Llanferres News & Views Mar 2017

Llanferres March 2017 Issue 208

2 News & Views

Yo ur lo se cu cal r sp ec ity ial ist Intruder Alarms Closed Circuit TV Welcome to the November edition of contribution you would like to make Llanferres News & Views. towards its funding. The cost to Automatic There’s lots happening this month, produce News & Views in its current & calendar Barriers soGates keep your handy to make form is about £370 per issue. A large sure you don’t miss anything. The part of this is covered by our Pre - Christmas Craft Fair is on advertisers and help from the the UK weCouncil, spend more time Takeover Maintenance Saturday 5th November (see page 24). In Community but we also rely money on our homes than Friday 11th November is the family and heavily on donations and fund raising and Service in the Bingo night which will fund the anywhere to meet theelse whole costworld each year, so if OAP’s Christmas Lunch. There are you can help, it is very much great prizes to be won, a very Is appreciated. can be ? left at yours Envelopes protected reasonably priced bar and the Loggerheads Garage, at 2 Cae Gwyn atmosphere is very jovial. It really is or we can collect. a good night, please give it and a try ifsupport you If you would liketoday to send! a festive For advice call AGS haven’t been before. Cor Cilcain message to local friends and perform on Friday 25th November neighbours in next month’s News & (see page 12) and don’t forget to book Views please let us have the details by your place at the Christmas Lunch on 20 November.

Saturday 3rd December (see page 9).

Field Way t: 01352 707888 Best Wishes Enclosed with this News & Paul & Siobhan Denbigh Road f: month’s 01352 707889 Views is an envelope asking for any

01352 707888

Mold Flintshire CH7 1BP

e: info@ags-security.co.uk www.ags-security.co.uk

News & Views

3

Welcome Welcome to the March edition of News & Views.

It’s great that the Park & Playing Field and Village Hall both now have Executive Committees and healthy membership following the exceptional meetings in February.

Here’s another reminder for our annual fund raising event - our fun quiz and wine tasting night on Saturday 18th March, which this year has a St Patrick’s theme.

Please do come along and support us, we need to raise funds to ensure News & Views continues. If you haven’t got a team, don’t worry - we always match people up on the night. Last year’s champions the Daft

Dils are apparently gearing up for another victory! Please let us know if you would like tickets as soon as possible to help us plan catering arrangements.

If you have any photographs or articles of interest, please do send them in Best Wishes Paul & Siobhan

Paul & Siobhan Gothorp 2 Cae Gwyn, Llanferres Tel: (01352) 810668 Email: news@llanferres.org www.llanferres.org

4 News & Views

Notices

Happy Birthday to the following in March Eleanor Dolan on 5th March Finley Jaggard who is 6 on 5th March Emma Barnes on 18th March Emma Clarke on 19th March Esther Skelhorn on 21st March Bernard Evans on 26th March Tracy Griffiths on 27th March Joe Lewis who is 15 on 28th March Cadhan O'Garra on 30th March Edward Moore who is 18 on 30th March

EDWARD MOORE Happy 18th Birthday Ed!

Have a brilliant day!

Lots of love, from Mum ďż˝ THANK YOU To all our friends and neighbours.

A big thank you for all the cards, best wishes and gifts that we have received.

Special thanks to Yvonne and Don from Ruby!

And Julie & Jim for giving us the opportunity to live in a lovely village.

From Julie & Graham (formerly of Cae Derwen) X

CONGRATULATIONS to June Burns who was 90 On 20th February!

Cadole residents Mrs Beryl Davies and Mrs June Breen wish to express their sincere and grateful thanks to Councillor Mr John Almond for all his help and support received in re-instating the Cadole village road sign.

JOHN AND JOAN ALMOND John and Joan, who will be celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 25th February, would like to thank all their family for organising and coming to share the occasion with them.

Very many thanks.

If you would like a birthday or special announcement included in News &Views please send the details to: news@llanferres.org or 2 Cae Gwyn, Llanferres, CH7 5SL. Tel 810668

News & Views

5

Local News LLANFERRES OVER 60's Club On February 14th Debbie Barton from Nightingale House talked to us about the Hospice. What an eye-opener that was!

Dr. Arthur was the person who reasoned that it was possible to help make the lives of those with a terminal illness as happy as possible. It costs £2.2 million a year to put it into practice for children and adults with no cost to patients. It covers a day centre, transport and activities such as swimming in their pool or attending the barbers! “Little things matter” was their mantra.

The money comes from their lottery, cash donations, proceeds from events and shops run by volunteers. Used household items, knitted goods and toys are always acceptable for sale.

On March 8th Tim Watts of Pantymwyn Caving Club will talk about the Halkyn Lead Mines.

Please join us at 2.00pm

Hospitality tickets Available in the ”Carlsberg Dug Out” in the new main stand at Anfield for two Liverpool games.

Great gift and day out.

Included in package food and drinks pre match, half time and post - match.

Crystal Palace Premier League 22/4/17 2 x tickets available £200 per ticket.

Southampton Premier League 6/5/17 2 x tickets available £200 per ticket.

Contact Steve Clarke

07791 262626.

