DYSERTH AND DISTRICT FIELD CLUB
Founded 1911
Registered Charity Number 1117013
_________________________________
WINTER PROGRAMME 2016-2017
______________________________
President
Margaret Redford
42 Seabank Avenue, Prestatyn. LL19 7PP
Tel: 01745 887237
General Secretary
Linda Wilkinson
8 Brynmor Avenue, Rhyl. LL18 2LX
Tel: 01745 336456
Acting Treasurer & Excursions Secretary
Val O’Rourke
8 Maple Avenue, Rhyl. LL18 4JT
Tel: 01745 338472
Membership Secretary
Betty Smith
95 Ffordd Derwen, Rhyl. LL18 2NA
Tel: 01745 354785
_________________________________
Our aim is to encourage the appreciation and
understanding of all aspects of the countryside
_____________________________________
The Mark 1 Lovell Telescope
at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire
1. Saturday 15th October 2016
EXCURSION
JODRELL BANK—RADIO ASTRONOMY AND
AUTUMN TINTS
A visit to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre and
Arboretum. Inspired by Sir Bernard Lovell and opened
in 1957, the Mark 1 Lovell Telescope has led the world
in exploring the universe using radio waves. The site
contributes to world-class astronomy and visitors can
learn how scientists use radio telescopes to study a
wide variety of distant objects in space. There is also a
rolling programme of short films. The 35 acre gardens
include the renowned Arboretum. Starting in 1972,
Bernard Lovell collected seeds from all over the world
to establish a huge collection of trees and shrubs.
Wear strong shoes and bring waterproofs. Bring a
packed lunch and drink, or light refreshments can be
obtained on site. There are picnic tables placed around
and toilet facilities are available.
We will travel
directly to the site to arrive about 10.45am and leaving
around 5.00pm.
Leaders : David Rob er ts & Jo e P h illips
More details : 07843953134 or 01352 810781
Inclusive Coach Fare & Entrance Fee: £19.90
Please book by Saturday 1st October 2016
2. Saturday 29th October 2016
WALK
3 miles
AUTUMN IN WEPRE COUNTRY PARK
A stroll through the woodland at Wepre Park to reach
the ruins of a 13th century Ewloe castle hidden in the
trees. We return along a boardwalk with Wepre Brook
running alongside. The walk is leisurely with interest
along the way. Apart from the boardwalk we walk on
paths although there are some inclines and steps but
all are manageable and most of the steps have
handrails. There are no stiles. There are toilets at the
beginning and end of the walk and a café for
refreshments at the end of our day.
Boots or strong walking shoes are advised, and poles
if used. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. Cars leave
Prestatyn car park at 9.30am or meet at Wepre Park
car park ready to start the day at 10.30am.
Directions: Leave P restaty n o n th e A548,
taking the left slip road to Connah’s Quay and look
out for the B5126 signposted Northop. Turn right
here and follow the road uphill, then left into Hall
Lane. You will see Wepre Park on your right.
OS: Ref. SJ295684, Post Code: CH5 4HL
Leaders: A nn e W ar d a n d Jea n H o w ells
More Details: 01745 852289 or 01745 354675
Car Share: £3
3. Saturday 12th November 2016
LECTURE
TOOLMAKERS— THE EARLY BEGINNINGS
Speaker: Howard Green
Chair: Pam Collins
Born and educated in Manchester, Howard’s interest,
indeed his passion, in archaeology was encouraged
by his father. He studied at Basingstoke College as a
mature student and it was at this time he learned to
knap flint and make stone tools. He has carried out
workshops with members of the Time Team and
during his sojourn in the USA he had a lot of contact
with Native Americans, who are also very good flint
knappers.
4. Saturday 26th November 2016
WALK &
VISIT
3 miles
BURTON MERE WETLANDS RSPB RESERVE
A gentle stroll along generally flat paths and trails to see
an array of ducks and geese in this area of reed beds,
fenland and farmland along the Dee Estuary. The large,
warm Visitors Centre/main hide provides close views over
the lagoons. There is easy access to a further bird hide
and more uneven access and a few steps to the furthest
bird hide.
Bring a packed lunch and a drink, stout footwear,
waterproofs and binoculars. Toilet facilities are available
at the Visitors Centre. Cars leave Prestatyn car park at
9am or m eet in th e car p ar k at th e R eser ve at
10am. At th e end of the day —optional coffee and
cake (maybe shopping) at Gordale Garden Centre.
