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Everyone has talent at 21. The difficulty is to have it at 51. 1

1. Index. 2. Calendar. 3. From the Editor. 4. From Father Edwin. 5. Father Edwin. Shoe Cleaning. 6. From Father Craig. 7. Father Craig. Llanmaes. 8. Easter Services. 9. Easter Flowers. Chocolate Raffle. 10. Vicar Writes. Book Launch. 11. Book Launch. Open Garden. 12. Humour.

The magazine is distributed to parishioners and various other

outlets free of charge. No matter how you are receiving it or wherever you are reading it, we hope that you enjoy it and that if you enjoy it that you might feel like contributing towards the cost of its production and distribution. You might also like to pass it on. Thank you.

This Month’s Cover This month’s cover shows one of the flower arrangements which graced St Illtud’s church on Easter Sunday morning. During the period of Lent, churches are stripped of all orhaments and, particularly, flowers. Part of the joy which we feel when we celebrate the Resurrection is represented in the form of flowers. There are more photos of them on page 9.

13. Puzzle Page. 14. Mothers’ Union. Prayer Apps. 15. Advertisements. 16. Advertisements. 17, Saint. 18. Glamorgan Heritage Coast. 19. Fugues, Fish & Fizz. Croeso LL 20. Notre Dam. 21. Meaning of Christian Symbols. 22. From the Registers. Saints. 23. Directory. 24. Services.

This magazine serves them all. Contributions to be in by 22nd of the month please.

Parish Magazine The Rectorial Benefice of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast comprises the Parishes of: St Bridget’s, St Brides; St Michael and All Angels, Ewenny; St Giles, Gileston; St Cattwg’s, Llanmaes; St Michael and All Angels, Llanmihangel; St Illtud’s, Llantwit Major; Holy Trinity, Marcross, St Mary’s, Monknash, St Donat’s, St Donats; St Tathan, St Athan; All Saints, Southerndown; St James, Wick.

One good father can do more than 100 good schoolteachers. 2

Calendar May Thu 2nd 6.30 pm Celtic contemplation. St Illtud’s. Fri 3rd 7.30 pm Open Mic. St Illtud’s Mon 6th 9.00 am Community Breakfast. St Athan. Wed 8th 7.00 pm Bell Ringers’ AGM. St Illtud’s. Fri 10th 7.00 pm Fugues, Fish and Fizz Evening. St Illtud’s. see p 19

Fri - Sun 10th-12th Art Exhibition. Ewenny Priory. Tue 21st 7.00 pm Mothers’ Union Deanery Festival. St Illtud’s. Thu 23rd 6.30 pm Celtic contemplation. St Illtud’s. Sat 25th 6.30 pm An Evening of Inspiration. Concert. St Illtud’s. June Tue 4th 7.00 pm Llanmihangel LCC. Moorshead Farm Cottages. Thu 6th 6.30 pm Celtic contemplation. St Illtud’s. Fri 7rd 7.30 pm Open Mic. St Illtud’s Sat 10th 10.00 am & 2.00 pm Open Garden. $, West Ends. See p 11. Tue 11th 7.00 pm PCC Meeting. St Michael’s, Llanmihangel. Thu 13th 6.30 pm Celtic contemplation. St Illtud’s. Fri 14th 2.00 pm Village Tea Party. Wick Village Hall. Sat 15th 7.00 pm Caritas Charity Concert. Ewenny Priory. Tue 18th Friends Steering Group Meeting. St Illtud’s. Thu 20th 6.30 pm Celtic contemplation. St Illtud’s. Sat 22nd Victorian Fayre Day. Llantwit Major. Mon 24th 7 pm Healing Service. St Illtud’s. Thu 27th 6.30 pm Celtic contemplation. St Illtud’s. July Thu 4th 6.30 pm Celtic contemplation. St Illtud’s. Fri 5th 7.30 pm Open Mic Night. St Illtud’s. Sun 21st 3.00 pm Civic Service. St Illtud’s. Mon 29th 7 pm Healing Service. St Illtud’s. Regular Events Monday 9.30 am Morning Prayer. Wednesday 10.00 am St Illtud’s and St Tathan. Holy Eucharist Wednesday 1.30 pm Toddler Church. St Illtud’s. Term time only. Wednesday 6.30 pm St Illtud’s Church Choir. Lynn Brown. 793804 1st Wednesday 7.15 pm Mothers' Union. Jodie Taylor 794103. Thursday 7.30 pm Bell Ringers. St Illtud’s. Dave Bounds. 794665. Thursday (alt) 7.45 pm Llanilltud Ladies. Tabernacle Church Hall. Friday 12.15 Holy Eucharist 1st Friday 7.30 pm Open Mic Night, St Illtud’s. 2nd Sunday 4.00 pm Sunday@4. St Illtud's. 3rd Sunday 11.15 am. Tradecraft Stall St Illtud's.

