Parish Magazine February 2000

The warmest of wishes and a hope of every blessing at the beginning of this new era. It is a relief and a joy to be back, and somehow the beginning of a new year, decade, century, let alone the third millennium feels right after a long and tedious time off duty. No one in the congregation on January 2 ^nd had celebrated in London and therefore no one was one of the 190 guests cooked for by Anton Edelman in the Savoy's Riverside Restaurant, mind you at £3,000 a head the 9 course dinner with first-growth wine served with each course it's perhaps not surprising. No one wants to be a killjoy, but I can't help feeling disgusted despite my love of food, and while the sights were impressive, 25 tons of fireworks in London alone is immoral when faced with problems in this country, let alone in the war-torn and hungry world in which many live.

And then there is that £750 million upturned kettle barbeque - the Dome, of which David Hope, Archbishop of York, wrote in his Diocesan newspaper, "The Dome encapsulates values which Christians should challenge. It stands as a monument to human pride which contrasts strongly with the crib at Bethlehem. It's not just secular, it desecrates the significance of the date it celebrates. It is a huge blasphemy sanctioned, in the ultimate irony, by the most evangelical Prime Minister of more recent years."

The Birth of Jesus Christ and the significance of his message for today is in no way served by a zone whose sole effect is to produce a confusing mish-mash of the major faiths. The teachings that are held in common are neither extolled nor are they clear. To suggest that a little Bethlehem infant who founded Christianity means that your child can grow up successful as well is not to me anything to do with any faith, let alone with the meaning of Jesus Christ. He came to encourage Christians to offer to the world a distinctive inheritance that we are God's own people and he is delighted in us (Ephesians 1 vv 11 + 14).

In some unexpected words from Billy Connolly on the millennium and it's meaning, we get a hard but important message, "Let's hope in this new era, the working people of the world get an even break from the politicians, lawyers, multi-national entrepreneurs and all the other gangsters. If the hope is not peace and love, a chance for the weakest, then keep up the fireworks and big meals. £750 Million could have made one big difference to any one of the services upon which we all depend, why not a millennium hospital, or more intensive therapy beds in our hospitals ? 2000 Has to mark a vital re-imaging by the Church of it's message and it's King, that Trinity is a challenge which will need more resourcing and more effort than all the fun and fuss over the past weeks.

I am sure you have been saddened by the number of tragedies we have experienced both on the News and within the lives of families we know and care about. The number of young lives lost in fire, at sea and on the roads leaves a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness in the minds and hearts of so many. The loss of anyone through illness, especially those from this year's strain of flu, and the desperate shortage of hospital beds, often makes us angry. This anger is sometimes directed at God, "Why ?, Why my Family ?, So-and-so didn't deserve to die that way on a trolley in a cold corridor". The loss of an infant is perhaps the most terrifying experience any family can undergo. What has the Christian faith to say in response to these tragedies ?

The God I believe in is not a God who sadistically ruins lives with death. He both understands our anger and readily absorbs the hurt we feel. He knows exactly what it is, what it feels like to lose a son, and through Him God has looked death in the face and made it a new beginning not a sad end. God is never closer to us than when we think He's just left us to it, or He's asleep and doesn't care or He's on holiday !

During the past 25 years I have been in many situations of deep and fracturing grief, my first funerals were those of a one hour old twin boy whom we buried with his grandfather and five days later the second twin. It isn't until you see resurrection in action that it begins to makes sense. The parents of those twins are kept young in heart and spirit still today by the magnificent innocence of those little ones. That's not wishful thinking or some priestly mumbo-jumbo, it is the reality of the God who calls and comes right into the centre of His people's suffering.

THE CHURCH FLOWERS

As from 1 ^st January 2000 I have handed over the responsibility of the Church Flowers to Felicity Hunt. I should like to thank very sincerely all who have supported me and helped with the flowers in the Church over the last few years, especially during the Flower Festival in 1997. The flowers are in capable hands now and I hope that you will all help and support Felicity as much as possible by filling up the Rota for Arrangers.

