Members and friends from Penarth Cytun (Council of Churches) went on the annual retreat to the beautiful Ynys Byr (Caldey Island) which is a short distance from Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Riviera.

The group was led by this year’s Chair of Penarth Cytun Rev Sue Fender from Elfed Avenue United Church who organised the theme of the studies which the group undertook during their four days scheduled retreat. There was also plenty of time every day in the late morning and afternoon to enjoy the delights of this jewel in the Celtic Sea whether on the beach or on the many walks around the island; one walk made famous in one of the Weatherman Walking series on TV with Derek Brockway.

This was the largest group that had undertaken this annual event with eighteen people from eight different churches which resulted in a wonderful mix of United Reformers, Methodists, Baptists, Anglicans, a Catholic and a Welsh Independent. This was the most diverse group that Penarth could offer and also included one lady who followed the Buddhist tradition.

The Guest Master was Brother Titus who arranges the visits throughout the year in conjunction with the staff of St Philomenas Guest House led by Angela who with her son Michael provided excellent food at every meal. Brother Titus has been a monk for over 40 years and he shared some of his poems supported by well- chosen photographs. This inspirational talk, shared too briefly, was of his walk with God.

The Dutchman had been a Formula 1 driver and a friend of Jim Clark and the famous Grand Prix drivers of the 60s when he felt the call to become a monk. He left behind his passion for speed and his mother and family to enter into monastic orders and he said “I don’t regret it”.

It was a truly memorable visit and we all enjoyed our optional attendance at Compline when the beautiful chanting in the superb acoustic of the Abbey Church was a lasting memory. The island has much to see with its shops selling the Caldey specialities of perfume and chocolate which is made in the factory on the south of the island near the oldest church on the island named St Illtyds.

It was there that we shared in a Communion Service conducted by the Rev Sue Fender in which we were joined by others holidaying on Caldey.

Our visit was lengthened because on the morning of our departure the wind blew from the south easterly direction and the decision was rather surprisingly made by the authorities to cancel all the tourists’ boats to and from Tenby, so we experienced an extra day which caused very hurried re-arrangements to be made. It had been a very memorable visit in many ways but we all rejoiced in our increased fellowship with people from different denominations and churches in Penarth and would cherish many happy experiences shared together.