Parish of Killay
Parish Magazine St Hilary and St Martin
May 2015
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31 ST JAMES GARDEN UPLANDS, SWANSEA OFFICES AT 462 GOWER ROAD, KILLAY, SWANSEA AND 3 GORWYDD ROAD, GOWERTON 24 HOUR SERVICE TELEPHONE: 01792 643840 Partners: S.J. Lee – P. Garland-‐Thomas
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Parish of Killay 2 2015
Parish of Killay - Who’s Who Vicar:
The Revd. Timothy J. Williams The Vicarage, 30 Goetre Fach Road, Killay, Swansea ) 01792 204233
David Morgan
Eucharistic Assistants:
Gillian Hutchinson, David Morgan, Eileen Nielsen, Alan Pickard
Churchwardens:
Jeremy Harris Valerie Beynon
) 07717 373435 ) 204352
Church Treasurer:
Alan Pickard
) 204717
Sacristan:
Bryan Smale
) 402559
Servers:
Beryl Claybrook, Catherine Swain, Steve Lewis, Bryan Smale, John Williams, Stephanie Budski
Eileen Nielsen
) 520685
Parish Centre Booking Secretary:
Eileen Nielsen
) 07902844379 or 520685
Envelopes/Gift Aid Scheme:
Ken James
) 205963
Junior Church Enquiries:
Father Tim
Organist/Choirmaster:
Peter Carder Please send text message to 07530025275 Or email sesquialtera@hotmail.com
St Hilary's Readers:
PCC Secretary:
St Martin's Churchwardens:
Elaine Graves Colin Williams
)207126 )201364
Parish Magazine Editor: Copy Editor:
Commissioning Editor and Printer: Advertising & Distribution:
Father Tim Roger Rees (reesfolk@btinternet.com) ) 207916 Eric Thomas Ken James
Parish of Killay 3 2015
!e Vicar W"tes……
ear F"ends
May 2015
As I write I have just returned from the hustings. The candidates had the opportunity to outline what they stood for. As Christians, do we know what we stand for? Can we articulate it? St Francis said “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” So do we articulate it in our lives? As disciples of Christ we are called to do just that -‐ to let the light of Christ shine through us. If we are going to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to those around us, it will be by the way we live. Richard Wurmbrand was a Christian Lutheran Minister who was put in prison for his faith in Romania by the Communist authorities. While Wurmbrand was in prison, he shared a cell with a young Communist, who wanted to have nothing to do with Christianity. Rations were very low in the prison, and yet Wurmbrand used to share his bread with that young atheist. One day Wurmbrand was telling the young man about a Christian of whom it was said that he was like Jesus. The young man turned around to Wurmbrand "If Jesus is like you, I would like to know him". I was challenged when I read that. I wondered that if I had said that Jesus was like me – would anyone want to know him? How much of an impact does Jesus have on the way we lead our lives? That is how we are going to reach people for Christ -‐ by being a living testimony to Christ’s love. Jesus said he wasn’t going to give us a lot of rules – in fact just one: Love one another (John15:17). And in that he said it all. I leave you with a parting thought. If being a Christian were made illegal, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Is there enough evidence of the love of Christ in our lives that people can see it? Mother Theresa was given a state funeral in India, a predominantly Hindu country – doesn’t that speak volumes for the love of Christ that shone out through her life? Yours in Christ
Our Vision: A family, rooted in Christ, committed to transforming lives by: Gathering as God’s people – Growing more like Jesus – Going out in the power of the Spirit. Parish of Killay 4 2015
Monthly Diary May 2015 3rd 7th 8th 10th 14th 17th 21st 24th 28th 31st
Interviews
10.30am 6.00pm 11:00am 2.00pm 10.30am 6.00pm 11:00am 10.30am 6.00pm
The Fifth Sunday of Easter Evensong Thursday Holy Eucharist Prayer Meeting led by Rev. Roy Blewett The Sixth Sunday of Easter Rogation Sunday Combined Evensong with Siloam Ascension Day Holy Eucharist The Seventh Sunday of Easter Sunday after Ascension Day Evensong
11:00am 10.30am 6.00pm 11:00am 10.30am 6.00pm
Thursday Holy Eucharist The Day of Pentecost Evensong Thursday Holy Eucharist Trinity Sunday Combined Service with St Martin’s, Tycoch and Sketty Evensong at St Martin’s
every Monday 6pm – 7pm
Music Society
2nd Monday 7.30pm
Mothers’ Union
1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2pm
Brownies
every Tuesday 6pm
Monthly Prayer Meeting Simeon Fellowship
Luncheon Club
every Wednesday 11am -‐ 2pm
Ladies’ Guild
every Wednesday 7.30pm
Bowls
every Friday evening 7pm -‐ 10pm
2nd Friday in the month at 2pm in the Choir Vestry last Tuesday of the month at 7.15 pm at Dunvant Rugby Club
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Rotas for May 2015 Readers at Morning Eucharist 3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st
1st 1st 1st 1st 1st
Marian Williams Mike Banks Julie Phillips Beryl Harris Pat Stratton
2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd
Alan Clewett Kay Phillips Alan Pickard Barbara Roberts
Offertory Procession 3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st
Junior Church Sylvia & Mike Powell Carole & Alan Pickard Mary Minchella & Marian Halsey Angela Seaward & Beryl Harris
Altar Flowers 3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st
Sylvia Powell Pam Davies Mrs Roy Thomas Memory of Fred Prestwood Olwyn Isles
Sidespersons May June
Pam Davies, Alan Clewett, Geraldine & Roger Rees Gwynneth Prestwood, Sue & Bob Mapp, Roy Chapman
Sponsor for Bread & Wine Coffee
3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st
Glenys Hall Choir Eileen Nielsen Margaret Thomas, Julie Cole TBA
Church Cleaning Sarah & Jeremy Harris Parish of Killay 6 2015
St Martin’s Church Dunvant May 2015 Date Service Time Sidesperson Reader 3rd Holy Eucharist 8.00am E Graves E Nielsen 10th Sung Eucharist 9.00am R Draisey M Draisey 17th Sung Eucharist 9.00am C Williams E Nielsen 24th Sung Eucharist 9.00am G Lewis L Lewis 31st Sung Eucharist 10.30am Combined Service in St Hilary’s with Tycoch and Sketty Evensong at St Martin’s 6.00pm C Williams S Gardner
Altar Flowers 3rd Marion Davies 10th Megan Thomas 17th Elaine Redmond 24th Joan Sutton 31st Stephen Gardner
Bread & Wine Margaret Draisey
