www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com./PoblDewi Mawrth/March 2012 Dealing with differences Governing Body to vote on the Anglican Covenant

OMETIMES single events can bring to a crisis tensions the Episcopal Church in the USA which have been simmering for a long time. (TEC) said effectively that they For the Anglican Church worldwide that event were not bound by the advice of S the of the Communion. happened on 5th August 2003 when the General Convention The Archbishop of Canterbury of the Episcopal Church of the USA gave formal consent to the warned that Robinson’s election election of Gene Robinson as of New Hampshire. ‘will inevitably have a significant The reason this sent shock waves around the world was that Gene impact on the Anglican Commun- Robinson was a previously-married and now-divorced man, who since ion throughout the world’. But 1988 had been cohabiting with his male partner (they entered a civil TEC did not feel bound to notice union with one another in 2008). ’ warning, either. So, what do TEC feel bound Bishop Robinson’s election The debate started in 1998 by? What is any Anglican bound prompted a decade of delibera- when the worldwide gathering by? These were the long-simmering tion which resulted in a document of Bishops from the Anglican questions which Gene Robinson’s known as the Anglican Covenant. Communion (the Lambeth Confer- election brought into focus.

In April this year the Govern- ence) discussed human sexuality No-one ever planned a world- © ACNS ing Body of the Church in is and passed, with strong support, a wide Anglican Communion. By Pictured from left: The Very Revd Christopher Nicholas Lynden being asked to approve the Cove- statement which said that the Bish- emigration and through mission- nant as a sign of the value which ops ‘cannot advise the legitimising ary endeavour a family of churches Potter, Mrs Helen Biggin, Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most the places on the or blessing of same sex unions nor has grown up around the world, Revd Dr Barry Cennydd Morgan, The Rt Revd fellowship we enjoy with Angli- ordaining those involved in same all governed by bishops, having cans around the world. gender unions’. In August 2003 more-or-less similar liturgy, and and ethics, others a conservative Gene Robinson’s election was a all in fellowship with the Arch- approach. The family is bound necessary progressive step towards bishop of Canterbury. But the together by nothing stronger than the goal of a church which is truly family resemblance is sometimes ‘bonds of affection’ – no individual inclusive. For others it was an act hard to spot. Some are Catholic in or body has the authority to decide of flagrant disobedience to the theology, others Evangelical. Some matters of doctrine or practice. take a liberal position on doctrine For some in this diverse family, continued on page 3

Turning visitors into pilgrims

HE newly-restored Shrine of TSt David was dedicated by Bishop Wyn on St David’s Day. The shrine honours five saints with close connections to Bishop Wyn with Deputy Chief Constable Jackie Roberts and the cathedral: St David himself Revd Nick Finlay, Force Chaplain (pictured left), his mother St Non ISHOP Wyn is helping police with their inquiries . . . into a shortage (right), St Andrew, St Justinian and Bof Anglican police chaplains in the diocese. On a visit to Dyfed Powys St Patrick. police HQ in February, Deputy Chief Constable, Jackie Roberts, and Force The icons were created by Chaplain Revd Nick Finlay (Swansea & Brecon), identified a number of local artist Sarah Crisp as part of a gaps in key areas, notably in the Cardigan and St Davids archdeaconries. £100,000 project organised by the Now senior diocesan staff are to investigate ways of plugging the gaps. Friends of . “Our chaplains provide invaluable support to officers across the force”, A full feature article about DCC Roberts told Pobl Dewi. “And while it is important that this is an the shrine will appear in the July ecumenical exercise, we need to try and keep a balance between the edition of Pobl Dewi. different denominations in order to cater for everyone’s needs.” Focus on the Olympics – Pages 8 & 9 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, March 2012 What if the Church could pool Together, we can its buying power . . . rule out now that is a bright idea! abuse

UYING together sounds great purchases independently and don’t price, the supplier will check you to the best charity pricing for An estimated 39,000 Bin theory but how do we start? benefi t from our overall combined are not overpaying VAT or Climate Microsoft, Adobe and others. Also older people in Wales are Now the national church, in part- purchasing power. Change Levy. You can also buy specialist accounting and Gift Aid experiencing abuse in their nership with dioceses has launched The Parish Buying service is “green” for less than you may think. software. own homes. Rhea Stevens a new service to help you. The changing this by bringing these • Heating Oil – offering a • Fire Safety – a range of invites congregations in Wales Parish Buying service aims to spends together and negotiating guaranteed level of service, high products including Ecclesiastical to sign up to Age Cymru’s Rule take the stress out of buying many favourable deals from approved priority delivery, and transparent approved 10 year fi re extinguish- Out Abuse campaign of the key products and services suppliers. daily pricing. ers which do not require annual that churches use by offering you • Photocopiers – offering a maintenance. VERYONE should have the tips, advice and national contracts National contracts range of devices, with carefully Parish Buying does not only Eright to a life free from abuse, to help you buy with confi dence, This new service has been devel- vetted contracts and very compet- offer national contracts. The where dignity, respect and safety saving time and money. oped by two National Procurement itive click charges covering all website includes a range of buying are part of the natural fabric of From the energy needed to Offi cers, Robert Kissick and consumables (except paper). guides with helpful tips and advice society. heat and light the church through Russell Stables, working with the • Stationery – free next day to help parishes buy more effec- Unfortunately this is not the to paper for the service sheets Church in Wales and the Church delivery with no minimum order. tively across a range of areas. case and Age Cymru estimates that the Anglican Church, in the UK, of England. The national contracts Demonstrated average savings of This service aims to support 39,000 older people in Wales are spends about £200 million each include: up to 35% when compared with you in your stewardship, releas- experiencing abuse in their own year on these kinds of operational • Electricity and Gas – as well standard catalogue pricing. ing resource for your mission and homes. costs. Parishes usually make these as scanning the market for best • IT Software – giving access ministry!

To fi nd out more register at www.parishbuying.org.uk; email the procurement team at procur [email protected]; or telephone: 0800 368 0887.

Birmingham. These large English fi rms continued to dominate Stained glass in our churches production well into the twentieth Often little is known of the artists or studios that created the stained glass in our churches. An online century, although some of the best artists of the arts and crafts move- resource attempts to remedy this It’s saddening to consider the ment have work in the diocese, total number of suspected adult notably Karl Parsons, who has two TAINED glass is part of the abuse cases reported to the authori- windows at St Mary’s, Tenby, Mary visual vocabulary of many of ties in 2009-2010 was just 4,913. S Lowndes, who has windows in our churches, and a pictorial mani- Clearly, there is much more that churches at Spittal and Aberaeron, festation of the church’s faith and we should and can do to protect and the Irish artist Wilhelmina tradition. Yet often little is known older people from abuse, and Age Geddes, whose last great work may of the artists or studios that made Cymru is asking congregations be found in Lampeter. them, and sometimes the meaning across Wales to help. of the windows is unclear to those Welsh artists There is no clear statutory duty that worship in their midst today. After the Second World War, Welsh on local authorities to investigate The Stained Glass in Wales artists and fi rms began to produce cases of abuse or potential abuse Project, based at the University of windows for churches in Wales. that are reported to them. Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh Swansea’s Celtic Studios produced We feel more focussed laws, and Celtic Studies, has been an many windows across south Wales, along with strengthened guidance, attempt to help remedy this by and some good examples of more training for staff, increased public providing an online searchable modern work by Welsh artists can awareness and access to advo- catalogue of stained glass in Wales. be found in the diocese, such as cacy services would ensure adult The project was initiated by the John Petts’ windows in Fishguard, protection is given the priority it artist and photographer Martin Carmarthen and Llansteffan, and deserves. Crampin, and nearly 6,000 photo- Frank Roper’s series of windows Age Cymru has developed the graphs of over 2,000 windows are at Talbenny. Since the 1980’s Rule Out Abuse campaign, calling now included on the site, from staff and students from the Welsh for a statutory duty to be placed several hundred churches. The School of Architectural Glass on public bodies, including local catalogue includes glass from in Swansea, formerly Swansea authorities, to investigate cases of medieval times up to the present Institute, produced windows for abuse or potential abuse reported to day, and all the windows may be churches in the diocese, such as them. searched thematically, by date, Tim Lewis, John Edwards, Graham We need your help to put artist or location. Jones, Caroline Loveys and Gareth vulnerable people back in control Hardly any medieval glass Morgan. of their own safety and happiness, survives in the Diocese of St Although the funding for the where abuse has taken this away. Davids, and nearly all the stained project has come to an end, long Please show your support by glass in the diocese dates from before a complete survey has signing our Rule Out Abuse c har- after 1850. In common with other been possible, it is hoped that the ter, to give every one of us who parts of Wales, the fashion for the catalogue will continue to grow. feels strongly about this issue the Gothic Revival led to the insertion It is now possible to add further chance to have our voice heard. of stained glass in many churches information and comments to the For more information about made by large Victorian fi rms such catalogue. Age Cymru’s Rule Out Abuse as William Wailes of Newcastle, Celtic Studios, The Sower, 1966, Church of St Michael, For further details visit: campaign and to sign the charter Clayton & Bell of London and Llanfi hangel-Genau’r-glyn (Llandre), designed and painted by http://stainedglass.llgc.org.uk call 02920 431555 or visit John Hardman & Company of John Edwards www.agecymru.org.uk/ruleoutabuse Pobl Dewi, March 2012 3 Appointments Bishop Ivor Rees (1926-2012) Rt Revd J. Ivor Rees, who retired as in 1995, died at his home in after a short illness on 11th January. He leaves his wife, Beverley, and three children

Canon Dennis Wight, Revd David E Hammon, Bishop’s Chaplain & part time Priest in charge of Diocesan Director of Mission Lampeter Velfrey & Llanddewi Revd Michael R P Wheatley, & Ministry, to serve also Velfrey, Social Responsibility NS Assistant Curate, Burry as Diocesan Director of Officer & Safeguarding Port w Pwll, appointed Ordinands, 1 January 2012 Officer, appointed full time Stipendiary Priest in Charge Priest in Charge of Lampeter of Burry Port w Pwll, Velfrey & Llanddewi Velfrey, 1 February 2012 1 February 2012

