200TH EDITION MAY 2016
Llanferres
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News & Views 3
Welcome Welcome to the 200th Llanferres News & Views. This is a landmark edition for that reason, but also for another, as John Almond has sent us his last Nature Notes this month. News & Views has been produced for almost 20 years, starting in December 1996, when it was first launched by Barbara and Colin Thomas. John has sent in 200 articles since then, which is no mean feat in itself, but he has also been on time or early with every single one of them! We would like to thank John for his fantastic contribution to News & Views over the years, and to thank him and Joan for delivering the magazine in Llanferres too for many years. If anyone feels they could take on the monthly deliveries in Llanferres, please do let us know. We also have a
couple of other areas that would be a great help if someone could help out see page 24. Thank you also to everyone who has contributed to this and the previous 199 editions of News & Views, it really does depend on local people sending in their news, photographs and other articles to make it work. And thanks too to the advertisers, local organisations and individuals who support News & Views, without whom we couldn’t produce it. Best wishes, Paul & Siobhan Tel: (01352) 810668 Email: news@llanferres.org www.llanferres.org
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Notices
Happy Birthday to the following In May Laurie Shillito on 11th May Owen Cordiner who will be 15 on 18th May Mari Ffion Edwards who will be 21 on 21st May Carys Jones who will be 14 on 23rd May Ben Godfrey who will be 18 on 25th May David Logan on 26th May Aidan Giles on 28th May Megan Llewellyn who will be 17 on 29th May
Congratulations to
Si么n and Vicky (Tan y Fron) on the birth of their daughter
Eiri Edwards on 3rd April: a beautiful little sister for Celyn, granddaughter for Huw and Gwyneth (Fron Hen) and great granddaughter for Glyn Edwards (Rhos Isa). Llongyfarchiadau mawr a phob dymuniad da.
FLINTSHIRE BREAST CANCER NOW GROUP STEP OUT FOR BREAST CANCER MOEL FAMAU WALK
Our charity Moel Famau walk was a great success and has raised so far a total of 拢750 Thank You to all who supported us. Gwen Flintshire Breast Cancer Now
MEET AND MINGLE IN THE VILLAGE HALL Sat. May 28th. 2pm to 4.30pm. Please support our community and join us for a friendly and social afternoon. There will be some individual stalls together with a few local/national charities (including our village hall, Diabetes Research and the Donkeys are back! ) If you would like to book a table for yourself or for a charity or if you wish to donate anything ( eg. Books, unwanted gifts, cakes etc. ) please ring 810259.
Do find some time to come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee , cake and a chat. What could be better!!!!!
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Llanferres Parish Gardening Club The Meeting on Monday 11th April 2016 was held in the Village Hall, Llanferres. The Guest Speaker was Mr Ifor Jones who entertained the Gardening Club with a talk on New Guinea. Mr Jones used slides to illustrate his talk, which included plants grown in New Guinea and gave the Club an insight into the Island where he lived for the last 9 years. The Raffles were won by Tony McKinstry and Daryl Austin and refreshments were provided by Mary Williams and Anne Smith. Our next meeting on 9th May, 2016 will be a visit to the Gardens at Tal-y-Bryn, Llannefydd and if you eat Llaeth y Llan Yoghurt this is the farm where it is made. If anyone who is not a member of the Gardening Club would like to join us, you would be most welcome, but please let Christine Smith know as afternoon tea is being prepared at a cost of ÂŁ7.50 per head and you would not want to miss this. We will be meeting in the layby outside the church at 5.30 pm. The Gardening Club was started by members who have sadly passed away over the years and the numbers are now dwindling.
We need new blood, new younger members who could bring some new ideas to the Club.
