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Royal Welch Fusiliers Statue and Memorial Garden to be unveiled on 18 March
The bronze statue of a Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Goat and Goat Major and memorial garden that’s been planned since 2017 will be unveiled at a public ceremony outside Hightown Barracks on Saturday 18 March between midday and 12.15 pm.
The sculpture is a life-size bronze statue of a Royal Welch Fusilier soldier with the iconic Regimental Goat at his side. This is surrounded by a memorial garden with seven arches incorporating slate plaques engraved with the Regimental Crest and Company Badges of the Regiment. The memorial will be lit up each night once installed.
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The statue was sculpted by Llandudno based sculptor Nick Elphick who will be present at the unveiling.
The event starts at 11.45am with the Corps of Drums marching from Hightown Resource Centre along the A525 to Hightown Barracks. Alongside the band will be the Goat Major and Regimental Goat, Shenkin, of the 3^rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh. A fanfare by eight Royal Welsh bandsmen will also be sounded.
There’ll be music and song from the Froncysytlle Male Voice Choir who will end their session with the Men of Harlech. Pupils from Ysgol Bodhyfryd will be there to give a recital and participate in song , the Chair of Offa Community Council, Cllr Linda Subacchi, will recite Hedd Wynn, the war poet who joined the 15th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers in World War 1.
Following speeches the statue itself will be unveiled at approximately 12.15pm.
There will be a road closure between the former Travellers Rest public house and Hightown Barracks between 11am and 2pm.
Cllr Graham Rogers, Local Member, has actively fund-raised for this memorial along with Offa Community Council, he said, “I am so pleased to see this project come to fruition. It’s a fitting tribute to the Barracks, the soldiers who wore the regiments uniform with distinction, their families, and to the memory of many that were lost during the many conflicts the Royal Welch Fusiliers were involved with.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked with me on this and to everyone who has kindly donated to make it possible. Well done everyone.”
Clerk to Offa Community Council Karen Benfield said, “On behalf of Offa Community Council I would like to thank everyone who has donated and been involved in this project. It is going to be a wonderful landmark on one of the main routes into our City particularly at night when it will be floodlit.
“Particular thanks must go to Cllr Graham Rogers who has worked tirelessly to see this completed and also to Nick Elphick the Sculptor. He has taken this commission to heart and worked alongside the Regiment and Comrades to make sure that every tiny detail of the uniform and goats harness is correct. I have had a preview of the statue at the foundry and he has done us all proud. I am sure everyone will be thrilled when it is finally unveiled.”
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said, “It’s a striking sculpture, located one of the main gateways into the city, and one that will be appreciated by the local community and visitors to the area.
Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, said, “It will be a lasting reminder of the Royal Welch Fusiliers’ history here in Wrexham and the role they have played in conflicts across the globe where sadly many lost their lives.”
Major General Chris Barry, Colonel of the Regiment of The Royal Welsh said, “It is a huge privilege for the Regiment to have one of their antecedent Regiments honoured in this way. The Regiment is fiercely proud of its customs, traditions and history.
“This incredible statue captures the essence of what it is to be part of the Royal Welsh family. A Company, 3^RD Battalion, The Royal Welsh, have recently been re-established at Hightown Barracks and this statue commemorates the long lineage of the Regiment here in Wrexham, from the opening of Hightown Barracks in 1877 through to the continued service of The Royal Welsh in the barracks today. We greatly value the special relationship between the people of Wrexham and the Regiment.”
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March 8, 2023
Universal Primary Free School Meals scheme rolls out to years 1 and 2
If your child is in years 1 or 2 in primary school, you’ll want to read this!
Since September, all children in reception classes across Wales have been able to have free meals at school, and from April Universal Primary Free School Meals will be rolled out to all year 1 and 2 pupils in Wrexham as well.
This is the second stage of the Welsh Government’s response to the rising cost-of-living pressures on families, tackling child poverty and ensuring no child goes hungry in school.
The same offer will be available to years 3 to 6 from September 2023.
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Does your child already receive Free School Meals?
If your child currently receives Free School Meals based on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to additional help through the Pupil Development Grant, which includes financial support for uniform, sports equipment and devices. To access this year’s scheme visit Pupil Development Grant (PDG) | Wrexham County Borough Council.
So, as the summer term approaches, we are urging parents to apply for the support they’re entitled to.
Has your financial situation changed in the last year?
