news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: People & Place

  • Tŷ Pawb to showcase graduates’ artwork

    Tŷ Pawb to showcase graduates’ artwork

    This summer, Tŷ Pawb will once again showcase the best artistic talent emerging from the region’s art schools.

    Artists have been invited from art schools across the North of Wales and the North West of England to exhibit in Nascent Inclinations. The institutions partnering with Tŷ Pawb are Aberystwyth University, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Chester and Wrexham Glyndwr University. Each will be represented by one outstanding graduating artist.

    Artists featured will include Esther Adair, Irene Gardiner, Zoe Harty, Megan Howlett, Zahra Parwez.

    For some of the artists, Nascent Inclinations represents their first experience of exhibiting in a gallery setting.

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    Great opportunity for emerging talent

    Cllr Hugh Jones said: “Nascent Inclinations demonstrates the importance of nurturing emerging talent in our region. We should be proud of the continued high standard of work produced by these artists and hope that this exhibition marks the beginning of a long, successful career for them.”

    Jo Marsh says: “We hold in high regard the opportunity that Nascent Inclinations presents for graduates in Wrexham. In celebrating the excellent work that is developed from courses across the region, Tŷ Pawb is reinforcing a commitment to all artists at any stage of their career.”

    How to see the exhibition

    • Nascent Inclinations will be on display at Tŷ Pawb from August 21 – September 7.
    • Gallery opening hours: 10am-5pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays).

    The Nascent Inclinations exhibition is supported using National Lottery funding awarded by Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government.

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  • How does the 30 free hours childcare offer work and how do I apply?

    How does the 30 free hours childcare offer work and how do I apply?

    Do you have children aged three or four?

    Do you know if you’re eligible for the 30 hours free childcare offer?

    Do you know how to apply?

    Well, don’t panic, this article aims to answer all of those questions for you!

    Wrexham children can access the childcare offer from the start of the term following their third birthday until the September after they turn 4. It is worth noting that charges may still apply for things such as transport and meal costs.

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    Am I eligible?

    • Your child must be aged 3 or 4 years old
    • You must earn on average the equivalent of 16 hours a week at National Minimum Wage or Living Wage
    • Each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year
    • Parents of lone parent families need to be working
    • Parents of two parent families must both be working
    • Parents who are self employed or on a zero hours contract need to prove their status and provide relevant documents
    • Parents who are employed or self employed but are on statutory leave for example, maternity leave
    • Foster carers and kinship carers may also be eligible
    • Families where one parent gets certain benefits may also be eligible – contact Wrexham Family Information Service for more details.

    When can I apply?

    Families can apply a maximum of 8 weeks before the term they can access the Childcare Offer, so for spring term it would be from November 11 and for summer term it would be from February 24, 2020.

    Applications are made via www.flintshire.gov.uk/wrexhamchildcareoffer

    Childcare includes:

    • Nurseries
    • Child minders
    • Playgroups
    • Out of school child care

    You can choose your own childcare provider that meets your child’s needs. The setting must be registered with CIW or equivalent and must be signed up to deliver the offer.

    Wrexham children will be able to access the Childcare Offer from the start of the term following their third birthday until the September after they turn 4.

    How much could I get?

    You could get up to 30 hours a week of early education childcare. The 30 hours is made up of a minimum of 10 hours of early education per week and a maximum of 20 hours a week of childcare.
    To break this down, it is 10 hours of early education and 20 hours of childcare and for foundation phase nursery it is 12.5 hours of nursery and 17.5 hours of childcare. In school holidays they can also get 30 hours for up to 9 weeks of the holidays.

    How do I apply?

    Applications are now being taken for the September start date

    If you have any problems completing the online application, Wrexham Family Information Service can help. You can call into Contact Wrexham on Lord Street, Monday-Friday 10:30-2:30pm and one of the team will be happy to help.

    If you would like to contact the Family Information Service about anything else you can get in touch with one of the team by calling 01978 292094 or email fis@wrexham.gov.uk

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • WATCH Wales V England at Tŷ Pawb

    WATCH Wales V England at Tŷ Pawb

    The pre world cup friendlies are in full swing and the next match will be Wales v England at the Principality Stadium on Saturday!

    The hype around the game is building, especially after last weekends result in Twickenham.

    If you are looking for somewhere to watch the match, why not pop along to Tŷ Pawb?

    Watch the rugby match in a great family-friendly environment on Tŷ Pawb’s big screen!

    Kick off: 2.15pm

    – Big Screen
    – Food Court
    – Square Bar open
    – Children’s activities
    – Live music

    For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1237866786392331/

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • Anti social behaviour in Gwersyllt – what happened after the publicity?

