close family (our regular worshippers) will be joined by The Diocese of and

The Newsletter for Retired Clergy and their Families

No. 72 Christmas 2015

significantly increased by the presence of more

From the Editor: Chancellor Brian H. Jones

From John

In recent months I have been reflecting at a number of services upon the commissioning of the distant members. But these more disciples as recorded in the four distant ones are family too, those versions of the Gospels. to whom God in Christ reaches Focussing on the commission out and those of whom he calls found in Chapter 28 of the Gospel the close family to go and make according to Matthew, I’ve disciples. commented on each occasion, that Several retired clergy will preside Matthew’s Jesus doesn’t send the over additional services over the disciples down the mountain with Christmas period, and I take this instructions to design and build opportunity to thank them for church buildings. The instruction enabling these services to happen. is ‘go and make disciples.’ John’s In all we do together at this time, Easter Jesus tells a confused and may we know ourselves to be frightened gathering that, as the sent by the Father just as he sent Father had sent him, so he sent the Son. May the more distant members of the them. family, in the welcome they receive and in the The Incarnation, God sending of himself into the faith which is proclaimed, be encouraged to world, began the process of, discipling children spend more time with us as we witness to the for him, and at the holy season of Christmas, for much-needed truth, love and justice of the which Advent prepares us we celebrate, once Father’s kingdom made plain in the Word Made more, that beginning. Flesh. The church buildings in which we will celebrate With my prayers and thanks to you all. are simply our family homes – no more, no less – and, at Christmas, they are likely to be fuller than + John at most times of the year. The members of the + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + CANON GEOFFREY DAVIES, the first curate-in- charge of Holy Cross, West Cross, died at the beginning of September. Although he was only at Holy Cross (then part of the parish of ) for four years, during FAMILY NEWS Our congratulations and best wishes to : that period he was responsible for overseeing the  Kay Warrington recently appointed as Provincial building of the church and vicarage and developing a President of the Mothers’ Union . congregation, which had begun at Belle Vue House, into a strong church community. He was a very popular parish priest and also a qualified soccer  Pam John’s son Mark recently appointed as Senior referee! He left the parish of Oystermouth to become Chaplain in the new North Prison. Vicar of Cwm in the diocese of St Asaph and was subsequently instrumental, as secretary of the  Padraig and Ruth Gallagher who have moved into Liturgical Commission, for the first revision of the their new home Eucharist in the (The Blue Book). This was a remarkable achievement and it was largely due to his charming and persuasive speech at the We send our good wishes and prayers to: Governing Body, and his answer to members’  Those who have not been well recently questions, that the revision was accepted unanimously. After an incumbency at Ruabon he served at including Ryland Oliver, Alan Meats, Tudor Liverpool, and before his retirement in 1989 as team Jones and Margaret Thomas Rector of the Bourne Valley Parishes in Salisbury I am grateful to hear of any who are unwell so that diocese. He died at the age of 95 and his funeral was they may be included on our prayer lists held in the Lady Chapel of Liverpool Cathedral where for many years in retirement he had been an honorary In Memoriam Janet chaplain.

Arthur Howells

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The Retireds’ Group.

The group meets once a month at the Eastmoor Resource Centre and this term we have had excellent speakers. a member of the group reviewed his new publication ‘Clapham Dissenters’ and continuing on the theme of books many of us were able to be at the signing by Arthur Howells at the Janet Gower the wife of the Revd. Nigel Gower, died Lamplighter in Bishopston of his ‘Little book for recently after a brief illness in Llandrindod Hospital. Advent.’ Janet was a licensed Reader and met Nigel when he returned to a parish in Derbyshire after serving for Tyron O’Sullivan of Tower Colliery gave an amazing most of his ministry in Nigeria. Janet was a trained account of the reopening of the pit by those who had District Nurse and later worked in St. Luke’s Hospital been made redundant by the National Coal Board, in London specialising in palliative care. Since with all the difficulties associated with such a retiring to she has served faithfully as a commercial venture. Reader in the Ithon valley and has led worship regularly in small country churches where her presence Richard Verge, a retired Senior Civil Servant and a will be greatly missed. We send our sympathy to prominent churchman in the diocese entitled his talk ‘Yes Minister,’ an intriguing account of the life of a Nigel and her three daughters. G.M.H. civil servant and relations with government ministers.

