The Glyn News Publishing Committee gives sincere thanks to all our readers, correspondents, advertizers and our loyal distributors for the support that you have give the newsletter over the past year. We wish you a contented Festive Season and that the New Year is a peaceful and happy one.

December

December was the last month of the old Roman year which was divided into ten months.

The Saxons called it 'winter-monat' or winter month, and 'heligh-monat', or holy month, from the fact that Christmas fell within it. The 22 December is the date of the winter solstice, when the sun reaches the tropic of Capricorn.

Saint's Days etc:

December 25: Christmas Day

December 29: St Thomas ' Day

December 31: New Year's Eve

Mottoes

'Bounce buckroom velvets dear,

Christmas comes but once a year,

When it comes it brings good cheer,

And when it's gone, it's never near.'

'In December keep yourself warm and sleep.'

'A green Yule, makes a fat kirk-yard.'

Call to sign in support of Oswestry Walkers are Welcome

Oswestry people and organizations have unanimously welcomed the move to seek the highly sought after ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status for the town and surrounding area. Among the benefits are improved local walking facilities and a boost to the local economy by attracting more visitors.

A steering group set up at a recent public meeting has drawn up a plan of action to satisfy the required criteria. This includes:

Collecting 500 signatures of support

Seeking the endorsement of Town and Parish Councils

Exploring the most effective forms of marketing

Setting up a timetable of actions culminating in a launch in May and a Walking Festival in September.

Chairman Anne Hendrie is urging as many people as possible to sign up in support of Oswestry and area Walkers are Welcome to achieve the target of 500 signatures.

‘In a very short space of time we have already achieved 150 signatures but we need more. Signature sheets are available in the Booka Bookshop, Honeysuckle, Mile End, the Heritage Centre and the Café Radio. Sheets can be taken away, filled in and returned.

‘Alternatively people can email their support to oswestrywrw@uwclub.net They just have to state that they support the idea of Oswestry being a Walkers are Welcome town and area, their postcode, how they would like to be kept in touch [optional] and their name,’ she said following the meeting.

The Group now intends to become an associate ‘working towards accreditation’ member of the Walkers are Welcome national organization. This initiative also ties in closely with the anticipated launch of the Oswestry Loop of the Shropshire Way in May 2012.

For further information please contact Peter Dunhill, Shropshire Way Project Officer on 01691 677287 or peter.dunhill@shropshire.gov.uk

Nature Notes

There is a hedge grown holly along one of our regular walks, on 30 October it was well laden with berries, 1 November came around and not a berry to be seen! Although I have yet to see them I'm sure that our Scandinavian winter visitors have arrived.

Redwing and Fieldfare find our winter climate, even at it's harshest, mild. They will stay until March, April in a particularly cold year, then fly back to Northern Europe for the summer, enjoying twenty hours of daylight to feed in. After raising their young they wait until the nights start getting long and return to us for five months.

Cousins of our song and mistle thrushes, they become communal for the winter, living in flocks of twenty to fifty, shy, flying away at any disturbance but cheering the winters gloom with their chatter.

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

Cynddelw PTA

A Hallowe'en Disco with refreshments was enjoyed by many children. The Christmas Fair is on 1st December so please come and enter the festive spirit by supporting us. All the classes will have a stall, refreshments will be available and there will be environmentally friendly Fair Trade shopping bags for sale, great for Christmas presents.

The PTA have agreed to pay for the buses for the trips to Pantomimes and in addition fund a children's newspaper which pupils have requested.

Concert

A most enjoyable concert took place at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall on Saturday, 15 October. This had been arranged by the Cymdeithas Glyntraian Committee—who every Autumn arrange a concert to raise funds for a different charity each year. Miss Margaret Humphreys introduced the Ruthin Mixed Choir, conducted by Robat Arwyn [a famous composer]. The accompanist was Mair Jones with soloists Meirion Wyn Jones [Blue Ribbon winner] and Robert Arwyn. The compère was Iwan Vaughan Evans.

The concerts proceeds went in aid of Chirk Hospital 's Ultra Scanner Appeal. Mrs Jackie Allan spoke on behalf of the appeal explaining that this scanner—now in place—is available to patients over a wide area including the Ceiriog Valley .

