Dyserth Times Issue 128 - Oct-Nov 2023

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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Articles may be typed, handwritten, USB key or e-mailed. 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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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. Facebook Page: @dyserthtimes

Scarecrow Competition July 2023

The winner (cover photo) was Frankenstein’s Monster in Thomas Avenue. There were six entries and the winner was chosen by online public vote.

Here are the other five, arranged in descending order of votes.

Fungus the Bogeyman In Hiraddug Road

Monster at Glasfryn, Bryn y Felin

Gort In Rhodfa Gofer

Huggy Wuggy Monster In Parc Gwelfor

Swizzle the Robot In the High Street

I was deeply saddened by the death of Keith Sanderson on 13th August. The following is a eulogy from his funeral, written by his son Mark.

My father was born in Thorne, a small mining town in The Peoples’ Republic of South Yorkshire on 11th July 1936. He was very proud of his Yorkshire roots, especially when conversing with those from the “wrong” side of the Pennines. His parents were George and Evelyn, and he had an older sister Pat, with whom he was very close, but unfortunately she died 10 years ago. Because his disabled father was unable to work, life was not easy for the family. His humble roots served to keep him grounded and a sense of great compassion throughout his long life.

He attended Thorne Grammer School, where (aside from earning the soubriquet “Swot Sanderson”) he actively participated in rugby and athletics. Rugby became an enduring pleasure; which he played until his twenties. More particularly he also met Freda, Head Girl to his Head Boy, his wife of 63 years and lifelong companion, mother to myself and Ian.

After school, he deferred the start of this university career to do his National Service with the Royal Signals in the exotic climes of Catterick. Not a natural soldier, this 6’11” blue eyed blond (at least according to his military ID), rose to the dizzy rank of acting sergeant, a fact with which he enjoying nonplussing staff officers with during his later career visits to Sandhurst. The major lesson learned from this period of his life (so he imparted) was the importance of walking purposefully carrying a piece of paper.

Having completed National Service, the scheme was abolished, a fact for which he claimed no responsibility. Dad moved on to study English and Medieval Latin at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. After graduation, he decided to enter the teaching profession.

After training at Nottingham University, he began his career at the Manor School, Mansfield Woodhouse in 1961. This was followed by posts at two brand new schools; in 1964 Head of House at Wyndham Comprehensive School in Cumberland, and then Deputy Head at Brockworth in Gloucester, before arriving at Rhyl High School at the tender age of 36 (in 1972) to oversee the merger of two schools into a modern comprehensive

It was at this time, 51 years ago the family moved from this peripatetic lifestyle to settle here in Dyserth. Mum and Dad actively participating in the life of this church, and he enjoyed sailing the Mirror dinghy we had built in the garage and generally put down roots. Dad became an active Rotarian; he was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Rhyl and was awarded a Paul Harries medal.

He retired from teaching in 1988 and then entered a phase of his life he described as being the busiest he had ever been. His sense of civic duty led to him spending 12

years as a magistrate during which time he became Deputy Chairman of the Bench and was Chairman of the Family Court. He was formerly Chairman of the Dyserth Environmental Group and a member of the Tuesday Morning Group which filled his time along with his avid (and extremely rapid) reading – not forgetting his “Affair with Grace” ……. Grace being a 40’ Narrowboat, for those of you who don’t know …..

He took a constant interest, despite the distance, in his grandchildren, Dale and Lucy, (who have great memories of their time, stories read and holidays spent with Nain & Taid). Latterly his great grandchildren Eva, Ivy and Taylor became a focus, always with Mum at his side, both at home and during their extensive travels together. The garden at their house also provided a constant source of pleasure throughout his life.

Failing health eventually curtailed their foreign trips, but he took this in the typically stoic manner which characterised his life, coupled with a dry and occasionally acerbic humour directed at all of us but particularly at mum.

He often said that he was only ever rude to his friends, and the number of family, friends, neighbours & former colleagues, here today is a testament to how many of you he must have teased over the years.

