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The Parish Magazine for the St. Cadoc Grosmont Group of Parishes
Llangattock St. Bridget Lingoed Skenfrith
St.Mary
Llanfair St. Nicholas
Grosmont
APRIL 2020 No.247
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01981 541 307 07794 569 284 3
Many of you will know that I used to drive a Smart Car. I loved this car and had had it from new. It’s colour was a very distinctive ‘Melon Ice’ with a brown interior, easy to drive being an automatic and very economical. That is, until it went wrong, which to be fair was not often. I clearly remember a time, however, when, without any particular warning I suddenly found I was unable to go into reverse.
This proved quite problematical at the time as I was parked on an elderly parishioner’s driveway looking out to sea at a beautiful spot called Winspit. As I was right on the edge of the drive with a small wall in front of me there was no possibility of forward manoeuvring!
My thanks on this occasion went to those who very kindly helped me push the car backwards up a slight incline in order to continue on my way. (Quite easy to do with a Smart Car) This got me thinking about how I would cope with driving without reverse! I would only be able to drive into a parking space that I could drive out of. If I was on a driveway I would have to have enough room to drive in a 'U' turn to get out. I would have to drive in isolation avoiding other traffic in case I found that reverse was needed to extract myself from a dangerous situation. Reverse is an absolute necessity for a car!
Our journey of life doesn't have the luxury of a reverse! We cannot drive backwards or rewind when we make a mistake as our initial action will always leave it’s mark! We cannot keep going backwards and forwards until we achieve our goal without making any mistakes! All we can do is move forward, learning from the experience and being prepared to grow from the mistakes. We have to continue the forward momentum, despite the desire we might have to reverse and start again!
Our Christian journey too has only one direction, one goal, and that is to God. Our path may meander, taking us past old events, moving us closer to God, and then, seemingly taking us further away. But it is the path that changes direction, not us! We can only journey with forward momentum.
Personally, I don’t believe God wants us to keep going backwards and forwards over the same ground. It is his gift of forgiveness and salvation won for us in the Easter death and resurrection that enables us to confidently move forward on our life/faith journey, allowing the past to shape and improve our future. But we should also recognise that we do not need to move forward in life carrying a great burden of sin, guilt or shame. Christ’s gift to us was to set us free from such hindrance. It is our choice if we continue to go over again and again the same less than positive behaviours or actions, but if we make this choice we are never left to wallow in the bad or unhappy places. God’s redemption is always available if we choose! And just as when my car initially broke down there were people ready to help get me back on the road, none of us journey in faith or in life alone! Sometimes we just need to have the humility to ask for help and we may well be surprised at who we will find coming alongside us to share the challenges.
Oh, and my Smart Car? Well sadly it’s engine finally gave up, but I haven’t let go of it yet. I hope, one day I may be able to find another engine and someone with the expertise to fit it that will mean there will be a car available for anyone to use if they find themselves without wheels. 4
STEVE LUMPKIN
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From church notice-sheets: Something to help you smile!
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HELEN MANNS CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
To so many people who sent me flow- Please see information on page 23 to ers and cards when I was in hospital find out how you can access help with Thank you all so much, it made life grocery shopping etc if you are elderly great. or need to self-isolate.
NOTICE
Due to recent events, the historic candlelit church of St James which lies between the A465 and the river Monnow at Llangua is closed at present for repairs.
PEARL NASH ARI NASH
Pearl Nash would like to thank Godfrey and Jane would like to thank family and friends and all those who family, friends, neighbours and dogs attended Ari’s funeral. Thank you also who came to visit me and help me on for your cards, flowers and kindness. the road to recovery. ~~~~~~~~~~ Love you all. 6
Pass your driving test with
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Ty Gwyn Cider extend a warm welcome to all isitors at their farm cider shop near Pontrilas We o er free tastin s, and also do teas, co ees, i s, t-shirts and a ran e of delicious local produce Our ciders ha e won presti ious awards and are all made with 100 uice It s the real deal for cider lo ers! Simply take the turnin from the main A4 Aber a enny to Hereford road si nposted Rowlestone and you ll nd us at the top of the hill Ty Gwyn Cider, Pen-Y-Lan Farm, Pontrilas HR2 0DL Tel: 01981 241 181 email: alex ty wyncider co uk web: www ty wyncider co uk
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GROSMONT POST OFFICE AND G OSMO OW ALL STORES I E
Telephone
01981 240 301
For all your needs
Groceries Fruit and vegetables
k Confectionery Mrs Frances Lambert, Free range eggs 94 Wern Gifford, Pandy
Wide range of newspapers and NP7 BRU magazines g @ .
