Issue 168
April 2013
Llanferres
News & Views 3
Welcome This month sees a couple of new events (hopefully weather permitting). The postponed Auction of Promises is on Well what an end to March! Don’t think April 5th and the PTFA Spring Dance many of us foresaw that. With snow still a Ceilidh in the Village Hall on the 20th, lying everywhere it looks like a white which should be fun! Easter for everyone, in lieu of a white Christmas! Happy Easter! The weather has brought out the community spirit well and truly in the Best wishes villages, as you’ll probably know Paul & Siobhan already, as a local wedding has already Contact: featured in national news, amongst Paul & Siobhan Gothorp other fantastic efforts. 2 Cae Gwyn Thank you to everyone who has sent in pictures of the snow, please do keep them coming - those we haven’t got room for inside are on the website. And a huge thank you to everyone who’s responded to the various requests for snow clearing and car moving to help their neighbours in need!
Professional, reliable service Telephone: 01352 750342 Mobile: 07933 803 972 Email: arfontrevor@tiscali.co.uk Address: 28 Parc Hendy Mold CH7 1TH
Llanferres Mold CH7 5SL Tel: (01352) 810566 Email: newsandviews@llanferres.org www.llanferres.org Please send in your contributions by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month’s News & Views.
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Notices April Birthdays Happy Birthday to the following Ruby Steel who will be 2 on 6th April Jessica Gould on 10th April Jack Roberts who will be 7 on 10th April Sam Clough on 16th April Matthew Isherwood on 21st April Eli Clough on 23rd April Karl Drendel on 23rd April Iestyn Dwyryd Roberts who will be 2 on 29th April
Thank you! A Big Thank to local farmer Andy Murray plus the others( who I am sorry I can not remember they names). They came to our rescue when we got stuck in the snow just outside Mold. We had thought we would manage to get home from the concert we had been to in Manchester, but we were wrong. Though we did have to walk some of the way back, we were able to leave the car in a much better place, as it had been in the middle of the road coming out of Mold not a good place . Thank You Gents Jane Clarke and Ann Jahn
Llanferres Playing Field & Recreation Association would like to thank Gordon Jones for his generous donation from his 60th Birthday Party
Thank you! Can we thank all the residents of Cae Derwen who cleared the snow, not once but twice, (on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd March). Without your tremendous effort the old couple who live at the top of the close would not have been able to get out and buy food. Very many thanks for a great community effort. John and Joan Almond.
YSGOL BRO FAMAU 100 CLUB March 2013 DRAW 1st Prize £40 Nia Jackson 2nd Prize £20 Jenny Hunt 3rd Prize £14 Lesley Roberts
If you would like a birthday or special announcement included in News & Views please send the details to: newsandviews@llanferrres.org or 2 Cae Gwyn, Llanferres, CH7 5SL
News & Views 5
Gardening Club news Llanferres Parish Gardening Club Our guest speaker at the meeting on Monday 11th March was David Shiel, AONB Senior Warden. Although originally booked to talk about the 'Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB', David changed his talk to the 'Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau'. A brief introduction about Moel Famau itself, which attracts over 200,000 visitors a year, was followed by the history of the Tower from the foundation stone being laid in 1810, to celebrate the Jubilee of George ììì that year, the building in 1813 - 1817 and the momentous collapse in 1862. One corner of the tower is now being excavated and replaced as original to show visitors the original style. Leaflets were distributed giving a potted history of the tower. Once again, a talk by a dedicated worker who gave a well illustrated history of the area. Seeds were given out for the 'Members Only' class at our Annual Show which will be on Saturday, September 7th. Our next meeting will be on Monday April 8th when Nicolette Evans of Northop College will give her talk 'Herbaceous Plants into Autumn'. As always, visitors and new members will be most welcome. Hon Secretary Mrs Joan Almond ( 810808
Tim Griffiths Sales & Design Tel: 07736 544 736 or (01352) 758484 Email: Enquiries@artisanwindows.co.uk
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6 News & Views
April Diary Dates 1st 2nd 3rd
Mon Easter Monday Tue 7.00pm Bowls Club Wed Llanferres Dance Club
4th
Thu
5th 6th 7th 8th
Fri 7pm Auction of Promises Sat Sun 9.30am Holy Communion, St. Berres’ Church Mon Gardening Club Meeting 2.00pm Over 60s Club meeting Tue 7.00pm Bowls Club 7.30pm Easter Vestry in Church
9th 10th
Wed Llanferres Dance Club
11th
Thu
12th
Fri
13th
Sat
14th
Sun
15th
Mon Music Monday at Caffi Florence
16th
Tue
17th 18th 19th
21st 22nd
Wed Llanferres Dance Club Thu Fri 2.00pm Cilcain Bowling Club Sat PTFA Ceilidh, Village Hall Sun 9.30am Holy Communion, St. Berres’ Church Mon
23rd
Tue
24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th
Wed Llanferres Dance Club Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30am Holy Communion, St. Berres’ Church Mon Tue
20th
Community Council Meeting (Councillors only)
11.00am Family Service, St. Berres’ Church
7.00pm Bowls Club
7.00pm Bowls Club
News & Views 7
News from the Druid Inn
Llanferres Insiders Menu All our main courses can be purchased with smaller portions at a reduced price (ÂŁ2.50 less than the menu price). Please ask. Lunch times Monday - Saturday
FREE PINT loyalty card. Buy seven pints get one FREE!