++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + The December speaker is the former Swansea University Librarian Paul Reynolds who will speak to In Memoriam Geoffrey Davies us on ‘George Stephenson in Llansamlet 1819’ where he apparently built the forerunner of a letter to a local newspaper, which in turn drew the Stephenson’s Rocket. wrath of the bishop on his head!!)

Elsewhere in The Newsletter Andrew Knight has When Glyn Simon was appointed as Warden in 1931 written an account of members of the group visiting he quickly supervised the building of a new wing the Second Swansea University Site The January which could accommodate 14 students and a chapel meeting will be on January 12th the speaker is to be with seating for about one hundred. It was he who confirmed. really put the Hostel on the map for he had a great influence over young men as he advocated a strong As in previous years we have arranged a Quiet Day for brand of Anglo-Catholicism, and tried to impose a the Retired Clergy in Llangasty on Monday 8th strict spiritual discipline on the ordinands. In the February which will be led by Canon Padraig 1950s the number of students increased greatly, the Gallagher. The day will begin at 10.30a.m and end at Hostel had a new enlarged accommodation wing and 3.30p.m. and the cost will be £25 which will include refurbished Common Room and Dining Room. coffee and lunch. I hope a number of us will be able to be there would you please let me know by the end of It was in 1952 that I came as a student to Bangor and January if you are able to come, also if you have any as a potential ordinand was pleased to be given a place dietary needs. In the past we have shared cars. B.H.J. in the Hostel. At that time there were about twenty students in residence including a dozen or so + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ordinands, mainly from the northern dioceses. For the ordinands the chapel was a central place in their lives, with a daily eucharist, the recital of the Farewell to the Church offices and the late night Compline. Attendance was not compulsory but most of us were very regular. The Hostel, Bangor daily round of worship provided a great source of spiritual nourishment and a basis of discipline and On prayer which we were able to take with us into our a future ministries. The Sunday Eucharists were well attended with students from outside the Hostel, from St. Mary’s College and members of staff and their families. Tom Morris the Warden was a very effective preacher and favoured a succinct style – one of his sermons was timed at two minutes!! In a small community such as ours we learnt the importance of getting on with people even with different ideas from our own. In my last two years a group of overseas students joined us which further recent visit to Bangor Brian was surprised to find the helped to widen our outlook. In some cases friendships Church Hostel closed and up for sale. As a former were formed which lasted a lifetime. One bonus for resident he asked me to write a short piece on the me, a Welsh speaker who spoke the colloquial Welsh Hostel. of the Swansea Valley was to gain an understanding of It had been in existence for over a century and had a a very different dialect of Welsh since all the Bangor powerful influence on generations of ordinands from ordinands were Welsh speakers. the Province. It was originally established in 1886 by The connection between this diocese and the Church the Bangor Clerical Education Association. In 1884 Hostel was not very strong. The only ordinand from the University College of North Wales had opened this diocese during my time was Brian. When I was in with 58 students and it was thought appropriate that the diocese I only met one other priest who had been in the Church should have a centre at which an able and the Church Hostel. experienced priest would be available to encourage vocations to the ministry and to provide support and When we look at the Wardens, however, we find that guidance to ordinands. An important step was taken this diocese provided a whole series of them, namely in the 1920s when the Warden provided Glyn Simon, J.J.A.Thomas, who both later became accommodation in the house for eight students and of the diocese; John Charles who like J.J.A. also a room for use as a small chapel. (According to Thomas had been Bishop’s Messenger in the Diocese Owain Jones in his book on Glyn Simon, the local and who subsequently became Bishop of St. Asaph. vicar took umbrage at this and expressed his wrath in Both T.J. Morris and Owain Jones also served in the diocese. When we look at the list of Wardens we see that they were a very distinguished group: three of them became Archbishops of the Province and two others became diocesans. Dr. Barry Morgan was the last Warden to lecture in the Faculty of Theology. After his time the huge growth in the size of the George Bennett’s book ‘The Workshop Within’ is a University College (now the University of Bangor), the series of meditations in verse which grew out of time Warden’s role was to concentrate on being Anglican on Retreat. Chaplain to the University and to use the Hostel as the Bishop John in the Foreword writes: ‘the placement of Chaplaincy Centre. words, often commonplace ones, by a skilled poet..has the capacity to move the human spirit and imagination

to such an extent that we can find ourselves transported into the very situation which these words are placed to reflect.’

