Welcome to 2012

The Glyn News publishing committee wishes you all a very happy New Year and welcomes its readers, advertisers and distributors to the first edition of the New Year, of the newsletter. The committee hopes that you will enjoy receiving the newsletter over the coming months and don't forget: keep sending us all the local news .

Within this edition you will find an envelope which, if you wish too, you can make a donation in aid of the newsletter.

Thank you

Cyril Wynne, Graham and Heather Edwards and Sandra Davies would like to thank all kind neighbours and friends for their messages of condolence following the death before Christmas of Mrs Hilda Edwards, a sister, mother and mother-in-law. Diolch o galon i bawb.

Thank you all

Thank you to so many people for their kindness and concern for John during his last years of ill health and for the many cards, gifts and donations for the Air Ambulance and churches.

Many thanks for the excellent care received from the District Nurses, carers from Pride-in-Care and doctors who helped John stay at home, without whom I could not managed.

Joan Blakeman

Thanks

Shirely and Michael Wood would like to thank all their friends and neighbours for their kindness during Bill's recent illness. Thanks also for the many get well cards he received. We all really appreciated your thoughtfulness.

Thank you all again, Bill, Michael and Shirely, Cam o'r Afon.

Thank you

Members of the Christian Centre Committee wish to thank the proprietors of the Swann Inn, Pontfadog and members of Côr Meibion Dyffryn Ceiriog for the donation of £123. This was collected during the Carol Service held at the Swan.

Nature Notes

One of the joys of walking in winter is the lack of leaves, enabling you to see things that were carefully hidden in greener times.

Walking past Plas Wynne, the Mansion House, in the hedge was one of last years long tailed tit nests. We are astonished by David Attenbourgh showing us nests of the Bower Bird in Borneo or Weaver Birds in Africa but the long tailed tit is up there with the best.

The construction is of lichen and moss, woven together with spider web and lined with feathers. About the size of a grapefruit it is usually shaped like a rugby ball on end with the entrance a third the way down, but this one was nearly spherical.

When first built it fits snugly around the parent and clutch of eggs. As the eggs hatch and the chicks grow this wonderful structure is elastic, so grows around them. All the time they require the nest it remains the perfect fit whether there are two or twelve of them. Wouldn't it be marvellous if our houses could do the same!

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

NSPCC

Twenty volunteers took part in the recent Ceiriog Valley house-to-house NSPCC collection, with a total of £715 being received. Added to this was the money raised from two cake stalls, held earlier together with some generous donations making for a total of £1397. Mrs Maisie Mottershead and all the committee members wish to thank everyone who helped to raise this amount.

Canolfan Ceiriog Centre

A show entitled 'Humbug' was performed by members of Clwyd Theatr Cymru for Young People, written and directed by Tim Baker, at the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre on Friday, 18 November. This was a show with a difference, much enjoyed by all the members of the large audience, young and old alike. This show was supported by the 'Night Out' Scheme in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council and the Arts Council of Wales.

Centre News
admin@canolfanceiriog.org
Tel : 01691 718200 or join us on face book
A belated Happy New Year to all readers of the Glyn News.
We had a good finish to the old year here at the Centre and are looking to build on it for 2012. There will be more theatre groups and evening events this year for you to enjoy. Bingo sessions, table top sales and local markets. The successful Ceiriog Canter will continue again this year in October and we are planning to hold a second similar event with a twist, watch this space. There will be a 'play for free morning' on Tuesday, 14 February at half term, 9.30 a.m. until 12.30 p.m. A 'Clear Out Your Home' sale in March, a fashion show later in the year and of course our regular groups and classes will be held as usual. The café is open every Wednesday morning for the Coffee Club but hot drinks are always available when the office is manned, call in if you are passing. We have bikes for hire when the weather improves plus tennis courts and a peaceful garden to sit in on a sunny day.
Our party package has been revamped and is available for 2012, a new bouncy castle and new ride on toys suitable for up to 11 years old will be available when you hire the Centre for birthday parties.
Our regular busy timetable is going very well, have a look at the sessions we have on offer, there's something here for everyone.
Keep your self free so you can take your loved one out for a treat as we are holding a Valentine's Disco at the Centre, on Saturday, 11 February 7.30pm. Look for our posters or call 718200 for details.

Our AGM will take place on Wednesday, 1 February at 7.30 p.m. in the Centre, all are welcome.

