Issue No 177
Magazine for the Irfon and Wye Valley Churches November 2015
With Deaf Mike in South India
By Reverend Mike Sabell
It’s a bit of a saga really. Let me take you back to post-war India after the 1947 Partition. India, especially in the South, became increasingly Hindudominated, with Christians living in fear of persecution and rejection. A government residential school for Deaf and Dumb children was set up in Palayamkottai about forty miles north of the Southern Indian Cape. An English Schoolmaster who was also a missionary became its headmaster. In the meanwhile, us chaplains for Deaf People used to receive reports from this school, with the headmaster, Charles Chittenden, bewailing the fact that school leavers had no job to go to (presumably because of their disability) and also no place to meet their deaf friends. We set up the India Deaf Fund, collecting revenue mainly from collections made at Deaf church harvest festivals and other donations, in order to purchase the headmaster a motorcycle so he could drive round visiting deaf families whenever he had the time. Our fund also supported him in other ways, leading to the purchase of a social centre (a mud-built building formerly used as a Red Cross hut), which, interestingly, was situated just across the road from the deaf school. To cut a long story short, I became treasurer of this Deaf India Fund in the early 1980’s, and by then the social centre had become the centre of a vibrant adult deaf community. Many were Christians, or became so in order to continue socialising with their friends and attending Christian worship. Many had Hindu parents, who were quite happy for their deaf offspring to join the Christian Church for the Deaf, as the Hindu set-up precluded deaf worshippers.
At the Time I was Chaplain for the Sheffield Diocese, and the fund had accumulated enough money to fund a paid chaplain for the Deaf in Tirunelveli diocese where the Deaf Centre was located. As the diocesan bishop was in England at the time, he paid a visit to the North of England residential school for the Deaf, situated in Doncaster, where I taught RE one day a week, and a substantial cheque was handed over. The bishop began to take a very keen interest in the Deaf community and, together with the chaplain for the Deaf (the first in South India). The Rev. Isaac Sutherson, plans were drawn up for the erection of a new, modern Social and Religious Centre for Deaf People. It became a surprise for me to be invited to Palayamkottai to lay the foundation stone, along with the bishop in 1999, and even more so two years later to formally open the building on behalf of the Deaf Church in England. Whilst there on those occasions, I had the privilege of conducting Holy Communion services at the Centre and even a baptism! The retirement of the Rev. Isaac Sutherson, led to the Rev. A Raja Christopher becoming their second chaplain, and die to his untiring ministry and fundraising, many deaf adults were granted one-man and one-woman workshop businesses such as a tea shop, sewing, shoe-repairing and the like. Church services have been extremely well attended and deaf adults quickly mastered the local sign language in Tamil. I continue to maintain contact with Rev. Christopher and now a second Deaf Centre is being built on the east coast near the Cape. It is good to know that Christians can thrive in semi-hostile communities, and that deaf culture is thriving there, both securely and religiously.
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Ministry Area Notices .
Provincial Health & Safety Training
*Music* *Praise* *Witness* *Fellowship* 8th November 18.00 St. Mary’s Church, Builth Wells
15th November 18.00 Cwtch Café, Builth Saturday 14th November 2015
These practical workshop sessions will address the practical issues of “What do I need to do?” and “How do I do it?” rather than focusing on the legislation Saturday 7th November, Brecon Cathedral 9.30am - 12.30pm Book your place via: ffion.williams@stmichaels.ac.uk
23 to 25 November 2015
Apprenticed for Mission
“Waiting for...?”
with Revd Alison Morgan A Diocese of Swansea & Brecon ‘Vision Event’ At St David’s Church, Penllergaer, SA4 9AQ.
Christian Aid Youth Group
Alison works with ReSource – Anglican Renewal Ministries. She will lead us in thinking about our own calling as disciples, our need to find our role in God’s story, and the opportunity we have to minister in the name of Jesus. Booking required via: www.gatheringgrowinggoing.com
Builth High School Wednesday Lunchtimes in C3 Contact: Ms Jones (History/Hanes) or Fr. Neil
Diocesan Vision Prayer Father, we hold before you our family in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon and we open our hearts and minds to your Spirit: Bless us as we gather in your name; Guide us as we grow into the likeness of your Son; Lead us by your Spirit to go out and make disciples of others. God of our journeying, be our way and our truth and our life; our beginning and our end. We pray through Jesus our Lord. Amen. 3
Exploring Advent in a Celtic way at Llangasty Retreat House Led by the Ven Alan Jevons Archdeacon of Brecon £160 book at enquiries@llangasty.com
LLANGASTY RETREAT HOUSE
Drop in Quiet Day Monday 9th November 10-4 No charge – donations welcome Phone: 01874 658250 E-mail: enquiries@llangasty.com Visit: www.llangasty.com
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www.carobpaphos.com email: carobpaphos@hotmail.co.uk
or phone: 07590 409701
Gathering, Growing, Going Tales from the Ministry Area
THE FOUNTAIN INN Builth Wells
Transformation in the Spirit This year’s Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk saw pilgrims from the Ministry Area join with others from across the diocese to share the devotions at the shrine. Central to those devotions was the Sacrament of the Eucharist that they shared each day in the place referred to as ‘Britain’s Nazareth’. According to history, a widow, Richeldis de Faverches, was accorded a triple vision at Walsingham in 1061. She had prayed to be allowed to honour Mary in some special manner. In her vision, the Blessed Virgin led her to Nazareth and showed her the little House of the Holy Family which was then preserved beneath the Basilica of the Annunciation. Mary commanded the widow to make another house in Walsingham – and the shrine was born. The focus of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, was our devotion to and reflection on the great mystery of the Incarnation. Today, Walsingham continues its ancient ministry to all who truly seek God. It struggles to establish a deep interior life of prayer, and strives to spread its spirit abroad to all people. Walsingham exists in the spirit of Nazareth – loving service to all, deep interior peace based on obedience to the will of God in all things, joy in being the least in the household of God’s Church in order that God, and not us, receive the glory.
