LEADER COLUMN

This year marks the 80th Anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day with plans to commemorate this across the country and here in Wrexham. The 8th May will begin with a service at St Giles Church followed by a parade through the centre of Wrexham, led by RWF Volunteer Corps of Drums when the Standards will be paraded by different military associations. This will culminate in a wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial on Bodhyfryd as Wrexham pays tribute to this incredible generation who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As always, Wrexham will play its part in these national commemorations, mindful of the role played by servicemen and women from our area and given our proud connection with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

VE Day on 8th May 1945 was a national holiday and events were organised to mark the occasion including services, street parties and parades. Winston Churchill addressed the nation on the radio and appeared on the balcony of the Ministry of Health in London. However, the war was not over as fighting in the Far East against Japan continued until August 1945. Of course, the celebrations took place in the shadow of the deaths and casualties that many families had experienced, alongside the strain of wartime life: air raids, rationing and other restrictions.

The Imperial War Museum is looking for letters or postcards sent by your family members during the Second World War to their loved ones. This could include soldiers on the front line; men, women and children on the home front; or relatives who contributed to Britain’s war effort from Britain and Commonwealth countries. You can share any examples via the special website https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/letterstolovedones/.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

At this time of year as Spring bursts into life, we appreciate the spaces of sanctuary and growth in our community – its gardens.

In Wrexham we are so fortunate to have several different projects across the area, many maintained by volunteers who spend hours tending to them for the benefit of others. Here are just a few of the many examples we have:

Incredible Edible are a group of wonderful volunteers who maintain a number of sites in Wrexham with the idea of growing food for free. They have their Rhosddu allotment alongside Mount Street and Madeira Hill sites. They also support the Broom Grove Community Garden on Caia Park which is a fantastic example of community growing. Their volunteer days are on their Facebook page so look out for them. The Growing Space Garden at Caia Park Partnership is also a great project looking for volunteers. Please contact CPP for details of how to get involved.  

Community gardens can be found around Wrexham. For example, the Plas Pentwyn garden in Coedpoeth which also has an orchard, is maintained by volunteers including children from local schools. There is also a new community garden in Gwersyllt which started last month. The common thread here, alongside the idea of growing food is also about developing new skills and making connections with people and maybe finding a new passion.

2 of our high schools Ysgol Rhosnesni and Ysgol Clywedog have successful gardening initiatives in their schools as enrichment for students. And there are also some wonderful projects in our primary schools, encouraging the pupils to understand where food comes from and the importance of a healthy diet.

Erlas Walled Garden is very much a hidden gem in our community. Not only is it a beautiful space but the opportunities it gives to its beneficiaries are immense, supporting them to learn new skills and grow in confidence.

Gardens are so much more than about planting, the bigger picture is so important.  They help to foster a sense of pride in our communities as well as the benefits for the environment and our mental health. As your MP these are real priorities for me.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

At the end of this week, Wrexham will welcome the Carnival of Words once again. This annual event aims to share a love of reading and books with people across the County Borough. This is its 11th year, and it brings a varied programme from historical fiction to meet the author, a writer’s panel, murder mystery and a children’s festival too. The Wrexham Carnival of words team are also part of a wider group exploring the year 1876 a “Year of Wonder” for Wrexham and there are some exciting ideas planned for next year to coincide with the 150th anniversary.

This year’s Carnival of Words festival runs from the 25th April to the 2nd May and includes some fantastic events including authors Elly Griffiths, Kate Kemp and Harriet Evans amongst many others as well as the intriguingly titled “Poetry Live and Dangerous” and “Love Letters to Wrexham”. For those thinking of learning Welsh there is a session with Francesca Sciarrillo and Doctor Cymraeg, Stephen Rule. The full programme can be viewed at www.wrexhamcarnivalofwords.com, events are ticketed with a number of free and chargeable ones.

The 2024 National Literacy Trust Survey found that only 1 in 5 (20.5%) 8- to 18-year-olds read something daily in their free time in 2024, again, the lowest levels they’ve recorded since 2005, with daily reading levels decreasing by 7.5% in the last year alone. The Publisher’s Association research has found that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child's future success - even more than family circumstances or household income. That’s why it's crucial that children feel empowered to choose what, when, and where they read.

Reading has been such an important part of my life and I’ve been keen to share this on the recent visits to local schools. Authors, educators, families, schools, libraries, charities, publishers and of course the government we all need to work together to make reading for pleasure a priority.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Last month, the Government released its Green Paper entitled “Pathways to Work” which covered welfare reform. Before and since publication, I have had many constituents contact me with their views about the proposed changes. I have also had several representations from charities. I issued a statement explaining my own concerns, specifically around the proposed changes to PIP and the health component of Universal Credit.

The Green Paper does contain some positive changes: the ‘Right to Try’ which will allow people to try work and return to their previous benefits without reassessment should it doesn’t work out and ‘Pathways to Work’ are both to be welcomed. I was also pleased to see the Unemployment Insurance to protect people with a higher rate of benefit if they fall out of work.

We are now in a consultation phase, and I would like to hear from constituents about their views on the proposed reforms. I would like to use these to further discussions with colleagues and Ministers so that I can represent the views of people in Wrexham more effectively. A Green Paper is the first phase and amendments are often made; it is important that our voices are heard.

In the last few weeks, I have met with and am working with local organisations Advance Brighter Futures, Wrexham Citizen’s Advice Bureau and others to understand the lived experiences of people in our area and how these changes could affect them.

The feedback form can be accessed here https://tinyurl.com/ARangerwelfare. It is also available on my social media sites: Facebook, Instagram and Blue Sky and on my website www.andrewforlabourwrexham.org.uk and will be open until the start of May. You can also request a link to the form or an accessible version by emailing me. 

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

We have seen how tourism is changing Wrexham: coach parties at the Turf, people on walking tours, wandering the streets with a map, queuing in the Wrexham AFC shop. In fact, tourism has grown by £120m in the last 3 years. It has shone a light on things we need for example, such as places for tourists to stay but nevertheless, the signs are incredibly encouraging.

Of course, football is a big draw, how could it not be? With plans moving forward for the Kop, it will make a unique visual imprint on the landscape as well as extending the capacity of the Cae Ras. And with the new football museum alongside the Wrexham Museum, there will be plenty more to see for the fans.