From the Editor

Dear Friends, Are you a touchy person? No, I don’t mean, are you easily offended, I mean are you the sort of person who likes to make physical contact with others? There are people who like to show their interest or affection by making contact with the other. An arm round the shoulder or a pat on the back or holding hands is what I mean. Of course, there are people who do not like to be touched, regarding it as an invasion of space. This creates a difficulty, but it is usually the case that a friendly contact transfers more affection and love than any number of words. Think of how we greet other members of our families. Does it not usually involve a hug and probably a kiss as well? Maybe a kiss on the cheek is appropriate with close friends, especially between two ladies. It is certainly true that women find it easier to show friendship and affection in this way and perhaps we men regard such displays as unmanly. But think again! Do husband and wife not walk arm-in-arm with each other? Or maybe hand-in-hand? This all helps to convey comfort, support, affection and love. When Jesus performed miraculous cures, it often involved touching the person. Each of the four gospels carries accounts of Jesus touching people to carry out the cure. Chapter 9 in Matthew’s gospel is worth reading. It relates the story of the leper who came to him and ‘knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man ….. he was cured of his leprosy.’ The same chapter also tells the story of the healing of Peter’s mother where he did it with a touch. Mark’s chapter 5 tells us about the woman whose belief was so strong that she thought that merely touching his cloak would enable Jesus to cure her and this came to pass. Jesus felt the power go from him and it is a form of this power which we can all make use of ourselves. We may not be able to cure disease or make the blind see again, but what we can do is transfer our feeling of Christian love to the other person. We can make them aware of our sympathy and compassion and give them our support. Perhaps this support may not necessarily require touching, but the old phrase ‘a shoulder to cry on’ comes to mind, and we should not feel embarrassment in offering such contact. I am sure that it will be accepted and even welcomed much more often than you might expect.

Yours sincerely, Eric Sparks

If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. 3

Father Edwin’s Page

Dear Friends,

In 1933, a doctor from London sent a photograph to one of the daily papers, claiming it was his picture of the Loch Ness monster. For more than 60 years this was believed to be a genuine image of a long-necked creature, moving majestically through the water of one of Britain’s deepest lakes. Finally, in 1994, the picture was exposed as a hoax and, once again, the world was no nearer knowing the truth of what may be swimming about in the darkest depths of Loch Ness!

Christian faith has always involved a search for God that can be reduced to a search for a mythical creature. Let’s get one thing straight: going to Church is not part of a search for a man with a long white beard, like the wizard in the story of the Wizard of Oz. There is no film clip on YouTube of Jesus Christ rising from the dead, nor of Moses parting the Red Sea, nor even of God bellowing “Let there be light” as the creation of the world came in to being. The questions of faith are less about proving the height and weight of God, and much more about discovering some deeper characteristics.

As a Christian, I can take the words of scripture as a bedrock of faith and place it alongside the beliefs and traditions of the Church that God’s Spirit has guided for 2000 years. Much of that can be triangulated against science, history and the thinking of successive generations. There are parts of the Christian story that line up for me, because there’s a consistency to the way that fundamental elements are told and retold by different people in many and various parts of the world, all speaking of a consistent experience of God. That certainly doesn’t mean that everything concerned with faith is cut and dried and most definitely doesn’t say that Christians are immune from doubt; nor should any person of faith be reluctant to listen to the views of others, the discoveries of science and the natural world, or the calling of their own heart.

We have been fortunate to celebrate Easter and to proclaim that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. That’s a bold statement, but one that I believe took place in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. I can’t point you to a YouTube clip or even a photograph in the papers, but I can invite you to wonder about the very reason for human existence and share a promise that God’s love extends beyond this world and this life. Open every gift, though it be small, is in reality great, if given with

affection. 4

A man can be rich if he takes good care of his family 5

Faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ is a journey of self and shared discovery, that invites us to ponder and wonder what it means to be human. It’s not a search for a mythical empire or a creature that dwells in the deeps, and it certainly won’t be confirmed or disproved by a single photograph or a scientific experiment. Rather, faith is an invitation into the uncertain areas of human existence, where we have to weigh events and personal experiences in the balance and wonder how the God of love might help us view the world and one another. Above all, embarking on a journey of faith is an invitation into the mystery of God that might just make the big questions of life a little easier to understand. Thank you!

Holy Week and Easter was a special and joyous time across the communities of our Glamorgan Heritage Coast Parish. I am very grateful to the many people who helped to prepare our 12 churches for this highpoint of the Christian year. It was also very good to share the journey of Holy Week with so many people. Thank you for your faith, energy and commitment to all that we do in God’s name. With every blessing, Edwin

Shoe Cleaning

Maundy Thursday is the Christian Holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter. It commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. This year it fell on 18th April and, in addition to the washing of feet carried out in the last few years, clergy from the Benefice went to the Precinct in Llantwit Major and cleaned shoes for the shoppers there. Many interesting conversations ensued and worthwhile outreach was achieved.