A comprehensive vote of thanks was given by the Glyntraian Committee treasurer, Mr Frank Jones.

Remembrance

Thanks

A big thank you to all who sponsored me on the NSPCC Cycle ride which raised the sum of £131, then a further sum of £384.50 was raised for Nightingale House from donations given on my 75th birthday for which I am truly appreciative of your support.

Ramona Penfold

Thank you

I wish to thank most sincerely all my relatives and friends from the village and beyond, for all the cards and enquiries during my stay at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Diolch yn fawr, gan Sydney Davies

NSPCC

The treasurer of the local NSPCC branch, Maisie Mottershed would like to thank all those who collected from house-to-house and also thank those who donated, to achieve the sum of £715.

Pool Competition

Llinos, Mike, Jan Eastwood and family, also Megis, Carol, Emma Phillips and family, would like to thank everyone who took part in the 'Mark Eastwood and Ryan Phillips Pool Competition' held on Saturday, 22 October at the Glyn Valley Hotel. Thanks is also given to those who gave prizes for the raffles. They would also wish to thank Markus and Heidi for the delicious stew and rolls which went down very nicely.

Pool winners were: 1, Daf Edwards; 2, Kev Drury. The sum of £526 was collected for the Ryan Phillips Memorial Fund at Christies Hospital , Manchester .

Diolch yn fawr i bawb

Christmas Greetings

Ron and Olive Edwards and family wish all their friends in the Valley together with their neighbours in Bro Dewi, Llwynmawr a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. They will be giving a donation to charity in lieu of Christmas Cards.

Christmas Cards

Iris Phillips will not be sending Christmas cards this year, she extends her Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all her family, friends and neighbours. A donation will be sent to Christies Hospital , Manchester .

Christian Centre

A meeting of the management committee was recently held presided over by the Rev'd Dan Parry. Members expressed their pleasure at the fact that the Centre has been going successfully for twenty-five years but were aware that this success is threatened by increasing financial costs i.e., heating, insurance, water etc., which are unmatched by income. It was noted that some church and chapel members called in regularly, the situation would be greatly aided if more people made use of its services, if only to buy a cup of tea at 25 pence.

The Centre does not ask for a fee of those groups who use it for meetings, committees or services but would appreciate any voluntary donations thought to be appropriate for its use.

It was decided to hold a Coffee Morning with a cake stall at the Centre on Thursday, 16 February 2012 , at 10.30 a.m. It was hoped that this fund raising event will be well supported, as the Centre exists to serve the community.

Riding for the Disabled

The Dyffryn Ceiriog Riding for the Disabled Group held its annual Autumn Fayre at the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre on Saturday, 5 November. This year there was a slight alteration to the set up with a Guy competition, apple bobbing and face painting as well as the usual stalls including homemade goods, produce, books, bric-a-brac, tombola and nearly new items.

Other groups bought tables to enable them to sell their own crafts and jewellery. There was an active response to the refreshments which were provided. A total of £935 being raised which will be used to support the group of riders who have weekly lessons at the Clwyd Special Riding Centre at Llanfynydd.

A further cheque in the sum of £1100 was presented to the founder of the Dyffryn Ceiriog Group, Mrs Anne Sopwith by Jane McGowan this being raised by a sponsored ride undertaken by Jane and friends, this was followed by Sian Bates presenting a cheque for £1300 to members of the Derwen Group of Riding for the Disabled which was also raised by a sponsored Ride by Sian and friends and by Ceri Griffiths of Border Vets who had undertaken a sponsored parachute jump.

The sponsored rides took place at the same time being from Glyn Ceiriog to Talacre and back.

Members of the group wish to thank all those who supported the Fayre, also those who gave their time to help the event.

