Half a Century Not Out!

A popular Llanelli vicar has celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the Ministry.
The Rev Vivian P Roberts is well-known as a clergyman in Llanelli - and is a stalwart member of Côr Meibion Llanelli.
Colleagues gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of Vivian’s ordination to the Priesthood.
The tributes were led by the Rev MJ Davies, who told the story -
“Among those presenting themselves for Ordination to the Priesthood at the 1961 Trinitytide Ordination in St David’s Cathedral was the Reverend Vivian Phillip Roberts, a native of the New Dock area of Llanelli and a product of the Parish of Christ Church.
“Vivian had completed his year as a Deacon under the tutelage of Canon M Llewellyn Davies in the Parish of Cwmamman, which covered the Amman Valley communities of Cwmgors, Garnant, Tairgwaith and Glanamman.
“That these were halcyon days may be judged from the fact that the four churches of the parish were staffed by the Vicar and two full time Curates!
“The young clergy of St David’s knew very well that in a predominantly rural diocese their first preferment in sole charge would be to a country parish.
“So, in 1964, alter four happy years in the Amman Valley, Vivian was asked to take up the lncumbency of Puncheston in the Welsh-speaking area of North Pembrokeshire.
“The parishioners quickly became aware of the versatility of their new Vicar, because as well as his parochial duties, Vivian soon became the official driver of the local school bus!
“In 1972 the call came for a return to the Amman Valley, this time as Vicar of Brynamrnan, (to which Cwmllynfell would be added in I977).
“lt was during his time at Brynamman that Vivian and his close friend, the Reverend Len Felton, embarked on studies for the University of Wales Degree of Bachelor of Divinity, which they both completed successfully in 1978.
“Vivian’s final parochial appointment involved the return to the Deanery of his birth and upbringing, to take up the Incumbency of the ancient Parish of ‘Penbre with Llandyry’ (Pembrey).
“Here he exercised a long and faithful ministry until his retirement in 2000, having served the Church in Wales for more than 40 years.
“Those of us who are married Priests can testify powerfully to the support and encouragement of our wives, and Vivian would hasten to acknowledge the role of Jillian as the lady of the vicarage in all of their parishes.
“Therefore, with thanksgiving to Almighty God, we join in celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Vivian’s Ordination and his Priestly Ministry, not forgetting his services in our own Benefice over the past 10 years.
“Half a Century Not out - Keep batting!”
Yn dy waith y mae fy mywyd,
Yn dy waith y mae fy hedd;
Yn dy waith dymunaf aros
Tra bwy’r ochor hon i’r bedd.