It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. 6

From Father Craig

The disciples were disappointed. They were grieving. More so, they were fearful that they too would be killed just as their friend and leader was. The future looked bleak and yet somehow, they stuck together through this difficult time. What they certainly did not expect was an empty tomb in which Jesus’ broken, life-less body was wrapped and left to rest. Even more so, they did not expect a dead Jesus to appear to them!

We forget what a shock the Resurrection was. We are told in Luke’s Gospel that when Jesus did appear, the disciples were unbelieving. Some, like Thomas, dismissed it as an idle tale. Thomas wanted to know it was true, he wanted to see, he wanted proof. He wanted to see the marks left by the wounds when Jesus was on the cross. As with Thomas, most were convinced that all that their friend had promised was true. Their fear was driven out, sorrow and disappointment were replaced by hope and purpose.

That is what Resurrection does; it offers new life, new hope—not only for when we die, but new life and new hope for to-day. But is it true? That is an unspoken question that can cling to our hearts and minds.

Is it true that God lives and gives life? Is it true that God somehow raised Jesus from the dead? Is it true that something so extraordinary happened on that

morning that we can only rebuild our lives on its foundation?

These are difficult questions to answer. And yet, the disciples, the early church, the millions of Christians across history and us today have shown, that the resurrection has power to transform our lives. Its power reaches the deepest regions of our hearts and minds.; the place where faith is formed.

The more we accept the truth, its reality, that Jesus came for us to

live life to the full, that he came to raise us up and give us life and that this life has already begun, the greater will be the change in our attitudes towards God and in our view of the world in which we live.

Sin and death did not triumph over Jesus Christ, indeed they could

not, for the man Jesus Christ was also God. When one day we shall see God

A good life stretches the wrinkles. 7

as he truly is, we shall understand the riches and fullness of life itself with all its wonder and all its beauty. We shall realise that the perfection and the origin of all love is in him.

These things lie beyond us now, they are beyond our understanding. But we can see enough to know that life and love in Jesus Christ could not possibly be extinguished, could not be defeated. Jesus’ love could not and cannot be overcome. Jesus came for us and to give us life. It is his gift to us.

New life, a new beginning has been given to us. We received it

first at baptism and that is why we renew our baptismal vows on Easter Day. That life made St Paul say “I live now, not I, but Christ lives in me.” Bold words but full of significance. We must not think of Christ rising from the dead and then leaving us to cope as best we can, to live as he has taught us how. No, he remains with us, present always.

Through our faith we come to realise more and more his

presence within us and around us. But is it true? Yes! Jesus Christ lives!

Happy Easter Fr Craig

News from Llanmaes

St Cattwg’s Village Hall, Llanmaes, was packed on a recent Saturday for a Bingo evening. Organiser Wendy Sayer ably assisted by Jackie Wright, Ann Davies and others provided fifty villagers and friends with a wonderful lasagne meal, a well-stocked bar and an evening of laughter. The rules of bingo may be well known but some of the players were rather rusty and required official guidance for the first few cards. All eventually got into it and everyone joined in the spontaneous singing of a famous hymn whenever number 7 was called. (Rhymes with heaven.) The reason for the event – if a reason for a happy evening is needed - was to raise money for continued work of church restoration. The aim this time is, one day, to be able to lift the three bells stored in the church tower onto a frame in order to protect them from damage. One of the bells, caste in Bristol foundry in about 1350, is thought to be the oldest bell in the Llandaff Diocese and amongst the oldest in the country. The ultimate aim would be for it to become possible to sound at least one of them again; they have been silent for over thirty years. Thanks to an evening of laughter and fun over £550 was raised in support of moving this venture towards a successful conclusion.

JR

After a good beginning, the job is half done. 8

Easter Services Once again, the Easter Services gave us the opportunity to worship with awe and wonder. Following the preparatory time of Lent with the weekly Compline Services at the smaller churches, Palm Sunday came with the usual, well-loved hymns and palm crosses. Maundy Thursday had a Foot Washing followed by the Watch of Passion leading us towards the agony of Good Friday when most of our feelings reach low ebb. The service at St Illtud’s on Easter Saturday was a deeply moving experience with the church being in darkness at the start and gradually becoming lighter as it progressed. Mainly illuminated by small hand held candles the feeling of moving from darkness towards God’s light could not fail to bring emotions to the surface. Easter Sunday services were glorious. The whole feeling of uplifting joy at the resurrection was reflected in the packed churches and heartfelt singing of the Easter hymns. Flowers were placed on the large cross, the Easter Candle was lit and at St Illtud’s we even had the baptism of baby Cadi to make the feeling of delight complete. Happy Easter! Alleluia!

