Jane's posterous http://wrexham.posterous.com Most recent posts at Jane's posterous posterous.com Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:53:47 -0700 Website Optimisation - Growing your Business - Businessline event http://wrexham.posterous.com/website-optimisation-growing-your-business-bu http://wrexham.posterous.com/website-optimisation-growing-your-business-bu Is your company website delivering results? Interested to learn the
different techniques, which can be implemented to maximise your web
presence and in so doing increase visitors to your website?
Businessline would like to invite local businesses to a FREE event,
offering advice on how to improve their websites.

 ‘Website Optimisation - Growing your Business’ is being held at
Wrexham Library on Thursday 20th August from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. The
evening will feature a talk and ‘Q&A’ session hosted by Lloyd Barrett
from Flame Media Ltd, who provide website design services and search
engine optimisation (SEO) to a global client base, with major clients
including Capital One, Instep Shoes PLC etc.

 Studies by the International Advertising Bureau have revealed that 65%
of the UK’s Adult population now have access to the internet; 21.3
million people shop online, each spending an average of £661 during
the six month period from February - July 2008. 24.5 million people
also regularly use the internet for sourcing information.

 Regardless of how well designed or technologically advanced your
website may be, if people are unable to find it, you’ll be missing out
on potential sales leads. Your website can play a key role in
promoting your business and the services you provide, which is of
particular importance in the current economic climate.

 During the evening, we will explore the various strategies which can
be used to raise the profile of websites, attract customers, find new
markets for products and services and how to maximise your online
presence. This is an ideal opportunity to get advice from an industry
specialist who has ten years experience in the field.

 The event will be FREE to attend; advanced booking is required
however. For further information and to book your ticket, please
contact Businessline:

 Email: businessline@wrexham.gov.uk
Telephone: (01978) 292092
Website: www.wrexham.gov.uk/businessline

 Businessline offers various services including generating sales leads,
identifying marketing opportunities, sourcing grants, and researching
specific companies and market sectors. Don’t hesitate to contact
Businessline for all your business information needs.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:08:19 -0700 World Heritage Celebrations at Pontcysyllte http://wrexham.posterous.com/world-heritage-celebrations-at-pontcysyllte http://wrexham.posterous.com/world-heritage-celebrations-at-pontcysyllte 12 noon – 7.30 pm, Saturday 3 October. All sorts of activities and
stalls to enjoy, plus fairground rides, face-painting, falconry
display, ferret racing, puppet show, magician, ventriloquist, musical
entertainment, including the Fron choir, and lots more.  Firework
Finale at 7.00pm.  FREE event.  For details  call  01978 292537 or
visit www.wrexham.gov.uk.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:56:05 -0700 Plenty to do over the summer holidays in Wrexham http://wrexham.posterous.com/plenty-to-do-over-the-summer-holidays-in-wrex http://wrexham.posterous.com/plenty-to-do-over-the-summer-holidays-in-wrex There will be plenty to do for all ages over the summer holidays as
part of the action packed Summer Madness Schedule.

 Children under 16 will be able to take advantage of the free swimming
sessions at Chirk Leisure and Activity Centre, Gwyn Evans Leisure and
Activity Centre, Plas Madoc Leisure and Activity Centre and Waterworld
Leisure and Activity Centre. To sign up for these swimming sessions
just register for a Pure Leisure Card at you local leisure centre. For
further details, please contact your local leisure centre:

 Plas Madoc – 01978 821600
Chirk – 01691 778666
Gwyn Evans – 01978 754394
Waterworld – 01978 297300
Budding directors will be able to create their own movies using stop
motion and sandbox animation at Oriel Wrecsam as part of Super Summer
movies. The sessions will be led by artists/film-maker Chris Oakley
and you will be able to take home a copy of your masterpiece to
impress friends or family. The sessions take place on the 4, 13 and 19
August, from 10am- 3pm (So remember to bring your lunch!) The sessions
cost £6 per person and are suitable for children 8 years and above. If
you would like to know more, contact Oriel Wrecsam on 01978 292

 Keen readers will have an opportunity to win a bike by taking part in
the QuestSeekers challenge at your local library. It is the must-do
FREE summer holiday activity for anyone ages 3-12 years. Children
taking part in the event should visit the library a minimum of three
times before 12 September and complete the challenge of reading and
reporting on six books. Each child taking part will be able to collect
stickers, fridge magnets; colour change pens, a model dragon and
receive a certificate. Every child who completes the scheme will be
invited to a prize-giving celebration and entered into the draw to win
a bike! For further information, contact your local library.

