LLANGUA

1:30pm Sunday 27th July 2008

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ST. JAMES- As visitors neared the tiny church dedicated to St. James; the magical enchantment of the sound of the harp greeted them, played by 18 year old Susy Stark. As candlelight replaced the setting sun, Eric Locke introduced the four speakers who recalled their travels and the spirit of pilgrimage that accompanied them on their journeys. Hilda Mace lit a candle beneath the statue of the Saint, set into the wall. The act of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in Northern Spain, where it is believed St. James is buried is as popular today as during the Middle Ages, although the hardships and mode of travel is for the most, very different. Jean Mauruschat read a prayer by Sir Walter Raleigh and recalled her own pilgrimage to Compostella last year with a group from Hereford Deanery. Margaret Neal then recalled her cruise to Russia and ‘peeps’ into St. Petersburg, her compelling descriptions ending with a recording from Swan Lake. John Biggs spoke of his lifetime love of mountain climbing and the sometimes perilous, spiritual and hair-raising journey to the Himalayas, ending with the sound of Nepalese monks during evening devotions. To complete the tales of travel, Merryn Hellier bounced to the fore full of memories of her 1,000 mile walk with a group of 17 Christian Aid workers, from Belfast to London via Scotland, Herefordshire and Wales to raise awareness and influence politicians about the effect of world climate change and the need to cut carbon emissions. A jazzy song by her Kenyan friends seemed an uplifting end. The church has recently been gifted new hymn books. These were dedicated at the altar by Churchwarden James Stark before three prayers from the liturgy of St. James were read by Ellen Downey, Pat Locke and Barbara Stark. Refreshments and the opportunity to look at travel photographs and books completed this perfect evening of celebration.