2Dyserth Times is a not-for-profit community magazine Edited & published by Peter J Robinson solely for the benefit of the communities of Dyserth & CwmEmail: [email protected] 01745 570321Articles are published on the understanding that they are the original work of thecontributor 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 the Dyserth Times magazine or its associated Facebook group.***Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine the editor andpublisher cannot be held responsible for information supplied by contributors and published in good faith. Readers are advised to check with theorganiser of events listed within the magazine to ensure that dates and times have not been changed following publication.***I publish on the 1st of August, October, December, February, April, June. The cut off date for articles is usually the 3rd Saturday of the month preceding publication date. Due to publishing deadlines I cannot guarantee that items received after the deadline will be included in the magazine.**I am happy to publish your contributions in either Welsh or English, whichever you chose to submit. ***Articles may be typed, handwritten, USB key or e-mailed. I cannot guarantee to publish media or photographs. Whilst I understand and will respect a contributor’s request for anonymity I will publish only if I am provided with theauthor’s name and full address including post code. Please do not send articles in Mac .pages format***Dyserth Times complies with its obligations under GDPR 2018. A copy of the Dyserth Times Privacy Policy is available by request to the Editor on the contactdetails listed above.Other than the Printers, no-one associated with this magazine receives any kind offinancial reward or expenses.Facebook Page: @dyserthtimes Instagram: @dyserthtimesSome older issues online at issuu.com - search for DyserthFor this and future issues: bit.ly/Dyserth
3Dyserth Community Council Cynghor Cymunedol DyserthReported Criminal Offences in Dyserth:The following criminal offences have been reported to the North Wales Police; that have occurred within the Dyserth Community Council area:2 x Anti-Social behaviour; 1 x Burglary; 2 x Other crime; 9 x Violence/Sexual offences New Dyserth Community Councillor: Ian Clayton, a Dyserth resident, was co-opted as a Dyserth Community Councillor recently following public advertisement of the vacancy. Councillor Clayton signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office at the November Council meeting, whereafter, the Vice Chair of Council - Councillor John Glover welcomed Councillor Clayton to the Community Council. Dyserth Public Conveniences: Reported in the previous edition of the Dyserth Times that either the Community Council or a local Group would consider a Community Asset Transfer in relation to the public conveniences that are sited in the car park adjacent to the Waterfall.Following further discussions, unfortunately, both the Community Council and theTripartite Waterfall Committee are unable to consider an Asset Transfer Lease presently, due to two concerns, namely: the land where the conveniences are sited, no registered ownership can be presently traced and secondly, the County Council wish the Community Council to pay a yearly fee of £13,500, with a further cost for services of almost £3,000.00 - whilst the legal aspects are taken forward.The Community Council agreed, that these yearly costs were financially prohibitive for the Council’s limited budget.The Council will discuss further with the Waterfall Tripartite Committee, including the possibility of hiring portable toilets when Denbighshire County Council close the Dyserth conveniences on the 31st March 2026. Please see Public Notice in this edition of the Dyserth Times in relation to the Dyserth Council’s budget for the 2026 / 2027 financial year. British Red Cross (Emergency First Aid & Defibrillator Training) The Red Cross First Aid & Defibrillator training session was held recently in The Pavilion (Bowling Club) building in Dyserth, whereby the course was fully booked with the maximum of people registered.