lar parish, the main areas of their take pastoral work and teaching as New Readers ministry are preaching and worship, directed by the Incumbent. which they share with the ordained Anyone interested in becom- Six new Readers were licensed clergy. This may include, for exam- ing a Reader should, in the first at the cathedral last October ple, leading Morning Prayer or instance, contact the Associate OLLOWING the success- Evening Prayer single-handed, the Warden of Readers Mrs Gaynor Fful completion of a two year Ministry of the Word at the Eucha- Ford (01646693452); email training course, the newly licensed rist, preaching the sermon, and, [email protected] Readers will follow their calling, within the Ministry Team, under- working in the diocese and their own parishes. This non-residen- tial course run from St Michael’s Theological College, and validated by Cardiff University to Certificate ISHOP Ivor was a big man and his humility and, as some- level, consisted of completion of Bin every way, said the Arch- one reminded me, his gentleness modules of academic work and on bishop of Wales, Dr , and his approachability, which lay various aspects of ministry. “He was physically large and he behind the formidable physique Potential Readers will now was also enormously big hearted and that powerful voice, now undergo a slightly different course, and generous, especially to his forever silent.” which is more locally based but junior colleagues. He was full of Aled Jones, who rose to fame still overseen by St Michael’s energy – he threw himself into as a treble at College. the life of the church and left his choir while Bishop Ivor was Dean So what is a Reader? mark in all the parishes in which of Bangor, said he was a “wonder- Traditionally called “lay read- he served. He was Dean of Bangor ful man with a huge, kind heart. I ers”, they are not ordained, nor are when I was the University Chap- loved him massively”. they paid. Attached to a particu- From l to r: Jenny Britton, Jim Rollinson, Graham Fisher, Canon lain and he and his wife were Born in Llanelli, Bishop Ivor Dennis Wight, Bishop Wyn, Alan Kent, Mary Bound, Gaynor Ford extremely kind to me. He was also saw active service with the Royal a great support to the bishops.” Navy in World War II in the Pacific Ocean. After studying at Aberyst- Great hearted wyth University, he was ordained Bishop Ivor will be greatly missed, in 1953 and began his ministry as a particularly in the Diocese of St curate in , where his Davids, said the Bishop of St parishes included Fishguard, Llan- Davids, , “Here was a gathen, Slebech and Uzmaston, giant in every sense: tall of stat- near Haverfordwest. continued from page 1 tions varied on what it would do. of dealing with differences rather ure; large of personality and with a One group hoped that the Covenant than apply discipline. To that extent booming voice, and great hearted. Moved North Word of God, of a nature so seri- would spell out the boundaries of it is a disappointment to those who Here was someone who was full He then moved north to serve as ous that it cannot be tolerated in a acceptable belief and practice and hoped in 2003 that TEC’s indiffer- of life and left an indelible impres- Vicar of Llangollen and Rector of church which calls itself Christian. would have sanctions to apply ence to the majority of their fellow sion; it was impossible to ignore Wrexham before being appointed So Gene Robinson’s election against parts of the Communion Anglicans, and their disregard of Bishop Ivor. He had great experi- a canon of Cathedral. He brought to the surface questions which went astray. These were scripture and tradition would be ence in the ministry of the Church became Dean of Bangor in 1976. about unity in doctrine: How can people who believed that the issue dealt with firmly. in Wales – he once told me he had In 1988 he became Archdeacon of mutually-contradictory views be at stake over Gene Robinson was But the Covenant is the only been everything from curate to St Davids and an Assistant Bishop held together? It also brought out the need to establish wholesome game in town when it comes to bishop with the exception of Minor within the Diocese. In 1991 he questions about authority: Who can doctrine and teaching. But others divisive issues in the Commun- Canon of a cathedral. He had became its 125th bishop before decide what Anglicans are bound did not want the Covenant to have ion. The Church in Wales Doctrine served in three dioceses, and his retiring in 1995. He was a Sub- by? sanctions at all. This second group Commission produced a report administrative and organisational Prelate of the Order of St John of To try to answer these ques- thought the main problem was how last year welcoming the Covenant. skills had also been recognised by Jerusalem from 1993-2002. tions the Archbishop of Canterbury Anglicans can deal with conten- In April 2011 Governing Body the Church in Wales as a whole. There will be a memorial set up a Lambeth Commission tious issues without falling out. discussed it, and the Bishop of St “But what always stayed in service for Bishop Ivor on Satur- on Communion in October 2003. The final draft of the Covenant Asaph (who in his previous post people’s minds was his rapport day 31st March at 3 pm in St By a long process of consultation document (available on the Angli- was closely involved in drafting it) with people. He was interested in Davids Cathedral. and discussion this resulted in a can Communion website) is called expressed his view of its purpose them; remembered who they were. Cynhelir gwasanaeth coffa proposal for an Anglican Cove- the Ridley Draft. It would be fair when he said ‘We need the Cove- In particular, he enjoyed being yr Esgob Ivor ddydd Sadwrn, nant, a form of binding agreement to say that it fulfils the aspirations nant . . . to hold friends together.’ with children and young people. 31 Mawrth, am 3pm yn Eglwys between parts of the Communion, of the second group rather than the Ven Will Strange, In turn people remembered him: Gadeiriol Tyddewi, ac mae’n which would . . . well, expecta- first: it is trying to establish a way Archdeacon of Cardigan they remembered his humour agored i bawb sydd am ddod. 4 Pobl Dewi, March 2012 Coming home The BBC visits St Tudwal’s Church, Llanstadwell, to film a programme about Charles Dale’s genealogy. Dorothy Cox considers it to have been a worthwhile and enjoyable experience

T 8.30pm on the Wednesday stories of about the various celebri- Abefore the congre- ties he had chauffeured in the past. gation of St Tudwal’s Church, After a brief earlier visit by the Llanstadwell was eagerly await- production team the filming took ing the start of the Coming Home place on a warm, sunny Septem- programme on BBC 1 Wales. It was ber Saturday. Everything had to the 4th in the series and featured be completed over the weekend the actor Charles Dale who plays because when Charles is film- the big, burly, paramedic in Casu- ing he has to be in the alty. Charles has family in Tenby studio from Monday to Friday. The and, through the programme, was able to tell Charles something congregation were asked to provide hoping to find out a little more about one of his ancestors who assistance with ‘crowd control’ about previous generations of his worked in the parish. (that is making sure any visitors family, some of whom lived in The film team consisted of the to the church didn’t interrupt the The grave of one of Charles Dale’s ancestors Llanstadwell. Three months earlier producer, two sound and light- filming), manning the kettle and Charles and the film crew had been ing technicians, the presenter, just generally being around in case Everything ran on and they again requiring infinite patience on to St Tudwal’s to film some of the and Charles himself with a driver, anything was needed. The original finally left just after 4 o’clock! As the part of everyone, but as the end important parts of the story, as two Andy, who acted as a general assis- plan was to film at the church in the the weather was so good this was result was so enjoyable when we of his ancestors are buried in the tant, collecting sandwiches when morning and then they would all no hardship for the locals involved. finally got to see it three months churchyard and mention is made the prospect of anyone having any move on to Tenby, via Carew for There are few lovelier places to later, and the cheque for church of them in the registers. Simon lunch looked distinctly remote, and a visit to the WWII Control Tower. while away a sunny afternoon. funds arrived, it was deemed to Hancock, our local historian, was keeping everyone entertained with Of course, “the best laid plans . . . ” Scenes were shot time and time have all been very worthwhile.

ifanc. Dechreuodd ganu clychau ar ei ben-blwydd yn 12 oed ac, Clychau Padarn Sant erbyn heddiw, mae’n glochydd poblogaidd a thalentog. Cafodd The bells of St Padarns Church, Llanbadarn Fawr, near Lisa hithau dro ar ganu’r clychau Aberystwyth, are part of the story of one of the most important dan gyfarwyddyd gofalus yr churches in mid Wales, dating back to the 12th century. In early hyfforddwr Bob Macintyre. October 2011, ringers were contacted by Cwmni Da Television Erbyn 7.45 yr hwyr, roedd about filming in the tower for the S4C series ‘Darn Bach o Hanes’. nifer dda o glochyddion wedi John Wildig enjoyed the occasion cyrraedd gan roi darlun ardder- chog o noson ymarfer gyffredin AE clychau Padarn Sant Yn gynnar ym mis Hydref – amrywiaeth o ddulliau canu a Myn rhan o hanes un o’r cysylltodd y cwmni teledu Cwmni dechreuwyr yn derbyn hyfforddi- eglwysi hynafol yr esobga- Da â’r clochyddion ynglŷn â ant. Gwisgai’r criw glustgapiau eth. Mae’r adeilad yn dyddio ffilmio yn y tŵr ar gyfer cyfres a ffilmiwyd y clychau’n cael o’r ddeuddegfed ganrif ac yng deledu S4C ‘Darn Bach o Hanes’ eu canu yn y siambr glychau nghanol y ddeunawfed ganrif, sy’n ymdrin â chreiriau traddo- uwchben. Toc ar ôl 9 o’r gloch, castiodd Abraham Rudhall o diadol a hanesyddol Cymru. siarad am y pentref a’r clychau; ac lluniau cefndirol o fan uchel yn y dangosodd y ffilm y clochyddion Gaerloyw y clychau cyntaf. Wedi trafod, gwelwyd y Mae ganddi glochyddion fynwent ac yn sgwâr y pentref, ac yn ei throi hi allan o’r eglwys ac Ond erbyn diwedd yr ugein- byddai eglwys Sant Padarn sy’n siarad Cymraeg. yna bu Lisa Gwilym yn cyfweld am y Llew Du ar sgwâr y pentref, fed ganrif roedd angen gwaith yn llwyr ateb y gofynion: Trefnwyd ffilmio bryn- yr hanesydd lleol, Gerald Morgan, yn parhau hen draddodiad arall cynnal a chadw ar y ffrâm a’r 8 Mae’n eglwys hynafol mewn hawn dydd Iau, 10 Tachwedd, yn y clochdy am hanes y pentref ar ddiwedd ymarferion. Bu’r cloch, a thrwy waith adnewyddu pentref hanesyddol; yng nghwmni’r cynhyrchydd, a’r eglwys. Cyfwelodd y clochy- profiad ffilmio yn un diddorol a drud iawn ffitiwyd ffrâm ddur Mae ynddi glychau o’r gorffen- Euros Wyn, a’r cyflwynydd, ddion, Fran Didsbury a David phleserus a gwelwyd ffrwyth y newydd ac ailgastiwyd y clychau. nol ac o’r presennol; Lisa Gwilym, yn ogystal â dyn Phillips, hefyd am glochyddia- paratoi manwl iawn ymlaen llaw. Mae pobl leol a myfyrwyr fel ei Mae canu clychau yn ffynnu yma; camera a’r dyn recordio. eth. Mae David bellach yn 17 Dangoswyd y rhaglen gilydd ymhlith y clochyddion. Byddai hanesydd lleol yn gallu Dechreuwyd drwy dynnu’r oed ac yn un o ddau glochydd nos Lun, 23 Ionawr 2012.

After WW2, Herbrandston was was expressed by installing a pipe for S4C news. We learned that a again favoured by the safe return of organ in the church. TV reporter is not accompanied Doubly thankful all its 36 servicemen and women. A lot of interest has been by a large truck laden with equip- Villages in England and Wales sparked by the Thankful Village ment, sound men and cameramen Peter Absolon recounts a remarkable story, which attracted the where everyone had returned story, and we were visited by a – he arrives in an ordinary car attention of S4C last November, of the safe return of all those safely from both wars became TV reporter on Remembrance by himself, with his own movie from Herbrandston who served in both world wars known as Doubly Thankful. This Sunday who seemed to spend all camera and tripod, in front of time, Herbrandston’s thankfulness day preparing a two-minute item which he walks up and down. The LL 34 of those who went officer when they quarrelled after reporter left a few minutes after the Ato war in WW1 from drinking at a nearby port, although service began to meet the deadline Herbrandston, near Milford Haven, eventually, the accused was found for broadcasting, having captured came back alive and unharmed. not guilty. A marble cross was put some stereotypical village church Freda James wrote “Of course, no on the grave and, shortly thereaf- sounds and images. war memorial needed to be erected, ter, a hand and a dagger appeared Remembrance Sunday 2011 so instead a beautiful reredos was on the stonework. Some inter- is in the past but the basic truth put in the chancel of St Mary’s preted this as a supernatural sign remains: twice our soldiers Church, Herbrandston, as a mark of retribution and Herbrandston returned from world wars; twice of thanksgiving. So grateful was churchyard still receives many the village has been thankful. Let a local man by the name of James visitors just to see the hand.” us not boast that we are in any way that he pointed the whole chancel Around 1930, Arthur Mee lucky. Let us continue to remember free of charge. termed communities such as ours, the horrors of war. And let us go “There is a young soldier’s whose members had all returned on being thankful for the past, and grave in Herbrandston churchyard safely from the war, ‘Thankful using our gifts to God’s glory now but he was stabbed by a fellow Villages’. and in the future. Pobl Dewi, March 2012 5