Where could you get a social evening and meet your neighbours and other people from the village and surrounding areas and learn something new about gardening each meeting for
"ÂŁ5 per year membership" Please give it a try. If you would like to come on the visit we to Llannefydd we would make you most welcome. The speaker for the June meeting will be Bill Furze and his topic is photography. Christine Smith Hon Secretary. Tel No. 810516
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May Diary Dates 9.30am Morning Worship, St Berres’ Church 6.30pm Tai Chi
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Fri Sat
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9.30am Morning Worship, St Berres’ Church 6.30pm Tai Chi Gardening Club visit to Tal-y-Bryn, Llannefydd 9.15am Toddlers Group, 2.00pm Over 60s Meeting 7pm Bowls Club 6.30pm Llanferres Dance Club
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7.30pm Community Council Meeting
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Fri Sat
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9.15am Toddlers Group, 7pm Bowls Club
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6.30pm Llanferres Dance Club
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9.15am Toddlers Group, 7pm Bowls Club 6.30pm Llanferres Dance Club
9.30am Holy Communion 4pm Messy Church at Gwernaffield Church Hall 6.30pm Tai Chi
9.30am Morning Worship, St Berres’ Church 6.30pm Tai Chi 9.15am Toddlers Group, 7pm Bowls Club 6.30pm Llanferres Dance Club
2.00pm Meet and Mingle, Village Hall 10.30 Group Holy Communion in St Berres, Llanferres 6.30pm Tai Chi Events in italics are in the Village Hall 7pm Bowls Club
Check the latest Village Hall bookings on our website: www.llanferres.org Click on ‘What’s on’ on the main menu
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What is a terrier? A terrier can be a dog but in the context of St Berres's church it means a record of land and property holdings. Terriers for the parish have been maintained for many generations and copies can be found in the Record Office in Ruthin dating back to 1630 in the case of a glebe terrier and to 1749 in the case of other terriers. The current terrier was compiled in 2000 and has been kept up to date since then. It forms part of a more comprehensive document called Log Book, Terrier and Inventory (hereafter referred to as Log Book). The contents are as can be imagined from the title and are not so very different from the records kept by many householders, namely records of work done to the church buildings, exterior works and items purchased. Unlike household records, the Log Book also contains photographs of the buildings and its contents, historical information and articles of general interest such as the archaeological survey carried out in the glebe field prior to development. The number of additions and amendments to the document that are required each year is low, but that general rule is broken occasionally - the restoration works in 2000 is an example of an exception. The system which has been adopted is for the Churchwardens and the Treasurer to
make a note when an addition or amendment to the Log Book is necessary and, on a periodic basis, pass on that information to a nominated person, namely the Log Book Secretary. The Secretary is then able to prepare and issue a comprehensive update to the year 2000 edition of the Log Book when it is an appropriate time to do so. Only two updates have been found necessary since 2000, the second of which has just been finalised. Now that the Log Book is up to date, I have asked the PCC of St Berres's Church to find someone to take over my duties as Log Book Secretary. That person need not attend the Church, but should be interested in the church's history, buildings and belongings. Basic computer and spreadsheet skills are necessary. I have found the job rewarding and have learnt a great deal from keeping the Log Book up to date; the church has an interesting history as have some of its possessions. So perhaps you would like to volunteer‌‌‌? Please see the separate advertisement. (Page 24)
Need any sewing work done? Curtains,Valances, Pelmets, Blinds, Cushions, Clothing alterations Give Barbara a call on 01352 810485
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News & Views 9
LLANFERRES OVER 60's Club At our April meeting Mr. David Cummings took us on his journey to the Land of the Midnight Sun, otherwise known as Norway. His photography of the changing scenery and his enthusiasm for sailing in the fiords was enthralling.