4Concerns Discussed With County Councillor David Williams:(1) Damaged footway in area of Gwelfor Parc, Dyserth: Following a site meeting with Openreach and Denbighshire County Council, Openreach have agreed to repair the damaged surface / Numerous gullies blocked in various roads.Planning Applications:The following planning application(s) have been commented upon by the Community Council: No planning applications received from Denbighshire County Planning.Planning Decisions:The following planning decision(s) have been notified by Denbighshire County Planning: Application number: 42/2025/0356/HH – for the erection of a single storey ancillary annexe building and associated works, at Mynydd A Mor, 80 Cwm Road, Dyserth. Granted.Children’s Play Area:Following damage to the wet pour surface in the area of the swings in the children’s play area – a resurfacing has been completed at a cost of £6,144.00.Applications for Financial Support and Donations:No applications received since the last edition of the Dyserth Times.R. Phillip Parry,Clerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council Tel: 01352 720547E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.dyserthcouncil.wales
5CYNGOR CYMUNED DYSERTH DYSERTH COMMUNITY COUNCILCOUNCIL BUDGETFINANCIAL YEAR 2026 / 2027At the Dyserth Community Council meeting to be held on Monday 12th January, 2026 at 7.00pm in the Pavilion Building (Bowling Club) – off Thomas Avenue, the Council will discuss and agree their budget for the financial year 2026 to 2027, which commences from the 1stApril, 2026. Residents of the Dyserth Community Council area are invited toeither attend the meeting or provide direct to any Community Councillor, or the Clerk, any suggestions for consideration to be included in the budget. Whilst the Council have limited powers to spend money under the various Wales Measure Acts and the national Local Government Acts, details of the Council’s current objectives and financial aspects can be found in their End of Year report that was advertised in a previous edition of the Dyserth Times. This document is also currently displayed on the Council’s web site - as below link (Page named Public Notices & Financial) scroll down page to ‘Dyserth Community Council – Annual Report Year Ending 31st March 2025’. A pdf copy can also be obtained from the Clerk. R. Phillip ParryClerk & Financial Officer to Dyserth Community Council01352 720547 / [email protected]
6Denbighshire County Councillor David Gwyn WilliamsJust a rather brief article this month concerning recent Denbighshire County Council decisions that I and many other Independents believe to be wrong, but which we are powerless to influence due to political machinations and party dogma.The proposed closure of toilets throughout the county will have a massive impact on residents and tourists alike. The cabinet and officers tell us that they are working hard with local communities to keep these facilities open. In reality they are trying to force community councils to pay for the upkeep and maintenance of all publicconveniences.Dyserth has not got the funds to do so and nor do Llangollen and many other community councils.Other examples of things being done without full consultation with other councillors include scrapping all proposals to build a new Llanerch bridge, and the ongoing proposal to close Cefndy Healthcare in Rhyl which the lead cabinet member and the Head of Service blankly refused many pleas for a delay in closure until a thorough review of all options could be looked at.Please realise just how angry and disgusted many of us feel at being repeatedly and continuously ignored by a handful of inexperienced and tunnel visioned cabinet members who refuse to engage in reasoned debate, and are effectively just managing the decline of many frontline services in our county.On a lighter note may I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas, and good fortune in the new year. Nadolig Llawen I chwi gyd, a phob dymuniad gorau am 2026.
7NSPCC DyserthWe have been so busy in the shop recently, as well as our ”normal stock” we have been dealing with Halloween and Christmas items for sale. Thank you for all the donations, everyone seems to be cleaning out ready for Christmas, meaning that we have so many great bargains for you to buy. Do pay us a visit to buy your cards and presents.Some of our more talented volunteers have been busy knitting and crocheting beautiful and unique gifts, and by now there will be wreaths and posies for sale too.We are not taking orders for these, so just come in and choose from those that are available; all hand-made and at reasonable prices.Sadly, our helper Paul Rad is no longer with us having passed away recently. He was so kind and such a help with the “heavy lifting” (literally). Condolences from us all to his family and friends.Cathie Cornish.In addition to Cathie mentioning our good friend and fellow volunteer Paul Rad, I would just like to say that he will be a great loss to the charity shop. Paul was also always ready to help out with any projects around the village, especially as a valued member of the Environmental Group and the Dyserth Times team, both as a contributor to the magazine itself and as one who took on delivering it around the outskirts of Dyserth.He was also the creator of the quite famous “Fairy Tree” and Dog Library and various other surprises that would magically appear on the walkway giving delight to many local children (and adults!)We hold many memories of our lovely mischievous Paul.Jackie Parry.Paul, with Dyserth Environmental Group, assisting with tree planting at the burial groundopposite Llewerllyd Farm