Sunday Night Curry Club
New extended menu available
One stamp for every pint of Ale, Lager, Cider or Stout purchased on weekdays and up to 3pm on Saturday.
STEAK NIGHT
Chickpea, sweet potato & spinach Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Korma Beef Vindaloo Red Thai King Pawn Beef Madras Lamb Rogan Josh Chicken Jalfrezi Chicken Murgh Makhani
The old favourite Lamb Rogan Josh is Back!
Every Thursday & Friday
All steaks are hand cut and grilled to your liking
~ Don’t forget that we can organise private parties for up to 40 people with menus of your choice. ~
D INN THE DRUI www.thedruidinn.com
Llanferres Tel: 810225
8 News & Views At the risk of setting ourselves up, here are a few classics from church magazines sent in by a loyal reader. “Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.” “The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.” “Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.” If you spot any errors in News & Views, please keep them quiet!
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10 News & Views
Cyngor y Cymuned -Llanferres
March
From the minutes of the March public and whether anything can be meeting:- Present: Cllr. David Jones done to attract visitors and increase (Chair), Cllr. Olive Parry, Cllr. Yvonne tourism. Foden-McCorry, Cllr. John Almond, Cllr. 5. Minutes of the February Meeting: The Rob Arnstrong, Cllr. Jac Armstrong, Cllr. minutes for the February meeting were Rob Jones, Cllr. Margaret Davies, the signed as a true record. Clerk, Mrs Gwyneth Dillon and County 6. Matters Arising: None Councillor Martyn Holland. 7. Five year Plan: It is proposed to draw up a plan for what is required in the 1. Apologies: Cllr. David Twomey community during the next five years. 2. Declarations of Interest: None This could include projects and road declared. maintenance. Members of the public 3. Meeting open to the public for ten will be invited to submit suggestions. minutes: It was reported that the road As the Clerk, Mrs Gwyneth Dillon, will from Maeshafn Village to Pont y be unable to attend the next Council Mwynwr has been swept of the gravel Meeting, it was decided to cancel this which had been washed onto the road meeting and substitute an informal surface during recent heavy rain. The (Councillors only) meeting when this Millennium Fountain was in need of plan could be discussed in detail. attention. Mr Noel Hedley asked 8. Maintenance in the Community: whether the plaque on the Memorial Trees near the gate from Cae Gwyn Stone could be refurbished and the into 'Llanferres Park' may be in need of names of the fallen be inscribed. This trimming. Tree surgeon to be will be discussed at a later meeting. consulted. 4. County Councillors report: Councillor 9. Risk Assessment: Nothing to report. Holland had attended the High Sheriff 10. Landscape project: - Memorial Stone: Voluntary Sector awards ceremony The broken flags have been replaced where awards were given to persons and three 'Planters' installed. Some and children who had done outstanding tidying up is required. voluntary work in their communities 11. Red Telephone Kiosk: No progress to during the past year. Christine Evans, date. past County Councillor and Community 12. Training and Finance: One Voice Councillor for Llanarmon yn Ial, Wales will be holding a Code of received an award and it was decided Conduct training meeting in Mold on to send her a letter of congratulation. Wednesday 10th April from 6.15 to Council officers have spoken to 9.15pm. There will be a training residents of Tafarn y Gelyn in workshop for Chairs and Vice-Chairs, or reference to the flooding on Forestry Prospective Chairs or Vice-Chairs, of Road. Some remedial work has been Community Councils in Denbighshire carried out but more is required. County Hall from 10am to 1pm on Ty'n Llan will be fully resurfaced, not Thursday 16th May. Two people from just patched, in the next year and each Community Council can attend. residents are to be consulted over Llanferres Community Council decided parking problems. The three churches to book two seats - names will be in the community are to be consulted submitted later. to see if their 'Birth, Marriage and 13. Bills: One Voice Wales for training Death' records are available to the meetings ÂŁ50. 'Green Thumb' for
News & Views 11
Meeting
Llanferres - Community Council