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Parish News We pray for those who are ill-‐ at home, in hospital or nursing homes: Phyllis Harries, Emlyn Bawden, Joan Davies, Olwen and John lsles, Joan Dobbs, Bill and Joyce Ivey, Gwyneth Bartley, Pam Ward & Graham Treharne. We also remember, with gratitude, those who are lovingly caring for them. We were pleased to see Beryl Harris and Barbara Thomas back in Church, but Barbara still needs to have home care from Eric, Alison and Sian. Our love, prayers and sympathy to Miriam Evans on the death of her husband, John. John had been unwell for some time and had been cared for by Miriam at home before he went into residential care. John was much loved by his family and was proud of them; he was always interested in everything they did. Our thoughts are with Miriam and her children and their families at this sad time. John will be missed by his many friends and particularly by Dunvant Male Choir; he had sung with them for many, years. Miriam wishes to thank Fr. Tim and her Church Family for the support she has received over the past months but particularly the cards, telephone calls and visits received since John's death. She and her family have been uplifted by the prayers and thoughts from the Parish. Our sympathy also to Ken and Sheila Green and family, on the death of Dulcie (St. Nicholas Court) a devoted mother, mother-‐in-‐law, grandmother and great-‐ grandmother. Dulcie was a member of our Church and, although she did not attend because of poor health, she supported all events and was interested in all that went on at St. HiIary’s. Her neighbours and friends will miss her. In spite of Miriam’s concerns and her worries over John she still continued to make arrangements, with her talented team of flower arrangers for Easter flowers. We all marvelled at the flower arrangements for the Festival of Easter -‐ a joy to behold -‐ from the porch door to the altar. A big Thank You to you all from us all. Again, Mrs. Margaret Thomas (supervised of course by Canon Geoffrey) prepared the Altar of Repose for Maundy Thursday. Everyone thought it the best ever. A lot of time and thought goes into its preparation and we thank you Margaret and Canon Geoffrey. We would all like to offer Fr. Tim our gratitude for the services during Lent (assisted by David Morgan). The Festival of Easter Services were so meaningful and carried out with dignity. Thank you Fr. Tim. During all these Services, Peter Carder played the organ and our choir sang beautifully as they always do. Thank You to you all. Appreciation to the faithful people who helped at the Good Friday Workshop. The children so enjoy this time, creating and of course making Hot Cross Buns; all involved worked very hard. Also, thanks for the Easter Sunday morning hot cross buns and simnel cake -‐ inches on all our waists! Parish of Killay 8 2015
Congratulations and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to David Morgan -‐ 85 on April 26, celebrating in Paphos, Cyprus. THANK YOU to Fr. Tim and church family from Jean and Glen Gwilym for cards, gifts and messages received on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding. Also THANK YOU to Fr. Tim and church family from Carole and Clive Lewis for cards, gifts and messages received on the occasion of their Golden Wedding. SUNDAY 17 MAY 2015 -‐ AFTERNOON TEA PARTY AT THE PARISH CENTRE TO CELEBRATE 70th ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY COME ALONG AND ENJOY MOUTHWATERING EATS -‐ MORE DETAILS LATER Extract from the Report on Killay PCC Ministry Area Vision Discussion The Way Forward now: PCC suggestions 1. What do we think is the most important part of the Vision? There were three candidates here. •Visibility in the community and ecumenicalism. •Attracting young adults and children. •Sharing expertise across the three Parishes. 2. What should be the first thing the whole Ministry Area should concentrate upon from the ideas in the Vision? Killay PCC suggests that we begin by undertaking a detailed review of the activities of all the Parishes. This would include the services, the resources, additional activities and projects, the level of staffing. Such a review would clarify to all three Parishes the situation in each Parish and inform our way forward in all aspects of the vision. 3. What would your expectation be for progress in 2015? •Detailed completion of the review mentioned above. •The structure submitted to the Bishop. •The Bishop giving us feedback and clarity about our structure and clergy. "People support what they help create” Abraham Lincoln. How does the PCC suggest that we go about getting the Parishioners to own this vision? How should we introduce it? The PCC thought that we should engage the congregation in thinking about the issues during a power point presentation. This would be given by a PCC member (not Father Tim). lt would take place instead of a sermon during all services. It might be done in a series of two sessions. At the coffee after the service the PCC members would be available for questioning and discussion. At a later point, when it is clear that folk are sufficiently informed and involved, the written vision would be distributed for their consideration, comment and critical review. Parish of Killay 9 2015
Music Society In April, the Music Society welcomed Mr and Mrs Blyth, who gave a talk on the curiously named “Mechanical Music”. It turned out to be a most interesting, entertaining and informative meeting. They brought a vast array of original Victorian and Edwardian barrel organs, musical boxes and gramophones. We experienced the real sounds heard by music lovers of the past. The oldest barrel organ is in a castle in Salzburg. It was made in 1502 and was used to wake people up at 4:00a.m. and send them to bed at 7:00p.m. The oldest barrel organ brought by the Blyth’s was made in London between 1830-‐1850. It was used for entertainment and we heard a tune which we actually could recognise as “God save the Queen” (Victoria, of course). Between 1877 and 1920, Henry Horton produced several versions of autophones and organs in America, many using bellows. They were used in homes and churches. Next we heard “Annie Laurie” played by turning a handle on a Gem roller organ. This was portable and was often used to raise money on the streets. A Henry Horton cabinet roller organ produced the lovely sound of a hymn. These were often used in churches. Anyone could turn the handle! Then we saw a variety of organettes. In 1898, a Clariola organette could be bought in Britain for 23/6d – very expensive then. Then we heard a Joseph Draper organette made in a factory in Lancashire in about 1886. There were 622 tunes available on rolls. The Atlas organette made in Leipzig used flat discs. The Ariosa organette also made in Leipzig used larger discs. This one had more complicated arrangements of the music. Then we moved on to musical boxes, possibly made first around 1796. The first one we saw belonged to Mrs. Blyth’s grandmother. It was wound up with a lever and had the traditional music box sound. Then followed a photograph album, which looked like an old fashioned family bible, but had a musical box hidden in the back. It dated from 1891. In 1866, Thomas Edison recorded speech.
