Kilpeck Church (St Mary & St David)



South door of 12th century Kilpeck Church
Photography by R.J.L.Smith

By no stretch of the imagination can this little church be considered to be in the Welsh Valleys, but I fell in love with it when I saw it and am sure you will too.   No matter your religion, or lack of it, this building will not fail to fascinate.

Situated in Herefordshire, close to the A465 from Abergavenny to Hereford, this quaint architectural gem, one of many ancient churches, is well worth seeking out.   With only a small sign on the A465 to indicate the turning to this Norman church, it is easy to miss.

"Discover the Golden Valley and Black Mountains Countryside"* describes it as even more bizarre than the combined genius of Walt Disney and Salvador Dali.   Hints of Celtic, Welsh, Oriental, Byzantine and Scandinavian influences are reflected in the carved stone figures which decorate the building.   Many of them are arranged in a frieze around the outside, just under the roof;  dogs, monsters, grotesques, a rabbit, a sheila-na-her hair, and many many more for you to name.

Behind the church, over a small stile, lies a large mound smothered in greenery and the masonry remains of Kilpeck Castle.   If the remains of this Norman structure fail to excite, then the views should make up for it.

*copyright Caroline Downey, The Coach House, Cwmyoy, Nr Abergavenny.

 

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre

The Regional Centre for the Applied Arts in South East Wales

 

Although within a very short walk of Cwmbran Town Centre Bus Station, the Grange is a world away from the concrete and glass of Cwmbran itself.

Set in a small area of parkland with mature trees, as you take coffee outside you could almost be visiting some large Stately Home.

In the twelth century, "Gelli Las" farm stood on the site, supplying produce to the nearby Llantarnam Abbey.   Pilgrims would travel from far and wide to visit the Abbey and then progress on to st Derfel's Church, now very derelict, towards Twmbarlwm Mountain.

As the new town of Cwmbran was planned in the 1960s, the Grange was listed for demolition, but a reprieve was granted in 1966.

Adam Buck's porcelain moon jars

Today, it holds a wide and diverse array of exhibitions focussing on the applied arts.   With a craft shop, high quality cafe and nationally recognised Education Dept., this building has room to hoast meetings for local businesses, clubs and societies as well as individuals.   Its Outreach Programme delivers workshops to community groups, and charities.


The Manager, Jaqueline Kelly is most pleasant and helpful and information on future exhibitions, etc. can be gained from the Grange website.  

www.lgac.org.uk

email:  info@lgac.org.uk

The craft shop offers highly original items for that specuial gift or that once-in-a-while treat for yourself, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, wood and metal.