TONY PHILLIPS
Learn to use a computer Your Local En ineer For all Oil Fired Boiler Systems One to one tuition in your own
home. Heatin Systems and Oil Tanks Ser iced, Commissioned Word Processing Internet and much more, including Replaced and Installed Trouble Shooting. OFTEC REGISTERED
Call Judy Vaughan on Tel: 01 00 7 0 23 or 01981 240 085 07971 08 9 Or Mobile 07815 630 562 9
Try using left over hot cross buns instead of bread in your usual bread and butter pudding recipe. Spread the lower layer of buns thinly with marmalade as well as butter and add the grated rind of an orange and half a teaspoon of nutmeg with the custard mix- ture. Delish!
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HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS Discover the natural beauty of your voice If someone you know is in hospital the chaplains can complement the Improve your range and pastoral and sacramental care the develop confidence local church is proving. There are hospital chaplains on duty every weekday and also on Sunday Improve muscle tone and mornings. circulation
Contacts:
The Royal Gwent Hospital Newport VIRGINIA BLAKEY FRSM
Tel: 01633 234 263 For special introductory Email: alan.tyler@wales.nhs.uk rates for individual and group vocal Ne ill Hall, Aber a enny Tel: 01873 Please contact Virginia on 732112 07872 612856 or email
Email: g k @g . [email protected] 11
THE HAPPY PLACE
COLOURING FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!
SHARKS Methinks that Sharky’s toothy grin Hope you like this month’s poem! Belies the kindly soul within Sharks are an amazing and crucial His press is bad, it’s rather sad, part of the marine environment. No cuddles for his pointy fin. There are around 440 known species All friendless in the murky deep of shark and they are all fascinating. What does he dream when he’s asleep By learning as much as we can about Snuggled up against a rock? sea creatures we can help break the Of fluffy bunnies…. counting sheep? myths that can endanger them. Perhaps he wishes he could knit A kind of sharky sweater. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Perhaps he longs to ride a bike If you would like us to print one of Or maybe-even better your poems just send it in to To sing a burbling bubbling song [email protected] And then compose a letter. We can’t promise to print them all He cannot help his spikey teeth but we will do our best. A heart of gold may lie beneath, Give him the benefit of doubt ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Until you know what he’s about. He’s someone’s baby, loves his mother, What do you call a chocolate Don’t judge a fishy by it’s cover! bunny that was out in the sun too long? A runny bunny. Copyrite Random Waves 12
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GREEN HAZE at Garway Community NOW AVAILABLE– YOUR Hall Sat May 2nd. ONLINE CHURCH LINK Green Haze are Britain’s number one Green Day tribute band , having played Church link can now be accessed extensively world wide and even online at https:// opened for Kylie Minogue in Dubai.
parish.churchinwales.org.uk/m171/ Tickets from Ticketsource at £12 or church-link/ £14 on the door if any are still available. Call 01981 580215 for further details. We would like to apologise for the delay in publishing Church Link online, this was Llan attock Lin oed Sweepstake due to circumstances beyond our control.
We hope that you will enjoy this new way Last month’s winners were: of accessing our magazine but ask that 1st prize £23 0 17 Adrian Pearce you will appreciate that the website is still a work in progress. 2nd prize £17 0 127 Cressida Jupp
There is no charge for accessing the site. 3rd Prize £13 0 Carly Bayliss If you would like to make a donation New members welcome. towards costs then please do so by cheque made payable to St Nicholas Email [email protected] Church, Grosmont (Magazine). This may Winners notified by post. be sent to Rev Gaynor Burrett in the in- terim until a new treasurer for the Church Promoter: Rev Jean Prosser Link is appointed. 13
'MONMOUTHSHIRE REGISTRATION DISTRICT' Registration of Births and Deaths and Marriages
A . T g O , T O P , U k NP1 1GA Open: M - 9.00 - 4.00 T 018 3 3 43 x 018 3 3 429.
