The Publishing Committee of the Glyn News has a policy that states, 'the contents of the newsletter shall be in balance'. This refers to the amount of space that is allocated between text and adverts. It is a policy that is intended to maintain the general feel of the newsletter as something that delivers for everyone: covering past, present and forthcoming events, letters, council minutes and anything that is of interest to its readers, far and wide, which is not overwhelmed with excessive advertising. Though never forgetting that advertising is very important and is given the same consideration, thought and care as the text content.
Q. Why is there a 'waiting list'?
A. The Glyn News is extremely fortunate in that businesses continue to seek to advertise in it. The newsletter has a very loyal group of advertisers for which the Publishing Committee is extremely grateful and at the present moment the Glyn News is carrying its full compliment of advertisements, which has created the 'waiting list'. When space[s] do become available it is offered to the next in line of our waiting advertisers, as we have done recently.
Q. You can add an extra page?
A. The cost of publishing the newsletter is always foremost in the minds of the Publishing Committee. To add a further four pages, not one, as the newsletter is created in groups of four, would mean that two of these additional pages would have to be filled with advertising which, is some 20 advertising spaces, to meet the increased cost.
To those advertisers waiting to be published in the newsletter the Publishing Committee thanks you for your patience but please be certain that as and when a space becomes available you will be promptly informed. There is though one means that the Publishing Committee offers for those who wish to use it and that is, the Committee will offer a ¼, ½ page or a full page, one-off advert, as a means of getting your company in the eyes of the newsletter readers in the interim , for a fee.
The Publishing Committee
 

What's Easter all about? Why did Jesus die?
If you could ask God a question—what would you ask?
Alpha an opportunity to ask questions.
Call Alison Bendall on 718994 for details of daytime and evening courses.

On 21 February, whilst out walking our dogs, my husband lost a gold chain bracelet. The next day I went to The Cross Stores to put up an advert, only to find that some kind person had found the bracelet and handed it in at the shop. We did ask who had handed it in, but the lady didn't know.
We would like to say a big thank you to the person who handed it in, and let them know, that by way of a thank you we put a donation in the charity box on the shop counter.
Thank you so much.
Lyndsay Nicholson

I am writing to inform Ceiriog Valley residents of some works that may affect them.
BT is currently carrying out a programme of work via their sub-contractors, Enterprise . The work comprises raising the height of telephone wires to meet new regulatory requirements.
This can involve the re-routing of lines and the replacement of existing telegraph poles with much taller poles [26 feet in my case]. If you currently enjoy an unimpeded scenic view, be aware that BT will have no compunction in siting the telegraph pole in a prominent position, or running the line across your field of vision at eye level. To appreciate the impact, imagine someone drawing a black line across a Constable painting.
BT says that the contractors [ Enterprise ] should inform people in advance of any proposed work. However, this is not obligatory. Notice of work is rarely specific and it will probably not be clear that the work will affect you until it happens. If you inform Enterprise that you object to the work, they will respond that they are obliged to carry out the work according to BTs instructions and that you will have the right to object afterwards. In practice this will be too late.
In my case, I called Enterprise immediately and was assured that, although the work had to go ahead according to BTs instructions, the line would be re-routed afterwards. It was not, and BT rejected my objection. I have subsequently taken BT to court as that is the only means of appeal. The case is proceeding.
If you are likely to be affected, be aware that it is much easier to prevent the problem happening than to cure it afterwards.
My advice is: If you receive a card saying that work is to be carried out, call the telephone number on the card to check whether you will be affected. If so, and you object to the impact this will have, ensure that alternatives are considered by BT and Enterprise before the work is scheduled to take place.
The purpose of this note is not to take a swipe at BT. I am an ex-BT employee [26 years service], shareholder and customer [but not for much longer].
Chris Futcher

A meeting is to be held at the Ceiriog Memorial Institute, High Street, Glyn Ceiriog on Friday, 17 April at 7 pm . All who enjoy the game are invited to attend with a view to establishing a viable club.