Thanks to all those who helped arrange at Christmas and gave financial help. A special thank you to Rose who has now retired as flower co-ordinator. Please could those of you able to arrange flowers contact me ASAP to fill this year's rota. I also need a regular helper; please ring me for more details.

NEWCHURCH NEWS

The new bell kindly donated by Shirenewton will be dedicated at the Group Eucharist service on Sunday January 30 ^th. Our thanks go to all at Shirenewton for their support.

GAERLLWYD WOMENS MEETINGS - WEDNESDAYS AT 2.30PM

Wed 3 Mar Women's World Day of Prayer, 3 pm at Earlswood Hope Church, led by Mrs Natalie Howard.

VILLAGE CAROL SINGING

Well done Brownies for joining the village Carol singing way back in December. Without you we would have been rather thin on the ground. However, we raised £80 which was sent to "The Berkeley MENCAP Centre" in Chepstow. Thanks also to the welcome addition of James Bounds on trumpet

SHIRENEWTON CHURCH FETE SATURDAY JUNE 10TH 2000

The first meeting to arrange the fete will be held on Tuesday 8 ^th February at 8 pm at the Huntsman. All stall holders and anyone else who would like to help will be very welcome.

Sun 6 Feb Sunday School Party 4.30 - 6.00 pm at the Recreation Hall - No Sunday School in the Morning.

Thank you to everyone who took part in, helped with and came to this service on Christmas Eve. It was marvellous to see so many people in church and to have so many children taking part. Thanks to you, we have sent a cheque for £230 to the Children's Society - Alleluia!!

Sun 30 Jan Bowling - Newport Megabowl. Meet at the Chantry 3.15 pm or at Megabowl 3.50 pm. Pick up 6.30 pm at the Chantry. Families welcome. Please let Jackie (641791) know numbers by Friday 28 ^th Jan. Cost tba.

Sun 27 Feb Cinema - Cost and time tba. Please phone Jackie or Glynis (641818) on Thursday 24 ^th or Friday 25 ^th February

On Tuesday the 4 ^th of January we went to see "The Twits". It was really funny. There were loads of us on the coach. So many that some people had to go in the car. Mrs Twit had red hair sticking out all over her head. and Mr Twit had a big beard with bits of food stuck in it. They were always playing tricks on each other. Mr Twit tried to make a circus, so he captured some monkeys. He then made them do tricks upside-down. Then the Rolypoly bird freed the monkeys.

SHIRENEWTON MOTHERS' UNION

In December we were all initiated into the wonders of the "Web" by Mr Peter Hesketh. Most members found the technicalities beyond them, but were nevertheless highly interested to see the close-to-home references on Shirenewton's own website.

The year 2000 started on a sad note as we had been sorry to learn of the death of Nan Wicks on the 23 ^rd December. Nan had been an active member of the Mothers Union for many years and a member of our branch at Shirenewton for 15 years. Her guiding hand will be missed very much. We are also sorry to say goodbye to Emily Seawright but wish her happiness in her new home in Caldicot. We regret that Mrs Tidly is unable to continue her membership due to ill-health but we wish her well.

At our meeting on the 12 ^th of January, after the Accounts for 1999 had been presented, discussed, and approved, it was noted that an amount of £75 would have to be raised during the year to cover overheads. It was agreed that the donation of £51.64 to Diocesan Funds made in 1999 should be directed to Action and Outreach. We were pleased to welcome the Rector who spoke to us on "What the new millennium should mean to us as Christians". As usual he pulled no punches and we were given plenty of food for thought. Mrs Ivy Wells gave the vote of thanks. We then engaged in much discussion concerning the curtailment of the bus service between Usk and Chepstow, resulting in much extra cost and considerable inconvenience to many of our villagers. With detailed information supplied by our members and other interested people, Mrs Horton was to write to Councillor Colin White urging him to persuade the County Council to support a conveniently timed bus service, even if limited to only two days a week. After tea was served by Marcia Hoskins and Gladys Lloyd, subscriptions for 2000 were collected and members were able to view the latest advancement of the Altar Frontal Tapestry which now includes a completed coloured drawing by Mr Keith Underwood of the centre panel.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday the 8 ^th of MARCH, when our speaker will be Mrs Hilda Austen