If your child is not currently receiving Free School Meals, but your circumstances have changed this year, Wrexham might have support available for you. To check if you are eligible for Free School Meals, visit Free school meals | Wrexham County Borough Council. If you are eligible, you may also be able to receive the Pupil Development Grant.
Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “If you think you may be eligible for Free School Meals, please visit our website and apply even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and qualifies for Universal Primary Free School Meals.. If your application is successful, you may also be able to access the Pupil Development Grant, which is an important part of stopping money getting in the way of children’s education. So, if you think you may be eligible, get in touch with us to support parents and learners through the school year.”
Child starting school? You’ll need a Parent Pay account
For your child to receive a free school meal – Universal Primary Free School Meal or an eligibility-based Free School Meal – you will need an account on the Parent Pay website www.parentpay.com. Here’s how you get one:
1. Email schoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk with your child’s full name, date of birth and name of their school, and ask for a Parent Pay activation code
2. You will receive an activation code to get your account up and running
If you have any questions about financial help available for your child while they are at school you can contact us at freeschoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk.
If your child is eligible for a free school meal, you’ll need to pre-order on Parent Pay too. This really helps your child’s school because teachers aren’t spending time taking orders. It also means your child gets their first choice of meal and helps us reduce waste. Once you are set up on Parent Pay, you’ll be able to book your children’s meals up to two weeks in advance.
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March 7, 2023
Food Waste Action Week 2023
Be like Meera and save time and money this #FoodWasteActionWeek by making your food go further. Win. Don’t Bin.
‘Win, Don’t Bin’ for #FoodWasteActionWeek
March 7, 2023
One week left to tell us if we’ve got it right
The deadline is nearly here – make sure you let us know if the Wrexham Council’s plans for the future are the right ones.
The Council Plan 2023-28 identifies six areas that we believe are the most important areas to help us achieve our vision, to contribute to Wales’ well-being goals, and to ensure that everybody is treated fairly.
But do you agree?
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Once finalised, the plan will be used to inform decisions about how we allocate money and other resources, so it’s important that you have your say.
You can take a look at the draft Council Plan and complete the online survey at www.yourvoicewrexham.com. The deadline is March 14.
If you are unable to access our survey online, printed copies of our survey in Welsh and English, are available from, and can be returned to, the Wellbeing Hub, Chester Street, Wrexham LL13 8BG, the Guildhall, Wrexham LL11 1AY, housing estate offices, local libraries, and other Warm Places in Wrexham County Borough.
If you need to get in touch with us, we can be contacted by:
Email: telluswhatyouthink@wrexham.gov.uk
Post: Tell Us What You Think, 3rd Floor Annex, Guildhall, Wrexham, LL11 1AY
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March 7, 2023
Budgeting basics with StepChange: Expert help on the cost of living crisis
Guest article by StepChange
We know most people want to manage their money in the best way possible. However, the idea of putting a budget together can stir up feelings of anxiety and discomfort – where are you even supposed to start?
To be truly money-savvy, you need a thorough understanding of your income and outgoings, and a budget is the best way to achieve this.
Creating a budget is the first step towards taking control of your finances and getting a clear idea of your situation. It helps you to see where your money is going, so it’s easier to make sure you’ve covered all the things you need to pay for.
As the UK’s leading debt advice provider, StepChange has helped millions of people take back control of their finances throughout their 30-year history.
Dawn Cattrell, trusted StepChange Debt Advisor and a Wrexham local, shares some advice on how to approach the budgeting beast with confidence.
Dawn’s budgeting top tips
“I’d like to share an instant pro tip that anyone can get started with! As our food shopping continues increasing in cost, I recommend sitting down and making a list of meals that everyone likes and planning your shopping around the necessary ingredients.
“If you have kids, involve them too! It’s great to get them involved and to share the process of making financial decisions.
“Most importantly, make that list and stick to it. This will ensure you have the meals you need and that you’ll keep everyone (relatively) happy.
“Also, never go shopping when you’re hungry – we’re only human, and it will usually lead to buying additional things we don’t need. Now, when it comes to creating a full budget, this is what you’ll need to do…” 👇👇👇
1. Work out your total income
“There are many reasons why you can view budgeting as difficult. Not knowing what your most important bills are, not having a realistic budget. Feeling like you’re being punished by cutting down on stuff you love or not having a big financial goal to work towards.
“That’s where places like StepChange come into play, to give you that assistance.
“When it comes to creating a budget, the first thing you’ll need to do is add together all the income you get each month.
