Dyserth Times Issue 130 - Feb/Mar 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 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. *** Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not reflect those of the editor or anyone else associated with the Dyserth Times magazine or it’s associated Facebook group.

*** Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine the editor and publisher 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. *** I publish on the 1st of August, October, December, February, April, June.

The cut off date for articles is usually the 10th of the month preceding publication date; sometimes a few days later. Due to publishing deadlines I cannot guarantee that items received after the deadline will be included in the magazine. *** I am happy to publish your contributions in either Welsh or English, whichever you chose to submit. *** Articles may be typed, handwritten, USB key or e-mailed. I cannot guarantee to publish media or photographs. Whilst I understand and will respect a contributor’s request for anonymity I will publish only if I am provided with the author’s name and full address including post code. *** Dyserth Times complies with it’s obligations under GDPR 2018. A copy of the Dyserth Times Privacy Policy is available by request to the Editor on the contact details listed above.

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Flintshire Historical Society The Flintshire Historical Society was created in 1911. Although it was dormant from 1921 it was revised in 1951 and is still going strong. It still covers the area of the pre1974 county of Flintshire.

Since the Covid pandemic we have changed our venues for the monthly lecture meetings between October to April. We now alternate between Ebenezer Baptist Church, Mold CH7 1PA, and St Peter’s church, Holywell CH8 7TL. We meet on the 4th Saturday of the month at 2.30pm.

Our meetings for this spring are: • 24th February at Holywell: ‘North Wales Castles’ by Erin Lloyd Jones.

• 23rd March at Mold: ‘Wrecks of the Dee Estuary’ by Christopher Michael, MA, D Phil, F Inst P. • 27th April at Holywell: ‘The Mortimers, Lords of the Welsh Marches and (nearly) kings of England!’ by Philip Hume, Mortimer History Society.

Non-members are welcome and booking is not necessary. For further information contact: secretaryfhs21@gmail.com or www.flintshirehistoricalsociety.org.uk Or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FlintshireHistory

Cymdeithas Cymraeg Dyserth

Rhai o aelodau Cymdeithas Cymraeg Dyserth yn ystod eu cyfarfod misol yn Neuadd Patterson. Croesawyd Prif Swyddog Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, Ruth Williams i’r noson a fu digon o hwyl i gael. Os am ymuno a ni … yn siaradwyr rhugl ac yn ddysgwyr .. dewch draw ar nos Lun Chwefror 8fed am 7 yr hwyr.

The Dyserth Welsh Society met recently and welcome all Welsh speakers and learners to their next meeting at 7pm on Monday, February 8th in Patterson Hall.

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Dyserth Bowling Club

Well, we’ve only just entered the New Year and here we are talking about the approaching 2024 outdoor season. Yes, doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun!

It’s some time since we have graced the pages of this fine local publication, so perhaps you would permit us to give you a little background.

We are a Crown Green Bowling Club and are affiliated to the Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association (WCGBA), and are situated just off Thomas Avenue.

We currently have six teams covering various leagues in North Wales and play matches both home and away on a weekly basis throughout the season. (April – Sept). We also have a practice/social session on a Monday afternoon. In addition, members have unlimited access to the green when not being used for matches, or the grass being cut/treated.

New members, Full or Social, experienced or novice, would be very welcome and can be assured of a friendly greeting. No matter what your ability level, there will be a place for you at this friendly club.

If you are interested in trying your hand but don’t want to invest in a set of woods until you know that it is for you, no problem, we have various sized woods available for you to try, coupled with experienced advice on what might suit you.

We have an Open Day on Sat 23rd. March, 2pm. So why not come along and have a go, a cuppa and a chat. All ages are welcome, this is not an old person’s sport, some of the best players you’ll come across are well below retirement age. We have a member who’s still at school and he regularly wins games. Also one of the Leagues plays its matches in the evening, so people who work can still take part.

What’s not to like? Everything is covered!

On a more sombre note, last year we lost our President, Hefin Cunnah and long-term members Alan Jones and Dennis Jones. Our thoughts are with their families.

We will miss them.

If you are interested but can’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.

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Dyserth Community Council Cynghor Cymunedol Dyserth Hedging Plants: Following a further successful application made by the Dyserth Environmental Group on behalf of the Community Council, the Woodland Trust granted 420 hedging trees to be planted in a Council area of land.

