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

September 2006

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

Millions of viewers in the United King-

dom and other countries have been enjoy-

ing the BBC Wales revival of Doctor Who

in recent times and it has been of particu-

lar interest to us in this part of the world

because, of course, filming has been tak-

ing place in South Wales and particularly

Cardiff and district.

As we watch the programmes whether

from on or behind the sofa (for those of a

more nervous disposition as in days of

old!) it is interesting to see familiar land-

marks appearing in the programmes. In

the recent series of the new era starring

Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant

programmes have been filmed at locations

such as Southerndown Beach, the Gower

Peninsular, Swansea, Tredegar House and

in various roads in Cardiff as well as Car-

diff Bay, the Millennium Centre, The Mil-

lennium Stadium, Dyffryn Gardens, Car-

diff Royal Infirmary, (which became a

New Earth Hospital), The Hayes in Car-

diff, including James Howells, which has

been blown up and also decorated for

Christmas in this summer’s heat wave.

Also featured have been St. Paul’s

Church, Grangetown where a winged

monster flew through a large stained glass

window and St. John the Baptist Church

in Cardiff City Centre, the setting for a

wedding.

I write these notes in the week that some

of the spotlight has fallen on Pentyrch.

Whilst innocently driving through Maes-y

-Sarn I was confronted by large vans and

then a camera crew and technicians with

all their equipment filming a scene at a

house I understand, for Torchwood, a

spin-off programme from Doctor Who

(check the cinagram!) So when Torch-

wood is shown, keep a look out for Pen-

tyrch.

Incidentally, a very realistic dalek pa-

trolled the yard of Creigiau Primary

School at break time on the last day of

the school year in July, though there are

no reports of pupils being exterminated

for disciplinary reasons!

Probably most of the people know the

idea of Doctor Who, who as the Time

Lord, with his assistant, travels through

space and time, entering different time

zones in the past, present and future,

sometimes witnessing historical events

and invariably coming up against various

creatures and monsters such as the

Daleks and Cybermen.

The idea behind Doctor Who gives us

also thoughts about our own lives. As

Christians we live in the past, present

and future. We live in the past as we

look to the life of our Lord Jesus Christ,

His teaching, His Ministry, His example,

His saving death and Resurrection for us;

we live in the present as members of His

Church, strengthened and guided by

God’s Holy Spirit as we worship Him

and work and witness for Him in our

lives; and we live in the future as we

look to our life after this one risen with

Him in Glory.

But we also remember that, of course,

we live our lives in space and time.

3

Doctor Who in his adventures as previously

mentioned, comes across all sorts of dan-

gers often in the shape of the creatures, but

he generally manages to win through. As

Christians we are never promised a smooth

ride in our lives and various obstacles and

dangers cross our path in the form of temp-

tations to do and say what is wrong but with

the help of God’s Holy Spirit we are en-

abled to overcome these.

And, of course, although we live in time

and space we know as Christians that

through our Baptism we are members of

God’s Kingdom here and now, and as mem-

bers of the Church through our worship to-

gether, the Sacraments, Prayers, Bible

Reading we come to share eternal life

here on earth in union with Jesus

Christ as our lives are transformed by

the new life He gives us of love, joy,

peace and hope. We have the closest

possible personal relationship with Je-

sus Christ who fills our life with His

life. The ordinary things of life take on

a new significance as Jesus makes a

difference in our lives. We put our

lives in His hands and we glimpse the

eternal life here and now as we face

the future with Him in confidence as

Jesus promised us.

John Binny

(Vicar)

From the Vicarage Window cont.

THANKS

In July the Vicar, during Sung Eucharist, dedicated a new pew cushion made for the

choir stalls in St. Catwg’s by Bob and Caroline Webster.

Depicted is the tenor line of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah sur-

rounded by birds, butterflies and colourful flowers. Bob, as many readers will know

sings tenor in the church choir.

We are most grateful to Bob and Caroline for this gift and for all the hard work that

has gone into the needlework. They have used the talents God gave them to His

glory.

The cushion, as well as those in the pews were much admired during the Open Gar-

dens Weekend.

EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAY

European Heritage Day is on Saturday 9th September and it has been requested that

all churches be open that day to welcome visitors. The suggested hours of opening

are 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

It would be good if we could open our churches on that day and we would be glad of

people to be in church to welcome visitors. If you are able to help please contact the

Vicar or Church Wardens as soon as possible for the roster to be drawn up.

