Churches Unlocked: A Taste of What’s to Come…

St Gwynno Church, Llanwonno – Llandaff Diocese

High on a hilltop, at a junction of mountain roads in the forest between the Rhondda Fach and Cynon Valleys and with a spectacular view lies the ancient church of St Gwynno. Fragments of early sculpture incorporated in the walls suggest a church may have existed on the site as far back as the 6th century. The present-day church contains a fine collection of Victorian stained glass as well as some interesting 18th/19th century wall monuments and a fragment of Early Christian sculpture. The church is also of interest to Doctor Who fans as it was the setting of the series 5 episode ‘Cold Blood’ with actor Matt Smith.

Matt Smith outside St Gwynno Church during the filming of Doctor Who

Scott Frankton

This summer during the Churches Unlocked Festival, St Gwynno will host a flower show where local people will bring their themed flower displays for the community, walkers and festival goers to enjoy. A traditional evensong will be held in the stunning setting and a local historian will share their expertise. The hilltop will also be transformed into an escape room adventure for schools in the area.

St Mary’s Church, Rogiet – Monmouth Diocese

“There has been a church on this site since Norman times. We still have our Norman font dating from the 12th century alongside some wonderful 20th century-stained glass windows from Celtic Studios. During the 19th century the Great Western Railway was built running just to the south of the village and our connection to Severn Tunnel Junction was created. In 1903 St Mary’s was extended to accommodate the railway families. We are part of a warm welcoming community, and we hope you will join us for the Churches Unlocked Festival.”

“St Mary’s, Rogiet is a small friendly church on the Gwent Levels in South Monmouthshire in a beautiful setting alongside Manor House farm and buildings,” said Fay Baxter, Churchwarden.

St Mary’s festival events include an evening of ‘Tales of the Junction’, with stories about a railway community. Children are invited to join a wildlife, nature count and bug hunt in the graveyard as part of Caring for God’s Acre week. There will be open days to view baptism and burial registers and history of the church as well as an evening of beautiful singing with Serenata Ladies Choir.

The Church of the Resurrection, Ely – Llandaff Diocese

Built in the 1930s to accommodate the rapidly expanding population on the new Ely housing estate in west Cardiff the design takes inspiration from the ancient churches in Ravenna, Italy.

The red brick exterior conceals a vast and surprisingly light interior. The acoustic is excellent and provides an ideal venue for concerts throughout the year. Enthusiasts for 20th century art and architecture will find a stunning stained-glass windows by Francis Spear and other artists, as well as Stations of the Cross by internationally renowned ceramic artist Michael Flynn. The church is listed Grade II as a rare example of an unusual historical style that retains its character.

Vicar of the church, Canon Jan Gould, said, “Our church has stood strong and proud at the heart of the community in Ely, Cardiff since 1934. It truly is a gleaming jewel in West Cardiff with its beautiful artwork, its fascinating history, and its impressive architecture. Most people, on visiting The Res for the first time, are blown away by its beauty when they step inside - we hope you will be too! So do come and pay us a visit. We look forward to welcoming you.”