George has achieved this in his book. The workshop is the carpenter’s workshop in Nazareth, with the young Jesus active in the day to day activity of the workshop, fulfilling the carpentry needs of the community. From those day to day situations we are transported into the saving ministry of the same Jesus.

I quote from the poem ‘Workshop’

‘the living wood He stacks :matured with care Other factors relevant to the change were the The harvest of the forest is transformed disappearance of the Faculty of Theology and a For Nazareth’s humble needs shrinkage in the number of ordinands and

It is all these changes in circumstances and in the ‘I sweep the floor resources of the Church that have presumably led to Upon the bench I see the evening light flood in the closure of the Church Hostel. It has served The sunlight forms a Cross generations of clergy effectively and those of us who were there as students look back with nostalgia and Another Tree: an idea yet to come’ gratitude for those years. Occasionally poems are illustrated by George in D. simple drawings in pastel shades, but each adding to + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + the overall effect of the book. I was enthralled reading it. In his Introduction George writes ‘I hope the poems will be helpful to others who want to look afresh at the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth and have their own NEW BOOKS. spiritual life renewed.’ A piece of writing to which one It is always a pleasure when looking at new books, to will return time and time again for those quiet include books that are ‘home grown.’ In this issue of moments of reflection. The Newsletter there are two books in that category. The first ‘The Workshop Within’ by George Bennett. (The book is available from Chancellor George Bennett at Newton Vicarage priced at £4.50)

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I was privileged in 1995, together with my namesake in Brecon, to go on an Anglo/Israeli Association sponsored pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by Andrew White, and to have experienced the faith and courage A History of – Geraint Hughes. of this man. Our second ‘homegrown’ publication is Geraint The blurb that accompanies the book describes Hughes’ fascinating history of Penybont a small Andrew White as : ‘something of a legend: a man of settlement on the banks of the Ithon in , great charm and energy, whose personal suffering has going back to the Celtic tribes that occupied the area not deflected him from his important ministry of when the Romans arrived probably around A.D. 50. reconciliation. Geraint traces the history of the community from that point through to the present day, focussing on various Andrew grew up in London, the son of strongly aspect of life in the community, reflected in the religious parents: by the age of five he could repeat the chapter headings. five points of Calvinism. As a child and young man he was frequently ill, but his considerable intelligence For 250 years Castle dominated the meant that his studies did not suffer. He set his heart community. The Marcher Lords established the on becoming an anaesthetist, an ambition he achieved, Penybont Fair, the earliest dated 1297, they were only to be redirected by God to Anglican ministry. markets for local produce and later opportunities for employment. Llandegley Wells was a spa with healing Since ordination he has had a considerable role in the properties in the water. This is followed by chapters of work of reconciliation, both between Christian and Roads and Early Transport, Penybont Bridge, the Jew and between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim. Often in Village Inn: The Severn Arms, Penybont Hall and danger, and always in pain from multiple sclerosis, he Penybont Court, Penybont Bank, the Local Post has nevertheless been able to mediate between Office, the Station, Agricultural Shows and Races, the opposing extremes. A man of God, he is trusted by Football Club, the Young Farmers, the treatment of those who trust very few.’ illness, the Llandegley Church School and Llandegley I have just read it, a most amazing read. (Available on Church. Amazon at £10.49. Kindle edition £4.79) In the chapter on Llandegley Church Geraint lists Brian Jones incumbents from 1401 to 2003, when it was an independent parish and after its grouping with + + + + + + + + + + + + + Llanbadarn.. Included in the list are Ken Brunsdon, Elwyn Griffiths, Roy Luther Thomas, Geraint himself, A SECOND SITE FOR David Wilkinson and Nigel Hall, all of whom were later members of the Cathedral Chapter and continued their ministry in other parts of the Diocese. SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

A fascinating read of the life and times of a small country area and those who lived, worked and worshipped there over the centuries. (Available from Amazon at £6.51 or the Kindle edition £1.99) + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

