news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: People & Place

5 interesting things about Minera
It’s that time again 🙂
Here’s the next instalment of ‘five interesting things about places in Wrexham County Borough’.
And today, we’re focusing on Minera…
1. The origin of the name
For those of you familiar with Minera’s history, you’ll be unsurprised to hear that the name comes from the Latin word for ‘mine’ or ‘ore’.
And it’s a history that stretches back for a long time; people have mined at Minera since at least the middle ages.
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The first written reference to Minera was in 1296, when Edward 1 sent miners from Minera to Devon, to work in his silver mines…so the name Minera has been in use for over 700 years!
We think having all this heritage reflected in the name Minera is quite special, so we’ve made it our number one pick 🙂
2. Minera Lead Mines and Country Park
This is one of our more unique country parks as it actually contains remains of the lead processing areas from the 18th and 19th century.
This means visitors are treated to a glimpse of the past amongst the many splendid views of Minera.
Hikers’ are catered for, as they have the choice between many walking routes. Here’s a video of our walk starting at Minera Lead Mines from last year.
The restored beam house engine is possibly the crowning glory of this special country park, but there’s plenty to choose from.
So if you haven’t visited in a while, go over and take a look.

Oh and if you like walking, you’ll appreciate this next one too…
3. Coedpoeth to Minera circular walk
Ok, so this actually starts in Coedpoeth, but how could we not include a walk that takes in Nant Mill and the best of Minera too 🙂
You’ll need a good pair of walking boots as this is a 5-mile trek. We have a great walking guide for this route that you can download from our website.
The guide says to allow three hours, but you’ll probably want a bit more time to enjoy all the scenery.
The walk takes you from Coedpoeth into Nant Mill, and through woodlands leading to Minera and its incredible views. You’ll then pass the aforementioned Lead Mines, before returning via a different route.
Give it a go – it’s highly recommended.
4. Church history
There’s records of a ‘chapel of ease’ in Minera as early as 1577 (a chapel of ease being a building for locals who couldn’t get to the Parish Church conveniently).
It was originally made from wood, before being rebuilt from 1728-33, and then later again in 1815.
As the population of the area began to grow, it no longer made sense for Minera to be considered as a township of the parish of Wrexham.
So in 1864, work began on the site of the old ‘chapel of ease’ to create a new Church for Minera, designed by Kennedy and Rogers of Bangor.
Although it was a new build, they preserved the outlines and interior of the old church, and it stands today as St Mary’s Church.
As well as the Anglican St Mary’s, Minera also has a non-conformist chapel which was built in 1804. Originally known as Minera chapel, it’s now called Pen-y-Bryn Chapel.
Quite an extensive history!
5. Minera Quarry
Our other four ‘interesting things’ highlight how well Minera has managed to preserve its history, and Minera Quarry is another example of this.

The quarry has been associated with the extraction of limestone for over 200 years.
And the site, as it sits today, is fascinating and has something for everyone.
Remains of lead mining and limeworks – not to mention the important geological formations, will impress history enthusiasts.
And if history isn’t necessarily your bag, how about nature?
Because since 1994, many rare and threatened species can be found here.
These include at least three species of bat (lesser horseshoe, brown long-eared, natterer’s), as well as cliff-dwelling birds like the peregrine falcon and raven.
There’s a number of fabulous plants; round-leaved wintergreen, autumn gentian and moonwort, to name a few.
We visited Minera Quarry briefly at the end of our Minera Lead Mines video, so take a look if you want a quick preview.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of ‘five interesting things’. It was a history-focused one, which hopefully covered some things you didn’t already know.
As always, stay tuned for the next one 😉
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 17, 2019
More world class art coming to Tŷ Pawb this February…
The new year has barely begun but already we have some fantastic news for Wrexham’s new markets, community and arts hub!
We’re delighted to announce that in February we’ll be welcoming a lavish and colourful exhibition from one of the UK’s most famous contemporary artists.
Grayson Perry is known for his ceramic art, in which traditional decorative forms reveal more complex narratives and irreverent political statements.
In 2003 he became the winner of the most publicised art award in the UK, the Turner Prize.