winter treatment of Maeshafn Green question and the pond issue will be ÂŁ49. HMRC ÂŁ29.40. passed to the Llanferres Playing Field 14. Planning Matters: 21/2013/0263 Association for consideration. Proposal: Erection of single-storey 17. Other Matters that have been pitched-roof porch and bathroom brought to Councillors Attention: extension to front of dwelling. None Location: Tyn y Coed, Maeshafn. 18. Date of Next Meeting: the date of the Proposed to raise no objection. next Meeting will be Thursday 11th 15. Maeshafn Playing Field: The transfer April 2013 in Llanferres Village Hall. documents are being inspected by Please note this will be an informal Denbighshire CC legal department and (Councillors only) meeting of we await the outcome. Councillors to discuss the 'Five Year 16. Correspondence: Councillor Almond Plan'. had received an e-mail from a Tafarn y Gelyn resident with suggestions The next formal meeting will be the regarding a 'Dog Mess' bin and the AGM on Thursday 9th May 2013. Tafarn y Gelyn pond and an offer to paint the proposed telephone kiosk when it is installed. Councillor Almond had sent a reply. The matters were John Almond, Vice Chairman discussed : County Councillor Martyn Holland will pursue the 'Dog Mess' bin Awarded
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12 News & Views
Church News Services in April 7th 14th 21st 28th
9.30 Holy Communion 11.00 Family Service 9.30 Holy Communion 9.30 Holy Communion
Easter Vestry - Tuesday 9th April at 7.30 pm in the Church Please do come along and support your Parochial Church Council at the AGM of your local church. New officers will be voted for and any concerns you may have may be voiced at this meeting.
Before endeavours fade 2014 marks a significant anniversary in the history of the United Kingdom with the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War in August 1914. A war which stemmed from the old days of Empire and secret treaties and alliances, the “war to end all wars” and a “war for civilisation” which shaped the 20th century, and yet, was a precipitant in an even greater conflagration in 1939. A conflict where the old mentality of dashing cavalry charges met the new mechanised warfare of machine guns, huge artillery bombardments, poison gas and the fighting tank. The war left over a million Commonwealth dead and touched all communities in Britain including our own five parishes, and many phrases such as “going Chef Armstrong demonstrates skillsin into No Man’s Land” or “keeping my head below the parapet” arehisstill common usage without our realising their origin. Whilst each death was a great family tragedy and a sad memory for many following generations, the 31 recorded deaths across our parishes are hugely dwarfed by casualties from the townships, and indeed Ruthin where 70 deaths are recorded, almost half of those from the single battle of Mametz Wood on the Somme in July 1916, as part of the “Big Push” In my own village of Llanferres, our 8 losses (although 2 are also recorded elsewhere) fought in numerous of the theatres of war including Gallipoli, Northern France & Belgium and the often forgotten Middle Eastern conflict
News & Views 13
Church News and I am hoping, where research permits, to tell some of their stories in future issues. Research is difficult (and in some case expensive), not least because what records exist are now over a century old and almost 60% were destroyed, somewhat ironically, in a German bombing raid in September 1940 on the War Office in London - although thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding some of the burnt and water damaged remains are being painstakingly photographed and reassembled by the National Archives Office in Kew, starting at both ends of the alphabet and working slowly inwards. Documents for the Royal Welch Fusiliers, for whom many of our men fought, are currently en route to the Wrexham Heritage Museum (from Caernarfon) which is ultimately good news, but currently stuck in limbo. If time, records and energy permit, I would like to broaden my research to all our communities, so would be most grateful for any records, pictures or reminiscences anyone might have; which can be e-mailed, posted or I am happy to travel to view. Noel Headley headley889@btinternet.com Tel 01352 810224 Llwyn-y-Moelyn Rectory Lane Llanferres CH7 5SR
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CAFFI FLORENCE Loggerheads A great place to eat and drink
Open everyday 10am - 5pm Easter ·
·
Open 10am – 5pm everyday including bank holidays Egg Heads quiz trail for children 23 March – 7 April
Music Mondays ·
15 April Ellie Larke local singer/songwriter
·
13 May Robin Wynne Jones sings Irish country and folk
2 – 4pm free admission. Please reserve a table if you wish to eat
Duck Race Monday 6th May ·
Caffi Florence cooks alfresco www.caffiflorence.co.uk 01352 810397 info@caffiflorence.co.uk
fresh • local
• seasonal • homemade
News & Views 15
Monthly recipe from CAFFI FLORENCE We have just finished our 2012/13 cookery workshop programme with our Sous Chef Cathy leading an amazing session on ‘Adventurous Puddings’. This chocolate fondant was one of our favourites from this workshop. It’s really not too difficult and is a big WOW!!
