nov20

Price £1 November 2020

The Parish of





Pentyrch





and




Capel Llanilltern















































St Catwg’s Church



St David’s Church



St Ellteyrn’s Church

THE PARISH OF PENTYRCH AND CAPEL LLANILLTERN
www.parishofpentyrch.org.uk

VICAR Revd Michael John 02921403854
[email protected]

For Baptism, Marriage, Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick,
or to receive the Blessed Sacrament at home
Contact Revd Michael John, details above


As the churches are following the lockdown regulations,

normal services will not take place. Services listed and times

are subject to change as the Covid-19 situation changes.

Please check the website or Church Wardens

Sunday Eucharist attendance by prior application to

Church Wardens:
St Catwg’s 11 a.m. St David’s and St Ellteyrn’s on alternate

Sundays at 9.30 a.m.

(At the time of writing, St David’s services is only available to parishioners
living in Rhondda Cynon Taf)

Now that limited services are taking place in our churches,

their opening during the week has been suspended.
The Sunday morning Eucharist from St Catwg’s at 11 a.m.

is being streamed live on Facebook, and a little later on

YouTube. Details are available on the Parish website.

Additionally, Evening Prayer is streamed live on Zoom at

5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

You are cordially invited to join us on any of these

occasions.

See the latest news on the

Parish website and on Facebook:
parishofpentyrch.org.uk






Articles for the magazine can be E-mailed to: [email protected] by the 10th of the month.
You can also contact me on: 029 20891721

2

tian family, or even as human beings, is
the whole story. Virtual services or so-
cial events are never going to be enough
to enable us to fully flourish as a Chris-
One of the unexpected joys of my ministry tian community but it remains a critical
since the beginning of the pandemic has tool in our life at this point. Crucially,
emerged from the occasional opportunity St Paul doesn’t tell the Corinthians that
to officiate at Church Weddings despite the their lives are meaningless because they
Covid-19 restrictions. With just a handful are currently only seeing part of the
of close family or a couple of friends pre- story. It’s an important lesson for us all
sent in Church, these services have shone in the 21 Century facing the restric-
st
with an intimacy and authenticity so often tions of the pandemic: ‘virtual’ is not
occluded amidst lavish large-scale recep- the opposite of ‘real’.
tion arrangements and male voice choirs. In Christian life and worship we have
One or two of the wedding couples asked always understood that what we are do-
if they might be permitted to broadcast the ing inevitably involves a fusion of the

service in order to allow other family physical and the virtual. The sacra-
members and friends to witness it. People ments, especially Baptism and the
have subsequently commented on how Eucharist, enable us to connect with
much their ‘virtual’ guests have appreci- something real that uses, and yet tran-
ated this and how it enabled people from scends, the bread, wine and water which
across the world to be part of their day. we can see and touch. When we gather
A favourite Epistle often used at weddings for the Eucharist we are aware that we
is Paul’s description of love in 1 Corin- are experiencing, through our senses, a
thians 13. “Love is patient and kind… bigger story which reaches beyond the
keeps no score of wrongs etc” well known physical realm and yet remains con-
to many of you I’m sure. There is one sen- nected to it.
tence that readers occasionally stumble This is at the heart of our understanding
over and invites some interpretation; de- of faith, exemplified by Thomas’ post-
pending on which translation you use it resurrection encounter with Jesus. The
reads “For now we see in a mirror darkly, Lord allows Thomas to see and touch
but then face to face. Now I know in part, his wounds, but he declares a special
but then I shall know just as I am known” blessing on those who believe without
1 Cor 13; 12. This verse has an interesting having seen any tangible evidence.
resonance for us in 2020 as we endeavour If we think this approach to the debate
to connect, encourage and worship with on ‘virtual verses real’ is uniquely a re-
the assistance of technology. St Paul is tell- ligious one, it’s worth bearing in mind
ing the people of Corinth that what they that science has long understood how
are seeing and experiencing in their day-to- virtual even our most tangible experi-
day Christian journey is not the whole ences are. We all interact with people
story, it is a dim reflection of the greater and the world about us in a variety of
story that will only become fully realised ways - from visual, tactile to auditory
when they finally see God face to face. and written to olfactory and gustatory.
None of us feels convinced that what we The brain has the capacity to assist us
are currently able to experience as a Chris-
3