But there is much more to Wrexham and the surrounding area. Of course, we are so close to the World Heritage Site at Pontcysyllte which is a hugely popular but next year will see the opening of Stori Brymbo with its 300-million-year-old fossil forest, something that not a lot of places can boast. Furthermore, Wrecsam 2029 are bidding for City of Culture status for 2029 with ambitious plans which we are already starting to see in the City Centre with the Public Art Trail and the refurbishment of the markets but also ensuring that the bid covers the whole area.

In August we will welcome the National Eisteddfod. The Maes will be situated in Isycoed, celebrating Welsh language and culture with competitions at the heart of it. Whilst this is not in the city centre it gives plenty of opportunity for visitors to explore more widely and take in some of the places I have mentioned, and more!

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

I was delighted to hold my latest constituency surgery in Brymbo. Constituents brought a range of issues which we were able to action as casework. A big thank you to the Enterprise Centre for accommodating us.

Of course, Brymbo’s industrial heritage is what people associate with the area. Its rich veins of coal and iron meant it was the site of significant activity in the 19th and 20th Centuries. Going back even earlier, the discovery of “Brymbo Man” in 1958 was archaeologically important, being discovered alongside a flint knife and beaker, and aged between 35-40. The Bronze Age man is now part of Wrexham Museum’s collection. More and more is being discovered about Brymbo’s history and the new Stori Brymbo will capture the industrial aspect alongside the fascinating fossil forest. It was fantastic to see the developments up there on my visit last week, this project is involving the community at every step and that is so important.

I was also privileged to highlight Wrexham and North Wales at Prime Minister’s Questions where I asked the Prime Minister about the Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone and the creation of 6,000 good local jobs as a result. This is vital for opportunities, particularly for young people who will then make the decision to stay in the local area. I have also held important meetings with Ken Skates the Cabinet Secretary for Transport to discuss rail improvements and then with a wider set of Welsh and English MPs we looked more broadly at road, bus, and rail connectivity within Wales and also across the border with England. 2 Labour Governments working together can only be beneficial for Wrexham and Wales.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Many of us either use a landline or know someone who does. The technology that we use at the moment to make landline calls is being upgraded. This has significant implications for people in our community.

BT has taken the decision to replace the old network known as PTSN by January 2027. Other providers that use BT’s network are also needing to contact customers. This is alongside the upgrade of old copper broadband lines to full fibre. In future, landline calls will be delivered digitally using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). You will not need to do anything until your landline provider gets in contact with you, but it’s important not to ignore any communication from them.

Your provider should supply any new equipment you need to make your telephone work, e.g. a new router. Please tell your provider about any special circumstances you have, or any support you might need especially if you are dependent on your landline to make calls.

It’s important to be aware that you may need to check the compatibility of things like your care alarm, health pendant or security alarm if they are connected to your landline. It is also important to speak to your provider if you only have a landline (no mobile phone) and discuss what to do in case of a power cut.

If you are a small business owner please speak to your landline provider for advice, particularly if you use card payment machines, alarms or other security equipment that relies on your landline.

The decision to close the PSTN has been made by the telecoms industry and not the Government. It is crucial that we and those we know, are ready for it.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

With St Patrick’s Day this week, it’s interesting to look at Wrexham’s Irish connection which goes back further than you’d think.

In Wrexham Museum’s collection is a Bronze Age knife, axe head and 4 fragments of gold bracelets. They were discovered in 2002 near Wrexham and the gold on the bracelets was probably Irish. Trade even in the Bronze Age linked Wales to Ireland. In the middle of the Nineteenth Century, people came over from Ireland in the aftermath of the potato famine, taking the opportunities provided by improved road and rail. Some of them stayed

We can find plenty of individual stories of the Irish link to Wrexham. Charles Herbert Murless who is buried in Wrexham Cemetery was born in Cork, ran the Wynnstay Hotel following in his father’s footsteps and was Mayor of Wrexham 1894-1896. Football also brings an Irish connection to Wrexham, with current players including James McClean, Eoghan O’Connell and Tom O’Connor to name but a few. There are also a number of Irish supporters who travel over for games.

In Welsh Affairs Select Committee recently, I raised the importance of connectivity of Wrexham to Holyhead and therefore to Ireland. This is so vital for trade but also for tourism. It has now been reported that Holyhead Port will fully reopen in July. Furthermore, last week Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates and Irish Government Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports Sean Canney met in Dublin to discuss the resilience of the crossings between Wales and Ireland, and what more can be done to safeguard them for the future.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Careers Week gives an opportunity to focus on the many different pathways open to people at different stages in their life, to shape a career. Having done a degree in Microelectronics and software engineering, I then took my studies further by studying Hotel, Catering and Tourism Management. I worked in management positions at both Carden Park and Ruthin Castle before moving into business consultancy and accountancy. Alongside this, I volunteered in several roles for Wrexham Constituency Labour Party and still serve as a Community Councillor for Offa.

Career pathways are not always straightforward but it’s important to know that support is out there. We all probably know people who have changed careers at least once during their lives. Skills are transferrable and education is for life. People can and are doing qualifications at any age plus in our rapidly changing world, education and the jobs market is constantly adapting and needing different things from the workforce.

Sometimes young people have really defined ideas of the direction they want to take, and others have absolutely no idea. National Careers Week have a really helpful parent guide (The Parent’s Guide To NCW 2025 – National Careers Week) to help you navigate conversations with your teen about next steps. Careers Wales also have a range of resources from building a CV to different ways to find a job. Their careers quiz matches your skills and interests with potential careers. You can find more details of this on their website.  

In Wrexham, we have a number of different organisations working to support people into employment. For example, The Wallich which I visited a few weeks ago supports clients in terms of education and training to help them in their next steps. Rebuild with Hope is a charity who began with a focus on helping ex-offenders rebuild their lives by providing training, skills development, and support. Now they have broadened who they work with those who face obstacles such as long-term unemployment, disabilities, or limited access to education.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Bangor on Dee or Bangor is y Coed is synonymous with the racecourse, the river and several iconic landmarks such as the 5 arched stone bridge and the church of St Dunawd. Many of us will have visited it to see at least one of those places.

