www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk

Gorffennaf/July 2011 Insulting, dispassionate, inappropriate Jack Evershed, a past chairman of the Community Health Councils of Wales, takes a long, hard look at the care of elderly and vulnerable people in our society, and says it is in all our interests to act now

HE report entitled ‘Dignified Care’, by Ruth Marks, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, on the Ttreatment of elderly people in care is damning of our society. This is not only because of the content, but also the fact that, to those involved in monitoring these services, it is not surprising. Many people now need- elderly patient receiving care in an ing care have contributed to the NHS hospital as bedblocking. This NHS from its foundation, on the demonstrates an “institutional“ atti- understanding that there would be tude that the older generation are a state-provided care from cradle to problem - people are living longer, grave. The arcane, and what should often with chronic conditions, and be merely semantic, differentia- the welfare state was not set up tion between social and health care to cope with such a population is only of interest to managers of profile. For managers the elderly budgets. Patients and their fami- are an expensive, problematic lies want, and should expect, high clientele. The NHS management quality care regardless of provider. argument is that the care provided (There is another debate here about in a hospital bed for many elderly how this totality of care should be people is inappropriate but where funded but the overriding moral this is all that is available society position is that excellent care should demand that such care be should be available to all without made appropriate. Recent, high let or hindrance.) How insulting and dispassionate it is to term an continued on page 2 Celebrating New Disciples A few of the 100 candidates confirmed so far this year in the Diocese Left: University Chapel, University of Wales, Trinity St David, Lampeter campus, on 9th May

Right: at St Michael’s, Aberystwyth, on 5th June Focus on Lay Ministry – Page 4 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, July 2011 Spring Discussion Evening Two bishops with the Bishop and a conference Bishop Wyn, having extended an invitation to all members of all churches across to the Dennis Wight looks ahead to October’s Diocesan Conference diocese to his Deanery discussion evenings, arrived at St Anne’s, Panparcau, on 12th April. Tessa Briggs reports HE Bishop of St Davids, Rt TRevd Wyn Evans, will be HE turnout for the Llanba- welcoming another bishop to our Tdarn Fawr Deanery meeting Diocesan Conference in Octo- was excellent, with more than 100 ber. Bishop Michael Doe, who is packed into the church hall. presently the General Secretary On arrival, after a brief intro- of the USPG: Anglicans in World duction from the Archdeacon of Mission (and to retire shortly), will Cardigan, Ven Dr Will Strange, be relating how the Five Marks of and a preparatory talk from Bishop Mission are being used as a mirror Wyn, we were asked to get together for mission internationally. in small ‘round table’ discussion Bishop Wyn said “It is always groups to consider the following: a good idea to look outwards when 1. What do you think the church we are looking at our own strate- some fruit of the Mission of God in is for; what purpose does it gies for mission. I am delighted the world.” have? that Bishop Michael has agreed to At the same conference we 2. How would you describe the be with us in order that we may see hope to have some input and reflec- church in this particular part tions from some of our ordinands. of the vineyard as it is and as It will be good to be encouraged you would like it to be and to by their number and their presence see it? with us. We shall see what we are 3. What would help you to shape getting and they will see what they your parish, group or deanery addressing some of their problems. One of the most interest- are letting themselves in for! so that that came about; i.e. So, after an excellent buffet ing responses came from another After a very successful series what would help your parish/ supper, we re-convened for the group: ‘Now that we’ve done all of meetings and visits during Lent group/benefice/deanery to be plenary session. Interestingly, most this work this evening, what will around the diocese our Bishop will and become that church? And groups answered in much the same happen next?’ We were assured reflect on the many comments on involved in this is the further way to question 1 (to worship God, that this was not the end of it and the questions he raised. He was question: What is block- to bear witness, to proclaim the that, in all probability, there will very encouraged by the turnout ing or preventing that from faith) but the responses to questions be another, follow-up meeting in and the energy there is, which all happening? 2 and 3 varied quite a bit. Opin- a few months’ time, to discuss agreed needed to be focussed in Our time was quite limited but, ions, even within our small group the next step, once the Bishop has the direction of discipleship and once we got going there was plenty of about 8, had differed widely considered all the responses. mission. to discuss and there was a buzz in on some issues, particularly with The meeting closed with a the room as people got into their regard to Lay-led and Clergy-led short time of worship based on stride. parishes – some have been without the five marks of mission. In all Members of our group all a vicar for a considerable time, and about 1,000 people from around brought their individual views and have found new, and interesting, the diocese attended this series of opinions to bear, and it was interest- ways of addressing the question of discussion evenings. ing to hear how other parishes are how and when to provide services. continued from page 1 different reality on, for example, a she receives actually deliver better these changes. There must be such why should anything be done in ward may well not be picked up by care. This will be evidenced by the widespread demand that the huge future when we will be the inno- the monitoring process. experiences of patients and their problems of finance and dispa- cent victims of a broken system? There are countless examples families, not by excellent docu- rate interests no longer prevent a So there are compelling reasons, of fantastic care across the coun- mentation in a filing cabinet, and I resolution of long-standing prob- both altruistic and selfish, that we try – this is due to excellent “local” hope she finds a fair way of getting lems. If we who are middle-aged demand action now. management. A strong ward mana- to the real proof. (and younger) do nothing now, ger will ensure all patients are The public outrage at evidence offered the opportunity to eat as of unsatisfactory, to deplorable, they wish, and that food remains care for vulnerable people must not hot and palatable on the ward while be wasted. Care services appear to Children’s work pioneer retires the limited number of staff have suffer from inertia at the highest time to help all those who need it. level. (Ask Andrew Lansley – you This is often in the face of restricted may not agree with the direction he Ruth Marks staff numbers, “protected meal- wishes to turn the NHS Oil Tanker, times” and other demands, which but we can all see the mass of profile, revelations have shown may involve standing up to the vested interests that do not wish a that the standards of care deliv- catering management who will be change of course.) Senior manage- ered to vulnerable patients can be facing efficiency pressures of their ment, however sympathetic, seem flawed right across the system. own. In another hospital, under the unable to see things outside certain I do not maintain that manag- same management, there may be parameters. This is what I meant ers are not caring but they are instances of poor nutrition despite by “institutionalised” earlier; the perhaps “institutionalised” and the same policies and procedures. overwhelming and disparate pres- working in a system that militates So, even within one Local Health sures of politics, safety, Royal against excellence. All institutions Board (LHB) there can be differ- Colleges, unions, pressure groups will have policies and procedures ences of standards. and, of course, finance, to name a that should ensure excellent care, The profile of care for all few, seem to constrain the imagina- and at Board level these are taken vulnerable people has never been tion of management. in good faith as evidence that all higher, and I congratulate Ruth It is up to all of us to demand is well. Inspections, in the quest Marks for her part in that. I hope that care services are of a standard After 15 years of helping churches nurture their youngest for consistency and fairness, look she receives satisfactory replies that patients expect and frontline members, Revd Kay Warrington has retired as convener of at objective evidence and try to from the LHBs and finally gets a staff aspire to deliver. No longer the Church in Wales’ children’s network. Thanking her for her minimise subjective judgements. grip on a long-standing problem. can we, the general public, wait contribution, the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory This means that as long as policies The hard part will be ensuring that for either politicians or public Cameron, said Mrs Warrington had helped many children and procedures are in place then a the fine words and policies that sector management to bring about discover the wonder of the Christian faith Pobl Dewi, July 2011 3 Ordinations 2011 We are with you Archdeacon Keith, amidst the turmoil following the disaster at the Chevron oil refinery in Milford Haven, offers sympathy and Come to the waters support to those affected N the day of the disaster at Our thoughts and prayers are with Othe Chevron oil refinery I’d all concerned. only lived in this area for about Of course the community has six weeks and been Archdeacon been affected and it will remain of St Davids and Vicar of Steyn- in our memories. However, in ton for just a month. However, in conversations with local people the days that followed I have been and listening to what others have so impressed by the reaction of the to say I have sensed, alongside community to this terrible tragedy. the immense sympathy for those Our hearts go out to those most involved in this, a calm resilience affected by this event – families and sense of purpose which says and friends of those who lost their that we will get through this, we lives or were terribly injured when will learn from it and become all they were only going about their the stronger because of our sense everyday lives doing their jobs. of community. Ascension Day at Talley Abbey

Before their ordination, the candidates gather around the Holy Well at St Non’s. Back row, left to right: Harri Williams, Will Gibbons, Gareth Reid. Front row, left to right: Michael Wheatley, Wendy Foulger, John-Daniel Laurence, Dafydd Jones, Stephen Edwards

Appointments

On Ascension Day each year the Deanery of Llangadog and Llandeilo holds a Eucharist service in the ruins of Talley Abbey. In past years preachers and celebrants have included the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and Bishop Wyn. This year, on a dry evening, over one hundred parishioners from the Deanery heard the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, preach in the open air service in the ruins of the Abbey. Capt Robert C Lowe, The service was organised by Canon Roger Hughes, Area Church Army Volunteer on Dean and Vicar of Catheiniog Benefice and the organist was Revd John S Bennett, Evangelism Projects, to serve Revd Shirley C Rayner, Revd Michael Cottam, Vicar of Llangadog. After the service Team Vicar in the Rectorial as Children & Youth Minister Assistant Curate, Rectorial refreshments were provided by the ladies of Talley Church for Benefice of Dewisland, to in the Rectorial Benefice of Benefice of Carew & Officer Archbishop Barry and Mrs Morgan, clergy and congregation. serve as Vicar of Cardigan, Llanelli, 1 May 2011 for Lay Development, to – Martin Presdee Jones Llangoedmor & Ferwig w serve as the Team Vicar in Mwnt, 13 September 2011 the Rectorial Benefice of Carew with responsibility for ‘Phased’ return for Manorbier, St Florence & Redberth (& to continue as Is God calling you? Officer for Lay Development), Llanarth Vicar E all have something that is unlike any other. If you feel that 4 May 2011 HE Vicar of Llanarth, Revd whilst investigations by police Wonly we can do. All of us God is calling you to this particu- TCanon Christopher Bolton, and social services took place into have particular talents and abili- lar vocation it would be good, in is set to make a phased return allegations of inappropriate behav- ties. We do them because we enjoy the first instance, for you to discuss to public ministry following his iour in relation to the receipt of them but more importantly because it with your parish priest. We also Wherever possible, acquittal by a Church disciplinary property and chattels from vulner- they give us a sense of fulfilment, have a brand new website to help tribunal on charges that he was able members of his parish over a even when we find them difficult. you discern whether or not this translations of guilty of conduct giving just cause period of 15 years from 1993. We get the sense that somehow might be your vocation. The Voca- for scandal or offence contrary to Both inquiries concluded there they are what we are meant to do. tion and Communication team Welsh articles the Church in Wales constitution. was insufficient evidence to prove A vocation is something to of the Diocese of St Davids have However, Canon Bolton’s the charges on the balance of prob- which God calls us. Every single produced it in conjunction with the will be posted return will be subject to him meet- ablities. The disciplinary hearing one of us has a calling, a vocation Church in Wales and you can find it ing certain conditions agreed with came to the same conclusion on the and we all need to try and work out at www.vocationwales.org.uk on the website at Bishop Wyn at a meeting follow- grounds that much of the evidence what it is. Some people are called – neu yng Nghymraeg a ing the tribunal’s decision. was hearsay relating to matters by God to be a priest. It is not so www.galwadcymru.org.uk www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk Canon Bolton stood aside from which were many years old. much a job but a way of life, which all ministry sixteen months ago 4 Pobl Dewi, July 2011

