SHIRENEWTON

PARISHES OF SHIRENEWTON AND NEWCHURCH

MAGAZINE

INCUMBENT: The Revd Hugh Trenchard 424984

ACTING PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: The Revd Nansi Davies 01633 400519

CHURCH WARDENS: Jean Jones Shirenewton 641627

Cynthia Smith Shirenewton 626712

Pam Manning Newchurch 650294

Steve Manning Newchurch 650294

PCC SECRETARY: Felicity Hunt 650604

PCC TREASURER: Kevin Bounds 641818

COVENANTING SECRETARY Dennis Hopkins 641294

ORGANISTS: Gareth Williams Shirenewton * * * * *

Kath Wittington Newchurch 641600

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Jane Smith-Haddon 641525

TOWER CAPTAIN: Mike Penny 650653

MOTHERS UNION: Auriol Horton 641844

CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER: John Waters 627185

CHURCH FLOWERS: Rose Robinson 641539

PARISH MAGAZINE: Pauline Dutton 641677

NAMES TO NOTE

WI: Margaret Woodliffe 641384

VPA: Pat Noble 641729

SCOUTS: Mark Baldwin 641296

GUIDES: Helen Cann 650835

BROWNIES: Jacky Broughton 641797

VENTURE SCOUTS: Pam Manning 650294

BEAVERS: Joy Chorlton 628542

REC BOOKING SECRETARY: Beryl Saysell 641637

From the Deanery Curate:-

Dear Friends at Shirenewton and Newchurch

We have come to the last Sunday in the Church's year and now look forward to Advent. The word Advent means `coming' and we need to ask ourselves what we believe about this season of Advent. Is it vital to us - or not? That our Lord Jesus Christ will return, once and for all, to this world of ours, this little globe spinning through infinity, is clearly expressed in the Scriptures and is formulated in the Creeds which we recite in our services. The Bible readings we have heard in the last weeks leading to the end of the ecclesiastical year remind us to be ready for the `second coming of the Lord.'

Do we think Advent is vital for us? Do we think it is embarrassing because so hard, so impossible, to imagine: especially if the Christ we try to imagine is the picture of Jesus of Galilee, who walked the dusty roads, outwardly an individual human like one of us. The final Return is a reality so far as we understand the previous Return. The first great Return was the Resurrection. At first unbelievable, a mystery, utterly unexpected. The women ran frightened from the empty tomb. The men would not believe them. And yet the truth dawned and Jesus himself met them, changed - yes; yet this was their Lord. It was this event that changed the lives of the first Christians and changed for ever the history of the world.That Christ will return again is fundamental to our Faith and what a surprise that great final Return will be! Are we ready for it whenever it will happen? We are preparing for Christmas when we celebrate the birth of Christ and this year we are also preparing to celebrate the Millennium, 2000 years of Christianity but are we ready should Christ come again at this time? We are urged especially in this time of Advent, to be ready; not that it depends on us or upon our preparations. But the more we love the Lord Christ, the more we try to share his vision, the more we try to do his will, the nearer his Return will seem. In some amazing way that great event will be significant for all humanity, for the world, indeed for the Universe itself. This little globe, spinning through the vast depths of space, will be changed; a resurrection change, mysterious yet universal - like His resurrection change.Come and join in our Advent celebrations in Church and in the singing of `O come, O come Emmanuel'. Then we shall celebrate Christmas as a time of liberation, a time of joy. Amongst the tinsel and frenzy of present buying do take time to remember those who will have little in wordly goods and little to celebrate at this time and also remember those who are sick. Please continue to pray for Huw and Gill Trenchard as Huw continues to overcome his long and difficult illness.

I wish you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year.

Nansi Davies, Deanery Curate.

