If you want history, an abundance of nature, and miles of footpaths to explore, then you should definitely visit this local country park…
Bonc Yr Hafod Country Park lies on the site of Hafod Colliery, and interestingly the hill is made out of dug-up mining waste from the coal shafts and tunnels deep underground.
Hafod is rich in wildlife and is part of the Johnstown Special Area of Conservation. We were lucky enough to spot a buzzard in full flight!
There’s miles of footpaths to explore, including two way-marked trails (red and yellow).
We completed the red trail which takes you to the summit – which has a large sundial miner sculpture – and offers panoramic views across the Welsh border.
Here’s a short video from our visit…
If you liked this video, stay tuned as we’ll be re-visiting Hafod in the coming weeks to complete the yellow trail (woodlands and ponds)…
This article is written as part of a series of posts about the #DrinkLessEnjoyMore campaign
Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but if your night out goes a bit pear-shaped, there’s a place you can go for help.
Hafan y Dref is Wrexham’s welfare centre and is staffed by British Red Cross volunteers. It offers a safe place for people feeling vulnerable or unwell on a night out in the town.
Lost your friends? No battery on your phone to call them? Too drunk to get home?
The centre is there to help.
Where is it?
Hafan y Dref is in part of the toilet block at the bottom of Town Hill – near to St Giles carpark. So it’s easy to find.
79% of people come into the centre themselves. Others are helped there by door staff (7%), friends (4%), police officers (4%), street pastors (3%) and so on.
Door staff and CCTV operators can also radio for assistance at the scene of an incident.
The centre offers a triage-service and immediate first aid if you’re injured or suffering from too much to drink. The volunteers also offer emotional and practical support if you’re feeling vulnerable.
What’s more, they don’t pass judgement. If you need help, they just help you.
Hafan y Dref opened in December 2015, and as of November this year have already helped over 12,000 people in 2018.
Michelle McBurnie, of the British Red Cross, says: “I regularly work in Hafan y Dref.
“I remember one night the team was contacted by door staff to attend a male who was unconscious on the pavement opposite their premises.
“On arrival, his partner was on the phone to ambulance control requesting assistance.
“It was clear he wasn’t ill, just extremely intoxicated. Volunteers cancelled the ambulance and he was brought back to the welfare centre where his mother was called to come and collect him.
“Thinking about and limiting how much you’re drinking during your night out, could stop you from getting into some dangerous situations later on.”
Often, people visit the centre for some ‘time out.’ They have a coffee or a lie down, or recover from over-indulging.
Most cases are alcohol-related. Although staff have given support and advice to people with mental health issues too.
The focus is on providing a ‘social return’, with people able to get support when they need it, and public health messages being passed on. 96% of people who have been supported by the centre are able to go on to enjoy the rest of their night out.
A safe and enjoyable night out
The volunteers at the centre work with lots of different organisations – including Wrexham Council, Wrexham street pastors, local businesses, the police and health services.
They help ensure people experiencing the nightlife in Wrexham have a safe and enjoyable night out.
Wrexham Council and its partners are promoting the #DrinkLessEnjoyMore campaign, encouraging young people to look after themselves by cutting back on how much they drink before they go out…as well as how much they drink once they get to the bars, pubs and clubs in Wrexham.
It’s true that by drinking less – and knowing your limits – you can have a much better night out.
The Hafan y Dref centre opens 10.30pm-4.30am on Saturdays, and extra shifts are laid on at Christmas and Easter.
56 ambulances cancelled…
The centre is funded by Wrexham County Borough Council, Nightsafe, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and the Welsh Ambulance Service. So far this year 56 ambulances have been cancelled thanks to the centre with more appropriate alternatives to 999 being found.
For more information about the #DrinkLessEnjoyMore campaign click here
Sunday 25th November marks White Ribbon Day – The UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. To raise awareness, White Ribbon UK are asking people to wear a white ribbon and pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about domestic abuse.
This year the campaign is focusing on domestic abuse, saying “If love hurts, it’s not love”. And to look at this and other domestic violence matters there will be an Information Stall on Monday November 26 in Tŷ Pawb from 10am – 1pm jointly hosted by ourselves, BAWSO, Stepping Stones, Welsh Women’s aid and Hafan Cymru when the teams will be handing out information and on hand to give advice. Please come and visit the stall to show your support and make your pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about any form of domestic abuse.
Cllr William Baldwin, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “I am fully supportive of the White Ribbon Campaign and will be encouraging people to sign the Pledge as I have done and stand up and be counted in the fight against domestic violence.”
There’s also a powerful video to emphasise the “If love hurts – it’s not love” theme and you can take a look at it below:
Director Peter Giblin said “the film explores the emotional aspect of domestic abuse and how that abuse takes place within a context of love. It takes on average up to eight abuses before a victim will feel able to speak out. Often, victims of domestic abuse love their abusers, as well as fear them. Frequently victims will not realise they are in an abusive relationship. This is why the message of the film says ‘If love hurts, it’s not love’.
