Cefn Community Council gathered at the Cenotaph this week to mark Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who fought in the Asia–Pacific campaign during the Second World War.

The solemn ceremony included wreath-laying by Vice Chairman Derek Wright and MP Steve Witherden, heartfelt prayers and words of remembrance from Councillor Reverend Katherine Tiltman, and an unforgettable address by Sergeant Derrick Roberts, whose moving recitation of The Ode to the Fallen and The Kohima Epitaph deeply touched all in attendance.

Standard Bearers John Currie and Len Salisbury proudly represented the armed forces community, and Clerk Trina Nicholls-Smith was recognised for her tireless work behind the scenes to ensure the service ran seamlessly.

Chairman Mr Phil Vaughan expressed the Council’s pride in honouring this historic day:

“It is vital we remember the sacrifices made, not only in Europe, but in the Asia–Pacific, where so many gave their tomorrow for our today. Today’s service reflects our community’s deep respect for those who served.”

Community Development Officer Andrew Ruscoe also spoke of the day’s impact:

“Sergeant Derrick Roberts’ delivery was exceptional — a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the history. We are grateful to our Clerk, Trina Nicholls-Smith, whose dedication and attention to detail made this commemoration possible. It was a privilege to stand alongside Chairman Phil Vaughan and all our councillors in honouring this important part of our shared history.”

The ceremony concluded with the solemn words of the Kohima Epitaph:

“When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

📍 Hidden behind George Edwards Hall lies a local treasure many walk past without even realising…
🎥 The Cefn Mawr Museum!

It might be small –
🪨 But it’s packed with local stories, history, pride, and community spirit.

From coal and canals to culture and creativity, this museum tells OUR story – and it’s FREE to visit!

🕰️ Opening Times:
📅 Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
🕥 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

🎓 Group visit? Call or email:
📞 07753 251768 | 💌 enquiries@cefnmawrmuseum.org.uk

🎬 cefncommunitycouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Cefn-Mawr-Museum-Video.mp4
👇 You won’t believe what’s inside!

Whether you’re a lifelong local, a curious visitor, or just looking for something new to do – the Cefn Mawr Museum is the perfect place to reconnect with your roots 🖤

Let’s keep celebrating and supporting our history – right here in the heart of the village.

#CefnMawr #HiddenGem #CefnMawrMuseum #CoalToCulture #MuseumTok #LocalHistoryMatters #CefnCommunityCouncil #FreeThingsToDo #Wrexham #NorthWalesExplored #SupportLocalHistory #ThingsToDoInWrexham #WelshHeritage

📅 Date: Friday, 15th August 2025
📍 Location: The Cenotaph, Plaskynaston Lane
🕦 Time: Service begins at 11:55 AM

Join Cefn Community Council as we gather to commemorate Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, marking the end of World War II in the Pacific.

🕊 This is a moment to reflect, remember, and honour the sacrifices of all those who served.

The service will be led by Reverend Katherine Tiltman, with a possible special appearance from a local hero (to be confirmed).

Everyone is warmly invited to attend – let’s come together in remembrance and community spirit.

#VJDay #CefnCommunity #Remembrance #LestWeForget #WWII

Thanks to the dedication of Councillor Sonia Benbow-Jones, the latest issue of the Cefn & Dee Valley News is now available to read online!

✨ Inside this edition:
📌 Community updates across Cefn Mawr, Acrefair, Plas Madoc, Newbridge & Rhosymedre
👥 Local success stories and upcoming events
🌿 Volunteer spotlights – including the amazing work of our #StayOnSide Cefn Litter Pickers
🧁 Warm Spaces sessions and more!

📖 Dive into your community’s news here:
📄 https://cefncommunitycouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Aug-25-news-eversion.pdf

👏 Big thanks to Cllr. Sonia Benbow-Jones for her tireless work pulling this all together.

📢 Spread the word, share with friends and neighbours!
#CefnCommunityCouncil #CefnNews #DeeValleyNews #CommunityMatters #CefnMawr #PlasMadoc #Acrefair #Rhosymedre #Newbridge #Wrexham

Residents and community leaders united in force this week for Cefn Community Council’s Monthly Litter Pick – this time turning their attention to the Plas Madoc estate. The result? An inspiring show of teamwork, environmental care, and community pride.

