Interview with Penny Gower by Alison Beck on the 10th of May 2024 with reminisces about the annual fates held at the Vernon grounds by St. Mary's Church, Briton Ferry.

00:00:00 - Memories of the St. Mary’s Church Fêtes

Penny Gower recalls attending the annual August fêtes at the Vernon grounds. The grounds were decorated with bunting and had various stalls, including hoopla, a spinning wheel game, a cake stall, and a bottle stall. Ice cream was sold by Sylvia Hibben, who kept TCP for insect bites. Events included a baby competition, fancy dress contest, horse rides, and a tug-of-war. A notable entertainment highlight was a parade by the Welsh Regiment’s goat mascot. A karate demonstration was also held one year.

00:02:46 - Fundraising and Notable Guests
Penny does not recall the Great Marvello, but confirms the fêtes helped raise money for a new church hall. Local figures were invited to open the event, and she provides a photo of her Uncle Walter performing the honors one year.

00:03:39 - Personal Connection to St. Mary’s Church

Penny’s earliest memory is of entering the church and receiving hymn books from the verger. Her grandfather was the organist, and she joined the choir at 12 or 13. By the late 1970s, she became a lay reader. She describes the church community as an extended family where everyone knew each other.

00:05:25 - Easter, Whitsunday, and Whitmonday Traditions

Whitsunday involved a procession around the parish, stopping to sing hymns and pray. Penny recalls the challenge of avoiding melted tar on hot days. Whitmonday celebrations in the church hall featured a large tea and outdoor games, attracting people from other denominations.

00:06:45 - Special Services and Choir Antics

The church hosted special services with guest preachers. Penny humorously recalls moments when choir members struggled to contain laughter during sermons, earning stern looks from the congregation, especially from “Auntie Annie.”