Professional, reliable service On May 10th Mr. Graham Thomas’s talk is entitled “Fake or Fortune”. Intriguing? Why not join us at 2 o’ clock in the Village Hall
Telephone: 01352 750342 Mobile: 07933 803 972 Email: arfontrevor@tiscali.co.uk Address: 28 Parc Hendy Mold CH7 1TH
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Cyngor y Cymuned - Llanferres From the minutes of the meeting held on 21st April 2016:- Present: Cllr. David Jones (Chairman), Cllr. John Almond, Cllr Rob Armstrong, Cllr. Rob Jones, Cllr. David Twomey, Cllr. Margaret Davies, Cllr. Yvonne Foden McCorry, Cllr. Adrian Walls, County Councillor Martyn Holland, the Clerk Mrs Gwyneth Dillon, and a member of the public. 1. Apologies: Cllr. Jac Armstrong. 2. Meeting open to the public for ten minutes: No matters raised. 3. Declarations of Interest: None declared. 4. Minutes of previous Meeting: The minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 10th March 2016 were signed as a true record. 5. Matters Arising: 1) It was reported that the 'No Parking' sign had been erected in Cae Derwen but the Community Council had forgotten to first obtain the permission of the land owner. A letter of apology would be sent 6. County Councillor's Report: County Councillor Martyn Holland reported 1) He was still trying to arrange a meeting with the Highways Officer to examine the problems in Ty'n Llan and Maeshafn Road. 2) The flooding on Forestry road was still under investigation and the County Officer will liaise with the adjacent landowners. 3) The pot holes on the A494 near to the entrance to Ty'n Llan are being monitored by the Highways Agency as it is a trunk road and the pot holes in Cae Derwen and the approach road to the Church are under review. 4) A resident from Cadole had complained that the Village Sign had been removed. These signs are the responsibility of the Community Council and it would cost ÂŁ500 to place three signs on existing 'road furniture'. This was being investigated. The name 'Cadole Road' for the road leading to Gwernaffield had been agreed by Flintshire County Council after
April
consultation with residents. 5) The meeting to discuss Broadband issues in Llanarmon and other locations was not attended by a representative of BT as they feared it might have political implications so near to the Assembly Elections but they were aware of the problems. 7. Reports from other meetings: County Councillor Marty Holland together with Community Councillors John Almond and David Twomey had attended a meeting at Aberduna Quarry to see the restoration work that had been carried out. This was progressing according to plan and the Quarry Company will monitor it up to 2027. 8. Local Resolution Protocol: Councillors had been given a draft of the Protocol which the Chairman briefly summarised and Councillors supported it in principal. 9. Code of Conduct: A new Code of Conduct has been produced and this was covered by Councillors Standing Orders. 10. Maintenance in the Community: Nothing to report at the moment. 11. Red Telephone Kiosk: A suggestion had been made that the kiosk could be used as a shelter and maintenance point for cyclists. This would be investigated further. 12. Risk Assessments: This would be considered in more detail at the next meeting. 13. Maes Ysgawen: There has been flooding on the Playing Field where remedial work is being carried out and this has caused more water to enter the stream on Maes Ysgawen and this was considered to be having an impact on the flooding in Ty'n Llan which is under investigation. 14. Training and Finance: It was agreed that our financial arrangements were in accordance with the new 'Model Document for new Financial Regulations' but the document will be considered in
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Meeting
Llanferres - Community Council
more detail at the next meeting when Councillors have had time to read it fully. 15. Celebrating the Queen's Birthday: No proposals have been received by the Community Council but would give support if any were put forward. 16. Bills: Clerk's Salary ******; HMRC £38´40; No Parking sign £432.00; Village Hall, rent in advance for year £110.00; Financial assistance for Church Ground maintenance £350.00; Over 60s club request for assistance for day trip, (from Community Chest) £250.00. 17. Planning Matters: 21/2015/0281 Proposal: Alterations to fenestration style as approved under application no. 21/2012/1143 to fit side hung double glazed casement windows (Listed Building Application) Location : Holt Hostel, Maeshafn. The Community Council resolved to raise no objection in principal and supported the comments of the Conservation Officer. 18. Maeshafn Playing Field: The Community Council had received a letter from the solicitors confirming that they had spoken to the quarry
solicitors who confirmed that the transaction was under consideration but would give no indication as to how long this would take. 19. Correspondence List: Together with matters dealt with above, it was confirmed that a Cluster Meeting will be held on 19th May in Ruthin. Clerk and some Councillors will attend. 20. Other Matters that have been brought to Councillors' Attention: Cllr. Rob Jones reported that he had received complaints that people coming to Moel Famau and using 'Sat Navs' were being directed from Loggerhead up the road to Cilcain which was causing difficulties for residents. It was asked if a sign could be erected at Loggerheads to prevent this happening. 21. Date of next meeting: Thursday 12th May 2016 in the Village Hall.
