Dyserth Times Issue 124 - Feb-Mar 2023

Dyserth Times is a not-for-profit community magazine

published by Katie Baker solely for the benefit of the communities of Dyserth & Cwm

Email: dyserthtimeseditor@gmail.com

Articles are published on the understanding that they are the original work of the contributor and the publisher reserves all rights on behalf of the authors.

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Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not reflect those of the editors or anyone else associated with the Dyserth Times magazine or it’s associated Facebook group.

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Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine the editors and publishers cannot be held responsible for information supplied by contributors and published in good faith. Readers are advised to check with the organiser of events listed within the magazine to ensure that dates and times have not been changed following publication.

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We publish on the 1st of August, October, December, February, April, June. The cut off date for articles is always the 10th of the month preceding publication date. Due to publishing deadlines we cannot guarantee that any articles received after this date will be included in the magazine.

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We are happy to publish your contributions in either Welsh or English, whichever you chose to submit.

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Articles may be typed, handwritten, USB key or e-mailed. We cannot guarantee to publish media or photographs. Whilst we understand and will respect a contributor’s request for anonymity we will publish only if we are provided with the author’s name and full address including post code.

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Dyserth Times complies with it’s obligations under GDPR 2018. A copy of the Dyserth Times Privacy Policy is available by request to the Editors on the contact details listed above.

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The Editor’s Bit - Darn y Golygydd New Year, New Editor

Well, it’s the start of a new year and with each new year comes the promise of change. Many of you will have set new year’s resolutions promising to make positive changes in a certain aspect of your home or work life - maybe to start a savings account, aim for a promotion or to take up a new sport to improve your health and wellbeing. I hope whatever you have decided on that you are moving in the right directions even if you haven’t stuck to it religiously everyday.

One of the positive changes that I’m trying to focus on this year is to strike a better work-life balance. On many occasions over the past few years I, as I’m sure many of you have, have found myself overcommitting and then subsequently feeling like I’m under-delivering in some way or another. Those evenings that you intended to spend relaxing with your other half end up being postponed because you need to finish an article before a deadline or you end up taking a phone call or having to check emails on a family day out leaving you with mum guilt for the rest of the day.

In a bid to achieve this somewhat ambitious goal, I have decided that I need to pass on the Dyserth Times’ reins. I’ve loved my (almost) five years as editor of the magazine not least because I feel that the magazine is such a vital part of the community but also because the role has enabled me to be part of community events such as the Scarecrow Competition, the Easter Egg Hunt and last year’s World Book Day event. The role has also given me the chance to get to know so many wonderful people in the community, people who all contribute to our amazing village in one way or another.

I however feel it’s important to realise when things could be done better and I’ve come to recognise that due to working full-time, juggling family life and honouring other commitments I have made to various organisations, that the magazine was not getting the level of attention it deserved. I am thrilled therefore that Pete Robinson has kindly volunteered to take over as editor from the next edition.

Pete, as many of you will know, runs the Dyserth website and therefore is already a very valued member of the community. He has the experience, knowledge and expertise to build on the foundations laid by Malcolm and Richard and, with the backing of local businesses and the Community Council, will be best placed to ensure the magazine has a very bright future.

Before I sign off I would like to say thank you to all the contributors, the advertisers, distributors and DT admins (many of whom have been part of the magazine for longer than me) who make the magazine possible. I would also like to give a special mention to Paul Rad, who in addition to creating the kids fun page and distributing the magazine has committed a considerable amount of time and expenses into making a number of local community events hosted by the DT a success.

Finally, to my parents, Carole & Dave, who collect the magazine from the printers, sort it into rounds, get it to the distributors and bail me out by preparing articles at short notice every time I call them up in a panic - thank you so very much. I hope you also enjoy your DT retirement.

Dyserth Community Council Cynghor Cymunedol Dyserth

Edgar Jones (Retired Councillor) Minutes Silence held by Council

Councillor Andy Hughes addressed Members on the recent passing of retired Councillor Edgar Jones. Edgar was a lifelong resident of Dyserth and was appointed to the Council in October 1977 – and had served for 45 years until his retirement in May 2022. He had been Chair of the Council on four occasions.

Edgar’s passion for Dyserth was upmost and on behalf of this Council, we send our sincere condolences to his family. Members stood and held a minutes silence.