Chocolate fondants 50g melted butter , for brushing cocoa powder , for dusting 200g good-quality dark chocolate , chopped into small pieces 200g butter , in small pieces 200g golden caster sugar 4 eggs and 4 yolks 200g plain flour Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Brush the melted butter all over the inside of the pudding mould. Place the mould in the fridge or freezer. Brush more melted butter over the chilled butter and add a good spoonful of cocoa powder into the mould. Tip the mould so the powder completely coats the butter. Shake out any excess cocoa Place a bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, then slowly melt the chocolate and butter together. Remove bowl from the heat and stir until smooth. Leave to cool for about 10 mins. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs and yolks together with the sugar until thick and pale and the whisk leaves a trail. Sift the flour into the eggs and beat together. Pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture in thirds, beating well between each addition until all the chocolate is added. Tip the fondant batter into a jug, then evenly divide between the moulds. Place the fondants on a baking tray. Cook for 10-12 mins until the tops have formed a crust and they are starting to come away from the sides of the moulds. Remove from the oven and leave to sit for 1 min before turning out. Loosen the fondants by moving the tops very gently so they come away from the sides, easing them out of the moulds.
www.caffiflorence.co.uk 01352 810397 info@caffiflorence.co.uk
fresh • local
• seasonal • homemade
16 News & Views
Call Danny LaFlamme 01352 810350 07791 674216 Or visit www.moneysavingtoday.co.uk
Produce your own eggs P.o.l. Pullets /Growers/Day old pullets to order.
Pure breeds. Cross breed layers. Trio’s. Your Eggs hatched to order. Then reared till off heat if Rqd.
Alan Clinton. 01352 810507 Bryn Teg.
Maeshafn.
News & Views 17
18 News & Views
Local news COME AND SING!!
VILLAGE HALL WHIST EVENINGS 6.50pm
Hi! I'm Jennie. I've just moved into Ruthin from East Yorkshire. I'm a singing and piano teacher and have recently started a singing group.
Recent winners;
I'm a strong believer in two things; 1 Singing together makes people happy 2 Tea and cake make people happy!
Week 15 Dol Collins and Josh Griffiths
We meet every Thursday for tea, cake, singing and to make new friends. Don't worry if you don't read music; you don't have to. If you're nervous about coming alone, bring a friend! Come if you think you can't sing, come if you love singing, come if you're just curious, come if you love cake ~ you might just find yourself singing!
Week 16 Gay Headley and Patrick Austin.
Where? Llanbedr Village Hall When? Thursdays 5.30-6.30. How much? £5 per session (£3 for under 18's. Must be accompanied by an adult) If you're interested just let me know: Jennie Coates 07816 508 900 j.coates88@hotmail.com
Future dates; The Whist finishes for the Summer at the end of March but will re-commence on the third Monday of September. Many thanks to all who have supported this event especially to those who have provided prizes.
Rob Armstrong, Chairman VHMC
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News & Views 19
Join us for a laugh and a ‘jig-gle’! with our ‘live’ Ceildh Band When? Sat. 20th April at 7 to 11 m Where? Llanferres Village Hall How much? Tickets cost £7.50 each (Price includes light buffet and Bucks Fizz on arrival) Bar 7 -11pm
For Tickets contact Louisa 07866522038 or Sally 07980864107
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THE BIG SNOW!
