Churchyard Wall Repair
One of the findings of Hope Church’s five-yearly inspection in 2007, by our church architect, showed that repair was needed to the churchyard wall adjacent to Kiln Lane. Ideally, this should be done within 5 years.
The worst area was in proximity to where a sycamore tree had grown, and it was felt that the roots had undermined the wall causing a pattern of cracks in the masonry.
So, in early December, Tim Humphreys and his team started work to dismantle this section of the wall, remove all traces of the tree stumps and roots, and then to relay the wall using a lime based mortar.
The job was completed in typical late November weather, very cold and very wet, but the rebuilt wall, see picture, shows great credit to Tim and his team.
We offer grateful thanks to the Flintshire Community Trust (“the Landfill Trust”) for most of the funds, topped up with a ‘Spring Clean’ grant from CADW.
Welcome to the Circle of Hope Riders
Latest information: this event will take place again on Sunday 15th May 2010
In 2009 cyclists and churchgoers mingled on Sunday 13th September as our Church Hall was used as the base for the Circle of Hope charity cycle rides. Samantha Archibald and her colleagues and volunteers organised the 100 mile and 50 mile bike rides in aid of the Cancer Research Unit at Clatterbridge Hospital.
We were pleased to be able to provide the premises as our contribution to the event.
A Happy Wedding Day for Rachel & Christopher
The sun shone on Saturday 12th September for a couple who richly deserved it. Family and friends were delighted to witness their marriage service. Rachel’s mother Pat, a member of the church choir, retained sufficient composure to sing a solo after the signing of the register – something not many mothers of the bride can aspire to; well done Pat.
Our prayers and best wishes go with you, Rachel and Christopher, as you resume your duties.
Victorian High Tea at the Church Hall
Above, the ladies of the parish wait in anticipation, ready to serve delicate sandwiches, savouries and cakes in our best china at our first Victorian Afternoon Tea. We were delighted that a few minutes later the hall was full with peple taking up our offer. There was no set charge but donations were welcome and we are very grateful to all the people who gave so generously in aid of church funds. Thank you to all who came and all who helped – we really enjoyed the afternoon of joyful fellowship.
A Warm Welcome to an Old Friend
We were delighted to welcome our former rector, the Rev’d Gerald Griffiths, to the 6pm service on “Sunday 28th June; Gerald presided at the Eucharist to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. After the service we gathered for refreshments in the Church Hall, and the picture below shows Gerald and his wife Marlene with Martin, our current rector.
Barry Smith - 25 years a Lay Reader
This summer Barry celebrated 25 years’ duty a a Lay Reader. This occasion was marked by the Rector and the officers with a Sunday lunch and the presentation of a book. The parish is indebted to Barry for his hard work as a Lay Reader over many years, not to mention his daily work looking after the Church Hall. Thank you Barry.
Sir John Trevor - Hope's contribution to the Chester Giants
In late March David Pickering, our Sexton and also closely involved in many projects in and around Chester, suggested that a group from the parish might like to make a giant which could take part in the midsummer Chester Giant parade.
Two weddings and a summer fete
We were lucky to have a glorious day for the summer fete this year, and had the added excitement of two weddings just before it started. This picture above shows fete helpers taking time out to watch the arrival of Joanne at her wedding to Graham. Earlier in the day Christopher and Emma also tied the knot here at St Cynfarch’s – congratulations to both couples.
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Since the weather was so good the outdoor stalls did particularly brisk business; Kathleen Graham supplied an amazing number of plants of all kinds and sizes and enabled a lot of us to take short cuts in our gardens – thank you Kathleen. We were also pleased to welcome a new attraction – Lilly came from Chester to carry out her face painting skills and was particularly appreciated by the children. There has been some talk of an adult face painting session – but most of us would prefer Lilly to take lines out rather than add them in!
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The highlight of the day for many youngsters was the teddy abseil. Teddies of all types were joined by various other furry friends and experienced the thrill of being wizzed up the tower and back down again. This is the second teddy abseil we’ve had at the tower and I gather more ambitions plans are being hatched for next year.
We were very grateful to Margaret and Pete for spending the afternoon at the top of the tower sending the teddies back down with their certificates. It was a particularly long day for them since they’d also rung at the previous wedding so thank you Margaret and Pete. 
We’re grateful too to all those who helped with the stalls and refreshments, and also, of course, to all those those who came and helped to make the occasion a success.
Poppy Appeal - for Volunteers
Ann Lovatt writes:
“This was my first year as volunteer Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator for the area. So I would like to thank all those who helped Dave & I with the appeal last year, although a little chaotic at times as we didn’t know who had what when, hopefully we are now in a much better position for this coming autumn.
A Treasure Trove
A member of our congregation recently arrived at church with a plan of St Cynfarch’s dated 1884-5, a period when considerable changes were made to the inside of the church.
The plan was obtained from a website called churchlplansonline which is a real treasure trove of information about church building and improvements made between 1818 and 1982.
Since items on this page come and go I’ve put a link to this interesting site on the Links Page; I can guarantee that if you click through to it you’ll become engrossed very quickly!
Thank you Geoff!