6 News & Views

March Diary Dates 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Wed Thu Fri Sat

5th

Sun

6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

12th

Sun

13th 14th 15th 16th 17th

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

18th

Sat

19th

Sun

20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

26th

Sun

27th 28th 29th

Mon Tue Wed

30th

Thu

31st

Fri

6.30pm Dance Club

9.30am Morning Worship, St. Berres’ Church 6:30pm Tai Chi 7.00pm Whist Evening 9.15am Parents & Toddlers 7.00pm Bowls Club 6.30pm Dance Club 7.30pm Community Council Meeting

9.30am Morning Worship, St. Berres’ Church 6:30pm Tai Chi 7.30pm Gardening Club Meeting 9.15am Parents & Toddlers 7.00pm Bowls Club 6.30pm Dance Club

10am Easter Vestry St. Berres’ Church 7.00pm News & Views Quiz Night 9.30am Holy Communion, St. Berres’ Church.

4.00pm Messy Church at Gwernaffield Church Hall 6:30pm Tai Chi 7.00pm Whist Evening 9.15am Parents & Toddlers 7.00pm Bowls Club 6.30pm Dance Club

9.30am Morning Worship, St. Berres’ Church 6:30pm Tai Chi 7.00pm Whist Evening 9.15am Parents & Toddlers 7.00pm Bowls Club

Events in italics are in the Village Hall Check the latest Village Hall bookings on our website: www.llanferres.org Click on ‘What’s on’ on the main menu

News & Views

7

Local News The News & Views St Patrick’s Day

th 8 1 h rc a M y a Saturd Hall

Evening in the Village Join us for a fun Quiz in!

Whiskey Tasting thrown with a bit of Wine and start.

7.00pm for a 7.30pm d se de: Lincen 50 per person to inclu 2. £1 s et ck Ti r a B alt whiskey* to taste.

3 quality wines and a m . izes, plus a light supper Fun Quiz with lots of pr people Quiz Teams of up to 5 m Paul & Siobhan Advanced ticket sales fro ws@llanferres.org Tel: 810668. Email: ne

Please come along for a great night out and to help raise funds for your community magazine. *Alternative available for non-whiskey drinkers

FLINTSHIRE DRIVING SCHOOL ☑ Patient and friendly instruction ☑ Advice and assistance for theory test

L

☑ Lessons tailored to suit your individual needs ☑ Free handouts at the end of every lesson to get to test standard sooner

Ring Simon: 01352 741915 Mobile: 07748078746 Local DSA approved instructor

8 News & Views

Local News

LLANFERRES PARISH GARDENING CLUB The first meeting of the year for the club is, as usual, to arrange the schedule for our ANNUAL SHOW which this year will be on September 2nd.

Minor alterations were made to the schedule and 4 new novice classes were introduced.

We hope to have the class topics for Photography and Art reasonably early so 'exhibitors get to work'.

Our next meeting will be a talk entitled "Italian Gardens" by Sue Griffiths, on Monday March 13th at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

As always new members are welcome.

The annual subscription is £5´00.

Casual visit to one meeting £1´00.

Hon Secretary Mrs Joan Almond 01352 810808

NEXT CARNIVAL PLANNING MEETING

Friday 7th April 2017 7.30pm DRUID INN Please come along and support

News & Views

9

A WARM & FRIENDLY WELCOME AWAITS YOU AT THE DRUID INN Sam and the team look forward to welcoming customers old and new to the Druid Inn.

Mothers’ Day Menu Leek & potato soup, toasted brioche croutons Breaded brie, cranberry & orange compote Tian of flaked salmon & prawns, tomato salsa Garlic & pancetta mushrooms, herb crostini Chicken liver parfait, fig & red onion marmalade Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast parsnips & potatoes Braised minted lamb shank, roasted vegetables Escalope of chicken, wild mushroom & leek sauce Baked cod, herb crust, spring greens, spinach sauce Duo of goats cheese & roast tomato tarts, dressed rocket Warm apple & toffee pie, vanilla custard Raspberry creme brulee, vanilla shortbread Chocolate & cointreau mousse, chocolate biscuit Fresh fruit salad, lemon & lime sorbet Mango & passion fruit cheesecake, fruit compote Prosecco & chocolates for mum 3 courses £24.95 2 courses £19.95 Bookings only — set menu only

THE DRUID INN www.thedruidinn.com

Tel: 810225

Llanferres

10 News & Views

Cyngor y Cymuned - Llanferres CYNGOR Y CYMUNED - LLANFERRES COMMUNITY COUNCIL General Meeting Held Thursday 9th FEBRUARY 2017 Present: Cllr. David Jones (Chair), Cllr John Almond, Cllr D Twomey, Cllr. Margaret Davies, Cllr. Rob Jones, Cllr. Rob Armstrong, Cllr Adrian Walls, Cllr. Jac Armstrong, Cllr Martyn Holland County Councillor and the Clerk, Mrs. Dillon.

Members of the public were present.

Apologies: Cllr Yvonne Foden-McCorry Meeting Open to Public - The sign showing the Tourist Route in Maeshafn, is pointing in the wrong direction. Report to Flintshire Declarations of Interest - None declared.

Minutes of the Meeting Held 12th January 2017 - The Minutes of the General Meeting held on 12th January 2016 were received and signed as a correct record by the Chairman, subject to the following amendments: 'The Minutes of the Meeting held 8th October 2016' should read The Minutes of the Meeting held 8th December 2016'.

