The Rev'd Robert Ellis ['Cynddelw', 1812–1875] was a Baptist minister, poet, and antiquary. Born in Ty'n-y-meinol, Penybontfawr, Manafon, Montgomeryshire, he worked as a farmhand from 1822 to 1835. He was taught by the Rev'd John Williams [1806–1856], Baptist minister and author, and became a minister himself, at Llanelian-yn-Rhos and Llanddulas, Denbighshire, in 1836–1837, Glyn Ceiriog, Denbighshire, 1838–1840, Sirhowy, Tredegar, Monmouthshire, 1847–1862, and Caernarvon, Caernarfonshire, 1862–1875. He became a noted poet following the publication of his work 'Yr Adgyfodiad' in 1849, and adopted the bardic name 'Cynddelw'. His other works included 'Cywydd y Berwyn' and 'Awdl ar Ddistawrwydd'. He was a poetry adjudicator for the eisteddfod, as well as a conductor and an orator. His written works include a dictionary, an autobiography, and biographies of his teacher the Rev'd John Williams, Walter Davies, 'Gwallter Mechain', and Ellis Evans of Cefn-mawr. He collected Welsh manuscripts and amassed a large library of religious books. His son was Dr Robert Ellis, who transcribed much of Cynddelw's autobiography and handled publication rights to Cynddelw's work. He d. 19 Aug 1875 at his old home, Gartheryr, between Oswestry and Llanrhaeadr, when he was on a preaching and lecture tour.

 

HUGHES, JOHN [CEIRIOG] [ Ceiriog ; 1832–1887], poet; b. at Pen-y-bryn, Llanarmon-Dyffryn-Ceiriog, Denbs., 25 Sept. 1832 [see Hughes, John, 1796–1860]. Early in 1849 he went to Manchester where, after about three months, he obtained a situation as clerk in the London Road goods station. At that time there were in Manchester Welshmen like Creuddynfab , R. J. Derfel , Idris Fychan , Meudwy Môn [qq.v.], and others; four of these— Creuddynfab , R. J. Derfel , Idris Fychan , and John Hughes — formed a small literary society, and the influence of the other three on Ceiriog is perceptible. He had, before going to Manchester , written lyrics for Baner Cymru and Y Greal and had edited the poetry column for the latter periodical. Robert Ellis (Cynddelw, 1812–1875, [q.v.] was the first to encourage him as a poet. In 1852 he won a consolation prize for a poem, ‘Paul o flaen Agrippa,’ a Biblical poem written in the Miltonian style like so many of the Welsh poems of the first half of the 19th Cent. It was Creuddynfab , ‘my most intimate dear valuable old friend and Tutor in poetry if I had one’ [he writes in N.L.W. MS. 10193] who taught him to change his style, to write lyrics in the manner of Robert Burns and Thomas Moore, and to sing of patriotism, country life, and love, in a simple, natural and popular way.

R. J. Derfel [q.v.] was responsible for teaching him to set store by the language, traditions and history of Wales . It was he who objected to English surnames; he added ‘Derfel’ to his own baptismal name and so became Robert Jones Derfel ; he besought John Hughes to follow his example, but the latter was content to insert the name ‘Ceiriog’ between the ‘John’ and the ‘Hughes.’

Idris Fychan was a singer to the harp; he had been collecting melodies and penillion, like Edward Jones , Ifor Ceri , and others before him. It was from him that Ceiriog got that passion for collecting old tunes which was to last all his life. He also sought out the history of the tunes and of the harpists who played them, and collected nursery rhymes. It was his intention to publish four volumes of Welsh airs but only one appeared, Cant o Ganeuon: Yn Cynwys, Y Gyfres Gyntafo Eiriau ar Alawon Cymreig, but in Y Bardd a'r Cerddor he has a list of 1,195 of them and he maintains that there were between sixty and 100 anonymous airs. It is quite impossible to understand Ceiriog's poetry without taking into consideration his love of collecting old melodies, for his objective as a poet was to write words for these melodies, and so to convert them into songs. In Y Bardd a'r Cerddor he wrote ‘Awgrymiadau Ynghylch Ysgrifenu Caneuon a Geiriau i Gerddoriaeth’ which dealt with the art of adapting words to melodies. Although Ceiriog did not understand the technique of music, he had, according to Idris Fychan , a remarkable gift for getting the ‘feel’ of an air and of incorporating its ‘spirit’ in words. In all his songs his words are more than mere words; they are words which are wedded to the particular air. Ceiriog's songs are best seen in Songs of Wales ( Brinley Richards ). It is clear from his letters that some of his songs and recitations were written to order, to be sung or recited at concerts and entertainments. Ceiriog was the poet of the pianoforte, the poet of the concert platform.