The area has a strong religious history as a monastery was built there by Saint Dunawd. Its bridge dates back to 1660 and was believed to have been designed by Inigo Jones, the famous architect and painter. It is Grade 1 listed and its origins trace back to the medieval period.

I was delighted to hold my recent constituency surgery there and to meet Community Councillors and residents at the Village Hall. A number of issues were raised ranging from broadband to litter. My casework team have also been dealing with concerns around the river and debris blocking the bridge and this case is ongoing as we pursue a resolution with CADW and Wrexham County Borough Council.

I know that broadband and mobile signal are of particular concern, which I raised with Chris Bryant, the Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms when we met a few weeks ago. Bangor on Dee will benefit from the Project Gigabit roll out starting this year, along with other areas of our constituency. I will continue to campaign on this issue as Bangor on Dee along with places like Rossett, Marchwiel, Brymbo amongst others are experiencing similar problems. Connectivity is key and a priority area for me.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

With St David’s Day and International Women’s Day being a week apart, I thought it would be interesting to explore Wrexham’s place in significant moments in women’s history as well as spotlighting local groups who are supporting women and girls in Wrexham today.

A natural place to start would be the campaign for the vote at the start of the last century. Emmeline Pankhurst, the suffragette leader, spoke to a large crowd on Poyser Street in January 1912 whilst another called Kitty Marion, heckled Lloyd George who would go on to be Prime Minister in WW1, during his speech at the National Eisteddfod in Bellevue Park. This was national news at the time!

Girlguiding and the Scouts welcome girls from across Wrexham to be a part of their movement equipping them with crucial transferrable skills, involving their members in social action in our community and also peer support, leading and training younger members. I met the team from We Mind the Gap last year, who provide incredible experiences for their “gappies”, some of the young women I met had hugely benefited from work experience, coaching, skills provision and other experiences that really help develop their confidence and self esteem and prepare them for life.  

We also have organisations in Wrexham, supporting women with the most challenging of situations. DASU works with anyone who has experienced domestic abuse although statistically that does mean the majority are women. It is an organisation led by women. To contact them call 0333 360 0483 or out of hours 0808 80 10 800. Furthermore, Bawso support black and minoritised individuals and communities affected by domestic abuse and other forms of abuse. They also have a 24-hour Help Line 08007318147, crisis intervention, advocacy and advice, access to statutory help and services, outreach and safe houses as well as survivor’s empowerment programmes.

It’s important to remember that not all women and girls have equality in terms of rights across the world. In Westminster recently, I met with The Maiden Factor who are a charity campaigning for the right of Afghan girls to have an education, awareness of this is so important. Furthermore, I was part of a group of MPs who called on the England and Wales Cricket Board to boycott their Champions Trophy match against Afghanistan in protest at the treatment of women and girls. I will continue to advocate for the rights of women and girls.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Wrexham’s industrial heritage is something to understand, celebrate and commemorate not just for those of us who are local but also for the increasing number of visitors to our area. 2 projects are looking at innovative ways to engage and educate visitors in the fascinating stories of how industrialisation affected Wrexham: Stori Brymbo and Wrexham Miners Project.

Wrexham Miners Project has spent six years carefully bringing half of the rescue station on Maesgwyn Road back to use. The café, museum, arts and events space and poignant memorial wall really bring mining history alive.  There’s even a “hot and humid chamber”, to give visitors an idea of what the conditions were like down the pit for the rescuers and the miners. I always learn something new each time I visit, and the volunteers who lead the tours are incredibly engaging to listen to. If you haven’t been already, it’s well worth a visit.

Stori Brymbo is due to open next year and is restoring and reusing the remains of the former Brymbo Iron and Steelworks as well as uncovering and protecting the Brymbo Fossil Forest. The project aims to fuse the stories of Brymbo’s natural, industrial and social development. It is 35 years since the Steelworks closed and there are plans to commemorate this, later in the year. I’m looking forward to visiting Stori Brymbo to see the progress being made.

What links both these fantastic projects together is the idea of connection not only with the past but to provide spaces and opportunities for their communities in the future. As a Welsh learner myself, the word “cynefin” sums up both projects beautifully as “the historic, cultural and social space which is shaped and defined by the community that inhabits it.”

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Creative industries are a growing area in Wrexham, and we also have a proud history of it too. The Grove Park Little Theatre is Wrexham’s oldest amateur theatre, tracing its history back to 1925 when the Grove Park Old Boys’ Amateur Dramatic Society was formed, later merging with the Girls’ group. Just a year later the Stiwt in Rhos opened and it’s great to see the role it’s going to play in the Wrecsam City of Culture bid for 2029. The William Aston Hall continues to attract an incredible range of musicians, theatre productions and comedians who want to include Wrexham on their tour route. This also has a knock-on effect for our hospitality venues.

Inspiration for young people to encourage them to see a future in creative industries is so important. I was delighted to visit the Wrexham Academy of Screen Acting before Christmas, where they are supporting local students who are passionate about acting. It is fantastic to have this facility in Wrexham for students to develop their skills.

Furthermore, Tŷ’r Ddraig (Dragon House) have chosen to make their home in Wrexham and have their studio in Tŷ Pawb. They are a successful production company responsible for the recently commissioned Lost in the Lakes which has achieved notable success since its first broadcast.

The Lab on Eagles Meadow was established following the success of Hip Hop Cymru, a Heritage Lottery-funded exhibition and activity programme that highlighted Wales’ contribution to Hip Hop. This is one of Wrexham’s newest venues, alongside more established ones like the Rockin’ Chair, the Parish, Saith Seren and many others. This reflects the diversity of the music offer here in Wrexham, especially as Wrexham is the home of Focus Wales. This incredible event is in its 15th year and hopes to attract more than 20,000 people to the city over the weekend of 8th-10th May.  

Growth and opportunity can take many forms and it’s wonderful to see this sector growing in Wrexham. Long may that continue.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

I thought I would focus this week’s column on Rossett, a village right on the border where I was delighted to spend time during a recent visit and constituency surgery. Many of us know Rossett from the Number 1 bus route and its historic buildings are instantly recognisable.

The beautiful mill dating from 1661 was built to mill corn for the locals and has inspired artists like JMW Turner. The Church which was not the original one on that site is also a focal point of the village. However, the area around The Green is the real centre of the village. The park has undergone a transformation in recent months with a development of a new play area for smaller children.