More recently he has reached an even wider audience through a series of television programmes including the Channel 4 documentaries, Divided Britain, Rites of Passage and Who Are You. He has also appeared as a guest on numerous television programmes, from Have I Got News For You to Question Time.
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Introducing Julie Cope…
The exhibition which will be on display at Tŷ Pawb is entitled Julie Cope’s Grand Tour: The Story of a Life by Grayson Perry.
It’s a Crafts Council touring exhibition, first presented at the Saatchi Gallery in London in February 2017.
Julie Cope is a fictional character created by Grayson Perry – an Essex everywoman whose story he has told through two large scale tapestries and an extended ballad presented in the exhibition.
The tapestries illustrate the key events in the heroine’s journey from her birth during the Canvey Island floods of 1953 to her untimely death in a tragic accident on a Colchester street. Rich in cultural and architectural details, the tapestries contain a social history of Essex and modern Britain that everyone can relate to.
The tapestries are shown alongside a graphic installation, and specially commissioned audio recording of The Ballad of Julie Cope, a 3000 word narrative written and read by Perry himself that illuminates Julie’s hopes and fears as she journeys through life.
These artworks represent, in Perry’s words, ‘the trials, tribulations, celebrations and mistakes of an average life’.
Historically, large-scale tapestry provided insulation for grand domestic interiors; Perry has juxtaposed its associations of status, wealth and heritage with the current concerns of class, social aspiration and taste.
A Young Visitors’ Guide, learning hand out with activities for families and an interactive app to explore the tapestries will be available as part of the exhibition.
A colourful and playful exhibition
Tŷ Pawb’s creative director, Jo Marsh, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to bring this exhibition to Wrexham. It’s colourful and playful and it incorporates themes and topics around history and society which are relevant to all of us and will hopefully inspire some very interesting discussions.
“It’s a very accessible exhibition that will appeal to audiences of all ages, particularly families and anyone who might be new to visiting galleries. We’ll be organising various activities around the exhibition and our staff will be on hand to help everyone get the most enjoyment from the works.”
World class art on our doorstep
Lead Member for People – Communities, Partnerships Public Protection and Community Safety, Cllr Hugh Jones, said: “This is another huge step forward in helping to put Tŷ Pawb and Wrexham on the map as an established destination for arts and culture.
“Despite not even being open a year yet, we’ve already had glowing reviews in national newspapers, received nominations for international awards, acted as a host for a live national BBC radio debate and hosted numerous successful exhibitions, festivals, and community events.
“It is fantastic that people in Wrexham are now able to access a national touring art exhibition of this calibre on their doorstep and we can be immensely proud that we now have a venue which can host world famous art of this kind alongside works from Wrexham’s own flourishing art scene.”
Julie Cope’s Grand Tour: The Story of a Life by Grayson Perry will be on display at Tŷ Pawb from 23 February-22 April
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January 16, 2019
We’ve recreated the Hippodrome cinema lamp…and it’s awesome!
You might remember that back in late 2017, we installed the light which once took pride of place at the former Hippodrome cinema in the South Arcade of Tŷ Pawb – and it’s attracted lots of praise at its new home.
But was well as decorating one of the entryways into Tŷ Pawb, the Hippodrome lamp has also inspired a new work of art created by a team of artists working out of the facility.
And that work of art is now up for sale – meaning you can bring a memory of the old Hippodrome into your home!
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The new lampshade was produced as part of the Designer Maker Project – which brought Tŷ Pawb together with designer Tim Denton and participants in the EU-funded Cyfle Cymru peer mentoring and employability programme for people with experience of substance misuse and mental health conditions, run by rehabilitation and recovery charity CAIS. The project was also supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council Wales and Healthy Working Wales’ Out of Work Service.
The lampshade was designed by Tim, inspired by the Art Deco form of the Hippodrome light, and combined with the clean lines of modern Scandinavian design.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “This project is an excellent example of the work Tŷ Pawb can create when working alongside other organisations, and we’re very grateful to both CAIS and Tim Denton for all of the incredible effort they put in throughout the Designer Maker project.
“The Designer Maker project embodies everything Tŷ Pawb stands for – including the social benefits of art, collaboration, learning new skills and providing support to those who need it.
