The Diocese of Monmouth ran their annual Churches Unlocked Festival between June 6th and June 21st. This is an opportunity for churches, particularly those that are usually kept locked, to open their doors to visitors. Many of our churches are open daily to visitors but this was a good opportunity to advertise this, and encourage as many people to journey across all 17. All of our Pastoral Districts took part, with 15 of our churches holding particular events or simply being ‘unlocked’.
Some of our churches such as St Michael’s, Llanvihangel Crucorney and St David’s Llanddewi Skirrid offered refreshments to travellers (and dogs!) whilst St James’ Llanvetherine was opened every Wednesday and weekend for visitors to appreciate its ancient building and newly restored tower. The positive comments left in our Visitors Books were very encouraging. People appreciated being able to enjoy our churches’ peace and beauty in their own relaxed way. It was also a great chance for us all to travel to those churches we haven’t yet been to within the Ministry Area!
We took this opportunity to launch our PIlgrim Passports, the brain wave of our newest House for Duty Priest Revd Canon David Williams. People were able to pick up a Pilgrim Passport from any of our churches (unlocked or not) or from the Visitors Centre in Abergavenny. All our churches then have their own indidvual stamp which pilgrims can collect as they begin to ‘tick off’ each church.
We have had plenty of positive feedback from travelling pilgrims as well as those in the area who would like to get to know their local church better. It has also provide popular with children who are determined to get theirs ‘completed’. The only negative we have experienced is running out of them! Many thanks to the volunteers who enable our special historic buildings to be open to the public.