8IN MEMORY OF THE CREATOR OF HERMAN THE HERMIT FOR THE DYSERTH TIMESPaul Johnathan Radley (RAD)1966-2025Paul was born in Southport Lancashire the second son of a traditional Shrimping/Fishing family. In his younger years he accompanied his father and his brother out on the Irish sea catching seafood and preparing their catch ready for market. Paul soon realised that he couldn’t continue in the family business as he couldn’t tolerate the smell of fish. In his high school years Paul discovered that he had a natural talent for art and he followed his passion to gain a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design. Paul had a love of nature and working outdoors for most of his adult life he travelled extensively in the UK utilising his talents to restore historic and listed buildings back to their natural state also working on land conservation and tree preservation projects.After nursing his mother through a long term illness in Southport Paul decided to move to a new area, after an extensive search he chose to settle in Dyserth in June 2016 bringing with him his Mum’s cat Eva. Paul enjoyed village life and embraced being involved in community events, the paint a pebble, scarecrow competition, world book day to name but a few. He was also happy to volunteer his time to help local people as much as he could at the charity shop, conservation group and delivering the Dyserth Times. In 2020 Paul was asked by the Dyserth Times editor to use his artistic talents to draw a colouring page in the magazine to help occupy the local children during covid lockdowns. This then led to the regular feature of a fun page in the community magazine with Herman the Hermit crashing out of his cave into modern day life and his cartoon would then feature in every edition since then.Paul would create a cartoon that would depict Herman and his friends Rat, Slug and Spider in an amusing way but would always have a topical or environmental theme with an underlying message to help preserve the natural environment we all live in.He always liked to bring a smile to peoples faces in an unexpected way and with this in mind he anonymously created a fairy tree along a path with a number of memorial benches to cheer up the young and old walking past. On the same path he also started a dog library where he would put an endless supply of tennis balls and dog toys for fellow dog walkers and their four legged friends to enjoy.Paul always loved animals, particularly dogs and cats. In his younger days he always had his pet Alsatian dog Sheeba walking beside him everywhere he went in Southport.Not long after he moved to Dyserth Paul adopted 2 more cats to keep Eva company and latterly his beloved dog Archie. His favourite pastime was walking around the
9beautiful Dyserth countryside with Archie by his side.We are going to hold a memorial event to celebrate Paul’s life by the fairy tree in the Spring time. We would love it if people would join us to share stories of how Paul had brought a smile to their face and joy to their hearts. We would like to encourage people to bring a painted pebble to the event in memory of Paul, the date will be confirmed nearer the time.In the meantime we would be grateful if people would keep his legacy going by adding to the fairy tree and the dog library. Since Paul’s very sad and sudden passing his 3 cats and dog have been returned to The Pet Welfare Association, Llewerllydd Farm, Dyserth LL18 6BP whowould be very grateful if anyone would like to make a donation direct to them in Paul’s memory.This article and the Herman picture have been created by Angela, Mino and Colly long term friends of Paul from Southport. We all look forward to meeting Paul’s new Dyserth friends in the Spring to celebrate his life.A pebble, painted by Paul, at Dyserth War Memorial