John Almond, Vice Chairman
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Church News Services in May Sunday 1st May Sunday 8th May Sunday 15th May Sunday 22nd May Sunday 29th May
9.30am Morning Worship 9.30am Morning Worship 9.30am Holy Communion 4pm Messy Church at Gwernaffield Church Hall 9.30am Morning Worship 10.30 Group Holy Communion in St Berres, Llanferres
Organist We are looking for somebody to play the organ in our morning service around once a month. If anyone is interested or knows someone who is interested, please could they get in touch with Anne Woodward (01352 810270) or Rob Armstrong (01352 810259) for further details. Christian Aid Week Christian Aid Week is 15th to 22nd May. Christian Aid is a Christian organisation that seeks to tackle poverty around the world. Donation envelopes will be in the back of church, the Druid Inn and at Loggerheads Garage. Easter Vestry Meeting The Easter Vestry meeting took place on 12th April. It was highlighted that due to repairs of the lightning conductor and the guttering, and the upgrading of the lights, the church made a loss of around ÂŁ2000. This year will see further work as repairs are needed to the bell tower and windows. If anyone wants to organise fundraising for the upcoming repairs please get in touch with Noel Headley (01352 810224). Open Church The church is now open daily during daylight hours for all who want to visit our beautiful church or come for a quiet moment of reflection. Please also join us for our regular service on Sundays at 9.30am.
Need any sewing work done? Curtains,Valances, Pelmets, Blinds, Cushions, Clothing alterations Give Barbara a call on 01352 810485
News & Views 13
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Traditional cosy pub serving food 7 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 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
Food service 6.00 - 8.30 6.00 - 8.30 12.00 - 2.30 6.00 - 8.30 12.00 - 9.00 12.00 - 7.00
Monday Evenings Steak night 2 x 8oz steaks & a bottle of wine £22.95 Booking strongly advised Tuesday Evenings “Treat yourself to a sweet" night Purchase any main course from the full menu and receive a desert if your choice (excluding cheese board) Miners Mess Tin. Try one of our mess tin meals -a weekly special served in a mess tin just like the miners did! Just £5 Served Wednesday - Friday 12pm - 2.30pm.
Why not call at the Miners after a local walk in the Spring Air! Dogs Always Welcome 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
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Whist Evenings The last Whist evenings had an Easter Theme. Prizes were won by Kath Roberts, Mal Bellis, Doll Collins and Gay Headley (pictured here) and the sole gentleman’s prize by Noel Headley (below right). Winners for 28th March were Janet Truesdale and Trevor Webb. The accumulator of £10 was won by Rob Armstrong with 183 points. Thanks to our members £780 has been raised for the Village Hall. We look forward to the next Whist Evening on the Monday 21st Sept. Rob Armstrong.
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News from the Druid Inn
Accommodation Pressure on to entertain? Too many guests? Why not accommodate them at The Druid - family accommodation available - Bed & Breakfast from ÂŁ65 per room per night including a fabulous cooked breakfast
MENU
Our popular
CHICKPEA, SWEET POTATO & SPINACH Curry menu is CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA available on CHICKEN KORMA Sundays Served BEEF VINDALOO RED THAI KING PRAWN from 6 - 8.30pm BEEF MADRAS All served with sticky CHICKEN JALFREZI CHICKEN MURGH MAKHANI rice and a Naan Bread LAMB ROGAN JOSH
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News from Ysgol Bro Famau We had a very busy Easter term with lots of hard work in preparation for our School Eisteddfod which was held on St. David’s Day, and for the local Eisteddfod which was held at Rhuthin Eisteddfod. We were very proud of all our competitors with many going through to the County Eisteddfod. We had children taking part in the Recitation competitions, Woodwind competition and the Choir competition. Well done everyone. We also had
success in the Arts and Craft competitions with many beautiful items being made. To celebrate Easter, we had an Easter Bonnet competition and the Parents and Teachers Association kindly organised an Easter egg hunt and an egg rolling competition for the children at Llanferres and Llanarmon. Everyone had a great time. Diolch yn fawr iawn. We are looking forward to the summer term with all its fun activities.
