Ebrill 2004 April
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Well, here we still are, seven months on and still in print! The daffodils have finally bloomed and the late snow has gone. We have even had an otter at play within a few yards of the bridge. Lambing is just about done and the first spring caravans have already been seen in the village.
We hope that Y Bont continues to be informative and useful for the whole community. It is important however that we receive your contributions and concerns which we are sure are read and noted by all our Local Authority representatives. Since the first issue we have reported on the very real road dangers of the A5, the lack of any signage for the community, the impending loss of our last Village shop and now, sadly, quite serious incidents of vandalism. The fact that a large vehicle which should not have even been there has caused serious damage to our ancient bridge is bad enough, but this has been made far worse by the persons who thought it clever to push the rest of the parapet wall and the protective barriers into the river late at night. This bridge is substantially unlit at night (another complaint!) and the dangers caused should have been obvious to anyone. All that we can now do as residents, is wait to see if the relevant authorities will have to close the bridge to carry out the necessary repairs. On the last occasion that repairs were carried out, some 20 years ago, there was substantial inconvenience to everybody.
Contributions can be handed or ’phoned to Ian, Colin or Paul or e-mailed to editor@ybont.deevalley.com
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Continuing our serialised essay from the 1950s, this month on the subject of Employment:
“Farming was the chief industry, except for local craftsmen, stone mason, cobbler, saddler, stone cutter, slater, tailor, smith and miller. In 1850 there were two smithies in Carrog, one at Llidiart Y Parc and one where the Smithy is now - opposite Bronant which used to be called the Old Smithy.
Two brothers worked the Smithy in the Parc and Evan Jones had the Carrog Smithy. He made the present Church Gates by hand and the gates weighed half a ton. He also made the railings that surround the houses from the Methodist Chapel to Sycamore Terrace (first beyond the Post Office). At the end of the century there were 300 horses on the blacksmith’s book.
The Mill was also a prominent landmark, Felin and Felin Isa. The same Mill Race served both mills. The family called Price owned the mill and they were relations of Prices from Llangollen, Maerdy and Corwen. Mr. Price kept three donkeys to take the sacks of flour back to the farms, the local lads loved to take the laden donkeys to deliver the sacks and then have a ride home on the donkeys.
The village was revolutionised when the train came to Carrog around 1865. Previously all transport was on horse-back, cart horses, and wagons. Penarth Quarry was opened in 1860 and thrived with as many as 300 men working there in its heyday. During this period Park Terrace, Berwyn Street, Park Shop and Quarry Terrace were built and 9 houses were built near Penarth Quarry. The Quarry closed in 1928.
Another important place was the Tailor’s shop. David Jones was the local tailor - he first lived at Carchardy (now Glyndwr Terrace), then in the Swan and then at Crammond. He had two tailors working for him, he made trousers for the quarrymen, farmers and gamekeepers. He also mended clothes and cleaned them.”
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Planning Application (No. 404010)
An application has been received by Denbighshire County Council on behalf of the Llangollen Railway Trust and Oparofill Construction Ltd. for the following activity :-
To remove approx. 30,000 cubic metres of topsoil and previously deposited roadfill from the former railway line at Bonnwm, Carrog to allow the extension of the railway to Corwen. To deposit same material and level at Glebe Meadow, Carrog (adjacent B5104) to an average depth of 2.1 metres. Scheme of Works and Plans are available at Corwen One Stop Shop from 1st. April.
To temporarily raise the weight limit at Carrog Bridge (Pont Carrog) to 30 tons gvw to allow carriage of the above materials to the Glebe Meadow.
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To David and Iris Jones who celebrated their Ruby Wedding Anniversary on Saturday 20th March in the Neuadd with family and friends.
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News reaches us of several village residents who have suffered health problems in recent weeks. We wish everyone a speedy recovery and return to good health.
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We thought it was a mid life crisis when Paul and Chris Fisher told us their plans. We thought it would soon blow over. But, no, they planned to sell their beautiful home in a bluebell wood overlooking the south coast of the Isle of Man and move lock stock and dog to live between a pub and a chapel in the land of leeks and dragons!
