Dyserth times issue 70

DYSERTH TIMES Community Magazine Serving the Communities of Dyserth & Cwm. ISSUE 70

FEB/MARCH. 2014

In this issue.

Katie’s great effort for charity.

Community Hall Events

50p where sold

Dyserth Times is published by Richard Walliker 11 Rhodfa Gofer, Gwelfor Park, Dyserth LL18 6LP Tel: 01745571083 e-mail: editor.dyserthtimes@gmail.com

Articles are published on the understanding that they are the original work of the contributor and the publisher reserves all rights on behalf of the authors. *** Opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not reflect those of the editor or anyone else associated with Dyserth Times. *** 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(s) of events listed in What’s On, closer to the expected date of the event, that details, dates and times have not been changed following publication. *** We are happy to publish your contributions in either Welsh or English, whichever you chose to submit. We publish on the 1st of August, October, December, February, April, June the cut off date for articles and advertisements is always the 10 th of the month preceding publication date. Articles may be typed, handwritten, emailed or on floppy disk. We cannot guarantee to return disks or photographs. Whilst we understand and will respect a contributor’s request for anonymity we will publish only if we are provided with the author’s name and full address including post code.

An email address is not sufficient for this purpose.

MAXWELL’S TAXIS (MAXIS TAXIS) Dyserth (01745)570317 Mobile 07831 816370 Local and Long Distances

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Community Spirit A very happy 2014 to you all and I hope Christmas went well, but of course it will be a somewhat distant memory by now. The weather has been less than favourable for getting out and about and what with the rain and winds brought in by numerous Atlantic low pressure systems it’s been a dull and somewhat miserable time. Fortunately, Dyserth got off lightly, but other communities fared badly. Our best wishes to the folks affected everywhere. Time to look forward as Spring will hopefully be just around the corner, unless a sting in the tail occurs again as in 2013.

Although this is a quieter time of year, we have much to look forward to as the community groups start to get various events and initiatives underway. More about all that later in the magazine. In the last twelve months there has been much to celebrate and with the efforts of many folks things are looking up for 2014. The Blue Lion, Cwm, host an excellent quiz night on Tuesday evenings. In January a good night was had by all those who supported a quiz in aid of our Community Hall. It’s a fun way to spend an evening, so give it a try.

As you will see later in the magazine, there are various events in the planning following the great success of last September’s Dyserth Village Community Day. The “Friends and Events” committee look forward to welcoming everyone again this July.

Come along to the Community Hall on the evening of February 15th and sample a Thai meal and have a go at the quiz. Details on Page 27.

Mike Klymko of The Wildlife Trust is proposing more scything opportunities at our Maes Hirradug SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Hopefully more folks will join in and believe me having completed a few days last year, it really is great fun and good exercise too.

Don’t forget the weekly Community Food Co-op. It’s open weekly on Wednesday mornings, 10am - 1pm in Paterson Hall. Take a look and take advantage of the fruit and vegetables on offer! Stop for a chat and have a drink and a biscuit.

Dyserth is a village which is not standing still and with your support its community spirit will continue to grow. I’m certainly looking forward to “The Last Tango in Lower Dyserth” on the 7th February. See more on page 11. There is so much going on, so please take a look and join us soon.

So, with everything that goes on in our village and the goodwill shown by so many with their various fundraising activities, with your help we have every reason to make 2014 even better than last year.

Richard.

Apologies.

In last months Dyserth Times I published a talk with Glenys Hudson Barker and stated that Glenys had two sisters. Glenys has informed me that in fact she had a brother and a sister. I apologise for the error.

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We would like to thank all our customers who helped us to support Childline in November and December by purchasing raffle tickets which helped to raise ÂŁ503 and also a big thank you for your custom throughout 2013.

You may have already been in the branch and picked up information during January detailing some changes that are going to be taking place towards the end of February.

Post Office services will be offered from a till on the retail counter during store opening times which will be 6 a.m.- 11 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. - 10.30 p.m. On Sunday.

Most of the products and services you are used to will still be available after the refurbishment.

We look forward to your continued custom throughout 2014 and would like to take welcome any new customers who wish to take advantage of our extended opening hours.

Dyserth Post Office, High Street, Dyserth, LL18 6AA Open Mon 8.30 to 5.30 Tue 8.30 to 5.30 Wed 9.00 to 5.30 Thur 8.30 to 5.30 Fri 9.00 to 5.30 Sat 9.00 to 1.00

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The Cinnamon Trust Dyserth The Cinnamon Trust is the only specialist national charity for the terminally ill and people in their later years and their much loved, much needed companion animals. We urgently need dog walking volunteers in Dyserth who are able to offer some much needed walks for a dear little 5 year old Bichon Frise.

What happens if illness, injury or just the fact that we all get older eventually affects our ability to look after our four legged companions? A large number of elderly or ill pet owners become very worried about their ability to care for their pets, and feel that their only option is to re-home them, this is where our national network of dedicated volunteers step in to offer support enabling them to stay together.

We’ll walk the dog for a housebound owner, we’ll foster pets when owners need hospital or respite care, we’ll fetch the cat food, even clean out the bird cage or litter trays.