I was so pleased to be able to visit the Hwb Yr Orsedd and the fantastic facilities it offers for the local community. The Hwb is located at the end of The Green where an old toilet block used to stand. It has now been transformed to a great space for residents to use. The Hwb hosts the Community Café for example which provides people with an opportunity to socialise and to try out different skills. The Hwb also relies on volunteer support. It can be hired out and has many different activities taking place all week.

It was great to meet the team at BASC (British Association of Shooting and Conservation) based at Marford Mill on the edge of Rossett, to hear about their passion for the countryside and some of the challenges faced in the natural environment.

Our constituency in Wrexham is so geographically diverse from the city centre to the mining villages like Llay and the rural areas like Overton. After the boundary changes which came into force for the 2024 election, people sometimes don’t realise when they are in the Wrexham constituency and when they are not! Rossett is such an interesting mix with its link to Wrexham and Chester, the railway line but also a strong farming connection. I look forward to my next visit!

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Holocaust Memorial Day is the international day on 27th January to commemorate the Holocaust – the deliberate murder of 6 million Jews. We also commemorate the millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of non-Jewish groups, and in the more recent genocides recognised by the government, and in Darfur. 2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Holocaust Memorial Day is marked in thousands of communities across the country, with the UK Ceremony as the focal point, and the national moment to “Light the Darkness” which I know many of us across Wrexham will be participating in.   

So many different groups were deliberately targeted by the Nazis. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust have curated a digital exhibition of 80 bespoke candleholders which have been designed and created by different communities across the UK to highlight a person or community who were persecuted by the Nazis, such as the Jews, the Roma, the Sinti, those who were disabled or those who were gay for example.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp and death camp complex. At the site itself in Poland, this will be the last milestone anniversary with contributions from and attended by first hand witnesses to the Holocaust.

I was incredibly humbled when I visited Auschwitz last year to see and hear the harrowing stories of what happened there. That is why I believe that Holocaust Education is so vital. The Holocaust Educational Trust’s new Testimony 360 digital education programme allows participants to combine digital eyewitness testimony with virtual reality. This is invaluable for future generations to be able to access and understand Holocaust Survivor Testimony. Education and awareness are key so that future generations can understand not only what the Holocaust was, but how it happened and its impact on millions and how it must never happen again.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Blue Monday originated from a UK travel company called Sky Travel back in 2005 who wanted to coin a phrase for the most depressing day of the year. The third Monday in January is often when people are feeling financial struggles, the weather is bleak and New Year’s Resolutions have fallen by the wayside meaning low mood and the need for support.

In our area we have lots of groups and individuals who are encouraging talk, connections and a sense of belonging in a bid to combat loneliness and depression: Andy’s Man Club, Richy’s Walk and Talk, Cwtch Life and Wrexham Mombies amongst others. In fact, I was delighted to meet with Andy’s Man Club in Parliament last month to hear about the work they are doing across the UK.

MIND the mental health charity are currently undertaking a survey to better understand peoples’ experiences of mental health support, whether that is through primary care (e.g. nurses and GPs), charities or organisations like support groups, information services as well as apps and digital platforms. You can access the survey here Big Mental Health Survey.

More locally, Advance Brighter Futures have been working in our community for over 30 years. They work to improve mental health and wellbeing with support services including one to one talking therapy, parent support groups, wellbeing groups, one to one coaching, art space, allotment group and walking group.

Dragon Chat who meet in a dedicated room at the Wrexham Miner’s Rescue is a mental health peer support group for people over 18 years old. Their aim is to provide a safe space for members of the community to talk in confidence about their mental health. They want to reduce the stigma and prevent suicide and there are separate women’s and men’s groups.

There’s lots of support out there to access whether in person, over the phone or online. Betsi Cadwaladr’s Mental Health Hub – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board provides lots of links and suggestions. For urgent support please call 111 and select option 2.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Hospitality has been an important part of my work life before becoming your MP as well as, like many others, my social life. Therefore, when I was successful in the ballot to present a Private Members’ Bill to Parliament, a bill that would support this sector seemed an attractive choice.

The ‘Licensing Hours Extensions Bill’ is a change that I believe is well overdue for our hospitality and pub industry and one that would directly benefit businesses across England and Wales. The challenges for hospitality after COVID and a cost-of-living crisis have been immense. This will present the industry with an opportunity to open their doors for longer.

The key aspect of the Bill is to amend the Licensing Hours Act 2003. This would simplify the process of extending licensing hours for venues on occasions of exceptional international, national, or local significance. These occasions could range from Wales or England reaching the latter stages of a major sporting tournament to royal weddings and days of national importance.

For example, when the Lionesses reached the final of the World Cup in August 2023, Parliament was in recess which meant that pubs, bars, and other hospitality venues could not serve alcohol until the second half and some premises could not even open at all.  

Furthermore, last year the Belonging Forum, a non-profit organisation that looks at solutions to stop social isolation and foster belonging, undertook a study of over 10,000 people across the UK. They found, people feel disconnected and isolated from their communities and neighbourhoods, with pubs and bars forming a crucial part of community life and hubs where people can come to. Many of us can identify places like that in our own area.

The Bill will go for its second reading on 17th January.

Wrexham Public Art Trail continues to grow and there are now a number of different murals across our city for locals and visitors to enjoy. They really showcase the diversity, creativity and talent that we have in Wrexham and highlight our wonderful culture and heritage. This project is part of the Wrecsam 2029 bid for City of Culture. I look forward to seeing how this fantastic work develops over the coming months.

If any constituents need help or advice then please email my office [email protected]  or by telephone on 01978 788854.

Hospitality has been an important part of my work life before becoming your MP as well as, like many others, my social life. Therefore, when I was successful in the ballot to present a Private Members’ Bill to Parliament, a bill that would support this sector seemed an attractive choice.

The ‘Licensing Hours Extensions Bill’ is a change that I believe is well overdue for our hospitality and pub industry and one that would directly benefit businesses across England and Wales. The challenges for hospitality after COVID and a cost-of-living crisis have been immense. This will present the industry with an opportunity to open their doors for longer.

