ry eye is a condition seen reasonably commonly in dogs and is caused by a reduced or total lack of normal tear production.
Affected eyes typically develop a thick, yellowish discharge and may also be itchy and reddened.

Eyelid tumours are another condition seen commonly in older dogs.
They occur on the margin of the eyelid and have the potential to cause marked comeal irritation.

Early diagnosis is the `golden rule' with eyes, for example early diagnosis and treatment of dry eye can malte a real differetnce to the vision of affected dogs. Don't delay!

If your pet is showing my symptoms of eye problems, go and see your vet for a thorough health examination.

s we approach the firework 'season' we have put together some tips to keep your pets safe during this challenging time of year.
- Keep dogs and cats indoors at night. ideally outdoor pets [such as rabbits] should also be moved indoors, but, if this not possible, their hutches should be covered.

- Ensure nervous dogs have somewhere sheltered and comfortable to hide. Keep windows and curtains closed and try having music or the TV on to help mask the sound of the fireworks.

- Most importantly, don't reward fearful behaviour with cuddles and reassurance. Stay relaxed and carry on as if nothing is happening, ignoring the fireworks and acting as a good role model.

- We also recommend installing a DAP diffuser in or near your pet's hiding place. DAP [short for dog appeasing pheromone ], decreases stress levels in dogs. It should be noted that it needs to be plugged in 2–3 weeks before the event. DAP is a synthetic version of a pheromone that is secreted by the bitch—providing comfort and reassurance at all times of stress. As you can see, there are a number of steps you can take to help your pets during this stressful time, but planning ahead is essential .

If you have any worries then call you vet for further information.

lthough only the very start of September, there is a decided autumnal feel to the weather. During our early walk, both Teg and my own breath are like smoke, gossamer strings like tinsel from hedge to hedge and the bird song is nearly gone.

When passing the school walking to the village for my morning paper the last of the swallows were gathering. These would be this years young, the parent birds having gone more than a month ago. There were about fifty, flying in a flock and as individuals, landing in groups of half a dozen upwards on the telephone wires.
In the next few days they will suddenly decide it is time to leave. Never having travelled beyond the Glyn they will now stage through all the way to South Africa, a distance of 6,000 miles.

This year I may be lucky enough to catch them part way as I will be holidaying along one of the major migration routes in South France/ East Spain. They will, with favourable winds, travel 300 miles a day, stopping a few hours to feed and refuel morning and evening. This incredible achievement is done with no companions who have completed the trip before, but purely by inborn instincts.

When the survivors return in spring, as return is what they do, this years' young to where they hatched, we know that the year has truly turned and a wonderful cycle is starting again.

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

eptember arrived and the holidays are over, but here at school we have lots of fun and learning in store to keep us busy.
As I write the whole school is to visit Chirk Castle for a Crumble Rumble which is a foraging competition focussed on the gathering of autumn fruits [apples and blackberries] in order to make a crumble for our lunch. The best Crumble wins and everyone gets to eat crumble for pud after out picnic lunch! Sounds great - thank you to Chirk Castle for organising the event?

Swimming and gymnastics at Chirk on 18 September.

The PTA meetings have got underway with plans for the Chrisnnas Fayre and events for the children over the term.

Football and Netball clubs are also starting on Tuesdays and Weclnesdays respectively.
After half term there will be an Art club beginning, with a theme of Memories.

Mother and Toddler Group is now on Wednesdays between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Anyone who cares for toddlers is very welcome to come along to the group and join us.

Our summer School leavers are now settled into their new schools, Timmy and Ben at Dinas Bran and Alys at the Rev Clark's new parish.
We wish them well and thanks to them and the rest of the school for putting on a fantastic leavers service last summer.

Well Done to everyone who was awarded prizes and sports medals.

inutes of the June meeting were approved. B4500 subsidence at the barrier roadside following river bank repair has been notified, work is not yet scheduled.