Thank for the time and effort you have taken today to say goodbye to Keith, Dad, Taid, Headmaster. Rest in Peace

Freda & Keith on a Dyserth Environmental Group trip to Anglesey, 7th Aug 2006

Did You Visit Deb Maxwell’s Dys Fest?

I came up with the idea of holding a mini festival after losing a dear sister and brother to Cancer. Both siblings were taken quickly to this horrendous disease and I'm currently in remission after having treatment for bi-lateral breast cancer! I'm doing very well under the circumstances!

One evening in May I sat on the park bench at the 'King Georges' field, Dyserth and a thought came to me regarding raising funds and awareness for 3 remarkable charities! Cancer research, British heart Foundation and Help for Heroes!

I then put my idea into motion! Firstly, I had a meeting at the bowling club with the Community Council for permission and approval. All councillors were wonderful and unanimous in granting me complete authority to hold what later became known as 'Dys Fest'!.... It was an exciting event that I wanted to succeed.

After negotiating prices with the stage provider, some acts, (12 performed, 3 charged), Portoloos, (a huge amount of Security fencing was donated by 'Waterloos' and Thorncliffe donated the Generators)!

80 straw bails were donated from Councillor David Williams (Hottia Farm), Lennis Jones, Tynewydd Farm and Farmer Aled, whom I'm extremely grateful to!

However, the legal side of things were costly - the liability insurance, first aiders, security and license, plus printer for tickets and t-shirts and caps! Therefore, I'm keeping the 'gofundme' page open until I receive more for the charities! (gofundme.com and search for dysfest)

There were a few errors made, but quite minor considering it was my first attempt! I'm so happy that everybody had a great time and for bringing this fantastic community together! The response and positivity I have received has been amazing, so much so, I'm in talks to repeat this as an annual event, watch this space!

Please can I thank all of you who purchased tickets and donated generously!

Deb Maxwell

IVOR HOWATSON AND SON

Funeral Directors Cyfarwyddwyr Angladdau N.A.F.D. Diploma Holder

Family owned, Family run Since 1967

Full Monumental Masonry Service

Pre-arranged and pre-paid funeral plans available

Funeral Director Brian Howatson Dip.F.D.,

Greetings from all the volunteers at the NSPCC shop.

Well, life here is as busy as ever, or should that be, hectic. The volume of items that are generously donated that come in to the shop on a daily basis and then sold on continues to amaze us all. It is therefore not surprising that our turnover for the year ending March 2023 was a staggering £88,151.77.

It is through the generosity of those who donate items, and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, that enables us to reach such dizzy heights within what is a relatively small community. So our heart felt thanks go to everyone involved. Thank you so much!!

Just one plea, if we may. Please don’t leave your donated items outside the premises when we are closed.

Our committee has had some recent changes to its line-up, with Linda Platt stepping down as Chairperson and Jackie Parry taking over the reins. We also have a new Secretary in Madeleine Edwards, who replaces Hilary Carter. Our thanks go to Linda and Hilary for their valued contributions.

Although the back shop, where all the sorting is done, sometimes resembles a war zone, the atmosphere is always a fun fuelled one. So, if you would like to be part of this dedicated team, whether it be on a regular half-day shift, or an “as and when” basis, come and chat with us, we are always looking to welcome new volunteers. You won’t regret it.

By the way, did you know?

• We have Doggy Poo bags available. (free)

• We take used printer cartridges.

• We will take unwanted spectacles which we pass on.

• We now have a PDQ machine, so you can pay by card.

All this, and when you pop in, you can have a look for a bargain. There’s lots of them!

Also, did you know that NSPCC and Childline are one charity; they have been since 2006. And, being somewhat parochial, it’s good to know that all revenue raised in Wales is used in Wales. Not to mention, that on 9 August 2023, the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office announced NSPCC Cymru/ Wales as its charity of the year!!

Support your local charity shop in what ever way you can.

Thank you, from all our volunteers.