by inverting images to allow us to see If any of you need assistance or ad-
things the right way up to enabling us to vice about online technologies we
lower blood pressure when we pray or have several people who will be
meditate. We put our trust in all sorts of as- happy to help. Please contact the
sistive technologies from contact lenses to Vicar or wardens to put you in touch.
hearing aids to alter our input stimuli ena- I hope as many of you as feel able
bling us to engage more fully with each will continue to join our worship as
other and our environment. we journey together through this sec-
Monday evenings at the Vicarage I attend a ond surge of Covid-19. I leave you
Zoom ‘beer and curry’ evening with a cou- with a quote to ponder from a modern
ple of my friends. it starts late and some- theologian on the subject:
times finishes after midnight. A couple of “The romantic, Enlightenment idea
weeks ago one of them even fell asleep in that there is such a thing as an objec-
his chair, so my other friend and I carried tive, ‘real’ reality separate from our
on chatting until he woke himself up with own sense perception and interpreta-
his snoring! Our little friendship group tion – is one we can gracefully let go.
can’t wait to go to a real restaurant to- We are creatures of the virtual. As
gether to eat and even share a curry to- people of faith, our theology and tra-
gether, but our friendship is just as real as ditions give us our own insight into
it ever was even if it is mediated through that and can help us embrace it,
the internet. We are growing together and rather than fight against it. Virtual is
nurturing each other. It sometimes feel a not the opposite of real, it’s how we
diminished encounter and certainly doesn’t experience real.” M. Threfall-Holmes
reflect the ‘whole story’ of our friendship,
but it is ‘real’.
Michael


Now the ladies in St Catwg’s choir would never do this—would they?

Being a choir master is not usually a dangerous occupation, but it was for East-
bourne’s Mr Charles Spanner, who suffered a black eye and an attempted kick to the
groin during a run-in with one of his leading female choristers in the choir loft of
Our Lady of Ranson Roman Catholic Church.
The Eastbourne Gazette chronicled how relations cooled after the chorister queried
the non-Catholic Mr Spanner’s commitment to the Mass. She was asked to leave the
choir, and on being reinstated three months later was unhappy to find that she had
been usurped.
Canon Bernard Thom said he wanted “the whole thing to go away”;Mr Spanner said
he felt no ill will towards the former chorister; and the woman in question was suita-

bly contrite.
“I was full of remorse immediately,” she was reports as saying. “I was disgusted
with my behaviour in the church. If I was going to hit him, I should have done it
outside”




4

My apologies!
In the last magazine, I wrote of our “technophobes” who had worked so hard in
streaming our services live. I should have written “technophiles”! What is the dif-
ference some of you may be asking? Here is a dictionary definition:

Technophobia (from Greek τέχνη technē, "art, skill, craft" and φόβος phobos,
"fear") is the fear or dislike of advanced technology or complex devices, especially
computers. This is exactly the opposite of my intention.

Technophilia (from Greek τέχνη - technē, "art, skill, craft" and φίλος - philos,
"beloved, dear, friend") refers generally to a strong enthusiasm for technology, espe-
cially new technologies such as personal computers, the Internet, mobile phones,
and home cinema.

As you can see from those definitions, I should have written “Technophiles”
My apologies! John Gough



Many of you will recall this photograph of St Michael expel-
ling Lucifer on the walls of St Michael and All Angels in
Whitchurch Road, Cardiff. Ann Thomas, known to so many of
you, who lives in the farm house alongside the north wall of St
Catwg’s Churchyard, and who plays the organ in St Ellteyrn’s
Church and in All Hallows’ Roman Catholic Church, Miskin, it
meant so much more than just a photograph. Here is the article
she wrote.
I read with interest the article in the October 2020 Parish
Magazine which included a picture of the sculpture of
St Michael on the side of St Michael and All Angels Church,
Whitchurch Road, Cardiff.
This work was forged by Theo Grunewald, an artist-blacksmith. Beneath the sculp-
ture is a plaque with the wording:
“The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths’ Cup awarded for this figure of
St Michael.
Theo Grunewald, artist blacksmith October 2000”

Theo’s work was widely acclaimed as a prominent artist metalworker. Originally
from Trier in Germany, he lived in Llanharan where he had his workshop,
There are many examples of his work locally and beyond. The Crucifix and Mass
Candlesticks in All Hallows’ Roman Catholic Church in Miskin are fine examples of
his work and well worth seeing.
Theo was a member of the congregation at All Hallows’. He died in December 2014
at the age of 87. His Requiem Mass took place in All Hallows’ and I had the privi-
lege of playing the organ at that service.
Ann Thomas

5

It has been a busy time at St Ellteyrn’s Church. During the torrential storms ear-
lier in the year, water decide to take refuge in the Church, with the consequence that
emergency repairs had to be carried out on the roof, which necessitated, of course,
the erection of scaffolding. It took a while for the inside to dry out following its
drenching.
Then came Harvest. Being so small, with a small congregation, who could easily
self isolate, the church was decorated with tradition harvest gifts. A small offering
this year compared to normal.










































































