However I would have hoped that children in this village would see this as a fun evening, not one in which they expect to always receive a treat from every house.
We had just two groups knock on our door. I was feeding my young baby and trying to settle him to sleep. I was on my own, so unable to answer the door. My 'gift' for not racing to the door to hand out treats—3 eggs thrown at my front door, and left to drip. I did not discover this until the next morning, when I then had to clear the mess up.
I am frustrated that this American 'holiday' has resulted in the expectation that everybody wishes to take part. I am by no means a spoilsport when it comes to fun, but wish that children would realize that just because they receive nothing, does not mean that they should leave their mark. I hope that these children feel sorry for their actions and will think in future of others, before themselves.
Fed up

Wrexham Council are currently reviewing their Local Development Plan, which affects each and every one of us. They are currently identifying areas for potential future housing development, and two of these areas are situated right in the heart of the village. If the development proposals for these areas are accepted by the council it does not guarantee the landowners planning permission—however it does make it more likely that any applications for housing will be granted.
The choice is simple—green areas within the village, adding to it's charm and beauty, or modern housing estates bringing additional traffic and extra pressure on the limited village resources.
The two areas identified are 'Land off Quarry Road' reference GC02LDP (affectionately known as Rockerfellas Field) and 'Land off High Street' reference Glyn04UCS (known as The Vicarage Fields). The full detailed council notices can be viewed on Quarry Road (on Emyr's gatepost) and High Street (on a telegraph pole near The Vicarage)
If you want these two areas to remain green let the Council know by 26.11.07, otherwise they may soon disappear under tons of concrete.
Contact Wrexham Council Planning Department, Lambpit Street WREXHAM, LL11 1AR, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel: 01978 292013.
The future of these areas, the beauty of the village, and the future of this important part of the valley is in your hands—have your say NOW before it is too late!
LN

Congratulations to Joshua Cook of Pontfadog who has been awarded a 1st Dan (Black Belt) in Shotokan Karate. We are very proud of you. Love Mum and Dad

With the Christmas Season becoming closer. all the chapels will be busy celebrating Gods gift of Jesus birth. What a time to reflect on the intriguing parallels between the events of Christmas and those of Pentecost.
There is a waiting group. Each one, Zechariah, Elisabeth, Simeon and Anna is prayerful and expectant. So were the Eleven, Mary, Jesus brothers and some other women, as Acts1:13,14 describes. Significantly, only Mary was in both groups. Let us join this waiting group, asking God to make this Christmas special.
There is a supernatural movement of the Holy Spirit. This occurs with John (Luke 1:15), Mary (Luke 1:35), Elisabeth (Luke 1:41), Zechariah (Luke 1:67), and Simeon (Luke 2:25). Similar marks that are attended by the empowering Presence of The Holy Spirit are found in Luke's account in Acts 1:8, 2:1. Let this free gift be part of our Christmas present.
There is revelation that heralds Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to announce and glorify Jesus, beginning with the unborn as the foetal John leaps (Luke 1:41,44), and then on to quite specific revelation (see Luke 1:31-33; 2:26,30). Acts 2:36 is similarly specific; "God has made this Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" Let us remember this, as we celebrate Jesus birth.
There is an outburst of prophecy and song. Mary is first to speak and sing with the Holy Spirit's anointing (Luke 1:42,46); then Zechariah (Luke 1:64,67). And on the Day of Pentecost the wonders of God were declared in everyone's mother tongue (Acts 2:11). Let us in Welsh or English this Christmas rejoice in Gods gift to us
Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas
Your friend in Christ, Glyn
Rev'd R. Glyn Jones, Bryn Glas, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen, Ll207EU Tel 01691718086 or 07760 328752

I would like to thank all who went round with a collecting box, in the recent 'house to house' collection. Together you raised the wonderful total of £598.52. Thanks also to those who generously contributed when you were called on.
Llanarmon Church is holding a Christmas Tree Festival between 8–16 December, as part of this on Friday, 14 December we are having a 'Stop for Tea', 2pm to 4pm in aid of the NSPCC.
Do come along and join us, see our lovely decorated church and support this worthy cause. Thank you again.
M.M.

