Dyserth Times Issue 131 - Apr/May 2024

Dyserth Times is a not-for-profit community magazine published by Peter J Robinson solely for the benefit of the communities of Dyserth & Cwm

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Taken from a cherry picker at the Community Hall, February 2017 - PJR

it provides a warm, nurturing environment that enables all pupils to feel secure and confident”.

Under the strong leadership of the Headteacher and with the dedication of hardworking staff, the Report also notes that “teachers provide an exciting variety of learning experiences that capture the interest of most pupils well”, across the school “there are warm, supportive relationships between staff and pupils” and the care, support and guidance provided to all pupils reflects the emphasis on inclusion. In addition, the wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities was highlighted in the Report. Well done everybody! Da iawn pawb!

Parents - if you wish to apply for a place in Reception or Nursery for September 2024 please submit an online application form via school admissions on the Denbighshire County Council website. Please note you do not have to live in Dyserth to apply for a place at the School.

Llongyfarchiadau/congratulations Ysgol Hiraddug!

Gill Yates, Chair of Governors.

Dyserth Community Council

Cynghor Cymunedol Dyserth

Dydd Gwyl Dewi / St David’s Day (5 Facts):

He was born in a storm

St David was born in the year 500, the grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda, King of Ceredigion. According to legend, his mother St Non gave birth to him on a Pembrokeshire clifftop during a fierce storm. The spot is marked by the ruins of Non’s Chapel, and a nearby holy well is said to have healing powers.

He was a fine preacher

St David became a renowned preacher, founding monastic settlements and churches in Wales, Brittany and southwest England – including, possibly, the abbey at Glastonbury. St David reputedly made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, from which he brought back a stone that now sits in an altar at St Davids Cathedral, built on the site of his

Ddraig Goch / Welsh Dragon flag flying proudly in Dyserth War Memorial Garden

He was a teetotal vegetarian

St David and his monks followed a simple, austere life. They ploughed the fields by hand, rather than using oxen, and refrained from eating meat or drinking beer. St David himself was reputed to have consumed only leeks and water – which is perhaps why the leek became a national symbol of Wales.

He performed miracles

The most famous miracle associated with St David took place when he was preaching to a large crowd in Llanddewi Brefi. When people at the back complained that they could not hear him, the ground on which he stood rose up to form a hill. A white dove, sent by God, settled on his shoulder.

s Day - in 589. He was buried at the site of St Davids Cathedral, where his shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages.

His last words to his followers came from a sermon he gave on the previous Sunday: ‘Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.’ The phrase ‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’‘Do the little things in life’ - is still a well-known maxim in Wales.

St David was canonised by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century, and Wales have celebrated St David’s Day ever since.

Reported Criminal Offences in Dyserth:

The following criminal offences have been reported to the North Wales Police; that have occurred within the Community Council area:

5 x Anti social behaviour / 3 x Criminal damage / 6 x Violence

Community Council Budget 2024 / 2025:

The yearly precept budget for the Community Council for year 2023 / 2024 was £48,500.00. The Council agreed to increase their budget for the year 2024 / 2025 to cover a number of increased costs and also towards projects in their ear-marked reserves. However, the Councillors wished to retain the increase as low as possible, in particular, due to the current financial climate. The budget increase was agreed at £2,000.00 - to a precept of £50,500.00. The additional increase for households equates to: Band D property charge would be £42.65, an increase of £0.73p a year (1.74% - 6p extra per month).

County Councillor David Williams:

County Councillor David Williams advised Members in relation to the following:

1) Dyserth Flood Alleviation Scheme, Site meeting held recently with Natural Resources Wales and Denbighshire County Council

2) Request to Councillor Williams for the provision of a bus shelter in the area of Voel Coaches. Following a site visit by the County Transport Officer Councillor Williams was advised, that due to distances from the entrance to Voel Coaches and the traffic lights, there would not be sufficient sight lines for vehicles endeavouring to go around the stopped bus.