Thank you! 4

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

HOLY BAPTISM ‘Grafted into the body of Christ’

St. Catwg’s, Pentyrch

July 9th Harry Tate Bradshaw

` Jac Morgan Bradshaw

Olivia Elise Bradshaw

St. David’s, Groesfaen

July 2nd Imogen Rose Thomas

Parish Church Hall

July 2nd Amelia Amber Elizabeth Thomas

HOLY MATRIMONY ‘That they may be one’

St. Catwg’s Church, Pentyrch

1st July Kevin Bridgeman and Claire Louise Mahoney

15th July Paul Richard Williams and Hayley Marie Best

17th July Kenneth Tucker and Doreen Elaine Lee

22nd July Rhys Anthony Hewitt and Lisa Jayne Beynon

5th August Richard John de Melverda-Rees and

Emma Jayne Louise de Melverda

12th August Jason Roberts and Llinos Fon Roberts

St. David’s, Groesfaen

24th June David John Wilson and Rosemary Elisabeth Mais

15th July Jason Price Williams and Sian Wyn Lloyd

5th August Dominic Peter Harding and Catherine Ann McGowan

FUNERALS ‘May they rest in peace’

23th June Susannah Davies

28th June Anne Patricia Susan Bury

5th July Frances Watford Price

6th July William Michael Jones

1st August Stanley Charles French

3rd August Margaret Doreen Cooper

Nan Jenks-Handford

5

Susie Davies:- originally from the Parish of Pentyrch, also lived in various parts of the

country including Yorkshire and Kent before finally moving to Hereford. Susie’s faith and

church were important to her as was her family and she kept in touch with Pentyrch

through her brother Thomas Llewellyn, who kept us notified about her. Susie always was

concerned about others rather than herself and showed great courage and determination in

her ill health.

Anne Bury:- who died aged 51 after a long period of ill health. Brought up in a church

family, Anne’s faith remained steadfast and she continued to attend church from time to

time and despite her own troubles Anne was always concerned for others and was also de-

voted to her family.

Michael Jones:- a member of a Pentyrch Church family who lived a life of service to oth-

ers. For many years he served as a police officer; he was also a lifeboat man in the RNLI,

particularly in Newquay, West Wales, and he took people for boat trips around the coastline

in the Newquay area, which gave great enjoyment to others.

Stan French:- A former chorister and Sunday School member of St. Catwg’s Church. He

lived in the village and was well known in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan and else-

where for his work and service to others, particularly in the agriculture and haulage busi-

ness

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

their loved ones.

From the Parish Registers cont.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

After the summer break the St. Catwg’s Sunday School resumes on Sunday 10th Septem-

ber. A welcome back to all members and a warm welcome also to any young people

from the parish wishing to join for the new season.

Please contact the Vicar for details or just turn up on a Sunday. Sunday School meets in

St. Catwg’s at 10.30 a.m. except for the first Sunday in the month when the Parish Fam-

ily Service is held in the Parish Church Hall, Creigiau at 10.30 a.m. and during the

school holidays.

CHRISTIAN AID

The parishes of Pentyrch and Capel Llanilltern have responded immediately to the urgent

appeal from Christian Aid for humanitarian relief in the Middle East during the crisis in

the Lebanon, sending donations of £250 and £53 respectively.

6

Does the rose Anne Boleyn ever need dead-heading?

Don’t let your worries get the better of you: remember Moses started out as a basket case

Growing old: when you fall down you wonder what else you can do when you’re down

there.

HARVEST 2006

Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be as follows:

St. Catwg’s, Pentyrch

Sunday 24th September

8.00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

9.00 a.m. Family Eucharist

6.00 p.m. Choral Evensong and Sermon

Preacher Rev. Canon John Oeppen

Rector of All Saint’s Barry

Parish Hall, Creigiau

Sunday 1st October 10.30 a.m.Parish Family Service

St. David’s, Groesfaen

Sunday 8th October

8.00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

10.30 a.m. Family Eucharist

6.00 p.m. Choral Evensong and Sermon

Preacher Rev. Edward Dowding

Rector of Sully

Capel Llanilltern

Sunday 15th October Holy Eucharist with Hymns

EVERYONE IS VERY WELCOME AT OUR SERVICES

HARVEST SUPPER

All members of our churches, together with families and

friends etc. are warmly invited to our Parish Harvest Supper

at 7.00 p.m. on Saturday 30th September in the Parish Hall,

Creigiau.

Further details and tickets will be available in Church.

7

PARISH HALL WORSHIP

The Pentyrch Parish Family Eucharist in the Parish Hall on the first Sunday in July

was a very special occasion because during the service a young member of the regular

congregation, Amelia Amber Elizabeth (Millie) Thomas was baptised by the Vicar. The

Hall was full with Millie’s parents, Godparents, family and friends,

and our usual congregation, worshipping together and supporting

Millie.

The water for the baptism, which was blessed in the service was in a

bowl on a table covered by a cloth and positioned in front of the

cross on the wall and the Paschal Candle, from which was lit a spe-

cial candle for Millie to take home, together with a Baptism

Certificate.