Thank you Katie

The Chair of Dyserth Community Council together with Councillors, wish to thank Katie Baker and express their appreciation on behalf of both the Council and residents, for her dedication to the community as editor of the Dyserth Times. Katie is thanked for her dedication and willingness in producing the bi-monthly edition of the Dyserth Times – which has been so appreciated.

The Council also appreciate others who assist Katie by providing the news reports, the advertisers, together with the residents who assist with the delivery of the news booklet to the properties in Dyserth. The Council also send the new editor Peter Robinson their best wishes and also thank Peter for his commitment with other community aspects in Dyserth.

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:

2 x Anti social behaviour / 2 x Criminal damage / 2 x Other crime / 8 x Violence offences

Precept:

The Community Council current precept for a Band D property in Dyserth is £41.24 a year this generates an income to the Council of £48,500.00. The Council have agreed not to increase the precept for the new financial year – 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. However, due to the decrease in the number of properties moving out of Band D, to maintain the aforementioned precept balance, there will be an increase in the actual community charge to each Band D household of around 68p a year.

County Councillor David Williams:

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

1) Denbighshire County Council had advised the following: Drainage work to commence in the area of Hiraddug road during week commencing 28th November. The work will involve replacing the existing filter stone and

installing an extra soakaway chamber

(2) Complaints in relation to a reduction in television signal in the Maes Esgob area. Councillor Williams has requested Denbighshire to complete a survey in the area

(3) Flood Defence Scheme for Dyserth: Councillor Williams has further written to Natural Resources Wales, to seek the present position in relation to the pending plan

(4) Complaints received in relation to speeding traffic on Waterfall Road. The Council have requested Denbighshire County Council Highways to place monitoring tubes to be installed on the B5119 Waterfall Hill – in the area of the Waterfall entrance and near the entrance to the Glan Ffyddion Estate. (It is hoped that an analysis report following the survey will be available for the next edition of the Dyserth Times)

(5) Request for overgrown hedge in the area of road travelling towards the traffic lights (down Waterfall Road) whereby it has become difficult for two vehicles travelling in opposite directions to use the road safely

(6) Request for traffic calming measures on Waterfall Hill received from residents, together with concern that the white painted slow warning signs have faded. Complaint referred to County Street Scene

(7) Complaint in relation to a high hedge in St. Asaph Road. Complaint referred to County Street Scene

(8) Pot holes on Waterfall Road and adjacent to the waterfall car park (these have been repaired).

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

1) Application number: 42/2022/0850 for the erection of single and two storey extensions to rear of dwelling and associated works, at 4 Maes Hyfryd, Dyserth

2) Application number: 42/2022/0831 – for demolition of existing car port and rear extension and erection of replacement pitched roof car port, front porch, single storey rear extension with first floor balcony above and associated works, at Bedw Arian, 78 Cwm Road, Dyserth.

Planning Decisions:

The following planning decisions have been received from Denbighshire County Council:

(1) Application number: 42/2022/0702 – for the erection of a single storey flat roof extension and associated works, at 17 St. Asaph Road, Dyserth. Granted

(2) Application number: 42/2022/0775 – for erection of first floor and wo storey side extensions and alterations to dwelling, erection of stone outbuilding and associated works, at Boverton House, Carreg Hellyn Lane, Dyserth. Granted.

Applications for Financial Support and Donations:

The Community Council have provided the following financial assistance: £2,000.00Dyserth Community Hall (Application for annual grant towards running costs) /

£250.00 - Urdd National Eisteddfod (Application for annual grant) / £250.00Dyserth Tuesday Morning Club (Application for annual grant)

Renting in Wales

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into force on 1 December 2022. It makes significant changes to the law relating to residential property lettings in Wales. From now on, the legal basis of most agreements between landlords and people who rent their home will be an "occupation contract" and tenants and licensees will now be called "contract holders”.

Contract holders must be given a written statement containing all of the terms of the occupation contract within 14 days of moving in.

Most pre-existing rental agreements will automatically convert into occupation contracts, and in that case, landlords have until 31 May 2023 to send out the written statement.

The Welsh government has produced model written statements for different circumstances and they can be used as the basis for occupation contracts. The new law says that there are some fundamental terms which cannot be changed from the model wording at all, and others which can only be altered if the change benefits the contract holder.