ES

Flies do not enter a closed mouth. 9

More Images of Easter Flowers

Flowers play a significant role in our celebrations, not only in church but in everyday life as well. There are flowers for birthdays, for anniversaries and for many other family occasions. Guests will bring a bunch of flowers or perhaps a plant as a ‘thank you’ for the hostess. Add to this, the thought of a wedding or funeral without flowers and you will realise the meaningful part they play in serving to express our emotions. No wonder we make so much use of them in decorating our churches especially on this most Holy of Holy days, Easter Sunday.

Chocolate Raffle The annual Chocolate Raffle was held in St Illtud’s on Wednesday 10th April. A pleasing number of people attended this event, presided over by the Easter Bunny or was it Father Edwin? After the usual preliminaries the prizes were drawn and the lucky winners went off to enjoy their booty secure in the knowledge that, if they shouted an appropriate Easter salutation, as recommended by the Rector, the chocolate would become zero calories. The first prize was won by Anne Beckwith and there were 20 others! I understand that the take was £194. Another ‘Well Done’.

One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives. 10

“The Vicar Writes ...”

By the time you read this Magazine the Book Launch will have taken place, and hopefully a report of the event will have been in The Gem, accompanied by photographs. So, in anticipation, can I thank all those who helped to make it such an exciting day for me.

At the moment I am busily signing more than seventy individual copies in advance for those who have returned their order forms, otherwise it would take hours on the day and leave me with writers’ cramp!

More copies of the book will be available at the Friends of St Illtud’s

Church OPEN GARDEN in June, and until then anyone who wants a copy should ring me on 01446 792124, giving their name and address and I will send them an order form. David G Brunning

The Grand Book Launch

There was a packed church at St Illtud’s on Sunday, 28th April for the launch of David’s book. The large number of people there speaks for the regard and affection felt for him. David sold over 100 copies on the day!

The preacher at the service before the Book Launch was the

Venerable Paul Thomas, Archdeacon of Salop. He had a very particular reason for being there as his father WEC Thomas was Vicar of St Illtud’s in 1948 at the start of book’s account of events and it was he who opened the launch. The sermon gave a powerful message and an edited version follows.

A missionary was translating St John’s Gospel into the Innuit (Eskimo) language and had difficulty with the word ‘glad’. After some time of difficulty, he saw a hunter feeding his dogs and asked him what words he would use to describe their delight at being fed. The reply was used in the translation but unfortunately the text then read “When the disciples saw Jesus, they wagged their tails”.

Easter is a time of great joy and many of us wish that we did

indeed have tails to wag in order to give adequate expression to that feeling. The time after the despair of the Crucifixion gave way to the joy at the Resurrection and that reflects the triumph of God’s love for us. We move from the negative to the positive, from death to life, from hate to love and from despair to hope.

The first of three strands to be mentioned is the need to include

the ‘material’. That is that the resurrection was indeed in body and not just through the influence of the mind from afar. That is why we have the tangible water of baptism, the bread and wine of the sacraments and the oil of anointment. It is why we value our church buildings as a material expression of our relationship with Jesus.

The second is that we should include one another in our faith. We

each make an imprint on history in our lives, be it large or small, and we are dependent on each other. The New Testament is a slim volume but contains the phrase, ‘love one another’ 55 times.

The third is that we should be prepared for the unexpected. The

whole event of the Resurrection was not expected. The disciples thought that once Jesus had been crucified and buried that it spelt the end for them. When Jesus rose from the dead, they were astonished, but then the adventure began. They dispersed across the world to spread the Good News. As the Centurion said to Pilate’s wife ‘Jesus is let loose in the world where neither Jew nor Roman can hold him.’

The future is purchased by the present. 11

Open Garden As many of you know, Matthew and Jeanne James are hosting an

“Open Garden” on Saturday 8th June at 4, West End, Llantwit Major. There will be refreshments, a plant sale, a raffle, a book stall and a cake stall; all this in an atmosphere of friendship and amazing hospitality. Sue Hewitt and I are going to be in charge of the cake stall. We would like to have a good number of cakes to sell in order to contribute to the funds raised for the church. So, we would be greatly appreciative if members would make a cake. If they can do this and have the cake in a tin and in the St Illtud’s kitchen by Friday 7th June, for us to take to the venue on time that will be wonderful. Thank you so much, Margaret Stephens (01446-792465)

Humour A lady took a large parcel to the Post Office. She was asked what was in the parcel. “I ‘m sending our old family bible to my sister,” she replied. “Are you sure that there isn’t anything breakable in it?” came the query. “Just the commandments.”

