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
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 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.
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.
Other than the Printers, no-one associated with this magazine receives any kind of financial reward or expenses.
Dating from 1979/80 this was the recently-formed Dyserth Brownies after their first camp holiday at Nant-y-Rhiw. Sent to former Brown Owl Barbara Jones by one of the Brownies in the picture.
The back row includes Joyce Marshall (Tawny Owl), Barbara Jones (Brown Owl) and Angela (Young Leader).
The Brownies include Serena, Helen, Kirsty, Claire, Gaynor, Katherine, Zoe, Emma Cathy, Lynette, Sarah.
www.dyserth.com If you have any more details please contact medyserthtimes@dyserth.com or
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:
1 x Anti social behaviour / 1 x Other crime / 2 x Theft from persons / 5 x Violence offences
Precept (Community Charge) – 2025 / 2026
The Dyserth Community Council have set their precept charge for the forthcoming financial year (April 2025) to increase the current precept from £50,500.00 to £51,750.00 – an increase of £1,250.00. The Band D property charge will be £43.93, an increase of £1.28p a year (3.01% - 11p extra per month). In increasing the community charge the Council took into consideration a number of rising costs, which included the dog bin emptying contract currently at a cost of £5,406.00 a year which will increase by 10% from the new budget.
Financial Donations To Places of Worship:
The Community Council until four years ago provided a yearly financial grant to the St Bridget and St Cwyfan Parish Church in Lower Dyserth towards their cemetery grass cutting. All Community Councils in Wales were advised that an Act of Parliament in 1894 ‘prohibits councils’ involvement in property relating to the affairs of the church e.g. the maintenance or improvement of buildings or land or contributing to the costs’. The Community Council were forced to cease the annual donation.
More recently Paterson Hall requested the Community Council to consider providing a contribution towards a new central heating system. Following the taking of legal advice the Council wrote to Paterson Hall and advised the following: ‘Whilst the Community Council would wish to provide financial assistance towards the purchase of a new central heating boiler, the Council were unable to grant the request, due to the following reason (legal advice) ‘To make a decision to make such a grant is open to challenge as Paterson Hall is owned by The United Reformed Church’
Extension of Parking Time limit in Dyserth High Street:
Following a request from a local business for the parking time limit in Dyserth High Street to be extended, as the current time period does not allow sufficient time for people to achieve their visit purpose. During the road widening work outside the Spar area the Community Council seeked the waiting time to be extended, but ironically Denbighshire County Council actually reduced the time to the present and will not consider any further time amendment.
Concerns Reported to Denbighshire County Council:
1) Overgrown hedge in area of Thomas Ave and pavement to Lower Foel Road.
2) Overgrown tree branches on A547 Road, Dyserth and near to Voel Coaches
3) Overgrown foliage in triangular section of land between Waterfall Hill and Weavers Lane. The area was previously agreed by the County Council to be cleared / trimmed once a year
4) Overgrown hedge onto pavement in area of Cwm Road and Bron Deg, Dyserth
5) Metal Water inspection cover: The cover at junction with James Park and High Street has loose tarmac around the cover
6) Two drainage inspection covers: Two covers adjacent to the Waterfall car park were dangerous when slippery. The County were asked to replace with a nonslip surface
7) Blocked drain: At entrance to Waterfall car park
Planning Applications:
The following planning applications have been commented upon by the Community Council:
1) Application number: 42/2024/1407/PS – for variation of condition 8 of planning permission 42/2023/0495 to read "The external roller and pedestrian access door facing Seaview Bungalow is to remain closed..." and condition 9 to amend the approved opening hours from "8:00 to 18:00" to "7:00 to 18:00", at Seaview Garage Meliden Road, Dyserth
2) 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.
Applications for Financial Support and Donations:
The Community Council have provided the following financial assistance:
• £300.00 Wales Air Ambulance: (general grant)
• £470.00 Hiraddug Childcare: (towards replacement fire resistance roller blinds to a door and three windows)
• £1,026.00 - Dyserth Times (towards printing costs).
R. Phillip Parry,
Clerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council Tel: 01352 720547
E-mail: clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales Web Site: www.dyserthcouncil.wales
From Dyserth.com Archives
In a brochure for the Festival of Wales 1958 “Dyserth & Cwm Festivities” the Programme Committee compiled an article which included – referring to Moel Hiraddug:-
“A deposit of red spar is to be found at the Southern end, close to Foel Farm. Some of it has been used to adorn the Chancel of the new Liverpool Protestant Cathedral.”