Police report
Events in recent weeks included: a rowdy nuisance. Five crimes of disorderly conduct. The theft of a trailer, the theft of a generator, the theft of a caravan awning. A stop and search operation resulted in persons in possession of cannabis being found, charges will follow. CPSO Marie Mayor has toured the area and requested that the hedge from the phone box to the hall entrance be cut. This was done the following day.

County Councillor
The highway manager has confirmed work will be carried out at The Plough, Llwymawr. The ' Old Road ' will be cleaned. Patch repair work will be carried out on the B4500. The county are striving to organize hourly busses to Glyn Ceiriog and two hourly busses to Llanarmon, they will attempt to coincide with train connections. The request for a Bus Shelter at Castle Mill has failed due to the lack of sufficient safe ground space. A suggestion of an alternative site will be explored. The county has achieved 'world heritage Site Status' for Thomas Telford's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Cllr Cooper
At a meeting of the One Voice Wales Area Committee the election of officers resulted in a new chairman, Cllr Brian Grew. The vice-chairman re-elected is Cllr Mike Harriman.
Discussions included the concern of cross border hospital treatment between England and Wales, rumours are around that this may be reduced, the committee will write to seek assurance that current policies remain and will not be changed. Training for councillors is being arranged, the programme will be issued shortly. Future meetings will alternate between Mold and Wrexham.
Community Health Council report: hospital ward inspections continue. Committee members met to discuss the WAG consultation paper on Rural Health Planning, improving service delivery across Wales . Details are with the clerk.

Highways
The county borough were very slowly repainting the milestones in the valley, the improvement was noted. The War Memorial area has been tidied up by the county. B4579 at Nant Fowk was once again in need of road edging filling. A fresh look is needed at the rain water drainage scheme below Herber House, the water is running past the new drains.
Planning
The poor presentation of one application was noted, the planning manager will be notified. WCBC applications/decisions: P2009/0339 temporary use of a static caravan at Tai'n y Mynydd, agreed. P2009/0301 variation of time condition: agreed [land in Dolywern].
New application P2009/0454 conversion of flat roof to pitch roof at Ffynnon Deg, Llwynmawr, no comment.

Finance
All councillors were issued with a copy of the Annual Return for the year end 31/3/2009 . The independent check and the internal audit were satisfactory. All councillors were in agreement for the return to be signed by the chairman. The rate of interest of the bank accounts will be checked to ensure best value is maintained.
There were no accounts for payment. A VAT refund of £744.45 has been received.

Correspondence
New Standing Orders have been issued [all councillors have a copy]. One Voice Wales, notification of AGM [a member will attend]. The Bowling Green Lease was delivered to the solicitors, checked and satisfactory. NW Police, a road safety plan, plans to tackle drug abuse. Wales Ombudsman 'The Annual Report'. Dee Valley Water, a notice of intention to work on the roadway in Pontfadog. WCBC a Play Day in Wrexham Queens Square on August 5, 12 noon–4 pm. SMP play design leaflet.

AOB
Standing Orders will be proposed for adoption at the September meeting.

e went on a canal trip in Welshpool, taking with us a gentleman who has Huntington's—and we noticed how relaxed he became on the journey, taking in all the sites and sounds and the calmness of the day. [The Carers felt that they were doing a really worthwhile job].
We enjoyed our "Australian Themed Day" with apricot chicken or sweetcorn fritters, bacon and afters, pavlova. Later in the evening we had Music in Hospitals, piano accompanied singers.
Forthcoming events include:-
Saturday November 28th at 2pm Christmas Market, produce and cake stalls and Santa.
Monday November 30th at 2pm Eirlys Dyffryn - Harpist entertains.
Friday December 11th at 2:30pm stupendous singer Margaret and pianist Jonathan - not to be missed.
Wednesday December 23rd at 6pm Christmas Party for Residents, their families, volunteers, friends and not forgetting the staff - good food and entertainment.