6

From the Parish Registers
Funerals
St David’s Church
6th August Roger John Wightman
17th September Christopher Barrie Antony Lloyd-Williams
St Catwg’s Church
22nd September Gillian Ann Ruff
28th October Margaret Anne Pendlebury
Weddings
St David’s Church
5 September Billie Horsey and Scott Thomas
17 October Kathryn Emma Davies and Joshua Smyth


In recent weeks, St Catwg’s has lost two ladies, who, for many dec-
ades, have been faithful and regular members of
the congregation. Gill Ruff and Margaret Pendlebury died within a few
weeks of each other.
We mourn their passing, but we rejoice in the pleasure and joy they
brought to all our lives.



Margaret Pendlebury
The family would like to thank everybody for their kind words at this sad time. We
have received well over 150 cards and letters, flowers, food, cakes and choco-
late. All this has been a great help and comfort to know how much Margaret was
loved. We would also like to thank the City Hospice, Marie Curie carers, the Dis-
trict Nursing Team, our local Doctor's practice and Pharmacy for all their care and
compassion.


David and all the family



Gill would be overwhelmed by the love and support shown to her and Douglas
at this sad time. It is a measure of the affection in which both she and Douglas
are held.
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat upon a chair.
Perhaps you sent us beautiful flowers. If so, we saw them there
Perhaps you stood in silent respect as we passed by
Perhaps you were in a choir and sang in glorious harmony
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words that any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.
Perhaps you made a donation in Gill's memory
Perhaps you baked a cake or made a meal
Perhaps you continue to think of us and make a telephone call
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much, whatever your part. Doug

7

In November we remember the fallen in conflict. What follows is taken
from the British Legion website.

Poppies will be available during this year’s Poppy Appeal
As we do our upmost to protect our Second World War generation who are
amongst the most vulnerable within society from coronavirus, we are asking
the public to support the Poppy Appeal in a way they never have before. Our
volunteers will still be out collecting in local areas where possible. But there will also be
more cashless and digital donation options, and opportunities for supporters to host their
own fundraising activity. The Covid-19 pandemic has left some in the Armed Forces
community in dire need of urgent help. For those struggling with social isolation, finan-
cial difficulties and unemployment, to those facing the loss of loved ones and the threat
of homelessness, the Legion's support is more vital than ever.
The poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.
Wearing a poppy is a show of support for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces,
veterans and their families. It represents all those who lost their lives on active service in
all conflicts; from the beginning of the First World War right up to present day. It also
honours the contribution of civilian services and the uniformed services which contrib-
ute to national peace and security and acknowledges innocent civilians who have lost
their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
There is no ‘correct’ way to wear a poppy
Wearing a poppy is a personal choice reflecting individual and personal memories. It’s a
matter of personal choice whether someone chooses to wear a poppy and how they
choose to wear it. From paper poppies to pins, bag charms to pet poppies, and now on
face masks, the best way to wear a poppy is simply with pride. Right now, we are help-
ing those who are isolated from family, facing homelessness, struggling to feed their
children, and are in financial crisis.Donate
The poppy is red because that’s the natural colour of the poppy flower
During the First World War previously beautiful countryside was blasted, bombed and
fought over, again and again. The landscape swiftly turned to fields of mud: bleak and
barren where little or nothing could grow. But out of this devastation the delicate but re-
silient bright red Flanders poppies grew and flourished in their thousands.
The red poppy directly supports the Armed Forces community
Around the remembrance period a variety of poppies are worn. The red poppy is worn as
a show of support for the Armed Forces communities across the UK, Allied Forces and
the Commonwealth. Only donations from the sale of our red poppies go directly towards
helping the Armed Forces community.Donate
Poppies are sold in every community across the UK
Every year the rumour that poppy selling has been banned in some communities resur-
faces. This is simply not true and each year thousands of volunteers from all walks of
life take to the streets, train stations and supermarkets around the country for two weeks

during the Poppy Appeal. Whilst Covid-19 has presented unprecedented challenges this
year, we want to ensure that everyone who wants to take part in remembrance can do so,
either by making a donation for our traditional poppy, or by taking part in other activity.
In 2019 over 40 million poppies were distributed by 40,000 volunteers raising over £50

8

million to help support serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces community
and their families.
A poem inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance
Shortly after losing a friend in Ypres in 1915, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel
John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields to
write his now famous poem 'In Flanders Fields'. (On page 10)
The poem inspired American War Secretary, Moina Michael, who bought poppies to sell
to her friends to raise money for Servicemen in need after the First World War. This was
adopted by The (Royal) British Legion in 1921 who ordered 9 million of these poppies
and sold them on 11 November that year in the first ever Poppy Appeal. The poppy has
been adopted as a symbol of Remembrance ever since.


