Llanasa Life Summer 2025 LLANASA CONSERVATION SOCIETY NEWSLETTER As the long, bright days of summer unfold, we’re delighted to bring you the latest edition of our quarterly village newsletter. It has been a busy Spring with several ongoing projects taking place including a village tidy-up, removal of the old village hall lean-to, installation of our new shed and two successful car boot sales raising much needed funds for us, the Church and the Village Hall. In early May, the Steele-Mortimer family invited Llanasa villagers to their first Golden Grove Open day. The day provided an opportunity for the family to share some of history of their Grade I listed home and garden. The event was well attended with over 30 people enjoying a lovely sunny day in a beautiful environment. Inside this Summer issue of Llanasa Life you’ll find highlights from recent events, a look ahead at upcoming activities, and stories from around us locally that celebrate the people and places that make our community special. We’ve also included details of forthcoming events and dates for your calendar, including our Summer village tidy up on Saturday 28th June and AGM on Thursday 10th July . And finally, I’d like to say a personal ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in our Spring projects as well as those who help out on an ongoing basis and play an active part of village life. Your contributions, support, and community spirit continue to shape the welcoming place we all call home. hair Mike Walker, LCS C llanasaconservation@gmail.com
Winning Author In 2022 research from the National Literacy Trust revealed children’s reading enjoyment was at its lowest level in almost two decades. In response Faber launched the Action! Prize that called out for cinematic, highoctane stories that would compete with the adrenaline rush of screens. We’re pleased to report that the 2024 Action! Prize judges awarded first prize to villager Theo Malings for her sci-fi fantasy thriller, The Red Twilight. The judges described it as ‘an electric read, closely synched to the gaming landscape, with a storyline that held them by the throat.’ Theo has been signed by Faber, securing a worldwide publishing contract. Leah Thaxton of Faber explained, ‘We launched this prize in response to an urgent industry need for more stories that encourage reading for pleasure, and a desire to offer a wider range of books that reflect the kinetic storytelling that children enjoy onscreen and online. I am delighted the Action! Prize has created a pipeline for a new wave of writing and predict more signings to follow.’ Theo said ‘I’m thrilled to be announced as the winner of the Faber Action! Prize. I’ve been struck by the number of boys and young men who may not be reading but do have a ferocious appetite for stories and find them in videogames. In writing The Red Twilight, I’ve drawn on a lifetime of being introduced to the fantastical worlds I’ve played my way through, and from the many visual novels that are as memorable as my favourite books. I hope I’ve created something for the teens who don’t see the kind of stories they like in books being published. I hope that for them, The Red Twilight is a gateway to a whole new hobby.’ Congratulations Theo! Pub News We’re disappointed to report that the current landlords of the Crown Inn Trelawynd are leaving on August 28th. Nathan and Kelly have been running the pub since Covid but will be leaving at the end of the summer. As yet there is no news on who may be taking it over. Until the end of July they are offering 30% off main courses Monday - Friday. In more local pub news the recently refurbished White Lion, Glan Yr Afon is on the market and looking for new owners. May Car Boot Sale Successes Despite a forecast of rain for the second car boot sale, we had a couple of great events raising a total of £2800 for the Village Hall, Church and Conservation Society. Thank you to everyone who baked, put out cones and helped in the kitchen and on the field. Brenda Baxter Craft Display & Sale Llanasa WI will be honouring the memory of Brenda Baxter, with a special display and sales of her crafts on Thursday 12th June in the Village Hall from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Brenda was well known for her incredible talent in sewing, embroidery and handmade crafts. She generously donated her crafts to fundraisers, friends and neighbours, often adding a personal touch that made every piece special. Following her passing in 2018, and the recent sad passing of her son Neil, we are holding this exhibition and sale of her work in her memory, with all proceeds going to the Llanasa WI —which was close to Brenda’s heart. The sale will include a wide range of items, from hand-sewn linens to framed needlecraft. Tea, coffee, and homemade cake will be served, and there will be a small display celebrating Brenda’s talents and an opportunity to purchase her wonderful work. Please come along to celebrate Brenda’s creativity and skill.