Training & Financial Issues - '(£500 has been set aside for the last five years…..)

Should read: (£500 has been set aside for the last three years……..).

Matters Arising a.) The Notice Board, removed from Loggerheads by Countryside Services.

The new oak wood legs have now been ordered at a cost of £90.00 plus the cost of nuts and bolts. Countryside Services will be responsible for re-siting the board. b.) Llanferres Playing and Recreation Association had a good meeting held recently and the Park is now open again. c.) The white paint for the edge of the steps on the footpath from Cae Gwyn is yet to be completed. (Cllr Walls).

February

Councillor's Report - Cllr Holland confirmed that; o Cllr Holland has asked that the new Loggerheads Car Park be brought up before the Scrutiny Committee due to the design problems with access. o The mobile mast (Flintshire) situated in the area is causing problems. o The fire-damaged vehicle on the A494 has been removed. o Flintshire County Council is now responsible for the trunk roads in our area. o There are great concerns with regard to dog fouling in Moel Famau as irresponsible owners are failing to 'clean up'. o Due to the number of 'Not Spots' linked to Broadband in the area, the Welsh Minister is to attend a Public Meeting to be held in Llanarmon-yn-Ial. It is scheduled for 20th March at 10.30am - to be confirmed. o At a County Scrutiny Meeting held on the 2nd February, the Police Commissioner was present to answer various questions regarding communications.

Also present were representatives from the Ambulance and Fire Services. It was felt that as the Police and Fire Services share a common communications module then the Ambulance Service should also join the same module. It was to be noted that the figures for Fire call-outs were reducing. o Eryrys were reporting faults with the telephone land lines. This is being investigated. o There have been discussions regarding installing double white lines from the Clwyd Gate to the boundary of Llanferres.

Maintenance in the Community - Maes Ysgawen - maintenance. There are

News & Views

Meeting

11

Llanferres - Community Council

fountains of water coming out of the grids in Tyn Llan following heavy downpours. Not helped by vehicles parked on the actual grids. A discussion followed in regard to the amount of water flowing through Maes Ysgawen.

A site visit will be arranged to look at the whole area, with an invitation to the drainage team at County level to ascertain the way forward. (Cllr Martyn Holland).

Still ongoing: the repair to the Millennium Fountain (to be repaired after the frosts). A sign at the end of Rectory Lane 'Unsuitable for Heavy Vehicles', as very large lorries continue to access the lane and are unable to turn around.

Reports from Other Meetings - none reported. Cllr Margaret Davies and the Clerk did not attend the 'One Voice Wales' Meeting held in Pentrefoelas due to adverse weather conditions.

Following the recent Village Hall Committee Meeting, it is noted that there is a vacancy for a Booking Secretary and a Caretaker. These will be advertised in the 'News & Views' Red Telephone Kiosk/s - Match Funding has now been confirmed and the £1,000.00 set aside, (£500.00 for each kiosk) will now be paid to Cadwyn Clwyd. A workshop will be arranged to discuss the format of the Kiosks and their content.

Memorial Stone - ongoing.

Risk Assessments - none raised.

Maeshafn Play Area - Still awaiting the completion of the paperwork from Hanson's solicitors.

Training & Finance Issues Training Issues - none at present.

Finance Issues - none except for current Bills AVOW/Clerk's Salary £222.38 Cadwyn Clwyd (Match Funding) £1,000.00

External Auditor £276.90 'One Voice Wales' (Membership) £100.00 Welsh Water Rates £17.18 Society of Local Council Clerks (Membership) £65.00 Planning Matters. None received.

Correspondence list items of correspondence were discussed as above. And also, included the following: Information regarding a Webinar taking place on the 27th February. Also a copy of the January Bulletin which included a booklet on 'How to be a Local Councillor in 2017'. ' Resilient & Renewed' a letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government with details of the White Paper Consultation. The Chairman gave a short report on the regional consultation currently taking place.

There was also information on the recent Press Release reporting that Community Councils need to improve financial management and governance.

The Chair circulated a copy of the bulletin to be included in the News & Views (together with a map of the community) to publicise the forthcoming Election in May 2017.

Other Matters Brought to Councillor's attention: a) It was reported that the potholes have been filled in in Rectory Lane.

Date of next Meeting: A General Meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday 9th March 2017 at 7:30 pm in Llanferres Village Hall.

12 News & Views

Local News Baby and Toddler Group 9.15 to 11.15am every Tuesday during term time.

50p including a drink and biscuits.

We encourage parents and grandparents of babies and toddlers to come along. It is a good way for the children to have a play while getting to know those they may start school with and also to meet other local parents.

FAMILY BINGO To raise funds for the 2018 Carnival Friday 5th May 2017 LLANFERRES VILLAGE HALL Please drop any prize donations you can kindly give at Loggerheads Garage with Sheila or contact Yvonne (810867) and we will arrange collection!!