We welcome letters from our readers on any R.J & R.B Mailes Family Butchers Est: 1892 subject. Of Ewyas Harold & The Golden Valley HR2 0EX Located Centrally, Opposite The Post Office
In the case of letters that 01981 240 234 are critical of any Monday-Friday 8am – 5.30pm Saturday 8am – 1pm person, business or Meat sourced as locally as possible – organisation, a copy may * Beef- Including fattening our own cattle, be sent to the body Eynon’s of Wormbridge, Sparey’s of Garway. concerned so that they * Lamb – R. Whistance of Garway. Ensors of are given the Forest of Dean. simultaneous right to * Pork – Woodland Pigs of Gloucestershire. Producing sausages, burgers & pies on the reply. premises. Stocking a wide range of bread, Anonymity of cheeses, fish, sauces & condiments. Nescafe & contributors can only be Go available. Proud stockists of local organic accepted in exceptional potatoes & Herefordshire honey. If what you’re circumstances and at the after isn’t on display, no matter how unusual discretion of the editor. please ask – the alligator is in the freezer by the front door & the cooked pickled tongue is Publication cannot be at your far right of the chiller cabinet! guaranteed and is Telephone orders welcome & no minimum order subject to space being required. We accept credit/debit cards & available. truffle cards (sign up to Truffle Herefordshire to receive our treat!) ~~~~~~~ 14
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We will do our best to publish your personal and events notices. Just send your copy to [email protected] by 9th of the month for inclusion in the next month’s edition. 17 TONY WEBB SERVICES SKENFRITH 01600 750224
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ACCOMMODATION Sales, hire, service Hedge & brush The Old Rectory, in the unspoilt cutters Cultivators & rural village of The Garden chainsaws And Estate LLANGATTOCK-LINGOED Ride on mowers Machinery Ready to use ma- B&B and Self catering available. Specialists chinery SPECIAL O ER for 3 nights B&B Display show- rooms from December to March on Availability. Special Offer Every Week e-mail [email protected] Tel 01873 821326 MONNOW MOWERS & MACHINERY LTD Wonastow Road Industrial Es- tate West Monmouth • Mon- mouthshire • NP5 3JA
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If you would like to get in contact with the Grosmont market team, contact them via: [email protected] . You can also find further information about the market on the Mar- ket Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ grosmontmarket and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ grosmontmarket/
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MEMORIES OF PETER PERKINS
A photograph from 1968, when Peter helped with the work involved in the rehanging of the bells of St Nicholas Church Grosmont.
Peter never learned to ring the bells , but worked tirelessly beside his local workmates during the making of a new bell frame and refurbishment of the tower. Together, they assisted Trevor Bailey (Bell Hanger from White- chapel Foundry) with the rehanging of the bells.
In the picture (left to right) are; Raymond Vaughan, Ivor Crump, Rev A.W.MacAdam, Denis Farr, Peter Perkins, Harry Jones, Lewis Parry, Shiela Parry, Peter Watkins (Rocky Fold) and Frankie Bailey.
SHIELA PARRY
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GROSMONT AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE MAY BE SUBJECT TO
CHANGE OR CANCELLATION
Tuesday th May - Visit
Evening visit to The Old Corn Mill, Ross on Wye, a garden which is open for the NGS.
Saturday th June 10am-12noon – Plant Sale - Church Na e, Grosmont
Make a note in your diary of our annual Plant Sale which is being held in the Nave of St. Nich- olas Church in Grosmont. urther details to follow!
Visitors and new members are always welcome. or further information email Jenny cor- [email protected]. You can also visit Grosmont Village website (Village Groups) or find us on acebook.
It is traditional to eat Hot Cross Buns on Good riday in the British Isles and in parts of Canada and Australia. There are many theories about the origin of the delicious buns, some say that Christians invented them in Roman times, others that a monk in the 12th century or Brother Thomas Rodcliff first introduced them in the 14th century. Certainly the Saxons celebrated the feast of Eostre (also known as Ostara), the goddess of dawn, renewal and fertility, with Cross
Buns which represented the four quarters of the moon. The name of the feast of Easter takes it’s name from this earlier belief in Eostre. Nowadays of course we think of the Christian cross when we eat them. One thing is for sure, they’re delicious!
g g g v W g w k g g v g g W v g w g v k W I J ’ w A By the Revd Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference
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IN ORMATION ON CHURCH SERVICES AND ACCESS DURING THE VIRUS Please note that although church services have been suspended for the time being our church buildings will remain open as normal for private prayer. Please observe safeguarding advice if you do visit church.
At the times when services would normally be held (see page 36) we will endeavour to have a clergy member present in church for spiritual support.
The Grosmont Group of Churches are in the process of setting up a Morning Prayer service which you will be able to participate in via skype. We hope it will be up and running (hopefully without too many glitches) by Sunday 29th March. It will be at 10.am each Sunday and be a Morning Prayer service.
