Dyserth Times is a not-for-profit community magazine published by Peter J Robinson solely for the benefit of the communities of Dyserth & Cwm Email: dyserthtimes@dyserth.com 01745 570321
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I publish on the 1st of August, October, December, February, April, June. The cut off date for articles is usually the 3rd Saturday of the month preceding publication date. Due to publishing deadlines I cannot guarantee that items received after the deadline will be included in the magazine.
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Dyserth Community Council
Cynghor Cymunedol Dyserth
Reported Criminal Offences in Dyserth:
The following criminal offences have been reported to the North Wales Police; that have occurred within the Dyserth Community Council area:
3 x Anti social behaviour / 5 x Criminal damage / 2 x Other crime / 12 Violence and sex offences (a breakdown of these is not available)
New Dyserth Community Councillor:
Following the display of Public Notices whereafter four Expressions of Interest were received for the position of a Dyserth Community Councillor. Councillors held a ballot whereby Peter J. Robinson was co-opted to the position of Councillor. Councillor Peter is the editor of the Dyserth Times, Chair of Dyserth Environment Group and a member of the North East Wales Heritage Forum. The new Councillor is the owner of a web site named: www.dyserth.com – which provides interesting current and historical information on the Village of Dyserth together with over a thousand photographs.
Christmas Street Illuminations:
Following the adverse weather conditions over the Christmas period which resulted in a number of the Community Council’s Christmas street illuminations being damaged beyond repair. The Community Council agreed to set up a sub-committee to review the current lighting units and thereafter recommend to the full Council both replacement and new lighting schemes for consideration.
Concerns Reported to Denbighshire County Council:
1) Potholes in James Park
2) Safety hand rail on footpath number 33 - from area of Bryn y Felin to Waterfall. A member of the public had gathered the damaged rails for safe keeping
3) Blocked culverts in a number of areas
4) Concerns with flooding in area of Carreg Heilin Lane (behind Parc Gwelfor). Flooding water cascading down the road causing damage to the carriageway and slippery mud. The water is also flowing down the steps making the area quite dangerous to walk. Following the Clerk reporting the concern to County Highways who visited and completed work to alleviate the concern, but this was not sufficient to cease the
flow of water. Further investigations will now be completed by Denbighshire Highways, and other agencies (Welsh Water & Natural Resources Wales).
Condition of road and steps (previous page) in Carreg Heilin Lane area of Dyserth
Concerns Discussed With County Councillor David Williams:
1) Damaged handrail on roadway to Weavers Lane which occurred in July 2024
2) Top of Waterfall Hill in area of keep clear white road markings, vehicles still continue to park in the area of these lines
3) Installation of solar panels in the senior citizens estate in Maes Esgob. Residents are aggrieved that the panels are not reducing their electricity costs. Denbighshire County Council advised the following: Residents will be unlikely to see financial benefit of the new systems until the warmer months
4) Complaint in relation to the rubbish on the old Rhyl Road – between lower Dyserth and in the area of the traffic lights. Councillor Williams advised that County Highways will arrange a clean-up of the area, including the area of the traffic lights to Voel Coaches
5) A number of black bin and recycling complaints.
Planning Applications:
The following planning applications have been commented upon by the Community Council:
1) Application number: 42/2024/1553/PO – for the development of 0.07 ha of land by the erection of 1 no. dwelling (outline application - all matters reserved), at Bod Erw, Hiraddug Road, Dyserth
2) Application number: 42/2024/1517/PO – for development of 0.15ha of land by the erection of 9 no. affordable dwellings, construction of a new vehicular access and associated works (outline application including access), at Land Between, Llys Gadlas and Bron-berllan Ucha, Hiraddug Road, Dyserth
3) Application number: 42/2025/0020/HH – for construction of new vehicular access, parking and pavement crossing, at 2 Maes Hiraddug, Dyserth.
Planning Decisions:
The following planning decisions have been notified by Denbighshire County Planning:
1) Application number: 42/2024/1511/HH – for the erection of a single storey extension to rear of dwelling and associated works, at Tyn Y Pistyll, Carreg Heilin Lane, Dyserth. Granted
2) Application number: 42/2024/1463/LP – for Certificate of Lawfulness for a proposed use - Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed single storey side extension, at Closefield, Ffordd Ffynnon, Dyserth. Certify.
Planning Appeal:
The following planning appeal has been made to the Welsh Planning Inspectorate: Reference number: CAS-03731-Y6K4P1 – for the development of 0.173ha of land by the erection of 3 dwellings (outline application – All matters reserved), at Greenfields, Ffordd Ffynnon, Dyserth.
Applications for Financial Support and Donations:
The Community Council have provided the following financial assistance: £2,500.00 –Dyserth Community Hall (£2,000 towards general running costs and £500 towards increased electricity and heating costs).