In 1865 he returned to Wales , as station-master on the Cambrian Railways, at Llanidloes; in 1870 he went to Towyn, and in 1871 was appointed superintendent of the newly opened line from Caer-sws to the Van lead mines. Nicholas Bennett [q.v.] of Glanyrafon lived near Trefeglwys, and it was to him, the ‘Kindly Neighbour and Bosom Friend of John Ceiriog Hughes,’ that Isaac Foulkes [q.v.] dedicated the last volume of Ceiriog's songs, Yr Oriau Olaf. John Ceiriog Hughes d. 23 April 1887 and was buried at Llanwnog. [His work, originally published in separate booklets, was collected into two volumes (Wrexham, n.d.); a third was published at Liverpool , 1888.]

MORYS, HUW [ Eos Ceiriog ; 1622–1709], poet, second son of Morris ap John ap John ab Ednyfed of Hafodgynfor in the parish of Llangollen, Denbs. Although he spent the greater part of his long life at Pontymeibion, in the parish of Llansilin, it appears that Huw was not born there as is generally supposed, but that he moved there with his father and family about the year 1647. We know that his grandfather, John ap John, owned certain lands in the commotes of Rhiwlas and Hafodgynfor, at the time of his marriage to Gwen, daughter of Thomas ap Llywelyn ap John of Rhiwlas. As far as we know the poet had two brothers, John, his senior [it appears that Huw made his home with him], and Humphrey, his junior. We have no proof that he received a better schooling than was the common lot of boys of his locality, though it is possible that he attended either the free school at Oswestry, or Ruthin grammar school. In a poem ‘Ar ofyn gostegion yn amser Cromwel’, the poet complains of his seven year’s apprenticeship to learn a trade, and this appears to be the only evidence in support of the oft-quoted tradition that he was apprenticed to a tanner at Gwaliau in Overton, Flints . It is said that he forsook his apprenticeship and returned home to assist his father on the farm. That he was well patronised by the gentry of Llansilin and district is amply proved in his poems, for time and again he acknowledges his indebtedness to Sir William Williams [1634–1700] [q.v.] , Glasgoed [Speaker of the House of Commons], the Myddelton family of Chirk Castle , William Owen of Brogyntyn , and others. Huw was ever an ardent churchman, and a staunch royalist. He was warden of Llansilin parish church, and alternately criticised the ‘Wrexham Committee,’ and sang the praises of the royalist cause with great gusto. He escaped the rough treatment experienced by William Phylip of Ardudwy [see under Phylipiaid Ardudwy] , and Rowland Vaughan, Caer-gai [q.v.] , by adopting a much more careful [and subtle] means of criticising his opponents during the Commonwealth period—he resorted to the method used in the vaticinatory poems of the 15th Cent., of giving his characters the names of appropriate animals. Huw Morys wrote his poems so that they could be sung to popular tunes, and thus became well known throughout Wales . He was buried 31 Aug. 1709 on the south side of Llansilin parish church. In the church wall above his grave there is a stained glass window whereon are inscribed his famous englynion cyffes (confessional verses), while another memorial window to him may be seen in the east wall. In front of Pontymeibion farmhouse a memorial in stone has been erected.

We had a Quiz Night on the 11th March, when Llangollen Rotary brought a team to the Home. The Mayor joined the opposition, we were lucky to have the Mayoress together with Anne Gulliver, the service manager, who were on our team, and guess what?—we won [score not disclosed].

