The Magazine of

The Parish of Pentyrch

with

Capel Llanilltern

St Catwg’s Church, Pentyrch

St David’s Church, Groesfaen

St Ellteyrn’s Church, Capel Llanilltern

March 2007

Price 60 pence

THE PARISH OF PENTYRCH

VICAR

The Rev. John Binny, The Vicarage, Pentyrch. Tel: 029 20890318

SUNDAY SERVICES

St. Catwg’s Church, Pentyrch

8.00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (4th Sunday only)

9.00 a.m. Parish Eucharist (Except the first Sunday in the month)

6.00 p.m. Evensong (Holy Eucharist on 1st Sunday in the month)

St. David’s Church Groesfaen

8.00 a.m. Holy Eucharist (1st Sunday only)

10.30 a.m. Sung Eucharist (Except the first Sunday in the month)

St Ellteyrn’s Church Capel Llanilltern

10.30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Parish Hall Creigiau

10.30 a.m. First Sunday in every month Parish Family Communion

WEEKDAYS

St. Catwg’s Holy Eucharist Wednesday 10.00 a.m.

St. David’s Holy Eucharist Tuesday 10.00 a.m.

Other services as announced

SUNDAY SCHOOL

St. Catwg’s 10.30 am every Sunday in Church (except the first Sunday in the month)

BAPTISM, HOLY MATRIMONY, BANNS OF MARRIAGE

Articles for the magazine can be E-mailed to: johngoughpentyrch@btinternet.com by the 10th

of the month.

2

From the Vicarage Window

Dear Friends,

March this year is filled by the season of

lent and in this solemn period of the

church’s year, we move with Jesus, as he

sets His face towards Jerusalem, to His pas-

sion, suffering and death on the cross for

you and me.

Why did Jesus die? One ready answer, and,

as far as it goes a true answer, is that He

was a disturber of the peace.

The playwright George Bernard Shaw gave

a clever expression to this view when he

wrote in his preface to “On the Rocks”:

“Jesus from the point of view of the High

Priest was a heretic and an impostor. From

the point of view of the merchants he was a

rioter and a communist; from the Roman

Imperialist point of view he was a traitor;

from the commonsense point of view he was

a dangerous madman; from the snobbish

point of view, always a very influential one,

he was a penniless vagrant; from the police

point of view he was an obstructor of thor-

oughfares ….He was abhorrent to the medi-

cal profession as an unqualified practitio-

ner, who healed people by quackery and

charged nothing for the treatment … It is

not surprising that under these circum-

stances, and in the absence of any defence,

the Jewish community and the Roman gov-

ernment decided to exterminate Jesus”.

But this is not the whole answer—it leaves

out a most important point: if Jesus was a

mere victim of circumstances, why did He

not just run away?

Jesus gives us the true answer Himself: “I

lay down my life that I may take it again. No

one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my

own accord. I have power to lay it down

and I have power to take it again”. (St John

Chapter 10, verses 17 and 18)

Behind all that happened was the inner

conviction of Jesus, that by a complete

surrender of Himself He would make the

offering that His eternal Father deserved

to have. Hence He set His face to go to

Jerusalem. He went to the garden of

Gethsemane, stayed there and was

arrested; He made no defence before His

judges at His trial; He worked no last-

minute miracle to save Himself.

This, the ultimate cause of His death,

was the inspiration of a writer who lived

long before George Bernard Shaw,

Cynewulf, the author of the Anglo-Saxon

or Old English poem: “The Dream of the

Rood”. “Rood” or “Rod” means a length

of timber from the horizontal beam of

the Cross, hence the Cross itself.

In the poem the Cross, or Rood, has the

gift of speech and tells its own story;

how it grew in the forest; how men, the

enemies of the Cross, came and cut it

down; how they constructed a gallows

from it to hang criminals; how they car-

ried it off from the forest and planted it

on a hill. Then along came God, the

young and smiling hero. He was brave

and resolute. He mounted the Cross

bravely, in the sight of many people. The

Cross shrank from the terrible task im-

posed upon it, yet it did not dare give

way, or bend to the ground. It speaks:

Long ago it was, but the memory still lin-

gers

That I was hewn down upon the forest’s

edge,

And carried from my stem. Strange ene-

mies bore me thence.

Men took me on their shoulders and set

me on a hill.

3

Then saw I the Lord of men hasten with

massive strength,

Because he would upon me mount,

The Hero you disrobed himself;

He was the Almighty God, strong and

resolute.

He mounted on the gallows high, valor-

ous in the sight of men.

I trembled when the Hero clasped me;

Yet dared I neither bend to earth

Nor fall upon the face of the ground;

Rigid I stand

As a cross I was upreared

Aloft I bore the mighty King, the Lord of

Heaven.

I dared not bow down.

The young Hero! Tradition says that Je-

sus, when He died was only thirty three

years old. And he died, not because He

had to, but because he chose to– such

was His love for you and me.

So in this season of Lent we reflect on

God’s love for us, shown in Jesus Christ

and seek to gain a closer relationship

with Him as we prepare for Holy Week.

John W. Binny (Vicar)

St Catwg’s Sunday School

The Sunday School is a very important as-

pect of the Church, and we are grateful to

those who commit themselves to this impor-

tant work.