The key aspect of the Bill is to amend the Licensing Hours Act 2003. This would simplify the process of extending licensing hours for venues on occasions of exceptional international, national, or local significance. These occasions could range from Wales or England reaching the latter stages of a major sporting tournament to royal weddings and days of national importance.

For example, when the Lionesses reached the final of the World Cup in August 2023, Parliament was in recess which meant that pubs, bars, and other hospitality venues could not serve alcohol until the second half and some premises could not even open at all.  

Furthermore, last year the Belonging Forum, a non-profit organisation that looks at solutions to stop social isolation and foster belonging, undertook a study of over 10,000 people across the UK. They found, people feel disconnected and isolated from their communities and neighbourhoods, with pubs and bars forming a crucial part of community life and hubs where people can come to. Many of us can identify places like that in our own area.

The Bill will go for its second reading on 17th January.

Wrexham Public Art Trail continues to grow and there are now a number of different murals across our city for locals and visitors to enjoy. They really showcase the diversity, creativity and talent that we have in Wrexham and highlight our wonderful culture and heritage. This project is part of the Wrecsam 2029 bid for City of Culture. I look forward to seeing how this fantastic work develops over the coming months.

If any constituents need help or advice then please email my office [email protected]  or by telephone on 01978 788854.

The New Year has arrived and for some of us that means resolutions: getting active, improving diets or taking on new hobbies. However, for many, it can mean facing the reality of debt.

A You Gov poll in December found that 1 in 4 people in the UK (about 14.5 million people) would struggle to afford Christmas which is a rise of 1.6 million people since last year. This has led people to rely on credit cards and Buy Now Pay Later schemes in order to afford gifts and other festive activities.

There is support out there for anyone in Wrexham who needs advice on how to manage debt. Step Change is the UK’s leading debt advice charity who support millions in financial difficulty across the UK. The Better Off Calculator Better Off Calculator – Policy in Practice which is free to use, can look at your household budget, benefit eligibility and how employment can help your financial situation. The Citizens’ Advice Bureau have dedicated debt advisers and a comprehensive service to support you to deal with debt, to find solutions and to budget.  

Before Christmas, I attended an event in Parliament led by Step Change to hear about what they are doing in communities like ours to support those in financial difficulty. I look forward to continuing to work with them, along with other local organisations to ensure that help is reaching those that need it.  

There are 2 weeks remaining for the Wrexham County Borough consultation on the future of our libraries and community resource centres. You can fill in the consultation online here and the consultation ends on the 19th January. Please take time to complete this so that as many voices are heard as possible. Our libraries and community resource centres provide connections, services and support for everyone, whatever their age. As a Community Councillor in Offa, I have seen first hand how important the community resource centre has been to local residents and it is something that I have utilised myself.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or [email protected]

Last week was Small Business Saturday, when we recognise and celebrate the small businesses in our communities. As we approach the busiest shopping time of the year on the lead up to Christmas, I have been thinking about the fantastic businesses we have here in Wrexham, such as Reggie’s Artisanal Bakery, Wrexham Trainer Revival, Toast Café and Deli, Chevron Clothing, The Bank, Martin Rees Jewellery and many more. As someone who started my career in small business, I know first-hand how important small businesses are to our communities.

Despite a stormy day, I enjoyed getting out at the weekend and being able to see the fantastic reopened markets, which is testament to the hard work done by Wrexham County Borough Council in the past few years. The traders have a wonderful selection of products and I was given a warm welcome by them.

I’m also under no illusions about the challenges businesses have faced over the past few years, and that many of the challenges faced then are still present now. I’m glad that both in Cardiff and Westminster, the Governments are firmly listening and on the side of small businesses, it is my hope that measures such as the £130 million of additional non-domestic rates support, coinciding with the already existing small business rates relief, can provide business in Wrexham with the stability it needs to succeed.

Recently, I was glad to be able to join the Have your Say roadshow at Wrexham Library. The consultation on our libraries and resource centres is still ongoing. As I’ve expressed previously, I feel strongly that our libraries and resource centres are at the heart of our communities and need support and preserving. Libraries are not just places to pick up books, they are warm hubs during the winter, space for community groups to meet, they provide IT equipment for those who might be digitally excluded otherwise and support both children and adults.

I am aware of the challenges that Wrexham County Borough Council are facing, after pressure felt across the UK due to the poor economic climate in recent years but I do not feel that changes to our vital services are the way to go. Once we lose services such as libraries, it is almost impossible to revive them at a later date, with a much larger cost in the long term. The Welsh Government budget will be announced shortly, with the biggest settlement for Wales since devolution began. I look forward to seeing what WCBC will be awarded after that.

 I would urge everyone to have their say during the consultation, which you can do here or via a paper form, or at one of the Have your Say roadshows taking place at each library.

Finally, I have to say thank you to our emergency services and council workers during Storm Darragh. The storm was one of the most intense in recent months and caused damage to buildings, left some places flooded and in the wider UK, people without power. Our emergency services and council workers kept people safe and worked tirelessly to bring back normality as quickly as possible.

This week marks White Ribbon Day 2024. I have been proud to be a White Ribbon Ambassador for several years.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity that engages men and boys to end violence against women and girls. White Ribbon focuses on preventative changes to harmful cultures, attitudes and behaviours.

As men, we need to recognise that preventing violence against women and girls starts with men. Violence is often rooted in harmful masculine traits. By challenging each other’s attitudes and behaviours that are harmful to women, we can affect positive change that will transform culture. Gender equality is key to making this happen and recognising our responsibility as allies.

It is vital that change starts to happen. 70% of women in the UK say they have experienced sexual harassment in public, 3 in 5 women have experiences sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse at work and 1.4 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023.

I am proud to wear my White Ribbon badge in Parliament. The Labour Party manifesto pledged to halve violence against women and girls, and I was delighted to see the first actions announced by the Home Secretary such as embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, new domestic abuse protection orders and tougher sanctions if these are breached. There will also be a focus on supporting schools and education centres on teaching children about healthy relationships, respect and consent.

Recently, I joined Fast Track Cymru at their conference at the Stok Cae Ras and listened to their vital work in how to reduce stigma on HIV. People who are diagnosed with HIV can live as long and as healthily as anyone else, however early diagnosis is vital so that treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Last week was Wales HIV Test Week which encourages everyone to get tested. Together, we can help stop HIV in its tracks by getting tested. Anyone in Wales can order a free, confidential home test which you can order here.

