History of St Hilary's in the parish of killay

90 YEARS SERVING THE COMMUNITY 90 YEARS 1926 - SERVING 2016 THE COMMUNITY 1926 - 2016
the many activities on offer at the Morfa
Bay Activity Centre, Pendine for our Youth
Club who went on a camp from 25th to 29 th
July. These activities took place in the
afternoon following a morning of worship
and discussion and a presentation from one
of the leaders on a Christian theme. In the
evening, after food was taken up, either a
disco or a talent show was on offer. The
last night was highlighted by a water fight
and Father David Payne, the leader, got a
soaking. The Bishop closed the camp on
the Sunday morning and all who went from
St Hilary’s expressed the desire to go again
next year.
The middle months of the year saw the
finalising of the plans to celebrate the 75 th
Anniversary of the opening of the church.
On Friday August 10 th , a Holy Eucharist
was held with the Bishop of the Diocese
presiding and preaching. For the very many
who attended this special service, it was
good to meet, once again, a number of
clergy who had been associated with St
Hilary's in the preceding years: Joe Griffin,
Kelvin Richards, Michael Walters and
Brian Jones – word was also received from
Howell Hughes, Keith Thomas and David
Wilkinson who were unable to attend. The
following evening, members joined
together to enjoy a barbecue party. The
weather was inclement but, being used to
wet days at Summer Fete time, and any
other outdoor activity, the proceedings
flowed along and all who went enjoyed
themselves. As usual, the Barn Dance, held
in October went with a swing (and a dozy
doe) and, although there was a Pet Service
and the Christmas Bazaar to come later in
the year, the celebrations for the 75 th
anniversary ended.
While all these activities were going on,
the P.C.C. had many other aspects of
running the church to consider. Among
them were the following ongoing items:
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Early in the year it was reported that the
church's heating system showed signs of
antiquity and so, at a cost of £5,900, a new
gas boiler and a new gas supply were
installed.
A request was received from Swansea
College to use the church hall as one of
their centres for adult education. This was
agreed and, during the year, classes in
Welsh, Flower Arranging, Art - with
emphasis on painting, and Local History
were started.
After many months of administration, a
Christian Resources Exhibition was held
primarily for the schools of our area.
Basically, the idea was that the church held
a library of Christian resources and that the
local schools be encouraged to borrow and
use the resources in their presentations to
the children. It was agreed that the first
Wednesday, early evening of each month
be set aside for the transfer of resources.
This worthwhile project was seen through,
on behalf of the P.C.C., by Barbara and
Eric Thomas.
The Sunday School changed its name to
Junior Church for it was seen that the word
'school' had a certain rigorism which did
not fit in with the aims and culture of the
coming together of the young folk in St
Hilary’s.
As for our Youth Club at that time, it was
flourishing and, very much like the adult
societies, had a very active programme of
events. Looking back at the autumn of
2001 they were instructed in Birthday and
Christmas card making, honed their art
skills after a demonstration made by John
Upton of the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery,
enjoyed two discos, hot dogs and
fireworks, a sponsored bible read and a
sleepover in the hall. They raised a sum of
£306 for Children in Need, helped in the
Christmas Fayre, bought a portable
television set to use with their Karaoke
which was very popular and then came the
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