ôr Meibion Dyffryn Ceiriog held their annual concert at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Dolywern on August 29. The compere was Mr Merfyn Davies, the soloists were Miss Ceri Owen, Pontfadog and Mr Andrew Griffiths, Rhos, the accompanist was Mr Owen Roberts. The choir conductor is Mr Gareth Thomas and the choir pianists are Mrs Sarah Morris and Mrs Brenda Cassidy. A comprehensive vote of thanks was proposed by the choir chairman, Mr Brian Eadon. The choir secretary is Mr Peter Wilkes and the treasurer is Mr David Cassidy. The choir has a busy schedule over the coming months, with concerts at Colemere in September; the North Wales Male Voice Choir Festival at the Aston Hall and Penylan Church , Ruabon in October; Chirk Green Chapel and The Three Tenors Concert in December, as well as Christmas Carols at the Cheshire Home and Carol Singing outside Sainsbury's, Oswestry in December.

emember those round, yellow, happy face stickers that showed up frequently on letters ? They were often accompanied by the one word message, "SMILE". They implied that you can put a smile on your face as easily as you can put your clothes on. In a sense that is true. A good actor can look happy even when his heart is breaking.
Favourable circumstances can also produce smiles. A person with good health, an adequate income and a nice house finds it easy to look happy. The best smile comes naturally from within. It reflects a joy that remains even when a person has few of life's material blessings. It comes from knowing God, believing and obeying His Word, being assured of sins forgiven, possessing eternal life, and anticipating the glories of heaven. The believer who depends on God for these blessings can smile despite adversity.
Habakkuk has a short prophecy, but declared triumphantly, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation" [Habakkuk 3:18]. Even if everything were taken from him, the Lord would be his strength. He didn't need to put on a smile, because the joy in his heart would do it for him.
Let us remember that happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Jesus. Let this Joy, fruit of the Holy Spirit grow in our lives. And the acronym become real J, for Jesus first, O for others second and Y, for yourself last.
A smile can conceal our pain And lighten our despair,
But trust in God gives inner peace
And joy beyond compare.—Sper
Your friend in Christ Glyn
Rev'd R. Glyn Jones, Bryn Glas, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen, LL20 7EU
Tel: 01691 718086 mob: 07760328752

hank you to everybody who supported the Berwyn & Dee Pony Club Duck Race which was held on Friday, 5 June at Llanarmon D C. We managed to raise a total of £700. The Berwyn & Dee Pony Club are holding an 80th Anniversary Ball on Friday, 30 October 2009 at the Lion Quays, with various entertainment. All welcome—for further information please contact Jane Richards 01691 600349.

ongratulations to Daniel Owen of Caer Berllan, Dolywern for being picked to play rugby for North East Wales. He also plays for the local youth team in Glyn Ceiriog and without the hard work of the coaching staff and parents from here this would not be possible to run—diolch yn fawr pawb. Good luck/Pob lwc Daniel! With love Family and Friends.

any thanks to everyone in the Valley who sponsored me for my recent John O'Groats to Lands End walk.
My support team and I have raised £3,500 which we delivered to Hope House at the end of August.
Thank you once again.

Peter Hazle

oy and Rose Evans, Tyn-y-Clwt, Nantyr, would like to congratulate their daughter, Jane Williams on achieving FMAAT Status, which is the Association of Accounting Technicians most senior level membership. Congratulations also from daughters Jessica and Alice, who state: 'We are very proud of you, Mam.'

ernard, Doreen and Joan and families would like to express sincere thanks to family, friends and neighbours for expressions of kindness, support and the many cards and messages of sympathy received following the death of their father, David Oliver Evans.

ongratulations to Ynyr Jefferys-Evans on gaining his MA in Countryside management at Bangor University , following on from his BSc at Aberystwyth University .
We are so proud of you.
Love from Morgaine, Eiri-Haf, dad a Mam, Coryn, Rhonwen, Peter a Dion.