The Chair of Dyserth Community Council – Councillor David Parry stated the following: ‘A great afternoon for both weather and volunteers, with members of the Dyserth Women’s Institute, Dyserth Environmental Group and members of the public - 420 hedging trees were planted.

Refreshments were served.

Thank you’.

(Photograph: Jackie Parry & Colleagues – Hedge Planting) 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: 4 x Anti Social behaviour / 1 x Other theft / 1 x Public order / 1 x Vehicle crime / 12 x Violence Traffic Alleviation in Dyserth High Street (Hopefully !): The Dyserth Community Council supported a request to the Welsh Trunk Road Agency to re-signpost the current route for vehicles travelling to the Prestatyn coastal area – on the A55 at J31 in Caerwys. The Highway Agency have agreed, subject to signage funding, whereby traffic will be re-directed to J27 known as The Talardy, St. Asaph junction. This will greatly reduce the heavy goods vehicles travelling through the Dyserth High Street.

Request to Denbighshire for Handrail (Waterfall Road junction with High Street):

The Community Council requested the installation of a handrail to assist pedestrians walking from the Waterfall Road junction up the High Street hill. A number of Councillors met on site with the Denbighshire Road Safety Officer, who advised the following: Due to the private boundary walls and in parts the width of the pavement, it was not possible to install a handrail. The Community Council have seeked that additional salt grit bins are placed in the area.

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Speed Indicator Device: Following discussions with Denbighshire Highways the Community Council have agreed to a temporary speed indicator device to be placed in an area of the A5151 road. The Community Council agreed to pay the cost of a post installation to secure the device. Should this be successful, the Community Council have an option to purchase a speed device whereby the post can be removed and utilised in another area of speeding concern in Dyserth.

County Councillor David Williams: County Councillor David Williams advised Members in relation to the following: (1) Correspondence to the Chief Executive of Denbighshire Council, including Officers seeking a copy of the Natural Resources Wales - Flood Defence Scheme for lower Dyserth (2) Site meeting in Dyserth with County Officers. A number of concerns and issues were discussed, such as high and overgrown hedges causing pedestrian safety General Highway concerns (3) Complaint in relation to the overgrown cycle track – between Voel Coaches and Rhuddlan. Due to the undergrowth it is impossible for either cyclist and pedestrians to use. A number of residents have completed on-line forms to Denbighshire, but to no avail. Councillor Williams has escalated the concern (4) Concern to the consultation in relation to the County cutting back on the library budgets (5) Concern reported to Denbighshire County Council in relation to the new 20mph limit, and in particular, in the area of Tre Castell, where the 60mph limit meets the 20mph limit on a steep hill. The County replied to Councillor Williams and stated: ‘The concern will be addressed in line with the existing guidance and criteria, including speed survey assessments (6) Lower Foel Road: Drainage concerns reported by residents.

Planning Applications: The following planning applications have been commented upon by the Community Council: (1) Application number: 42/2023/0576 – for the 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 (2) Application number: 42/2023/0591 - for the erection of building to house 2 no 500kw biomass boilers, flue and associated works, at Dyserth Falls Resort, Allt Y Graig, Dyserth (3) Application number: 42/2023/0495 – for the demolition of existing buildings, erection of a new building for sale and servicing of ground care equipment (Use Class A1 and B1(c)); siting of a container to house biomass boiler and flue and external fuel hopper, at Seaview Garage Meliden Road, Dyserth (4) Application number: 42/2023/0617 – for the erection of a single storey extension to side of dwelling to form a studio, at The Mill House Waterfall Road, Dyserth.

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Planning Decisions:

The following planning decision has been received from Denbighshire County Council: Application number: 42/2023/0617 – for erection of a single story extension to side of dwelling to form a studio, at The Mill House, Waterfall Road, Dyserth. Granted.

Applications for Financial Support and Donations: The Community Council have not received any applications for financial assistance for the past couple of months.

R. Phillip Parry, Clerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council Tel: 01352 720547 E-mail: clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales

Web Site: www.dyserthcouncil.wales

Bus Service

When the Dyserth Times was contacted by a concerned member of the public to say that the P. & O. Lloyd bus service through the village had ceased since November, I was happy to investigate and find out what was going on.

