Did you really feel the earth move:- was it the drink, was it the passion, was it your house foundations settling, or an earth tremor? Instruments at Tregeiriog now record earth movements, and send the information to Edinburgh via broadband, from where it is available for the world to see.
Early Spring this year [2008] a technician from Edinburgh called at our farm inquiring whether we might be prepared to have seismology test equipment on the farm. After discussion, test sensors were installed on Foel Wylfa. The months results proved the site to be suitable. Then in September 2008, an assortment of cable, containers, sand and cement were delivered. G.W.R. Construction had the next challenge to lay two cables from the top of the Foel into one of the farm buildings, where the next step was for B.T. to install a new broadband line to the farm. The two technicians from Edinburgh then prepared the ground and installed the underground containers and insulation. This was left for a month to set and dry. They then returned and fitted the instruments in October. By mid November the broadband signals were live, and sending information to Edinburgh , for the world to see.
Now when the earth moves, Treigeirog instruments will record and send the data straight back to Edinburgh for analysis, and also for people around the world to see.
You can see the data for yourselves on the website, which is:- www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk . and follow the links. If you have any queries, contact B.G.S., on 0131 667 1000. For interest, check out the Stoke site:- it is always showing a lot of movement, due to trains, traffic, etc.
Regards, Helena and Roger Hill, Cefn y Braich.

At a meeting held at the Christian Centre, Glyn Ceiriog on Thursday, 6 November, Keith and Rita Jackson of Haverfordwest, the guest speakers for the evening, spoke and showed a Powerpoint Presentation covering the 'Mission Aviation Fellowship'. The Fellowship was created in 1948 by pilots who had served in the World War 11, with the first operational flights commencing in 1950. Being a Christian organization its objective is to reach people in need, who live in remote areas.
The Mission Aviation Fellowship only uses small planes for this work, those which are able to land on makeshift airstrips in 'out of the way' places. They work with several other agencies who work on the ground. A radio call will find MAF responding if they possibly can, to transport be it: a sick or injured person to hospital or supply fast transport in an emergency.
They are called out during natural disasters, such as a tsunami, floods in Haiti and during recent political problems in Kenya. They operate in 35 different countries and with a fleet of about 135 planes are able through the use of air travel to reduce a journey that can take up to seven hours by road to only 40 minutes by air which, can have a profound benefit for the people in need. The organization meets a need and can a difference to many peoples lives.

The Annual General Meeting of Cymdeithas Glyntraian was held at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Dolywern, on 17 November, when all the officers were re-elected.
The treasurer gave a favourable report and stated that £1,000 being the proceeds of this year's concert by Cantorion Colin Jones, can now be presented to Hope House. Thanks were expressed to both the committee and members of the public for their support and also to Mr Moelwyn Jones for auditing the accounts.
The secretary read a letter received from Côr Gore Glas, confirming that the date of their concert,namely 17 October 2009 . This will be held at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall and proceeds will be for Cancer research UK . Cymdeithas Glyntraian usually organise one concert every year, in aid of various charities. This time they are also organising an evening of entertainment in aid of the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, which will be held at the hall on 21 February 2009, the artists will be Wil Tan, Lliwen and Lisa.

Holding your Hand
One of the joys with looking after children you are responsible for is holding their hands. We do it to keep them safe while crossing the street or to keep them from getting lost in a crowd. And whenever they stumble and lose their footing, we grab their little hands tighter to keep them from falling.
That's what God does for us. Inevitably there are stones and cracks that trip us up on the roads of life. That's why it's easy to identify with the psalmists, who said, 'My steps had nearly slipped' [Psalm 73:2].
We all face a variety of issues that threaten to make us stumble. For the psalmist seeing the prosperity of the wicked caused him to question the goodness of God. But God squeezes his hand and reassured him, that given the judgment of God, the wicked do not really prosper. True prosperity, the psalmist discovered, was found in the fact that God was always with him: 'You hold me by my right hand' [Psalm 73:v23] And just for good measure, God reminded him that He would also guide him through life and ultimately welcome him home to heaven (v.24) How good is that!
So next time you stumble, remember that the powerful hand of God is holding your hand and walking you through life, all the way home.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand. Stanphill
Let God do the holding and you do the trusting.
Yours in Christ Glyn
Rev'd R. Glyn Jones, Bryn Glas, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen LL20 7EU Tel 01691718086 or m. 07760 328752