The following concerns were discussed with County Councillor Williams:

1) Dyserth Flood Alleviation Scheme: Meeting held with Natural Resources Wales and Denbighshire County Council. An application to be made to the Welsh Government for funding towards the scheme

2) Local Flood Defence Committee set up in Lower Dyserth

3) Condition of the road in James Park. Councillor Williams to take forward with the County, including the repainting of the white lines

4) The leaning metal post in Dyserth High Street has not been straightened. The Clerk advised that this concern had been reported on two previous occasions –together with photographs provided to the County. Councillor Williams to further make contact with the County

5) Resident concern in relation to water affecting a boundary wall in area of Lower Foel Road, Dyserth

6) Enquiry to Denbighshire Highways to establish if an area in Cwm Road where white stones have been sited is part of the adopted highway

7) Reported to Denbighshire Highways a number of tree branches causing obstruction in the River Ffyddion, Near Foel Coaches

8) Reported to Denbighshire Highways crumbling road surface in the area of Foel Coaches car park entrance

9) Reported to Denbighshire Highways blocked drains in area of former Anglia development

10) Reported to Denbighshire Highways overgrown shrubbery in Cwm Road – forcing pedestrians off the pavement and into the roadway

11) Reported to Denbighshire Highways a number of deep potholes in area of St Asaph Road

12) Running water in area of Hiraddug Road

13) Blocked drains / gullies on a number of roads in Dyserth, including: Waterfall Hill, High Street, Cwm Road and in the Bodrhyddan area.

Planning Applications:

The following planning applications have been commented upon by the Community Council:

1) Application number: 42/2023/0672 – for installation of free standing air source heat pump, at 10 Parc Bron Deg, Dyserth

2) Application number: 42/2023/0913 - for erection of single storey extension to dwelling, at 21, Glan Ffyddion, Dyserth.

Planning Decisions:

The following planning decision has been received from Denbighshire County Council:

Application number: 42/2023/-576 – for development of 0.15ha of land by the erection of 4 dwellings (outline application – all matters reserved), at land at former Plas Llanerch, Hiraddug Road, Dyserth. Withdrawn.

Applications for Financial Support and Donations:

The Community Council have provided the following financial assistance: £500.00Urdd National Eisteddfod / £350.00 - Dyserth Tuesday Morning Group

R. Phillip Parry, Clerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council

Tel: 01352 720547

E-mail: clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales

Web Site: www.dyserthcouncil.wales

Hello again.

Well, Spring is here and it

The grass has grown well during the winter due to the mild weather, also our green keeping volunteers have, yet again, done a brilliant job of preparing the green for the new season. It is looking superb, and we can t wait to get playing on it.

Now, by the time you receive your copy of this, we will have had our Open Day on 23rd March, with the Chairman of the Community Council, Mr. Dave Parry, accompanied by his wife, Jackie, launching the new season by bowling the first wood on the green.

At the time of writing, it is not known how the day went, but it is hoped that those interested in taking up the sport took up our invitation in the last edition to join us and had a good day. One thing that would be certain, was that they had a very warm welcome.

As from Monday 25th March, the social bowling begins. That happens each week throughout the season from 2pm. All are welcome. Come along, you won’t be disappointed. You can be a complete novice, having never held a bowl before, or at all levels beyond. The one thing you can be sure of is that you will be warmly welcomed and “shown the ropes”, if needed.

Our first home league matches start as detailed below: So, should you wish to just come and support/watch any of our matches, you will be more than welcome.

Vale of Clwyd “A” First home match vs Highbury: 11th April

Vale of Clwyd “B” First home match vs Vardre Deganwy: 4th April

Clwydian Ladies First home match vs Old Colwyn: 8th May

Clwydian Seniors “A” First home match vs Rhos Park: 16th April

Clwydian Seniors “B” First home match vs Old Colwyn: 9th April

North Wales Coastal First home match vs Bl Ffestiniog: 6th April

If you are interested in knowing more but couldn’t make our Open Day, you can always drop round on a Monday afternoon, or contact John Hughes Jones (O7460419419) who can arrange for someone to meet up with you.

Here’s to a great season!

