News from the church and churchyard
Fr Michael opened the meeting before Alex Rees and Alan Meredith updated the group on work to the church and churchyard over the past year. The main job this year has been tree work in the churchyard, financed by the Church in Wales.
The tree work brought a couple of surprises.
The first was a baby barn owl in the sycamore tree by the gate. The owlet had other ideas about staying put and escaped several times, but he was eventually placed safely back in his nest. A fitting story for an afternoon devoted to churchyard wildlife.
The second was historical. With the trees cut back, the full extent of the ruined building at the northern corner of the churchyard can now be seen much more clearly. This is thought to be the ancient Church House or Tithe Barn. We would love to learn more about it. If you know anything about its history, have old photographs, or remember stories about it, please get in touch.
Ruins in the churchyard - a building that little is known about
The Friends in numbers
Membership of the Friends of St Illtyd's currently stands at around 47. A few people haven't renewed this year yet, and a couple of members have moved away, so if you've been meaning to join or renew, now is a great time. You can do so on our Join Us page.
Income for the Friends so far in 2026 is £530. This money is kept separate from general church income, which goes to the parish share, electricity, water, and insurance. Your support for the Friends goes directly towards caring for the building and churchyard.
Churches and Churchyards: An Oasis for Wildlife
Our guest speaker was Ian Guildford, Investigative Support Officer with the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU).
Ian began his career as a police officer. After retiring from the force, he followed his lifelong passion for wildlife and joined the NWCU, which works closely with the police and organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, providing expert knowledge on wildlife crime.
His talk ranged widely. The unit deals with crimes against mammals, birds, reptiles and plants. Part of Ian's role is advising on planning applications where protected species such as bats, great crested newts and dormice might be disturbed. He also helps tackle the illegal trade in endangered and protected species. Parrots and reptiles are currently high on the list for illegal importation, and there is a growing problem with frozen eels, caught in Europe, shipped to China and then re-imported elsewhere as animal feed.
Closer to home, Ian talked about hare coursing, which is a major problem in the Vale of Glamorgan, and the illegal trapping of birds of prey to "protect" game bird shoots. Both were sobering reminders that wildlife crime isn't just something that happens overseas.
Many thanks to Ian for a fascinating and eye-opening talk, and for reminding us how valuable quiet places like churchyards are as a refuge for wildlife.
Tea in the churchyard
After the meeting closed, everyone headed outside for refreshments, generously provided by members of the Friends and the congregation. Thank you to all who baked, brewed and helped out.
If you couldn't make it this year, we hope to see you next time. And don't forget: if you know anything about the old Church House / Tithe Barn, we'd love to hear from you.