“Make sure you include everything, whether it’s your wages, benefits, or pensions. If some of your income is paid weekly or 4-weekly, you’ll need to turn these figures into calendar monthly ones.
“To do this, multiply the weekly figure by 52 and then divide this by 12. This will then give you a calendar monthly figure to include in your budget.”
Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

2. Make a list of everything you spend each month
“Start with your most important bills. Your mortgage, rent, council tax and utilities like gas, electricity, and water. These are classed as priorities because they have the most severe consequences if your payment is late or if you miss a payment.
“Next, write down what you usually spend on living costs such as food, clothing, and toiletries. Using old shopping receipts can help you work out what you typically spend on these items each month.
“Don’t forget to include amounts for things you only pay for once a year or less often, such as Christmas, car repairs, or vet bills.
“To do this, divide the yearly cost by 12 to give you a monthly figure you can include in your budget. You can then set this money aside until the bill is due.”
3. Deduct the total amount you spend each month from your monthly income
“If you’ve got any money left over after you’ve paid for everything then you have a ‘budget surplus’.
“If you’re spending more money than you’ve got coming in, you have a ‘budget deficit’.
“Once you’ve established your financial position, you can see where there might be a problem. For example, are you paying out too much in bank charges, or maybe in debt repayments?
“Creating a budget doesn’t have to be complicated, and there are a lot of free apps and websites out there that will help make it much easier for you.
“Sometimes it’s a case of taking a few straightforward steps to improve your financial position, like cancelling unwanted subscriptions or checking for a better value phone contract.
“Sometimes, the problem will be bigger, and there might not be any quick fixes for your situation. This could be a sign that you’d benefit from free debt help.
“An advisor will help you understand your finances before they recommend a way of dealing with your money worries, so you don’t have to deal with it alone.”
Accessing the free debt help available
Whether you’re worried about missing important payments or simply want a clearer picture of your finances, there are loads of benefits to making a budget.
For example, if you’re struggling to make payments then you might be able to agree on more affordable payments with your creditors. Share your budget with your creditors when you ask them for a temporary payment arrangement or a payment holiday.
If you get free, confidential debt advice, you can also check if you’re eligible for Breathing Space. Launched in 2021, this government scheme (available in England and Wales) helps relieve some of the pressure and stress caused by being in debt by stopping creditors contacting you about your debts for 60 days.
StepChange’s expert team of debt advisors can help you put together your application over the phone, or you can do this yourself online.
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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March 6, 2023
Over 100 apply for Shared Prosperity Funding
We’re really pleased to confirm that 109 applications for the first round of the Shared Prosperity Fund have been received in Wrexham.
We’re currently going through the applications and will report the final recommendations to Executive Board in May or June.
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Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said, “The delivery of projects which will make a real difference in local communities is a step closer now and I look forward to presenting a report to Executive Board in May.
“We are very pleased that applications have come from all areas.”
In Wrexham we have been allocated £22,684,205 to fund bids that support:
- Community and Place
- Supporting Local Business
- People and Skills
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March 6, 2023
‘Win, Don’t Bin’ for #FoodWasteActionWeek
Love Food Hate Waste’s #FoodWasteActionWeek runs from March 6-12, with this year’s theme of ‘Win, Don’t Bin.’
It’s a week of action which aims to bring the nation together to save time and money by making the food we already have go further. We’ll be helping to shine a light on how the correct storage of food can provide a second (or third!) meal for free.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Environment, said: “We’re supporting Love Food Hate Waste’s Food Waste Action Week campaign. If the food we buy doesn’t get used, all the energy and water it took to grow, harvest, transport, and package it will have been wasted. We’ll be sharing information on how you can reduce your food waste throughout the week, which can help you to save money and protect the environment.”
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Throughout the week we’ll be posting fun and informative content on our social channels, so keep your eyes peeled.
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Take the quiz!
Take part in Love Food Hate Waste’s ‘Win, Don’t Bin’ quiz and you can be in with the chance to win a Panasonic microwave or one of fifty Hellmann’s Food Hampers.
By answering four multiple choice questions, you’ll get motivational advice which can help you to make your food go further.
And if you sign up to their newsletter, you can get tips designed to save you time and money and you will get entered into the prize draw.
Take the quiz now: LoveFoodHateWaste.com/fwaw
10 tips!