Village Hall Booking Check the online calendar to see if the Hall is free at: www.llanferres.org then contact Gay Headley, 07836 268894 / 01352 810224 or preferably e-mail headley889@btinternet.com

News & Views

13

Church News Services in March Sunday 5th March 9.30am Sunday 12th March 9.30am Sunday 19th March 9.30am 4pm Sunday 25th March 9.30 Messy Church

Morning Worship Morning Worship Holy Communion Messy Church, Gwernaffield Church Hall Morning Worship

The Easter Vestry will be held on Saturday March 18th at 10.00am in church - all are welcome.

Messy church takes place in Gwernaffield church hall the 3rd Sunday of every month from 4-6pm. There are lots of crafts activities related to a biblical theme, some time to bring together the learning from the activities, followed by food.

They now have a facebook site (Messy Church BroFamau) with lots of photos if you want to get an idea of what happens. If you or your family are interested please come along. The next meeting is Sunday 19th March.

Pilgrim Lent Course 'Pilgrim' is a course devised by the Church of England which aims to help every local church to create a place where people can explore the Christian faith together and see how it can be lived out each day. It is designed for people who are very new to faith or for people who want to look at their faith in a fresh way. There will be six weekly sessions to start off with and there will be further courses later in the year.

The sessions will take an hour and we will have the chance to discuss the heart of the Christian belief through looking at the vows which are made at baptism.

Refreshments (obviously including cake!) will be provided.

The sessions will take place on a Wednesday afternoon at Dragon House (home of Nigel and Wendy Shillito) and on a Thursday evening at the Gwernaffield Resource Centre at Gwernaffield Church. Everyone is welcome. Please contact either Wendy Shillito 01352 810394 or John Foxlee 01352 810677 for more details.

Churchyard bins There are still inappropriate items such as plant pots, wreaths, flower sachet wrappings etc being put in the recycling bins in the graveyard, particularly in the cremated remains area. There are two general rubbish bins very close by near the church door. Please can the correct bins be used or can rubbish be taken home to be disposed of. Thank you.

Communion The Church in Wales announced in September 2016 that children who have been baptised will be able to receive communion if they wish rather than waiting until they have been confirmed. This will just be the bread for younger children, and wine will only be given to older children with parental consent. This is more in line with early practices of the church.

14 News & Views

News & Views

Traditional cosy pub serving food 5 days a week. Choose from the exciting and varied menu and eat in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Children's menu now available, please ask for the toy box which will keep your little ones entertained.

During the winter months pull up a chair next to the log burner and enjoy a pint of one of our local cask ales.

The Miners Arms is dog friendly - look out for the doggie treat pot on the bar!

Free WIFI throughout the pub - please ask for the password.

We have a separate room available for meetings, business lunches, small family occasions and parties with catering options to suit all.

Opening times Food service Mon 6.00 -11.30 Tues 6.00 -11.30 Weds to Fri 12.00 - 3.00 6.00 -11.30 Sat 12.00 -11.30 Sun 12.00 -11.30

12.00 - 2.30 6.00 - 8.30 12.00 - 9.00 12.00 - 7.00

15

Wednesday Evenings Steak night 2 x 8oz steaks & a bottle of wine ÂŁ22.95 Booking strongly advised 6 Nations Rugby Matches shown live Come and support your team in friendly, relaxed environment

Miners Mess Tin. Try one of our mess tin meals -a weekly special served in a mess tin just like the miners did!

Just ÂŁ5 Served Wednesday - Friday 12pm - 2.30pm.

Ample outside seating and dog friendly. Walking groups catered for please call 01352 810464 for more information.

Full menu also available - take a look at www.miners-arms-maeshafn.co.uk

The Miners Arms, Maeshafn Tel: 01352 810464 www.miners-arms-maeshafn.co.uk

16 News & Views

There will be 6 weekly sessions initially and there will be further courses later in the year. Sessions take an hour and offer the chance to discuss the heart of the Christian belief through looking at the vows made at baptism. Refreshments (obviously including cake!) will be provided.

'Pilgrim' is a course devised by the Church of England aimed to help local churches create a place where the Christian faith can be explored together see how it can be lived out each day. It is designed for people who are very new to faith or for those who want to look at their faith in a fresh way.

News & Views

17

A well attended committee meeting on the 2nd of February, saw us elect a new Chairman, Siobhan Gothorp and vice-Chairman, Sean Thomas. The Hall administrator / booking clerk role is also covered until further notice.

The secretary has been liaising with Denbighshire County Council re the repainting/galvanising of the Hall roof and several internal minor repairs.

Plans for the 2018 Carnival are progressing well and a fund raiser bingo night arranged for May 5th.

Due to the numerous current fund raising activities in the village at present, the proposed kitchen / toilet refurbishments have been postponed until next year.

2017 Meetings, all Thursdays at 7.30pm: 25th May 7th September 2nd November

Bags 2 school (4th

The next bags to school will be after the Easter holidays May) ready for any seasonal spring clear out you may be having.

Bags to school will collect second hand clothes, shoes, bags and soft toys. In return they give our school cash that we can use to buy vital resources for the children.

We will distribute bags in April but clean bin bags are fine too if you are ready to start collecting now!

Huge thanks in advance for your support.

Ysgol Bro Famau Ukbags2school.com

18 News & Views

A group of intrepid hikers from the village enjoyed a walk up the Dee Valley from Llangollen to Glyndyfrdwy (about 7 miles) and a steam train journey back on a very mild February Sunday.

