December 2005
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THIS MONTHS EDITION IS SPONSORED BY CARROG MILL COTTAGES
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
As we reach the end of 2005 we would like to take the opportunity to wish our readers, near and far, old and new, a very Happy Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. We look forward to your continued support in 2006.
May we also thank all those who have helped us by contributing, translating, producing and distributing this paper.
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This is not an early or, alternatively late, April Fools article. Denbighshire County Council are proposing to increase the weight of vehicles allowed over Carrog Bridge. We have already seen the bridge closed due to the manoeuvring of one oversize vehicle and the coping stones at both ends have been damaged during the last few months by others too large to negotiate the bridge. Damage to the bridge by heavy vehicles not only results in a threat to the greatest symbol that Carrog has, but to extreme inconvenience to our communities of Carrog and Parc when the bridge is closed for repair. The increase in weight from 17 ton to 18 ton may not in itself be huge and the bridge built by the forefathers of this village 400 years ago is certainly strong enough for the weight. However, tonnage increases length and it is the length of vehicles allowed over the bridge that represents the constant threat. Long vehicles cannot cope with the right angle bends at both ends of the bridge, but, having committed to crossing it, seem determined to proceed with no concern for the structure. As weight is invariably linked to length, what we need is a reduction in weight which would decrease enormously the continual damage caused to the bridge. If you feel strongly enough, professional advice suggests we should all write to CADW at, Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff CF15 7QQ
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The Community Council requested some months ago that Denbighshire County Council used its powers to get the area at the end of Glyndwr Terrace tidied up in order to improve amenity of the village and the historic Carchardy site. We have now heard that they have gone far beyond this and are issuing an enforcement order on one of the properties to have it DEMOLISHED! It should be remembered that it was the County Council that had the roof of the end property removed some years ago which has probably led to its progressive deterioration and the effect on surrounding areas.
This is happening at a time when the same council has identified a lack of affordable housing in rural communities such as this. There must be many amongst us who would welcome the idea of living in such a cottage if it could be restored, which surely it can. Certainly that should be the first move, not demolition, which will create even more of an eyesore and will obviously have a considerable effect on neighbouring properties.
This does not appear to be a very good example of the ‘joined up government’ that we are now supposed to benefit from!
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ROBERT HUTTON - PRIEST: MEMORIAL
Following our article last month both Beryl Hindley and Annette Jones offered the same information. It would appear Robert Hutton was walking between Carrog and Corwen in a blizzard and was found dead at this point, apparently from hypothermia. To some extent this deepens the mystery as he is not listed as a priest at either Carrog or Corwen churches and the description of him as ‘Priest’ would make him unlikely to have been a Chapel minister.
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THE LIGHTS ARE GOING OUT ALL OVER CARROG
In a period when we are commemorating the lights coming back on all over Europe, as the Second World War ended, does it not seem supremely strange that we are seeing the lights going OUT all over Carrog. There are now four street lights out in the village, including the very important one standing its loan vigil over our ancient bridge (also under threat from an increase in weight allowance). Perhaps the County Council have decided that the threat of power shortages during this winter will be compensated for by failing to repair street lights, thereby reducing the load upon the electricity grid by a minuscule amount whilst increasing the inconvenience and potential danger to residents by a huge amount.
Numerous complaints have been lodged with Denbighshire County Council but to no avail. Strange that having lost, through retirement, our influential and respected County Councillor the concerns of Carrog now seem to be ignored. The article entitled ‘A Hard Act to Follow’ published on his retirement now seems remarkably prophetic.
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The Village Hall undergoing the original renovation in 1981 following its purchase from the Church in Wales.
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WELLIES AND WHEELBARROWS IN CARDIFF
Saturday November the 5th started badly for me. Melfyn and myself were heading to Cardiff to watch Wales play the All Blacks and had arranged to leave at 7 a.m. sharp. However I’d started the rugby celebrations the previous night and wasn’t quite ready when Mel arrived. After a brief telephone conversation (through which I assured him I was up), I crawled out of bed, grabbed my kit and dived in the car. We were off.
It was as we passed through Llangollen and my hangover really took hold that I realized my overnight bag contained a can of deodorant and nothing else. I had intended to pack the night before but somehow never quite got round to it.
