Category: People & Place

This month has marked the 100 year anniversary of women gaining the right to become Members of Parliament.

November 21, 1918 was the historical day that the ‘Qualification of Women’ Act passed, meaning women over 21 would no longer be prevented from standing to become MPs.

Another milestone in women’s political rights coincided earlier in the year of 1918, women’s suffrage – meaning their right to vote in political elections.

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Partial progress

However the Qualification of Women Act was arguably more progressive than suffrage, at first only women over 30 could vote.

On top of that they also had to own property, or be married to a man who did.
So, it was a strange time where some women could be voted for, but weren’t able to vote themselves!

Since the act was introduced, there’s now been a total of 491 female MPs (compared to a whopping 4,503 male MPs).

And if you’re wondering how many of them have been from Wales? The answers is only 19.

Politics today

Today there are 209 women who are Members of Parliament – only 32% of the House of Commons, but this is highest number so far in UK history.

Recent years have seen more people get involved in politics no matter their background, learning about how to vote for whoever they choose in order to get their voices heard.

If you’ve read this and been inspired to vote but aren’t already a registered voter, you can simply register online now.

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FOCUS Wales has announced an exciting new wave of performers and delegates for the 2019 international showcase festival, which takes place in Wrexham, North Wales across May 16 – 18. The festival’s first wave of announcements caused a stir last month, and this second wave will not disappoint with 50 more incredible acts joining the line-up.

The second wave of live acts announced for FOCUS Wales 2019 include Wrexham locals Neck Deep who are one of the biggest new music successes out of Wales in recent years, selling out shows around the world and building a huge global fan base throughout the process. Their current tour schedule has them set for shows across Australia and Europe, and the band will then return to Wrexham on Saturday 18th May at William Aston Hall, for their first hometown show since 2015.

Also announced, Newport ragga-punk-metallers Skindred, who have forged a reputation as one of the Europe’s most formidable live acts, by rocking the world’s biggest stages, and winning Kerrang! and Metal Hammer Awards for their efforts. Skindred join the FOCUS Wales line-up and will play William Aston Hall, Wrexham on Thursday May 16.

A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…

Also announced among this new wave of acts are the momentous alt-pop outfit Colorama. Headed by Carwyn Ellis, Colorama have eight acclaimed studio albums under their belts, and have graced the stages of festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude and Greenman. Joining them on the line-up are GLOVE, who made waves at FOCUS Wales 2018, attracting the attention of Louder Than War creator John Robb. This duo are hotly tipped as ones to watch for 2019. Worldcub is an exciting new North Wales band. The bilingual psych rockers combine members of much loved Welsh band CaStLeS, and Paris based Hippies vs Ghosts.

To see the full list of 50 acts announced so far, visit www.focuswales.com

FOCUS Wales has become Wales’ biggest music industry event, with 3 days of panels and keynote talks, the festival will see over 250 music industry professional delegates descend upon Wrexham from around the world. Latest speakers to be announced include: Rachel Cragg (Nettwerk Music Group, USA), Kelly Bennaton (DHP Family), Cai Trefor (Gigwise), Anastasia Connor (Song By Toad), Renae Brown (Vision Nine Group), Dom Gourlay (Drowned In Sound), Lix Hunt (Creative Republic Of Cardiff), and John Robb (Louder Than War).

Keep your eyes peeled for more news at www.focuswales.com and across their social media profiles @focuswales.

Applications to perform at the festival are still open for UK and international artists via the FOCUS Wales website – the application deadline is 1st December.

FOCUS Wales 2019 takes place May 17, 17 and 18 May across various venues in Wrexham, North Wales. Full 3 day wristbands for admission to all FOCUS Wales events are available now at www.focuswales.com/tickets standard festival tickets start at an early bird price of £35 each.

FOCUS Wales is supported by Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government.

We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.

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There were no trains operating on the Wrexham to Bidston rail line this weekend with disruption expected into this week and this is “Simply not acceptable.” That’s the message from the Lead Member for Transport and Environment, Cllr David A Bithell.

The decision by Transport for Wales Rail to supplement trains in South Wales to the detriment of North Wales passengers was taken without consultation or prior notice and caused many people reliant on the service serious disruption and inconvenience.

A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Such was the disruption at the weekend and into this week that I have had no alternative but to make representations to the Cabinet Transport Secretary, Ken Skates. The situation is unacceptable and has caused unnecessary inconvenience and disruption to people in Wrexham. I have asked him to investigate how such decisions are made and subsequently communicated to passengers. Many people rely on rail services to get them to work or school on time and the situation must not be allowed to happen again.”

In his letter, Cllr Bithell, emphasised that passenger expectations of the new rail franchise are high and with decision making devolved to Transport for Wales it is expected that a better understanding of passenger needs is delivered.

I encourage anyone affected to also make representations to their Assembly Member or direct to the Cabinet Secretary about this matter.

We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.

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We would like to once again thank Allington Hughes Law who have sponsored the “treemendous” Christmas Tree that is now centre stage in Queen’s Square in the town centre.

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “It’s a beautiful tree and looks amazing. The turning on of the lights on the tree heralds the start of Christmas and we now look forward to welcoming many visitors, young and old, to the town centre to see it and enjoy everything we have to offer. I would like to thank Allington Hughes Law for their support once again this year.”

Alison Stace, Managing Director of Allington Hughes Law, said: “We are always more than happy to support the town centre by supplying the Christmas tree to enhance the Christmas activities in Wrexham. Thousands turned out last night for the lights switch on and we are delighted they all enjoyed themselves and were very impressed with this year’s tree.”

A BAD DEAL FROM WELSH GOVERNMENT MEANS WE’RE FORCED TO MAKE MORE CUTS. HAVE YOUR SAY…

“New lights and free parking!”

There’s also new lights in the town centre this year and they’re looking really festive so if you haven’t seen them yet why not put a date in your diary to check them out. There’s also free parking in all council owned town centre car parks for many of the events taking place and you can check them out here:

Check Out Free Parking Dates For Christmas Period

“Don’t forget to visit Santa”

And of course, our Festive line up wouldn’t be complete without Santa’s grotto which this year is at Tŷ Pawb and costs just £4.50. Little ones can meet Santa and his helpers and receive a lovely gift.

Opening times of the Grotto are:

Monday – Friday 2pm – 6pm

Saturday-Sunday and Christmas Eve 11am – 4pm

We have to make even more cuts…and ask taxpayers for more money. But before we do anything, we want to know what you think.

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