The regular services connecting upper and lower Dyserth are a lifeline for some and being able to hop on to get to Prestatyn or Rhyl is important to many villagers.

It was, therefore, reassuring, when I met up with Transportation Operations Manager for P.& O. Lloyd Buses, Suzanne Lloyd, to hear that this was no more than a rumour and there was nothing to worry about. The service will continue as outlined in the December issue of the Dyserth Times.

Ms Lloyd was happy to present me with a printed out copy of the timetable and assured me that “We are a rural bus company, serving local people”.

Suzanne Lloyd, Transportation Operations Manager for P.& O. Lloyd Buses with Dyserth Community Councillor Delyth Lloyd-Williams

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NSPCC Dyserth District Hello everyone, and a happy New Year.

Now, in the last edition we mentioned about our shop/staff being nominated for the prestigious Esther Award, which is part of the NSPCC People Awards 2023. Well, we won it!!!

Through the generosity of the Bowling Club and the Community Council, we were able to take part via video link on the big screen. We were all on tenterhooks as they went through to nominees, then the announcement of the winner given by actress, Natalie Dormer, better known for her role in Game of Thrones. The room exploded in cheers, followed by laughter when we realised that we were announced as “Dieserth”.

We’ll have to change the road signs now!

This success is not only a reflection of all the hard work that goes into running our shop, but also the incredible generosity of those that donate the huge volume of items that we are able to sell.

It is worth noting that everything we sell in the shop comes from donations, we purchase nothing. And then of course, we have our customers. So this award could only have been achieved with all this coming together, therefore everyone should take a bow.

Well, coming down to earth somewhat, this success brings with it other challenges.

Amongst the volume of donated items we receive on a daily basis, we find items that aren’t saleable and they have to be disposed of as waste, and this costs us. To add to this, from April the law changes for businesses and charities and we will have to start sorting all waste material into three categories, this means three containers which means additional costs.

Sorry to bore you with this but it would be most helpful to us if we can give you some guidance as to what we are able to take: • • • • •

Anything you think is saleable, other than electrical items.

Nothing damaged or broken.

Textiles – yes, we sell anything unsellable in the shop on to a company.

Shoes and handbags, as above.

Only drop off your donations when the shop is open.

To keep costs down we need to limit what we dispose of, whether it is for landfill or re-cycling, so your help in this regard would be most appreciated.

Here’s to another record-breaking year.

The NSPCC Volunteers xxx 9

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Dyserth Junior Football Club

The Dyserth Junior Football Club Committee would like to thank all who have supported the club during the current season and in many previous years and hope that you have all had a lovely Christmas and enjoyed New Year celebrations.

The club is in a strong position both financially and in terms of the age groups of teams - u10s, u11s and u14s, are all enjoying the ups and downs of football in the local league, although the weather has played a huge part these last 2 months with an inconsistent fixture schedule due to waterlogged or frozen pitches.

Our U14’s are doing incredibly well again this season after finishing 2nd in the league last season and winning the league cup. They’re currently sitting top of the league after an excellent run of 10 games unbeaten (as of 15/1/24). Long may this form continue and hopefully they will be in the same league position come the end of the season. The U14s play on a Saturday morning and would welcome any additional supporters to cheer on their continued success.

The U10’s and U11’s are playing well and have good numbers attending both training and matches each week. They both play on Sunday mornings so please pop by and support if you’re around the village on a Sunday morning.

The current committee have been together for about 5 years with Sion (Secretary) and Simon (Treasurer) playing their part for even longer, but the time has come to step down in order to allow the club to be taken forward by equally committed members of the community in the formation of a new committee.

All committee positions will be vacant from the end of this season, i.e. Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Safeguarding Officer, the present committee members are more than willing to work with new appointees in each role, for however long it takes for a smooth transition.

We would therefore ask that anyone interested being part of a very well established organisation at the heart of our community who wants to contribute to the development of our local youngsters, contact any of the committee members Without the continuation of a committee, the club cannot continue to function which would not only be disappointing, but moreover depriving our youngsters of the chance of developing in terms of being part of a team and enjoying the sport of their choice.