New pupils are always welcome, as, indeed,

are new teachers or helpers.

The School meets in St Catwg’s at 10.30

a.m. except on the first Sunday in the month

when the Family Service is held in the Par-

ish Hall in Creigiau, and during school holi-

days.

If anyone would like to teach in the Sunday

School or support the teachers, even on a

rota basis, then contact the Vicar (phone

number on the inside cover) or Mrs Louise

Walrond on 029 20899270.

St David’s Day Lunch

The lunch to celebrate our patron saint

will take place, not on his patronal day,

but on Sunday 4 March in the Parish Hall

at 1 p.m., soon after the end of the Family

Service. If anyone wishes to dash home to

change into national costume then please

do so. The cost is £6 for adults and £15

for a family. No prior booking just turn

up!

STUDY GROUP As mentioned in the last magazine, these meetings will take place on Monday

evenings throughout Lent at 7.30 p.m. in Sty Catwg’s Church Room beginning

on 26th February.

Members from all three churches are invited to join the Vicar in an informal

evening, giving us the opportunity to deepen our faith and fellowship with one

another.

Join the fun-packed evening that is a Beetle Drive on Saturday 21 April in the

Parish Hall ,Creigiau at 7 p.m.

Experience the joy of completing your first beetle!

Test your strength of character when the dice fails to show its 6 while oth-

ers are racing away.

Highs and lows come thick and fast—revel in the adrenalin rush coursing

through your veins!

Be prepared to be beaten by children from the infants’ classes in school.

Mark it in your diaries ... now!

4

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER 2007

Palm Sunday 1st April

St David’s Church, Groesfaen 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Parish Hall, Creigiau 10.30 a.m. Parish Family Eucharist

St Catwg’s Church, Pentyrch 6 p.m. Service of readings, choral music and

hymns at the start of Holy Week

St Ellteyrn’s, Capel Llanilltern 10.30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Palm Crosses will be distributed at these services.

Holy Week 2nd—6th April

Monday St Catwg’s Church Holy Eucharist at 7 p.m.

Tuesday St David’s Church Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m.

Wednesday St Catwg’s Church Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m.

Thursday St Catwg’s Church Maundy Holy Eucharist at 7.30 p.m.

Watch of the Passion until 9.30 p.m.

Good Friday 6th April

St David’s Church Liturgy and Devotions at 11.00 a.m.

St Catwg’s Church Liturgy and Devotions at 2.00 p.m.

Easter Day 8th April

St Catwg’s Church Sung Eucharist at 9.00 a.m.

Evensong at 6.00 p.m.

St David’s Church Holy Eucharist at 8.00 a.m.

Sung Eucharist at 10.30 a.m.

St Ellteyrn’s Church Holy Eucharist with Hymns at 10.30 a.m.

Everyone is very welcome at our services

The Family Christingle Service in the Parish Hall

The February Family Service took the form of a Christingle Service. The

basic Christingles had been carefully prepared beforehand using or-

anges,donated again this year by Pam Bevan (many thanks once more), red

ribbon, sweets and nuts and a silver star. In the Hall, the chairs were ar-

ranged “in the round” and red (paper) ribbon encircled the whole congre-

gation. In the middle of the circle was a large candle standing on a silver

star. The Vicar explained the symbolism of the Christingle: the red ribbon is

God’s love overflowing in the blood of Christ, encompassing and including us all; the tall

candle, is Jesus, the light of the world; the star, a reminder of the star that guided the wise

men from different parts of the world to the Christ Child.

During the service, the lights were dimmed, the Christingles distributed and the Christin-

gle candles, lit from the flame of the large candle.

The lessons and prayers were read by both adults and young people.

As usual the refreshment time socialising after the service was appreciated by the adults

while the youngster quickly demolished the sweets and nuts in their Christingles (quite a

lot of adults did too!)

A large number of people worked hard in preparation of this service: the worship commit-

tee; the Christingle makers; Andrew Davieson his on-screen presentation; and the music

group. As usual, budding or experienced musicians are invited to join in the group: make

yourself known; the same applies to anyone wishing to read the lessons or the prayers,

take the collection, or carry the host.

The next Family Eucharist in the Hall is on 4th March, while the following one, on 1st

April, will feature the distribution of palm crosses.

Good news Coffee Morning

This month’s Coffee Morning will be held on Saturday 17th March

from 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall Creigiau. Please come along and bring

a friend to enjoy the refreshments and conversations in friendly com-

pany. There will be an opportunity to buy raffle tickets and there are likely to be stalls

selling a variety of goods. Any wishing to have a stall should be in the Hall by 10 a.m.

Money raised at the Coffee morning is donated to Hall funds, and we are grateful to all

who give of their time and energy to organising the event.

During the morning, the draw is made for the 100 club. New members are welcome at £1

per month/ £12 a year. Full details from Mrs Sheila Lloyd (029 20890136). The more par-

ticipants, the more money will be raised for the Hall Restoration Fund.

House Communions

If there are any parishioners who are unable to be in church over Easter because of age or

illness and who wish to receive Holy Communion at home, please contact the Vicar as

early as possible so that arrangements can be made in good time.

