Category: St Mary’s Parish Church News

September Parish News

ST. MARY’S PARISH CHURCH NEWS

September has been a busy month at St. Mary’s when we welcomed our “Pebbles” children back from their Summer break. We also had a number of new parishioners who joined us in worship and it was good to be back in harness for the equally busy time that is planned in the run up to Christmas.

The plans we have presented to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the church extension seemed to have reached an impasse. We were asked to prepare a ‘justification statement’ on the need for the project, which they did not accept. However, we will continue to work towards the vision we have to bring all our church activities on to one site.

During the month a lot of work has been taking place in and around the church. The historical tiles in aisle and chancel are being continually mopped and are gradually looking better. They will look cleaner until the restorers are able to bring them ‘back to life’ when they start work in February 2020.

The ‘blown’ plaster near the altar and behind the organ bench has been removed and will shortly be repaired with lime plaster. In the churchyard a number of the stone crosses on the older graves were found to have a ‘wobble’ and they have been reset and re-pinned with stainless steel rods to make them safe. Lastly, the wrought iron archway leading to the churchyard extension, has been removed for restoration and will shortly be back in situ with new stone caps and rewired for a new light, hopefully in time before Winter. Donations towards the cost of all these projects are welcomed. We get no grants to help us undertake the work. Our income is totally reliant on our fund raising. Please help us with digital giving or old fashioned cheques. Thank you.

Apart from our normal services on Sundays and midweek in September, three funerals and four baptisms have taken place in St. Mary’s. We also had a surprise wedding for the guests at one of the baptisms, and the music from friends in opera and “Only Men Allowed” was especially appreciated. It is good to see the church being used to mark the milestones in lives well lived.

Did you know that during the family service at St Mary’s Church on Sundays there is a children’s group called ‘Pebbles’? We meet every week during term time, starting at 9:30 in the church hall. During this time the children engage in fun activities with the aim of promoting values for life such as being kind, caring and thoughtful to others. Children age 4+ can be dropped off at the hall and will be walked over to church for the final part of the service. Pre-school children need to be accompanied by an adult.

‘Pebbles’ is led by an experienced Primary School teacher with the additional support of a parent. If you would like to find out more you can ring Alison on 02920598313 or just turn up! A warm welcome awaits you.

The Chattery continues to meet on the second

Thursday morning in the Church Hall at 10.30, bringing old friends and new friends together for a chat and coffee/tea plus a free raffle. The cost is £2.00 and is an opportunity to get out of the house and meet up with really friendly church going and non-church going folk..

At a recent meeting of the Parochial Church Council it was decided that the loose cash and notes in the special collections at the Harvest Festival services would be donated to the Christian Aid Harvest Appeal. The fresh produce to the Salvation Army and the tinned/dry goods to the Food Bank in Barry. The money at the Remembrance Sunday service will be donated to the Royal British Legion and the collections at the Community Carol Service and ‘Waiting for Jesus’ on Christmas Eve, will be donated to the ‘Neo-Natal’ ITU Unit at the UHW Hospital, Cardiff. There will be an opportunity to bring toys and games to church during November for the appeal for toys for the Food Bank for distribution to families in difficulties in the Vale, and Christmas “Goodies” nearer to Christmas.

The Vale Foodbank: Helping People in Crisis

“The foodbank was there when we really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline.”

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Last year the Vale Foodbank provided emergency help for 3,833 people of these 1,414 were under16. That was an increase of 11% on the previous year. All of the six centres continue to be busy with no sign of requests slowing down. Currently they have been able to meet all the requests; however some items have run low on occasions and much needed funds have been used to buy in essential goods.

Regular support from all three churches is much appreciated by the staff to ensure stocks are maintained. A boost from harvest festivals will be gratefully received to replenish stock for the winter months ahead. Recipients from the Foodbanks are so grateful for emergency food to help them in times of crisis. In addition staff can give advice as to where help for their individual situation can be found, whether that be housing, benefits, employment or other needs. Goods can always be left in the Church Porch or brought into church on Sundays or the occasional Wednesday morning service

Reports on the “Scarecrows” and associated events during the afternoon will be in the November issue.