Not being one to miss an opportunity to make a quid Melfyn had decided to take a load behind the car to Cowbridge. Unfortunately we hadn’t reached Welshpool before part of the load decided to deposit itself on the road. I’ve tried many hangover cures over the years and I can assure you that a 100 yard sprint up the road after an Ifor Williams canopy is not one of the best.
The next minor set back occurred at Builth Wells. Having enjoyed a fry up in the Little Chef and enjoyed the acne ridden adolescent comedian on the till who persisted in asking everybody in a red jersey ‘going to the match are you?Ó’’ I realised I’d left my wallet at home and only had the left over change from the night before on me.
As we left the Little Chef car park two Jemima Nichols look alikes were attempting to change the wheel on their car. I’m sorry to say neither of us offered to help them. We discussed our lack of chivalry as we continued our journey and come to the conclusion the two girls would have understood our reluctance to help - there was a match on and we were in a rush.
Having got rid of Mel’s load in Cowbridge we arrived in Cardiff and in spite of some erratic map reading on my part we eventually found the hotel.
After a few pints in the hotel bar we joined the sea of red and headed closer to the stadium stopping off in a bar on the way. A makeshift choir was singing so we joined in, me with my best tenor voice and Mel with his shaky baritone.
Suddenly somebody started swing low sweet chariot and I have to say I was shocked. Shocked that was until I realized it was obviously a Health and Safety tune for the benefit of the English rugby fans, advising them where they could safely stick their chariots. The volume of the singing doubled during that particular number.
We took our seats in the stadium at half past three, and at a quarter to four out they came. First the All Blacks, then to a deafening roar Wales and lastly Katherine Jenkins. Sadly she turned her back to us to sing, but as looking at her backside wasn’t an unpleasant experience I forgave her.
The match itself was over in a blink of an eye, with the All Blacks just managing to sneak a win by the narrowest of margins. Afterward we met up with Jack and Judith had a meal and a few more drinks and then - well god knows what happened. I remember meeting Big Dave and Rhys then losing Mel and not too long after Big Dave and Rhys as well!
Other than that the whole nights a bit of a blur. I know I had a kebab at some point as I woke up the next day with chilli sauce down the front of my shirt.
The following morning after a fry up in the hotel and a quick drive around Cardiff bay we left Cardiff and headed home to Carrog with a match program and a severely dented bank account as souvenirs of our trip.
Gareth Llan.
© Copyright Gareth Bryan 2005
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Village Hall
1st No. 23 Lynne Silcox £20
2nd No. 22 Colin
Roberts £10
Friends of Carrog Church
The November Draw was
won by Mrs. Mourtzinos.
“The Friends” are pleased to be able to contribute to the Christmas period by supporting the lighting of the church and churchyard.
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VILLAGE HALL
Tuesday 8th December - Carols around the Christmas tree in the Village Hall - 6.30 pm -
There will be a stall selling Christmas Crafts made by the children. Many
thanks to the Youth Club for so beautifully decorating the Village Hall for
the Christmas events.
Wednesday 14th December - School Christmas Concert - at 6.30 p.m. in the Village Hall
Friday 16th December - Christingle Service - at ?????? in Carrog Church
CARROG CHURCH - Christmas/New Year Services
Christmas Eve. Candlelight Readings and Carols. 7.00 p.m. All are welcome.
Christmas Day. No service in Carrog. Corwen 10.00 a.m.
New Years Day. Holy Communion and Carols. 11.00 a.m.
All other services as posted.
Carrog Church would like to thank “The Friends” for their offer to cover the cost of lighting the church and churchyard over the Christmas period.
GROUSE INN
Friday 23rd December - Christmas carols from 8 p.m. onwards all welcome for carol singing, sherry and mince pies.
Sunday 25th December - open from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. for drinks only.
Tuesday 27th December - Christmas quiz - from 9 p.m. onwards prizes for all.
Thursday 29th December - pool knockout competition prizes for all who take part. Cash prizes for winner and runner up - from 8.30 p.m. onwards..
Friday 30th December - darts competition - prizes for all who take part - cash prize for winner and runner up - from 8.30 onwards...
Saturday 31st December - New Years Eve celebrations - free buffet for all...balloons and poppers all starting from 9 p.m. onwards...
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HISTORY OF SYCAMORE TERRACE (Continued)
In the years between 1861 & 1871, Margaret Jones senior, and the husband of her daughter Margaret, had died.