6

From Advent to Epiphany in St Catwg’s Church

On the evening of 4th February this very special service traced the church’s year from

Advent the end of Epiphany in words and music.

Candlelight surrounded the worshippers, and the choir led the hymns and presented a

number of appropriate motets and anthems by Mendelssohn, William Ballet, John Goss

and J.S. Bach, alongside a number of mediaeval carols.

The music, prayers and readings, biblical and non-biblical, enabled the congregation to

reflect and meditate on the events of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. This was a truly

moving service and thanks must go to the readers, the choir and, particularly, John

Gough for preparing the choir and linking the readings and music so successfully.

The walk on the Pembrokeshire Costal path that ended in St David’s Cathedral

Sunday 4th February, a most beautiful day in St Davids: cloudless, sunny and warm.

Through the lanes we went, on to the coastal path at Porthgain—where the steps get

steeper every year! Hundreds of lapwings swirled in the sky; a wonderful sight, but where

do they all go in the Spring? We are told that their numbers are plummeting and just over

the water at Ramsey Island, only five pairs nested last Summer on a patch of ground that

is constantly guarded. No one has an answer to this puzzle. Our next sighting was of a pair

of choughs, one of our rarest species, with their long beaks and legs to match, with their

unmistakeable “kyaa” call as they acrobatically tumble from the sky. We saw huge flocks

of rock pigeons which are the prime target of the peregrine falcons that patrol the coast-

line for an easy meal. In fact, we saw peregrines, kestrels and buzzards all along the cliff

edges. Last Summer in Porthgain we saw a family of Peregrines, mum and dad, feeding

their baby chick in the nest. We shall have to check this in the Summer and hope they are

back rearing a new baby!

We enjoyed our ambling walk in the sunshine but made sure we arrived at the Cathedral

for the 6 p.m. service of Candlemas.

The congregation numbered about 200 and we turned west as Bishop Carl, clergy and

choir processed singing the introit from Abbey Dore in Herefordshire:

“In a world where people walk in darkness, let us turn our faces to the light, to the light of

God revealed in Jesus, to the daystar scattering our night.

For the light is stronger than the darkness and the day will overcome the night.

Though the shadows linger all around us, let us turn our faces to the light …”

This was such a beautiful opening and the singing reached into all those present. The ser-

vice continued with readings and the glorious anthem “ Locus Iste” (Bruckner?). The con-

gregation sang several hymns and our candles were lit and blessed by Bishop Carl. At the

end of the service, the congregation processed around the Cathedral led by Bishop Carl

and the choir, while singing “In the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow”.

It was a memorable service for us and an understanding of Candlemas where we take a

last look at Christmas and turn towards the Cross as Lent approaches.

After the service we shook hands with the Dean (a friend of Vicar John) and Bishop Carl

and walked the 39 steps which also seem to grow steeper every year! A wonderful day in

God’s beautiful world. Frances and Robin Simpson

7

The cathedral church of Exeter looks out

onto a grassed close which, while it has all

but been incorporated into the city centre, is

nonetheless a pleasant enclave. The building

itself is relatively compact. The west front is

a glorious essay in the decorated style with

dozens of figures in individual niches and a

gothic arched window incorporating a large

circular element at its head.

Like most cathedrals, though, Exeter is the

product of more than one era. The immedi-

ate giveaway here lies in the towers. With

their round-headed arches – some open but

most blind – they are very obviously Norman

work. While looking towards the towers, we

also notice that they are oddly placed; not at

the west end; not at the crossing; but over the

transepts. In terms of our cathedrals, this is

an arrangement unique to Exeter. Indeed, it

is claimed that Exeter Cathedral is one of

only two churches in England where the

transepts form towers – the other is also in

Devon, at nearby Ottery St. Mary.

Entering through a doorway towards the

northern end of the west front, immediately

to our left is St Edmund’s, the chapel of the

Devonshire Regiment. The reredos is

painted with a figure of Christ. As we would

expect, here are found the laid-up regimental

colours, and various military memorials –

one is a large sculpture of a soldier thrusting

forward his bayonet, which I personally felt

was rather incongruous in this setting.

Looking east, we see that the vaulted roof of

the church extends the full length of nave

and quire, with no change in level. At more

than 300 feet, this is believed to be the

longest unbroken stone vault in the world.

Each of the rib junctions has a gilded

boss. Most depict leaves or flowers; a

few have faces.

Along each side of the nave, no two win-

dows have similar tracery, but each is

matched with its partner on the opposite

side. Most of the southern windows con-

tain what appears to be Victorian coloured

glass. But most on the north side are clear

so the nave is quite light. At triforium

level, there is no passage, just a rudimen-

tary row of low blind arches.

Ahead of the quire screen is a nave altar,

surrounded by modern furniture. High

above, to the left is a minstrel’s gallery,

fronted with figures of musicians carved

from the stone. The gallery is apparently

still used by the choir on special occa-

sions – when the sound effect must surely

be impressive.