Love Food Hate Waste have come up with 10 things you can try to stop wasted food feeding climate change:
1. It’s a date! ‘Use by’ is about safety – food should not be eaten after this date (even if it looks/smells fine). ‘Best before’ is about quality – although food won’t be at top quality after this date, it will still be safe to eat for some time.
2. Compleat. Always binning crusts and broccoli stems? Over two-thirds of the food we waste is perfectly edible, so using every edible bit of your food (‘compleating’) is essential. Try leaving the skin on when you make mashed potato – this will save you time as well!
3. Chill the fridge out. The average fridge temperature in UK homes is nearly 7°C, but foods will last longer if they are kept at under 5°C.
4. Perfect portions. Hands up who has ever found themselves with far too much rice or pasta? It’s easy to do, but there are simple ways to cook the perfect amount. For example, a mug filled with dry rice will cook enough for four adults.
5. Snap a shelfie. If you’re not a fan of shopping lists, take a picture of your fridge/cupboard shelves before you head to the shops instead. This will stop you from buying something you’ve already got at home.
6. Savvy storage. Most fruit and veg will stay fresher for longer in the fridge. The key exceptions are bananas and pineapple (keep these on the counter), and onions and potatoes (which should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place – like a cupboard!).
7. Freeze up to the ‘use by’ date. All foods with a ‘use by’ date, including meat, can be frozen right up to this date. This is especially helpful if your plans change at the last minute – before you order an emergency takeaway, check your fridge for anything that can be frozen for another day.
8. Ice-cube tray – the freezer hero. Too much milk, not enough time? Pour your remaining milk into ice-cube trays and freeze – this is the perfect amount for a brew. You can use ice-cube trays to freeze fresh herbs, too. Chop them up, pop them in the tray, and top up with oil, and then you have easy portions to add to the pan next time you’re cooking.
9. Use your loaf. Bread is another food that freezes beautifully. Put your sliced loaf in the freezer, and then you can pick out a slice at a time and toast straight from frozen. Extra tip: tap the loaf on the counter before you freeze it to stop the slices sticking together.
10. Unidentified Frozen Objects. Before you freeze your leftovers, label the bag/container telling you what’s inside and when you froze it.
You can visit the Love Food Hate Waste website for delicious recipes and even more suggestions for making the most of your food.
Wedi methu casgliad bin? Rhowch wybod i ni ar-lein – mae’n hawdd.
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March 6, 2023
More acts announced for FOCUS Wales 2023!
Guest Article | FOCUS Wales
FOCUS Wales festival will welcome 20,000 attendees, and see over 250+ new music acts from Wales and around the world descend upon Wrexham across 4^th–6^th May. FOCUS Wales are thrilled to reveal another 70 new artists for their 2023 edition.
Among the new acts announced today, are… alt-pop artist Ailsa Tully, the Welsh Music Prize nominated ManLikeVision, garage rock band The Family Battenberg, electro dream pop artist Bethan Lloyd, Newport’s big hope in the hip hop scene, OGUN, and the new star of the Welsh alt-folk scene, Mari Mathias, all heading up an exciting new selection of Welsh artists on the festival lineup.
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They’re joined by a swathe of international newcomers, including Australian post-punk quintet DUST, New York’s high energy punk band, Mary Shelley, and country focus special showcases from The Spanish Wave, and EarUp Hong Kong. They all add to an illustrious bill of previously announced artists, including the likes of The Coral, Billy Nomates, Adwaith, Squid, Dream Wife, The Joy Formidable, and Neue Grafik Ensemble, among many others.
The list of new artists announced today includes:
2080s | Adjua | AEIOU | Ailsa Tully | Alekxandr | Alien Feelings | Alpha Chino | Bedroom Party | Benjamin J Wilson | Benzy | Bethan Lloyd | Black Maracas | Breichiau Hir | C.F. Boneslum | Choirs for Good Wrexham | Chris Ingram | Cloudsurfers | Cor DAW | Declan Swans | Dienw | DUST | Dynamic Wrexham BSL Choir | Elise Boeur & Adam Iredale-Gray | Evrah Rose | Eyesore & The Jinx | FARCE | George Borowski | GUINEU | Heaven For Real | Invisible Architecture | James Wood | Jimbo | JP | KOMOREBI | Los Premios | Luke RV | Lunar Bird | Mali Haf | ManLikeVision | Mari Mathias | Mary Shelley | Massimo Silverio | Mechanical Owl | Megan Lee | Mellt | Murder Club | Natasha Borton | Noah and the Loners | Noah Bouchard | Nudist | Ogun | Private Party | Prune Deer | Rebecca Hurn | skylrk. | Sleeping Together | tAngerinecAt | The Family Battenberg | The Welcome Party | Tom Emlyn | TUKAN | Unity, Samhain & Ostara Days | Valentinskka | Vanille | VOYA | Worldcub | Xenith | Xtie + MORE
With acts from: Australia | Austria | Balearics | Belgium | Canada | Catalonia | England | France | Guinea | Hong Kong | India | Ireland | Italy | Japan | Liechtenstein | Madagascar | Mexico | New Zealand | Portugal | Scotland | South Korea | Spain | Sweden | Taiwan | The Netherlands | Ukraine | and the USA + more to be announced!
