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
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 15th 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.
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Other than the Printers, no-one associated with this magazine receives any kind of financial reward or expenses. Facebook Page: @dyserthtimes Instagram: @dyserthtimes
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Online
at issuu.com - search for Dyserth
Rhyl Rotarians planted hundreds of purple crocuses in the grounds of St Bridget’s Church, Dyserth in memory of Rotarian Keith Sanderson, Paul Harris Fellow and Past President.
Keith joined the Rotary Club of Rhyl fifty years ago and was a valued member throughout this time. Whilst he enjoyed the fellowship and was a skilled raconteur he was committed to the ideal of ‘Service above Self’.
His practical support during the Towyn Floods was just one of dozens of ways in which he served the local and international community. He was one of the first to volunteer for supermarket collections even when he suffered with health and mobility problems.
Thus it was considered fitting that the crocuses should provide a memorial to Keith as well publicising Rotary International’s commitment to global polio eradication. The photo shows Keith’s wife, Freda, surveying the crocuses near the explanatory sign.
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Dyserth Community Council Cynghor Cymunedol Dyserth
End of Year Report 2023 / 2024
Under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 (Section 52) all Town & Community Councils in Wales are required to provide an end of year report. The Dyserth Community Council recently agreed their report which has been uploaded to the Council web page.
The report covers the following headings: Information about the Community Council / Councillors / Complaints / Freedom of Information Act / Details of outside Committees & Organisations the Councillors attend / Council’s objectives and achievements during the reporting year / Council’s objectives for the new financial year of 2024 to 2025 / Financial sections relate to: Asset Register; Budget; Financial Assistance; Members Allowances; Publication Audited Accounts / Environmental (Wales Act) 2016 (S6) / Denbighshire County Council: Planning and Street Lighting / Council Training Plans.
The Council’s full report can be perused on the Council’s web site at: www.dyserthcouncil.wales (Public notices & Financial page).
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: 10 x Violence offences
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Left to right: Councillor Andy Hughes (Chair of Dyserth Community Council 20242025) - Councillor David Parry (Retiring Chair of Council 2023-2024) - Councillor Anne Rogers (Vice Chair of Council 2024 -2025)
Christmas Street Illuminations:
The Community Council have ear-marked £5,000.00 for new Christmas street lighting illuminations. The Council have seeked the assistance of the Dyserth Business Group to identity both the areas to site and types of festive lights.
Red K6 Telephone Boxes
The Community Council have adopted from BT payphones the Red K6 Telephone Box sited at the entrance to James Park. Please see article in this edition seeking the views of residents as to the future use of the Box.
The Community Council have previously adopted two other Red K6 Telephone Boxes, one in Tre Castell which is used as an information centre and is overseen by the Dyserth Environmental Group. The other former red telephone box in Cwm Road has been fitted with book shelves and is used as a book exchange. The Community Council are grateful to a local resident for the upkeep of this Box. There is only one other Red K6 Telephone Box in the Dyserth area which is sited adjacent to the Waterfall. At this time BT Payphones are not offering this Box for adoption. (Editor’s note this phone box has been Grade 2 listed since November 1991)
Request for Yellow Line Parking Restrictions:
The Community Council seeked the views from Denbighshire County Highways as to the provision of yellow parking lines being placed at the entrance area to James Park following a resident request. County Highways replied to advise: Following a visit to the area by a Highways Officer, presently no further locations for parking restrictions are being added to the list due to the high number already identified. The James Park request will be kept on file.
Request for hardcore surface to assist with residents parking:
The Community Council were asked to consider a hardcore surface on land adjacent to the A5151 road in Tre Castell, Dyserth - travelling downhill from Trelawynd - and opposite the properties on the right hand side. There is limited parking for the properties who are unable to achieve off-road parking areas adjacent to their properties. The County have been asked to consider placing a hardcore surface, or other, which will assist both the residents parking and also create a more attractive appearance to the area.
Ysgol Yr Hiraddug:
The Community Council have assisted the primary school with financial assistance of £10,000.00, towards new accessible doors and access to an area of land to be developed as a working space. The work which has been completed now allows accessibility, including for wheelchair users, between both school buildings. The new walkways have also made access to the school much safer than the previous access via the school car park. The next stage is to develop an area of ground into a flourishing wildlife area reflecting native British species of trees, plants and animals.
