In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Leiutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD,

Canadian Army (30.11.1872–28.01.1918)

 

 

John McCrae

Lt. Col. John McCrae, MD (November 30, 1872–January 28, 1918) was a Canadian poet, doctor, author and artist and soldier during World War I, who wrote the famous war memorial poem "In Flanders Fields".

McCrae was born in Guelph , Ontario , attending the Guelph Collegiate and Vocational Institute. He then studied medicine on a scholarship at the University of Toronto , where he joined the Zeta Psi Fraternity. While there he also rose to command the Toronto militia, the Queen's Own Rifles, and published his first poems. He also co-authored a medical text-book, with J. G. Adami, titled, A text-book of Pathology for Students of Medicine (Philadelphia and New York, 1912; 2nd ed., 1914).

McCrae served in the artillery during the Boer War, and upon his return was appointed Professor of Pathology at the University of Vermont , where he taught until 1911, although he also taught at McGill University in Montreal . In 1910 he accompanied Lord Grey, the Governor General of Canada , on a canoe trip to Hudson Bay.

When World War I broke out, McCrae was appointed a field surgeon in the Canadian artillery. He was in charge of a field hospital during the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. McCrae's friend and former student, Lt. Alexis Helmer, was killed in the battle, and his burial inspired the poem, "In Flanders Fields", which was written on May 3, 1915 and published later that year in Punch magazine.

In 1918, while still serving in the field hospital, McCrae caught pneumonia and meningitis and died.

McCrae was the uncle of Alberta MP David Kilgour and Kilgour's sister Geills Turner, the wife of former Canadian Prime Minister John Napier Turner.

John McCrae Senior Public School , on McCowan Road in Scarborough , Ontario , is named in his honour. John McCrae Youth Centre in the Barrhaven area in Ottawa is also named after him.

Golden Wedding

Dymuna Theo a Sydney Davies ddiolch i berthnasau a chyfeillion am y cardiau a'r dymuniadau da a achlysur dathlu eu priodas aur.

Theor and Sydney Davies wish to thank friends and family for the good wishes and cards received as they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Great Big 'Thank You'

Janet Hope would like to say a 'Great Big Thank You' to her family, friends and neighbours for their congratulations, cards, flowers and gifts on the occasion of her attaining her 87 birthday.

Noreen from Cowes , Yvonne from Hitchin, Herts gave her a surprise visit, also Gillian from Grosport. We were able to enjoy a short, if sweet 'Family day'.

Unfortunately on the Sunday morning I fell on the back path and cut and bruised myself badly. At the time I was unable to get up, due to my having had knee replacements many years previously. Fortunately I was able to attract my next door neighbour Miss M. E. Roberts, who was on her way out, who very kindly contacted my sister Amy and my niece Linda for help.

Mr Trefor Lloyd came along and assisted in helping me up. Diolch yn fawr Trefor.

I am pleased to say that I'm much better, if still very stiff and bruised.

I'd like also to mention my grandson, Christopher Volley from the Isle of Wight , who recently married Ruth a Scots lass, has been promoted to Scottish Triathlon Coach and will reside near Stirling University . Good luck Coriad.

Thank you

I would like to thank Mr Kalaky and his team at the Orthopaedic Hospital , Gobowen for my recent knee replacement. The care of the nurses on Powys Ward and the physio department, also Vernon , Carol and Stephen for my after care. Many thanks to Merched-y-Wawr and Llwynmawr Bowling Club.

Thanks to all the people in the Ceiriog Valley for the visits, phone calls, cards and gifts, which are very much appreciated (far too many to mention!).

Diolch yn fawr iawn i pawb Oddiwlth

Iris Hughes

Bro Dewi

Acknowledgments

Frank and Gaynor wish to thank their family, friends and neighbours for the flowers, cards and best wishes received on the occasion of their Golden Wedding anniversary. Also for their very generous donations, totalling £310 for Cancer Research UK/Cymru.

A special thank you to Delyth and Mike for arranging the weekend in the Cotswolds and to Carys and Gafyn for hosting the party at The Oak.

Diolch yn fawr iawn.