CHURCHWARDENS THANKS

November already and we are preparing for the Christmas season again. This year has had it's problems, as you are all aware, but we've survived and chalked up some successful events too. The Sunrise walk was a great experience, the summer Fete was better than ever, our Bell ringers won the Striking competition at Tredunnock, and the Open day in October, followed by the Harvest lunch next day were resounding successes. We have also finished the restoration of the pews and pulpit, making our church truly beautiful. None of this would have been possible without the support and hard work of so many loyal people and we thank you all. Special thanks must go to our trusty Churchyard grass cutters, Peter Jones and Ernie Jones, and David Adams for hedge cutting. Thanks too to Sunday School teachers/Youth Club workers, cleaners, flower arrangers, Coffee makers !, and those who copy and distribute the magazine after the Dutton's have put it together. Our thanks to Pauline and Stu for taking over it's production. May I also record my personal thanks to Jean Jones for all her hard work over and above that expected of a Rectors Warden, and the kind people who "stand-in" when Jean and I cannot be present, it is truly appreciated

The Rector, Churchwardens and PCC wish everyone a joyous, peaceful Christmas and a Happy Millenium New Year

Cynthia Smith

FROM THE REGISTERS

In Memoriam: Wenda Chiu (Shirenewton)

William Hodges (Shirenewton)

Esther Jane Riggs - Interment of ashes (Shirenewton)

SHIRENEWTON CHURCH AND THE MILLENNIUM

Shirenewton Church decided to provide floodlighting as a contribution to the Millennium celebrations, and the Church will be floodlit for the sung Eucharist at 11.30 pm on Christmas Eve and again on New Year's Eve. It is hoped a dedication Service for the floodlighting and the refurbished pews will be held following the 9.45 am service on Sunday January 16 2000.This date and further details will be confirmed as soon as possible. On New Years Eve Shirenewton Church will be open from 11pm until 1.30 am for anyone who would like to take time out for quiet reflection and meditation on this significant event in Christian history. The Lady Chapel will be set aside for quiet prayer although any seats in the Church may be used. The Church in Wales has decided that services to commemorate the Millennium will be held on the 1st of January 2000. We shall be having a Service at this time in Shirenewton Church.

NEWCHURCH NEWS

Don't forget our Christmas Day service at St Peters Newchurch at 11 am. Everyone is welcome.

GAERLLWYD BAPTIST CHAPEL

We will be holding a Carol Service followed by hot soup on Monday December 6 ^th at 7.30 pm. The service will be led by Mrs Natalie Howard.

SHIRENEWTON CHURCH FETE 2000

Yes, I know it's early, but would everyone please put Tuesday 8 ^th February in their diaries as the date of the first planning meeting for the 2000 fete. Details to follow in the February magazine.

CHURCH CLEANING WORKING PARTY

There will be a short meeting after Church on Sunday 5 ^th December. The framework of jobs will be discussed and volunteers can choose which one they would prefer to do. If anybody, not at the service, would offer to take part, please telephone me.

Ivy Wells - 641591

SUNDAY SCHOOL (for children aged from 3 years - new members always welcome)

DATES

Sun 5 Dec Christingle and Nativity Service practice, 9.45 am - The Chantry.

Sun 12 Dec Christingle and Nativity Service practice, 9.45 am - The Chantry.

Sun 19 Dec Christingle and Nativity Service.

Dress Rehearsal, 11.00 am - Church.

Fri 24 Dec Christingle and Nativity Service.

Rehearsal 3.00 pm. Service 4.00 pm.

Tue 4 Jan Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Cost £5.50 per ticket. We've reserved 40 tickets but need to know numbers asap. Open to everyone - Youth Club, Sunday School, mums, dads, grannies, grandads etc! May book a coach if sufficient interest.

For further information please contact: Jane Smith-Haddon on 641 525.

YOUTH CLUB (for young people aged from 8 years - new members welcome)

DATES

Sun 5 Dec Christmas Workshop. 4.00 - 5.30 pm at the Recreation Hall.

Sun 12 Dec Christmas Workshop. 4.00 - 5.30 pm at the Recreation Hall.