 There will be plenty to do for all the family at Bersham Heritage
Centre with History Alive! on 2 August. The living history event will
feature local re-enactment group, Cwmwd Ial. Motor enthusiasts are
encouraged to bring along their vintage cars and motorbikes to the
veteran and vintage rally that is taking place as part of the event.
The event costs £2 for adults, £1.50 for concessions and 50p for
children. For more information, contact the centre on 01978 261 529.

 Wrexham’s Country Parks also have a busy schedule lined up. All
activities at Bellevue Park are free, including Basketball Coaching on
the Tuesday 28 July at 1pm. On Wednesday August 19, Ty Mawr County
Park will be organising a Walk to the Poncysyllte Aqueduct at 1.30 pm.
The Aqueduct was recently awarded World Heritage Status and anyone
wishing to attend the 3.5 mile walk is asked to wear boots/sturdy
shoes. Nant Mill will host the Duck Derby and Fun Day on 12 August,
with a £50 first prize to the winner of the famous Duck Race! The
event kicks off at 1.30pm and costs £1.50 per child.

 Details about all the above events much more are available in the
Summer Madness 2009 brochure, which is available from all council
buildings. Alternatively, you can view the brochure online at
http://tinyurl.com/summermadness2009.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:42:41 -0700 HRH Princess Royal to visit Holywell and Wrexham Maelor Hospitals http://wrexham.posterous.com/hrh-princess-royal-to-visit-holywell-and-wrex http://wrexham.posterous.com/hrh-princess-royal-to-visit-holywell-and-wrex This Thursday, 30th July 2009, the North Wales NHS Trust will receive
a double Royal Visit, when HRH The Princess Royal will conduct the
official opening ceremonies for Holywell Community Hospital and the
new Pharmacy Department at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
 
Holywell Community Hospital received its first patients in 2008, when
it replaced the town’s old Lluesty and Holywell Cottage Hospitals with
a brand new, £11million hospital.
 
As well as inpatient wards and outpatient clinics and a minor injuries
unit, the hospital also includes an integrated GP surgery, community
clinics and dental services and accommodation for social services and
voluntary sector partners.
 
Bringing services together in this way has improved communication and
working between the different parts of the care system and made life
simpler for patients. As well as eliminating may of the shortcomings
of the old hospital buildings that it replaced, the new Hospital
provides a much higher standard of accommodation and facilities for
patients.
 
Her Royal Highness will spend around 45 minutes touring the Hospital
and meeting with a wide range of staff and patients and also
representatives of the Good Companions of Holywell Hospital, before
unveiling a plaque to mark her visit in the main reception area.
 
Later that day she will visit Wrexham Maelor Hospital to tour the new
Hospital’s new pharmacy. This is a £10million development which has
transformed the way medicines are managed within the Hospital.
 
At the heart of this is an automated dispensing system that allows
drug packs to be received, stored and dispensed much more efficiently
than when this operation was carried out manually. A computerised
system tracks the location of every pack, meaning the right drug can
be located and passed on to the dispensary in a matter of seconds,
instead of requiring pharmacists to spend time physically finding and
retrieving the right boxes.
 
As well as being faster, this system reduces the chances of errors
being made and frees up the pharmacists to spend more time on the
wards where they can advise doctors on prescribing, review patients’
medication, explain their prescriptions and make sure that patients
are clear on how their medication should be used.
 
The Department also includes an aseptic production area where a range
of pharmaceutical preparations (such as drugs in injectable form) can
be manufactured and a Quality Control laboratory which provides a
medicine testing and assurance service for all North Wales hospitals.
These meet the latest industry standards, ensuring that the Department
will continue to comply with the latest regulations and requirements.
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:52:04 -0700 FSB calls for higher pay and more support for apprentices http://wrexham.posterous.com/fsb-calls-for-higher-pay-and-more-support-for http://wrexham.posterous.com/fsb-calls-for-higher-pay-and-more-support-for The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has brought out new proposals
to get more apprentices into work and to give them a pay rise, ahead
of a Government meeting on employing young people tomorrow (Wednesday
29 July).
 
The FSB’s proposal for getting young people into apprenticeships calls
for higher wages for apprentices; a scheme to link up apprentices with
firms and job offers; funds for training to be redirected to the very
smallest firms; and a financial incentive for firms that take on an
apprentice.
 
Micro firms particularly struggle with the administrative burden of
setting up apprenticeships, organising training and securing financial
support – however, they are a central plank to tackling youth
unemployment.
 