NSPCC

Dyserth District

Greetings from your friendly volunteers.

Spring has arrived, YIPPEE!!!! and with it a drier period weather wise. Let’s hope so, anyway.

We continue to process vast amounts of your generous donated items, and are continually amazed at how much revenue this generates. Our pricing is sometimes seen as too low, and when visiting other charity shops around the country it is easy to understand that argument. However, we have found that providing good quality “pre-loved” goods at sensible prices, ensures a solid loyal customer base, a very good income stream for the NSPCC, plus we are maximising the re-cycling effort. So it’s win all round!

Talking of re-cycling, as from April, the Welsh Government are to implement a policy requiring all businesses to separate their waste – similar to what we do domestically. This means we now have three bins instead of just one with an associated increase in our costs. It is important that we do all we can to minimise what we put into land-fill, and although it costs us, we will do our bit. However you can help us by only donating what you believe is saleable. This of course excludes, textiles, shoes and handbags which we can sell on to a company. Thank you for your understanding.

While you’re reading this, our treasurer will be beavering away generating our yearend accounts and wondering what our turnover has been this last year. Will it be another record? Undoubtedly, but how great? Watch this space.

We continue to be astounded by the generosity of those that donate, those that purchase and those that work so hard at the shop week in week out. Truly wonderful.

Thank you everyone.

The NSPCC Volunteers xxx

Frankie’s Farm Shop, High street, Dyserth

Telephone 07375 043658

Open every day 9am-3pm

Breakfasts, lunches, coffee & cake, luxury afternoon teas, Takeaway Service.

Small events catered for: Baby showers, birthdays, hen do’s, small wedding parties.

We have been nominated for this years Welsh Food Awards and were recently notified that we are a FINALIST! We are over the moon and want to extend our thanks to everyone who has voted so far.

The award ceremony will take place on April 29th so there is time to vote for us if you love what we do here at Frankie's. We are No.2 cafe/bistro of the year.

We appreciate every single vote for our little family business on the high street.

Thank you to everyone who visits Frankie's!

Cyng/Cllr David Gwyn Williams

Just a few brief points to make for this edition of the Dyserth Times.

The introduction of new bin collecting methods has, perhaps understandably, caused a lot of heated debate in recent weeks. If I could just mention or two things that might help explain why these changes had to be brought in.

When the blue bins were first wheeled out many years ago DCC were financially rewarded for every bin full of mixed recyclable material that was delivered to the recycling depot.

However in recent years, in order to comply with Welsh government targets, the council has faced increasing fines for delivering unsorted recycled material, to such an extent that had we not agreed to sort out our own material DCC, and hence we the ratepayers, would have faced increasingly unsustainable financial penalties for not sorting out our recycled material into glass, cardboard, cans, plastic etc etc. In other words the Welsh government have left us with no choice but to bin the blue bin recycling method.

Just how this waste was to be separated has been the job of specialist departments within DCC and the lead cabinet member for waste and recycling. The Trolibocs method due to be introduced in the next few weeks is their chosen method, and it remains to be seen how well this might work and what problems might arise. It is something that we as County Councillors have had little input on.

Following a site meeting on the A5151 at Bodrhyddan some weeks ago with DCC Highways personnel, Tom Rowley Conwy, and Councillor Arwel Roberts from Rhuddlan, it was decided to have a combined comprehensive operation to clear all gullies on the A5151 from Dyserth to Rhuddlan. At the same time as this was done, from the 6th to the 10th March, all pipe works were jetted clean and any culverts cleared of debris. This hopefully will greatly reduce the problems of storm water flooding on this stretch of road. I have also asked that these maintenance measures be done on a more regular basis than recently. I will also personally ensure that any large amounts of mud and debris brought onto this highway during any harvesting operations will be the responsibility of the relevant farmers to clear off the highway and back to the fields to the best of their ability.

We have also recently had a site meeting on Hiraddug road to look at ways of preventing storm water flowing down to Bron Haul and adjoining properties.

I met with the landowners, Mark Evans our Highways engineer and with representative land agents acting for the landowners and DCC.

