smuggled into the UK with no-duty paid (packages often display foreign languages and a lack of health warnings).
• Counterfeits or fakes, which look like well-known brands but are made illegally.
• ‘Cheap whites’, which are mass produced in one country and smuggled into another.
• Cigarettes sold individually instead of in packets.

The list is pretty big, but if you are unsure, please report it.

Illegal sellers use many methods to sell illegal tobacco. The most common avenues of selling are:

• shops
• private homes
• pubs and clubs
• social media
• car-boots
• on the street

A good indicator if tobacco is illegal, is the packaging. If packing is not in English, and if packaging is not plain green and has a lack of health warnings, this usually indicates that it is illegal. Also, cheap prices and unknown brands are also big giveaway.

You can report anyone selling illegal tobacco online anonymously here.

Get the latest info on scams, product recalls and other public protection issues.
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The story of Wales and the Battle of Britain has been unveiled at Tŷ Pawb this afternoon.

The Battle of Britain took place over the skies of the UK between 10 July and 31 October 1940 and involved 2,947 Aircrew including Pilots, Observers, Air Gunners and Wireless Operators. 544 were killed in action and aircrafts involved included the iconic Spitfire, Hurricane, Blenheim, Beaufighter, Defiant and Gladiator.

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Visitors to the exhibition will learn about the importance of Welsh bases such as RAF Hawarden which trained Spitfire Pilots. It also tells of the 68 Welsh aircrew that fought and the 17 Welsh pilots who were killed in action during the battle and of the price paid by Welsh cities like Swansea who suffered terrible losses during the German bombing raids.

Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, Armed Forces Champion, said, “This is a particularly interesting exhibition which shows how Wales, including aircrew from Wrexham, contributed to this Battle which was ultimately victorious for Britain and prevented an invasion by Nazi forces.

“It’s also very timely as Wrexham celebrates Wales’ National Armed Forces Day on the 18 June and many visitors to the area will be able to visit and enjoy the exhibition as part of the commemorations and celebrations taking place.”

Air Commodore Adrian Williams, Air Officer Wales, who opened the exhibition said, “I’m delighted that, following on from the official opening of the Wales and the Battle of Britain 80th Anniversary Exhibition in Cardiff, the exhibition is now touring Wales and will has opened in Wrexham.

“The Battle of Britain, the largest air battle ever recorded, was one of the most pivotal and iconic moments in the history of this country. It marked a turning point of the Second World War when Britain stood alone against Hitler’s seemingly unstoppable military power.

“The exhibition tells a story that will enable Welsh people to come along and find out more about what happened in the skies and on the ground in the Summer of 1940. It details the Welsh aircrew who fought, including a number from Wrexham, telling their stories and heroism to a modern Welsh audience.”

The Wales and the Battle of Britain Exhibition was created by the RAF’s Air Historical Branch (Dr Lynsey Shaw), together with Air Commodore Adrian Williams, to commemorate Wales’ contribution to victory in the Battle of Britain.

It was originally planned to be launched in 2020 but, had to be postponed due to the pandemic. The Wales and the Battle of Britain Exhibition is a story told from a Welsh perspective, one that has never been told before.

It will be open during normal Tŷ Pawb opening hours until Armed Forces Day on 18 June.

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Guest Article – Welsh Blood Service

The Welsh Blood Service is urging people to consider becoming blood donors to help save lives this National Blood Donor Week.

Over 350 blood donations are needed every day across Wales. The donations play a vital role in saving lives by supporting a range of treatments, from helping recovering accident victims and patients with blood cancers to supporting mothers and newborn babies during childbirth. The Welsh Blood Service supports 20 hospitals across the country and relies on donations from blood, platelet and bone marrow donors to help patients in need.

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Supporting the call is 65-year-old Howard Provis, one of Wales’ longest serving donors with nearly 50 years of dedication to the service. Howard has been donating platelets since the age of 18 and has recently made his 1,000th donation which has helped save the lives of thousands of people across Wales.

Encouraging more people to come forward following his own experience, Howard explains, “With a background in first aid and first responding, I have seen people in many situations that have required blood. For me being able to give blood or platelets has given some of those people a second chance to live or spend precious extra time with their families and friends.