To participate in the service you will need to be able to use skype yourself then...
In your address search box type either Grosmont Churces OR johnandmary -91 this should give you the contact details and then you will need to request a contact, which we will check and respond to daily.
Please request a contact well in advance of the service time (preferably by the day before) so that when you come online before the service you can be invited into the video link before the service starts.
This is something we have never done before and should give us a way of sharing prayer and worship together. However as it is a new venture there are bound to be some glitches as we all get used to how this may work, so please be patient, Thank you.
Parish Contacts are listed on page 37.
Due to the nature of the Coronavirus emergency, events, services and health in- formation may be subject to change at short notice. 22
Welcoming Bishop Cherry at St Nicholas Church.
After some weeks build up, we at St Nicholas’ were delighted to host the Abergavenny Deanery in welcoming Bishop Cherry to her new role as Spiritual Leader of Monmouth Diocese. Despite the recent challenges of the Coronavirus those who gathered shared in a gentle, sensitive and uplifting communion service, and listened to Bishop Cherry speaking with such hope and encouragement for the future of our Diocese. She underlined our need for each other and how each of us has a role to play as we move on together as the body of Christ. No one person is more important or has a more significant role, but each of us, in our uniqueness, has a ministry that only we are called to do. It is in our collaboration and unity that we will continue to be Christ’s presence in our communities and to make his love known to all. Maybe this is particularly important to remember as we face all that containing and fighting the Coronavirus is demanding of us.
I would especially like to take this opportunity to thank all who worked so hard to make our ‘Meet the Bishop’ event such a joyful and happy occasion. From setting up and clearing the nave, providing the excellent refreshments, co-ordinating the car parking, cleaning and tidying the church, putting out the extra chairs, providing beautiful music, and even our Messy Church members creating beautiful bunting to welcome Bishop Cherry, it was all a wonderful community effort! My thanks also to those who were in a position to come along and support the event. A joint effort to make a special and memorable event in the life of Grosmont and the Abergavenny Deanery.
Rev Gaynor
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Working Together, Grosmont.
Because of the spread of the Coronavirus, we are living in difficult times with many people feeling vulnerable and fearful of what the future may bring. We can all play our part in minimising the risks to others in the village by following the suggested guidelines. We should also be prepared to self isolate if we feel unwell or are in a high risk group.
If we have symptoms of the virus (a new continuous cough and/or a high temperature):
• We should stay at home for 14 days. • We should not go to our GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. • We do not need to contact 111 to tell them we are staying at home. • However, if we feel we cannot cope at home, or our condition gets worse, or our symptoms do not get better after 7 days, we should complete the coronavirus symptom checker on : nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk (and click on 111 coronavirus advice in the yellow box). We will be guided as to what we should do next. We may be asked to telephone 111 at this stage. (These are the current instructions - 16/03/20 - but they may change at any time.)
Practical support
A few of us are aiming to coordinate practical support for people who are self-isolating, e.g. with emergency shopping or collecting medication. We are planning a leaflet drop, within the next few days, for everyone in the village and the immediate vicinity. Once we know the number of volunteers, we will set up a WhatsApp group and see who is available to carry out specific tasks.
If you would like to volunteer to help to support others in the village, please contact us: via email: [email protected] (stating how you might be able to help). or phone: Alison Brown on (01981) 240563 or Dr Paul Sheridan on (01981) 241047. 24
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT? Anxiety? Low mood? Can’t sleep?
Over thinking? Post traumatic stress symptoms?
If you are experiencing any of these, I can help and support you. I offer help and therapy in a location near you as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, with 17 years NHS experience. I am fully insured and abide by the strict code of professional conduct of the NMC. Please contact me, Michelle, on 07980767445.
CROSS ASH LUNCH CLUB Anyone is welcome to come and enjoy a lovely lunch at Red Castle Tearoom . Here you will feel welcome in an instant. The club meets on the last Friday of each month starting at noon. Cross Ash Lunch Club was started some twenty years ago and has been supported by various grants and gifts since then, unfortunately we have not yet secured support for 2020 and need to cover the costs ourselves. This is typically only £10 for a two course meal thanks to the generosity of Red Castle. Check your diary and come and join us! Check the next date and book your place by phoning Mabel Martin 01873 821473 or Alan Llewellyn 01873 821429
More news, pictures and events on www.grosmont.wales 25
26
Memory Lane
I live at ‘Sally Rucks’ which is the house that Rev MacAdam built on Pigeon Lane next to Little Rectory. When we bought the house, Jean MacAdam (his daughter in law) made me caretaker of a number of interesting old photographs of the people of Grosmont. I am going to share some of these pictures through the Church Link and invite readers to contribute their own memories of the villagers shown.