During the service the congregation renewed their baptismal vows as Millie’s parents

and Godparents did on her behalf, and special reading, prayers and hymns reflected the

theme and message of the service: instead of a formal address the Vicar spoke about

the meaning and significance of different aspects of the baptism as that part of the

service unfolded.

At the end of the service refreshments were shared before everyone went home after a

very joyful, happy and meaningful act of worship.

We are grateful to Millie’s family for requesting that the baptism take place in the

Parish Hall Service and for their input into the worship. Thanks also to the Worship

Committee for their careful preparation, the music group led by Sue Dodd, who also

produced the hymn sheets, Andrew Davies for his on screen presentation and all who

prepared the hall and catered for the refreshments.

The August Family Eucharist took place in St. Catwg’s Church, Pentyrch on the Feast

of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, because, as reported in our last magazine, the

Parish Hall was closed for renovation.

Despite several people being away, a large congregation gathered for the service and

the form of the service used at the hall services was used, though the hymns were ac-

companied by Mr John Gough on the organ instead of the music group. In his address.

the Vicar spoke about the Transfiguration and its meaning for us.

Following the service refreshments were served in the church room and in the warm,

fine weather some worshippers enjoyed the refreshments outside, as can be seen in the

photograph on page 15.

Once again thanks to the Worship Committee, John Gough and all who prepared the re-

freshments.

8

We look forward at the time of writing to it being one of the first (if not the first)

gathering in the newly decorated, refurbished hall for the Parish Family Eucharist on

3rd September at 10.30 a.m. followed by refreshments.

The Harvest Festival Service will be on Sunday 1st October. This will not be a

Eucharist. Everyone is welcome.

Parish Hall Worship cont.

PENTYRCH OPEN GARDENS

Pentyrch Open Gardens Weekend was brought forward a week this year to the begin-

ning of July and once again St. Catwg’s Church was involved in a

significant way.

As last year, on the Sunday previous, a Service of Praise was held in

St. Catwg’s to thank and praise God for His Creation around us. A

good congregation included folk from the village who were opening

their gardens, and parishioners who shared Bible readings, poems,

prayers and hymns on the themes of creation, gardens and the beauty

and wonder of God’s world and his love for each of us.

Garden hosts were among the readers and St. Catwg’s Choir led the

singing. After a very happy and meaningful act of worship refresh-

ments were served.

During the week that followed preparations were made in both the Church and the

Churchyard. The weekend was fine and warm and visitors made their way through a

very tidy churchyard decorated with pot plants (kindly lent by church members) into a

brightly decorated porch before being welcomed into the church which was so beauti-

fully decorated with a number of flower arrangements in resplendent colours.

Visitors were also able to view vestments, church silver, records and registers. This

was against the background of organ and recorded music which enhanced the worship-

ful and peaceful atmosphere. Refreshments were served in the Church Room.

The visitors book will show how those who came fully appreciated the splendid appear-

ance and the warm welcome they received while visiting the church which is a living,

worshipping part of the community.

We are grateful to everybody who contributed towards the success of the involvement

of St. Catwg’s in the Open Gardens. To all who welcomed visitors, served refresh-

ments, helped prepare the church, John Gough who prepared the choir and produced

the Order of Service, the Church Choir, Sue and Andrew Dodd who arranged the rotas

and the Open Gardens Committee for their input into the service.

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,BECAUSE SHE IS

HOME WITH ME, 9

The bells ring out for Doreen and Ken On a beautiful, sunny day on the

17 July, St Catwg’s chorister, Do-

reen Lee married Ken Tucker in St

Catwg’s Church. Although she

lived in the Heath, Doreen has

been a faithful and hard working

member of the choir for many

years. It was with surprise and

considerable delight that the choir

heard the exciting news that Do-

reen was to be married. A former

Nursing Sister, Doreen had com-

mitted herself to her work and had

never married. She and her hus-

band, Ken, a member of Rumney

Methodist Church, had played to-

gether as small children and had

known each other virtually all their

lives. Ken had married Doreen’s

best friend. Sadly, Ken’s wife died

some years ago, and Ken and Do-

reen supported each other through

a very difficult time. Suddenly,

much to the surprise and amaze-

ment of both of them, (their admis-

sions) Cupid’s arrow struck, culminating in a very happy marriage service at-

tended by their families and friends. The choir turned out in force and led the

congregational singing, and contributing the introit “Lead me Lord”, by Wesley,

the anthem “Fairest Lord Jesus” and the chanting of Psalm 67. The hymns were

“O Perfect Love” and “The Grace of Life is theirs”, the latter from the Methodist

Hymnal, and not known to us: the words fitted the occasion perfectly, and are

worth repeating. Registers signed, the bride and groom appeared in the church to

the joyful opening bars of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, and applause from the

choir and congregation.