At the February meeting work began on organizing the Annual Show to be held on Sunday, 6 September 2009 at the Golden Pheasant Hotel, Llwynmawr by kind permission of the owner, Mr David Kirwan.
The club, which is a non-profit organization caters for enthusiasts and owners of classic and vintage machinery, including: cars, commercial vehicles, motor cycles, tractors, stationary [barn] engines, steam engines, agricultural machinery etc.
The club meets every second Tuesday of the month at the Golden Pheasant Hotel at 8 pm to which new members are always welcome to attend.

A concert consisting of local talent took place at the Ceiriog Memorial Institute on Friday, 13 February, compared by Mr Idris Davies. Musical items were given by: Côr Meibion Dyffryn Ceiriog, a singing group from Merched y Wawr, the 4+1 mixed party, an instrumental group consisting of Arwyn, Rob and Allan, duets by Rhian Wyn and Robin, and a folk song solo by Deborah Lloyd. There were also sketches performed by members of Merched y Wawr and members of Meibion Ceiriog.
The raffle, with numerous prizes, was drawn during the interval.
Thanks are expressed to all who took part in this most successful evening, which resulted in £480 being raised for the institute funds.

A Bingo session was held at the Glyn Valley Hotel on Friday, 20 February. The callers were Sharon and David Goulbourn. Together with the room raffle the sum of £114 was raised for the Carnival, which will take place on Saturday, 13 June.

Last month it was requested that graves be kept in accordance with the rules on the noticeboard. The rules stipulate that no trees are to be planted. Trees outgrow the space and become a nuisance. If anyone attending to a grave finds a tree, their removal would be appreciated. Thank you.

The school lottery has been running for quite a number of years now. More than ever we still require your support so we can continue to support and enhance the education and opportunities for the children attending Ysgol Cynddelw. In the past the lottery has contributed towards special needs equipment and the school mini bus. Sadly we have recently lost some members who have supported the lottery for many years. We are always looking for new members for the 100 Club, the odds for winning are certainly better than most other schemes. Membership costs £12 and can be paid in monthly installments or by cheque. If you are interested in joining please contact Lynne Morris Tel 712854, Brackenhill, Old Road , Dolywern or email your details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it alternatively you can make enquiries with Mrs Olwen Corben, Head Teacher, Ysgol Cynddelw. Many thanks for your continued support.
Ysgol Cynddelw PTA 100 Club is registered under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976. Registered Charity Number 1041692
 December 2008
Prize Money Number drawn Name
1  £50  99  James Wilcox, Glyn Ceiriog
2  £25  12  Howard Davies, Glyn Ceiriog
3  £ 5  62  Glenna Hughes, Glyn Ceiriog
4  £ 5  110  Paul & Linda Wright, Glyn Ceiriog
January 2009
Prize  Money Number drawn Name
1  £20  60  Tudor Edwards, Garth
2  £10  68  Richard Jones, Glyn Ceiriog
3  £ 5  38  Sue Newell, Pandy
February 2009
Prize  Money Number drawn Name
1  £20  73  Steve Griffiths, Glyn Ceiriog
2  £10  13  Mrs Jane Bates, Nantyr
3  £ 5  90  Myra Jones, Llangollen
March 2009
Prize  Money Number drawn Name
1  £20  68  Richard Jones, Glyn Ceiriog
2  £10  77  Rona Bates, Glyn Ceiriog
3  £ 5  10  Ian Barre, Glyn Ceiriog
Promoter
Lynne Morris, Brackenhill, Old Road , Dolywern LL20 7AG . Tel 01691 712854

The residents have been busy planning and spending the large donation. Visits every week to the Hydrotherapy pool at Gobowen, also bowling weekly at the Venue, Oswestry.
We made Welsh cakes and had them for our tea on March 1st. Margaret and Johnathan from Music for Hospitals joined us for morning entertainment last Thursday. We had songs from all the shows and a little dancing and Johnathan, who was a wonderful pianist, played a recital of classical pieces. They will be returning at Christmas time so watch this space for invites.