“And it also has a very strong link to Wrexham’s history, given the very visible link with the former Hippodrome and the influence the design of the lamp had on the new lampshade produced through the Designer Maker project.”
Cyfle Cymru peer mentor George James said: “Participants in our project loved taking part in this wonderful, practical initiative alongside the team at Tŷ Pawb.
“They were able to learn new skills, discover a little more of Wrexham’s heritage, and demonstrate how people in recovery can make a real contribution to their communities – and are delighted to see the fruits of their labours on sale at Siop//Shop this Christmas!”
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 16, 2019
Have you read all the books by your favourite author…. here’s what to do next!
Have you ever found yourself saying “I’ve read everything by my favourite authors, what shall I read next?”
Well, Wrexham Library has the answer!
Wrexham Library has a fantastic book that’s designed to help you decide on the next step in your reading journey.
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Who Else Writes Like…? is a book designed to help anyone who enjoys reading fiction to expand the number of writers they read and find new authors to follow.
The book is available for reference only at all of Wrexham’s libraries, you can browse by genre or go straight to an author of interest, check up on characters and series or the latest prize-winning writers. To access this great resource just ask a member of staff on your next visit!
Not a library member? Join online today!
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 16, 2019
Big thanks for work at Wrexham’s hospice
We all know about the incredibly important service provided by Nightingale House Hospice – both throughout the Wrexham area, and wider North East Wales.
Recently, officers from our housing team helped to organise refurbishment work on part of the hospice, providing facilities such as an adjustable sink and improved toilet in one of the hospice’s washrooms.
We wanted to thank contractors who donated time, resources and effort to the refurbishment work, with items donated including storage cupboards, flooring, paint, plumbing fixtures and the new equipment.
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The work took place under our Houseproud scheme, which helps owners co-ordinate work to their homes and puts them in touch with reputable and reliable contractors.
The contractors involved were D Nixon Plumbing; Clos-o-Mat Ltd; Polyflor Ltd; Colour Supplies and Travis Perkins, all of whom donated supplies, materials and equipment as well as their time and expertise.
Synthite of Mold also donated £2,000 towards the bathroom.
Jon Mullen of D Nixon Plumbing; Paul Martin, Wrexham Council; Larry Beale of Clos-o-mat Ltd; Darren Nixon of D Nixon Plumbing; David Reilly of Polyflor Ltd
Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “I’d like to thank all those contractors who worked alongside staff from our Houseproud scheme and the team at Nightingale House in order to provide these welcome additions and improvements to the washroom.
“Nightingale House does incredible work in our community and further afield, and we’re very pleased to be able to support them.”
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 16, 2019
Want help cutting your energy bill? Give this a look…
Are you looking to cut down on your gas or electric bills?
A roadshow coming to Wrexham later this month will have plenty of advice on hand on how you can cut your bills and save some money.
Big Energy Saving Week runs from Monday, January 21, until Friday, January 25.
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During the week, Groundwork North Wales – in partnership with Citizens Advice – will hold a roadshow throughout Flintshire and Wrexham, with the Big Energy Saving Bus coming to Wrexham on Thursday, January 24.
The bus will come to a number of locations in Wrexham on January 24, calling in at the Caia Park Partnership at 9am; Bangor-on-Dee Tourist Information Centre at 11am; Overton Village Hall at 1pm and the Plas Madoc Leisure Centre at 3pm.
Advisors will be aboard the bus to give out advice on cutting energy bills, along with representatives from providers and services, including North Wales Fire and Rescue, Warm Wales, Nest, Hafren Dyfrdwy, Welsh Water and more.
A number of smaller-scale “pop up” events will also take place throughout the region during the week.
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 15, 2019
New modular homes will “give support to those who need it most”
You might have heard about our plans regarding new modular homes which will provide temporary accommodation for rough sleepers.
As of today, the new units – made using former shipping containers – are in place and will be used by our Housing Options service to help people who might be homeless or need supporting into recovery.
The units are situated on Holt Road, near the Tŷ Nos night shelter (though we should note the containers aren’t run by Pennaf, who operate Tŷ Nos – this is just a Wrexham Council project).