And so, after a glorious day, a moving and joyful service, and a pleasurable re-

ception, Ken and Doreen, man and wife, went home to prepare for their honey-

moon in Ireland.

John Gough

“Our” Doreen and now “our” Ken

Photograph from the collection of Judy Binny

I AM THANKFUL FOR THE PERSON BEHIND ME IN CHURCH

WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

10

The Grace of life is Theirs

The grace of life is theirs

Who on this wedding day

Delight to make their vows,

And for each other pray.

May they, O Lord, together prove

The lasting joy of Christian love.

Where love is God abides,

And God shall surely bless

A home where trust and care

Give birth to happiness.

May they, O Lord, together prove

The lasting joy of such a love.

How slow to take offence,

Love is! How quick to heal!

How ready in distress

To know how others feel!

May they, O Lord, together prove

The lasting joy of Christian love.

And when time lays its hand

On all we hold most dear

And life by life consumed,

Fulfils its purpose here,

May we, O Lord, together prove

The lasting joy of love.

This is the second hymn that Doreen and Ken chose for their wedding.

Christian Aid Collection 2006

On behalf of Christian Aid I would like to thank all those who contributed in any

way to the successful Parish of Pentyrch collection.

Whether you were involved as a donor, a collector, a money counter or an organ-

iser your efforts all contributed to this splendid total. I would, however appeal to

you to assist in one further way. Most of you have enjoyed the experience of col-

lecting but many of you have been asked to cover too wide an area. Please make

it known that when we are collecting we do not have dogs set upon us, we meet

with very few refusals and the few refusals that we do have, are normally polite

refusals. I have one experience of one gentleman who, whilst placing a coin in

his envelope, asked me not to call again as he did not contribute to Christian

charities. I did not ask why, but I do not leave an envelope at his house and we

meet regularly in a friendly manner. You do not have to take on a very large area

- it can be half-a-dozen, ten or a dozen houses in your area whose occupants you

know personally. Your taking on such a group would be much appreciated by our

existing collector for your area who may be struggling to visit forty or more

properties.

Please consider helping this worthy cause next year.

Gordon Longmore, Christian Aid Week Organizer, Parish of Pentyrch.

Total amount from the Parish paid to Christian Aid was £2891 31. This seems to

me a magnificent effort. JG

11

Eating the scorched sizzling sausages on a scorching sizzling day.

As the sun blazed down on an idyllic scene in the garden of the Parish Hall, with the

small group of scorching cooks, standing over their scorch-

ing coals, ready to do battle with delicately pink sausages

and their equally delectable burgers, not to mention the

mouth-watering kebabs that people spoke of in whispers,

inside the hall the paying guests were happily chatting in

the cool, delighted to be away from the scorching sun.

So the scene was set for a pleasant couple of hours as we

whiled away the chatting time between mouthfuls of delicious,

scorched sausages and burgers supported by various salads and

potatoes. Unfortunately, it was not until the food had all been de-

voured that the paying guests thought about the scorching cooks

on the newly laid lawn who were gradually changing to the colour

of their sizzling sausages as the mercury levels rose to near the top

of the glass.

When the leisurely eating time was completed, so it was decided

that the delicious desserts should go the way of the singed sau-

sages and the delectable burgers: they did not last long, and little

was left, and the pleasant lunchtime activity of eating and chatting

came to an end. The vicar’s thanks to Helen Davy and her team of

cooks and supporters was endorsed with warm applause, and the request and desire to

meet again in similar circumstances made clear.

Many thanks to all involved. JG

The Pendlebury family fully satiated with sizzling, scorched sausages on a

scorching, sizzling day!

12

WILFRID PLACE 1999: from Saul to Paul My father was born in Ashby-de-la-Zouch. When I was in my mid seventies I de-

cided to visit the places he had taken me to as a boy when visiting his relatives. The

main street in Ashby unrolled my memory like the road ahead reveals itself on a

long car journey. When I went to where the railway cottages were, where I used to

visit my aunt Sarah who had wry stories to tell about the town barber, I found that no

landmarks remained. The cottages were long gone replaced by neat bungalows with

russet tiled roofs.

As I walked away a street sign caught my eye and a signal rocket exploded in my

head. As the light died I saw the name, Wilfrid Place. I stood gripped by certainty,

unable to move. Had I been on a horse I may well have fallen off. In my case the

answer seems to have come before the question. In the case of Saul of Tarsus the or-

der of events seems to be the same. Saul, soon to be baptised Paul, was a sophisti-

cated and learned Jew who had been taught by Gamaliel a Pharisee and renowned

teacher. Saul was a man of great energy and singleness of purpose, a man of integ-

rity, and the realisation that he was "on the wrong side" cut through the whole fabric

of his being. Sometimes we are told that people resorted to picture language to drive

a point home. I don't think Paul's description of his conversion is in the least bit

exaggerated.