ing Christian mother. It helps you see things from every Jenny remembers her confir- angle, and you start to understand Learning to read mation vividly. “It was amazing,” why things happen.” she says, “a milestone. I felt I was Fellow students at St Michael’s Jenny Kimber, half-way through her training to become a Lay Reader, talks frankly walking six feet off the ground. It College have been an inspiration to David Hammond-Williams about her life and calling was the Holy Spirit. No question.” too. Their stories have forced her She was being called. But to to re-examine her own faith. “It’s HEN Jenny Kimber picked what? It turned out that broadcast- soul-searching,” she says. “You Wup her copy of Pobl Dewi ing was to become her ministry. ask yourself: are you good enough back in March 2009, she little Did she consider ordination? “No,” to do this? But I can feel God’s expected it to change her life. But she says categorically. “I knew that hand on my shoulder. It’s very it did. was not where God wanted me to enabling.” “I read an article about lay go at that time.” Despite all the hard work ministry and realised God was But it’s a funny old life. It was involved in her training, Jenny speaking to me. I knew what I broadcasting that, in 1996, brought has valued the support of her own needed to do.” her back to Wales. For ten years, congregation and feels this is just Conversations with the dioc- she was a driving force behind the right time for more people to esan vocations team followed. the BBC’s religious programmes apply. “Lay readers could really “They made sure my eyes were department in Cardiff. come into their own at this time open, but I knew this was a path And then there was Weather- when the Church in Wales is so I had to follow, whatever the man Walking. It was as a producer short of clergy. Maybe God is call- challenges.” of this series that she paid her first ing you?” Not that Jenny’s unfamiliar with visit to Lampeter. It was love at first Next year should see her the twists and turns that follow- sight. A couple of years later, after become a Lay Reader in the Recto- ing faith presents along the way. early retirement, she and Richard rial Benefice of Bro Teifi Sarn Her 63 years have taken her pretty moved in. Helen. So what does she hope much everywhere geographically, It didn’t take Jenny long to to achieve? “Just to be a useful professionally and spiritually. make her mark. Election to the member of the ministry team,” she Born in Dumfriesshire, her PCC was followed by appointment says modestly. “There are thirteen introduction to religion was in the as co-editor of the benefice maga- churches in this benefice and if I Presbyterian Church of Scotland. zine and benefice secretary. And can help to keep services going, As a teenager she lived in Merio- then that article in Pobl Dewi came that would be something. And I’m neth and later Suffolk, where she along and a new horizon appeared. glad I’ve been able to learn enough joined the local Baptists. Today, halfway through her Welsh to make a contribution But it was during her student studies for the Certificate in Prac- there. That’s important in this part days at Keele University that tical Theology, which is the of Wales. Visiting, that’s important things started to take shape. “They qualification needed to become a too. And I’m keen to train to take had an ecumenical chapel,” she and Law, and marriage to Richard, a paid contributor to their religious Lay Reader, she is under no illu- funerals.” remembers. “It felt right in a way Jenny’s professional path emerged, programming. A career was born. sions about the challenges ahead. Which begs the question we’ve my previous experiences had not, and with it the first inklings of So were two children and, “The course has been full of asked once before. So why not the all the denominations working and vocation. She started working when the local Anglican church surprises,” she reflects. “It’s made priesthood? “Too old, too much worshipping together.” for the local BBC radio station in started a Sunday School, she joined me look at worship and congrega- paperwork!” After graduation in Economics Stoke, first as a volunteer then as them – an easy choice for a work- tions in a completely different way. What is a Reader? The Lay Development Group Gaynor Ford explains the role and offers help for those considering this calling Paul Wallace describes the role of the Lay Development Group N January of this year I was HE Lay Development Group the beginning, much of the work currently taking stock of all that’s appointed Associate Warden of I first met on 9th December could have been described as theo- been achieved and will be evalu- Readers by Bishop Wyn. I have T 2008, under the vigorous chair- retical: preparation of specifications ating progress against the initial been a Reader for 15 years and manship of Canon Dennis Wight for different lay roles and an exami- objectives on a day’s retreat in based at St Cewydd and St Peter’s and is made up of six members, nation of training requirements. In the summer. It is then hoped to Church, Steynton, Milford Haven two from each archdeaconry. recent years, its outlook has been draw up a long term plan on how During my time as a Reader, The purpose and objectives of more practical and four excellent to move forward over the coming this ministry has evolved into the group incorporate the initial workshops have been held, two years. What’s certain is that the being an integral and vital part ideas of Stephen Prosser, who first aimed at worship leaders and two group does not intend to stand of ministry in this diocese, due started this initiative, which are to for pastoral assistants. More than still: its members are keen, lively, to the hard work of the previous “promote, encourage and develop 150 people have attended these creative and wholly committed to Warden, Canon Jo Penberthy, and the ministry of lay people within St training days which members of the seeing lay ministries flourish and the support and encouragement of Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer Davids Diocese”. group think speaks volumes about grow. The team is now led by Revd Bishop Wyn single-handed, the Ministry of the The group objectives are to: the commitment of these people to Shirley Rayner, Team Vicar in Readers are now members of Word at the Eucharist, preaching • Stimulate interest in lay minis- their roles and their genuine need the Carew Benefice, who is eager Chapter as of right. The new train- the sermon and, within the Minis- try and offer encouragement to for support within the church. to build on the progress already ing programme enables successful try team, undertaking pastoral those showing potential or to The Lay Development Group is achieved by the group. candidates to be licensed as Eucha- work and teaching as directed by those exploring their vocation. ristic assistants and be authorised the incumbent. • Provide information, support to conduct funerals. So, what do you do if you want and encouragement to clergy Existing Readers can now to consider exploring the possibil- in their efforts to identify and apply for permission to be a Pas- ity of a calling to this ministry? nurture lay ministry. toral Eucharistic Assistant, and, by Initially discuss this with your • Offer support, training and completing a Bereavement module, incumbent and if you both agree development opportunities to be authorised to conduct funerals. you can contact your Vocations those wishing to develop their So what is a Reader? Advisor for further discussion, skills in mission and ministry. Traditionally called “Lay Read- who will then notify the Associate • Encourage a network of people ers”, they are not ordained, nor are Warden to arrange to discuss with in lay ministry for fellowship they paid. you how to proceed. and support. Attached to a particular parish, For further information please • Encourage confidence in being the main areas of their ministry are get in touch: 4 Pond Meadow, Stey- a Christian in daily life and preaching and worship which they nton, Milford Haven SA73 1HB; work. share with the ordained clergy. This Tel: 01646 693452; Nearly three years on, the may include, for example, leading [email protected] group has seen much progress. In Pobl Dewi, July 2011 5

and move services to the places been resolved yet – and it is not where they work best, encouraging just a matter of travel to take serv- Promising and patchy parishioners to move around. ices. Mention of ministry share Two of the congregations are remains a profound worry for tiny Enid Morgan reports on an experiment in team ministries very content to join up on a regular congregations. basis. The ministry group has been With our Rural Dean much IGHTEEN congregations with- able to pray together, share prob- restored to health (welcome back, Eout a vicar and the Area Dean lems and difficulties, and support John Livingstone) and a new Priest on sick leave. That was the gloomy each other when crises arise. It is in Charge (Peter Jones) in Llang- situation last October around Aber- fascinating how, in a group of five, orwen, Talybont and Llandre, the ystwyth. Such crises normally come there are several layers of church- number of churches without an and go, but there is a real scarcity manship but, because no one incumbent is down to ten. of Welsh speaking/learning clergy actually wants to be in charge, we This experiment will probably which will not be quickly solved listen and respect each other in a continue – and perhaps other areas and there is a sense of an approach- way that I have only rarely experi- in the diocese will benefit from our ing crunch. Archdeacon Will enced in clergy-only groups. experience. Strange and the acting Area Dean, Expenses for laity have not Stuart Bell, invited all lay read- ers, retired clergy and Eucharistic Assistants to meet and discuss how best to tackle the situation. The result was that individuals ‘signed up’ to work in particular parish groupings. Lay readers and retired clergy know about ‘stop- gap’ ministry and have legitimate fears about propping up the unsus- Llanafan-y-Trawscoed. Both churches pictured are in the Bro tainable, but in such situations Ystwyth & Mynach Group people need both consistency and flexibility. In any case all our charge’ has continued. While this communion led by a lay minister lovely plans slid off the road in the is gratefully received, we acknowl- using the reserved sacrament. The early snow and ice of December! edge in our hearts that this is not service itself has been popular and So has it worked? It is both a satisfactory solution and it can lay ministers have appreciated the promising and patchy. It has alle- produce a sort of shadow version privilege of this role. viated the administration of the of the vicar does it all syndrome. In the ‘double’ grouping of Bro Area Dean, encouraged us to share These long periods without an Mynach and Bro Ystwyth, with 6 responsibility, given us the oppor- incumbent have to be seen as an congregations, a team of five has tunity to consult and plan ahead, opportunity to enable the laity to truly relished the experience of Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn made it possible for people to have share responsibilities. Whisper, working together. A non stipen- the occasional Sunday off and who dare, not all clergy like that! diary priest, a retired priest, a lay encouraged wardens to look out for Regular communion in the reader and two Eucharistic Assist- pastoral crises. absence of an ordained priest has, ants have met regularly to plan In some groups an established in some places, been provided by rotas well ahead. We were able Hail, fellow – pattern with a retired priest ‘in the use of a service of extended to ask “What about Holy Week?” well invented! EVEREND Jonathan Copus, by a desperate NHS, and I’d be a New Spiritual Director Rwho retired last year as Priest millionaire by now,’ he says, ‘but in Charge of the Velfrey Group of medics are a conservative lot, and At a special service in February, Martin Greig was commissioned as St Davids Churches in Pembrokeshire, has the gold-plated yacht is still on Cursillo Spiritual Director. Judy Webb reports on a happy occasion just been elected a Fellow of the hold.’ Institute of Patentees and Inven- Jonathan is just the latest in a N Monday 21st February a tors. The award was made largely long tradition of clergymen-scien- Ogood turn-out of Cursillistas in recognition of his main inven- tists: six of the first 14 Presidents attended a shared lunch followed tion, the Electronic Antibiotic, of the British Association for the by a short Ultreya in St Mary’s which kills germs using a jet of Advancement of Science were Church Hall, Kidwelly (an Ultreya electrically-charged air. Anglican clerics, and his own is a regular coming together of The technology has already great-uncle was both a country all Cursillistas from across the brought Jonathan fame: he was a rector and a renowned expert on diocese, who meet between times guest of Her Majesty the Queen at a the life of microscopic freshwater in smaller groups in their home reception in Buckingham Palace to animals called diatoms. areas). The sales table in aid of celebrate ‘Pioneers of the Nation’. And his latest project? A system our own funds and the St Asaph But fortune? ‘You’d think a device to clear skin blemishes and leave National Ultreya 2012, with profits which killed microbes – including faces looking fresh and youthful. split 50:50, did good business. the superbug MRSA – quickly and ‘At my age,’ he says, ‘you need all However, the joyful highlight painlessly would be snapped up the help you can get.’ of the day was the Eucharist and commissioning of our new Spir- itual Director, Revd Martin Greig, by Bishop Wyn. This took place in St Mary’s Church, Kidwelly, the church of our retiring Spiritual Director, Revd Hugh James. The readings used during the service, chosen by Martin, were Colos- to the service Revd Canon Dennis raise funds for St Davids Cursillo. sians 3, 12-17 and St. Luke 22, Wight, the Bishop’s Chaplain and a During the refreshments after the 24-27. The Bishop read the words Cursillista, and Revd John Powell, service, Judy presented the Bishop of Philippians 1, 3-10. Martin was Vicar of Llangrannog, the parish in with his own rainbow scarf. presented with a Cursillo cross, a which Martin is resident. If you would like to hear more book of prayers, a pilgrim staff During his sermon, Bishop about St Davids Cursillo, please from Santiago de Compostela, and Wyn commented on the rain- contact Brian Bushby-Jefferson on a copy of the Cursillo Resource bow scarves worn by some of the 01559 370693; or email him at Manual. Cursillistas present. They are being [email protected]. We were delighted to welcome crocheted by Judy Webb and sold to 6 Pobl Dewi, July 2011