We are always seeking new volunteers even if you can only spare an hour a week we would love to hear from you.

If anyone can help please call Sally during office hours on 01736 758707 or via email volunteer@cinnamon.org.uk Please also check out our website for more details www.cinnamon.org.uk

louise schrempft ceramic artist studio gallery open commissions taken tuition available 01745 570360 louschrempft@gmail.com

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Anyone know of a local sign writer please?

Christine Evans from Cwm has contacted me with the following. "Cwm Road resident Bruce Halstead kindly repaired and painted the traditional signpost in one of the gardens on Cwm Road/ Lower Foel/Ffordd Ffynnon crossroads. We now need a talented sign writer to complete the destinations in each direction.

Any volunteers can please ring me on 07717 297 481 to discuss. Materials will be paid for".

Found, a child’s bike?

I've had an e-mail from Wendy Mead regarding a found bicycle "Whilst out with the local Walking for Health Group we spotted a child's bike in a hedge on the walkway, near to Craig Fawr. We thought the possibility was that it has been stolen and abandoned. If anyone’s bike is missing, please let me (Editor) know.

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HOREB UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, DYSERTH. www.dyserthchapel.org.uk As you read this it is probably too late to wish you all a Happy New Year; but as I’m writing in the first week of the year, 2014 has only just begun and Christmas is still fresh in the mind! And Christmas at Horeb was well celebrated this year with some really well attended services and other events. The Christmas Eve family carol service seems to become more popular with people in the village each year – we literally ran out of chairs this time, and that included all the chairs from the Paterson Hall that we brought into the church. Thank you to everyone who came and shared in this special service – I hope to see you all again in December! Earlier in December we hosted the Cytûn Christingle service which was also a good event and on the Sunday before Christmas our own children and young people presented a Nativity Spectacular as part of the morning service – and spectacular it was too!!!

At Christmas time we also make a point of giving to various charities from the offerings we receive. Thanks to your generosity this year we raised nearly £275 for Shelter Cymru, £110 for the NSPCC and over £100 for Christian Aid. In these times when money is tight that is a fantastic effort – so thank you.

Looking ahead. On Sunday 9th February we shall be holding a special service to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the two churches, Horeb URC and Bethel PCW, coming together in one building. We usually meet for worship at different times on a Sunday with a separate English service and Welsh service, but on the 9th Feb we’ll be having a one-off united bilingual service followed with a joint church lunch. We hope that as many people as possible from both congregations will be able to attend.

Then at the end of February, on Friday the 28th, we’ll celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight with an event to reaffirm our commitment as a Fair Trade church. Look out for details of this posted around the village nearer the time.

For further information about events and services taking place at Horeb and details of other activities in the Paterson Hall please visit our web site. See top of page.

David Salsbury – Minister of Horeb Regular Sunday Morning Worship takes place each week at 9.30am.

The Community Food Coop is open weekly on Wednesday mornings, 10am - 1pm.

Dates for the Diary Feb – March 2014 and further ahead.

Sun 9th February – 10.30am, United Service with Bethel followed by lunch.

Fri 28th February – 7.30pm, An event for Fairtrade Fortnight.

Thu 13th March – 12 noon, First of five Lent Lunches at St Bridget’s Hall.

Sun 30th March – 9.30am, Family Worship for Mothering Sunday.

Sun 20th April – Fri 9th May – Sat 17th May –

9.30am, Family worship for Easter Day 7.30pm, The Village Quiz Cytun Christian Aid Event (Time TBC) 7

POLICING DYSERTH. PCSO 3329 Rebecca Evans Mobile – 07880156899 Rebecca.Evans@nthwales.pnn.police.uk A new year and a new challenge! As you read this Christmas and New Year are all but a distant memory but it is very much back to business as usual for me!

Back in December I conducted a joint partnership initiative with the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) following concerns raised by residents on Waterfall Road that heavy goods vehicles were being driven in contravention of the road weight limit.

A number of vehicles were stopped and as a result various prohibition notices were issued relating to the construction and use regulations. During the course of the operation a number of local residents came to speak with me and welcomed the positive action being taken.

In January I began working with Denbighshire Trading Standards and my colleagues in the Community Safety Department with a view to setting up ‘No Cold Calling Zones’ in the village which are zones intended to deter doorstep callers. I hope the first few areas will be up and running by the middle of February. Please do come and see me or make contact should you feel your area may benefit from becoming a no cold calling zone and I can offer advice on how to deal with unwanted callers and I can supply you with signs to place on your door suggesting that you do not encourage cold calling.

As always, please make contact with me if I can be of any assistance regarding police matters or if you would like advice or reassurance on any matters which are of concern to you.

Rebecca Last edition Cryptic Crossword answers.

H E D O N I S A R A C R O U N D E R P I I O E I D E R D O R S G T R E E S E E T I N Y T I M O G E A C A R O L C K A L E I N V A I N N E N G A R A G E

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T S S W N A P

M A R M A U C A A R I E A

P A H R I S A E E B E N L N R E T A

R L O M M B H A R A D Y R A T M A E Z O I N

E Y U A L E N T I E D E U A S U E R E E R

WANTED CURIOS & COLLECTABLES Turn your unwanted collectables into cash ALSO CLEARANCES CONSIDERED DYLAN ROBERTS DYSERTH - 01745 571801 NORTH WALES ITEMS SUCH AS POSTCARDS/ ADVERTISING SOUGHT AFTER.