It was a grey afternoon when about a dozen of the retired clergy group met the Rev. Nigel John (Chaplain) and a University guide to tour the new site on Jersey Marine. As we parked near the entrance we were told that the site encourages the use of public transport. There are frequent buses to and from the city centre, and the flat route may encourage cyclists ‘MY JOURNEY SO FAR’ – Andrew White (otherwise depressed by Swansea geography!) The age than some of the buildings on the other site. They will no doubt draw students from around the world. Joe Griffin pointed out the good accessibility - no steps, lifts available, so easy for the less mobile. But the buildings also say something of a change in direction of Higher Education. Technical skills, commercial application, the drive for profitability are prioritized, and these students will be marketable as employees with ability. Will they also be educated, - truly human beings, able to understand and judge wisely the ethical and social effects, as well as the emphasis on engineering was seen as we reached the financial payback, of lucrative technology? Perhaps first buildings and caught a glimpse of the wave tank. only time will tell. There is a clear industrial link, with industrial sponsorship and commercial partnership as a focus. Of course the Swansea Tidal Lagoon, if built, will be just on the seaward side of the whole area, providing a long perimeter walk, and perhaps some sporting opportunities as well as research ones. The engineering emphasis does not mean an absolute wasteland however. The Site of Special Scientific Interest on a section of sand dune, a preserved feature, was pointed out beyond the turf-roofed building to encourage young visitors in exploring the

Andrew Knight.

environment. Walking through another building, passing the coffee shop sheltered under the clear roof over a central ‘avenue’ we were impressed by the size and varied facilities on both sides. At the far end we emerged to visit the library – yes they do still have books in a modern university! – as well as computer workstation, spaces for small group work , some very comfortable seating and lots of natural light. (Thank goodness the fashion for endless strip lighting, flickering in the winter gloom has passed.) Further west the Business School again had a covered central area, with rooms on either side, and this time a feature staircase. We looked out at three eating places, and the bank and general store shortly to open. There are already students living on site, in blocks named for Welsh historical figures, and there will be more, with presumably also many living in Swansea East and Centre and commuting by bus. It is an impressive and in many ways beautiful set of buildings, drawing on a number of styles less likely to The reports provide limited information, he was The Theology Public appointed curate in Cheriton in 1860 and subsequently rector. At his own expense of £1200 Lectures he commissioned the restoration of Cheriton The Church between 1874 and 1875. Mr Davies was a pioneering High Churchman concerned with achieving the proper setting for ritual and he introduced into Cheriton a Surplice choir.

What was perhaps even more remarkable about the man was that he was a gifted woodcarver. In Cheriton church he was responsible for the altar frontal, the communion rails, roof bosses and the choir stalls. These are done in a repetitious, elaborate, shallow relief style.

Theology Public Lectures arranged by the Revd. Nigel John, the University Chaplain attract large audiences on a monthly basis. This is an opportunity to hear distinguished theologians, and a number of clergy both active and retired are regular listeners. I print below the list of lectures for the next term. -Ed

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Llanmadoc church altar. In the Quinquennial Report for Oxwich it says that the teak altar table was carved and presented to the church by the Revd J D Davies Rector of Llanmadoc and Cheriton in the 1890s. The report for Llanmadoc describes his having carved an oak altar its frontal having paintings representing the evangelists and another altar frontal ‘perhaps intended for an altar frontal elsewhere, hangs on Who is This Man? the chancel wall.’ A further altar which he carved Many of you will remember the film ‘Butch is to be found in Llanrhidian church. Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ who at one point in the film have to ride hard to escape a sheriff’s While researching this article I was surprised to posse. They have ridden where no known scout find that there was another priest on Gower some could follow their trail and still the posse comes years later who was also into woodwork, the Revd on. They ask the question ‘Who are those guys?’ Ben Evans made the altar table in St David’s I have the same problem but in a better sort of Church Llanyrnewydd (Gwernffrwd) in the way. As each Quinquennial Inspection document 1940s. comes in I read it and summarise the contents for The last mention of Revd J D Davies, he was the Churches and Pastoral Committee. In many of buried to the south west of the south door and the Gower Churches reports, the same name since his death the gravestone has been renewed. cropping up, the Revd J D Davies. Who is this man? Paul Baker. Cheriton Church The reason why his name keeps appearing is that + + + + + + + + + + + + + + he was something of a wood carver and from the descriptions in the Reports he was quite gifted. the background are mono printed handmade Icon of Our Lady who paper, using acrylic paints in reds and yellows. This printing process merges the colours into one brings down walls another, producing a cloud like effect, rather than a solid block of

