We are often asked why there is less content in the‘new’ Y Bont compared with the ‘old’ and it is a valid point with a simple answer. Y Bont is a community newspaper and can only contain what the members of the community tell us about or submit for publication.
We all miss Wellies and Wheelbarrows and in the future perhaps Gareth will be persuaded to resume, but if anyone else would like to write a column we would be very pleased to hear from them.
Equally if you have a story, article or a point to make and are prevented from doing so by not being quite sure how to go about it we will always assist.
Firstly, many thanks to all those who contributed items to the Auction, some of which were of considerable value and raised over £100 each and to all those who turned up to help set up and organise the auction and to supply refreshments. A special thanks to Dick Auctioneer, who worked extremely hard, and also to one person who later provided a free delivery service.
However, whilst advertising brought people from several parts of North Wales, the auction was in general poorly supported and the consequent lack of bids meant many items went for a fraction of their value.
The final amount raised after expenses was £1120.
Expenses:
Adverts in Daily Post and Free Press – £120.95
Printing and laminating – £20
Tea, coffee, milk and biscuits – £77
Distribution of funds:
Neuadd – £300
Y Bont – £200
Ysgol Carrog – £150
Church – £100
Chapels (2) – £150
Over sixties – £30
Air Ambulance – £30
Breast Cancer – £15
Printer Fund - £145
When the proposal to charge for parking in Corwen was first made it caused a protest resulting in the A5 being blocked, but since then parking charges have been introduced with apparently little opposition. However, one area of concern has been the necessity for patients attending the Health Centre to also pay the charges. In some cases delays in the appointment time have also resulted in patients receiving substantial excess parking charges. The Community Council have taken note of these concerns and in the near future approximately 10 to 12 parking spaces will be made available free of charges for patients. Whilst it would be nice to think everybody will respect these spaces and use them for the correct purpose it will probably be necessary for the Health Centre to issue permits at reception. If these had serial numbers and were timed and dated, abuse could probably be avoided.
If anyone feels they have been unfairly treated regarding excess charges they should contact Derek McEwan at Denbighshire County Council offices in Rhuthun.
The Community Council have also raised concerns about parking between the bridge and the railway station in Carrog when there are events on. Several times lately motorists have parked on both sides of the road making it dangerous for pedestrians and frustrating for local people trying to leave or enter the village. As the result of photographic evidence, meetings are being arranged with the Railway and the Police with a view to increasing parking restrictions and making off road parking more available.
Many of you will also have noticed that thanks to representations from the Commuity Council, there is now a street light at the far end of the bridge.
If you have concerns which you think should be brought to the attention of the Comminity Council or would like to raise any matter, you should contact Eric Lea, Ian Lebbon or David Jones (Prof).
For those with internet access please do remember that not only are previous editions of Y Bont available on line, but also public notices and news from Denbighshire County Council, local information and a notice board amongst other things.
The new office is now nearly completed and at this date awaits only carpeting. The office will provide facilities for the running of the Neuadd and for the production of Y Bont. It will also be available to members of the community to use by pre-arrangement.
The snooker and committee rooms have also been redecorated and the stairs are to be re-carpeted.
Due to the demise of the OKI laser printer, a new (and cheaper to run) printer has been jointly purchased by the Neuadd and Y Bont.
The Committee have entered an application with British Telecom for the installation of a broadband connection (free for one year) to the Neuadd which, if successful, will be open for members of the community to use for research, employment opportunities etc.
Much is known about the life of our local hero, Owain Glyndwr. But many legends have grown up around the facts. Because the date and place of his death are unknown, and no grave was ever found, the tellers of tales claim that he never died, but lies sleeping, until the time comes when Wales needs him once more.
The story tells how the Abbot of Valle Crucis Abbey went walking early one morning. As he came over the hill, he saw a tall figure standing there, gazing down at the Dee Valley. He recognised the figure instantly. Who would not have, in those days?
The Abbot spoke first: ‘Owain Glyndwr! It’s good to see you.’
‘Ah, my Lord Abbot,’ said Glyndwr ruefully, ‘I was just looking at the valley and thinking that for all our struggle and all our hopes, nothing has changed since I was a lad.’
‘How can you say that?’ asked the Abbot. ‘Without you no one would ever have dreamed that Wales might have its own Church and University. Without you no one would ever have dared to hope to see once more a true Prince of Wales. This is the way forward – everyone knows it, thanks to you!’
Glyndwr smiled. ‘Well, I thank you, Lord Abbot. But I think you must have risen too early this morning. The cold air has gone to your head!’
‘Indeed, no! It is you who have risen too early, Owain: one hundred years too early. Your time has not yet come.’
Glyndwr threw back his head and laughed. ‘If that’s true, I had better disappear for another hundred years – or more! When I come back next time, Wales will be ready for me.’
With a smile and a wave, he strode away. And the mists of the Dee Valley closed around him.
Fiona Collins
Fiona will be doing two story sessions at the Fringe in Llangollen and would love to see friends from Carrog at either or even better at both!
There will be a story session for families in Llangollen Library on Monday 20th July from 2.30 to 3.15 and
Tales and Tunes of Wales (with the Eisteddfod-wining flautist Jem Hammond of Pen y Cae) outside in The Courtyard, Castle Street, Llangollen on Friday 24th July from 4.30 to 6.30. This is in cooperation with Courtyard Books and the Courtyard Cafe, both of
which will stay open late to provide cakes, coffee, teas and books.
There is no charge for these events.
On Saturday 18th July 2009 the Church will be holding a treasure hunt walk around Carrog finishing with a BBQ and winners presentation at Carrog Mill. The walk will start from the church at 3.00pm and the cost, including the barbecue will be £5 per adult. Children under 14 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
The walk will be on public roadways and paths with all clues accessible from public areas.
It would be helpful to have some idea of numbers for the barbecue so if you would like to take part please contact Jenny (430375) Max (412118) or Jayne (430350).
Open for business as usual the cottages and house, Y Felin, have been refurbished and are used for holidays for the general public including people who have a disability. We have tastefully altered two of the premises to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
The Cottages and Mill are now in the hands of a charity called Ling Trust. Ling use the Mill as an office base for its pioneering work in furthering self directed support. This new system is being being piloted in Denbighshire this year. It is new in Wales and started in Wrexham.
It involves someone who is eligible for support and care receiving a personal budget rather than a service provided by the Local Authority. We help people plan and use their personal budget to get the right type of support and help to meet their needs when they want it.
It is far more flexible and helpful to people and can cover a much wider range of help and support. Unfortunately it is only being piloted around s few people in Denbighshire at the moment, but if successful it will be available for many more interested people. If you want to know more about it come and visit us at the Mill and we will be happy to talk to you about it.
We now have planning permission to set up a small internet facility and café and to use the Mill House as a commercial base for our work. The gardens are fully accessible and we achieved a One Planet Award, presented by the MP and an Olympian, Alison Williams. This was accompanied by a grant of over £7,000 from B and Q for innovation and creativity in our environmentally friendly garden. Watch this space and do come and see what is happening. You will always be very welcome.