WALKING THE WAY TO HEALTH COUNTRY WALKS UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF VOLUNTEERS FROM “LET’S WALK DENBIGHSHIRE” Meet every Tuesday at Dyserth Community Hall, Cwm Road at 11am.

Comfortable footwear is essential Brian and Katrina look forward to seeing you there

Abandoned Animals Association Little Pydew, Ffordd Ffynnon, Prestatyn Denbighshire, LL19 8BE Telephone: 01745 857975 We are open 7 days a week from 10.30am-3pm

tranquility beauty room THE OLD BANK, HIGH STREET, DYSERTH.

Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing and other treatments available .

01745 571623

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DYSERTH BUTCHERS HIGH STREET, DYSERTH, 01745 570324 LOCAL BEEF, LAMB & PORK, HOME COOKED MEATS, PIES & BLACK PUDDING LARGE CHOICE OF OUR HOMEMADE SAUSAGE NOW TAKING ALL MAJOR DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS DYSERTH AND DISTRICT FIELD CLUB Towards the end of November the Club paid a most interesting visit to Rhyl Harbour and the adjacent area known as Horton’s Nose. For the time of year the weather was remarkably warm with a very calm sea and blue skies. In the temporary visitor centre a history of the harbour was delivered by the assistant harbourmaster and a representative of Denbigh CC. This included a description of the extensive works associated with the new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, now named Pont Y Draig. The two enormous arms were then raised specifically for our group and then lowered again so that we could cross over to Rhyl side. After inspecting the new steel sculptures of three eminent local people including Sir John Houghton – the only Nobel Prize winner to have been born in Dyserth – we retraced our steps over the bridge and continued westward on the coastal path where we were fortunate to see a number of snow buntings and other birds.

The next event was a talk by Fiona Gale (Denbigh County Archaeologist) about the Roman era in North Wales and in particular about the Roman bath complex in Prestatyn.

This was complemented by personal reminiscences from Fred Hobbs about Gilbert Smith who discovered and partially excavated the baths in 1934 and the following years. The onset of WWII prevented further work and the site was not re-excavated until 1984. Some photos, reports and related artefacts were shown.

After Christmas a walk from Rhyl to Rhuddlan and back using both banks of the river was enjoyed in quite good weather with a picnic lunch at the Rhuddlan Nature Reserve.

The first event of the new year was the traditional afternoon of talks by members; in this case just two, one by Naomi Hughes who had delved deeply into the records of the complex life of H M Stanley and the other by Janet Smith who dealt with the history of plate tectonics using some remarkable illustrations and animations.

The AGM, followed by a social afternoon with tea and quizzes, will be held on 25 th January at Trinity Church Hall in Prestatyn at 2 pm.

Cont........

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On 8th February the Club will visit Bodnant Gardens to see the recently established Winter Garden as well as the rest of the gardens in an unfamiliar season. Then on 22nd February Fiona Gale will talk about lead mining in the Dyserth area and the Clive Engine House repairs and on 8th March a visit to the Deeside Naturalists Reserve is planned. On 22nd March a lecture on the Welsh Herbal tradition by Dr Non Owen will be given and a walk around Bala will be on 5th April. The winter programme will conclude with a talk on The Weather by David Roberts.

All are welcome at these events, sometimes with a small charge for non- members.

Full details of the Club and all its varied activities can be had by phoning the General Secretary, David Roberts, on 01352 740919, or by clicking ‘Organisations’ on the Dyserth website. The annual subscription, of £12, due on 1 st January, covers all events, a copy of the Proceedings, which describes the past year’s events in full detail, programme leaflets and two newsletters. New members will be very welcome.

D S Richards

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. BRIDGET. Having emerged from the bustle of Christmas we start the long build up to Easter.

The next big event is a performance by the Jigsaw Theatre Group of a specially written comedy entitled The Last Tango in Lower Dyserth. This is to be presented in the Church Hall on the evening of Friday,7th February at 7.00 pm. The cost will be £7.00 and this will include refreshments, but you are asked to bring your own bottle if you think this necessary.

Cytun frugal lunches start on Thursday, 13th March, 12 noon to 1.30 pm and the cost will be £3.00. These will continue for the subsequent four Thursdays at the same time.

There will be the traditional Bric a Brac Sale in May but details will be given in the next edition.

Keith Sanderson

Dyserth Garage Ltd 24 Hr Breakdown Recovery Service Mechanical repairs & MOTs ~ Distance no object Approved by all Motoring Organisations throughout the UK. High Street, Dyserth

Tel/Fax 01745 570205 Tel 01745 570580 24Hr Mobile 07768 587776 11

Tim Bickerstaff.

Margaret & Jo-Ann would like to thank all

those who donated in memory of Husband and Dad, Tim Bickerstaff. From the funeral donations ÂŁ1175.00 was raised and donated to the Rarer Cancers Foundation in memory of Tim.