R. Phillip Parry,
Clerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council
Tel: 01352 720547
E-mail: clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales
Web Site: www.dyserthcouncil.wales
World Refugee Month
June 2025 is the World Refugee month. and Horeb Chapel Dyserth are holding an afternoon strawberry tea in Paterson Hall on Saturday 14th June from 3pm to 5pm.
All proceeds raised will be going to the children and disabled unit in the Shufat refugee camp in northern Palestine This camp has been there for over 70 years. It is on one square kilometre of land and many many thousands and generations of Palestinians live there Now in a very traumatised situation
More information will be given on the afternoon of 14th by a previous member of Horeb who has voluntarily stayed and helped in the camp at her own expense a few times and hears daily from the only doctor there. All the funds she and her friends have raised have been spent on the needs of the camp, especially the children. Do hope as many as possible will be able to come on 14th June
Thank you.
From a guide to the area - late 1930s
The earliest record of the place is in Doomsday Book, 1086, with the name spelt
“Dissard”. And there it is mentioned: “there is a church with a priest and 2 villeins and a mill worth 3 shillings and 2 borders.” In the same record are mentioned places of note in the parish: Dincolyn, Hiraddug, Llewerllyd, and Pendref.
In the parish are two ancient British Forts:
1) HIRADDUG, which is partly in Cwm parish. The battle of Hiraddug was fought in 1034 between the sons of Edwin and the sons of Rhydderch. A couplet by a noted Welsh bard, Gwilym Ryfel, who flourished between 1170-90, proves the early existence of the quarry at the base of the mountains, even then.
2) DINCOLYN. This ancient port is situated on the easterly side of Dyserth, in the township of Trecastell. As well as Domesday Book it is mentioned in the Churches Taxation, 1291, and also as an estate given to the Diocese by Edward 1st in lieu of the loss sustained by the Welsh wars.
NSPCC Dyserth
If you have visited our shop recently, you’ll have noticed how much neater and refreshed it looks; yes, we have had a partial refit, making it easier for you to browse and shop; do come and see it, you are sure to find some enticing bargains.
Special thanks are due to our long-standing colleague Pat Johnson, who has for many years prepared and weighed all the “Tat bags” which bring us vital funds. On one particularly busy week, she processed 77 of these for collection. Thank you so much Pat, we wish you a restful and happy retirement from this arduous job.
Several of our volunteers have recently also retired for various health and other reasons; if you fancy volunteering, even on an “as and when” basis, please drop into the shop and give your name and contact details, you will be sure of a warm welcome.
Many of our volunteers recently visited NSPCC H.Q. in Prestatyn to attend a special “Thank you” Spring lunch. We enjoyed the socialising at the lovely lunch and raffle; it was good to be recognised in this way for our work.
If you want new season clothes, Easter or Mother’s Day items, or even a glamorous wedding outfit, you don’t have to go far, we are eagerly awaiting your visit.
Cathie
Cornish.
Dementia Information Afternoon
Community Councillor Anne Rogers
On Sunday 2nd February I organised an information afternoon on behalf of Dyserth Community council with Rhuddlan Dementia Group.
This was to raise awareness of the group and also help residents with information as to what support is out there. Mike Kermode gave a talk in the group and what events they have.
We also had Rebecca and Abby from the Alzheimer’s society who told us all about the Memory support pathway; Toby from the dementia support service who works closely with Alzheimer’s society; Becky who is the Dementia aware Denbighshire officer; Sgt Bethan Jones gave us information on the Herbert Protocol; and lastly, the inspiring Theresa Davies (aka Dory) who told what it’s like having and living with Dementia.
We had a great turnout and we hope people found it helpful and informative. Thank you to all the speakers and residents who attended.
Rhuddlan dementia group has opened its doors to residents of the village… they do some great events and can signpost us to the relevant people that can help.
Dyserth Bowling Club are preparing for the start of the 2025 season. The club has entered teams in 4 separate leagues and are looking to recruit new members of all abilities from beginners to highly experienced.
It’s a good way to get some fresh air, exercise and meeting new people. The green will open on Saturday 22nd March at 2 pm and anyone interested or curious about bowls are welcome to come along for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat, or they can contact me on 07460419419.
John Hughes-Jones
Chair, Dyserth Bowling Club
An update 2025.03
The continuing story of what goes on at Horeb Chapel, and how we are doing our best to move forward and ‘do our bit’ as life goes on in these increasingly challenging times.
