Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi September / Medi 2015 Tir Dewi: Help at hand for farmers in crisis A new helpline service to support farmers and their families in St Davids Diocese has been launched

IR DEWI (Dewi’s Land) was experts in the field have agreed to for farmers in need in the three Tinaugurated by the Deputy join the steering group that will counties of the diocese, which will Minister for the Environment, manage the new charity. be staffed by volunteers trained Rebecca Evans AM, at the Pembro- Tir Dewi will be there to lend in listening and seeking the best keshire Show in August. a confidential listening ear to help course of action and/or the appro- The new non-denominational farmers in difficult times, sympa- priate people to help the different service is an initiative by Bishop thetically offering direction to aim needs that arise. Details will be on Wyn and the diocesan Rural Affairs to solve the problems facing each the diocesan website as soon as Adviser, Revd Canon Eileen individual. Davies. And a wide range of local There will be a helpline number continued on page 5

HE Wreath of Respect was Twelcomed in Aberystwyth on Sunday, 16th August. Since last year it has been visiting cities, towns and villages as a way of honouring and thanking all those service person- nel who have suffered and died since the outbreak of The Great War in 1914, including ongoing conflicts. It also acknowledges the pain and loss suffered by their loved ones. Christians in crisis in the Middle East, The specially-commissioned wreath is made of metal poppies. At page 13 its base is a horseshoe from one of the horses which, last year, pulled the carriage carrying sandbags from Flanders Fields cemeteries to create a Memorial Garden at the Guard’s Museum in London. Escorted to Aberystwyth by a large motorcycle cavalcade of the Mid Wales members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch, the wreath was greeted by crowds of well-wishers on The Promenade. It was then paraded to the War Memorial for a short service led by Revd Ian Girling, Chaplain to the Aberystwyth Branch of the Royal British Legion. The Wreath of Respect will continue its journey around the UK for the next three years. FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY – Pages 11 - 12 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, September 2015 Eat, Pray, Walk! Julie Jones, from Plwyf Trisant, enjoys an ecumenical day of fellowship

R Sul y Drindod braf ei pharatoi gan aelodau Dewi Sant N Trinity Sunday this year, Aoedd gweld Cristnogion o a’r Santes Non. Roedd y tywydd OChristians from Bethania, eglwysi’r Tymbl yn dod ynghyd yn ddigon caredig i sicrhau ein Bethesda, Bethel, Carmel, Eglwys yn San Sulien, sef ‘Yr eglwys bod yn medru dilyn y Groes Dewi Sant, and St Non’s came fach’, a godwyd cyn Eglwys Dewi mewn ymdaith o dystiolaeth ac i together for a fellowship meal in St Sant, er mwyn addoli a thystiola- ganu emyn wrth gofeb y pentref, Sulien’s, and then ventured out on ethu. Cafwyd gwasanaeth hyfryd yna ymlaen i Bethel Eglwys y a March of Witness. A magnificent a oedd wedi ei baratoi gan ficer y Bedyddwyr, a gorffen yn Eglwys ‘High Tea’ followed an informal plwyf, yn cynnwys canu emynau, Apostolaidd Carmel. Roedd pawb ecumenical Agape Meal based on gweddïau a phryd bwyd ‘Agape’ a wedi mwynhau’r profiad o ddod the order set out in the Didache,

oedd wedi’i seilio ar‘Y Didache’, at ei gilydd fel un teulu Duw ac a book that might lay claim to be © E. O. Davies llyfr sy’n dyddio ’nôl i ddyddiau estyn at ein gilydd yn enw Crist the very first Christian Book of cynnar yr Eglwys. Rhannwyd bara pa beth bynnag yw’n daliad o ran Common Prayer! Christians from from the six fellowships then set with a short time of worship and a gwin yn ôl arfer y cymun a braf enwad. Diolch i’r ficer am wneud the six fellowships were reminded off behind the cross and marched fellowship. Hosting the Meal and oedd gweld aelodau o wahanol y trefniadau ac roedd pawb a that there is only one Church in through part of Lower Tumble March one week after Pentecost enwadau yn estyn a chymryd y oedd yn bresennol yn gobeithio our area, and that we just happen whilst singing and worshipping, meant that all six places of worship bara a’r cwpan oddi wrth ei gilydd. y byddem yn gallu cyd-weithio to meet in different buildings and taking in the village War Memorial, were able to take part, and the Cafwyd amser i gymdeithasu ac yn yr un modd yn y dyfodol. at different times, under one Lord Bethel Chapel and finishing our general consensus is that we will ymgymryd o’r wledd a oedd wedi Jesus Christ. Representatives march in Carmel Apostolic Church be meeting again next year!

programme can only take place From E to A depending on funding. However, during 2015, four new houses will The Parsonage Board has a policy of providing accommodation have been completed, costing in that is fit for purpose, and, above all, is affordable for incumbents. excess of £1.2m, with older ones Mike Scutt gives details of the ongoing plans to make clergy being sold to fund the new devel- houses fit for the 21st century opments. Some new houses can be cash-neutral depending on the UE to heat loss in a lot of live in. As part of this strategy an property being sold/replaced. Dthe older houses the incum- EPC (Energy Performance Certifi- The photograph shows the bents are living in fuel poverty. cate) was commissioned to bench keys of the new Vicarage at Lland- The previous Chairman of the mark each house. Those with the darog being handed over to Revd Parsonage Board, Peter Campbell, lowest rating are then targeted for Canon Bryan & Mrs Heather Witt. instigated a programme of building replacement. This house has the highest possible new houses that offer the high- Some of the older houses can energy rating, which is an A, and est thermal standards. Not only have utility bills in excess of 6k is the highest rating we have yet does this have a dramatic effect on per year, whereby the new ones are achieved, the previous have been lower end of the EPC ratings. Not a house that’s much cheaper to run, lowering fuel bills, but the houses within a ball park of 1.2/1.5k. around B. The house that the Witt’s only will the Witt’s have far lower is more comfortable, and is easy to are much more comfortable to Obviously the replacement vacated was an E, which is at the energy bills but they will also have look after. Taking care of business Province Communications Officer David Hammond-Williams previews this year’s Diocesan Conference, awarded to be held on Saturday 3rd October HE day will begin with a update on the progress made ence Eucharist at which, as in Fairtrade Tnumber of presentations on following the formation of Tir recent years, Bishop Wyn will aspects of the diocesan social Dewi, the diocesan initiative to deliver his presidential address. status responsibility brief and the work of provide pastoral support for farm- Then after lunch . . . the various diocesan agencies. ing families (see front page). . . . it’s down to business, with The Church in Wales has There will be contributions And the Plant Dewi team will reports from all the diocesan become the first Anglican from a credit union, a mental health provide a review of their year’s boards and committees on their province in the world to be charity and a food bank, giving successes and the hope and encour- activities and performance during delegates a chance to consider the agement they provide for parents awarded Fairtrade status. the previous year. In order to qualify, 70% of needs of their own communities and children in need. There is also likely to be a parishes across the province and how they might be met. The climax of the morning proposal to amend the diocesan had to sign up to using fairly Conference will also get an session will be the annual confer- constitution to change the alloca- traded produce at events and tion of parish delegates to both the diocesan and deanery conferences. at meetings If passed, the number will Certificate of Accredi- depend on average Sunday attend- A tation was presented to the ance, rather than the number of Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Easter communicants, as at present. Morgan, by the First Minister, It promises to be a lively and Carwyn Jones AM, at a ceremony informative day. at the Royal Welsh Show. A full report on proceedings The Fairtrade Co-ordina- will be included in the December tor for Wales, Elen Jones, also edition of Pobl Dewi and on the presented commemorative daffo- diocesan website, where copies of dils to those present, including the all the diocesan reports will also be Bishop of Swansea & Brecon, Rt available for download. Revd John Davies, the Bishops’ http://stdavids.churchinwales. Adviser for Church and Soci- org.uk/information/diocconf ety, Canon Carol Wardman, and pions for St Davids Diocese, Jean one of the three Fairtrade Cham- Oliver (pictured). Pobl Dewi, September 2015 3 Telling it as it is Gweddi a balŵns i ddathlu cariad

With a core, weekly congregation of 6-8 people at St David’s Church, Tal-y-bont, the PCC convened a consultation meeting y Tad yn Neoniaeth Emlyn for the whole community to ascertain what the church can do for them, and what they can do for the church. Tessa Briggs reports dydd Sul 7 Mehefin, from an interesting evening Dcynhaliwyd gŵyl gorawl yng Nghastellnewydd Emlyn. Yn dilyn HREE hundred leaflets had the parents offered to help with a y gweithgareddau, lle buom yn been distributed throughout Sunday school. T dathlu ein bod yn perthyn i deulu’r Tal-y-bont, explaining that, with Debate around keeping the eglwys a bod gennym Dad sydd such a small weekly congregation, church open on a daily basis â chariad cryf tuag atom, aeth the outlook for the village church prompted the statement ‘I don’t plant ac ieuenctid y ddeoniaeth is dire. very often come to services but I ati i ysgrifennu’r neges honno ar The leaflets prompted several do think churches are important ffurf gweddïau ar falŵns. Ond ar phone calls to the vicarage and historically and architecturally.’ ôl ysgrifennu’r neges ar y balŵns the rumour-mill had got into full As the meeting progressed, the eu gadael yn rhydd gan obeithio swing. ‘You can’t close the church’ discussion became more animated, y byddai pobl eraill hefyd yn dod being one comment, immediately with 10-12 people saying they i wybod am gariad y Tad ac yn followed by ‘I won’t be at the would like regular, mid-week, even- gallu ymuno gyda’r teulu. Roedd consultation evening.’ So, what ing services. This came as quite a hwn yn fore hyfryd ac mae’n does the community want? pleasant surprise and will prompt rhaid diolch i bawb a wnaeth Emlyn Deanery Choral Festival: children letting go of their Twenty-two people turned up the PCC to consider changing the helpu a hefyd i’r plant am eu balloons and prayers on 1st July, about half of whom weekly pattern of services. The issue cydweithrediad a’u hymroddiad. are irregular, or rare, churchgoers. of communications, or, rather, lack After a brief introduction, Revd thereof, about services and events in Peter Jones opened the meeting to the church was also discussed. debate. With the very first question, The final question, to which we had a salutary lesson in how we Peter readily agreed, was ‘Can we sometimes use language that is have a follow-up meeting when incomprehensible to those outside we’ve had time to think about Standing in the gap the church: ‘What is the PCC?’ all this?’ The community will be What a great question! invited back in the autumn when This is what we do when we lead intercessions. We stand in the gap between The next thing which became the PCC has had time to reflect on the congregation and God. Melanie Burgess reports from an Intercessions abundantly clear was that young the consultation evening. Workshop held at Holy Trinity Church, Aberystwyth, on 18th July families feel they can only attend St David’s Church has no toilet, the monthly family services, as no church hall and is in a poor state ennis Wight, Archdea- who likes to pray out loud. I have putting views across. children are often noisy and rest- of repair but this can be addressed Dcon of St Davids, led the led intercessions but usually do not Dennis is good at putting less; sadly, we learnt that some later. For now, the foundations workshop. It was encouraging to stray too far from the set prayers. people at ease. He was witty and of the regulars boycott the family have been laid for a reinvigorated finally have a course delivered in After attending this course, though, succinct. He brought a lot of services for that very reason. church but the PCC must listen and the northern end of the diocese, I might be persuaded to give it a resource material with him, which What came out of the ensuing act accordingly – or face a bleak which was attended by 23 people go. I realised that there were others we were free to look at, and a hand- discussions was that several of future. from around Llanbadarn Fawr that were afraid to venture out of out was provided. Deanery. their comfort zone, too, so it was Intercession is about asking, The morning started with a interesting to hear the same people we were told; a good idea, then, to short act of worship led by the vicar, at the end of the morning speak- ask for more courses of this calibre Revd Ian Girling, and Dennis. ing up boldly, asking questions and in our area. We then looked at some of the basics of intercessions. Firstly, how to pitch our voices and if there are microphones available use them, as most have a loop system for the hearing impaired. Be specific in our interces- sions: if praying for peace mention specific conflicts. Bring in local issues that affect our community. Use the intercessory guide which should always be available in our churches. If we want to pray aloud for congregation members who are ill we should ask their permission first. Keep the intercessions short. Do not ramble on for hours and do not criticise the sermon or bring in our own views on subjects. If we like to have silences then these should be factored into the timing of our intercessions. Think what responses to use Wording for legacies in a will and do not make them too long. We heard music responses to interces- The preferred wording for a legacy in a will, giving money to either sions which I found moving. the Diocese of St Davids or an individual church, has been written We were put into groups and by the Diocesan Registrar, Mr Anthony Jenkins, and can be found at given a subject to discuss and http://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/resources/forms/ write intercessions on. This proved then follow the link to ‘Legacies – suggested wording for wills’. useful – even though my group had If you do not have internet access and would like a printed copy of “mothering” as the theme and only this document, please call the Diocesan Office on 01267 236145 one of us was a mother. I admit that I am not a person 4 Pobl Dewi, September 2015 Following in St David’s footsteps