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News from Ysgol Bro Famau
Ysgol Bro Famau Caring and Sharing, Learning together
Lots of extra-curricular clubs Early entitlement provision for rising 3s Breakfast Club at Llanarmon and Llanferres Sites from 8.00am For more information phone (01824) 780722 or (01352) 810 242
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200 Editions of News & Views Many thanks to June Healy who supplied these front covers of some earlier editions of News & Views. The first edition was produced by Barbara and Colin Thomas almost 20 years ago. They handed over the mantle to Sonia & Bernie Evans in 2002 and Sonia handed on the baton to us in early 2009. Happy Memories!
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COUNTRY PARK PAINTERS Our local Art Group now meets in the Loggerheads Country Park every Thursday from 9.30 to 12 noon. We are in the meeting room next to Caffi Florence and have an open door policy. Please call in to see what we do - we may even manage a cup of tea!
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News & Views 23 Dear All , A heartfelt thank you for the support you gave me to complete the Liverpool Half Marathon on Sunday the 13th March. It was a fantastic experience , weather perfect and great support along the way. I thought you would appreciate a few facts so you can see what your donation has helped me to do: There were 50 runners out of 7000 for the children’s hospice – Claire House on the Wirral. About £7000 was raised in all by the 50 people and still the money is coming in.
Half Marathon Success
I raised £1300 and you made me the highest earner for the charity…thank you! The money I raised will help buy 40 hydrotherapy sessions with a trained physiotherapist for children who have difficulty walking and is a great boost for themselves and their parents. We managed to complete the run in 2.37 against a target of “not finishing behind the lorry that picks the cones up at the end of the race!”....and we managed to do it without stopping!
The charity told us at the end that we are in their ballot for the London Marathon next April….so it looks like I will have to carry on running for a bit yet! I attach a photo as proof and once again thank you very much. Best Wishes, Steve.
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
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News & Views Distributors Wanted Do you fancy a bit of gentle exercise once a month delivering News & Views? We could really do with a little help delivering News & Views in the following areas: ● Llanferres (up to 100 copies). This can be split into smaller areas ● Pant Ddu (25 copies) ● Maeshafn Village (15 copies) The next issue is out at the end of May If you think you could help, please call us on 810668 or email news@llanferres.org Many thanks, Paul & Siobhan
Log Book Secretary Fancy a light duty with plenty of interest and occasional bursts of activity? St Berres’s Church are looking for someone to succeed Patrick Austin as Log Book Secretary. The duties and requirements of the post are described in a separate article called What is a Terrier? Please contact Gay Headley on 01352 810224 / or e-mail headley889@btinternet.com
Village Hall Booking Check the online calendar to see if the Hall is free at: www.llanferres.org then call Gilly Carney Tel: 07741 316 349
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
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Do Smarties have the Answer? Red and yellow and pink and blue Orange , purple , green and brown too ! ! These delicious Smarties we GIVE to you!! Yes! A freebie treat NOT too good to be true!! To relish , devour or savour at your will Asking only when empty - the tube you RE-FILL!! We're not asking a fortune - spare coins lying around... (And most will fit - the best fit being the round £1!!) The aim of our quest - to raise funds for a trip (A chance for our treasured OAPs to let rip!!) So please have a go - no names to let slip,.,. Cos they'll all look the same when into the bowl they’ll tip!! Llanferres Older Persons Welfare Committee (LOPWC) LOPWC members will be delivering tubes of Smarties for you to enjoy over the weekend April 30th - 2nd May. Once you’ve enjoyed your Smarties, we hope that you will be able to fill the empty tubes with coins for us to collect over the spring bank holiday weekend. With anticipated thanks!