“Tomorrow, it could be me that needs a blood or platelet donation, or my wife, family or a friend. The thought that my donation today could potentially save someone’s life tomorrow has inspired me to keep supporting the Welsh Blood Service.”

Speaking of Howard’s achievement Alan Prosser, Director of the Welsh Blood Service explains, “Howard is one of only a handful of donors to reach this incredible milestone, and his donations will have helped patients in need from hospitals across the whole of Wales.

“His commitment to helping others is truly inspirational, and we hope his story encourages others to start their own lifesaving journey this National Blood Donor Week.”

National Blood Donor Week is an opportunity for blood services across the UK to raise awareness of the lifesaving importance of blood donation and encourage those who have never donated to give it a go.

The week also incorporates World Blood Donor Day (June 14), a day of celebration and thanks to the thousands of people who give up their time freely to donate and help people in need.

Alan continues, “We must say a huge thank you to every single donor who has supported us over the past two years. It has been a challenging period, but the generosity of people across Wales has been unwavering.

“As our Service works towards a post-covid collection service, we hope more people will step forward and join our lifesaving team. Following changes to UK donation guidelines, more people than ever before can safely donate, which means there has never been a better time to give it a go.”

June 14 is also the one-year anniversary of the landmark changes introduced following the recommendations made by the FAIR (For the Assessment of Individualised Risk) steering group.

These pioneering changes to donation rules have meant that all donors, regardless of gender, are now asked a set of questions, meaning that more people than ever before, including those from the LGBTQ+ community are potentially eligible to donate.

You can book your first or next blood donation appointment by visiting www.wbs.wales/nbdw22 and if you are 17-30, you can also consider signing up to the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry.

For those who cannot donate, you can still become a Welsh Blood Service supporter. Sharing their social media posts, encouraging your friends, family and colleagues to raise awareness of the importance of donating blood, platelets and bone marrow.

To learn more about donating blood, platelets and bone marrow, or to book, visit www.welshblood.org.uk.

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Did you know Wrexham Libraries offer a service where you can download 10 eBooks and 10 eAudiobooks for free for 21 days via the BorrowBox App?

Borrowing digital content has never been simpler, smarter or more convenient. BorrowBox digital content is available any time from work, home or anywhere 24/7.

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You can reserve or borrow up to 10 eAudiobooks and 10 eBooks at a time.

This month’s featured ‘No Queue’ titles include The Crown: The Inside Story by Robert Lacey; Cloudstreet by Tim Winton; A Golden Age by Tahina Anam; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre; How to be a Refugee by Simon May; Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths by Maisie Chan and Runaway Robot by Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

To try one of these books or to choose any other e-book/e-audio books please visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/libraries and follow the online services link.

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Next Saturday (18.06.22) will see crowds of all ages descend into Wrexham to celebrate Wales Armed Forces Day 2022.

We’ll be flying the flag above the Guildhall ready for the big day which will see a parade of 300 marching servicemen and veterans, and a fly past by the City of Lincoln Lancaster Bomber part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

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There’ll be lots more to see and do and exhibitions and displays will be open from 10.00am including inflatables, an active field kitchen and field hospital, representatives from the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, Royal Armoured Corps with a Challenger 2 Tank, Welsh Guards, Royal Navy, RAF, RLC, and the Royal Welsh alongside armed forces charities such as the Royal British Legion and Woody’s Lodge.

The parade will form up on Bodhyfryd from 10 and will begin at 10.30 led by the Royal Welsh Band accompanied by the Queens Dragoon Guards Farrier Major Mark Holland with the regimental mascot LCpl Jones a Welsh Mountain Pony and the Royal Welsh regimental mascot Shenkin IV with Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson. The rest of the parade will follow closely behind.

They’ll leave Bodhyfryd and march along Chester Street, High Street, Hope Street, Queens Street, Lambpit Street, left under the arch and onto Llwyn Isaf where they’ll come to attention for the official opening ceremony. Speeches will be given by Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive, who will welcome everyone to the event, Cllr Beverley Parry Roberts, Armed Forces Champion, who will thank the Armed Forces Community and Brigadier Andrew Dawes CBE, Commander 160th (Welsh) Brigade and head of the Army in Wales, followed by the National Anthems.