aturday, 5 September was the first of the three Open Days at the Institute. The members of the public were welcomed and escorted around the main hall and the museum by the Committee members who answered questions on the many artefacts on display. All who attended were very surprised and impressed by the displays, ranging from the stained glass windows, which commemorate famous Welshman, several oil paintings as well as examples of the Industrial Heritage of the Ceiriog Valley . The last Open Day is on Saturday, 19 September.
In May 2011, it is hoped to celebrate the Centenary of this Institute.

rs Ceinwen Ellis tells us that her brother Glyn Ellis, who has lived in Liverpool for many years and whose mother's family originally lived in Llangau, Llanarmon has been given a Welsh book purchased for 50p at Carnegy Road , Liverpool by an English lady, thinking it may be of interest to him.
The book's title is, Ceiriog a Mynyddog with an inscription inside the front cover which reads:
Gwobr 1912
Undeb Ysgolion Sul
Bedyddwyr Dyffryn Ceiriog
Cyflwynedig i
Priscilla Austin, Nantyr
Dos 12-16 oed
Safon 160, Marciau 143

If there are any relatives of Priscilla living in the area who would like to receive this book please contact
Ceinwen Ellis,
Bwlch Farm,
Llangollen.
Telephone 01978 860338.

e are hoping to improve the Post Office and Gift Shop by means of a grant, but we need some help from our costumers and non-customers in order to receive the grant. The more ideas the better, to support our local community.
If there is a service that you feel we could provide or any improvements you feel the Post Office and shop may need please write to:
John and Gilly Keen
or pick up a leaflet from the

Post Office
Maybury Avenue
Glyn Ceiriog
Llangollen
LL20 7EY

Thank you and a thank you to those who have already responded and supported us.

John and Gilly Keen

longyfarohiadaul
Congratulations to Daniel Owen who has been selected for the North East Wales under-12 rugby squad after attending trials during the summer.
He will attend weekly training sessions with the squad at Shotton RFC.
Daniel's selection is richly deserved as he played exceptionally well for Glyn Ceiriog last season and has great enthusiasm for the game.
Indeed, it is a huge achievement after only one season of regular rugby under his belt and we are very proud, as a club, to have a representative in the squad. Da iawn, wir, Dan!

Dan 8 Oed
Our under 8 squad has grown from strength to strength during the summer and we now have 23 players! In fact, with so many involved, we will be forming an under 7 team as well as continuing to run the under 8 team.
We have welcomed Wynn jones, brothers Jake and Joshua Williams, Rona Williams, Ryan Davies [from Weston Rhyn] and New-bridge twins Jack and Harry Jurkojc into the squad.

Calendar
The club started the season with a home game against Shotton RFC [report next time] and will have a busy time during October

4th: Home game against Welshpool [11.00 am]
16th: Trip to Stockport to see the Heineken Cup match between Sale Sharks and Cardiff Blues [places available, phone 718885 for more information]
18th: Away game against Rhos
25th: Away game against Shrewsbury [under 7s and 8s]
27th: Beach training and Ten Pin in New Brighton
30th: Cake Stall on The Cross [10.00 am-12.00 noon]

Crysau Rygbi
The club has a few Glyn Ceiriog rugby shirts in adult sizes left in stock [38"-44" only] at £25 each.
We also have some stylish green and yellow T-shirts, embroidered with our club badge, available [38"-46" only] at £10 each.
Ideal presents for Glyn exiles, perhaps?

Phone 718885 for more details.

he September meeting of the Ceiriog Valley Women's Section RBL was held at the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre, which was opened by the chairman, Mrs June Chatton, with the Exhortation and Silent Tribute.
After reading the minutes, the secnetary, Mrs Anne Northwood distributed nomination papers in preparation for the AGM in October.
The meeting was rounded off with a Bingo Session, when the caller was Mrs Agnes Holt. Refreshments were served by the members.

fter School Club: The club is available daily for £4.50 until 4.30 pm and for £5.50 until 5.30 pm for all full time pupils. You must book in if you wish your child to attend After School Club.
Contact either Mrs Josie Williams or Mrs Michelle Lewis.