Poppies weren’t always sold with leaves
Like the natural flower, the original version of the poppy did not feature a leaf. A leaf
was first introduced in the 1960s as it was the practice to make poppy sprays, (an alter-
native to a poppy wreath), which were made up of 5 silk poppies attached to 7 pieces of
green fern. Leaves slowly became an optional extra and by 1984 demand for them had
grown to 12 million a year, although they were still issued separately to the poppy. In
1995 poppies with leaves included were made available for the first time.
Donations for poppies helps families like Lawrence's...
Money raised during the Poppy Appeal helps us support the Armed Forces community
in lots of different ways, including providing financial advice to veterans like Lawrence
Philips who was struggling to adapt to civilian life and at the mercy of a payday loan
company when Covid-19 meant he couldn’t work. Lawrence turned to the Legion for
support and, despite the restrictions due to Covid-19, our Benefits, Debt and Money
Advice team (BDMA) were able to help him.
And funds services like this...
The Poppy Appeal also helps fund services like the Battle Back Centre - the first port
of call for wounded, injured and sick service men and women as they start their Individ-
ual Recovery Program. In 2018 they took a team of 12 serving military (WIS) personnel
and veterans on a life-changing expedition in the Himalayas.


Poppies are recyclable
All of the parts of our poppies can be recycled. After Armistice Day you can recycle
your poppy at any Sainsbury’s supermarket. There are also a variety of enamel poppy
pins that you can wear instead of a paper poppy and we have a range of alternatives
available from our Poppy Shop. You can then choose to make a donation to the appeal
every year.


We are committed to reducing the impact our poppies have on the environment and are
working to remove all single use plastic in the future.










9

In Flanders Fields

The poem by John McCrae


In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders' fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders' Fields.















































10

At the time of my writing this, Jean Wood, a member of the
congregation at St David’s and well known in the Parish, is
winging her way to emigration in Berlin.
Yes, Jean has emigrated to Germany, to Berlin, where her son,
Mark, and his family have lived for over 20 years. Jean will be
living close to Mark, but independently: her dog, Woody, has
already emigrated and is waiting for her at a kennels a short
distance from her apartment.
This is the message that Jean left before her departure:

Thank you all so much for the lovely messages. I feel so humble
to receive all those lovely thoughts and good wishes. I will be
back for a holiday when the covid is over. I'll be in touch. Helen,
(Davey) I don't have everyone's email addresses so would you
pass my email on please. Thank you all again.
With love from Jean x

We wish her Bon Voyage, and a happy time in this next stage in
her life, a “New Adventure”, with her family (and Woody) in Berlin.
She will keep in touch with the Parish through the on-line services and magazine.
JG


Churches working together to support those who have been abused

Safe Spaces launches to offer support to survivors

A new service providing vital support for survivors of church-related abuse has recently
become operational.
Safe Spaces, commissioned by the Anglican and Catholic Churches in England and
Wales, is to be run by Victim Support, a national charity with a track record of providing
survivor support.
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal
and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the
Church of England, Church in Wales or the Roman Catholic Church of England and
Wales.
Safe Spaces comprises a team of trained support advocates, who have undergone spe-
cialist training in supporting survivors of sexual violence and who have received addi-
tional specific training in how the churches respond to abuse cases, and the particular
issues affecting people who have had or still have, a relationship with the church.
The service is for those who may have experienced any form of abuse, including sexual
abuse, physical abuse, financial abuse, psychological abuse (including spiritual abuse),
domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour.

The service will run for an initial two years, with a view to extending this. It has been
paid for by the Catholic and Anglican churches involved, supported by a grant
from Allchurches Trust. From Parish Pump

11

I often get asked how the work on the organ is progressing and how the fund-raising
is moving forward. The answer is that both are doing well. In spite of the lockdown,
there have been a number of generous donations towards the fund and we are confi-
dent of reaching our target,
Peter Hindmarsh, our organ builder, has been very busy both in church and in his
workshop and here and on the next page are photographs of the work in progress.























New windchest installed with pipes























Removing the Great Pipes. Note
Some of the larger pipes the large pipes quashed under the
archway




















Gluing the plywood to the grid using a vacuum press


12

Setting up the Great pipes with the Constructing the grid
largest in the centre.



