Pembrey w Llandyry Crymych Group

Plas Dwbl Farm College caters for students with learning and behavioural diffi culties. One of the classrooms is a traditional forge

Signing the visitors book at Court Farm

Pub Praise: it’s not often the Bishop delivers his address in licenced premises! Jeffreyston w Reynoldston & Loveston & Lawrenny

Visit to a local pottery

The Journey continues . . . Bishop Wyn’s three-year journey visiting every parish – and every church – is now into its second 12 months Follow the Bishop’s footsteps by visiting his Travelblog on the diocesan website Here’s the link www.followingstdavidsfootsteps.com

Court Farm tour Examining a rare tithe map of the parish at Loveston Church Pobl Dewi, September 2015 5 Dale Peninsular

Celebrate Harvest this year with Self Help Africa, a Shropshire- based charity that helps families in rural Africa to feed themselves. Self Help Africa is offering a free Harvest Resources Pack which includes a poster, a talk, prayers, stories from Africa and activities for all ages. Messy Church at Walwyn’s Castle Pilgrims’ party at St Ishmael’s The charity can also arrange for one of their Church Ambassadors to Whitland w Cyffig w Llandysilio & Clunderwen speak at your Harvest service or another time to suit you. Download resources directly from www.selfhelpafrica.org/ uk/fundraise/churches or contact Jo Darlington, tel: 01743 277170 [email protected]

Final copy date

Garden game at Whitland for December Pobl Dewi November 6th A chance for a bit of competition . . . and connection continued from page 1 Project funding – a helping hand they are available. http://stdavids. churchinwales.org.uk/tirdewi F you have a project (church Initially, ten people have been Iroof leaking – church hall in approached to join an operational need of some TLC – youth group steering group that will provide needs funds – etc) and need a advice, direction, guidance and hand with finding funders, look governance to the charity, chaired no further. The diocese has access by John T. Davies, Cwmbetws, to over 8,000 funding sources Eglwyswrw, who currently chairs through GrantFinder which will the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show be searched for you by Dr Nigel committee and he will appoint a Ford; all you need to do is contact team to work around him. him about your project which can Importantly, they will liaise be done very simply by phone on closely with established agencies 01646 693452 or email in the field: [email protected]. • Royal Agricultural Benevolent However if you want to Institute (RABI) research funders from your own • Farming Community Network computer the diocese also has • Farm unions access to GrantNet, which is a • Young Farmers’ Clubs service that allows community • Welsh Government Farm Liai- and voluntary groups to search son Team John T Davies across EC and UK sources includ- • Trading Standards departments ing government departments, local In his launch speech, Bishop “Acting together is the only authorities, charitable trusts and It is accessible free through the type of project they are engaged in. Wyn said: “There is an ever way we can reach the most vulner- corporate sponsors. It is presented diocesan website: http://stdavids. Please note that use of GrantNet increasing demand on farmers and able and together find a positive in the format of an online, step-by- churchinwales.org.uk/resources/ is post code specific; this means those [in] the agricultural industry, resolution to the problems facing step questionnaire that provides the grants/ This links to the Grant- that you need a postcode within especially in the current volatile those who farm tir Dewi, Dewi’s enquirer with information on over Net website and, after registration, the diocese to be able to use the market conditions. land.” 4,000 grants and other incentives. parishes can explore funds for the service. 6 Pobl Dewi, September 2015 Appointments Ordinations at the Cathedral

Revd Robert Lewis Revd Alex Grace to serve as NSM(L), appointed Priest in Charge of Jeff reyston w Reynoldston Manorbier & St Florence, Revd Alan Chadwick & Loveston & Martletwy w 19 July 2015 Priest in Charge of Lawrenny & Yerbeston, Llanstadwel, Area Dean of Priests 27th June 1 April 2015 Roose; to serve as Honorary Canon

Revd Victoria Jones Revd Dr Rhiannon Johnson appointed Priest in Charge Deacons 28th June of the Grouped Parish of NS Priest in Charge of Gorslas & Crosshands & Robeston West & NS Priest Revd Leigh Richardson Llanedi & Tycroes w Saron, in Charge of Walwyn’s Castle, Diocesan Course Director for Priest in Charge of St Peter’s To be ordained Deacon 17 September 2015 Carmarthen & Abergwili & Exploring Faith; to occupy the at St Mary’s Church, Cardigan, Cathedral Stall of Caerfarchell Capel y Groes, Area Dean of Carmarthen; to occupy the on 20th September at 2.30pm 4th Cursal Canonry

Mr Christopher Frost, to serve as Assistant Curate in the Parish of Cardigan with Mwnt with Y Ferwig with Llangoedmor

Revd Rhobert Pattinson Vicar of Llanegwad w Llanfi hangel uwch Gwili, to serve also as Team Leader of the Local Ministry Area of Tywi Cothi, 20 July 2015

Revd Diana Hoare Susan Barnett, appointed Stipendiary Priest in Charge of the Grouped Parish of from Haverfordwest, was licensed as a Reader at the cathedral Walton West w Talbenny & Haroldston West, 2 August 2015 on Sunday 29th June Revd Canon Paul Mackness Chaplain to the Bishop & Honorary Canon, Assistant FINAL COPY DATE Diocesan Warden of Ordinands (admin); to occupy for the December edition of Pobl Dewi is 6th November the Cathedral Stall of Trefl oden Pobl Dewi, September 2015 7 Welsh Government ‘Big Ideas Wales’ Are you a budding entrepreneur? Are you jumping to hear how we did in the Welsh Government Enterprise Troopers Competition? Then read on to find out more! N 24 February 2015, Hannah just to get to the semi-final and now had seven minutes of gruelling OEvans, Holly Rowsell, Evie hoped they would get to the final. At questioning from each judge, Smith and Gwennan Wright from the end of the day they assembled convincing them that their prod- Laugharne VCP School went to for a final gathering to announce uct was worthy enough to win the the Halliwell Centre at Trinity the four teams going through to the overall award. As the day drew College to show off the Entrepre- finals in Cardiff – Laugharne VCP to a close the pupils still had one neur Club’s brilliant cards based on School, Carmarthenshire, being one final task, delivering their presen- the amazing photos they had taken of them. The girls were overjoyed tation before a couple of hundred of Laugharne. These were then with happiness and could not wait people and the judges! Each pres- edited using the iPad apps, Water- to set off to the Senedd in Cardiff. entation, 2 minutes in length, had National Winners! The team was I’m so proud we won!” logue and Colour Splash, which 19th March arrived and the to convey how the project had been full of joy! They had their photo The greetings cards are avail- Tom Malony from the CADW Enterprise Troopers National Finals established, the impact on profit taken with Edwina Hart, AM, able for sale at the school. Two Project had introduced them to. “I were well under way. Everybody and more than anything the new Minister for Economy, Science and designs are also available from the was really excited on the day, but was buzzing with excitement, skills the pupils had developed. Transport. They were also awarded Boat House at Laugharne. Contact also very nervous!” said Hannah. setting up their boards and rehears- The room was tense as the sub- a signed Welsh Women’s Rugby 01994 427228. The group was given 2 minutes per ing their presentations. Laugharne awards were revealed and the team Shirt by Philipa Tuttiett from the Written by Hannah Evans judge to converse about their prod- displayed their card products couldn’t believe it when Laugharne Squad. Evie Smith commented “It and Holly Beth Rowsell, uct. The team did extremely well with great pride. The four girls VCP School were announced was an amazing experience and Enterprise Troopers, Year 6

