F Jones Initiative 2023-2024 Winners

by Love Wrexham Magazine 20/12/2023

written by Love Wrexham Magazine 20/12/2023

In 2021 the Wrexham Lager Beer Company Ltd and F Jones Food Services set up a community project called “The F Jones Initiative”.

For the past two years, they have been running a Recognition Award Competition in collaboration with Wrexham businesses. Such as: Lot 11 Café, The Bank Wine Bar and Bistro, and The Fat Boar to recognise outstanding achievements by local people.

2023/24 Winners So Far:

Kerry Evans for the incredible work she has undertaken in her role as Disability Liaison Officer for Wrexham AFC.
Under the guise of the Ma Baker hand-crafted bakery, Liz Wilson’s bread-making skills are second to none. She also a bakery school in Overton.
Enid Waterfall is 88 and has raised over £80,000 in 10 years. She has been awarded a British Empire Medal for fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, all in honour of her late grandson Richard.
Local cult indie band, The Declan Swans, have been contributing to the Wrexham music scene for over 20 years. They were the opening act for the two performances by The Kings of Leon at Wrexham AFC Racecourse this summer.
Andrew Ruscoe is the founder member, chairman, manager, fundraiser, social media advertiser and coach of FC United of Wrexham. Volunteering on average a whopping 38 hours each week.
Thomas Walley is currently the six-time champion of Wales in the pole vault and the fifth-ranked Welsh pole vaulter of all time.
Bethan Scott has raised over £126,00 for Nightingale House Hospice, £5,000 for CRUK, £32,000 for Hospice UK and £35,000 for Alzheimer’s Research, in honour of her late husband, Dave.
Street poet and musician Evrah Rose has released two books, Unspoken and Define Hope. Despite health challenges her work has been commissioned by Shelter Cymru, The Prince’s Trust and more. Evrah also featured on the BBC, ITV and Calon FM.

More Winners!

Talented local artist Liam Stokes-Massey, AKA Pencilcraftsman, has turned a hobby of drawing and painting into a business. He has just created an eye-catching new mural on the side of the Fat Boar, featuring Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin.
Stephen Jones was nominated by his son Harry for all the volunteering work he undertakes as Chairman of Wales’s largest disability rugby league charity, North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League and Disability Sports Club and the Disability Sports Association.
Wrexham Feast Food Frenzy festival founder and event manager Samantha Harris has been instrumental in creating local events supporting small businesses. Other events she manages include Chirk Carnival, Wrexham Artisan Market and Wrexham Christmas Market and Winter Festival.
Our youngest winner this year so far is Alissa Paddock, a 14-year-old pupil at Ysgol Clywedog. She overcame her shyness and is now the youngest member of The Delta Academy of Dance and Performing Arts. Alissa is competing in ballet solos en pointe and completing her foundation exam.
The talented local artist Michelle Edwards set up Painted Creation by ME after starting a family. She produces beautiful, hand-painted murals for homes and businesses, unique painted window displays and eye-catching chalkboards.
Naomi Bailey is mother to an autistic son and has channelled her experiences to help others. She is now a valued member of the team at Your Space, touching the hearts of young people with autism.

Running alongside this competition, the F Jones Initiative team are also highlighting one business or organisation per month.

The Businesses Highlighted So Far:

If you would like to know more about the people and businesses mentioned, their stories are featured on the @fjones-initiative Facebook page.

The competition ends in March 2024 with an awards evening to be held at the Maesgwyn Hall, where guest judges, reporter and journalist Sian Lloyd and Wrexham AFC Executive Director Humphrey Ker will be choosing overall winners from the individual categories.

To keep up to date with the community, click here.