A few days before Christmas, before the cold snap came, the bats took the opportunity to gain a few more grams of weight by having the opportunity of some late foraging. Although true hibernators, they obviously remain sensitive to the outside environment and will wake if the weather becomes clement. Not owning the piece of electronics that changes the frequency of their calls to human levels, I cannot normally identify with any surety the different species. In truth the only definite is the little Pipistrelle, as no other bat is as tiny. I suspect we have horseshoe bats but any others would only be guesses. Walking at night they fly so close, probably taking the gnats and midges that follow people. Often it is less than one foot before they take their avoiding action, but there is no danger of these incredible aviators misjudging. We must seem as such slow and lumbering giants to these tiny furry beasts that can out manoeuvre the birds.
We have a bat box on our oak, and it is nice to see them at regular intervals when walking the old tramway at Pandy. Most of the species, 14 resident and 3 migrant, have declined significantly over the last fifty years, so any little help is welcome. I cannot imagine my summer evening walks without their company.
Tom Baker, Hyfrydle, Hen Ffordd, Dolywern. Tel. 712835

G-g-g-greetttings… that is my teeth chattering.
First and most important we all would like to say a whopping great thank you to everyone who came along to our Christmas Market, and also to the helpers and donators and stall holders. We raised over £500 which, we have decided to spend on cooking equipment for the residents to practice some Nigella Oliver Smith techniques so after Christmas when the kitchen workers are sick of cooking we can let them put up their feet and do something interesting like caramelized beef and brown onion stir fry with Chirk chippie curry sauce, perhaps that's a meal in progress.
We are having a busy time up to Christmas with schools from all over and choirs, Harpist and pianists and washed down with oodles of cake, mince pies and mulled wine. Some residents had Christmas lunch at the Glyn Valley and Mike as usual did a brilliant job for us as did likewise Moreton Park Garden Centre.
Our two lovely Japanese volunteers are enjoying themselves very much and loved [as usual] by us all. We have taught them to cook all sorts including our Christmas cake.
Well, here is wishing you a very good New Year from all of us at Dolywern.
Regards Diane activities.

We are looking for volunteers from the community to join our team
Our aim is to provide emergency treatment before an ambulance arrives and help save lives and promote recovery
We work closely with The North Wales Ambulance Trust and full training and support is given
We also need volunteers to support and help administer the scheme
If you are interested and would like more details please contact
Cliff Watkins on 01691 718858 or talk to one of the team members
We will also be holding First Aid Awareness Demonstrations and sessions in the New Year so look out for posters

The family of the late Miss M. E. Roberts, Cae'r Ysgol wish to express their heartfelt thanks to friends, neighbours and members of the community for their expressions of sympathy following her death. They also wish to thank everyone who assisted in any way during her time in hospital. All acts of kindness were greatly appreciated.
Diolch o galen
Margaret E. Humphreys

Inevitably we have arrived at the stage where it is very difficult to write a lot of cards. Therefore we would like to wish all friends and neighbours a Happy New Year and hope that you have had a lovely Christmas. Many thanks for all your help during the last few difficult months. God bless you all.
Kit and Stan Levin

The family of the late Mr Dennis Williams, husband of the late Mrs Brenda Williams [ neé Jones from Garth] wishes to thank everyone for their cards and kind expressions of sympathy.
Thank you for joining them at Pontfadog church on Friday, 7 November 2008 for the Memorial Service.
The total donation figure amounted to £358.19 which, has now been forwarded to the Glyn Valley Tramway Group in his memory.
Thank you to Rev'd Philip Clarke together with Cathy and Ian of the Swan Inn for all their help.
Best wishes and thanks again.
Eileen West, daughter

I would like to thank my family, friends and neighbours for all your beautiful Christmas cards, gifts and flowers. I have not sent cards around this year again but sent a donation to the British Heart Foundation. I hope that you all had a nice Christmas and that you also have a Happy New Year.
Thank you all again for all your kindness.
Best wishes Phylis, Y Gamer, Glyn Ceiriog

Mrs Vera Roberts, Tregeiriog, would like to thank her family, friends and neighbours for all the cards, gifts and best wishes she received on her 80th birthday. Thanks also to the proprietor and staff at the Glyn Vally Hotel for their excellent service and Sunday lunch.
Diolch yn fawr, Vera

Congratulations to Jenna and Karl on the birth of their baby daughter, Seren Jenna on Monday, 27 October 2008 . Best wishes from Uncle Arwel and Aunty Marion.