Planning Applications:
The following planning applications have been commented upon by the Community Council: Application number: 42/2023/0916 – for the conversion of former public con-
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veniences and bus shelter to form one dwelling, including the erection of pitched roof first floor extension, canopy to front elevation, alterations to fenestrations and associated works, at Public Conveniences, High Street, Dyserth.
Planning Decisions:
The following planning decisions have been received from Denbighshire County Council:
1) Application number: 42/29024/0087 – for amendment to approved dwelling details submitted in relation to application code number: 42/2021/0073 (non material amendment) at Land at (part garden of) Mount House, Dyserth. Refused
2) Application number: 42/2022/0766, for demolition of existing buildings and erection of 2 dwellings, 2 detached garages, formation of access parking areas, landscaping and associated works, at Land at Pentre Bach Farm, Lower Foel Road, Dyserth. Approved.
Retiring Chair of Council – Councillor David Parry:
Prior to Councillor David Parry retiring as Chair of Dyserth Community Council, David attended a number of events, which included the Dyserth Bowling Club Season Opening and Presentation and the annual Royal National Lifeboat Institution – Annual Duck Race held at the Waterfall.
Chris Ward (Dyserth Waterfall Committee) receiving an award from the RNLI in recognition of the help the Waterfall Committee have provided in raising funds from the annual Duck Race event
Applications for Financial Support and Donations:
The Community Council have provided the following financial assistance: £2,000.00 -
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Dyserth Community Hall (towards running costs) / £250.00 - Eisteddfod Rhonda Cynon Taff – 2024 / £500.00 - RNLI (Rhyl) (Towards the annual Duck-Boat Race) / £2,500.00 - Rescue Welfare Association, Dyserth (For assistance following flooding of premises)
R. Phillip Parry, Clerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council
Tel: 01352 720547
E-mail: clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales
Web Site: www.dyserthcouncil.wales
Councillor David Parry – with a friend at the annual Dyserth Duck Race
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Dyserth Bowling Club
Well, since the last edition, we have had our start to the season “Open Day”, and a great success it was. We had the pleasure of having the Chairman of the Community Council, Mr. David Parry, accompanied by his wife Jackie, open our new season by bowling the first
Whilst we lost some well loved members last year, we are delighted that we have now been joined by a number of new members. So we start the bowling year looking healthy from a membership point of view. That said, running six league teams does require a good healthy membership list, so there is always room for anyone wanting to join our happy club, no matter your level of ability, you will be most welcome.
As for results, it is still quite early in the season and we have had mixed fortunes on the green. However, where we have lost matches, it has generally been a close run thing.
One performance of note is our Wednesday Ladies Team. They are currently (at time of going to press) top of the Clwydian Ladies League, Division “A”. Well done ladies!! Keep it up.
So, if you wish to join us, experienced or novice, young or not so young, you can call our Chairman, Mr. John Hughes-Jones on 07460419419 and he will arrange for someone to meet up with you.
Keep bowling!!!!!!!
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Two cows are talking in a field. One says, “Have you heard about the mad cow disease that’s going around?” “Yeah,” the other cow says. “Makes me glad I’m a penguin.”
St
Hello everyone!
Finally, spring has sprung and the yearly pattern of bible readings, called the lectionary, will move from the studying the life of Jesus. His birth in Bethlehem, through HIs earthly life. To the dramatic events of His crucifixion for the forgiveness of sin and the wonderful resurrection.
And instead, we will be hearing about Jesus’ teachings and parables. “Ordinary time”, or other words like Trinity and a number, will be on the top of our pew sheets and the year moves on. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we celebrated Christmas with some wonderful concerts from the children at Ysgol Hiraddug and here we are looking at summer events.
In “hot off the press” news, following closure of the church doors because of Government COVID restrictions, we are now able to open to visitors to the ancient parish church once again. Initially, this will be on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but hopefully it will be extended to other days in the week too.
Why come? We are your church, we are here for you, and we want to be open for you to visit. Come and rest in the peace of the building that has been a centre for prayer for Dyserth for over 1000 years. And maybe as long as 1500 years! You are welcome to pop in; light a candle; say a prayer; or maybe just sit in silence.
In September, we will be holding an exhibition of icons, there uses and why they are also known as “windows into heaven”. Excitingly, on 25th September we will also have the pleasure of Bishop Gregory attending. He will show and talk through some of the icons that he has painted himself. More details soon, please keep an eye out on our notice boards for more details of this and all our other events. Such as the new monthly bible study at 2pm on the 4th Thursday of every month.