The President welcomed an excellent turn out of members to the first meeting of the Millennium, including one prospective new member. On a sad note the President asked members to stand for one minute's silence for Mrs Nan Wicks, who had passed away earlier in the month.

With the business matters of the evening concluded, Mr Kenneth Rue, assisted by Mr J.Florida operating the projector, gave a very interesting talk, illustrated with slides, of life in the Cayman Islands, an area most members were not familiar with. Mrs M.Gostelow proposed the vote of thanks. Tea Hostesses were Mrs I.Wells and Mrs B.Halls, and the raffle was won by Mrs C.Lewis.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday February 17 ^th, when Mr D.C.Clarke will be giving a talk and demonstration on Handbell Ringing. Tea Hostesses Mrs J.Pearse and Mrs B.Bowen. Raffle prize, Mrs S.Saysell. The competition for February is a small brass/copper item.

We have a varied and interesting programme planned for the forthcoming year and any new member would be made very welcome. Why not come along and see what Shirenewton WI get up to ! We meet on the third Thursday in the month at the Recreation Hall commencing at 7.15 pm.

FROM A HOSPITAL WARD

Supper trays are gone, and now the hours stretch their long and weary way until, at last - time arrives for that long awaited sleep. Sleep ! - Hospitals don't know the word. First comes "Hot drinks, do you want one ? "No thank you, all I want is sleep". "Now then Sugar, have you had your observations ?" "Oh my, whatever do you mean ?" "Blood pressure my dear" - why don't they speak plain English. "No, I don't think so". "Right, let me have your arm." And so you are wired to a machine that grabs and squeezes till you quite believe it's gone forever. Just then a phrase of heavenly music releases your appendage, just in time ! "Boring" said the nurse, which apparently means you are in good health. Now, Ah ! Sleep ! All goes quiet until the patient in the corner starts to cough - yes, after every count of 10 - there she goes again ! Then there's the snoring ! What next I ask myself. Here it comes, Bells for Bedpans ! Of course one starts them all off - I give up. "Come along dear it's time for your wash" No it can't be, but it's daylight. Oh dear, all I want is SLEEP.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and good wishes. I hope to see you all in Church when I can walk straight and tall - Audrey Whichelo

1ST SHIRENEWTON BROWNIES

The Autumn term saw the Brownies involved in several Church events. The girls did some local history research and compiled a "History of Brownies" display for the Church open day, where they also helped to serve refreshments. They turned out again in full regalia for the Remembrance Service in November and braved the icy paths to join the Church carol singing in December (they particularly liked collecting the donations !). As usual we had lots of fun at our weekly meetings. The highlight of this term's meetings were Snowy's night walks where we learnt to use our night eyes. Shirenewton Brownies meet every Tuesday during term time, 6.00 to 7.30 pm in Shirenewton School hall. Please contact Jackie Broughton (641797) for more information.

1ST SHIRENEWTON GUIDES

The Guides ended 1999 in festive spirit by carol singing, visiting the Chepstow Pantomime and holding a carol service in the Church. Thanks to all that helped fill the collecting boxes, the proceeds of which were donated, at the Guides request, to the NSPCC. Again, thank you to all who joined us in Church on the 7 ^th December. The Guides brilliantly produced the service, and fruit punch and mince pies at the end gave us all a chance to socialise. Guides recommence on the 18 ^th of January with a millennium fancy dress party.

We are still on the lookout for Leaders as our Warranted leader will only be with us until the summer. We are expecting a large number of girls to move up from Brownies in the next year and we will be unable to accommodate them unless we get more help. If anyone would like to find out more, please feel free to give me a ring.