Here are a few key things to note about the new law:

• Landlords must make sure that properties are fit for human habitation, having regard to a list of 29 separate factors including damp and mould, carbon monoxide, a lack of adequate lighting, exposure to pests, poor sanitation and drainage, inadequate water supply, etc.

• Properties must include hardwired smoke alarms on each floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in each room containing a gas appliance, oil-fired combustion appliance, or solid fuel burning combustion appliance.

• Landlords must give six months’ notice of a "no fault" eviction and one month's notice of an eviction due to a breach of contract. That notice period can be shorter where there is antisocial behaviour, or serious rent arrears.

• Two months’ notice has to be given of any rent increase.

• It is easier to add or remove contract holders to the contract: there is no need to end the existing contract and start a new one. Managing joint occupation contracts is therefore simpler.

• Where the contract holder dies the contract can be passed on to certain other people living in the property such as the contract holder’s spouse or partner, other family member aged 18 or over, or certain types of carers.

• The new law also gives landlords the right to recover possession of the property without issuing court proceedings by following a prescribed procedure if the property has been abandoned.

There are pitfalls for the unwary and it is important for landlords to get advice about the terms of their written statements, and to get advice before serving any notices to terminate an occupation contract or repossess an apparently abandoned property.

Brian Evans, Lanyon Bowdler

Conwy Office: 01492 557070/enquiries@lblaw.co.uk

Horeb United Reformed Church - Eglwys Unedig Diwygiedig Horeb

An update from Allan Morgan

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved 'back to normal' - albeit a 'New Normal' and slightly different.

Son of Food Co-op - had a 'Christmas Break' but met again on the first Wednesday in January and most of the 'Usual Suspects' returned and the conversation flowed/ resumed.

I must remind readers that 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 by donation. Currently we are investigating the possibility of gaining funding as 'a warm space' and maybe expanding if we can encourage some of those who attend to take on a role as openers / organisers.

Community Lunch - Two months in - we're up and running - despite problems with the cooker which is still in the process of being resolved, and the response from those attending has been very positive. The only issue seems to be the change of day and its clash with the Tuesday Morning group who meet at the Community Centre. I'm sure this is not insurmountable.

In the hope that folk will be prepared to make the trek up from Cwm Road to Horeb on a Tuesday we are changing the published time of the Community Lunch to 12.30 as from this coming week. This will be publicised on the Dyserth Times Facebook page, but if anyone arrives early having missed this information it shouldn't be a problem as we will be ready to start serving on the first week at 12.00 - just in case.

Community Christmas Craft Event - sponsored by the Dyserth Times - which hopefully will not be a 'one-off'

Thanks to Katie and Paul who provided much of the material used, the expertise and most of the ideas and energy - this was a real success. In the middle of a horrible spell of very cold and wet weather we entertained (at no cost), 20+ youngsters and members of their families with various hands-on Christmas themed craft activities. Apart from providing the venue/heating etc Horeb were i/c refreshments and provided a space where parents could escape and have a cuppa along with a cake or three. There is no doubt that this was enjoyed by the youngsters and we were very pleased to play our part in helping it all happen.

So what is back to Normal - Yes, life at Horeb is returning to near normal - so to repeat -

We hold Services every week [Sundays (10.30 to 11.30)] and enjoy social time wih tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

The weekly Service is available 'live' to all on Zoom on a Sunday morning and available on Facebook from Sunday afternoon.

DETAILS Join us - live on zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9)

- on 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 by e-mail, CONTACT. Issued every week (currently No 82), this is a brief Service in print produced by Rev. Colin Richards whose 'thoughts' are well worth a read. In addition to CONTACT, recipients are kept up to date by a copy of the notices which are later read out at the start of the Service on Sunday Morning.

Ongoing 'still missing'

The Village quiz - is now on my list of things to get on with. Details will be published on the Dyserth Times Facebook page within a few weeks.

Ongoing difficulties

Building Maintenance There are still things to do but plans are afoot - so hopefully

Planned:

Re-pointing the porch - We are hoping that plans for this will be agreed within a few days.

Tidying up the Peace Garden The changes have made the job of keeping it tidy much easier; all we need now is some sensible weather. Wet and warm is not a good combination i.e. the grass grows but is usually too wet to cut.