I have been deeply saddened by the persistent and unfounded rumours that appear to be circulating in the Valley about Ysgol Pontfadog.
It is true that Ysgol Pontfadog has lost a teacher due to reduced numbers of children (which is currently the National trend), but it is CERTAINLY NOT CLOSING!
I am proud that my son, Harri, attends Ysgol Pontfadog, where he is receiving nothing short of a first class education, delivered in a happy, family environment. My main concern on this issue is that the children also listen to rumours, therefore, I would ask the perpetrators to be more responsible in their actions and more aware of the feelings of our children!
I feel that Harri, and all the other children who have attend Ysgol Pontfadog over the years, are in fact privileged.
Ysgol Pontfadog has recently been the recipient of an outstanding Estyn Report, which confirms that I am not exclusive in my praise for the school which continues to go from strength to strength.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Catrin Jones

We now have a new Service manager at Dolywern her name is Mrs Anne Gulliver. Anne has been with us for several months now and we hope that she settles in to the post. We have also had a name change to Leonard Cheshire Disability but we are still Dolywern Cheshire Home at heart.
All the choir and schools that visit us on the run up to Christmas are starting to make dates and the residents are all booking their Christmas lunches out at various places. Some are going to the Garden Centre, some to the Glyn Valley Hotel and of course the usual M.S. lunches they will all hate the sight of turkey before the New Year.
We are planning our Christmas Market on the 24 November, we always seem to clash with someone else’s Christmas fundraiser but I’m sure there is enough old faithful and new ones of course to go round. Some of us are going to the 'Carols by Candlelight' at Ellesmere College on the 29 November and a Turkey and Tinsel on the canal at Welshpool, cooked on board by our very own Jennifer on the 13 December. As I write this we're looking forward to our Halloween party with games such as 'wrap the mummy' and 'pin the nose on the witch', sometimes it is good to act childish and let your hair down.
All for now, kindest regards Diane Gittins.
PS. Thanks to the Trick or Treaters that came in on Wednesday evening to sing to us, it added a lot of enjoyment to the party. DG

It is not necessary to leave the beaten track in the valley to enjoy nature. Today I walked with Teg along the old road. Along with the more common species that are seen daily was a pair of peregrines, the male noticeably smaller and getting in the way of the female’s serious hunting by his exuberant display to her. Two greater spotted woodpeckers stood out from the crowd. (I haven’t seen or heard a green for several months, with the better visibility now the leaves are falling they will probably appear once more). Jays were amongst the trees and sitting in a newly denuded ash was one of the young buzzards keeping an eye on us, probably thinking you never know your luck, we might drop dead in passing! Their colour blends well into the background, it looked very like the few clumps of dry, winged seeds still hanging, indeed three young magpies were in the tree only ten feet away without noticing. Again the old pair have successfully raised three young who will remain with the parents until next February or March. Last season the old birds had difficulty persuading their offspring it was time to go and allow them to rebuild the nest.
Although capable killers, buzzards are lazy birds and their preference is to take carrion, also spending a lot of their time on the ground feeding on worms and beetles. One point I have noticed is while occupied in this the crows accept them and feed along side. Quite different to their mobbing when the buzzards are in flight.
Two separate reports of fieldfare sightings already, earlier than I expected. Together with the redwings they will soon strip the hawthorns, an early sign of winters approach. That will mean spring is coming!
Tom Baker, Hyfrydle, Hen Ffordd, Dolywern Tel. 712835

The Barn Dance held on 27 October 2007 was a resounding and huge success! All hands on deck by the Llanarmon DC and Tregeiriog Team members, spouses and friends, both in the preparation of the event as well as the actual running of the dance, ensured that the 107 plus people who attended had a memorable evening.
The Border Band,playing well after the 10.30pm booked time and, in spite of the unfortunate absence of their drummer, played us through the evening to almost constant dancing.
A big thank you to all those who made generous donations to the scheme, bought tickets and raffle tickets and made the evening go with a swing.
In addition to raising money to help us carry out our life-saving work, the success of the event will enable us to make additional significant donations to Wales Air Ambulance and the Ceiriog Centenary Hall.
Llanarmon DC and Tregeiriog First Responders welcomes new members at any time. If you are interested in joining us in this worthwhile cause, please do get in touch. Regular training updates are available and even one duty session a month is welcome.
As the Barn Dance demonstrated, we do also have a lot of fun!
Diana Baur
LDC&TFR Treasurer

The Annual Concert, organised by Cymdeithas Glyntraian was held at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall on Saturday, 17 November, taking part were the Maelgwn Male Voice Choir, with their conductor Trystan Lewis, accompanist Mereid Mair and the soloists were members of the choir. They were introduced by the committee vice-chairman, who spoke of their recent visit to Washington DC , where they sang at the North America Gymanfa Ganu, this year led bytheir conductor, Trystan Lewis.
During the interval, Mrs Greta Jones, representing Nightingale House, spoke of the work of the hospice and of its yearly financial requirements. The chairman, Mr Eifion Davies thanked the choir, and also the committee and the public for it's support over the past 10 years, and most especially, this year when so many other events were taking place on the same evening. The proceeds, amounting to £500 will be donated to the Nightingale House Hospice.
The committee has already arranged next year's concert, taking part will be Cantorion Colin Jones—(North Wales Chorus) and it will take place on October 16 2008 at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall.