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Maeshafn
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News & Views 29
The Foel Fenlli Hillfort The Foel Fenlli hill fort lies on the border between Llanferres and Llanbedr Communities. It is readily accessible by public footpaths on three sides. The ramparts on the northern side are protected from erosion caused by foot traffic by a "floating" stairway. It is one of a series of hill forts in the Clwydian Range built during the iron age (800BC to 43AD) and controlled access to Bwlch pen barras: one of the main passes through the Clwydian Range. A recent geophysical survey has identified about 60 possible circular hut platforms within the ramparts. There are also the remains of a bronze age burial cairn on the summit. Unlike many of the hill forts there was a water source - a spring, within the ramparts. The ramparts enclose an area of about 9.5 hectares. Thomas Pennant in his "Tour in Wales" of 1784 reported that an abundance of Roman coins (denarii) had been found in Llanferres but did not specify where they had been found. A large horde of Roman coins was discovered in 1816 on the surface of the inner ramparts after a heather fire. Most of the fifteen hundred bronze coins vanished into private collections and can no longer be traced. However forty three eventually found their way to the Grosvenor Museum in Chester. In about 1847 a farmer found a further cache of about eighty Roman coins near the summit. He sold most of them before they came to the attention of Mr. Joseph Ablett of Llanbedr Hall, who was interested in antiquities. He acquired the remaining twenty coins. This collection included a
fine gold coin depicting Nero (54-68 AD), a silver denarii (138-161 AD) and the remainder were bronze. Most of the latter appear to have been minted between 307 and 361 AD. Once again this collection has disappeared but fortunately we have a detailed list and sketches of some of the coins. The only archaeological excavations that have taken place within the hillfort were carried out by Judge W Wynne Ffoulkes and the Rev. John Williams in 1846. They discovered flint arrowheads, a stone "knife" (or possibly a hone), glazed Roman pottery, pieces of lead, bronze etc., but no coins. These artefacts were in the Ruthin Castle collection during the 1920s but have subsequently been lost - the fate of many archaeological finds made before the present era of systematic excavation and recording. Nowadays finders of archaeological objects are encouraged to report them to the local Finds Liaison Officer of the Portable Antiquities Scheme so that they can be properly recorded. In Wales the Liaison Officer is based in Cardiff.
Tony King
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More Llanferres Carnival Memories With thanks to Hilary Jones (nee Wayman) for this article from the local press and for the excellent photographs of her as Rose Queen in 1963. (Looks suspiciously like a very youthful June Healy (Collins) in her entourage too). If you're interested in an initial discussion of the idea of reviving the Llanferres Carnival, either as an individual or on behalf of your local organisation, please contact News & Views in the first instance by email: news@llanferres, or drop a note into 2 Cae Gwyn. We’ve had a couple of people contact us and one organisation so far, so if you’re interested, please let us know by the end of May.
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LLANFERRES OLDER PERSONS’ SUMMER OUTING The older persons’ summer trip this year will be on Friday 1st July to Grosvenor Garden Centre and Chester or Llangollen depending on the weather, then we're booked in for a carvery at the Holt Lodge at 4.30pm. Hope you can make it. Please contact any committee member ASAP to book your place. Please do not turn up on the day and expect to get a place if you haven’t booked. Contact: Yvonne McCorry (Tel: 810867), Joan Jones (Tel: 810500), or Ann Woodwood (Tel: 810270), Coach leaves the village at 9.30am with pick up in Tafarn y Gelyn at 9.40am Please contact us if you'd like a lift from Maeshafn to the coach in Llanferres. Cost is £6 a head for local OAPs and £12 for non-pensioners Village Hall Booking Check the online calendar to see if the Hall is free at: www.llanferres.org then call Gilly Carney Tel: 07741 316 349
Would you like the opportunity to ride horses in the Clwyd forest? If so, we have two who need regular exercise and grooming. It would involve a monthly contribution towards their keep. If you are interested please contact June on 07900404767 to discuss.