Anthea Sully, Chief Executive at White Ribbon UK said. For real change to occur, men must understand the systems in place that give rise to toxic masculinity and male violence towards women. This film powerfully shows the impact of abuse in all its forms in relationships. White Ribbon UK asks men to take responsibility in ending male violence against women by being active bystanders, calling out abuse and sexism among their peers; talking openly about the male cultures that can lead to abuse and why men must take a stand against them.
If Love Hurts will be screened at the House of Commons on 28th November to an audience of MPs and campaigners.
Be part of the conversation on social media by using #IfLoveHurts
Big rugby fan? You’re in luck. The Stiwt will be showcasing the Rugby Union Autumn Internationals throughout November – entry’s free and lager’s on draught so there’s no excuse to stay home!
Maybe you’re looking to occupy the kids for a few hours on a Saturday morning? Look no further. The Stiwt showcases a free film every Saturday morning with sweets and ice-cream provided.
Or if it’s something more hands on you’re after why not try your hand at a Ballroom Dance Class on a Wednesday or Thursday evening?
General Manager of the Stiwt, Rhys Davies said: “It’s such a fantastic facility…it’s got everything that people could want.”
Whatever your preference, there’s something for everyone at the Stiwt.
We all have our own ideas for Wrexham town centre…
You might keep them to yourself…or you might talk about them with your friends.
Either way, it’s time to share those ideas with us.
Because it’s good to get things off your chest – and what if these ideas and opinions could actually help to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the town centre?
Well this consultation makes this possible…so if you want to have your say on your town centre, get involved!
Protect Wrexham town centre
The consultation follows on from a recent survey, when you were asked what you thought the priorities were for preserving and enhancing the character and appearance of the town centre…
The results of that survey were used to update our current plan, and to work towards developing an action plan for the conservation area for the next 10 years.
It’s called the Conservation Area Character Assessment and Management Plan – and you’re encouraged to be a part of it.
By taking part in the consultation, you get to read through what we’ve already put together and give it a rating…plus you also get the chance to suggest changes.
You’ve got until Friday, December 21 to complete it.
We look forward to hearing your views 🙂
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”http://www.yourvoicewrexham.net/KMS/elab.aspx?noip=1&CampaignId=796″] YES…SHOW ME THE SURVEY[/button]
Drop in event
We’re also holding a drop in event on Wednesday, November 28 in the Guildhall (meeting room 3).
So if you want to share your views with officers, pop in between 3pm and 6.30pm.
Wrexham’s links with Welsh national footballing history are well known.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW), was founded at the Wynnstay Arms, on Yorke Street in 1876.
And now, those historic links could be enshrined even further, with plans for Wrexham Museum to house Wales’ National Football Museum, which would showcase Wales’ footballing history.
Plans for a possible National Football Museum were first suggested in the summer of 2016 following Wales’s outstanding run in the European Championships and subsequently a commitment to carry out a feasibility study was agreed by Welsh Government.
The study by consultants Just Solutions has just been published and has come to the conclusion that siting the new facility at Wrexham Museum, already home to the Welsh Football Collection, would be the best and most cost effective solution.
The consultants’ recommendations will be discussed at Welsh Assembly plenary session on November 27 – and we’re asking the Welsh Government to support the consultant’s recommendations and make Wrexham the home of the new museum.
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “This is a fantastic proposal for Wrexham. Football obviously plays a very strong part in the civic history and fabric of Wrexham and, along with Wrexham Lager, Wrexham is very well known more broadly for its footballing history.
“These proposals aim to add a very strong element to both the visitor offer and the footballing offer in Wrexham, and I’m very pleased with the finding of the consultants.
“I’d like to thank all partners and all members of staff, who have worked so hard on this.”
“Football is one of our chief assets”
Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive, said: “Football is one of our chief assets as a town, and it will play a strong role in the vision we have for Wrexham, and how we want to it to develop over the next 10 to 15 years.”
“Proposals such as these help to define the ethos within that vision, and we’re very pleased to see this proposal discussed by the Welsh Assembly.”
“Urge Welsh government to agree”
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: has a very proud, longstanding link with FAW and that legacy would continue with the Welsh Football Museum coming to Wrexham.
“Officers and representatives from Wrexham Council have been in discussions with Welsh Government and their consultants for quite some time, and I would urge the Welsh Government to agree with the finding of the consultants and bring the history of Welsh national footballing home.”
“Museum has international potential”
Steve Grenter, Heritage & Archives Lead at Wrexham Council, said: “Welsh football has gained no small amount of prominence recently thanks to the performance of the international team, so this has the potential to be not just a national attraction, but an international one.
“It has always been the aim of the Museum to have some continued form of historical display on Welsh football, due to the strong role it has played in the history of Wrexham, and we would continue to display both in the best possible setting.