Norman Bryan

A New Scientist Conundrum

Many of you will know that the son of John and Judith Binny is undertaking scientific

research in a London hospital linked to the University of London. The following ap-

peared in the Feedback section of New Scientist recently:

Finally, we are not even going to try to name the combination of kinds of wordplay in

this tale from Christopher Binny. Those who work, as his lab does, on mammalian

cells will know well the protein called hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1). The lab’s re-

cent contribution is the isolation of a protein that down-regulates the production of

HIF-1. So one of the team dubbed it FIH-1, inverting the name to go with its inverted

action.

But FIH also stands for “factor inhibiting HIF-1”. Which is, of course a nested acro-

nym. And finally, if you expand the nested acronym you get “Factor inhibiting Hy-

poxia Inducible Factor” - FIHIF, a palindrome.

What, we wonder, will they call the protein that inhibits FIH, when they find it?

So now you know!

I AM THANKFUL: FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS

I AM EMPLOYED. 13

Congregation’s Link with the Community

In Pentyrch, the Community Link is distributed by members of St Catwg’s congrega-

tion. Each quarter, about a dozen people can be seen scurrying around the village pop-

ping copies of Community Link through letter boxes. In the

minutes for the July meeting of the Community Council, is

a note of thanks and appreciation for the promptness and ef-

ficiency of that happy band in distributing the latest publica-

tion of the Link. Most of the villagers received their copies

within three days of the Link being delivered to Dave and

Margaret Pendlebury who organise their distribution. Well done and thanks to every-

one involved, and especially to Dave and Margaret.

A Grape, A Well, A Spark, A Seed

Lord, how much juice you can squeeze from a single grape.

How much water you can draw from a single well.

How great a fire you can kindle from a single spark.

My soul is so dry that by itself it cannot pray;

Yet you can squeeze from it the juice of a thousand prayers.

My soul is so parched that by itself it cannot love;

Yet you can draw from it boundless love for you and for my neighbour.

My soul is so cold that by itself it has no joy;

Yet you can light the fire of heavenly joy within me.

My soul is so feeble that by itself it has no faith;

Yet by your power my faith grows to a great height.

Thank you for prayer, for love, for joy, for faith;

Let me always be prayerful, loving, joyful, faithful.

Guigo the Carthusian (D.1188)

Why not spend a little time

on the first Saturday in every

month at the Village Hall,

Pentyrch, enjoying a tea or

coffee with a delicious cake

or two?

Join us from 10.45 a.m. to

12.30 p.m. All proceeds to

the Village Hall Fund,

Entry, to include drink, cake

and raffle, £2.00.

EXAMINATIONS

As this magazine appears, some of our young pa-

rishioners will have received their examination re-

sults. Many congratulations to all who were suc-

cessful and our thoughts are with those who did not

get what they hoped for. We remember everyone

in our prayers as their future plans unfold before

them for the future.

Church Visit.

The Mothers’ Union from St Andrew’s Parish,

Lliswerry, Newport, will be visiting St Catwg’s on

the afternoon of 14 September. Actual time is not

known at the moment. It is hoped that church mem-

bers will be able to greet them. More information in

Church.

Instructions to animals:

Large savage dogs enter at

own risk. Seen somewhere in

Britain. 14

An extract from “The Week”

Church elders who asked parishioners to dig a bit deeper during a Sunday collection to

help pay for a new entrance and wheelchair ramp were left speechless when they col-

lected an extra £58,000 in coins, notes and cheques. Members of the 150-strong con-

gregation at Holy Trinity in Tewkesbury, Glos, cancelled holiday plans and emptied

piggy banks to raise an average of £400 each. “No one could believe it,” said church

warden, John Haughan. “A gasp went up, then there were cheers and clapping.”

(Piece submitted by Andrew Dodd)

Smile

Smiling is infectious you catch it like the flu

So when someone smiled at me today I started smiling too

I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin

When he smiled I realised I’d passed it on to him

I thought about that smile and realised its worth

A single smile just like mine could travel round the earth

So if you see a smile begin don’t leave it undetected

Let’s start an epidemic and get the world infected. (From St Andrew’s Major, Dinas Powys, sent in by Canon Jack)

Discussing the Vicar’s words of wisdom after the Family Service 6 August . Let

it never be said that tombstones have only one function!

15

How times have changed! The recent programme on BBC2, “The Lost World of Friese-Greene” brought to

mind a motoring holiday undertaken by my grandfather, father and aunt in the

1920s, when my father was about 20 years old.