When I begin to write this bimonthly piece it’s not long before I’m off again thinking back to my boyhood in the village in the early 1950s. It’s mid-March and spring is definitely beginning to show itself. I’ve moved outdoors; my dad has resumed his efforts to make a cricketer of me i.e. already several hours of batting practice on our driveway with wickets drawn on the garage door – and I’d got my bike out - it was cleaned, oiled, pumped up and ready to go.
I suppose it must have rained in those days but not in my memory – and cold – yes I can recall arriving home with my hands needing to be forced straight after a few hours of being wrapped around handlebars (only girls wore gloves) – but I don’t remember feeling cold or wrapping up in the number of layers that I seem to need these days and I was still in short trousers.
Yes, they were the good old days - but I must get on and provide as usual just a very brief summary of what we do /are doing / planning - just to let folk know that we're still alive and kicking.
Before I start on the more mundane stuff
Yet another very sad Event
As I wrote in the last edition, we are an aging congregation so it is only to be expected that we will lose members from time to time – but Colin I joined Horeb shortly after returning to the village some 11 years ago. I first met Colin, shortly after Joining when he was preaching on a Sunday Morning at Horeb. He had organised a ‘Café Church’ – and I was amazed to see one obviously so elderly try something so ‘new’. I was very impressed, and as I found my feet at Horeb and began to look for things to do – it seemed to make sense to volunteer to help Colin (and Elizabeth) running the ‘Food Co-op’ that they had set up some years before.
I just helped – setting up tables, sorting the vegetables ordered into bags but listening, watching and learning from Colin and Elizabeth – and having a lot of fun, whilst I hope, being useful. Happy days. Then along came COVID. Lots of things including the Food Co-op stopped; and when things began to get back to normal Colin decided that he could no longer continue to be actively involved in Food Co-op.
Many things changed during COVID. A number of the older members of Horeb died and even more reached an age where (I’m included in this…) tasks requiring physical strength / stamina / dexterity are often problematic at least and often are beyond us. So with bodies in short supply i.e. no one to take it on – Food Co-op was no more.
Over recent months I together with Pauline Wilson, another Elder and Food Co-op helper we have visited Colin regularly. He enjoyed our visits but it was hard watching the physical decline of a man whose mind was as bright as ever. He hated what was happening to him – and quite simply he wanted to go. When we heard Colin had died we were of course very sorry that we had lost him –but could not help but feel pleased that his suffering had ended and glad in the
knowledge that he is in a better place.
Colin’s wish saw his body left to Medical Science, and his life celebrated with a wellattended, moving Memorial Service held at Highfield U.R.C. in Rock Ferry – Colin’s final Church as a Minister.
God bless him; an amazing man who lived a full life in the service of others – and will never be forgotten.
So now back to normal - What’s Going On!
Well Food Co-op might have ended but a group of people who met at Horeb when enjoying a cuppa provided by the Food-Co-op are still meeting every week as ‘Son of Food Co-op’ – Our Wednesday ‘Coffee Morning‘
If you have free time on a Wednesday – PLEASE JOIN US! 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; … and if there is anything at all that warrants celebration invariably we will arrange something special – perhaps a Bacon Butty or Sausage Bap.
A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suit - we'll show you how the Lincat (Water Heater) works; where the tea/ coffee/crockery is kept provide a bit of training … … and you can make your own just as you like it.
Community Lunches - still up and running at Horeb on the second Tuesday of the month from 12.30 – all are welcome.
No need to book – (unless you’re bringing a coachful) and, if you’re running late, don’t worry you will be fed.
Please Note that from the April Community Lunch onwards the cost has been increased to £4.00 to cover Inflation and the hike in Fuel Prices
The menu for our lunches continues to be one that the small team of folk from Horeb (Some of the Elders plus a few friends / family) can manage i.e. a bowl of soup (usually a choice from 2 or three) with a bread roll and butter followed by pudding and a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink.
In addition on Tuesdays during Lent Horeb and St Bridget’s will be hosting this year’s LENT lunches.
They are all at Horeb and are open to all: Lunch 2 Tues. 18th ; Lunch 3 Tues 25th ; Lunch 4 Tues. April 1st
Proceeds to Christian Aid
As he who is 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 or puddings so again we must be doing something right. BUT we’re not full – so if you’re free…
So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ - I will 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
DETAILS Zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9)
Weekly, a summary of ‘What’s on at Horeb’ is circulated online to keep folk in touch with hard copies available at the Sunday morning Service. If anyone reading this update would like to receive ‘What’s On at Horeb’ - mail me on allandavidmorgan@gmail.com. and I’ll willingly add you to my list.
The Horeb Web Site problem i.e. the website is no more – hopefully just like Arnie – we’ll be back - soon.
Danny, our neighbour spotted the problem and, as he knows what he is talking about unlike most of the Horeb Elders we have gratefully accepted his help and advice and are in the process of establishing a new simpler version which will contain a brief outline of what Horeb is about and how to contact us - we’re getting closer.