    Anti social behaviour in Gwersyllt – what happened after the publicity?

    You may have read reports recently about anti social behaviour in and around Gwersyllt Resource Centre. It wasn’t good reading and rightly the community were concerned.

    But just what does happen when youth workers see these reports either from the media or direct from those involved? Well here’s what happened on this particular occasion.

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    “Overcoming challenges”

    On this occasion officers from our Youth Justice Service took the lead in overcoming the challenges faced.

    They arranged meetings between key organisations – Police, community, local councillors, school, housing, parents and most importantly – the young people themselves.

    Over the next three or four weeks they arranged a series of meetings to repair the harm done by the young people’s behaviour, restore relationships and come up with a resolution.

    They were more than just talking shops – during the meetings the young people were challenged as to why they were behaving like this and their responses were taken seriously the outcome was positive and the situation has now improved dramatically.

    As an added bonus to listening to young people the Community Council in Gwersyllt took on board what they would like to do and have kindly agreed to provide an art project for them as a token of their restored faith in the young people of the village.

    One young person stated “I understand more about how my behaviour affects other people.”

    And a member of staff from the local Estate Office commented that they saw the young people in a “different light now”

    North Wales Police summed it all up by saying “It’s great to see everyone working together to solve the problem.”

    Cllr Andy Atkinson, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti Poverty, said: “Working with young can people can be an absolute privilege and on this occasion everyone has responded in a positive way for the benefit of the wider community. Our Youth Justice Service team members are to be commended for their role in bringing everyone together in order to address an issue that was of great concern to all those affected.”

    Wrexham Youth Justice Service would like to thank everyone who took part in getting around the table and engaging with this innovative project. We want to support communities to feel empowered so they can resolve their own issues.

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • New Town Centre Maps Installed to Help Visitor Experience

    New Town Centre Maps Installed to Help Visitor Experience

    This week, visitors to town may have noticed our current map boards being refurbished and new boards being installed.

    Thanks to funding provided by the This Is Wrexham Partnership, local artist David Goodman has designed a new town centre map with the input from local hotels, attractions and eateries. This new map replaces the existing outdated town centre map with the addition of some new sites too. These include key arrival points to the town at Wrexham General Station, Chester Street (Waterworld) Car Park, King Street Bus Station and at Tŷ Pawb.

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    Chair of the This Is Wrexham Tourism Partnership, Sam Regan said: “These new town centre maps are a great asset for visitors wishing to explore more of our offer here in town. Thanks to the financial support from our partner businesses in the area, David has illustrated a map that makes navigating around town and uncovering some of our best places to visit, stay and eat very easy to do. As a Partnership, we’re also really thankful to the Local Authority for continuing to work with us to drive tourism forward in town and across the County, via projects such as this.”

    “Competitive tourism destination”

    Lead Member for the Economy at Wrexham County Borough Council, Terry Evans added: “We’re committed to ensuring that our town centre continues to evolve as a competitive tourism destination and along with the recent investment from ourselves, we’ve been happy to support the ambitions of our local trade by helping erect these new maps around town. Whilst many may argue that today’s modern visitor solely uses their mobile devices to navigate a new town, our Tourist Information Centre team are asked for printed maps on a daily basis – and these new designs are a great addition to Wrexham’s marketing material.”

    The maps are also available in printed format from the Wrexham Tourist Information Centre and various other attractions and shops around town, including St Giles Parish Church, Wrexham Museum and Techniquest Glyndwr – with a downloadable version and a number of Countywide ideas for days out and weekends away listed at www.thisiswrexham.co.uk/inspireme

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • Hold your horses! How to pass horses safely on the road

    Hold your horses! How to pass horses safely on the road

    Guest Article from IAM RoadSmart

    You may see more horses on the road during the summer months, and more than likely they’ll be on a country lane. Here are IAM RoadSmart’s tips on how best to pass a horse safely on the roads.

    Horses are powerful animals and have extremely heightened senses. They are also ‘flight’ animals so if they become scared, they will revert back to their natural instinct.

    The British Horse Society has reported that nearly two horses are killed each week on UK roads. In last year alone, 87 horses and four people have been tragically killed.