calls to invite participation in focus groups, the target behaviour was Getting There narrowed down to commuting from the Fishguard area to Haverford- As a result of questionnaire responses in Fishguard, Transition west for work. Anyone travelling Bro Gwaun is encouraging more use of public transport and car that part of the A40 will recognise sharing, reports Jeremy Martineau the “train” of single occupancy cars pouring south in the morning RANSITION BRO GWAUN, or cycle to school instead of you amongst which might be a partially Tone of the growing number taking them in the car, shopping filled bus. The same is true in the of Transition groups in the world, locally instead of in distant super- evening rush home. The challenge has been conducting a “Behav- markets, or some other? And how is to see if encouragement to use iour Change” research project about walking to church? public transport, or to share cars, supported by Environment Wales Transition volunteers designed can more can be effective. A trial to identify which “behaviour” we a questionnaire for use by year pilot project may be considered at might try to change to reduce our 10 at school and another for use a later date. The convenience of carbon emissions most effectively. in community organisations, to using one’s own car, parked just As Christians we are involved discover how local people get to by the front door is so tempting but in seeking behaviour change – work, shop and social activity, and damaging on communities, one’s usually in ourselves, more than why they use the travel method own health and on the planet. in others, perhaps. We used some they do. Readers may think “but Christians ought to be amongst petrol is rationed or more highly part over £850 a year; that’s quite a community-based “social market- of course we use the car because it the most enthusiastic supporters for priced to encourage commuters pay rise! ing” tools to identify the behaviour is convenient.” Our research meth- reducing car use. Why? Because to save money and use their own to address in the area of transpor- ods scientifically tested out this we see our responsibility for caring car less, or to fill it with car shar- Further information from: tation. Would it be to take more assumption. for God’s creation so clearly. ers. The AA reckons such sharing www.liftshare.com exercise, to get your child to walk Backed up by house to house Perhaps we shall have to wait until would save each household taking www.transitionbrogwaun.org.uk Ceredigion Heritage NightLight ARMARTHEN NightLight Churches Trail Chas just celebrated its first anniversary and Bishop Wyn Visitors to Wales, and even locals, are often unaware of the many joined the street team to mark interesting churches and chapels tucked away in the stunning the occasion. NightLight volun- countryside of Ceredigion. These little gems contain a treasure teers have been out on the streets trove of fascinating stories, which would greatly enhance the of Carmarthen every Saturday visitor’s experience, if only they knew about them, says Roger night between about 11 pm and 3 Haggar am since 15 January 2011. The scheme is ecumenical and is run AST autumn a European and the buildings during daylight hours, by the local branch of Cytun. It LWelsh Government funded as they say it reduces the costs and currently has 23 volunteers from Heritage Tourism programme damage associated with forced nine churches and chapels of vari- was launched by Cadw, the Welsh entry. Churches that are already ous denominations. members of the Steering Group Botticelli, Helene Crawford, Tony Government’s historic environment open during the day report a huge Pictured with Bishop Wyn are – (from left) Coralie Steel, Neil Goddard, Flis Randall and Hilary service, with the aim of increas- appreciation being expressed by the street team, the prayer team and Duquemin, Tim Howells, Angelo Gould. ing the number of visitors, and both locals and visitors. It says their impact on the local economy, something of the openness and through developing and promoting welcome of the Christian faith. volunteers’ administration time the rich heritage of Wales. Trefta- The Heritage Churches Trail is can be used to offset the total cost. daeth Llandre Heritage (TLH), a one of nine projects across Wales This, together with other grants in Learn with Grandma local community-based charity in to benefit from a £2.4 million the pipeline, means that the three- Even the youngest of children can learn what to do in the event north west Ceredigion, responded pot from Cadw’s £19m Heritage year project can start this spring. of an emergency, says Val Wood-Gaiger by suggesting a discovery trail of Tourism Project which is backed The ultimate intention is to heritage churches and chapels in with £8.5m of European funding link the trail with other heritage HEARD about a little 4 year old is trying to help grandparents and the area, each with its own unique through the Welsh Government. projects in the area so that visi- I boy who saved his grandma’s children learn from each other, storyline and historical setting. Cadw has agreed to grant £113,000 tors to mid Wales will come to life by ringing 999 when his grand- have fun together, and for details Cadw accepted this idea and (45% of the total cost) on condition understand and experience the rich mother had a heart attack. I could of local grandparent & children invited a fully costed proposal that the remaining 55% is found heritage of Ceredigion, and see not stop thinking about the brave, networks, write to Granny Val, against a very tight deadline. With from other sources. Fortunately, how churches and chapels continue clever little boy who did not panic Myddfai, Llandovery SA20 0NZ little time for full consultation, 12 TLH already has a significant grant to have a significant part to play but quickly got help. I thought of (an SAE and a small donation would potential churches/chapels were from Heritage Lottery Fund, and into the future. all the children now being cared help! Learn with Grandma is a tiny identified and a project schedule for by their grandparents and the not for profit company run by just a was drafted. story of this little boy brought it few volunteers). Please visit As well as stimulating visitor home to me that both children and www.learnwithgrandma.org numbers and encouraging people grandparents are at risk and that all to explore off the beaten track, children should know what to do in the project was seen as a means of an emergency. enabling both the local community So we came up with this card. and visitors to engage spiritu- Little children, even toddlers, can be ally with these places of worship. taught what to do, making danger- Moreover, by opening up these ous situations less frightening for sacred spaces, it is expected that them. Play a game of “What to do this will lead to more sustained use if Grandma or Grandpa need help’’ of these buildings and contribute and explain how to follow the towards community regeneration. instructions on the card. I hope you Some of the participating will play the game and that you will churches expressed nervousness keep the card by the phone – just in about keeping their doors open. case – and I hope your children or Ecclesiastical Insurance has now grandchildren never have to use it! provided reassurance and has St Michaels, Llandre For more information about strongly encouraged the opening of other ways Learn with Grandma 6 Pobl Dewi, March 2012

Lucy Moore, who ran the training day, asked who has more Learning across the ages influence over the children. Us, “Messy Church is one church’s attempt to be church for families who maybe see them once a year who might want to meet Jesus, belong to their local church and for a holiday club, or their parents bring up their children as Christians but can’t cope with traditional who spend the other 51 weeks with them? Families do lots together Sunday morning church services” – Messy Church Website when the children are young but as they grow older and other activities OVEMBER 5th is well known distract them the family doesn’t Nfor its exciting displays of come together as often. Messy fireworks and burning bonfires! Church is an opportunity for fami- 5th November last year saw excite- lies to come together and travel in ment and burning of a different the same direction on a journey of sort. The burning desire to see faith no matter where on that jour- families coming to church and the ney they are. excitement that it is possible! Are we, in our churches, reach- A training day was run in the ing out to whole families or are we Model School, Carmarthen, for maximum) and then a simple meal only serving the children? Parents anyone in the Diocese to come together. have huge influence over their chil- along and find out more. The Eating together can seem dren and we’re missing so many school hall was buzzing with the daunting in many of our buildings of them! Can we reach out to them conversation of those who are but it is possible. In its simplest and introduce them to Jesus too already doing Messy Church and form it could be sandwiches and through Messy Church? wanted to visit and see one in [email protected] those who are keen to start. crisps! The food isn’t the impor- There are Messy Churches action or for more information or or Marianne Osborne: A typical session includes tant bit – it’s the relationships and happening in our Diocese already resources visit: [email protected] games, crafts based around a theme community that are formed by and those running them would www.messychurch.org.uk/ to find out more and to get help a very short service (15 minutes eating together. gladly welcome anyone who Contact Naomi Wood: starting your own Messy Church.

That night long ago when our Lord was born he appeared to What the Shrek? be a very ordinary human child but, as he grew into a man, God’s A surprising parallel is drawn between Epiphany and a cartoon love for humanity was revealed character. Marianne Osborne explains to us through His Son, and Christ became the saviour, the rescuer, HE deanery of Roose cele- played an active part in the service, of us all. The epiphany of those Tbrated Epiphany in style this sharing the readings and prayers, magi, wise men or kings, and their year at Llanstadwel, Neyland. with Alan Chadwick leading us realisation of how special this tiny The Area Dean’s garden was full in some uplifting worship songs baby was, came to them much of adventure and fun as we stood accompanied by Steve, one of his earlier than to the rest of human- around an enormous bonfire, with parishioners. kind because they had seen it in the the combination of hotdogs, drink- I can hear the cogs ferociously stars. The gifts they brought to the ing chocolate and flickering flames turning in the minds of all the manger were truly fit for royalty, keeping the early evening chill theologically inspired among you for a child who would become the away! asking how you can compare the Lamb of God, the greatest gift ever Once the bonfire had died family film Shrek with the story of given to the world. down and young tummies were Epiphany. Well, with a little imag- As it says in Mark 10, with content we moved into the church ination and a lot of prayer! We know her, through the wonderful burst of understanding or even a God all things are possible, even to worship and share the wonder looked at Princess Fiona and how, story of the constant battle of good showing forth of light and truth, as an evening of finding God in the of the magi and their exotic gifts. on first meeting her, she seemed to against evil, we find that she has an her true self is revealed through the story of a great green ogre and his Children and their parents all be very ordinary but, on getting to epiphany all of her own, a sudden love she has for her rescuer Shrek. beloved! Dewi Youth Website Ysgol Gynradd Wirfoddol A new website is under construction for those working with the children and young people of our diocese. Naomi Wood encourages readers to get in touch Reoledig Llanddarog ARIANNE OSBOURNE but that might take some time to set and I are starting a new up. The more information we have, M The Children & Youth Development Team Co-ordinator, Naomi Wood, website specifically for the the better it will be. At present the visits Ysgol Llanddarog Youth and Children’s work of the website is mainly in English but we Diocese. We have news of recent do have an ‘Adnoddau Cymraeg’ Ar fore Iau, Rhagfyr yr 8fed events, a calendar of future events, section that we will be updating daeth Mrs Naomi Wood, resources, teaching ideas and much regularly. Eventually we hope that Cyd-lynydd Tîm Datblygiad more. It is in the process of being much of the site will be bilingual. Plant ac Ieuenctid Esgobaeth finalised but you can view its If you have any resources that Ty Ddewi i’r oedfa foreol beginnings at http://dewiyouth.org/ you find particularly helpful or yn yr ysgol. Roedd Yr If you have any youth or chil- inspiring please let either Mari- Hybarch Alun Evans sef dren’s events going on in your anne or me have the details so that Ficer Plwyf Llanddarog hefyd area we would love to know about we can share that information with yn bresennol. Daeth Mrs. them and advertise them for you so others. You can contact us directly Wood i gyflwyno ei hun i’r that, firstly, people can come and, through the website. We hope you ysgol fel rhan o’i thaith o secondly, we can pray for you and find the site helpful and please let gwmpas ysgolion Eglwys your work. We would like to create us know of your events! yr Esgobaeth. Rhoddodd an interactive map of the Diocese anerchiad byr i’r disgyblion yn ystod y gwasanaeth. Edrychwn ymlaen fel ysgol i gyd weithio gyda hi yn y dyfodol Pobl Dewi, March 2012 7 Bicentennial celebrations £4,000 and a reunion raised for An invitation to attend celebrations for the bicentenary of St John’s College, Ystrad Meurig Plant Dewi On Saturday 24 September over 100 people turned out to a Gala Lunch held in aid of Plant Dewi. Sue Fletcher is grateful to everyone who supports the work of our diocesan children’s charity