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NATURE CORNER Time to Look Up. This month I’m exploring the wonderful world of the Raptors and in particular Red Kites. Raptors or Birds of prey, are birds that hunt or feed on other animals. The term "raptor" is derived from the Latin word rapere (meaning to seize or take by force).

Many of these birds can be seen swooping or hovering over Dyserth and often in our gardens. Last November I saw a pair Red Kite’s (latin: Milvus Milvus) over Denbigh Moors, a rare sight becoming more common as the once threatened population expands outwards from sites in mid-Wales and elsewhere. In the mid-15th century King James II of Scotland decreed that they should be "killed wherever possible". By the 20th century the breeding population was restricted to a handful of pairs in South Wales, in 1974 estimates only 216 pairs. By 2003 this had increased to 350-400 pairs.

Now, strict controls guard the population against shooting and poisoning. Wales now has well over 600 breeding pairs thanks to the work achieved by conservation groups.

Primarily a scavenger, the Red Kite mostly eats carrion but will also catch small mammals, birds and worms. They live in a wide range of habitats from woodlands and valleys to wetland edges and rough pastures. I do not think it will be long before the first Red Kites are seen over Dyserth as the habitat is very attractive. If you want to see these spectacular birds then a great day out is to visit Grigrin Farm near Rhayader in midWales where at 2 p.m. every day GMT to end March and 3 p.m. during British Summer Time they feed the birds. Noone tells the kites that the clocks change twice a year! Up to 400 gather to be fed and they then swoop and dive to grab the food.

With its 1.8 metre wing span it is an incredible sight and well worth a visit. Take a look at www.grigrin.com.

So, look up this year and see if one arrives here. Its distinctive chestnut red feathers and white under wings and tell tale V shaped fan tale are the giveaway. If you see one please tell me. I took this picture of the Red Kite over Denbigh Moors in November.

Personally, I think the Red Kite should be designated the “Bird of Wales”.

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CRATCHIT’S CRYPTIC CROSSWORD I am indebted to “Managements” brother Nick (aka Cratchit) who has kindly produced the prize crossword. So, have a go and win a Tenner.

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Across 9 Hens meet in dance frenzy finding mainstay from 19 (6,3,6) 10 Moved by his deft manoeuvre (7) 12 Excitedly, she rang for 9's companion (7) 13 Geoffrey de Havilland's Arctiidae (5,4) 14 God (northern) might be black (5) 15 Could the yellow Colonel cut it? (7)

18 Licences father to head up temporary accommodation (7)

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21 Beau found alongside 19 (5) 23 Mexican heard that Field Marshal met S.A.President (9) 25 Peculiar - I'm not sure Mr Miliband lit up! (7) 26 4 for 1, meeting was packed out (7) 29 Playing chess, endlessly alone, with huge Caledonian beast? (4,4,7) Down 1 Can be against or on balance (4) 2 Opposed to BBC on the radio (4)

3 Silence more strange, we hear, than a plant (8) 4 Use farm X for production (6) 5 Sidestep dance and fly low! (8) 6 Duped Anthony to find purist (6)

7 Thin layer of paint, blue, has a thorough clean (8) 8 Fish served on ladies' fingers? (8) 11 Say hello to Ms Stark, in three phrases (5) 15 Position "E"? (8) 16 Newspaper has the head for protection (8) 17 Most surprising thing in America (8) 19 Ethan wants OBE for discovering comic. (3,5) 20 I'm not becoming an Athenian! (5) 22 My niece, no Conservative, perhaps from Sana'a (6)

24 Cratchit in denial of guilt, having too much to manage (2,4) 27 Some 4 talent, but not very much (4) 28 Boast about clobber (4)

Congratulations to Stan Jacques for winning the Dec/Jan. crossword.

PRIZE CROSSWORD ENTRY FORM The first correct entry drawn out of a hat will win ÂŁ10!

Please send your entry with your name and address to me Richard Walliker, 11 Rhodfa Gofer, Dyserth, Denbighshire, LL18 6LP by 10th March 2014.

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Dyserth Junior Football Club - Press Release No.35 – Dyserth Junior Football Club - Press Release No.37 – 12th January 2014 The Christmas Party for our Mini football teams (u7-u11s) already feels in the distant past. Held at the Community Hall just before Christmas we had a mixture of music, games and plenty of food for the children. We thank Dave Sheridan, one of our parents, for providing a disco for the party, which included some traditional games such as ‘musical statues’ and ‘pass the parcel’ or in some cases ‘let’s not pass the parcel!’.

Food was donated by parents and once again we thank them for their efforts in putting on a splendid spread for us all.

Shortly after Christmas our u12s team organised a bowling night at Ffrith Beach. You will have read in our last press release that this team have only just come together this season and it was great that every one of them turned up for an excellent night of bowling, which they all enjoyed. The following week they were all present again at their first training session of the New Year and looking forward to their next match.