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Now we moved on to phonographs and gramophones. They were first used in offices as dictating machines, powered by batteries, but were not popular. Then, of course, the next step was recording music. Between 1898-‐1912 cylinder phonographs were produced for the home – wind up, of course. They had cylinders and the familiar large horn. We then heard a cylinder of Florrie Ford singing “A lassie from Lancashire”. It was very clear and her diction was superb. Next came Ada Jones singing “Has anybody here seen Kelly”. Mr. Blyth had a picture of the famous H.M.V trademark – the dog Nipper, listening to His Master’s Voice. The last horn gramophone was made in 1927 and cost £29. We then heard Vera Lynn singing “Yours” played on one of the last horn gramophones. The last exhibit was a small, portable, folding gramophone. It looked like a box Brownie camera ( if you can remember those! ) You have heard the phrase “You really needed to be there”. Well, that applies here. It was a wonderfully entertaining trip into the past. The next meeting will be on Monday, May 11th at 7-‐30. Mr. Alan Sykes will be talking about the Brangwyn Hall Organ.
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Ladies Guild Our first talk after Easter, on 15th April, was given by Ann Marie Thomas on the subject of “Medieval Stories of Gower”. Ann Marie, who moved to Swansea to pursue her career, was forced to retire through ill health following a stroke several years ago. In order to keep busy, she became interested in the history of Gower and began researching the subject which resulted in her writing a book “Alina”, telling the life story of Alina De Breos. Alina's father, William Briouz-‐Saint Gervais, came to Britain from Normandy with William the Conqueror who bestowed on him the land of Gower, which included Swansea. The Briouz family were notoriously bad with money so, in order to raise funds, Alina was married at the age of 7 to 12 year old John de Mowbray. William Briouz was guardian to the couple; he disinherited them and sold their inheritance to three different Norman lords. The book describes the disputes which ensued involving the King Edwards II and aggrieved lords. Alina's favourite castle was at Oystermouth, where she ended her days and is reputed to haunt there as “the white lady”. Such was the interest in the story which Ann Marie told from memory (not a note in sight !!) that the book “Alina” and the subsequent book, “Broken Reed” were bought by numerous Guild members. u The following week, 22nd April, we were delighted to welcome one of our church members, Bob Mapp, to talk about and show some of the beautiful carvings done by him and other members of the Woodcarving Society to which he belongs. Bob began with a short history of “Lovespoons” which date back as far as the 14th Century when, it is believed, men would carve spoons for practical use; in time these became more ornate and intricate and given as love tokens by young men to their sweethearts. It is thought that the custom originated in Wales but there is also evidence of it in Viking times and even in Kenyan tribes in central Africa. Various symbols, each with its own meaning, are incorporated in the spoons; heart, flower, cross, horseshoe, daffodil and leek are obvious but others less so. Balls indicate the number of children, chain means “Together Forever”, a Wheel “I will work for you” and many more symbols. Bob showed slides of many of his, and friends’, lovespoons and carvings which were beautiful with amazingly intricate detail. He brought along some of his lovespoons and also a very detailed dragon in two coloured woods, also a “fun” carving of “The Gruffalo”. Thank you, Bob, for a lovely evening. u May 6th Gwenda Jenkins Welsh Dental Folklore May 13th TBA May 20th Julie Evans Dolls May 27th Jane Riseborough Desert Island Discs Parish of Killay 12 2015
Saturday May 9th 7:00pm St Hilary’s Church Morriston Ladies Choir Concert a Tickets £4 Proceeds to church funds “Battlefield Ethics in the 21st Century” Dear Friends, Our next Theology Public Lecture at Swansea University takes place at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 12th May 2015. The speaker is the Reverend Canon Dr Giles Fraser who is a priest in the Church of England. Dr Fraser resigned as Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral in 2011 when the police used force to evict anti-‐capitalist protesters from outside the Cathedral grounds. He writes a weekly column for the Guardian Newspaper and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’ and is a panellist on ‘The Moral Maze’. I do hope that you can join us for this lecture taking place in the Faraday Building. Thank you, in anticipation, for your support. Best Wishes Nigel John, Senior University Chaplain
Somebody Lost It - We Found It A pair of brown leather gloves. Found in the church hall after the last Music Society meeting If you lost them or know who did, please contact Babs Roberts on 299160. Parish of Killay 13 2015
Mothers’ Union April 7th brought Mr Andy Grove to speak about safety in the home. Andy has been a firefighter with Mid & West Wales for 22 years, based in Morriston Fire Station which is the HQ for the Swansea area. He specializes in domestic arson, community safety and road safety. The fire service is governed by the Welsh Assembly; in 1996 it was re-‐organised from 8 to 3 fire services in Wales. Swansea is part of Mid & West Wales which has 58 stations, 6 being in the Swansea area. Some of the equipment is very expensive and Swansea Central Station, being near the river, has a boat. Last year the service was called out 15,351 times, 230 of these were hoax calls putting lives at risk unnecessarily. Many calls are for grass and rubbish fires which are started deliberately. Over Easter, engines were called out to 10 car fires, some started by arsonists. Some of the most upsetting call outs are for road traffic accidents, especially if there are fatalities. Every death on the road runs up a bill of over a million pounds. Andy explained about the ‘Triangle of Fire’, the 3 sides being heat, fuel & oxygen. The main causes of fire in the home include chip pans (never throw water over them if they catch fire but cover with a damp cloth), things left unattended on cookers, ash trays and naked flames (eg. children with matches). Over loaded electrical sockets, which can overheat, are also a hazard. Andy emphasized that smoke alarms save lives. The Fire Service will fit 10 year battery