This madness did not pass away and off they went on Celtic safari. Concerned for their well being we accepted their kind invitation to visit this Welsh outpost. We were full of misgivings and concern for our friends as we flew from the Isle of Man to Liverpool and were collected and driven to Carrog. Any doubts we had about their decision to move to a more suitable base for Paul’s growing Training Business were soon dispelled. Carrog with its stunning scenery, the lush greenery of the Welsh hills and countryside and the magical Dee sparkling through the Village and under the ancient stone bridge entranced us. We were captivated. My Celtic blood stirred and I experienced the same intangible sense of identity that had overtaken me when first visiting Brittany. But better was yet to come! Wherever we went we were met with a greatest friendliness and courtesy. Where are the Welsh people Ann Robinson met? Certainly not in Carrog! If people were conversing in Welsh when we arrived they changed to English for our benefit. We laughed with the locals in the Grouse and sang in Church with the regulars. I even was treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday by the Welsh congregation last September!
For several years, whenever possible we visit Carrog simply because Carrog is the sort of place one wants to be in.
We no longer worry about Paul and Chris’ sanity! Where better could our friends be than in beautiful Carrog amongst the kindest and most hospitable people imaginable?
Hopefully there will be more visits to Carrog in the future when we look forward to renewing friendships and sharing the Fishers journey from bonnag to barabrith.
Christine
Bentley, Port St Mary, IOM.
(Bonnag is the traditional Manx bread. Recipe
on next page. Ed.)
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Local residents can obtain unlimited travel on the railway by the purchase of a £10 Travel Card. All you need is a photo and a utility bill which you must present at Llangollen Station. The only restrictions are the Santa Specials otherwise you can travel free for a whole year!
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Cheesy nightmares
Does eating a lot of cheese cause bad dreams?
This depends on the type of cheese and the metabolism of the person eating the cheese. Cheese contains two types of chemicals, one of which stimulates the brain and disturbs sleep, the other chemical reduces stress and induces sleep. A more mature cheese contains the stimulating type of chemical and causes nightmares and bad dreams. Psychoanalysts say that dreaming of cheese is an expression of unresolved conflict. Dreaming of smelly Brie predicts financial or social embarrassment, mild or processed cheese means a need for change. Dreaming of making cheese means success in current ventures!
New research
Researchers in Finland (where people drink more coffee per person than anywhere else in the world!) have found that drinking coffee may protect against Type 2 diabetes - the type associated with older people or very overweight younger people. Drinking three to four cups of coffee a day was associated with a 29% reduced risk of diabetes in women and a 27% education for men. It was a large study involving 14,000 adults over 12 years. Type 2 diabetes can run in families and is more likely if you are overweight, make an appointment to see the practice nurse if you think you are at risk.
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The trout fishing season commenced on 3rd. March, but we have as yet no reports as to the condition of the water or of any catches. There have been huge variations in the river levels in recent weeks since the floods of early February and consequent change in water temperature.
The salmon season on the Dee will not start until much later in the year as the spring run seems to have largely disappeared. This was not always the case as was reported in “Rod in Hand” a 1954 book written by Charles Hancock, the editor of the Birmingham Evening Post. The author stayed for many years in Penlan and was a keen fisherman who had caught his first ever salmon (a 13.½ pounder!) below Carrog Bridge. He also mentions stopping at the Grouse “to order a glass whilst christening a new fishing rod” and returning within fifteen minutes to the Inn “with an 11-pound fish in good condition”. This was followed by a 15-pounder after lunch!
His 1939 catch of 45 salmon on the Dee would take some beating today. But the biggest record of any local salmon was the remains of one removed by the River Board bailiff above Carrog in June 1954. The corpse was 58 inches long, which would surely have been a monster fish.
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“Fruit” Bonnag.
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup currants
1 tbsp margarine
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 large tsp mixed spice
few drops vanilla essence
cup or more buttermilk
Rub butter into flour. Add other dry ingredients. When will mixed, mix with buttermilk. Bake about 1 hour in moderate oven.
Manx broth.
3 quarts water
Scrag end of mutton
A piece of beef
1 breakfast cupful pearl barley
1 carrot, coarsely grated
1 slice of turnip
1 leek Thyme
celery, chopped parsley,
Pepper and salt
Boil the water, add all the ingredients except the parsley, and simmer gently for 2 hours. Ten minutes before serving, take out the meat, cut it into small pieces, return it to the pan, add the parsley, re-boil and serve very hot.
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The Village Hallnow has new Notice Boards, generously provided by Brian Tawelfa, for which we are very grateful.