Clamping three layer laminate upper boards Drilling the upper boards








Making rack
pillars








Starting to rack in the pipes


13

Bulb Planting
Pentyrch Community Council want to create some
more colour in our community by providing spring
bulbs in the hope they will raise our spirits following
such a sad and difficult year. They have generously
given hundreds of bulbs to various local organisa-
tions, as well as to the Parish for us to plant around
our Hall and three churches.
crocus 100 crocus bulbs, 100 snakeshead fritillaries have
been planted in St. Catwg’s churchyard close to the
lychgate and 50 English bluebells bordering Church
Road. At St. David’s 100 crocus have been planted
either side of the porch and 50 Tenby (short) daffo-
dils have been planted inside the lane gate on the
bank. At St Ellteyrne’s churchyard there will be
snakeshead fritillaries, daffodils and bluebells
planted.
Snakes head fritillary We have planted these bulbs in our churchyards in
memory of all those who have died but in particular
those parishioners we have lost this year.
In the Parish Hall, in addition to the 100 crocuses
and 50 Tenby daffodils planted in front of the Hall
donated by the Community Council, we have
snakeshead fritillaries, snowdrops, bluebells and
wood anemones donated as part of the wildlife gar-
den project by Keep Wales Tidy/Keep Creigiau
Bluebells Tidy.
The wildlife garden is coming on nicely to the left
of the Hall…do have a look when passing. There is
still a bug house and two bird feeders to go up.
Wildflower seed has been sown in the grass which
hopefully will become a bit of a wildflower
meadow….but these are notoriously difficult to es-
tablish!
We are very grateful to our Community Council for
Daffodils encouraging us to
brighten up our areas
and raise our spirits
and hope it can be re-
peated next year!
Thank you.


Helen Davey
Wood anemones
Snowdrop (British variety) Sue Cragg

14

Churches report rising food bank demand as a result of pandemic

Nearly 100,000 households sought food aid from the Trussell Trust’s network of
food banks for the first time earlier this year, as a result of the coronavirus pan-
demic.
Demand is surging further this autumn, as a result of the economic fallout from the
virus.
The research comes after food banks run or supported by Church of England
churches reported rocketing demand during lockdown with some opening food
banks for the first time while some opened new food banks after lockdown.
Just two examples:
Hackney Church in East London was distributing parcels with enough food for
1,000 meals a week at start of lockdown. This figure rose to 8,000 and 9,000 meals a
week in June, after the church opened a second food bank. It has since served
120,000 meals.
In Co. Durham, the Shildon Alive food bank, founded by St John’s Church, has seen
demand surge by 500 percent during lockdown.



Our own Parish has been very active in supporting the food banks, with regular
journeys from the Food Bank bin at the Lych Gate to St Catwg’s Church. This bin
has served as a dropping point for many people in the village. I was standing at the

Lych Gate one Sunday after our service when a dog walker dropped a donation in
the bin and carried on with her walk before I could engage her in conversation. I

know that Michael or a member of his family have regularly taken the food drops to
one of the local Trussell Food Banks.
























All parcelled up and ready to go from the Vicarage. At the Lych Gate

15

A Poem by one of the greatest World War one poets. Let us never forget.


Exposure Wilfred Owen Died 14 November 1918

Our brains ache, in the merciless iced east winds that knive us . . .
Wearied we keep awake because the night is silent . . .
Low drooping flares confuse our memory of the salient . . .
Worried by silence, sentries whisper, curious, nervous,
But nothing happens.

Watching, we hear the mad gusts tugging on the wire,
Like twitching agonies of men among its brambles.
Northward, incessantly, the flickering gunnery rumbles,
Far off, like a dull rumour of some other war.
What are we doing here?

The poignant misery of dawn begins to grow . . .
We only know war lasts, rain soaks, and clouds sag stormy.
Dawn massing in the east her melancholy army
Attacks once more in ranks on shivering ranks of grey,
But nothing happens.

Sudden successive flights of bullets streak the silence.
Less deadly than the air that shudders black with snow,
With sidelong flowing flakes that flock, pause, and renew,
We watch them wandering up and down the wind's nonchalance,
But nothing happens.

Pale flakes with fingering stealth come feeling for our faces—
We cringe in holes, back on forgotten dreams, and stare, snow-dazed,
Deep into grassier ditches. So we drowse, sun-dozed,
Littered with blossoms trickling where the blackbird fusses.
—Is it that we are dying?

Slowly our ghosts drag home: glimpsing the sunk fires, glozed
With crusted dark-red jewels; crickets jingle there;
For hours the innocent mice rejoice: the house is theirs;
Shutters and doors, all closed: on us the doors are closed,—
We turn back to our dying.