********* A Sydney newspaper reported that one of small town’s taxi firms had a call from a man who complained, “I booked a taxi at 8 o’clock to take me to the airport. It’s 8.15 now and the taxi isn’t here yet.” The girl in the taxi office tried to smooth things over. “We are very sorry that the cab isn’t there yet but please don’t worry, the plane is always late,” she said. The man replied, “Well it definitely will be today, I’m the pilot.”

********* The couple were booking in to their hotel and after signing the register, showing their passports and all the rest of the procedure, asked the receptionist about mealtimes. “Well, sir,” came the reply, “we serve breakfast from 7.00 am to 11.30 am, lunch from 12 noon until 3.00 pm and dinner is from 6 to 9.30 pm.” The husband turned to his wife and remarked, “doesn’t leave much time for sight-seeing does it?”

********* The motel had a sign by the roadside which read “FREE TV”. A man went to book in and asked how much the rooms cost. “We have two rates,” the clerk said, “£25 rooms and £30 rooms.” The man asked,”What is the difference between the two?” The clerk replied, “The rooms at £30 have the TV.”

********* The dear old cleaner at the office was finally going to retire. The staff made secret plans to give a wonderful party in celebration of her 40 years of service. The cleaner got wind of the scheme and complained to the manager. “You’ve got to stop it, “she said, “it all sounds very nice and I know they want to show me how much they have appreciated me but there is no way that I want to have to clean up after that sort of do.”

Money is like muck, no good unless it is spread. 12

.What did you do on Mothering Sunday?

Sorry we’re late. We forgot to put the clocks

forward.

I can’t remember where I left my

skateboard

Gratitude is the heart’s memory. 13

Answers

Numbers Game Example: 12 PiaS 12 Pence in a Shilling

1. 7 WotW 2. 14 PiaS 3. 28 DiF 4. 366 DiaLY

5. 7 DS Answers

1. 7 Wonders of the World, 2. 14 pounds in as stone, 3. 28 Days in February, 4. 366 Days in a Leap Year 5. 7 Deadly Sins

Miniquiz 1 What species was Ham who was launched into space in 1961? 2 Which planet has a surface temperature of 460o C ? 3 Which novel begins “Mr and Mrs Dursley of 4, Privet Drive” 4 Which Tyneside town has given its name to the 1936 protest march? 5 Which British racing driver won the Mille Miglia in 1965?

Answers 1 Chimpanzee, 2. Venus, 3. Harry Potter

and the Philosopher’s Stone, 4. Jarrow, 5. Stirling Moss.

Across: 1 Request 5 Spoil 8 Crane 9 Idyllic 10 Overtake 11 Aged 13 Notion 15 Candid 18 Turf 19 Talisman 22 Bluffer 23 Ingot 24 Other 25 Dwelled Down: 1Raccoon 2 Quake 3 Exertion 4 Tricky 5 Stye 6 Obliged 7 Lucid 12 Maximise 14 Through 16 Donated 17 Hatred 18 Taboo 20 Mogul 21 Afar

Puzzle Page

Crossword No 71 Across

1 Ask 5 Mar 8 Bird 9 Tranquil

10 Go past 11 Old 13 Idea 15 Frank 18 Grass 19 Charm 22 Pretender 23 Bar 24 Extra 25 Resided

Down

1 Mammal 2 Tremble 3 Effort 4 Awkward 5 Eye sore 6 Pleased 7 Clear

12 Expand 14 Via 16 Gave. 17 Loathing 18 Forbidden 20 Tycoon 21 Distant

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11

12

13 14 15 16

17

18 19 20

21

22 23

24 25

Everyone can overcome a grief except the one who bears it. 14

Mothers’ Union Our guest speaker on 3rd April in St Illtud’s was Penny Snowden.

Penny introduced us to “I Believe”. This is a booklet produced by the Llandaff Diocesan Mothers’ Union in collaboration with the Church-in-Wales schools in the Diocese of Llandaff and the Llandaff Diocesan Education Unit. In the booklet, the children explore what God means to them, and write about their experiences of faith and how this has inspired them. Penny told us that the booklet is being used by members of the clergy as a very useful aid when they go into schools. So, congratulations to our Diocesan Mothers’ Union Faith and Policy Unit for inspiring this publication.

Penny also introduced us to a piece of reflective worship out of

“No Ordinary Man” by Nick Fawcett. The piece was entitled “Why Me?” which imagined the thoughts of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she reflects on how the conception, birth and life of Jesus, have influenced her life. A very thought provoking reflection. Julia Jenking

St. Bride’s M.U. speakers in April were Phillip and Sheila Morris.

