This morning I drove out to Dinas Powys to take two services, a nine o'clock said BCP Communion at the 11th century country church of St Andrew's Major, attended by eighteen people, and a sung Parish Communion modern rite with about forty people at St Peter's in the suburban village which grew up here as Cardiff expanded outwards in the twentieth century.
This church dates from the 1930s and the building was influenced by the 'Arts and Crafts' movement, making use of Pennant sandstone acquired from the site of Cyfarthfa Castle ironworks above Merthyr Tydful. The stone is somewhat darker than the natural Pennant grey, and this is said to be due to ingrained soot absorbed from the air, laden with industrial pollution. The branch line from Cardiff to Barry runs through Dinas Powys so rail transport from the old industrial site to the village would be easy to organise, and cost effective in those days.
After the St Peter's service I met Andrew, the solicitor who helped Clare and I prepare our wills and then witness them. He and his wife Emma and children are regulars there. Emma has started on some theological education courses, with a view to testing her vocation to ministry. It's great to see a young mum get excited about a possibly different kind of future from that of her contemporaries.
We drove to Newport at lunchtime to visit Martin and Chris, who were throwing a party for family and friends to celebrate Martin's 65th birthday. Their capacious house has a secluded garden which overlooks the city with the Severn Estuary in the distance. Several tables were laid out for dining in quiet fragrant corners, the weather was hot and sunny, perfect for an outdoor party with a swimming pool and a hot tub for people to enjoy. It was a delightful way to celebrate the MIdsummer fiesta, if you're not in Spain!
No comments:
Post a Comment