more churches came on board in 2010 and we hope that many more Churches Tourism Network Wales will want to be part of BTCS 2011. There are some very useful public- ity materials to purchase as well as online resources to help plan Open Churches Day your BTCS service. Your vicar should have received a brochure Saturday, 17th September is Open Churches Day. This event in the diocesan mailing which provides an ideal opportunity to promote knowledge and gave details of the resource packs understanding and John Winton asks participating parishes available and will, hopefully, have to consider how the visitor experience can be enhanced On Back to Church Sunday 2010, around 3,500 churches ordered packs for your church as welcomed back 51,000 people! This year Back to Church the closing date was before this PEN Churches Day (OCD) and, most importantly of all, the Sunday will be on Sunday 25th September and John Bennett paper went to print. However, there Ostarted seven years ago to marketing and publicity in the local 25thencourages September us all to get involved 2011 may still be some available, so it’s encourage churches and chapels area and community was extensive worth visiting throughout Wales to consider their and effective. There is - a connec ACK to Church Sunday • In 2008 a young woman came www.backtochurch.co.uk ministry to visitors in general and, tion between the number of people B(BTCS) is now the largest to BTCS. A year later she has to find out more. for one specific day, to share the informed about the event and the single local-church invitational helped us to set up a youth This year BTCS are not produc- building with anyone who cares to number of visitors! initiative in the world. The initial group, and is helping lead it. ing resources in Welsh; however visit. By most criteria it has been a The tourism industries focus focus was to invite ‘back’ those It just takes one new one – a the Welsh churches are working success – each year more and more heavily on events. Imaginative and who used to attend, but we want whole load of difference can be together to produce some them- places of worship register with well planned events held on OCD to ensure that anyone who doesn’t made. selves. If you would like Welsh Churches Tourism Network Wales can do much to increase the knowl- currently attend can be guaranteed • I can’t understand why all language resources, please email (CTNW) and, even more encour- edge and understanding of the an especially warm welcome. For churches aren’t involved; it’s me stating the approximate number agingly, more places are open church within the wider commu- thousands of churches, and tens of such an easy mission opportu- of invitation cards you will need. throughout the year to welcome nity. In many cases the small thousands of Christians, BTCS has nity not to be missed. Finally, but of greatest impor- visitors. worship community has been able become part of what they do each • 77 people turned up of which tance, please pray for BTCS and For 2011 there is a slight shift find someone in the wider commu- September. It’s the shortest step in about 50 were returning or new! encourage everyone to invite a in emphasis. We are asking partici- nity with special expertise to help evangelism – invite someone you • One elderly lady (aged 92!), friend. It could change their lives! pating places to consider how the them plan events. Many surveys tell know to something you love – and brought by a church member, Please contact me if you need visitor experience on OCD (and us that there is a real sense of good- year after year, people are respond- was quite overcome with any more information: other days) can be enhanced. What will toward the church amongst ing positively. It’s so simple. the experience of love and Tel: 01348 831354; can the visitor learn from their visit those in the community who rarely This is what some church lead- acceptance. e-mail: [email protected] – what stories will they go away worship there – sensitive explo- ers have said: In the Diocese of St Davids or visit www.backtochurch.co.uk with and how much has their under- ration amongst neighbours and standing of the place of worship’s organisations might well unearth role within the community been the very person who will make a genealogy, how visitors with Welsh enhanced? These are some of the real difference to running an event roots wish to trace their ancestors, questions we hope those joining in the place of worship. and how rewarding this can be to OCD 2011 will address. There is To register with CTNW for this Tourism Day all parties. Anne Eastham then no doubt that the success stories day visit gave an interesting address on over the years tell of how the build- www.visitwaleschurches.com Eve Cornthwaite, from Ludchurch, gleaned much from the the success, over the years, of the ing was used for something special any time from 1st July. event held on 7th March at St David’s, Prendergast Saints and Stones Group. Last but by no means least, John Winton N Monday 7th March the that post codes be displayed in the then spoke about Churches Tour- St Davids Diocesan Tourism Group OSt Davids Diocesan Tour- event of emergencies and Smart ism Network Wales, encouraging ism Group held a Tourism Day at Water markings be renewed, to us all to support Open Churches St Davids Church, Prendergast, name but a few. Day on 17th September. CHURCHYARDS Haverfordwest. The day started The next speaker was Terry The Bishop closed the day with AND HOW THEY CAN ENHANCE THE with a welcome coffee in the John who gave a very interest- a short address and The Grace. EXPERIENCE OF VISITORS church hall and then we all walked, ing talk on the history of the old Many thanks to the Tourism in the sunshine, to the church, church at Bluestone. A tour is to Group for giving us such an inter- AND THE COMMUNITY where Philip Dunseath from Eccle- be arranged at a later date. Mary esting and varied day. siastical Insurance opened with Baker of Archaeotours, a regu- The next Tourism Day is Tues- Tuesday 4 October 2011 the theme of the day: “Keep Your lar contributor to Pobl Dewi and day 4th October 2011, 10am-4pm Churches Open”. He spoke on vari- whose company organises tours 10am-4pm in The Church Hall, Abergwili, in the Church Hall, ous issues and offered useful ideas of churches, was the last speaker near Carmarthen. Theme: Church- on such subjects as how to set up a before lunch. yards and how they can enhance Abergwili, near Carmarthen Church Watch and carry out a Risk The afternoon session opened the experience of our visitors and Main Speaker: Assessment. He also suggested with Joanna Masters talking about community alike. Main Speaker: Sue Cooper from Sue Cooper from “Caring for God’s Acre”. “Caring for God’s Acre” Our churchyards are a rich TEDDIES TAKING OVER CHURCH! resource both for the communities Our churchyards • are a rich resource both for the communities in which they are set and Teddy Bear Exhibition and Parachute Drop in which they are set and for visi- tors to the church buildings. They for visitors to the church buildings St Mary’s Church, Begelly offer a sanctuary for a rich diver- • offer a sanctuary for a rich diversity of plants and animals • play an important part in the history of their communities Friday and Saturday 27-28 August, 11am – 4pm sity of plants and animals as well as playing an important part in THE EVENT IS FREE . . . and for teddies brave enough to try it, a teddy parachute drop from the witnessing to the history of their tower at 2pm and 3pm on Saturday. Parachute-making workshop, tea and Please join us communities. when we will explore ways of promoting our churchyards as coffee available. Teddies donated to the exhibition will be auctioned at 4pm During the day we will look on Saturday in aid of NSPCC • places of heritage and wildlife conservation at how we can promote them as • havens of peace and tranquillity Sunday 29 August – 10am places of heritage and wildlife Family service to which teddies are invited to bring their owners. conservation, as well as havens of • Tea and coffee will be provided peace and tranquillity. • Please bring a packed lunch Exhibition will remain open until noon. The day is FREE but dona- • Directions to Abergwili can be provided when you register Free entry to exhibition tions towards costs would be most • The event is free but donations towards costs welcome. would be greatly appreciated Please register with Revd Sarah Donations to St Mary’s Tower Appeal welcomed To Register contact Revd Sarah Geach Geach at [email protected] Further information: email: [email protected] or phone 01834 812078. Revd Sarah Geach 01834812078 tel 01834 812078 [email protected] Tea and coffee will be provided but please bring a packed lunch. All WelCoMe! Pobl Dewi, July 2011 7 From palace to museum In the second of two articles, Jill Davies, from the Friends of Carmarthenshire Museum, completes her history of the museum

HE Old Bishop’s Palace was the Palace; before 1802 supplies 19th century life include a portrait Tmoved to Abergwili from had been brought up the Tywi. The of Madame Bevan, bought at the Llangadog by 1291, where it grounds have recently been entered Derwydd auction. The original became a centre for scholars and on the Historic Gardens Register. kitchen, partly two storeys high to poets. During the civil war the In the 1830s under Bishop allow the heat from the two huge Palace suffered neglect, with most Jenkinson the gables and the third ranges to disperse, has some orig- bishops being non-resident, and it storey attic rooms were added. The inal fittings. Children have their was restored in 1713. entrance was brought back to the own area in the Clore gallery. The present building follows west front. In April 1903, in Bishop The first floor bedrooms now the medieval layout. The doors to Owen’s tenure, a massive fire house more galleries and the con- the chapel and the library are very gutted most of the interior although servation laboratory while the thick, formerly exterior, walls that the walls did not collapse. In 1907 servants’ bedrooms in the attics opened on to the cloister. In 1800 rebuilding inside the old walls was are used to store the collections under Bishop George Murray, the completed in a layout that derived not on display. The paintings, house was modernised and the directly from the Middle Ages. photographs, clothes, books and grounds developed. The east wing The ground floor galleries innumerable objects from daily life enclosing the cloister was added occupy the early 20th century over the centuries, catalogued and and became the main entrance with drawing and dining rooms, the protected by acid-free materials, a new drive and gateway to the turn- servants’ hall and the new kitchen. have their own rooms, as preserva- pike so that visitors could take in The Voteporix stone, bearing the tion for future generations is part of Photo by Dara Jasumani reproduced by permission of the Museum the view of the river in front of the name of the earliest ruler in written a museum service’s remit. house. In 1802 a great storm cut off records, is the most important in a the meander to form the ‘bishop’s collection of standing stones. The Pond’. Murray was responsible for 17th century gallery has portraits This article is extensively based on an article by the late Terrence James (Carmarthenshire adding the bay windows and may of the Vaughan family from Gelli Antiquary, Volume XVI, 1980) in which he declares his indebtedness to Bishop Wyn Evans. have enclosed the ‘Green Court’ to Aur and a copy of the Testament Carmarthenshire County Museum is open Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 4.30pm. make the central hall. A canal from Newydd, cherished where it was www.carmarthenmuseum.org.uk the Gwili was used to bring coal to translated. Displays of 18th and

sional evil monk but each time he Glitter, glue is shown to be truthful and honest. We must remember that these lives are documented at times of politi- and wiggle eyes cal unrest and, when examined, are often politically expedient to the Helping to make church a friendlier place for children and young patrons of the authors. families is the aim of a new website packed with resources for The church that stands on this Sunday School leaders and playgroup organisers ancient spot suggests calm rather than unrest and has a wonder- ET up by the Children’s dren are a vital part of the life of St Padarn, Arthur and ful exhibition and interpretation Network team of the Church in the Church: worship is as much S area in the south transept. There, Wales, the website is divided into for them as for anyone else. It is a stained glass window portraying different sections, offering guid- important that we encourage and mourning in Ceredigion Padarn shines beneath an ancient ance on getting groups started, nurture them and look after their engraved cross, where crowds preparing for events, working with needs.” Mary Baker continues her series about Welsh saints, with would have gathered to listen to under-fives and finding resources. Sue Collingbourne, the Chil- a sorrowful visit to Llanbadarn, near Aberystwyth someone like Padarn preach and Each section contains a compre- dren’s Network convenor, says the tell tales of wonderous travels and hensive check-list of things to website will put excellent resources healings. consider, including child protec- and materials at the fingertips of all HE writing of this article coin- with solving conflict and humbling It was dark when we visited tion procedures and regulations those who work with children in cided with the sudden death of leaders, and was also able to heal. T and very atmospheric, my mind and training for leaders. parishes. my partner and it was with a heavy After yet another struggle, this was pre-occupied with sadness Launching the website, the The Children’s Network web- heart that I set out two days later time with King Maelgwyn of North and confusion. In the gloom, as I Bishop of St Asaph, Rt Revd site can be found at on the trail of St Padarn. My dear Wales, he takes pity and cures him looked up at Padarn’s bright glass Gregory Cameron, said, “Chil- www.childrensnetworkwales.org.uk friend thought that a trip to Aber- of blindness thus saving him from ystwyth would heal a little and so a cruel death. portrait, someone began playing we went to Llanbadarn on a grey There seems to be much the organ and, although my heart Saturday. criticism of St Padarn by evil still has a long way to heal, I felt The huge and imposing tower henchmen, lords and even an occa- that my journey had begun. speaks of the importance of this building during the Middle Ages. However, the church has much earlier roots and was founded by St Jesus said Padarn as a monastery or cell. He hailed from Brittany, travelled to ‘I am’ Ireland as a child and was the son A flower festival, of very saintly parents. He seemed, based on the ‘I am’ though, to have had problems with those in power, and legend says that sayings of Jesus, he got very angry with King Arthur and exhibition of art who desired ownership of his holy and craft, was held tunic! The tunic was brought back at St Anne’s Church, from Jerusalem where Padarn had Penparcau, from 16th travelled with contemporaries St to 18th June. Pictured David and St Teilo. is the arrangement by Padarn’s life is described in Vita the Jubilee Storehouse Sancti Paternus which was written (see article page p12) Children from Ysgol Y Llan learning about the Bible with puppets 600 years later, in about 1120. He entitled ‘I am the Bread at St Asaph Cathedral appears to have been concerned of Life’. 8 Pobl Dewi, July 2011 Memorial concert aids end-of-life