Similarly, as you may recall from a previous issues of the DT, DJFC are in the process of trying to attract funding for desperately needed facilities e.g. a Changing room, and without a constitution the club will not be able to attract any funding.

We look forward to hearing from anyone interested.

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Horeb United Reformed Church - Eglwys Unedig Diwygiedig Horeb An update The continuing story of how Horeb has moved forward since things changed overnight with the arrival of COVID. As I wrote ln November we think moving forward into a 'new normal', is a more positive way of looking at things rather than the phrase we have been used to using i.e. back to ...

Much of what we do and what happens doesn't change BUT if this ‘update’ is needed if just to let folk know that at 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 - Well, as I have reported since the very start of this venture, the 'Usual Suspects' continue to turn up - so 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 suit we'll show you how the Lincat works and where the tea/coffee/crockery is kept… … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running despite one being cancelled as a result of electrical problems.

The menu for our lunches has settled down to a level which 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 report that at the last two lunches all the dishes were returned empty – and there were no complaints so …

If any of you who attend (or might) have a particular flavour of soup which you think might go down well let me know - (no promises – I don’t cook but I will pass suggestions to those who do) Community Activities at Christmas Horeb members were pleased to see the efforts by the Business Group to establish a Village Wide activity over Christmas. Horeb were particularly happy to be actively involved using both the Sanctuary and Paterson Hall to house part of it.

With a Horeb Elder, Mrs Michelle Morris now part of the Business Group I expect Horeb to become increasingly involved in Community activities in the future.

Christmas Eve - Carols at Horeb, Led by Rev Johnny O’Hanlon – Some 50 folk attended – Excellent I can only hope that both these events are both bigger and better in terms of participants at Christmas 2024 •

So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ So to repeat Morning Worship: [Sundays (10.30 - 11.30)] and a social time with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

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

DETAILS

Zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9)

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

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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 136.

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 - 136

'Still missing' The Village quiz. This remains near the top of my list, but, still suffering from the after effects of my recent Minor Stroke particularly the vision problems which make reading (and using a computer) a little difficult.

Once again, my apologies - it will happen - not just yet.

Ongoing Building Maintenance Stage 1 Repairing and re-decorating the front Porch - Completed Stage 2 Minor damage to some interior walls and paintwork - Completed Stage 3 Final work on Interior walls and paintwork - starting soon Horeb being useful Link with Pengwern College in Rhuddlan – involved in some maintenance of Horeb ‘ground- works Having planted the new tubs we are awaiting their return and a possible expansion of their involvement.

Reminder - The students are a mixed group – late teens / early 20s with learning difficulties 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 re13

cent 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 I WILL do something about the Village Quiz and try to make the next update more interesting and less a rehash of what has gone before Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)

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Kinmel Park Military Camp and the Canadian Riots in WW1 Members of the Denbigh and District Probus Club and their guests enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Oriel Hotel, St Asaph at their first meeting of 2024 in January. The speaker after lunch was Celia Drew.

Following a 50-year career as a nurse, Celia retired to indulge in her main interest local history. She is a member of many of the local history groups and is Secretary of the Flintshire Historical Society. Her main areas of interest are the history of Deeside and Buckley, and local families (the Gladstones, the Summers, the Hurlbutts etc). Family history led to an interest in the experiences of WW1 soldiers, and she became a researcher for Flintshirewarmemorials.com. She was also a trench guide in the Bodelwyddan WW1 trenches for a number of years.

Celia spoke about the Kinmel Park Military Camp and the Canadian Riots in WW1 initially giving a background to the history of the camp which was built in 1914 by McAlpine’s and was the largest army camp in Wales. It was established by Kitchener for the new army to train new soldiers. Later on, in the war it was utilised for the wounded, alien internees, conscientious objectors as well as cadet officer battalions.

The camp had 20 sub camps, a “Tin Town” ('tin' huts built next to the army camp early in the war where local residents set up small shops, where troops could buy basic items), as well as a narrow-gauge railway 2.5 miles in length from Foryd station to the camp which was connected to the Vale of Clwyd Railway line – Rhyl to Denbigh.

There were huts as living quarters, the headquarters, stores, post office, bakery, theatre/cinema, Wesleyan Chapel, Free Church, Salvation Army, YMCA buildings, bandstand, writing room, and a hospital (a large military hospital with 890 beds). Many of the deaths were due to chest infections, meningitis, accidents, and suicides.