alarms for free in the home, check electrics and electric blankets. He advised keeping internal doors, downstairs, shut at night. At first sign of a fire, call the emergency services, keep your room door closed, open a window and shout for help. Happily, Swansea does not have many domestic fires or fatalities. Alan Pickard, Treasurer, thanked Andy for giving us his time and expertise, advising what to do in case of fire and handing out a list of useful emergency numbers. x Contingency plans were actioned on April 21st when our advertised programme had to be changed at short notice. Branch Leader, Carole, kindly stepped in with a booklet of tips from a bygone age “What our Grandmothers Knew”. A recipe for easing rheumatism consisted of crushed garlic marinated in brandy and drunk. What it did for the digestion and sobriety of the patient is anyone’s guess. If your cheese has gone hard and dry, wrap it in a wine soaked cloth, and clean your wallpaper with 3 day old white bread. Parish of Killay 14 2015
Carole’s other booklet “Make Do and Mend”, was reproduced from a government issue from the second world war. Everyone was encouraged to make over their clothes, to join classes for dressmaking, knitting & cookery. Some simple tips like carrying a needle and cotton in your bag, handy to stop a ladder in your stocking. Advice on how to wash and care for your rubber girdle and suspenders, how to wash nylon stockings which should never be ironed. Should your more intimate underwear become too small, it was advised that material or ribbon be inserted into the seams. A pattern was given for making your own bra from spare pieces of material. Remember, coupons were needed to purchase anything. Travellers were advised to take their own towels to save wear & tear on those belonging to their hosts. After wearing your fur coat all winter, clean it before storing, with a good brushing; rub bran through the fur and brush out before wrapping in cotton and putting away in a box. Some tips caused much hilarity and discussion, jogging memories of childhood remedies and customs. Barbara Roberts thanked Carole for stepping in at short notice, making a successful afternoon. Events in May: Fri May 1st Tues May 5th Wed May 6th ) Wed May 13th) Tues May 19th
11:00am Clyne Deanery Eucharist at St Mary’s, Swansea. 2:00pm Meeting. Mr Tim Douglas-‐Jones, ‘The South Seas’. (Retreat (Nicholaston House 2:00pm Meeting. Mrs Diane Richardson, ‘Memories’. x
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Election Fever These last few weeks has seen our attention bludgeoned towards that of parliamentary politics. Promises are being made by each and every political party to win our vote. We know that promises can be easily broken and excuses found as to why such promises cannot be delivered. I suppose that is part and parcel of the political party game; anyway the discerning person has hopefully weighed up which party is more in line with their thinking and will award it a cross in black pencil in a few days time. So be it. My thoughts have turned to wondering how, and in what way, does the Christian religion support or perhaps live with the elected members. How does the Christian faith impinge on the work of the day to day parliament? Well, now sittings in both Houses begin with prayers. These follow the Christian faith and there is currently no multi-‐faith element. Attendance is voluntary. The practice of prayers is believed to have started in about 1558, and was common practice by 1567. The present form of prayers probably dates from the reign of Charles II. Members of the public are not allowed into the public galleries during prayers. In the Commons, the Speaker’s Chaplain usually reads the prayers. The form of the main prayers is as follows: ‘Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of your Spirit. May they never lead the nation wrongly, through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals but, laying aside all private interests and prejudices, keep in mind their responsibilities to seek to improve the condition of all mankind. So may your kingdom come and your name be hallowed. Amen.’ In the Lords, a senior Bishop (Lord Spiritual) who sits in the Lords, usually reads the prayers. Prayers are read at the beginning of each sitting. The text of the Prayers read in the House of Lords is printed in the Companion to Standing Orders. Parish of Killay 16 2015
MP’s and Peers stand for prayers facing the wall behind them. It is thought this practice developed due to the difficulty Members would historically have faced kneeling to pray while wearing a sword. The Scottish Parliament differs in its approach to religion. The first item of business on a Wednesday is usually Time for Reflection, at which a speaker addresses members for up to four minutes, sharing a perspective on issues of faith. This contrasts with the formal style of ‘Prayers’, which is the first item of business in the London parliament. Speakers are drawn from across Scotland and are chosen to represent the balance of religious beliefs according to the Scottish census. Invitations to address Parliament in this manner is determined by the Presiding Officer on the advice of the Parliamentary Bureau, So much so to the way in which religion is formalised into the Parliaments, but what of the direct Christian influence on matters arising? Within Parliament is a Group called Christians in Parliament in which all Christians within the Houses of Parliament can join together and thrive. CIP is an All Party Parliamentary Group that exists to make a positive contribution to all areas of policy discussion and to support Christians of all denominations and parties in putting their faith and values into practice in their work in the Houses of Parliament. It is a far reaching organisation that covers the relevance of Christianity today, weekly bible studies, prayer and fellowship groups, in addition to the services that are held in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft each week. It is a lively group and each member does their utmost to express Christian thinking into any parliamentary debate. David Morgan
a Have you got something you would like to say? Read a good book? Seen a good film or play? Had a good holiday? Recommend a recipe? Gardening tips? Something interesting or funny happened to you? Tell us about it. There is a post box at the back of church – just drop in your contributions and we will share them in the magazine. Or e-‐mail to reesfolk@btinternet.com Articles for the magazine can be submitted any time up to the last Sunday of the month for publication the following month. Roger Parish of Killay 17 2015
