Penallt Old Church

Penallt Old Church is the oldest building in the village. The focal point of the parish even for those who rarely worship in it. Visible from miles around it is a spiritual refuge for the local parishioners and the many who use the footpaths that pass through the churchyard. The church is open all the time. Please join on us for Sunday services (every 2 weeks) or just enjoy the tranquility of the church and visit the churchyard to enjoy the magnificent views of the river Wye 600 feet below. The church is always open, tea and coffee are available and the visitors book bears testament to the number of ‘pilgrim walkers’ who pass through and are awed by the tranquillity and beauty of this wonderful church. The church is also home to a 300+ population of Horseshoe bats and a site of special scientific interest. For more details on the church history see below.

Services in December - All Welcome

Sunday December 22nd 11.00 am at the Old Church, Penallt:

· Traditional service of 9 Lessons & Carols followed by Mulled Wine & Mince Pies

Christmas Eve, Tuesday December 24th at Pentwyn Barn:

· Meet on the village green by the Bush Inn at 4.00 pm, children please dress as characters in the Christmas story. We will walk to Pentwyn Barn for a short Nativity service with carols. Bring torches. Followed by refreshments back at the Bush

Christmas Eve, 9.00 pm at the Old Church, Penallt:

· Midnight Mass

Christmas Day 10.00 am at the Old Church, Penallt:

· Service of Holy Communion

Wishing everyone a very happy, peaceful & blessed Christmas

ALL Welcome

FORTHCOMING EVENT - Coffee morning in Pelham hall on December 5th 10.30 am - wonderful cakes!

Old Church Christmas raffle tickets are now available via Sarah Haeffner or can be booked and paid via the Pelham hall shop.

Raffle prizes include A Wally Keeler pot, A Sunday roast voucher for 2 at the Bush, Selection pack of Galloway beet, A case of local white Wine plus many other prizes.

The Draw will part of the Pelham Hall Christmas Celebrations on Thursday 20th December .

Doors Open 6.30 followed by Communal carol singing and the Christmas Draw.

This will be followed by the Village Quiz night

Penallt old Church is the oldest building in the village dating from the early 13th century. It has magnificent views and is a place of peace and serenity in which many of our ancestors are buried.

However, the Church and churchyard require continual repair and maintenance and this relies only on local support.

We have spent @£30k in 2023 - repointing the tower and main roofs as well as replacing the bell tower floor- this work wiil hopefully will last a good few years!

This spend has depleted our funds and we still have many outstanding projects including the provision of an outside composting loo as we have no water supply . So please spend a few pennies to help !

Past events

Monday 6th May (Bank Holiday)

Many thanks to everyone who donated plants and purchased ! we raised £380 for the Old church funds.

The new church bosses - representing the Covid Pandemic and the late Queens Jubilee were blessed by Karen Dack and all the attendees toasted the new bosses with a glass of fizz. As you go into the church - look up and you will see them. The bosses represent momentous events in British history dating back to the reign of Richard 1. The age of the bosses is unknown.

The New History and Nature boards have been installed in the Church and Churchyard – please come along and enjoy refreshments that are now available to visitors.

Churchwarden - Tim McCord 07770 638250  timmccord@hotmail.co.uk

PCC Members

Lyn Harper muderma@googlemail.com

Sarah Haefner 01600 712349

Newsletters, Volunteering and Fundraising

We produce a Parish magazine every two months which can be downloaded from here …..

Volunteering – from time to time we have ‘churchyard’ working parties to ensure that the churchyard is clean and tidy. If you can help watch out for notices and contact Tim McCord.

As an old building there is also plenty of work that is required on the fabric.  If you have a specific skill or craft – your help would be invaluable.

Fund Raising – In common with many organisations, Covid-19 has significantly reduced the Church income which we rely on to maintain the building. If you would like to give in a tax efficient manner, donations however small are greatly appreciated . Please contact the Treasurer timmccord@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

History

There are 28 pages of history contained in the Local History section of this site plus 17 drawings and watercolours.

Gallery