Village Tidy Ups Swarming is a natural process where a honeybee colony splits into two, with one part (the swarm) leaving to find a new home. This normally happens between early May and late July. Thank you again to the handful of familiar faced, kind volunteers who helped at the last village tidy up. 80-90% of all swarms perish before the next spring, as they face significant challenges in establishing a new colony, including finding a suitable location, building comb (wax), collecting food stores (nectar and pollen) and rearing brood (new bees). A honeybee swarm may land on a branch in your garden, on a fence post, on a chimney or on the washing line, anywhere really whilst ‘scout’ bees scour the area and determine a new “home” location. Be aware that the bees don’t use estate agents, land searches or solicitors and there have been no reports of “gazzumping”. The bees will stay in that position for up to 48 hours. During that short period attempts can be made to collect and rehome the bees by a beekeeper who will help them through their house moving and prepare them for the winter ahead. We are aware of at least one ‘feral’ colony in the village so this is quite pertinent to the locality. If you see a cluster of bees that looks similar to those in the picture above contact Brian Horwich, one of our experienced local beekeepers from Llanasa Honey, who can try to remove and save the swarm. Brian (pictured below) can be contacted on 07535 977134. We are planning the next event on Saturday 28th June, by which time we will have most of the new equipment purchased through a generous grant from Gwynt Y Mor. So, if you have been reluctant to join your neighbours helping to keep your village tidy, now we can provide you with the tools to undertake your vital role. We are asking for everyone who is able to help to support the next event in June and give us an hour or two of your time to maintain the look of the village, which is in everyone’s interest as we all live here.
If you’ve ever taken junction 29 off the A55 heading towards Dyserth, just a minutes’ drive down the road you will have passed the wonderful Fferm Cornel Derwen. The farm is part of the CoOptions group, a network of social enterprises dedicated to creating opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Their enterprises, including Fferm Cornel Derwen, offer a range of environments and activities designed to build confidence, foster independence, and allow people to develop at their own pace. Throughout the year, they sell a variety of fresh, seasonal produce including potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, apples, peppers, and chillis. While some of these items are not yet in season, over the coming weeks they will have radish, beetroot, eggs, broad beans, rhubarb, and various plants available. Eggs are available all year round. All the produce grown on the farm is naturally cultivated without chemicals or pesticides. It is sold daily from their honesty box located at the entrance to the farm, but if you have the opportunity to stop and say hello you will always receive a very friendly welcome and everyone is always pleased to meet new visitors. During the summer months, they also have a pop-up stall at the Harbour Hub Cafe in Rhyl. At the farm, they provide small-scale farming opportunities where individuals get involved in general farm maintenance such as planting, weeding, cutting grass, pruning, and harvesting produce. The team also plays an active role in caring for seven alpacas and a brood of free-range hens. From mucking out to feeding and collecting eggs, spending time with the animals is a therapeutic experience for both the individuals and the hens, with plenty of cuddles shared. The team at CoOptions are proud to offer a welcoming and supportive environment where people with learning disabilities can gain skills, enjoy meaningful activities, and feel part of the community. You can find them and their wonderful produce on Caerwys Road, Rhuallt, St Asaph, Denbighshire, LL17 0TU.