Dyserth Community Council

Cynghor Cymunedol Dyserth

Reported Criminal Offences in Dyserth:

The following criminal offences have been reported to the North Wales Police; that have occurred within the Community Council area:

2 x Anti Social behaviour / 1 x Bicycle theft / 2 x Other Crimes / 5 x Violence

County Councillor David Williams:

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

(1) Denbighshire County Council are currently reviewing the Maes Esgob Community Centre in Dyserth, and in particular, the extent of its current usage. An open day will be held in the centre on 26th August, which will include Age Connects and Citizens Advice

(2) Water rising from highway in middle of Foel Road and in Lower Foel Road water entering a garden and garage of two properties. Following inspection no Welsh Water pipes in the area whereby Denbighshire are further investigating.

Concerns Reported To Denbighshire County Council:

(1) Roadside safety barriers damaged: A5151 Road – Dyserth High Street with Junction at B5119 Waterfall Road (photographs provided)

(2) Road sign sited on Dyserth High Street – opposite Dyserth Pharmacy has been damaged and is bent (photograph provided)

Planning Applications:

The following planning applications have been commented upon by the Community Council: Application number: 42/2023/0429 – for details of the appearance, landscaping, scale, layout and access of 2 no. dwellings submitted in accordance with condition no. 1 of outline planning permission 42/2020/0903 (reserved matters application), at Land Adjacent to Cartrefle, Ffordd Ffynnon, Dyserth.

Planning Decisions:

The following planning decisions have been received from Denbighshire County Council: Application number: 42/2023/0266 – for removal of existing conservatory and balcony to rear and erection of single storey flat roof extension with roof top balcony area above and associated works. Granted.

R. Phillip Parry, Clerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council

Tel: 01352 720547

E-mail: clerk@dyserthcouncil.wales

Web Site: www.dyserthcouncil.wales

Community Garden / Seating Area:

A sunny Saturday afternoon in August saw the opening of the Dyserth Community Garden / Seating area which was officially conducted by Councillor David Parry –Chair of Dyserth Community Council.

Extracts from Cllr David’s speech:

Initially the project commenced over 20 years ago and was going to be called the Millenium Garden. But that project never materialised –however, I am pleased that today sees the opening of this garden and seating leisure area – whereby, it is for the use of everyone and is also an ideal area to sit and safely watch the children use the play area facilities.

I would like to thank Gareth Jones and Dave Ellis from G J Landscapes for completing the excellent work on this project.

Play Area Equipment:

The Community Council have received two grants which total just over £8,500.00towards new play area equipment and also to carry out some work in the toddler area. the Dyserth Community Council will also provide extra funding to the £8,500.00 –this will ensure that new item(s) of equipment are installed together with new safety ground covering. The Council have recently spent £3,800.00 on new safety netting in the multi use games area. The Council have also agreed to provide matting in the toddler section of the play area both by the entrance and under the bench seats, where one bench seat will be relocated away from under the tree due to the falling sap.

The Council wish to hear from both parents and the younger generation as to their thoughts on the type of new play equipment, placing an emphasis on accessibility.

The photographs of the opening of the Garden and Seating area contain photographs of children who were accompanied by their parents or guardian. There were many other unaccompanied children in the area but no photographs were taken.

Children’s names against their preferred new play

Dyserth Business Community

Some of Dyserth’s businesses have begun working together on ideas and solutions for the good of the village. A meeting at Patterson Hall in September saw members discuss the issue of reinstating the bus service between Lower and Upper Dyserth as well as festive ideas to lift our spirits before Christmas.

In order to keep everyone informed, the Dyserth Times has been invited to be part of the group in the person of Peter Robinson as editor and Jackie Parry who works on the Facebook group. The Community Council has also accepted an invitation to send a representative and councillor Delyth Lloyd-Williams will liaise between the two organisations.

If you are a business with a Dyserth connection and would like to come to see what we are all about, get in touch. The next meeting will be on Tuesday October 10th, details to be confirmed. The proprietors of most of our High Street businesses will be able to give you more information.

Chair of Council David Parry (left) and Vice Chair Allan Pennington

Attendees enjoying free ice creams

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs used to be a familiar sight locally but they are disappearing fast. They are now on the Red List, which means they are at risk of extinction. To see how we can turn that trend around locally, come to an afternoon about our prickly little friends.