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The Colwyn Group of Parishes
Services for November
Friday 13th November From 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Sunday, 25th October Last after Trinity 9.15am Holy Eucharist Bettws JO 9.30am Village Service Cregrina MJ 10.45am Worship 4All Llanelwedd Worship Team Sunday, 1st November All Saints 10.00am Holy Eucharist Llansantffraed JO 6.00pm Village Service Glascwm MJ Sunday, 8th November Remembrance 10.45am Remembrance Service Bettws PJM Sunday, 15th November Kingdom 2 9.30am Holy Eucharist Llanfaredd PJM 10.00am Morning Prayer Llansantffraed MJ 11.15am Holy Eucharist Glascwm JO 11.15am Holy Communion Rhulen ET Sunday, 22nd November Christ the King 9.15am Holy Eucharist Bettws JO 9.30am Village Service Cregrina DD 10.45am Worship4All Llanelwedd Worship Team Sunday, 29th November Advent 1 10.00am Benefice Eucharist 100 House Hall JO Sunday, 6th December Advent 2 10.00am Holy Eucharist Llansantffraed/ 100 House Hall PJM 6.00pm Village Service Glascwm JO
Jubilee Hall, Llanelwedd A warm welcome to all school-age children
‘The Greatest Party Ever’ Crafts, games, worship & a meal Please bring a grown up We look forward to seeing you!
Colwyn Benefice Bible Study Our Bible Study sessions continue this month. Please do join us for a more in depth look at the scriptures with friends from the benefice. For more information, please contact Cherry on 01982 570 702. A very warm welcome to all.
Colwyn Charity Shop Sale to be held in The Charity Shop, Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells from Saturday 31st October to Saturday 7th November. For further information contact Marilyn Jarvis on 01982 570313 or Jarvis.physio@btinternet.com
Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws, Cregrina, Glascwm and Rhulen
For information during the interregnum please contact the Acting Area Dean: Revd Ben Griffith, The Rectory, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, Tel: 01982 560615, Email: benedictgriffith@sky.com
Concert
Exciting Opportunity for Volunteer
Mozart’s Requiem and Purcell Anthems
Scouting offers a useful and absorbing spare time activity if you enjoy working with young people and being out in the fresh air. In this area Scouting, the worldwide organisation for boys and girls and adults is particularly strong with large groups in Llandrindod and Builth and a small but incredibly keen group in Newbridge. They can all use Assistant Leaders especially Newbridge who have recently lost a Cub Leader who has moved away - and help with hiking and camping would be useful for the Scouts. Male and Female assistance is equally welcome - ring Sian, the Group Scout Master on 01597 823547 or email her on mandy@power-print.co.uk for further details.
On Saturday November 28, at 7.30pm, in St Mary’s, Kington, the Kington Choral Society will be singing Mozart’s Requiem and three pieces by Henry Purcell under the baton of Roger Langford. The Requiem Mass in D minor, commissioned anonymously by Count Franz von Walsegg, was Mozart’s final work and left unfinished by his untimely death at age 35. It was reportedly completed by Mozart’s composition pupil Franz Süssmayr. It is a sublime piece of music, brought to the attention of the wider public in the film ‘Amadeus’. Tickets cost £12 on the night, or £10 in advance from, George’s Deli, Kington; Salty Dog, Presteigne or Eardisley Stores: they can also be obtained from 07968 044853 and kingtonchoral@mail.com 5
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The Buallt Group of Parishes Worship
Events in November
01 November (All Saints) 10.00 Family Eucharist & Baptism at Builth 08 November (Remembrance / Kingdom II) 09.45 Remembrance Service in Builth 15.00 Remembrance Eucharist in Llanddewi’r-Cwm 18.00 Café Church at The Cwtch Café, Builth 15 November (Kingdom III) 09.30 Choral Eucharist at Builth 11.00 Said Eucharist at Alltmawr 18.00 Worship in Builth 22 November (Christ the King) 09.30 Choral Eucharist at Builth 11.00 Sung Eucharist in Maesmynis 18.00 Solemn BCP 1662 Choral Evensong 29 November (Advent I) 10.30 Benefice Advent Eucharist in Maesmynis
02 Reserved Communion 11.00 in Brynhyfryd / Glan Irfon 02 All Souls Eucharist in Newbridge-on-Wye 04 Home Group 11.00 05 Mothers Union AGM and talk by Elizabeth Lorrusso on Sicily at 2 Glandwr Park 09 Quiet Day at Llangasty Retreat House 18 Home Group 11.00 19 Eucharist for Presentation of Our Lady in St. Mary’s, Builth at 10.00
Home Group Home Group has begun! Meetings are fortnightly on Wednesday mornings with the location rotating between different houses and with different facilitators each week – if you would like to ‘dip your toe in the water’ then please speak to Fr. Neil or Janet who will put you in touch with a Home group member.