HE Gala Lunch, held at TStradey Castle with the kind permission of the hosts, Patrick and Claire Mansel Lewis, was attended by guests from all over the diocese, with monies raised going to support Plant Dewi’s work A big vote of thanks also goes always welcome and if anyone has T John’s College at Ystrad A reunion for “Old Boys” is with children, young people and to all those who supported our any time to spare, and would like to SMeurig, near Aberystwyth, being arranged for Friday 6th July their families. work in other ways during 2011, help out, please call the manager, educated young men primarily for and a Eucharist of Thanksgiving Marian Daniels of Llanddarog such as support groups, donations, Daniel Withey, on 01267 238408. the ordained ministry until 1973. will be celebrated in Saint John’s was the fantastic chef and, with her collections at Christingle services, It is Plant Dewi’s 10th anniver- The building is now “The Canol- Church at midday on Saturday team of helpers, worked tirelessly Christmas card sales, and events. sary this year – please continue to fan Edward Richard Centre”, 7th, with the address given by The until each course had been served. We are also very grateful to those support our work in any way you taking its name from the founder Right Revd , former Sulwyn Thomas, Plant Dewi who work as volunteers in the Plant can. of education in Ystrad Meurig, and and lecturer at Ambassador for the Archdeacon of Dewi shop – more volunteers are is managed by the Ystrad Meurig the College. Carmarthen, did a brilliant job as Community Association, whose It is hoped that as many “Old compère for the day. members have decided to cele- Boys” as possible will join in the The event was enjoyed by brate the bicentenary of the college celebrations and a very warm all who attended and raised over building this year. welcome is extended to all. £4,000. We would like to say a big Dadventure From 30th June to 14th July For further details please contact thank you to everyone who worked a series of activities including an Mike Lewis on 01974 831518, so hard to make it such a success exhibition on the history of the insti- [email protected]. and to all of those who contributed tution will be held in the Centre. to the funds raised. ‘He’s behind you . . . ’ Young carers of Pembrokeshire enjoy a day out at the pantomime. John Goodwin reports AST June, St James Church, lots of “he’s behind you”, hissing Dale Community Council; Milford LDale, held a hymns and brass and booing, screaming and shout- Probus Club; Mr Michael James; event on Dale beach to raise funds ing. The expression on the faces of The Old Deli Milford; Crisp and for a day out for the Young Carers the children was magical, and was Fry Cross Hands; the Variety Club Bishop Wyn’s visit to the Plant Dewi dads’ support group in of Pembrokeshire. The cause was reward in itself for the organisers. and to all the good folk of the area Milford Haven inspired their five-a-side ‘footie’ team to second very much in the minds of a lot After the show the principal who donated and helped to this spot in its first tournament of generous people and, together members of the cast, including cause – a very big thank you. with gifts in kind, raised just under Jimmy Osmond, joined us in the £2000. This is what happened to stalls to meet and chat. For the some of the money. youngsters, and some of the more Friday 16th December – Panto ‘mature’ helpers in our party, this Day – Aladdin at the Grand Theatre was another highlight. in Swansea. The organisers were Having, yet again, battled out at 8.30am to collect 43 packed through the crowds of people at lunches, then on to Tiers Cross to the bus station we arrived back at board the coach. our coach with a full complement, After making collections in to the great relief of all, before the Haverfordwest, Milford, Pembroke finale of the day –a fish and chip Dock and Tenby, we all settled in supper at the Crisp and Fry in for the drive to Swansea, where, Cross Hands. having parked, we walked the We arrived home at 9.30pm. few hundred yards to the theatre, tired and happy, safe and sound, making sure our 30 charges, and thanks to the expertise of Lee, our their helpers, were not mislaid in friendly driver. the crowds of shoppers. The generosity of everybody On arrival, all the children needs to be recorded, as, with- were given pocket money and out them, the trip could not have programmes. We were met by taken place: South Hook Terminal; Mr Jim Hughes, an International Edwards Coaches, Tiers Cross; G. Barker for the Variety Club of Edwards Office Supplies; Capes- , who donated the ton Organic Chickens; Taberna tickets for the pantomime. Quiz nights (or should it be The show was fantastic, with Knights?); Milford Town Council; 8 Pobl Dewi, March 2102 Focus on the Olympics The world centre of mission in 2012

N 6 July 2005 the announce- Revd David Richards, originally from Llanelli, now Vicar of St John’s, Stratford, considers the short venture. Oment was made that London and long-term effects which the Olympics are having on his parish. He is also enjoying the challenge This is a huge challenge, but would host the Olympic & Para- of working with 18 churches in the area, and several organisations, to encourage visitors to the St John’s has grown from 40 to lympic Games. Ten minutes later Games to participate in events under the banner of ‘The Ultimate Gold’ 400 members in the last 20 years, a friend sent an email, “Stratford has developed an outward-look- – the world centre of Mission in because the emphasis is on short- joined together and organised Paralympic Games. St John’s will ing mission from the church and 2012”. We knew that St John’s term tenancies, which don’t lead to several “practice” events. We will also be a hospitality centre for the churchyard in the centre of town, would be the Parish Church for a rooted community. Much of the work together to share the Good Anglican Communion. and has been actively involved in most of the Olympic Park – no detail for development of the Park News of Jesus with all the visi- For more details see regeneration in Stratford during pressure then! is vague at present. An unfortu- tors this summer in the “Ultimate www.stratfordchurches.co.uk that time. This confirms that God is The Olympics are having a nate side-effect of the Games is the Gold” mission. – there is also information on in charge, and was planning for the massive short-term effect locally. fact that a whole estate of houses We have partnered with becoming a prayer partner and Games a long time ago. Residents and businesses are is threatened with demolition, Through Faith Missions (who led making a donation to support this trying to work out how to survive because proximity to the Olym- Walk St David in 2010), Youth the transport restrictions – how pic Park has increased its value as With A Mission and Open Air will shops get deliveries (will we a development site – a sad case of Campaigners. We plan a Children’s starve?), will banks get cash for local people being marginalised zone, Prayer, Christian entertain- Every schoolboy’s dream their machines, will staff get into now that Stratford is so important. ment and open-air worship in St Michael Smith, from North London, writes of his journey work, will doctors get to their A positive outcome from the John’s Churchyard, together with to this year’s Paralympics surgeries, will the pubs run dry challenge of the Games has been events in different church build- because they cannot get supplies of the response of the local churches. ings and outreach to pubs and beer? Eighteen Stratford churches have cafés, throughout the Olympic and Long-term effects are harder to forecast. Stratford has been chang- ing since I became Vicar in 1990, with huge amounts of new building (some of which was demolished to make way for the Olympics). The International Station and Europe’s largest urban shopping centre (Westfield Stratford City) were at the planning stage before the Olympic announcement and they will bring lasting benefits in terms of employment. The Olym- pic legacy will leave us the main Michael Smith, right, with his twin brother Daniel stadium, the world-class Aquatic VERY schoolboy’s dream: auditory means to locate the ball, Centre and Velopark and an Olym- Estanding in front of hundreds my love for the game, and my confi- pic Village consisting of some and singing the national anthem dence, grew the more I played and rather indifferent blocks of flats. before representing England inter- practised. Blind football proved to The Olympics have encouraged a nationally became a reality for me be a perfect coping mechanism for lot of housing developments, but six months ago. A surreal experi- this sudden onset disability and Open air service in St John’s Churchyard they may cause problems in future ence for a 20-year-old university an area where I could channel my student studying geography at anger and upset. Making my league King’s College, however this has debut in early 2011 in the National been capped off by the most excit- Blind Premier League was terrific, Olympic torch ing yet toughest years I’ll ever live. and scoring the winning goal Stuart Bell looks forward to the arrival, on Pentecost Sunday, of the Olympic torch in Aberystwyth Being blinded by a rare genetic against Leicester in the process condition in early 2010 represented acted as a springboard for more HERE is growing excitement the local churches will be extending nity. This will unite the deanery the end of life as I knew it, but goals to come against the likes Tin the Aberystwyth area as an invitation to them and to their with a strong sense of purpose and signified the beginning of a vigor- of Everton and West Bromwich. plans develop for welcoming the families to join in special Pentecost mission for this historic event. ous rehabilitation process that is Despite the compromise of univer- Olympic torch to the town. This is services for the whole commu- still ongoing. The importance of sity commitments and personal the climax of the itinerary for Cere- sport and my faith were instilled time, this conscientious attitude digion, leading to the torch ‘resting’ in me from a young age and I used paid off resulting in a call-up to the overnight before travelling north. to juggle my time between Barnet England development squad. To A two hour extravaganza is in the Church and footballing and running pull on the three lions and compete planning with choirs, soloists and commitments. Not having the abil- internationally, with the values this other presentations as part of the ity to play sports anymore was imbues, was a tremendous achieve- celebrations. By a wonderful coin- the toughest aspect of sight loss, ment and through more hard work cidence it will be Pentecost Sunday but, determined and motivated a call up to Team GB followed (27th May) which gives Chris- to reclaim this essential aspect of shortly after further performances tians a particular connection with my life, I started training with the in the league. the day. As the torch arrives in the London Blind Football Team. Preparation for the Paralym- town so we will be celebrating the Initially extremely disillusioned pics, however, means incredible coming of the fire of the Spirit as about the game in which all play- commitment as well as sacrifices in the church of Jesus Christ exploded ers have to wear blindfolds (some diet, exercise regimes and training into life. members of the team have a little camps, but with Team GB vying All the school children in the vision, although it is severely for a medal this summer, and with area will be doing projects on the restricted, and blindfolds ensure competition fiercer than ever, this Olympics and to link in with that none of us can see) and use solely is definitely a price worth paying. Pobl Dewi, March 2012 9 Sustainability and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London