Phillip gave a lovely film show and Sheila did an amazing commentary on their holiday in The Orkney. They travelled all over the islands, driving their own car and using the ferries. The history is amazing from 6000 years ago ranging from Neolithic through stone circles as big as Stonehenge and tombs, cathedrals and kirks. Diane Gullett M.U. meetings in May: 1st May 7.15 pm in St Illtud’s - Andrea Walton – Medieval Costumes 7th May 10.30 am Coffee Morning in the church at Southerndown 11th May 7.30 pm in St. Bride’s Church Hall - Pauline Totterdale – Only Chocolate allowed (with tasters) 21st May 7.00 pm Deanery Festival in St Illtud’s

Prayer Apps

The April magazine carried a short piece about the ‘Apps’ which

you can download to help you to pray. These may not appeal to those of us who are rather more old-fashioned in our worship and prefer to do without gadgets. Allen Hamlyn has pointed out to me, that we have an excellent resource on the mezzanine at St Illtud’s, in the form of the Galilee Christian Enrichment Library. Among the many books in the library, there are 20 whose theme is prayer. Such titles as “A Praying Life”, “How to Pray” and “Pray for the World” can be found there as well as more detailed information about those Apps! Why not have a look?

Stillworks Meditation and Mindfulness

Natalie Snuggs, BA, DipBSoM, DipHb(KG), PGCE

Classes and individual sessions in the Vale and Barry Area

Email; info.stillworks@gmail.com Tel: 07341 264686

www.stillworksmeditation.com

Llantwit Major Bowls Club Indoor Bowls as usual this

winter but in the Rugby Club during the rebuilding.

Come and sample the game. Pleasant surroundings, fresh air and good exercise. Next to the Rugby Club.

See our Website – www.lmbc.wales

JANE HUTT AM Assembly Member for the Vale of Glamorgan 115, High Street Barry CF62 7DT JaneHutt.wales Jane.Hutt@assembly.wales 01446 740981 Regular surgeries held throughout the Vale

JANE HUTT AC Aelod Cynulliad ar gyfer Bro Morgannwg 115, High Street y Barry CF62 7DT JaneHutt.wales Jane.Hutt@cynulliad.cymru 01446 740981 Cymorthfeydd rheolaidd a gynhelir ledled y Fro

All breeds welcome grooming clipping

shampooing and

nails. One-to-one

attention

DOG GROOMING

01446-793884 07771-962154

Mark Lund Rhoose Metal Work

Gates, Railings, Handrails, etc Call 07715 783519 or

lundy00@hotmail.co.uk for your free quotation.

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Exercise Class

Need a healthier lifestyle? Want to keep a happy he

art?

Low impact circuit classes for anyone

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health & general fitness.

Small, friendly classes

Exercises tailored to your specific needs

Ongoing support from a qualified cardiac

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Each class is £5 per person For more details, contact Will Teague on:

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Saint of the Month 8th May: Mother Julian of Norwich

.”

Mother Julian was someone who we would call a quiet individual,

who did not move far from her home, and whose writings were unknown for about 200 years after her death. However, people came to her seeking counsel and advice, and she would have been well-known in her city of Norwich and beyond. Julian lived from 1342 to about 1420, through a turbulent time in English history. It would seem that it was after her husband and children had died in the Black Death that Julian became an anchoress, and lived in a little room or cell that was built into the wall of St Julian’s Church in Norwich – and that is why she is called Julian, because we don’t know her real name. Anchoresses would pray for the town and community where they lived, and people would come to them for advice and spiritual counsel. They lived by a simple rule of prayer, work and rest. On 8th May 1373, Julian had 16 visions or revelations – and these she wrote down almost immediately. Then Julian spent 20 years mulling over them, and expanded them into The Revelation of Divine Love. Her manuscript was copied for the libraries of monasteries, and even today is a spiritual best-seller. Julian is the first woman known to have written in English and she has been called the mother of English prose. Julian, living through suffering, believed in the love, hope and power of the Resurrection. In this, Julian writes, God shows that “he loves us and delights in us, and so he wishes us to love him and delight in him and trust greatly in him – and all will be well.” PM

Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length. 17

I keep on my desk a hazelnut. Why? It is to remind me of words written by this month’s Saint of the Month: “And in this God showed me a little thing, a hazel nut, lying in the palm of my hand. I looked upon it with the eye of my understanding, and thought, 'What may this be?' And it was answered generally thus, 'It is all that is made.' I marvelled how it might last, for I thought it might suddenly have fallen to nothing for littleness. And I was answered in my understanding: It lasts and ever shall, for God loves it. And so have all things their beginning by the love of God

One cannot always be a hero, but one can always be a human.

18

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

What’s that? So we are now the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Parish. Who thought that name up? Does that make us special?