From the Vicarage Dear friends,
This month begins with the feast of All Saints which we celebrate with a Family Eucharist and Baptism in St. Mary’s – this service reminds us that in our mission we are part of the Church Universal – divided into the Church Militant (here on Earth) and the Church Triumphant (in heaven). The Church came into being when Christ died on the Cross, but it was formally inaugurated on Pentecost, when He sent the Holy Spirit as He had promised. We are called the Church militant, because we struggle against ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’. We are united with the Church triumphant as ‘the Communion of Saints’. When St. Paul uses the word "Saints" in opening an Epistle, he does not mean those who are morally perfect. He has in mind the Hebrew qadosh, which means ‘set aside for God’. As his children therefore November is a month in which we try our best to contend with the challenges set before, remembering we are God’s children and that he will come to reign again (as we remember at the end of the month on the Feast of Christ the King).
Harvest Supper Thank you to everyone who attended the Harvest Supper last month – it was a great success. Particular thanks go to Ali at The Greyhound for the wonderful food and to Philip Bowen our after dinner speaker who enthralled us all with a marvellous multi-faceted speech.
ADVANCE NOTICE:
Faith and Flicks begins on December 6th Our new Youth initiative starts on the first Sunday of the month for anyone in High School – meeting at The Vicarage between 18.00-21.00 on the first Sunday of the Month, this group mixes feature films and discussions to explore the moral and ethical context of the world in which we live in today … FREE POPCORN & FREE DRINKS!
Pob bendith Father Neil
Regular Events
St. Mary’s reopens
There is a Daily Prayer Service every weekday at 09.00 (Eucharist 10.00 Thursdays) in the Chapel of the Holy Name in St. Mary the Virgin, Builth Wells. Wednesday: Collective Youth Group, Lunchtime at Builth Wells High School in C3 term-time Thursday: Handbells 19.00 - St Mary’s Church Thursday: Bell-Ringers 19.45 - St. Mary’s Tower Friday: Choir Practice term time 17.30 - St. Mary’s
Following a short term security review and changes to our procedures St. Mary’s has re-opened and can now be accessed during office hours during the day. Further security measures are being put in place. Those wishing access to the restricted parts of the building are asked to make contact with the Ministry Team or Church Officers.
Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r-Cwm & Llangynog with Maesmynis & Llanynis with Alltmawr Vicar: Revd Father Neil Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT, Tel: 01982 552355, Email: frhooky@gmail.com Licensed Lay Minister: Mrs Janet Day, 3 Daffodil Wood, Builth, LD2 3LE 01982 553623, Emil: djd@janetdaydesigns.co.uk 7
The Erwood & Painscastle Group of Parishes
Dear Friends,
communicate it. Sitting at the Diocesan Conference this morning, I was appalled to hear that we’re not good at communication, surely that’s what we’re called to be good at above all else: communicating the good news of Christ!! If we return to the Feeding of the 5000 where we began, the disciples’ initial response to the problem is to send the crowd away, the task just seemed too enormous and that can be our own instinctive reaction too. We just have to remember that this is God’s Church not ours and what He needs from us is faith in His ability to provide and that when the task he calls us to or the challenges that He gives us just seem too overwhelming that He will give us the skills and capabilities that we need to fulfil our part in His plan for the world and for the Church. Christ’s miraculous feeding of the 5000 required the disciples to play their full part. The days when ministry was something that the Church provided through its clergy alone are now receding into the past and all of us have a calling through our baptism to participate fully in ministry as the early church did. I’m sure that like me, you’re delighted and enthused when you see faithful Christians who’d never consider ordination playing their full part in ministry in its many and varied forms. In common with the disciples in the Gospels we all need to be encouraged, enthused and resourced in our ministries. Is this a challenge? Of course it is! Is it insurmountable? Of course it isn’t! Can we do it? Are we up for it? With God’s help, of course we are! If Christ could feed 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish, just consider what he can do with us, if we have only have faith in him!! With my love and prayers, as always
Much has been said and written over the past few years about how we re-imagine the Church and its ministry. The Ministry Area proposals in the Diocese are part of that process across the whole Church. In response to that I decided this month to spend some time thinking about and reflecting upon it. When we consider the Gospel imperatives it seems to me that our vocation as the Church is, as it always has been, to model our own lives and the life of the Church on Christ. One of the best blueprints to use for this is one of Christ’s most well-known miracles the Feeding of the Five Thousand. At the beginning of the Gospel accounts of it we read that Christ had attracted a large crowd, but he hadn’t expected them to come out to meet him, his ministry throughout the Gospels occurs largely in the open air in the places where people were. That poses a question and a challenge for us: where are the places where people gather today? If we are serious about our ministry to the whole community then we need to be the church in the places where that community meets. We can only expect people outside the church to come to us, as they came to Christ if we’ve been prepared as he was to go out to them where they are. Following on from that vocation of engagement is that of welcome and approachability. The Gospels tell us that there were occasions when Christ wanted to be alone with the disciples but even then the crowds followed him but “he had compassion on them.” We, like Christ must be prepared to make people feel welcome, that’s