News & Views

19

Above - a welcome sight as the train steams into Glyndyfrydwy station

Left: Arrival back at Llangollen

Dragon House Dragon House is a new B&B in Llanferres, set on the Forestry Road with lovely views over the Alyn Valley.

We are well within the Moel Famau Country Park AONB and close to Offa’s Dyke path.

We are also within walking distance of three great Pubs!

There are two double rooms with en suite bathroom facilities available. One of the rooms has a large balcony overlooking the valley.

Wherever possible we will be using locally sourced ingredients for our Breakfasts. ● ● ●

Walkers and Cyclists are welcome.

Well behaved dogs by arrangement.

We will be taking bookings from the 1st April 2017.

Wendy and Nigel Shillito Tel: 01352 810394 Email: shillitofamily@yahoo.co.uk Website: Under construction!

20 News & Views YSGOL BRO FAMAU 100 CLUB JANUARY 2017 DRAW 1st Prize

£30 Cynthia & Hayden Jones

2nd Prize

£20 Thomas Mackridge

3rd Prize

£10

Chris Lees

FLINTSHIRE BREAST CANCER NOW GROUP

The group is organising its annual STEP OUT FOR BREAST CANCER and once again are supported and led by Walkabout Flintshire. There will be a choice of two walks: a short one of 2.5 miles and a longer walk to the Jubilee Tower of 4.5.miles taking approximately 3 hours.

We can accept donations on the day of £5 or a sponsorship forms are available on request If you would like to support this worthy cause, please meet at the lower car park at Moel Famau Country Park at 9.30 for 10.00 am start (car park is £2 to open barrier) Sponsor Forms or further Information are available Tel 01352 753807 or 01244 341382 Funds raised will hopefully help the Charity to achieve its aim that the last person will have died from Breast Cancer by 2050.

News & Views

21

Cyngor y Cymuned Llanferres Community Council Local Elections Thursday May 4th 2017 If you are interested in being a candidate for election to the Community Council:-Further information may be obtained from :www.denbighshire.gov.uk/elections ( go to:- City, Town and Community Council elections ) From this page you may request a Candidate Nomination pack, distribution of which will be from March 6th.

There are also links to other websites e.g. the Electoral Commission .

Denbighshire County Council Election Office may be contacted via the Customer Services, telephone no. 01824 706101 .

The deadline for the return of the nomination form to County Hall is 4pm on April 4th 2017 (It is recommended that a candidate should return the form in person and in good time to allow for checking) ‌.............................................

Voters:Postal Vote applications must be made before 5pm on 18th April Proxy Vote applications deadline is 5pm on 25th April.

Anyone not registered to vote should do so by 13th April ‌..............................................

22 News & Views

News & Views

23

Idyllic Holiday Apartment and B&B Bryn Tirion is a snug and cosy 17th Century cottage in beautiful surroundings with panoramic views in an area of outstanding natural beauty, making it a paradise for walkers and nature lovers.

Private parking, heating and all electricity are inclusive to all our rates of stay, plus colour television and all linen. FREE wi-fi.

Awarded Best B&B in Britain

by Period Living Magazine We apologise that we allow no pets, and the cottage is strictly no smoking

For further details contact Mrs Sylvia Hughes Telephone: (01352) 810444 Email: sylvia@bryn-tirion.com Website: www.bryn-tirion.com

Roberts Development Solutions Chartered Certified Accountants ● Accountancy & Bookkeeping for Sole Traders, Partnerships & Limited Companies ● Submission of Income Tax, Corporation Tax & VAT to HMRC ● Online Accounting Systems, putting you in constant touch with your financials ● Payroll & RTI Administration ● General Business Advice, drawing on over 25 years business experience ● Free Initial Consultation

Call Barry on 01352 810524 or 07967 677381 info@rdslimited.com www.rdslimited.com

24 News & Views

A note from your County Councillor Spring is in the air and the County, Police, Fire Authority and Community Councils have all agreed their precepts for the coming year.

Although I would prefer to see a smaller council tax rise, Denbighshire's increase of 2.75% will still be amongst the lowest in Wales and will mean that we have a balanced budget. Sadly after we include the Police precept of 3.79% and the average community council precept, the final rise will be nearer 2.94% for a band D property across the county. The Fire Authority has also increased its precept this year by approximately 3.8% which is included in the county’s figure of 2.75%. We have no control over the Police, Fire or community council precepts and as an authority we just collect the money on their behalf. The good news is that Llanferres Community Council’s council tax rise is one of the smallest in the county.

In the last five years Denbighshire has had to cut nearly ÂŁ26 million from it budgets and this has been achieved without serious cuts to our services. In the next five years we will face even more challenges especially in the area of care for our ageing population. We are already planning ahead by working in partnership with housing associations to build more extra care facilities where our older residents can remain independent, still have their own front door but at the same time live in a complex that provides

communal facilities and above all twenty four hour care and support. As part of the baby boomer generation myself, I see this as a positive way forward.

We still need to work closer with the NHS to solve some of the current issues we are now facing such as to how we get people out of hospital and back into the community as quickly as possible.

As you all know we have had major problems with the roll out of Superfast Broad Band across the ward. The Superfast website had indicated that areas such as Maeshafn should have been completed by December 2016 and we now to find that that date has been delayed once again.