Joanna Hoad, Chair of the Blue Badge Guides 2012 committee, considers the sustainability credentials of London’s Olympic Games and says that legacy is all important HE summer of 2012 will be Tremembered by millions of people worldwide for the Olym- pic and Paralympic Games. Four billion people worldwide are expected to watch television cover- age of the different sports. Jessica Ennis, Usain Bolt, David Weir, Dai Greene, Ellie Simmonds, Victoria Pendleton, Sir Chris Hoy, Oscar Pistorius, Becky Adlington, Nathan Stephens, Mo Farah and others will become household names. Decisions are being taken by the Olympic Park Legacy Company to determine the use of the venues in legacy, so that the community can take possession © Pamela McHutchon 2012 of their Park once the Paralympic Closing Ceremony is over. Sustain- Pancras and Stratford International Giant Hogweed were destroyed; ability was at the heart of London’s with trains taking 7 minutes. Ten 52 electricity pylons were removed winning bid for the 2012 Games. different rail or tube lines feed the and the electric cabling buried in Forward planning has been funda- three designated stations for spec- tunnels. mental in every decision taken by tators arriving at the Games, there The Cultural Olympiad has the Olympic Delivery Authority will be no public car parking: tick- inspired all types of people across (ODA). ets will include public transport the nation to play a part in the cele- The Olympic and Paralym- within London. brations. The Torch Relay is just pic Village will be converted into The Parklands team are creating one example. On the Park itself, 2,800 homes, half of them afford- the largest urban park in Europe for the most obvious cultural symbol is able housing for key workers. 150 years. More than 4,000 semi- the 114 metre tall sculpture – The Employment has been created for mature trees have been planted and Orbit. It is expected that this will host borough residents, in an area acres of plants and turf have trans- inspire tourists to visit in legacy © Pamela McHutchon 2012 where there has been, historically, formed the 500 acre site. The soil and be as recognisable as Big Ben, significant unemployment – people was polluted and impacted, parts of Tower Bridge and the London Eye. finding a job for the first time in the park were an industrial waste- Think about a visit to the their working lives. land. 1.4 million tonnes of soil Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Transport links are already has been washed free of pollut- once the fences come down, and Trace the tracks of ancient pilgrims, in place. The high speed line ants; the equivalent of 10 football see for yourself! is already working between St fields of Japanese Knotweed and kings, saints, madmen and paupers painted by the children of Farms for On 16th June, a group of pilgrims will undertake a 22 day journey City Kids who have been declaring across South Wales to St Davids. The inspiration for the journey Power of the Flame their wishes for Wales on Pembro- has risen from the ancient spirit of pilgrimage but it is also an Gwyn Williams, from the Arts Council of Wales, keshire stones. The pilgrims will be occasion to celebrate the arrival of the Olympics to Britain, writes highlights the Cultural Olympiad, and previews some welcomed to St David’s on July 7 Andrew Dugmore events in St Davids Diocese by a major city celebration which culminates at the Bishop’s Palace. HIS ambitious trek across and cathedral of St David but T is less than six months until Another of the projects is Tthe South Wales landscape also an inward spiritual journey Ithe greatest show in the world Following the Flame which uncov- of hills, valleys, industrial land- of searching, seeking and affir- comes to the UK. The Olympic ers the stories of our great Welsh marks and rural pastoral lands, mation. Others will come simply Games is a celebration of great athletes. This has given rise to a begins at Llanthony Priory near the to share our country, culture and sporting achievements but the Lon- touring exhibition, with publica- English border. The walk will pass friendships. don Games are also committed to tions, theatre, film and music. Young ancient sites, holy wells and links Cauldrons and Furnaces is a UK-wide Cultural Olympiad. people have been inspired to cele- in the Cadw sites of Blaenavon part of the Wales wide project – Since 2008 we have been develop- brate our rich sporting heritage with Iron Works, Caerphilly Castle, Power of the Flame – which has ing a remarkable cultural project in contemporary expressions of art, Laugharne Castle and the Bishops been funded by Legacy Trust UK, Wales called Power of the Flame poetry and song. The exhibition will Palace, St Davids. The arrival of creating a lasting impact from the and, so far, just over 52,000 young be at the National Library of Wales, the pilgrims at St Davids on July London Olympic and Paralympic people have taken part. The name Aberystwyth, from 31st March until 7th will coincide with a grand cele- Games by funding ideas and local alludes to the Olympic flame but 16th June and workshops on the bration and procession of music talent to inspire creativity across it also invokes the breath of the stories of Welsh athletes are avail- and artists through St Davids. the UK. dragon, symbol of the brilliance of inspiration. It was Pope Calixtus II able free of charge. Some will come in the ancient Further information at Welsh musicians, artists, poets and who declared that two pilgrimages The scope of Power of the spirit of pilgrimage, an outward www.pilgrimage2012.co.uk authors. to St David’s equalled one to Rome Flame has been achieved through journey on foot to the holy shrine Power of the Flame has five and during the summer of 2012 partnerships. Arts Council of constituent projects and Cauldrons pilgrims will again be walking Wales leads the project and has and Furnaces is a partnership with the ancient route from Llanthony engaged with well over half the Cadw. This has been an opportunity Abbey near Hay-on-Wye to St local authorities in Wales. Tens of to allow young people to explore David’s. It begins on June 17 and thousands of young people will, in fascinating and ancient build- will take in castles, holy wells and future, reflect that not only were ings throughout Wales. St David’s ancient sites on the way. The jour- they part of the greatest show in the Bishop’s Palace is one such build- ney will be marked along its length world but that they helped shape it. ing that we have been using as an by the placing of 900 golden stones For more information about Power of the Flame: www.artswales.org/what-we-do/funding/what-we-fund-in-wales/cultural-olympiad/power-of-the-flame 10 Pobl Dewi, March 2012 Cydweithio ar ei orau St Davids Cathedral Festival, Enfys Tanner celebrates the reopening of St Mary’s, Burry Port, after a £600,000 refurbishment, to make it fit for mission and 27 May – 8 June ministry in the 21st century This year the festival welcomes its new Artistic Director, Daniel Cook, and, as our Royal Patron, Her HAGFYR diwethaf fe ([email protected]) Majesty the Queen, celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year, several concerts have been arranged Radawodd y Parchedig Paul am £6 yn cynnwys cludiant. in honour of this event Davies â’n plwyf ym Morth Ond ei waddol mwyaf yw’r Tywyn a Pwll a symud i’w gwaddol ysbrydol a adawodd inni. HE festival opens with a Christian Forshaw, The Garden of perform ‘The Dream of Gerontius’. swydd newydd fel Archddiacon Mae gennym eglwys unedig ac Trecital by Olivier Latry, Organ- Eloquence, the Mousai Singers and The Children’s Festival Chorus Bangor. Bu gyda ni am bron i hapus gyda’r addoli yn ffynnu yn ist of Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris The Three Welsh Tenors. Organist concert, will take place on 31st May, chwe mlynedd ac yn y cyfnod y ddwy iaith. Mae’r cysylltiadau (pictured), and concludes with a Richard Hills and Stephen Farr will and the Young Musicians Platforms hwnnw enillodd barch mawr ag eglwysi a chapeli’r dref yn nes performance by jazz pianist Joe perform during the week. will feature harpist Nest Jenkins yn yr eglwys a’r gymuned. nag y buont erioed. Ymdrechodd Stilgoe. The BBC National Orchestra of and young organist Matthew Jorysz. Mae ei waddol yn un cyfoet- i uno’r gymuned Gristnogol yn The official launch of the festi- Wales will enthral once again and Daniel Cook and Simon Pearce, the hog iawn. O safbwynt ymarferol, y dref , ysbrydoliaeth i ni i gyd. val’s ongoing partnership with the the Festival Chorus and Orches- Cathedral organists, will be playing fe arweiniodd dîm cryf a Rhoddodd y teulu Elkington John Armitage Memorial Trust tra, with the Cathedral Choir to in a series of candle lit performances; gweithgar a frwydrodd yn galed adeilad y Santes Fair i’r gymuned will be on 5th June, and this year’s other late night slots include pianist i gwblhau’r project uchelgeisiol ac mae unwaith eto yn cael ei commission, composed by Matthew Jocelyn Freeman and bass Mark i wneud adeilad y Santes Fair chyflwyno nôl i’r gymuned. Martin, will be premiered live as Begbie yn addas ar gyfer eglwys yn yr Ysgrifennodd Miss Brenda part of BBC Radio 3’s Choral Even- The concert at Llanrhian Church unfed ganrif ar hugain. Rhoddodd Lewis, aelod ffyddlon o’r song on 6th June. in collaboration with Live Music i ni ym Morth Tywyn adeilad y eglwys, ddarn barddoniaith ar The St Davids Cathedral Now!, will feature the Royal Harpist gallem fod yn falch ohono. Yng achlysur ail agor yr eglwys. Choirs will feature predominantly, to HRH The Prince of Wales, Hannah nghefn yr eglwys trawsffurfiwyd and, for the first time, we welcome Stone, with soprano Rhian Lewis. y gofod i greu’r hyn a elwid yn The New St Mary’s the Choir of New College Oxford. More information: 01437 720057; narthex gan Paul, sef lle golau A living church dressed Early music group Cardinall’s [email protected]; or a modern i gwrdd a chymde- in heavenly garb, Musick will be performing on the www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk. ithasu, sydd ar wahân ac eto’n a new order, modernised and defined. Feast of Corpus Christi and The Tickets: Sanctuary Project will feature [email protected] rhan o’r eglwys. Mae’n ardal A church reborn aml-bwrpas sydd wedi cyfoethogi in harmony of wood, stone and steel bywyd yr eglwys a’r gymuned. with panels of glass Cawsom ddrws gorllewinol showering glorious light Ysgol Penboyr yn Chwifio Baner newydd yn edrych allan dros on words and music. dref a chymuned Porth Tywyn A flame of passion ignited soul and – peth addas iawn am eglwys Esgobaeth Tyddewi yn Llundain spirit y plwyf. Ail gysegrwyd yr moving our very hearts. eglwys gan yr Esgob Wyn ar 17 Cerian Rees and Isabelle Campbell, from Penboyr School, won a competition last year for A vision now realised for ever, o Dachwedd mewn gwasana- designing a banner for the bicentenary of the National Society of Church Schools in Wales. an answer to our prayers. eth bywiog a byth gofiadwy. As a result, Class 4 took part in a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in October. Ysgrifennodd Paul lyfr yn Ein colled ni yw ennill Head Teacher Carol James reports dathlu’r achlysur ac yn olrhain Esgobaeth Bangor. Serch hynny, AFODD yr ysgol newyddion Parade a Stryd Downing cyn ar ddechrau’r gwasanaeth i ddathlu hanes yr adeilad a’r gwaith gobeithiwn fod y ffordd sy’n gwych fis Gorffennaf dychwelyd i’r Abaty i gwrdd â’r dau gan mlwyddiant y Gymde- adeiladu diweddar. Gellir cael arwain o’r de i’r gogledd hefyd C diwethaf bod Cerian Rees ac Parchedig Brian Witt, Mrs Jean ithas Genedlaethol ac i ddiolch am copi o’r llyfr yma ‘The Living yn arwain nôl i’r cyfeiriad arall. A Isabelle Campbell wedi ennill Voyle Williams a’r Rheithor, yr holl ysgolion eglwys, colegau Stones’ oddi wrth Mrs Glynis Sage, chofiwch, “South West is Best!” cystadleuaeth cynllunio baner ar y Parchg Ddr John Gillibrand, a llywodraethwyr a phawb sydd gyfer dathlu dau gan mlwyddi- Cadeirydd ein Llywodraeth- ynghlwm ag addysg. Yn ystod y ant y Gymdeithas Genedlaethol wyr ac Isabelle Campbell, sydd gwasanaeth, cafwyd eitemau cerd- i ysgolion eglwys yn Esgoba- bellach yn ddisgybl ym mlwyddyn dorol gan gôr St. Aidan’s School, eth Tyddewi. Bu dosbarth 4 yn 7 yn Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn. Harrogate a dawnswyr o Ysgol y cystadlu yn y gystadleuaeth hon Roedd bod yn rhan o wasanaeth Plwyf, Croydon. Cafwyd hefyd o dan gyfarwyddyd Mrs Jayne mor aruchel yn brofiad gwych i’n anerchiad gan y Archesgob Caer- Holland, yr athrawes dosbarth. disgyblion. Dechreuodd y gwasan- gaint, y Dr. Rowan Williams, ac Y wobr am ennill oedd taith i aeth gyda gorymdaith y cludwyr yn dilyn y gwasanaeth cawsom ddisgyblion dosbarth 4 i Lundain baneri o’r porth gorllewinol i ran gyfle fel ysgolion o Gymru i ddydd Gwener, 14 Hydref i dwyreiniol yr Abaty. Roeddem gwrdd â’r Dr Williams ei hun a fod yn rhan mewn gwasanaeth mor falch o weld Cerian Rees yn buom yn cyd-ganu ein Hanthem arbennig yn Abaty Westminster cludo ein baner ar ran Esgobaeth Genedlaethol yn ei gwmni. Roedd i ddathlu dau gan mlwyddiant Tyddewi. Y Parchedig Dr. John hyn yn un o uchafbwyntiau’r y Gymdeithas Genedlaethol. Yr Hall, Deon Westminster, oedd yn diwrnod bythgofiadwy. ysgol oedd yn gyfrifol am greu y gyfrifol am y gwahoddiad i addoli faner ar gyfer gorymdaith yn yr Abaty. Buom yn ffodus i dderbyn cymorth gan Mrs Stella Jones, un o Lywodraethwyr yr ysgol, a Mrs Glenys Williams, un o’n gweiny- ddesau i greu a gwnïo’r faner at ei gilydd gyda’r disgyblion. Cychwynnwyd yn gynnar fore 24 June 2012 Gwener am 4.45y.b. Ar ôl USIC SUNDAY is a cele- and practitioner – who deserve our cyrraedd Llundain, aeth Cerian Mbration of the music and awareness and our thanks. Events a’i mam a Dr. Carol James, y musicianship that are a vital and raise funds for choirs, music librar- pennaeth, i dderbyn cyfarwyddia- beloved part of church life. It is ies, or whatever the financial need dau am yr orymdaith yn yr Abaty. also a salute in words and music, to may be; the RSCM will use its half Roedd 48 o faneri o esgoba- the creativity, discipline, effort, and of the proceeds to support its work ethau ar draws Cymru a Lloegr. dedication of thousands upon thou- of training and supporting church Aeth gweddill y dosbarth a’r sands of people – young and old, musicians everywhere. staff ar daith o amgylch Llundain professional and amateur, singer Full details at ar droed. Aethpwyd i weld Big and instrumentalist, administrator www.rscm.com/musicsunday Ben, y Cenotaph, Horse Guard’s Pobl Dewi, March 2012 11 PASSIONTIDE & EASTER Tŷ’r Pererin The Friends of St Davids Cathedral have embarked upon an AT T AVIDS ATHEDRAL exciting project to restore a redundant school building into an S D C Education and Pilgrimage Centre for the Cathedral Passion Sunday – 25 March Good Friday – 6 April 6.00 pm Music & Readings for Passiontide 8.00 am Morning Prayer, Litany & Ante-Communion

