CANALS have always been part of his life. The Revd John Collier
(second from left) was born close to a canal at
Griffithstown, played by it - and sometimes in it -and his daily
walk to school was along the towpath. Now, as NSM at Mamhilad, he
has also been licensed by the Bishop of Monmouth,
the Rt Revd Richard Pain, as chaplain to the Monmouthshire, Brecon
and Abergavenny Canals Trust. The licensing took place at a service
of thanksgiving for the work of the trust in St Illtud's, Mamhilad.
Mr Collier is now the first chaplain to canals in Wales.
It was a chance conversation with a trust member at the Fourteen
Locks Canal Centre, in Newport, that led to Mr Collier being
invited to be chaplain, and he hopes that it will be a means of
forging a stronger relationship between the trust and the
church.
Bishop Pain believes that Mr Collier's appointment will also be
a reminder of the importance of tourism in Monmouthshire. "People
need to relax, and the tranquil waterways of our canals provide an
opportunity to reflect and find space. The church offers a similar
sanctuary in life, and I hope that locals and visitors alike will
also discover the peace of our ancient and beautiful churches."