MORYS, HUW

[ Eos Ceiriog ; 1622–1709], poet, second son of Morris ap John ap John ab Ednyfed of Hafodgynfor in the parish of Llangollen, Denbs. Although he spent the greater part of his long life at Pontymeibion, in the parish of Llansilin, it appears that Huw was not born there as is generally supposed, but that he moved there with his father and family about the year 1647. We know that his grandfather, John ap John, owned certain lands in the commotes of Rhiwlas and Hafodgynfor, at the time of his marriage to Gwen, daughter of Thomas ap Llywelyn ap John of Rhiwlas. As far as we know the poet had two brothers, John, his senior [it appears that Huw made his home with him], and Humphrey, his junior. We have no proof that he received a better schooling than was the common lot of boys of his locality, though it is possible that he attended either the free school at Oswestry, or Ruthin grammar school. In a poem ‘Ar ofyn gostegion yn amser Cromwel’, the poet complains of his seven year’s apprenticeship to learn a trade, and this appears to be the only evidence in support of the oft-quoted tradition that he was apprenticed to a tanner at Gwaliau in Overton, Flints . It is said that he forsook his apprenticeship and returned home to assist his father on the farm. That he was well patronised by the gentry of Llansilin and district is amply proved in his poems, for time and again he acknowledges his indebtedness to Sir William Williams [1634–1700], Glasgoed [Speaker of the House of Commons], the Myddelton family of Chirk Castle, William Owen of Brogyntyn, and others. Huw was ever an ardent churchman, and a staunch royalist. He was warden of Llansilin parish church, and alternately criticized the ‘Wrexham Committee,’ and sang the praises of the royalist cause with great gusto. He escaped the rough treatment experienced by William Phylip of Ardudwy, by adopting a much more careful [and subtle] means of criticizing his opponents during the Commonwealth period—he resorted to the method used in the Vaticinatory poems of the 15th Cent., of giving his characters the names of appropriate animals. Huw Morys wrote his poems so that they could be sung to popular tunes, and thus became well known throughout Wales . He was buried 31 Aug. 1709 on the south side of Llansilin parish church. In the church wall above his grave there is a stained glass window whereon are inscribed his famous englynion cyffes [confessional verses], while another memorial window to him may be seen in the east wall. In front of Pontymeibion farmhouse a memorial in stone has been erected.

Ysgol Cynddelw PTA 100 Club

is registered under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976. Registered Charity Number 1041692

April 2009

Prize	Money	Number drawn	Name
1 st prize	£20	73	Steve Griffiths, Glyn Ceiriog
2 nd prize	£10	59	Alan Morris, Glyn Ceiriog
3 rd prize	£5	31	Hugh Lloyd

May 2009

Prize	Money	Number drawn	Name
1 st prize	£20	85	Mrs Shaw, St Martins
2 nd prize	£10	15	Phyllis Morris, Glyn Ceiriog
3 rd prize	£5	38	Sue Newell, Pandy

June 2009

Prize	Money	Number drawn	Name
1 st prize	£20	66	Llinos Edwards, Glyn Ceiriog
2 nd prize	£10	85	Mrs Shaw, St Martins
3 rd prize	£5	62	Glenna Hughes, Glyn Ceiriog

Promoter: Lynne Morris, Brackenhill, Old Road, Dolywern LL20 7AG Tel 01691 712 854

Membership costs £12 per year or £1 per month.

If you are interested in joining please contact the school or promoter, Mrs Lynne Morris

Duties

Lance Corporal John Willmott of 5 Nantyr Road is at present serving with 21st Royal Signal Regiment taking part in regimental duties at Buckingham Palace guarding Her Majesty the Queen for the next three months. His family proudly attended his first changing of the guard on 4th May 2009 .  John was educated at Ysgol Cynddelw and Ysgol Dinas Bran before joining the army.