The pictures above are of Miss Watkins who was church organist and lived at Alma House. I have been told that Miss Watkins kept a cow at the back of Alma House in an ‘underbuild’ parlour.
Do you have memories of Miss Watkins that you would like to tell us about? If so get in touch at [email protected] Gilliy
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EASY SUDOKU MEDIUM SUDOKU
MAZE
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Discover the natural beauty of your voice
Improve your range and develop confidence
Improve muscle tone and circulation
VIRGINIA BLAKEY FRSM
For special introductory rates for individual and group vocal
Please contact Virginia on 07872 612856 or email g k @g .
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Freelance Photographer x M g g k Commercial, weddings, j x parties, portraiture, pets I w YES and animals. EALY w Fully insured, profes- g w g sional service at competi- G 01981 80 32 0 9128 3269 tive prices. C k w Contact– facebook Tom www.hypnotherapybygill.co.uk or Finn Photography email Or call 01873 890468 g @ . B I G SOME EA E BA K I O OU LIFE Monmouth Montessori School Creative Learning for 2 – 11yrs
Children taught as individuals, at their own pace, leading to high results; scholarships often achieved.
Small friendly classes in a beautiful setting close to Skenfrith. Www.monmouthmontessorischool.co.uk langattock- ibon-Avel 25 5 01600 772213 rincipal rs osemary haley c ons CE Cantab 31
Our Lord has written the promise of the Resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime. Martin Luther
ROMAN CATHOLIC SERVICES OMAN CATHOLIC CHU CH SE VICES A E HELD AT BELMONT, HE E O D, ABE GAVENNY AND MONMOUTH C CHU CHES. C : P P : 01432 2 319
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v w k C , E g , L T x D . T w w q w w - – w . J w w . 32 SKENFRITH PARISH HALL
Well furnished fully licensed community hall available for hire
for private parties, meetings, trade shows, classes,
exhibitions, weddings, plays, etc.
* Well equipped kitchen
*Staging/ Stage lighting
* Committee Room
* Court Yard
* Disabled Access & Facilities
*Discount rate for Charities & Youth Please contact for latest opening/event Organisations information following recent floods. MORE INFORMATION
Contact Ann 01600 750434 E-mail: [email protected]
Events below may be subject to postponement or cancellation in view of the Coronavirus situation. Wednesday 15th April, 2020 Llanthony Valley & District History Group at Cwmyoy Memorial
Hall, 7.00pm Jeremy Knight: The Civil War and after in North Monmouthshire All welcome.
Members free, £4 non-members (£7 individual annual) Contact: Pip Bevan e-mail: pbev- [email protected], tel. 01873 890609 http://www.llanthonyhistory.wales/ LV&DHG ace- book page Tuesday 21st April, 2020 Garway Heritage Group at Gaway Community Centre, 7.30pm Malcolm Watson: Boil a mouse in urine – the care of infants in Tudor times A consideration of the Tudor and Stuarts’ approach to birth and child care that will provoke shock, horror, laughter and discussion. This illustrated talk will follow a very short AGM. urther info: http://www.garwayheritagegroup.co.uk/meetings 33
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of
awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S Ask the individual to SMILE. T Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
R Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: KILPECK ART CLUB Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. th Our spring Season began on February 24 2020. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to We meet on Mondays from 2pm–4pm in Kilpeck one side or the other, that is also an Village Hall, HR2 9DW except for bank holidays. Our members come from a wide area so it may be indication of a stroke. possible to arrange lifts. Please contact Jenny Davies (Secretary) at jen64da- [email protected] for details. 34
Da id Jones ARCHERY IN THE NAVE
v g .30 Your County S N N v , G . Councillor C j S I
A .