It is amazing to think that what has become for us such an everyday event with

our modern cars and motorways, should merit a mention in the local Lytham pa-

per.

Caroline Webster.

The newspaper copy that Caroline has is no longer clear enough to reproduce,

but below is what it says. The style of reporting is interesting too (at least it is to

me! JG):

Motor Touring Holiday.

Miss Broughton, of West Bank Avenue Lytham, was looking particularly brown

and well when I met her. She told me she had just returned from a most delightful

motor touring holiday in the company of her father, Mr S.H.Broughton, Mus. Bac.

and her brother, Mr Leslie Broughton.

First they went to that beautiful old cathedral city, Lincoln (of which I myself have

many happy recollections) all down the East Coast and along the South Coast to

Cornwall returning by way of the Wye Valley. The tour was all the more enjoyable

as they are all expert motor drivers, so were able to relieve each other, and were

never tired or fatigued.

CREIGIAU COMPANIONS

The summer months have been busy and rewarding for our members. As well as

Social afternoons we have enjoyed several entertaining talks. “First Aid” presented

with a novel and amusing slant taught us useful points. “Historical Hats” took us

back over the years. We learnt more about “Army Aunts” and discovered that

“Hearing Dogs” can help the deaf in many useful ways.

We were lucky with the weather for our summer outing. Not too hot and the rain

eased just before we set off. A lovely drive to the Bwlch but there was no ice-cream

van as expected, just two sheep who warmly welcomed us. Down the next valley to

Porthcawl for lunch. Good food, good company. A good day!

Many of our members support the Saturday coffee mornings and our occasion stall

helps the Restoration Fund.

Meetings continue to be held on alternate Thursdays at 2.15 p.m. and we particularly

welcome newcomers to Creigiau. A programme for Autumn – talks, socials, music,

Christmas lunch - is now available. More information can be obtained by ringing

either 20 890685 or 20 890696.

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The things you find in black bags

I enjoy working in a charity shop. It’s very friendly and there’s never (or – hardly ever!)

a dull moment. People are very generous with their donations (which usually come in

black rubbish bags) – we often have designer labels and really good quality items.

We also get some strange donations, like odd shoes. I mean, how many one-legged cus-

tomers do they think we have? Then once we had a truncheon; and some Health Author-

ity overalls; and library books. I had a slightly alarming experience recently on reaching

into the bottom of a black bag containing clothes, when I suddenly felt hair! Plucking up

courage, I delved deeper and discovered a very lifelike wig. Once we had a bag of rub-

bish. Obviously someone had mixed up their black bags! Occasionally we have what I

assume are medical items; strange contraptions of rubber piping and bungs. I handle

them gingerly and pray nobody will ask me how they work!

There was big excitement once when we found a 500,000 Deutschmark note inside a do-

nated book. However, while interesting, it turned out to be worthless, because it dated

back to the period of German hyper-inflation in the 1920s.

What I really hate are children’s construction toys. You know the type of thing – build

your own Eiffel Tower in 300 parts. I dread customers asking: “Are all the parts there?”

“Can you show me how it fits together?” Prams and pushchairs can be problematic too.

It’s a while since I’ve had hands-on experience of using these and the modern ones seem

so much more complicated ……!

Sometimes people donate things unwittingly (like keys, family heirlooms and photo-

graphs) and call back in an attempt to retrieve them. This sets in motion a frantic search

through the shop, the backroom (which is a cross between Aladdin’s Cave and Arthur’s

shop in Taffs Well), and unopened bags. Thankfully, we nearly always manage to find

the item.

Mind you, having said we get some strange donations, we also get asked for some strange

things. A gentleman was in asking for a moustache cup the other day. I suppose it just

goes to show that there’s a market for most things. Anyone want a truncheon?

Madeleine Webb

Accommodation Wanted.

A young lady graduate is looking for accommodation in the Pentyrch area on a monthly/

six monthly basis while she establishes herself in her new job in Llantrisant.

She is keen to belong to a church and is likely to join the St Catwg’s choir. During her

studies in Cardiff, she attended St Mark’s Church, Gabalfa and was very friendly with

Sue Davies-Jenkins, hence the contact.

Accommodation such as a granny flat, or a self-contained or partially self-contained unit

would be ideal.

If anyone is able to offer such accommodation, he/she should contact John Gough in the

first instance. Tel: 020 20891721

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I wonder what John Payn did to deserve this?

PARISH HALL UPDATE

As these notes are being written, work is proceeding apace in the interior of the

hall taking advantage of the school holiday period and a quiet time for regular us-

ers of the building.

Damaged plaster throughout the building has been removed, the walls replastered

and skimmed and all areas decorated prior to the laying of new floors. Also the

fire proofed curtains are being cleaned prior to re-hanging.