It is now hoped that this summer new gullies and pipe works will be installed to intercept storm water and divert it through pipes in adjacent fields and thence down to the river Ffyddion. All being well this should be completed before the autumn.

As ever, I am available at any reasonable time to discuss any issues or problems that residents might have in relation to County Council matters.

Yr eiddoch yn ddiffuant, David.

An update

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved forward since things changed overnight with the arrival of COVID.

Yes, there is a ‘new normal’ and we like to think that we are embracing it rather than simply harking back at ‘the good old days’ which when you think about them were probably not all that good anyway.

Clearly, much of what we do and what happens doesn't change BUT if this ‘update’ is needed just to let folk know that we're still alive and kicking - then so be it - and it applies to all of you out there not just to Horeb members.

Son of Food Co-op - Absolutely no change – the usual suspects turn up regularly and enjoy a couple of hours of ‘catching up’ and ‘putting the world to rights’ whilst enjoying a cup of tea / coffee and a biscuit or two. It seems we must be doing something right.

BUT - as I have written repeatedly, a reminder to all readers; this is not in any way a 'closed shop' - it is open to all on Wednesdays (10.00 to 12.00). Tea / coffee / biscuits / cakes (occasionally) are provided; the cost being covered whatever you feel like putting in the pot.

A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suitwe'll show you how the Lincat works and where the tea/coffee/crockery is kept provide a bit of INSET … … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running at Horeb on the second Tuesday of the month.

The menu for our lunches continues to be one that the small team of folk from Horeb (plus some friends) can manage i.e. a bowl of soup (a choice from 2 or three) with bread roll and butter followed by a pudding and a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink.

In my role as i.c. washing up I can truthfully report that at every lunch thus far, all the dishes have been returned empty – and there have been no complaints either about the quantity of food or the choice of soups / puddings so again we must be doing something right.

Current - Activities at Lent

Over the past few years Horeb has taken part in a number of Lenten activities. Firstly at Lent we have taken part along with other Churches in the Area in enjoying a frugal lunch (Soup, bread rolls, cheese and tea/coffee). Although the Churches are now only two - Horeb and St. Bridget’s - four lunches were held this year - two hosted by members of each Church in St. Bridget’s schoolroom. At a price of £3.50 a fair amount of money was raised which was contributed to Christian Aid.

In addition at Horeb - harking back when Lent seemed to mean giving something up (usually chocolate ???) we have encouraged members instead, to take on a positive challenge. Several of these involve walking / exercising with penalties for failure to achieve and generous expressions of relief if successful. Either way, it has focussed minds on things which we should do as well as raising some cash for Horeb Funds.

Other members have been knitting ’Easter Chicks’ for North Wales Super Kids as

part of their fundraising at this time of year.

So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ - I’ll repeat -

• Morning Worship: [Sundays (10.30 - 11.30) and a social time with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

• The service is available 'live' to all on Zoom on a Sunday morning and from Sunday afternoon on Facebook

DETAILS Zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9)

Facebook (Horeb United Reformed Church Zoom Services, Dyserth) at any time

• We are continuing, for our members who are still unable to attend for Sunday Worship or manage Zoom, to send CONTACT by e-mail. Issued every week, this is a brief Service in print produced by Rev. Colin Richards whose 'thoughts' are well worth a read. Colin, despite his deteriorating eyesight has just sent his latest contribution to me for forwarding to the CONTACT group and it's worth recording that this is Number 146. In addition to CONTACT; recipients are kept up to date by a copy of the notices which are later talked through and handed out at the start of the Service on Sunday Morning. If anyone reading this update would like to receive CONTACT and the Notices (including any of the back numbers) e-mail me on allandavidmorgan@gmail.com. and I will add you to my list.

… If, once you have tried this and need more – I have lots of back numbers.

– 146 of them

'Still missing' – BUT – not for long

The Village quiz. A date has been fixed APRIL 25th starting at 7.30 at Horeb

• A general knowledge quiz in Rounds – with a choice of when to use a joker for 2X score. Questions might suit those of a ‘certain age’

• Table rounds which will require a little thought – not just recall.