Since we believe not otherwise can kind fires burn;
Now ever suns smile true on child, or field, or fruit.
For God's invincible spring our love is made afraid;
Therefore, not loath, we lie out here; therefore were born,
For love of God seems dying.


16

Tonight, this frost will fasten on this mud and us,
Shrivelling many hands, and puckering foreheads crisp.
The burying-party, picks and shovels in shaking grasp,
Pause over half-known faces. All their eyes are ice,
But nothing happens.



































The Blessed Dead



They lie at rest, our blessed dead;
The dews drop cool above their head,
They knew not when fleet summer fled.


Together all, yet each alone;
Each laid at rest beneath his own
Smooth turf or white allotted stone.



When shall our slumber sink so deep,
And eyes that wept and eyes that weep
Weep not in the sufficient sleep?



God be with you, our great and small,
Our loves, our best-beloved of all,
Our own beyond the salt sea-wall


By Christina Rosetti (1830-94)




17

Many of you will recall that I included a chart in the September magazine listing some of
the pandemics in history, with the recorded or estimated deaths. In 15th October edition
of Llandaff Matters, a weekly publication by the Diocese, is a report by Dr Heather
Payne, who researched materials on Bubonic Plague in the library at St David’s Cathe-
dral in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. I have extracted the following article from the re-
port on her research.
The Great Plague of London (Bubonic
Plague) 1665 was a bacterial infection
transmitted by fleas carried on rats in
ships. It was thought at that time that
poisoned air caused the illness. The
spread of infections was studied care-
fully by doctors and Dr Richard Mead

(died 1754) in his book “Pestilential
Contagion” published in 1720, in-
cluded a study of how the plague
spread in waves. Dr Mead’s advice
was used by Government to pass the
first “Quarantine Act” of 1720 when
an outbreak in Marseille threatened to
spread to Britain. He recommended a
40 dayquarantine in an isolation hospi-
tal for anyone coming to Britain. He
warned of the infection carried on fab-
rics, clothing or animal skins: his
remedy? Scrupulous surface hygiene;
Dr Mead recommended washing with
vinegar and water, an effective antisep-
tic, and a precursor of our hand sani-
tiser. He emphasised the importance of
isolation of affected families, which
included anyone going in or out of
houses, except Physicians and Sur-
geons, Apothecaries, Nurses, Searchers
allowed by the Authorities. This was to continue for at least a month after all the family
were either dead or recovered.
All this sounds very familiar today. There was even an outfit that covered the whole
body, including a face mask which was filled with straw and fragrant herbs, to prevent
droplet or aerosol spread. It took a while in the present pandemic to realise that the
spread of the virus needed not just body protection, but eye protection as well. The wand
in the illustration, was to examine the patient without touching him or her.

Covid-19 unprecedented? It seems not. Perhaps we could still learn from the events 300
years ago. Not long ago, I wrote of the Derbyshire village, Eyam, that closed down to
prevent the spread of the Plague. Familiar?

18

COVID-19 FIRE BREAK REGULATIONS: IMPACT ON THE
CHURCH HALL

It was planned to have a 'donation day' for Church Hall Funds to replace the can-
celled Autumn Fayre and Afternoon Tea. This has also had to be rescheduled as a
result of the new regulations as the Churches in the Parish will be closed until the
9th November. The new date for the 'donation day' will be Sunday 22nd November
2020 and I am grateful to three volunteers who will act as contact/collectors in the
Churches on this day.
Those individuals who wish to support the Church Hall are requested to place their
donation in an envelope, preferably a gift aid envelope (this will increase the dona-
tion by 25%) and hand it to Jane Rees in St Catwg's, Mary Davies in St David's and
Linda Davies in Capel.
For those not in attendance they may wish to use the services of the bank transfer
system for the payment of their donation. The bank details are:
NatWest Bank in the name of Creigiau Church Hall. Sort Code 53-70-30. Account
14032457. Here again it would be beneficial if a separate gift aid envelope was
completed and given to the Church contacts or posted through my letter box at 9
Maes-y-Dderwen, CF15 9JS.