Census for No 4 Sycamore Terrace, 1871
Head Margaret
Jones aged 53 Widow Shopkeeper Daughter Elizabeth aged 17, Margaret aged 12,
Son David aged 8 Plus lodgers
Census for No 4 Sycamore Terrace, 1881
Head Margaret
Jones aged 63 Widow Shopkeeper Son David aged 18 Joiner
In November 1890 David, aged 27, married Jane Evans in the Methodist Chapel of the village which, since the coming of the railway in 1864, gradually came to be known as Carrog.
When Henry Robertson built the railway which came along the Dee valley the first station to be created was called ‘Berwyn’. The next stop was in the middle of the townships of Mwstwr and Tir Llanerch and the name given here was ‘Glyndyfrdwy’ Nearly three miles further on, near to the farm of Pen y Bont and to the parish of Llansantffraid Glyndyfrdwy, the next station was built. Rather than using this long name, and repeating the name Glyndyfrdwy, the name of the nearby township of ‘Carrog’ was used. In recent years the tiny parish of Llansantffraid Glyndyfrdwy was joined with the parish of Corwen and the old name has all but disappeared as even the Church is now termed ‘Carrog Church’.
In the 1895 Street Directory Margaret Jones is still a grocer. Her son, David Richard Jones is still a joiner but is also keeping the Grouse Inn and has become a respected bard with the bardic name of ‘Berwynfa’. He prospered, opened a wholesale groceries store and built Brynteg next door to No. 4, presumably to help his family.
Margaret’s daughter Elizabeth married a Dafydd Edwards and after Brynteg was built in 1900, they moved there, when Elizabeth was 47, to run the Post Office together with a much grander grocery shop. ( Brynteg at the present day is in two parts - one part being the Post Office and the only remaining village shop, with accommodation above. The other part next door is the house Brynteg.)
Elizabeth had two daughters, Beatrice and another who had tuberculosis and died young.
In the Baptist chapel in Corwen Beatrice married the head master of Carrog Church School. They had no children. Eventually Beatrice seems to have inherited Brynteg and in later life became an invalid in a bath chair. She was reputedly very bad tempered and her downtrodden husband had to care for her as well as running the shop. His teaching job finished after the Church School closed in the early 1920s.
The four cottages of Sycamore Terrace are now in one ownership, three joined as one and No. 4 called ‘Berwynfa’ after Dafydd, the bard.
Valmai Webb
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8/11/05 Cerrig B - 5 Carrog 1
15/11/05 Carrog 1 - Glyndyfrdwy
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The school held a non-uniform day on Fri. 18th. November to raise money for the ‘Children in Need Appeal’. During the morning break they bought Pudsey Bear biscuits made by Aunty Yvonne. The After School Club held a video evening and enjoyed crisps and drink. A total of £91 was raised during the day.
For the past few weeks the children have been collecting and buying items to put in the shoe boxes for ‘Operation Christmas Child’. Mrs. Marion Roberts collects the boxes from school every year and delivers them to the centre in Wrexham. This year 42 boxes were collected which will make 42 children in other parts of the world very happy.
The junior children enjoyed a day in the ICT Centre in Denbigh where they completed investigations about light and sound. In the afternoon they toured Denbigh Castle with Fiona Gale, Denbighshire’s County Archaeologist and discovered interested wells and holes in the castle walls.
Emily, Elisha, Lewis and Tom have all passed their Challenge One Swimming Award and Laura, Oliver, Chloe and Callum have passed their Challenge Two.
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Sadly, Celtica, will be closing at the end of February. For those who are unaware of it, it is a remarkable and unique exhibition in Machynlleth showing the history of the Celtic people. It shows the links to all Celtic countries from Galicia in Spain through Brittany, Ireland, the Isle of Man and Scotland but deals particularly with the Welsh. Many of the exhibits are interactive or use video and special effects but Powys Council are unable to any longer fund it and other possible funding has not been forthcoming. If you have not seen it you are in danger of missing a wonderful opportunity to understand the roots of Celtic culture.
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Pictured is Nicholas Webb, 14 year old grandson of Rhys and Valmai who recently was runner up in the Norfolk Young Musician of the Year. He faced strong competition and was only just beaten by a 21 year old student from the Royal College of Music.