I feel that we all need some answers and some plain talking from those involved in the roll out. Darren Millar our AM has arranged for Julie James the Welsh Minister with responsibility for Superfast Broad Band to come to Denbighshire to listen to our complaints and concerns and I am pleased to announce that she will be attending a public meeting on Monday 20th March at 10.30 am in the Old School Room Llanarmon Yn Ial. All residents in the ward who have concerns about Board Band are invited to attend and those of you on my Broad Band e-mail list will get a similar invitation.

My apologies for the fact that it is a day time meeting but we are in the hands of the Ministers schedule. If you are unable to attend but would like me to ask a question on your behalf

News & Views

25

A note from your County Councillor please drop me an e-mail outlining any issue you would like me to raise.

I am still waiting to hear if BT will also be attending!!

Some areas of the ward are having major problems with telephone land lines and mobile phone reception. I feel that in villages such as Eryrys the land line network is failing and because of the poor response from Openreach we have now contacted Ofcom to enlist their help. The county’s communications officer is also looking into mobile phone black spots and so if you have problems with either unreliable land lines or poor mobile phone reception please let me know.

More of the pot holes have now been filled in Rectory Lane but some residents have raised concerns about the amount of light generated by the new streets lights.

The lamps should be energy saving and they should not light up the countryside.

If you have a problem with a particular light please let me know and I will ask the county to look at ways of reducing the light impact on your home.

When we have heavy rain we are still getting water running down Tyn Llan.

The county are aware that one source of the problem is a drain that is currently partially blocked by tree roots. This will be a big issue to resolve and I have asked the county to look at it again. We are also looking at the source of the water to see if better field drainage may help.

Finally, I attended the recent special recreational ground meeting and it was great to see so many people there. The future looks very positive and as the old saying goes many hands make light work. I would also like to thank the team of officers who have kept the park going and who with your help will ensure it continues to be an asset to the village for future generations. I believe that the Village Hall committee had a successful meeting on the same night and that a new committee has been appointed.

I wish both committees well for the coming year.

Best wishes, Martyn

Need any sewing work done?

Curtains,Valances, Pelmets, Blinds, Cushions, Clothing alterations Give Barbara a call on 01352 810485

26 News & Views

The Vim Works Vim, the well-known scouring powder, was developed by Lever Brothers at Port Sunlight in the Wirral. It was first marketed in 1904. The basis of the product was a finely milled white gritty silica powder. Two sources of suitable silica were found in north Wales and both were exploited The first was on Esclusham Mountain opposite Hafod Farm, Minera. The silica was obtained by underground mining with 18 miners being employed in 1908. However shoring up the mine to prevent collapses became increasingly difficult and the works were eventually abandoned.

The second location was at Gwernymynydd, behind the Rainbow pub, in the Cambrian Quarry. Lever Brothers took over the quarry in 1905 and operations were carried on here for the next 50 years. The silica was taken by road to Mold and then by rail to Port Sunlight. Extraction took place both above and below ground. In the latter case pillars of unworked material were left to secure the roof.

The maximum number of workers recorded at any one time was 38 (17 underground and 21 on the surface).

During the 1940s the demand for silica had reached 600 tons/week but the works could only produce 440 tons/week. An alternative source was sought at Llanfynydd. However after considerable expense it was found that the silica was too pink in colour and not suitable for Vim. The next trial was on Nercwys Mountain but the area was waterlogged and the seams too thin for economic working.

Finally an alternative source was found at Coed Talon but problems arose with the supply and working there finished in 1959. The Cambrian workings had ceased in 1955 as there was no possibility of further extension of the workings. Trials had shown that the silica in the possible extension to be inconsistent both in quality and colour.

Henceforth silica suitable for Vim was sourced from the British Industrial Sand works in Staffordshire and the Vim connection with Wales ceased.

In the 1980s the writer explored the remaining accessible underground workings at Gwernymynydd. The chambers are impressive. They have been used to store large quantities of fine powdered carbon black in paper sacks. By the time of our visit the sacks had deteriorated.

This was demonstrated to us by a cat that had followed us in. It leapt from sack to sack releasing clouds of fine black powder that enveloped us all.

During the Spring of 1945 cracking noises were heard from the roof and operations were suspended for a time.

However, on Whit Sunday, when the workings were deserted, a large section of mountain fell into the mine. References: (There was also a subsequent 1897 collapse after 1962.)

FRO D/GR/1935, 1st edition, 6 inch OS map, Hafod silica quarry

News & Views

27

Crown Green Bowls 1903-8 FRO D/GR/786, Hafod silica/Lever Bros.

1910 FRO AB/14/18, Hafod Farm, Minera 1938-48 FRO D/GR/791-2, Hafod silica, correspondence 1956 FRO AB/186, Cambrian quarry, Gwernymynydd 1962 FRO D/DM/1183/93, plan, scale 1:2500 1996 FHS Journal, vol. 34, pp. 135-8, Bryn Ellis 2005 Letter from Paul Day, CCW, 24 May, further collapse after 1962, ????

Bryn Ellis, Vim - the Flintshire connection, in "A photographic history of Gwernymynydd Village.

