Y BOROUGH WWW.WELSHCHAPEL.COM

Heddwch dros yr wyl – Peace at Christmas and the New Year.

The Borough Chapel was recently visited by Chris Lawton, Organist at St Mary’s Methodist Church Handforth; he was able to enlighten us on our John Compton organ.  Compton’s specialised in organ construction where the space was limited. He informed us that our organ was a superb example of a 1950’s Compton Church Organ in original condition to play.

Our night of Ghost Stories told by the Rev. Towyn Jones was very interesting and although some of us had heard his stories before and knew the ending he still made us all jump.  The evening finished with Cheese and Wine.

Another visitor to the Borough Chapel was the Montgomeryshire Society and their speaker for the afternoon Philip Griffiths. The title of the afternoon meeting was “From the Moat to Phantom” Philip lived at Moat Farm near Newtown. His parents were farmers but he enjoyed music and has been in Phantom of the Opera for over 20 years.

The Borough Chapel has also made front page news in the American Welsh paper Ninnau, with an open invitation to visit the Welsh Church in New York. The invitation was reciprocated but it is more likely that we will see visitors from America in the Borough than Borough members in New York.

Unfortunately there have been sad times.  The death of David Hughes (Rowenna’s son) in October. David had inherited his late father’s (Morris Hughes) interest in theology and music.  He was also influenced by his late grand father and grand mother Byron and Marjorie Jones. His dedication to the Church at Reigate was evident in the Thanks Giving Service at his church.  A number of Borough Members attended the Service.  It was also sad to hear of the death of our friend the Rev. Richard Jones. Richard had long connections with the Borough Chapel staying with Gwyneth and Ifor Davies when attending hospital appointments.  Again a number of members attended the funeral in Wales. Our service on 14 November was dedicated to David and Richard. We have extended our sincere condolences to both families

We are now looking forward to our first service of the New Year 9 January 11am where our theme will be ‘New Year – New Beginning’.  Members including Michael Williams’ choir Eschoir will be taking part in the service which will also include Simon Hughes MP.  Howel Jones will be preparing the meal after the service. If any one wishes to join us please contact me.

On Sunday March 6 we will be celebrating St David’s Day with a special service taken by Simon Hughes. Please put this date in your diary.

Finally congratulations to Bethan Jones, Howel and Lynwen’s daughter on receiving Nurse of the Year award.

Margaret Jones