Palm Sunday – 1 April 10.00 am Good Friday Family Gathering 8.00 am Holy Eucharist 12 noon The Way of the Cross; a dramatized 9.15 am Procession of Palms followed by walk of witness through the city Cymun Bendigaid & Parish Eucharist 2.00 pm Devotions at the Cross led by the Celebrated by the Bishop Bishop 11.15 am Choral Mattins 6.00 pm Choral Evensong including 3.00 pm Le Chemin de la Croix by M. Dupré The Lamentations of Jeremiah performed by Simon Pearce, organ by Thomas Tallis 6.00 pm Choral Evensong 8.00 pm ‘The Crucifixion’ by J. Stainer performed by the John S. Davies Monday in Holy Week – 2 April Singers 8.00 am Morning Prayer 10.00 am Holy Eucharist & Reading of Passion Easter Eve – 7 April 6.00 pm Choral Evensong 8.00 am Morning Prayer & Litany & Ante-Communion Tuesday in Holy Week – 3 April 4.00 pm Evening Prayer 8.00 am Morning Prayer 11.00am Chrism Eucharist for Diocesan Clergy 7.00 pm Choral Eucharist with Confirmation & celebrated by the Bishop Lighting of the Paschal Candle 6.00 pm Choral Evensong Easter Day – 8 April 7.30 pm Film Night: The Miracle Maker 7.30 am Morning Prayer & Litany Wednesday in Holy Week – 4 April 8.00 am Holy Eucharist 8.00 am Boreol Weddi 9.30 am Cymun Bendigaid gweinyddir gan yr 10.00 am Holy Eucharist & Reading of Passion Esgob 6.00 pm Choral Evensong 9.30 am Family Eucharist 7.30 pm Concert by Cantorion Tyddewi 11.15 am Choral Eucharist celebrated by the Outside the Old School, Quickwell Hill Bishop Maundy Thursday – 5 April From left to right: Revd Harri Williams (Secretary of the Friends of 8.00 am Morning Prayer 6.00 pm Choral Evensong St Davids Cathedral), Mrs Jane Chamberlain (Caroe & Partners) 4.00 pm Evening Prayer and Mr Andrew Phillips (Carreg Construction) Easter Monday – 9 April 7.00 pm Choral Eucharist of the Last Supper with HE school, located on Quick- The property, which is Grade 8.00 am Holy Eucharist Washing of Feet, Stripping of the Altar Twell Hill, was built in the II listed, has been purchased by the & Watch of the Passion, celebrated 6.00 pm Evening Prayer 1870s and served for nearly 100 Friends and they have employed by the Bishop years as the Church School for Mrs Jane Chamberlain of Caroe & the parish. Latterly it became used Partners (who also acts as Cathe- as a canteen. In 2000, with the dral Architect) to draw up plans for opening of Ysgol Bro Dewi, the the development and restoration of building fell into disuse and has the building. been boarded up for many years. Capital work In partnership with the Appeal Following a public consultation, to restore the Shrine of St Davids, the Friends applied for, and were the Friends felt it was necessary granted, planning permission in for the Cathedral to implement 2011. Tenders were invited for an education and outreach project the capital work and the Friends which would seek to further the have appointed the local firm public’s understanding of St David, Carreg Construction to undertake his Cathedral and the Christian the work. The cost of the project faith. is likely to be in the region of Educational outreach £900,000 and the Friends antici- The purpose of the centre will be pate funding a large proportion of to devise, develop and deliver this cost. In addition, grant funding a programme of educational is being sought alongside a fund- outreach to children between the raising campaign. ages of 7-18. This programme will Work on site began at the end include day visits to the Cathedral of November and is likely to be enabling groups to engage with completed in the autumn of this the various facets of the Cathe- year. dral’s life in conjunction with other The Dean, the Very Revd areas of the National Curriculum. Jonathan Lean commented: ‘The Themed days will revolve around creation of Tŷ’r Pererin will such subjects as: Religious Educa- develop the Cathedral’s minis- tion, History, Art, Mathematics, try, enabling us, in conjunction the English and Welsh languages. with the restoration of the Shrine In addition, the centre will be used of St David, to turn visitors into Confirmation service, St Peter’s Church, Lampeter Velfrey, 26th February. Left to right: Revd for adult educational events and pilgrims.’ David Hammon, Natasha Harries, Geraint Williams; Cerys Jones, Rhodri Williams, Bishop Wyn, provide community facilities for Aled Harries, Rhian Ebsworth, Mia Perkins, Jessica Morgan, Elin Jones and David Simpson local groups. 12 Pobl Dewi, March 2012 The Vicar had a Ball Poterion

A fund-raising event for the parish of Wiston, near Haverfordwest, turned into a grand Communion Wine celebration last November, to mark the 10th anniversary of Revd Nicholas Cale’s With increasing numbers of parishes now using Poterion induction into the parish Fair Trade Communion Wine, Patricia Peel gives an update LARGE gathering of parish- by the Vicar’s daughter Rosanna on its certification Aioners and friends (including Cale, members of Tempus Vocal HE success of Poterion In keeping with Stellar’s some well-known figures within Group, and a disco of ballroom TCommunion Wine (the world’s organic status, Indian Runner the diocese) put on their ball gowns and modern music arranged by the only Fair Trade Communion Wine) Ducks are used in the vineyard as and dinner suits for “The Vicar’s Vicar himself, who turned DJ for continues to go from strength a natural way to keep snails and Ball”, and the community hall in the evening. to strength. Stellar Winery, the other pests that destroy the grapes Clarbeston Road was beautifully The event raised over £1,200 producers of the communion wine, at bay. Koos, Stellar’s proud Duck- decorated for the celebration. A for Wiston Church’s Restora- has now become registered as a master, is responsible for the feast of a buffet was laid on by tion Fund, but more importantly Fair Trade winery under the ‘Fair Runner Ducks’ well-being from parishioners, and a special cake to it proved to be a very enjoyable for Life’ accreditation – certified egg to adult. The Running Ducks mark the occasion was made by parish celebration, which, it has by IMO, the Swiss Bio-Fair Trade are a vital part of our organic the Vicar’s Warden and decorated been requested, should be repeated Association. The great advantage programme. The ducks are ideally by the parish Worship Leader. provided accompaniment for danc- – hopefully much sooner than the of this is that the Social Premium suited to the semi-arid climate, A mixed programme of music ing, including live performances next 10 years! that we pay on every case we buy as their water needs are less than now doubles, so the workers in other breeds. Eggs are collected Africa will see a real benefit over from the vineyards and hatched in the years. It will also mean that the incubator. The ducklings are hand-reared by Koos until they are More help is at hand released into the vineyards to do what ducks do best – eat snails! Alan Meats is now offering Lent homilies in Welsh and help for those A long article about Pote- who’d like their own sermons checked for linguistic accuracy rion appeared in The Times on 22 December 2011. It explained N the last issue of Pobl Dewi lies is now on offer. Hopefully there Reader in the diocese has already how we sourced the communion Iyou may have read an arti- will be a greater response this time. confirmed her appreciation of this wine, from an initial idea, through cle offering Advent homilies in The plan is to provide a homily also idea and is committing herself to researching suppliers, to talks Welsh. This focused on the task for the Greater Festivals beginning sending her homilies to me for my with Stellar, choice of grape vari- facing clergy and readers who at Easter and through the year to attention. eties and finally production and have learned, or are in the process Christmas 2012. The whole aim of this venture the arrival of the first bottles in the of learning, Welsh and who are Some clergy and readers face is to boost the confidence of those UK. That was in 2008 and last year having to provide a homily in that the challenge of preparing sermons who are rather nervous of the task we supplied over 32,000 bottles language. The article described in Welsh on a fairly regular basis. before them – and it is a challeng- throughout the UK and beyond! To how a series of Advent homi- With this in mind, I am prepared ing task, let’s face it, to prepare and read the whole article, please visit lies were “on tap” for those who to receive their homilies by e-mail present a simply worded, accurately our website. cared to obtain them. A total of five or in hard copy as required, for crafted homily, which any Welsh For further information about people from this diocese responded monitoring and, where needed, congregation can understand. there is greater accountability and Poterion visit to this idea – somewhat disap- suggesting improvements. I hasten So, Welsh learners, the ball is transparency as IMO monitors www.poterionfairtrade.co.uk pointing perhaps – but we know to make clear that such an exer- in your court! Mae cymorth wrth each Fair Trade operation, giving or telephone us on 01785 817229. that many projects have small cise precludes any examining of law, ac mae’n rhad ac am ddim! them scores against the Fair Trade We deliver throughout the UK. beginnings. devotional content, concentrating norm on their website. To see Stel- To find out more about the A follow-up series of Lent homi- solely on the language issue! One lar’s rating, go to: www.fairforlife. Stellar Winery visit: net and look under ‘operators’. www.stellarorganics.com Centenary celebration

T ILLTYD’s, church, SPembrey, recently celebrated the centenary of major renovation and restoration works undertaken to the interior in 1911. The anniversary was marked with a service and exhibition of historical documents and memorabilia, including plans drawn by London architects Caröe and Partners, extracts from 1905 PCC minutes and the hymn booklet published for the 1911 re-opening services. Pride of place was given to a 100-year- Disclaimer old poster publicising the Pobl Dewi and the take no week-long services held at responsibility, liability or share the views or opinions of the reopening of the church. any articles contained herein. Pictured are the vicar, All information is the responsibility of the person or Revd Fr Dewi Davies, and organisation submitting the article. Pobl Dewi take no churchwardens, Elizabeth responsibility for any errors or omissions Jones and Wendy Watkeys, in front of the poster. Pobl Dewi, March 2012 13 Reflection A welcome in the hillside John Holdsworth, Executive Archdeacon in Cyprus and the Gulf, reports from the Knowing Jesus recent Diocesan Synod held in Larnaca. He also tells of plans for a new, bilingual Eucharist service and a Christian initiative serving a Muslim community in the Yemen Canon Dennis Wight, the Bishop’s Chaplain and Director of Mission and Ministry, says that whatever else we know, to know the love and saving power of Jesus is enough