Just another day at the office Abba – Father Milford Haven young people represented Wales at the LL the pupils from Abergwili Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage 2015 AVC Primary School visited the Diocesan Office on 29th June ALSINGHAM Youth Pil- God and who worship together just as part of a pilgrimage around their Wgrimage is an annual event like them, week by week, all across neighbourhood. organised by the Anglican Shrine the country. The children, led by the dioc- of Our Lady of Walsingham in The daily Mass is central to the esan Education & Pilgrimage Norfolk. It gathers together young pilgrim experience and is at the Officer, Janet Ingram, visited people aged 11-18, with their lead- heart of all that is done in Walsin- several local landmarks includ- ers, from all across the UK and gham. This year the Mass was ing a nearby chapel, the village Europe. This year over 600 young themed on phrases of the Lord’s garden, the cenotaph and the people gathered for the exciting Prayer each day so that the prayer former Bishop’s Palace, now the event which was themed on the was explored in detail. We were county museum. The office was Lord’s Prayer and entitled ‘Abba hugely privileged to be invited the last step on their journey, where Father’. The young people are to lead the Mass on the Thurs- they were greeted by the Dioce- given a true pilgrim experience day with the theme of ‘Lead us san Secretary, Val Hockey, and her with opportunities to take part in a not into temptation but deliver us team pilgrimage walk of the Holy Mile, from evil’. Fr Harri Williams cele- Just another day at the Diocesan office – pupils from Abergwili visit the Holy House in the Shrine brated the Eucharist and included village Church in Wales school visit on a pilgrimage led by and participate in the healing a Welsh language blessing. Our Education & Pilgrimage Officer Janet Ingram ministries offered there. There is a young people led the penitential Bible study to begin each day and rite, the intercessions, performed all young people are encouraged to a dramatised Gospel story and led join in fully with all that is on offer. the teaching ministry. They did All of this takes place on a large extremely well and many people Ysgol Penboyr campsite just outside the village commented on the powerful nature of Walsingham and the commu- of their prayer and teaching. We Llongyfarchiadau i Ysgol nity atmosphere created there adds are very grateful to Bishop Wyn Penboyr (blwyddyn 5 a 6) huge value to the pilgrims. Being for supporting the group to attend am gyd-ennill y wobr gyntaf together is a vital part of the whole again this year and are hugely proud of the young people who yng Nghystadleuaeth Menter experience, knowing that there are other young people who believe in attended. y Dreftadaeth Gymreig. Derbynion nhw eu gwobr mewn seremoni yn yr Amgueddfa Genedlaethol yng Nghaerdydd ar 10 Gorffennaf, 2015. Enillwyd y wobr am prosiect ar “William a Mari a’r We – o’r llawysgrif i’r argraffwasg i’r bobl! Beibl i bawb o bobl y byd” a gellir gweld y gwaith ar wefan yr ysgol. I ddathlu pum mlynedd ar hugain ers dechrau’r gystadleuaeth, mynychodd gydag Aelodau’r Cynulliad a rhannu arfer dda o ran gwaith yr ysgol dderbyniad yn y gwesteion eraill ar 15 Medi Technoleg Gwybodaeth a Senedd yng Nghaerdydd i arddangos y prosiect a Chyfathrebu 8 Pobl Dewi, September 2015 Plant Dewi and the Big Lottery: MU visits Abergwili Museum supporting young parents in Carmarthenshire LANT DEWI has been Psuccessful in securing a Big Lottery grant of £209,479 to deliver a young parents’ project in rural areas across Carmarthenshire for parents under 26 years old. There are currently three young parents’ hubs running in Llando- very, Llandybie and Newcastle Emlyn and another opening in Emlyn Deanery Mothers’ Union trip to Abergwili Museum. Pencader in September. One-to- Following a short service in the chapel we explored the museum one support work is also offered, and and enjoyed a meal at The Tanerdy, Carmarthen. Thanks to especially in areas where no hub is all who came with us operating. The aim of the work is to improve the self-esteem of young parents, to help them back into Dyfodol y BBC: Mae education, training or employment, Education Centre, Iechyd Da and (pictured) a summer trip to Cytûn yn gobeithio ymateb to support them with parenting (health initiative), TWF (language Folly Farm. ar ran eglwysi Cymru i’r needs and to provide them with programme to promote bilingual- Please contact Carys or Vicky Celebrating ymgynghoriad cyhoeddus the knowledge and confidence ism in families), Language and at Plant Dewi on 01267 221551 for Magna Carta (www.gov.uk/government/ they need to access other agencies Play, Fire Service and the Road more information or e-mail consultations/bbc-charter- independently. Safety Unit. There has also been [email protected] The Royal School of Church review-public-consultation) Support provided has included time for fun with craft sessions or [email protected] Music has published a festi- am adnewyddu Siarter sessions with Careers Wales, such as collages, canvas painting val service book for young y BBC. Hoffai Gethin voices to mark the 800th glywed gennych beth yr anniversary of the sealing hoffech ei weld gan y BBC of Magna Carta. Act Justly, a gwasanaethau eraill a Love Mercy, Walk Humbly gyllidir gan y ffi drwydded Mothers’ Union: hand in hand is a complete photocopi- (megis S4C) dros y deng able service which can be mlynedd nesaf er mwyn used in whole or in part llunio ein hymateb, a across the globe in schools and colleges, hynny erbyn 30ain Medi as well as church. It could os gwelwch yn dda. Parch The weather didn’t greet MU Worldwide President Lynne Tembey as also be used in a sequence Gethin Rhys – Swyddog warmly as members of St Davids Diocese on her 3-day visit in July. of school assemblies. Price Polisi, Cytûn – Eglwysi Brenda Evans is inspired and encouraged £25 (discounts available Ynghyd yng Nghymru; to RSCM affiliates), order Tel: 029 2046 4378 YNNE visited the three arch- Britain. Conflict is rife; worship role. She encouraged all to take number S0165 from Mudol: 07889 858062; Ldeaconries, combined a service has to be done in secret and life is part in outreach work and share www.rscmshop.com E-bost: gethin@ cytun.org.uk in the cathedral with a visit to St a struggle. Children in Kenya were the Good News. MU in 2015 has Non’s Retreat House, addressed inspirational. They are proud that 4 million members in 83 countries the Diocesan Council meeting in they can read and want to go on who encourage relationships, share Llandysul and met members in to lead their community. In Mada- Christ’s love, change lives, share Kidwelly at a coffee morning. gascar, members are hoping to problems, tackle abuse, adultery Speaking at the Diocesan overcome poverty and conflict by and violence and enjoy fun and Council meeting, she said she uniting. A little girl there aspires to fellowship. Diwrnod arbennig Undeb y had been greeted by smiles, sing- become an MU member one day! Finally, in thanking everyone ing and dancing around the world We also heard of MU achieve- for listening and their prayers, and that God was with her. She had ments in Barbados and Tonga. especially Indoor Members who Mamau yn Llandysul learnt that so much could be done Lynne reminded everyone that are very special to her, she asked when a hand is put in God’s hand membership of MU was open to us to pray for each other, finish- and kept there. With God, all things all who had been baptised in the ing with the words, “until we meet are possible. In her privileged role name of the Trinity stressing that again, may God hold you in the ‘to serve and not to be served’ she being a member was an important palms of his hands”. can share MU’s story and achieve- ments across the globe. She encouraged all to live out their faith with prayer at its heart, believing that Mary Sumner’s vision of the importance of parent- hood and the nurture of children hadn’t changed; MU is still needed Roedd yn braf iawn cael croesawu Lynne Temby sef Llywydd byd- in every community. Children are eang y mudiad i wasanaeth arbennig a chyngor Undeb y Mamau the leaders of the future and every- ddydd Mawrth, Gorffennaf 14eg. Da hefyd oedd gweld yr eglwys one needs to continue bringing yn llawn ar gyfer yr achlysur. Cafwyd gwasanaeth o’r Cymun them up in the life of the Church. Lynne gave examples of Bendigaid ac yna fe wnaeth pawb fwynhau bwyta brechdanau lessons learned from around the i ginio cyn y cyfarfod ac araith y Llywydd ac yna ymlwybro’n world. Illustrating her words hamddenol i Westy’r Porth am luniaeth. Diolch i bawb am eu with pictures from Myanmar, she cefnogaeth a hefyd am help a chymorth gwragedd yr eglwys a explained that they face much ddaeth â’r cacennau ac a weithiodd yn galed i ddarparu te yn yr greater challenges than we do in eglwys. Diwrnod i’w gofio yn wir Pobl Dewi, September 2015 9

was a gift, being asked to tell the 14 centuries in 10 minutes story of our church to so many visitors. The challenge was being People said it couldn’t be done – condensing the history of asked to tell it in ten minutes. Christianity in Fishguard into a short dramatised church tour. And Cut to the essentials: with the why would you want to do it? Catherine Hammond answers the tour parties moving just twice question we found we could tell the story and keep the humour. A team of HE idea had begun with a part of Fishguard and Goodwick’s 10 working over three days with T30-minute history written for welcome, along with seeing the several performances introduced Fishguard’s Autumn Festival in Last Invasion Tapestry, watching our guests to key characters from 2014. It went well but only a few the Sea Cadets and listening to the past and with our own tour guide people came to watch. However, Goodwick School singing, as well showed how what can be seen now someone who did thought the as taking a trip to the microbrewery has developed over many years. dramatic rendering might work in the Gwaun Valley. So the event The stained glass windows for the visitors coming into Fish- was very much rooted in the work which are a feature of St Mary’s guard from the cruise ships due to the town was already doing. But allowed us to retell the story of the arrive in June. The history became from the church’s point of view, it calming of the storm, and to explain why the people of St Mary’s have continued to renovate and adapt the building. What started as something to support the town as they welcomed Warden, seamstress, soldier, historian, vicar and musician, visitors off the ships became a fun guide, storyteller way of saying what our faith means to us. “May I thank you all,” a guide of a church. It was very enjoyable So did it work, this condensed from the tour company said “What . . . and moving.” history? a lovely way to present the history WHAT’S ON AT ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . Rest and renewal Wednesday 16 September Beryl Edwards encourages churches, in whatever their setting, 7.30pm Concert – St Davids Cathedral Choir to make their gardens available to those seeking time out Saturday 19 September HICHEVER way you 12noon Informal Concert Wchoose to travel to the Imperial College String Ensemble little pilgrim church resting on Saturday 26 September the slopes of the mountain Llan- St Patrick’s Chapel Excavation Showcase fi hangel Rhos-y-Corn, you will An all-day event in Tŷ’r Pererin exploring and showcasing be entranced and inspired by the the recent excavations at Whitesands views as you fi nd your way to this please email [email protected] for more ancient, sacred place. The church information or to book of Saint Michael is very simple: no monuments, no carpets, no glori- Friday 9 October ous stained glass windows, so what Tŷ’r Pererin 16-19 (Sixth Form Conference) with PGCE do those who come and delight in students from Swansea her fi nd there? please email [email protected] to book We have only to read our visi- tors’ book to discover what is Saturday 17 October valued. One of the main joys is that 12noon Informal Concert – Aberhonddu Male Voice Choir the church is open daily. The sense Monday 9 November of prayer, quietness and welcome, Retreat Day at Tŷ’r Pererin which imbue the place passes to Following Christ led by Revd Canon Dorrien Davies them and is greatly valued. They 10am – 4pm beginning with coff ee at 10am. appreciate that the little church shows care and our desire to share Lunch break 12-1 (please bring a packed lunch or this treasure. arrange to eat in St Davids) What else can be gathered from All welcome, we invite a contribution of £5 per person to the comments? Outside, adjoining cover the costs of the day. our ancient, peaceful graveyard and Saturday 21 November tucked down in a secluded, hedged 7.30pm Cathedral Singers Concert area is another valued treasure, our simple fi eld-labyrinth garden. Saturday 5 December Here, where the sense of stillness © Caroline Evans 7.30pm Goodwick Brass Band Concert and peace is almost palpable, visi- Friday 11 December tors can choose to just sit and be, Garden Movement. This helps to is world-wide and has an excel- 6.00pm Ysgol Bro Dewi Nativity & Concert or walk the labyrinth. Many have inform and provide people world- lent website where there are details expressed joy in this place. wide with opportunities to rest, of all members’ gardens. Each Saturday 12 December Refl ected in the book is an pray and experience hospitality member sets out what information 7.30pm Dyfed Choir Christmas Concert overwhelming gratitude for access within gardens. It now includes they would like on the website, to places which off er a sense of churches “which off er within their including photographs. Paper lists Tuesday 22 December otherness, stillness and healing, in premises an area of beauty and are also available. Other useful 7.00pm Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight which people can rest and renew. peacefulness dedicated to quiet resources include a website Calen- For further information about the above services and events In our churches and their settings prayer and solitude”, and inner city dar in which your church and events please contact the Deanery Offi ce on 01437 720202 we have a rich store of such places areas “which seek to create places can be specifi cally mentioned. or email [email protected] waiting to be realised. of stillness and beauty sometimes So, wherever your church, Our church is isolated and See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk in uncompromising surround- if you think you could off er this not that easy to fi nd. We wanted ings”. Treasures have no set form hospitality, and benefi t from Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to share our blessings with more or boundaries. membership, then do access their people and we contacted The Quiet The Quiet Garden Movement website: www.quietgarden.org 10 Pobl Dewi, September 2015