not just about giving newcomers the books and papers they need to participate in worship it’s about making them feel that they’re members of a family that’s excited about welcoming one of their own. The welcome that we extend to people both inside and outside our church buildings needs to be that same generous open-hearted welcome that we see in Christ. The crowds who followed Christ did so not because he was a celebrity but rather because he had something to say that they were prepared to hear. Despite what the media would like us to believe, my own experience of ministry has taught me that the perception that we now live in a society in which the majority of people do not believe in God is entirely erroneous. I’ve lost count of the number of occasions when I’ve been with people who you seldom or never see in church but who nonetheless hold a deep faith and trust in God, they just don’t believe that they need to do much about it most of the time. Just consider the number of people you’ll see in church over Christmas to see what I mean. There is a real need for people to have the Gospel preached to them. It’s not the message that needs to change it’s the way that we
Ben A Service to Remember the Departed St Michael’s Church, Bryngwyn Sunday, November 1st 2015 at 6.00pm
Come and join us as we Give Thanks for our Departed Loved Ones If you have names that you would like to be included, please contact: Rev Ben Griffith 01982 560615
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Ben Griffith, The Rectory, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, Tel: 01982 560615, Email: benedict.griffith@sky.com 8
The Erwood & Painscastle Group of Parishes
CHURCH SERVICES & EVENTS NOVEMBER 2015
Weekday Services Please note that from the beginning of October, Morning Prayer at Aberedw will move to 9.00am from Tuesday to Saturday. Evening Prayer continues to be at 6.00pm. Please do feel welcome to come and join us. Sunday, 1st November: All Saints’ Day 9.00am Holy Eucharist Newchurch 9.30am Holy Eucharist Llanbadarn y Garreg 11.00am Morning Praise Llandeilo Graban 10.30am Mattins Newchurch (followed by refreshments at Rose Cottage) 11.00am Holy Eucharist Gwenddwr 6.00pm Service Remembering the Departed Bryngwyn
Painscastle Mothers’ Union 10th November 2015 An Open Meeting to hear Richard Walker’s talk on The Brontes. All meetings are held at Painscastle Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm 8th December 2015 Christmas Dinner - TBC
Sunday, 8th November Remembrance 9.30am Remembrance Service Aberedw 11.00am Remembrance Service Llanbedr 10.30am Morning Praise Crickadarn 2.30pm Remembrance Service Moriah Chapel
Thank You, Thank You I’d like to express my sincere thanks to everybody who worked so hard to prepare for and supported our Harvest Festivals this year. Each and every church looked magnificent in its harvest finery, we enjoyed some very uplifting worship complete with the symbols of the harvest reminding us of God’s provision and in many places some delicious refreshments to prepare us for a journey home. If you were involved in any way at all, even if you just came along to join us; it would have been sad if you hadn’t then please accept my very sincere thanks. I’d also like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who organised and supported our wonderful concert at Llanbedr with the Mid Powys Youth Choir. Especial thanks are due to Eleanor for her inspiring leadership of the choir. The concert raised £495 for church funds which is an astounding achievement! I understand that the only downside to the whole evening was the male soloist at the end, who wasn’t up to much! I wonder who he could have been!! A huge thank you to you all!!
Wednesday, 11th November Armistice Day 10.30am Remembrance Service Crickadarn 10.45am Remembrance Service Newchurch Thursday, 12th November 8.00pm JOINT PCC MEETING
NEWCHURCH
Sunday, 15th November 9.30am Holy Eucharist 11.00am Morning Praise 11.00am Holy Eucharist 3.00pm Holy Eucharist
Kingdom 3 (Trinity 24) Llandeilo Graban Gwenddwr Llanbedr Llandewi Fach
Sunday, 22nd November 9.00am Holy Eucharist 9.30am Morning Praise 11.00am Holy Eucharist
Christ the King Bryngwyn Aberedw Crickadarn
Sunday, 29th November Advent 1 9.30am Erwood Group Eucharist 11.00am Painscastle Group Eucharist
Crickadarn Llanbedr
ADVANCE NOTICE
Sunday, 6th December Advent 2 9.00am Holy Eucharist Newchurch 9.30am Holy Eucharist Llanbadarn y Garreg 11.00am Morning Praise Llandeilo Graban 10.30am Mattins Newchurch (followed by refreshments at Rose Cottage) 11.00am Holy Eucharist Gwenddwr
Friday, 11th December 3.45-5.15pm Painscastle Hall
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Ben Griffith, The Rectory, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, Tel: 01982 560615, Email: benedict.griffith@sky.com 9
The Parishes of the Irfon Valley, Blaenau Irfon and Upper Wye Dear Friends
Worship and Events
I must say that there have been some lovely Harvest Festivals this year and it was great to see so may of you pulling together to ensure that every aspect worked. I don’t need to tell you how much planning is needed and hard work. We now come to a month in which we should spend time in contemplation and reflection. With the Remembrance services we think of all who have lost their lives through death and those who have lost their lives as they knew them through injury as a result of war. There are many who appear to be fine but are living with the debilitating condition Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This has an effect on the families too. As with many mental health issues PTSD is often brushed under the carpet. It should not be, it is real. As we reflect on those who have given so much for us, we can also reflect on what is actually important in life. As I keep saying, we are in a period of change and as last Sunday’s reading pointed out there is a large harvest with very few labourers. So let us all think of what we can give during this time. Time, understanding, patience and maybe some trust. If your church has only one service and you feel you should have more, let me know for the future. We can look at it together. We must look to the future and stop dwelling on the difficulties that we are in. a pattern for the future is something that we can all reflect on and give to. This is positive, but until then let us pull together and reflect on what is really important. With love and prayers