Finances

These are I'm afraid always going to be a problem. The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in Horeb is a major source of income which has still to return to a preCovid level.

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 the U.R.C. in Dyserth 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.

So, I'll sign off wishing all a happy New Year and, if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, You will be very welcome.

Allan Morgan

CRANEFIELD DECORATORS

EST. OVER 25 YEARS

INTERNAL AND EXTRENAL DECORATOR PAPER HANGING REDUCED RATE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS FULLY INSURED

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December brought to a close to the W.I. year with our Christmas Party / Meeting which as always was great fun [aided by the annual ‘tuneful’ rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas]. In addition, we had our now traditional trip to Chester Cathedral for the Chester Music Society’s Christmas Cracker. Sadly, the guest presenter, Roger McGough was taken ill at the last minute but nevertheless the Concert was wonderful. The addition of musical items by the Saturday morning children’s choir was particularly appreciated.

We now have a new Committee with members who are raring to go, intent on providing plenty of opportunities for members to have days out, entertaining speakers and lots of other opportunities to meet up to sing, craft and walk together.

In February our speaker will be from the RNLI. They will share with us the history of Rhyl RNLI Lifeboat and in March we will have our combined St David’s Day and Easter celebration.

As an Institute we have offered our services to help the Dyserth Environmental Group with the planting of the 420 saplings they have been gifted from the Woodland Trust. It is understood that these saplings will be planted in a field, to be identified, in Dyserth. Members are excited by this opportunity to join force with another local community group.

At our January meeting we voted on the resolution that we wanted to go forward at a national level for discussion. It will be finally voted upon at the Nationl Annual Meeting in May. It was agreed that out of the 4 options presented we gave most support to the resolution which called on decisionmakers to introduce updated legislation and regulation to address the harms caused by problem gambling.

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 events and outings.

If you are interested in joining Dyserth WI or want to find out more please contact our President, Linda on reesowen.lro@gmail.com or our new secretary on hughesannn59@gmail.com.

Sue Wright

Nature’s Corner – Cornel Nature Garden Hawks

Early December, a lone Clematis flower had just appeared on the large climbing Montana in the garden that has become a magnet each winter’s evening for a large gang of House Sparrows to roost. We love to watch these little fellas hurtling at great speed into the dense foliage either to try and get a prime spot on one of the tangled stems within, or to hastily avoid being caught by one of the Sparrowhawks that frequent the local gardens; to listen to them squabbling and chirruping as they settle down each evening is a real treat.

This large Clematis climbs up a rope that is tied to a tall post and stands about 15 feet high, Ideal it would seem to protect sleeping Sparrows, but to witness the whole thing swaying about during strong winds and imagine that these guys are in there hanging on for dear life is absolutely amazing. Of course, as the winter progresses and the leaves fall the bare Clematis holds little protection, so it does make you wonder where they then go to roost.

A few evenings ago, I observed a female Sparrowhawk flying in and swirling around the bush with unimaginable agility and intent, and although in the past I have seen these predators flying at speed and disappearing into a hedge in hot pursuit of a meal, in this case, she perched on the outside as if to try and catch one of the arrivals on entry, but after some five minutes or so she gave up and flew elsewhere.

I can remember a time some years ago, when we kept Canaries in a garden aviary with a good-sized external flight, it was quite common to see the Sparrowhawks showing a worrying interest in the birds.

On one occasion, a beautiful male Sparrowhawk came in very close to the flight area, flying frantically just in front of the outside of the wire mesh and mirroring the panicked flight of one of the Canaries. This was happening at great speed, and although, not nice to witness as the whole aviary was basically being terrorised, it was a relief when a somewhat disappointed Hawk flew away with empty talons.

Sparrowhawks are common and such regular visitors to our gardens largely due to the smaller birds frequenting feeders but are hardly ever noticed due to their amazing stealth and speed. They can enter a garden and be out in a split second even if they make a kill in the process, they can also sit still for long periods watching whilst easily blending into the surroundings.

Female Sparrowhawk

The female, a pigeon sized bird is brown in colour with stunning barring from chest to belly whereas the smaller handsome male is a blue grey colour about the size of a Collared Dove again with striking barring on the chest and large orange eyes which are their stock in trade. They will undoubtably nest locally, quite often using an old crow’s nest in woodland.