Lynn Roberts, Centre manager.

Carol Service

The Christian Centre was the venue for a candlelight Carol Service on Friday evening, 16 December with the Rev'd Dan Parry opening the service. Readings and prayers were given by Mrs Mona Davies and Mrs Grace Parry with the singing being led by Miss Einwen Jones. The accompanists were Mrs Beryl Rogers and Mr Aneuryn Davies. Tea and mince pies were served at the end of the service.

Remembrance Service

The Remembrance Service held at the Cenotaph in Glyn Ceiriog on Sunday, 13 November was well attended led by the Vicar, the Rev'd Edward Yendal. The reading, in Welsh was by Mr Frank Jones with the hymn singing led by Mr Roger Payne. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Community Council, Guides and Brownies, Chirk/Ceiriog Lodge RAOB and North Wales Police. Small crosses were laid by several members of the local Youth Rugby teams. The Standard bearers were Bob and Rose Law. The collection amounted to £180. Thanks were expressed to all who took part and all who attended.

The service had been arranged by Mrs Anne Northwood.

Earlier Mrs June Chatton, chairman of the Ceiriog Valley Women's Section of the RBL had laid a wreath at the Pontfadog War Memorial, this service was also led by the Rev'd Yendall.

Special Service

A large congregation gathered at Seion Baptist Chapel on Tuesday evening, 6 December for the Service of Release for the Rev'd Glyn Jones from the formal ministry responsibilities within the Ceiriog and Llangollen Pastorate. The service was led by the president of the North East Presbytery, the Rev'd Rhys ap Ogwen Jones. He thanked the Rev'd Glyn Jones for all the effort he had put in to carry out his work diligently since his appointment in 2003. Other speakers from the Presbytery were the Rev'd Dr Elfed ap Nefydd Roberts and the Rev'd Robert Parry and on behalf of local committees, the Rev'd Dan Parry; on behalf of the Pastorate, Mr Gwyn Evans and Miss Einwen Jones. Hymns were announced by members from individual chapels. The organist was Mr Aneurin Davies. The service was followed by refreshments served at the Ceiriog Memorial Institute by Mrs Marian Morris, Ceiriog Catering.

From the Vicar

As I have not yet had the opportunity to wish everyone all the best for 2012—there having been no issue of Glyn News in January—may I belatedly extend my best wishes for the remainder of 2012!

This brings us to the matter of the future and I guess that at this time of the year we are all looking forward to the Spring. At this time of the year the church keeps the season of Lent. Lent is an old Anglo-Saxon word for Spring and it sometimes was spelt as lengten or leinte .

In past times, Lent was kept as a time when we gave up something or another—perhaps sweets and chocolate—and gave the money thus saved to charity. By now, this sort of custom has largely fallen into disuse. It might be as well for us to recall it now.

Lent in the ancient church consisted of a few days before Easter when Christians fasted and reflected upon Our Lord’s Passion and Cross. Later, as the church grew, the period became longer until it reached forty days which was the period that Christ Himself fasted in the desert according to the Gospel account in the Bible. Lent still lasts for these forty days.

However, the question for us is how we approach this period of Lent for today and more importantly how we prepare for Good Friday and Easter. I have already seen Easter eggs in one shop and so this question is clearly relevant by now!

Do make time during this period for reflection and quiet. Spring used also to be associated with spring cleaning and spring cleaning need not only be thought of as applying to our homes but also to our lives. Lent could well be thought of as a positive period in which we can ponder what in the end really matters in our lives.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which falls this 22 February on which day we will hold the customary services in our churches. All will be very welcome.

With my best wishes.

