DYSERTH AND DISTRICT FIELD CLUB WINTER PROGRAMME

Transcription

1 DYSERTH AND DISTRICT FIELD CLUB Founded 1911 Registered Charity Number WINTER PROGRAMME President Margaret Redford 42 Seabank Avenue, Prestatyn. LL19 7PP Tel: General Secretary Linda Wilkinson 8 Brynmor Avenue, Rhyl. LL18 2LX Tel: Acting Treasurer & Excursions Secretary Val O Rourke 8 Maple Avenue, Rhyl. LL18 4JT Tel: Membership Secretary Betty Smith 95 Ffordd Derwen, Rhyl. LL18 2NA Tel: Our aim is to encourage the appreciation and understanding of all aspects of the countryside

2 The Mark 1 Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire

3 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 Roberts & Joe Phillips More details : or Inclusive Coach Fare & Entrance Fee: Please book by Saturday 1st October 2016

4 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 Prestatyn on the 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: Anne W ard and Jean How ells More Details: or Car Share: 3

5 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.

6 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 the car park at the Reserve at 10am. At the 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: Entry Fee: 3 concessions; RSPB Mem bers free Car Share: 4.80

7 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 He has since excavated many caves, all intriguing places to investigate, and he still enjoys the excitement they bring today.

8 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 , Postcode: LL18 5BA Leaders: Anne Merigold, Anne W ard & Joe Phillips More details: or Car Share: Nil 9. Saturday 11th February 2017 WALK

9 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.

10 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!

11 8. Saturday 28th January th 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 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.

12 ST HILARY S CHURCH, LLANRHOS & DEGANWY CASTLE ON THE VARDRE 3½ miles 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: Follow the A547 through 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: Linda W ilkinson and Pam Collins More details: or Car Share: 3.20

13 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 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.

14 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 west towards Llandu 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 factory car park (cemetery on the left) ready to start the walk at 10.45am. OS Ref: SH , Postcode LL26 0SE Leaders: Margaret Redford and Val O Rourke More details: or Car Share: 5

15 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-y- Coed, 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!

16 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: Take the A55 to Junction 19, then the 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 Roberts & Linda W ilkinson More details: or Car Share: 7.60

17 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.

18 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 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: Linda W ilkinson & Pam Collins More details: or Car Share: 1.50

19 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

20 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 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 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.