Thanks to all our helpers in the past year, and we wish you all a very Happy New Year.

1ST SHIRENEWTON SCOUTS

Due to a resignation, we currently have no Scout Leader, and the Troop are desperate to find someone who can help them continue. The overall age group is between ten and fifteen, and we currently have 14 scouts all around age 11. We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is prepared carry the programme forward on whichever night of the week that is convenient for them. Please contact the GSL Steve Manning on 650294 if you can help.

SHIRENEWTON OPERA AND DRAMA SOCIETY (SODS)

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved in putting on the two performances of Cinderella at the end of January in Earlswood Hall. It really was a tremendous feeling to have the 500 people who attended, singing, clapping and playing a full part in the action. The support from the Community has been superb, and I would particularly like to mention the Hall Committee's of both Shirenewton and Earlswood who allowed us to use their facilities for the many rehearsals (I promise we really will pay you now that we've had some money coming in !). It was intended to be a one-off as part of the village Millennium celebrations, but hopefully with all the enthusiasm of the over 70 adults, teenagers and children who took part either on stage or in the many support teams, we will be able to find a Director and Producer to carry on the "Tradition" into 2001 (Oh yes we will....!)

Hi ya folks! Hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. I ate so many biscuits and bones over the holiday I've turned into a sausage dog. Did you go to the Panto at Earlswood ? My owner did - "Absolutely fantastic !". She said she's looking forward to the next one ! I wonder if there will be a small walk-on part for a cute little dog like myself .....

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And have you spotted the word that appears, as if by magic ? Amazing ! Well I must disappear

Perhaps like me, you were lucky to have an extended break over the Christmas period. I had hoped to catch up on things in the garden, but as always the weather decided to take control. Being too wet to get on the ground I decided to carry on with further developing the infra-structure to the garden. Further slabs were laid alongside the garage, in order to finish a small cottage area. A picket fence followed, in order to give an edge to the garden, and create some shelter. The finishing touch to this area was a small pergola, to give the area some height. This has been planted with a new Honeysuckle called Mandarin, with scented, orange flowers, and a Campsis, a vigorous orange flowered climber, courtesy of mothers' garden in Dorset. This had been "purchased", by swapping some Pink Meconopsis. All in all, a most satisfying way of obtaining plants! This small area leads on to another corner, which is next in line for treatment. I was going to simply put down a ground cover material, and spread pea gravel, with individual slabs for walking on. I have a couple of horse drawn ploughs which would look nice displayed on this area, with the picket fence as a backdrop. To give this the feel of a derelict farmyard, I have decided to plant pockets of lower growing ornamental grasses. There are a number that, even in the winter when the foliage has died back, still provide interest and sound. Carex comans "Bronze", Carex "Frosted Curls" and Stipa tenuissima, all look great with ice crystals after a cold frosty night. Grasses are certainly one of the "in" plants at present. Green colouration, brought about by planting foliage plants, especially ferns, are also in vogue. These will form the basis of the next area. This is a shaded area, something which is unusual in this garden, and one, especially after the weather we have been experiencing recently, which is drip fed with moisture, from the neighbouring rocks. Moisture levels will be raised further by the addition of a small water feature, which will be followed by a planting of various Ferns, and no doubt one or two dwarf grass varieties. I'm still undecided, whether Meconopsis (Himalayan Poppies) will also find their way into this patch. These thrive best in damper air conditions, especially alongside waterfalls. I do have some in the open garden here at Barn farm, but I would admit that they aren't the most healthy of plants!

One of the first things to suffer the wrath of the winter weather, was the polythene tunnel. The plastic was four years old, which is about the average life. I had hoped that it would last until the spring, so that it would be easier to get a new cover on. This should always be done on a still, warm, sunny day. This allows the plastic to warm up and become softer, which means you can pull the cover much tighter. If not, the cover becomes very loose in the heat of summer, and will soon wear out, as it flaps and bangs on the framework. As it turned out, the loss of the cover in the winds was probably a good thing. I had been planning on moving a lot of plants into the tunnel, in order to protect them from the worst of the winter weather. The pre - Christmas snow, would certainly have demolished the tunnel cover, and all inside, if I had got around to it.

