St Mary’s Priory went back to the 1960s and ‘70s with singing, dancing and a great meal at a hog roast in aid of The Longest Yarn exhibition in the church, being held throughout May 2027.
Over 100 people sang and danced to music provided by trio Primary Covers ranging from Sweet Caroline to High Ho Silver Lining, and enjoyed the meal supplied by Pigs on Spits.
The acclaimed exhibition, which has attracted significant attention across the UK, uses knitting and crochet to tell the story of Britain during the Second World War. Stretching for 80 metres, the installation features detailed handcrafted scenes and life-sized textile figures created by hundreds of volunteers from around the world.
Combining art, history and remembrance, The Longest Yarn: Britain at War presents key moments from wartime life, highlighting the experiences of ordinary people during one of the most significant periods in modern history. Through carefully researched displays, visitors will encounter scenes depicting evacuation, rationing, the Blitz, military service and the celebrations that marked Victory in Europe Day.
As well as the exhibition, St Mary’s will also feature thousands of crocheted or knitted flowers, currently being created by volunteers from Abergavenny and beyond.
There will be a look forward to the exhibition at the popular Pop-Up Café in St Mary’s over the Food Festival weekend, which will also feature music from the Priory Choir.
For more pictures of the Hog Roast click here. To learn more about The Longest Yarn click here.
Mothers’ Union takes over Sunday service
Every year, on 9th August, Mother’s Union celebrates Mary Sumner Day. Mary Sumner was the founder of this worldwide organisation and her life and vision for much needed support for mothers and their families, is remembered and honoured on this day.
This year MU are celebrating their 150th year anniversary. All over the world, branches have been holding their own celebrations in many and varied forms and by lucky coincidence, this year our special date fell on a Sunday and this prompted the idea of “Takeover Sunday”. The idea was for MU members to play as active a role in that morning’s service as was possible.
Rev Dawn, being a long- standing member herself, readily agreed to turn over everything except the actual Eucharist and our Branch Leader, Julie stepped up to lead the service, with readings and prayers all being done by members.
The church was prepared with wonderful floral decorations and balloons and candle all in MU colours, and the feeling of a different sort of service was evident on entering the building.
It was a very joyful service and was much enjoyed by all of the MU members and also the rest of the congregation. And just to add a further reason for celebration, two new members, Marcia and her husband Andrew (pictured with Julie, centre) were enrolled. There is always joy in adding to our numbers.
Of course, no such occasion would be complete without a cake (especially at Christchurch) and a splendid and most delicious cake was provided by Mary, beautifully iced for the occasion.
The morning concluded with us enjoying tea, cake and lovely fellowship.
For more pictures of the event, go to our picture gallery.
Schools Engagement Pioneer joins MA
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Clare Edwards as the Schools Engagement Pioneer for Abergavenny.
Clare brings over 20 years of teaching experience, together with extensive experience of working with children and families through her involvement in church ministry and community engagement.
We warmly welcome Clare to this role and wish her every success as she begins this exciting new chapter.
Welsh Language Eucharist
Eglwys Crist, Ffordd y Gogledd, Y Fenni, NP7 7EA – Sul cyntaf y mis
Christchurch, North Street, Abergavenny NP7 7EA – first Sunday of the month
Are you learning Welsh? Or looking for a service of Holy Eucharist in Welsh? There will be a Welsh language Eucharist at 11am on the first Sunday of every month at Christchurch, North Street, NP7 7EA. The service will be led by the Revd Dan Damon and is aimed at both fluent Welsh speakers and learners (the Order of Service will be printed in both English and Welsh) and will include some of the many beautiful Welsh hymns. The sermon will be in both Welsh and English and there’s even going to be a helpful list translating difficult or unusual Welsh words. There will be refreshments after the service. Some parking is available in the church grounds while there is also on-street parking. All very welcome.