YOURS Vicar will retire on a high note

A VICAR who has put music at the heart of his ministry is organising a final community singing festival to mark his retirement.

Father Paul Bigmore, who has been vicar of Ynyshir, near Pontypridd, for more than 20 years, is holding a traditional Cymanfa Ganu as a farewell.

The festival will be compered by broadcaster Roy Noble and guest musical director will be Timothy Hill. It will feature the Pendyrus Male Choir, guest organist Jeffrey Howard and soprano soloist Salli Kingsbury.

Included on the programme will be six hymns written by Father Paul taken from his book, Songs of Praise – the Valleys Sing. While the service is free, all funds raised will be donated to Ynyshir Community School and Ysgol Gynradd Llwyncelyn.

Father Paul set up the Music in the Community scheme to revive the once legendary musical heritage in his parish. As part of that he has organised concerts, recitals, master-classes and competitions to engage, entertain and educate people over the past 20 years.

Father Paul said: “I hope this last Cymanfa Ganu will be a big community event and that people will come along and sing with gusto. I am deeply grateful for everyone’s constant support and warm encouragement over 45 years of my music and ministry. I will always be eternally grateful. I really believe that music rekindles the heart of communities and I hope in my retirement my musical scheme will continue to grow and thrive.”

The service will mark the end of an era, not just for Father Paul, who is retiring early due to ill health, but also for St Anne’s Church, which will close later this year after 130 years.

Father Paul said: “Sadly we live in an age of declining congregations and of ageing buildings which are so expensive to maintain. The closure of any church is always a very poignant occasion for so many people as their lives have been involved in its ministry for generations. However, I am confident St Anne’s will leave a legacy of faith, hope and encouragement in the hearts and minds of all the people it has served over the years.”

The Cymanfa Ganu will take place at St Anne’s Church, Ynyshir, on Saturday at 2pm.