Great Britain has never been a big country, even when we had an empire. We have always been a small country with a relatively large population. For a century and a half this has placed pressure on our attractive coastlands, so in the 1970’s the Countryside Commission began to identify areas where this pressure, for industry and urbanisation was greatest Along the 2,740 miles of coastline in England and Wales, three areas were chosen for designation, in Dorset, Sussex and Glamorgan, in our case the section between Newton, near Porthcawl, and Aberthaw. (A result of political changes meant that the part now in Bridgend County was removed.)

Why is this zone so special? Geology? Beautiful scenery along

steep cliffs, unusual rock formations, evidence of the Ice Age, picturesque river valleys like Cwm Nash. History? Occupation since Neolithic times. Bronze Age cairns (now ploughed out), iron Age hill forts as at Nash point, Roman villas, Norman castles, ancient churches, attractive villages. From earliest times, agriculture has been the primary occupation; fertile soils, over well-draining limestone, a mild climate, one of the driest parts of Wales (when it’s not raining). Farming was always promoted by the Celtic and Norman monasteries, who encouraged the Welsh passion for sheep, and by the “improvers” of the nineteenth century. Our stately homes in Cowbridge and the rural parts are witness to the wealth creators.

Until recently there was little tourism in the western Vale, helped by the absence of a coast road, except at Ogmore-by-Sea, but car ownership meant that a day on the beach had its attractions.

There were two basic principles underlying the need for protection of the cliff line and some distance inland. The first was not to have over-use by allowing access at only a few points (Dunraven, Ogmore and Cwm Colhuw), reserving the land for farmers, walkers and conservationists. The second was the strict enforcement of planning regulation, and the employment of rangers to carry out the work of maintenance of the cliffs, footpaths, etc. The emphasis would be on conservation, not preservation. The landscape has been maintained, retaining its attractiveness without deterioration.

The Heritage Coast forms only a part of the new parish, but it is available for all of us to enjoy, and to preserve and enhance.

Viv Kelly

A man travels the world in search of what he needs and finds it when he returns home.

19

Friday 10th May,, 7.00 for 7.30 pm in St Illtud;s West Church

FUGUES, FISH & FIZZ A RECITAL OF ORGAN MUSIC

By Edward Picton-Turbervill of

Atlantic College. Former Cambridge University Organ

Scholar. Recital followed by a fish and chip /

veggie supper with liquid refreshment

Tickets £15 or £25 for a double

Available from church members or Nickleby’s Bookshop

All proceeds to the Church Tower

Restoration Fund

Croeso Llantwit This organisation’s mission in life is to sponsor a Syrian refugee family to come to live in Llantwit Major. They will provide financial support and find accommodation and other logistical details until such time as the family can be self-supporting. One of their needs is to have the services of a speaker of Arabic for interpretation. A series of money raising and other events are scheduled for 2019 and the most recent of these took place on Saturday 27th April. This took the form of a sale of plants and other items in the Bethel Hall. It was highly successful with some 100 people attending and taking over £ The proceedings were enlivened by Peggy Garner-Smith playing the piano and was organised by Annie Paine and Kath Ewins, helped by Sue Sanders and a host of others! They are all very grateful for people's support and generosity.

One cannot have too large a party. 20

Notre-Dame No-one can have missed seeing the dramatic photographs of the fire which severely damaged this 856-year-old cathedral in Paris. The fire started on Monday 15th April and burned out all the roof which was constructed of timber and hence highly flammable. The 800 or more ‘Pompiers’, the French fire fighters, worked hard and bravely in their attempts to preserve as much as they could of the structure of the cathedral and its priceless contents. That they largely succeeded after their 15 hours of toil is of great credit to them. the building's spire and most of its roof had been destroyed and its upper walls severely damaged. Many works of art and other treasures were evacuated early in the emergency, but many others were damaged or destroyed. The event proved to be highly emotional for Parisians and, I am sure, throughout France with mass vigils singing hymns and praying.

The French president has promised that the cathedral will be rebuilt within 5 years and there have already been numerous pledges of millions of pounds of money to assist this restoration. Also, various suggestions as to how the rebuilding might be carried, including having a glass roof, have hit the headlines.

Remembering the damage caused by fire to York Minster in 1984

and to Windsor Castle in 1992, we should realise the vulnerability of these old buildings how important they are to our heritage. Think on these things next time you are asked for a donation! ES

The Meaning of Christian Symbols

The most significant symbol in the Christian Church is the Cross. This is because Jesus Christ, our Saviour, was crucified on a cross. On the altar of a Christian Church there is a cross and there will be others in various parts of the building. Many Christians wear a cross as a pendant round their neck or as a lapel badge. When praying, they may "cross themselves" that is make a cross shaped sign

across their chest in allusion to the death of Jesus. When a priest makes a blessing he also will make the sign of a cross to the congregation. There are many forms of the cross according to the locality and tradition of the church.