Finally, I am delighted to see the return of the Wrexham Victorian Christmas Markets along with the long-awaited reopening of the refurbished Butchers Market and General Market. Wrexham has a long history of being a market town and I am looking forward to visiting the markets as we get into the festive season.

This week, Wrexham County Borough Council has launched a public consultation on the future of Wrexham’s libraires and community resource centres.

The council have said that they need to make £185,000 in cuts to the libraries after reduced funding over the past decade, along with increased need for support from residents and rising inflation.

Our libraries and community centres are an integral part of our communities. They encourage our children to fall in love with reading with a wide selection of books for them to choose from. There are challenges and groups that make reading fun for them.

The vital Homelink service is a lifeline for people who are homebound and have no-one to pick up books on their behalf. It means that those people can still enjoy their hobbies, whether that is reading fiction or studying different topics.

Libraries help with older people by tacking digital exclusion by providing free WiFi, printing services and photocopying along with groups that can teach digital skills to ensure that people feel confident in a more digital world.

There are many events that take place in our libraries and community centres such as the annual Carnival of Worlds that celebrated 10 years in 2024. There are also well attended regular meet the author events, annual back to school sessions to gently encourage children on the transition to full time education.

They are also places where different groups can meet, from knitting and natter groups, Welsh language sessions for children, sports discussions, friendship groups, scrabble clubs and much more. These are often lifelines for people who may not have any other social outlet which prevents them feeling isolated.

You can have your say several ways on the proposed cuts over the next couple of months. You can fill in the consultation online here. You can also pick up a paper copy at any library or community centre if you prefer.

There are several ‘Have your Say’ roadshows taking place at each library over the coming weeks so you can attend in person and discuss your views. The consultation ends on the 19th January 2025.

I was delighted to hear that the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct could become the first Welsh landmark in the Lego collection, joining only 4 other UK locations.

The 6 foot Lego model of the Aqueduct is currently on display in Ty Pawb for people to visit and there is a online campaign to get the 10,000 votes needed for Lego to consider adding the Aqueduct to it’s set collection. You can vote here

Wrexham of course has historic links with Lego, with the world-famous bricks being produced in a factory on the Industrial Estate and later being distributed from a site on Ruthin Road. It feels therefore very fitting that the first Welsh potential addition to the Lego collection is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Last week, I was contacted by a concerned constituent who had concerns over a man who seemed to be homeless, along with his dog. The next day, whilst I was in Parliament, my constituency team went out to try to find the man. They did find him and listened to his concerns on being told by Wrexham Council that he could not be housed due to his dog. I did some research and found that homeless people can be homed with their dogs, and we found some options that would mean he would not be separated from his dog.   

Over the next few days, working with the Council’s Housing Solutions Team, my office staff kept in touch with the man, checked on his welfare and provided hot drinks and food. I was then delighted to hear that he has been housed and is now in accommodation.

Whilst my team did a fantastic job, what struck me most was what they told me about the Wrexham residents they spoke to whilst working with the man who was homeless. Dozens of people knew the man and came over to have a chat and a joke with him, give him hot drinks, provide food and treats for his dog, who seems to be a sort of local celebrity!

It truly shows the best of Wrexham, and it isn’t a surprise. This community has always looked after each other and it is why I am proud to live here, be part of the community and represent our incredible city in Parliament. I would especially like to thank the resident who contacted me initially, without your care towards the man, we would not have been able to assist him and his dog.

If you have any concerns over a person you suspect to be homeless, the Council’s Housing Solutions Team are available 24 hours a day and can be contacted on 01978 292947 or you can use the Streetlink website to send an alert to them. There are several fantastic hostels and options in Wrexham such as the Wallich, which does incredible work housing the homeless community and facilitating meetings with external support services.

As the weather gets colder, Wrexham Council have the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol which has measures in place to support people sleeping rough during severe cold weather.

Next week is UK Parliament Week for schools, youth organisations and charities. UK Parliament Week is an annual event to encourage children and young people to learn more about Parliament, what it does, and how they can get involved. Last year 1.6 million people got involved across Wales and the wider UK.

I was pleased to learn how many groups across Wrexham have signed up, with many events such as debates, petitions, school assemblies and much more. I will be joining a group next weekend, alongside other elected representatives to discuss Parliament and how it works and have a debate. As ever, if you require assistance or if you have any concerns you wish to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected]

Last week, we had the first budget from a UK Labour Government in 15 years, and the first ever budget from a female chancellor.

The UK Labour Government was elected on a manifesto of change in July and the budget is the start of that change to fix the foundations of our economy, begin to fix our public services, make work pay and ensure that everyone is better off.

We could not carry on with the same old failed policies that defined the past 14 years of the Conservative government, which left the people of Wrexham facing a huge cost of living crisis and our vital public services facing breaking point.

I was delighted to hear from the Chancellor that the National Minimum Wage will rise by 6.7%, meaning an increase of £1,400 for workers on the lowest wages, meaning more money in the pockets of nearly 2500 people here in Wrexham, at a time when bills, mortgages and rents are at a high.

The Chancellor announced the biggest real terms settlement for Wales since devolution with a £21billion settlement announced for 2025/2026 including £1.7billion of consequentials. This clearly shows that two Labour governments working together will deliver real change for Wrexham and across Wales.

The Labour manifesto promised that working people will not see tax rises in their pay slips with no rises in National Insurance, no rise in basic, higher or additional income tax and no rise in VAT, and this has been delivered.

The Long-Term Plan for Towns will be retained, which is fantastic news for Wrexham as one of the 75 places that is set to gain from the programme. I look forward to seeing further news in the coming months.

After a difficult 5 years, it is fantastic to see investment into Wrexham in recent weeks with announcements from Kellenova, Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Lager. The future is looking bright.

This weekend sees the annual Remembrance Sunday service when we as a country pay tribute to the servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is always a solemn and humbling experience, and this weekend will be no different. We will also commemorate their memory in Parliament with a two-minute silence in the chamber of the House of Commons on the 11th November.