Thank you

I would like to thank all those who took part in the first Glyn Ceiriog Ride for Life in aid of Cancer Research Uk on the 20 September 2008 , in partnership with the fantastic team at the Canolfan Ceiriog. 70 riders registered and wearing all things pink, took part on bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, ponies, horses and a horse and trap, and three walked the route to raise money for Cancer Research Uk ! The day was rounded off with a celebratory do at the Glyn Hotel, hosted by Mike and his staff, entertainment being provided by Robin and Rhian. Raffle prizes were provided by the Cross Stores, The Hand, The West, The Oak, Jeff Coombes the Chemist, Gales Wine Bar, Llangollen, John and Gilly, Glyn Post Office; Jo from Llangollen and Jane from Glyn. Thank you for all of the support provided by our wonderful Glyn young people, and some of the older ones too, who stewarded the route and sold entrance tickets to the evening do and made bacon butties and coffee. Also a big big thank you to Jackie at the Glyn Hotel for suggesting and organizing the raffle and to the Cheshire Home staff and residents who took part and provided a welcome refreshment break, along with Richard and Jan at the Pandy Gallery who covered the other route x I'd also like to thank our marvellous Pc Mike Howell and his colleague, who looked after us on the day and the crews from St John's Ambulance who made sure we were safe on our ride and provided a laugh with their pink ears and socks!. Together we raised over £650 for Cancer Research Uk , well done to everyone. x Jackie Whelan

Community spirit

Grace and Dan would like to thank neighbours and friends for their help, phone calls, visits and cards while Grace was house-bound. The community spirit in Glyn is fit and well. Thank you very much everyone.

Diolch yn fawr igyd.

Tea Time Party

The Tea Time Party held at the Christiann Centre/Canolfan Christnogol, raised £153.10 for Christian Aid funds. Thank you to all who helped and supported the event.

Prize Giving

Congratulations to the following pupils from Glyn Ceiriog who received prizes at the Ysgol Dinas Bran Award Evening on Tuesday, 16 September. Millie Boswell received the E.B. Miller prize for Best Scholar in English; the Dinas Bran School prize for Best All-round Achiever at A level and also the prize for Outstanding Performance at A level History; Millie will now go on to study at Cardiff University. Geraint Lloyd received the J.B.S. Attenburrow Memorial prize for Graphic Design; Geraint now moves on to study at Manchester . Peter Matthews received the Diana Award for 'Improving the Life of Others'. Ben Davies the 'Perseverance Prize' and the Business & Communications GCSE Subject prize. Angharad Gilchrist received an award for 'Outstanding Improvement' and Llewelyn Edwards the Under-14 Rugby Player of the Year award.

All the above prizes were presented to the pupils by Jane Hutt, AM Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning Skills.

Cheshire Home

Dear Friends,
My name is Lynda and I have been a resident here for ten years. It is my turn to write our news and items for the next few months.
The date for the Christmas Market is Saturday, 29 November, kick-off at 2pm . We will have: Santa for the children; Christmas stalls; Raffle; Cake and Home Produce stall; Beauty by Shell; Body Shop, and Uncle Tom Cobly and all… Tea, scones with jam and cream etc.
We are having the pleasure of another two Japanese Ladies Tomoko and Miyuki. They have settled in well and we have taught them Christmas cake making and various other delights. I believe they have joined the Valley Liners and we do make them practice their steps.
We enjoyed, "A night at the Music Hall" on the 20th of October at 6.30pm .
We have recently taken to canal tripping (we haven't lost anyone as yet), but there is still time as we would like to get rid of a "gentleman" from Weston Rhyn but we wouldn't have a driver for the return journey home!! We love him really.
"If ever you're passing please feel free, to come and join us for a cup of tea".
Love Lynda

Police Meeting

Representatives from the three Community Councils with the Ceiriog Valley attended a Police Community Meeting held at the Ceiriog Memorial Institute on 24 September. In the unavoidable absence of Pc Mike Howell, PcSO Rhiannon Plack introduced the speaker, namely Caroline Fennon, Director of the Police Criminalistic Department, who gave an interesting talk on the work of her department, this included DNA testing, finger printing and other forensic matters. She was thanked by Cllr George Jones.

A 'Funny, Friendly Zoo'

Christmas for a child?

In July I joined with Mrs Mollie Bolt, a well known Shropshire poet, in producing a children's picture book, the proceeds of the sales to be divided equally between the Severn Hospice and Hope House, Morda . Mrs Bolt had written a humorous anthology about the animals in a child's toy zoo, for which I produced the illustrations.

The book has 36 pages, including 19 illustrations in full colour and costs £5, an ideal present.

Signed copies of 'The Funny, Friendly Zoo' are available now by calling Ruth on 01691 600633.

Ruth Dolan

Thanks

I would like to thank all my family, neighbours and friends for all the lovely cards, flowers and presents that I received on my 80th birthday in September. I was deeply touched.

Many thanks, Doris, Cae'r Ysgol.