In just one hour, the volunteer team collected over 10 full bags of rubbish, including discarded cans, crisp packets, vapes, and other litter strewn across the estate. The clean-up highlighted not only the impact of local collaboration, but also the power of small acts to spark lasting change.

Community-Led and Council-Backed

The event was led by Cefn Community Council Chairman Mr. Phil Vaughan, joined by:

• Councillor Paul Blackwell
• Councillor Joan Jones
• Community Development Officer Andrew Ruscoe
• Barbara Lloyd from Cefn Mawr Museum
• Donna Jordan, Community Development Officer from We Are Plas Madoc
• David Roden, Tesco’s dedicated Community Champion
• Lucy Gregory and Janet Jones from the passionate #StayOnSide Cefn Litter Pickers

🗣️ Chairman Phil Vaughan praised the efforts on the day, stating:

“This was more than just a litter pick – this was a show of local pride, unity, and commitment. Plas Madoc deserves to be clean, respected, and safe for all, and today’s efforts prove what can be achieved when we work together.”

🏛️ Barbara Lloyd, representing Cefn Mawr Museum, echoed this sentiment:

“Our community has a proud history, and part of preserving that legacy is looking after the spaces we share today. This was a small act with a big message: we care.”

Local Heroes Recognised

Among the dedicated volunteers, Councillor Joan Jones and Janet Jones were especially commended, each collecting two full bags of rubbish during the session. In recognition of their outstanding effort, they were named Cefn Community Council’s Litter Pickers of the Month – a monthly accolade celebrating environmental action and civic pride.

🌟 Andrew Ruscoe, Community Development Officer, reflected on the wider impact of the initiative:

“It’s the small actions that create long-lasting impact. These regular litter picks are restoring pride in our estates and building stronger bonds between residents and local services.”

A Cleaner, Greener Future

This event forms part of Cefn Community Council’s wider commitment to building cleaner, greener, and more connected communities. Through monthly clean-up events, youth engagement projects, and partnerships with local organisations, the Council continues to lead by example.

Stay tuned for updates on the next monthly litter pick and other community initiatives – and thank you to everyone helping to make our communities shine!

Are you aged 13-18 and want to make a difference in your community? Or maybe you’re an adult looking to inspire the next generation?

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For more community updates visit: www.cefncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

#CefnCommunityCouncil#NorthWalesPolice#VolunteerCadets#YouthOpportunities#MakeADifference#CefnMawr#Acrefair#Newbridge#PlasMadoc#Rhosymedre

A fantastic community clean-up has taken place in Cefn Mawr as part of the ongoing #StayOnSide project, with pupils from Ysgol Min-Y-Ddol, the Cefn Litter Pickers, Wrexham Council’s Low Carbon Team, and local volunteers working together to tackle litter across key community spaces. ♻️

The initiative, held on Tuesday afternoon, saw the team collect over 11 bags of rubbish from well-known locations including Plas Kynaston MUGA, the Cenotaph, around Plas Kynaston Hall, the CRNCA, and lanes surrounding the school — all in time for Cefn Albion’s home match against Rhyl FC. ⚽️

This event forms part of the wider #StayOnSide initiative, which encourages young people to take pride in their community, promote responsibility, and raise environmental awareness, all while inspiring positive action across Cefn.

Community Development Officer Andrew Ruscoe, who supported the event alongside Wrexham Council’s Low Carbon Team, said:

“It was brilliant to see the pupils of Ysgol Min-Y-Ddol, staff, and volunteers all working together to make our community cleaner. Projects like #StayOnSide show how much pride our young people have in Cefn. Their efforts today are a real credit to themselves, the school, and the community.”

The clean-up was made possible with the continued support of Keep Wales Tidy, who kindly provided bags and equipment to help the team in their efforts. 🧤🗑️

Chairman of Cefn Community Council, Councillor Phil Vaughan, added:

“It’s inspiring to see our young people and local partners coming together to improve Cefn Mawr. Community pride starts with projects like this, and I want to thank everyone who rolled up their sleeves today — you’ve made a real difference.”