After the Christmas break and despite the recent wet weather our opening fixtures for the New Year got underway at home on 11th and 12th January. The u16s and u13s played on very slippery conditions on Saturday morning but still managed to provide some entertaining football for the spectators in their matches against Aztec Stars and Denbigh Town respectively. Overnight a cold wind dried the pitch a little and playing conditions had improved somewhat by Sunday morning for the u10s and u11s in their matches against Kinmel Bay and Rhuddlan Dragons. We have fared very well with the weather this winter, so far. So we hope our luck continues as we look forward to the warmer spring days.

Winter training times continue until end of March; Monday 6.30pm – u13s, u14s and u16s (at St Asaph Leisure Centre), Tuesday 7pm – u12s (at Prestatyn Leisure Centre), Friday 6.30pm – u7’s, u8s, u10’s and u11’s (at St Asaph Leisure Centre).

Club information is posted on www.facebook/dyserthjuniorfootballclub .

Club committee members Chairperson –Glenn Jones, Tel. 01745 571346 Secretary –Peter Winney, Tel.07748 374999 Treasurer -David Griffith, Tel..01745 570659 Welfare –David Salsbury Tel.01745 571591

DYSERTH TUESDAY MORNING GROUP. Winter is almost upon us and the Dyserth’s Tuesday Morning Group continues its new season at the Dyserth Community Hall on Tuesday’s at 10.00 More details can be obtained by contacting the Secretary, Mrs Margaret Blott Tel: 01745570913.

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fun facts about the UK Up until 1752 Britain used the Julian calendar and New Years day was on 25th March.

No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver or purple.

William the Conqueror ordered that everyone should go to bed at eight o'clock.

In Chester you can only shoot a Welsh person with a bow and arrow inside the city walls and after midnight.

The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and the UK in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes.

Berwick-upon-Tweed was officially at war with Russia for 110 years.

Is the only country in the world which doesn't have the country's name on its postage stamps.

In 1647 Parliament abolished Christmas.

The first telephone directory published contained 25 names.

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Ysgol Hiraddug Thank you to all those who attended the Christmas Fair, which was a great success.

Over ÂŁ900 was raised to support the work of the school. A big thank you to the PTA members who organised the event and to those who provided raffle prizes.

Events this term include: an indoor athletics competition on 24 th January, a disco on 14th February and interschool competitions in boys football, girls football and rugby.

Children in Years 5 and 6 are busy preparing their speeches for the Prestatyn Public Speaking competition. In February our juniors will be visiting Manchester for the Young Voices Concert.

Applications for places in the nursery for September 2014 are now taking place (for children who are 3 years old). You should apply to Denbighshire Schools Admissions by 25th of February either on line or by filling in an application form. If you would like to look around the school please ring the school office to make an appointment (570467) Hiraddug Playgroup meet at the school every morning (for children aged 2 and a half+) Contact Aunty Helen for further details (tel: 07736256499) Gary Hulson—Head Teacher.

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Sudoku

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CWM CHURCH HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM CWM! As we have had a change of secretary for the Parish Church in Cwm, this will be, of necessity, a very short piece!

We had our usual very busy time in December and look forward to a quieter time from now until the Spring, when we hope for warmer weather too with less rain. Our next PCC meeting will be in February, so, in the next edition of the Dyserth Times, I will be able to publish dates of forthcoming events in Cwm.

It only remains for me to wish everyone a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year and congratulations to Richard on continuing and, dare I say, adding to, an already excellent local magazine. Thank you Richard for taking over the mantle of Editor..

Diana Baxter sec to Cwm Parish Church PCC Thanks Diana for your kind words. Richard

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., L.M.B.I.F.D., Dyserth resident since 1982

SISSON STREET, RHYL TEL. (01745) 331182 Also at Ruthin Road, Denbigh

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DYSERTH WI The dark days of winter have been made more bearable by the many interesting activities organised by the Institute. Our November meeting included a 'Show and Tell' session. One member had recently celebrated her golden wedding anniversary and she showed photos of her wedding and copies of the restaurant menu and other documents connected with her wedding fifty years ago. Another member showed drawings she had done as a student and which she thought had been destroyed, only to be presented with them some years later by her husband, who had rescued them from a fire. Other people showed craft items they had made, including the Christmas decorations made at three workshops organised for members. We discovered that we had a poet and a story-teller in our midst. We also had our annual business meeting, at which Sue Wright was re-elected as President. Three members of the committee resigned and three other members replaced them on the new committee for 2014.

The members who resigned were thanked for their valuable contribution to the Institute during 2013.

December brought a round of Christmas activities. We had our Christmas party with lots of delicious food and amusing entertainment as usual. Last year, a trip was organised to Chester Cathedral for the Chester Music Society Carol concert. It was enjoyed so much that another trip was arranged this year. It looks set to become a regular part of our programme. We also attended a lovely Carol Service in Bagillt parish church for the Offa group of Women's Institutes.

The 2014 programme started with a games evening on a very wet night, but a good number of members attended and had fun. A variety of speakers are planned for the coming year, plus outings to interesting places, theatre trips and restaurant meals.

Any women who would like to join us are welcome to attend one of our meetings on the second Wednesday evening of the month in Paterson Hall, behind the chapel in the High Street. Meetings begin at 7.30 pm.