Apart from building and planning there is little else to do in the garden. Despite the weather we are still digging carrots. I have in the past tried digging these up and storing them in peat. This certainly makes them easier to use when the ground has frozen hard, but I have never been able to keep them much after Christmas. Leaving them in the garden seems much better, although slugs do manage to beat you to some. Parsnips, Leeks, Brussels, and winter cabbage, are also still harvestable, although the latter are now showing signs of rotting off with all his rain.

A period of dry weather now will mean that winter digging will be able to begin in earnest. I don't like to put manure on too early in the year. Right or wrong, I feel that the amount of rain that we seem to get during the winter, will wash all the goodness out long before the plants are growing actively enough to take advantage of it. Until it does dry up, I will be concentrating on pruning the fruit trees, which have been in need of attention for a couple of years. As well as these I need to check over all the shrubs and undertake some remedial work. Many of these were badly damaged by the weight of snow. Some will have to be cut right down to ground level and allowed to shoot out again. Still nature is a great healer, so I'm sure things will soon recover. Spare a thought for France! Not only have they oil pollution to contend with, but the recent storms caused tremendous damage to their gardens and forests. 170 million tonnes of timber were flattened over the two days, which is almost ten times the annual production from British Woodlands. I wonder where most of that will end up! Perhaps Alan Titchmarsh will have to start using more green oak, instead of softwood decking!

THE BELLS, THE BELLS, ....

The Bell Ringers had a particularly good Millennium. We gathered at the Church at 11.30 on the big night and the older ringers rang half muffled. Then, while, James Leney played the Last Post on his bugle on the top of the Church tower, Mike whipped off the muffles. The younger ringers were the first to ring in the new Millennium. When I say `older' and `younger', I am of course speaking metaphorically. Some of the older ringers are of course spring chicks themselves.

Later, after a few hours kip, we gathered again in the Church to ring at a short service - a service which was being held all over the country. And as planned - the Church bells of the nation rang out across the land at midday. It was good to be part of that, as well. But there was no time to stop and relax. Mike Penny had arranged a mini-tour to do something which he hopes has never been done before. He wanted to ring full extents at towers with 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 bells. An extent is a non-repeating pattern so it doesn't take an Einstein to work out that a full extent on one bell isn't going to take that long. The tour took us first to Somerset to Christon, St. Mary which has a two bell tower. Originally, we had hoped to stay nearer to home but the tower at Tibberton which for 700 years had been perfectly happy with two bells, decided only last month to upgrade to three. However, the couple who greeted us at St. Mary's were so delighted that we'd come, that it was a pleasure to ring there. Apparently, the bells are not often rung - and as Mike and Ian laboured profusely to get the bells up it seemed only too obvious why. However, we all had a bash and left.

To Biddisham with a nice light ring of four, then to Badgworth a ring of five. No time to stop at a pub, we returned to Wales to visit the newly restored bells of Wolvesnewton. Mike had discovered that these bells had probably not been rung since their installation which was just after The First World War . So he and a couple of other fanatics have just sorted them out, so it was only right and proper that they became our `three bell' tower - and very pretty there are too. Then on to Newchurch, our `one bell' tower, to ring on our old friend - the former treble from Shirenewton. And at Shirenewton, we began to ring our extent on six - and as we rang so brilliantly, our caller just didn't stop, and we completed our first quarter peal of the Millennium.

PS: The last peal ring in Shirenewton was in 1934 - so in case you missed that one, we are aiming to do another one this year. We'll be having some short practises on Sunday evenings - Happy listening.