The day was tinged with sadness, as a number of members were going on to Mr John Bampfield's Memorial Service in Oswestry. John will be sorely missed by the Group, as he had been a stalwart fund raiser for many years

The 'Seahorse Ride'

Glyn Ceiriog to Talacre Talacre to Glyn Ceiriog
Aprox 150 miles, 10–18 September 2011

Five of us left Glyn Ceiriog on Saturday, 10 September 2011 , Sian Bates, Paul Jackson, Jane Bates, Kathryn Foy and myself, Jane McGowan. We rode for eight hours the first day, over the four peaks to Llanarmon yn Iâl and stayed at Gweryd Lakes . Clare Edwards, Louise Orritt and Stephen Richards brought our dinner of pizza and beer, very much enjoyed by all. Thank you girls. The next day we travelled to Llandyrnog and after getting lost in Clwyd Forest for more than two hours, eventually arriving at Maes y Wern, receiving a wonderful welcome from Olwen Rowlands. We all enjoyed a good nights rest. The third days ride was very scenic and took us 8½ hours, arriving at Bridlewood Stables just before dark, hungry and exhausted.

We spent two lovely, relaxing days at the beach, staying in a brand new static caravan at Talacre Beach Caravan Park . Sleeping six of us for only £99 for three nights, we took advantage of the great facilities, which included: pool, sauna, steam room etc. What a bargain! Yet, only a short walk from the stables.

Jane Bates and Kathryn had to return home, Sian , Paul and I set out on the return journey. Re-tracing our steps we arrived at Eryrys around 4 p.m. on the Friday evening, cold, wet and hungry. We only had a wooden hut to stay in that night we were fortunate enough to meet two lovely people, Paula and Richard who very kindly put us up for the night. The horses had a lovely field to rest in and we had five star treatment, home cooked Italian food and wine, just what we needed to set us up for our last days riding.

We arrived home to a wonderful reception of balloons, banners and cheers on Sunday, 18 September.

I wish to thank all those who sponsored me, thus enabling me to raise the total of £1033 for the Dyffryn Ceiriog RDA.

A very special thank you to Mick Newbrook for all his help in the organizing the whole trip and all the running around with supplies for us during our adventure. Thanks go also to Trevor Bates and Gloria Edwards for being our other back up team.

Sian , Jane, Kathryn and Paul would also like to thank all those who sponsored them, enabling them to raise £1300 for the Derwen Group of Riding for the Disabled.

Jane McGowan

Dolywern Charity Walk

I would like to thank all the stalwart walkers and wheelchair walkers who completed the ten mile and three mile walk in such good spirits. The weather was rather mixed but it did not deter them from completing the challenge.

Without them, the fantastic back up team and the generosity of the sponsors we would not have raised such an amazing £1476.

With the fund raising in the last year and a very generous donation of £101 from Crossley Contract Services, we are finally able to buy this very special armchair. It will make such a difference for the very impaired residents who will be able to sit out safely, in comfort and socialize out of their rooms.

