The Labour Continues in Llanfairpwll

A book launch, celebration of lifelong service and two generous donations to charity at Rhos y Gad United Church, Llanfairpwll.

The launch of 'Y Llafur yn Parhau’ (‘The Labour Continues') was an historic occasion for Rhos y Gad United Church, Llanfairpwll.

The book by Wyn Evans gives an overview of the church’s history between the centenary of the opening event of the present chapel in 1973 and 2008.

At a meeting in the Vestry on Sunday 15 January, each member household was given a copy of the book.

Wyn Evans had the idea of preparing the 75-page book after attending a course on local history, where the class was asked to prepare an essay on a building, special organization or person connected with the village.

'Y Llafur yn Parhau' is a follow-up to ‘Llafur Eraill’ ('Others’ Labour'), a booklet written by Revd John Bennett Jones and C.O. Lewis for the 1973 celebrations. ‘Llafur Eraill’ traces the church’s history between its establishment in 1785 and the centenary of the present building in 1973.

The book is based on several sources, including church records and press reports and includes a number of pictures. It covers the 1973 celebrations as well as discussing topics as diverse as 'The Spiritual Life of the Church', 'The Social Life of the Church' and 'Money Matters'.

The launch meeting was presided over by Revd Jim Clarke and Rheinallt Thomas gave an introduction following a brief service. Mr Thomas said: "The book is a reflection of the detailed, thorough and careful manner in which Wyn set out to summarise this church’s history over a period of nearly 40 years. We thank him for making yet another contribution to the life of the church.”

Mr Thomas also referred to the book’s epilogue, 'Looking Forward' by Revd Jim Clarke. "I agree with him one hundred percent," he said, "and although there is a considerable age gap between us, we are on the same wavelength without exception and I hope that his aspirations receive a positive response."

The Chapel Choir, led by Mair Carrington Roberts, provided to musical interludes before Revd Jim Clarke presented a copy of the book to Wyn Evans, praising its content and Mr Evans’ usual thoroughness. Myfanwy Jones and Wenna Bennett Williams read short extracts from the book.

Copies of the book are on sale for £4 each.

Recognition of lifelong service

On the morning of Sunday 15 January, a copy of three ‘englyn’ (short poems) by Alan Wyn Roberts, set against a stunning photo of Rhos y Gad chapel by Ronnie Williams, was presented to Rheinallt Thomas, Secretary of Rhos y Gad United Church

The event was an opportunity acknowledge Rheinallt's special contribution to the church for over forty years as an elder and secretary. Presenting the gift was the youngest member of the church, Gethin Davies, who was only received as a full member in January. Given Rheinallt's dedication to the work of the Sunday School and youth of the denomination, this was a very apt choice.

Rheinallt was obviously very pleased and for once, he admitted, he did not know what to say. On behalf of the members, Revd Jim Clarke thanked Rheinallt for his tireless work, then John Edwards presented him with a cheque. The mantle of Secretary will fall on the shoulders of this active and able young man. Rheinallt said he could remember the early days when much of the church's work fell on himself and Ambrose Pretty. But he is now delighted to be a member of a team which seeks to co-operate with the minister and all members for the good of the church.

Sponsorship for two charities

Revd Jim Clarke presents a cheque for £1,500 to Helen Wyn, Fundraising Officer for the local Hope House. Another cheque for £800 was sent to Anglesey Homeless. The cheques were the result of two collections made during the church's Christmas services.