I also be planting a tribute on behalf of the people of Wrexham in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance in New Palace Yard. The Garden was opened by the Speaker of the House of Commons, and I am honoured to plant the Remembrance Tribute in memory of the people who fought for their country.

Lest We Forget.

Last week, I was delighted to see the Employment Rights Bill pass its second reading in Parliament. The new laws are the biggest upgrade in employee rights in decades. The bill will mean that employees have rights such as sick pay, flexible working requests and protection from unfair dismissal from day one of employment rather than have to wait to qualify.

The bill also bans exploitive zero-hour contracts, with employers being required to offer workers a guaranteed-hours contract based on the hours worked over a 12-week period. Workers can still opt to keep a zero-hour contract if they wish to, the difference being that they are entitled to a guaranteed-hours contract. Workers on zero-hours contract will also be entitled to compensation if a shift is cancelled or cut short.

One of the biggest parts of the bill is the banning of fire and rehire. This will stop the unethical practice of employers dismissing their workers and hiring them back on worse terms and conditions. We have seen this in recent years with P&O most notably and currently here in Wrexham, with workers at Oscar Mayer in dispute over the practice. I reiterate my call to Oscar Mayer to sit down with their workers and come to a solution that is fair and equitable to all parties.

Halloween is this week and I hope that everyone enjoys it safely. In Wrexham, there are a lot of events over the half term holidays for families to enjoy, from Halloween Crafts at Brynteg Library, Halloween Fun Day at Alyn Waters, Spooky Snacks at the Wellbeing Hub to The Big Wrexham Halloween Spookfast run by Wrexham Street Market. For the adults, there is the always popular Wretched Wrexham Walking Tour that runs into November. More activities can be found here

My constituency team have now all started work and are busy speaking to residents and assisting with issues. If you require any help or if you wish to raise any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Last week, the Wrexham City Board held it’s first Wrexfactor event which was attended by over 160 people from around the community. The Wrexham City Board was set up in March 2024 to be an apolitical body bringing together representatives of Wrexham networks, businesses and community groups to work together to make Wrexham a better place.

The Wrexfactor was held at the Stok Cae Ras and had a diverse attendance, with people representing all sectors of Wrexham, from businesses, charities, organisations, community groups, youth workers to police and public services.

The event was aimed at speaking to the Wrexham community and hearing what suggestions and ideas they have to improve the town centre. Hundreds of ideas were brought across with each and every one being documented, and the City Board will be releasing a report that is open and available to everyone to read.

I was able to attend The Wrexfactor and I could see first hand how much passion and ambition that there is for Wrexham. The pride in our city was palpable whilst also wanting to make the most of the platform we currently have and improve the town centre for the future generations to come.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated and brought forward their ideas on how to make Wrexham a better place. Wrexham AFC very generously hosted the event at Stok Cae Ras and it was also sponsored by local businesses such as Moneypenny and Wrexham Lager.

Wrexham and Canada have historic links going back to WW1 when young Canadian troops were based close by, as was the case again during WW2. Sadly, several Airmen died in a training accident in WW2 and were laid to rest here in Wrexham. On Sunday prior to the Terry Fox Run, I joined The High Commissioner of Canada along with representatives from the RAF, the Canadian Air Force and the Lady Mayor to lay wreaths at their graves. It was incredibly touching to think back to their sacrifice and to honour their memory.

On Sunday, I was delighted to attend the first Terry Fox Run held in Wales, which was held here in Wrexham. It was opened by the High Commissioner of Canada, The Hon Ralph Goodale and before the race started, we had the honour of hearing from Fred Fox, Terry’s brother, who spoke about his brother’s determination, positive spirit and ambition to see cancer be eradicated across the world.

The event was a free to enter, non-competitive walk, run or cycle 5k around Bellevue Park. It was truly uplifting to see so many people gather and carry on raising money for the Institute of Cancer Research, who do fantastic work here in the UK and have truly made a difference to people living with cancer. I look forward to the Terry Fox Run coming back to Wrexham in 2025 and will join it again then.

If you wish to donate to the Terry Fox Run event, you can do on The Terry Fox Run – Wrexham, Wales – JustGiving.

As ever, if you require any assistance or you have any concerns you wish to speak to me about, please contact me on [email protected].

As a child, I can remember watching Terry Fox on television as he attempted to run the length of Canada to raise money for cancer research after having his leg amputated due to osteosarcoma.

I felt truly inspired by his attitude, positive outlook and determination. This quote from Terry Fox resonated with me then and has remained with me since: “I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try, dreams are made if people try.” Despite having to run through bone bruises, cysts on his stump and intense pain, he captured the imagination of the world and ran over 3,339 miles.

Terry unfortunately had to stop running before he completed his goal of running the length of Canada and raising 24 million dollars as his cancer had returned and spread to his lungs. Since his death in 1981, over 850 million dollars has been raised in his name.

This Sunday, Wrexham will host the first ever Terry Fox Run held in Wales. The run will take place in Bellevue Park, it is free to enter, non-competitive and open to all. You can walk, run or cycle either 2.5km or 5km with the goal being to raise funds for cancer research for The Institute for Cancer Research. You can find more details here

Last week, I was delighted to join the First Minister, Eluned Morgan and Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales at the Kellogg’s factory in Wrexham as Kellenova, Kellogg’s parent company announced that they were investing £75 million into the Wrexham factory. This investment means that the capacity of the factory will double, making it the largest cereals manufacturing plant in Europe.

Over 130 jobs will be created because of this investment in addition to the 350 people currently employed by Kellogg’s at the Wrexham factory. One of Wrexham’s biggest assets is it’s skilled workforce and it is fantastic to see Kellenova’s confidence in our people and the local area as a place to do business. The sustainable practices also announced by Kellenova will help as we move to a greener future and a stronger environment.

As ever, should you require any help or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or my team on [email protected].

As a long-time supporter of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and resilience of all those involved. I recently had the opportunity to meet with WASPI campaigners both at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool last week and in Parliament at the start of September. These meetings reinforced my understanding of the profound impact pension changes have had on their lives.

In recent years, the WASPI campaign has gained significant attention in the UK. Founded in 2015, WASPI represents women born in the 1950s who have been adversely affected by previous government’s decision to equalize the state pension age for men and women. This change, while aimed at addressing gender inequality, has left many women facing unexpected financial hardship.