DYSERTH BOWLING CLUB - JANUARY 2014.

Over the past few months some members have been busy preparing the green and surrounding area for the 2014 season. Ewan Davies, as grounds man, has been busy preparing the ground, seeding, feeding and trimming the playing surface. The Winter has been somewhat wet, but mild, and should be in excellent condition for the first of our fixtures in April.

Up to the time of writing, league meetings have yet to take place and firm dates are therefore not available for publication.

As last year Dyserth will run six teams in the various leagues thus enabling players of varying ability to participate.

New members will always be made welcome and should contact the Secretary, Alan Jones, on 01745 853557 or any member of the club.

D.J. 22

Future entrepreneur Katie boosts charity funds.

Katie's Charity Stall Local, Katie Topalian age 9, held a charity stall on Saturday 14th December in the Spar in aid of Childline and NSPCC. She sold hand made bracelets, Christmas cup cakes and various other items. Last year she had a cake stall outside our local NSPCC shop and raised £73. This year she said she wanted to better that and raise £80. Well she surpassed that with bells on and raised a whopping £220!!

Katies mother told me “She is so pleased and said that she wanted to raise the money to make sure that other children will be able to have presents this Christmas. Think this might become an annual event! She would like to thank everybody that came to support her and donated so generously”.

Well done Katie, next stop either “The Apprentice” or “Dragon’s Den or both!

Thank you Dyserth Spa for supporting so many Community Initiatives.

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OUR VILLAGE - 60 YEARS AGO! Continuing the extracts from a document “Survey of Dyserth & District” written in 1953

by Alun E Williams.

Buildings of the Past and Present.

Today there remain three types of dwelling in Dyserth. The old stonewalled, thatched cottage, the latter limestone cottage or house with slate roof, the modern brick house with tile or slate roof and many intermediaries of these three types.

Before the Enclosures Act of 1840, the people were able to erect their own houses on common land. In Dyserth, the common land was on Bryn-y-Felin and at the foot of Moel Hiraddug. The Ordnance map of 1871 shows a few widely spaced cottages at the foot of Moel Hiraddug, this area has since been built up, but the old cottages still stand. It was custom before 1840 that if a man could erect a cottage between sunset and dawn on the common, the cottage and land on which it stood was his. Most of these old cottages were built in this fashion. Originally, these cottages had thatched roofs, but they have been renovated during this century and now they have slate roofs and modern conveniences inside.

Only one thatched cottage still exists in Dyserth* today and is still a source of interest to visitors. At one time the thatch was renewed periodically by an expert Thatcher, but today the art of house thatching is dead in the village and the straw roof of the house has not been renewed. Repairs have been made by a local farm worker who is experienced at battening hay and straw stocks. This does not mean the house is starting to look dilapidated in fact the walls are kept very white with regular coatings of tallowed whitewash. It is a shame perhaps that this remaining thatched house may one day have its originality taken from it with a slate or corrugated iron roof to replace the old familiar thatch. This has been the fate of all these houses in the village.

The houses of stone with the slate roofs are well represented in the village and are perhaps the most common form of dwelling. There are variations of this type, some have been cemented or pebble dashed to give them a more modern look, but it is doubtful whether the owners have succeeded by this outward modernisation. There are a few excellent examples of stonemasonry in the village, for example the house of the late Mr W L Hobbs is a fine example of the local stonemasons skill which has almost died out and given way to the less skilled craft of brick laying. Mt Hobbs was the owner of the limestone quarry and only the best “faced” stone ha been used in the erection of “Greenfields”

There are a number of “pressed” brick houses, some with slate and others with tiled roofs. These houses seem to have been very popular with the middle class people of the first quarter of this century. Later came the houses built of “rustic” bricks of which the principal shops of the village have been built. The buildings built of “pressed” brick seem to retain a freshness although almost 30 years have gone by since they were built.

There are a few wooden bungalows in the village, some with slate and others with asbestos roofs. These unfamiliar houses must have been a great source of interest to the villagers when they were built.

Cont......

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A number of older inhabitants still live in the houses in which they and their parents were born. The only modern conveniences they allowed themselves are perhaps electricity for lighting and a piped water supply, but a considerable number still live under the conditions that their parents lived under, retaining the dry lavatories and paraffin lighting their houses. In Penisa there were no water lavatories and houses built in 1952, in this part of the village, have every modern convenience except this.

They depend on septic tanks, cesspools and chemical lavatories. The rural council refuge lorries dispose of the waste periodically in addition to carrying dry refuge. The strange fact is that within a hundred yards of these houses is the sewerage work for the village.. It is stated that the area of Penisa is on a lower level than the sewerage works and it would require costly pumping equipment to remove waste from this score or more houses. More on this next edition.

Well, I guess the art of stonemasonry is alive and well as we can see in many new builds in the village. A case of what goes around comes around. * I am indebted to Pete Robinson for his clarification that the last thatched cottage in Dyserth is confirmed as having been on Waterfall hill on the right coming down the hill. Attached to it was a small laundry, the laundry remained until at least the 1960’s.

Take a look at www.dyserth.com to see many images of bygone days.