The Annual Pool Competition, held in memory of Mark Easterwood, was held at the Glyn Valley Hotel on October 20, when £400 was raised and donated to the Cheshire Home at Dolywern. Mark's family are grateful to Megis for organizing the event and also to Mike Gilchrist and everyone who supported the event. The winner was Megis, who has now won the competition four times, the runner-up was Alistair Davies, well done lads!

Jan Orritt and Lowri Roberts completed the walk around Lake Vyrnwy , raising £860 for the Wales Air Ambulance. They wished to thank all those who sponsored them.

County Councillor Mrs Barbara Roberts would like to extend Season's Greetings and best wishes for the New Year to all her constituents.

Mrs Bess Hughes, Glyn Ceiriog, would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year, she will not be sending cards but will give a donation to Wales Air Ambulance instead.

Mrs Shirley Terretta wishes to thank all those who took part in the TV programme 'Treaser' in aid of the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre, (forms had been available at the Cross Stores and at the carnival). The winner was Mrs Ann Johnson.

All his friends wish to thank Glyn Bach for the wonderful night they had at the Glyn Valley Hotel on October 27 to celebrate his birthday, with Robin Jones singing and entertaining us all, it was like old times. Diolch Glyn

The Dyffryn Ceiriog group of the Riding for the Disabled would like to thank everyone for their support in making their Autumn Fair held on Saturday, 3 November in the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre such a great success. The money raised will go towards the activities of the group, which includes the sponsorship of the pony 'Bud' and our new vaulting group. Many thanks.

To Elin Llwyd Morgan we offer our congratulations on the publication of her novel, 'Mae Llygaid gan y Lleuad'.

I am totally confused as to how Tom Baker has come to the conclusion that the birds in the valley have had a successful breeding season.
Having approximately 200 nestboxes in the area and as far as the birds using them are concerned it has been a disastrous year. Productivity has been down for the three main species using the boxes i.e., Blue Tit, Great Tit and Pied Flycatcher, in particular the Pied Flycatcher, out of 225 eggs laid, only 145 hatched, out of those only 31 managed to fledge.
The following is an extract from an article in the magazine 'Birdwatch':
'Some of Britain 's commonest birds had their worst breeding season on record this summer. The terrible weather in May, June and July took its toll on both residents and summer visitors, says the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology).
BTO bird ringers monitor 25 species annually and the results this year show that seven of them has their worst ever breeding season. Blue and Great Tits, Reed and Willow Warblers and Whitethroats all had their lowest recorded productivity'.
My own experience mirrors the above comments.
Alan Robinson, Nantlais, Llwynmawr. Tel: 718122.

The Swan Inn are once again proud to announce on Wednesday, 19 December that the Male Voice Choir will be singing Christmas Carols, everyone welcome. To start the evening off at 6.30 pm we have a harpist, Nerys, who will play until 8.30 pm followed by the choir. So please come along and enjoy the Festive Evening also a big thank you to everyone who came to the Coffee Morning, supporting MacMillan Cancer, we raised the great total of £150, well done!

Sunday, 2 December
9.00am Eucharist at St John's
10.15am Eucharist at St Ffraid's
11.30am Eucharist at St Garmon's
Saturday 8–Sunday 16 December
Christmas Tree Festival at St Garmon's
Church open daily from 12 noon to 4.00pm
Sunday, 9 December
10.30am Celebratory United Service at St Garmon's
6.00pm Bilingual Eucharist at St John's
7.30pm Llansilin Choir Concert (£5)
Wednesday, 12 December
2.00pm Ysgol Pontfadog Christingle in St John's
6.00pm 'Christmas Trees and Christingle' led by the Llanarmon School Children in St Garmon's
Friday, 14 December
2.00–4.00pm Festive Tea in St Garmon's, £2 (in aid of NSPCC)
Sunday, 16 December
9.00am Eucharist at St John's
10.15am Christingle Service at St Ffraid's
6.00pm Christingle Service at St John's
6.00pm Christingle Carol Sing-a-long at St Garmon's
Tuesday, 18 December
2.00pm Cytun Carol Service with Ysgol Pontfadog in St John's Churchyard
Saturday, 22 December
Travelling Crib with carols start Pontfadog at 2.30pm and finish at Llanarmon at 5.30pm
Sunday, 23 December
9.00am Eucharist at St John's
10.15am Christmas Celebrations at St Ffraid's
11.30am Carols at St Garmon's
6.00pm Evensong at St John's
Monday 24 December
11.30pm Midnight Mass at St Ffraid's
Tuesday, 25 December
9.30am Christmas Eucharist at St John's
10.30am Christmas Eucharist at St Garmon's
Thursday, 27 December
7.30pm Plygain at St Garmon's
Sunday, 30 December
10.15am Eucharist at St John's
11.30am Family Service at St Garmon's
4.30pm Carol Service at St John