Once again the Church Committees apologise for any inconvenience caused to

users of the hall but having seen the progress made so far are sure that everyone

will consider it worthwhile. The Parish is grateful to the Hall Committees for all

the extra time and effort put in as events are now rapidly unfolding to the comple-

tion of the work.

We are grateful to the trustees of ‘Raise the Roof’ in Creigiau for a donation of

£3,164. Though we received the very large award from the Welsh Assembly Gov-

ernment for the current work 2006, it will be necessary, of course, to maintain the

hall in the future and all donations and other income will be most welcome in or-

der that the Parish Hall may continue to support and serve our parish and com-

munity.

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POINTS TO PONDER

In our last magazine we asked you the following:-

A passenger jet was hijacked on a flight from New York to Los Angeles and over the

radio the hijacker told the authorities he wanted 100,000 dollars in used, non sequential

100 dollar notes. He also said he planned to tell the pilot to land at Cleveland airport

when he would release the passengers if he was given two parachutes and the American

Vice-President to replace the passengers. The authorities agreed to these demands. The

Vice President boarded the plane with the money and two parachutes and the hijacker

released the passengers and told the pilot to fly to Salt Lake City. Over a remote part of

the desert he put on a parachute and jumped from the plane with the money and was met

on the ground by an accomplice and they escaped. The accomplice was not on the plane

and the Vice-President remained so, why was a second parachute requested.

The answer is that if he had only asked for one parachute the authorities might have

been tempted to booby trap one of them. By asking for two and the Vice-President, the

hijacker figured the authorities would assume he planned to make the Vice-President

jump with him and would not dare to rig either parachute.

Now for this months puzzle:- The Antique Candelabrum

The scene is a famous antique dealer’s in London. A Rolls Royce pulls up and a liveried

chauffeur opens the door to a distinguished looking elderly man who enters the shop.

He points to a seventeenth century candelabrum in the window. He examines it closely

and then engages in animated dialogue with the dealer. Eventually he writes a cheque

for £5000 and departs with the candelabrum.

Later the dealer makes a number of telephone calls before closing his store. Two days

later he receives a call which clearly pleases him.

In the meantime the distinguished looking man has carefully wrapped the candelabrum

he had bought. A younger man, Robert, arrives at his suite in the Ritz, takes the candela-

brum by taxi to the antique dealer from whom the older man brought it. The dealer pays

him £9000 in cash for the candelabrum.

What happened?

FAVOURITE HYMNS

The BBC “Sunday” programme (7.10 a.m. every Sunday) conducted a survey to identify

their listeners’ favourite and least favourite hymns. The “winners” were|:

Top 3 favourite hymns: 1. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind; 2. Guide me O thou

Great Redeemer; 3. Be Thou my Vision.

Top 3 least favourite hymns: Shine Jesus, Shine; 2. All things Bright and

beautiful; 3. Lord of the Dance.

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CONFIRMATION

A Confirmation Group is meeting each

week in preparation for the service later in

the year.

The Deanery Confirmation for Parishes in

this deanery has been arranged for the

evening of Wednesday 6th December at a

venue to be decided.

Any enquiries about Confirmation, please

contact the Vicar as soon as possible.

DEANERY NEWS

Moves are afoot next door in Radyr where

the Rev. Jenny Wigley is to become Rec-

tor of Radyr in October and this month

the former Curate of Radyr, the Rev.

Andrew James becomes a Team Vicar in

the Rectorial Benefice of Whitchurch, re-

placing the Rev. Mark Greenaway-

Robbins who has move to become Vicar

of a Parish in Vancouver, Canada.

Also this month the Rev. Jan Gould be-

comes Priest in Charge of the Parish of

Glan-Ely, Cardiff.

We remember these clergy in our prayers.

GOOD NEWS COFFEE

MORNING

The June and July Good

News Coffee Mornings

were quite well attended on

the third Saturday of the month in the

Parish Church Hall, Creigiau, a chance

to enjoy the refreshments, good com-

pany and patronise the stalls before the

break in August when the hall was be-

ing renovated.

Our thanks to all who attended, those

who catered and manned the stalls etc.

At the Coffee Morning the 100 Club

Prize Draws were made. Over a hun-

dred ticket holders are entered for the

draw each month and there is still room

for more. The more people who join

the larger the price and the more money

for the Parish Church Restoration Fund.

The cost is £1 per month or £12 annu-

ally. Mrs Sheila Lloyd will provide fur-

ther details on Tel: 20890136.

At the time of writing we look forward

to the September 16th Coffee Morning

at 10.00 when there will be chance to

see the newly refurbished hall.

Eucharist readings for September

3 September. Pentecost 13 Trinity 12 Deuteronomy 4. 1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15; James 1.

17-27; Mark 7. 1-8,14,15,21-23.

