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.