Free Breakfast Club: The Free Breakfast Club is available from 8.15 am until 8.45 am for children from Reception Class to Year 6.
The children need to book in with Mrs June Griffiths if they are attending. Please do not send your children to school before 8.45 am unless they are attending the Free Breakfast Club as the teachers are not on duty until 8.45 am.

100 Club: Are there any new patents and/or Friends who wish to help raise funds for school activities?
You are very welcome to join our 100 Club. It costs £12 per year and helps to pay for all sorts of exciting opportunities for the children.
Anyone wishing to join for 2009 - 2010 should send a cheque made payable to Ysgol Cynddelw 100 Club or cheque to Mrs Corben or Mrs Lynne Morris.

School Uniform: uniforms have arrived although we are still awaiting some items.
Anyone wishing to order a uniform should see Mrs M. Lewis.
Please ensure your child's name is on every item of clothing.

Free School Dinners: If you think you may be eligible for Free School Meals please contact Mr Steve jones on 0l978 298736.

s published in last month's issue, this is the new name for the Glyn Valley Tramway Group. The Group has now formed a Trust whish has been granted chritable status.

Work is currently in progress to produce a Business Plan which, when completed, will lead to a funding campaign to enable The New Heritage Trust to move forward.
This will fulfil our aspirations to develop a Heritage Centre at the former GVT loco shed and yard in Glyn Ceiriog.
We will keep readers of the Glyn News informed of further developments.

meeting of the Institute's Management Committee was held on Monday, 2 August presided over by Mr Idris Davies. before the meeting commenced, members went to see the work which has recently taken place at the museum and were very pleased with the result. Members were also pleased to see the new storage cupboards and working tops now in position in the hallway adjacent to the kitchen. it was noted that these had been donated and erected free of charge and the members gratitude was expressed to those responsible for these. The secretary reported on the plans suggested by the sub-committee for the celebration of the Institute Centenery in 2011.

It was noted that as part of the Wrexham story; and to celebrate the history and heritage of Rural Wrexham, the Institute will be part of the Wrexham 'Open Doors Programme', open to the public free of charge on September 5, 12 and 19 from 10 am to 4 pm. A rota of members willing to escort visitors around both the main hall and the newly formed museum was drawn up. it is hoped that this Grade II listed building which was erected in 1911, will attract many visitors.

ver sixty people, mainly farmers attended a presentation organised by FWAG WALES at the Centre on 2 July. The meeting was presided over by the chairman, Mr Alun Edwards and the subject under discussion was: 'Fern Control'. The speakers were: Professor Rob Marrs, World specialist on ferns; Arfon Hughes from the Countryside Council for Wales ; Dominic Lamb from Monsanto Chemicals and lastly, Mike Davies from MD Air Services. These were followed by an excellent Buffet Lunch provided by ladies from the Centre, sponsored by Mr Peter Farthing.
After lunch they all proceeded to Berllan Hely g, Tregeiriog to see demonstrations of various machines which could be used for fern management.
A vote of thanks to all concerned was proposed by Glenda Thomas, Ffwag Cymru Leader.

ollowing the Bank's decision to close the Glyn Ceiriog branch, Carol and Sue wish to thank everyone most sincerely for all the cards, gifts and kind words received from the customers, they have got to know so well while working in the branch.
We will treasure the many happy memories of our time working in the beautiful Ceiriog Valley.

n a weekend of unsettled weather, spectators at the Ceiriog Valley Sheepdog Society’s annual Sheepdog Trials and Show held at Glyn Ceiriog on Saturday, 29 August under the Presidency of Gareth Thomas, Glyn Ceiriog, were fortunate to enjoy a generally warm and sunny day, with only one brief shower of rain.