Our services remain as usual. An informal said Mass (communion) at 1000am on Wednesdays and a Sung Mass on Sundays, again at 1000am. We look forward to welcoming you.
May God’s blessing be upon you
Fr Adrian Curate
Bryn a Mor Mission Area
From the Archives
Cecil Jones, Constable No. 34 - Tuesday 8th October 1940
Called upon Mr J. D. Gittins, Company Commander, Home Guard, Dyserth respecting express message from Chief Constable, Lancashire of the escape of a German Airman named Franz Von Were from a Prisoner of War Camp. Also made inquiries and left particulars at Licensed Houses and Garages and kept a sharp look out in the district.
Made further inquiries at Dyserth respecting larceny from Offertory Box at the Dyserth Parish Church (this had been reported 1st October – Editor).
Patrolled Meliden during the afternoon and continued the above inquiries.
Called upon all Special Constables in the district and requested them to keep a sharp look out for Franz Von Were.
He started at 09.00 and finished at 00.15.
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Bridget’s Church - Eglwys Santes Bridget
The continuing story of what goes on at Horeb, and how Horeb has moved forward as things have continued to settle down in ‘Post Covid’ times.
So, no talk of the good old days
As I have reported in almost every D.T since I started doing this, much of what we do and what happens changes very little BUT if this ‘update’ is needed just to let folk know that we're still alive and kicking - then so be it - and it applies to all of you out there not just to Horeb members.
Son of Food Co-op – Our Wednesday Coffee Morning
Absolutely no change – the usual suspects turn up regularly and enjoy a couple of hours of ‘catching up’ and ‘putting the world to rights’ whilst enjoying a cup of tea / coffee and a biscuit or two.
It seems we must be doing something right.
BUT – 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.
A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suitwe'll show you how the Lincat works and where the tea/coffee/crockery is kept provide a bit of INSET … … and you can make your own.
Community Lunches - still up and running at Horeb on the second Tuesday of the month
The menu for our lunches continues to be one which that the small team of folk from Horeb (plus some friends) can manage i.e. a bowl of soup (a choice from 2 or three) with bread roll and butter followed by a pudding and a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink.
In my role as i.c. washing up I can truthfully report that at every lunch thus far, all the dishes have been returned empty – and there have been no complaints either about the quantity of food or the choice of soups / puddings so again we must be doing something right.
Current – Activities.
As a U.R.C. we support Christian Aid and this happens at various fundraising opportunities throughout the year.
This year Christian Aid Week is May 14th to the 20th, and as we have learned that our friends respond well to being fed we are once again holding ‘A Big Brekkie’ – We hope you will join / joined us on the Saturday (May 18th) 10.30 to 12.30
On the menu - Bacon Rolls (including a veggie version), with Tea and or Coffee
Admission is FREE as usual, but we of course hope for generous donations to our cause – Christian Aid.
There will be again, as usual, a number of stalls – cakes, bottles, books and a tombola.
If you missed this – put a reminder in your calendar for early May next year to check for next year’s event which will surely return.
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Church - Eglwys
Diwygiedig Horeb
United Reformed
Unedig
An update 2024.05
Village Quiz
This took place on Thursday May 25th. Horeb was pretty full – some 40 – 50 quizzers obviously enjoying and tackling the challenges set with varying degrees of success.
There were lots of positive comments from those taking part and suggestions made that perhaps a quiz could be held in the Village rather more frequently than annually as at present. Worth considering?? – see below. Charging only £1.00 per person – raised £47. For Horeb Funds
Winners – Llanasa WI +1 (98); Scrambled Eggheads (93); Universally Challenged (52.5)
So, what is now considered ‘Normal’ - I’ll repeat -
• Morning Worship: [Sundays (10.30 - 11.30)] and a social time with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.
• The service is available 'live' to all on Zoom on a Sunday morning and from Sunday afternoon on Facebook DETAILS Zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9) Facebook (Horeb United Reformed Church Zoom Services, Dyserth) at any time
Finally we have had to stop providing, CONTACT for our members and friends who are unable to attend for Sunday Worship or manage Zoom. Colin, with his failing vision is simply now unable to provide a weekly service or contribute with his ‘thoughts’ Needless to say, this It has been missed by those who have read his words every week and it is amazing to realize that he did this for just under 3 years – thankyou Colin.
What has continued is the Weekly ‘What’s On at Horeb’ which is circulated every Saturday evening to keep those folk who will not hear the Notices on a Sunday in touch with Horeb life.