The stone screen dividing nave from quire

has three shallow-pointed arches. The

central one is a gated access to the eastern

part of the church, through which we can

see the east window. Installed in the late

fourteenth century to replace the decaying

stonework of its hundred year old prede-

cessor, this window is the only example of

perpendicular work in the main walls of

the cathedral. The arches to either side of

the screen each contain an altar. The

northern one has a triptych as its reredos,

which is deeply carved with scenes of the

Passion.

In the north transept, to our left, is the

For this month’s article, David Webb visited the

Devon City of EXETER to look at its very fine

Cathedral.

8

Exeter clock. Its dial, which is believed to

date from the fifteenth century, shows the

phases of the moon as well as the time of

day. New works were installed in the nine-

teenth century, but the original mechanism is

displayed nearby.

Below the clock is the small stone chantry of

Precentor Sylke. Dating from the sixteenth

century, it is elaborately carved in the per-

pendicular style. On the wall above we can

see the remains of a painted fresco.

The south quire aisle is a low vaulted pas-

sageway with elegant stone screening, which

leads us to the back of the Bishop’s throne.

The quire windows, fortunately, have clear

glass on both sides, letting in plenty of light

which draws our eyes towards the high altar

– behind which there is no reredos, but large

open arches giving a view of the retro-choir

beyond.

To the south of the altar are three sedilia,

forming steps – each higher than its

neighbour.

Returning to the south quire aisle we

come to the Chapel of St James and St

Thomas. Rebuilt after war damage in

1942, it is now the chapel of the Devon-

shire and Dorset Regiment.

Among a number of stone chapels lead-

ing off the ambulatory, the Lady Chapel

stands in its customary place at the ex-

treme east end. To either side are the

tombs of bishops, some highly coloured

and gilded. The ribs of the roof vaulting

are also coloured.

The wooden altar here is backed by a

wall of empty niches with a modern win-

dow above which, appropriately, takes

the Glorification of Womanhood as one

of its main themes.

Easter Flowers in St Catwg’s

As in previous years I will be collecting for Easter flowers on:

Sunday 18th March, and Sunday 25 March after the Eucharist service.

On Saturday 7th April the church will be open from 9 a.m. for decoration and all offers

of help will be warmly welcomed.

Many thanks in advance for your cooperation. Betty Nixon

Why We Like The British - from a British Newspaper.

Mrs. Irene Graham of Thorpe Avenue, Boscombe, delighted the audience with her reminiscence of the German prisoner of war who was sent each week to do her garden. He was repatriated at the end of 1945, she recalled. "He'd always seemed a nice friendly chap, but when the cro-cuses came up in the middle of our lawn in February 1946, they spelt out 'Heil Hit-ler.'" (Bournemouth Evening Echo)

Things you would never know without

the film industry:

Most laptop computers are powerful

enough to override the communications

systems of any invading alien society.

Most dogs are immortal.

It’s easy to land a plane providing there

is someone in the control tower to talk

you down.

9

Fairtrade resources, FM1, August 2005

Introducing Fairtrade

A guide to Fairtrade and how the FAIRTRADE Mark works ***************************************************************************************************************************** *****

The Fairtrade Foundation Room 204 16 Baldwin’s Gardens London

EC1N 7RJ t: 020 7405 5942 f: 020 7405 5943 w: www.fairtrade.org.uk The Fairtrade Foundation The Fairtrade Foundation was established in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid, New Consumer, Oxfam, Traidcraft and the World Development Movement. These founding organisations were later joined by Britain's largest women's organisation, the Women's Institute. The first Fairtrade certified product, Green &Black’s Fairtrade Maya Gold chocolate was launched in 1994 and was shortly followed by Cafedirect Fairtrade Coffee and Clipper Fairtrade Tea. The Foundation is the UK member of Fairtrade Labelling Organisations Inter-national (FLOwww.fairtrade.net), which unites 20 national initiatives across Europe, Japan, North America, Mexico and Australia/New Zealand, and li-censes the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK. The FAIRTRADE Mark The FAIRTRADE Mark is a certification label awarded to products sourced from the developing world that meet internationally recognised standards of fair trade. By participating in Fairtrade, producers are able to use the addi-tional income to strengthen their organisations and invest in social, enviromental and business improvements. Just as importantly, they are able to learn more about markets and marketing, and take more control of their lives. A fair price The first Fairtrade label was launched in 1988 in the Netherlands and applied only to coffee. It was a specific response to the collapse of the world coffee price, which fell for some years to far less than the cost of production, and led to much suffering for coffee farmers and their families. Today, Fairtrade stan-dards are set for a range of commodities from the developing world including tea, sugar, cocoa, fresh fruits. The standards include a Fairtrade price which covers the cost of production and a premium which is invested in the local community. Under Fairtrade labelling, there are two sets of generic pro-ducer standards; one for small farmers and one for workers on plantations and in processing factories. The first set applies to smallholders organised in co-operatives or other organisations with a democratic, participative structure. The second set applies to organised workers, whose employers pay decent wages, guarantee the right to join trade unions and provide decent housing, where relevant. On plantations and in factories, minimum health and safety as well as environmental standards must be complied with, and no child or forced labour can occur. As Fairtrade is also about development, the generic standards distinguish be-tween minimum requirements which producers must meet to be certified Fair-trade. Progress requirements also encourage producer organisations to con-

