THANKS: The vicar of St Mary’s Church, Abergavenny, the Rev Canon Mark Soady, points out in his monthly Four Churches magazine, that it is the time for thanks to “all those who make the life of the churches in the incumbency tick.” The number includes all the volunteers of the St Mary’s Development Trust and all who work or volunteer on the Priory site.

The first big thank-you goes to Caroline Woollard, who edits the magazine which “we can be rightly proud of.”

Second thanks go to Sheila Davies, whose term as churchwarden according to the Church in Wales Constitution, comes to an end this month“ but I know she will not be hanging up her wand or her flower-arranging skills totally.”

The Canon adds:”Thirdly, my thanks to my ministerial colleagues for all they do for you and me. In the Holywell Community we have a group of young people who are very special. They have put their lives on hold for God and we have received the blessings of that.

“That is where I am going to stop with regards to naming names because there are too many of you to list. In many and different ways almost all of the circa 350 people on the electoral roll of these parishes and some who are not, contribute a great deal.”
 
COFFEE: Christchurch coffee mornings, on the first Thursday of each month in the hall in North Street, are due to be held on June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2 and the Christmas one on December 7.
 
CROSS: There are still a couple of opportunities to follow the Stations of the Cross at St Mary’s Church on Wednesdays March 29 and April 5 at 7.30pm. These will be followed by refreshments and, at 8.45pm, by Compline. Judith Williams has created drawings of eight Stations of the Cross, with a limited edition of A4 posters of the Stations available for £1 at Holly Trinity. 
 
ARTS: Throughout May, St Mary’s will display quilts designed by children to commemorate the First World War. The exhibition has been organised under the auspices of NADFAS.

On Friday October 13, local amateur dramatic groups will present a specially-written production based on St Mary’s with everyone walking around the church. This will bring to life the famous ladies buried there, exploring their lives and their importance to Abergavenny through acting, speaking and music.
 
SINGING: The Holywell community has started a hymn singing session at Victoria Court in Hereford Road on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm. It has been well received by the residents and everyone is welcome and it is a “jolly experience” to be connecting with the wider community in this way.
 
HOLIDAY: A pilgrimage/holiday to Kent is planned for the beginning of August. European Heritage will provide transport and accommodation when visiting Rochester and Canterbury.Plans are to stay in a four-star hotel for three nights, costing from £315 depending on numbers. Anyone interest can contact Hazel Watkins or Anne Griffiths on 859689. The visit has been organised to coincide with St Mary’s Choir Singing Week under the auspices of Abergavenny Anglican Churches Together and is open to members of all churches.
 
CHIT CHAT: Gatherings continue at the Coffee Pot in Nevill Street and those who attend look at the newspapers and discuss current issues in the light of Christian beliefs, while enjoying tea, coffee and breakfast. There is a designated leader each week and anyone who is interested can “just come along and join in.” It’s held every Saturday from 9.30am-10.30am in the Coffee Pot.

For any more information, those interested can contact Deacon Sarah (subprior@stmarys-prior.org) or Jenny (jennyelkins79@gmail.com).

Abergavenny
Don Chambers
don.1936@talktalk.net