Chairman (standing, left) at the Communion service                   Photo courtesy of Canon Graham  Francis

A Mass Exodus to Flat Holm

Whilst on a visit to the island last summer I was fortunate to meet Canon Graham Francis with a party of schoolchildren from St Mary the Virgin School. Whilst chatting about the fact that Flat Holm is in St Mary's Parish, we wondered who the island's Patron Saint was. Two weeks and many e-mails and letters later we had arranged to have a Mass on the island to celebrate St Cadoc, who had close associations with the island in the 6th Century and would retreat to Flat Holm for Lent.

On 20th September Father Graham brought 30 of his parishioners from St Mary the Virgin and Ss Dyfrig and Samson's, together with Reverends Ian and Irving to assist. The sea was like a millpond and the sun shone from a cloudless blue sky for a Communion service to celebrate our Patron Saint outside the farmhouse. Some of our visitors then had a brief tour of the island and the children visited the beach whilst the barbecue was prepared. A really special day in the history of the island was enjoyed by all.

It is hoped that this will be an annual event; however I have heard that some of Father Graham's parishioners are concerned about his plans to form a rowing team …
 

Gillian Walker