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    “If you’re approaching a horse from behind:”

    • Slow down and hold back. The rider will indicate whether it’s safe to approach and overtake. If they don’t, make sure you stay at least three car lengths behind and be careful to not move into this space. Be prepared to slow down further or even stop to protect yourself and the horse and rider. Avoid any sudden movements and loud noises such as revving the engine and playing your music loudly.
    • Most riders, and occasionally their horses will be in hi-vis so you should see them and able to slow down in good time. Remember in the countryside they could be around any corner
    • When passing the horse and rider make sure you give plenty of space. We recommend at least a car’s width and ensure it’s done slowly. Remember to always pass “slow and wide” stick to 15mph or under. Take a look at this video explaining it from the British Horse Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJfZM41oUOE
    • If you’re on a country road and there’s not much room to manoeuvre around the horse, the rider may decide to trot towards the nearest lay by or grass verge. Do not speed up to match their trot, stay back and allow the rider to get to safety before overtaking
    • Often when you see two riders it is for safety reasons. This could be an inexperienced rider or nervous animal being coached along by a more experienced companion. Give them some consideration
    • Keep an eye out for the rider. They will often give you signals asking to slow down, stop or to overtake. They will acknowledge you and assist you to pass, but their main priority is keeping themselves and the horse safe, so they’ll be trying to keep their hands on the reins at all times
    • Always accelerate gently to pass the horse and when moving away. Both rider and horse may both be inexperienced and nervous in traffic; do your bit to keep them safe
    • If there are grass verges, many riders will take the option to move themselves up onto them and allow you to pass. Please continue to pass slowly as the noise of your engine can still spook the horse

    “If a horse is approaching on the other side of the road:”

    • Slow down completely and consider putting on your hazard warning lights for anyone that may be behind you. You may need to stop to allow the horse to pass you safely if it is safe to do so

    Horse rider and IAM RoadSmart’s digital content executive Jaimi McIlravey said: “Please continue to be careful when driving close to horses. From personal experience, it’s not always a car that will spook a horse. You may be driving safely with enough gap between yourself and a horse and rider, however, something else may scare them, so be sure to stay alert.”

    If you see any incidents involving a horse and rider please contact the police with any information you have. You’re also able to report an incident through this website: https://www.bhs.org.uk/our-work/safety/report-an-incident

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • Play time! Hundreds attend launch of Tŷ Pawb’s new exhibition…

    Play time! Hundreds attend launch of Tŷ Pawb’s new exhibition…

    Tŷ Pawb’s gallery has been transformed into an enormous indoor adventure playground as part of the brand new exhibition, PLAY-WORK!

    A whopping 600 people visited the sand-filled gallery on Saturday to see the exhibition officially opened by Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Rob Walsh.

     

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    A celebration of play in Wrexham

    PLAY-WORK centres on the relationship between adults and children, and on celebratory documentation of radical playwork since the 1970s at Wrexham’s world-renowned adventure playgrounds.

    The core of the exhibition is a fully interactive playscape, designed and built in a collaborative process between the artists, Ludicology, Tŷ Pawb staff, our Play & Youth Support Team and Wrexham’s adventure playgrounds.

    Within the playscape you can also find textiles created by artist, Morag Colquhoun,  specifically for the exhibition.

    Functional push-cart artworks designed by Gareth Griffith also feature. The carts have fabricated by children and staff from Wrexham playwork projects.

    Additionally, The Voice of Children, a film by Turner Prize-winning collective Assemble, can be viewed on a screen at the end of the gallery.

    Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “We can all relate to the need to play. The wonderful work that takes place in Wrexham to provide our children with play provision brings immense pride to the region. This exhibition will celebrate those schemes along with the marvellous work of Assemble, Morag, Gareth and Ludicology.”

    Come and play!

    It looks like the exhibition has been a huge hit with the kids already! Why not pop down to see for yourself?

    PLAY-WORK will be on display at Tŷ Pawb from August 10 – October 27.

    The exhibition is funded by Arts Council Wales and Arts and Business Cymru. It is sponsored by local Wrexham firm, Grosvenor ApTec Ltd. 

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  • 73 Cinema Officially Launches at Tŷ Pawb

    73 Cinema Officially Launches at Tŷ Pawb

    The brand new cinema programme from 73 Degree Films will begin in September.

    73 Cinema is a community-led cinema programme. Every other Thursday from September-Christmas 73 Cinema will screen a different film, providing access to independent and world cinema, from classics to new releases as well as in-competition short films, Q&As and more.

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    Robert Corcoran, Producer at 73 Degree Films said, “73 Degree Films are delighted to be working with Film Hub Wales and Wrexham Council to bring a new cinema programme to Wrexham. Ever since Tŷ Pawb opened, it’s been a huge ambition of ours to make this happen and we’re extremely excited to roll out the red carpet and get going in September!”

    The programme includes a huge variety of films and events, with something for everyone. The opening film will be Gruff Rhys’ ‘American Interior’, followed by new releases including Claire Denis’ ‘High Life’ and the Aretha Franklin documentary ‘Amazing Grace’.