Baked Savoury Rolls

Don't be put off because pastry is involved and you don't feel like cooking after a hard days work, because this is a dead easy recipe. It is simplicity itself and can be filled from anything from left-over spaghetti bolognaise sauce to plain grated cheese and onion for vegetarians.

Mix dry ingredients and add enough water to make a pliable dough. Roll out to make a rectangle approx 8" x 10"

Fry the onion in oil until soft, add the bacon and fry until cooked. Mix in the tomatoes and mushrooms, season and leave to cool. This can even be done the day before.

Spread the bacon mix over the pastry, roll up like a swiss roll, brush the edges with water and seal. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake in the middle of a moderate oven, gas mark 5, 375 F, 190 C for about 30 minutes until crisp and brown.

MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD 1901 - 1996

L.C Rumens spent part of his early life in Shirenewton. We are publishing extracts from his "Memories of my Childhood" in the next issues of the magazine, giving an insight into village life in the early part of the last century.

I was born the 8 ^th June 1901 in New St, Kennington, London, just after the death of Queen Victoria, so I am nearly a Victorian, but my parents John and Ellen Rumens really were. I don't remember much of my very early life. We lived with my grandparents Thomas and Mary Ann Weld at 38 Cleaver Street Kennington. Our parents and grandparents were all very religious people. I was three and a half years old when my brother Stanley was born and five and a half years old when Vick came along. My two younger brothers and I were brought up in a strict but happy Victorian environment. Although I am an agnostic now, our early training has had a great effect on my life. The low standards of morality today are mainly due, I believe, to a lack of Christian teaching and upbringing.

In those days the Church and Chapel were the main meeting places, other than the Public houses, and there were very few distractions as is the case today. I still have happy memories of Cleaver St and my grandfather in particular. I suppose being the eldest child he made rather a fuss of me. For instance he took me to Southend-on-Sea. Typically as a small boy I remember a lovely lunch attended by waiters in a very large hotel. This was probably a birthday celebration. Another time we went to a circus at the Agricultural Hall in Islington where amongst other things I saw a man climbing up a long ladder keeping it balanced all the time and when at the top coming down on the other side. That so impressed me that years later I tried to do it myself and luckily no bones were broken. Another memory is of an evening party in the garden with candles in small coloured glass lanterns dotted around.

When I was quite young there was a garden nursery in a centre part of Cleaver Sq which is connected to Cleaver Street. It was from there that my grandfather obtained his plants for the colourful display in the front garden, but he did not appear to care very much for the back, at the rear of which was a kind of jungle of what I now know was Canadian Balsam which grew very tall. This was where we played.

There is a pub called the Prince of Wales in the corner of the Square. Mother once told me that on Mondays they had a washerwoman who insisted on having her beer before she started work. She was given the money and jug covered by a cloth, so that the neighbours would not see whilst collecting the beer. I remember her name was Mrs Guy who always wore a bonnet. All of our family was teetotal.

The school I attended as a boy in London was as I remember it enormous and even now seems very large. At the present day it is a College of Further Education but still shows boys and girls entrances.

My grandfather died quite suddenly early in 1909 when I was eight, and soon after this we moved to Shirenewton Monmouthshire, now Gwent. Our father, John, who was a carpenter had obtained a new job. He was going to be a chauffeur driving a Rolls-Royce for a country gentleman, the squire at Shirenewton Hall. Father having preceded us there, mother and we three boys left Kennington one morning for Paddington station in a horse-drawn carriage which was very exciting. Incidentally, on the way we saw a horse-drawn fire engine rushing down the street. Also in those days there were buses drawn by horses in London continuing until I believe 1911. When dad arrived at his new job he saw the enormous Silver Ghost Rolls-Royce and attempted to drive it, but so terrified was he that he refused to be a chauffeur. Incidentally, the first RR was first made in 1906 and this was 1909. Of course he did cycle in London and in his earlier years rode a penny-farthing, but this was rather different. What occurred then is not clear but he became the estate carpenter, for which he was ideally suited.

