At the monthly Activity Day on Saturday 10th visitors were invited to visit the church and church hall to see the remembrance exhibitions and activities, to climb the tower and to enjoy refreshments.  In the early evening an Eve of Remembrance Vigil was held incorporating readings, poetry, music and prayer.

Other events coming up are the Remembrance Activity Day and Remembrance Vigil Service on the 10th November.  On 11th November itself there will be laying of wreaths at the cenotaph followed by the parade to Hope Church for the Service of Remembrance.

Morning Worship on Sunday included the dedication of the new church clock automatic winding mechanism.  From now on it is no longer necessary for the steps to be climbed twice weekly for the clock to be wound by hand.  The mechanism has been funded by church member Mrs Dinah Fidler and her family in memory of Dinah’s husband Russell who was a keen amateur horologist.  The dedication coincided perfectly with the chiming of 12 o’clock!

Dinah and her family can be seen after the dedication in this photo in which her great-grandson is holding a new kneeler worked by Dinah, also dedicated in memory of Russell.

The finale of St Cynfarch’s Festival was marked by Back to Church Sunday together with the annual Big Breakfast which was particularly well supported this year.

There was a warm and convivial atmosphere in the Church Hall as members of the local community sat down to enjoy a tasty meal.  The cooks and waitresses (and of course those doing the washing up) were kept very busy for 4 hours, serving a total of about 130 breakfasts during which time the customers were able to enjoy a genial social occasion as well as their bacon and eggs.

Our thanks to those who donated the food, to all who helped on the day and of course to all those who came along to support the event. 

Written by Claire Olsen

In organising such an event I had the usual nightmares of no one turning up but I am delighted to say that it was amazing success. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who, despite the weather, entered the competition and also those who came along to take a look and support the event. It was truly amazing to see so many entering their items and to see the sheer talent of those who live in our community. There were a lot of happy faces - young and older - with certificates and rosettes in hand. The level of the competition, even in its first year, certainly made the Judging - by Rector Adam Pawley, David & Gladys Healey - a difficult task. Thanks to the Judges taking the time to Judge and support the event. 
 
The “Best in Show” Prize went to Sally Dardis (see picture) who was “really chuffed” that her ‘Under the Sea themed Birthday cake’ won the overall prize. Thanks to The Millstone, Penyffordd, for donating the meal voucher prize.
 
Thanks to all our local businesses: Pixie Lillie’s, Tech Heroes, The Hollybush, Honey’s Bakery, Outpost Paintballing and Penyffordd Running Club who donated vouchers for the raffle as well as members of the public who donated another voucher and other items. I am most grateful and the winners certainly enjoyed receiving their prizes.
 
Their were also outside craft stalls. Hats off to the ladies who ran those stalls despite what mother nature threw at them. It was lovely to see the community taking a look and buying from our local craft producers. Thank you also to the ladies from Church who provided the refreshments and family and friends who helped me set up and run the event.
 
I was delighted to see that the event was so well received by this community and can’t wait to build on that next year and in years to come. You all made our community proud well done.

St Cynfarch’s Festival was given a rousing launch on Sunday evening with a Variety Songs of Praise led by former Black & White Minstrel, Alan Birchall, and the Derek Harrison Trio supported by singer Miss Russ Latham. 

The musicians led the congregation of nearly 100, in a selection of favourite hymns chosen by members of the local community and these were interspersed with some beautifully uplifting songs (including Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley numbers!) The finale included a potted version of the Last Night of the Proms with which the congregation joined in with great enthusiasm.

Our thanks to Alan for organising the evening and to his fellow performers and to those who provided the refreshments.  It was a wonderful start to the Festival and we look forward to the rest of the events which continue next weekend.

It was a glorious summers day on 28th July, when the chink of best china could be heard in the church hall to accompany a delicious Strawberry Tea with home made cakes all served on beautifully embroidered table cloths.

The hall was packed with Strawberry Tea revellers who all enjoyed a friendly atmosphere along with their goodies. The sum of £285 was raised for church funds.

A big thank you to all who supported this very cheerful occasion, and who worked so hard on the day to make it such a success.

During the service, we were treated to a great story about how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. There was even a great donkey cake and crafts provided after the service, enjoyed by many! 

We hope if you attended either of these events, that you thoroughly enjoyed yourself. We look forward to welcoming you next year!

Remember to check out our Events page to not miss any of our upcoming events.

What a delight to be in the audience for Borderlands Mission Area’s production of “Moses the Pantomime”.  This marvellous show presents the story of Moses in pantomime format with Hope Church’s worship leader and choir member, Chris Rees, in the cast.  In fact he has a very important part … Pharaoh who, as the pantomime villain, gets lots of boos!
The show includes all you would expect in a pantomime … singing, dancing, comedy … and is marvellous family entertainment performed by people of all ages
The pantomime’s opening show was in Penyffordd and it now ‘goes on tour’ to Shotton and to Buckley.
Congratulations to all who have worked so hard to put on this production including of course Revd Gill Stanning who wrote, produced and directed the show.  Proceeds from ticket sales are going to the Diocesan Charity of the Year, The Alzheimer’s Society.