If anyone reading this update would like to receive the Notices e-mail me on allandavidmorgan@gmail.com. and I will add you to my list.
More about the Village quiz. As I wrote earlier – this went well – clearly enjoyed by all
• Would it be appreciated if we organised a quiz along the same lines at other times during the year – not for the Village Trophy but perhaps for a small Prize?
• If you think so and you would like to enter a team please contact me with for each team …
• Organisation /group + Contact name and position / e-mail address
Ongoing Building Maintenance
Stage 4 - Planned Repainting the Main Door and replacing the existing temporary Noticeboard with a ‘proper’ one.
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Horeb being useful
Our link with Pengwern College in Rhuddlan – involved in some maintenance of Horeb ‘ground-works’
The tubs which were planted by the Pengwern Students towards the end of last year still look good (having survived the Winter) and we are waiting a visit to involve them in more planting and help with the appearance of the Horeb surroundings. Our ‘partnership’, a perhaps overworked word these days, has certainly been beneficial to both Pengwern and Horeb thus far.
Finances - (always on the back of our minds)
The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in Horeb
This is a major source of income which, although there has been an upsurge in recent weeks, has still to return to a pre-Covid level –and with the increase in fuel costs it is increasingly difficult to balance what hirers can afford to pay and what we need to charge to cover our costs - let alone gain some 'income'.
BUT - if anyone needs to hire some space for a club or event The Paterson Hall is still available for Hiring for several hours during the week. Indeed, if anyone reading has a need or knows anyone who wishes to Hire a space, they should contact Barbara Tebbutt on 01745 570793 or me on 01745 570364.
Aware that we, in many ways, are battling for the survival of Horeb, the Elders and Members, remain determined to continue to work hard and to do our best to keep Horeb Chapel alive and well.
Finally, as usual, you know where we are, you know we will be open for worship at 10.30 a.m. every Sunday, and if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, you will be very welcome.
So, I'll sign off wishing all the best as we move toward the Summer and hopefully warmer, drier, less windy weather; and promising myself that I really will try to make the next update more interesting and less a re-hash of what has gone before – maybe a few jokes?
Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)
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Step into a world of wonder and magic at the Enchanted Midsummer Twilight Trek!
Join St Kentigern Hospice on Saturday, June 29th, for an unforgettable evening filled with enchantment and community spirit.
As the sun begins to set, embark on a 10km sponsored walk starting at St. Asaph Football Club. With every step, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of a midsummer's night, where the air is alive with anticipation and mystery.
At the pre-party prepare to be captivated by a host of magical performers and enchanted acts, join in the theme of this twilight trek by dressing up as your favourite enchanted creature. Fairies, pixies, elves, butterflies, flowers and mystical beings all welcome!
‘Following the conclusion of our Dawn Walk after 13 incredible years we are so excited to be launching this brand new event. With the addition of our pre-party along with a new venue, a new time and a new route we hope to make this our biggest sponsored walk to date.’ - Sian Golding, Events and Community Fundraiser
This event is an 10km circular walk beginning and ending at St Asaph Football Club, Roe Plas Meadow, St Asaph LL17 0SU. Entry is open to all over the age of 10, and dogs on leads are welcome. Entry is £15.00 or £10.00 for under 18’s, for which you will receive entry to the walk and a medal on completion.
Entry forms are available online by visiting bit.ly/StKentigernTwilightTrek or by calling the fundraising team on 01745 536020.
Check in will open at 5:30pm for the walk to commence at 7pm.
This event is kindly supported by St Asaph Football Club and St Asaph City Council.
St Kentigern Hospice, based in St. Asaph, provides specialist palliative care services, completely free of charge, for adults across North East Wales. In 2023, the annual Hospice running costs will exceed £2.6 million, which equates to more than £7,252.37 per day. Just 28% of this will come from the Local Health Board; it is only enough funding to support the hospice for 93 days of the year.
Fundraising events like the Twilight Trek are vital in allowing the services available at St Kentigern Hospice to continue being accessible to individuals and their families in their time of need.
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A warm hello to all!
DYSERTH FLOOD SUPPORT
I’m the Chairman of the Dyserth Flood Support group. We’re a formally recognised and constituted group created to help our village and residents to protect their homes/businesses, and themselves before, during, and after a flood. We liaise with authorities such as Denbighshire County Council and Natural Resources Wales, as well as local councillors and politicians, to highlight the flooding issues in Dyserth and to help identify possible solutions and any required resources.
