Bettws Newydd Church, Usk

In 2019 the church’s Quinquennial Report “identified defects within the fabric of the roof noting that the roof is most likely at the end of its life”, and in 2020 and 2024, Storm Dennis and Storm Darragh further exacerbated the problems causing significant water ingress. Thanks to major support for the roof appeal from Cadw and many other funders, including the James Pantyfedwen Foundation, the main part of the re-roofing project was completed in October 2024. Once the roof was removed there were a number of structural challenges that needed to be resolved, and the church had to remain closed but thankfully after the recent inspection, it was deemed safe, and the first service was held on Sunday 2 February 2025.

With the church being closed for just under a year, the first service was very celebratory and well attended with the added surprise of someone from the village offering to play the organ – beautifully as it happens. The first walkers and rambling groups have returned, and it was so good to be open for the visitors who were on the local snowdrop trail. The visitor’s book is already recording the joy of those who visit and who have missed the church being open.

The project does seem to have ignited more interest in the church locally. A small indication of this was the number of people who were keen to come and help with the major post-works clean that took place before the ceiling inspection took place. Following further offer of help, we are also about to reintroduce a flower and cleaning rota which has been redundant for some years.

An unexpected outcome of the project has been the rediscovery of a memorial to a young test pilot’s tragic last flight in 1942 located in the bellcote’s two external bells. We are looking forward to finding an appropriate way to share the deeply moving story of Douglas Berrington who lived next to the church. Without the scaffolding, access would not have been possible to the bells where the inscriptions were found, and which has also led to archive documents being unearthed about the recasting of the old bells.

“There is still a lot of work to do but to have secured the roof in such a difficult economic climate has been remarkable. It is hoped that having demonstrated what can be achieved through collaboration of so many disparate parties, the building of a sustainable long-term future for this special site will not be as daunting as it appeared in 2019. Thank you again for your vital help.”