The FSB’s proposals give Government practical solutions to the growing
problem of unemployment. They call for:
- The minimum wage for all apprentices to rise from £95 to £123
per week to increase the incentive to complete an apprenticeship
- A national Group Apprenticeship Programme (GAP) – effectively a
job service to link up potential apprentices with companies looking
for a trainee. The GAP would act as a safety net for apprentices, by
finding them a job and placing them in employment, and would take on
the administrative burden for small firms including financial and
health and safety risks
- Funds from the Government’s skills budget in England redirected
to, and ring-fenced for, the hardest to reach, smallest businesses
that do not currently benefit from, or even know, the funding exists
- An awareness campaign about the benefits of apprenticeships and
financial support for those small firms that take on apprentices
 
John Wright, Federation of Small Businesses National Chairman said:
 
“The majority of small firms would like to take on an apprentice but
are put off by the administration involved, and the lack of financial
support. The Government must make it easier for the smallest firms to
create apprenticeships and should put in place a Group Apprenticeship
Programme to bring employers and apprentices together. Funds from the
Government’s Train to Gain scheme in England must also be ring-fenced
for the smallest firms, to ensure they are able to get the funding
they need to train and support an apprentice.
 
“In a survey of our members, 82 per cent said they would be in favour
of an increase in the minimum wage for apprentices, which would give
them more of an incentive to complete the traineeship and give
employers a higher chance of serious applicants for the position.
Small businesses are eager to do their bit and to take on new
employees, but the Government must step up and help them to tackle the
problem of unemployment.”
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:20:09 -0700 TUC welcomes new NHS apprenticeships http://wrexham.posterous.com/tuc-welcomes-new-nhs-apprenticeships http://wrexham.posterous.com/tuc-welcomes-new-nhs-apprenticeships Commenting on the Government's announcement today (Monday) of a £25
million scheme to create more than 5,000 new apprenticeships in the
NHS, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
 
'This will give thousands of people vital skills and a great chance of
a rewarding career in the NHS.
 
'As unions and the Government try to persuade private companies to
take on more apprentices, today's announcement shows that the public
sector is prepared to lead by example.'
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:31:30 -0700 The Wacky Warehouse, Sontley Road, Wrexham http://wrexham.posterous.com/the-wacky-warehouse-sontley-road-wrexham http://wrexham.posterous.com/the-wacky-warehouse-sontley-road-wrexham Just been to the Wacky Warehouse on Sontley Road, Wrexham. They have a
special offer on over the summer holidays - buy a passport for £15 and
get 10 plays. That works out at just £1.50 a session. A bargain -
especially, if like me, you've got more than one child. Passport also
contains money off and special offer vouchers for days out at top UK
attractions plus offers such as two slush puppies for the price of
one, buy 5 fruit shoot get one free. Excellent value for money.
 
There's also the Squire Yorke next door with 2for1 meals. See
http://coedyglyn.wordpress.com/advertisers/the-squire-yorke-wrexham/
for details. Also try their 4 for 3 offer on Coors Bulmers Corona
Bacardi Breezer & J20.
 
 
WebsiteBuilder Create a Website Quickly & Easily Hosted for as Little
as £1.99/Month http://www.1and1websites.co.uk.
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:11:41 -0700 Wrexham Credit Union at forefront of Child Trust Fund provision http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-credit-union-at-forefront-of-child-tr-0 http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-credit-union-at-forefront-of-child-tr-0 A Welsh Assembly Government Minister and Wrexham's AM, have visited
the local Credit Union to promote the central role it is playing in
the town in providing Child Trust Funds.
 
Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr. Brian Gibbons,
joined Lesley Griffiths on a visit to Wrexham Credit Union, which has
helped the Welsh Assembly Government reach its target of increasing
the number of credit unions that are able to provide Child Trust Funds
in Wales.
 
The Government had reached its target of 18 credit unions in Wales
which could now offer Child Trust Fund accounts in June of this year
which equates to 60 per cent of all credit unions in Wales. A quarter
of all Child Trust Fund providers across the UK are located in Wales
and Wrexham Credit Union is now included on the nationwide list.
 
Developing the ability of Welsh Credit Unions to offer Child Trust
Fund accounts, making them widely and easily available, is a key Welsh
Assembly Government commitment and just one element of the action
being taken to address child poverty and financial exclusion in
communities across Wales.
 
From this coming September, thousands of families in Wales will be
able to claim the new Welsh top-up to the Child Trust Fund.
 
The new Child Trust Fund Cymru will mean eligible children will be
entitled to a voucher worth £50 to be paid into their Child Trust Fund
account.
 
Children from families on low incomes will be eligible for a further
£50. This will mean that more than 32,000 children in Wales will be
eligible to claim the new top-up.
 
The top-up initiative is designed to help address the consequences of
child poverty in Wales by encouraging saving, improve financial
literacy and tackling financial exclusion.
 