A selection of pictures from local people. Thank you to everyone who kindly sent them in. Please keep the we’ll add to those on the website: www.llanferres.org
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1. Rectory Lane taken by the Healys 2. Local scene by Mel Berry 3. View outside the Miners Arms on Saturday from Karen & Oliver 4. That impressive snowman near the school 5. Wedding morning at the vicarage! 6. Jonny assesses the size of the problem next to Dad’s car
News & Views 21
em coming -
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3
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7. Top of Rectory Lane, taken by the Healys 8. Nikki Giles’ bird feeder! 9. Barbecue anyone? (the Healys) 10. Silber seems bemused from Carrie Cull 11. The Clarke’s task on Saturday morning by a helpful neighbour 12. Tim the Gym’s latest challenge
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22 News & Views
News & Views 23
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Call Jennie Coates (BA Hons) on 07816 508 900
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Call Debbie on 01352 752944
Or email me at: j.coates88@hotmail.com
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Carrie Cull: 01352 810237 or 07711888356 for further information 2
24 News & Views
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News & Views 25
Local news Cilcain bowling club. Sat. 20th April at the Community Cafe Cilcain between 2 and 5 pm. If you think you may be interested in trying outdoor crown bowls, come along and meet club members over a cup of coffee and a cake. Try your hand on the green next-door, bowls provided. All ages welcome. Village Hall Booking. If you wish to book the Village Hall for an event or party or what you will, please contact the booking secretary Gilly Carney Tel: 01352 810468 or mob. 07741 316 349
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New Members Needed. The children's playing field has been available for the children of our community for well over ten years. This has only been made possible by the people who volunteer their time to help out, not only with the work parties and fund raising, but also by joining the committee. This may sound like a load of hassle, but there really is not that much to do, other than come to the meetings every few months and join in. The meetings are usually held in the Druid pub and last about an hour. Most of the current members have older children who no longer use the Park, or, in some cases none at all! If we do not get new people to come along and join in, the park and playing field will no longer have a committee and will close. We’re sure there are plenty of parents who use the facility and whose children would not like to see it closed, but we need you to volunteer. The AGM will be announced shortly, so please come along , or contact one of the above.
Many Thanks Dan Hurst 810461 on behalf of LPFRA.
LEWIS & HUNTER Contracting Ltd ~Surfacing ~ Paving ~ Ground Works ~ Paths ~ Drives ~ Roads ~ Car Parks
28 News & Views
Local news NATIONAL Eisteddfod of Wales 2013 LLANFERRES WORKING PARTY
AUCTION OF PROMISES Llanferres Village Hall Friday 5th April 2013 7.00pm
Refreshments, Tea, Coffee, Biscuits Entry Free Payment for items by Cash or Cheque On behalf of The Llanferres Eisteddfod Working Party. We are sorry we have had to postpone the Auction of Promises. We are holding it now on Friday 5th April with all the same valuable "Lots"so if you are free please come along and bid for something. There might be some good bargains going!! There’s an up-to-date list on the News & Views website www.llanferres.org
News & Views 29
Maeshafn Cricket Club news Cricket News April 2013 Well here we are again - cricket season is upon us, yet it has just been snowing for the past few days and we don't yet know our fixtures. The North Wales league have cocked up and booked us in for the same home fixtures as our host club at Tata Steel Sports Club. Not sure 44 blokes can manage to share 2 changing rooms and 1 wicket but I suppose it is possible if we take it in turns to bowl and bat.
but last time he couldn't make anything rhyme with "are you f****g blind umpire?"
This means that it is likely a number of 1st teamers for Bethesda will pitch up to ensure that slaughter of the innocent occurs and we drive home with lots of bruises and our tails between our legs. Bethesda have a professional poet playing for them
GARDENING or DOG WALKING
Of course, if Mr Hall was a real man he would have insisted that no wedding took place until we had finished the season and enjoyed our club dinner, but there we go.... In any event this is not as bad as Steve Pugh, who caused his partner to give birth on the opening day of the season some years ago, much to the annoyance of 'Tata Steel Maeshafn' as we are our captain. currently known has been promoted to division 5 after the league split the So Maeshafn CC still goes strong, old division 5 into 2. We are going to with new members from the village play every team in our league three (Dominic Kearney from Lower times, which sods law naturally Maeshafn) and a police officer and dictates will include 2 away games to builder in Maeshafn both promising both Bethesda and Bodedern, both to make an appearance at some point many miles away and tough this season... teams/grounds to get points from. I am no longer the secretary after 7 Furthermore, courtesy of Tom 'The years of keeping the club on the Messiah' Hall getting married on a straight and narrow, and have Saturday in August (for which he is managed to pass the reins onto Will almost certainly going to win the Webster. However if you have any "Wally of the Season" award), we are cricket enquiries please feel free to going to have to get Bethesda to play get in touch jbfagan@ten-percent.co.uk against us on a Sunday.