Blessings to all our readers and warm welcome awaits you at St. Mary’s.

Parry Edwards

 

 

August News Report

Looking back to Sea Sunday we celebrated during July, the collections taken in the three churches came to £200, with the Gift Aid amount to be added to the total. This money will help to maintain the enduring and vital work of the Mission to Seafarers which has been carried out over the past 160 years.

The scaffolding still surrounds the vestry, as a major design fault was discovered in the original building when it was built in 1991. The new steel roof covering could not be sealed into the masonry because a plastic damp course had been laid when originally built. This has now been rectified with the crenulations’ removed and a lead damp course inserted which can now be sealed against the steel roofing. This has come at a cost which our insurers were not prepared to cover, and we are faced with an additional bill of £3426 for the work of restoring the original masonry back to the 1991 design.

On another page in “What’s On” you will see that we have decided to widen our building appeal through the means of digital giving, which we are calling Donate StM appeal. This is meant for use by casual visitors to the church at times of weddings and baptisms, or by those who have had a previous connection with St Mary’s over the years. Your support for this new venture will be gratefully accepted and will help us to maintain and carry out the repairs that are necessary to keep the church fabric in good order.

Due to the current wet weather season we are experiencing, the work on the boundary walls surrounding the churchyard has been delayed until next spring. The lime mortar which is used to repair the walls will not set when the conditions are not right. This has also been the reason why the rebuilding of the vestry roof parapet has also been held up for the same reasons. However it is good to report that the interior of the vestry is now watertight and re-decorated, the wooden flooring has been sealed and all looks well.

The blue carpeting in the nave, chancel and sanctuary has been removed and for the first time in almost 30 years the historic tiling has been revealed. The white marble slab in the sanctuary and partly under the altar recording the initials of the Birt/Jenner family members buried below in the family vault will cause much interest and comment, as they remind the current congregation of how important in the life of the church these earlier generations at the castle were to the parish. Work to clean the mould and salts that have built up on the tiling will now be removed, the damaged tiles replaced and the surface than sealed to protect the tiles. This will restore the church to the appearance the Victorian restorers wished to present to the parish at the end of the 19th century. Later more decorative work with the installation of the John Ninian Comper Reredos and other furnishings were to follow at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Church Extension Scheme, which has been

optimistically called “Vision 2020” continues on its very slow discussion with the Diocesan Advisory Committee. It is now almost three years since we made the decision to sell the church hall and use the money for an extension to the church, in order to bring all our activities onto one site. The most recent request was for a justification of us wanting to sell the church hall and also why we thought it was the time to think about the future and how we would see the church in the years ahead. It may be very frustrating but it is the way we have to go with the DAC having the final say in recommending the plans drawn up, at considerable cost to the church, to the Diocesan Chancellor who would then issue the faculty to go ahead. Then there is the local authority to be consulted, and not least CADW, for its input into the scheme; so many hoops to jump through, but we think the scheme is a good one and would make us more “fit for purpose” than we are for the present moment.

Looking back. The Wenvoe Open Gardens day in July, which was a great success in the numbers of people who came from far and wide to join in the activities on the day.

On Saturday 20th July the village of Wenvoe was absolutely buzzing! Crowds of people walking around following their maps to locate and admire the 12 beautiful and interesting gardens open for viewing.

The event was inspired and co-ordinated by Sandra and Brian Jones with Mike Tucker working tirelessly in the background.

Grateful thanks to everyone involved whether opening or visiting gardens, making or just enjoying tea and delicious home made cakes and giving donations to the St Mary’s building fund. Such a special happy day of fellowship with the ‘icing on the cake’ being an amazing £2,000 raised for St Mary’s Building Fund.