Recently Teg and I walked up Nant Gwryd, whenever we had access to the stream I did as I used to when a child and carefully turned the flat stones on the stream bed. Fifty years ago and there would have been bullheads, stone loaches [we called them crachons, but this seems local!], small trout and possibly an eel. Now there is still a vigorous invertebrate population of fresh water shrimps, caddis larvae and others but no fish!
This has been my experience over all the parts of Wales that I walk, from Glamorgan to Anglesey , yet most parts are among the least polluted areas in Britain
I have no explanation for this phenomenon but do find it worrying. What has changed to the detriment of the fish?
Reported sightings of Red Kites keep coming to me, I saw one outside Chirk near Jewsons a few weeks ago. The forked tail makes identification simple even when silhouetted against the sky. The same day and place presented a dozen buzzards circling and calling. I've always thought this was a collection of young ones building up courage to leave home as it seems unlikely that the very territorial older pairs would behave in this fashion.
The signs of spring are every where, birds searching for nesting spots, a squirrel collecting dry grass, green shoots, a time when everything seems fresh and re-invigorated, marvellous!
Tom Baker, Hyfrydle, Hen Ffordd, Dolywern. Tel. 712835

A big thank you to everyone who helped and donated to the fund raising event at The Swan, to raise funds for Nightingale House Hospice in memory of Mair Davies of Pontfadog. We raised an amazing £485.
Special thanks to Ian and Cath at The Swan.

May I say a large thank you for the wonderful response to my appeal for unwanted knitting wool and thanks also to the ladies who have offered to knit.
This will mean more jumpers can be sent to the Children's Project in Katmandu , Nepal .
Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Pam Hughes, Pontfadog

I want to thank everyone for their gifts, flowers, letters, cards, prayers and messages of encouragement, and the long-suffering family and friends who have endured my lengthy phone calls, which have helped pass many hours of enforced idleness.
The arms of friendship are indeed long and strong!
Diolch o Galon i Bawb.
Jon Massey

As outlined in the Community Council minutes for February, the Council are hoping to compete in this competition in 2010. It is appreciated that this will involve residents and therefore the Council would welcome suggestions and comments regarding this proposal. If you have any suggestions or comments then please contact your local Community Councillor or the Clerk, Jean Davies on 01691 718419.

An evening of entertainment organized by Cymdeithas Glyntraian in aid of the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, took place at the Hall on 21 February. The artists Wil Tan, Lliwen and Lisa, together with compere Glyn Owens were introduced by Margaret Humphreys.
Although a cabaret style evening reduced the seating capacity, the experiment proved successful with over £800 being raised for the hall.
Eifion Davies, chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the artists, committee members who had prepared and served light refreshments, donated raffle prizes and all the friends who had assisted with preparing and cleaning the hall. Very special thanks went also to the public for attending the candlelit evening and to Dorothy Hughes, secretary for organizing the evening.

On February 6th, 1958 I was a pupil at Llanrwst Grammer School . I will never forget how I felt when I heard that a chartered plane carrying most of the members of Manchester United Football Club had crashed on take-off from Munich Airport , Germany . Although I didn't support the team I began to understand what grief meant. With so many of their star players lost some despaired over prospects for the club's survival. Yet today it is one of the wealthiest clubs in the world. Fittingly, the man who rebuilt the team, Matt Busby, survived the crash himself.
Nearly 2000 years ago, Jesus' arrest and subsequent crucifixion caused many of His followers to despair. The disciples themselves had lost hope. But their despondency evaporated on that first Easter morning when they found the stone sealing the tomb had been moved aside [John 20:1]. Jesus had risen!
Jesus soon appeared to Mary Magdalene [v.11–16] and then to His disciples, who had gathered behind locked doors [v.19] His visit brought a remarkable change in them. As one version renders it, they were 'overjoyed' [v.20]
Perhaps you feel that your world has crashed around you in the days of this credit crunch. It may be a deeply personal loss, a tragedy in your family, or some other great trial. Jesus' resurrection proved that He is greater than the greatest obstacles. He can rebuild your life, as He did with His disciples, starting today.
Let us comfort ourselves and remember that God can turn any difficulty into an opportunity.
He rose! And with Him hope arose, and life and light.
Men said, 'Not Christ, but Death died yester-night.'
And joy and truth and all things virtuous
Rose when He rose. Anon
Have a Blessed Easter. Yours in Christ Glyn
Rev R Glyn Jones, Bryn Glas, Glyn Ceiriog,
Llangollen, LL207EU. Tel 01691 718086 m: 07760 328752