Sunday October 22nd 2.30 pm until 4pm Patterson Hall, High Street, Dyserth LL18 6AB

Guest speaker: Tracey Pierce, Hedgehog Help, Prestatyn

Tea, coffee, cake and raffle

The winners of the Hedgehog colouring competition as well as the Make a Hedgehog competition will be announced

ST. BRIDGET’s PARISH CHURCH

CHRISTMAS FAIR

November 11th, 12th, 17th & 18th

CHURCH HALL, WATERFALLS CAR PARK, DYSERTH

11am - 3pm

Gifts, Decorations, Cards, Games & Toys

Panad a sgwrs

Nos Lun, Tachwedd 2il 7pm i 8.30 pm

Neuadd Patterson, Stryd Fawr Dyserth LL18 6AB

Cyfarfod cychwynnol o grŵp newydd sbon. Byddwn yn cyfarfod ar nos Lun cynta’r mis ac fe gewch groeso cynnes a cyfle am sgwrs drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Cyfle yn y cyfarod cyntaf i gyfrannu eich syniadau am be hoffech gynnwys yn y misoedd i ddod.

This is an advertisement for a Welsh medium event

Horeb United Reformed Church - Eglwys Unedig Diwygiedig Horeb An update 2023.09

The continuing story of how Horeb has moved 'back towards its 'new normal'.

Yes, I know that much of this doesn't change BUT if this is needed to let it be known 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 - 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 by your donation. A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it doesn't suitwe'll show you where the Lincat and kettle are… … and you can make your own.

Community Lunches - still up and running and the cooker is still behaving well (again our thanks to the Community Council. for their help and patience. Please remember this is a Community Event - all are welcome; and offers of help or any suggestions of changes particularly if they lead to improvements will be very gratefully received.

One of the differences since pre-Covid days, is the number of folk actively involved in helping; this has hit quite hard this month when four of our regulars are away on Holiday at the same time.

Never fear, there will be a lunch, but it would have involved a lot less stress if the list of volunteers was two / three greater. If you would be happy to be involved, please speak to Pauline Wilson or any if the Horeb Elders.

Dave Wilson's Flower Stall – is still here, and as usual it's well worth a visit Dave's Flower Stall, which he has run throughout the Summer months for a number of years has been open again for business the year - Proceeds to Horeb Church funds

Obviously, such an endeavour depends largely on things beyond the gardener’s skill / control and unfortunately the weather at key times during the earlier months of this year left much to be desired, and as a result this year’s outcome was somewhat below the exceptional result last year.

Well, the season is ending, so, if you don’t want to miss out, find your way to Glanrafon – (1st on the right) down Pandy Lane and take a look. Many of Dave's plants are not at all 'ordinary' so take plenty of cash or a cheque book and be prepared to be carrying more than you came with on the way home.

... and I almost forgot Well done Dave and thanks from Horeb.

So, what is back to Normal Thankfully, life at Horeb is returning to near normalso to repeat -

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

• 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

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 119.

In addition to CONTACT; recipients are kept up to date by a copy of the notices which are later read out at the start of the Service on Sunday Morning. 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. … Colin’s thoughts are always worth reading and if, once you have tried this and need more – I have lots of back numbers.

Ongoing 'still missing'

The Village quiz. This remains near the top of my list, but, having been a little poorly recently and been left with vision problems which make reading (and using a computer) a little difficult - it has of necessity been demoted to just below keeping my grass cut to a reasonable level. My apologies - it will happen - not just yet.

Ongoing issues

Building Maintenance

Minor damage to some interior walls and paintwork

Work on several areas within Horeb should start within a few weeks.

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.

So, I'll sign off wishing all the best as we enjoy what is left of the warm dry spell and, if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, you will be very welcome.

Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)

Would you brave hot coals for your local hospice?

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Not the type to shy away from a challenge? Join St. Kentigern Hospice for the spookiest event of the yeara Halloween Firewalk!