I don’t know if this is correct. I contacted the cathedral many years ago but they were unable to help.. PJR
Sefydliad y Merched (SyM)
Happy New Year from all the members of Dyserth W.I.
Christmas already seems so far away although the pleasure gained from our annual trip to Chester Cathedral for its Christmas Crackers Concert and the laughter at the fancy dress costumes at our Christmas party will linger long in the memory!
Our meetings for the last three months of the WI year are already organised. In January unfortunately we had to cancel our first meeting of the year due to ice and snow. February, however, brings a talk on Well Being by Committee member Kath Wynn and March will be fascinating as we hear about the famous Terracotta Army from Paul Dunt.
Our Walking and Craft Groups continue to be popular:
• 4th Wednesday: Craft
• every Wednesday: Walking Group)
Our Singing Group, however, is having a temporary break.
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
Cymdeithas Cymraeg Dyserth
Wel, mi fu dathlu dros y Dolig i’r Gymdeithas. Aeth criw ohonom i lawr i’r Dafarn Newydd i fwynhau cinio Nadolig .. yn ddysgwyr ac yn siaradwyr rhugl … a mwynhau noson o sgwrsio a hwyl. Diolch i’r Dafarn Newydd am fwyd bendigedig ac i Menna, ein Trysorydd am drefnu hamperi gwych ar gyfer y raffl.
Bydd ein cyfarfod mis Ionawr i lawr yn siop Eliza Mac wrth y groesffordd lle y byddem yn gweu a chrosio drwy’r Gymraeg. Profiad newydd i nifer ohonom! Fel arfer, mae croeso i aelodau newydd, felly dewch am 7 yr hwyr ar yr 20fed. Ym mis Chwefror mi fyddem yn ol yn ein cartref arferol ar yr 17eg, sef Neuadd Paterson y tu ôl i Gapel Horeb, lle y gawn noson ‘Brethyn Cartref’ o dan arweiniad Lywena, un o’n aelodau. Pawb i ddod ag eitem sydd yn bwysig iddynt i gychwyn sgwrs anffurfiol.
NSPCC Dyserth
Happy new year, 2025 everyone; it’s come around so quickly, hasn’t it?
We have had a very successful year at our village shop; before Christmas we were mega busy, many customers seeming to be won over to the idea of pre-loved presents and decorations.
Then in January our 50% off sale was extremely popular, and now we are looking to put out some Spring fashions (hoping for milder weather) and Valentine’s Day items, thanks to all who donated and purchased, we couldn’t do it without you.
We would also like to say a huge thanks to Ian Clayton and Dave Parry from the village for producing our very popular fund-raising calendar for 2025. This has up to the date of writing raised over £2100 for the charity and there are still a few available if anyone is interested.
On a somewhat more negative note: It was very disappointing to find that our shop bins had been used and filled during our Christmas shutdown, and that broken down electrical items had been dumped on our forecourt. There are some very anti-social people about!
Solving these problems takes time and money – we are all volunteers, and NSPCC money should all be used to help vulnerable and abused children.
Never forget Sarah Sharif and her tragic life; there is still an increasing number of children who need help, they should be a priority in all our endeavours. Do volunteer as an NSPCC worker, you’ll enjoy it amongst our friendly team. Call in at the shop for details and a phone contact number to ring. Cathie Cornish.
Yorkshire Post 23rd August 1912
Dyserth Castle - from a Postcard posted in 1917
An update 2025.01
The continuing story of what goes on at Horeb Chapel, and how we have moved forward as things have continued to settle down in these increasingly challenging times. Well, the snow’s gone – such that it was – but as I do when writing this back in the day …
Around 1950, I’m 8/9 we have had snow and a I know (from grandfather’s Children’s Encyclopaedia) snow is much deeper the higher up you are so … I wrapped up and went up the mountain - can’t remember how I got up there but I did and ended up at the far end overlooking Voel Farm. Yes, the snow was deep moving around was – well interesting until I broke through the layer of snow and fell into a sort of crevasse – not too deep but deeper than I was tall.
I was on my own (STUPID!); parents didn’t know where I was (STUPID!) but … Well I did get out – learned a lot about mountains and weather got very cold and wet and had some explaining (carefully modified to protect the stupid) to do when I got home.
So, enough about the good old days – and they were – this as usual will be 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 …
A very sad Event
As we are an aging congregation it is to be expected that we will lose members from time to time.