Fair Trade / Traidcraft: Wenvoe – After 14 years, Jude Billingham, due to other commitments has decided to close the stall she has run during that time. Way back in February 2005, after the morning service she began to offer various Fair Trade product’s and the sales that day came to £119.98. Since that time sales have fluctuated over the years but the final total over the years is £42,303, which is a wonderful achievement for a relatively small congregation and the friends who have supported her during this time. The remaining stock has been sold off, realising £420 and half of this has been donated to the St. Mary’s Building Fund in recognition of the support Jude has received during her time, as the organiser of fair trade products in the parish. The other half has been given to Traidcraft Exchange, the charity that helps to set up work opportunities in the developing world. A big thank you and heartfelt thanks to Jude and Nigel for all the time they together have spent in raising our awareness of the needs and aspirations of others who are not so well off as we are.

 

The next Messy Church will be on Saturday 28th September in Wenvoe Community Centre when the theme will be “Harvest”. These popular events bring Mums and Dads and their children together to spend a short time together with friends, there is no age barrier, in a time of story telling, craft work, exciting activities, and worship followed by a shared meal and all FREE, so please come along and meet new friends and neighbours. See you there at 3.00pm.

In the past few weeks we have seen on our TV screens that cathedrals in England have installed a mini golf course and a wonderful helter skelter in the nave of their buildings. Any suggestions of what we could install in the nave at St Mary’s should be addressed on a postcard to Vicar Jon as soon as possible.

Lastly for this month, we extend a welcome to all the new parishioners who have moved into Greenwood Close on the St Lythan’s Road, not forgetting the Scarecrow Festival on the 21st September and our Harvest Festival “All Age Service” on the 22nd September.

 

“Come ye thankful people come, raise the song of harvest home.”

 

Parry Edwards

 

 

 

Vestry Roof Repair Appeal

PLEASE DONATE

TAKE 30 SECONDS TO HELP REPAIR OUR ROOF

£3426 is urgently needed to repair our vestry roof.

All are welcome at St Mary’s but overnight on the 2nd and 3rd of March we had the most unwelcome of visits – thieves who stripped the lead off our vestry roof. Thankfully, our insurers have covered the cost of replacing the lead with a steel substitute including the underlying plywood base and ceiling insulation. Rainwater damage to the interior of the vestry was severe; the ceiling had to be replaced and the vestry required redecorating throughout. The cost of the repairs was £15,560; all but the £500 excess being paid by our insurers.

Unfortunately, whilst replacing the roofing, our builders discovered a defect in the original construction of the vestry which requires immediate remedial work if the roof is to be waterproof. This urgent remedial work isn’t covered by our insurers and we need your help to raise the £3426 to pay for the repairs.

Thank you for your support.

TEXT/SMS – ROOF to 70191 to give £10

ROOF to 70970 to give £5

WEB – easydonate.org/ROOF

SCAN QR code

*Your donation is to the National Funding Scheme (NFS) and indicates a specific cause. The NFS takes a minor share of any Gift Aid (or 2.5% on a no Gift Aid donation) to cover advertising and transaction services. Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org. To access our customer support please visit www.nationalfundingscheme.org/help or call 020 32870971.

 

 

5th Wenvoe Scarecrow Festival

This year the 5th Wenvoe Scarecrow festival will take place on Saturday 21st.September from 2.00 to 5.00pm and Sunday 22nd September from 10.30 to 11.00am when the winners will be announced.

Please start to think about entering a scarecrow this year even if you have not entered before. Its free to enter and there is no theme. We would like to make this year’s festival the best year yet as after this year the festival will become biennial, so we want this year to live long in our memories – well two years at least! More details will follow in future issues of What’s On. However, if you are keen to start building your scarecrow now further information can be obtained by emailing wenvoescarecrows@ yahoo.com or ring Vicar Jon on 02920595347. Please put the date in your diary.