Cilcain Crown Green Bowls Club would welcome new members, with or without experience, to participate socially or competitively.

We have a mid-week team (any age) who play on Wednesday evenings and 2 Vets teams ( 55 or over ) who play on Thursday afternoons. Practice is on Monday or Tuesday evenings.

Further details from the Sec. Rob Armstrong Tel. 810259.

Tony King

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Window cleaning Cleaning services / Clearance Home, Land & Garden Repairs & Maintenance Painting & Decorating Appliance Repairs Vacuum Accessories Mobile, PC and laptop repairs of any kind Fully insured

At our Hen Lon Parcwr Shop

Professional, reliable service Telephone: 01352 750342 Mobile: 07933 803 972 Email: arfontrevor@tiscali.co.uk Address: 28 Parc Hendy Mold CH7 1TH

Jewellery & watches repaired Batteries & straps fitted Cups, medals & shields supplied & engraved Clocks, watches & electrical items supplied

Birch House, Hen Lon Parcwr Ruthin, LL15 1NA Open: Saturday 10.00 - 2.00

28 News & Views

News & Views

29

30 News & Views

News & Views

31

‘A walk on the Wilde Side’ I have had a few phone calls and I have been approached whilst in town and asked for my opinion on the decline of many species of our song birds. The conversation will start "we haven't got the birds we once had". It's good to know people are concerned about it. To me the answer is very clear the huge drop in insect numbers.

I have brought this up at B.T.O meetings. But unless you host a BBC TV nature programme or have few letters after your name, you will be met with a look as if you have just arrived in a Space Ship. Then a couple of months later these same people will write an article saying the same thing and get the credit.

In the early 1960's when Mr Beeching started to close all the non profit making railways and the government built motorways and bypasses all over the country. Harold Macmillan told us we had " never had it so good" the working man could afford a motor car, myself included.

We would make our annual trek to such "exotic" places as Devon and Cornwall. During the long motorway journey we would have to stop at least three times to scrape and wash the millions of insects off the windscreen.

With every car doing the same seven days a week fifty two weeks a year this was the start of insect numbers falling dramatically, we don't have to wash insects from our windscreen now. All woodland and garden species of birds including seed eaters, need insects in large quantities to feed their young.

Low insect numbers, less young birds.

This is before the estimated fifty million young birds that fall prey to cats each year.

During one of these annual trips to the coast. I came off the A38 on my way to Devon to take a - personal break. There was a vast area of reed beds in front of me and there at headheight was a reed warblers nest with a half grown cuckoo spilling over the sides. It must have sensed movement and opened its huge orange mouth ready for food. I felt very lucky to have witnessed this as I could have looked forever and never found one.

With winter upon us the birds are very much reliant on bird tables and gardens and I always look forward to the collard doves coming to feed. This gentle bird was first seen in this country in the early 1920's and has since successfully colonised Britain after spreading from Southern Europe. Its triple coo is now a familiar sound on summer mornings, not to be mistaken for the turtle dove which is a migrant and only visits small areas of southern England and is very rare.

Native to most of America, another similar bird is the very calming Mourning Dove, so called because its call sounds like a lament. On visits to my brother in Mississippi I would see flocks of Mourning Doves arrive on the lawns after a shower of rain. In some states they are called Rain Doves due to this.

I received a phone call from another keen bird man there are Bramblings in the area - well worth seeing.

More next time.

Eddie

Eddie Wilde 01352 810271

Copyright © March 2017 Eddie Wilde.

All rights reserved.

32 News & Views

SHARE UPDATE - MARCH 2017 Volunteers from Mold based charity SHARE have spent a total of 7330 hours during 2016 sorting, packing and sending aid to help refugees around the world. Many of our team also spent the equivalent of 30 weeks of volunteer hours abroad - supporting refugees in camps in Greece and France.

SHARE's HQ Manager, Lowri Earith said 'It's amazing to think that the clothing items we sort one week are keeping a refugee warm the next, and a donation of ÂŁ5 will buy nappies from a Greek supermarket for a refugee baby. It's that level of direct support that makes a huge difference to those in need!'

Our volunteers range from toddlers to pensioners with many families getting involved together in one way or another. Lowri said 'SHARE prides itself on finding a job for every volunteer no matter what their age or ability. We've been lucky to work with a range of organisations such as Flintshire Local Voluntary Council, local schools who regularly bring groups of students to help, and church groups who collect lots of donations on our behalf. Volunteers don't need to commit to a certain number of hours or days as every little bit of help is welcome!

February has been another busy month for SHARE as we sorted through hundreds of bags of donations to add to three container loads of aid that have been sent out from Warrington in the last three weeks to support Syrian families. Our ShareVan also continues to go out at night around the streets of Chester - handing out warm clothing, food, hot drinks and sleeping bags to any rough sleepers they can find.

Highlight of the month though has to be the story about David, a homeless guy that our ShareShop has supported since they opened a year ago. At that time, he was given some warm clothing, a suspended coffee and a donated sandwich, but since then, he has turned his life around, got himself an interview and has just started a new job! Stuart Flinders of BBC Northwest visited the shop to report his story on 17th February.

If you would like to donate or volunteer for SHARE HQ in Mold, we are open every Mon-Thurs from 9.30am-2.00pm and Wed evening from 6.30pm-8.30pm.