Interested in photography, looking for inspiration?

Then come and find out what’s on offer with the

RHYL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY We meet at Rhyl Fire Station on Wednesday evenings between 7 and 9.30pm.

You would be assured a warm welcome and for more information visit: www.rhylphotosoc.co.uk/

CASTLE CAFE - RHUDDLAN 2 Course Lunch £5 - Afternoon Tea 1.50 Full Menu Available Locally Made Jam - Marmalade - Chutney etc Handmade Crafts - Soap - Jewellery - Pottery and lots lot’s more.

Books Sold for Charity 50p each - book donations always welcome Group Bookings - Funeral Refreshments 25

PET RESCUE WELFARE ASSOCIATION Charity No 1116170 Llewerllyd Farm, Dyserth, LL18 6BP. 01745 571061 www.pet-rescuecharity.co.uk Dogs/Cats for Adoption or Foster ~ Neutered/Vax/Fully vet checked Open 5 days for viewing 11am – 3pm ~ Closed Mondays and Saturdays ALSO Community Vet Clinic (Open to all) Monday, Wednesday & Friday By appointment at affordable prices. Charity Neutering Clinic now available

DC LOCKSMITHS 24 HOUR SERVICE – NO CALL OUT FEE

UPVC LOCK SPECIALIST All types of locks supplied, fitted, opened and repaired Rhuddlan 01745 590192

DYSERTH COMMUNITY LIBRARY Paterson Hall, High Street, Dyserth Open Wednesday Mornings 09.30 to Noon Books to suit all tastes

Call in and browse our selection of books and if you can’t find something to suit, let us know and we’ll try to get what you want

Nikki's Little Cake Emporium.

CELEBRATION CAKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS FRESHLY BAKED TO ORDER 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL FIRST ORDERS JOIN ME ON FACEBOOK and visit my website:

www.nikkislittlecakeemporium.co.uk 07746417714 26

NSPCC Charitable Greetings!

All of us at NSPCC would like to wish all our wonderful customers at Harrods {!} A Happy New Year 2014.

Thanks to you all, we had a marvellous fundraising year and we are so grateful for the support you give us, and for bringing us all your 'preloved' goods to sell! Also a big Thank you to Jacksons Garden Centre for their contributions too!

I would like to take this opportunity to mention all our fantastic ladies who run the shop.

Thank you for always being there! We would be lost without you!

Last but certainly not least, Phil! Thank you for your words and being our voice in The Dyserth Times.

Once again, A Very Happy New Year!

See You in The Shop!

Jenny Christian Chair, Flintshire and Denbighshire, NSPCC. NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000

help@nspcc.org.uk

Childline 0800 1111

COMMUNITY HALL FRIENDS AND EVENTS EVENING. SATURDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 7pm FOR 7:30 AT THE COMMUNITY HALL 2 COURSE THAI MEAL / BRING YOUR OWN REFRESHMENTS AND GLASSES/ QUIZ WITH PRIZES ÂŁ10 PER HEAD TABLES/QUIZ TEAMS 6 PEOPLE OR LESS

ALL PROCEEDS GOING TO SUPPORT BROADBAND ACCESS FOR THE COMMUNITY HALL.

For further details/booking please phone Glenn on 571346 (evening) or e-mail glenn123@btinternet.com 27

SELF- STORAGE SECURE INSULATED UNITS 24 HOUR ACCESS COAST CONTAINERS TALARGOCH TRADING ESTATE DYSERTH CALL RICHARD JONES 07854603123/570843

Looking for a venue for a PARTY a MEETING or COMMUNITY ACTIVITY? PATERSON HALL, High St, Dyserth is available to Hire!

Fully refurbished with excellent facilities.

Competitive Rates Contact Barbara on

DYSERTH COMMUNITY HALL

ROOMS FOR HIRE Main Hall £11.00 per hour Function Rooms £6.00 per hour.

The Hall can also be booked for Parties and private functions Fully equipped kitchen Contact Linda on

01745 571590

01745 570793

Rhaeadr Plumbing & Heating

Price Plastering D.J.ROBERTS Contractors.

GARDEN

All aspects of plumbing undertaken.

Oil boiler Service and repairs.

Over 25 years Experience.

SERVICES & ALL ASPECTS OF GARDEN MAINTENANCE

01745570025 07748201825

Tel: 01745 571801 Mob: 07932416892

QUALITY WORK GUARANTEED RING DYSERTH 570181 Mob: 07709578892

Piano teacher in Dyserth now has some vacancies for adult beginners.

Please telephone Mrs Williams 01745 571070 28

THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR ADVERTISEMENT

CHRIS HOOKES JOINER All aspects of joinery undertaken MOBILE 0795 229 8978

In the last issue of Dyserth Times, Friends and Events outlined their plans to raise funds throughout 2014 in order to refurbish the Community Hall kitchen.