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A note from your County Councillor At last, at the weekend I spent an afternoon in my garden preparing my raised beds for this years vegetable crop and my green house for tomatoes and cucumbers. After a little time digging I realised how wet this winter had been and the work was very heavy going. Because of the wet winter the water table is high and I have received a number of calls from residents across the ward about water on our local roads, in gardens and in some cases
from farmers concerned about fields being turned into marshes. The county council has a duty to ensure surface water does not effect our roads and they will be working once again around the Llanferres area with local land owners to try and resolve these problems. In many cases it will mean arranging for better land drainage or ensuring that gullies and streams are not blocked. Lets us hope that we will have a good dry summer for a change this year!! It is fantastic news about the award from Tescos community fund of £12k towards up grading the village recreational area. Our thanks must go to Gareth, Dan and their committee for all the hard work in preparing the submission and to all those Tesco customers who voted for the Llanferres Village Project. We are fortunate that across the ward we have village committees and community councils who are planing for the future by providing green open spaces in the centres of our villages for not only today’s residents but also for future generations. I recently attended the final meeting of the Aberduna Quarry liaison committee along with Community Councillors John Almond and Dave
News & Views 33
A note from your County Councillor Twomey. This was a joint venture in conjunction with the AONB partnership committee. Hansons have now returned the quarry to its original owners and completed some major landscape and restoration work. This is still a very large hole in the ground which is in parts is very dangerous. The North Wales Wild Life Trust will be managing much of the area outside the quarry and it will be interesting to see how quickly mother nature takes over the rest. Large numbers of trees have been planted and they will be monitored to ensure that as many of them as possible take root and grow to maturity. It is strange to think that when News and Views started there were seven working quarries across the ward and now they have all closed or have been mothballed. At county level my work continues at a pace. This week on Monday I attended a session on how the council should train future elected members for office, taking cabinet roles and chairing committees. I am once again one of four councillors who will be undertaking the Chief Executives annual appraisal and we met on Tuesday to prepare for that meeting. On Wednesday local Ruthin area members were invited to look at the plans for the new Ruthin School which will be built on a site near Glasdir. Some of our local children attend Penbarras the Welsh Medium school which is moving into the new facility and so I took the opportunity to question both officers, architects and builders about the design, location and cost of the
development. It looks an impressive building and the facilities will be excellent. Public consultations start next week in Ruthin. On Thursday I will be attending a training session for school governors in Ruthin and on Friday I will be chairing a sub committee of the AONB in the morning and attending an LDP review meeting in the afternoon. Evening meetings this week included a ward public meeting about Superfast Broad Band and the Llanferres Community
Council. At last months Community Council meeting it was great to see David Jones back in the chair after breaking his hip while on council duties. Finally , as this is the two hundredth edition of News and Views I would like to add my thanks to Paul and Siobhan for all their hard work in putting together what is an excellent local publication. I know that it is well read and appreciated. Best wishes, Martyn
Indoor Bowls
Every Tuesday 7.00 - 9.00pm Llanferres Village Hall New Members Welcome
34 News & Views
Nature Notes This is my 200th 'Nature Notes' for News & Views and I have decided that it will be my last. I wrote my first at the invitation of Barbara Thomas for the first edition in February 1997 although, because of space shortage, it was held over and included in the March edition alongside my second. Little did I think at that time that I would still be doing it over 19 years later. I have enjoyed writing them and particularly I have enjoyed the comments, questions and observations from readers, all of which have been most welcome. However, with the advancing years I do not 'get out and about' as much as I would like and, therefore, it becomes harder to find subjects or topics that I have not already covered. So thank you to everybody who ever read my articles, I wish you all well and would still like to hear from you if you would like to contact me with your observations or questions. This will also be the last edition which Joan and I will be delivering. We have delivered News & Views round the village since the first edition and we now feel Baby and Toddler it is time to hand over to someone else. We have enjoyed delivering them, sometimes Group chatting to residents we met and having a look at the front gardens as we went around 9.15 to 11.15am every but 'all good things must come to an end' so Tuesday during term time. we are retiring from the delivery round. ÂŁ1 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.