Sunday 1 November 9:30am Holy Eucharist EOD PBW 11:00am Holy Eucharist LB WT & PBW 11:00am Morning Prayer St James TBA 11:15am Morning Prayer Llanganten JB 11:15am Holy Eucharist Llanlleonfel MS 6:00pm Patronal Evensong Newbridge PBW Monday 2 November 7:00pm All Souls Eucharist Newbridge NH,GA,DW Sunday 8 November 9:30am Remembrance Service Cwmbach GA 11:00am Remembrance Service Newbridge Chapel 11:00am Joint Benefice Service St James Llanwrtyd PBW 3:00pm Remembrance Service Llanafan PBW Wednesday 11 November 2pm Caerwnon Songs of Praise Sunday 15 November 9:30am Holy Eucharist EOD PBW 11:00am Morning Prayer St James MG 11:00am Morning Prayer Newbridge GA 11:15am Holy Eucharist Llanganten PBW 3:00pm Holy Eucharist Llanafan PBW Sunday 22 September 9:30am Family Service EOD YP 9:30am Holy Eucharist Cwmbach PBW 9:30am Morning Prayer Llangammarch GA 11:00am Holy Eucharist St James BW 11:00am Holy Eucharist Newbridge CB Sunday 29 November 11:00am Benefice Eucharist St David’s Llanwrtyd PBW
Petra Irfon Singers
PATRONAL CHORAL 1662 EVENSONG
(Director David White)
Advent Carol Service
Sung by Choir of St. Mary the Virgin, Builth Sunday 1st November 18.00 All Saints, Newbridge on Wye
a candle lit sequence of readings, hymns and music to usher in the season of Advent led by Rev’d Petra Beresford Webb
All Saints Church, Newbridge on Wye
A SERVICE FOR ALL SOULS
7.30 Sunday 29th November St Cadmarch’s Church, Llangammarch Wells
7pm Monday 2nd November
St Cadmarch’s, Llangammarch Wells; The Parish Church, Llanlleonfel, Garth; St Afan’s, Llanfechan; St Cannen’s, Llanganten, Cilmery; St. James’, Llanwrtyd Wells; St. David’s, Llanwrtyd; St David’s Tirabad; Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah; Newbridge-on-Wye, Cwmbach Llechrhyd, Llanafan Fawr & Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Revd Petra Beresford-Webb, 9 Cae Nant, Newbridge-on-Wye, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6LQ, Tel: 01597 860842 or 07966 799546, Email: petra.beresfordwebb@yahoo.com 10
THE LAST WILL and TESTAMENT continued… As time progressed into the medieval period then wills became written documents rather than oral testimonies. This didn’t necessarily mean that literacy had increased but that people were more likely to pay to have a will written as they dictated. This had traditionally fallen under the remit of the parish priest but it gradually became more common for scribes, lawyers, doctors and other professionals to produce these documents. It was the job of the scribe to decipher what the testator or testatrix (if a lady,) required and form it into a legal document. (Before 1882 a married woman could only leave a will if her husband allowed it; after 1882 any woman could in theory leave a will as she wished.) Scribes could be very expensive but it was vital to get a good one, in case of disputes after your death! There were three types of will: Those in the testators own hand known as holographic wills. Scribe wills as described above. Oral wills known as a nuncupative will, often made at the last minute or at the onset of serious illness. Wills would generally follow a certain order: The name, place of residency and occupation of the testator. Some occupations were gentleman, tanners, waggoner, collar makers, surgeon, baker, and if a lady, widow or spinster. A general statement of health, declaring that whilst sick in body they are sound in mind, or if lucky sound in body too! It does seem that most were ill at the time of making their will and so seemed to leave it to the last few months, weeks or days. A statement of Christian faith, giving thanks for their good fortune to God, to ensure a passage to Heaven! A typical example of this would be: “In the name of God Amen” “I commend my Soul into the hands of Almighty God hoping through the mercy of Jesus Christ to obtain eternal salvation.” A statement of mental capacity. If proven to be of unsound mind the will would be invalid, and thus may be disputed and could take many years to prove in the probate courts. An example being: “I Richard Baldwin being sick in body but of good and perfect remembrance, praise God.” A listing of bequests. A listing of property such as houses and land and to whom it was to pass. Details of the provision for the widow and any children and also details of family feuds such as the example of: “I leave my son James no land no money and no good will due to his moral insufficiency”, and also that David Davis was not at all fond of his wife as he left her only five shillings in his will dated 1788, stating that he thought: “it sufficient to enable her to get drunk for the last time at my expense”.! Details of the burial required, usually specified as ‘Christian’, but can also be very useful if burial registers are lost or illegible. The appointment of the executors, usually the eldest child if of age, or sibling. The signature of the testator and date of signing. The signatures of the witnesses. Codicils or ‘add-ons’ could be added at various times and may be either in the margin or at the bottom or squeezed almost illegibly between the original lines! Welsh wills were mainly proved at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, though many were proved at minor welsh church courts. These records are held at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, including the records of the church court at Brecon, from 1543. Many wills of note are held at The National Archives in Kew. For example those of Jane Austen written in her own hand and also Emma Hamilton, the mistress of Horatio, Lord Nelson. Lady Hamilton left all her possessions to her daughter the illegitimate child of Nelson. Unfortunately the Treasury did not honour a codicil on Nelsons will providing for Lady Hamilton as it involved public bounty; and Lady Hamilton died in poverty in 1815 in Calais. Next time… The Powys Archives
Happy researching, Julie Martin 11
‘Nearer to God in a Garden’ - November Evergreens - Ivy