10

tinuously improve working conditions and product quality, to increase the environ-mental sustainability of their activities and to invest in the development of their or-ganisations and the welfare of their members or workers. Trading standards stipulate that traders must: • pay a price to producers that covers the costs of sustainable production and liv-ing; • pay a premium that producers can invest in development; • make partial advance payments when requested by producers; • sign contracts that allow for long-term planning and sustainable production practices. Monitoring The Fairtrade Foundation, with its international partners, checks that approved products continue to meet these criteria. **********************************************************************************************************************************

The Fairtrade Foundation Room 204 16 Baldwin’s Gardens London EC1N

7RJ t: 020 7405 5942 f: 020 7405 5943 w: www.fairtrade.org.uk UK companies Fairtrade can only work if commercial companies are willing to buy from regis-tered producers on these Fairtrade terms. Those that do can obtain a licence to use the FAIRTRADE Mark on specific products in the UK, by signing a legal agreement with the Fairtrade Foundation. The Foundation monitors the licensee companies to ensure that they buy from the registered producers and observe the terms for any product labelled as Fairtrade. The Fairtrade Foundation re-ceives regular audit reports from the companies, which detail which producers they buy from, and the prices paid. These are checked with the producers, and independent auditors are employed to verify the companies’ records. FAIRTRADE Mark products Currently, more than 900 retail and catering products from coffee to wine carry the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK. Retail sales of Fairtrade certified products are increasing by over 40% each year: Retail value* 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Coffee 13.7 15.0 15.5 18.6 23.1 34.3 49.3 Tea 2.0 4.5 5. 15.9 7.2 9.5 12.9 Chocolate/cocoa 1.0 2.3 3.6 6.0 7.0 10.9 16.5 Honey products n/a 0.1 0.9 3.2 4.9 6.1 3.4 Bananas n/a n/a 7.8 14.6 17.3 24.3 30.6 Other n/a n/a n/a 2.2 3.5 7.2 27.3 Total(£ million) 16.7 21.8 32.9 50.5 63.0 92.3 140 • assumes a margin of 40% for retailers (30% on bananas)

Consumer awareness Results of the many market research surveys (MORI) conducted over the last few years indicate that there is growing awareness of, and potential demand for, Fairtrade products. The survey in May 2005 found that:

11

• 50% of the adult population can now identify the certification mark, up from 25% in 2003 and 39% in 2004. This was measured by the percentage of total respon-dents who correctly associate the symbol with the strap-line ‘Guarantees a better deal for Third World Producers’. Producers Worldwide, Fairtrade is working with 422 producer organizations in 49 countries, with benefits reaching around 5 million people – farmers, workers and their fami-lies. You can read about the impact Fairtrade has had on producers’ lives on the Fair-trade Foundation website at: www.fairtrade.org.uk/suppliers_growers.htm. “Before, I was someone that took a box and loaded it onto a train. That was my only responsibility. In this new system, I have become an international business-man.” – Arturo Gomez, Costa Rica. “Through Fairtrade we have been able to organise ourselves. Before the Fair-trade Label initiative came to our plantation, we had to beg the owners for just a little thing. But they still did not listen to us. Now we are able to discuss matters together with the management…. We have been empowered and are able to dis-cuss plantation matters with management in a team spirit.” – Ruplal Raj, Makai-bari, India

Fairtrade Fortnight is 26 February to 11 March. Fairtrade products are

used in Church at our Family Service and for the monthly Coffee Morning in the Hall. If you are not used to buying Fairtrade products, why not make a start with just one product next time you shop?

Points to Ponder

In the February magazine, we set the following question: “The day before yesterday, Pe-

ter was seventeen. Next year he will be twenty. How can that be so?”

The answer:

The statement was made on 1st January. Peter’s birthday is 31 December. He was 17 the

day before yesterday. Yesterday was the last day of last year and on that day he had his

18th birthday. He will be 19 on the last day of this year and 20 on the first day of next

year .

Now for this month’s puzzle:

There are two beauticians in a shop attending to three customers. A haircut takes fifteen

minutes and a manicure takes five minutes. What is the shortest time they would take to

give a haircut and manicure to their three customers? Answers next month. Good luck!

12

2. 'Me First'

PETER, James and John were close to Jesus. They were amongst the first of the disciples to be called. They were invited to climb the Mount of Trans-figuration; they were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. James and John made themselves unpopular with the other disciples because they spe-cifically asked Jesus if they could 'sit with him in his glory'? Like many of us who are devoted to Jesus we tend to delight in his company without real-ising the full cost of discipleship. Jesus points this out. 'Can you drink the cup that I drink?' 'We can', they reply with abandon, 'You shall' says Jesus, and we know that James becomes one of the first martyrs of the Church.

Nobody likes a pusher. The 'big head' is unpopular. 'When the ten heard of this request to sit on the right and left of Jesus in his Kingdom they were in-dignant.' It is all too easy to allow enthusiasm to overwhelm common sense. True religion is not a showpiece for me or for anyone. God alone chooses who is to have the place of honour. Our part is to take the 'lowest place' and to be 'beneath everyone'.