With circa 500 international industry professionals due to attend the 2023 festival, FOCUS Wales has become Wales’ biggest music industry event, with three days of panels, keynote talks, and networking.
More industry delegates are also announced today, including: Dev Sherlock (SXSW, USA), Emma Zillmann (Live Nation), Milan Simas (M for Montreal), Jason Mayall (Fuji Rock, Japan), and Phyllis Belezos (Heliocentric Entertainment), plus many more.
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March 3, 2023
Community recycling day can help you save money
Caru Cymru are hosting a community recycling day in Brynteg on Monday, March 20, and residents are encouraged to come along to recycle their unwanted things.
The event is being held at Galaxy Grove, Brynteg, LL11 6LJ between 10am-3pm, and there will be a number of different things taking place that you can get involved with.
Firstly, you’ll be able to collect blue sacks for your paper recycling, as well as caddy liners to use for your food recycling.
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There will be a skip which you can use for your unwanted household items.
Wrexham Clothing Exchange are taking part and you’ll be able to swap your books, hats, scarves, gloves or bags for something else that you’ll love.
There’s a community litter pick starting at 11am that you’re welcome to join in with.
You’ll also be able to learn about upcycling and how you can bring new life into your things.
For more information on the event call 0800 183 5757.
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March 2, 2023
Improved and Refurbished Sheltered Scheme at Tir y Capel welcomes tenants
We’ve carried out a major refurbishment of Tir y Capel sheltered housing scheme, in Llay, which provides independent living for people aged 60 and over.
The scheme was originally built in 1984 in Llay and provided 21 apartments.
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The works at the scheme which have taken over 17 months to complete involved, stripping the buildings back to a bare shell and adding new roofing, internal wall insulation, exterior render and triple glazed windows to the exterior.
The floor area has been increased by incorporating bays which have metal standing seam cladding and roofing, which change the overall appearance of the scheme. The interior of the apartments have been remodelled, with the kitchens now direct from the living area to provide ease of movement from one space to the other and wet rooms have been sited to provide both access from the hall and the bedroom.
There is a large renewable element to the project, with each of the apartment being heated by air source heat pumps. Photovoltaic panels have been installed and connected to the communal areas to help reduce the costs of service charges for tenants for the communal heating and electricity and an electric vehicle charging points has been included.
The communal lounge has been redesigned for use by all of the tenants. These are used for regular social events and are important social places which help with tenants’ well-being, loneliness and isolation.
The external areas have been upgraded to provide level access around the building, and the gardens landscaped. The warden alarm system, video door entry system has been upgraded and a new sprinkler system has been installed.
Ellis Williams Architects were appointed to design and manage the remodelling of the scheme, which originally consisted of small one bedroom accommodation, which failed to meet the aspirations of many of today’s older people in terms of design, space, accessibility and efficiency.
The large scale refurbishment works were undertaken by local firm Read Construction.
Refurbishment works are ongoing at the second sheltered housing scheme at Llys y Mynydd, Rhos which are estimated to be completed by Autumn 2023.
Tir y Capel: completed to a very high standard
Cllr David Bithell, Lead Member for Housing said: “We are very excited to have welcomed new and returning tenants into Tir y Capel. The new accommodation has been completed to a very high standard and I am excited for the residents to move in, to what is now, an exceptional example of sheltered housing and the first of many schemes to be refurbished in Wrexham.”
The funding for the works was secured from the Housing Revenue Account and Welsh Government Affordable Housing Grant and Optimised RetroFit Programme.
For more information about Wrexham Council’s Sheltered Housing schemes visit: Sheltered housing sites | Wrexham County Borough Council
Before photo:
Now:
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March 2, 2023