WONDER if I know enough. what difference a faith in Jesus I Any interesting subject will Christ makes? open up a whole library of knowl- First, clearly it is important to edge – more words to Google. be able to know the story of Jesus – Many people seem able to take in how he saved us from the death of loads of information and retain it. sin and has given us new and eter- I am in awe of such because my nal life. We shall know about that memory more often plays back in part from the sincerely prepared stories from my past long ago than sermons we hear on Sundays. the stuff I should be remembering Secondly, we know that each day from yesterday! Will I ever know begins best when we recognise that enough? God is with us – this is done by our daily prayer which includes at least So-called Christians the Lord’s Prayer. These two things Richard Dawkins has recently will transform the way we are with produced statistics from his think others, if it does not we shall need tank about so-called Christians i.e. to know why. If people know we those who said they were Chris- are Christians it should not be tians in the recent census. 70% of forgotten that they will be looking people in the UK admitted they for Jesus in us. where believers. Prof Dawkins stated that most of them cannot tell ‘It’s not what you know’ their Genesis from their Galatians. It has been said, often in a deroga- Indeed, many have not even picked tory way, “It’s not what you know, Aden, capital of the Yemen up a Bible recently to see what is in it’s who you know”. In this case, it. Also, many of them do not go to and at this time as we approach N the Sunday nearest St new clergy being employed, new drawn earlier last year for her own church. I don’t think we need Prof Easter – It is WHO we know that ODavid’s Day, there will be congregations being planted and safety, and experienced locums Dawkins to tell us this – we know counts. To know Jesus, his love a new addition to the liturgical all the machinery of diocesan have been giving their services it already. for us, and that we are, in the end, provision in Cyprus. At the pictur- development and growth on a big since (including a former chaplain, But what about me – do I know sinners saved by grace; knowing esque hilltop village of Pissouri scale, there are reports from places now resident in Wales). This is an enough? It’s one thing to look this, we shall know enough. All there will be a bilingual Eucharist like Baghdad where the church insecure, risky but hugely worth- at statistics which tell what the else will either enrich or dilute it. for Dydd Gwyl Dewi. In a very operates a remarkable ministry in while ministry. St David would general picture is but do I know real sense there will be a welcome incredible circumstances, as I have have been proud. in the hillside. Pissouri has been reported before. chosen because apparently there It was in this context that I is an unusually high proportion of was thinking about ‘little things.’ Welsh ex-pats there, but it is hoped And it struck me that perhaps the Contributions that the service will attract exiles most significant piece of work our and fellow travellers from all over diocese does is achieved alongside to FILM NIGHT the island. our smallest and most vulnerable I was thinking about the congregation – in the Yemen. Pobl Dewi service there, and the themes of St Yemen is the poorest coun- at St Davids Cathedral David’s reported last words about try in the Middle East. There are We welcome articles of

the importance of the little things, high rates of poverty and illiter- interest from readers and, ______last week at our Diocesan Synod. acy (especially amongst females in particular, we would like This Synod is a strange experience – 73.5%) and hugely inadequate for me. I gather that the definition health provision. Christ Church and to encourage submission of a Diocesan Synod in England the Ras Morbat Clinic are based in of articles in Welsh. THE is: ‘A group of Anglicans waiting Aden. Here, a Christian initiative Wherever possible English to go home,’ but it’s not like that serves a Muslim community. For translations of articles in here. The event lasts for a week. It one dollar a year local people have is held at rather a nice hotel in the access to a doctor as often as they Welsh will be posted on the resort of Larnaca where I live, and need, and access to drugs from an Pobl Dewi website MIRACLE it’s rather more like a youth camp on-site pharmacy. There were over www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk for grown-ups. 8,000 appointments there in 2011. soon after publication. Apart from the business side, The Eye Department welcomes there is a half day retreat at a patients from all over Yemen. It Articles should be sent to AKER local monastery, and daily devo- is commonplace to hear people the Managing Editor: M tional talks alongside a regular speak of going to church to have Tessa Briggs, thrice-daily diet of interesting and their eyes seen to. There were over [email protected] An animation about the life of Jesus Christ valued worship. There is also a 3,000 appointments in this depart- lively social programme in which ment in 2011. The Clinic provides or they can be posted to: ______clergy spouses, who are treated as a employment for local staff as well valued part of the whole occasion, as giving an outlet to doctors from Pobl Dewi, 7.30pm, Tuesday in Holy Week play a major part. A feature of the farther afield to serve and increase The Diocesan business is the reception of reports skills in this unique setting. The Office, Abergwili, about the last year from each of clinic employs 33 local staff, Carmarthen SA31 2JG 3 April 2012 our Chaplaincies, in visual format, including 6 doctors. Very notably, which can be very moving. Along- at the moment, all are women. All marked for the attention Free admission side tales of new churches being who serve there do so at great risk. of ‘The Editor’ built, existing ones being extended, The last resident chaplain was with- 14 Pobl Dewi, March 2012 Royal Commemoratives Returning Exhibition to your Flowers, wedding gowns, quilts, country crafts and many more items have formed the basis of roots displays in our churches for years, but at St Peter’s Church, Little Newcastle, near Haverfordwest, a theme has been chosen for a May display which is believed to be unique and a first for a community Cynhelir digwyddiad cymunedol in Wales o’r enw ‘Yn ôl i’ch gwreiddiau’ ITH 2012 being the year yng Nghastell Newydd Emlyn Win which Her Majesty the yn ystod penwythnos Sul y Queen will be celebrating her Blodau 2012 (Dydd Gwener i Diamond Jubilee – only the second ddydd Sul, Mawrth 31ain hyd time this has happened in Brit- 1af Ebrill) ish history – an exhibition at St Peter’s Church, Little Newcastle, COMMUNITY event enti- will feature commemorative items Atled ‘Returning to your Roots’ which will record, primarily, royal will be held in Newcastle Emlyn history over the past 60 years. during Palm Sunday weekend 2012 With an emphasis on ceram- (Friday 31st March to Sunday 1st ics, it is hoped to display some April). 300 pieces of china in 15 displays The intention of the commu- which traces the history of the nity is to welcome and host people reign from the Coronation in 1953 who have an association with the to this year’s Diamond Jubilee. town through family background, One display will also feature items cultural and sporting association or from Queen Victoria’s Diamond just an affinity with the Town and Jubilee in 1897. its neighbourhood: an opportunity In addition to the ‘typical’ to revisit the old place; see what’s commemorative mug given out changed; find out more about at all auspicious occasions, plus where family and friends lived, an assortment of plates, tankards, worked and died; an opportunity to loving cups and vases, the display celebrate your family background, will feature also such unusual your background. items as figurines, busts, chess sets, There is a full programme of complete tea-sets and a number of events including: limited edition pieces. • a historical exhibition Amongst the ceramics featured and Wedgwood. Drew, Deputy Lieutenant. Admis- • various historical buildings will be examples of work by Ayns- The exhibition will take place sion will be free but donations are open to the public – e.g. the Old ley, Caverswall, Coalport, Crown between 5th and 7th May and the invited for village charities, includ- Grammar School and its asso- Staffordshire, Paragon, Royal church will be open from 10.30am ing the church. Refreshments will ciation with education and the Albert, Royal Crown , Royal to 8pm. The opening ceremony be served at the village hall Welsh Revival Doulton, Royal Worcester, Spode will be performed by Mrs Penny • folk dancing at Ysgol Ddwylan • Talwrn y Beirdd in the Rugby Club • a special Welsh night in Gwesty’r Emlyn Hotel Cursillo National Ultreya • performances by dance groups In 2012 will host the Cursillo National Ultreya on 8th September • on Sunday morning a parade through town, led by a donkey, TEAM from St Asaph has this is the first time the event has under ‘Renewal’ in the ‘Church will depict Jesus’ triumphal Abeen working for some time been held in Wales! Life’ section. entry into Jerusalem. The chil- in preparation and many St Davids St Asaph Cathedral is quite You can book by email – dren will be carrying palm Cursillistas have volunteered to small so pre-booking is essential please send all your details, with leaves and flowers. help (for which we are very grate- for anyone who wants to come. the names and number of people Newcastle Emlyn is a beautiful, ful!). For those unfamiliar with the (Even if you are a volunteer known coming, to bustling market town and tourists National Ultreya it is a huge annual to the rest of the team it would [email protected] are always welcome. This Palm gathering of Cursillistas who take be helpful if you put yourself on or by post (enclosing an SAE) to: Sunday weekend will be special. part in a full day of meetings and the booking register with a quick Ultreya GB 2012, The Vicarage, Bring your family and friends. joyous church services. Despite email.) Ffordd Penrhwylfa, Meliden, The web page for the event: Cursillo having been introduced Full details can be found on the Prestatyn, LL19 8HN www.emlyndeanery.co.uk/community_event.html to the UK through Bangor Diocese St Asaph Diocese website, on the See you there! (and Gloucester) we believe that Cursillo pages which are posted Contact: Revd Dewi Roberts From the Ultreya 2012 GB team Tel 01239710154; [email protected]

PERERINDOD BEIBLAIDD / BIBLICAL PILGRIMAGE The next edition ISRAEL 2014 of 9 nights – 10 days – 29th April – 8th May 2014 Pobl Dewi With Canon Michael Lloyd Rees will be published on THE ULTIMATE PILGRIMAGE 17th July EXPERIENCE LIFE AT THE TIME OF JESUS! A PURE BIBLICAL PERIOD EXPERIENCE! Final copy date Colour brochure, more information and application form: for this edition is Canon Michael Lloyd Rees: 17th June Tel: 01269 842561/Mobile: 07773 243224 Diocesan banners gather before the 2011 Eucharist in Lincoln [email protected]/[email protected] Pobl Dewi, March 2012 15 Merch y ’Ffeiriad In the second of her three-part series, Eluned Rees recalls more from her formative years growing up in a vicarage. Here she considers some of the visitors who passed through their doors, including Bishop John Richards