 

 

August News Update

 

It was with great relief that the scaffolding was finally erected around the church vestry in preparation for the replacing of the lead covering, stolen from the roof in March earlier this year. The wet carpeting on the vestry floor had already been removed, prior to the ceiling being taken down and the walls rubbed down for the redecoration to take place. It is not the intention to replace the carpeting as the maple strip floor does not seem to have been adversely affected by the ingress of water during the time the roof was stolen. The replacement roof will be of coated steel that will weather to the appearance of lead, so will not be as attractive to thieves in the future. All the items that were once in the vestry have been removed into the transept, and it is hoped that we shall be able to get the church back into the former tidy working unit it was. Since the theft of the lead and all the inconvenience of maintaining a dignified setting for the celebration of the Eucharist, it has been difficult to remember where everything is. At present the builders are using the priest’s door to access the work area. They are being extremely careful and the church will soon be back to normal.

Chancel Floor Scheme: The decision has been made that this scheme will not now be going ahead as originally planned. The plans had been strongly opposed by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) had no option but to turn it down. However, the part of the plan to remove the carpeting will be going ahead. This is necessary as the historic tiling (now covered up) has been damaged with damp and build up of “salts” on the surface of the tiling over the years. Until the carpet is removed from the chancel and the length of the nave, we will not know the extent of any damage that has occurred during the time the carpeting was laid down. It will be interesting to see the end result of this work. It will restore the church and chancel to the original plans the Victorian restorers had in mind in the period of the 1880’s when much work was done on the church to restore it according to the ethos of the Oxford Movement which was active in the diocese at that time. It was under the Jenner Rectors in Wenvoe that this work was carried out, and they leaned towards High Church practices that were not always well received by the parishioners of the day.

Church Extension Scheme which we are calling Wenvoe 2020: The plans for this ambitious scheme, to bring all the church activities on to one site, remain with the Llandaff DAC and we have received no indication as to how they are going to agree in part or in full to the ideas we have incorporated into the design. We remain very much in their hands and in the discussions our architects have been having with them but hope that we shall hear some good news in the not too distant future.

During the month the plans for the former Old Rectory Care Home were made public, with plans for 12 apartments and 12 parking spaces. The Old Rectory and St. Mary’s Church form an important grouping within the Wenvoe Conservation Area with a high grade listing. It is some years since the church authorities sold the rectory and grounds into private hands. At that time Prof Atkinson and his wife Hester took possession and did much work to make the old house more liveable. It was during their time in the house that they moved the 18th century sun dial from the rectory orchard to the front driveway. The sundial plate had been missing for some years when they discovered it many miles away and restored it with a new gnomon. The sundial was originally erected by the Rev. Thomas Davies, Rector of Wenvoe in 1777 – 1828 and is a community treasure whose future needs to be safeguarded. The developers are aware of this and have promised that it will be well looked after. The plans are now with the local authority and their decision is awaited.

It has been a number of years since the church took part in the commemoration of Sea Sunday. This is the global celebration of the enduring and vital work of the Mission to Seafarers. It has happened every year for over 160 years. Churches are invited to become a powerhouse of prayer and fundraising for the work of outreach to the thousands of seamen and seafarers out at sea for long periods. The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. The congregation was invited to join in the fund raising and the total raised will be announced in next month’s magazine.

Our wonderful Pebbles group of children have now broken up for their Summer Break and we will miss hearing of their activities during the short time they are in the Church Hall before joining the congregation in church. As always, we thank the organisers for the time they take with our youngsters, in helping to shape their lives according to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Well done all of you.

A number of well loved members of the congregation have been missing from their normal places in recent months, due to illness or accidents in their lives. Pat Williams is now nearer her family in a care home in Porthcawl, Philip Morant has settled into a care home in Barry, and Mary Turner remains in hospital following her fall at home. We send them good wishes and pray for the day when they will be able to return to their rightful places in the congregation at St. Mary’s.

With the summer holidays with us, we send good wishes for a safe return for all who are travelling abroad or those who are ‘staycationing at home.’ Weather is an important factor in any plans made for holidays. So far the month of July has been very dry, and rain is needed to maintain gardens and fields alike. A full report on the Wenvoe Open Gardens will be included in September’s “What’s On”.