Jesus underlined this in his comment on the guests in a leading Pharisee's house who were trying to secure places of honour. 'Everyone who exalts himself,' Jesus said, 'will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted'. It is a very simple truth but it is quite hard to put it into practice. You may sometimes find yourself in a gathering at a wedding or on some social occasion when you know very few people. Perhaps you see someone who is prominent or 'important' and you think, 'I will go over and talk to him or her'. This is a mistake. Always talk to the person who is next to you and introduce yourself. I shall never forget an occasion when I attended a lecture given by Sir Wilfrid Grenfell the great explorer. During the chat af-terwards the lecturer came my way and spoke to me. He said, 'My name is Wilfrid Grenfell': it was a typically humble act of graciousness and I have never forgotten it.

Reproduced from Abba Imma a miscellany of pieces for the Parish Magazine by Norman Goodacre, pub-lished by The Canterbury Press

Parish Hall update At the time of writing, the disabled access ramp is scheduled to be constructed in

front of the Hall during the February half-term, thus causing as little disruption to

Hall activities as possible. By the time you read this the whole process should have

been completed.

The City and County of Cardiff have given us a Community Grant of £3708 to off-

set some of the costs of the central heating boiler, and for that we are very grateful.

Thanks also to Harry Mason for his work in constructing a table top to fit around

the central heating pipes in the ante-room.

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOW-

ING,

WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,

AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A

HOME.

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING

I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT

BECAUSE IT MEANS

WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH

WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS

I CAN HEAR.

13

The Ballad of the Solitary Tenor

Written by his long-suffering wife in re-

sponse to the article on St Catwg’s

Choir in the January Magazine.

With eager anticipation

I read about the choir

And recalled all those choristers

Who have sung for many a year.

He’s sure to get a mention,

For thirty two years in all

He’s been there every Sunday

In his choir stall.

I scanned each line and turned the page

And read about the few

Who come to sing on special days

And join him in the pew.

The sopranos’ trills were duly praised

The altos and basses too

And those dear ones, no longer here

All were given their due.

This stalwart of the tenor line

Will sing until his last

And hopes, God willing, this won’t be

‘Til many years are passed.

When next in church you hear the choir

Singing with best endeavour

Please give a thought and listen for

The solitary tenor.

Caroline Webster

The Ballad of The Reply

Oh, dear, how could I forget

Such an essential lyre

In the ensemble of choral singing

That is St Catwg’s Choir?

How amiss of me to forget,

I must admit ’tis true,

That I rely on Bob to sing

The four-part music we aspire to.

What pleasure he doth bring us

With his melodic line

And also with his hearing aid

That soars to high Ab, oh ‘tis fine.

Oft he entertains us

With tales of Alpine snows,

And tubs of currants, black and red

And strawberries that he grows.

And underneath his bottom

Lies padding; on his pew

The Hallelujah Chorus,

That’s the tenor line too!

We are indeed indebted, Bob,

To your complete devotion

To the tenor line of music

And your studious contemplation

So stay around for years to come,

Who knows another tenor may appear

And you can sing a double part,

The first for many a year!

Note: in Anglican choral style

“Devotion” in sung “De-vo-zee-on”

And so “Contemplation” is “Con-tem-play

-zee-on”.

But that’s for another “Occ-ay-zee-on”!

John Gough

14

What were 80 parishioners doing in the Parish Hall, Creigiau, on the evening of 3 Febru-

ary?

A. Attending the Parish Quiz Evening.

Q. Did they enjoy themselves?

A. I sincerely hope so!

The Parish Quiz Evening held on Saturday

3 February 2007 was a very happy evening, raising £503 for Hall Restoration funds (A

whopping £493 on the night itself, and a donation of £10 the following day which

brought the total to £503). The quiz itself was a mixture of straightforward, tricky, and

downright silly questions, giving everyone the opportunity to shine, and by the end of the

evening only a couple of points separated the top three teams. Half-time refreshments

were truly delicious, and an enormous "thank-you" is due to everyone who generously

provided these. Thank you too to those who donated raffle prizes and sold the tickets, to

Harry for manning the door on the night, to all who supported the evening and to those

who stayed to help with the clearing up afterwards - a real parish effort, and everyone’s

help was much appreciated.

Thank you once again

CYNTHIA DUNN

Cynthia has thanked everyone except herself. I had a previously arranged engagement

that evening, and could not be there, but on the Sunday it seemed that everyone I spoke to

waxed lyrical about the evening and about Cynthia’s organisation. And what a

marvellous profit! So take a bow, Mrs Dunn! JG

Cantorion Creigiau

A reminder that Cantorion Creigiau will perform Stainer’s “Crucifixion” in St Catwg’s

Church on Sunday 25th March (Passion Sunday) at 7.30 p.m.

Their performance of “Olivet to Calvary” was greatly appreciated by a full St Catwg’s

Church last year, so the aim will be to fill again the church and the extra chairs that were

brought in.

The organist will be our former Vicar, Canon Graham Holcombe.

Tickets will be available at £5 with proceeds to Parish Funds. Further details from the

Vicar, or on the notices in our churches and around the district .

Children

Brittany (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the top

off the container. Seeing her frustration, her mum explained that it was a childproof cap

and that she would open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: “How

does it know it’s me?”