Cytun Meeting

A recent meeting of the Cytun committee was presided over by the Rev Dan Parry, during which all the officers were re-elected. It was reported that the Rev Glyn Jones is recovering well from his recent surgery. Best wishes for a speedy recovery were extended to Mrs Grace Parry, who unfortunately broke her leg while on holiday.

A certificate was presented to Mrs Ramona Penfold in appreciation of the money she raised for Cytun during a sponsored cycle ride, which amounted to £415.

It was reported that 800 Easter Cards had been delivered throughout the Ceiriog Valley and thanks were expressed to all those who had undertaken the work of delivering them.

It was decided to hold the Cytun Carol Service at Seion at a date to be arranged in December, following consultation with the local school and to have a service for the Week of Christian Unity at Seion on 18 January 2009 at 6pm .

It was decided to obtain and distribute Easter Cards and also to hold monthly Prayer meetings at the Christian Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7pm , next year.

Phenomenal !!
One evening in October 2004 when having a meal with a group from the Pastorate that had gone to Esquel, Patagonia we saw a total lunar eclipse. It began at the precise moment the astronomers predicted and progressed just as they said it would. In one sense, it was a natural, recurring event, but it was a phenomenal glimpse at the power and glory of God.
As the earth ’ s shadow crept slowly across a bright full moon, the psalmist words came to mind: ‘ When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? (Psalm 8:3–4)

Planet Earth is not all about us, but by God ’ s design it involves us. The psalmist marvelled at the heavens, but he was more amazed that the great Creator, whose glory is above the heavens, included us in His grand plan for the ages.

To worship any part of God ’ s creation stops short of giving glory to the One who made it. The Bible lifts our eyes to see that all creation proclaims the glory of God, who has showered His grace and love on us through Christ.

‘ O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth! ’ (Psalm 8:1)
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry host;

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heaven can boast.

As we look on to night sky, let us know that God ’ s glory shines through His creation

Yours in Christ Glyn

Appreciate

One of the occurrences that always make me feel sad are the road casualties that have become an every day occurrence. On the Old Road it is not unusual to find the remains of frogs, slow-worms and grass snakes. A couple of weeks ago I had an excellent lesson in one reason for the reptile casualties. Teg and I were walking from Pontfadog when we came across a beautiful female slow-worm lying on the tarmac in a patch of sunlight enjoying the warmth. She was at the spot where the next vehicle along was guaranteed to run over her. I picked her up and decided she would make a useful resident in our garden, she lay in my hand with her tail wrapped tightly around a finger, no panic or attempt to escape, allowing me to appreciate her. She had recently shed her skin and was glossy and perfect, warm and dry like soft chamois, milk chocolate coloured with dark chocolate markings, black eyes watching while her tongue flicked to sense the smells. We are fortunate in Wales to have the best reptile population in Britain , and here in the valley are large numbers of common lizards, slow-worms, grass snakes and adders. Regardless of reputation, adders present little danger, the last time any one died of adder bite was in 1926, a sickly five year old. To a healthy person the bite should present little more problem than a hornet sting, still not some thing to be recommended but getting rapid treatment will almost guarantee no problems other than the discomfort.

The one thing of which I am certain is that if you come across any of these creatures they will be far keener in avoiding you than the other way around!

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

A sincere thank you.

The Reverend Glyn Jones would like to thank all his congregation and friends for all their prayers, cards and telephone calls received as he was recovering from a hip replacement. He is looking forward to commencing his work amongst his thoughtful friends as soon as possible.

Community Conservation Project

—Ceiriog Centre

Hopefully you will have noticed activity on the site behind the Canolfan Ceiriog Centre. Tree felling and landscaping have been completed and the fencing of the front perimeter is imminent, if not finished at the time of publication.

Volunteers have had several meetings and we are very fortunate to have so much expertise in the valley to cover most aspects of the scheme: dry stone walling, hedge lying, joinery, conservation, gardeners and wild life specialists.

Now the contractors have defined the area we need to get planting underway before the end of the season. We aim to plant trees indigenous to the valley and to clear small areas on the bank-side to plant seeds, bulbs etc.

Our intention is to transform the site into a space for learning about our environment and what may live within it, and also a place of contemplation, to sit, chat and pass the time. To this end we would like to invite individuals or groups in the community to sponsor a tree, maybe as a memorial or just as a gift for us all to appreciate as the years roll by.

The project team is very anxious to get this right, and we always welcome new faces for help or advice. Any involvement is of value and we can then truly say this is a community effort. Thank you for all your support and encouraging comments so far.

Contact for tree sponsorship: tel 01691 718200 and someone will contact you with the relevant information.

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