MY MEMORIES OF ST. JUDES CHURCH SWANSEA St. Judes Church, Mount PIeasant, Swansea was built in 1915 and was intended to seat 550 peopIe. It replaced a corrugated iron building which, I believe, was transferred and used by another congregation. My connection with St. Judes began with my baptism on Wednesday 16th June, 1929. I am reliably informed by my parents that l did not cry at this service; perhaps I was learning to be quiet in church! I started attending Sunday School at about eleven and a half years old. This was held in the vast Church Hall, situated under the main body of the Church. This huge school was always under the ever watchful eye of the Sunday School Superintendent, Mr. J.P.Morgan. He sat at a large desk on the stage and, at the end of each session, he rang a large and noisy bell to indicate that Sunday School was finished. In other parts of this large and imposing building, there was a kindergarten for the very young children and a Ladies Bible Class and a Mens Bible Class. The Mens Bible Class met in the Lady Chapel, so it is apparent that segregation ruled from Sunday School all the way through to the Adult Group meetings. The last Sunday of July was set aside as Sunday School Sunday when we sang hymns which we had practised for many many weeks beforehand.
On the following Saturday we all set out on the annual Sunday School Outing, usually to a destination in Gower. I don’t remember where we went on these outings but FIVE double decker buses would pick us up outside the church for this annual and exciting day out. On the return journey we were dropped at the bottom of Constitution Hill -‐ well named for those who know it; the buses couldn’t make it up the hill fully laden. Our lovely and exciting day ended with fish and chips from Mr. Roberts fish shop and a weary climb up the hill to home. In my early days our curate was the Revd. LesIie Norman, who was to become the vicar of Christchurch,
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Swansea. He always came to my birthday party but, I think, he went to every birthday party or special occasion and to tea in many houses because he was, after all, a bachelor. In 1936 we celebrated the 25th birthday of the church at St. Judes and all the children were presented with a "very small" New Testament, and my copy bears a dedication page signed by my Sunday School teacher Miss Windibanks. When I was nine years old my father came home from Church on one Sunday morning and told me that the Vicar, Canon Watkin Davies,who lived in very grand style at the vicarage, with his wife and daughter Mary, wished to see me. After a full inspection by my mother, shoes cleaned, hair brushed I was ushered into the presence of the great man by his maid, Amy. I wasn’t going to get a telling off, as I expected, but was presented with a leather bound bible, which I still have, signed by the vicar and with the inscription 1Timothy 6:12, very appropriate. On another occasion, my father came home from church to say that there would be a church council meeting as Mary, the canon's daughter, was home! I believe that Mary worked in Shrewsbury; Canon and his wife and daughter always sat together at Parochial Church Council meetings. In 1941, shortly after the bombing of Swansea began, the vicar with his family and maid, Amy, departed to
live in Llanybyther and we never saw him again. With the departure of Canon Watkin Davies, the parish was left in the care of the curate, Revd. Phillip Rees. He remained in charge throughout the whole of the dark days of the war. lt could not have been an easy time for him. Those were difficult days for everyone, contending with food rationing, fuel rationing and the absence of a large proportion of the men in the congregation. Services continued, however, with the last service of the day, Evensong, held at 3.00p.m. There was, l remember, a large contingent of RAF personnel stationed locally, l believe undergoing training at Mount Pleasant Technical College. These young men were required to present themselves at Church Parade on Sunday mornings which helped to swell the numbers. There were no more social events because of food rationing and no more Youth Club. One of my memories of Phil Rees was that he wrote out his sermons in bright blue ink and could be found in the Church Hall, before services, reading over his sermons to be sure of getting it right. No going to a sermons website in those days! He prepared a large number of young
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people for Confirmation; candidates in those far off days had to be at least sixteen years old. I was one of these and was confirmed by Bishop Edward Williamson, an austere man of very few words. ln fact, he spoke not one word to the candidates (apart from the actual words of Confirmation) either before or after the Service. He would advise the congregation to get their coughing out of the way before he began his sermon! Much later in life l learned that bishops were, in fact, human! The war eventually ended and the parish was informed that a new vicar was to be appointed. Parishioners sent a "round robin" to the Bishop asking that Phil Rees be allowed to stay on as vicar. I do not know if there was ever a reply to this, but Phil Rees was moved to the parish of Lower Chapel and on 1st February, 1946, the Revd. Harry Craven Williams was inducted as the vicar of St. Judes. lt was also the day that l began work as an office boy so it was a memorable day for me in many ways, a day of new beginnings for me and for the parish. There were changes in the forms of service; for example the vicar no longer stood at the north end of the altar to celebrate the Eucharist, but celebrated facing East. The Church Pastoral Aid Society gave the parish a grant to pay for a Lady Church