The fish is another recognised Christian symbol. This is arises from Jesus saying to His Apostles, many of whom were

fishermen, "I will make you fishers of men". The Greek word for fish ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthys) is an acronym for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Saviour" (in Greek!!). It is also worth mentioning the candle which represents "light". Jesus brought light into our lives and this is highly symbolic. To "light a candle for someone" indicates one's intention to say a prayer for them, and the candle symbolizes that prayer. ES

Not all those who know their own minds know their own hearts as well. 21

Latin Budded Celtic Lorraine Maltese Crucifix

The cruellest lies are often told in silence. 22

From the Registers Baptism 14 Apr. Kevin Stephens 14 Apr. Maggie Rose Stephens 21 Apr. Cadi Christine Tabitha Secker-Gabb Burials 4 Apr. Lesley Denise Ware aged 55 years, Barry 4 Apr. George Charles Sawyer aged 90 years, Llantwit Major 16 Apr. Norah Wade aged 94 years, Llantwit Major (Burial of Ashes) 16 Apr. Margaret Ann Scobie aged 83 years, Llantwit Major 24 Apr. Betty Christine Rundle aged 89 years, Llantwit Major

Saints in Wales

May 1st Philip and James, Apostles. 2nd Athanasius (373), Bishop & Doctor. 3rd Henry Vaughan (1695), Poet. 5th Asaph (6th century), Bishop. 8th Julian of Norwich (c 1417). 25th Bede (735), Doctor. 26th Augustine of Canterbury (605), Bishop. 28th Melangell (6th century), Abbess. 31st The Visit of the Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.

Glastonbury Thorn

This legendary tree was the subject of an article in the February magazine with a follow-up in the March edition. Readers might like to know that our specimen at St Illtud’s is in flower at present and while it isn’t a great spectacle, it is worth a quick look and a word of encouragement towards its growth.

Annual Vestry Meeting The Annual Vestry Meeting was held at St Illtud’s on Sunday 28th April. The Annual Report was presented, accounts and finance considered and officers elected. A fuller report will be in next month’s magazine.

.

Benefice Directory Rector Rev'd Canon Edwin Counsell. 01446-794503 The Rectory, High Street Llantwit Major, CF61 1SS edwin.counsell@llanilltud.org.uk Team Vicar Rev’d Craig Vaughan 01656-890468 The Vicarage, Trepit Road Wick. CF71 7QL craig.vaughan@llanilltud.org.uk Team Vicar Rev’d Rhian Prime 01446-750273 1, Rectory Drive, St Athan CF62 4PD rhian.prime@llanilltud.org.uk Assistant Rev’d Marc-Ashton Walford 01656-880328 Curate marc2k1@yahoo.com Assistant Rev’d Jude Peters 07944-607006 Curate jude.peters@llanilltud.org.uk Reader Sue Moll 01446-719445 sue.moll@llanilltud.org.uk Reader Keith Brown 01446-793804 Pew News keith.brown@llantiltud.org.uk Reader Bill Henderson 01446-750418 bill.henderson@llanilltud.org.uk Reader Hazel Norfolk 01656 880532 norfolk.1@hotmail.com Reader Penny Snowdon 01446-775402 pennysnowden@gmail.com Parish Office Alison Weston. St Illtud’s Church 01446-792439 9 am-2.30 pm Church Street, Llantwit Major. Mon – Fri. CF61 1SB. office@llanilltud.org.uk Website http://www.llanilltud.org.uk/ School Mrs Ceri Thomas Wick & Marcross Church in Wales 01656-890253 Primary School Church Street, Wick. CF71 7QE Magazine Eric Sparks, Bronelwyn, Castle St 01446-795443 Editor Llantwit Major, CF61 1AP eric.sparks@llanilltud.org.uk

Contributions to be received by 22nd of the month.

A lot of people mistake a short memory for a clear conscience. 23

Tel: 01446 795166

Flowers for all Occasions

The Flower Shop

Sarah Thomas

2, Barons Close Telephone

East Street 01446 -

Llantwit Major 792264

Barbara Williams CHIROPODIST

Commercial Street,

Llantwit Major

Vale of Glamorgan

CF61 1RB

Tel: 01446 793040

Wick – Monknash Village Hall

For hire at reasonable rates. Children’s Events Meetings

Parties etc Contacts: Frank Holness or

Mary Williams MBE – Wick Shop 01656 - 890544

Advertising To advertise in this magazine

contact: Parish Office or Editor, details on page 23. We reach 500

outlets every month and charge £30 per annum for a block this size.

3

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The Shop @ St Illtud’s That never closes!

Your needs for Celtic Christianity. Cards, Jewellery, Crosses, Angels,

Celtic Books, Postcards, Fridge magnets, Tea Towels, Tote Bags, Gifts, The Cross in Your Pocket.