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