St Mary's Church Roof
By Jane Winney 2002

St Mary’s in Walterstone is a Church that is small
But the hearts of the people are the biggest of all.
With a population of only a few
To replace the Church roof was a challenge that grew.
Imaginative fund raising was the order of the day
As we all worked together without any sway.
For pancakes cooked to order and tossed with precision
Abergavenny market was a place for decision.

A fun day was organised alongside the Lovell’s stream,
On a day to remember that flashed by in a dream.
Fancy dress, races, treasure hunt, there was fun to be had
By all who attended and indulged, whatever their fad.
Old time bathing suits and Tom in a blond wig
All added to the atmosphere of this fundraising jig.
The musical laughter was a joy to behold
As the stalls of bric-a-brac, cakes and jumble were sold.
Teas and country fare was there to be eaten
By this band of stalwarts who would not be beaten.

A race night was held at the Ewyas Harold hall
The names of the horses too provocative to recall.
The hall was a buzz with punters full of glee
Forming orderly queues to bet on a gee gee.
This was of course accompanied by food yet again.
No one can work if their stomach is empty and in pain!

And so the fund raising continued to make progress
Thankful to the many who contributed to it’s success.
So what else could be done? What else was to follow?
An auction of slaves sounds hard to swallow!
But don’t underestimate the resolve of this community
Their motto being “anything is possible – we have immunity!”

And so the slaves lined up to be auctioned in lots
With more fun and laughter and healthy money pots.
Windows could be cleaned, hair cut and chimneys swept
Cakes would be baked and iced with confidences kept.
This was all an offer in the name of fun.
To appreciate the view there was a garden bench
Whilst tuition included driving, maths and French.
Chauffeurs services and good meals out.
All could be yours with the right shout.
This was accompanied by the traditional ploughman’s fare,
Good humour and generosity was in abundance there.


This was a programme that brought people together
Whist drives, cream teas, harvest supper whatever the weather
The diligence and effort was rewarded with proof
Of enough money to give St Mary’s a new roof.