Bev and Ken Buckley of The Old Chapel, Nantyr would like to thank the unknown rescuer for the return of 'monkey'. Some weeks ago on a very icy morning Ken's car skidded on black ice and he ended up in the hedge on the other side of the road. On getting out to inspect any damage, 'monkey' [who is a cherished keepsake and who resides on the dashboard] must have fallen out. Ken didn't realise at the time and when he looked later 'monkey' coudn't be found. Then, amazingly, about two weeks later I was driving to work when on the parapet of the bridge I saw a bedraggled little figure. It was 'monkey!' very wet, very dirty and with a damaged eye, but otherwise safe and sound. He is back now, on the dashboard, washed and wearing a patch. So thank you to the kind person who rescued our 'monkey'.
Bev

Recently, St Ffraid's Church held their Autumn Sale at the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre. It was well attended with about a dozen stalls set up ranging from gifts, cakes, books, games together with raffles for a Christmas Cake and a Christmas Hamper. Then there was tombola, Treasure Island , Naming the Teddy and Guessing the Number of Sweets in a Jar. This all produced a very happy and busy atmosphere which, saw just short of £900 being raised. This sum has been added to the much needed Church Funds.

Does anyone have any odds and ends of unwanted, unused double knitting wool please?
Any quantities would be gratefully received—I am knitting jumpers for children in Nepal —colourful stripped jumpers are very acceptable.
Many thanks Pam Hughes, Dolydd, Pontfadog. Tel: 718398.

Iau 5 Chwefror 09 Cwrs gyda Idris Davies Pryd Y Dderwen
Thursday 5 February 09 Quiz with Idris Davies Meal, The Oak
Sadwrn 28 Chwefror 09 Cinio Gwyl Ddewi gyda Pc Lesley Owen [Arwyn] Glyn Valley
Saturday 28 February 09 St David's Day Dinner with Pc Lesley Owen [Arwyn] Glyn Valley
Iau 2 Ebrill 09 Sgwrs, Dafydd Roberts [Radio Cymru], Jeff Davies Pryd-i'w dref???
Thursday 2 April 09 Lecture, Dafydd Roberts [Radio Wales], Jeff Davies Meal to be arranged

Dangerous treat
Chocolate everyones favourite, is not your friendly dogs! Chocolate can be lethal for dogs. The toxic component in chocolate is theobromine which is present in variable concentrations—the higher the cocoa content, the more toxic the chocolate. Specially formulated pet chocolate is the safer (but still fattening!) option for that special treat.
Out and about, with the cold weather upon us, now is the time when we all start to feel aches and pains and our pets are no exception. Look out for any limps and difficulties in rising after rest; these can be a sign that your pet may have some joint stiffness, which can be made worse by the cold and damp weather.
Now if your pet is one that lives outdoors, they can find the cold weather a challenge. Rabbits and Guinea pigs are very susceptible to the cold damp weather. It is important to ensure that their hutches are warm, dry and clean, and in a sheltered position. Extra bedding should also be provided and the water bottles checked regularly to ensure that they have not become frozen.
Cat owners beware!
Many non-veterinary canine spot-ons bought from supermarkets and pet shops contain permethrins or similar chemicals. While they are safe for dogs, they should NEVER be applied to cats, since permethrins are very poisonous in cats, causing fits and sometimes even death, despite veterinary intervention.
So, for peace of mind, contact your vet for advise on what is the safest and most effective flea control for both your pets and your home!
Don't forget!
Fleas do not take a winters holiday. Remember for optimum flea control—and peace of mind, treatment should ideally be all year round!
Lost without them
Have you ever wondered how you would cope if your pet went missing? Sadly it is all too easy for pets to go missing and the key to finding them is for them to be reliably identified. One solution is the collar and tag and this can work well providing it doesn't come off—a common problem especially in cats who seem to lose their collars with great frequency.
The good news, however, is that modern technology has come to our aid in the form of a tiny microchip [about the size of a grain of rice] which, can be quickly and easily implanted under the skin— permanently identifying your pet. Each microchip contains a unique code that identifies your pet and these details are stored on a central computer database. Microchips can be 'read' using a special hand held scanner.
Lumps and bumps—don't ignore them!
One of the 'golden rules' of veterinary practice is that early detection of problems will generally give a much better chance of sorting things out. The regular health examinations we give your pet are a key part of this approach. In addition, frequently grooming allows you to keep a watchful eye out for any problems as well!
If your pet develops a lump there may be several possible underlying causes. These include a llergic reactions [such as bee stings], abscesses , hernias , and tumours . If you do find a lump on your pet it is therefore very important that we examine it to determine the underlying cause, allowing any required treatment to be started as soon as possible.

A well wisher wishes to congratulate Cllr Jeff Davies and Jan Orritt on their forthcoming engagement.