RTH reswm roedd ymwel- oedd y ddau ŵr – dim ond dynion nerfus iawn am yr ymweliadau Wwyr cyson yn y Ficerdy oedd bryd hynny – yn ‘bored’. hyn. Roedd llawer o goginio ac nid oedd neb yn cael eu troi Ond YR ymwelydd pwysig a pharatoi yn digwydd cyn yr i ffwrdd. Mae gen i gof am fy oedd YR ESGOB a ddeuai atom achlysur. Ac fe fu un helbul mam yn bwydo teulu cyfan ar adeg conffyrmasiwn neu fedydd mawr. Roedd yna declyn arben- wyau a thatws cyn iddynt adael esgob i roi’r enw iawn arno. nig yn y ‘drawing room’. Sylwch yn cario llond bag o ‘hand me Fe fydd unrhyw un o’r darllen- nad ‘lounge’ mohono ar unrhyw downs’ fy chwaer a finnau. Deuai wyr sy’n cofio John Richards yn gyfri. Roedd tri lle un uwch- ambell ymwelydd mewn dagrau, deall os dywedaf mai dyna sut y ben y llall i osod platiau arnynt ac fe’n dysgwyd yn ifanc iawn y dylai esgob edrych. I ni blant, a ac wrth ei symud at YR Esgob pwysigrwydd o gyfrinachedd. oedd wedi ein siarsio i’w alw’n fe moelodd y cwbl a chafodd Pob Gŵyl Ddiolchgarwch am ‘My Lord’ roedd yn ffigwr i’w John Richards druan llond côl y Cynhaeaf deuai dau bregethwr ofni. Ond roedd yr esgob wrth ei o deisennau a brechdanau! gwadd ac wedi dau wasanaeth fe fodd gyda ni, yn mynnu ein cael i Roedd ymwelwyr diddorol ddeuent atom i gael eu bwydo. eistedd ar ei gôl byr iawn (roedd eraill. Pan yn ferch fach iawn, Dyna beth oedd hwyl. Ymddan- ei fol yn cymryd tipyn o le!). cofiaf y postman yn dod â chwnin- gosai cyllyll a ffyrc na welwyd Cofiaf yn dda un tro iddo gerdded gen i ni. Roedd fy mam, a fagwyd unrhyw bryd arall ac fe fyddem heibio i grŵp mawr o offeiriaid i mewn tref, wedi dysgu’n gyflym yn y ‘dining room’ (yn sythu fel ddweud jôc wrthom. Ond yr oedd sut i baratoi’r anifail i’w fwyta. arfer). Yn aml iawn fe fyddai’n un peth na allem ni ddeall, sef bod Ac roedd byw yng nghefn gwlad Mam yr awdur ger eu Ficerdy cyntaf tua 1951 rhaid i’m chwaer a minnau ganu ei ‘chauffeur’ a ddeuai gydag ef, yn dipyn o brofiad iddi, a’r ffaith deuawdau (roedd fy nhad yn falch yn mynnu bwyta yn y gegin yn mai Saesneg oedd ei hiaith gyntaf nhad. Fe ddysgodd Gymraeg yn y dyddiau pan roedd llawer iawn o’n gallu i harmoneiddio!) hytrach na gyda ‘nhad a’r Esgob. yn golygu mai ‘Y Saesnes’ y’i ddigon da i gyfathrebu â phlant ohonynt yn uniaith Gymraeg. ac rwy’n aml yn gobeithio nad Mae’n amlwg bod mam yn galwyd ym mhlwyf cyntaf fy a hen bobl yn weddol fuan yn I’w barhau . . . A church on a roundabout Mary Baker, in the next of her series on the lives of early saints, considers the enigmatic St Elli RAFFIC zooms around the Elli was a 6th Century Abbot parentage and an exotic overseas Breaking barriers for the Tancient Parish Church of St and Confessor associated with location to give status and a little Elli in Llanelli, and to me it seemed St Cadoc. In the story of his life mystery to the subject. Elli, accord- sadly cut off and forlorn when I Baring Gould states that Cadoc ing to Lives of the Saints, pleased kingdom of God . . . visited, but that could have been travelled to the Islands of Grimbul Cadoc by his conversion to the because it was pouring with rain (somewhere in the Mediterranean) Christianity of Cadoc’s own father . . . this is what we aim to do, with your help, under the experienced and I couldn’t get inside. where he prayed for a royal couple who was said to be an ungodly and umbrella of the Christian charity Habitat for Humanity, in Christ’s St Elli him or herself seems to who had been barren and they generally unpleasant character! name! be more elusive than this wonderful produced a child named Elli who Apart from this very little is known ABITAT for Humanity was This year Habitat for Humanity medieval church sitting squarely was given to Cadoc in grateful of this Elli’s deeds and his eleva- Hfounded in 1976 and seeks are concentrating their efforts on amidst the modern world, and it is thanks. A strange thing to do one tion to sainthood. to break the barriers of poverty, Sri Lanka. Three hundred volun- St Elli that gives the town its name. might think, but stories of saints Another candidate is St Elli, race and culture, and eliminate the teers are needed to stand alongside General consensus has it that and their origins often used royal or Ellyw, who was a daughter stigma of homelessness, through- the local community and help or granddaughter of that father out the world. As an organisation it restore the damage left by 30 years of many saints, King Brychan works with God, and people every- of civil war and the fourth most founder of Brecon. There is where, from all walks of life, to powerful recorded tsunami that another Llanelly near to Talgarth in develop communities in need, by struck on Boxing Day 2004. Breconshire, and it is believed that building houses, so that there are Please help to turn conscience St Elli was a virginal saint who was decent homes in decent commu- into action in the name of Christ. beheaded. nities, where every person can £5,000 is needed by 1st May to It is unclear whether either of experience God’s love and live and enable more volunteers from the these saints had any connection grow as God intends. parishes of Ceredigion to represent with this part of In 2008 two of our parish Wales in Sri Lanka. but the name suggests that an Elli members travelled to South Africa Would you be willing to put had a small cell here which grew to the township of Mfuleni. Along- on a fund raising event? Or send into a church. side local people, and 120 other a donation, using ID number It is worth remembering though volunteers, they built 22 houses in 127GBA91-25424, to that the sound ‘el’ is an ancient five days, for families trapped by Habitat For Humanity Great Britain, root word and, in some languages, the barriers of apartheid. In 2009 46 West Bar Street, alludes to the Almighty or the spirit another two members returned to Banbury, OX16 9RZ life force. Many of our early Celtic do the same and 35 families moved saints and ancient biblical char- Hazel Burn, from the squalor of shack life into Reader, Blaenporth acters had names that began ‘El’ safe and decent homes. – maybe they were echoing more ancient beliefs. Whoever Elli was I am sure Inspire Wales Awards he or she would marvel at the Set up and sponsored by the Church in Wales, the Corporate Social Responsibility busy town that bustles around the award aims to encourage organisations to be more involved in their communities. medieval church where once a soli- All 10 awards, run by the Institute of Welsh Affairs in partnership with the Western tary saint sat in prayer. So, spare Mail, are open to individuals or groups working in any sector in Wales. a thought for Elli as you drive Closing date for nominations: 6th April. www.iwa.org.uk/inspire/how-to-enter.php through the busy traffic – the saint Or write to: Inspire Wales Awards, Institute of Welsh Affairs, 4 Cathedral Rd, that named a town. Cardiff CF11 9LJ 16 Pobl Dewi, March 2012 Book Reviews

both oral and written. We are ous century. We see the loss of the A century of medical care shown the effects that the incep- practice due to the retirement of Dr tion of the NHS and the post-war Penn, after his return from a part- Dolycwrt: The Day’s of a Coun- journey with the arrival of Dr changes have had on the local nership to being a sole practitioner, try Doctor’s Surgery is a delightful John Thomas Creswick Williams population of , and given coupled with difficulties ensuring a book. It spans more than a century in 1898 and are introduced to the unique insights into the working of successor and a successful multi- of local history centred on the evolving world of general practice, a small community practice when partner practice nearby which house – Dolycwrt, Whitland – used where workhouses still existed, partners and assistants were taken embraced the inevitable changes as a doctor’s surgery from 1898 infectious diseases were the lead- on. There are some fascinating of the late 20th century, including until shortly after the retirement ing cause of early death, and the accounts of the challenges of deliv- computerisation. of the author’s father, Dr George local doctor, with his horse and ering health care, such as in the I would recommend this book Penn, in 1997. cart, had a role not only for usual snow of January 1982, which bring not only to those who with an inter- The author has meticulously general practitioner care but public a vivid reality to the difficulties that est in the local history of rural West researched both the personal health duties and advice. can still face general practitioners. Wales, but also to anyone who history of the medical incum- Through the lives of Dr Cres- Inevitably the medical history wishes to gain a unique insight into bents of Dolycwrt, as well as the wick Williams’ successors we of Dolycwrt ends with the changes the history of general practice set local social history, whilst linking travel through local experiences in general practice in the latter in a rural area. this to the wider social, political of the World Wars and the social part of the 20th century, which are – Dr Frances Gerrard and economic changes of the last changes of their aftermaths, amply probably more radical, and will century. We begin the house’s illustrated by local recollections continue to be, than in the previ-

Cosmo The Christ Church your favourite time and time again Cat (Volume 2) – each story stands alone and yet An influential man there’s a familiarity as you read 21 more stories by Patrick critically discusses the merits and from one to another. Thomas limitations of the existing biogra- While I wouldn’t use it as my £7.50 (plus £2.50 p&p) phies. The book then moves on to daily Bible Study (!), it’s a relax- tackle many contentious aspects in Available from Mrs Jean ing and easy read which makes the MLJ’s ministry and areas of influ- Long, Arfryn, Picton Place, simplest of Bible stories come alive. ence. These include a fascinating Carmarthen SA31 3BZ Each story is told through the eyes analysis of whether “the Doctor” Tel: 01267 236562 or collected of either Cosmo or one of the char- was supportive of the charismatic by arrangement from Christ acters and they challenge you to movement, his concern about the Church, Carmarthen think about it again from a different demise of preaching and whether perspective – perhaps a way you’ve Proceeds to Christ Church he was a fundamentalist. The book not thought about before. Sunday School and Small concludes with a comprehensive You may have missed the Church bibliography. opportunity of giving this book as HAVE you ever wished you had the Having several different a Christmas present (unless you life of a cat; snuggled up in a warm authors meant that important are particularly organised), but this spot sleeping all day, fed morning issues, such as the Anglican seces- would be a great present for Easter and night and free to come and go sion crisis, was explored from more – or even Mum might enjoy a non- as you please without a care in the As we’re whisked around vari- than one perspective. This helped guilty sit-down and a cuppa on world? I often do! I’m not sure I ous seasons in the church’s calendar in an understanding of events that Mothering Sunday. fancy the life of Cosmo the Christ Cosmo’s adventures introduce us to Engaging with Martin Lloyd- was far more nuanced that would Having read ‘Cosmo the Church Cat though. Time travel- John the Baptist, Mary, Simeon, a Jones – The life and legacy of normally have been possible in one Christ Church Cat’ (Volume 2) ling, strange visitors, cat-nappers donkey and a thief, to name but a few. ‘the Doctor’ book. This was particularly evident I have a question for the Vicar and talking animals seem to be but A mixing bowl of comedy, to understanding the Evangelical of Christ Church: did you get Edited by Andrew Atherstone & a small part of his life. It all sounds teaching, random thoughts and a fracture in the 60s when you see the patent for the Electronic David Ceri Jones a bit hectic to me. big dose of artistic license, this is the relevance of MLJ’s thoughts on Mouse Stunner with Telescopic Foreword by J I Packer Living in Christ Church, a fun read for young children and ecumenism, Puritan studies and his Night-Sights, and if so, when Pub: Apollos (Inter-Varsity Press) Carmarthen, and visiting both local not-so-young children! Read it in Welsh Nonconformist background. and where can I place my order? ISBN: 9781844745531 and very far-away places, Cosmo one go, work through it a story at a £16.99 As you read the book, you time, choose randomly or return to – Naomi Wood learns a lot through his encounters. MARTIN LLoyd-JONES (1899- quickly come to realise how influ- 1981), affectionately known as “the ential a man he was. Why his forthright and insightful preaching part, especially in the knitting Doctor”, is still seen by some as the great defender of Evangelicalism held sway over so many. A quote projects such as balaclavas, socks included from Iain Murray’s biog- and scarves which are made for the and THE Nonconformist states- man in the last 100 years, with a raphy seems to sum up MLJ’s pithy Mission to Seafarers and blankets, style: “My friends, if you feel at jackets, caps and mittens for the passion for the work of God to be poured out in revival here in Wales home in any church without believ- premature baby units of the hospi- ing in Christ as your personal tals in the diocese. and beyond. By others he was the preacher at Westminster Chapel Saviour, then that church is no This year the General Meeting church at all, but a place of enter- of the MU will be held at Llan- who preached through ‘Romans’ verse by verse. And others bitterly tainment or a social club.” dudno on Saturday 16 June, when a The book was a joy to read and Ann Gill considers the coming year party of members from the diocese remember him calling evangelicals out from their denominations and I found “the Doctor” portrayed, will travel to Mold, where we will and his beliefs discussed, in a way N his letter to the Colossians down, so others will be needed to stay from the Wednesday to Satur- the consequential secession crisis some 40 years ago. that seemed balanced, even criti- ISt Paul tells us that we all have take their place. day, attending the service on the cal at times, and yet always with different gifts and we should use Although the elections will be Friday night at St Asaph Cathedral, But what of the real man? What drove him and what were respect and care. It also gave me a them effectively. This year the a talking point this year, discus- one of two services being held on far greater insight into so many of theme for the Mothers’ Union (MU) sions on other topics are ongoing, the eve of the meeting – the second the issues going on around these events? This book explores these the areas of Evangelical doctrine, is Your gift? Discover and explore. and members will continue their service being at Bangor Cathedral. politics, history and personalities This is appropriate as 2012 is the campaign to allow children to be It is unusual for two services to be questions and many more aspects of MLJ’s life and passions, through that have shaped protestant life year of the triennial elections when children as long as possible in the held but this is due to Llandudno here in the UK for the last 60 years. members are asked to use their Buy Bye Childhood Campaign. being in both Bangor and St Asaph a series of thoroughly researched essays. With the benefit of time The world lost a very great man 30 gifts to serve the cause of the MU. We are still participating in the Dioceses. If anyone wishes to years ago. Many members, because of the projects which support the objec- join this trip they can contact Mrs and an emotional distance from – Revd Peter Jones number of years they have served tives of the society, with more and Brenda Evans on 01554 890803 for the subject, the book starts with in a key post, will have to stand more members taking an active further details. a simple overview of his life and