Latest news with #TinaMannering
Leader Live
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Road closures confirmed for HMS Dragon parade
Watched by local dignitaries – and hopefully many local residents – the crew of the Type 45 destroyer will march through the heart of the city centre before being hosted at an official reception to cement the bond. Ahead of the parade the ranks will be inspected by Wrexham's Mayor Councillor Tina Mannering, who will also take the salute of the marching sailors at Queens Square alongside Commanding Officer Commander Iain Giffin. Commander Iain Giffin said: 'There is no greater honour that a city can bestow than the Freedom of the City and I humbled that Wrexham has extended this privilege to HMS Dragon. HMS Dragon Ship (Image: Wrexham Council) 'Today is a proud moment for HMS Dragon and a fitting opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of our sailors, marching in full ceremonial dress, with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the people of Wrexham.' Cllr Mannering, said: 'It will be a tremendous honour to take the salute of the sailors as they march through the city, and I hope as many people as possible will turn out to support the parade. 'This will be a fantastic occasion, as we celebrate our wonderful partnership with HMS Dragon.' Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, added: 'Wrexham has always been proud of its links with the armed services and it will be wonderful to welcome the crew to the county borough, so they can celebrate the Freedom of the City. 'HMS Dragon is the first ship affiliated with Wrexham since the Second World War, and we are tremendously proud of this very special relationship.' The sailors will march onto Llwyn Isaf green (outside the Guildhall) at 10.40am, before marching through the city centre. In being named Freemen of Wrexham, the sailors are in select company including Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. There will be some temporary road closures and access restrictions in place from 10.55am on the day (Friday June 13), including… Chester Street closure There will be a full road closure on Chester Street until 11.15am. During this time, there will be no vehicle access to the following locations via Chester Street: Guildhall Waterworld Memorial Hall Wellbeing Hub Crown Buildings Library Courts Additionally, no vehicles will be able to exit the Guildhall or Library car parks during this period. The remainder of the parade route will be managed via rolling road closures, meaning traffic will be temporarily stopped as the parade passes. This disruption should last approximately 10 to 15 minutes per location. MOST READ During this time, there will be no vehicle access through the city centre bollards – this includes taxis, church access and other usual exceptions. The ship was adopted by Wrexham last summer and civic leaders promptly bestowed their highest honour upon the Portsmouth-based warship and her ship's company. Their hectic schedule – which included a milestone first takedown of a supersonic missile by the Royal Navy during NATO exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland in May – has prevented the ship's company from exercising their right until now. Since then, when Dragon's demanding programme has allowed, the 200-strong ship's company have been preparing for the hometown visit, including undertaking specific drill training to reach the highest standards required for the march.
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Dementia in mind for new Chirk Court sensory garden
A vibrant sensory garden has officially opened at Chirk Court Nursing Home in Chirk, marking many months of dedicated planning, fundraising and hard work. The ribbon was cut by Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Tina Mannering, alongside disability liaison officer from Wrexham AFC, Kerry Evans. Residents, staff, families and members of the local community gathered to celebrate. Activities coordinator Nicola in the sensory garden with resident Les who is a keen gardener. Chirk Court's manager Jane Humphreys was the mastermind behind a new sensory garden, which has been designed with elderly residents and people living with dementia in mind. The garden provides a safe, stimulating outdoor environment, where nature, colour, scent, sound and texture combine to support wellbeing, memory, and relaxation. From accessible pathways, soothing wind chimes and running water to fragrant blooms, eye-catching features and raised beds ideal for wheelchair users; every element has been carefully considered to create a fully inclusive, relaxing space. Read more: Walking for Minnie - family's tribute at hospice's Midnight Walk The creation of Chirk Court's sensory garden was a team effort which involved extensive research, fundraising, and many hours of volunteering from both staff and residents. The result is a magnificent, multi-sensory experience, which is already having a positive impact. Residents and staff enjoy exploring the sensory garden which features raised beds and accessible pathways. The official opening of the garden was celebrated with excitement, as it was proudly unveiled to the local community. Kerry said: "It was a real honour to be asked along to open the new sensory garden, I was so impressed with the efforts that had gone into making it a safe, welcoming sanctuary for residents to enjoy. Read more: Pioneering Wrexham organisation hailed as blueprint for social care in Wales "For people living with dementia keeping their mind active and stimulated is so important and by having that wonderful new garden you have achieved that in abundance." Cllr Mannering added: "It was an absolute honour and privilege to jointly open such a beautiful, stunning sensory garden. Jane and the staff have worked wonders, along with the residents and families. Kerry Evans from Wrexham AFC (far right) along with Wrexham Mayor Cllr Tina Mannering visited to officially open the Chirk Court Sensory Garden. "There are native wildflower beds, beautiful colourful bedding plants. A lovely water feature and even raised vegetable, fruit and herb planters, which enable residents to be involved with planting and harvesting when ready. There is a mindful walkway with hand painted benches and twinkly lights; something for everyone to enjoy - especially the deer ornaments. A little piece of heaven!" Read more: Wrexham pupils learn about healthy eating amid Welsh Government proposals Jane said: "Today has been a wonderful celebration of what we can achieve when we work together. I am so grateful for all the hard work and effort that everyone has put in, to create this fabulous space. We've built something truly special for our community and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this sensory garden a reality." Jane Humphreys - Manager at Chirk Court, Wrexham Mayor - Cllr Tina Mannering, Kerry Evans - Disability Liaison Officer, Wrexham AFC. Jane was also thanked Keep Wales Tidy, for community grants which have been a huge help with funding areas of the garden including the allotment. The sensory garden is open for residents, visitors and staff to enjoy daily. Nicola Hughes, activities coordinator at Chirk Court: "The garden brings normality, it's good for the mind, it's relaxing, and it brings back memories from life and childhood. It creates relationships, encourages residents to talk to each other and supports physical activities; it means a huge amount to everyone at Chirk Court."