The Battle of Britain Flight Lancaster Bomber will fly past at 13.38.

The event will continue until the closing ceremony on Llwyn Isaf at 15.45.

Throughout the day everyone is free to enjoy the exhibitions, chat with the representatives of all three armed services and enjoy their exhibitions and displays. There’ll be refreshments available, both alcoholic and non alcoholic and entertainment from the bandstand (see schedule below)

Entertainment on the Band Stand:

• 11:30 – 12:15 – Ifton Colliery Band
• 12:15 – 13:00 – Rhos Male Voice Choir
• 13:00 – 13:45 – Royal Welsh Band
• 13:45 – 15:45 – The Big Beat

Corner of Hope Street and Henblas Street:

• 11.00 – 12.00 RAF Cadet Band
• 12.00 – 12.30 Royal Welch Fusiliers Corps of Drums Volunteers
• 12.30 – 13.30 Gwent & Powys ACF Band

At 3.45 there will be closing ceremony and speeches by the Mayor, Cllr Brian Cameron and Air Commodore Adrian (Dai) Williams OBE ADC RAF Air Officer followed by a Wales Short Sunset ceremony by the Royal Welsh band and march off.

Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, Armed Forces Champion said, “This will be a memorable event and we are expecting visitors from across Wales and the regions to come and celebrate with us the work of our armed forces, past and present.

“They continue to serve us through peace and adversity and this is the day we can all say thank you to them and to their families for their sacrifices as they serve their country proudly.”

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Wrexham will once again be celebrating National Playday with an event on Queen’s Square and Llwyn Isaf on Wednesday 3th August from 12:00 to 4:00.

Playday is for people of all ages including babies and toddlers, older children, teenagers, parents, professionals and grandparents and you’re all invited to join in this free and playful event.

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There’ll be favourites like the giant sandpit and of course water fights and loads of opportunities for children to get stuck in and just have a great time. All you need to bring is a playful mood and some clothes you don’t mind getting wet and messy. It’s also a great day for a picnic.

The aim of this event is to highlight children’s right to play, encouraging people to recognise the value of playing to children, their families and their local communities. In doing this Wrexham’s Playday event is part of the local authority’s continued commitment to try ensure all children across the county borough have enough time, space and permission to play.

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Today is World Food Safety Day and we’re reminding food businesses in Wrexham to focus on food safety and that our team is here to support businesses improve standards and keep consumers safe.

Food safety officers inspect food businesses to check that they follow food hygiene and safety laws so that the food is safe to eat. They give the business a rating from zero (urgent improvement required) to five (hygiene standards are very good) using the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).

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The FHRS helps consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them clear information about the businesses’ hygiene standards.

Nationally, there’s estimated to be around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness a year, and common food poisoning bacteria include Campylobacter and Salmonella.

Two million people in the UK live with a food allergy, 600,000 people have coeliac disease, and others have food intolerances.

Food safety risks can be reduced by food businesses taking action on cleaning, pest control, food safety management and addressing food substitution issues which can cause risks for people with allergies and intolerances, and other vulnerable persons.

“We’re here to maintain food safety standards”

Rebecca Pomeroy, Interim Head of Service – Public Protection said, “Good food safety makes better business sense. As we’re returning to business after Covid it’s even more important that we continue to focus on food safety standards in area/city.

“We have information to support food businesses improve where necessary. We’re here to maintain standards and we’re reminding businesses a visit from a food safety inspector can happen at any time.”

Nathan Barnhouse, Director of FSA in Wales said: “Many food businesses already meet good standards of hygiene, and we know this is important to consumers who want to feel confident that the food they choose won’t make them ill.

“Issues like food poisoning and incidents of undeclared allergens, can cause unnecessary suffering for individuals, as well as impacting on their families. We work in collaboration with name of council who support businesses and help them understand the regulatory requirements.”

Food businesses must be registered with us and will receive a FHRS rating which shows how well the business is doing overall, based on standards found at the time of inspection. The ratings can be found online and on stickers which are displayed at business premises.

More information for small businesses on food safety management procedures and food hygiene regulations is available on food.gov.uk.

You can check out a businesses’ food ratings here.

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