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12Horeb United Reformed Church - Eglwys Unedig Diwygiedig HorebAn update 2025.11The continuing story of what goes on at Horeb Chapel, and how we are doing our best to move forward and ‘do our bit’ as life goes on in these increasingly challenging times. First, as in the last issue, an apology.I began my update last time with a few words which in my mind expressed gratitude to the staff at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd following a week’s stay with a digestive tract problem. The problem was resolved and has not recurred. Thanks! Unfortunately in the several weeks since, time has flown by, (doesn’t it just) and my body has found another way to cause me concern. So this edition must start with an apology for its brevity and anything missing.I have suddenly lost all energy, (and confidence) and gained aches and pains in what seems like every joint in my body. Consequently, everything is more difficult to do / takes longer and requires more frequent and longer breaks for a rest and a cuppa –or even a brief nap..Yes, I have been to see my G.P.; blood samples have been taken, but as yet I am unaware of the result and have no idea what is going on in there. So, my point, please accept my apologies for a shorter piece from Horeb this time. Support for the staff at Shu’fat camp.Since our focus on the situation at Shu’fat Refugee Camp leading to out ‘Strawberry Tea’ fundraiser, I think that many of us have followed the troubles in the Middle East with increasing apprehension as the death toll mounts. Yes, we are aware of the ‘ceasefire’ but …Although we have yet to plan a major event in support, there is a pot labelled Shu’fat in Horeb’s Paterson Hall into which folk attending our various Church events are invited to deposit any loose change or whatever they wish – and this will find its way to Dr. Salim and his staff.So if you are at a Community Lunch or Wednesday Coffee Morning …This is a note from Gaynor Jones following her being handed £30.00 (the first of many pots-full of change)Many thanks for another kind donation to Shu’fat refugee camp. It is much appreciated and friends in the camp are thankful that they are not forgotten. Thank you all at Horeb for your contributors’ support. Best wishes Gaynor.The box has returned and its use will continue. Thank-you.So now back to normal - What’s Going On! – much trimmed.‘Son of Food Co-op’ – Our Wednesday ‘Coffee Morning‘Numbers – well we had17/18 and two dogs this week – lots of laughter and catching up. Attendance fluctuates but we’re NEVER FULL so – PLEASE JOIN US! It is not in any way a 'closed shop' but open to all on Wednesdays (10.00 to 12.00. Tea / coffee / biscuits / cakes (occasionally) are provided; the cost being covered by whatever folk feel like putting in the pot. A relaxing time in good company with tea/coffee made to order and if it
13doesn't suit - we'll point you in the direction of the kitchen … … and you can make your own just as you like it.Community Lunches - still up and running at Horeb on the second Tuesday of the month from 12.30 – all are welcome.No need to book – (unless you’re bringing a coachful) - and, if you’re running late, don’t worry you will be fed.The menu for our lunches continues to be one that the small team of folk from Horeb (Some of the Elders plus a few friends / family) can manage i.e. a bowl of soup (a choice from 2 or three) with a bread roll and butter followed by pudding and a cup of tea/coffee or a soft drink - all for £4,00As ‘He who does the Washing-up’, (I seem to have been promoted) I can truthfully report that at every lunch thus far, all the dishes have been returned empty – and there have been no complaints either about the quantity of food or the choice of soups or puddings so again we must be doing something right. BUT we’re not full –so if you’re free… join us on December 9th. Coming Soon Christmas at Horeb Sunday Nov. 30th The First Sunday in Advent - Worship led by Rev. Colin Foreman at 10.30 a.m. This is Horeb’s TOY SUNDAY Members donate gifts of toys in support of N. Wales SuperKids. This is one of the causes that we at Horeb support and if any of you reading would like to help it will be accepted with gratitude. Mon. Dec.1st - Prayer Meeting (Henry Gordon Room 6.00 – 6.30 p.m.) Christmas Eve - Carol Service – 4.30 p.m. - Followed by ‘Mince Pies’ -Offertory to Shu’fat Christmas Day - Morning Worship – 10.00 a.m.- No refreshments (so home for Mince Pies) – Offertory to Horeb FundsSo, what is now considered ‘Normal’ - I will repeat – Morning Worship: [Sundays (10.30 - 11.30)] and a social time with tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards. The service is available 'live' to all on Zoom on the Sunday morningDETAILS Zoom (meeting id 923 732 5176 password 3fHEG9)Weekly, a summary of ‘What’s on at Horeb’ is circulated online to keep folk in touch, with hard copies available at the Sunday morning Service for those without printers.If anyone reading this update would like to receive ‘What’s on at Horeb’ every week - mail me on [email protected] and I’ll willingly add you to my list. Horeb trying to be usefula) Horeb’s link with Pengwern College in Rhuddlan – involved in some maintenance of Horeb ‘ground- works’ seem to have stalled as we have still been unable make contact – we’ll keep trying. Maybe in the New Year / Spring.