    A special Halloween screening of ’28 Days Later’ will take place on October 31 and in November the 1954 version of ‘A Star is Born’ starring Judy Garland will be specially screened as part of the 2019 BFI Musicals Season.

    As part of the programme, a selection of short films will also be showcased at each event. Filmmakers can submit their films now for a chance to win a selection of awards and prizes at filmfreeway.com/73cinema

    The programme was finalised in July this year by a committee of community group representatives and dedicated film lovers!

    Tickets for every event are available to purchase now at 73cinema.com. Alternatively, they can be purchased on the door (subject to availability) or reserved at Tŷ Pawb shop. There is also a full season pass available, allowing those that wish to attend everything to save 25%.

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • Plenty on this summer at our country parks

    Plenty on this summer at our country parks

    We know our country parks and green spaces are prized by residents.

    We recently heard the very good news that our parks had retained their Green Flag awards from 2018, with honours going to Acton Park, Alyn Waters, Bellevue Park, Ponciau Banks, Tŷ Mawr and Wrexham Cemetery.

    Green Flag Community Awards also went to Maes Y Pant, Plas Pentwyn and St Mary’s Churchyard, Chirk.

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    To mark the occasion, we held a celebration event and invited volunteers to fly the Green Flag with us at one of our country parks.

    Flying the flag at Alyn Waters

    We raised the Green Flag at Alyn Waters country park in an event attended by Cllr Rob Walsh, the Mayor of Wrexham; council Leader Cllr Mark Pritchard, and our Chief Executive Ian Bancroft.

    The event was joined by members of our parks team, and volunteers from the various Friends groups who continue to support our parks with their efforts and dedication.

    Don’t forget events at the parks this summer!

    As the summer holidays continue, don’t miss out on some of the fantastic events we have at our award-winning country parks and green spaces.

    There’s plenty on offer throughout the summer, including:

    • A community clean-up day at Acton Park, from 10am until noon on Tuesday, August 13.
    • A tractor ride and farm animal quiz at Tŷ Mawr Country Park from 1.30pm until 3.30pm on Thursday, August 15.
    • A family treasure hunt at Acton Park, from 1.30pm until 3.30pm on Monday, August 20.
    • Family orienteering from 1.30pm until 3.30pm at Alyn Waters Country Park on Wednesday, August 21.
    • A drums and shakers-making day at Tŷ Mawr from 1.30pm until 3.30pm on Thursday, August 22…

    …and plenty more!

    Want more info on some of the other upcoming events we’ve got throughout Wrexham?

    Just take a look at the events guide from our Family Information Services team.

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • Public Services Board Annual Report

    Public Services Board Annual Report

    The Public Services Board (PSB) has published its first annual report which takes a look at what they’ve been doing over the past year to improve the health and well-being opportunities across Wrexham.

    The report highlights that during their first year they have set up three new programme boards that are concentrating on children and young people getting a healthy start in life, all people having the opportunity to learn and develop throughout their lives who can then contribute to a healthier Wales across North East Wales.

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    It also acknowledges the challenges of funneling the work of such a large and diverse partnership into one goal – the “Wrexham We Want”.

    These boards have the people with the skills and enthusiasm to get involved and they are trying out different ways to deliver the other priorities that, following consultation, you said were important.

    Over the next few weeks we’ll be writing articles for you to show what the programme boards have done to move their work forward.

    Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive, said: “The report gives an overview of the work of the PSB over the last 12 months and how it’s working to make things better for everyone in Wrexham and across North East Wales.

    “It’s been a challenging process but very worthwhile and the partners will all continue to work together and overcome any organisational difficulties to bring you the Wrexham You Want. I look forward to sharing with you more articles in the coming weeks which will concentrate the specific work we have undertaken.”

    Deputy Chair of the Board, Cllr Hugh Jones, said: “Following a large scale consultation in 2017  we produced our five year plan which aims to improve the well-being of everyone here in Wrexham.  The PSB brings together organisations that can make a difference and over the next few years we will do everything we can to do just that.”

    The PSB is a partnership of organisations within Wrexham who work together to improve the economic, environmental and cultural well-being of the county borough.

    To do this the PSB contributes to seven national well-being goals, as per the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act:

    • A prosperous Wales
    • A resilient Wales
    • A healthier Wales
    • A more equal Wales
    • A Wales of cohesive communities
    • A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language
    • A globally responsible Wales

    It’s written with communities at heart and they use five key things factors in their work:

    “involvement, collaboration, long term, integration and prevention” – they’re at the heart of everything they do.

    You can read more about the PSB here.

    Or you can take a look at the report here.

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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