The Village Hall kitchen is well used and well looked after, but for some time, they have been aware of the need to update the kitchen equipment to bring in changes that will make using the kitchen, safer, easier to use as well as lowering the running costs. Using some Village Hall funds and generous grant funding, over the last two months they have: Purchased new tea pots, to replace those that have been in use for over 12 years Purchased new chopping boards Purchased a commercial stainless-steel trolley with shelf, that gives additional preparation space that can be moved around to suit the situation. Purchased a state-of-the-art water boiler making things safer, easier and more energy efficient. Redecorated the kitchen, small community room and front lobby The feedback from the lovely ladies of the Pop-Up Café Team and the Car Boot Kitchen Team has been a resounding “thumbs up!”. They intend to continue to update our hall and would welcome any suggestions from residents and hirers. Please contact Daphne Thompson – mattdaff31@sky.com Village Hall AGM & General Meeting Thursday 5th June 7pm Are you up for a Challenge? Get ready for an unforgettable day of friendly competition as St Kentigern Hospice proudly presents … It’s a Knockout! Grab your friends, bring your energy, and prepare to slip and slide your way through an obstacle course packed with inflatable madness and hilarious challenges! Whether you’re in it to win it or just for the laughs, this is a day you won’t want to miss. St Kentigern’s are on the hunt for 18 awesome teams of up to 10 people (8 minimum) to take on the course. Think you’ve got what it takes? Gather your friends, families and businesses and come show what you’re made of! The games package includes colourful inflatable obstacles, costumes, specially made props, team games, relay games, inflatable games, team building games, and of course the wet and bubble games! Not competing? Come along to support, snack on delicious treats, browse local stalls, and join in our fabulous summer games. There’s something for everyone! Download your entry form at https://stkentigernhospice.org.uk/Its-a-KnockoutEntry-Form.pdf or call Rhian on 01745 775572
Just five minutes from the heart of our beautiful village of Llanasa lies a very special place: North Clwyd Animal Rescue (NCAR). You may have already seen some of their wonderful volunteers and the beautiful rescue dogs enjoying walks through the village – and they’re always happy to welcome more friendly faces to join the team. NCAR is always in need of volunteers, and getting involved is easier than you might think. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or more, your help makes a real difference. Once you’ve completed a simple induction, there are so many ways you can lend a hand: Take our dogs for walks and give them the love and exercise they need Cuddle our cats and help with their daily care Assist with admin or reception duties Help out in the garden or with general maintenance Join the team in our on-site café, Doris’s Bunker, or one of our charity shops The opportunities are endless – visit www.ncar.org.uk/volunteering to find out more and become part of something truly rewarding. Looking to rehome a furry friend? NCAR is home to over 80 dogs and 100 cats, each waiting for their perfect match. Whether you’re looking for a loyal companion or a new member of the family, your future best friend might just be waiting for you at NCAR. Browse the profiles of their adorable animals online – you never know who you’ll fall in love with. Doris’s Bunker – More Than Just a Café Their on-site café, Doris’s Bunker, is a hidden gem and a lovely spot to relax with friends or family. Enjoy delicious food and drinks in a peaceful, scenic setting – and know that every penny you spend supports the animals in their care. Join Them at One of their Upcoming Events There’s lots happening at NCAR over the coming months! From fun dog shows to Cars & Coffee for Cats & Canines – where you can showcase your classic, modern, or vintage vehicle – there’s something for everyone. These are relaxed, family-friendly events, perfect for spending a day out while supporting a great cause. Plus they have the Llanasa Village hall quiz on Friday 27th June in aid of the charity and it would be great to see you there! Keep an eye on their website and social media for event updates www.ncar.org.uk If you’ve never visited NCAR, now’s the time. Pop into Doris’s Bunker for a coffee, meet the team, and learn more about the amazing work this local charity does for animals in need. Your support means the world to NCAR, and to their furry residents.