Worker, Miss Dodson. l believe her function was very like that of the pastoral care workers we have today. She visited the sick and housebound and, I suppose, kept the vicar informed and up to date with what was happening in the parish. Services began to take on a different appearance, although it was the Evening Service that was best attended. On Festivals you had to be in church early in order to get a seat. The Eucharist was not given as much emphasis as it is today. Another novelty was the recorded bells which rang out over Mount Pleasant, complete with loud scratchings as the wax records became worn. A new stained glass window was also donated commemorating the 1939-‐1945 War. This, l remember, was to be dedicated by the Archbishop of Wales but, to the disappointment of the congregation, he was unable to be there and sent his Bishop's messenger in his stead. The vicar was Chaplain to the British Legion, so the choir and organist, Jim Barlow, would attend the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Brangwyn Hall. The choir would also have an annual outing to Llandrindod Wells, which included boating on the lake and tea at Morris's Cafe. Curates of the parish at this time included Garfield James who went on to be Chaplain to
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Butlin's Holiday camp and, later, vicar of St.Michaels, Manselton, and Harold Edgar Williams who became vicar of St.Peter's, Newton and Archdeacon of Gower. The youth club began to flourish at this time; l remember that we were all involved in making leather wallets for the young men who were being called up for National Service. ln 1947, l became one of these and left, complete with leather wallet, to serve King and Country in the RAF. Harry Williams left the parish in 195O to become vicar of Sketty. He was succeeded, as vicar of St. Judes, by the Revd Daniel Jones Evans. He encouraged at least four young men to become ordained, Brian Jones, Tudor Jones, Peter Greenslade and me. Dan Jones Evans encouraged me to become a Lay Reader before seeking ordination. One of my tasks was to take services in Tawe Lodge which, in those days, was the Workhouse. As a teacher in Sunday School, one in my class was the previously mentioned Tudor Jones! This period of my life in St. Judes was indeed a very happy and fulfilling time. l was involved in the very thriving and successful Drama group under the direction of Mrs. Nancy Thomas. The choir flourished under the direction of Jim Barlow; we had a flourishing Youth Club under the leadership of Mr. Bill Ackland and a football club under the guidance of Mr Haydn
Charles. l was very happy to be part of this lively community. ln 1958, l left St. Judes to train at St.MichaeI’s College, Llandaff. After ordination, I became curate of the parish of Llansamlet with Brynmor Williams as my vicar and mentor. I followed this with a parish in Jos, Northern Nigeria which, unfortunately, is going through a very unhappy time now. l came home to be vicar of St.Nicholas on the Hill, Townhill which, in my youth, had been a daughter church of St. Judes, so Dan Jones Evans became my neighbour and colleague. "Dan" invariably ended his sermons, by referring to his pocket watch and saying “and finally my friends, and very briefly, l will end my rememberings with this thought”. ln the good old days Shrove Tuesday was always an important social occasion in St. Judes and Dan often invited two men from Gower, I believe known as Jac and Will. (records still available according to the Internet!) One of their most requested hymns was the Welsh Hymn "Pwy fydd yma mhen can mlynedd" which asks the question “who will be here to break the bread a hundred years from now?” Sadly, after 8th February 2015, just short of the 100th anniversary of the opening of the church, the answer has to be no-‐one. Geoffrey H. Thomas
Parish of Killay 21 2015
PASSOVER HAGGADAH For the last four years Carole & Alan Pickard have organised a Passover Meal on the Wednesday of Holy Week. The first year none of us knew quite what to expect; we arrived in the hall to find tables laden with bowls & dishes containing green bits, water, horse radish & smaller bowls with more water! There were plates piled with strange looking crackers, glasses and knives & forks which, at least, were familiar! We were all given two leaflets, one headed Songs for Passover (none of which were familiar) & the other which appeared to have been written back to front! Fortunately Carole & Alan knew exactly what they & the rest of us (about 60, I think) should be doing. The order for this Jewish Festival which Jesus celebrated with his disciples the night that He was arrested follows a strict & logical order as became obvious as we worked our way through the leaflet. The Festival originated in the time of Moses & recalls the exodus from Egypt & the birth of the Jewish nation. The title refers to the angel passing over the homes of the Jews which were marked with the blood of a lamb; thus their children would not be slaughtered along with the first-‐born Egyptian children -‐ hence the Passover. This year we were about 50 & a lot of us were more familiar with the service but were glad of all the detailed instructions. Father Tim was the
leader & led us through the service and, as we followed the clear instructions, it became obvious why we needed the various bowls with their contents. Wine glasses were filled but were only drunk at the instructed times (this led to some hilarity the first time as some glasses were drained straight off!! Not big ones I must add). Carole acted as The Mother of Light & lit the beautiful candles on the delicate candelabra in front of Fr Tim. One of the bowls contained salt water & one clear water for the washing of hands. The “crackers” were Matzos (unleavened) & 3 were in front of Fr Tim, one of which was broken in half & one half, called the Afikomen was hidden to be found later by the youngest person present. This year Daniel (Sue & Bob’s Mapp’s grandson) was with us which was lovely so he was able to ask the question
Parish of Killay 22 2015
“What makes this night different from all other nights?” & was able to hunt & find the hidden half of the Matzo at the appropriate time. With Peter’s help we coped with the songs, the “Go down Moses” one being sung with great gusto! The Festival meal, prepared by Eileen Nielsen & her sous-‐chef Mal, shepherds pie & mixed veg. was served & eaten with relish, seconds & take-‐ aways also being distributed. The other half of the Afikomen was found. A prize was given & the service proceeded with a door being open for Elijah to come in, as a sign of hospitality to all people. Elijah’s cup was filled & drunk by Fr Tim; we all drank our fourth glass of wine &
finished with a great shout of “NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM”. Fr Tim thanked Carole & Alan & all who had helped in any way, especially our chefs & Daniel. A great evening of i n t e r e s t i n g i n f o r m a t i o n , fellowship, fun & music was enjoyed by all. A bargain at £5 we all agreed & an excellent way to spend an evening in Lent. Come & join us next year!