John Almond
Babysitter (18 years old), willing to work day time and night time for ÂŁ5 an hour. Currently at university in London but available to work from June until September. Any enquiries please contact me on 07909223189 or email: daniel.scott.philipson@hotmail.co.uk Daniel Philipson
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Nature Notes In last month's News & Views I reported that I had not seen any summer migrant birds, yet before the magazine had landed on your door mats, Chiffchaffs, with their repetitive, onomatopoeic song were widespread and Wheatears were 'chack-chacking' on the moors. Now the diminuendo song of Willow warblers can be heard throughout the district, Swallows and House martins hawk over river and field and the rich clear warble of the Blackcap gladdens the ear. Although not a migrant, the laughing yaffle of the Green woodpecker, ringing out in the woodland, was a welcome if unusual sound that I heard recently. Spring flowers are proliferating. On a three hour walk, I counted almost forty species ranging from Primroses and Bluebells, pearly white Greater stitchwort, Yellow archangel and pink Fumitory. In shady places can be found the diminutive, green Moschatel with its flower head carrying five flowers, one facing upwards and four outward facing giving it the alternate name of Town Hall clock. The first Early-purple orchids are blooming and the woods carry the pungent aroma of Garlic where Ramsons are coming into flower. Garlic mustard is preparing for the onslaught of Orange tip butterfly larvae and when they appear we will really know that spring has arrived. One of my favourites, Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum) is flowering. Its tumescent, purple spadix has given rise to many colloquialisms, too prurient to print here. Its roots were once dug to make starch for stiffening the fashionable ruffs of Elizabethan times. Its berries which appear in autumn are extremely poisonous.
On a sunny day I noticed an assemblage of flies on the leaves of Hellebores in the garden. They were about the size of house flies but were of a metallic green to bronze colour and were trebling their wings. They were Green bottles(Lucilia caesar) and I could not decide whether the trembling wings were a 'courtship' display or a means of warming up the body. These flies enjoy a love hate relationship with man as they are very useful but can also be harmful. The adult flies feed on flower pollen and nectar and very seldom come indoors and their larvae (maggots) feed on dead and decaying matter, both animal and vegetable, and are therefore invaluable in disposing of detritus. Medically, the maggots were formally used to treat septic wounds, as they eat the decaying and infected matter round the wound and excrete a chemical that encourages new and healthy tissue growth. They are still, but very rarely, used in cases where antibiotics have proved ineffective. Forensically, by studying the development stage of the larvae, they can be useful in determining the post mortem interval of a corpse and determining the time of death. On the down side, these flies can cause the serious condition known as 'blow fly strike' in sheep and although it can be controlled with chemicals it is a tedious and costly business.
John Almond ☎01352 810808
Copyright Š May 2016 John Almond. All rights reserved.
36 News & Views
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 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.
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Mob: 07900 404767
38 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 - Rev’d Canon Adrian Copping, The New Rectory, Rectory Lane, Llanferres, Mold, CH7 5SR Email: adriancopping@hotmail.com. Tel: 810936 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 - Mrs Chris Smith, Tyn-y-Wern, Forestry Road, Llanferres. Tel 810516 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 - Chair, Kym Willis 07578392305 / 01824 780888 Llanferres Over 60s Club - Betty Cook. Tel: 810722 Village Hall Booking Secretary - Gilly Carney. Tel 077413 16349 Village Hall Management Committee - Chairman, Rob Armstrong. 810259
News & Views: Paul & Siobhan Gothorp 2 Cae Gwyn, Llanferres, Mold, CH7 5SL Tel: (01352) 810668 Email: news@llanferres.org www.llanferres.org th Deadline is 20 of the month prior to publication
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