A warm welcome awaits you in church at any time of the year. Parry Edwards

 

 

July Church News

Work will shortly be starting on the repair and re-mortaring of the west wall of the churchyard, to include a renovation of the wrought iron archway, which leads into the churchyard extension. This archway was once at the front entrance to the churchyard, but was removed when the Laura Jenner Arch and gates were built as a memorial to her in the 1930’s. This work will complete the programme of works included in the last five-year inspection of the church building and grounds.

News was received during the month that our recently appointed Church Architect had left the practice of Davies Sutton, and once again we are faced with the appointment of a new architect. The latest plans for the proposed church extension have been received and have been discussed with the Diocesan Advisory Committee and we await their thoughts on the proposals. The work on the repair of the vestry roof and interior walls has not yet been started and the conditions in vestry are deteriorating due to all the heavy rain we have had in the month and since the lead was stolen earlier in the year.

The Chancel Scheme to lower the floor level to assist wheelchair users is still unresolved but we have been told that the blue carpeting can be removed without any further delay. We are anxious to see the condition of the Victorian tiling under the carpet which has not been uncovered for some 30 years. The same applies to the blue needle cord floor covering in the main aisle of the nave, where the effect of the salts damage is clearly to be seen on the edges not covered by the carpeting. For the first time for many years the white marble slab fronting the altar, which is inscribed with the initials of the Birt and Jenner family members, buried below will be seen.

Christian Aid Collection. The house to house collections in the three parishes, together with the contributions from the Lent Lunches, Agape supper, Wenvoe School “Big Brekkie” and the No Uniform Day, plus a contribution from church funds came to a staggering £3,000. Which is a brilliant effort for the organisers and street collectors and big thank you to all involved. Well done!!

Messy Church – Messy Fathers!

With the inclement weather making a Messy Church theme of Noah’s Ark seem more appropriate than the planned Fathers Day, our annual outdoor Messy Church event had to move indoors on 15th June. The theme was indeed Fathers Day and a good number of excited children and their parents braved the rain to take part in an afternoon of craft, games and fun all designed to celebrate fathers everywhere. There was the opportunity to ‘Pin the Tail on Dad’, a take on the old party favourite of ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’. There were races wearing our Fathers shoes. Bookmarks and pictures were made as gifts for Dad. ‘Prayeroplanes’ were made – Vicar Jon displaying a hitherto undisclosed talent here! At other tables children decorated ‘Dad you Rock’ pebbles, decorated tie themed cakes and even made

a ‘Portable hug’ – just in case Dad ever feels a bit in need! Worship on theme of The Prodigal son was led by Deb, then the whole event finished with a celebration meal of hot dogs, crisps, cakes and fruit prepared by our willing kitchen team. A lot of fun was had by all, despite weather and the change of venue. Our next Messy Church event will take place on 28th September, when the theme will be Harvest. We hope you can join us!

The Chattery. The monthly Chattery coffee mornings continue to be well attended and enjoyed.

However the Fairtrade stall which is run by Jude Billingham will be finishing. We will all miss seeing the interesting items and buying things from tea to greeting cards and chocolates. Thanks to Jude for all her hard work over many years, you and your stall will be sadly missed.

Tree Blessing. On Sunday 2nd of June a special service took place in St Mary’s Church to dedicate four cherry trees which have been planted in the church grounds. They are on the north side of the church and run along beside Walston Road.

Each tree has been given in memory of a loved one, the names being Quirine Robbins, Jean Mary Matthews, Cliff & Ruth West, Betty & Leslie Holliday

The moving service took the form of readings and prayers, with everyone moving to stand beside each tree while Vicar Jon anointed them with water. Those who attended were family members and friends from the congregation. At the end of the service everyone gathered for refreshments and fellowship.

This is a verse from a poem which was read during the service

A Shropshire Lad 11 by A E Houseman

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now

Is hung with bloom along the bough,

And stands about the woodland ride

Wearing white for Eastertide’

Wenvoe Open Gardens on Saturday 20th July 2019 in aid of St. Mary’s Building Fund. See article on page 5

Thank you for reading, a warm welcome awaits you at St. Mary’s.