During November the garden can look rather bare after the leaf fall of deciduous trees and the dying back of perennial flowers. The green in the garden comes from evergreens such as grasses, conifers and ivy. Ivy was often used as a decoration in works of Christian art especially in Medieval and Renaissance paintings and tapestries. Due to its evergreen nature, Ivy symbolised 'eternity' and 'faithfulness'. In the Christian Church this symbolism is used in elaborately embroidered vestments, borders of illuminated manuscripts and altar cloths. Several hymns emphasise the eternal nature and faithfulness of the Lord: “Eternal Father, strong to save”, “Eternal God, we look to thee”, “Lord of all faithfulness, Lord of all joy”, “Faithful Shepherd, feed me in the pastures green.”
Linda Lewis
Church Music A series about the music written specifically to enhance worship and Christian life. Written by David White.
Purcell I recently took part in a splendid concert which consisted entirely of the music of Purcell The programme brought home to me there is something fresh and new about Purcell’s music. And so it may be, because he belongs to the period of English history which saw the restoration of the monarchy after Oliver Cromwell’s republican experiment in the middle of the Seventeenth century. While Cromwell himself was fond of music, he felt uncomfortable with it in church and he was particularly opposed to theatrical entertainment. After the execution of Charles I the official bodies entrusted with providing music for royal worship moved abroad, principally to France, where they witnessed a lavish and splendid regime of courtly sacred music. The Restoration meant that these musicians returned to England, fired up by what they experienced abroad and keen to re-establish church music worthy of Charles II. This involved training afresh a whole body of musicians which had been closed down by the Commonwealth. Hence the feeling that one might have that Purcell breathed a new air and was unembarrassed by a brightness of tone and a musical language that at the same time was both exquisitely sensitive and often deeply moving. The relationship between text and how Purcell set the words was intimate. He knew instinctively how to reflect and match the idiosyncratic rhythms of the English language. This resulted in some unexpected rhythmic patterns. It is in the meaning of words, however, that Purcell manages to convey tones and inflections in ways that are incomparable. How does he do it? He matches, just for instance, the directional nature of words (ups and downs) in simple but totally musical figures. Last night I sang “he cometh up” to a naturally rising tune and immediately slid down the scale to “and is cut down”. The texture of the whole is entrancing because voices individually rise and fall, muddled all up with each other. Elsewhere, the tender way one might say “O worship the Lord” Purcell matches exactly with a gentle stress on the first syllable of “worship” and poignant falling phrase on “in the beauty of holiness”. He loves separating out the exclamation “O” as if we who sing it gasp. At other times he matches rejoicing with bright and bracing textures and chordal passages carried aloft on firm and forthright rhythms. Then again he uses harmony that is often and extraordinarily discordant to convey feelings of sadness and poignancy. Of course the texts that Purcell sets are invariably Biblical (or if not, the words of the liturgy) In other words, he provides music which embodies exactly the burden of the sacred texts. What struck me forcibly last night was that in some of the very extended anthems accompanied by a string ensemble (for example “Rejoice in the Lord”) how substantial were the instrumental interludes and sinfonias. Some of the items had only a small part sung by the full choir – the rest was sung was by soloists, individually or in concert, but the instruments bore the greatest burden. Having just laboured the point of Purcell’s pre-eminence in setting texts it is a real surprise to find anthems that are substantially wordless, none the worse for that and equally effective and worshipful. In the music for the Funeral of Queen Mary there is a march which accompanied the procession of the coffin. It is heralded by a solemn solo drum beat. How powerful that effect is. How fitting. How ominous. How appropriate for a royal funeral procession. (The fact that the march originally did duty as a theatrical piece is one in the eye for Cromwell) My thought this month is to commend the use of instrumental music in church. We may be used to organ preludes and postludes. If played tastefully and chosen precisely, these can aid worship immeasurably. It is good to celebrate the wonderful music of Purcell – possibly the greatest of English composers of all time – and to remind ourselves that music speaks and works in church as much in alliance with words as without. DBW 12
Safety Tips from As autumn is now approaching and the nights are drawing in, we’d like to remind you of some simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Keeping safe is about taking common sense steps when you might be in vulnerable situations such as being alone in a church, maybe locking up after an event or service. We don’t want to alarm church employees and volunteers but we do recommend you follow our simple advice about what can be done to minimise the risks to your own safety and that of others. Here is a simple ten point check list to help you keep safe. 1. Try not to be in situations where you are alone at the church 2. Ensure someone knows when to expect you home 3. Ensure you have an escape route from the building 4. Ensure your car keys are to hand and you are parked so that you can get away easily 5. Consider having a personal attack alarm available and ensure that others know what to do should they hear it 6. Ensure that my mobile phone is easily accessible and in good working order 7. If worried about a situation take whatever action you need to escape to safety 8. Be aware of your surroundings and visitors unknown to you 9. Have you been given information/instructions when working alone? 10. Are suitable first aid facilities available?