Child Trust Fund accounts enable families to start saving for their
childrens’ future by providing £250 at birth and again at age seven
with additional payments for children from low income households. The
Child Trust Fund Cymru will be in addition to this.
 
Commenting on her visit with the Minister, Lesley Griffiths AM said:
 
"Child Trust Funds are important in ensuring every child will have
savings when they reach 18. They help children get into the habit of
saving and understanding the benefits of saving.
 
"The Welsh Assembly Government are determined to tackle child poverty
and financial exclusion wherever it exists in Wales and I am pleased
that Wrexham Credit Union is playing its part, in delivering on this
aim locally.
 
"The Minister was impressed with how, in a such a short time after
being established, Wrexham local Credit Union has been able to offer
Child Trust Fund accounts to local families and help in tackling some
of the underlying causes of child poverty."
 
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as £1.99/Month http://www.1and1websites.co.uk.
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:09:33 -0700 Wrexham Credit Union at forefront of Child Trust Fund provision http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-credit-union-at-forefront-of-child-tr http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-credit-union-at-forefront-of-child-tr A Welsh Assembly Government Minister and Wrexham's AM, have visited
the local Credit Union to promote the central role it is playing in
the town in providing Child Trust Funds.
 
Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, Dr. Brian Gibbons,
joined Lesley Griffiths on a visit to Wrexham Credit Union, which has
helped the Welsh Assembly Government reach its target of increasing
the number of credit unions that are able to provide Child Trust Funds
in Wales.
 
The Government had reached its target of 18 credit unions in Wales
which could now offer Child Trust Fund accounts in June of this year
which equates to 60 per cent of all credit unions in Wales. A quarter
of all Child Trust Fund providers across the UK are located in Wales
and Wrexham Credit Union is now included on the nationwide list.
 
Developing the ability of Welsh Credit Unions to offer Child Trust
Fund accounts, making them widely and easily available, is a key Welsh
Assembly Government commitment and just one element of the action
being taken to address child poverty and financial exclusion in
communities across Wales.
 
From this coming September, thousands of families in Wales will be
able to claim the new Welsh top-up to the Child Trust Fund.
 
The new Child Trust Fund Cymru will mean eligible children will be
entitled to a voucher worth £50 to be paid into their Child Trust Fund
account.
 
Children from families on low incomes will be eligible for a further
£50. This will mean that more than 32,000 children in Wales will be
eligible to claim the new top-up.
 
The top-up initiative is designed to help address the consequences of
child poverty in Wales by encouraging saving, improve financial
literacy and tackling financial exclusion.
 
Child Trust Fund accounts enable families to start saving for their
childrens’ future by providing £250 at birth and again at age seven
with additional payments for children from low income households. The
Child Trust Fund Cymru will be in addition to this.
 
Commenting on her visit with the Minister, Lesley Griffiths AM said:
 
"Child Trust Funds are important in ensuring every child will have
savings when they reach 18. They help children get into the habit of
saving and understanding the benefits of saving.
 
"The Welsh Assembly Government are determined to tackle child poverty
and financial exclusion wherever it exists in Wales and I am pleased
that Wrexham Credit Union is playing its part, in delivering on this
aim locally.
 
"The Minister was impressed with how, in a such a short time after
being established, Wrexham local Credit Union has been able to offer
Child Trust Fund accounts to local families and help in tackling some
of the underlying causes of child poverty."

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:45:40 -0700 MEND - Mind, Exercise, Nutrition - Do it! Programme places in Wrexham http://wrexham.posterous.com/mend-mind-exercise-nutrition-do-it-programme http://wrexham.posterous.com/mend-mind-exercise-nutrition-do-it-programme

Great news for children in Wrexham as places are available on a free
local MEND Programme starting in September. The healthy living
Programme has already helped many families from all over Wales
kick-start a new lifestyle in just 10 weeks, and this new course gives
a chance for even more children and parents to benefit.
 
With more than 1 in 3 children over the healthy weight range for their
age and height, it is the perfect time for families to take advantage
of the accessible, friendly and encouraging support offered by the
MEND Programme. The course is aimed at overweight 7 – 13 year old
children and their families, and provides an excellent chance to get
fitter, healthier and happier.
 
The MEND Programme in Wrexham is part of a national network of over
300 courses that have already helped over 10,000 families improve
their diets and activity levels. A limited number of places valued at
up to £400 are available on the course at Clywedog Sport & Activity
Centre completely free of charge thanks to Wrexham County Borough
Council who are working in partnership with The Welsh Assembly
Government.
 
The MEND - Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it! - Programme is made up
of two-hour sessions held twice a week for 10 weeks, where practical
lessons on eating and exercise habits aim to improve children’s
fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem.
 