The first 100 Club Draw will take place on May 15th. Please support your LOCAL lottery by contacting Dave Jones, Tan Llan for a ticket, or give a regular contribution through Gift Aid and contact Colin Roberts or Paul Fisher.
Unfortunately due to an act of mindless vandalism the ‘Gents’ toilet is now temporarily out of use. There has been substantial flooding damage caused by whoever deliberately smashed a cistern before breaking a window to leave the building. The police have been informed and request any information as to the culprits who have caused several hundred pounds of damage which we can ill afford.
Next Village Hall committee meeting at 7.30 p.m. on Monday 5th April.
Please remember bookings should be made through Janice Sheasby 430644.
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Support is badly needed for the Carnival if it is to survive. Last year the Carnival committee were able to contribute substantial amounts to local charities which benefited us all. The date for this years Carnival is August 14th which may seem a long way off but help is needed NOW so that planning can be completed. If you are willing to help this valuable fund raising effort please contact Sarah at the Grouse or Nia on 430325.
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To Fiona Collins who has moved to live in Ty Cynnes. Fiona is a Storyteller who has entertained visitors at Caernarfon Castle and visits schools introducing stories from the Mabinogion.
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Saturday Fun-Club
(for children age 14 and
under)
After a great start the Saturday Club continues to thrive with great numbers in attendance.
It is essential to book by leaving a message on 01490 430571 so we are sure of numbers each week. Watch for weekly local posters around the area for more details about the events.
Dates for your diary
There is no club on the 3rd and the 10th April because of prior bookings and the Easter break.
17th April we start again with dance for the up to 7s (including toddlers) with a professional dance teacher, craft and sport for the 7s and over. We will also be having a singing and story group on that day.
April 24th we have Latin dancing for the 7s plus again with a professional dance teacher. Craft and cycling on offer and a fun, healthy living session with Ann the Health Visitor.
May 1st We have sessions in sport, craft and photography.
May 8th We have sessions in sport, cycling and craft.
May 15th no club.
May 22nd A bumper fun session to be arranged and advertised.
Club runs from 10 to 11.30 am at Carrog Village Hall.
Light refreshments, no charge and children under 10 must be accompanied by a responsible person over 16.
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Glyndwr Exchange triggered for ‘Broadband’
As a result of the recent campaign 120 people from Carrog, Glyndyfrdwy and Llidiart-y-Parc provided their details for onward trnsmission to B.T. to register their interest in Broadband. This means British Telecom has confirmed the Glyndwr exchange will be enabled with Broadband although a date has not yet been set.
Congratulations and Well done to Steve Fox who coordinated the campaign. To Denbighshire Councillor Bob Barton who printed all the posters and fliers and canvassed raffle prizes from local businesses. Thanks to The Grouse Inn, Berwyn Arms, Dave Butcher, Carrog and Glyndyfrdwy Post Offices who all donated prizes to the draw.
Both Carrog and Glyndyfrdwy Schools gave their support.
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Year 5 & 6 pupils, Bronwen Lebbon and Tina Lloyd enjoyed a three day activities holiday at the Urdd Camp in Glanllyn, Bala. The activities ranged from canoeing on Llyn Tegid to Line Dancing.
The junior children had an exciting day in Liverpool on Friday, March 12th, despite the snow. They visited the Walker and Tate Galleries and enjoyed lunch at ‘Est,Est,Est’. The visit was part of Daniella Hughes’ art project for which she gained a Millenium Award.
Two groups from Ysgol Carrog gained joint first in the County Second Language play on tape.
We wish Mr Paul Johns from Gwyddelwern a speedy recovery and are glad that Mrs Johns is continuing to visit the school to give recorder lessons.
In the recent Urdd Eisteddfod in Llangollen the school gained several certificates in stage events and in the Art and Craft competitions. Good luck to Eleanor and Molly who will be competing in the Urdd in St Asaph. Easter Service - April 2nd - 2.30pm in Church.
KS2 children have been receiving Dragon Rugby Training from Anthony Davies who is a past pupil. Anthony is presently at NEWI in Wrexham studying Sports Science. The children took part in a Rugby inter-schools tournament in Ysgol Caer Drewyn on Friday, 26th March.
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The organising committee for the Plouyé twinning visit met on 15th. March to continue with the arrangements for what should be an extremely busy weekend. There will be plenty of opportunity to meet our official visitors over the weekend. Full details and the final itinerary will be published next month.
Next committee meeting at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 20th. April.
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March 2004
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