GUESS THE WEIGHT OF THE CAKE
Mary Davies has baked a cake for the 'Guess the Weight of the Cake,' which is

greatly appreciated. Covid-19 has also scuppered the initial ideas but we will not be
deterred, somehow, we will come up with some innovative ideas so that everyone
has the opportunity to participate.







































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The Nave of St Catwg’s
Church pre-war.
Ann Thomas showed me this
photograph that her father had
taken. It was very faded, but I
have managed to enhance it a
little, and heightened the
colouration.
I have include it, in the hope
that it will show clearly in the
print of the magazine, be-
cause there is a particularly
good view of the organ hous-
ing and the patterns on the or-
gan pipes.
My understanding is that Mr
T.M. Sparkes (he was the ar-
chitect of the Parish Hall in
Creigiau) painted the organ
housing, the pipes and the
pews soon after the second
world war. The photograph is
not dated, but it could go back
some years before the start of
the war. Note the oil (?) lamp,
and the curtains around the
altar. JG


A Silver Lining
Who first came up with the idea of clouds having a “silver lining”?
In 1634, the great poet, John Milton, referred to a cloud, which should have been
dark, that “turned forth her silver lining on the night”.
Two hundred years later, the novelist Charles Dickens wrote: “I will turn my silver
lining, outward. like Milton’s cloud”.
So, we can think of the cloud as a
metaphor for difficult situations, but
let’s not simply wait for them to turn

themselves inside out. Because, as
Dickens pointed out, the silver lining
in those situations can very often be
us!

A message for us at this covid time?
From “The Friendship Book

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The Rectory
St James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

Your suggestion that we should hold a sponsored hymn-singing bicycle ride through
the village as a way of raising money was well-meant, but I am not wholly con-
vinced it would suit our clientele here at St James the Least of All.

You may have musical bike rides, but we have Bridge drives, although socially dis-
tanced at the moment, of course. But even at two metres apart, our Bridge games are
generally as amiable and peaceful as bear baiting. Half of those attending will see

the afternoon as an opportunity to catch up on local gossip and to exchange knitting
patterns, the game of cards being a minor hindrance to these other activities. The
other half arrive primed for a battle to the death, reluctantly conceding that eye-
gouging is not allowed. They will demand total silence – which is wholly ignored by
those at the tables discovering what Mrs Trumpington confided to Lady Driver half-
way through ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ at last Sunday’s Mattins. The congregation
is eternally grateful to Mrs Mitchell, who as a former mill worker is able to lip read.
Refreshments have been hit hard by Covid-19 of course, and the fact that everyone
has to bring their own sandwich and drink has rather spoilt the fun. Usually half our
players regard lunchtime as an opportunity to put jam on the cards, spill tea on the
score cards and make sure that the other tables get the egg and cress sandwiches
while they corner the boiled ham; the others usually see it as an unwelcome interrup-
tion to the serious business of slaughtering their opponents. It is so sad that Covid-
19 has halted this merry comradery.

As for drawing the raffle, it is the adult equivalent of ringing the school bell at going
-home time. Half the players will immediately dash off to relay newly mined seams
of gossip throughout the village, leaving the others holding reproachful post-
mortems with their partners over their bidding mistakes.

Reproaches are never too violent, however, since the chances are that they will all be
meeting again the following afternoon round a socially distanced card table at an-
other location, for yet another re-enactment of the slaughter at Agincourt. The only
difference will be that the French and English were not enter-
tained with tea and sandwiches at half time.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace







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With the forthcoming US Presidential Election in mind…
A candidate came home in the small hours and gave his wife the wonderful news:
“Darling, I’ve been elected!”
She was delighted. “Honestly?” she demanded.
He laughed in an embarrassed sort of way. “Oh, why bring that up?”
Old politicians never die – they just run once too often.
A local council official said that he ran for office again because he thought his possible
opponent, if successful, might be even more ineffective than he was.
Admirer to political candidate: “Great speech, sir! I really like the straightforward way
you dodged those issues,”
Fire in church
The town’s fire prevention officer was conducting a health and safety course at the local
church. The officer said to the minister: “Now imagine this: it is a Sunday morning and
you have a number of people, spread socially distanced, throughout your church building.
Some are in the choir stalls, some are in the kitchen, and some are in the nave. Suddenly,
a big fire breaks out. What are the first steps you would take?”
The minister thought carefully for a moment. “Really big ones,” he said.
The congregation
A minister was considering a move to a busy town-centre church, and wanted to know
what the congregation was like, and especially the church council. So, he rang the minis-
ter who had just retired from that church. The retiring minister hesitated a moment and
then replied: “Some of them are wise; some are otherwise.”
Rooms
When the vicar moved his family into the large Victorian vicarage, a member of the con-
gregation asked the young son how he liked his new home. “It’s great,” the little boy re-
plied. “At last I have my own room, Mike has his own room, Jemma has her own room,
and Bobby has his own room. But poor Mum is still in with Dad.”
Prayer
A little girl attempted the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who does art in heaven, Harold is
your name. Amen.”
Don’t worry
A little boy was told that he should try and be good, and that he could ask God for help
with this. So he prayed: “Lord, please make me good, if you can. But if you can’t, don’t
worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.”
One out of Ten
A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments. The teacher asked if any-
one could recite one from memory. Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, “Thou
shall not take the covers off the neighbour’s wife.”