Rather than focusing on weight loss, the MEND Programme takes the
approach of teaching children and parents Weight Management skills.
This includes inspiring families to adopt a healthier lifestyle and
enjoy preparing and eating healthy foods, as well as reading food
labels and healthy shopping on a budget. There are also simple but
exciting sessions developed by the Youth Sport Trust to learn fun ways
to exercise – especially for children who are not fans of traditional
school sports.
 
Bethan Hughes, MEND Programme Manager at Wrexham County Borough
Council said “Previous families on the course have had a great deal of
success and it changes families’ lives. Children become healthier and
fitter and we have seen their self esteem and confidence increase
greatly. We are committed to offering families in Wrexham the chance
to improve their health with this fantastic free course.”
 
Places on the MEND Programme are available free for eligible families
thanks to Wrexham County Borough Council and The Welsh Assembly
Government and are offered on a first come, first served basis.
 
For more information or to register for the scheme, call the Programme
Manager Bethan Hughes on 01978 292088 or free-phone 0800 230 0263 or
visit: www.mendprogramme.org or www.wrexham.gov.uk/sport
 
Places are still available up until 2 weeks after the programme start
date, so there is no need to worry if you have missed the first
session. (Providing places are still available). A parent or carer
must accompany each child to the twice-weekly sessions and places must
be booked in advance.
 
Parents wishing to check whether their child is a healthy weight or
whether they might benefit from the MEND Programme can visit the MEND
web-site www.mendprogramme.org which has a handy Body Mass Index (BMI)
calculator.
 

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:42:26 -0700 Save for your child’s future with Wrexham Credit Union http://wrexham.posterous.com/save-for-your-childs-future-with-wrexham-cred http://wrexham.posterous.com/save-for-your-childs-future-with-wrexham-cred Parents and carers in Wrexham are being encouraged to set up a trust
fund for their child – and help them buy that first car or house in
years to come. That’s the message Wrexham Credit Union, which has just
been approved as a Child Trust Fund provider.
 
Child Trust Fund accounts were introduced by the government in 2002 to
help tackle child poverty and give young people the best start to
their adult life.
 
Parents are given a £250 voucher to start the account, and then
encouraged to add to it over the years so their child has some money
behind them when they turn 18.
 
Wrexham Credit Union provides a safe and convenient way for local
people to save and borrow money. Anyone setting up or transferring a
trust fund to the credit union before July 31 will be entered into a
prize draw, with vouchers worth as much as £50 up for grabs.
 
Credit union manager David Collins said: “This is a great opportunity
for parents or guardians to put their Child Trust Fund voucher with a
safe and convenient local organisation.
 
“By adding to it over the years they will be giving their child the
best possible start in life. They can also join and become a member of
the credit union themselves, allowing them to save and access
affordable loans.”
 
The credit union is a not-for-profit organisation regulated by the
Financial Services Authority and is open to anyone living or working
in Wrexham County Borough.
 
To find out more, telephone 01978 266843 or visit the website
www.wrexhamcu.co.uk
 
To find out more about Child Trust Funds, telephone the national help
line on 0845 302 1470 or visit the website www.childtrustfund.gov.uk
 
For more information, contact Wrexham Credit Union manager David
Collins on 01978 266843.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:41:03 -0700 Tourism pumps millions into Wrexham economy http://wrexham.posterous.com/tourism-pumps-millions-into-wrexham-economy http://wrexham.posterous.com/tourism-pumps-millions-into-wrexham-economy Latest research shows tourism was worth a staggering £78.8 million to
the Wrexham economy last year.Figures for 2008 reveal an increase of
2% on the previous year and an overall increase of more than 5% since
2003.
 
Over 1.53 million tourists visited the borough, including day-trippers
and people staying overnight.
 
The statistics have been put together for Wrexham Council by research
specialists Global Tourism Solutions, using visitor numbers supplied
by local hotels, tourist attractions and other businesses.
 
The figures are fed into an internationally recognised research
formula, which does the number-crunching needed to calculate the value
of tourism to the local economy .
 
The process involves collecting and inputting huge amounts of data,
which is why the results for 2008 are only just emerging.
 
Councillor Rodney Skelland, lead member for regeneration and corporate
governance, said: “The value of tourism to Wrexham can’t be
under-estimated and to see a 2% increase in last year’s economic
climate is encouraging.
 
“A large number of jobs and businesses depend on visitors coming to
the borough, and this kind of research provides the council with vital
clues as to how the local tourism economy is performing from
year-to-year.”
 
Despite speculation that more people will holiday at home in 2009, the
council believes it’s still too early to say whether cash-strapped
holiday-makers will snub trips abroad in favour of short breaks in the
UK.
 