Taking place on Friday 27th October at Ruthin Rugby Club with refreshments and entertainment on site, there’s no better way to kick start your Halloween festivities. This challenge is exactly as the name suggests - a barefoot walk over red-hot embers measuring around 800 degrees. No tricks, no special effects. Just you and the fire. Guided by Cliff Mann, one of the most experienced fire-walking instructor in Europe, full training will be provided, ensuring you are in safe hands.

‘We are thrilled to be bringing this new, exciting event to the St. Kentigern Hospice event calendar. Not for the faint hearted, this challenge is for anyone who wants to conquer their fears and let go of anything that’s holding them back. After all, if you can walk on fire, just imagine what else you can do! This event is great as a team and we’re encouraging friends, families and colleagues alike to come together and face this challenge united.’

- Sian Golding, Events and Community Fundraiser

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 Firewalk and sponsorship raised by the incredible participants are vital in allowing not only hospice care to continue at St. Kentigern’s 12-bed inpatient ward but allowing services such as Bereavement support, Outpatient clinics, Occupational therapy, Complimentary therapies, Art and Music therapies to continue expanding.

Entry is open for all over the age of 16 (ages 16-18 require parental consent) with a £20 registration fee and a recommended minimum sponsorship of £100. Registration is available online at www.stkentigernhospice.org.uk or by calling the fundraising team on 01745 536020. Also see outside back cover.

Here we are again after our summer break. Despite the fact we didn’t have a formal meeting there was still lots going on.

In August we had our annual educational trip. This time we went to the World of Glass in St Helens to see a demonstration of glass blowing. Marchin the glass blower had trained for over 20 years to perfect his art and the bowl he made was truly beautiful. We also had a fascinating guided tour around the old glass works.

During the break Kath arranged a fun afternoon at the North Wales Bowling Centre which was made even better by a tasty lunch in the Centre’s restaurant.

Our Walking group continued during August and our Singing and Craft Groups will restart this month. Details will be posted on our Facebook page and also circulated by email.

17th August was the Denbigh and Flint Show and members submitted items for a variety of the classes: cakes, preserves, craft items and artwork.

21 members submitted over 100 items and we were successful in many classes including the cup for the Craft Best in Show. We were the winning Federation this year, well done to everyone who entered.

Also in August we had a Members lunch followed by a bowls session at the North Wales Bowling Centre.

Our meetings got off to an amazing start in September when we had an exhibition of Flamenco dancing from dancer, Christine Stockton.

In October Committee member Kath Winn will share with us the core elements of Assertiveness techniques. She has worked for many years as a qualified Assertiveness trainer as part of her professional role as an NHS Ward Sister.

Dyserth W.I. continues to offer fun and friendship to any woman living in and around Dyserth including Trelawnyd, Rhyl, Rhuddlan and Prestatyn. We meet at 7.00 p.m. on the second Friday of every month [except August]

If you want to keep up with our activities, then find us on Facebook. Just type in Dyserth WI to see pictures and articles about past events and outings.

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

or our new secretary on hughesann059@gmail.com

Nature’s Corner – Cornel Nature Not the end of the Rainbows.

As climate change makes its presence known in the UK and Europe, it’s not surprising that quite a few species of birds and sea creatures are moving further North to breed and feed in and around our shores.

Egrets, members of the Heron family are a prime example with three species now breeding in wetlands around the UK with the Little Egret having established itself as a breeding bird in 1996 in Dorset and now widespread with large colonies in Conwy, Burton Mere and Bangor with individuals often seen on the lower reaches of the Afon Ffyddion in Rhuddlan and on the river Clwyd; they are pure white with black legs and huge yellow feet. Great White Egrets and more recently Cattle Egrets are moving into these wetland areas too along with Spoonbills which are very impressive and often seen at RSPB Conwy.

Another species that has begun to move here in small flocks is the European Bee-Eater; a stunningly beautiful bird that has bred in the UK on the odd occasion, being only an offcourse migrant to Southern England until recently, also often referred to as

“Rainbow birds” due to their beautiful multi coloured plumage.