Directions: From Prestatyn take A55 then follow A494
(signed Birkenhead). Filter left onto A550. At 2nd traffic
lights (beside Mini car Showroom) turn left on to A540
(Hoylake). Take next left (after Craxton Wood Hotel) into
Puddington Lane. Follow the road for approx 2 miles
through Puddington and Burton, then take hidden left
turn (signed Barn Farm and the brown sign to Nature
Reserve) to RSPB car park.
OS: Ref SJ319739, Postcode: CH64 5SF
Leaders: Val O’Rourke & Jean Cropper
More details: 01745 338472
Entry Fee: £3 co ncessions; R SPB Mem ber s fr ee
Car Share: £4.80
5. Saturday 10th December 2016
LECTURE
THE LITTLE ORME CAVES & THEIR
ARCHAEOLOGY
Speaker: John Blore
Chair: David Richards
John became hooked on potholing in 1958 and since
then it has become an obsession. Since he took part in
the excavation at Foxhole in Derbyshire, his interest in
the archaeology of caving grew to the extent that he
started his own excavation in Lynx Cave near Llanarmon
-yn-Ial in 1962. He has since excavated many caves, all
intriguing places to investigate, and he still enjoys the
excitement they bring today.
6. Wednesday 28th December 2016
WALK
3 miles
A POST-CHRISTMAS STROLL IN THE
BRICKFIELDS POND AREA OF RHYL
An easy walk to include Marine Lake, Brickfields Pond,
Horton’s Nose and the harbour area of Rhyl. Following
our visit in 2013 we can look at the further
development of the harbour with an opportunity to
stretch our legs, breathe some fresh air and meet
friends after the Christmas festivities.
Bring packed lunch and a drink, strong footwear and
waterproofs. Also binoculars. Toilets at beginning and
end of walk. Cars leave Prestatyn car park at 10am or
meet at the Harbour car park ready to start walking at
10.30am.
Directions: Leave Prestatyn on Victoria Rd A548. At
the traffic lights at Tynewydd Rd junction (Rhyl) turn
right and follow the road to the Promenade. Bear left
along the Promenade (B5118) to the Foryd Bridge.
Cross over the bridge then turn sharp right just after
the 'KEEP LEFT' bollard in the road, then right again
into Hortons Nose Lane. Follow this lane to the Rhyl
Harbour free car park.
OS: Ref SH 995807, Postcode: LL18 5BA
Leaders: An ne Mer igold, An n e W ar d & Jo e
Phillips
More details: 01745 852289 or 01352 810781
Car Share: Nil
9. Saturday 11th February 2017
WALK
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW DUE
JANUARY 1st 2017
Individual Members £14
Joint Members £24
Junior Members (under 18 years) £2
Gift Aid allows members to increase Club funds at no
cost to themselves because, as a registered charity, the
Club is able to reclaim the tax paid on subscription
monies. If you are a UK taxpayer, but don’t yet Gift
Aid your membership subscription, please consider
joining the many members who are already ‘Gift
Aiders’. Once you have filled in the simple form, the
Treasurer does all the rest. For more information
please contact the Treasurer.
_________
NOMINATION OF COMMITTEE
Under Section P(5) of the Field Club’s Constitution,
written nominations (including the names of both a
proposer and seconder) of both Officers and
Management Committee Members must, this year, be
with the General Secretary by JANUARY 14th.
The agreement of the nominee must be obtained
beforehand. Though not necessary, nomination forms
will be available at indoor meetings or, on request from
the General Secretary.
7. Saturday 14th January 2017
LECTURES
SHORT TALKS BY MEMBERS
Chair and Arranger: Joe Phillips
Invited Field Club members speak on topics which
they have found fascinating and would now like to
share with their fellow members. But who will they be
and what will they be talking about ? You will need to
be there to find out!
8. Saturday 28th January 2017
106th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
at
Trinity Church Hall, Pendre Avenue, Prestatyn
starting at
2.00pm
to be followed by a
SOCIAL AFTERNOON
The AGM will include reports on the work of the Field
Club during 2016 and the election of Officers and
Committee Members for 2017.
The Social afternoon will take place immediately after
the AGM. This is an opportunity to relax in good
company and enjoy a really splendid afternoon tea.
There will be a stall selling cakes, produce, jams,
chutneys etc. and a book stall. A variety of quiz sheets
will be on offer for those who like a little challenge!
Tickets for the Social Afternoon, priced at £3, will be
available at indoor meetings and at the door on the
day.