Councillor Skelland said: “There’s no doubt 2009 is going to be even
tougher for many business sectors than last year, but it’s too early
to know for sure what effect the credit crunch will have on the
tourism industry.
 
“It’s well known that some analysts predict more people will holiday
at home instead of abroad – potentially boosting trade for some
tourism businesses. However, we’ll only have a real insight into the
impact of the economic downturn when statistics for the first six
months become available later this year.”

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:44:56 -0700 Duck Race at Nantmill on Sunday 26th July http://wrexham.posterous.com/duck-race-at-nantmill-on-sunday-26th-july http://wrexham.posterous.com/duck-race-at-nantmill-on-sunday-26th-july There will be a Duck Race at Nantmill on Sunday 26th July 2009 at 2pm
in aid of LEX XI Football Club. First prize £100, food available.
Everyone welcome.
 
 
Quality Books up to 75% off the retail price http://tinyurl.com/thebookpeople.

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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:50:18 -0700 New powers to strengthen Community Councils will boost local accountability http://wrexham.posterous.com/new-powers-to-strengthen-community-councils-w http://wrexham.posterous.com/new-powers-to-strengthen-community-councils-w New powers that are being sought by the Welsh Government to strengthen
and support community councils in Wales, will be a "boost to local
democracy and accountability", according to Wrexham's Assembly Member,
Lesley Griffiths.
 
The AM made her remarks following news that the Welsh Assembly
Government  is to seek new powers to make Welsh laws, as part of
legislative programme for the coming year.
 
The Government are proposing to drawn down powers from London in the
form a Legislative Competence Order (LCO), which would allow the
National Assembly for Wales to:
 
* make new Welsh laws to improve the way community councils are run;
 
* encourage more people from a wider range of backgrounds to take part
in community councils;
 
* encourage greater transparency; and
 
* help community councils to work more closely together and with
county and county borough councils.
 
Among the areas over which the National Assembly would be able to
create new laws include the constitution, structure and procedures of
community councils, the number of councillors and wards, and greater
scope for community councils to improve the quality of life for their
communities.
 
The proposed LCO would also mean that laws could be passed allowing
Welsh Ministers to encourage collaboration between councils, help
community councils to improve the way they work and encourage more
people to participate in community council elections.
 
The National Assembly for Wales would also be able to pass laws on
encouraging greater accountability, on the salaries, pensions and
allowances of councillors and to improve the support for councillors
and their working conditions.
 
Commenting on the proposals, Lesley Griffiths AM said:
 
"I know through my own experience that community councils perform a
vital role across the length and breadth of Wales. Community
councillors reflect the views of local people on local issues better
than anyone and it is right that their role is to be strengthened.
 
"In gaining these new powers, the National Assembly will be able to
make laws that will transform how grassroots democracy operates in
Wales by boosting local accountablilty. It is essential that community
councils work more in tandem with county borough councils on behalf of
local people.
 
"The ability of the Welsh Assembly to make new laws in these areas in
the future, will mean we can create a new and improved model for local
governance in Wales - one that is long overdue."
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:07:00 -0700 BBC should look again at boosting North East Wales service, says MP http://wrexham.posterous.com/bbc-should-look-again-at-boosting-north-east-0 http://wrexham.posterous.com/bbc-should-look-again-at-boosting-north-east-0 Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has repeated his call for BBC Wales to look again
at boosting its services for North East Wales.
 
And he has warned that a large part of North Wales is not receiving
the representation it deserves on the BBC’s Audience Council.
 
Mr Lucas’ statements follow a report by the Welsh Affairs Select
Committee, which notes that the Corporation may be the only provider
of English language news services in the country by next year.
 
Mr Luca s- who has campaigned for improved news services by the BBC in
North East Wales since his election in 2001 – said that such a
possibility made it even more important that the BBC worked to improve
its provision of services and its representation in the area.
 
He said: “The Audience Council for Wales appears to meet more often
than those in other areas of Britain, which is encouraging. However,
the council does not include anyone from any part of North East Wales
– the nearest council member comes from Llandudno.
 
“While this may reflect the issues viewers and listeners in North East
Wales have in accessing content, it also means that a large part of
the North Wales audience has no input into the BBC’s decision making
process.”
 
And he highlighted the need for improved services for North East Wales.
 
He said: “At the moment, there is no television studio in Wrexham
despite it being the largest town in North Wales – and what small
provision there is in North Eats Wales is inadequate.
 
“There is also not enough provision in terms of raw resources such as
cameras to cover North Wales. I know this from my own experience as
Wrexham’s MP and from discussions with a number of sources within the
BBC.
 
