Community
Once again there was a magical sunrise seen from outside St Decuman's Church on Easter Sunday. It was a beautiful day that followed a wonderful dawn, even though it was a little chilly. People were able to spend a while in quiet prayer and wonderment at the dawning of this special day. It is made more special by knowing the very historic importance of this part of the churchyard on the southern side of St Decuman's Church, with it being the location of Decuman's original 'hermit's cell' and because it is believed to be one of only a few known Capel-y-bedd (Chapel of the Grave) in Wales. The links of this area with prehistoric people also adds even more spiritual wonder as there is a very good view of the dawn in the East, which would have been an important part of early peoples' lives over the millennia, as it still is today, whatever your spiritual beliefs.
'the dawn in the East is the light chasing away the darkness of the night.'
The landscape of Rhoscrowther and the neighbouring parish of Castlemartin inspired two of Welsh language poet Waldo Williams' poems. There is a viewpoint near Hoplass Farm overlooking Cheveralton Valley and view of the landscape that inspired his most famous poem, Cofio. Rhoscrowther and the viewpoint near Hoplass Farm are locations on the newly produced 'Waldo Tour', which can be downloaded below. You can visit the plaque dedicated to Waldo which is located on the side of the Old Schoolroom next to Rhoscrowther Church, or you could take a look at Cheveralton Valley from the Hoplass viewpoint and maybe catch a glimpse of your very own inspirational sunset.
Click here to download the latest version of the Waldo Williams Tour.
Members of the Rhoscrowther community hung 'Poetry Leaves' on trees in Rhoscrowther in May 2021 to commemorate 50 years since Waldo's death. The 'leaves' had lines from Waldo's poems written on them and were part of the Waldo Williams' Society's events to commemorate the poet. The Society said the event was an "outstanding success" and they had received photos of poetry leaves being hung as far away as Brittany in France. A photo of the poetry leaves that were hung in Rhoscrowther has also been posted on the Society's website.
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Once again St Degman's Church took part in CADW's annual Open Doors event which runs throughout September each year. The visitors' book at St Degman's is always full of entries from people from all around the country and from abroad. This year St Degman's had a visit from a family who were descended from the smithy who worked in the blacksmith's shop in Rhoscrowther. There was also a visit from two architectural photographers who described their time at St Degman's as "the best Church day ever".