was very positive and the AOTFT Art on the Faith Trail 2015 Group would like to thank all the churches and artists that took part, Sarah Geach poses, and answers, this question: What do hungry gannets, especially those who acted as cura- sea-polished glass, a poem and a carved tree have in common? tors for each church. www.aotfte.artmost.eu It is hard to believe how the trail has grown since 2012, when ELL, they were all found on Williams, Jean Thomas, Nigel St David, Llanychaer; St Peter’s, it exhibited in 4 churches over 4 Wthis year’s Art on the Faith Sutton, Miriam Scott, James Little Newcastle and, for the first days, to this year’s exhibition in Trail and demonstrated the rich Ramage, Elly Morgan, Buzz time, St Giles, Letterston, where 10 churches over 6 weeks! What is diversity of mediums and art forms Knapp-Fisher, Robert Jakes, Rich- pupils from the local school had more, some of the AOTFT artists exhibited in what has become an ard Blacklaw-Jones, and Eliot produced a wonderful collage to also mounted a very well received annual celebration and interpreta- Baron. It took place in the cathe- complement the work of the artists. art exhibition at the St David’s tion of sacred places and spaces. dral and the churches of St Aidan, At St David’s, Llanychaer, visitors Festival in May so it has been a The trail was launched by Solva; St Hywel, Llanhywel; St were treated to a rich display where very busy year for all involved. Bishop Wyn on 19th June at the Nicholas, St Nicholas village; St the art work was interspersed Planning for the 2016 Trail cathedral and ran until the end Rhian, Llanrhian; St Gwyndaf, with an intriguing presentation of will begin shortly, so if you would of July. It featured works by Rod Llanwnda; St Brynach, Pontfaen; Gardens of the Bible. like to take part next year, please Feedback from those who contact me on 01384 874533 visited and hosted this year’s trail or e-mail [email protected]

The Tree, by Robert Jakes

Double Dragon – (Which way Wales), by Richard Blacklaw Jones Harvest appeal Peaceful Places his Harvest, the Anglican Tmission agency Us (formerly USPG) is reaching out to vulner- able women in Delhi who face violence and discrimination on a daily basis. Donations to the Us Harvest Appeal, entitled ‘Sowing seeds of peace’, will provide shel- ter, counselling and legal support for women of all faiths in deprived areas of Delhi. Churches are being invited to host a Big Curry Night Harvest St Mary’s, Strata Florida meal, with recipes available on the Us website at Peaceful Places offers inspiring destinations for you to explore www.weareUs.org.uk/harvest, in North Ceredigion – each with its own fascinating stories, along with a film about the work in stunning scenery and mysteries to uncover. In 2015, three more Delhi, Harvest prayers and liturgy, St Hilary’s Llanilar sacred spaces have been added to the list of destinations: Strata PowerPoints, photos, and much Florida, St Hilary’s, Llanilar, and St Peter’s, Elerch, facilitated by more. funding from the Welsh Government Partnership for Growth. For more information go to www.peaceful-places.com

© Us/Leah Gordon

Kiran Bala and Asha Kas- gar are support workers for the Delhi Brotherhood Society’s women’s empower- St Peter’s, Elerch ment programme Pobl Dewi, September 2015 11 Focus on Technology Taking to the skies St Davids Cathedral has been using state of the art unmanned aerial systems for photography, videography and surveys which showcase the building from a unique perspective ITH buildings of this age pre-work surveys and there is no tive unique views. CADW have the completion of the clock restora- It has been created by WebAdept Wand such complex structure, safety risk for personnel. also embraced this technology and tion and so display the cathedral in and is another pioneering step access to some areas is diffi cult and SkyCam Wales provided stun- commissioned SkyCam Wales to full splendour. We are delighted to for us. The app is informative for potentially dangerous. ning low altitude, high quality produce a series of fi lms which have worked with SkyCam Wales visitors of all ages and includes a A cost-eff ective and safe way photographs and video for the include the Bishop’s palace. on this project and fully support the timeline and information about all to provide high defi nition images, cathedral to use in promotional use of such technology. areas of the building. It also has a and to accurately locate areas and marketing literature, both in Clock restoration It has been particularly help- GPS feature and exhibits some of requiring attention, is to use the print and online. Still images were The use of drone technology ful for us to have these images for the most high resolution images of UAS or drone survey and inspec- used as an integral element of the has provided a fascinating new use in the new app which enables the Cathedral which are zoomable tion service provided by SkyCam cathedral’s new ‘app’, another perspective on the building, which navigation in and around the cathe- to get maximum detail. Wales. This is an invaluable tool example of the use of the technol- enables an aesthetic appreciation as dral. The app ‘St Davids Cathedral’ Our thanks to WebAdept and resulting in high defi nition records ogy. Drones are environmentally well as a potentially detailed archi- is free to download from the app SkyCam Wales for their signifi - of otherwise inaccessible parts of friendly and when operated by a tectural one. These pictures were store. It requires iOS 7.0 or later, is cant technological input with these the building. There is no need to licensed, insured CAA approved fi rst released in June 2014 but the compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod projects. use costly and ugly scaff olding for company, off er safe, cost eff ec- most recent images were taken after touch and is optimised for iPhone 5.

you feel if the supermarket you are who would use this clever gadget So you have a near tells you what you are short of merely to make phone calls or send and suggests what to buy? texts. If so, make do with the old- Does having a large number style phone. As the world shrinks smartphone or a tablet! of contacts – cleverly, but incor- by virtue of such an abundance of rectly, called friends – make you information, so our inner world Don’t let the amazing power at your fi ngertips blind you to the feel important, or let down when needs to expand, without digi- reality of God, life and true friends, cautions Jeremy Martineau they do not even recognise you in tal technology. Our spiritual life the street? can refocus on a God who is not OES the sight of people walk- whole library or record collection in Children and young people a computer in the sky but who, as Ding around transfi xed by the your hand, and a camera which can need to learn how to manage the creator and substance of all that small screen in one hand amaze or immediately send your snaps across technology available to them, is, down to the smallest nanopar- irritate you? Or are you one of the the world. without forgetting the more impor- ticle and beyond, has a personal more than 60% of UK citizens now Information is power and users tant and usually simpler things in connection with each living being, using a smart phone? The UK has the rejoice in using that; but so do the life like the creativity provided by and that connection is one of love. highest rate in the EU of ownership big corporations which can gather an empty cardboard box, or the That is a text that each smartphone of these devices. Each one has possi- your information and assess your delight in discovering the natural user needs to read, mark, learn and bly as much computing power as the needs before you are aware of them. world. Seeing somebody or some- inwardly digest. entire moon launch programme of Many such connections can be life- thing on a screen is not a patch on A smartphone or tablet gives NASA in 1969. Contact with almost saving such as the remote monitors the real thing. great control. Don’t let it become anything and anyone is possible; a of heart conditions. But how will You may be among those the controller.