Do you need help with either of these?
Then call me on 01352 810559
30 News & Views
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A note from your County Councillor We are at last seeing the first signs of spring in our hedgerows with Snow Drops and Daffodils leading the way and the first green buds forming on the Hawthorn. Sadly, these days they are having to compete with the ever increasing amounts of litter which is also very obvious at this time of year. Everything from Mac Donald's takeaway cartons to plastic bottles, plastic bags to more worryingly, empty beer cans. Many of the hedges and fences are also draped with the green and black remains of plastic packaging. The cost of clearing this litter across the country is considerable and the impact on the environment and the beauty of the countryside itself is difficult to put a price on. We can all do our bit to help reduce this problem by taking our litter home and where possible by reporting those people who have no respect for our country side.
but it will also help me to produce a list of all those things that the ward needs completing during my term of office. With funds being tight, it is often a case of first come first served and if we are prepared with lists of roads that need resurfacing and projects that may need financing, it will give us a head start. If you have any thing that you would like to see included in the plan please let us know by contacting either myself or any of your Community Councillors.
Did you know that there are Post Office Counter Services at the Raven Inn Llanarmon Yn Ial every Thursday lunch time between 12.00 and 2.00. At Canolfan Dewi Sant Eryrys every Wednesday between 2.00 and 4.00 and The new yellow lines and no parking signs at the Llandegla village shop Monday to have now been put in place at Loggerheads Saturday from 8.00 am to 12.00 midday. and we shall be able to gage the impact of Llandegla is also open 2.30 to 5.30 except on these restrictions over the Easter Holidays. Wednesday and Saturday afternoons when Although I agree with the need to make this the shop is closed. These services may be area safer for all concerned I am worried that preferable to queuing at the main Post a visitors first introduction to this popular Offices in Mold or Ruthin. tourist spot will be at best, no place to park and at worst a parking fine. The Trunk Roads The Police via OWL alerts are reporting that Agency have done their job but they have left there have been a number of telephone Denbighshire to pick up the pieces and to find scams in the area. One involves an automated the funds for additional parking. message about claiming ÂŁ1000 to top up Welsh Water have confirmed that they are your pension. You are invited to press 5 for about to dismantle their construction site on more information and the police believe this the A494 at the turning for Llanarmon Yn Ial. is just a way of speaking to you to get your The site will be returned to its original state bank details. I have received one of these and I hope that some of the hard core may be calls myself and it is always best just to hang used to repair local green lanes etc. up. A recent planning application to put a large agricultural building on this site has been turned down by the Denbighshire planning Best wishes, Martyn authority. Cllr Martyn L Holland All three Community Councils in the County Tel. 01824 780703 Ward are looking to formulate five year plans. Martyn.holland@denbighshire.gov.uk This will not only help them to plan and budget for projects within their communities
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Local news VILLAGE COMMUNITY SAVE THE WEDDING DAY ! It’s the day before the wedding, snow is falling, we start to clear the drive ready for Paul’s brother and family to arrive in their camper van from Switzerland. The beautifully restored M.G. roadster that Paul had been preparing for the big day for 5 months was put under wraps and the Land Rover discovery was dug out. Many hours later we realize it’s not stopping and all the ‘day before the wedding plans' are forgotten, Alison stays positive. In the evening after the Swiss family Jelley have settled in, they were rather shocked at finding that they had left less snow behind on their Swiss mountain! We went down to the Church to test the sound system for the music and to take some flowers Alison had arranged. On entering the Church gate we started to have major concerns on how people would get up to the Church the next day, then on entering the Church it was clear there was no electric, the whole of the village suffering a power cut! We groped about with mobile phone lights putting in the flowers and went home feeling very despondent to say the least. We asked our twins Chrissie and Mark to text friends and see if any could come and help clear a pathway through in the morning. Wendy Shillito rang to check the prayers she was reading and got our tale of despair. 6 a.m. Day of our daughter’s wedding, oh no, it is still snowing, Paul drops myself and the twins off at the Church, Yes!! the electric is on! but the drifts up the Church are waist deep.