Each ticket will be individually numbered and entered
into a draw. The owner of the winning ticket will
receive free Field Club membership for 2017.
3½ miles
ST HILARY’S CHURCH, LLANRHOS &
DEGANWY CASTLE ON THE VARDRE
A guided tour of the historical Church of St Hilary in
Llanrhos, followed by a walk along an ancient
trackway (a ‘holloway’) up on to the Vardre, where
Deganwy Castle once stood. Gradual slopes and some
uneven ground, some stiles and kissing gates and it
might be muddy, but the wonderful views out to sea
and over Conwy Castle and the Walled Town will
reward your efforts.
Waterproofs, strong footwear and walking poles
would be useful. Bring a packed lunch and a drink.
Parking at the Maelgwyn Cemetery at Llanrhos—
toilets are available at the New Cemetery. Cars leave
Prestatyn Car Park at 9.30am or meet at Llanrhos at
10.15am.
Directions: Fo llo w
th e
A547
th ro u gh
Rhuddlan to join the A55 at Abergele. Leave the A55
at Junction 19, taking the A470 for Llandudno. At
the 4th roundabout, signed Llanrhos and Deganwy,
turn left, then right on to the B5115. St Hilary’s
Church is 500yds on the right. Parking is 500yds
past the Church. OS: SH793802, Postcode: LL30
1RW.
Leaders: Lin da W ilk inson and Pam Collins
More details: 01745 336456 or 01745 854380
Car Share: £3.20
10.
Saturday 25th February 2017
LECTURE
RECREATING A GARDEN MASTERPIECE BODNANT GARDEN IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Speaker: John Rippin
Chair: Joe Phillips
After working in Israel as a gardener on a kibbutz for a
year, John studied Horticulture at Moulton College,
Northampton in the early 1990s. Following a spell as a
gardener in South West Wales, he and his wife moved
to Hampshire, where John became Supervisor at the
Hillier Gardens in 1997. He then moved on to Heale
House in Salisbury as Head Gardener. He joined the
National Trust in 2007 as Deputy Head Gardener at
Hidcote Manor, moving on to be Head Gardener at
Castle Drogo, where he started the restoration of the
Lutyens Garden. Thento Bodnant as Head Gardener in
January 2015.
11. Saturday 11th March 2017
WALK
3.5 miles
CIRCULAR WALK IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF
LLANRWST
The walk is along pavements, green lanes, woodland
tracks and lanes, affording spectacular views of the
Conwy Valley, Moel Siabod and the Carneddau range,
(weather permitting of course). There are no stiles, a
steady meandering incline at the start, with plenty of
breather viewing spots as we progress.
Bring a packed lunch and a drink, waterproofs, stout
footwear and poles if used. Cars leave Prestatyn Car
Park at 9.15am. Toilet stop at Glasdir Conference
Centre on the right as you enter Llanwrst (Post code
LL26 0DF) - parking is free at Glasdir.
Directions: A55 w est to w ards Lla ndu dno –
A470 signed Betws-y-Coed, drive through Llanwrst
then left onto B5427, signed Nebo and Leisure
Centre. After 0.5 miles on the right, park in Eagle
Airfield Equipment Ltd facto ry ca r pa rk
(cemetery on the left) ready to start the walk at
10.45am.
OS Ref: SH808 609, Postcode LL26 0SE
Leaders: Mar gar et R edfor d and Val O ’Rourke
More details: 01745 887237 or 01745 338472
Car Share: £5
12. Saturday 25th March 2017
THE ANNIVERSARY LECTURE
Celebrating the founding of The Dyserth & District
Field Club 106 years ago on 23rd March 1911
THE REBUILDING OF THE
LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY
Speaker: Alun Williams
Chair: The President
Alun Williams, trained as an electronics engineer and
was Manager of a national computer company in
Wrexham until he retired. Brought up in Betws-yCoed, his interest in railways was encouraged by his
uncle, a signalman at Betws-y-Coed Station. His initial
voluntary assistance in Llangollen included physical
work such as track laying, but nowadays he is mostly
deskbound. To our advantage he also gives lectures!
13. Saturday 8th April 2017
WALK
2½ miles or 4½ miles
LLYN CRAFNANT or LLYN GERIONYDD a choice of walks
The first option is a 2½ mile walk around Llyn Crafnant.
Around the lake, the trail is flat along a forestry road with
one stile and a grassy path that joins the road back to the
start. For more experienced hill walkers (and weather
permitting) there is an alternative 4½ mile walk to Llyn
Gerionydd offered. The route goes over Mynydd Dewlyn
(Mountain of the Two Lakes) and returns through Gwydyr
Forest to Crafnant. The path is very rocky in places.