Churches fi t into all of these cate- gories so this is tourist potential Cache for every church that already exists, we just need to tap into it. Seek and you will fi nd (Matt 7:7). On fi rst hearing about Particularly relevant to us, geochaching, Sulin Milne’s expression went blank. This blank perhaps, is the ‘church micro’ look soon turned into a smile when she realised the potential of series of geocaches, which are geocaching to attract visitors to our churches often placed some distance away from churches because permis- EOCACHING is a ‘treas- and, if you are old-school like sion to place them is either too Gure hunt’, a hobby for over me, a pencil and paper. To fi nd a slow in coming or is refused. Are 6m people worldwide. At the time geocache you have to navigate to we missing a trick? How many of writing geocaching.com has a set of co-ordinates, then, using a more visitors would we get if we 2,669,372 caches hidden across the clue, fi nd the cache, sign the log to allowed geocaches to be placed at world and the number is growing prove you were there and record our churches? daily. A geocache can be anything your fi nd in your online account. Go to geocaching.com and see – a tiny magnetic capsule; a drilled- So what does this have to do if there is a geocache at or near out pine cone; an old fi lm canister; with your church? Geocaching is your church. If there isn’t, why anything that can at the least hold a large network of people, over not place one? I would like to see a log to sign, at the most be fi lled ½m of whom are British, who seek a geocache at every church in the with swappable treasures. out geocaches wherever they go, diocese, bringing in geocachers At a basic level geocach- taking their geofriends, geokids young and old, to enjoy the beauty of a caching trip to Wales. After like your church to be one of them? ing is free, all you need is a GPS and geodogs with them. Geocaches and peace of our rich heritage of going to Rhosilli Bay and onto the More information from the (satnav, smartphone or other hand- tend to be hidden in places that are buildings and churchyards. Worms Head headed off to collect diocesan website, Revd Canon held device), access to the internet, beautiful, historic or interesting. One log I read said: “Day one 17 Church Micros.” Wouldn’t you Sarah Geach or Revd Sulin Milne. 12 Pobl Dewi, September 2015 Searching for answers The power of film Using modern technology we can learn more than ever about the past. Arguably, film is a powerful medium to create stories and put However, don’t forget good, old-fashioned legwork and books, says Mary Baker ideas out into the world. Sean Langton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Veteran Films Project, explains how HEN I read for my degree personal accounts of contemporary conflicts are being recorded, Win archaeology we learned stored and used about many exciting forms of tech- ETERAN FILMS is a not- nology. Radar that would help us to for-profit company aimed locate ancient sites, and even tell V at helping veterans leaving the us what was under the soil; labo- service and those with mental or ratories that can carbon-date finds, physical disabilities to re-train and, using strontium levels in teeth, whilst helping them shift focus tell you where a person was raised. away from their disability and give Ancient wood and insects give us them a creative outlet to tell their a story of the past when scruti- stories. nised using high powered lenses We run several projects, our and computer screens. Aerial pilot being the Veterans Oral & photography and now the exciting Digital History Project, where we of loyalty, friendship, laughter, developments in Light Detection focus on veterans of a specific love and perhaps the hardest test and Ranging (LIDAR) all aid our contemporary conflict. The objec- of all, the fragility of life itself and understanding of a site and the tive is to collect and preserve the to illustrate the challenges veterans complex strata hidden from our personal accounts of recent-war face either as civilians or while still modern eye. veterans and make them accessi- in service, day in, day out. We hope When I interrogate the past ble to all, so that future generations to bring these veterans’ stories to I tend to use the landscape and may hear directly from those who life. monuments to suggest more served and better understand the It is important to emphasise that general information. realities of war. At the same time the project will be heavily focused Churches and their surround I have access to aerial views will never forget finding the farm our hope is to foster a wider debate on veteran volunteers serving in will yield a lot from a visit. One and even reports of digs in an area of a family who had emigrated to on war, conflict and their influence various capacities, for example as can generally date styles of archi- to give me a fuller picture and help the USA 300 years earlier, their and impact on our society. trainers, interviewers and inter- tecture, inscribed stones and to build a picture of our changing great great etc granddaughter had The rationale behind this viewees. More specifically, the memorials. Even the shape of the landscapes, settlements and the tears in her eyes as she viewed the project is that the fresher the project aims to train the veterans surrounding enclosure can yield people who inhabited our corner of landscape that had sustained her memories are, the better the story with new skills. information about the foundation. Wales. ancestors. can be preserved, hence the focus We are dedicated to raising The internet is a valuable back- My satnav and I also have Helpful as technology can be, on veterans of contemporary awareness about both serving and up tool, as others have already a love-hate relationship when there is a lot to be said for maps, conflicts. Rather than waiting until ex-serving Armed Forces person- investigated and documented. seeking churches, addresses or legwork and good old-fashioned they reach old age, thereby facing nel, and their families, by offering There are records: church registers, tiny settlements. When it leads books. When I research my articles the risk of age-related decline in the wider community a greater for example, are often locked away me down impassable tracks or about the early saints my port- memory function, the project takes opportunity to understand their and hard to locate but many have through impossible fords I have of-call of choice is the cathedral the view that it, perhaps, makes lives, struggles and successes online access, and websites that been known to argue with it just library. Climbing the ancient stairs, more sense to interview these through the sharing of stories that specialise in genealogy often help a little, much to the amusement of pushing the door open and being veterans now, whilst they are still are harrowing, disturbing or inspir- when I am trying to trace ancestors the guests on board! It can some- greeted by a librarian is the best relatively young and still have ing; stories that show us a side of for a visitor from overseas. times, though, come up trumps. I form of research. comparatively fresh memories. the human condition that so many We create a platform that allows of us will never see or experience – the veterans to tell their own stories nano off Ebay – £40, plus X-mini all through the medium of film. Playing music in church amplifier – £20. You could also do this with There are very rich resources in recorded music for our use, as your smart phone and a small Blue- Don Macgregor explains tooth amplifier, but this is what I am used to. OR some years, I have used volume in a small rural church. Is it legal? The Christian Copyright Fa very simple set-up to play For a midweek spoken communion Licensing International website recorded music in church services, service, I usually play something states: “You do not currently using an iPod. You need to have a using this simple set-up before the require a PRS for Music or PPL computer, an iPod or mp3 player, service starts, and again during licence to play or perform music and some means of amplifying the the distribution of the bread and as part of your regular services, sound. the wine. The advantage of such a weddings or funerals (defined as On the computer: I use iTunes small unit is that I simply carry it Acts of Worship), provided that to organise my music and have from lectern to communion table no entry charge is made.” So the various playlists, one for Holy during the service. answer is, yes! Communion, one for Evening Cost: second hand 8Gb iPod prayer, and various others. These are automatically synchronised to my iPod when I connect it to the computer. I’ve built up the music on iTunes by copying all my CD’s on to it – entirely legal as I bought them in the first place! The diocesan website Amplifying: if you have a sound is a rich source of information. system in church, it is best to plug in to the amplifier if you can, with For example, those planning Christmas services a 3.5mm jack lead into the iPod might like to visit the resources section, where and whatever is needed at the there are some unique carols, as well as recorded amplifier end. For small churches with no sound system, I use a tiny and sheet music speaker that gives remarkably good www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/resources sound – see the set-up in the photo! This is enough to give sufficient Pobl Dewi, September 2015 13 Christians in crisis in the Middle East Can an Arab also be On the front line: a Christian? Postcard from The Yemen Dr Harry Hagopian is an international lawyer who holds a number of consultancies Canon Bill Schwartz is Archdeacon in the Gulf in the Anglican on political, ecumenical and inter-faith issues relating to the Middle East, North Diocese of Cyprus & the Gulf Africa & Gulf regions UST over two decades ago, West who believe that the Middle HE civil war in Yemen has now Jwhen I was Assistant General East and North Africa are peopled Tmoved into a new phase, with Secretary of the Lebanon-based exclusively by Muslims with the the pro-government forces push- Middle East Council of Churches, sole exception of a Jewish entity ing back the rebels. Relief supplies I was often invited to the United called Israel that was created in are starting to arrive, providing States to speak at various church- their midst in 1948. much needed food and medicine related or ecumenical events. It was Yet the realisation that there for the 21 million Yemenis who a joy fi nding myself breaking bread are Arab Christians in this vast have been deprived for months due with Methodist, Presbyterian, region should neither be counter- to the fi ghting. I worry about how Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian or intuitive nor counter-cultural. After this poverty-stricken country will other men or women and having an all, those Western Christians I met recover once the violence comes opportunity to share my contempo- Equally compelling was the state- could recite the Bible fl uently and to an end. BEfORE the fi ghting rary hopes and pains with them. ment that “you are a missionary, strengthen their arguments force- began 54% of Yemen’s people were provide ministry to the Christians However, I can never forget it’s so encouraging!” fully with scriptural verses from living below the UN designated who will come to Yemen to work, some of the almost mythic ques- I must admit that I was quite both the Old and New Testaments. poverty line. The country has little and the need to re-open the medical tions I was asked by diff erent shocked – even insulted if the truth Yet they failed at times to make natural resources for the develop- clinic will be greater than ever. participants at some of the confer- be told – by those questions the fi rst the qualitative leap from celebrat- ment of the economy. There is no Even though the Christ Church ences. “Are you really from the few times. And then the shock was ing the baby of Bethlehem to the signifi cant sector of the economy compound did not receive any Middle East, Harry, and if so gradually replaced by bemusement fact that the genesis of the biblical that would naturally contribute to direct hits from the bombing, how come you are Christian?” Or and later even by light-hearted story comes from the Middle East economic recovery, and it is going there has been comprehensive equally impressively, “So you are amusement. Those questions were – places like Nazareth, Bethlehem to cost billions of pounds/euros concussion damage from explo- an Armenian Christian: when did real, and those asking them were and Jerusalem but also countries just to rebuild roads, telecommuni- sions nearby. All of the doors and you convert and embrace Jesus genuine people, because there like Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon cation, water treatment, hospitals, windows have been blown out Christ as your Lord and Saviour?” still are scores of Christians in the or Jordan. This is the very geogra- homes and so much other infra- of the church, clinics and vicar- phy where “the Word became fl esh structure damaged in the fi ghting. age, and there are serious cracks and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14) and Yemen doesn’t have the profes- in at least one of the load-bear- where the “Living Stones” (1 Pet sional workforce to accomplish this ing walls of the church. With vast 2:4-5) are a constant reminder of overwhelming task, and I have no devastation throughout the city our collective Christian heritage doubt that UN, World Bank, Inter- and country, building materials are over two millennia. national NGOs, and other agencies going to be diffi cult to obtain for Half a century ago, indigenous will assign people to oversee and some time. We covet your ongo- Arab Christians made up almost assist in the rebuilding of the coun- ing prayers and support to pick up 25% of the overall population of the try. I wonder how much Christian the pieces and renew ministry and Levant, but their numbers dwindled relief and reconstruction eff ort will outreach in Aden. over the years due to a combination be directed to provide assistance, Who will separate us from the of political, socio-economic and and witness, to the Yemeni people. love of Christ? Will hardship, religious pressures. In 2011, when There are an estimated 3,000 or distress, or persecution, or the Arab uprisings for ‘dignity, free- yemeni Christians. Christ Church famine, or nakedness, or peril, dom and bread’ erupted in some in Aden has, over the years, minis- or sword? As it is written, “For parts of the MENA, there were tered to foreigners working in your sake we are being killed roughly 12 million Christians. Yemen, as well as providing a all day long; we are accounted Today, though, the violence that has medical and eye clinic among the as sheep to be slaughtered.” beset this region and the rampant, poor Yemenis who live nearby. No, in all these things we let alone bloody, battles between Bishop Michael Lewis is anxious are more than conquerors radicals and dictators has meant that to place a new priest there as soon through him who loved us. those numbers have been reduced as we confi dently trust that it is safe Rom. 8:35-37 signifi cantly. Iraqi and Syrian Chris- to do so. We need to be ready to tians have joined their Palestinian and Lebanese sisters and brothers in emigrating from their homelands. Some have found greener pastures whilst many others have become refugees. It might perhaps be helpful to recall that those Christians of all four families of churches – whether they are Orthodox, Catholic, Angli- can or Reform – were born in these St Tudwal’s recital holy lands. They might not look or behave like us, and they might not On 1st August, St Tudwal’s Church, Llanstadwell, were delighted think like us, but they continue to to welcome Carl Bahoshy to their Music for a Summer Evening witness to the same faith despite series. Carl played both the organ and the piano in a thrilling the hardships and challenges they recital, which included pieces by Chopin, Messiaen and Widor, face every day. in aid of Iraqi Christians in Need (ICIN). Carl will return to Surely they deserve our recog- St Tudwal’s for a performance at the 2016 concert series nition, solidarity and even support. 14 Pobl Dewi, September 2015

their own, personal style and repre- sent the saints according to their Celtic saints linking own research about these Celtic missionaries. The Valley of the Saints project aims, eventually, to Christian communities install one thousand 3m-high stat- ues of the Breton saints at Carnoet. Following in the footsteps of St Caranog, or Carantoc, or The following day we attended the civic reception, hosted by the Carantec, Trevor Copeland travels to Brittany for a moving and Mayor, during which the square informative trip was renamed. A wall facing the AINT CARANOG, who estab- On 11th July this year Revd square is to be painted by a local Slished a church in the village Martin Grieg and I attended the artist, with a mural depicting St of Llangrannog about 1,400 years unveiling in Carantec, Brittany, Caranog’s journey from Wales, via ago, also established churches at of a street sign that reads “Square the south of England, to Brittany. Crantock in Cornwall, Carhamp- Llangrannog”, to further the firm On Sunday the church of St ton in Somerset and Carantec in links now established between the Carantec celebrated the saint’s day Brittany. village of Llangrannog and the with mass, in which Martin and I The people of Brittany feel a town of Carantec. were allowed to share the bread Anne and Patrice were our strong connection with other Celts St Carantec and wine with Father Yvon le Goff around Europe and are very inter- gracious hosts for the 3 days we At the museum we learned of ested in the saints who brought were in Brittany. Though the Saints) to see 50 large statues the bravery of a local boat-builder St Caranog, Llangrannog them Christianity. Breton language has many similar- representing Celtic saints with a who lost his life after helping 154 So, when we, in Llangran- ities with Welsh, we were both glad connection to Brittany. The sculp- allied servicemen escape to Brit- We hope this is just the begin- nog, unveiled a statue in honour of that our hosts were happy to speak tures have been carved out of the ain during WWII. The celebrations ning of closer links between Caranog in May 2012, a group, led English most of the time. local pink granite by twelve men continued with champagne, a festi- Christian communities established by Anne and Patrice Dumas, came We visited the nearby “La and one woman. Each of the sculp- val and parade with traditional by Celtic saints. over to join the celebrations. Vallée des Saints” (Valley of the tors has been allowed to work in dancing and costumes. A win : win association Next year is the 20th anniversary of the signing of the twinning charter between Fishguard and Goodwick and Loctudy in Brittany. The relationship is good for everyone, says David Roblin