Horeb trying to be useful
1. Our link with Pengwern College in Rhuddlan – involved in some maintenance of Horeb ‘ground- works’ –Sadly, we have still been unable to speak to anyone at Pengwern.
2. Tŷ Golau For many year now, we have supported ‘The Night Shelter for the homeless in Rhyl’. Our members, when they do their weekly shopping purchase a few extra items, put them in a box in Horeb and they are delivered to Tŷ Golau every few weeks. The staff are grateful for the gifts and the support and the fact that we appreciate what the staff do for folk who are simply less fortunate than we – we just ‘do our bit’.
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, The Henry Gordon Room and the Sanctuary itself are 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 peace, health and fulfilment as Spring approaches and it turns a little warmer.
Allan Morgan (A Horeb Elder)
My wife’s Nain (Mary Ellen Jones) was born in 1893 in Tyn y Clwt (various spellings in different records). It took us a while to find it but I’ve marked it on the map on the next page.
Leaping into Spring.
There was great excitement recently in our small wildlife pond that Jackie and I created four years ago. The same thing happened just over twelve months ago on February 18th after a milder spell than we have had of late; yes, there was a commotion in the water whenever the pond was approached as the Frogs that had paired up a few weeks back in January had started to produce Frogspawn – this being three days later this year on February 21st, as until a couple of days before that the weather had been bitterly cold and not at all ideal for egg laying.
It was around the middle of January when I first noticed the smaller male Frogs hanging on to their chosen female partner who is a little bit larger than him; he sits on her back and awaits the moment when the temperature is just right and fertilises the spawn as it is produced by the female. I noticed at one point when presumably the females were outnumbered by some of the very keen males, that there was a group of them trying to gain a purchase on a female with the poor girl being surrounded by at least four males in a virtual ball of Frogs, although the original boy frog was still in position on her back clinging on for dear life only to encounter an attempted ambush at the last minute!
The croaking and splashing emanating from the small pond was a joy to hear and it’s easy to imagine that they all had a smile on their face knowing they’ve found somewhere acceptable to breed. They were not particularly loud but were definitely audible for three days until approximately a dozen separate clumps of about 2000 eggs were left in the water.
Some of the spawn was left protruding above the surface and can be liable to damage from frost and sunlight; any dead eggs will show as white or grey and should be left as they will protect the eggs in the centre of the clump. The healthy eggs appear as tiny black dots in amongst a ball of jelly, and soon begin to change shape, becoming oval as they grow before hatching after between 1 and 3 weeks and gathering as Tadpoles in groups feeding initially on the egg sack jelly before moving onto
eating plants and vegetation.
Only about 1 in 50 tadpoles will survive to become an adult Frog, so about 40 will make it through per clump of spawn.
We can now look forward to watching the Tadpoles develop, eking out an existence until the day, some 14 weeks later that they emerge from the pond as tiny Froglets and make their way in the world, which means spending time in long grass and under stones and logs etc.
Last year we were aware that the tiny frogs were present in the grass surrounding the pond and so endeavoured to take great care with any cutting, gardening and even walking in the plot as it was a common occurrence to see a sudden movement in the grass when mooching about so literally a case of treading carefully.
A true early indicator that Spring is nigh and a pleasant reminder of time spent during our younger days when life seemed much simpler.......
Dave Parry.
mate talk was by Peter Robinson (not the editor of Dyserth Times) about the wreck ‘Ocean Monarch’ (It lies about 5 miles off the Rhyl coast) and the work of the RNLI. They raised £113 selling on behalf of this wonderful voluntary service.
The final speaker rounded off our year with a most interesting talk by Fay Corfe about Lady Gertrude Denman, a dynamic lady who used her privileged status for the benefit of society. As a determined feminist and liberal thinker, she was one of the instigators of The Women’s Land Army in both world wars AND a very early enthusiast for the founding of the Women’s Institute in the UK. [Interesting to discover that the W.I. was originally a Canadian movement taken up by (and originating in) Anglesey. A big feather in Wales's cap].
One of our members is leaving the group and made a special telephone call to my wife and I, saying how much she had enjoyed the friendship and humour within the group’s company every Tuesday morning. If you have the time and freedom to join us please take note.
Our DTMCG is keeping the social aspect of the group going throughout the summer by organising coffee mornings and arranging outings to some interesting venues. Do get in touch if you would like to join.
We start our 2025/2026 season at the Dyserth Community Hall 7th October with yet another interesting programme of speakers.
Dyserth Community Centre Cwm Road Dyserth.LL18 8BD
Michael Corfe Secretary DTMCG 01745 585110