We hold regular group meetings where we provide information on property protection, listen to concerns and suggestions from group members, which we can then pass on to the relevant authorities. We are very active on Facebook but would like to reach out to the entire community through Dyserth Times to let you all know that we exist, what we are, and how we can help you! Though the responsibility for home flood protection is on the individual, we can advise on good flood defence solutions, and can offer front line emergency support during a flood by providing additional resources such as sandbags, water pumps etc.
We have a team of volunteer flood wardens who can help with moving furniture, some flood clear up, and provide emergency supplies such as blankets. We cordially invite those of you who use Facebook to join our group ‘Dyserth Initiative for Local Flooding Support’ where you can post any relevant concerns, share advice, or even volunteer if you would like to be a part of the group! If you are one of the wiser types without Facebook, we have several ways that you can reach us, which will be listed at the bottom of this article. I would kindly ask anyone who feels they may benefit from this support to please get in touch so we can add your details to a text message/email group where we can update everyone at the same time if we have a flood alert/warning.
If you need any help before, during, or after a flood, then you can reach us by any of the methods below. We have very kindly been allocated some funds from Dyserth Community Council- and this will be used on our first wave of equipment to help protect and support our lovely community. Going forward, we will be fundraising to allow us to obtain better temporary and long-term flood defences, more equipment, and riverway maintenance.
So look out for us at community events such as DysFest, as well as our own events that are currently being planned. We would kindly welcome any support from local businesses or individuals who may be able to help with equipment costs- you can be assured that it is going to a very deserving and necessary cause! With our climate changing so rapidly, it is evident that flooding will be happening more frequently, so the more we can pull together as a vibrant, loving community, the more able we will be to tackle these issues as they happen.
Thanks for your time!
Jason Vernon - Chairman - Dyserth Flood Initiative
You can reach us on:
Email: dyserthfloodinitiative@gmail.co.uk
Phone: Jason: 07590 387918 or Natasha: 07572444255
Facebook: Dyserth Initiative for Local Flooding Support
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Our theme for the May meeting was World War 2 as the 6th June is the anniversary of D Day. Linda [President] began by telling us about the evacuation of (mainly) children during the war and talked about her parents' very different experiences of being evacuated. She also talked about the different types of air raid shelters that were in use. Sue Wright [Vice President ] then told us about the experiences of her grandfather, who fought in two world wars and was captured after Dunkirk. He was held, until liberation, as a prisoner of war in Poland . Finally Anne Sanderson [Previous President] talked about food availability and the effects of rationing.
Members took a vote on this year's motion which will be discussed at the Annual Meeting in the Albert Hall in July. Sue Wright will be our Delegate, representing Dyserth, Llanasa and Gronant. . She asked for a show of hands to give her authority to vote on the Dental Health resolution that will be debated there, and another show of hands to enable her to vote against the resolution if the argument against it is convincing enough.
Our June meeting will find members being entertained by a Ukulele Orchestra. This should provide plenty of opportunity for singalongs by members.
Our Walking and Craft Groups continue to be popular [4th Wednesday: Craft and every Wednesday: Walking Group]. Our Singing Group, however, is having a temporary break while members are asked to see if they wish it to restart in the Autumn.
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
Sue Wright, Vice President/Publicity
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Women’s Institute (WI) Sefydliad y Merched (SyM)
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Nature’s Corner – Cornel Nature Elvers making a comeback?
The 1960’s were a great time to be a young lad living in Dyserth. We spent most of our spare time either in or very near the river, be it on a rope swing suspended from a tree branch over the stream or just about anywhere the older lads could climb to tie one up often using nails as steps to get up the trunk!
The Afon Ffyddion seemed to be full of Brown Trout that would dart away at lightning speed to some hidden spot under a tree root or large boulder. There were Minnows and Bullheads that we would catch with bare hands, looking back through rose tints it appeared they were hiding under almost every stone.
Some of the village lads were experts at “Tickling Trout” a practice that meant sometimes getting in up to one’s neck in water to reach under a large rock, gently feeling for a sheltering fish and rubbing its belly very gingerly, effectively putting the fish into a trance and allowing it to be grabbed and chucked onto the nearby bank. I can well remember seeing Dyserth lads Stuart Sweetman and Roy Gunther triumphantly carrying a few braces home for the table, not big fish but there’s nothing quite like freshly caught and cooked Brown Trout with bread and butter.