As many residents as possible are enjoying the weekly sessions to the hydrotherapy pool [last count we were all present and correct]. We have a weekly bowling competition at the Venue, Oswestry. In May we are having a sponsored walk around Lake Vyrnwy for computer games. In April we are organizing a quiz against the customers of The Swan, Pontfadog, [hope they are not too sober].

Lynda Read

Members of the Ceiriog Valley branch of Merched y Wawr were invited by the TV company, Cwmni, to take part in an evening event at the Ceiriog Memorial institute on Tuesday, 17 march. members of the company were introduced by Mrs Llinos Kilfoil. This was followed by a film showing the work which used to take place at the Caefelin Laundry at Llangollen. Some of the ladies present had brought utensils used in the home on wash-day, prior to the production of the washing machine and demonstrated using a 'washing dolly' in a galvanized wash tub. Several different types of smoothing irons, which had to be heated on an open fire were also seen and many members joined in the general discussion on washing and drying clothes in years gone by. The film taken of the evening will be shown on S4C sometime in the future.

A Cofee Morning and General Sale was organized by the local Prayer Group for the Sick in March 20, the cakes, bric-a-brac and raffle raised £240 for the Wrexham Street Pastors.

A Coffee Morning and Cakes stall, organized by Alison Bendall, Julie Turner and Rachel Thurlow raised £104 towards the Centre's much needed funds.

The House to House collection in Cae'r Ysgol, Cae Hafod and Cam o'r Afon amounted to £100. Mrs Maisie Mottershead, collector is very grateful to all those who gave so generously.

The March Bingo session was held at the Glyn Valley Hotel with Mr Jim Bibby called, raised £133, for the forthcoming Carnival.

Attention has been drawn recently to the damaged milestone situated on the side of the B4500 road to the Ceiriog Valley , opposite the Chirk Fisheries trout pool, within the Chirk Community. It is believed that the damage occurred during road works in that area.

Both Glyn Ceiriog and Glyntraian Community Councils reported the matter to the Highways Department of Wrexham Borough Council in January 2001, and at the time, asked if the damaged face had been retained, and if it would be repaired and put back. Again, in January 2002, a letter was sent from Glyn Ceiriog Council to Chirk Town Council regarding the condition of this milestone. Since then, Borough Councillor Barbara Roberts has drawn it to the attention of WCBC at regular intervals.

Previous to this, in March 2000, Groundwork Wrexham had been offered the services of International Volunteers to carry out environmental work for two weeks, and felt that renovating the milestones between Chirk and Llanarmon would be a suitable project for them. Glyn Ceiriog Council fully supported the project, and a list of all the milestones within the Valley was submitted to Groundwork Wrexham; sadly, the work never materialized.

It is worth noting that 12 milestones, commencing with the one at the road junction in Chirk, were put in place in 1894, by the then, Wrexham District Council, which was within Denbighshire County Council. They were placed on the right hand side of the road on the approach to the valley, except for the ones in Chirk, Pontfadog and Glyn Ceiriog, which were situated on the left. The Chirk and Pontfadog ones are still in place and clearly visible, but the Glyn Ceiriog one disappeared when the old Pont Bell was replaced with a new bridge in 1985. Most of the others are in place but several of them have been damaged—a sign of our times?

The work on the Conservation area is now completed apart from the artwork on the board at the start of the 'inclined pathway' and mother nature's grand designs.

Over the coming months we hope to see considerable growth on the site as the wildflowers, grass and trees make their mark on the landscape. The gates have remained locked for the time being to allow growth to flourish consolidating the soil and enabling usage, without causing damage to the terrain.

We would respectfully ask parents to explain to our younger people in the village to be patient before climbing over the site. Some irreversible damage has been caused in the past which is disheartening. The Mayor of Wrexham has confirmed the 11 July from 11 am onwards for the official opening of the area, it is hoped to arrange other activities to run alongside the event. More details will be published by the Centre management at a future date.

I am sure you appreciate that a lot of work has gone into this venture by the team of volunteers to provide an environmentally friendly amenity for our community. This was only made possible by funding from the Big Lottery, Co-op and O2.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and involvement in the project, in particular our thanks go to Norman Slatter for sourcing the funding and his unstinting hard work in all weathers. Without his input and enthusiasm the area would have remained a wasteland.

