The parochial boundaries reach up into the Black Mountains and include the upper Rhiangoll valley. The rivers Enig and Ellywe join in Talgarth and flooded the town in Holy Week 1998. They flow into the Llynfi and then the Wye.
Talgarth is an historical Town connected to the names of Brychan and Gwendoline in the age of the Celtic Saints. The Town, a centre for tourists situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park, provides a stock-market for the local farming community. At present its population is 1,319. Across the present Town 'square', John Gwynne's supermarket is faced by the Town Hall and the medieval Tower House on the bridge. Difficulties for lorries turning at Bridge End Inn have led to demands for a by-pass.
The Town contains school, library, surgery, fire station, bank, bakery, slaughter house, working garage, sporting and leisure facilities, clubs, pubs, cafes, residential homes, small factories and two joineries. There are also premises for the council, an agricultural engineer and a bus company. Out of town there are gliding and pony trekking. However, there has been a pattern of commercial decline. The recent institution of an August Festival follows communal efforts to restore the Town's fortunes.
Such effort is all the more necessary as the closure of Mid Wales Hospital, where the Vicar is Anglican Chaplain, reaches its final stages. The National Health Service has been the chief local employer and, in spite of construction of new workshops, the loss of the hospital will bring unemployment to many townspeople.
Llaneleu parish has long been diminished by depopulation. Recently Llaneleu church has been formally declared redundant.
There are four chapels in Talgarth community: Bethania (United Reformed); New Tabernacle (Baptist); and Bethlehem, and Moriah in Pengenfford (both Presbyterian.)Christian Aid week and other ecumenical events are arranged by Talgarth and District Council of Churches (Cytun). Coleg Trefeca, a conference centre serving the Presbyterian Church of Wales, continues the work begun by Howell Harris some 250 years ago.
Roman Catholics are catered for by St. Joseph's in Hay; the priest from there also takes a weekly Mass in Talgarth.
Vicar's Warden.
Mervyn James
11 Brynderwen,Talgarth
People's Warden.
Miss Nona Davies.
6 Trefeca Road, Talgarth.
Tel: (01874) 711923.
Treasurer.
Mrs. Pearl Dray.
Hillside, Penbont Road, Talgarth.
Tel: (01874) 711514
Parochial Church Council minute secretary.
Mrs. Jean Hughes.
1 Trefeca Road, Talgarth.
Tel: (01874) 711624.
Parochial Church Council correspondence secretary.
Mrs Margaret Walters.
The Vicarage, 10 Bronant, Talgarth LD3 0HF.
Tel:Talgarth (01874) 711249
Organist.
Mrs Pat Jones,
Pontywal,Bronllys
Church key-holder.
Mrs L.J. Gwynne.
6 Highcliffe Terrace, Talgarth.
Church hall caretaker.
Anthony Gwynne.
59 Queens Avenue, Talgarth
Church Hall Bookings.
Weekday Eucharist.
Wednesdays 10.30a.m.
Most Mondays 9.45a.m. approx.: see weekly notice in the porch.
Feast Days: see parish magazine and porch notices.
Enquiries welcome regarding additional celebrations in church or at home.
Sacrament of Reconciliation.
(Confession and Absolution)
Available by arrangement.
Sacraments of making new Christians.
(Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion.)
The parish Priest would be glad to assist in preparation for any or all of these.
Sacrament of Marriage.
In Talgarth parish traditional practice is retained whereby the church marriage service does not become available in the case of remarriage after divorce. In other parishes different policies may be adopted regarding this matter. In Talgarth 'A service for use after a Civil Marriage' can be arranged for couples who desire such an occasion for praying together.
Sacrament of Ordination.
The present vicar of Talgarth is an opponent of ordination of women as priests.