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Dave Manweb would like to thank all those who contributed and especially the collectors Graham Hindley, Chris Fisher, Keith James, Ysgol Carrog and the Grouse Inn. The total amount collected was £303.16.
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EIGHT CHRISTMAS HEALTH TIPS
1. Christmas sniffles
The Christmas party season is a great time to share your germs! If you have a cold try and be responsible and avoid close contact with others, no kissing under the mistletoe at the office party!
2. Avoid stress
Christmas can be a very stressful time. If a family Christmas drives you mad then don’t do it. Book a holiday and escape or organize a quiet Christmas just for yourselves at home. Some people find Christmas a very depressing time of year, if you or a loved one are feeling seriously depressed, try not to bottle it up, talk to your GP or the Samaritans www.samaritans.org If after all your efforts the day is a disaster, remember its only a couple of days and focus on the new year ahead.
3. Avoid the ill effects of alcohol
For a lot of people Christmas spirit means the alcoholic rather than the spiritual kind. Alcohol does have some benefits. It can relax people; small amounts stimulate the digestive juices and liver blood flow, helping you digest the Christmas feast. If you want to reduce the chances of a hang over here are a couple of tips - darker, sweeter spirits have more ‘congeners’ (complex organic molecules which produce the thirst, headache, fatigue, nausea, sweating, tremor, remorse and anxiety which are typical of a hangover) than clear pale ones. Whisky, for example, produces twice as many hangover symptoms as the same ‘dose’ of vodka. Cheaper spirits are often worse, especially sherries, so splash out!
4. If you do get a hang over
Drink plenty of fluid to counteract the dehydrating effect of alcohol: aim for water in double to volume of alcohol you have drunk. Eat something sugary to counteract the blood sugar lowering effect of alcohol (this is what makes you feel nauseous in the morning!). Choose your favourite pain relief for the headache but beware the stomach irritating effects of aspirin and to a lesser degree ibuprofen. Take an indigestion remedy which contains alinate (this lines your stomach), Vitamin c and vitamin b may help.
5. Don’t overeat
If you do get indigestion (inflammation of the stomach lining) try not to miss meals, eat regularly and avoid high fat snacks. Choose small meals for a day or so after overindulging. Drink plenty of water with meals. Try not to eat in the few hours before bed. Beware party food that has been left in a hot room for long periods, particularly seafood, chicken and foods containing mayonnaise. Be a responsible host. No one wants to give their guests a dose of food poisoning to go home with.
6. Kitchen safety
We all overstock for the festive season, overfilling fridges and freezers can mean that food is not kept cold enough to limit the spread of bacteria. If you are filling the fridge to bursting point, turn it to its maximum setting. If you are unlucky enough to burn yourself, immerse the area immediately in cold water for at least 10 minutes. Cover the area in cling film. If a large blister appears or the top layer of skin is lost you should seek medical advice.
7. Winter fitness
Try to take a brisk daylight walk every day; this can help ward off winter depression.
8. Tree safety
Every year 1000 or so accidents are caused by Christmas trees and the lights. Electrocution, falling off ladders and eye injuries from branches are common ways of getting injured. Don’t take short cuts or risks ........................ and be very careful of chimneys!
Sian Dolben
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To Lynne and Sion Powell , of Fron Newydd, on the birth of their daughter Anna Lois, a sister for Rhian born on November 10th.
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Two pictures of the Forties Night where many of those attending went to great trouble to dress in 40s civilian clothing or uniform.
The evening was very well attended and those who had been taking dancing lessons were well served by the excellent forties music of ‘Moondance’.
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The seasons have turned topsy turvy.
The weather has all gone to pot.
Should we expect to have snow in December
Or will it be sunny and hot?
How will the children build snowmen
With something they just havn’t got?
And dressing one could pose a problem,
With political correctness a must.
Whether to choose a top hat or a bonnet
Would have to be carefully discussed.
Snowman or snowwoman - could cause some offence!
Would snowperson be fairer and just?
For a nose, would the innocent carrot
Be purchased from near or from far?
Would organic prevail over something that’s travelled
Long food miles, to end up in Spar?
To have to decide on such issues as these
Is becoming a touch too bizarre.
With the energy crisis we’re facing,
I feel that some caution is wise.
Dare I mention the fuel that’s traditionally used
For a snowpersons’s buttons and eyes.