• Teams of up to 6 - entry fee £1.00 per person

Ongoing Building Maintenance

Stage 1 - Repairing and re-decorating the front Porch - Completed

Stage 2 - Repair of minor damage to some interior walls and paintworkCompleted

Stage 3 - Final work on Interior walls and paintwork - will begin soon

Stage 4 - Planned - Repainting the Main Door and replacing the existing temporary Noticeboard with a ‘proper’ one.

Horeb being useful

Link with Pengwern College in Rhuddlan – involved in some maintenance of Horeb ‘ground-works’

Having planted the new tubs (which still look good after the winter) we are awaiting their return and a possible expansion of their involvement. Contact will be made this coming month.

Reminder - The students are a mixed group – late teens / early 20s with learning diffi-

culties who supervised by staff from the College are using this opportunity as work experience and an opportunity to gain confidence in the hope that it will help them make the move into the world of work.

Finances - (always on the back of our minds)

The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in Horeb

This is a major source of income which, although there has been an upsurge in recent weeks, has still to return to a pre-Covid level – and with the increase in fuel costs it is increasingly difficult to balance what hirers can afford to pay and what we need to charge to cover our costs - let alone gain some 'income'.

BUT - if anyone needs to hire some space for a club or event The Paterson Hall is still available for Hiring for several hours during the week.

Indeed, if anyone reading has a need or knows anyone who wishes to Hire a space, they should contact Barbara Tebbutt on 01745 570793 or me on 01745 570364.

Aware that we, in many ways, are battling for the survival of Horeb, the Elders and Members, remain determined to continue to work hard and to do our best to keep Horeb Chapel alive and well.

Finally, as usual, you know where we are, you know we will be open for worship at 10.30 a.m. every Sunday, and if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, you will be very welcome.

So, I'll sign off wishing all the best as we move toward the Spring and hopefully warmer, drier, less windy weather; and promising myself that now I have done something about the Village Quiz I really will try to make the next update more interesting and less a re-hash of what has gone before

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)

St Kentigern Hospice

is thrilled to announce the creation of a serene and purposeful Hospice Garden. Accessible from the hospice ward, this aims to provide a peaceful and comforting environment for hospice patients, their families, and caregivers.

St Kentigern Hospice were kindly gifted a large plot of land from Castle Green Homes. This additional land is situated at the back of the hospice, off the existing hospice gardens.

Once completed, we could provide a space for patients to achieve personal goals, receive therapy, and spend time with their loved ones and even offer consultations outside. The benefit of the great outdoors on patient and carer wellbeing is vast.

In February we launched a new fundraising campaign, Grow our Gardens. If we can raise £30,000 then we can make this space one to be proud of.

But, we can't grow our gardens alone. St Kentigern Hospice are reaching out to you, the community, for support! Your generous contributions will help turn this vision into a reality, offering moments of respite, reflection, and connection. Key features of the Hospice Garden include:

• Sensory Gardens

• Comfortable Seating Areas

• Therapeutic Landscaping

• Accessible Pathways

Community Involvement: We invite local community members, businesses, and organisations to join us in supporting this initiative. Contributions and sponsorships are welcome to help bring this valuable resource to fruition.

St Kentigern Hospice anticipates that the Hospice Garden will become a vital resource for the community, fostering a sense of connection and support during difficult times. It has been estimated that we will need a further £30,000 to make this vision possible. If you would like to support the development of this project please donate via the campaign page https://stkentigernhospice.org.uk/grow-our-gardens/

St Kentigern Hospice will keep the community updated on the progress of the project through regular updates on its website and social media channels.

For media inquiries, please contact: Michaella Brannan m.brannan@stkentigernhospice.org.uk

01745 585 221

Over 80 members of and visitors to the Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society were delighted to welcome Fiona Gale MBE to their JANUARY meeting in the Village Hall, Llandyrnog. Fiona was Archaeologist within Denbighshire Countryside Service from 1996 – 2018 during which time she was involved in projects at the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountain hillforts including Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur close to Llandyrnog.