Such was the case recently when Liz Pritchard died.
Liz had not attended Horeb regularly for some time, managing her wheelchair was physically difficult for those willing to help especially when ‘back problems’ became an issue but when she did make it we always saw Liz with a smile on her face clearly pleased ‘to be back’.
Liz was cremated at St. Asaph and afterwards a Service in Celebration of her life was held at Horeb.
The Service was led by Rev Paul Robinson (The United Church in Rhyl) and was a splendid occasion.
Horeb was full as folks who had known and Liz for many years gathered to say their farewells; and, as refreshments were served afterwards in the Paterson Hall, there was a great deal of laughter as folk recalled time spent with their friend who was much loved and will be missed by all.
So now back to normal - What’s Going On!
Son of Food Co-op – Our Wednesday ‘Coffee Morning‘ This has now been going for over two years. If you have free time on a Wednesday – PLEASE JOIN US!
As I have written repeatedly, 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 a Bacon Butty or two.
A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suitwe'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.
Note Community lunch start time was put back to 12.30 so that those attending Tuesday Group at the Community Hall have time to get to Horeb for lunch – and if you are a little late – you will still be fed.
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 a pudding and a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink.
I’m still i.c. washing up and 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 we can be contacted – 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’. This seems to have stalled somewhat – a shame, but we will still keep on trying to contact them in the hope that our relationship can be ‘re- kindled’.
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 a continuing fulfilling, peaceful and healthy New Year – and a little decent weather wouldn’t harm.
Allan Morgan (A Horeb Elder)
Denbigh and District Probus Club Members Keep the Home Fires Burning!!
Members and guests of the Denbigh and District Probus Club enjoyed a wonderful Christmas meal in December at the Oriel Hotel, St Asaph followed by a talk titled Keep the Home Fires Burning from Adrian Hughes who owns and runs the Home Front Museum in Llandudno.
Adrian’s interest in WW2 information and items stemmed from an incendiary bomb that dropped on his grandparents’ drive during WW2. They used it as a doorstop in their house and Adrian was always intrigued with it as a child and the history of the bomb and the wars.
Following a gap year in Australia, he studied forestry in Aberdeen University and shortly after, opened the museum. He has written 2 books: Llandudno’s Military Heritage and Conwy’s Military Heritage and a 3rd, Quirky Llandudno is in progress with publication due in mid-2025.
From Llandudno, he has been on a quest to find the last resting places of all of the 340 men commemorated on the town’s war memorial from both world wars. Of the 340 names on the memorial, 218 died during the First World War and 122 died during the Second World War. He has visited numerous countries as part of this work. Adrian’s research has led him to meet many families of the fallen and conversely, families have approached him for information about their relatives. On such occasions, Adrian has been able to give them photographs of loved ones that they had not previously seen. He is also a volunteer for Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
He started the town’s Home Front Museum on New Street, Llandudno in 2000 and has been collecting Second World War memorabilia since he was eight years old. The Home Front Museum contains his personal collection of Second World War Artifacts gathered over 40 years and housed in Llandudno’s wartime auxiliary fire station.
The museum is open from late March to October every year and gives visitors an opportunity to reminisce, discover how the war was won on the ‘kitchen front,’ see gas masks, ration books and hundreds of other items on display, find out about Dig for Victory, the Home Guard and evacuation. www.homefrontmuseum.co.uk
Adrian explained to members and guests how Llandudno was chosen for evacuated people.
He took everyone back to WW1 which broke out in 1914, the peak of the holiday season in Llandudno. This was a disaster in terms of business for hotel and guesthouse owners because of the loss of income as holidaymakers left for home quickly after and bookings were cancelled.
In September 1914 following discussion and negotiation, 7000 troops including Royal Welsh Fusiliers, were billeted in Llandudno and guesthouse owners and hoteliers were paid by the government. By the summer of 1915, the summer holiday makers started to return to Llandudno as the threat of conflict and bombing in the area was minimal.
WW2 was declared on 3rd September 1939 by Neville Chamberlain. It was decided to move civil servants and many vital departments from London because of the risk of enemy attacks and bombing and Llandudno was chosen as an ideal town for some of the relocations as well as other North Wales towns. Only 3 bombs dropped in Llandudno during WW2 – one in the sea, one on a beach and the third on Nant Y Gamar.