After the war ended/Armistice, the issue of demobilisation of so many troops was discussed and it was decided that many of the Canadian Expeditionary Force which had 260 infantry battalions and other units would not be sent home directly from France but they would come via the UK to demobilisation camps as so many had relatives here (there were 628,00 men in the CEF in 1918).

In 1919 the Kinmel Park Military Camp was passed over to the Canadian forces. The 19,000 soldiers were accommodated in 22 camps on site with names such as Toronto and Ontario, Quebec, Montreal, Manitoba, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island. Etc There was unrest in the camp with contributory factors such as it was the coldest winter in living memory, 42 men were housed per hut in ones designed for 30, most only had 1 blanket, food was inadequate and unpalatable, there were strikes in Britain, the 16

Spanish flu came back again etc (there are about 80 graves in St Margaret’s Church, Bodelwyddan, the Marble Church, but only 4 of them are of those killed in the riot).

The men had poor pay, they were hungry, cold, and broke, the camp was a sea of mud and their days were filled with exercises that seemed meaningless, route marches, military discipline etc and this coupled with delayed repatriation due to issues with the ships to transport them, led to major unrest on 1 st March 1919 which started with rumours that all the canteens were to be raided and then there were men refusing to go on route marches on Tuesday 4th March. Camp Commandant Colonel Malcolm A. Colquhoun appealed to the government for help but none was forthcoming initially.

The soldiers at Kinmel Park Camp had believed they would return to Canada on the basis of “first over, first back.” They were anxious to return, not only to see loved ones but also to increase their chances of finding employment on their return, but news had reached Kinmel Park Camp that ships allocated for Canadians had been reassigned to the Americans, who had not been in Europe as long.

That evening crowds of angry soldiers raided and looted canteens, stores and officers’ and sergeants’ messes. They did not touch The Salvation Army canteen as they knew it was the one place where they could get a coffee and a snack even when penniless. The disturbances spread to Tin Town, where fires broke out and looters carried off thousands of pounds worth of beer and spirits, cigarettes, clothing and equipment. Some staff officers tried to intervene, but they were not successful as they were largely inexperienced.

On the morning of 5 March, the Camp Commandant Colonel Malcolm A. Colquhoun ordered that all of the ammunition should be collected and placed under guard. He also ordered the Canadian Reserve Cavalry Regiment to put together a reserve of 25 mounted troopers. A defensive perimeter was set up, and ammunition was issued to 40 officers and soldiers who were considered trustworthy. The rioters had only a few firearms, but many had armed themselves with makeshift weapons such as stones, broom handles, sticks etc.

The camp defenders clashed with the rioters and seized 20 men. An attempt to free the prisoners was stopped. The violence continued with shots being fired, and the two sides engaged in hand-to-hand fighting that included the use of bayonets. The rioters finally surrendered after three of them were killed or mortally wounded. Two guards also died during the riot. Twenty-three men were wounded.

In total, 78 soldiers were arrested, of whom 59 faced court martial under the British Army Act. Twenty-five were convicted and sentenced to terms ranging from 90 days in detention to ten years in prison for one soldier. Some of the more severe penalties were later reduced. No one was charged for the deaths, as inquiries were inconclu17

sive. The government surged into action following the riots and most of the men in Kinmel Park Camp were sent home by the end of March 1919. Early newspaper reports were inaccurate and the Government tried to hush up all the details. Kinmel Park Camp was demolished in the 20’s and was rebuilt in the 30’s as a training base.

Celia’s talk was based on the article by Julian Putkowski, published in the Flintshire Historical Society volume 32 (1989), and reprinted by the Society. Reprints available at £6.50 from the Society or from the Marble Church.

The next Denbigh and District Probus Club meeting will be on Monday 5 th February when Rufus Adams’ talk is ‘From Vancouver to Toronto’. The following meeting will be on Monday 4th March when Tony Griffiths will give a talk titled “Back to the 1950’s” New members are always warmly welcomed.

For further information have a look at the club web site denbighprobus.com or contact – Membership Officer Andrew Faulkner for more details prior to an introductory visit to a Probus meeting.