“There have been a number of concerns raised in the Wrexham area in
recent months about the dilution of its Welsh cultural identity.
 
“There are some areas of provision – notably in the boosting of
television signals during digital switchover, which should enable more
people in my constituency to access broadcasting and programming
relevant to Wales.
 
“However, the current poor provision of some services in North East
Wales will not help keep audience interest – the BBC needs to look
again at how it will engage what may be a larger audience after
switchover and maintain its interest, something I fear may not happen
if perceptions of a South Wales–centric attitude are not addressed.”
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:59:51 -0700 Federation of Small Businesses urges Health Secretary to adopt proposals to help small firms through the swine flu pandemic http://wrexham.posterous.com/federation-of-small-businesses-urges-health-s http://wrexham.posterous.com/federation-of-small-businesses-urges-health-s The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today proposed solutions to
ease the pressure on small firms as a result of the swine flu
pandemic.
 
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, the
FSB requested a meeting to discuss the threat of the pandemic to small
firms. The FSB proposals include:
 
simplifying the system by which the smallest firms are reimbursed for
paying out statutory sick pay, and putting a stop to unnecessary
routine business inspections during the height of the pandemic
 
John Wright, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses said:
 
“Swine flu is expected to have a serious impact on the UK, with a more
than five per cent fall in UK GDP this year alone and up to half of
the population infected. Although it is still difficult to estimate
the full effect of the spread of the pandemic, we know that small
firms – which contribute more than half of UK GDP and employ 60 per
cent of the private sector workforce – will be very badly hit. A small
firm employing only three people could expect to have all of its
workforce off for up to two weeks this autumn – either due to
infection or through absences as a result of school closures and
transport problems.
 
“The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been working with the
Cabinet Office to prepare advice for small firms on how to plan for
this emergency; to ensure they have good communications with staff in
place, plans for remote working where possible, and prepare for a drop
in demand.
 
“The FSB is also asking the Government to ease the burden on small
firms by simplifying the system by which the smallest firms reclaim
statutory sick pay. This will mean that small businesses with fewer
than 20 employees are automatically entitled to repayment of sick pay
during the epidemic.
 
“The other measure the FSB is calling for is that all routine
inspections of businesses in high intensity infection areas are
stopped during the pandemic, to reduce the burden of red tape on small
firms.”
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:55:12 -0700 Wrexham Council Breaks into Social Networking http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-council-breaks-into-social-networking http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-council-breaks-into-social-networking

Facebook users in Wrexham can now access Wrexham County Borough
Council’s Summer Madness booklet which details events at local
facilities that will help keep children occupied throughout the summer
holidays.
 
The social networking site has millions of users and Wrexham Council
are hopeful that the booklet’s inclusion on Facebook will prove
popular with residents who will be able to see all the activities that
are available even if they don’t have a copy of the booklet and
encourage those from further afield to visit us.
 
Events take place at venues throughout the county borough including
the country parks, libraries and community resource centres, leisure
and activity centres and museums. There’s even an opportunity to win a
bike and a Bookstart bear!
 
Cllr Rodney Skelland, Lead member for Regeneration and Corporate
Governance, said:
 
“Social networking sites are very popular and it is important that
Wrexham Council continues to take advantage of new technologies and
keep up with improvements in communications. This will ensure that
information about the services we provide is readily available to our
residents.”
 
Dave Hylands, Chief Information Systems Officer, said:
 
"Wrexham Council continues to provide its customers access to our
services and information in the most appropriate channels. Facebook is
a great way to let people know what is happening in Wrexham"
 
To see the pages go to
www.facebook.com/pages/Summer-madness/97092646145 or view Summer
Madness details on the council's website.
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:53:49 -0700 Minister officially opens Contact Wrexham http://wrexham.posterous.com/minister-officially-opens-contact-wrexham http://wrexham.posterous.com/minister-officially-opens-contact-wrexham The Welsh Assembly Government’s Minister for Finance and Public
Service Delivery, Andrew Davies AM, has officially opened Contact
Wrexham (Galw Wrecsam).
 
Contact Wrexham was launched earlier this year and provides customers
with advice and information about a range of council services.
 
Customers can talk to trained Advisors and get information on a wide
variety of services, including Council Tax; bus passes, housing
benefits and blue badges. Contact Wrexham can also offer families help
and advice on schools meals and school uniforms.
 
Andrew Davies AM, Minister for Finance and Public Service Delivery said:
 
“In these challenging economic times we need to look at new ways of
delivering much better services to citizens more efficiently and for
lower cost. Contact Wrexham is an excellent example of such a service
which puts customers at the very centre of what it delivers."
 