Sun 19 Dec Christingle and Nativity Service dress rehearsal.

11.00 am Church.

Fri 24 Dec Christingle and Nativity Service.

Rehearsal 3.00 pm. Service 4.00 pm.

Tue 4 Jan Roald Dahl's 'The Twits', Sherman Theatre, Cardiff. Cost £5.50 per ticket. We've reserved 40 tickets but need to know numbers asap. Open to everyone - Youth Club, Sunday School, mums, dads, grannies, grandads etc! May book a coach if sufficient interest.

For booking and further details, phone: Jackie Broughton on 641797 or Glynis MacDonald on 641818.

GAERLLWYD WOMENS MEETINGS - WEDNESDAYS AT 2.30PM

Wed 1 ^st Dec Mr Haime

Wed 15 ^th Dec Mrs Natalie Howard - Carol Service

SHIRENEWTON MOTHERS' UNION

At our meeting on the 10 ^th of November we were pleased to formally welcome Mrs Saysell as a member of our Group. Sally is to be enrolled during the Service in Church on December 5 ^th. In our prayers we reminded ourselves of the Aims and Objectives of the Mothers Union. We remembered the plight of the homeless refugees throughout the world, and we also remembered Nan Wicks who had that day entered hospital for treatment. She is a valiant lady and we wish her a speedy return to good health. Members were given a Report on the Diocesan Sharing Day on the 26 ^th October, and also on the Netherwent Deanery Service on the 31 ^st October. Five members were invited to attend the Advent Service at St Mary's Chepstow on Monday December 6 ^th at 2.30 pm. Members also discussed the use of alternative forms of the Lord's Prayer. All members preferred to use the version with which they had grown up. Mrs Horton spoke to members about her visit to Bangladesh in 1994 and the work of the Christian charity WORLD VISION amongst the people there. Bangladesh has also suffered severely from the cyclone which is currently receiving media coverage in India. Mrs Wells gave a vote of thanks. Tea hostesses were Mrs Richards and Mrs Adams, assisted by Mrs Bowen. At our next meeting on Wednesday 8 ^th December 1999 at 2.30 pm at the Recreation Hall we shall be enjoying mince pies and carols and welcoming Mr Peter Hesketh to update us on our "Website". Tea hostesses will be Mrs Ivy Wells and Mrs Marcia Hoskins. Visitors are always welcome. It was also decided that we should hold a meeting in January 2000 as an appropriate start to the new Millennium. We hope the weather will allow us to do this. Members will receive reminders !

Auriol Horton - Enrolling Member - Tel 641844

200 CLUB - NOVEMBER 1999 DRAW

£40 No 120 Gordon Hughes

£20 No 31 Mike Bullas

£20 No 115 Tony Hughes

£20 No 155 Viv Noakes

SHIRENEWTON WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

The Annual General Meeting held on the 18 ^th November 1999 was well attended. The President welcomed members, together with one prospective new member, and Mrs Janet Parsons, VCO. The President asked members to stand in silence for Mrs W.Chiu, who had sadly passed away last month. A report was given by Mrs W.Such on the Annual Council Meeting. It was noted that the Bazaar had been very successful and it was agreed that bringing the date forward had been a good move. The Treasurer gave the Financial Report, followed by the Secretary's resume of the year's activities. This was followed by the President's report in which she thanked committee members for their support and especially Mrs W.Such who was retiring as Vice-President and as a long-standing member of the committee. Mrs J.Parsons VCO, then officiated the meeting. Mrs W.Jones was re-elected as President and the new committee elected. Mrs Parsons told us some amusing stories which brought an air of lightness to the otherwise official proceedings. Mrs W.Such proposed the vote of thanks. Tea hostesses were Mrs J.Pearse and Mrs W.Such. Our Christmas Dinner will be held on Thursday 16 ^th December at the Huntsman 7.00 for 7.30. Members were reminded about bringing a small gift to a value of no more than £2. The first meeting of the Millenium will take place on Thursday 20 ^th January and will be a talk and slides on the Cayman Islands to be given by Mr Kenneth Rue. Tea Hostesses Mrs I.Wells and Mrs B.Halls, Raffle Mrs E.Brigden, and there will be a sales table.