We walk home at 7a.m, as Paul had to start collecting the hairdresser, make up lady, from their abandoned cars in Mold, he then collects Alison’s brother, Glyn and friend Tim from Mold , and Richard and Chris Smith, Mark’s friends to start digging, along with the Swiss family. This was the start of Paul’s never ending shuttle run of collecting and delivering, he covered over 125 miles that morning, not getting out of the car from 6a.m. until he went to pick up the bride and bridesmaids at 11 45 and quickly changed. We thought between these few, we might, if lucky, make a small pathway to get Alison and Mike to the Church. Paul went to collect the ushers Glyn and Mark from' the big dig' at 11a.m. along with the Swiss family and Tim, they all came in the house very emotional, with tears in their eyes describing the scenes at the Church, the army of volunteers and the fantastic atmosphere. Alison leaves the house wearing her beautiful dress, a fantastic smile, and wellies, along with the bridesmaids, they had no idea of the amazing achievement of the people involved. Alison was absolutely astounded by the scenes that greeted her when she arrived at the Church, a blue 'carpet' was placed beneath her feet. She was overwhelmed by the people’s kindness. Every person in the Church, both friends and family were overcome with the kindness of the village community spirit. We had family who had travelled from New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Switzerland and
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Local news Isle of Man and they had never witnessed a scene like it. No words can describe the gratitude we wish to express to the following.... Reverend Adrian Copping and his wife, who along with Paul and Siobhan , Brian Skelhorn, Wendy Shillito and others rallied round and put out the appeal for help. Carolyn Sage the organist from Northop, who hitch hiked, got a lift in a van to Sychdyn, a milk lorry to Mold, and a fire engine to Llanferres! Julie and Jim and all at The Druids, who so kindly opened their doors and kept the 'diggers' warm and supplied with drinks, and also let wedding guests get changed in their beautiful B & B rooms, even supplying an iron! Nigel, Wendy and Sam Shillito, and Jane and Ian Hemming who helped with digging. Martyn Holland our county Councillor, who tried his best to get the council to clear the roads. Rob and Steven Jones who came and cleared with their tractor. Alan Davies from Pantymywn who went to collect the groom and best man who were stuck in Gwernaffield, and then became the bridesmaid’s car. John Foxlee who walked from Tafarn y gelyn to help dig. Nicola who had a major role in organizing and digging. Richard and Chris Smith from Gwernymynydd who helped to dig. Sean Peters, and his dad and Tom Kelly who came from Buckley to help. Cameron Bland from Ruthin who also helped out.
Photograph courtesy of Sarah Janes Photography
We know there are many more adults and children who we have not mentioned by name, these kind individuals, we need to say a special thank you to, as we were unknown to them and they still came out in a blizzard to help Alison and Mike have such a perfect and special day As a token of our gratitude, as we cannot think of a better way to thank everybody involved, a sum of money has been placed behind the bar with Julie and Jim at the Druid Inn, from ourselves, Alison and Mike and Mike’s parents, for everybody to toast the happy couple, which you all made a wedding to remember. We are delighted that the kindness, hard work and community spirit of Llanferres has made National news for all the right reasons. FROM ALL THE JELLEY FAMILY AND ROBERTS FAMILY A BIG THANK YOU ! See over the page for pictures of the “big dig”
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Photograph courtesy of Sarah Janes Photography Photograph courtesy of Sarah Janes Photography
Makeover photography by Sarah Janes Photography "Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world� (Marilyn Monroe)
sarahjanesphotography.co.uk
Tel: 07753264102
News & Views 35