Family tree
At a drinks party at a wealthy golf club, the conversation turned to the subject of ancestry.
“Of course, we trace our family back to coming over with William the Conqueror,” ob-

served one lady with satisfaction. She turned to a second woman, who was new to the
club, and asked, “What about you dear? Can you go back very far?”
“Not very far,” came the reply. “You see, all the early family records were lost in the
Flood.”

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Champagne
My husband and I were delighted the day we finally bought our first house. After
years of renting, it was wonderful to own our own home. Our minister even gave us a
bottle of champagne to mark the occasion. But in the hustle and bustle of getting
moved in, his champagne was put in a cupboard and forgotten.
Months later, we held a Baptism party for our third child. Wine flowed until, running
short, we suddenly remembered the housewarming gift of champagne. So, in front of
our guests, I opened the attached card from the minister and read it aloud: “Dave, take
good care of it – this one is really yours!”
Food
People at my workplace have started a funny new tradition where they give names to
the food in the office fridge. Today I ate a sandwich called Mark, followed by some
cake called Rosie.
Medical name
The curate told his doctor that he was worried because he just wasn’t able to do all the
things around the parish that his vicar expected him to do. When the examination was
complete, he said, “I’m prepared for the worst, doctor. Just tell me in plain English
what is wrong with me.”
“Well, in plain English,” the doctor replied, “you’re just lazy.”
“Okay,” said the curate. “Now give me the medical term so I can tell my vicar.”
Objects of faith
A teacher gave her class a ‘show and tell’ assignment. Each youngster was asked to
bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion.
Benjamin got up in front of the class and said: “I’m Jewish, and this is a Star of
David.”
Mary stood up next and said: “I’m a Catholic and this is a Rosary.”
Then Tim stood up. “I’m a Baptist, and this is a casserole”.
First Communion
My three-year-old niece, Kelly, went with a neighbour’s little girl to church for her
First Communion practice. The minister had the children cup their hands, and then
went solemnly down the line, giving each child a piece of bread, and intoning: “God
be with you”.
This made quite an impression on Kelly. She came home and told her mother to cup
her hands and bend down. Kelly took a piece of bread from her sandwich, placed it in
her mother’s hands, and whispered, in her most angelic voice, “God will get you.”
Miscellaneous musings modern life…
In filling out an application, where it says, ‘In case of emergency, notify:’ I put
‘DOCTOR.’
Member of the congregation to minister: “I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was
blaming you.”
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and
your fat are really good friends.
Where there’s a will, there are relatives.



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Parish of Pentyrch and Capel Llanilltern

Vicar: Revd Michael John 21403854

Parochial Secretary Mr Clive Thorogood
122, Heol Uchaf, Rhiwbina, CF14 6SS
07929 991059,
E-mail: [email protected]

Parish Wardens Mr Andrew Dodd 20891736
Mrs. M Davies 20892574
The Barn House, Maes-y-Gollen,
Creigiau, CF15 9JW
Parish Treasurer Geoff Moses
28 Pen y Groes, Groesfaen
Pontyclun CF72 8PA 20891061
Parish Hall Treasurer Mr T.I. Hall 20890087
Parish Hall Booking Secretary Mrs Mary Davies 07528565499

St Catwg’s Church, Pentyrch

Churchwarden Miss Jane Rees 20679970

Treasurer Mr Martin J Cragg 20890738
6 Cefn Bychan, Pentyrch
Organist and Choirmaster Mr John Gough 20891721
Sunday Club The Sunday Club for young people meets at
St Catwg’s Church Room at 11.00 a.m. every Sunday except the first in the month.
Contact: Mrs Sue Dodd 20891736

St David’s Church, Groesfaen

Churchwarden Miss Jane Williams 20890805
Treasurer Mrs M MacKay 20890827
28 Parc-y-Coed, Creigiau
Organist Miss Jane Williams 20890805

St Ellteyrn’s Church Capel Llanilltern

Churchwarden Mrs Linda Davies 20891239
Mr Malcolm Adams
Treasurer Mrs Sue Adams
Parish Magazine Organisers
Pentyrch Mrs Margaret Curran 20891693
Creigiau Mrs Gaynor Williams 20890657
Groesfaen Mrs Kerry Treharne 20890545

Magazine Editor Mr John Gough 20891721

Follow us on: www.parishofpentyrch.org.uk
Follow us on twitter@PPentyrch
The area code for all the above landline numbers is 029


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