Walking boots essential and poles would be useful for
Option 2, otherwise, strong footwear and waterproof gear
as always. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. Toilet
facilities are available at Crafnant car park and at Llyn
Gerionydd. Cars leave Prestatyn Car Park at 10am or meet
at Llyn Crafnant car park (OS ref: SH756618) at 11am
start. The café at Crafnant will be open for refreshments
when and if required.
Directions: Tak e th e A55 to Ju nction 19, th en th e
A470 to Llanrwst. Cross the river at Tal-y-Cafn and turn
left to follow the B5106 to Trefriw. Just after the Princes
Arms Hotel on the right, take a narrow road to the right
(Wood Bank), then turn right again. Continue uphill
along the narrow single track road to Crafnant car park
on the right.
Leaders: David Rober ts & Lind a W ilkinson
More details: 07843953134 or 01745 -336456
Car Share: £7.60
14. Saturday 22nd April 2017
LECTURE
THE ART OF ANCIENT EGYPT
Speaker: Chris Winner
Chair: Pam Collins
Chris is NOT an Egyptologist but has a lifelong interest
in all things ‘Ancient Egypt’. Her background is in
teaching, her subject being environmental science and
ecology. Before retiring she was Head of Education
and Curriculum at the Colomendy Centre for Outdoor
Education, then became Curriculum Consultant for
Information and Communications Technology with the
Liverpool Education Authority.
15. Saturday 6th May 2017
WALK
3½ miles
TAN-Y-GOPA—IN ITS EARLY SUMMER GLORY
We revisit Tan-y-Gopa, the woodland that crowns
Abergele, following the route of our post-Christmas walk
in 2015. By now the trees should be in full leaf and nature
more abundant than when we visited during the winter.
We will again visit Castell Cawr and take in the views.
After our descent, post-walk refreshments will be available
at the Abergele Grill (opposite Tesco).
Strong footwear, waterproofs and walking poles are
needed. Bring a packed lunch and drink. Public toilets are
available at Tesco before the walk, and at Abergele Grill
afterwards. Otherwise, it will be 'forewarn the group and
pick your spot!'
Cars leave Prestatyn Car Park at 10.15am or m eet at the
entrance to Tan-y-Gopa to start at 11am. There is limited
parking for 7 or 8 cars.
Directions
Take the A547 from Prestatyn, through Rhuddlan to
Abergele. Pass through the town and turn left onto
Ffordd Tanrallt, passing the gatehouse of Gwrych Castle
on your right. Turn right up Tan-y-Gopa Road, passing
the Golf Club on your right. The entrance to the wood is
about 300 metres on your left. (OS Ref: SH933771,
Postcode LL22 8DS). Limited parking – as above!
Leaders: Lin da W ilkinson & Pam Collins
More details: 01745 336456 or 01745 854380
Car Share: £1.50
SUMMER PROGRAMME 2017
TO HELP WITH YOUR PLANNING
At the time of printing, the Excursions within the
2017 Summer Programme are expected to be on the
following dates:
June 3rd
July 1st
August 12th
September 9th
Common Poppy
Papaver rhoeas
LECTURES
All lecture events start at 2.30pm. They are held in the
Paterson Hall behind Capel Dyserth Chapel, High Street,
Dyserth apart from the AGM on January 28th 2017 (see
event details).
WALKS &VISITS
A packed lunch and strong shoes or boots are required for
all areas unless otherwise stated in the individual walk
description. Warm waterproof clothing is always
advisable.
No dogs are allowed on walks.
Cars meet at Prestatyn Church car park. Members with
cars are asked to provide transport for passengers, who
are asked to have the exact suggested car share money for
the event ready to offer the driver.
In addition to the OS grid reference of a meeting point a
postcode has been given, wherever possible, for car
drivers using Sat Nav.
A mobile telephone— number 07951515785—and a First
Aid box are carried on all walks.
LIBRARY
The Club Library is in the Henry Gordon Room next to
the Paterson Hall and is open on lecture afternoons.
Access at other times can be arranged by phoning 01745
571349.
VISITORS
Visitors are welcome at all walks and lectures, but with a
£2 fee for lectures.
DISCLAIMER
The Dyserth & District Field Club will not be responsible
for any damage to property or persons during the
activities of the Club. The presence of Members and
Visitors during the various activities is deemed to be an
acceptance of this rule.