‘Healthy Friendships’ Is Here! Hi, I’m Helen, the local Assistant Coordinator for ‘Healthy Friendships’, a mental health charity based in Powys, which encourages people who endure mental or emotional distress to live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. We have received funding from the Lottery and are setting up groups in Builth, Llanwrtyd and Llyswen, as well as Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire. The groups are for those over 50 and we will be playing ‘New Age Sports’, Boccia and Kurling; which are both seated, and we will also be doing seated exercises to music. The groups are very relaxed and informal, with the key focus on having lots of fun! Boccia (similar to bowls) and New Age Kurling are great ways to try something new, and meet old and new friends alike. You do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to take part, we welcome people who feel they would benefit from getting out and taking part in the groups. If you have any questions or would like to know more please do get in touch with me or come along to a session and try it for yourself. The benefits of joining a group include: Improved physical fitness Improved mental wellbeing A chance to meet others and form new friendships Feel more supported in your local community Plenty of laughter and fun! Sessions will be held weekly, starting from Monday 19th October 2015 at: The Hub (Old TIC) Groe Car Park, Builth Wells, Mondays 11am – 1pm Llanwrtyd Community Transport (Station Buildings) Llanwrtyd Wells, Tuesdays 10.30am – 12.30pm Llyswen and Boughrood Community Hall, Llyswen, Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm Would you be interested in further information? Do you know someone who could benefit from attending our sessions? Please feel free to give me a call on 07583 711299 or the office on 01938 552104 for a chat and further details or email helen@healthyfriendships.org.uk I look forward to welcoming you to one of our groups! HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS (registered charity number 1114905) 13
D. K. Dixon Plumbing & Heating
Parry & Pugh Jane Pugh (Daughter of the late Walter Parry)
TEL: 01982 552644 MOB: 07974 315328
FUNERAL DIRECTORS oil & gas servicing new installations bathrooms, lead work Pencae, Hay Road, Builth Wells Tel: 01982 551023 Mob: 07813 405039
Local & International homemade dishes Catering for Gluten Free & Vegan diets 55 High Street, Builth Wells
Ben Lloyd & Son
A family business established in 1858
We now provide personalised pre-paid funeral plans PASADENA, 31 BRECON ROAD, BUILTH WELLS, POWYS LD2 3EB
Dale Williams
H. VAUGHAN VAUGHAN & Co
Painting & decorating, Highest quality Of papers hung, Tiling, coving, artexing, General building maintenance Tel: 01874 712206 Mob: 07800 541955 Over 15 years experience, Fully insured
SOLICITORS
THOROUGHLY DRY SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS ASH, OAK, BIRCH & ALDER
From Cefnllysgwynne Estate, Builth Wells ______________________________________________________
Memorial Craftsmen
Est. 1886 Churchyard memorials commemorative plaques additional inscriptions and renovations Bridge Street, Rhayader Tel: 01597 810320 & 811183 Mob: 07767 220163
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Cut and split into easily handled sizes. Packed in bags weighing an average of 8 kilos net Price: £3.50 per bag (negotiable for Bulk/regular orders) ORDERS/ENQUIRIES: Tel: 01982 551624
BUILTH WELLS GARAGES main dealer in Mid Wales for
MOT Test Centre Car Jet Wash
Llanelwedd 01982 553861 or 552236
COMMISSIONERS FOR OATHS Established since the 19th century We offer a full & friendly legal service ______________________________________
SOLE PRINCIPAL: DAVID T. LLOYD CONSULTANT: CONAL M DUNN MANCHESTER HOUSE HIGH STREET, BUILTH WELLS
TEL: 01982 552331 & 553571 FAX: 01982 552860
ELECTRICIAN David Stone Electrics Free, no obligation quotes for all your household & domestic needs. 07771 767246 davidpstone@btinternet.com 01982 570403 NICEIC Registered Insured & all work fully guaranteed
R. W. Evans & Son Ltd www.mccartneys.co.uk AUCTIONEERS – VALUERS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS CHARTERED SURVEYORS FINE ART AUCTIONEERS 46 High Street, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3AB Tel: 01982 552259 e-mail: builth@mccartneys.co.uk
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Monumental Mason Memorials & Commemorative plaques, additional inscriptions and renovations highest quality at low prices, family firm established 100 yrs Unit 8B, Brecon Enterprise Park, Brecon Tel: 01874 625308 (day) 01874 624913 (eve)
We Love Yew Heritage Campaign
BUILTH MINISTRY AREA