Afaulkner@btinternet.com 07542 022 391

Postscript: Over the years rumours grew that the war graves at St Margaret’s Church, Bodelwyddan, were all as a result of the riots at Kinmel Camp.

Many years ago Mr J.P. Kent Q.C. of Toronto visited the church and was shocked to hear a tour guide say that the graves were of 83 Canadian soldiers sentenced to death after the riots.

Back in Canada he conducted research and found that apart from the five who died in the riot all the Canadian servicemen died from natural causes, mainly pneumonia and influenza.

In 2001 I was surprised to hear a coach driver in the church telling the tale that all the men been shot. The guidebook available in the church at the time (published in 1997) contained the story of Mr Kent.

St Margaret’s is of course known as the Marble Church. This is because of the marble used inside the church. The church itself is limestone.

Pete Robinson 18

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Women’s Institute (WI) Sefydliad y Merched (SyM) Here we are again, it's 2024 and we are about to start a brand new year In December we made our annual 'pilgrimage' to Chester Cathedral to take part in their Christmas Crackers concert. This year the narrator was Lemn Sissay, broadcaster, author and poet. He spoke amusingly and read several of his poems which were at the same time amusing, entertaining and thought provoking. As always the music was beautiful and singing along with the choir was a joyous start to the Christmas season.

Our January meeting eased us back in with a Games evening. Along with 7 guests / potential new members we had great fun playing board games. It was surprising [!] just how competitive our members were.

Kath, our events organiser, also circulated a questionnaire to establish from members where they would like to go the next W.I year, which starts in April 2024.

Our February meeting is something to look forward to as we have a special guest speaker: Debra Drake from the Great British Sewing Bee! Sewing machines to the ready ladies.

Our Walking, Singing and Craft Groups had a break during December but are now restarting [2nd Wednesday: Singing, 4th Wednesday: Craft and every Wednesday: 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 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 Secretary Ann on hughesann059@gmail.com

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Nature’s Corner – Cornel Nature

Invasion of the Bohemian Berry Chompers.

At last! After a gap of some 6 years, we finally have a spectacular winter influx from a truly handsome creature of colder climes which to any interested parties, is most welcome.... The Bohemian Waxwing.

A simply stunning bird to look at, quite unlike any of our home grown or migratory visitors from elsewhere; these Starling size beauties travel to the UK in huge numbers when the winters in their home countries of Russia and Scandinavia are particularly harsh always reaching the East coast of the UK at first.

Waxwings (the Welsh being Cynffon Sidan meaning silk tail) have an almost comical yet feisty appearance with a stern expression, enhanced by a prominent crest which tapers to a point when fully alert and quite amusingly blows about in Trump fashion when windy.

They have bright keen eyes which can spot a berry on a tree from way on high and they will occasionally launch themselves into the air to take passing insects on the wing too.

The Waxwing name is derived from the wax like coloured feathers on the wing and tail, these are yellow, white and red and look just like a dripping candle has been used to apply the colours against their light brown and grey plumage.

Nearly always seen in flocks of between 20 and 50, it was great to hear that there were about 40 of these birds in the area around by the school at Llysfaen above Old Colwyn early in December 2023.

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Of course, the place was soon swamped with the birding fraternity and their expensive looking camera equipment and binoculars, which thankfully did not seem to spook them at all, with the Waxwings swooping onto ornamental and Rowan berries in a garden opposite the school. Whilst these Waxwings were still hanging around the Llysfaen area, it was great news when a small number initially were spotted at Rhuddlan on 16th December at the nature reserve opposite the Premier Inn.

The numbers increased to around 30 birds within a couple of days, and it was a real treat to watch them as they flew down from the tall trees in the reserve onto one of the few trees heavily laden with yellow cherry like berries, devouring as many as they could within a short time before returning to the safer taller trees until the next mealtime.

These could be watched easily from the side of “Morfa Table Table” without causing any disturbance to them and were later also present on the trees alongside KFC and ALDI with easy viewing from the parked car.

There has been plenty of information on local Facebook pages and even in the local papers telling of their arrival, they have since been seen in Kinmel Bay and St Asaph so there’s a good chance that most interested parties will have at least caught a glimpse, keep an eye on those garden berry trees too.