In lower Dyserth the stream up to the small waterfall/weir at Y Ddol also held migratory sea trout that could swim no further upstream. We would also encounter hundreds if not thousands of tiny Eels or Elvers that had swum frantically in from the sea and would congregate in the water again below the small waterfall, and along the stretch below the sewage treatment plant at Llewerllyd.
Having walked the Dyserth riverbanks regularly over the years, I haven’t seen a single Elver nor Eel in the Afon Ffyddion for a long time. The Eel population in the UK has fallen by 95% since the 1970’s and it appears no-one really knows why.
possible shift in the Jetstream have altered course somewhat, infections? Pollution? More
progress of these tiny Eels.
But for some hitherto unknown reason the Eel population is on the rise again just as mysteriously as it declined with 2022 seeing the greatest number of Elvers arriving in
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the country for decades; Good news.
The most amazing aspect of the Eel’s life cycle (to me anyway) is the fact that every single Eel in our rivers and indeed the sea, including Conger Eels which live in deeper saltwater locations in the UK; yes, each and every one is born in the Sargasso Sea, which is within the Bermuda Triangle off the East coast of North America. They are the only fish to travel from freshwater to saltwater to breed and are known as catadromous; Salmon and Sea Trout for example travel from the sea to breed in rivers and streams.
The young eels travel some 4000 miles to our rivers swimming upstream feeding and growing until the time comes to return to the Sargasso Sea to mate and subsequently breed. Once they have produced up to a million eggs each in depths of around 600700 metres, the adult Eels die.
The eggs rise and float on the surface whereby they hatch and as larvae then rely on the Gulf stream currents to send them to our shores. After about a year drifting, they are by now tiny “Glass eels” growing continually into Elvers as they make their way up rivers and streams. The returning adults are known as Silver Eels which can grow to 5ft in length weighing 20lbs in exceptional circumstances, but are more often between 1 and 3 lbs as they make their way to the Sargasso Sea to continue the cycle of life
......Dave Parry.
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on each visit!
• Two bags of good coal 5 shillings(25p)
• 100cigarettes 3shillings and 4pence This left enough for four penny bus rides and 8 pound of potatoes at ½ p per pound Wages were around £2.10shillings per week. Rents were around 5 to 10 shillings a week and houses to buy £400 I think we shouldn’t look back or we would cry!!!
Incidentally – The Liverpool Echo also ran an article saying that the Kingsway Mersey Tunnel (constructed in 1936) would be paid for by 1941. Here in the 21st century the use of the tunnel has now been increased to £2 each way. Are times better or worse now?
Well some things definitely are. So let’s think positive – talking of which, our Dyserth Tuesday Morning Group are meeting socially throughout the summer just to maintain friendships. We actually start our meetings in the Dyserth Community Hall on 9th October 2024. Do come along as we have some great speakers in our new programme.
The Dyserth Times is reaching further out than just Dyserth. I have had enquiries from far and wide. If you know of anyone who is abroad and wants news from this wonderful village – do give me a shout and I will try to get copies to them.
See you at 10.15am Tuesday 9th October 2024 at Dyserth Community Centre, Cwm Road, Dyserth. LL18 8BD
Michael Corfe Secretary DTMCG 01745 585110
(Editor’s note: Dyserth Times is available on www.issuu.com - search for Dyserth)
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Telephone Box
You may know that Dyserth Community Council adopted the old red telephone box on Cwm Road many years ago and since then many residents have enjoyed picking up a free book or donating some for others. Our very own ‘Telephone Library’ in fact. Thanks must go to those individuals who visit to tidy up, including a couple of our community councillors. Another of these telephone boxes, on Trecastell hill on the way out of Dyserth has long since been adopted by Dyserth Environmental Group and is kept as an information point, with many interesting local points of interest available.
Recently the telephone box just off the High Street, behind the Bodunig pub was going to be disposed of by BT. Many remember queuing up there with their coins to make a call, way before the advent of mobile phones and even before most locals even had a phone in their house. Dyserth Community council have again stepped in to adopt this and want to know your opinions on how it should be used.
There are many uses of these boxes up and down the country. Some used for lifesaving equipment (which we are fortunate enough to already have close by outside the chemist).
One suggestion has been to use Trelawnyd’s idea of donating various items that others might use and value, as you can see from these photos. Please reply to the Clerk to Dyserth Community Council - clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales to share your thoughts and ideas. The community council want to make this work for you.
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The phone box
Trelawnyd
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