Digital Solutions Advertiser review Over recent few months I had been experiencing poor TV reception on a conventional TV aerial set. I called in Digital Solutions (see advert p27) who came out on Good Friday. The owner Jon Gemine quickly established the signal interference was due to a local mobile telephone transmitter having been converted to 4G network. He made adjustments to the aerial amplifier and there have been no problems since. May I commend the timely and efficient nature that the repair was completed and the charge was reasonable. Nigel Fletcher Parish of Killay 23 2015
Paraprosdokians (Winston Churchill loved them) are figures of speech in which 'the la;er part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected and is frequently humorous.' 1. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright unDl you hear them speak. 2. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. 3. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not puJng it in a fruit salad. 4. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you. 5. Always borrow money from a pessimist, he won't expect it back. 6. I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure. 7. Going to church doesn't make you a ChrisDan, any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. 8. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. 9. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. 10. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Parish of Killay 24 2015
Dingbats
Answers next month
Answers to last months ‘Bunnies’ Quiz: (Did anybody get No 5?) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Bugs Bunny Thumper from ‘Bambi’ Playboy Bunny Rabbit from ‘Winnie the Pooh’ The ‘Masquerade’ Hare Peter Rabbit
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
The White Rabbit – Alice in Wonderland Roger Rabbit Buster from ‘Arthur’ The Black Rabbit – Watership Down The Lindt Gold Bunny Miffy
Parish of Killay 25 2015
WASH & DRY SERVICE IRONING DRY CLEANING K I L L AY B R A N C H Next to the BLACKBOY
GOWER RD
DUVETS DOMESTIC CLEANING
CALL
07855 928436
HOLIDAY LET CLEANING & LAUNDRY
FREE LOCAL COLLECTION & DELIVERY
TROUSSEAU Designer Hand-Made to Measure Bridal & Evening wear For an appointment Ring Audrey Thomas 01792 390740
MARNEON SIGNS 11 Pont y Glasdwr, Dyfatty, Swansea, SA1 2BH
the complete sign service Tel: 01792 646949 Fax: 01792 652227 The only neon sign Manufacturer in south west wales
Parish of Killay 26 2015
DigitalSoluDons TV Aerial and Satellite Services
Aerial / Satellite InstallaDon & Repairs HD TV MounDng & Set Up Freeview & Sky MulDview InstallaDon MulD Points & Systems Catered Free QuotaDons & Advice Provided Fully Qualified, Insured & Registered Fully CerDfied & Approved Prompt Service Swansea Based, Local Service For a professional, reliable service guaranteed, Choose DigitalSoluDons for all your TV needs!
01792 421920 07795 244669 www.digitalsoluDonswales.co.uk jongemine@hotmail.co.uk
Registered Digital Installer 18264821
Peter Nicholas & Sons
ROOFINGLtd Established 1984
Over 30 years experience Third generation of family tradition
Slating Tiling Fibreglass Fascias Gutters Property services etc... 01792 202115 07702 434983 01792 518767 07860 700651 www.peternicholasroofing.co.uk ⓔ peter.nicholas65@ntlworld.com Parish of Killay 27 2015
GOWER Interior & Exterior Work Undertaken No job too small!!! Free Quotations upon Request
Please call between 8am and 8pm Telephone: 01792 852860 Mobile: 07967245177
The Village Inn and restaurant Established since 1974
Killay precinct, swansea, Tel: 01792 203311 Open 7 days a week for freshly brewed coffee, teas, hot chocolate, toasted teacakes and desserts. Wide selection of bar lunches from toasted sandwiches, fresh sandwiches & paninis; chillies, pasta, fresh local fish, mixed grills, omelettes and many more home-made specialities. Wide variety of beers available, including weekly guest beers mentioned in the Good Beer Guide. Sunday lunches served 12 noon to 2:30 pm in restaurant and at the Bar. Reservations advisable. Restaurant available for Lunches, Dinners, Buffets & Private Functions. New menu available every day
Parish of Killay 28 2015
PAUL HARTNOLL 64 Goetre Fawr Road, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7QU Painting & Decorating, Internal & External FREE ESTIMATES!! Tel: 01792 419693 – Mobile: 07931610204
GLENMORE FOOT HEALTH Local Clinic
01792 281580
Local Home Visits
Basic to OVER e nail cu E K A M tt OOT w F t i t E n h e T o A m u t finger ing with or eat r t h ULTIM lt a n e ail cutti f oot h ng Includes mpering a p t o o f ll u f s plu Pedique g Foot health treatment including nail el nails fo r toes inc r cutting, work on thickened nails eplaceme ts n e tm n a e t g el nails fo Corn and hard skin removal y tr r da Reflexolog or missin maged g nails PRICES FROM £14
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Hearing Wales 30 day FREE trial of our Digital Hearing Aids FREE Hearing Tests – FREE Consultation – FREE Home Visits
48 The Grove, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0QR Tel: 01792 650894
www.hearingwales.com Parish of Killay 29 2015
Your only local Estate Agent with worldwide coverage