CONCERT in memory of A Revd Anthony Bailey, who served as a Church in Wales parish priest in Pembrokeshire for the last 26 years of his ministry and who died in 2010, raised £620 for his Concerts, Events favourite charity. Saint Cledwyn’s Singers, named after one of the churches in his charge, staged the & Special Services event in aid of Paul Sartori Foun- dation, which provides resources for terminally ill people to be cared at St Davids Cathedral for at home. The concert, compèred by the Revd Cllr Huw George, featured performances by the Revd July Becky Davies, Vicar of the West 7.30pm Saturday 16th Dyfed Choir Concert Preseli Group of churches and a renowned soprano soloist, pianist was held in the Nant-y-Ffîn Motel, The charity currently helps around 7.30pm Friday 22nd Welsh National Opera Orchestra Peter Carder, clarinettist Miriam Llandissilio, by generous permis- 800 families a year at a cost of more Concert Menhennett, and alto Susie Copus. sion of Mr Emrys Murrow. than £1,000 each. It relies entirely on voluntary contributions from 7.30pm Saturday 23rd John S Davies Concert Choral pieces ranged from Mozart’s Paul Sartori Foundation offers Ave, verum Corpus to a humor- Pembrokeshire’s only ‘hospice the public, schools, colleges, local 7.30pm Saturday 29th National Youth Choir of Wales Concert ous schoolboy rhyme provided by at home’ service, providing free companies and other organisations, together with the income from the 7.30pm Saturday 30th Orchestra of the Swan Concert Anthony Bailey himself and set to professional nursing care and music by Saint Cledwyn’s Sing- equipment loans, as well as support shops manned by its volunteers. August ers Director Jonathan Copus. It both before and after bereavement. 7.00pm Friday 5th Ball Race & Pig Roast Saturday 6th Bell Tower Celebrations 12.00pm Saturday 6th Informal Concert Armenian pilgrimage to St Davids Cathedral

7.30pm Saturday 13th Côr Meibion De Cymru Concert RMENIAN pilgrims from 12.00pm Saturday 20th Informal Concert Aacross England and Wales gathered for an Easter celebration September of the Badarak (Armenian Liturgy), Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th September and a Requiem for the one and a Friends of the Cathedral Festival half million Armenians killed in Turkey during the First World War, 10.00am Saturday 17th Day of Refreshment for the Soul in the Cathedral on Saturday 30 5.00pm Saturday 24th RSCM Festival Evensong April. The celebrant was the Very Reverend Dr Vahan Hovhanessian, October Primate of the Armenian Apostolic 7.30pm Saturday 15th Dyfed Choir Concert (Orthodox) Church in Great Brit- ain and Ireland. He was assisted by 6.00pm Sunday 30th Bible Sunday Celebration Service two vardapets (celibate priests) and several deacons. Choristers from November the London Armenian churches of 7.30pm Saturday 12th Goodwick Brass Band Concert St Sarkis and St Yeghishe sang the 11.15am Sunday 13th British Legion Service of Remembrance liturgy, accompanied by the organ- ist of the Manchester Armenian English) exhibition about Arme- Library. Armenia was the first 6.00pm Sunday 27th Advent Carol Service Church. nian Christianity in the nave and a country to recognise Christianity as Canon Patrick Thomas (assis- display of his personal collection its official religion (in 301), and St ted by his daughter Mair), arranged of books about Armenian illumi- David would have met Armenian a tri-lingual (Armenian, Welsh and nated manuscripts in the Cathedral Christians on his visit to Jerusalem. St Davids Cathedral Summer Concert Series 2011 8.15pm Every Wednesday ‘Zimbe!’

From 13 July to 21 September HE latest in the informal series Tof Eat, Meet & Sing events run by the Royal School of Church Music (West Wales) took place at Tickets: £7.00 St Paul’s Methodist Centre, Aber- (£5.00Come concession,and hear beautiful children music free) performed at the door ystwyth, on 18th June. in the stunning surroundings of St Davids Cathedral More than 50 sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, led by Alex Mason, Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathe- dral, enjoyed singing a wide range For further information please contact: of pieces by composers which included Bach, Bruckner, Mathias The Deanery Office, The Close, St Davids SA62 6RH and Chilcott. They were also intro- Tel: 01437 720202 Fax: 01437 721885 duced to Alexander L’Estrange’s Email: [email protected] ‘Zimbe!’, which premiered in 2008. www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk The event was such a success that a date for a similar event next June is already in the diary. Pobl Dewi, July 2011 9 Llywela hangs up her organ shoes Full steam ahead

Peter Watkin and his restored steam engine

Revd Peter Jones, the new Priest-in-Charge at Llandre, welcomed a large number of people to the church’s summer fair in June. A variety of stalls, and a BBQ, ensured that there was something for everyone. A special treat was the presence of a 100-year-old ASTER DAY at St Davids mother between 1968 and 1973. steam engine which had ECathedral marked the retire- Her father’s hymnal, Emynau’r spent its working life in the ment of Miss Llywela Harris as Eglwys, is also used during this Andes and which has now Parish Organist of the Cymun service. been lovingly restored to Bendigaid service. 80th birthday full working order by local Following the morning service On Easter Day Llywela said: engineer Peter Watkin a presentation was made to Llywela “Having celebrated my 80th birth- by the Bishop of St Davids. The day this month I feel that now is a Right Revd Wyn Evans spoke of sensible time to hang up my organ about the role teachers play and the Llywela’s dedication in playing shoes. Thank you all very much effect they have on the lives of the for the Welsh Eucharist for over A time for reflection for your ‘musical hospitality’ – it children in their care. Staff then had 17 years and presented her with has been an immense pleasure and the opportunity of spending some a bouquet of flowers, cheque and Wendy McGarvie, from St Aidan’s School, Wiston, satisfaction to be part of such a quiet time in the cathedral before booklet containing her late father's near Haverfordwest, enjoys the staff’s annual retreat lively and musical congregation.” sharing a picnic lunch at Bishop’s hymns. Llywela’s dedication to Welsh TAFF from St Aidan’s School diocese. The day offers staff a time Palace. After lunch they all walked Parish organist church music was also cele- Sundertake an annual retreat as of reflection away from school to St Non’s, taking in the well on Llywela’s connection with the brated on 9th April at Holy Trinity part of their professional devel- and an opportunity to gather their route. Cymun Bendigaid dates back many Church, Llandudno, where she was opment. It was recommended thoughts and contemplate their role Prayers were said and shared years. She was appointed Parish presented with the Honorary Arch- following the last RE Inspection as teachers. in the chapel, before a short tour Organist in 1994 and this role had bishop of Wales’ A ward for Church and is becoming a common link This year the day was led by of the retreat house was made. The previously been undertaken by her Music. between all church schools in the Revd Canon Bryan Witt in St Sisters at St Non’s made every- David’s Cathedral. The staff gath- one very welcome and all joined ered in The Lady Chapel for a short together for tea and biscuits to end Snowdrop service where Revd Witt spoke the day! walk LANT DEWI were pleased to Preceive a kind donation of £200 from St Michaels Church, Llanfi- hangel Genau’r Glyn. Parishioners held two fundraising events, which led to the substantial amount being raised. Mrs Lis Collinson held an annual Snowdrop Walk at her home in aid of the diocesan children’s charity and a further fundraiser was held during Lent, when the group got together for a Lenten lunch and listened to a Plant Dewi Project Worker speak about their work. Evans, Plant Dewi Project Worker, a Plant Dewi project, along with Receiving the cheque on pictured with parents and workers Lis Collinson, Sue Jenkins, Doreen behalf of Plant Dewi is Catrin of Borth Family Centre, which is Haggar and Avril Thomas. 10 Pobl Dewi, July 2011 How do you communicate? Freshers’ Fayre By telephone? By letter? Or do you prefer to communicate face to face, so that you can follow Veronica Allen describes a Mothers’ Union initiative in the unspoken conversation written in the face of the other person? Marianne Osborne, from the Aberystwyth, which is designed to help and support new Diocesan Youth Committee, encourages us all to use today’s technology to communicate effectively students TUDENTS form a large helped on the day. Revd Ian Girling OR the youth of today most proportion of the Aberystwyth caught the vision and encouraged communication takes place S F population. While Christians are us all greatly. Guessing how much electronically, either by mobile well catered for, spiritually and cake, pizza and squash concentrate phone text or through commu- socially, by local churches, church we needed, negotiating free cups nity websites such as Facebook or walls are no barrier to the Mothers’ and loading and unloading was a Twitter. As a mum with teenagers Union (MU)! When the Director of steep learning curve! We drew up a of my own, I have to know the ins Student Support and the Students’ rota to cover set-up and 10am-3pm and outs of cyber-teen life! My guys Union representative were asked serving and talking (with exhaus- text each another even across the if there was a role for the MU, tion breaks). living room, and the vicarage here stereotypically they said ‘teas’! We also produced a pocket in Penally isn’t that big! But seri- In conjunction with the town guide to local facilities, giving us ously, being able to communicate welcome, we were to provide a the opportunity to offer contact effectively is paramount in all walks smile and free grub at the Fresh- numbers should anyone need a of life and in all areas of society, ers’ Fayre in September 2010. motherly chat to complement the however you choose to do it. Don’t think MU ‘teas’ are easy. student support service. This leaf- In April’s edition of High- The logistics for up to 2,500 people let, entitled ‘You’ve Made it’ and lights I was pleased to see that required a mixture of adrenalin and inspired and printed by members the Governing Body has been in faith. The experiment cleared our of the Pobl Dewi team, profiled the consultation about the vision and trustees in March. Members from ethos and work of the MU. direction of the Church in Wales www.facebook.com/DYCwhatsoccurringthen three deanery branches, the Faith & Later in the week, we served over the next ten years. Top of the practically, not just in our own This new type of cyber commu- Policy Committee and New Quay, tea and bara brith for overseas list of priorities, it seems, is to find lives as an example but also in the nity opens doors to people all over students, when Ann Gill, Diocesan the ability to demonstrate our rele- lives of the younger generation, as the world in the short space of time MU President, led the team and vance as the Body of Christ to the we encourage them to take up the it takes to power up and log in. Our enjoyed meeting the young people. people of Wales. The one sugges- cross in their own way as they jour- youth live in a fast-growing visual The feedback shows the events tion that caught my eye was ‘by ney through life. and ‘interactive’ age: let’s be part generated cheerful goodwill. Those improving communication at all Welcome As a result of this, we have of that phenomenon! who helped felt it was positive levels.’ set up our own Facebook page to Please feel free to comment on to outreach, Christianity in action, The Diocesan Youth Commit- encourage and support those look- the page or post pictures of what Aberystwyth University and taking the church out of its tee (DYC) is very aware of the ing at faith, to publicise the youth is happening in your area, and comfort zone. Free provision of need to promote effectively the projects already up and running, become part of our community. refreshments was a marvel to some good news of Christ among the to find out what is important in (N.B. Please obtain permission students; the leaflet a resounding youth of St Davids. We realise that, the lives of our young Facebook- from parents or guardians before success. Many were pleased to in order to do this, we must speak ers, and to create a community in publishing images of youth -or chil know there was a surrogate mum the same language as our youth, so a comfortable and innovative envi- dren’s activities) available and overseas students that the Gospels may be applied ronment that is accessible to all. comforted that we wanted to show interest in their courses and so on. ac i bobl sydd yn ymweld â ni I hope we demonstrated God’s Profiad y Pasg yn enwedig dros yr haf i weld yr unconditional love outside church Amgueddfa Wlân i lawr ffordd. circles and followed Mary Sumn- Trwy grant y gyngor Sir yr ydym er’s prayer to touch lives for God, John Gillibrand, chair of governors at Penboyr school, talks about wedi prynu byrddau arddan- whom He can ‘quicken’ spiritually. the way in which the idea of partnership between church, school You’ve made it! gos sydd yn olrhain hanes yr We are repeating the proc- and community was realised in the recent Easter Experience, Eglwys ac yn dadansoddi ystyr We hope you have a great time in ess, and extending it to Trinity St when school staff and church members worked together to tell ein ffenestri lliw. Fel bod pobl yn Aberystwyth. Inside you’ll find some David, Carmarthen, this Septem- the story of Easter to the pupils. Pobl Dewi readers are also dod i mewn, yr ydym yn cadw information which we think you might ber. If anyone would like to be invited to visit St Barnabas Church, Felindre, near Newcastle y drws yn agored am gyfnod yn find useful during your time here. involved please call me on 01970 Emlyn, where they can enjoy the new display boards about the ystod y dydd. Croeso i ddarllen- 626728 or Eiryth Thomas on 01267 church and its history wyr Pobl Dewi ymweld â ni. The Mothers’ Union is here to help 233578. Peth amser yn ôl rhoddwyd AE Ysgol Penboyr yn hynny dystiolaethu i’w ffydd yn ffenestr lliw newydd i mewn MYsgol Eglwys. Fel Cadeir- yr Arglwydd croeshoeliedig ac – dim yn yr Eglwys ond yn yr ydd Llywodraethwyr yr Ysgol atgyfodedig. Beth oedd yn braf Ysgol. Mae’n dangos gwahanol From Wiston yr wyf bob amser yn pwyslei- ar fore Sul y Pasg oedd gwybod agweddau ar fywyd y gymuned. sio y bartneriaeth rhwng Eglwys bod pob un plentyn sydd yn Mae edrych ar y ffenestr yn – Ysgol – a Chymuned. mynychu Ysgol Penboyr wedi brofiad addysgol ynddo ei to Zanzibar Yn y prosiect ‘Profiad Pasg’ profi hanes y Pasg yn weithredol hun. Yn y ffenestr hefyd gwel- cawsom gyfle i wireddu ein gwel- ac yn yr oes sydd ohoni mae A scheme which links schools across continents encourages wch chi glochdai Eglwysi St. pupils to become informed, active, global citizens edigaeth. Addurnwyd Eglwys hynny’n rhywbeth arbennig. Llawddog a St Barnabas. Ein Sant Barnabas i ddangos hanes Mae Eglwys Sant Barnabas gwaith ni fel eglwysi yw rhoi yr Wythnos Fawr – y dyfodiad i bellach yn gwneud trefniadau i fod OLLOWING a Reciprocal global issues into the lives of Profiad y Pasg – sef gobaith Visit Grant from the British young people, their teachers, fami- Jerwsalem, Y Swper Olaf, Gardd yn fwy agored i bobl y gymuned newydd i’r gymuned cyfan. F Gesthemane, y Groes a’r Bedd Council, Wendy MacGarvie from lies and local communities. Having Gwag. Dros gyfnod, daeth pob St Aidan’s VA School, Wiston, two sets of teachers and students un dosbarth, mewn grwpiau near Haverfordwest, visited Zanzi- working together on the same bychain, i ddilyn yn ôl traed yr bar last year. A return visit was then project on two sides of the world Iesu o gwmpas yr Eglwys, o made to Wiston from the head of is hugely rewarding and can lead Sul y Blodau hyd at y Pasg, gan the partner school in Stone Town to extremely beneficial learning dreulio o gwmpas chwarter awr last September. outcomes. It motivates the pupils, ym mhob un gorsaf. Diolchwn i In order to continue this link across countries and continents, Ysgol Penboyr, ac yn enwedig a new application was made for a to become more informed, active i’r cynorthwywyr dosbarth am Global Curriculum Project Grant global citizens. yr holl waith a roddwyd i mewn under the Global Schools Partner- The school was supported in its wrth drefnu. Ond diolchwn hefyd ship (GSP) which will fund two application by Sazani Associates i aelodau’r eglwys a weithiodd teachers from each partner school which is an international not-for- gyda hwy ac a fuodd wrth law to make exchange visits during profit research and development gyda’r gweinyddesau i adrodd 2012. GSP is a powerful, enjoy- organisation. hanes y Pasg i’r plant, a thrwy able and exciting way of bringing Pobl Dewi, July 2011 11 Dosbarthiadau yn Cysylltu Carol James, Headteacher of Penboyr School and Project Co-ordinator for ‘Connecting Classrooms’, celebrates a successful visit to India