Or would it be ‘greener’ to use bottle tops
And a couple of home made mince pies?
Now, the pipe is a real hot potato!
On the fence we should really not sit.
’Cos in role play, the snowperson sets an example
Even though his pretend pipe’s not lit.
So we’ll make the snowperson Non Smoking
And that’s how we’ll get over it!
Oh, where will it end, all this madness?
Let’s hope that there will come a day
When common sense and moderation
Will prove that life can be OK
So add a small pinch of salt to whatever you do,
But no more than the RDA! (6 gms!)
Annie Yaxley
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Anna continues to make slow but positive progress with her visits to Alder Hey now reduced to every two weeks from weekly. She is still at high risk from infection, especially during the winter months and it is unlikely she will be able to return to school until the Autumn Term.
Meanwhile her brother, Joseph has been forging ahead in football, having become the under 13s captain for both the Wrexham Maelor team and Cefyn Druids. He has now been selected to play for Denbighshire under 13s and has attracted the interest of both Liverpool and Manchester United talent scouts, with the Man. Utd. scout returning for a further look at his playing.
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Dear Sirs
With regard to the World War II 60th Anniversary (40s Night) evening at the Village Hall I noted with disgust your prohibition on ‘enemy’ dress.
I can quite see that the costumes of the SS and the senior members of the Axis powers would be in extremely bad taste and agree that the sight of these would be distressful and therefore should be discouraged.
However, I should have thought that tarring all Germans with the same brush as the Nazis is not only untrue and unjust, but is a very bigoted view. It may have escaped your notice but our fair village enjoys quite a number of German visitors, who contribute much to this community.
I have to wonder for what purpose the commemoration is being held. Is it to celebrate our victory over fascism and dictatorship, and therefore to preserve our freedoms, or just to gloat that our side was better in battle than the other side? If the latter, then this is sending a message that ‘might is right’ and that personal freedoms are subject to the scrutiny and control of the government. Is that not the definition of a dictatorship?
I believe that the stated purpose of going to war was to protect our democracy and freedoms - to have the right to speak the truth, to worship as we like, to come and go where and when we like without let or hindrance, and countless other freedoms which most of us take for granted.
War brings out the worst and the best of us. It must be remembered that massive losses were suffered on both sides by ordinary people just like us. We should be finding ways to live in harmony with each other, not continue to keep the pain of grief a festering sore. Let us learn from the past and not be imprisoned by it.
Yours faithfully,
J. HOPKINS (Mrs)
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Dear Editor
With Christmas approaching, many thoughts are turned towards those not as fortunate as ourselves, and many deserving charities benefit from the generosity of the fortunate. This week Reverend Bethan Scotford has visited Plas Bellin in Northop to take the donations of tinned goods made by the school children in Glyndyfrdwy at their Harvest Festival. Plas Bellin houses a charity known as Save the Family which offers a haven for people whose lives have fallen apart for any number of different reasons, including violence, abuse and poverty. They offer 82 places, many for children with their parent(s). Some Glyndyfrdwy church members will be taking another consignment for Christmas and are collecting items now ready for this visit. We hope to take food items, and goods suitable for presents (teenage boys often get overlooked!). If you would like to help, anything you may care to donate can be left at Parc House (late afternoons or evenings are best) before 14th December.
Faye Lea.
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Dear Editor
I would like to thank the organisers of the 40s theme night, recently held in the Village Hall, for a most enjoyable evening. I have lived in Carrog for many years and can not remember a more enjoyable organised event. The company, the food and the band were all excellent and it was good to see so many people entering into the spirit of the occasion. Roll on the next theme night.
Eric Lea.
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Does anyone remember these gates in Corwen? (see below)
The left pillar is inscribed:
‘In Commemoration of the safe return of Lieut. Vaughan Wynn from the war in South Africa 1902’
and the right:
‘In Commemoration of the Coronation 9 August 1902 Of King Edward (VII)’.
Across both pillars is written, ‘Erected by the inhabitants of Corwen’.
Does anyone know where they were and why they were demolished?
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* CARROG & CORWEN HOME GUARD 1945
For those who were not present at the 40s Night and would not have had the opportunity to see this picture - herewith the genuine Carrog and Corwen Home Guard.
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© Copyright “Y Bont” unless otherwise indicated.