In June 2022, seven of these beauties nested at a disused quarry in the small village of Trimingham near Cromer, Norfolk producing three youngsters in all before returning to their Tropical African home.

So, whilst staying nearby with relatives during July of this year (2023), we decided it would be rude not to pay a visit to see what all the fuss is about.

By all accounts 20 birds had turned up at the quarry site during May but only three had remained with a pair nesting in June. The nest itself is usually at the end of a short tunnel burrowed into a steep sided sandbank quite often on a rivers edge. In the case of the pair at Trimingham the nest appeared to be on quite a gentle slope. Sadly, it was predated possibly by a Stoat but luckily the birds had stayed and tried again.

The RSPB have set up a viewing area from an adjoining field which gives good if distant views of these very agile and entertaining creatures, telescopes are on hand as the birds spend much of their time perched on overhead cables at one end of the quarry probably about 150 to 200 metres away.

From here they spring up in the air with such amazing agility to catch Butterflies, Dragonflies and of course Bees, never seeming to fail, they return to the cables to eat their prey, sometimes tossing them in the air having stunned them and swallowing whole.

It is easy to appreciate their stunning plumage even from this good distance especially with binoculars or a scope as they will perch for decent lengths of time.

One nice bonus whilst at the site was a handsome Roe deer walking just past the nest and up the bank before turning to look at all the spectators in bemused fashion and then melting into the surrounding shrubbery: one of only two of our true native species of deer rarely seen in North Wales.

Hopefully these spectacular, agile, charismatic, brilliantly coloured birds will continue to frequent the UK in future and if you are up in the Trimingham neck of the woods during 2024, they are well worth a visit between May and early August before they return to Africa.

There are other sites that have seen these birds breed in small numbers too in the UK, so we can but hope that they will at some point in the future set up home nearer to us here in North Wales

.......Dave Parry.

A reminder that the Dyserth Times is brought to you by volunteers. Neither I nor any of our amazing distributors receive any kind of payment from or for the magazine. My thanks to all my regular contributors.

The printing costs are funded primarily by our wonderful advertisers, with occasional assistance from Dyserth Community Council.

Collection from the printers and delivery to our distributors is done at my own expense. Peter J Robinson, Editor

Ze French way!

Like most folks we have been away during our summer hibernation! We took the road to the south coast and ‘Fair stood the wind for France’. A dear good friend of mine died on my birthday – 26th August. We were invited by long term French friends to their golden wedding and I was to make a speech (‘un discourse’) at the celebration on that very day. I made the 80 plus guests laugh with a good story or two and was about to sit down, when they sang ‘Bon anniversaire’ to me. It was lovely but I also thought that it was my late friend’s anniversary so it was also quite moving.

The French have a little nickname for me –‘Monsieur Catastrophe’ – which needs no translation!!! I confess I do have little accidents or perhaps moments of absentmindedness. For example the French were tickled pink when, on a very rainy day, I walked into a very large store in Lille and was well into the store when it was pointed out to me that I was still holding my umbrella up!!! Ooh la la.

On a sad note, we attended the funeral at St Bridget’s Church in Dyserth of a lovely member of our Dyserth Community Group, Keith Sanderson. Our editor Mr Peter Robinson has printed Keith’s son’s eulogy elsewhere in today’s issue. We send our sincere condolences to Freda and all his family. We shall miss him.

Just a little repeated reminder - our new season opens with the interesting tale of ‘The Canadian Riots at Kinmel Bay’. Come and hear all about it if you are free on Tuesday 3rd October and I promise you we have a great programme for each following week.

See you 10.15am next October 3rd at Dyserth Community Centre Cwm Road

Dyserth.LL18 8BD

Michael Corfe Secretary DTMCG

01745 585110

PHONE 01745270287 - MOBILE 07722139311

george21thurston@gmail.com

National Resources Wales have announced a series of engagement events for a proposed fourth National Park in Wales.

The last of these (the only one nearby) will take place in Trelawnyd memorial Hall

on Wednesday 22nd November from 1pm to 7pm. Drop-in at any time between these times.

See the article inside on page 19 for details