14b) Tŷ Golau For many years now, Horeb has supported ‘The Night Shelter for the homeless in Rhyl’. - Our members, when they do their weekly shopping purchase a few extra items, put them in a box in Horeb and they are delivered to Tŷ Golauevery few weeks. - The staff are grateful for the gifts and the support and the fact that we appreciate what the staff do for folk who are simply less fortunate than we – we will continue to ‘do our bit’.c) We will continue our support of Christian Aid, The Leprosy Mission and North Wales SuperkidsFinances - (unfortunately, always on our minds) The Hiring of Paterson Hall and other space in HorebThis is a major source of income which, has still to return to a pre-COVID level – and with the increase in fuel costs it has been increasingly difficult to balance what hirers can afford to pay and what we need to charge to cover our costs - let alone gain some 'income'. Discussing this at our last Elders’ Meeting we concluded that although realising the need to keep the cost of Hiring space at Horeb to a minimum, we really had no choice but to react to the increased cost of heating the premises. Consequently, the cost of hiring the Paterson Hall and the Henry Gordon Room will be increased to £12.00 per hour and for Children’s Parties to £50.00 per event from Jan 1st, 2026.[Folk hiring space should have received notification of these changes . My apologies if this is news to you as a consequence of my not considering the Dyserth Times update when we made the decision.]The return of the Web Site might be a help in increasing bookings, BUT – in the meantime if anyone reading this needs or knows anyone who needs to hire some space for a club or event The Paterson Hall, The Henry Gordon Room and the Sanctuary itself are available for Hiring for several hours during the week. Indeed, if anyone reading has a need or knows anyone who wishes to Hire a space, they should contact Allan Morgan on 01745 570364. - and leave a message if invited to do so.Aware that we, in many ways, are battling for the survival of Horeb, the Elders and Members, remain determined to continue to work hard and to do our best to keep Horeb Chapel alive and well. Finally, as usual, you know where we are, you know we will be open for worship at 10.30 a.m. every Sunday, and if you are thinking about joining us for worship one Sunday, you will be very welcome.So, I'll sign off wishing all peace, health and fulfilment as Christmas approaches and families and friends plan to spend time together enjoying each other’s company; and as we move into the New Year we can but hope and pray that the world becomes a less frightening place and that we will all be able to enjoy a peaceful, healthy and fulfilling 2026.Allan Morgan (Horeb Elder)
15In search of Tyn y ClwtPeter J. Robinson (Editor)Some years ago, while researching family history on my wife, Rhiannon’s, side we were puzzled by references to Tyn y Clwt, variously spelled as Tyn-y-Clwt, Ty’n y Clwt, Ty yn y Clwt, and sometimes transcribed as Tyn y Clist.From the 1881 census John Jones was a Carter living at Aberkinsey and Margaret Hughes was a Housemaid living at Pydew Farm. These were the addresses given when they married in 1882.We knew from the 1891 census, below, that Tyn y Clwt was somewhere near Aberkinsey Farm but couldn’t find it.Anne Jones was born in Llanasa in 1882. In the 1891 census she was with her parents in Tyn y Clwt. Her sister Mary Ellen Jones, Rhiannon’s Nain (Grandmother), was born at Tyn y Clwt in April 1893 and baptised in May of that year. In the 1901 census she and her parents were living in Long Acre Cottages.Several years later I found Tyn y Clwt referred to as a croft on a tithe map of July 1893, below. Aberkinsey Farm is on the left and plot numbers 804 and 805, on the right, are listed as Tyn y Clwt. At that time owned by William Shipley Conway and occupied by Samuel Davies
16From the tythe map of July 1839. The first figures to the right show the area of land in Acres, Roods and Perches. In this case a total of 0 Acres, 3 Roods and 27 Perches. (4 Roods to the Acre and 40 Perches to the Rood)The next figures show the amount payable to the Bishop and Dean of St Asaph - 3 Shillings and 5 pence.To match the tythe map to other mapping it needs to be rotatedThe dotted line is a public footpath from the main Rhuddlan-Meliden road, shown on the map, right.We walked there on April 30th 2022, but the area is overgrown, fenced-off and difficult to access, though we think we must have been very close to the site of the house.The triangle to the north of the building has the river on both sides, though it’s a small stream under the lane on the lower side, nearest the building – not a ford as indicated. The other ford still exists and there is also a footbridge. (or was in 2022)A map from the 1900s
17To the right of the bridge, below, is the area that would have been the croft – No. 804 on the tithe map. Photo from 30th April 2022.Bridge, shown below
18Dyserth old school, on the hill, opposite what was the Cross Keys. c1900Mary Ellen Jones, from the previous article, 3rd row up, 2nd from right. She was probably living in Long Acre Cottages at this timeThis photo, and many others, are available on my website: www.dyserth.com