I am always happy to hear from ll ages are welcome residents of Crucorney Ward about Primary school age children any council issues that affect them. must be accompanied by an Please contact me on adult). Cost £3.00 per person per 01873 821497 or 07561 475563 session. [email protected]
GWENT ARCHIVES GARWAY COMMUNITY CENTRE
Gwent Archi es opened at its new site in Ebbw AVAILABLE FOR HIRE Vale in 2011. The magnificent new facilities provide: Sports, Concerts, Meetin s, Music, Fund Raisin E ents, Family Parties, Weddin Receptions An ideal environment for you to use the unique collection of documents. Around 10km of state Reasonable Rates of the art storage so the Collection can be preserved for future generations and we can go on collecting- we are always keen to hear from people with documents they think might be of interest. Lecture and group facilities so people can learn more about using the resources. A
modern archive conservation studio where you - can see the delicate work of repair and conservation carried out. •
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Monday to riday 9:30 - 5:00 pm • -
2nd Saturday each month: 10.00am - 4.00pm. For details and to book Community Centre contact Hilary or Austen Keenan Visit Us: Gwent Archives, Steelworks Road Ebbw Vale Blaenau Gwent NP23 6AA 01 00 7 0243
Telephone Enquiries: 01495 353363 Email: Check your booking www arway or uk [email protected] 35
YOUR CHURCH LINK 2020
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The price of subscription remains unchanged at £10 per year for A4 and £8 for the new A5 edition. Prompt payment would be appreciated in order to keep costs down. To view Church Link online please go to https://parish.churchinwales.org.uk/m171/ church-link/ There will be no charge for this service.
Please remember that we rely on kind olunteers to deli er our ma azine to those who are unable to collect it themsel es Ma azines may be a ailable for collection from the usual outlets in ad ance of personal deli ery Thank you to all our olunteers, we appreci- ate your help ery much 36
SERVICES FOR April 2020 SEE PAGE 21 SEE PAGE 21 All services are Holy Communion unless marked* OR LATEST Tuesday 9:15am Morning Prayer at St. Nicholas Grosmont IN ORMATION Sunday 5 April Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms: 9:15am St. Mary Llanfair Matthew 21.1–11 9:15am* St. Bridget Skenfrith Psalm 118.19–24 11:00am St. Nicholas Grosmont *Family Service
Wednesday 8 April Wednesday of Holy Week 7:00pm* St. Nicholas Grosmont *Compline (Night Prayer) Thursday 9 April Maundy Thursday Exodus 12.1–4 11–14 7:00pm Joint Service Norton Baptist Psalm 116.9–end 1 Corinthians 11.23–26 John 13.1–17, 31b–35
Friday 10 April Good Friday 2:00pm* St. Nicholas Grosmont *An Hour at the Cross
Sunday 12 April Easter Sunday Acts 10.34–43 6:00 am Grosmont Castle Grosmont Psalm118.14–24 9:15am St. Mary Llanfair Colossians 3.1–4 John 10:00am* Joint Service Norton Baptist 20.1–18 11:00am St. Nicholas Grosmont 11:00am St. Cadocs Llangattock Lingoed * Family Communion Sunday 19 April 2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 2.14a, 22–32 † Psalm 16 9:15am St. Mary Llanfair 1 Peter 1.3–9 9:15am** St. Bridget Norton Baptist John 20.19–end 11:00am* St. Nicholas Grosmont * Family Service ** Morning Prayer Sunday 26 April 3rd Sunday of Easter Acts 2.14a, 36–41 Psalm 116.1–7 9:15am** St. Mary Llanfair 1 Peter 1.17–23 9:15am St. Bridget Norton Baptist Luke 24.13–35 11:00am St. Nicholas Grosmont ** Morning Prayer NB PLEASE SEE PAGE From the Registers
21 OR LATEST IN OR- No entries for April MATION 37
PARISH CONTACTS
P g : v . G B T , G , A g v NP 8EP T : 01981 240361 E : vg @g . A : v . A w H 01981 241488 v . L C v g M S I ( ) M M (O ) E A L M , P N k , J P , J S g g O v . G B
G : Wardens: J 01981 240436 M k P 01981 2403 0 Treasurer L M PCC Sec: A w H Nave bookings: A w H 01981 241488 Organist: B 01981 240301
L g Wardens: M g M 018 3 821210 S T 018 3 821 42 PCC Sec: J B Treasurer D v M
L g k L g Wardens: B P 0 399 6 4110 C P 018 3 821240 Treasurer and organist: C P PCC Sec: E Ev
Sk : Wardens: D N , v x w Sk . Treasurer: P B 0 9 3 831309 PCC Sec: P V Organist: Nelson Whaley 07866 267144 Sk B k g A P k 01600 0434 U LI K MAGAZI E Editor: Gilliy Burgess Email: [email protected] 38
Past Memories of Vernon (Jones) Photo wedding of Lewis and Shiela Parry with Vernon as Best Man 1960 Llangattock Lingoed. Vernon was a lifetime friend of my late husband Lewis Parry. Together they attended Gros- mont Junior School and later St.John’s School in Abergavenny. It was a year or so later that I first met Vernon, when I too joined the same school bus to attend the Girls High School in Abergavenny. Vernon was quite a character in those days and was always full of fun. Lew and I later joined the Skenfrith Young armers Club, together with Vernon and other friends from the Grosmont and Skenfrith areas. All of us were keen competitors and took part in many farm and farmhouse craft classes and competitions. In June 1960 Lewis and I were married at St. Cadoc’s Church, Llangattock Lingoed and we chose Vernon to be our Best Man. A duty he carried out with precision, but not without a few fun things going on! A happy day for us all. We continued to enjoy the life of the Young armer’s Club, with our meetings being held in Skenfrith Village Hall. During the Winter months there were Tractor Maintenance classes, held in the back room of the hall for the boys. At the same time cookery classes were being held in the Hall kitchen for the girls. Always followed by a get-together afterwards, when the boys ate what the girls had cooked! Many members gained proficiency certificates in their various crafts. Our Club Quiz Team which included Vernon, won the County Knockout Quiz in 1959, there being much excitement with this achievement. There are many fun stories to be told of school days, also of times and events we as Young armers all shared. Those memories will be treasured and no doubt from time to time will be retold….memories shared with a friend and fun character, whom we shall never forget.