Nature Notes This has been the winter of the Siskin. Siskins regularly visit garden bird feeders, especially in winter but this year their numbers are way above normal. Thirty or so are not unusual and there was a flock estimated at about 150 seen locally, and it was pleasing to note a few Redpolls with them. Although we have a local breeding population of Siskins, many of the birds we see in winter are migrants from, probably, Scandinavia. These migrations are very spasmodic, in that some years only comparatively small numbers come over, whereas in other years they arrive in huge numbers and this year would seem to be one of the latter. The bird organisations express some uncertainty as to what causes these migration variations. The usual cause is lack of food but this is not always the case and it could just be down to an exceptionally good breeding season leading to overpopulation in some areas so that despite, what would seem to us as, plenty of available food it is not enough for the inflated population so they migrate to other places. In Britain they take full advantage of the generosity of garden owners who put out seed and nuts in the bird feeders. To migrate is not a decision that is taken lightly as there are many risks. Exhaustion can take a heavy toll, especially on birds that are not fully fit and predation is always a hazard. And then when they arrive, how can they be sure that the food supply will be better than where they have left. To minimise the risk of predation, many species migrate at night but
this is not the case with Siskins, as they fly during the day. Last month I mentioned that I had not seen any newts in my pond but I am pleased to say that they are now present but still arriving. I said I had not heard of any frog spawn but a few days later friends told me of some in their pond but the following day it was encased in ice after a very cold night. It is probable that the spawn will survive and hatch as it is very resilient. However, late spawning might have an effect on the resulting tadpoles in that, unless we have a warm spring and summer, they may not have time to develop into frogs before next winter, as their development is temperature dependent. If this happens they can remain in the juvenile state through the winter and metamorphose into adults the following spring. I note that Herons are feeding young in their nests and, given that their eggs take 3-4 weeks to hatch, the eggs must have been laid about the third week of February which, according to my records, was a week of continuous night frosts. But it shows that animals and plants are defying the wintery conditions as witness the number of wild plants that are flowering, such as Wood anemone, Primrose, Barren strawberry and wild Daffodil. Ants are emerging from hibernation so they must think warmer weather is coming. Let us hope they are right!
John Almond
01352 810808
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We enjoyed hearing all about the history of Spoons, and seeing all the different shapes and sizes from the very early days. They ranged from a very tiny one used for Snuff up to the present day large Ladles,all highly polished. At April's meeting we are going to hear about the Pleasures of "Scuba Diving" from Mrs Viv Craig which sounds exciting and interesting but, to me, very scaring as well. The Village Hall 2.00pm on April 9th See you then. ”.
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News & Views 37
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 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 Olive Parry, 01352 810294 Dave Twomey, 01352 810690 Please contact any of the above if you have anything you would like to be brought to the attention of your Community Council.
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Village Organisations Badminton Club - June Healy Tel: 810264 Bowling Club - Every Tuesday in the village hall, 7pm - 9pm Contact Dave Twomey Tel: 810690. Church - Rev'd Adrian Copping, The New Rectory, Rectory Lane, Llanferres Mold, CH7 5SR Email: adriancopping@hotmail.com Rector's Warden - Josh Griffiths, Jontindale, Ruthin Road. Tel: 810853 People's Warden - Mr. Brian Skelhorn 16 Cae Gwyn. Tel: 810422 Clwydian Conservation Campaign - Pen y Chwareli, Pant Ddu Road, Nercwys CH7 4DD Gardening Club - Mrs Joan Almond, 20 Cae Derwen, Llanferres. Tel: 810808 Llanferres Alcoholic Mountain Biking Soc. (LAMBS) - Gordon Jones Tel: 810305 Llanferres Community Council - Mrs Gwyneth Dillon, Rhosddigre, Llandegla, LL11 3AU Tel: 01978 790269 Llanferres Playing Field & Recreation Association - Secretary, Simon Hodge. Tel: 810686 Maeshafn Cricket Club - Secretary: Jonathan Fagan. Tel: 810373 Old People's Welfare Committee - Secretary, Yvonne Foden-McCorry Tel: 810867 PTFA Ysgol Bro Famau - Chair, Kym Willis 07578392305 / 01824 780888 Llanferres Over 60s Club - Olive Parry. Tel: 810294 Village Hall Booking Secretary - Gilly Carney. Tel 01352 810468 or mob. 077413 16349 Village Hall Management Committee - Chairman, Rob Armstrong. 810259
News & Views: Paul & Siobhan Gothorp 2 Cae Gwyn, Llanferres, Mold, CH7 5SL Tel: (01352) 810566 Email: newsandviews@llanferres.org www.llanferres.org Deadline is 20th of the month prior to publication
News & Views 39
40 News & Views
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