HE twinning scheme started Tin 1947 to promote friendship, co-operation and mutual awareness between towns and municipalities in Europe. In 1995 Loctudy was look- ing for a partner within the Celtic countries with which to twin. Twinning Committees were set up to act on behalf of the councils, and in the following year the charters were signed, first in Fishguard in September 1996 and then, later that year, in Loctudy. The two towns have visited each other on alternate years ever since. In the early years connec- tions and friendships were formed between families that were to Mrs Rhian Jones yn cyflwyno blodau i Mrs Eleri Davies, lead to the basis of a strong bond Llannerch, sef llywydd anrhydeddus noson mefus a hufen yn between the two regions. A special and win at National Eisteddfod It is hoped that the Twinning Nhresi Aur, Maesymeillion er budd eglwys a neuadd Tre-groes, effort was made to include young level. The friendships formed Association will continue well into yng nghwmni Lowri a William ei merch a’i hŵyr a hefyd Mrs Mair people from both areas in the on that visit led to a younger the future and further develop the Davies a agorodd ei chartref i’r noson arbennig gan godi £1,500. exchanges. Students from Ysgol membership within the twinning aims set out in the original charter. Diolchwn o waelod calon i bawb a ddaeth i gefnogi ac i fwynhau Bro Gwaun have visited Loctudy associations. and work experience students from As part of our biennial visit in the Loctudy area have spent time 2013, we took a market to Loctudy, Members of St Brynach’s with Stena, gaining experience in promoting food and drink produced Nevern, Newport, recently the tourism industry. in Pembrokeshire. This turned out held a flower event entitled In 2011, a children’s choir to be so successful that it has now ‘In The Pink’ in aid of LATCH, based in Maenclochog, under the become an annual reciprocal event the Welsh Children’s Cancer tuition of Mrs Marilyn Lewis, highlighting not only food and Charity. A cheque for £1,500 together with a senior choir, mostly drink but also crafts from each of was presented to Rowena comprising the children’s parents, the areas. Jones, the local community visited Loctudy to perform a In May 2015, a number of paediatric oncology nurse concert in the local church. Two young members from the Good- representing LATCH. Pictured small groups from the choir were wick Brass Band were among the are Cilla Evans and Polly also asked to sing at a Good Friday 40+ visitors and they performed service held in a nearby town. Campbell (Churchwardens), to great acclaim at a variety of Peter Campbell (Reader), Finally, the whole group gave a functions throughout the stay. The Rowena and Sylvie Gow workshop at the nearby second- photograph shows the famous whose late son, Jack, received ary school, giving an insight into Fishguard character, Jemima, the work that goes into producing with Breton ladies in traditional tremendous support from a choir which was able to perform costume. LATCH Pobl Dewi, September 2015 15 Honouring Flemish settlers

Eight-year-old Evelyn Thomas stuck to English when she helped to launch the St Jerome’s Church Renovation and Heritage Llangwm project’s website at Llangwm’s Carnival in July, but the website itself does its job in Welsh and Flemish as well. Pam Hunt, Chair of Heritage Llangwm, wonders if it is the only trilingual website in Wales

HE trilingual site – possibly time for the launch. The Heritage of Flemish genes. The results will The Arthur Rank Centre has devised a training programme and Tthe only one in Wales – has Llangwm project is very fortunate be compared with samples held by workbook for setting up a small business or social enterprise, been set up in honour of the Flem- to have such a fantastic team of geneticists in Flanders. particularly in a rural context, drawing on Biblical principles for ish settlers who arrived in Llangwm people with the right skills we need As well as the research, the flourishing individuals and communities. Jerry Marshall explains in the early 12th century and whose to deliver it successfully. grants will also pay for the much- E are delighted that after two programmes has been enthusiastic: history the project is uncovering. Under the project, supported by needed renovation of Llangwm’s years of development and “This course really helped me Evelyn, the granddaughter of grants from organisations includ- medieval church, St Jerome’s, W testing, our Germinate Enterprise think logically step-by-step [about] Church Warden Elizabeth Davies ing the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is believed to have been rural business start-up materials setting up a business for the first and who has attended St Jerome’s seven local men whose family built by Flemish craftsmen. are available for free download. time” services since she was a baby, histories link them to Llangwm Visit our website at Germinate Enterprise is a way to: “The structure of the course wowed onlookers with her enthu- have been DNA tested for evidence www.heritagellangwm.org.uk • tackle hidden rural poverty is excellent – succinct and easy to siasm as she counted down to the • retain working age/young understand and implement” launch. people in our villages “I learned a lot and now I But setting up the site provided • assist farm diversification feel more confident in starting a a few headaches for designer Neil • take advantage of high-speed business” Martin. “Quite apart from getting rural broadband as this “I love the fact this course is the translations done, the three becomes available for regular people to help them languages produce different lengths • benefit existing businesses better themselves” of text so the English design didn’t (through the “Multiplier The materials (workbook, ses- work for Welsh or Flemish – as a effect”) sion plan, visual aids, business result, each page had to be sepa- • use business skills within plan and cash flow templates, local rately designed.” congregations. advertising poster/flyer) have been The Flemish translations Germinate Enterprise is a six updated following the pilots for were done by Christine Vereeke session business start-up course any church or community group in Flanders, who also recorded that helps participants decide: to deliver. There is no licence fee a film congratulating the Herit- • whether to start a business, when delivered by a not-for-profit age Llangwm team on the project social enterprise or become organisation (for-profit businesses and wishing them well. Christine, self-employed should contact The Arthur Rank who’s visited Llangwm in the past, • what the right business is for Centre). Printed workbooks will be has promised to return for events them to start available to buy soon. next year. • whether their business idea is We are also preparing a range The website is the first of many viable. of “Beer Mat Mentoring” materi- big challenges to be faced. Neil and The course is simple but pro- als, to support informal mentoring the translators worked hard to get found and accessible to those groups for aspiring entrepreneurs. such a complex website together in from any educational background. Workbooks, accompanying and Participants on the pilots ranged explanatory documents and more from those with PhDs to those who information are available from our left school at 16. It is especially website: Chat and craft appropriate for those uncertain as http://www.arthurrankcentre.org. to whether starting a business is for uk/communities-and-farming/ HE Association for Church them. germinate-enterprise TEditors (ACE) offers help to The response from pilot or e-mail [email protected] those who produce church news- letters or magazines, by providing inspiration, motivation and practi- cal help for editors, many of whom work on their own and are always working to deadlines. Benefits of membership include the sharing of ideas via a monthly distribution by email of an Ideas Forum with items suitable for church magazines, including articles, humour, fillers, tips, straplines and events; access to parts of the ACE website is restricted to members; for direct personal access, phone or e-mail ACE staff with queries and problems. The annual membership fee is £10. Further details from: John Farrow, ACE Chairman, Hamilton House, East Common, Harpenden, Herts AL5 1DA. Members of the Chat & Craft group from St Mary’s Church, Telephone: 01582 769975 Pembroke, have been busy during the last 12 months knitting e-mail: [email protected] blankets to send to countries in need. The 35 blankets looked wonderful when they were laid out on display in the church during Or visit the ACE website: www.churchmag.uk a fund raising lunch, the proceeds of which will help with the cost of transporting the blankets to Romania 16 Pobl Dewi, September 2015 The Duchess of Cornwall in Celebrating Rhandirmwyn St Carannog A flower festival is generally just what its name implies, beautiful flowers, beautifully arranged. The event hosted by St Barnabas Church, Rhandirmwyn, on 4th and 5th July did have beautiful flowers but also offered exhibits different from the norm, and a surprise bonus to round it off, as Ann McKnight reports

RGANISED by the local OCommunity Association under the title “Our Village”, all aspects of life in the village and surround- ing area were portrayed. Many without a real flower in sight showcased local cottage indus- tries, hobbies and interests. It was the originality, yet pertinence, of these displays that caught the eye. A supporter of the Heart of Wales Railway Line depicted the Sugar Loaf rail tunnel with track running through it; a small local company, Dr Grandad’s Apple Juice, simply N Friday 15th May, Llangran- everyone processed down the hill displayed a selection of apples – Onog welcomed Year 6 from and up again to the statue of the grown in his own orchards – with the local school, Ysgol Gymunedol saint overlooking the beach and bottles of the resultant juice; a local T LLew Jones, for a very special village. The picture shows the chil- plumber turned his blow-torch to event to celebrate the memorial day dren and Revd Trevor Copeland at different use, created a copper lily of our founding saint, Carannog. the statue on what was a beautiful and surprised even himself with the Photo courtesy William Theophilus The son of the King of Ceredigion, sunny day. The young people then beauty of it. or perhaps his grandson, came delighted everyone with another Thanks to the hard work of If a sunflower can have icing that she wanted to meet everyone, to the area in the 5th century, not song, and refreshments were served Community Association members on it, that was provided by the visit regardless of any prepared list, and wanting to live life as a soldier, and afterwards by Jane and staff at the Jane Hand and Julie Douglas, the of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, so it proved. The Duchess did not founded the church and the village. Beach Hut, where Revd Trevor festival was a stunning success, to the festival, which was specially pass anyone by; she showed inter- After a short service in the Copeland gave a small memento both in terms of money raised and extended to 8th July, as part of the est in every exhibit and every story church, which included a song of the occasion, as a thank you, to an example of community working royal tour of Wales. The tone for and charmed everyone as a result. by the children and a short drama each child. A big “thank you” to all together. her visit was set by her declaration about the life of St Carannog, who made the day such a success. The way the wind blows OOD progress has been made historic design in finely-crafted able work and fundraising being Gwith the repairs to the medi- ironwork, made and donated by carried out to repair the tower and aeval tower and roof at St David’s Mr Eifion Thomas of E. Thomas roof at the church. When I attended Church, Prendergast, Haverford- & Sons, Blacksmiths, from Dinas the Strawberry Tea at Crundale west, with the erection of the new Cross. Hall last July, I noticed the poor weather vane on the tower. The old Mr Thomas, pictured with the state of repair of the old weather weather vane was in poor condition Rector, Canon Geoffrey Gwyther, vane. My wife’s family has a long and has been replaced to the same said “I was aware of the consider- association with the church so I was delighted to offer my skills to make a new one.” The Rector commented “We are most grateful to Eifion for his generous gift and I have already received many favourable comments from parishioners. It is good to be able to see the direction from which the wind is blow- ing again. All we need now is the belfry floor to be finished and the recommissioning of the bell then all will be completed.” The work on the tower and roof has been made possible with dona- tions from the Heritage Lottery Fund, other bodies and local business sponsors, together with considerable fundraising efforts On 28th June, members of St Michael’s Church, Eglwysfach, by the parishioners. This contin- commemorated the centenary of the building of the chancel ues with the launch of a booklet at a service led by Revd Dr David Williams, aided by the Area later this year detailing the history Dean, Revd Peter Jones. David had researched the history of the church and surrounding area of the chancel and discovered that the original building costs compiled by Mr David Redd, the were £372. More recently, extensive repairs and renovations Church Treasurer. have taken place at a cost of some £240,000, with much of the fundraising over the years led by Joy Neal. Joy stepped down as Churchwarden in April and, in gratitude for all her hard work, the Donations may be made at www.justgiving.com/stdavidsprendergast parishioners presented her with a wooden bench Pobl Dewi, September 2015 17