39
Editor’s message, At the time of writing we are beginning a period of great uncertainty due to the spread of Coronavirus. The weeks ahead may be challenging for us all as we change our daily activities in order to protect ourselves and others from becoming infected. Your magazine this month looks a little different, it does not include the
Community Diary as all events have been postponed or cancelled and clubs and societies are not meeting again until the danger has passed. Already a support group has been set up in the village of Grosmont to help where needed at this difficult time. Don’t be afraid to contact them, you will find de- tails in the centre pages,. We are all in this together!
We may feel insecure because we are not in control of our situation but we can all do small things to support one another, such as phoning a neighbour for a chat. Exercise is good for us and raises the spirits, we can go for a walk as long as we are feeling well and we keep our distance from other people.
Experts suggest that having a structure to your day helps with mental wellbeing too. We should keep up to date with information but try not to spend too much time looking at news reports and social media as this can fuel anxiety.
The advice as at 18th March is to wash our hands thoroughly and regularly, catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue and dispose of that safely, Self isolate for 14 days if we have symptoms and if one member of the household is showing symptoms then the whole household should self-isolate. If you are aged 70 plus or have an underlying health condition you should also self-isolate. Avoid social gatherings and avoid pubs and clubs. Limit travel to essential trips only.
I’m going to be busy in the (soon to be) garden, weather permitting. Once we began digging we discovered stacks of old tyres buried...I had been hoping for a Viking Hoard…..
However you spend your time, I wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful Easte.r.
Whilst it is true that we are in uncharted territory, sticking to the guidelines will help us navigate and weather the storm. Gilliy 40
Nature Notes
Occasionally a rare bird appears nearby such as when on a journey recently accompanied by another birding colleague. The weather windy but fair, we went to Newport Wetlands with its large whispering beds of dried stems and feathered fronds of hundreds of common reeds. At this time of year they’re uplifting to look at, their molten goldness that contrasts the drab grey skies. We quickly found the birds we wanted to see here a glossy ibis and a smaller black necked grebe and as we looked a pig-like squeal was heard from within the reeds water rails whose slow creeping presence is only told from its ear-splitting sound. Next it was on to a new location to find a small diving duck, a smew. It spends the summer near the Arctic and winters further south and on this occasion it was a stretch of the river Usk about a mile south of the town. We stopped on a lay-by and scrambled up a steep bank the friend noted a white object against the bank behind a low thorn bush; he had found it quickly, equally as quick it disappeared again. We searched only to see two pairs of mallard, one pair flew off and the others crossed the river to skulk under some over hanging willow trees and as we reached the thorn bush a plastic bag was spied. We quietly trudged on towards the town to be excited once again seeing white and black ducks only this time they were golden eye eight of them something’s not quite right even from this distance one looks smaller, telescope out, turn up the zoom it is the elusive smew. Fewer than three hundred winter in Britain mostly on the east coast or on the larger lakes near London. This small duck is unmistakable in its cracked ice white and black plumage. They are members of the sawbill family of diving ducks who have serrated tongues to help with their fish hunting technique.