Shirenewton WI wish everyone a very Happy Christmas.

Margaret Woodliffe - Secretary

SHIRENEWTON COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Community Council -October / November 1999

Notice Boards

The Council were informed that people have been pinning notices to the outside of the new notice boards. It was decided to issue all Councillors with keys to the notice boards so that anyone who wishes to display a notice can contact their nearest councillor. The only rule being that the notice should be appropriate to the whole community.

Planning Matters .

The proposed development on the site of the existing garage and shop was discussed. There is existing outline permission for 2 houses to be built behind the garage, but permission is sought to build 3 houses and a shop instead. This request was not supported at this stage.

Temporary permission was given for a caravan to be parked on the Red Barn site on the Crick Road while the land was being farmed. This approval ceased when the land was sold.

Millennium Projects

It was suggested that a barbecue area be created on the Recreation Field for the use of village residents.

It was also suggested that another dance or similar function be held after the Village Fete next year.

The Council approved a donation towards the cost of costumes for the Millennium Panto. The gift was on the basis that any profit from the panto be put towards future productions, or to charity.

General

The speed signs on the entrance to the village from Earlswood have become obscured by hedge & tree growth. This is the responsibility of the landowner who will be approached to clear the signs.

Concern has been raised about safety at the school pick up/drop off point at the cross roads. The Council will approach the bus company to investigate possible alternatives.

The Council will write to the County Council to remind them that the road markings on the Tan House to Usk Road have still not been replaced and to ask them to complete the job.

The Council received a letter from Gwent Police asking what we would like to see from them. The 3 issues raised were:

1. We would like more contact with our PC liaison officer.

2. We would like to see Crime Statistics for the village to see if there are any issues.

3. We are concerned about what steps the police will take to reduce speeding through the village.

School Governors Report

The report stated that the school is financially sound and that the school received a favourable report from Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools.

It was felt that security could be improved, particularly along the public footpath along the bottom of the playing field. There have been incidents of people straying from this path onto the school playing field. The Council will contact the Countryside Warden to get the path more clearly marked. It was also suggested that the school might consider losing a few feet of land and erecting a fence.

Sylvia Bendall

SHIRENEWTON VPA

For our November meeting we had Mr Steve Hunt as our speaker. It was a super illustrated talk on the Woodlands of Monmouthshire. We could have watched and listened all night. After tea and biscuits we had just a few announcements and then enjoyed a free-for-all chat. The main gist of the announcements was that there will be no January or February meeting, and that the next one will be in March, when we will have our annual Bulb Show and Quiz. This will be open to anyone who would like to join in. Dates, times and schedules etc... will be announced nearer the time. On December 6 ^th we will be having our Christmas Dinner at the Huntsman Hotel, 7.30 for 8 pm. Anyone wishing to join us please ring our secretary, Mrs Dorothy Brabon on 641376.

1ST SHIRENEWTON GUIDES

The Guide Unit has now reopened after a short break, and is busy planning for Christmas. The Christmas Bazaar will be on Tuesday 30 ^th November in the School Hall, 7 - 9 pm, and we need buyers, as the girls have been making Christmas Goodies for the stalls ! On the 7 ^th December we will be holding our Carol Service in the Church (approx 7.30 to 9 pm) with festive refreshments afterwards. Again, everyone is very welcome to join us. Our final meeting of 1999 will be carol singing around Shirenewton village on December 14 ^th, starting in Clearview. The Guides will be collecting for charity, and will be able to tell you which one on the night. This will be voted on next week.