15

From the Parish Registers

Funerals “May they rest in peace”

6th February Audrey Maureen Andrews

8th February Colin Stuart Murphy

12th February Winifred Williams

13th February Elizabeth Florence French

22nd February Meryl Mowbray

We thank God for the lives of the faithful departed and our sympathy and prayers

are with their loved ones.

Maureen Andrews lived in Creigiau and worked as a secretary in Cardiff High

School. She had artistic skills and was interested in painting and shared many happy

times with her family who were important to her.

Colin Murphy was very well known in Pentyrch and fondly remembered by so

many, despite having moved to Maes-y-Gwartha near Abergavenny where, with

Rosemary his wife, he worshipped faithfully, as he did in St Catwg’s for many years

with his late wife Pam. He served in St Catwg’s as a member of the PCC, a choris-

ter, and actively in many other ways. Colin was the driving force behind the Flower

Festivals of the 1980s and 1990s. His horticultural interests also included being in-

volved in setting up the Pentyrch Village Hall Horticultural and Pet Show—an ex-

ample of his involvement in village life throughout his life, witnessing for his

church. Colin bred and showed Red Setters, and he was often seen around the vil-

lage with at least a couple of dogs in tow. He was a member and later Section Presi-

dent of the British Greenkeepers’ Association, and the British and International Golf

and Greenkeepers’ Association.

Colin was devoted to and proud of his family and loved to come back to St Catwg’s

for services from time to time. A magazine was sent to him every month so that he

could keep in touch with his “home parish” to which he has returned to be laid to

rest with his family.

Winifred Williams came to live in Pentyrch from Aberdare to be near her family, to

who she was devoted.

Winnie’s church was very important to her and latterly she received Holy Commun-

ion at home. Her deep, sincere Faith was reflected in her life. For some years she

ministered to others in the St John Ambulance as a leader. Throughout her life peo-

ple of all ages could turn to her for help and advice. During the war she worked in

the Royal Ordinance factory.

Winnie was a skilled seamstress and tapestry worker and won prizes in Pentyrch

Village Show in recent years. She kept in touch with the village, local and national

news and sport, and looked forward to our parish magazine every month, including

“Points to Ponder”. Winnie was a member of the Pentyrch Tuesday Lunch Club.

16

Betty French was well known in Pentyrch. She loved animals and cared for them,

particularly horses. Betty bred Welsh Cobs and travelled the countryside on numer-

ous long distance rides, many for charity. Betty was recognised many times for the

hundreds of pounds she raised for charity and won many awards, including a Lord

Mayor of Cardiff’s Community Award. Her family were very important to her.

Meryl Mowbray was a civil servant in London before moving to Pentyrch and work-

ing as a medical secretary in the surgery at Radyr. She was a member of the

Women’s Royal Voluntary Service and served with the WVRS at Velindre Hospital.

She was on stand-by for any major emergencies which might arise requiring the at-

tendance of the WVRS.

Meryl was devoted to her family. She enjoyed cycling and, in her younger days, cy-

cled widely throughout Europe. Meryl was well known in Pentyrch as a member of

the Art Club and she was very active in the Women’s Institute. A former President,

she participated in various activities including dramatic productions.

Meryl’s Church and Faith were very important to her and she worshipped each week

at St Catwg’s and at the Parish Family Service with her husband, Ron, a PCC mem-

ber and a chorister. Her active involvement with Church included a turn on the

cleaning rota. Meryl’s deep and sincere faith was reflected in her life and her wit-

ness to her church and her Lord, in her care and concern for others rather than her-

self, even in ill-health.

Obituaries continued

Meryl Mowbray From the W.I.

Having been brought up in Birmingham, Meryl came to Pentyrch with her husband

Ronnie and children, Charles and Catherine, from London. She soon joined the W.I.

and became a very active member. Her acting talents were fully utilized in many W.I.

stage productions. She was a keen member of the Art Group to which she introduced

Ronnie. Meryl was very involved in the community particularly with the Village Hall.

When she retired from her work as a receptionist in the surgeries at Pentyrch and later

Radyr, she joined the WRVS. and enjoyed working at Velindre Hospital. She was de-

voted to her family and supported them in all they did. She will be sadly missed by her

family, her many friends and the greater community. Margaret Davies

Ron, Charles and Catherine wish to express their thanks to all

their friends who were so kind, considerate and supportive dur-

ing Meryl’s illness and since her death. They particularly wish to

acknowledge the support from the Vicar with his regular visits to

the house and the hospital; to the W.I. Members and St Catwg’s

Choir who were at the service in such large numbers: their atten-

dance and singing were very greatly appreciated by all the fam-

ily; to the W.I. Members again, for the refreshments after the ser-

vice.

17

From the School Registers

Children taught the sacrament of Baptism

St Catwg’s was pleased to have Miss Jane Williams’ class in church recently for a lesson

on Baptism. Having welcomed the children, the Vicar spoke about Baptism, its meaning

and significance, what is used at the service and why.

At the font the Vicar took the children through the service, explaining the commitment

and promises made by parents and Godparents and what God, through the Holy Spirit,

does for those who are Baptised.

