Penallt Old Church
Penallt Old Church is the oldest building in the village and is the focal point of the parish even for those who rarely worship in it. Visible from miles around it is a spiritual refuge for the local parishioners and is visited by many who use the local footpaths too.
Please join on us for Sunday services (every 2 weeks) or just enjoy the tranquillity of the church and visit the churchyard to enjoy the magnificent views of the river Wye 600 feet below. The church is always open, tea and coffee are available and the visitors’ book bears testament to the number of ‘pilgrim walkers’ who pass through and are awed by the tranquillity and beauty of this wonderful church. The church is also home to a 300+ population of Horseshoe bats and is a site of special scientific interest. For more details on the church history see below.
Karen and Tim Dack live in the vicarage in Penallt. Karen ministers to both Old Church Penallt and St Nicholas in Trellech, while Tim is the Minister for Monmouth Churches
Karen’s contact details: 07495 445807
Karenann.nz@gmail.com
Churchwarden
Mike Thorpe: 07816837475 mike.f.thorpe@gmail.com
PCC Members
Lyn Harper: muderma@googlemail.com
Sarah Haefner: 01600 712349
Recent News
The new History and Nature boards have been installed in the Church and Churchyard – please come along and enjoy refreshments that are now available to visitors.
Volunteering and Fundraising
Volunteering – from time to time we have ‘churchyard’ working parties to ensure that the churchyard is clean and tidy. If you can help watch out for notices and contact Tim McCord.
As an old building there is also plenty of work that is required on the fabric. If you have a specific skill or craft – your help would be invaluable.
Fund Raising – In common with many organisations, Covid-19 has significantly reduced the Church income which we rely on to maintain the building. If you would like to give in a tax efficient manner, donations however small are greatly appreciated. Please contact the Treasurer timmccord@hotmail.co.uk for more information.
Penallt old Church is the oldest building in the village dating from the early 13th century. It has magnificent views and is a place of peace and serenity in which many of our ancestors are buried. However, the Church and churchyard require continual repair and maintenance and this relies only on local support.
We spent @ £30k in 2023 - repointing the tower and main roofs as well as replacing the bell tower floor- this work will hopefully last a good few years! This spend has depleted our funds and we still have many outstanding projects including the provision of an outside composting loo as we have no water supply. So please spend a few pennies to help !
History
There are 28 pages of relevant church history contained in the Local History section of this site plus 17 drawings and watercolours.
Gallery
A small selection of images of The Old Church is displayed below