The Ministry of Works and Buildings moved to the Westminster Hotel in Rhyl, the Ministry of Food was in Colwyn Bay and the Inland Revenue Department in Llandudno located in the Imperial Hotel (it became the headquarters of the service in the UK).
The BBC Variety department was sent to Bristol then Bangor ending up in Llandudno, based in the Grand Theatre (now the Broadway Boulevard).
Jim Callaghan (Prime Minister 1976-1979) was the assistant secretary for pensions and in charge of billeting civil servants. Some 4000 arrived in the area bringing their families with them.
Adrian explained how numerous areas were used to support the war effort including the Royal Artillery School using the Great Orme with men billeted in the Gogarth Abbey Hotel and the Summit Hotel was requisitioned by the Airforce.
He revealed where some of the top secret agents were hidden, where prisoners of war were held, where the Americans were and how popular they became due to their access to food and other goods like tinned peaches, chewing gum, candy and nylons. How there were respite hotels for the Women’s Land Army, information about the Local Defence Volunteers, Home Guard activities, the War Savings Centre, ration books and free Cod Liver Oil and Orange juice for children, ending the excellent illustrated talk with the VE and VJ day parties.
New members are always warmly welcomed to the Denbigh and District Probus Club meetings.
For further information have a look at the club web site denbighprobus.com or contact stevetootell@gmail.com
Dyserth Fair Share Phonebox
Delyth Lloyd-Williams
Those of you who use Facebook will have heard by now that the Fair Share Phonebox idea is up and running and this community venture is OPEN. We can not thank people enough for their generous donations. Please keep them coming. As time goes on, we will learn which items are needed more than others and will keep you posted about that.
We are absolutely delighted that items are being taken as well as being dropped off. That’s the whole point … to be able to offer needed items in a discreet way for local people. The location is handy but not too public and no one knows if you are picking up or dropping off anyway, so hopefully we’re on the right track.
Some of you have asked how this all came about, so this is some of the background. When I saw what Trelawnyd had achieved with their Fair Share phonebox, I contacted Bridget Richards, the organiser, being aware (as a community councillor at the time) that Dyserth were in the process of taking ownership of the old phonebox in James’s Park.
Bridgett was a great help and agreed to attend a Dyserth council meeting to outline what might be possible for us, after which all councillors voted to continue with the idea. Painting, shelving and a lock was organised and all that remained then was to get a group together to make this happen. On the principle of ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’, I went to see Katie at Frankie’s and Pete at the Bod and both agreed readily to be keyholders. Katie (after she re-opens on the 14th) will be opening up just after 9 every morning and Pete is closing up every day. In the interim, Michelle Morris of Horeb Chapel is opening up.
I had been speaking with Michelle about this idea for some months, and when asked, she didn’t hesitate to step up to be joint organiser. Between us, we arranged to fill the phonebox for the first time, with Michelle adding lovely touches like the Welcome mat, the costed recipes and other very thoughtful touches. The hot water bottles there were Michelle’s idea too.
Credit must go to Dyserth WI who have been working on more costed recipes, keeping within a budget that reflects the times we are in and a big thank you to Dave Davenport who donated containers for the shelves. People have been so kind. Well done Dyserth!
Take the Plunge for St Kentigern Hospice at The Big Dip!
Prestatyn Central Beach – Sunday, February 23rd 2025 at 8:30. Registration at 8:00 Get ready for a refreshing and exhilarating experience at The Big Dip, taking place on Sunday, February 23rd, 2024, at Prestatyn Central Beach. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or simply looking for a fun day out, this event is open to everyone! Dive into the chilly waters and feel the rush of adrenaline as you take part in this meaningful challenge. By joining The Big Dip, you’re not just experiencing an unforgettable moment you’re also supporting St Kentigern Hospice, our patients and their families. So, gather your friends, family, and colleagues to form a team, or take the plunge solo. This is your chance to make a splash for a great cause!
St Kentigern Hospice, based in St Asaph, provides specialist palliative care services for adults across North East Wales. In 2024, the hospice’s annual running costs exceeded £4.2 million that’s more than £8000 every day with only 24% of this funded by the local government.
Fundraising events like The Big Dip and the sponsorship raised by our incredible participants are essential in enabling the hospice to continue providing not only care in its 12-bed inpatient ward but also services such as bereavement support, outpatient clinics, occupational therapy, complementary therapies, and art and music therapy. With your help, we can ensure these vital services continue to expand and support families in need. Together, let's make a big splash for a worthy cause!