Growing up in the country was a very lovely experience which we all thoroughly enjoyed, a complete change of life for all of us. Mother, Ellen made a very happy home for us and must have been a good housekeeper. We never went short of food or much else. She made many of our clothes and gave piano lessons to augment dad's rather low wages. I now recollect that she went to a private school and being the only child she was probably rather favoured. I think her parents were much better off than dad's. He was a liberal as I am also and had his Daily Chronicle every day which I believe cost 1 old penny. This would have been brought from Chepstow, the nearest town about 4 ½ miles away, by the postman. Very few people in our village read newspapers in those days and generally no radios, life must have been more peaceful. He belonged to a library in Chepstow and before that was a subscriber to Mudies Circulating Library in London.

Our parents were non-conformists, Dad a Baptist and Mum a Wesleyan. There was a Wesleyan chapel in the village, but as chapel-goers were very frowned upon by the gentry my father thought it would be wise to conform by attending Church but with reservations, such as refusing to say parts of the creed. On the other hand mother refused to conform, going to the Chapel instead and playing the harmonium. I do remember some arguments between them. The Chapel eventually closed some years later and Mother became the Church organist, continuing for many years. It must have been very difficult and strange for her to adjust, especially with the psalms, but she did master it. She was paid an honorarium of £5 per quarter. I sometimes pumped the bellows in the organ loft.

I well remember my first day at the village school at Mynyddbach about ½ a mile from home. I was interviewed by the Headmaster Mr Ellis Jones who gave me some tests in mental arithmetic, which I suppose were answered satisfactorily. He then asked about my spelling to which I replied with confidence that I was very good because I was usually top at the previous school. He then asked me to spell Nebuchadnezzar, which of course I was unable to do so. He smiled and dismissed me. That taught me a lesson. I owe him a great debt because he coached me sufficiently well to obtain the first scholarship from our village school to a first rate Grammer School in Newport which was 17 miles away. This necessitated a cycle ride of about 5 miles, six days a week to the railway station at Severn Tunnel Junction and then on by train. As a result I did get an excellent secondary education which I enjoyed. My brother Vic went there five years later but due to illness was unable to continue.

I used to spend time when I was about 10 playing with children at the farm down the hill from Hill cottage from where we fetched water in the early days and also obtained our milk. Several times I saw a pig being killed and the burning off of its hair with straw.

There was little money for toys but we did occasionally receive presents from relatives at Christmas and birthdays. The best ones for me were always books because I loved reading. Games had to be produced by ourselves, There were ball games of cricket, of course with home-made bats and wickets. Flying home-made kites, playing with hops which were quite large and made at the Blacksmiths for a few coppers. A thing called a skimmer for guiding was used.

When I went to Grammer School my parents bought a bicycle for me , I believe it cost about £4 to £5, much more than dad's week wages. How they managed that I don't know, because as far as I remember no help came from the Education Authorities except my railway season ticket and free education, I never knew what the fees were. I have always disliked sport, managing to evade it at the Grammer School as I lived so far away. The main exercise I had was cycling up and down the Welsh hills which was very enjoyable but challenging. During the holidays I made frequent journeys of up to 70 miles around the countryside, sometimes with my brother Stan. Therefore I have developed a strong heart and good lungs which is likely to have contributed to a long life despite being a heavy smoker until I was about 75. In those days telephones were very rare. The only important means of distant communication was the Telegram. This was done from the Village Post Office by Pony Express ! Any responsible boy who happened to be around in the village square at the time would be asked to deliver the telegram wearing a leather belt with brass insignia to hold the message. It was accepted that he could ride. The journey could be up to 3 miles, the pay was sixpence (old money). This was about the same as my weekly pocket money. What a happy day that was, to get paid for riding a pony !

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 Monday 21st February 2000

** During the Service there will be an opportunity to renew marriage vows or to give thanks for a spouse or partner who has passed away. This will be repeated later in Millennium year for those unable to attend.