Since retirement she has become involved in local projects in Ruthin, including organising Open Doors for Ruthin. One of these is the Ruthin Civic Association project to refurbish the old railway crane which is in the grounds of the Craft Centre. This led to a much bigger project about the history of the Vale of Clwyd Railway and Ruthin Station in particular, as well as people’s memories of travelling on the train. The talk, Denbigh Ruthin and Corwen Railway in the Vale of Clwyd explored some of this history and looked at some of the remaining features of the line.

Fiona gave a brief overview of the development of railways in the UK. The first purpose-built passenger railway, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, was authorised by Act of Parliament in 1826 and between 1830 and 1870 a vast, sprawling network of railways was built all around the British Isles.

Before there were steam railways in the area, there were several mineral tramlines taking slate to the Canal in the Dee valley and coal and clay from works. There was a long tram line from the slate quarries at Horseshoe Pass to the Canal at Pentrefelin, near Llangollen.

The first railway built in Great Britain to use steam locomotives was the Stockton and Darlington, opened in 1825. It used a steam locomotive built by George Stephenson and was practical only for hauling minerals. The Liverpool and Manchester Railway, which opened in 1830, was the first modern passenger carrying railway.

The first passenger railway to come to North Wales was the North Wales coast line. The Chester and Holyhead Railway Act was passed in 1844, and construction began on 1 March 1845 with George's son Robert Stephenson as chief engineer.

The route was largely along the coast but some bold engineering was needed, especially the high bridge across the Menai Strait (required by the Government to give clearance for shipping). The Irish Mail went to Holyhead by train for the first time on August 1 1848, and on the same day the present Chester station was opened, replac-

ing the separate stations previously used by Crewe and Birkenhead services.

Small companies such as the Chester and Holyhead rarely kept their independence, and in 1859 the north Wales coast line had become the property of the London and North Western Railway Company (LNWR) which had in fact been working the train services from the opening day.

The LNWR, which owned the west coast main line from London Euston to Carlisle, set out to promote traffic on the coast line by encouraging tourist traffic to the seaside resorts, notably Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, and Llandudno which was reached by a short branch line opened in 1858.

Other lines developed in the area with the line between Ruabon and Dolgellau/ Barmouth via Llangollen begun in various stages.

The Vale of Llangollen Railway was built as a spur from the Shrewsbury and Chester railway south of Ruabon to the town Llangollen. The line was built along the northern side of the Dee Valley and authorized by an Act of Parliament on 1 August 1859. It was initially opened for goods only on 1 December 1861 and to passenger traffic on 2 June 1862 it was worked from the outset by the Great Western Railway.

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway was formed as a continuation of the Vale of Llangollen Railway to continue the line along the Dee Valley to Corwen. This was opened on 1 May 1865 and was worked by the Great Western.

Once both the north Wales coast line and the Llangollen/Dee Valley line were planned or in place there was desire to link the two lines. However, the first section of the line was constructed in the north to link Denbigh to Rhyl and was built following the Act of Parliament of June 1856, before the line in the Dee Valley was started.

This northern part of the line from Rhyl to Denbigh opened to passenger traffic in 1858, with the permanent station opening at Denbigh in December 1860.

This was followed by the Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway which gained Royal assent to the Act in July 1860. The original route proposed for the railway line in Ruthin was to the west of the Castle, through what is now Cae Ddôl park and close to the Park Place public house. This was built speculatively to serve the Railway. The Cornwallis Wests, living in the Castle, objected and it was built to the east of the centre of the town instead.

On the 4th of September 1860 Miss Florence West of Ruthin Castle cut the first sod of the line. By early 1862 the line had been constructed from Denbigh to Ruthin with stations at Llanrhaeadr and Rhewl. The part to Gwyddelwern was finished by March 1863 while the final section to Corwen was complete by October 1863.

Ruthin Station was intended to be the Headquarters of the Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway but very soon after the line opened it was taken over by the LNWR (London and North Western Railway) and the grand offices became surplus to requirements.