The promises having been made by young “parents” and “Godparents”, who took their

roles very seriously, Sophie Jade, a beautiful doll baby, was handed to the Vicar and a

Godparent said her name. She was Baptised with water and a Baptism candle was lit and

presented to another Godparent.

The service concluded with prayers, including the Lord’s Prayer said by all and the Vicar

presented Sophie Jade’s “parents” with a specially written Baptism certificate to take

back to school with the candle.

A class from Creigiau Primary School have been to St Catwg’s previously and they, like

the children from Pentyrch were keen and well behaved; both classes asked some very

interesting questions. The children enjoyed themselves and were very much at home in

the church.

Our churches are always happy to help our school in any way possible and it is marvel-

lous when they take the opportunity to come.

18

19

Every day is a

fresh beginning.

Listen, my Soul, to the glad

refrain.

And, spite of all sorrows,

And older sinning,

Troubles forecasted

And possible pain,

Take heart with the day and

begin again.

Susan Coolidge

(Author of the "Katy"

books)

Never predict the future. Computers in the future may weigh no more than

1.5 tons – Popular Mechanics 1949

There is no reason anyone would want a computer

in their home – Ken Olson, President, Chairman

and founder of Digital Equipment Corp. 1977

This “telephone” has too many shortcomings to be

seriously considered as a means of communication.

The device is inherently of no value to us. – Western

Union internal memo 1876

We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the

way out. – Décor recording company rejecting the

Beatles 1962

20

Margaret Curran writes:

The Shoebox full of surprises

Christmas 2006 was the first year that our parish took part in this wonderful

project which brings some sunshine into the lives of many underprivileged chil-

dren worldwide. If you would like to know more about “Operation Child” you

can visit their website: www.samaritanspurse.uk.com or see the extract which

follows.

To all those who contributed, a very big “Thank you!” from me and Simon Bar-

rington.

Let’s make 2007 a bumper year for these children. Keep your shoe boxes and

start your Christmas shopping now—watch out for those sale bargains.

Margaret Curran.

21

Doctors are to run trials to see if playing classical music to newborn babies helps

them recover from the trauma of birth. The decision follows a project at Kosice-saca

hospital in eastern Slovakia, where Mozart and other classical music is piped to new-

borns via headphones in the maternity ward. Doctors believe the music is the perfect

way to keep newborn babies healthy and relaxed after the traumatic experience of be-

ing born. Now experts at Weill Medical College at New York’s Cornell University will

run a study to check medically whether or not the music of Mozart affects levels of

stress, heart rate, and motor activity in premature babies. Life Info Magazine.

22

Subject:: An interesting legal precedent ?

Federal Court Ruling from the Melbourne Age, Australia (AP) -

A seven year old Aboriginal boy was at the centre of a courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have cus-tody of him.

The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge ini-tially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with the child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible.

The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her.

When the judge suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.

After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.

After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the English Cricket Team, whom the boy firmly believes are "not capable of beating anyone.”

While driving in Penn-

sylvania, a family

caught up to an Amish

carriage. The owner of

the carriage obviously

had a sense of humour,

because attached to the

back of the carriage was

a hand printed

sign..."Energy efficient

vehicle: Runs on oats

and grass. Caution: Do

not step in exhaust.

----------------------------------

James (age 4) was listening to a Bible story.

His dad read: “The man named Lot was

warned to take his wife and flee the city, but

his wife looked back and was turned to salt.”

Concerned, James asked: “What happened to

the flea?”

Clinton (age 5) was in his bedroom looking

worried. When his mum asked him what was

troubling him, he replied, “I don’t know

what will happen with this bed when I get

married. How will my wife fit in?”

Diane (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom

scales and asked: “How much do I cost ?”

23

Parish of Pentyrch

Vicar – The Rev. John Binny The Vicarage, Pentyrch 20890318

Parochial Secretary Mr G A Longmore

Plasnewydd Cottage

Heol y Pentre, Pentyrch 20892047

Parish Treasurer Mr John Davey

Rocklands, Pant y Gored Road 20891765

Creigiau

St Catwg’s Church, Pentyrch Churchwardens Mr Andrew Dodd 20891736

Mr D Pendlebury 20892077

Sacristan Miss B Nixon 20891948

Treasurer Mr M J Cragg 20890738

6 Cefn Bychan

PCC Secretary Mrs Gill Stevens 20811444

Organist and Choirmaster Mr John Gough 20891721

Sunday School c/o the Vicar 20890318

St David’s Church, Groesfaen Churchwardens Mr H Mason 20890526

Mrs Cynthia Dunn 20892501

Treasurer Mrs M MacKay 20890827

28 Parc-y-Coed, Creigiau

PCC Secretary Mrs M MacKay 20890827

Organist Miss Jane Williams

St Ellteyrn’s Church

Capel Llanilltern Churchwardens Mr R J A Jenkins 20890355

Mrs D Jenkins 20890355

Treasurer Mr E Willis 20890770

Llwyn y Pennau Farm

Groesfaen

Secretary Mr R J A Jenkins 20890355

Parish Magazine Organisers

Pentyrch Mrs M Curran 20891693

Creigiau Mrs Gaynor Williams 20890657

Groesfaen Mr Harry Mason 20890526

24