• Sales, Rentals & Auctions • Relocation Specialists • Residential, Commercial and Industrial Valuations • RICS House Buyers Survey Reports • Rent Reviews / Lease Renewals • Rating and Compensation • Commercial Property Advisors • Mortgage Advice Contact Branch Manager David Parton 419 Gower Road Killay Swansea SA2 7AN Tel: 01792 298014 Fax: 01792 280847 e-mail: ki@dawsonsproperty.co.uk website: dawsonsproperty.co.uk Branches at: Swansea, Morriston, Killay, Sketty, Mumbles, Gorseinon, Llanelli & Swansea Marina
Parish of Killay 30 2015
Interior Exterior Electrical Plumbing
HomeFixUK
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Chimney & Roofing Repairs General Building Work NO JOB TOO SMALL Tel: 01792 556268,
Mob: 07958695137
email: homefixuk@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.homefixuk.co.uk WAYNE COLE, 83 CECIL ROAD, GOWERTON, SWANSEA, SA4 3DN
D U N VA N T
R F C
Broadacre, Killay, SA2 7RU Why not become a member and make full use of your own local club? Main large hall s Lounge s Committee Rooms s Large screen s Video Projector Sky TV & DVD s Fully equiped keep-fit gym s Disabled Access
www
Ideal for Birthdays, Weddings, Christenings, Anniversaries, Meetings, Conferences, Dances, Discos, Fund Raising events
l
www
Ample Parking. Full Catering Facilities. Contact John Watkins, Commercial Manager Club: 01792 296363 – Home: 01792 415376 – Mob: 07780765382
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Alex Wood
MBAcC (Member of the British Acupuncture Council)
Over 10 Years Experience of Treating Complaints. Tel: 01792 651717 Mob: 07812 702382 www.swanseaacupuncture.co.uk Natural Health Service 2 Page St Swansea
Hareslade Bishopston, Gower
Wide Selection of Small Animals Full range of Foods and Accessories Free Delivery to local area Broadmead, Killay, SA2 7EE
Tel: 01792 512135 www.killaypetshop.co.uk Open: Mon–Sat
9am–6pm
Parish of Killay 31 2015
Exercise Classes
ENQUIRIES CHRISTINE O’ROURKE 01792 290100
St Hilary’s Church Hall, Killay:
Tues
10:00 – 11:00 am
Ladies
St Paul’s Parish Centre, Sketty:
Tues
7:30 – 9:30 pm
Ladies
Thurs 10:00 – 11:00 am
Ladies
AWARD WINNING
PRIME CUT BUTCHERS UNIT 7, THE PRECINCT, KILLAY Try our own-made FAGGOTS and PIES, Our own-cooked HAM, BEEF, PORK and TURKEY BREAST, ROAST CHICKENS and home-made SAUSAGES and BURGERS.
CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST STATE REGISTERED / HPC REGISTERED
JENNIFER PROTHEROE D.Pod.MMCH.S. (BOWEN)
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SURGERY AT 18 ADMIRAL’S WALK, SKETTY TEL: 01792 535231
Parish of Killay 32 2015
For all you gardening needs
The
Secret Garden... GARDEN CENTRE & GIFT SHOP 440 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea (Next to The Black Boy Pub) Tel: 01792 205511 Find us :Secret Garden email: thesecretgarden65@yahoo.co.uk Free local delivery
Jim’s Landscapes
The Reliable Cost-Effective Gardening Service Lawn Cutting Hedge Trimming Weed Control Bed Digging Planting Garden Clearance Patio and Drives Power Washed
Call Jim McManus Home 01792 204870 or Mobile 07935 930989 and
Watch your Imagination Burst into Life 21 Raglan Road Sketty
Parish of Killay 33 2015
KILLAY OPTICIANS David Jenkins BSc(Hons) FCOptom Joe R. Warchal BSc(Hons) Accredited to provide Wales EYE Health Examinations Welsh Low Vision Service
o
450 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7AL 01792 201382
Allsorts Card Gallery
H
H E R I TA G E CARPET & FLOORING LTD
422 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea SA2 7AJ
Tel/Fax: 01792 202021 www.heritagecarpetandflooring.co.uk
HAIR BY CLAIRE Mobile Hairdresser Formerly of Mair’s
CARDSsGIFTSsPARTY WARE 9 The precinct, killay 01792 208993 and
helen’s cards, gorseinon STEVE JONES ELECTRICAL ALL DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL WORK Everything from a socket to a complete re-wire Security Lighting Competitive prices NO JOB TOO SMALL 91 Harlech Crescent, Sketty 01792 517554 Mobile: 07974689902
Tel: 01792 208503 Mob: 07799403043
WHITECROSS AND SON LTD 9455
Plumbing & Heating Contractors Gas Boiler Servicing 28 Pentre Banadl, Killay SA2 7DD Tel: 01792 206156 Mobile: 07802152130
Parish of Killay 34 2015
Pre-‐payment Funeral Plans 24-‐hour Personal Service Monumental Masonry Sympathetic and Caring Staff
EDDIE TUCKER
FUNERAL DIRECTORS OF KILLAY
CLOSE TO THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE ARE PART OF IT
Private Rest Room
10 SWAN COURT THE PRECINCT KILLAY TEL. 01792 280101 www.eddietuckerfuneraldirectors.co.uk
Parish of Killay 35 2015
Church Services St Hilary’s 1st Sunday
10.30am 6.00pm
Family Eucharist (followed by coffee with Traidcraft Stall) Evensong
2nd Sunday
10.30am 6.00pm
Holy Eucharist Combined Evensong with Siloam
3rd Sunday
10.30am 6.00pm
Holy Eucharist Evensong
4th Sunday
10.30am 6.00pm
Holy Eucharist Healing Service
5th Sunday
10.30am 6.00pm
Holy Eucharist Evensong at St Martin’s
11.am
Holy Eucharist
Every Thursday
St Martin’s 1st Sunday
8.00am
Holy Eucharist
2nd Sunday
9.00am
Sung Eucharist
3rd Sunday
9.00am
Sung Eucharist
4th Sunday
9.00am
Sung Eucharist
5th Sunday
9.00am 6.00pm
Sung Eucharist Evensong with St Hilary’s at St Martin’s
St Hilary’s Church Hall – Parish Centre
Two large rooms with refreshment and disabled facilities available for hire ….. parties, anniversaries, meetings etc.
Phone 07902844379
Parish of Killay 2015