EL rhan o brosiect draeth Kazibazar i Ferched, lle cyn mynd ymlaen i Ysgol F‘Dosbarthiadau yn Cysylltu’ buom yn arsylwi gwersi, ffair Uwchradd Marwari a mwynhau a arienir gan y Cyngor Prydeinig, grefftau draddodiadol a phrosiect gweld nifer o weithgareddau aeth chwech o athrawon o i wella’r amgylchedd. Ymlaen am ddathliadau arbennig ac Sir Gaerfyrddin i ymweld â â ni wedyn i Ysgol Uwchradd arddangosfa Yoga. Yr ysgol Cuttack yn India ym mis Ionawr Ravenshaw i Ferched a gwel- olaf i ni ymweld â hi oedd 2011, i ddatblygu perthynas som arddangosfa o fwydydd Ysgol Uwchradd Babambadi bellach gydag ysgolion yno. a dillad lleol. Yn y prynhawn, New Colony. Ar ôl taith o Roedd yr athrawon o’r India wedi aethom i weld Ysgol Uwchradd y amgylch y dosbarthiadau a ymweld â ni yn Ysgol Penboyr, Bwrdd, ble roeddent wedi para- gweld arddangosfa, cawsom ein fis Mawrth diwethaf a hyd yn toi ‘Photostory’ ar y thema ‘Fy cyfweld ar deledu lleol Orissa! hyn, rydym wedi gweithio ar Milltir Sgwar, fy Malchder’. Ar fore Mercher, gadawsom themau gyda’i gilydd ‘Dewch i Y diwrnod canlynol, ymwelom yn gynnar i gyrraedd Ysgol y Ddawnsio gyda Mi’, ‘Fy Myd ag Ysgol Kalinga Vidyapitha, ar Llywodraeth Kazibar i Ferched, Natur’, ‘Fy Milltir Sgwar’, ‘Fy gyrrion Cuttack, a chymryd rhan ble buom yn cymryd rhan saris yr oeddem wedi eu prynu’n yn gallu gweld ei gilydd a Malchder’, ‘Golau ar ddiwedd mewn gwasanaeth awyr agored. ynghŷd â mil o blant a staff, yn gynharach, i gwrdd â Mr Pravat datblygu perthynas. Gobe- y Twnel’. Ar Ionawr 21ain, Roedd yn brofaid anhygoel i nathliadau Diwrnod Cenedla- Mishra, y Cydlynydd yn yr ithiwn ddefnyddio y dechnoleg cychwynodd Emyr Brown a sefyll ar y llwyfan a gweld 700 ethol Gweriniaeth India. Yna, India, a’i deulu i gael swper. ddiweddaraf i greu cysylltiadau Sharron Evans o Ysgol Bryn Teg, o blant mewn llinellau, yn ôl cawsom wahoddiad i ymuno Yn ystod ein taith buom yn agosach rhwng ein hysgolion. Michelle Davies, Ysgol Dafen, eu hoedran, yn addoli gyda’i mewn dawns draddodiadol i defnyddio ‘Skype’ i gysylltu A slightly longer version of Helen Thomas o Ysgol Dyffryn gilydd a chanu cân o groeso. garolau Nadolig gyda chriw o â’r ysgol a’n teuluoedd. Mae’r this article, in English, can be Taf a Sharon Vobe a minnau o Symudon ymlaen i Ysgol blant ifanc ar y llwyfan!. Roedd ysgolion y buom yn ymweld â seen at Ysgol Penboyr am Bhubaneswar. Ravenshaw Collegiate a gwelsom yn brofiad bythgofiadwy. hwy yn gobeithio lawr lwytho’r www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk Dechreuon ein taith o amgylch nifer o weithgareddau allgyrsiol Y noson honno, fe wnaeth y rhaglen er mwyn galluogi fod yr ysgolion yn Ysgol Llywo- mae’r ysgol yn arbenigo ynddynt merched yn ein grŵp wisgo y plant yn India a Chymru

sporting events, school plays or eisteddfodau. Small schools also 281 years of education manage to deliver all the specialist subjects, such as learning a musical Robert Cottam, Vice-Chair of Llanfynydd Church School’s instrument, and pupils with special Board of Governors, looks back on three centuries of education needs can be identified very early. provision and considers life in a small village school Llanfynydd is a category A school UR new parish of Catheiniog acts and budget cuts. Perhaps the so teaching is in the medium of Onow boasts a church school, most serious was in 1881 when Welsh. Thus every pupil becomes, the oldest in the diocese. Made teachers’ pay was reduced by a naturally, bi-lingual, a proven up from the former parishes third because the school had failed advantage for learning a third of Llangathen, Golden Grove, to reach a satisfactory standard in language and future employability Court Henry, and very recently arithmetic and geography! within Wales. Llanfynydd, it now has the Today, however, it is a com- Most important of all, the responsibility of carrying forward pletely different story and, in school is a voluntarily assisted nearly three centuries of a church common with other church schools, church school. Pupils become education tradition. Llanfynydd enjoys a reputation for aware of all faiths, and practise Llanfynydd Church school was high academic achievement. To Each junior class pupil has use of their own computer Christianity, making for a caring founded in 1730, with an annual quote from the last government (thanks to active fundraising by the PTFA) and happy environment, the care stipend of £6 endowed by a former inspection: “Pupil’s behaviour is Pupil numbers have contin- small schools are disadvantaged passing not just from teacher to vicar. It has survived the Napoleonic very good”, “Generally the school’s uously fluctuated between 20 and by lack of numbers to make up pupil, but from pupil to pupil. wars, the two great wars, the performance exceeds local and 60 and today are limited to around full sports teams, but Llanfynydd Any parent wishing to enrol influenza epidemic of 1918 and national outcomes”, and “By the 40. The debate over relatively small overcomes this by combining their children should contact the destruction by fire in 1954. It has end of Key Stage Two most pupils schools and their advantages and with other small schools in the Headmaster, Dafydd Williams at also successfully negotiated its communicate readily in Welsh and disadvantages compared with large area. And, of course, in a small Llanfynydd School, Llanfynydd, way through numerous education English.” schools continues. It is said that school every pupil participates in SA32 7TQ; tel: 01558 668476.

are my World’ and the juniors sing- Corgi takes pride of place! ing ‘Hail Holy Queen’. The service ended with everyone joining in Mock royal wedding is a memorable event, says Wendy McGarvie Calon Lan and the Welsh National Anthem. T AIDANS Church School, The Archbishop of Canterbury After the photos, and the SWiston, near Haverfordwest, (Jamie Thomas), who was sport- Queen’s disappointment at having staged an amazing mock royal ing a very lifelike beard, began to walk back to school rather than wedding on 14th April. The event the ceremony and the Queen (Ellie being chauffeur driven, all the had a big build up and took a great May Rees) and Prince Philip pupils and visitors joined in a tea deal of preparation but, thankfully, (Luke Fisher) arrived to a trum- party back in school. The wedding the celebration fulfilled everybody’s pet chorus and a rendition of the cake, made by Mrs Lewis James, expectations. After an early lunch, National Anthem. The Queen took took pride of place and there were children frantically got changed and her place at the front of the church, gasps by all the children when they the school became a buzz of every- giving her corgi pride of place on realised they all had individual cup one admiring each other – even the her knee, but making Prince Philip cakes with their names on. staff! The groom (Rio Laing), best sit next to her on a stool! The serv- We were very grateful to all man (Jamie Zygadlo) and page ice went beautifully and was made parents who had managed to find boys looked stunning; the bride even more special by a lovely such wonderful outfits – especially (Jasmine Brockway) angelic – no rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ by the Welsh Guards and Police who wonder Mr Middleton (Jack Peters) Katherine Jenkins (Lauren Llewe- looked impressive as they lined the couldn’t stop smiling! Mr Huw lyn). During the signing of the drive to the church. Williams arrived with his Rolls- register, the congregation was We hope that we made it an Royce and Jilly Flanagan trotted up entertained by a hand swaying Tom event that the pupils and parents with ‘Dennis’ and the ‘carriage’. Jones (Miles Morgan) singing ‘You will remember in years to come. 12 Pobl Dewi, July 2011