The local branch of the NSPCC held a Coffee Morning at 3 Cam o'r Afon, home of Mr and Mrs Oldaker on Monday, 23 February. This was in response to the Special Appeal launched by the NSPCC/Childline Cymru. The Coffee Morning raised a total of £275, well exceeding the amount requested. This committee has also organized a Cake Stall and Raffle to take place on 25 April and 19 September, both of which will be in front of the Glyn Valley Hotel at 10 am . Committee officials are: chairman, Mrs Glenys Oldaker; secretary, Mrs Rowena Lewis and treasurer, Mrs Maisie Mottershead.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Centre manager at Canolfan Ceiriog Centre CYF. My name is Joe Cooper, aged 26 from Wrexham, though I have always had a strong family presence in the valley and spend a lot of time in the area. I take up the role with enthusiasm and look forward to taking the Centre forward. I recognise that the community's presence at the Centre is vital to my vision of a thriving and prosperous Centre at the heart of the community. Expect to see more events, competitions and activities going on at the Centre and I would greatly appreciate your ideas, suggestions and feedback on the facility and I look forward to meeting you very soon.
Joe Cooper [Centre Manager]

On behalf of the trustees, I would like to thank all of you in the Ceiriog Valley for the continued support you have given Canolfan Ceiriog. The Canolfan was built due to our Community coming together to ensure Wrexham County did not sell the land as building plots, and particularly thanks go to George Jones for spearheading the process, and to Helen Crossley who put in an enormous amount of work as Chairperson during the Canolfan's first 18 months. Now it is built, we need to maintain and develop the building and surrounding area which does mean we need to continue with our fundraising as we are totally independent, and receive no support from Wrexham Council. With this in mind, many thanks to Julie Turner and her team who raised over a £100 by holding a cake stall and selling bacon butties on 7 March! I would like to welcome Joe Cooper our new manager, who has a two year post funded by the Kathleen Davies Trust, who will take on and develop this fantastic facility and make it a focal point for the whole of our community.
Many thanks in anticipation of your continued support
Dafydd Morris
Chair of Trustees
Ar ran yr Ymddieriedolwyr, dymunaf i ddiolch i bawb yn y Dyffryn am y cefnogaeth a roddwyd i'r Ganolfan yn ystod y dwy flynedd diwethaf. Adeiladwyd y Ganolfan wedi i'r gymdeithas cyd-ynnu i sicrhau na chafodd y safle ei werthu fel plot adeiladu, a rhaid diolch i George Jones am arwain y broses, a hefyd i Helen Crossley am y gwaith aruthrol dros ei chyfnod o 18 mis fel Cadeirydd . Nawr y mae'r adeilad yma, rhaid i ni ei gynnal a hefyd ei ddatblygu yn ogystal a'r safle o'i amgylch, sydd yn golygu rhaid i ni ddal ymlaen i godi arian oherwydd ein bod yn hollol annibynnol o Sir Wrecsam. Diolch i Julie Turner a'i chriw am godi dros £100 drwy gwerthu cacennau a brechdannau bacwn ar fore Sadwrn y 7ed o Fawrth. Hefyd, dymunaf croesawu Joe Cooper, rheolwr newydd y Ganolfan , fydd yn datblygu y cyfleuster arbennig yma a'i wneud yn ganolbwynt i'r gymdeithas gyfan,
Diolch yn fawr,
Dafydd Morris
Cadeirydd yr Ymddiriedolwyr

Rhian, Gwerfyl and Michelle would like to say, 'thank you' to all of you who sent messages of sympathy and for their attendance at the funeral as well as for your kind donations.