Nature can seem cruel, but it’s probably a sign of a healthy local small bird population if these guys are about. It’s worth noting that birds do need good cover in the form of tall hedging or small dense trees and shrubs to feel safe especially near feeders. It’s also a must to keep the feeders going all year round, they are a lifeline to all the garden birds during winter to help fend off the cold, and to feed the youngsters in Spring and Summer, it may also make the occasional Sparrowhawk visit worthwhile too..

Dave Parry

Male Sparrowhawk

Cyng/Cllr David Gwyn Williams

On December 15th I had a planned meeting with the Chief Executive of DCC, Graham Boase. We had a very productive chat for about an hour, and he took on board a number of concerns that I had regarding several issues; including some which I consider to be very unfair treatment of the people of Dyserth by some DCC personnel.

Graham listened to all these concerns, and while we also discussed other more general matters, he promised to look into the issues I raised concerning Dyserth.

Yesterday I received a copy e mail from him that was addressed to Emlyn Jones who is Head of Services for Highways, Planning and Public Protection, in which he asked Emlyn to contact me directly to address the following matters:

1. To discuss revised plans for completion of traffic flow measures for Dyserth HighStreet after extra funding has now been allocated following pressure from myself and Dyserth Community Council.

2. To look again at the possibility of a roundabout on the A547 at Thorncliffe crossroads; in order to tackle the increasingly dangerous and chaotic traffic situation here, especially at peak times

3. To review the provision of a much larger sign at Mia Hall junction on the A5151, prohibiting HGVs from using Pant Erwyn road and often getting stuck under the low bridge on Allt y Graig.

Graham admitted to me that none of our requests as a community were at all unreasonable, and he has fulfilled his promise to get them looked into from a new perspective. I am confident that the anticipated private discussion of these matters with Emlyn Jones will instigate a new and fresh approach and resolve some if not all of these long-standing issues.

I would like to thank Katie and Liam for all their hard work over the years in producing our Dyserth Times. The dedication and effort required to get this excellent magazine produced every two months is indeed considerable and deserving of the sincere thanks and appreciation of so many regular readers.

I know that like myself, many will also want to wish the new editor, Peter Robinson, every success in taking over this time consuming but most important role for the benefit of our community.

David G. Williams

Cyng/Cllr

Dyserth Tuesday Morning Community Group Grwp Cumunedol Bore Dydd Mawrth

Not Buzz Lightyear!!!

Before I write about our wonderful DTMCG, I must say a massive ‘Thankyou’ to Katie Baker our retiring Dyserth Times editor for keeping this newsy little paper going through the many trials and tribulations of the last five years. To paraphrase Buzz Lightyear, Katie has gone from ‘Maternity and beyond’. She is now handing over the reins to Mr Peter Robinson. Thank you Katie.

Peter Robinson is a much cherished and valued curator of Dyserth history. He has run the superb website giving Dyserth news and history to the world. We can proudly say he was also a member of our DTMCG and on our committee for a while. Our best wishes to you Peter.

Whilst making these acknowledgements, I should also express our sincere thanks to our Dyserth Community Council for their constant encouragement and support over the years. Community – per se, is of massive importance and the strength of society really does depend upon it. Without our neighbours and friends we would stand alone. So Thank you councillors.

Well Blwyddyn Newydd Dda – a Happy New Year to everyone. We started the year with a visit to Venice (on screen and with a talk on January 3rd (a little early for some folks who hadn’t made back from family visits to distant places). We have a super programme of speakers for each Tuesday morning until March 7th so do pop along and enjoy some good company. Our speakers have a wide range of subjects which the talk titles illustrate: “Four nurses and One vicar”, “Tales from the Bench”, “WW1 Belgian refugees”, “Seattle” and “Thomas Telford” to name but a few! Please give me a call on 01745 585110 if you would like a full programme or are interested in joining our group.

On a personal note I hope the Dyserth Community Hall committee will invest in some technical improvements: An overhead ceiling mounted and permanently focus projector for instance would make life a great deal easier for many visiting speakers. Many churches and Community centres have made this investment. I give many talks myself and carry a projector, laptop, microphone, extension electric cable and much more. With the suggested improvements speakers would only require a small memory-stick.

May 2023 bring a greater happiness and good health to you all.