Michael Cottam, sy hefyd yn Cenwch Glod Ddyffryn Tywi arwain y cerddoriaeth ar y ŵyl. Jubilee Storehouse Yn ychwanegol, bydd offeryn- nyddion o Symphonica Tywi yn Malcolm Dye reports on a food bank scheme which, working with This year the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland is 75 cymryd rhan, yn ogystal yr organ. other agencies, helps those in need years old. Doug Constable, Convenor of the Towy Valley Sing Praise Planning Group, invites everyone to an anniversary Bydd yr ŵyl yn unigryw gan bod yn debyg ond eto’n waha- T might seem unbelievable in Jubilee Storehouse is a ministry celebration on 16th October, at 2.30pm, in Salem Chapel, New nol heb fod yn Gymanfa Ganu na 21st Century Wales that anyone of St Anne’s church in Penparcau Road, Llandeilo I Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol would be unable to afford food for and was a response to our purpose neu Songs of Praise. Fe fydd yn themselves or their family. But it of ‘serving the community’. AE’R Cymdeithas Emynau gyfle gwych i aelodau o enwadau does happen. Clearly there is a local need and Prydain Fawr ac Iwerd- M Cristnogol gwahanol i ddod at ei These days a third of families nationally there are now dozens of don yn dathlu ei phenblwydd yn gilydd mewn addoliad a chyd- do not have any savings and rely well-used food banks. This prob- 75 mlwydd oed eleni. Fe fydd ganu o’r newydd moliant i Dduw. entirely on the money coming in lem is undoubtedly Wales-wide mwy na deuddeg o ŵyliau canu Nodwch y dyddiad nawr, os week by week. So, if something and this year, as government cuts emynau yn cael eu cynnal drwy’r gwelech yn dda. Hefyd dyddiad happens to stop that income, a take hold, it is set to become much DU i ddathlu’r achlysur. Cynhali- emynau yn cael eu canu yn y rihyrsal, sy â gwahoddiad i crisis can quickly result. All it takes worse. wyd yr ŵyl gyntaf yng Nghymru ddwyieithog, traean yn Gymraeg, bawb: Noswaith Iau 6ed Hydref. is a sudden, unexpected event such yn Y Fenni mis Mawrth diwetha. a thraean yn Saesneg. Fe fydd y People’s needs Os fyddech yn hoffi cael as a bereavement, illness, redun- Bydd dathliad hefyd ar dydd Sul, sylwebaeth yn ddwyieithog hefyd. The project operates through rihyrsal yn eich ardal chi, fyddem dancy, relationship breakdown, 16ed Hydref, 14.30 o’r gloch, yng Y sylwebyddwyr fydd Delyth G. voucher holders who are pro- yn falch i’w drefnu; cysyll- benefit delay or theft. And it can Nghapel Salem, New Road, Llan- Morgans, Ysgrifennyddes Cymde- fessionals in agencies and twch a fi 01558 823518. happen to all sorts of people. deilo. Enwir yr ŵyl yn Cenwch ithas Emynau Cymru ac awdures organisations working with people Glod Ddyffryn Tywi Valley Sing ‘Cydymaith Caneuon Ffydd’, a Yn olaf, bydd y cymeriad Poverty in all sorts of difficulties. Examples Praise. Gobeithir bod llawer o Dr Lyn Davies, hanesydd y bro yn Cristnogol yr achlysur hwn: yn In our communities there are those are Citizens Advice, Women’s Aid, addolwyr o bob eglwys a chapel o ogystal â miwsigolegydd o fri. offrwm o addoliad. Gobeithir living on the edge of poverty, and Social Services and Health Visi- bob gornel y fro yn cymryd rhan. Mae gan y rhaglen ddwy bod aelodau enwadau gwahanol they are particularly vulnerable. tors. These are people who have Dewiswyd detholiad o emynau nodwedd arbennig: cyfraniad y cymryd y cyfle i rannu gyda Other people who are relatively the experience to accurately assess gan gynrychiolwyr o bob enwad gan fyfyriwyr Ysgol Tregib; ac chyfeillion a dydyn nhw ddim fel prosperous can be tipped into people’s needs and that gives us yr ardal: Anglicanaidd, Annibyn- emyn newydd, “Seintiau Tywi”, arfer yn cydaddoli â nhw. Mae’n crisis by unexpected events. For confidence that the need for emer- nwyr, Beddydwyr, Methodistiaid, sy wedi cael ei gyfansoddi i dôn amser nawr i ddechrau gweddïo those who experience these prob- gency food is genuine. Pabyddion. Bydd traean yr LLANGADOG gan y Parch. am fendith yr ŵyl hon i ddod. lems the results can be devastating, We intended to start Jubilee and, unless the crisis is resolved Storehouse at Easter 2011 and our quickly, health issues, strain on first client was helped on Good relationships and debt (with all that Friday. Since then the service involves) may develop. has assisted several families and, The Iron Room So Jubilee Storehouse imme- because we’re still adding voucher diately steps in with a supply of holders, we expect demand to Joy Neal reports on a restoration scheme which will serve three communities in the northern end food and other necessities for a few increase. Food is donated by local of the diocese days while the underlying issues churches but we may need to have are tackled. We point people to collections at supermarkets as T Michael’s Church, Eglw- ing with a panelled interior built successful, work will commence the organisations who can help in demand increases. Sysfach, is the most northerly towards the end of the nineteenth in the autumn. However some their particular circumstances and If you are interested in getting church in St Davids diocese. The century and, we believe, gifted to fundraising has already been suffi- we can give financial guidance involved, or just want more infor- parish, known as Ysgubor y Coed, the parish by the family who at that ciently successful to embark on through another of our ministries— mation, please contact Revd Andy has recently hosted the BBC’s time owned and lived in Glandyfi essential repairs and the PCC is Credit Action Cymru. And, finally, Herrick: Springwatch on the RSPB reserve Castle. Listed Building Consent most grateful to the donors. we offer a hand of friendship if [email protected] at Ynyshir, and the Welsh Assem- and Planning Permission have The hall is the only venue for that’s appropriate. bly has appointed Carillion to build already been obtained. The plan is the WI, Community Council meet- a new road around the Dyfi bends to make a car park, a small garden ings, parties, conferences and many at Glandyfi. and to build on to the west side of other events for the local and wider However, in the minds of the the hall to increase its size. The community of the three villages of community, the most important decision to do this has been taken Furnace, Eglwysfach and Glandyfi. work about to take place is the as the old wall has a large hole Arrangements are already in hand restoration of the iconic Iron Room caused by rotten timbers and there for greater usage once the resto- (CADW listed Grade 2). The hall is general deterioration that has ration has taken place. Residents belongs to the Diocesan Board of to be remedied with sympathetic have given enthusiastic support Finance but is run by the PCC of St modernisation. to the venture and the plans have Michael’s Church. It is an unusual Major funding is being sought met with general approval from the example of a corrugated iron build- at the moment and, if this is community. Pobl Dewi, July 2011 13 Letter from Cyprus A New Testament Church John Holdsworth, having been six months in his new post as Executive Archdeacon in the Diocese Stuart Bell ponders the exponential growth of Cyprus and the Gulf, offers an insight into life in the Holy Lands of the church in Nepal HAVE to remind myself week I by week that I now live in the Holy Lands. As if to reinforce that sense in myself, I begin every serv- ice at my own church in Larnaca with a welcome to all visitors and pilgrims to the holy land of Cyprus. The Archdeaconry of Cyprus includes the place where St Barna- bas was born, a place where St Paul HAT’s the reason for the large numbers. Of the 15 students preached and the place where St Wgrowth of the church in on the Leadership Training Course, Lazarus is supposedly buried. That Nepal? I asked the class of 15 only one was a second generation is not to mention the several places mature students on the Leader- Christian; the remaining 14 had that claim to have a piece of the ship Training Course in Butwal. been converted from Hinduism. true cross. Even the fact that my “Healings and miracles” was the When I asked Manoj Pradhananga, church occupies the ground floor immediate answer, followed by the course director, what arguments of a modern block of flats does not stories about healings the students they used to persuade Hindus to detract from the buzz such things had received, witnessed or heard turn to Christ, he replied: “The provide. We meet in some strange places: Archdeacon and Archbishop about. This is the fastest growing convincing argument of a trans- The welcome to visitors and reunion at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha Qatar, during a church in the world today, having formed life. When drunkards are pilgrims is not just ceremonial. break from a Building Bridges Conference between Christians increased from 30,000 in 1990 sober and wife-beaters spend time On average we have eight or nine and Muslims to over 700,000 in 2010 – if that with their families, that’s what different nationalities every week happened in Wales we would call convinces people.” at the Eucharist, and no two weeks the Gulf. The diocese covers ten one of the countries we serve. it revival. Another persuasive argument have anything like the same congre- political jurisdictions. The Angli- Presently many of our congre- One of the stories is a 21st is holistic ministry. The Bagmati gational makeup. Those who live can Church in the Gulf countries gations are in places affected by century echo of the New Testament. River flows past the Balkhu slum, part time in Cyprus, and part time often occupies a compound site the so-called Arab Spring and The treasurer of the Leadership where 2,500 people live in homes elsewhere (swallows so called), with several buildings including offer a unique insight into events Training Department is called built of anything which comes to account for some of that. Those a main worship centre, several in those places. In fact, although Buddha. I haven’t met many Chris- hand, from timber to mud. The who are foreign domestic helpers smaller meeting rooms, a vicarage the media like to categorise this as tians with that name, so I asked river stinks and is an open sewer, from Sri Lanka or the Philippines and guest quarters. The church is one phenomenon, it really differs him how he came to faith. He told except when swelled by seasonal cannot always get the time off. often expected by the civil author- greatly from country to country. me that his mother had had a haem- melt waters from the Himalayas, or Students from Africa or Nepal take ities to ‘look after’ the needs of Space here does not permit the orrhage (where had I heard that monsoon rains. Pastor Daniel, an casual work to make ends meet. We non-Anglican Christian Churches lengthy analysis I could give, but before?) and, even though she had evangelist, began Christian work almost always have people who are as well. In Abu Dhabi, for exam- one thing that is a constant is the spent a lot of money on doctors, she in the slum 18 months ago and the passing through. Cyprus is strategi- ple, this means that on a Friday (the incredible lengths our churches had not got any better (that’s in the church is beginning to thrive. He cally placed, and Larnaca is where main day for worship) around 70 (your churches in a sense) are Bible too). They had gone to pray started by cutting the children’s the main airport is. congregations are using the facili- going to, especially to support in their Hindu temples and shrines hair and nails and giving them There are just seven chaplain- ties and we play host to around economic casualties such as aban- but still she did not improve. Then a bath. Then he began a school cies on the island with slightly 15,000 people from dawn to dusk. doned housemaids, other migrant someone suggested that she went which, today, has 60 children and more churches and around a dozen The numbers are even greater in workers; and in places like Iraq to the Christians for prayer. She his congregation is 140 strong. clergy. All the churches are thriv- some places. Several new church and the Yemen orphans, and physi- did, and was healed. Both mother Here is a church which is living ing, and the main problems we sites, some innovative and huge, cally damaged people. It’s a good and son came to Christ as a result. and growing like the New Testa- have are the result of potential are in process of development. The place to work, and without wanting There is such a move of the ment Church. May we learn their growth. most surprising thing I’ve learned to sound too pious, to experience Spirit of God in this church that lessons and live like them! What is true in Cyprus is even is that there are more Christians the presence of God. In more ways Hindus are turning to Christ in more evident in the churches of than Muslims in virtually every than one these are still Holy Lands. Help! Promoting religious harmony in the It was a clergyman who began the first branch of the Samaritans in Wales more than 40 years ago. Since then, many of the Middle East charity’s volunteers have come from churches and chapels and it The Most Revd Mouneer Anis, Bishop of Egypt and President priority and was behind the estab- lishment of Beth el Aila (The now hopes to build on this support as it develops its first all-Wales Bishop of the Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, says Family House), an initiative of Strategy, writes Simon Hatch, Samaritans’ first Director for Wales Christians have a special role to play in helping to establish the Grand Imam of Egypt to peace in Egypt and through the Middle East OR nearly 60 years, Samaritans bring Christian and Muslim lead- have been providing confiden- ers together to promote religious F PEAKING at the annual tial, non-judgemental, emotional harmony. I am the representative conference of USPG: Angli- support 24/7 for people who are S for the Anglican Church on this cans in World Mission, Bishop experiencing feelings of distress or group. Mouneer outlined his concerns for despair. the church in a region that has seen Human rights There are nine branches across popular uprisings against repres- Wales, with more than 500 volun- “The international community sive governments. teers who take about 150,000 calls, needs to ensure that citizens every- emails and texts each year. Great revolution where enjoy their full human rights. Shaped by our experiences, “Since 1 January this year, under Governments that fail to provide Samaritans has a solid platform a service which would otherwise the shadow of a great revolution, these rights need to be challenged from which to respond to those cost millions but which helps so the number of sectarian clashes has by the UN. who contact us. But to succeed it many people every day. increased dramatically, especially “Western countries should be will require more volunteers as it To volunteer please call 08705 with the rise of some aggressive careful about imposing a kind of is they who are at the centre of all 627282. To find out more visit Islamic groups. Of course, not democracy that’s empty of spirit- our work, enabling us to provide www.samaritans.org. all Muslims think like this – the ual values. Democracy should be majority are peace-loving. relevant to the context and culture “The need for enhancing of the Middle East, which is very national unity has become a top religious.” 14 Pobl Dewi, July 2011 Canolfan Goffa Reflection