Events since, it transpires, have overtaken us. The success of last year’s Community Day in showcasing the Hall has resulted in an ever increasing number of parties, groups and individuals using the Hall. In turn this increased usage and the added number of enquiries relating to catering facilities highlighted the need to refurbish the kitchen as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, despite the good intentions of Friends and Events , the timescales involved and resources required were beyond our immediate plans. Fortunately, however, this tale has a happy ending, with Dyserth Community Council agreeing, at their January meeting, to financially support the kitchen refurbishment in the next few months. Many thanks to the Community Council from Friends and Events!!

The increased number of vocational and educational enquiries has also, fortuitously, presented Friends and Events with a new goal; namely broadband access for the Community Hall.

Our aim for the forthcoming months is to raise enough funds to purchase and install the equipment necessary for broadband access from all areas of the Hall. Hopefully you will be able to support us, the Hall and the community in general at one of our 2014 events: February 15th: MEAL & QUIZ at the Community Hall - 7pm for 7:30 - 3 Course Thai meal, bring your own refreshments and glasses, Quiz with prizes - £10 per head, tables and quiz teams 6 people or fewer.

July 19th: COMMUNITY DAY 2 including Scarecrow Festival.

October 19th: DYSERTH 10 Km RUN. November 29th: CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY EXTRAVAGANZA. We hope to see you at one of these upcoming events.

Many thanks and best regards – Friends and Events.

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WHAT’S ON Feb 7th 15th 22th-28th

“The Last Tango in Lower Dyserth” 7 p.m.

Community Hall Meal and Quiz. 7 p.m.

Half Term school holiday.

March

School holiday dates are taken from the Denbighshire County Council website and include inset days which Schools may or may not add to the breaks.

Please check with your child’s school.

If you would like your events included please let us have the details in good time.

MP and AM’s Surgery Dates Chris Ruane MP To make an appointment please ring Chris Ruane’s constituency office 01745 353626 Friday, 7th February: Friday, 28th February:

Friday, 21st March:

2.45—3.30 4.00—5.00 5.45—6.30 2.45—3.30 4.00—5.00 5.30—6.30 2.45—3.30 4.00—5.00 5.45—6.30

St Asaph Library Prestatyn Parish Church Hall CAB - Rhyl St Asaph Library Prestatyn Parish Church Hall CAB - Rhyl St Asaph Library Prestatyn Parish Church Hall CAB - Rhyl

Ann Jones AM To make an appointment please ring Ann Jones’s constituency office 01745 332813

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WHO’S WHO Member of Parliament: Assembly Member: County Councillor Dyserth: County Councillor Tremeirchion: Dyserth Community Council: Tremeirchion, Cwm & Waen Community Council: Quarry House Surgery: Community Police: Crime Stoppers Childline

Chris Ruane Constituency Office 01745 354626 Ann Jones Constituency Office 01745 332813 Peter Owen 01745 590548 Barbara Smith 01745 571794 Phillip Parry—01352 720547

Ysgol Hiraddug: School Office: After School Club: Parent Teacher Assoc: Chair: Playgroup Staff:

Gary Hulson, Head Teacher 01745 570467 0778 949 5160 T.B.A Aunty Helen—07736256499

Ti a Fi (Parent & Toddler Group)

Brownies Beavers, Cubs & Scouts: (Held at The Odyn, Rhuddlan) Karate Club: Junior Church Groups: Dyserth Junior Football Club:

Clerk to the Council Ann Davies 01745 560327 Reception 01745 572968 PCSO 3329 Rebecca Evans 07880 156899 0800 555 111 0800 1111

Young People’s Groups: Term Time on Tuesday and Thursday Mornings Hayley 07824388694 Caroline 0776163861 Emma Griffiths 01745 852078 Carol Boyton 01745 591702 Shirley Smith 01745 342798 See individual Churches.

Secretary –Peter Winney, Tel.07748 374999

Dyserth Craft Group

Dyserth Community Groups: Editor—Richard Walliker 01745 571083 Jackie Parry, Secretary 01745 571956 David Richards, 01745 570625 Joyce Marshall 01745 823989 Margaret Blott, Secretary 01745 570913 Sue Wright, President 01745 570016 Elaine Jones, Secretary 01745 852829 Estella Griffith 01745 570659

Bowls Club: Line Dancing: Weight Watchers:

Health & Sports Groups: Alan Jones 01745 853557 Dorothy Evans, 01745 888833 Dawn Jones 01745 339706

Dyserth Times: Environment Group: Field Club: NSPCC Fund Raising Group: Tuesday Morning Group: Women’s Institute:

Eglwys Bresbyteraidd: United Reformed Church:

Religious Groups: Vicar: Revd. R. Rowland 01745 570750 Keith Sanderson Church Warden 01745 570340 Vicar: Revd. R. Rowland 01745 570750 Secretary, Diana Baxter 01745 570261 Horeb Chapel, High Street, Dyserth Minister: Revd. David Salsbury 01745 571591

Community Hall, Cwm Road: Paterson Hall, High Street: St. Bridget’s Hall, Waterfall Rd: Old School Hall, Cwm

Venues for Hire: Bookings, Linda Platt - 01745 571590 Bookings, Barbara Tebbutt 01745 570793 Bookings, Sonia Jude 01745 571232 Bookings, Diana Baxter 01745 570261

Dyserth Parish Church: Cwm Parish Church:

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