Thank you again

Lynn Lawford, physiotherapist

"AND WE WILL SEE HIS GLORY"
Mathew and Luke write their description of the birth of Christ through the eyes of the world. John speaks from the direction of Heaven. Mathew and Luke use experiences of people that were involved in Jesus birth. However John states the event from God's perception, from Our Father in Heaven.
This was my experience until 1993, when I was given the opportunity with my Canadian wife Lois, with 100 others for a pilgrimage to Israel .
Since that time I have had the privilege to visit seven times, the last one was in June.
I have received so many personal experiences, I look forward to every pilgrimage, for my faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer is strengthened.
The journey of five miles between Jerusalem and Bethlehem , becomes shorter in my mind every visit, despite the fact we have to pass through the border between Jewish Jerusalem and Palestinian, Bethlehem . Unfortunately a high wall has been built between the two territories, but I do recall before the wall was built having to walk the 100 yards, before been welcomed by the Christian Palestinian guide, who escorts us in Bethlehem . Before that time, I will never forget , how tense the Jewish drivers were in 1993, this was before a ruling which allowed only Palestinian drivers to use the streets of Palestinian Territories .
But note, that both the Jews and Palestinians work closely to give tourists a safe tour.
As Christians we are called to pray, every time I visit, the Bethlehem guide and shopkeeper, ask us to pray for their situation, asking for the peace, that passes understanding, that Jesus through His love and grace , brought to earth, here in this location over 2000 years ago, to influence the relationship between the Jews and Palestinians. It is interesting to note , that a large number of Christians live in Bethlehem, despite the fact the number have declined, because many have immigrated overseas, as a result of the poverty Palestinians suffer. Bethlehem Bible College is very popular, and one of our party in June had attended that college. We were all given the opportunity to buy goods in the gift shop, so that income would help the financial situation in Bethlehem .
A new mini-bus took us to the Greek Orthodox Church, built around the cave, now a vestry, where Jesus was born. The number of new vehicles, illustrates that the situation has improved. But we pray for the people, that need our help.
What is remarkable, is that we all have to bend to enter the church humbly. Originally the entrance was large enough for horses with riders to enter, this was made smaller, for Moslem's had entered and destroyed the place of worship.
Many are disappointed in the dusty church, however as we await to go downstairs near the altar, I was overjoyed to see fifty Russian families, with children as young as 10. Then when I saw them kneeling and weeping as they kissed the floor, tears were in my eyes. What a wonderful event, that would not have occurred until recently.
I receive a different experience, every time I come to the birthplace of Jesus. The first time we entered the old cave, with so many as part of our group, my wife Lois and I stayed to meditate on what we thought would be the only time we would see this historical site. A group of Canadian pilgrims entered, who knew many of our friends. What a place to meet, at the birthplace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
When I was a Chaplain on a School Cruise, I had already read the Scriptures from Luke, when the pupils, who I did not know, started singing carols: 'Away in the manger'; 'Silent Night'. Once again I was weeping, as I thanked God for that wonderful experience.
In the year of the Millennium, I was sitting in a corner, praying for God to show me something new. I got up, and looked at the sign above my head; 'Hallelujah'. So good we can give God the glory, at this very place.
In 2007, for the first time I noticed, the star, located at the place, where the manger was suppose to be. The star had 14 arrows. Research reminded me that there were 14 generations between, Adam and Abraham, 14 to King David, 14 to the Captivity in Babylon , 14 from their Release to the Birth of Jesus. As Mary and Joseph, from the tribe of David, had to register for the census in Bethlehem, that is why the travelled from Nazareth in Galilea, over 70 miles, that would take at least 10 days for a pregnant woman. No wonder the inns were full. But thankfully for the stable [cave], where Jesus was born in the manger.
Many will say that my experiences are a coincidence. Not so, for this was God's perfect plan! He has a plan for all of us.
Let this Christmas reflect God's glory in your life, for His only begotten son, Jesus is alive, and wants to be part of all our lives.
One of my favourite verses this time of year, is Christmas List ; this ends :
And every year when Christmas
Comes, I realize anew.
The biggest gift life can give
Is meeting folks like you,
And may the spirit of Christmas
That forever and ever endures
Leave its richest blessing in
The heart of you and yours. Author Unknown
What is next ? I will be taking a Pilgrimage to Israel from March 12–19th. A few local people are coming.
A meaningful Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2012. Your friend in Christ Glyn

Christmas Services

December

Saturday 3: Children's 'Get ready for Christmas afternoon' at St Ffraid's, 2–4 p.m. Build Bethlehem , dress the tree, make decorations. With a story and song, tea party to follow.

 

December 11th. Combined Service St Garmon's 10.30 a.m.

No Services this morning at St Ffraid's or St John's .

 

December 18th. Christingle Service St Ffraid's 10.15 a.m.

Christingle Service St John's 6 p.m.

 

December 24th. Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Communion and Carols, St Ffraid's 11.30 p.m.

 

December 25th. Christmas Day

 

Christmas Communion with Carols St John's , Pontfadog

 

Christmas Communion with Carols St Garmon's, Llanarmon D.C. 10.30 a.m.

 

December 28, Wednesday: Plygain at St Garmon's, traditional quality singing 7 p.m.

St John's Church

We are again joining forces with the GVT & IH Trust on Saturday, 17 December for a Table Top Sale and the Waiting Room fire lit and refreshments served. Come along and join the fun supporting these two worthy causes between 10 a.m. – 12 noon.