19Women’s Institute (WI)Sefydliad y Merched (SyM)Once again Dyserth WI members have been enjoying themselves. Last month we had a trip to the British Ironworks Centre, Oswestry as well as a fascinating talk from Sue Evans on her collection of Dolls Houses and their contents.In addition Jacquie ran a very successful candle making session.In October we look forward to a talk and demonstration of Welsh Dancing. November brings our Annual Meeting and more importantly (!) our regular Chippy Quiz (plus entertainment) and December a trip toChester Cathedral for its annual Christmas Concert. Dyserth W.I. continues to offer fun and friendship to any woman living in and around Dyserth including Trelawnyd, Rhyl, Rhuddlan and Prestatyn.We meet at 7.00 p.m. on the second Friday of every month (except August). Our forthcoming meetings include speakers on Dolls Houses and Welsh Dancing. If you want to keep up with our activities, then find us on Facebook. Just type in Dyserth WI to see pictures and articles about past events and outings.If you are interested in joining Dyserth WI or want to find out more please contact our President, Linda [email protected] our Secretary Ann on [email protected]
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21Cymdeithas Cymraeg DyserthWelcomeDid you know that the Dyserth Welsh Society extends a warm welcome to new members (fluent Welsh speakers and learners of any level)? Come along to Paterson Hall (behind Horeb Chapel) on Dyserth High Street on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7pm. There will be a cuppa and chat available. Our December meeting will be a Christmas Dinner at the New Inn, Dyserth, so book onto that as soon as you can for some festive fun – let us know on our Facebook page if you would like to come along!Lessons Are you interested in having Welsh lessons in the village? If we have ten names we can move forward with arranging this. Let us know. Visit Cymdeithas Gymraeg Dyserth on Facebook and we will get in touch with you.TalkWe were delighted to welcome Doctor Mari Lloyd-Williams recently to give us a talk on her work at Canolfan Dydd y Waen. The Chair and Treasurer of Cymdeithas Gymraeg Dyserth presenting Dr Mari LloydWilliams with a donationtowards her work.NewsIn years gone by there were many Welsh language musical evenings in Dyserth, so we are very excited to be working with Llais Prestatyn to bring Bwncath, one of the busiest and most popular bands in Wales to our Community Hall in Dyserth on Saturday, December 6th.The band formed in 2014 and quickly established themselves as a significant presence on the Welsh music scene with their live performances and distinctive songs. The evening runs from 8 until 11, with a bar and raffle on the night. Tickets, priced at £15 each are available from Frankie’s on Dyserth High Street, by [email protected] or at www.wegottickets.com.
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24Nature’s Corner – Cornel NatureThe Ant hill mob of Bushy park During August of this year, we spent a fortnight in London; staying in an area to the west of the city centre known as St Margarets, near Richmond. The area is a maze of quiet streets with all the usual amenities close by, along with great pubs and cafes, there were Foxes visiting the back garden were we stayed along with Hedgehogs perusing the lawn each evening, and of course the Ring Necked Parakeets which are becoming endemic are a daily sighting on the garden bird feeders. All this a 30 minute train ride from the city and all that that entails.One of the many highlights for us was a visit one afternoon to Bushy Park at nearby Hampton; this oasis for nature and people is a welcome change from the more obvious attractions of the big city. There is ample free parking (although a donation is welcome) via a machine, a great cafe called the Pheasantry and a kids play area, but wander a bit further down along the stream towards Trisses pond and the woodland, away from the crowds and a whole new world becomes apparent.There are Kingfishers flitting up and down occasionally settling in trees overlooking the water where tiny fish lurk, beautiful Mandarin drakes and ducks on the water. A healthy population of Little Owls is evident there too, mainly in the great Oaks out on the grassland; a bird once common around the Dyserth and Cwm areas but sadly rarely seen nowadays. At one point a juvenile Green Woodpecker flew straight towards me and landed on a tree trunk some 10 meters away; hadn’t seen one of those in a while either.Moving out of the woodland and out onto the grassland is a different experience altogether; this huge area is populated with more veteran and ancient trees than any other site in London, the name “Bushy\" is thought to come from the large numbers of Hawthorn bushes planted to protect the many Oak trees from damage mainly by deer. The expanse of grass is festooned with thousands of Anthills and KestrelatBushyPark
25consequently, there is a healthy population of Green Woodpeckers at the park, their favourite food being ants!These birds were flying to and fro between the Anthills and the woodland all the time we were there during one hot afternoon although once on the ground, they were initially quite difficult to locate. I absolutely loved waiting for one to fly in and then spending time trying to get as close as possible for a photo, it can be done without causing disturbance as these birds are so used to people who are walking about with dogs all over the park.There were also some unusually confident young Kestrels flying about pursuing insects on the ground as well as perching low down in the smaller trees which are dotted about. One bird actually landed on a park bench alongside Jackie for a few seconds before hopping onto the ground to seize some hapless insect. We enjoyed the afternoon very much and so decided on an evening revisit which only confirmed how wonderful a jewel this is amongst the throng of West London. There appeared to be even more activity from the Green Woodpeckers and Kestrels as the evening wore on and there were small numbers of deer approaching from the more distant woodland as the sun began to fall in the sky. It is an amazing place, and the constant sight of distant aircraft flying in and out of Heathrow is a reminder that you are in an area of natural beauty surrounded by a huge conurbation that is all part of London City.Dave Parry.