10 September: Pentecost 14, Trinity 13. Isaiah 35. 4-7a; Psalm 146; James 2. 1-10, 14-

17; Mark 7. 24-37.

17 September: Pentecost 15 Trinity 14. Isaiah 50. 4-9a; Psalm 116, 1-9; James 3. 1-12;

Mark 8. 27-38.

24 September: Pentecost 16 Trinity 15. Wisdom 1. 16-21; Jeremiah 11. 18-20; Psalm

54; James 3. 13-4.3,7,8a; Mark 9. 30-37.

1 October. Pentecost 17, Trinity 16. Numbers 11. 4-6,10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19. 7-14;

James 5. 13-20; Mark 9. 38-50.

Harvest readings are: Joel 2. 21-27; Psalm 126; Timothy 2: 1-7; Matthew 6. 25-33

Instructions to animals:

Livestock: Please close the gate.- Seen in Yorkshire 20

21

An alternative hymn

Immortal, impossible, God only knows

How tenors and basses, sopranos and altos

At service on Sunday are rarely the same

As those who on Thursday to choir practice came.

Unready, unable to sight read the notes

Nor counting, nor blending they tighten their throats

The descant so piercing, is soaring above

The melody only a mother could love.

They have a director, but no one knows why

No one in the choir deigns to turn him an eye

It’s clear by his waving, he wants them to look

But each of them stands with his nose in the book.

Despite the offences the music rings out

The folks in the pews are enraptured, no doubt.

Their faces are blissful, their thoughts are so deep

But it is no wonder, for they are asleep.

The new Celtic Cross

stands proudly in its

position on the Lych gate at

St Catwg’s Church

BIBLE INFORMATION (From America, of course!)

Story of Elijah The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the

story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of

Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood

upon it, cut the steer in pieces, and laid it upon the

altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of God to

fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar.

He had them do this four times "Now, said the teacher,

"can anyone in the class tell me why the Lord would have

Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?" A little girl in the back of the room started waving her

hand, "I know! I know!" she said, "To make the gravy!"

Lot's Wife The Sunday school teacher was describing how Lot's wife

looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when lit-

tle Jason interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while

she was driving," he announced triumphantly, "and she

turned into a telephone pole!"

22

I have just had a pacemaker fitted because I had developed an in-

termittent heart beat. I telephoned my daughter and told her all was

now well and my pacemaker was ticking away happily. My 16

year old daughter asked her mother how it worked and when told it

kept my heart beating and was driven by a battery, said, “How will

they know when he’s dead?”

Shaggy Dog Story

A clergyman was walking down a street when he saw a group of

boys about 10 to 12 years old, surrounding a dog. Concerned

that the boys might harm the dog, he went over and asked:

“What are you doing with that dog?”

One of the boys replied: “This dog is a stray, and we all want to

take him home. So we’ve decided that whichever one of us can

tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog.”

The minister was taken aback by this: “You shouldn’t be having

a contest telling lies!” he exclaimed and launched into a ten min-

utes sermon on lying being a sin, and ended with: “Why, when I

was your age, I never told a lie.”

There was a long silence. Just as the minister thought his point

had hit home, the smallest boy turned to him and, with a deep

sigh, said: “All right, give him the dog!” This is another supplied by Canon Jack, and was taken from “Parish News” of St

John the Baptist Church, Weston Super Mare.

From a service

sheet:

Great Father of

glory, pure

father of light

Thin angels

adore thee, all

veiling their

sight.

My wife took a starving and rather smelly female mog-

gie she had picked up to the vets and asked him if he

could do something for it. I pointed out to him that it

was my wife who had brought in the cat, not me, and

so he needn’t think he could charge me the earth. He

took umbrage at this and a couple of days later, in the

supermarket checkout queue, he announced in a loud

voice: “Your wife’s just been to check up how things

are. I can tell you I’ve given her a meal and a bath and

she smells of roses. By the way she’s pregnant, but I

don’t suppose you know who the father is?”

I said to my wife,

“You are always so

busy doing things.

We could swap

places for a change.”

She said, “Right. You

start hovering and

I’ll sit on the sofa

and lift my legs as

you come past .”

Good Samaritan

A Sunday school teacher

was telling her class

the story of the Good

Samaritan, in which a

man was beaten, robbed

and left for dead. She

described the situation

in vivid detail so her

students would catch the

drama. Then, she asked

the class, "If you saw a

person lying on the

roadside, all wounded

and bleeding, what would

you do?" A thoughtful little girl

broke the hushed si-

lence, "I think I'd

throw up."

Did Noah Fish?

A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do

you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he

was on the Ark?" "No," replied David. "How could he, with

just two worms?"

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

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