Since opening in January 2009, Contact Wrexham has seen over 14,000
visitors and helped customers access a variety of Council services.
This has included issuing over 450 Blue Badges, helping 1500 customers
apply for Housing Benefits and reviewing 250 Criminal Records Bureau
Checks.
 
Councillor Aled Roberts, Lead Member for Wrexham Council said
 
“Over the last few years we have developed a Contact Centre, Website
and Digital Television service all of which have shown our commitment
to providing customers with the best service possible. Contact Wrexham
adds to this work and allows us to offer customers an individual, one
to one service with trained Customer Advisors”.
 
Contact Wrexham can be found at 16 Lord Street, Wrexham, a short walk
away from Wrexham Bus Station.
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:27:51 -0700 Maelor's revamped A&E will transform patient services in Wrexham http://wrexham.posterous.com/maelors-revamped-aande-will-transform-patient http://wrexham.posterous.com/maelors-revamped-aande-will-transform-patient Wrexham's Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has said accident and
emergency services for patients at the town's Wrexham Maelor Hospital,
will be greatly improved thanks to Welsh Assembly Government
investment in its re-vamped A&E Department.
 
The AM made her comments during a visit to the Accident and Emergency
Department, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment which
will include a new reception area and the provision of new clinical
areas. It is expected that all work will be completed by February
2010.
 
Ms.Griffiths - who is a former hospital employee - was shown around
the Department by Judith Rees, the Deputy Manager and other clinical
staff.
 
Commenting following her tour of the new facilities, Lesley Griffiths AM said:
 
"When completed, this investment will transform accident and emergency
services in Wrexham. The refurbishment will not just provide an
improved environment for patients but crucially, it will also greatly
improve patient services.
 
"During my visit, I was particularly interested to hear about the
handover and turnaround times for ambulances at the Wrexham Maelor
Hospital. As a Member of the Assembly's Audit Committee, I have been
looking into this issue in some detail right across Wales as part of a
recent Inquiry.
 
"Judith Rees gave the evidence to the Audit Committee and reported
that Wrexham Maelor already does very well on target times for
ambulances. It is clear that once this refurbishment is complete,
those target times will improve even more in the future."
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:00:13 -0700 Wrexham girls reach national tennis finals http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-girls-reach-national-tennis-finals http://wrexham.posterous.com/wrexham-girls-reach-national-tennis-finals Wrexham Lawn Tennis Club Girls Under-14 team have reached the final of
the AEGON National Club League to be played at the LTA’s National
Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
 
This is the major national club competition, open to all tennis clubs
in Britain, and final will be held on July 25.
 
Wrexham qualified by winning the West Premier League and their semi-final.
 
They beat teams from Gloucester, Bristol, Bromsgrove and Cardiff to
reach the semi-final, and then defeated Tennis World, Middlesbrough in
a tense match to qualify for the big event at Roehampton.
 
The team consisted of Amy Khan Ince, Emily Watson, Kathryn Hughes,
Alice Scott and Muireann Henderson who are all North Wales County
players.
 
In the singles, Kathryn Hughes won 6-4 6-4 and Alice Scott won 6-0 6-1
to leave the tie finely balanced at 2 -2.
.
The doubles pairing of Kathryn and Muireann started off slowly and
found themselves 4-0 down in the first set which they lost 6-4. They
fought back to win the second set 6-1, and in a third set tie break
Muireann saved match point with an overhead smash setting the girls up
for an 11- 9 third set tie-break win.
 
In the deciding rubber, number-one pair Amy and Emily won the first
set 6-1, then lost the second set 6-4, before playing superbly in the
third set tie-break to win the match 4- 2.
 
The girls are coached at the Wrexham Academy by Dan Sanders, Craig
Evans and Matt Smith as well as Martyn Lewis at Prestatyn.
 
Team coach Lucy Scott said the girls’ performance was achieved through
team spirit and the ability to play under pressure.
 
"I am really proud of the girls for what they have achieved,” she
said. “Having won the Junior Club League as a player, I am honoured to
have helped guide the girls to the finals and hopefully to become the
national champions."
 
Club Chairman Margaret Holdsworth said the win showed that a small
tennis club can reach a national final in such a prestigious
competition and showed that tennis is thriving at Wrexham Lawn Tennis
Club.
 
Any potential players, juniors or seniors, who would like to play tennis at
Wrexham Lawn Tennis club can contact Margaret for details on 01978 752305
 
Information on all aspects of tennis in Wales is available from Tennis
Wales at 029 20 463335 or www.tenniswales.org.uk
 
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]]> http://posterous.com/images/profile/unknown75.gif http://posterous.com/people/1bjA3xJXHKF Jane Redfern Jones Jane Jane Redfern Jones