‘We Love Yew' is a campaign developed by The Conservation Foundation, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to protect and celebrate Britain's yew tree heritage. The Foundation is offering small grants of up to £150 to help cover the expenses of communities in the UK that celebrate their yew tree heritage. Grants are available for costs associated with the project such as materials, equipment, hall hire, marketing of project or events, etc. Applications can be submitted at any time until May 2016. For further details please go to www.weloveyew.org/#about and follow “Investigate your Yew Heritage”
Intercessions November 2015 01. 01.St. Mauritius, Alltmawr and all they serve 02. All Saints, Newbridge on Wye and all they serve 03. For evangelism in our Ministry Area 04. Hospital Chaplaincy throughout the ministry area 05. St. Afan’s, Garth and all they serve 06. St. Michael’s, Llanfihangel Brynpabuan 07. Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah and all they serve 08. St. David, Maesmynis and all they serve 09. Newbridge Church in Wales School it’s staff and students 10. St. Cadmarch’s, Llangammarch Wells and all they serve 11. St. David’s Old Church, Llanwrtyd Wells and all they serve 12. All who play music in Services in the Ministry Area 13. St. Afan’s, Llanafan Fawr and all they serve 14. All who lead prayers in Services in the Ministry Area 15. St. Cannen, Cilmery and all they serve 16. St. David, Llandilas in Tirabad and all they serve 17. Rural Outreach in the Ministry Area 18. St Peter, Painscastle and all they serve 19. Pastoral Assistants in the Ministry Area 20. St David, Cregrina and all they serve 21. An increase in vocations within the Ministry Area 22. All those considering confirmation in the Ministry Area 23. St. Mauritius, Alltmawr and all they serve 24. Our brothers and sisters in other churches in the ministry area 25. Our Ministry amongst the bereaved 26. Pastoral Work throughout the Ministry Area 27. St Mary, Crickadarn and all they serve 28. St Padarn, Llanbadarn y Garreg and all they serve 29. All PCC members in the Ministry Area 30. All exercising a Ministry of Administration in our Area
An A-Z of the Church B is for Banner Originally the standard of a king or prince which acted as a rallying point in battle. Christians of the 7th century saw the symbolism of this and began to use crosses with red streamers attached for street processions. Banners are now common in churches and are used on special occasions. They depict either some sacred symbol of a general nature or one specifically connected with the patron saint of a church or representations particularly of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Our Lord. Taken from “A Basic Church Dictionary” Compiled by Tony Meakin (Canterbury 1995)
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NEW INN
COSY TOES MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER JILL LLOYD DipCFHP, MPSPract
Newbridge-On-Wye 01597860211
NAIL TRIMMING CORNS REMOVED CALLUS REDUCTION INGROWING TOENAILS VERRUCA TREATMENT DIABETICS TREATED
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FOR A FRIENDLY PERSONAL SERVICE CALL JILL ON MOB: 07718150571 EVENINGSS 01591 620355
BUTCHER SHOP Selling Our Own Free Range Pork Local Beef Local Lamb Hand Made Sausages, Pies & Dry Cured Bacon
The Flower Shop Siop Flodau
Do you need to Advertise? Grab this space!
Doug Prosser Incorporated with Crickhowell Funeral Services
Call 01591 620648
Weddings, Anniversaries, Funeral Flowers 31 High Street Builth Wells Tel 01982 552 686
Maelgwyn Funeral Home, Kensington, Brecon
Piano Tuning David Day B.A., L.R.A.M., M.P.T.A.
Qualified Piano Tuner covering Mid Wales
Memorial Masons Tel 01874 622755 www.dougprosser-brecon.com
Tel: 01982 553623 Mob: 07966594663 tuning@piano-tuning-wales.co.uk www.piano-tuning-wales.co.uk
W Cook
The Medical Hall Llanwrtyd Wells
Eye Health Examination Wales and Low Vision Accredited
For all your farm needs ‘He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth.” Psalms CIV Garth Road, Builth Wells Tel: 01982 552210
Eye examinations Contact lenses Spectacle Frames and lenses Low Vision Assessments
Drug Store, Stationery & Toys, Gifts, Cosmetics, Greetings Cards, Batteries & Torches,
Tel: 01591 610 207
Cavendish House, Middleton St, Llandrindod Wells 01597 823400 23 High St, Builth Wells 01982 552801 www.sgmarshall.co.uk
All contributions (news items and ideas for future issues) are very welcome and should be sent to: Abigail Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT Tel: 01982 552 355 E-mail: abihook@gmail.com Web: http://www.builthgroup.org.uk/signposts.htm For Advertising Queries please contact Richard Hussey Tel: 01591 620 648 E-mail: hhussey@btinternet.com is printed by Powerprint, Llandrindod th
Deadline for next issue (December/January): Monday 9 November 2015 16