Another rare but colourful bird I’ve seen recently is a waxwing with its unusual bronze head tuft and colourful yellow and black wings and tail that avidly feeds on berries especially garden rowan berries preferring white and yellow coloured ones. The berries are rich in sugar so the waxwings liver is enlarged and adapted so as the berries that breakdown in the cold weather some of the sugar content converts to pure alcohol that occasionally leads to find the odd waxwing unable to fly temporarily due to intoxication! On wet dark days of previous weeks it has been pleasing while walking along local lanes; sometimes the lane enclosed by high banks and hedges on each side probably an indicator of an older track way that has deepened by years of cart ruts and winter streams. The hedges on some of the lanes are growing on top of old walls bounding with two green plants one the maidenhair spleenwort with its crown of tiny tufts of fern with their narrow fronds and small leaflets paired along subtle charcoal-black stems. They spread via spores that colonise further the stone wall. Another green plant is the pennywort often called penny pies or navelwort resembling belly buttons. The leaves are circular with belly-like depressions which grow from small pennies to plump out into fleshy rosettes scalloped at the edges.
J.R.P.
GROSMONT AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB
We have members from a wide area but visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact Marion on 01981 241161 or Jan 01600 750295 for further information or email [email protected] ind us on Grosmont Village website (Village Groups) and we are also on acebook. 41
COLTRANE DEDICATION GROSMONT AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB FORTHCOMING EVENTS Celebrating the legacy of John Coltrane, the Coltrane Dedication Quintet create a powerful, Tuesday 7th April passionate evening of improvised music Grosmont Town Hall 7 30pm -Talk by Jack Saxophones – Caractacus Downes and Lyndon Will oss – “Hardy Perennial and Scented Violas” Owen Medal winning Jack from Wildegoose Nursery is Bass – Ashley John Long talking about the history of violas, how to grow Piano – Dave Jones them, planting ideas and an overview of some of the best varieties in his collection. Tuesday th Drums – Ian Poole May - Visit The Nave, St Nicholas Church, Grosmont Evening visit to The Old Corn Mill, Ross on Wye, Saturday 2nd May at 7.30 p.m. a garden which is open for the NGS.
Tickets £10.00 Saturday th June 10am-12noon – Plant Sale - Church Na e, Grosmont For further information and tickets please contact 01981 570268 Make a note in your diary of our annual Plant Sale which is being held in the Nave of St. Nicho- Tickets also available on the door las Church in Grosmont. urther details to fol- Donation to St Nicholas Church low! Bar Visitors and new members are always welcome. www.coltranededication.co.uk or further information email Jenny cor- [email protected]. You can also visit
42 Green T: Massage therapy FINANCE FOR BUSINESSES
Tanya Ong offers Swedish Massage, Hot Stone Therapy and Indian Head Massage in unding arranged for:- 30/60 minute sessions. Relax in the private therapy room situated in the heart • machinery, of Part-Y-Seal. Massage is ideal for stress relief and relieving muscle tension. • vehicles Pure relaxation is the order of the day so • take advantage of the peaceful premises surroundings and • land book a massage now either for yourself or • alternative energy projects as a unique gift for someone special! gift working capital vouchers available. Part-Y- or a local, personal service please contact: Seal, Grosmont, Steve Morgan Abergavenny, NP7 8LE Mobile: 07342 651040
Tel: 01981 240814 E-mail: www.partyseal.co.uk [email protected]
KEITH HOCKEY PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICES MOBILE 07960 442 755 HOG’S HEAD, TREADAM LLANTILIO CROSSENNY, ABREGAVENNY, NP7 8TA O TEC REGISTERED NVQ ACCREDITED OIL INSTALLATIONS 43
GERALD BENJAMIN ELECTRICAL SERVICES
All electrical work undertaken
DOMESTIC, INDUSTRIAL, AGRICUL- TURAL OR COMMERCIAL TESTING AND INSPECTING
CONTACT ME FOR A QUOTE ON
TELEPHONE 01981 80 129 FAX 01981 80 129 MOBILE 07971 8 2 873
Email: [email protected]
St Nicholas Church Grosmont Julian Tooley s a fine medieval building but, much more than that, it is also the people of the com- Independent munity who live and work in i Funeral our beautiful parish. The church stands as a powerful reminder of Director and what community life meant to the people of past centuries; to- Monumental Mason day it remains a symbol for
24hr personal service shared experience and the spirit of community. For baptisms,
weddings, funerals and other oc- Telephone casional services please contact
01873 855 120 the Ministry Team. 44
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May the Hope of Eastertime remain and bring us strength throughout the coming year .