The station had a main platform and second platform which was only used if two trains were in the station at the same time. There was a covered waiting area on both platforms and a footbridge over the line.

Initially there was a locomotive depot at Ruthin but this was closed by around 1900. There was a large Goods Yard at the station as there was a lot of produce coming in and out, coal, timber, and agricultural supplies.

Railway Terrace was built alongside the railway line in 1864 and it still stands today. There is a date on the terrace between numbers 7 and 8. The Terrace was designed by the architect John Jones (1810 – 69). He was the bard known as ‘Talhaiarn.’ The train went underneath the road at the bottom of Well Street. The station was situated where the roundabout by the craft centre is today and on the craft centre site, a goods shed, lines and signal box etc

Trains served Ruthin Station for nearly 100 years. Regular passenger services south to Corwen stopped in 1953 but freight trains continued south almost until the whole line closed to all traffic in 1964. The last passenger train through Ruthin was April 1962. The last Station Master, William Glynne Hughes, who had come to Ruthin with his family in 1955, retired when the line closed.

Formal closure was in 1965 and the line was lifted very soon after. The railway tunnel under the road at the bottom of Well Street was taken down. The line of the railway, heading north towards Rhewl survives next to the sewage works.

When the Railway was closed, the Crane that was used in the goods yard was ‘dug out’ and left in the old Station Yard. Until the early 1980s the Crane lay abandoned on the site. It was then put in store by the local authority and re-erected when the Ruthin Craft Centre was first opened in the mid-1980s. Funding received from the National Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled it to be serviced and refurbished. Also, working with The Book of You, it is intended to collect stories and memories of people who knew or were part of the Vale of Clwyd Railway.

All are welcome to society meetings with members paying only £8 for the yearly programme of 4 meetings and visitors £3 per meeting. Light refreshments are served for all at the end of every meeting.

The next history society meeting will be on Wednesday 15 May - "Don't look back" - the story of Guernsey children who were billeted in Denbigh during World War 2. Wendy Grey-Lloyd.

For additional details or queries or to join the society, or volunteer to be part of the projects, please e-mail the

Cymdeithas Hanes Lleol Llandyrnog & Llangwyfan Local History Society on llangwyfanhistory@hotmail.com

Fiona Gale with Julia Hughes, Society Chair

Women’s Institute (WI) Sefydliad y Merched (SyM)

Our February meeting was a great success. We were 'charmed' by our speaker Debra Drake, finalist from the Great British Sewing Bee. She gave us an idea of her childhood and teenage experiences that led her to take up dress making as a hobby. 'Encouraged' by her friends she tentatively entered the Sewing Bee. She went on to give us a peek behind the scenes, the highs and lows and the friendships made. She spoke of the detailed feedback each contestant was given by Patrick Drake and Esme Young, it was never harsh but rather was always helpful. In addition she also brought along all the items that she made over the series that we could examine and take inspiration from. The two photographs are of Debra with her competition dress rail and with our President, Linda Rees-Owen in front of banners made by members Kath and Val.

In March we entertained ourselves without a speaker. It was our Easter meeting so we had an Easter Bunny Drive, it was also International Women's Day and so we share details and photographs of Women that individual members found inspiring.

Our speakers in April and May are members who will talk about areas of interest. In April Sue will talk about her solo travels by train across Europe and in May Karen will tell members about the experiences of her grandfather who was a PoW in the second world war.

Our Walking, Singing and Craft Groups continue. Second Wednesday for Singing, fourth Wednesday for Crafting and every Wednesday morning fir the Walking Group.

Dyserth W.I. continues to offer fun and friendship to any woman living in and around Dyserth including Trelawnyd, Rhyl, Rhuddlan and Prestatyn. We meet at 7.00 p.m. on the second Friday of every month [except August].

If you want to keep up with our activities, then find us on Facebook. Just type in Dyserth WI to see pictures and articles about past event and outings.

If you are interested in joining Dyserth W.I. or want to find out more please contact our President, Linda on reesowen.lro@gmail.com or our Secretary, Ann on hughesann059@gmail.com

If a Dandelion could talk......an autobiography.