Parry Edwards

June News Update

Vestry Roof Repair. At long last the contractor has been appointed to replace the lead stolen from the vestry roof, earlier in the year. The new roof covering will be of zinc metal and the work will also include the repairs to the vestry walls, ceiling and floor. It will be a relief to all to get the vestry back in working order. Watch this space.

The big event in May was the Christian Aid Week collection. Every house in the village has been visited with an envelope through each door. The flags and banner outside St. Mary’s were a reminder to all how important this fund raising is. The money is being used to provide safe care and clean clinics for pregnant mothers in parts of the world where these facilities are often very basic. Gwenfo Church in Wales School held a “Big Breckie” on May 17th with the proceeds given to Christian Aid. A non- uniform day was also arranged by the school to help the appeal. Well done!

The church clock is once again striking the hours, the repair being carried out by Smiths of Derby on May 14th. It is worth recording that the church clock was installed in the 1880’s as a public memorial to the late Capt. Robert Lascelles Jenner. The money was raised by public subscription and the clock is now a much-loved community asset.

Church Extension. The new plans have been seen by the Building Committee and we await the visit of the new chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee to discuss the plans with our Architect. The entire scheme depends on whether we will get approval to breach the north wall of the nave to get access into the new extension which will include toilet facilities etc. Once again watch this space.

Some years ago, when we were given permission to remove a number of sycamore trees from the churchyard extension burial ground, we were required to plant replacement trees. The advice given was for four cherry trees to be planted along the boundary wall on Walston Road. These trees were duly planted, given in memory of loved ones who had died. The dedication ceremony is planned for June 2nd at 3.30pm and suitable plaques have been provided with the names of the persons commemorated. The trees have been in flower this year and provide an interesting contrast to the more sober yew trees, for which our churchyard is well known.

Food Bank. We continue to make regular contributions to the Barry Food Bank thanks to the many donations we received from members of the congregation, during the past 12 months. 3,833 three-day emergency food parcels have been given out and this is an increase of 11% over last year. This month’s requests for basic food items, include tinned meats, tinned vegetables, fruit juices, fruit or milk puddings. Toilet rolls, toothpaste and soaps etc. are also useful.

Messy Church. The next session will take place on

Saturday 15th June in the afternoon. This is going to be an outdoor messy event in the school field at Gwenfo Church in Wales School, with the theme of Father’s Day. Let us hope for good weather so no matter what the mess, it will all be outdoors. The afternoon event is open to all, young and old. They are great fun for the children and parents are also able to spend some valuable time with their children, helping with the craft work, the singing, the story telling and not forgetting the picnic afterwards. Help is always appreciated in setting up and clearing away and any contributions to the food are welcome.

The congregations in Jon’s three churches have been thinking about Jon as he joins the Llandaff Clergy School on their pilgrimage to Compostela in Spain during the week of 13th May. He has promised to get photographed with his hat, pilgrim staff, shorts and nobly knees, plus his certificate to show that he completed part of the walk. This is quite a venture for the diocese and ties in with Bishop June’s vision of the pilgrimage the diocese will have to make in the years ahead.

 

WENVOE OPEN GARDENS

Discussions have been going on to have a number of gardens in the village, to be open for visiting on the afternoon of Saturday 20th July from 1.00pm-5.00 pm. There will be in excess of 8 gardens to visit and a map showing the locations will be provided. The entry will be £5.00 for adults with children FREE of charge. The entry and maps can be picked up in the churchyard, where refreshments will be available during the afternoon (donations will be welcomed). The church will also be open for visiting, together with the Church Hall for toilets etc. The money raised will be given to the Building Fund and especially to the Vestry roof repairs. Thanks to Brian, Sandra and Mike for all their help in planning this fund raising venture, so pray for a fine sunny day and for lots of people to see some interesting ideas in their gardens.

Thank you for reading and every blessing

Parry Edwards

 

 

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