26Dyserth Tuesday Morning Community GroupGrwp Cumunedol Bore Dydd MawrthBeing positiveWhen I received the last issue of the Dyserth Times, a grand little magazine, I smiled at the beautiful picture of a fallow deer on the front cover. It had that “Ahhhh” factor. My darling wife tells me to always try to be positive and I had a little difficulty in this case. Let me explain: We are very fortunate to live on a piece of land that has our fields stretching beyond our big back garden. My wife (not I) is a great gardener and struggles out in all weathers to nurture her plants. We are blessed with teaming wildlife and yet almost every creature seems out to destroy her garden. The large family of squirrels living under our oak tree are constantly digging great holes in the lawn or –and this is very frustrating – digging up all her hard work planting muscari, daffodils and tulip bulbs, The crows and the squirrels between them pinch all our plums and cherries and most of our apples every season. Foxes and badgers open our food waste bin and leave incredible messes outside our back door. And finally I must report that we purchased four lovely flowering cherry trees costing a few hundred pounds and after one season we were thrilled to have a very colourful display BUT not this year. Word had got round to the local deer community and they arrived en masse.At one point there were seven fallow deer and two well antlered stags or bucks and these latter used their antlers to pull down the upper branches of the flowering cherry trees and simply munch them all. Not satisfied with this destruction they and their 'girls' munched all the bark off our four trees and of course killed them. My wife says things like: “Its their world as well as ours” but if I had a gun.....In the last issue I printed our DTMCG programme for this coming season as a kind of open invitation to folks in Dyserth to come and enjoy one of the nicest groups of people it has ever been my pleasure to meet. I shall try to stay positive but we saw no new faces at our opening two weeks. I worry that younger folks than I will lose the wonderful very Welsh talent or characteristic of strong community. The magnificent Dyserth Community Council who support us so well are helping us to keep going but we do need people to survive. There was a lesson to be learnt a couple of years back, when the 110-year-old Dyserth Field Club had to fold because of lack of committee. They had a very healthy large membership but folks were not prepared to act on their committee. I sincerely hope that is not our future. I can feel my bride saying: “Think positive”. If you would like to enjoy people in real life – and not just on Facebook or on your mobile. Then come along – we will welcome you.Michael Corfe, Secretary DTMCG, 01745 585110
27The Dyserth & Cwm DirectoryCouncillors and ClerksCounty Councillor -Dyserth David Gwyn Williams01745 [email protected] Councillor -Tremeirchion, Cwm & WaenChris Evans 07795 650041Clerk to the Dyserth Community Council Phillip Parry 01352 [email protected] to Tremeirchion, Cwm & Waen (Part Time) Sue Fordham (Mrs) 07842 [email protected] ServicesCommunity Police PCSO2839 Alexandra Jones 07768 038842Pharmacy Peter Morgan 01745 570232Quarry House Surgery - 01745 572968Rhuddlan Library Mathew Baker 01745 590719Ysgol Hiraddug Headteacher – Tristan Hughes 01745 570467Dyserth Community GroupsDyserth Environmental Group Secretary - Jackie Parry 01745 571956Dyserth Tuesday Morning Community Group Michael Corfe 01745 585110Dyserth Women’s InstituteSecretary –Ann Hughes [email protected] GroupsDyserth Parish Church Church Warden – Harry Davies & Roger Peters 01745 570130Horeb United Reformed ChurchChurch Secretary -Janet Hughes 07780 564 511Venues for HireCommunity Hall, Dyserth [email protected] Hall, Dyserth Allan Morgan 01745 570364
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