The Chairman, Cllr Keith Benning, has presided over all recent meetings. At the March meeting the Council was told that the lease for the Play area in Tregeiriog has now been signed and plans are in hand for fencing the field and making it suitable for playing ball games. The Youth Club leaders have goal posts ready.
Complaints are continually made about the state of the road past Ty Coch, Llanarmon. These have been passed to WCBC and it is hoped that the road will be improved in the next financial year.Concern was also expressed about the walls to the old Tregeiriog water supply and this was attended to promptly by Dee Valley Water Company.
The Council has been involved in discussing the position of Llanarmon school and at the moment is cautiously optimistic that the outcome will be favourable.
Discussion with WCBC continues about the status of the Burial Ground in Llanarmon but the Council has been assured by WCBC arboriculturalist that the ancient Yew trees were not a cause for concern at the moment.
In the recent severe weather there were several bursts in the pipes in the Public Toilets but these were attended to promptly by WCBC.
There will be a temporary closure of the re-cycling centre at Plas Madoc from 6.00 pm 31st March to September to enable enlargement and re-furbishment. Alternative locations are noted on a leaflet available at the site.
Pc Howell, CBM, has reported no crime in the community in the last few months but he has warned that the local police will be extra vigilant with offenders against driving while over the alcohol limit, using a 'phone whilst driving and failure to wear a seat belt.
A repeater mast has been erected on Llidiart Cae Hir above Llanarmon which, will enhance reception for Police and Fire and Rescue services.
Posters have been placed in both 'bus shelters giving information on the following topics:
Kidney Walk Wales, to take place in late March in support of Children in need of Dialysis
A chance to enter the Best Kept Village Competition
An invitation to comment on the Welsh Assembly
Accessiblity for the general public to the affairs of the local Council under the Freedom of Information Act
Further details of all these are available from the Clerk.

In aid of finance for the Carnival on Saturday, 13 June there will be a Table Top Sale at the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre on 23 May between 11.00 am–3.00 pm. Tables can be booked, £10 each, home/business charity, all are accepted, refreshments will be available. Bookings to David Goulbourne 718 ??? or Carol Clowes 712813.
Remember: all the money raised will be given back to our community in the valley. Please support and thank you.
Carol Clowes [secretary]
Glyn Valley Carnival Group

As the project draws to an end and Spring is round the corner we hope to see new signs of plant life emerging on the embankment. We have uncovered many bluebells, which were lost to the bracken and have supplemented these with daffodils and snowdrops along with a mix of grass and wildflower seed. We don't expect too much this year but anticipate that as the seasons pass we will eventually have a carpet of colour, which together with the trees and shrubs already in the ground should put on quite a show.
The infrastructure on the site is in place. Fencing is complete [with thanks to M&B Fencing], steps adjoining the upper and lower levels constructed, and two benches sited which have been kindly sponsored by families in the village.
A paved area, funded by O 2 telecommunications has been set aside at the rear of the Centre with seating. A raised bed has been planted alongside shrubs which will eventually grow to provide an accessible place to sit and view the site, perhaps with a cup of tea from the café.
The final task is to top dress the two pathways, named Berwyn and Cambrian with a suitable surface which will enable easy access for pedestrians and wheelchair users.
We then have to leave the site to let nature take its course with a little help from all of us, to keep it tidy and cared for. It is for open use to sit, observe and pass the time. Every one is welcome, without invitation to see what has been achieved, but beware of some areas as they may be 'sticky' until the grass takes hold. By the summer, all being well, it should be suitable for a picnic!
Our intention is to have an official opening June/July and it would be good to have interested societies and groups within the valley represented to mark the event. Our community has so many things going on, some of which receive little recognition and we see this as an opportunity for us all to get together.
In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone for their support over the last few months and emphasise your input is still important to us. Suggestions and ideas are always welcome and can be passed on through the Centre manager.
The Conservation Team