Nightingale House

It is not too late to sponsor Diane Rogers who will be taking part in the 10 mile ladies Midnight Walk to raise funds for the hospice. You can donate on-line at www.justgiving.com/dianerogers3 or telephone Diane 600287. Thank you.

Nature Notes

While walking in spring, a conundrum occurred to me. Why does the elm produce seeds in large quantities which are almost always infertile? It's close relative, the wych elm, also produces large numbers of seed, but these are almost always fertile. I cannot think of any evolutionary advantage to using energy in this way, yet until the advent of Dutch Elm Disease our elms were widespread and successful.

There are two pairs of pied flycatchers in resident among the trees in front of our house. It is amazing that these tiny birds have flown in from Africa , they are only the size of a blue tit. This month in the field behind Llangwryd-isaf my attention was taken by half a dozen white doves feeding in the middle. Feeding with them was what at first glance I thought was a chicken, but it seemed odd. Fortunately I had my 10X monocular in my pocket as it was a cock black grouse! To confirm the identity it was kind enough to display it's tail while walking in a circle. It repeated this another couple of times then flew off up Nant Gwryd. In all it was in sight for about one and a half minutes. The luck of being in the right place at the right time, you can't plan these encounters, that's what makes them special.

Only the ash to come into leaf now, let us hope for a better summer this year, our butterflies particularly need it.

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

Cheshire Home News

We lost miserably on our Quiz Night at The Swan, even so, a good evening was had by all. Music from Hospital, Glyn and Angela entertained us, what a delight they were. A trip was organised on the Welshpool Canal , especially for respite, Terri Bryn from Morfa Nefyn plus a couple of others went with Jen, Paul and Jess they had a good time. Hydrotherapy is still being organized. We had an Asian food night with the Japanese volunteers, great success.
Our next trip is to the Ironbridge Museum on the 14th May, where we will be spending old pennies, bringing back happy memories. We look forward to our Fete 'with a difference' in July.
Lynda Read

Snooker Rooms

An Open meeting was held at the Ceiriog Memorial Institute on 17 April, in order to discuss the future of the snooker rooms. Following some discussion it was agreed to establish a new snooker club to be run by a sub-committee of the Institute Management Committee. This will take place when volunteers have completed the necessary work needed to bring the rooms back to their original standard. Fees and membership details will then be finalized. Anyone wishing to join the club, please contact John White on 01691 718249.

LIFE'S SURPRISES
No one watching Britain 's Got Talent expected much from when mobile phone salesman Paul Potts, Scottish housewife Susan Boyle nor Welsh schoolboy Shaheen Jafargholi took the stage. The judges looked skeptically at one another when the nervous, unassuming, ordinary looking singers announced what they would sing, until they opened their mouths.
The began singing, and it was magical! The crowd roared and stood in amazement, while the judges sat stunned in tearful silence. These were the greatest surprises that any television programme have ever had, in large part because they came wrapped in such an ordinary package.
In the Old Testament, the rescuer of Israel arrived at the battlefield in most unlikely form—a young shepherd boy.1 Samuel, 17 chapter, tells you what happened. King Saul and his entire army were surprised when David defeated Goliath and won the day. They needed to learn the way that God looks at people. He said to the prophet Samuel, 'The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart,' 1 Samuel, 16 chapter, 7th verse.
If we judge others only by their outer appearance, we might miss the wonderful surprise of what's in their heart.
O Lord, we are so quick to judge,
Though much is veiled from sight;
Lord, may we see how just You are
To guide us in what's right. D De Haan

Yours in Christ Glyn
Rev R Glyn Jones, Bryn Glas, Glyn Ceiriog, Llangollen , LL20 7EU .

Tel 01691 718086 m: 07760 328752

Community Council Garden Competition

Section 1: For previous cup winners

Section 2: Best general garden

Section 3: Best summer show

Section 4: Best summer show in a small area

Entries to the clerk, Mrs Jean Davies by 1st July, 01691 718419 evenings

Please note: this competition is for residents in the Glyn Ceiriog Community only

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