weekend at Llangasty changed all that. There I was amongst 20 How do we cope with an A fulfilling time people, 17 of them complete stran- gers, yet, after three days, I was In May, St Davids Cursillo held its 18th Weekend in Llangasty totally in communion and compan- interregnum? Retreat House, when first-time pilgrims found a new depth of ionship with those wonderful faith as well as warmth and friendship. Judy Webb invites readers people wanting to serve God using By recognising the gifts of each individual and being prepared to along to the next event those unique talents afforded by share the ministry, says Jeremy Martineau OME of the eight pilgrims who myself as someone who could His grace. HE word “interregnum” gives All clergy need to prepare the Sjoined us for the first time put stand out in a crowd as a disci- True friendships reflections down on paper and a ple for Christ, I felt I was letting the game away. Is a church or congregations/benefice to be more “On arrival, Heather, Michael and T few of their thoughts are given Him down, and therefore I was parish so dependent on the clergy self-managing, with the cleric as a I were enveloped with warmth and here. not advancing in my faith journey. that they think s/he is a monarch theological and spiritual resource, love, and true friendships were Denise: “Because I didn’t see However the St Davids’ Cursillo who rules? ‘Between rulers’ is what rather than the manager. formed. There are no gimmicks interregnum means. The Church of The book “So the Vicar’s Leav- involved in the pilgrimage that is Christ has but one Lord; individual ing” was bought in bulk by many Cursillo – just a full time of absorb- churches are today being encour- dioceses and has been a useful ing God’s love, true to its origins of aged to find ways of throwing off handbook for the poor church- making friends and discussing God the attitude of subservience, and wardens who suddenly feel there is with each other, and, like the first clergy are being trained to see that no-one in charge. The preparation pilgrims, helping themselves and the leadership that Jesus shares is outlined in the book for the time of others to be in accord with God and one of being a servant, rather than not having a vicar is just as rele- His love. a monarch. vant for the move to the new Local The sharing of ministry Ministry Areas (LMA). Spreading the word between clergy and laity has been Some actions to be taken are The 12 team members that week- talked about for 50 years; it is now simply good organisation and end reminded me that Jesus had that there are fewer clergy that communication; others may need special friends – they were called the talking is being put into effec- competent leadership such as disciples – all different from tive action. Some clergy have tried chairing meetings and dealing with each other with various talents to see their role as being to make the diocese. The wider society will for spreading the word of God. themselves redundant – no longer need to know who to contact and Our friends are like that, quite needed as the people in the congre- this may be one role for the focal diverse.” gation learn how to do things that minister envisaged in LMAs. The Mike: “I approached the week- previously only clergy seemed possible loss of a vicarage as a base end with apprehension! But I able to do. All congregations have for church administration reveals was overwhelmed by the encour- people with many diverse skills how important having a proper agement, love and fellowship that can freely be given new life. benefice office is, with phone, Yarnbombing at Haverfordwest I received. . . . It was a fulfill- computer, printer and safe storage ing time, bringing us closer to the of important documents. averfordwest town Yarn bombing is a trend that Lord. It took me to the mountain Clergy have frequently been Hcentre was yarn bombed is becoming popular in towns and top. The pilgrimage continues.” referees, keeping the peace on Sunday, 16th August, and St cities across the world. Knitters Mike used this prayer at the between competing individuals or Mary’s Church took a direct hit. work secretly, and usually over- closing service: “Lord, Your churches. The deanery or diocese A group of local businesswomen night, to ‘bomb’ the town with summons echoes true; when You may need to be involved in the and volunteers had spent the past few urban, graffiti knitting. Its aim: call our names let us turn to follow transition from a competitive to a weeks busily knitting and crocheting to show their pride for, and to You and never be the same. In Your collaborative state. This will take colourful displays to decorate the brighten up, the town. The project company we will go where Your time, patience and maybe even a town, with installations ranging from has certainly raised a lot of smiles love and footsteps show. Thus we firm hand. knitted bollard covers and woolly in Haverfordwest over the past few will move, live and grow in You, The moving on of the sole hats for post boxes to larger items days and You in us. We thank You Lord leader leaves a vacuum. It is a time such as a knitted bicycle. for this special weekend. We ask for learning about fully sharing in that You continue to grow in us and the sundry tasks that any church transform us to be more like You. or organisation needs to function Amen.” smoothly. If you would like to attend a Cursillo gathering, or a weekend, please contact our Lay Director, Hazel Burn, on 01239 811115. Our next meeting is our AGM at St John’s Church, Carmarthen, Birthday celebrations on 17th October at 10am. We will be delighted to welcome you! ewport and Dinas parish- Nioners rallied round their rector in St Mary’s Church on Sunday 21st June to celebrate his 60th birthday, reports Anthony Wintle. In a combined benefice For more articles Eucharist, some 50 parishioners which, unfortunately, joined Revd Neil Llewellyn for the could not be service and were rewarded after- accommodated wards with a glass or two of the Cyfraniadau ar gyfer Pobl Dewi in this issue, plus best French champagne, with the rector’s compliments. Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig translations of some, Neil, as he is known in the cyfraniadau Cymraeg. please visit the parish, said that he had never Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: Tessa Briggs PD Extra page mapped out his career, nor delib- [email protected] of our website: erately sought promotion, but believed that God had guided him neu fe ellir postio ffotograffau ynghyd â 50 o eiriau at: www.stdavidsdiocese. into the various posts he had held. Pobl Dewi, org.uk/life/pobldewi/ He had never been happier than in Swyddfa’r Esgobaeth, Abergwili, Caerfyrddin, SA31 2JG pdextra/ his present position as the incum- he regarded his parishioners as his wedi’u nodi at sylw ‘Y Golygydd’ bent of Newport and Dinas, and friends. 18 Pobl Dewi, September 2015

Reflection/Myfyrdod World War II: our forgotten allies Peter Mitchell reflects on VJ Day, the end of the war in Asia and its legacy in Burma

EVENTY years ago, on 15th SAugust, WWII came to an end. This year has already seen the cele- bration of VE day when the war in Europe ceased, but what of the war in Asia and VJ Day? We may have heard about the Burma Rail- Old soldiers U Thar Htoo aged 88 and U Bee Lah aged 99 way but not know that over 30,000 saluting Peter Mitchell: 2015 of our soldiers are buried in Burma. We have, though, totally forgot- on the Burma/Thai border or were a tenuous cease fire, there are still ten the impact the war had on the displaced within the remoter hill outbreaks of violence. soldiers of the hill tribes in that areas of Burma. They continue It was salutary to meet these country. They fought, and in many to live in very difficult condi- veterans in their homes and to see cases died, for us at our time of tions. The Burmese Government the very difficult conditions under greatest peril, in the ferocious war has, in effect, tried to “promote” which they live. I was struck by against Japanese aggression. The Buddhism as the foremost religion how they make the very best of few surviving veterans and widows within the country, especially in their scarce resources and are so are mainly from the Karen, Chin, schools, and to expand Burmese positive in their outlook. They are Kachin and other hill communities. culture and language amongst the immensely proud of their service Our charity, Help For Forgotten hill communities. This is seen as for Britain and have much affec- Veterans in Rangoon with local volunteers and Trustees of H4FA Allies (H4FA), is striving to raise undermining the wellbeing of their tion for us. They said the British funds to help these old soldiers at and Commonwealth are buried. on the plains. They get no support language, religion and culture and were respectful of all ranks, reli- their time of greatest need. H4FA We believe that whilst it is right from the Burma/Myanmar Govern- has added to their anxieties. These gions and peoples. I was massively is responsible for around 400 veter- to commemorate their huge sacri- ment because, historically, the hill veterans, who fought alongside moved to be told that “after waiting ans: we aim to give them £120 each fice in the UK, it is also right that tribes were seen as allies of the the British, regrettably get no help all these years God has sent you.” year. This makes a great difference we do so where they died. Some of British whereas a number of the from the UK Government either. Meeting these old veterans to their lives and reassures them our old Karen Veterans were at this Burmese political leaders initially I have visited Burma twice, gave me a sense of great humility they have not been forgotten. ceremony. supported the Japanese. In addi- most recently this year, as a Trus- for all they have done for us. We As part of our efforts we took The great majority of the tion, since the war and the Burmese tee of H4FA, when, with a local are so fortunate. I do hope we will a key role in a special commemo- Karen and other hill peoples are military taking over the country, Kayan soldier escort I went up into now do all we can, at small cost ration on the 15th August at one deeply Christian and from differ- the Karen and others were seen as the Karenni Hills to meet some of to ourselves, to help them. Please of the two Commonwealth War ing ethnic roots. They live, not enemies because of their resistance the old veterans and their families. visit our website www.h4fa.org.uk Grave Cemeteries in Rangoon, always easily, adjacent to the main to Burmese military control. Much I was in an area which the Burmese for more information on how to where many thousands of soldiers Burmese population, who are fighting ensued and most either military try and keep closed to help these old veterans or contact from Britain and the then Empire largely Buddhist and tend to live had to flee as refugees to the camps foreigners because, whilst there is me [email protected]

Bomiau a babis: profiad nyrs yn yr Ail Ryfel Byd Rosina Thomas of Ammanford tells her friend, Eluned Rees, about her training as a nurse and midwife, especially her experiences during the Second World War and the bombing of Swansea