Creamy white elderflowers can be found across the UK's woodlands and hedgerows in late spring and transformed into homemade elderflower cordial that's better than any shop-bought version. The white, frothy elderflowers tend to bloom in late May, turning to elderberries in late August that can then be harvested to make elderberry wine. Collect the flowers to make delicious elderflower cordial, or add them to cakes or biscuits or even try them deep-fried to make tasty elderflower fritters. June is typically the best time of year to collect elderflower as the flowers are at their freshest. Pick the flowers on a warm, dry day. Look for elderflower in hedgerows and verges between fields, in parks or green spaces. Avoid collecting it from busy roads as the flowers will absorb the traffic fumes, and pick the ones that are higher than doggy height (for obvious reasons). Use a pair of sharp scissors and remove the flowerheads just below where all the small stems meet the main stem – you want as little of the green stem in your recipes as possible. Gather only a few flowerheads from each tree so as to allow as many as possible to develop into berries – a crucial late summer food source for birds, mammals and insects. Once home, give the flowers a little shake to remove any little black aphids or beetles. You can easily spot insects on the underside of the flowers, and it's easy to pick the stubborn ones off. Some people soak or rinse them in cold water, but the flavour will be less powerful. Nothing says summer like a fizzy glass of elderflower cordial (also delicious added to a gin and tonic or sparkling white wine). The floral taste of this traditional syrup is great with water, but also complements pastries, cakes, ice-cream and champagne or sparkling wine. When foraging always do so with respect - never tresspass onto private land and only pick enough for your own personal use. For more information regarding foraging, and what you can and can’t do visit www.eatweeds.co.uk/foragingand-the-law. Most importantly, if your not 100% sure what you’re picking, don’t pick it. Recipe - Elderflower Cordial Fragrant and refreshing, springtime elderflower cordial is easy to make. Mix with sparkling water to create elderflower pressé, or add to wine, prosecco or champagne. Ingredients For thousands of years elderflower has been believed to have medicinal and healing properties. You’ve probably tried elderflower in a tasty summer cordial but these flowers can be used for much more. The flowers have both anti-septic and anti-inflammatory effects, so country folk have been using them in home-remedies for centuries. A mix of elderflower and water can be used to alleviate symptoms of anything from the common cold to some forms of arthritis. Dried elderflowers can be combined with dried nettle and peppermint for a hayfever tea that, when drunk daily, is thought to prevent inflammation as the season progresses. 20 fresh elderflower heads, trimmed 2.5 kg white sugar 2 unwaxwed lemons 85g citric acid (found on Amazon) Instructions Put the sugar and 1.5 litres/2¾ pints water into the largest saucepan you have. Gently heat, without boiling, until the sugar has dissolved. Give it a stir every now and again. Pare the zest from the lemons using a potato peeler, then slice the lemons into rounds. Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the pan of syrup to the boil, then turn off the heat. Put the elderflower heads into the syrup along with the lemons, zest and citric acid, then stir well. Cover the pan and leave to infuse for 24 hrs. Line a colander with a clean tea towel, then sit it over a large bowl or pan. Ladle in the syrup – let it drip slowly through. Discard the bits left in the towel. Use a funnel and a ladle to fill sterilised bottles (run glass bottles through the dishwasher, or wash well with soapy water. Rinse, then leave to dry in a low oven). The cordial is ready to drink straight away and will keep in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.
A big thank you to the community for helping us raise enough money for our lap top and projector which will be used for, amongst other things, linking up with the National Women’s Institute events and courses. We have recently welcomed three new members and continue to grow. Since the last Newsletter we have learned about Yoga and had a go at Chair Yoga with Rhiannon from Awen Studio. Some of us have now even taken it up! Easter crafting in April and a visit to The Scala to see Billy Elliot, the Musical. This month we had a most interesting talk on dog sledding with Mynydd Dog Sleds - hopefully we will go and visit them in action, later in the year! Coming up this Summer … Outing to The Scala to see The Salt Path, Taking an evening walk around St Asaph, A talk on pork pies and sausages by Bill the Butcher of Dyserth, Strawberry Tea, Macrame craft - making a hanging plant basket, Talk on how to choose Colours that Suit you Best by a colour consultant, Calamity Jane at Vue Cymru Llandudno and a Visit from the accomplished Northern ballet pianist Roz Chadwick. Don’t forget our monthly meeting is on the second Tuesday of the month 7pm - 9pm and that your first three meetings are free. For further information contact Liz Birchenough on 07810398876 or Eliz Parry on 07721690956 REGULAR MONTHLY SERVICES & EVENTS FOR LLANASA CHURCH 1st Sunday in Month - Holy Eucharist Service 11.00am 1st Thursday in Month - Bible Study & Fellowship VH10.00am CH10.30am 2nd Sunday in Month - Holy Eucharist Service 11.00am 3rd Sunday in Month - Holy Eucharist Service 11.00am 4th Sunday in Month - Morning Prayer Service 11.00am 5th Sunday in Month (If there is one!) - Mission Area Joint Service at one of the Churches in the MA 10.30am PLEASE NOTE: A DEDICATED AND DETAILED MONTHLY EVENTS SHEET, SHOWING ANY ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES MONTH ON MONTH, WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE CHURCH PORCH. Thank you for reading! LLANASA CONSERVATION SOCIETY www.llanasa.wales MIKE WALKER - CHAIR SAM GARDNER - TREASURER VACANCY - SECRETARY HELEN GARDNER - MARKETING llanasaconservation@gmail.com
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