Conservation Team

Cllr Barbara Roberts wishes to thank family, friends, colleagues and neighbours for all the gifts, cards and best wishes that she received following her recent stay at the Orthopaedic Hospital , Gobowen.

Diolch yn fawr

We would like to thank all those who supported the Christian Aid Simple Lunch on 5 March. Thanks are due to those who attended the event, made soup, provided gifts for the Bring & Buy stall, decorated the tables with flowers, served the lunch and washed up.

We raised £146.58 after expenses. Thank you for all your hard work and generosity.

I would like to thank my husband, family and friends for their kindness, for the cards, flowers, chocolate cakes and phone calls received during my stay in hospital and after coming home.

Diolch ym fawr, Marion Roberts

Janet Hope is pleased to inform all her family, friends and kind neighbours that at long last she's home, but not able to walk yet without support. The lovely gifts, cards, flowers, etc., I received made me realize what caring friends I have. 'Diolch o Galon' y chwi oll. I must also say thanks to the 'Home Care' team for their great help, also Norman and Yvonne for their devotion to duty, travelling hundreds of miles to care for their aged Mam.

Diolch ym Fawr iawn

On Thursday evening, the 2 April, Ysgol Cynddelw held a Bingo Evening, it was very well supported. A big thank you to the PTA members for getting the hall ready, to everyone who donated raffle and bingo prizes and also to Jeff Davies for calling out the bingo numbers.

Around £160 was raised for the school at a very successful evening. Thank you everyone.

Glenna Hughes

John Kenneth Hughes

Bu farw Ken ar yd 11ed o fis Mawrth yn dawel yng ngharted Llys y Waun yn 82 0ed a rhoddwyd ei weddillion I orffwys ym mynwent Seion G.C. dydd Iau Mawrth 19ed.

Dymuna teulu Ken ddiolch I bawb am eu presenoldeb yn ei angladd ac am roddion er cof am Ken I gapel Seion. Hefyd am y cardiau a phob arwydd o gydymedeilad a gawsant. Hoffant ddiolch hefyd i'r gofalwyr yn Llys y Waun am eu gofal diffuant am Ken tra bu yn y cartref.

Ken died peacefully on the 11 March in Chirk Court . He was 82 years old and his remains were put to rest in Seion Baptist cemetery on Thursday, 19 March 09.

Ken's family wish to thank all who attended his funeral and for their donations in memory of Ken to Seion Baptist Chapel. Also for the many cards and condolences they received.

They would also like to thank the staff of Chirk Court for their kind and sincere care of Ken whilst he was resident at the home.

On behalf of the family of the late Nan Strong, formerly of Cam or Afon, Glyn Ceiriog and Chirk Court Residential Home, we would like to thank her many friends and relatives for their kind expressions of sympathy and for also the donations totalling £550 which, will be shared between Hope House Children's Hospice and Chirk Court Residents Social Fund. We would also like to thank the staff of Chirk Court and Glyn Ceiriog Clinic for the care and attention they showed to Nan , especially in her final illness.

Thanks also to the Rev Glyn Jones, the Rev Heini Jones and Funeral Directors Edmund Rowlands for their help and support at a difficult time.

Dioch yn fawr

Robert Strong and Mair Rogers

I shall be walking from John O'Groats to Lands End, a distance of 1,108 miles, in aid of Hope House Children's Hospice. If you would like to sponsor me forms are available at Glyn Ceiriog and Pontfadog Post Offices.

Thank you, Peter Hazle

Diane Rogers (Gwynfa, Llanarmon D.C. ) is taking part in the 10 mile Ladies Midnight Walk on June 27th to raise funds in support Nightingale House Hospice. If you would like to sponsor her, please telephone 600287.

 

Charity Long Distance Walk

I shall be walking from John O'Groats to Lands End, a distance of 1,108 miles, in aid of Hope House Children's Hospice. If you would like to sponsor me forms are available at Glyn Ceiriog and Pontfadog Post Offices.

Thank you, Peter Hazle

 Once again it’s that time of the year when Lyn and Anjie will be asking if you are able to host guests for the Eisteddfod.

Last year we had a truly fantastic choir from California staying in the Valley who, together with other performers, gave us a wonderful concert on the Friday evening.