We wish you all a very Happy Christmas - Helen Cann - Tel:650835

COLLECTION FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

We are again hoping to collect warm clothes and bedding for disadvantaged people across Europe who have been involved in the various disasters and conflicts that have taken place recently. Please leave any items you can donate at the back of the Church or contact Peter Jones on 641627

ONLY WARM CLOTHES AND BEDDING PLEASE

Pyp (Parish Youth Page)

Hi ya folks! Hope you are all getting ready for the festivities ahead. I've sent my "Please-may-I-have" list to Father Christmas. I should have posted it up the chimney but we haven't got one so I had to shove the list behind the radiator. Hope that works ! List includes:-

* New collar and lead (tartan)

* New bean bag (the beans are escaping from my old one)

* Alarm clock (for my owner who won't get up in the morning to take me for walkies)

* Bone (large !)

Here's hoping that FC will look kindly on a cute little pooch !

Here's a Christmas story quiz. My owner was really quite useless despite the fact that the story is so well known. I've done the quiz straight or multiple choice (to help my quite sad owner !) The answers are somewhere at the back of the magazine. 12 Out of 12 ? That deserves a bone or a Mars bar !

1. Jesus was related to which king ?

2. In what province was Bethlehem ?

3. Which Ceaser was ruling the Roman Empire at that time ?

4. How many wise men were there ?

5. How many gifts were there ?

6. What were they ?

7. Where did the wise men see the star ?

8. Where was their first port of call ?

9. Who was King at that time ?

10. Where were the shepherds on the eve of Jesus's birth ?

11. Which country did Jesus's family escape to ?

12. Name where you can find the story of Jesus's birth

Right, the easier version for dopey owners ! Circle the right answer

1 King John, King William, King David

2 Somerset, Judea, Syria

3 Julius Caesar, Caesar Augustus, Tiberius

4 3, 33, don't know

5 3, 33, don't know

6 Silver, Frankenstein, myrrh

Euros, Frankincense, mhyrr

Gold, Forget-me-knots, mrryh

7 North, West, East, South

8 Jerusalem, Jericho, Bognor Regis

9 Harold, Herod, Hamlet

10 On the hills, In the fields, In McDonalds

11 Australia, Spain, Egypt

12 Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

Easy peasy Huh ! Hope you did better than my owner, he only got 4 out of 12.

Right, I'm off now to look for bones.

Happy Christmas and a Happy New year

Pyp

TRADITIONAL CAROL SINGING AROUND THE VILLAGE

Clearview 6.30 pm

Monday 13 ^th December

All very welcome

The Brownies will be a very welcome addition to the singing. Please bring Torch !

BOXING DAY ROUNDERS MATCH

ALL INVITED

RECREATION FIELD 10:30 AM

Might be a good idea to wear Wellies, Hat, Gloves, Scarves, Thermal undergarments, hip flask, etc.......

Call GLYNIS on 641818 for details

Christingle Service

Shirenewton Youth Group and Sunday School

Present

"Hallelulia Angels"

Christmas Eve - Shirenewton Church

4.00 pm - 6.00 pm

Mulled Wine and Mince Pies

GARDENING CORNER

It doesn't seem possible that this is the third Christmas that I have been writing an article for the Parish Mag. I hate to think of all the water that has flowed under the bridge during that time. Talking of which, come some fine weather, I hope to be starting on creating some water flowing under a particular bridge in the garden

here at Barn Farm. But perhaps more of that after Christmas ! As has become customary for the December issue, it is time for you to tax your brain. Below is a wordsearch to torment you with. All the words are plants that can be found in our Cottage Garden. The words run vertically, horizontally, forwards and backwards, just to add interest. Hopefully it will take enough time to allow the Christmas Turkey to go down ! I hope you all have a wonderful time over Christmas and the New year. Happy 2000

Steve Hunt

Foxglove Alstroemeria Honeysuckle Penstemon

Aster Viola Poppy Pink

Delphinium Aquilegia Hollyhock Bearded Iris

Day Lily Lily Rudbeckia Lavender

Geranium Hosta Siberian Iris Gladioli

Meconopsis Clematis Shasta Daisy Geum

Libertia Nicotinia Cosmos Rose

THE BELLS, THE BELLS, ....