Edward Yendall

Cheshire Liability

Our Christmas Market on the 12 November was a great success—everyone who attended seemed to enjoy themselves and we made £570. Thanks to all who supported us, including friends, relatives, staff and volunteers.
Then on the 22 November, Michael Richards came and entertained us by playing his harp and singing and we were all able to join in. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon and it ended with tea and cakes.
We had a visit from Lynda's church on the 8 November, again a very enjoyable afternoon, with scripture readings, singing and playing instruments. A good time was had by all.
On Monday, 5 December we were entertained by 4 + 1 [I think it was actually 7 +1!]. What an evening we had, Sarah on the piano and we as residents, despite Hugh's out of tune voice, joined in with the singers.
On Tuesday, 6 December, Ellesmere College came to entertain us, with their orchestra, pianists and singers. They are extremely talented young girls and boys. It was enjoyed by all.
We were busy taking the residents Christmas shopping and the first group went for Christmas lunch at Moreton Park Garden Centre. They enjoyed a wonderful Christmas lunch and two more groups went the following week.
We were looking forward to our party on the 19th December.
A Happy New Year! from Lynda.
All our volunteers helped with our fund raising Christmas Market in November, money raised will go into the residents' activities fund for materials needed for art/crafts etc., plus outings and entertainments. Thanks to all those who helped before, on the day and afterwards.
Our two Japanese lady volunteers together with a new young lady volunteer, manned the refreshments and supplied everyone with tea/coffee or mulled wine and lovely mince pies and scones made by our kitchen staff.
Father Christmas enjoyed himself, partaking of the mulled wine and visiting all the stalls after the children had visited him for a present.
Three ladies ran the raffle which made £130 alone, thanks to all of them and all who bought tickets. Also thanks to all who donated raffle prizes, we could not raise these funds without the help of all the local businesses and kind friends who so kindly support these events.
Thanks also to all the people who ran stalls raising money for the home, our residents will benefit greatly from all of this.
Volunteering with the residents at Leonard Cheshire Disability in Dolywern is a very rewarding way to spend some spare time and share talents, interests and skills, or just having a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee. So anyone out there who is interested, please give me a ring on 01691 718303 and we can meet up and talk about what you may have to offer!
Sylvia, Volunteer Coordinator.

St John's Church News

Many thanks to all who made produce for and ran the table top sale on Saturday, 18 December and in particular Gareth Morris whose pavement outside the chapel we used and who donated generously. In spite of the rain showers, a fine total of £345 was raised. It all helps enormously.

The following evening we had the Christingle Service which was well attended and many stayed on for a glass of mulled wine afterwards. Luke Durnell, one of our younger members of the church, raised an awesome £45, playing euphonium outside the Pontfadog Post Office on Christmas Eve and kindly donated it to our funds. Thank you Luke.

The three parishes in Glyn Ceiriog now belong to the new Dee Valley Deanery and we have a new Area Dean, The Reverend Dr David Child.

Please note that the evening services at St John's on the second and fourth Sundays of the month will be at 4 p.m. until Sunday, 25 March [when British Summer Time begins] when the services will start at 6 p.m.

Revised Services for Spring and Summer

1st Sunday of the month: Eucharist at 9 a.m.

2nd Sunday of the month: United Service, rotating round three Valley churches, 10.30 a.m.

3rd Sunday of the month: Family Eucharist at 9 a.m.

4th Sunday of the month: no morning service, bilingual Eucharist at 4 p.m. / 6 p.m.

St John 's Daffodil Open Day

Saturday, 17 March, 10.30 a.m.–2.30 pm .

Drop by for a walk round the grave yard filled with daffodils and come into the church for a cup of tea or coffee. Edward, our Vicar, will be playing some organ music. The graveyard is carpeted with the small, old fashioned daffodils and well worth five minutes to admire.

Greetings

County Borough Councillor Mrs Barbara Roberts extends her Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all her constituents in the Ceiriog Valley.

PTA

The PTA have had a busy time. The Hallowe'en Disco was enjoyed by all, then the Bingo evening raised over £200. Thank you to all who supported this event plus the successful Christmas Fair either by donating prizes or attending the events with a special thank you to Roger Bates for calling at the bingo. Thanks also go to the line dancers who raised £100 for the school PTA at the recent Canolfan Christmas Table Top sale.

The PTA funded the buses and refreshments for the children who went to see the pantomime at Glyndwr, in addition to funding a Christmas present for each pupil. The chess competition, which many children entered last year, will be paid for again this year by the PTA, as will a flip video camera, useful for recording many aspects of the children's work.

Ysgol Cynddelw 100 Club

the winners were:

September 2011

1st 89, Mr and Mrs Dylan Morris

2nd 40, Menna Newbrook

3rd 57, Hannah Parkinson

October 2011

1st 67, Llinos Edwards

2nd 71, Iona Richards

3rd 47, Eiry Davies

November 2011

1st 68, Richard and Eleanor Jones

2nd 3, Susan Sopworth

3rd 23, Jane Griffiths

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