FOCUS Wales has been shortlisted in the “Best Festival for Emerging Talent” in the UK Festival Awards. Previous winners of the award include Liverpool Sound City and Dot to Dot Festival.
The shortlisting comes as a result of the ongoing work supporting emerging musicians, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents to music industry professionals and new fans.
The FOCUS Wales festival conference attracts over 200 music industry delegates each year from all corners of the world to provide advice and guidance to emerging musicians for free.
Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “FOCUS Wales brings so many visitors to venues across Wrexham and it is excellent that they have been recognised in this way.”
Cllr Hugh Jones, lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “This is a tremendous accolade for FOCUS Wales which is putting Wrexham firmly on the map as the place for emerging musical talent to be recognised on the international stage. I wish them luck for December.”
Dwedodd y Cyng. Hugh Jones, Aelod Arweiniol dros Gymunedau, Partneriaethau, Diogelu’r Cyhoedd a Diogelwch Cymunedol: “Mae hon yn acolâd mawr i FOCUS Wales, sy’n rhoi Wrecsam yn gadarn ar y map fel lle i dalent gerddorol genedigol gael ei gydnabod ar y llwyfan rhyngwladol. Dwi’n dymuno pob lwc iddynt fis Rhagfyr”
Already confirmed for next year’s event are Martin Elbourne (Glastonbury), Anika Mottershaw (Bella Union), Bev Burton (Cambridge Folk Festival), Kaptin Barret (Boomtown Festival), Iggy Amazarray (Marshall Arts), Emma Zillman (Blue Dot Festival), Mar Sellars (Mar on Music, Canada), Adam Taylor (Mothership Group), Rebecca Ayres (Liverpool Sound City) and Adam Ryan (The Great Escape)
They’ll find out how they’ve done at a ceremony in London on December 6.
The nights are drawing in, the scarves and hats are coming out and the lights and decorations are going up all over town.
It’s well and truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
This will be our very first one at Tŷ Pawb and we’ve got some really special treats planned to help you celebrate and enjoy throughout the festive period!
There’s crafts for the children, wreath and Christmas cracker making for the grown-ups, late night eats and treats at our gallery siop/shop, choirs and carol singing, Santa’s grotto, a delicious Christmas menu at our food court, mulled wine, all sorts of live music and even a stand up comedy night!
As well as our amazing selection of markets and stores, we’ll also have a huge craft fair with Helfa Gelf on Sunday 9 December, featuring local, handmade gifts, cards and much more!
Christmas movie time
We’ll be showing a selection of classic festive movies throughout the holidays, including AMuppet Christmas Carol, Love Actually,Elf and, of course, Die Hard! For the full list of events and details on how to book see our facebook events page.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, is urging members of the public to give us just five minutes of their time to let us know what they think about possible service cuts or changes – you can see what he has to say in the video above.
To take part in the consultation, just click here.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”http://www.yourvoicewrexham.net/KMS/elab.aspx?noip=1&CampaignId=766&SessionId=7W3XW8KTF6″]I WANT MY SAY![/button]
Holt is one of many places in Wrexham County Borough with a wealth of history…
You may already know some of it, but there might just be something in here that you haven’t heard before.
We’d like to think that there’s an interesting snippet for everyone somewhere inside 🙂
So without further ado – here’s five interesting things about Holt…
1. Holt and the Romans 🙂
A very long time ago – AD49 to be precise, the Romans began their invasion of North Wales, and by AD79 they dominated North Wales from their fortress in Chester…
The Romans established a workshop in Holt which made tiles and pottery. Massive volumes were produced, with the peak period for this being between AD87 and AD135.
It’s fair to say that this mass manufacture was important to the Romans’ success in North Wales.
As an interesting side-note, discovery of a civilian settlement in Plas Coch, Wrexham, suggests that Wrexham’s origin lies somewhere in the Roman period (pottery and coins suggest between AD150-350).
This magnificent red sandstone church dates back to 1395.
The north door actually has loopholes for gun barrels dating back to the Civil War period of 1645. There’s also evidence to suggest a battle was fought inside the church.
The church is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside – particularly the stunning 15th century font.
In August, the ancient custom of ‘rushbearing’ is a big attraction, when new floor rushes from the banks of the River Dee are brought in procession, and the graves are ‘dressed’ with flowers.
3. Medieval bridge
A medieval bridge links Holt to the village of Farndon.
This distinctive red sandstone structure actually separates two countries…so if you want to hop the border, this would be a picturesque way of doing so.
It’s been an important border crossing point for centuries!
4. Holt Castle
Holt Castle was built between 1283 and 1311 by John de Warenne.
He built Holt Castle, also known as ‘Lion’s Castle’, to control a nearby strategic ford across the River Dee.
The castle was pentagonal, with five massive round towers surrounding the courtyard.