A lot of people call me a weed but I'm a friend and have come to help you! My flowers are the first food for insects after hibernation and unlike most other plants, have pollen AND nectar, not merely one OR the other! And I am generous with them!

When you see me, remember that I'm the ONLY one who wants and can grow in that particular spot. Because:

Either the soil is too compact / hard / stomped, and I want to loosen it for you with my roots or there is too little calcium in the soil - don't worry, I will replenish that for you with the dying of my leaves.

Maybe the soil is too acidic, but I will also improve that for you if you give me the chance or perhaps a mixture of the above reasons of course.

I'm here because your soil needs my help so best you let me grow without disturbing me!

When everything is fixed, I will disappear again, I promise!

Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? However meticulous you are, I will return twice as strong! Just until your soil is improved.

You can even tell by my growth at which stage my help is at. If my leaves are flat on the ground then I'm far from ready but if they all reach up then I'm already well on my way.

Something completely different is that I am one of the first bloomers in spring so I will announce spring / summer for you.

During the day when it's hot, I open my flowers but, in the evening, when it cools off I close them again quickly. In fact, if it's not hot enough during the day I won't open them at all!

My flowers are even delicious for you people by the way, did you know? I used to be

called "Honey (or gold) of the poor" because my flowers are so sweet in e.g. jam, sauce or salad!

The internet is full of recipes - check them out.

However, wait until the end of May or later before you start picking and even then, don't pick everything yet! The biodiversity and bees will be very grateful!"

A “No Mow May” is an ideal situation for the lawn and its inhabitants but even a set aside area as opposed to the whole lawn will benefit; you’ll be surprised at the colours and insect life that will appear when everything is left undisturbed

.... Dave Parry.

Pictures generated by Adobe Firefly by PJR, Editor

all the best.

Before I write to tell you of our happy times at Dyserth Tuesday Morning Community Group I thought it might be helpful to the wider community to tell you of a personal experience that may help each and every motorist amongst you – and hopefully save you money:

My wife and I parked in the parking lot, called Morfa Hall (beside the White Rose shopping mall on Rhyl front). We had great difficulty getting the parking meter to accept our payment coins. We tried and tried with no success. We went into the shopping centre to try to get assistance but no one was able to help us.

We decided to forego our shopping trip and leave, but took the telephone number advertised on the board. We telephoned it when we got home and they were of no help whatsoever. They gave us an email address saying that might be of assistance. It wasn’t. The net result is that we have had to pay a £60 fine for our very short 26minute stay. THAT’s £2.31 PER MINUTE. Paid to SMART PARKING LTD. I might suggest they should be renamed “Smart Alecs!!!”

Be warned and hopefully save yourself some hard-earned money by avoiding our experience!

I cannot forget to announce to the people of Dyserth the wonderful generosity of your Parish Community Council. They have recognised the massive value that groups such as ours give to the community. We have received a much-needed grant to sup-

port our costs. So may I on behalf of DTMCG offer our very sincere thanks to the Council.

One of the joys in life was recognised over five hundred years ago, when Leonard da Vinci said “Learning is the only thing in life that never disappoints us”. On each Tuesday morning, we listen to a wide ranging variety of speakers sharing their knowledge of their interests or experiences in life. We learn something new each week and sometimes are inspired to pursue a subject.

Our lively and very sociable group continue to meet, in the warm Dyserth Community Hall in Cwm Road, and have very interesting talks and subsequent discussions between 10am and 12am each Tuesday throughout the horrid cold days of winter.

Just before I finish may I share a smile with you: My wife (our vice Chairman) and I were en route to the meeting when she spotted a beautiful bed of snowdrops and then another further up the road. Sadly the second bed turned out to be white roadside litter! It may be the only time I could see a positive side to the dreadfully careless litterlouts who spoil the beautiful village of Dyserth.

See you at 10.15am next Tuesday at Dyserth Community Centre Cwm Road, Dyserth. LL18 8BD

Michael Corfe, Secretary DTMCG

01745 585110