There will be about 50 groups taking part this year, which will give us the entertainment, pleasure and colour our Eisteddfod deserves.

We shall be coming around and asking if you will be kind enough to open your homes and hearts to our visitors once again .

If you have never shared this experience before please contact us for more information. If you would be able to host a soloist and not be part of the bigger group then that is also an option.

There is a new PR Officer Stifyn Parry he is collecting stories about the Eisteddfod and who better to ask, than the people who look after them during their stay. If you have any interesting tales please share them with us.

On Monday, 6 July there will be an 'Opening—Gala Concert' for the first time

Anjie Bennett 01691 718 459 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lyn Babbington 01691 718 948 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

 Legend has it that Michelangelo painted with a brush in one hand and a candle in the other to prevent his shadow from covering his masterpiece in progress.

None of us can be like Michelangelo, however that's the kind of attitude we should adopt if we are serious about wanting to display the masterpiece of God's glory on the canvas of our lives. Unfortunately, we tend to live in a way that draws attention to ourselves, our cars, our clothes, our careers, our position, our cleverness, our success. And when life is all about us, it's hard for people to see Jesus in us. Jesus saved us to be reflections of His glory [Romans 8:29 ], but when we live for ourselves, our shadow gets cast on the canvas of His presence in us.

When the believers in Corinth were feeling too full of themselves, Paul warned them, 'that no flesh should glory (Boast) in His presence'. [1 Corinthians 1:29 ], and reminded them of what Jeremiah said, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord' [Jeremiah 9:24 ] . Think of your life as a canvas on which a picture is being painted. What would you rather have people see: the masterpiece of the presence of Jesus or the shadow of your own profile? Don't get in the way of a great painting in progress. Live to let others see Jesus in you.

Remember that a Christian's life is the canvas on which others can see Jesus. A poem expresses this:

My life is a painting created by God,

And as such I've nothing to boast;

Reflecting the image of Christ to the world

Is what I desire the most. Sper

Let this be our aim as the days become longer, and we see the beauty of God's creation around us.

Yours in Christ Glyn

Rev R Glyn Jones, Bryn Glas, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen , LL20 7EU .

Tel 01691 718086 m: 07760 328752

Alex, Angie and Lyn would like to thank everybody who supported the Moonwalk party in Oliver Jones Memorial Hall on Saturday, 7 March. We raised an incredible £1,002! Amazing!

The three of us are walking the Moonwalk on Saturday, 16 May in London, this is a Powerwalk Marathon in aid of Breast Cancer starting at midnight.

Thank you to all our friends who helped and all the people who donated prizes for games and everyone who came, we hope you had a good night.

The past month I've been suffering from withdrawal symptoms, as Teg strained a joint in her back leg and we've been restricted to short walks.

As compensation there have been a few pleasant happenings. While in conversation with a neighbour a tree creeper alighted on her birch trees and in textbook fashion started running up and down, covering nearly all of the trunks. The old country name was tree mouse, very understandable. We have few tree creepers, the niche being filled by that handsome, belligerent little blue nut hatch. When the nut hatch is on the feeder, no one else is allowed, regardless of species or size. The robin has a reputation for belligerence, but my observations indicate this is only with other robins, the nut hatch is far more democratic, belligerent with every thing, even me!

One of our daughters bought us a pebble pond some years ago, it sits in a corner of the patio about 12 feet from the back door. At the end of March while going out I noticed a bird preening on the apple tree above this pond. While I stood in the door way it flew down onto the pebbles and bathed in the spray, flying up to have another preen then doing it all over again. It was a wood warbler, not a rare bird by any measure, but usually living in thick cover and difficult to see. To be able to spend several minutes with this lovely little songster, with it's smart eye stripe and a canary yellow breast made, not just my day, but my week!

Tom Baker, Hyfrydle, Hen Ffordd, Dolywern. Tel. 712835

The Publishing Committee of the Glyn News gratefully acknowledges all the donations that have been given to the newsletter. Thank you all very much for these donations they go some way to ensuring that the finances of the newsletter are kept sound, thus enabling the committee to plan for the newsletters future.