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They won’t be there to just offer up surplus spaces.
Instead, we’ll use them to help people who are involved in some sort of long-term recovery – either on their way back to getting a long-term tenancy, or as they receive support for addiction or health.
It’ll be some stable, private accommodation while they look to get in to further, longer-term support.
Of the four new homes, three will be used as accommodation under a licence agreement with the service users living at them, while the fourth will only be used when our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol – or SWEP – is activated.
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Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “This project is the first of its kind in North Wales, and we know how much public interest has centered around this work since discussions began.
“As a form of temporary accommodation, these new units will help us and our partner agencies to give support to those who need it most.
“They will be an excellent stepping stone to those who are suffering from addiction, or are living on the streets, and are on their way to long term recovery.
“I’d like to thank all those officers who have worked incredibly hard to get this project up and running, as well as those partner agencies who have worked alongside us to ensure we could get things in place.”
Cllr Paul D Jones, local member for Maesydre, said: “As the councillor for Maesydre I am pleased to see the pods have arrived at Tŷ Nos.
“Once the site has been established, the availability of four container homes has the potential to change lives, as individuals transition from the streets into permanent supported accommodation. Let’s encourage people who need help, from Wrexham, to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
“Thank you to everyone who has worked hard, throughout last year, to make this happen.
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 15, 2019
Do you think your council tax band may be too high? Read this…
The council tax band is what determines how much council tax you pay.
We are aware that a company has been ringing homes in Wrexham, offering to appeal Council Tax bandings on behalf of residents for a fee of £150.
There is nothing illegal or invalid about the offer, it’s just that you don’t need to pay for this service.
If you want to challenge the banding of your home, just get in touch with the Valuation Office –the body of HMRC responsible for calculating property bands.
There’s no charge for the service – it’s completely free.
You can find out more about Council Tax banding appeals by visiting the Government’s website.
January 11, 2019
Looking to buy your Council House? The Right to Buy ends soon!
Are you one of our council housing tenants? Or maybe you’re with a housing association?
You might already know this, but the Right to Buy will end in Wales on Saturday, January 26.
It follows on from a decision made by the Welsh Government back in 2017.
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If you’ve been considering buying your council home, you’ll need to submit an application to your landlord – either us or your housing association, depending on your circumstances – by no later than January 25 (any applications received after this date won’t be accepted).
Further information is available from the Welsh Government here, spelling out whether or not you’re eligible to buy your home and other details.
If you’ve already made an application, don’t worry about the deadline. We’ll still be processing applications we’ve already received in the normal way, and the deadline won’t affect them.
“The clock is ticking – don’t miss out”
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “As the Right to Buy comes to an end, we know there may be people out there who might not know the deadline is approaching, and might be interested in buying their council house.
“If so, they need to make representations before January 25 – either to us, or their housing association, depending on who their landlord is.
“This is the last opportunity people will have to buy their council home, and the clock is ticking. If they’re interested, they shouldn’t miss out.”
If you’re a tenant of Wrexham Council and you’re interested in buying your home, you can contact us on 01978 298993 or email HESupport@wrexham.gov.uk.
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 11, 2019
Interested in Caring as a career? Find out more at this event
Have you ever considered a career in the care sector?
If so why not pop in pop into Tŷ Pawb on 23 January to see what’s available in the care industry in Wrexham.
We have thriving, independent care providers who are contracted by us to deliver care services to our more vulnerable and less independent residents. To make sure this happens we are supporting them to recruit the best people for the job. You could be one of those people and this event may just be what you need to make you make those first steps into the caring profession.
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You can see promotional videos about working in the sector using real carers who are happy to share their experiences. Meet the Care Provider Managers and find out the many ways you could support people in the community.
You can find out what training will be available to you, rates of pay, hours of work etc., and whether or not there are any vacancies in any areas you are particularly interested in.
Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Caring can be an extremely rewarding and satisfying career and this event may be just what you need to start answering your questions and get your new year off to a new start. Please come along and chat to staff to find out how you can make a difference to someone’s life.”
The event takes place between 10am and 2pm and if you would like some more information before you go just contact 01978 2192883.
The closing date for 2019 nursery school applications is February 22
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January 11, 2019