St John's Church

Don't forget that on Saturday, 17 December we are joining forces with GVT & IH Trust for a Table Top Sale in Pontfadog while the Glyn Valley Waiting Room will be open for refreshments.

The Christingle Service will be on Sunday, 18 December at 6 p.m. in St John's Church , all welcome.

Cheshire Home

The Christmas Market hopefully has been a great success. Thanks goes to everyone who attended.
Events that have happened this month;-
Llangollen Rotary came to Dolywern to try their best to beat us at Whist, however it was just like the quiz, they lost miserably. We at Dolywern were the victors.
Every week we are very fortunate to have a young lady from Nantyr called Joan to help us do Tai Chi. There must be at least 10 residents along with 2 staff enjoying the relaxation classes. Anyone who wishes to join the class please call in.
Line Dancing group from Glyn Ceiriog came to show the residents their new steps. Some joined in with their wheelchairs. We all enjoyed the evening and look forward to their next visit before Christmas.
Colin [Television man] came to Dolywern to play the keyboard and entertain the residents. There were songs from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and of course some that I wasn't able to sing along with as I am not young. There was a young lady with him from Pontfadog who had a fantastic voice, maybe she could come back again one day.
On Saturday, 5 November we had fireworks. A very successful evening thanks to Chris Bower and Jess Sheil.
We at Dolywern, would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Lynda

From the Vicar

Christmas is coming once more. Most of us, especially our younger folks, look forward with joy to this celebration which surrounds them with love and the prospect of new and exciting presents and activities. We must indeed all be thankful for the presents we will receive and the joy of spending Christmas together with our families and friends. And also for the joys of Christmas Carols and music and, of course, lots of nice things to eat.

On the other hand, we know that Christmas time is far from easy for many people. This can be for all sorts of reasons such as difficult family relationships and family breakdown, the financial pressures this season places on our budgets and for many older people isolation and loneliness. On top of these, there are many places in the world where people are without the means to celebrate Christmas much at all.

In these thoughts we find a clue as to what Christmas, from a Christian perspective, is really all about. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became man and was born in Bethlehem some two thousand years ago now. Jesus was born into a world which was under the rule of the Romans and it was a cruel world and one in which people had to contend with poverty and homelessness and paying taxes and the like. That first Christmas was by no means an easy affair for Mary and Joseph and their new family member.

They too had problems such as having to find a home whilst they enrolled to pay their taxes.

God came to this world in Christ and came into the world as it really was, and not to any imaginary situation. Similarly, where He is welcomed today, He also comes and into whatever conditions exist to be alongside us and to help us and to lead us forward.

Christians believe that this coming of God in Christ is the true marvel of Christmas and that, as God is alongside us and with us, we too can go con  dently forward and with joy on life's journey. The Christmas Carol puts it very well:

'O little town of Bethlehem ,

How still we see thee lie! …

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting light;

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee to-night'.

I wish all our readers a very happy Christmas. Nadolig Llawen i bawb ohonoch.

Edward Yendall

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

 

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

 

Silent night, holy night

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born

Christ, the Saviour is born

 

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Joseph Mohr

 

Tawel yw'r nos

Tawel yw'r nos; sanctaidd yw'r nos;

Cysgu'n bêr nae Bethl'em dlos;

Mair a Joseff yn gwylio 'nghyd;

Lesu'r baban bach yn ei grud

Gwsg ei nefolaidd hun

Gwsg ei nefolaidd hun

 

Tawel yw'r nos; sanctaidd yw'r nos;

Beth yw'r gwawl sy'n yr wybren dlos?

Gwêl y bugeiliaid engyl glân

Clywant eiriau y nefol gân

Ganwyd y Crist o'r Nef

Ganwyd y Crist o'r Nef

 

Tawel yw'r nos; sanctaidd yw'r nos;

Mwyn yw'r gwynt ar waun a rhos

Llif pob gras o wedd Mab Duw

Dydd ein hiechydwriaeth yw

Moliant drwy'r nef a'r llawr

Moliant drwy'r nef a'r llawr

rhydd-gyf Nantlais

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