The clean-up reflects the growing collaboration between Cefn Community Council, local schools, residents, and environmental groups working together to build a greener, safer, and stronger community for all. 🌿

👏 Huge thanks to Jacqueline Palmer for another outstanding week of volunteering and keeping our community clean. Here’s what she’s tackled over just five days:

✅ Monday

• 3.5 bags collected
• Plus: traffic cone, iron rim (manhole cover) & child’s bike recovered
• Route: Rhosymedre ➡ Cefn Mawr ➡ Trevor Basin ➡ Riverside Path ➡ Ty Mawr Country Park ➡ Newbridge Rd ➡ Park Rd ➡ Rhosymedre

✅ Tuesday

• 14 bags total
• Included: loose cardboard, child’s swimming pool, plastic bin, tray of car parts & dirty quilt
• Two bins requisitioned to transport waste to collection point
• Route: Rhosymedre ➡ Plas Madoc (Glaslyn, Dinas, Alwen, Idwal, Hampden Rd, Wynnstay Lane) ➡ Ruabon Roundabout ➡ Rhosymedre

✅ Wednesday

• 11 bags total (7 bags of heavy broken glass) & two boards removed
• Cleared dangerous waste from old Co-op/Somerfield site
• Route: Rhosymedre ➡ Cefn Mawr ➡ Old Flexsys car park ➡ Trevor Basin ➡ Riverside Path ➡ Ty Mawr Country Park ➡ Newbridge Rd ➡ Park Rd ➡ Rhosymedre

✅ Thursday

• 3 bags collected
• Route: Rhosymedre ➡ Ty Mawr Country Park ➡ Riverside Path ➡ Trevor Basin ➡ Cefn Mawr ➡ Rhosymedre

✅ Friday

• 1.5 bags collected
• Route: Rhosymedre ➡ Cefn Mawr ➡ Trevor Basin ➡ Offa’s Dyke Path ➡ Llangollen Rd, Trevor ➡ Trevor Hall Rd ➡ Trevor Basin ➡ Riverside Path ➡ Ty Mawr Country Park ➡ Newbridge Rd ➡ Park Rd ➡ Rhosymedre

🗑 Total This Week: 33 bags of rubbish cleared in just 5 days!
⏳ Estimated Hours Volunteered: 15 hours of community service

🌟 Amazing work, Jacqueline! Your efforts make a huge difference to Cefn, Rhosymedre, Plas Madoc, and beyond. Let’s keep working together for a cleaner, safer community.

CefnLitterPickers #StayOnSide #33BagsIn5Days #PrideInOurCommunity #CefnMawr #Rhosymedre #Trevor #PlasMadoc #VolunteersMatter

Cefn Community Council is proud to highlight the fantastic efforts of Councillor Sonia Benbow-Jones and our dedicated Groundsman Huw Parry, who have been working hard to help keep Cefn Mawr clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

As part of their latest efforts, they tackled the overgrown weeds and hedges around the historic steps next to the doctors’ surgery on Crane Street and cleared the hedge next to the electrical shop on the same street. The steps, which had become overgrown and hazardous, are now a little safer and much more accessible for all who use them.

Councillor Sonia Benbow-Jones generously volunteered her own time to support this work and spoke about the importance of keeping the village tidy:

“It is important to keep our footpaths safe and clean as they are an important part of our history. When the weather is warm like it was today, it is good to be outside doing something positive and giving back to the community.”

The work carried out is part of Cefn Community Council’s ongoing commitment to keeping our community spaces safe, accessible, and full of pride.

Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and dedication!

Huge congratulations to Flo Bithell, who claimed victory as our Fastest to the Wooden Spoon Cefn Champion at this morning’s Bacon Butty Club, proudly hosted by Cefn Community Council’s amazing Community Agent, Donna Elizabeth Powell Thornley!

After a nail-biting tie in our 20 Questions Quiz, it all came down to reactions — and Flo proved unstoppable in the hilarious Wooden Spoon Tie-Breaker, racing to victory in style!

Well done Flo — our quiz queen, spoon-snatching superstar, and reigning Bacon Butty Club champion!

Fancy joining the fun?

Come along to our Bacon Butty Club — every Wednesday from 9.30am till 12pm — for laughs, games, and your FREE bacon butty and drink!

To find out more, ring Donna on 07925 048711 or just pop in and join us — the more, the merrier!

www.cefncommunitycouncil.gov.uk

#CefnCommunityCouncil#BaconButtyClub#FastestToTheSpoon#CommunityChampion#CefnMawr#Acrefair#PlasMadoc#Newbridge#Over50sFun