Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society

MEMBERS of the Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society were joined by Richard Monteiro, headteacher of Ysgol Bryn Clwyd, Llandyrnog, plus pupils and staff for a special event before Christmas.

Also in attendance were Graham, Bre and Conor Carrington-Sykes of Pentre Mawr, Llandyrnog to plant a special tree in the school grounds.

This is to commemorate the 21 men from Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan who died in the First World War.

Society members wanted something that would allow everyone to remember those brave men who lost their lives while fighting during the Great War.

An oak tree is a great symbol in this country and one of the native British trees that live for a very long time.

Society members could not think of a better tree to plant to remember the men.

An oak tree should live for a very long time and it is said that it is a very unselfish person that plants an oak tree, as it takes 200 years to grow, 200 years to live and 200 years to die.

Graham and Conor Carrington-Sykes were asked to help with the planting as Mr Carrington-Sykes’ family, historically the Rigbys, have lived at Pentre Mawr in Llandyrnog and have owned land around the village for many generations.

Mr Carrington-Sykes’ family played a great part locally during the First World War, by helping to raise money for the war effort by hosting garden open events at Pentre Mawr.

Mrs Rigby, Graham’s great grandmother, was Commandant at the White House, between Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan, when it was a convalescent home for wounded soldiers during the war.

Additionally, Mr Carrington-Sykes was asked because of the oak tree that fell behind Ysgol Bryn Clwyd a few months ago during a storm.

The tree in question was one of the ‘three kings of Pentre Mawr’, which was planted when Ty’n Llan farm belonged to the estate, and as the name suggests, was one of three large trees that stood on the estate, two of which are thought to have fallen down.

Pupils read out the names of all the 21 men prior to the planting and also helped to place soil around the planted tree.

The society members asked them to try in the future to remember why the oak tree was planted and to tell the story to their children and grandchildren so that the 21 names will not be forgotten.

Following the planting, everyone was invited to the lower village hall for light refreshments and the pupils sang a selection of carols and Christmas songs.

There is always a warm welcome to all at Cymdeithas Hanes Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan Local History Society meetings for members and non members, at a cost of only £5 for the yearly programme of three meetings with light refreshments served for all at the end of all meetings.

Additionally, there is an annual visit arranged for members.

For further details or to join the Cymdeithas Hanes Lleol Llandyrnog & Llangwyfan Local History Society, contact the society secretary by e-mailing llangwyfanhistory@hotmail.com