colour. Many years ago I visited an exhibition in London sponsored by Esso. Icons which had never left To reflect the historic context of icons I included their countries before were collected from Greece, three elements in the design. The first is a Russian and Eastern European countries of the suggestion of Russian ecclesiastical architecture, then Soviet Union. It was a wonderful experience, which I was able to produce three times using a which I shall never forget, and gave me a lifelong stamping technique. Secondly there are two love of, and respect for, this art form. Some years traditional crosses , each a representative of its ago I enjoyed another national exhibition, this own Christian tradition – the Greek cross with time of Textile Art in Alexandra Palace, where I arms of equal length, and the Russian cross with met an extremely talented lady, a very gifted its sloping footrest. Thirdly, the rectangular area needlewoman, who was working a surround to a at the base of the panel is representative of the painted icon, using gold and richly coloured iconostasis – the wall of painting, jewels and rich threads. I was inspired to have a go myself, texture which separates the nave from the knowing that I would be nothing like as good, but sanctuary in an Orthodox church. Here I have would be an expression of faith, and a step along made little roundels and diamond shapes of my spiritual journey. painted clay and used richly coloured Indian Art

Silk threads. The icon I have chosen in my work is entitled

‘Icon of Our Lady Who Brings Down Walls’ and The ‘stone’ framing the icon is a reference to the is a modern work painted in the traditional style Israeli West Bank barrier, the focus of so much by Ian Knowles, Director of the Bethlehem Icon animosity and strife in the Middle East. I have Centre, and painted in 2012 on the Israeli tried to show that a solid wall can be breached, separation wall (more information on the centre at contacts can be made, and separations can be www. bethlehemiconcentre.org) my intention is to healed . I chose an arc as a frame since arches use the finished panel as a reminder to send an have long been symbols of earthly triumph, and ‘arrow prayer’ for peace in the Middle East every can be seen as expressing the power of prayer time I pass it at the top of the stairs at home. ultimately to triumph over earthly strife and bring

peace. Now to the panel itself. The background colour is gold, as this is common to most icons. Part of the gold is gold silk dupion, scraps of which I had in Carolyn Burbery. my store, after making an altar frontal for a church in Cheltenham. The more colourful sections of Our contributors. I am so grateful to all our contributors for their contributions to The Newsletter. Each contribution reflects a variety of interests in which people are engaged. Bishop John leading us into new and exciting ministries, Huw Jones recollecting student days for both of us in the Church Hostel. Alongside are those amongst us who are able to write and share particular areas of interest – George Bennett in poetry that reflects his experience of retreats over the years, and Geraint Hughes with a fascinating look at Penybont, the part of Radnorshire where he now lives and where, early in his ministry he was the parish priest. Paul Baker through access to Quinquennial Inspections found a talented wood carver of yesteryear, active in the parishes of Cheriton, Llanmadoc and Llangennith. Carolyn Burbery opened up the world of tapestry and icons focussing on the contemporary icon of Our Lady Who Brings Down Walls, drawing on works of art from the Israel/Palestine situation.

In addition to written contributions to The Newsletter I am grateful too to those who print and distribute it both by post and now also on line. I look forward to many more contributions that reflect the interests and gifts of retired clergy and their families.

Similarly the group in Swansea is dependent upon people who are prepared to give of their time and gifts as speakers on a monthly basis. This opens up to us areas of activity both past and present that might be unfamiliar to us or which remind us of subjects which we may have forgotten!! We are grateful to all of them past and in the future.

Wishing you all the Joy and Peace of Christmas Brian

Editor Chancellor Brian H. Jones 125, Homegower House, St. Helen’s Road, Swansea SA1 4DW Tel. 01792 923642 E mail [email protected] Please send suggestions comments, corrections and any items of news about the Retired Clergy by March 1st, for the Easter issue.

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