gweinyddu’r Cymun Bendigaid, Miriam Ellis a dywedais wrth fy hun y pryd Arglwydd dyma fi, hynny y byddwn rhyw ddydd Miriam and John Ellis, from Llanddarog, near Carmarthen, fell yn llywyddu’r Cymun i’r bobl. in love with South Africa and its people during their first visit a’r Dy Alwad Di Er mwyn torri stori hir yn to Lesotho in 1995. When Miriam, a teacher, died in 2008, the fyr, cefais trwydded i wasanaethu family considered it entirely appropriate that her life should be Dafydd Jones reflects on his childhood, happy visits to fel Darllenwr Lleyg yn 1997 ble derbyniais hyfforddiant commemorated by establishing a Community Centre to support, his grandmother in Llangeitho and the call to priesthood arbennig dan arweiniad Parch and educate, the orphan children of Lesotho. John Ellis celebrates which, he thinks, came at a very early age Ganon Dorrien Davies yn a fitting memorial N o’r pethau oni’n mwynhau gweld corf yr eglwys, oherwydd Eglwys Llanfihagel Ystrad. Yn neud pan yn grwt oedd roeddwn yn fach mewn taldra ar y ystod y cyfnod cryfhaoedd yr AN bu Miriam farw yn U mynd am wylie at mamgu i bentre pryd!! Bob tro roeddwn yn mynd alwad i ddilyn cwrs rhan amser Ionawr 2008, buom fel P Llangeitho. Roedd hi’n byw mewn draw i’r eglwys gyda mamgu yng ngholeg Mihangel Sant yn teulu yn ystyried y ffordd orau bwthyn o’r enw Rose Cottage rhaid oedd dringo’r grisiau a Caerdydd, a hynny ar ol dwy o goffau ei bywyd, a dathlu ei a oedd wedi ei leoli ar sgwar y phregethu rhyw fath o bregeth gyfweliad caled dros ben. Ar ol gyrfa fel Uwch Athrawes Fro pentre bron gyferbyn ar hen ywen. gyda mamgu yn eistedd ac yn blwyddyn yn y coleg, penderfynais yn hyfforddi athrawon Aber- Yn ystod y cyfnod hyn roedd gwrando’n astud. Eisteddais am ymuno a Bywoliaeth Bro Teifi Sant tawe a Gorllewin Morgannwg pedair siop yn y pentre, Siop y oriau ar risiau pwlpud Sant Ceitho Helen o dan gyfarwyddyd Parch yn y Gymraeg fel ail iaith. diad, mae Canolfan Goffa Miriam Plas, Siop Jiwbili, Siop Gwynfil yn meddwl a meddwl a dod i Ganon Aled Williams a hynny er Gan fod gennym gysyllti- Ellis – (canolfan gymunedol, a Siop Rees ynghyd a’r Swyddfa benderfyniad mai ficer oeddwn mwyn cael profiadau o weithio adau teuluol agos â Lesotho, llyfrgell a chyfrifiaduron) wedi Bost yng ngofal Dai a Marie am fod. Tybed a oedd yr Ysbryd mewn tim. Dwi’n ddiolchgar i’r penderfynwyd cefnogi plant ei hadeiladu, offer wedi’u James. Roedd mamgu yn gofalu Glan yn edrych i fewn trwy gul Parch Dyfrig Lloyd a’r Parch amddifad y wlad dlawd yma. harchebu, a’r ganolfan wedi agor ar ol Neuadd y Jiwbili a stafell y y drws yn Eglwys Llangeitho ac Eileen Davies am eu hyfforddiant Gyda chefnogaeth hael perth- yn 2010. Rhaid nawr parhau billiards. Treiliais oriau yn eistedd yn rhoi arweiniad? Tybed a oedd pan ar leoliad yn eu heglwysi. nasau, unigolion, a theuluoedd y gefnogaeth a’r cymorth. gyda mamgu o flaen tanllwyth Duw yn galw arnaf i ymateb Yn 2010 derbyniais y fraint ardal Llanddarog, aethpwyd ati o dan yn gwylio cymeriadau’r i’r hyn oedd yn dymuno? Ym o gael fy Ordeinio yn ddiacon pentre yn chwarae billiards. mhlwyf Nantcwnlle, Bwlchllan, gan Esgob Wyn yn yr Eglwys Dyma oes pan oedd cymeriadau ordeiniwyd pump aelod o’r teulu Gadeiriol yn Ty-Ddewi. Erbyn yn bodoli, Llew Lloyd, Modryb yn ffeiradon, a oedd neges yn dod darllen hwn byddaf wedi fy Nel, Bertie Stephens, a Cymro, o’r fan honno? Yn sicr, gallaf weud Ordeino yn Offeiriad a bydd yr alsation mwya welais erioed tu yn ddigon hyderus a gyda llaw ar y rhan yma o’r daith wedi ei nol i gownter y Swyddfa Bost!! fy nghalon i rhywbeth ddigwydd i chwbwlhau. Nawr, mae taith Trwy ei hoes buodd mamgu yn mi pan ond yn wyth oed a hynny gwbl newydd yn cychwyn yn fy weithgar dros ben yn barod i helpu yn eglwys Daniel Rowland. ngweinidogaeth, taith bydd yn cael pawb a oedd mewn angen. Buodd Cefais i a fy chwaer ein ei harwain gan yr Ysbryd Glan. hi’n gofalu ar ol Eglwys Sant codi fyny i fynd i’r Ysgol Sul Cymeraf y cyfle i ddiolch Ceitho am bron i 60 o flynyddoedd yn Llanfihangel Ystrad. Yn y i bawb sydd wedi cerdded y yn cerdded ym mhob tywydd i chwedegau cynnar roedd tua daith gyda mi ers yn grwt ifanc. ofalu bod yr eglwys yn gynnes ar 90 o enwau ar y llyfrau a rhaid Yn arbennig, diolch i Delyth y y Sul i’r plwyfolion. Rhaid oedd oedd eistedd ar y llawr gan wraig, mam a Jennifer fy chwaer, mynd gyda hi pan oedd yn mynd bod y beinciau i gyd yn llawn. am eu cymorth a cefnogaeth draw i lanhau’r eglwys, hynny Uchafbwynt y flwyddyn oedd cadarn dros y blynyddoedd. ar ol cael rhybudd mod i fihafio mynychu’r Pwnc a hynny yn ystod Rhaid peidio anghofio mamgu o fewn muriau’r eglwys. Pan y Sulgwyn. Pan yn fy arddegau Llangeitho, hithau yn ei ffordd roeddwn tua wyth oed teimlais roeddwn yn mynychu’r eglwys arbennig wedi dod a’r Ysbryd bod y pwlpud yn sefyll allan, fel bob Sul gyda’r teimlad o fod yn Glan i mewn i’m bywyd. petai yn galw arnaf i ddringo’r offeiriad yn cryfhau. Dwi’n cofio grisiau. Ar ol cael caniatad mamgu, un Sul yn gwylio y diweddar “Galwaf ar dy enw; Myfryrwr – y wers nes i ddringo i fyny a hanner Parch Ganon Cyril Bevan yn eiddof fi ydwyt” i sefydlu cronfa, a pharhaodd yr ymdrech godi arian hyd at What did I learn most during his Rule for Monks, written some 2010, gyda cyfraniadau yn dod my retreat? To become more at 1500 years ago. o Canada, yr Unol Daleithiau, The sound of silence ease with myself and to become Importantly, time alone helped Gwlad Thai, Hong Kong, Neil Ramos-Evans, from Llandybie, looked for, and found, new much more at ease with the ‘back- me understand my need for others. Singapôr, ac yn olaf o Brifys- purpose in the gentle rhythm of a silent retreat ground silence’. As Thomas Merton wrote, “Love is gol Queen’s ym Melffast. After some time, I did not our true destiny. We do not find the Doedd cynllunio y pros- ARDON the pun, but there It is the prayerful, and purpose- need newspapers, the internet, or a meaning of life by ourselves alone iect ddim yn hawdd oherwydd Pis a growing amount of talk ful, rhythm of the monastic day mobile phone. And then something – we find it with another.” ffactorau daearyddol. Ar ôl about silence in the Church today. that stirs something in the soul. happened: I began to feel my heart For more information about asesu anghenion a dewis lleo- There is a spiritual hunger for The hushed silence of the early overflowing with the inexpressible Holy Cross Monastery, Rostrevor, liad cawsom safle yn Ebrill 2009 wisdom, simplicity and peace of morning is broken by birdsong, delight of love. This, of course, Co Down, visit yn rhad gan Gymuned Phelisa- heart among British people. On bell-tolling, burning candlelight is what St Benedict promises in www.benedictinemonks.co.uk nong, ac yna roedd yn bosib his visit to the UK last year Pope and prayer (Lauds) at 6.45am. The symud ymlaen yn hyderus gyda’r Benedict, in his address to youth, rest of the morning is free until datblygiad. Mae yn Phelisanong commented: “Even amid the busy- Eucharist is celebrated at 11.30am. Fenter Gymunedol wedi ei sefy- ness and the stress of our daily Afternoon prayer is followed by dlu yn 2000 gan grŵp anabl a lives, we need to make space for evening prayer (Vespers) at 5.30pm rhai yn dioddef o HIV ac AIDS. silence, because it is in silence that and a half-hour of completely still, Bu’r grŵp yn gyfrifol am newid we find God.” silent meditation in the church. agweddau tuag at yr anffodusion Seeking an answer as to why Night prayer concludes the day at yn yr ardal. Maent yn cynorth- someone would spend a week in 8.30pm with the chanting of the wyo plant amddifad ac oedolion silent retreat, I packed a bag and Salve Regina. difreintiedig. Erbyn hyn maent flew out to Northern Ireland last Benedictine spirituality is char- yn rhedeg ysgol gynradd ac year. A short bus journey from acterised by the importance given uwchradd. Mae yno ysgol Saesneg Belfast took me to the foothills of to a day framed by prayer, study and i’r amddifad, yr anabl, a phlant the mountains of Mourne and into work. This emphasis on balance sydd wedi’u niweidio ond roedd the quiet valley where Holy Cross and moderation is to be welcomed. angen canolfan gymunedol i Monastery, a Benedictine commu- It can be contrasted with much of gynnal llyfrgell a chyfrifiaduron. nity, nestles among farms and today’s workplace and its damag- Felly, gyda eu cydweithre- wooded hills. ing lack of equilibrium. Pobl Dewi, July 2011 15 Letting children be Joy in making, giving and receiving children In October 2010, following a discussion at Home Group, members of Llanrhian Church, between Fishguard and St Davids, formed a Prayer Blanket Ministry with rewarding results says Sally Bowen The Mothers’ Union responds to the recommendations of the Bailey Review RAYER blankets (lap sized) Pand shawls are created and OTHERS’ Union (MU) given to any baby, child or adult Mlaunched its high profile Bye going through a difficult time in Buy Childhood campaign against their life. We also make shawls the commercialisation and sexual- and blankets for new-born babies isation of childhood in September as a blessing for them and their 2010, with a report in the March families. While being made, the issue of Pobl Dewi. blankets are prayed over and dedi- We welcomed the Govern- cated to the healing Ministry of ment’s promise to address these God. They are then taken to our issues in its Programme for church on a Sunday to have further Government and subsequent We also feel that the Review, prayer and a blessing. appointment of Reg Bailey to carry to an extent, accepts the status quo In the beautiful act of making, out this independent Review. and stops short of making a radi- giving and receiving, the threads The MU also supports the cal challenge to the wallpaper of of the blankets/shawls become recommendations made in the our lives – it may be deemed more interwoven with the blessings of Review. In particular we appreci- realistic to ‘minimise’ the commer- faith, hope and love. Each blan- ate the focus on parents’ concerns, cialisation of childhood and ‘reduce ket is made according to the building upon previous research the risk’ of sexualisation but we maker’s skills – knitted, crocheted into the issues. While rigor- would like to see bolder aims. and fleece fabric. A prayer card is ous research is important, we do The Review recommends enclosed when the blankets and welcome the ‘common sense’ several new responsibilities for shawls are dispatched as a tangible moved and found peace and increases, giving new members approach adopted in the Review. the Advertising Standards Author- sign that each recipient is covered comfort whilst wrapped in their the chance to get out the knit- It is important to achieve a ity and Ofcom and we hope they in prayer by our faith community. blanket. There is joy in giving ting needles, crochet hooks and consensus in order to encourage would be sufficiently resourced to To date, 14 blankets have been our time and skills to show caring sewing machines that have been in action but we do not agree that carry out these tasks. requested and given, the recipients to those in need. We are looking a cupboard for years! further regulation or legislation The MU embraces the chal- all with different needs – terminal forward to our first request for a We have been very blessed with would necessarily disempower lenge to redouble our efforts to illness, surgery, loneliness, depres- new-born baby blessings blanket. donations, enabling us to purchase parents – as the Review points hold to account those to whom the sion, long-term illness – the blankets The Ministry has grown steadily more wool and fabric. If you have out several times, parents want recommendations are addressed, can bring peace and comfort and and we are certain that God’s love is any wool surplus to requirements help and support to address the through the continuation of our Bye remind those suffering that they are at the centre of all we do. Something that would be suitable for a baby commercialisation and sexualisa- Buy Childhood campaign. not alone in their struggle. we had not envisaged when we shawl or blanket, or would like tion of childhood; and Government The full MU response to the We have received cards formed the Prayer Blanket Ministry to sponsor a blanket, please let us intervention would be a sure way Bailey Review can be found at and messages from recipients, was how much it would enrich our know. of achieving this. www.themothersunion.org commenting that they have been own prayer lives, whilst making and If you feel that someone you praying for others. know would like to receive a blan- At present there are seven of ket or shawl, or would like further us in the group and I am sure this information, please telephone me All’s fayre in love . . . number will grow as the need on 01348 837292 Roose Deanery’s presence at the Pembrokeshire Wedding Fayre proved a resounding success, reports Rhiannon Johnson Family stories & social history HE Pembrokeshire Wedding Anne Eastham reports on the successful Saints and Stones TFayre has become a bit of an Group exhibition of wedding dresses and christening gowns at institution. Held twice a year on Walwyn’s Castle Church in April the showground at Withybush, it has a vast number of stalls show- casing the work of dress designers, photographers, wedding cake bakers, entertainers, caterers, hotel owners and many more. This March there was a new stall asking the simple question, ‘Why not get married in church?’ The idea came from the Roose Deanery chapter, ably supported by the Mothers’ Union, the Dioc- esan Communications team and a Venturing in Mission Grant. Those who were manning the stall gave away homemade shortbread hearts HIS was an exhibition about robes in particular evoked special and talked to couples and their Tfamily stories and social memories as they were handed families about their wedding plans. history. Garments were lent by down through the generations; “We were thrilled at how people from all over Pembroke- memories recalled in displays of warmly we were welcomed by the shire because they had been kept family photographs of each event. organisers and other stall hold- for their memories rather than for The show raised £551, of which ers,” says Fr Andrew Johnson, their significance as fashion. £350 was given to Save the Chil- one of the clergy volunteers. “And It was realised when we set up dren (Wales) for their work with we were able to help a surpris- the exhibition that almost every traumatised children in Japan and ing number of couples with their decade from 1810-2010 was repre- the balance was contributed to the plans. We reckon we gave away sented either by a wedding dress repair fund of the church. about 140 leaflets explaining about or a christening robe, each with The Saints and Stones group church marriage, put some couples its story and family associations. will hold a further exhibition on in touch with their local churches, there to reassure people who were think it is worth repeating and have There was a set of vicar’s robes this theme in St Mary’s Church, helped others with their wedding afraid to approach their own vicar learned a lot that could help at from 1820 and a bridal white Fishguard, from 24th to 31st July. plans, had a request for prayer and because they had been divorced or other wedding fayres. Look for us leather trouser suit. The brides- Everyone, and their dresses, will be helped arrange a baptism. We were had children already. We definitely again in September.” maids’ dresses and christening welcome. 16 Pobl Dewi, July 2011