Yes, we will be ringing in the Millennium. Midnight will find us in the Church Tower, the muffles on the bells. James Leney is hoping to play The Last Post - then off with the muffles and the bells will ring out the Old year and welcome in the New.

Glynis MacDonald

SHIRENEWTON SCHOOL

It's amazing ! Usually software is very expensive, but now it's different ! At Shirenewton School we are hoping to receive lots of computer software, but we need some help. The Times, the Sunday Times, and the Times Educational Supplement are printing tokens which can be exchanged for free software. Our school are saving up all the tokens so that we can get some FREE BRAND NEW SOFTWARE ! Please help our school to provide the children with this resource to give them a super chance to becoming even more computer literate in the new millennium.

Reporters - Sophie Pearce and Lauren Albert

COOKERY CORNER

Bible Cake

Can you solve the puzzle and find the ingredients ? (With thanks to Caroline Davies's kitchen)

a) 225gm of Jeremiah chapter 6 verse 20

b) One tablespoon of the first book of Samuel

c) 225gm of Judges chapter 5 verse25 (end)

d) 3 of Jeremiah chapter 17 verse 11

e) 225gm of chopped Nahum chapter 3 verse 12

f) 50gm Blanched and chopped Numbers chapter 17 verse 8

g) 225gm of first book of Samuel chapter 30 verse 12

h) A teaspoon of Amos chapter 4 verse 5

i) A pinch of Leviticus chapter 2 verse 13

j) Add a second book of Chronicles chapter 9 verse 9 to taste

k) 450gm of first book of Kings chapter 4 verse 22

l) 3 tablespoons of Judges chapter 4 verse 19 (end)

NB: Leavened bread is baking powder

Beat A, B, and C until they are thick and creamy. Add D one at a time, beating in well. Stir in E, F, G. Sift together H, I, J, and K before adding L. Stir until well mixed. Pour into a greased and lined cake tin and bake at Gas mark 3 or 160 degrees for approximately 2 hours.

Answers to Pyp's Quiz :-

1 King David 2 Judea 3 Caesar Augustus

4 Don't know 5 3 6 Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh

7 East 8 Jerusalem 9 Herod

10 In the fields 11 Egypt 12 Matthew

Pyp

DIARY

30 Nov 7.00 pm Guides Christmas Bazaar - School Hall

1 Dec 2.30 pm Gaerllwydd Womens Meeting

6 Dec ..7.30 pm VPA Christmas Dinner - Huntsman Hotel

6 Dec 7.30 pm Carol Service - Gaerllwydd Chapel

7 Dec 7.30 pm Guides Carol Service - Shirenewton Church

8 Dec 2.30 pm Mothers Union - Recreation Hall

13 Dec 6.30 pm Carol Singing - Starts at Clearview

14 Dec 6.30 pm Guides carol singing - Clearview

15 Dec 7.30 pm Gaerllwydd Womens Meeting - Carol Service

16 Dec 7.00 pm WI Christmas Dinner - Huntsman Hotel

24 Dec 4.00 pm Christingle and Nativity service - Shirenewton

26 Dec 10.30 am Boxing day Rounders match - Recreation field

On New Year's Eve the Church will be open from 11 pm to 1.30 am for those who would like a time for quiet reflection or meditation in the Lady Chapel.

Please send notes, discs, faxes, (641567) e-mails (stu@dutton47.freeserve.co.uk) for next month's magazine to Pauline Dutton, 4 Newton Manor, Shirenewton (641677) by Thursday 20 ^th January 2000

READERS AND SIDESPERSONS ROTA - DECEMBER 1999 AND JANUARY 2000 - SHIRENEWTON