Probably best to get out and have a look before late February when they will begin to head homewards as it could be another good few years before they spend their winter here again ....Dave Parry

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Frankie’s Farm Shop, High street, Dyserth Telephone 07375 043658 Now taking bookings for our Mother’s Day luxury afternoon tea with complimentary gift and fizz for all mums.

Open every day 9am-3pm Serving breakfasts, lunches, coffee & cake.

Outside catering & small functions welcome.

We are dog friendly 24

Dyserth Tuesday Morning Community Group Grwp Cumunedol Bore Dydd Mawrth

A Very Happy New Year As I write this contribution to ‘The Dyserth Times’ everyone’s hopes and aspirations for better times ahead, are very much in our hearts. So it is our sincere wish that each and every reader has a very happy year ahead.

I started Christmas 2023 with one of my daft actions: My wife fills a tazzar each Christmas with Quality Street or Celebrations but this year she happened to alter this routine. I fished in for a handful of sweets and found my mouth filled with Christmassy pine cones. Some were quite sparkly but it simply was not the sweet treat I expected! Just sticking with Christmas for a moment: I must say, when we first got married sixty years ago, I was always determined that our Christmas should always be ‘at home’. Of course, as our children grow to adulthood and have their own marriages and children, I had to change. My determination gave way to reflection, adjustment and change. Is that what each new year should be about?

Our Dyserth Community Group is constantly changing and I feel, for the better. Our speakers each Tuesday usually give us most interesting talks and when it comes to questions, we find wonderful thoughts and suggestions are often offered – (back to reflections?).

Our Christmas meal was well attended when we enjoyed the superb hospitality of the Crown Inn at Trelawnydd. Our hosts were generous to a fault and it was a festive meal to remember. We also enjoyed an end-of-year gathering for snacks and ‘conversazzioni’. As the saying goes – a good time was had by all.

We were to commence on the 9th January with Mr Howard Green telling us about man’s development of hand tools but “best laid plans o mice n’ men” all had to change. Mr Green was unexpectedly in Seattle USA so our chairman Jennifer stepped into the breech with a series of short films and the morning was complemented by tea, cakes and prosecco. For a very varied January we also had “Life and Times at Bodelwyddan Castle”, “Lightning Strikes”, “My Work on Denbigh County Council” illustrating the wide variety of speakers and subjects to stimulate the mind.

We commence February with “Keep the home fires burning”.

See you 10.15am next Tuesday at Dyserth Community Centre Cwm Road Dyserth.LL18 8BD Michael Corfe, Secretary DTMCG 01745 585110

CRANEFIELD DECORATORS EST. OVER 25 YEARS

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DECORATOR, PAPER HANGING REDUCED RATE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS FULLY INSURED DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN PHONE 01745270287 - MOBILE 07722139311 george21thurston@gmail.com 25

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The Dyserth & Cwm Directory Councillors and Clerks County Councillor Dyserth

David Gwyn Williams

01745 570282 David.G.Williams @denbighshire.gov.uk

County Councillor Tremeirchion, Cwm & Waen

Chris Evans

07795 650041

Clerk to the Dyserth Community Council

Phillip Parry

01352 720547 clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales

Clerk to Tremeirchion, Cwm & Waen (Part Time)

Sue Fordham (Mrs)

07842 344573 clerk.tcwcc@gmail.com

Local Services Community Police

PCSO2839 Alexandra Jones

07768 038842

Pharmacy

Peter Morgan

01745 570232

Quarry House Surgery

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01745 572968

Rhuddlan Library

Mathew Baker

01745 590719

Ysgol Hiraddug

Headteacher – Tristan Hughes

01745 570467

Dyserth Community Groups Dyserth Environmental Group

Secretary - Jackie Parry

01745 571956

Dyserth Tuesday Morning Community Group

Michael Corfe

01745 585110

Dyserth Women’s Institute

Secretary – Ann Hughes

hughesann059@gmail.com

Religious Groups Dyserth Parish Church

Church Warden – Harry Davies & Roger Peters

01745 570130

Horeb United Reformed Church

Church Secretary Janet Hughes

01745 571138

Venues for Hire Community Hall, Dyserth

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dyserthcommunityhall@outlook.com

Paterson Hall, Dyserth

Barbara Tebbutt

01745 570793

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