cance – being married or baptised Book Reviews Visitors from far and near here or some other family connec- tion. Helpful conversation with Jeremy Martineau assesses visitor data to St Mary’s Church, locals in the street may bring some embedding the rise and ultimate Fishguard, for 12 months ending 31 May 2011 people in, but for others it is the triumph of Christianity within the need to be quietly contemplative history of the Roman Empire. A HURCH visitors’ books are Fourteen Christian denomina- while two came because they heard further, and underlying theme, is only completed by a small tions were recorded, of which the the church bell ringing. the constant tension in the ancient C fraction of those visiting. We largest was 50 from the Church of Clearly visitors are willing to world between ’Judaic theology used the diocesan tourism group’s England. This detail is reflected answer questions about themselves and Greek philosophy; a tension recommended page, put into a in the majority of those who and a further revision of the data with affected the development of ring binder for ease of use. Further signed as being from England may give more information that Christianity’. research into actual numbers of (81) against the 24 who recorded could be useful to the church in The author takes us from the visitors will be conducted in the a Welsh address. Other countries planning its ministry to visitors. time of Jesus to the death of the next visitor season once we have a from which visitors came were last pagan Roman Emperor, Julian beam counter in place. The impact Germany, USA, Holland, Ireland, ‘The Apostate’, in 363AD. Jesus of having the ‘church open’ notice Belgium, Aus-tralia, Spain, Scot- himself, of course, is the ‘Galilean’ outside has been very good and land, Switzerland, Denmark and in the title, and the goose was the those who open the church every India. Twenty-seven signed them- Composition only creature available for sacri- day are to be congratulated on selves as Catholic, 15 as Methodist, fice at the great temple of Apollo their small, but significant, work in the remainder being less than eight. competition outside the city of Antioch, already doing so. One listed Hindu and another largely a Christian city, when A total of 255 names were Buddhist. Bishop Timothy Julian arrived there full of pagan entered, usually in couples, with A space on each line gave visi- Dudley-Smith, whose The Galilean and the Goose zeal in 362. the largest age group being those tors a chance to make comments. hymn-writing career by Denzil Davies The book gives an account of between 50 and 65. Some did not There may be a tendency for writ- took off 50 years ago Paperback: 198 pages the growth and eventual triumph reveal their age (24). Not every- ers to be influenced by what others with the publication of Publisher: Sendmeamirror of Christianity in which the author one completes every section so have already written. Appreciation the hymn ‘Tell out my First edition (1 Aug 2010) shows not only his enthusiasm for numbers may not total to the same. of the peaceful atmosphere was soul’, has written words the subject, but also his skill as a ISBN-10: 0956648908 Age group No. the most frequent (19) followed by for a composition barrister and former government similar appreciation of the church competition organised This is the apparently strange <20 32 minister in mastering a compli- being open (14) and the beauty of by the Royal School of title of a lively new history of the cated brief. True to his Christian 21-49 59 the windows (14). Church Music (RSCM). early Christian church. A work heritage, he rejects the easy temp- 50-65 93 Other more personal comments The RSCM’s annual best described in the words of the tation to mimic Edward Gibbon in >65 71 reveal a return to a place of signifi- competition, in memory author himself, Denzil Davies (well sneering at the early Christians. known to most readers of Pobl On the other hand it must be NAME OF CHURCH………………………………………… YEAR…………………… of Dr Harold Smart, is

Dewi as a distinguished veteran Date Name and Number and Age If you Reason for Your visitor Comments Other local sponsored this year said that his style lacks the elegance post code or email group(s) represented have your visit experience attractions address in a faith 1= poor visited by Hymns Ancient and Labour politician), in his prefatory of a Gibbon or a Henry Chadwick your party please 3= recently satisfactory indicate 5 = Under 21-49 50-65 Over (Christian, Modern to mark its Author’s Note: ‘The inspiration for and, although there is much valua- 20 65 Jewish, excellent Muslim etc) this work comes from two early 150th anniversary. The ble information it is not all equally influences on the author; a ground- well digested. Some of the details closing date for entries ing in the scriptures in . . . a Welsh are, indeed, rather questionable. is 1st October 2011.

Sunday School and then a study of But this is not, nor does it pretend Full details, entry the Classics, Greek and Latin, at a to be, a dull, reliable text book. It is forms and an interview

Welsh Grammar School.’ a good read and an inspiring tale. with Bishop Timothy The author attempts here to It also testifies to the Gladstonian can be found at www. bring (chapel) deacon and clas- breadth of the author’s interests. rscm.com sicist closer together by firmly – Philip Wyn Davies

A Pathologist Looks didn’t understand the physician’s at Healing: Natural, diagnosis in the first place. Or it Miraculous, Spiritual may be that claims of healing are FINAL DATE by Dr David Powell the result of a faulty diagnosis by The Powell Charity Trust, the doctor or a mistaken prognosis for articles for the 7 Maes Brynglas, Peniel, in the first place. Carmarthen SA32 7HF But this book is written from November edition of Pobl Dewi ISBN: 978-0-9562336-1-5 the heart as well as from the head. is 21st October 2010; 140pp; £7.50 In Chapter 12, ‘Personal Experi- ence’, he writes both as a doctor The Christian publishing world is and as a husband about the final awash with books on healing, and illness and death of his wife. This some of us have regular services Contributions to Pobl Dewi very honest passage made me think of prayer for healing. But there’s of C. S. Lewis’ similar reflections We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we would not a great deal written which is in A Grief Observed. like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. Articles should be sent critical of all this from a Christian I’d like to have read more on to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, perspective. the hints he throws out from time [email protected] So far Dr Peter May has to time of his view that as a society or they can be posted to: been something of a lone Chris- we are becoming ‘medicalised’, tian medical voice in questioning and that health conditions which Pobl Dewi, whether miraculous healing ever right at the start. Some of the early might once have been accepted as a The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen, SA31 2JG, really happens. Now Peter May has pages are devoted to medical photo- normal part of life are now seen as marked for the attention of a companion in questioning. graphs of sections of healthy and problems which require extensive ‘The Editor’ Dr David Powell has recently unhealthy tissue. Though actually (and expensive) state-sponsored retired from a career in medicine, one of Dr Powell’s main themes is intrusion into our lives. specialising in pathology. So he that the ‘healthy’ may be carrying a If you have any interest in the comes to these questions with a lot of sickness and the sick may be ministry of healing, read this book. Disclaimer deep Christian faith, and with a healthy in many respects. It affirms the reality of a prayer- Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no commitment not to claim more He puts claims for healing answering God and the lack (as responsibility, liability or share the views or opinions of any than observable facts allow us to under his pathologist’s microscope, the author concludes) of authentic articles contained herein. All information is the responsibility say. Dr Powell takes us very care- and they do not emerge very posi- examples of unexplained healing. of the person or organisation submitting the article. Pobl fully through medical, biblical and tively. He cites instances in which Even if you see things differently, Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions anecdotal evidence about healing Christians have claimed to be it will make you think. Pobl Dewi, The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen, SA31 2JG to see what emerges. healed of, let’s say, a cancer, when – Will Strange He faces the reader with facts all that has happened is that they