SHARE (Supporting Homeless Assisting Refugees Everywhere) www.shareaid.co.uk Please 'Like us' on Facebook: RefugeeHomelessAid OR Follow us on Twitter @NorthWalesHelp

THANK YOU! Joanne McKinstry 810506 On behalf of SHARE

News & Views

33

Local Councillors Martyn Holland, Denbighshire County Councillor for Llanferres, Llanarmon yn Ial & Llandegla. 01824 780703 martyn.holland@denbighshire.gov.uk Gwyneth Dillon, Clerk to Llanferres Community Council, 01978 790269 Mailing address: Rhosddigre, Llandegla, LL11 3AU. Email: clerk.llanferres@gmail.com Llanferres Community Councillors David Jones, Chairman, 01352 810511 John Almond, Vice Chairman, 01352 810808 Rob Armstrong, 01352 810259 Jac Armstrong, 01352 810259 Margaret Davies, 01352 810491 Yvonne Foden-McCorry, 01352 810867 Rob Jones, 01352 810500 Dave Twomey, 01352 810690 Adrian Walls, 01352 810223 Please contact any of the above if you have anything you would like to be brought to the attention of your Community Council.

Be Our Guest!

Glan Llyn is situated in the Clwydian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our house dates from the 1850's, we have completely renovated it, maintaining plenty of ‘olde worlde’ charm while utilising all the latest eco – green technologies. Each room is uniquely and artistically styled with an en-suite wet room, free WiFi, TV, fridge, hair dryer.

We also have a selection of high quality self-catering accommodation to suit every need.

Fishing, paragliding and several 18-hole golf courses are all within a few miles. Bring your horse, canoe or cycle with you! We have stables and grazing for your horse, and secure drying and “A lovely friendly welcome storage facilities for all your equipment and tack.

from Richard and Paola.

We stayed in The Sun Room: tasteful, comfortable Walking Offa’s Dyke? Riding on a long distance trail? We can transfer your luggage from your and spotlessly clean… …Highly recommended!” last accommodation and onto your next.

Glan Llyn Guest House, Pant Du Road, Mold, Denbighshire CH7 4DD t: 01352 810841 e: richard@guestinourhouse.co.uk w: www.guestinourhouse.co.uk

34 News & Views

Village Organisations Badminton Club - June Healy Tel: 810264 Bowling Club - Every Tuesday in the village hall, 7pm - 9pm Contact Dave Twomey Tel: 810690.

Church - Lady Rae Roberts: 01352 741184/01824 780496, raeroberts.brofamauchurches@outlook.com Church Wardens - Mrs Anne Woodward, Cysgodfa, Tafarn-y-Gelyn, Llanferres, CH7 5SQ, Tel: 810270 Mr Rob Armstrong, The White House, Rectory Lane, Tel: 810259 Clwydian Conservation Campaign - Pen y Chwareli, Pant Ddu Road, Nercwys CH7 4DD Clwydian Range Runners - Chairman Gareth Jaggard Tel. 810357 Email: clwydianrangerunners@hotmail.com Gardening Club - Hon Sec. Mrs. Joan Almond, 20 Cae Derwen, Llanferres.

Tel: 810808 Llanferres Alcoholic Mountain Biking Soc. (LAMBS) - Gordon Jones Tel: 810305 Llanferres/Colomendy Art Group - Betty Cook 810 722 Llanferres Community Council - Mrs Gwyneth Dillon, Rhosddigre, Llandegla, LL11 3AU Tel: 01978 790269 Llanferres Playing Field & Recreation Association - Secretary, Gareth Jaggard. Tel: 810357 Maeshafn Cricket Club - Secretary: Steve Pugh Tel: 810327 Old People's Welfare Committee - Chair, Yvonne Foden-McCorry Tel: 810867 PTFA Ysgol Bro Famau Llanferres Over 60s Club - Betty Cook. Tel: 810722 Village Hall Booking Secretary - Gay Headley, 07836 268894 / 01352 810224 or preferably e-mail headley889@btinternet.com Village Hall Management Committee - Chairman, Siobhan Gothorp. 810668

News & Views: Paul & Siobhan Gothorp 2 Cae Gwyn, Llanferres, Mold, CH7 5SL Tel: (01352) 810668 Email: news@llanferres.org www.llanferres.org Deadline is 20th of the month prior to publication

Quality Cleaning Services Est. 2002

Not enough hours in the day? Let us help!

DOMESTIC HOME CLEANING SERVICES

Weekly, fortnightly, monthly & one off visits tailored to your requirements and your home RENTAL PROPERTIES - HOLIDAY LETS Landlords, Tenants, Agents - all areas of rental property maintenance catered for, cleaned and presented to a standard for book out and letting OVEN CLEANING Have your oven, hob, or range looking like new, extractors also cleaned and filters replaced OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE Full builders cleans and small office contracts, curtain cleaning, professional carpet, rug and upholstery cleaning, specialist dry cleaning, laundry and ironing services QUALITY - TRUST - RELIABILITY

01352 756552 www.qualitycleaning-mold.co.uk enquiries@qualitycleaning-mold.co.uk Unit 4 Oaktree Business Park, Queens Lane, Mold, CH7 1XB