Entry Fee: £5 per dipper (plus admin fee unless booked directly) We are encouraging sponsorship for this event. Here we have our justgiving page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thebigdip2025?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL See you at the beach!
Merlin, the Wizard of the moor.
Such an iconic bird of the uplands, the smallest and one of the rarest of our UK birds of prey; with only around thirteen hundred pairs in the British Isles, the Merlin is seldom seen although I’m sure many will have passed one by and even spotted this secretive creature perched on a fence post or glanced at one of these handsome beauties chasing a Skylark or Pipit without realising what it
Yes, the Merlin, considered somewhat of a bird photographer’s Holy Grail is a small falcon, the female being larger than the male as is often the case with our Birds of Prey and is about the size of a Collared Dove. She has brown plumage with a cream belly and breast streaked with darker brown, a small beak with a yellow base and dark eyes, unlike the bright orange eyes of a Sparrowhawk. The arguably more handsome male is little bigger than a Blackbird and has a slate/blue back and beautifully marked breast with buff to orange feathers and darker brown streaks, a barred underwing with dark outer wings.
I’ve probably seen ten or so in my 6 years of going out regularly spotting birds on the Denbigh moors with the majority being settled on a fence post alongside or close to one of the moorland roads. They have a habit of taking off and almost magically disappearing in an instant, whereas they tend to fly at great speed low to the ground and often hurtling down into the longer Marram grass and heather on the moorland which is their home. Their wings are shorter in relation to their size compared to most falcons and their manoeuvrability is a spectacle to behold.
I have seen them chasing a small bird over the moor on a few occasions, following and mirroring its every move in flight, hoping to gain an advantage and grab the hapless victim from behind. I watched this on one occasion near the Sportsman’s Arms (as was) whereby the young Merlin in this case was chasing a Meadow Pipit, which flew into a small tree at the roadside, the Merlin flapped and moved around within the tree in an attempt to catch the little fellow who just kept on moving to another part of the tree, eventually evading capture and flying off sharpish much to the Merlin’s bewilderment!
Merlin nest during May and June amongst the heather on the ground or in an old
Male Merlin
disused crow’s nest and will lay usually 4-6 eggs which are rusty brown and speckled and therefore well camouflaged, they incubate for 30 days. Youngsters are similar in appearance to the female once fledged with the males being smaller and getting their full colours and becoming sexually mature after 12 months.
During the winter months, Merlin will move down to the coast following the smaller prey species such as Larks and Pipits but will take any small bird it can get it’s talons on, a formidable hunter indeed.
Always a treat to see and photograph and certainly for me anyway, very much the bird to go out looking for, as whilst doing so, you will see so much more along the way..
...Dave Parry.
man also waiting. He invited the second man to shelter in his car and they chatted and found they were soulmates. It grew from there into a men’s group and pretty soon they decided to invite ladies to join them.
On January 7th 2025,we celebrated our 50th anniversary. We invited Councillor David Gwyn Williams from DCC and our own Community Councillor Hadyn Owen to join us which both very generously did. We had a special 50th anniversary cake depicting the original men’s group and a more recent photograph of one of our many modern day group outings:
Our Chairman and vice-Chairman cut the cake.
Our chairman Jennifer Jones presented flowers to our hardworking vice-chairman Fay Corfe and two of our most senior members, Margaret Blott and Gay Jones. A sumptuous table was put together by our members and number of delicious drinks (Prosecco and a variety of non-alcoholic). Our resident Poet Laureate Vera Steward treated us to a number of her delightful writings and I even dashed the following little verse off in my tribute to Dyserth:
Dyserth reflections
Sitting by the waterfall
This famous tourist spot
We realise how rich we are
How lucky is our lot
The lovely views, the pure fresh air
The ancient parish church
A tiny piece of heaven
Go no further in your search
Dyserth folks are true and kind Neighbours to exalt
Community – the finest found And friendship to a fault
For fifty years on Tuesday morns
We’ve met and heard a talk
The chat and share our lives a bit
It’s Dyserth folk ‘uncorked!’ JMC
I wanted to praise the virtues of Dyserth because I believe the village and its residents is one of those little gems on the face of this earth. One cannot imagine living in one of the hell holes on the present earth be it East America, West America, the war-torn Middle East or Earthquake-ridden Tibet. Time to thank our lucky stars eh?
See you on Tuesday mornings
Dyserth Community Centre Cwm Road Dyserth.LL18 8BD