ANED Rosina yng Nghwm- gweithio fel nyrs ardal yng Disgynnodd bom a bwrw wal i Ggors ym Medi 1917, ac nghyffiniau Gwauncaegurwen. lawr. Roedd y gwragedd, gyda wedi derbyn ei haddysg yn Ysgol Doedd dim car ganddi a cherddai help Rosina, o dan eu gwelyau Sirol Llanymddyfri, dechreuodd i bob man. Gyda’r nos byddai’n ar fatresi, ond roedd rhaid hefyd ar ei hyfforddiant i fod yn nyrs. mynd i neuadd ‘Y Waun’ lle’r gofalu am gi bach y Sister! Wedi cyfnod mewn ysbyty yng oedd ystafell ARP o dan y llwyfan Ni allodd Rosina ddychwe- Nghaerdydd, aeth i Laneirwg i osgoi’r bomio. Gollyngai’r lyd i’w hystafell am dridiau, gan i blasty hardd o’r enw Tŷ To awyrennau Almaenig eu bomiau golli ei heiddo. Erbyn nos Wener Maen. Roedd hi’n 17 oed. ar fryniau Sir Gaerfyrddin yn gwaethygodd y bomio, a daeth dau Pan yn 19 oed aeth yn ôl i lle eu cario adre. Gwaith mwyaf forwr o’r dociau i helpu symud Gaerdydd a chael ei hyfforddi i Rosina oedd newid dressings a y gwragedd i’r selar. Cafodd newid bandages a choginio (inva- gosod poultices, sef bara poeth, y mamau ofn, aeth un i esgor lid cooking). Bob nos Wener yn y dyddiau cyn antibiotics. cynnar wedi i’r nenfwd syrthio roedd y merched ifainc yn sefyll Yn Abertawe roedd Rosina i arni, ond wedi cawl twym gan mewn rhes i gael ‘Blackjack’ sef fod i dreulio tri mis yn Rhianfa y WVS aethant i Gomin Fair- laxative wythnosol. Roedd hi’n House, Sgeti a Graig House wood. Aeth Rosina adre i gael nyrsio ar Ward Mametz, a phan yn y ddinas, ond syrthiodd y bath, newid ei dillad a gorffwys ddechreuodd y Rhyfel ym Medi bomiau gan newid popeth. Ar cyn dychwelyd fore Llun. yr ardal yn ddiogel nes geni eu ei hun yn Rhydaman ac yn 1939, roedd llythyr yn y sêff yn drydedd noson y bomio trwm, Gorffennodd Rosina ei babanod. Helpodd Rosina i ddod aelod yng nghapel Ebenezer. datgan y dylai’r Metron ddewis roedd Rosina mewn ward gyda hyfforddiant yn ysbyty Dyffryn â thros 26 o fabanod i’r byd. Ceir fersiwn llawn o’r erthygl pedair nyrs i fynd i Ffrainc. chwech neu saith o ddarpar Aman. Yno roedd mamau o Mae Rosina yn wraig ar http://stdavids.churchinwales. Cyn dechrau hyfforddi fel famau. Roedd y Sister gyda’r ddinasoedd Lloegr megis Llun- weddw, yn fam, mamgu a hen org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ bydwraig yn Abertawe, bu’n babanod mewn ward arall. dain, yn aros gyda theuluoedd famgu, ond yn byw ar ei phen Pobl Dewi, September 2015 19 Elise Richter – Does God still heal today? A new ministry called ‘Healing on the Streets’ (HOTS) was first launched out of Causeway Coast Nazi Holocaust Victim Vineyard, Coleraine, Northern Ireland at Easter of 2005 T is a simple, but beautiful way, lise Richter (1865-1943) interest since it was the work of Ito reach out to the lost and hurt- Ewas the first female academic Alfred Cossmann (1870-1951), the ing on the streets of your town or at Vienna University. She was an leading Viennese engraver of the village. It enables you to connect Associate Professor in Philology period. with your community every week, but was dismissed from her post A small exhibition marking powerfully expressing God’s love by the Nazis after the Anschluss. the 150th anniversary of the birth in the market place, whatever the She and her sister, Helene, of Elise Richter is running at the weather. You simply invite people were deported to Theresienstadt Hugh Owen Library, Aberystwyth to sit on chairs so you can pray for Concentration Camp in 1942 and University, until mid-October. them. she died there a few months later. Elise was nominated for the Nobel Mark Marx, the pioneer of Some volumes from her library Prize for Literature in 1935 and this ministry, will be coming to St have recently been identified in her memory is kept alive today Michael’s Church, Aberystwyth the Aberystwyth University stores by the Elise Richter Programme on Saturday 21st November (9:30- by their distinctive bookplate, which provides support for female 17:00) to lead a training day. The the latter also being of incidental academics. morning will be spent in training and in the afternoon we will go out on to the streets to put our train- ing into practice and see what God will do. If you have a hunger to see God working in this way in your There is, however, a £5 fee for the to bring your own lunch. community then please join us. training manual. Those outside the To book onto this event or The training is being spon- diocese are asked to contribute £20 find out more, please contact St sored by the diocese, so all within towards the cost. Tea and coffee Michael’s Church office on office@ St Davids can attend free of charge. will be provided but you will need stmikes.net or Tel 01970 617184.

High-flier

orothy Cox, from Llan- Many parish events take place and, when it became obvious that Dstadwell, completed a tandem there and it is home to Brown- the church hall at St Clement’s parachute jump in Swansea in May ies, Cubs, Beavers, dance groups, was on its last legs, I thought the to raise money for a new hall at St exercise classes, birthday parties, tandem skydive would be a fund- Clement’s Church in Neyland. coffee mornings, wedding recep- raiser that was a bit different from The present hall, erected as a tions and funeral teas. Between 150 the usual quiz nights and car boot temporary building more than 100 and 200 people use the hall regu- sales. I am very grateful to all those years ago, has always been a meet- larly each week. who sponsored me and helped me ing place for the community but is Dorothy said: “I had often thought raise over £1,500.” Disclaimer now in a very poor state of repair. I might like to do a parachute jump Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, liability or share the views or opinions of any articles contained herein. Follow Pobl Dewi on www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk All information is the responsibility of the person or organisation submitting the article. Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

www.facebook.com/pobldewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi 20 Pobl Dewi, September 2015 Book Reviews Challenging, helpful and highly recommended

wife’s long-term illness. When I pray God does not play dice – Einstein what does God do? Accepting that some prayers By David Wilkinson God does play dice and sometimes he throws are not answered as hoped is hard, Pub: Monarch; 2015 them where we can’t see – Stephen Hawking although ‘no’ is a response in itself. ISBN: 978-0-85721-604-5 If God played dice he would win! – Ian Stewart (p57) Wilkinson wrestles with all this: “ Price: £8.99 . . . the question is so much more Quotes such as these pepper this Wilkinson’s work examines The breadth of this approach, serious when you see a person you stimulating book with humour and problems and myths about prayer, from the Bible through the histor- love suffering” (p29). anecdotes. These are then related to what God does in the Bible, out-of- ical developments in science, Some of his conclusions may science and prayer in a way which date science and the problems of philosophy and theology to the be challenging and it might also is illuminating without being miracles. media, and concepts such as the be tempting to read about prayer overwhelming. His chapter on new science laser as a prayer model, is enlight- to avoid spending time in prayer. David Wilkinson is a profes- and new possibilities is refreshing ening. I found it revitalising too However, this book has changed sor of theology and religion who as is his tendency also to use more – the chapter on myths of prayer my thinking and therefore the way is Principal of St John’s College, mundane sources such as TV’s made me realise afresh how prayer- I will pray in future. I commend it Durham, and a Fellow of the Royal Marge Simpson. She bargains with ful experience can sometimes be in the hope that others will find it Astronomical Society. A good God in prayer: “If you stop this restricted by bad habits, discredited helpful, too! communicator, he writes about hurricane and save our family we ideas or received wisdom which Revd Christine Browne complex matters in a readable way will be forever grateful and recom- may not actually be wise. without being condescending to mend you to all our friends.” Chapters about prayer and pray- musing – it also highlights insights those who, like me, may have little When it stops, Homer remarks, ing end the book, creating a work from the author’s personal strug- grounding in quantum theory! “He fell for it!” (p97) which is more than an academic’s gles with prayer in light of his

SJH Cover:Layout 1 22/12/14 13:52 PageBrave 1 selflessness The Great Crime – Medz Yeghem Memories of Sarah Jane Remembering the Armenian of character of a people who were HowellThe – A Sto Welshry Heroine of Memories Memories of genocide 1915 subjected to confiscation of prop- of By Roger Penn Sarah Jane Howell By Patrick Thomas erty, concentration camps, death

Sarah Jane Howell Howell Jane Sarah Pub: Pen-manship A Welsh Heroine Pub: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch; marches, massacre, mass burnings ELDESTProjects;DAUGHTER OF2015GEORGE AND JENNET ~ ~ 2015 and drowning and the use of poison HOWELL,ABERGARW FARM,BRYNMENYN ISBN: 978-0-9931313-0-1 ISBN: 978-1-8452-75464 and drugs to kill the vulnerable and AssistantPrice: Mistress£11.99 at Brynmenyn Price: £8.50 innocent. Council School

There was disastrous rainfall in~ Auschwitz, Belzec, Dachau, Chancellor Dr Patrick Thomas WhoSouth lost her Wales life, aged in twenty-one, December 1911: Heroine Welsh A Belsen and Flossenburg are all has become synonymous with the invillages the Llynfi River were near flooded Bridgend and houses familiar names to us. The organ- Armenian people in Wales and whilst attempting to rescue one of washed away. The three rivers ised killings carried out in the Britain. His obvious respect and her Pupils from drowning on the ~ which19th of flowed December, through 1911 Brynmenyn, name of Nazi Germany are well- love for the Armenians is reflected near Bridgend,\ became raging documented. The tragedy of mass in his clear presentation of facts Interredtorrents, at the Burial and Ground ofthe the Betharanlocal farmers murder, forced labour, deportation, and historical accuracy. This book

Congregational Chapel, Brynmenyn, PENN K. G. ROGER and miners coped as best they Honoured, posthumously, by death marches and the murder of is unlike any of Patrick’s other 22nd of December, 1911. could. But teachers at Ynysawdre the Royal Humane Society and the the elderly, disabled and children publications. Stepping out of his Carnegie Hero Fund Trust Parish Hall,\ used as the Brynme- are not isolated to this period in own literary comfort zone Patrick nyn PrimaryGreaterlovehathnomanthanthis, School, determined \ history. Indeed, in our own gener- has produced a disturbing but thatamanlaydownhislifeforhisfriends. ROGERG. K.PENN to carry on much as JOHNXVusual.., 13. Sarah ation we have silently been aware wonderful testimony to a forgot- Jane, a young school teacher of atrocities in Rwanda, Indone- ten people which also reminds us there, preparing for the end of at the turn of the 19th century, sia, Uganda, and Bosnia, to name People in 1915. The account is of others who have been subjected term Christmas celebrations, was and in particular the beginnings of but a few. Genocide has become a controversial and politically explo- to the evils of genocide. called out: Bertie Gubbins, one of primary education, and life in the depressing reflection of the horrors sive. Even today, 100 years on, the This is a book which must be the boys playing football near the local chapels. There is no index, of ‘man’s inhumanity to man’. For Turkish State, which succeeded read. It is not only a defence and river Llynfi, went into the water but many careful references can be no better reason than race, reli- the Ottoman Empire, denies the account of the Armenian people, after the ball, and was struggling in followed up later by the interested gious beliefs, political idealism, word ‘genocide’ as inaccurate and it has a deeper quality which the wild water. Sarah Jane, though reader. and gender preferences people misleading – this book undermines demands the reader to reflect on dressed in a long and full wool- Sarah Jane, the eldest daugh- have been inhumanely treated and this defence. A clear and open the world and how we treat one len skirt, went straight outside and ter, was born in 1890 on Abergarw systematically murdered. Some- description of the events that led another. It is impossible to put this into the river to try to save him. Farm, Brynmenyn, four miles from where it is happening even as you to the murders of millions clearly book down without arriving at the Neither could swim. Both were Bridgend. We learn of her family read this review. shows the guilt of Turkey, and the conclusion that what has happened carried downstream – Bertie was history, home life and, later, of her In this exceptional book, Patrick mark left on the Armenian people, to the Armenians, and others like pulled out by his friends, but Sarah further education in Bristol, where Thomas unfolds the background as they keep faith with their dead them, must never happen again. Jane was drowned. She was only she received ‘a sound and liberal and terror of ‘the great crime’ by perpetuating their memory. This Revd Canon Dorrien Davies twenty- one. education’. committed against the Armenian book clearly defines the strength Back in Wales she had several Whimsical manner unqualified teaching jobs, then in Sarah Jane Howell was the author’s November 1910 she found a teach- great aunt, for one of her five sisters ing position in her old school. Contributions to Pobl Dewi – Beatrice – was his grandmother How sad that a year later she died. and Penn takes us immediately into The coroner concluded that it was We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we the world known by Sarah Jane. ‘Accidental Death by Drowning’. would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. He can write in a rather whimsical Sarah Jane Howell is remem- Articles should be sent to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, manner, but it is a straightforward, bered to this day. This is a story to [email protected] readable book: a local story of a move us all: of the brave selfless- or photographs accompanied by a maximum of 50 words can be posted to: local heroine. The wider interest of ness of a Christian girl who gave the book is in its accurate histori- her life for one of her pupils. Pobl Dewi, The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen SA31 2JG, cal detail; he paints a vivid picture Janet Jones marked for the attention of ‘The Editor’ of the way of life in South Wales