The crux of the issue lies in the way the changes were implemented. Many women received little to no notice about the increase in their state pension age, which shifted from 60 to 65, and eventually to 66. This abrupt change left them with insufficient time to adjust their retirement plans, resulting in financial instability for many.

WASPI campaigners argue that the government failed to adequately communicate these changes, leaving millions of women unprepared for the financial impact. They are not against the equalization of the pension age but are calling for fair compensation for the lack of notice and the resulting financial losses.

Policy changes by previous Tory governments have played a significant role in this issue. The Pensions Act 1995 included provisions to increase the state pension age for women from 60 to 65 in stages between April 2010 and 2020. Further changes were introduced under the Pensions Act 2011, which accelerated the equalization of women’s state pension age and brought forward the increase in the state pension age to 66 by 2020.

An investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has found that there was maladministration in the way the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) communicated the changes to the state pension age. The PHSO has recommended compensation for the typical impacted woman to be between £1,000 and £2,950.

The financial implications of compensating WASPI women are significant, with estimates suggesting a potential cost of £10 billion. However, campaigners argue that this is a necessary step to rectify the injustice faced by these women. They believe that the government should take responsibility for the inadequate communication and provide fair compensation to those affected.

The women of WASPI are not just fighting for compensation; they are fighting for recognition of the hardships they have endured and for justice to be served. I am pleased that the new Labour Pensions Minister has met with the WASPI campaign—the first pensions minister to do so. I will continue to support the campaign and encourage the new government to act as quickly as possible on the PHSO report findings and put a plan in place as soon as possible to address this injustice.

Last week I held the first of several planned constituency surgeries for pensioners, in association with Wrexham Citizen’s Advice Bureau – where we were able to give assistance to help people access the range of support that is available to them. Thank you to those that attended and for discussing your concerns with me. I will be holding further such surgeries over coming weeks, if you wish to attend, please contact my office at [email protected] Finally, I am pleased to report that the first members of the constituency office team have now commenced their roles, with more to join later this month. We have also just received the keys to the new constituency office in the centre of Wrexham – once it is set up, we will communicate details of how to book appointments for assistance. I, and the team, are looking forward to being able to help more constituents across Wrexham.

Dementia is a growing health and care issue in the UK as the number of people affected by the condition is increasing as the population ages. There are currently an estimated 1million people living with dementia in the UK and this is predicted to rise to 1.4million by 2040.

There are an estimated 540,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK and it is estimated that 1 in 3 of us will care for a person with dementia in our lifetime.

Older people are mainly affected by dementia with the likelihood of developing the condition roughly doubling every 5 years after the age of 65. However, some people can develop dementia earlier.

Dementia is an awful condition that doesn’t just cause memory loss, it can change the way you speak, think, feel and behave. People with dementia can lose interest in their usual activities and may have problems managing their emotions or behaviour. They may find social situations difficult and lose interest in relationships and socialising.  Other symptoms can include difficulty with daily tasks, language and communication issues, mood changes, difficulty with concentration and confusion.

A couple of weeks ago I attended Wrexham Walk for Dementia, organised by the fantastic team at Dementia Friendly Wrexham. 

Dementia Friendly Wrexham is an incredible local organisation that has the aim of making Wrexham an inclusive, dementia-friendly community. They form part of the North Wales Dementia Friendly Communities scheme that supports businesses, community groups and individuals in becoming dementia-friendly.

They can run information sessions for businesses and community groups that will improve people’s understanding of dementia and it’s effects. All sessions are interactive and can be tailored to all ages, they can run adapted sessions for primary school children.

Dementia Friendly Wrexham also run a programme of brilliant events throughout each month, designed for people with dementia. They include art classes, singing sessions, movement exercise classes, coffee mornings and support groups. There are also sessions aimed at carers. You can find details here.

I was also lucky enough to attend the Refugee Kindness Celebration at Parciau last week. Refugee Kindness was set up in 2020 to relieve poverty or financial hardship amongst refugees in North Wales.

They support families by turning houses into homes through their Facebook group which acts as a free marketplace. They also befriend their beneficiaries, set up events to help people meet other families in the area which reduces isolation and combats mental health issues.

You can find out more about the great work they do here

Over the next few weeks, I will be joining more local organisations at events they have planned across Wrexham. I look forward to learning more about how each organisation works and listening to different perspectives and viewpoints from across Wrexham.

If you have an event coming up or if you want to invite me to learn more about your organisation, please get in contact with me at [email protected].

This week we approach the 90th anniversary of the Gresford Disaster when 266 men lost their lives in one of Wrexham’s worst tragedies. It affected the whole of Wrexham with nearly every village in the borough losing someone. The mining industry continues to shape Wrexham to this day and there are some fantastic events to commemorate the men who lost their lives this weekend.  On Saturday the 21st there is a candle lighting vigil at the Miners Rescue Station with a candle lit for each man who lost their lives. They will be extinguished at 2.08 am on the 22nd September. There is also a service of remembrance at the Gresford Colliery Memorial at 11am, as well as at All Saints Church in Gresford at 5pm. You can see what other events are happening here: Events taking place in Wrexham to mark Gresford Disaster | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk). I look forward to joining some of the events across this week to honour the anniversary.

The Wrexham Miners Project is based at the Miners Rescue Station and it is an incredible cause. I was lucky enough to spend some time there in June and was blown away by the museum and the educational hub – the food is also lovely! Wrexham AFC’s Executive Director, Humphrey Ker, recently announced that he is running the Manchester Marathon to raise the funds needed to help restore the building and fund the great activities the project does with the community. You can donate here WREXHAM AFC x THE WREXHAM MINERS PROJECT – JustGiving.

The First Minister recently announced pay rises for public sector workers in Wales which was fantastic to see. Teachers, dentists, doctors and civil servants will be receiving pay rises for the year 2024-2025. Our public services are the backbone of our society and seeing them rewarded shows how much they are valued as we all rely on these vital services.

Finally, I will be holding a surgery on the 28th September in association with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to assist people with claiming pension credits or any other benefits they may be entitled to. If you wish to book an appointment to come along, please contact [email protected] and my office will book you a slot.

As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on the email address above.