The Open Sheepdog Trials attracted almost sixty competitors. On the Tal-y-Garth field, kindly made available for the Show by Mr Jeff Eamons, dogs had to lift their sheep after an outrun taking them through a narrow gap in the hedge at the corner of the field, always a difficult manoeuvre which some did not achieve. The fetch was across and down a steeply sloping field, to the level area near the spectators on which the cross-drive and penning was carried out. Seven finalists qualified on this field, and five on Gareth Thomas’s Ty’n-y-Groes field. In the final, competitors had to handle a packet of five sheep, and in addition to the obstacles on the qualifying course, had to negotiate a Maltese Cross.

Competition was fierce and closely-run, only four points separating the top three competitors. The Judges, Goronwy Edwards, Llanrhaedr and Mark Bufton, Newtown, gave the Taylor Memorial Cup and Tyson Bronze Trophy, for the second year running, to Alun Jones, Selattyn with Rob, who lost 15 points, closely followed by Hamer Jones, Llanfechain, with Meg, losing 17 points, and Alastair Gilchrist, Tregeiriog, with Roy, losing 18 points, in third place.
The Novice Class, run on Friday 28, was judged by John Ellis of Whitchurch. Alastair Gilchrist was the winner with Roy. He also won the Local Class, this time with Joe, thus taking home no fewer than six trophies. The Nantyr Cup for the Best Conditioned Working Sheepdog was won by Gayle Forrester, Oswestry, with Ron.

Sheep competition

The Sheep Section attracted over 100 entries, a larger number than usual, with competitors coming from as far apart as Ruthin and Llansantffraid. Many of the breeds found locally were present, with of course a very strong entry of Welsh Mountain sheep. Blue-Faced Leicesters were well represented, as were cross-bred butcher’s lambs. Once again Alwyn Morris, Tregeiriog, took home the John Turner Trophy for the Interbreed Champion with a yearling hardy Welsh Ram. The John Turner Cup for the Best Exhibit of the opposite sex was awarded to Aled Jones, Tregeiriog, for two Speckle-Faced Ewe Lambs. However, Hughes Bros of Chirk carried off the John & Edwina Lloyd Memorial Cup for gaining the most points in the Sheep section, they having swept the board in the Cross-bred classes.

Shearing Class

The Hand Shearing Class was won by Rheinallt Hughes, Llanarmon DC. The Machine Shearing Contractors Class was won by Richard Jones, Glyndyfrdwy, and the Farmers Class by Aled Jones, Llanarmon DC.

Horse Classes

The Horse Classes were very well supported, although numbers were a little down compared with last year. There were riding classes and a gymkhana. The winners in the Open Show Jumping Classes, judged by Kirstin Tigg, were Carol Lewis, Serena Bird, Molly Hughes and Scarlet Walk-Smith.
The In-Hand Classes covered Mountain & Moorland breeds, Coloured, Welsh Cobs (C&D) and others. Judge Carron Pygott, Mold, awarded the Overall Championship to Morwyn Princess Charming, a 10 year old mare from Mrs Audrey Weaver’s Morwyn Stud at Ruthin, with the Reserve Champion being Mason/Stepol Stud’s seven year old mare, Brynfa Lucky Llinos.

Companion Dog Show

In the Companion Dog Show, in which 85 dogs were judged by Ian Jones, Buckley, the award for Best in Show went to Darcy, the Whippet, shown by Katey Bradley, Connah’s Quay. The Best Puppy was the Beagle Roxy, shown by Kim Dovaston, Pwllglas. The Vin Allman Cup for the Best Conditioned Dog within the Ceiriog Valley was taken home to Chirk Bank by Nesta Lloyd, who showed Rex, her Border Collie.
There were stalls mounted by various local organisations which were well supported by the many members of the public who attended.

Frank Richardson

A shadow was cast over the occasion by the death on the previous Sunday at the age of 79 of Frank Richardson, Selattyn, a stalwart supporter of the Show for over half a century. Before the presentation of the Awards, the Chairman of the Committee, John Evans, Halton, paid tribute to his many contributions to the Show, and those present stood in silence in his memory.