Wye Life: Tyndale Talk

Saturday 8th June 2013

Last Friday (7/ 6 ) D. and I on a beautiful blue morning, in the Forest of Dean, went on board the "Pride Of Wye" cabin cruiser,  for a forty minute trip along the River Wye.

The embarking point was by the " Saracen's Head " pub at Symonds Yat East.

According to the notice the pub was open ' all day; every day, except Christmas Day, ' which I suggest gives the drinker, so to speak, 'a methuselah of choice. '

By the jetty point was a wire-operated ferry plying its trade across the river.

The fare was £1: 20 for adults.


The Wye is an interesting river, full of curves and running rather full.

On the starboard bank, there was ample evidence of well-kept houses with tidy banks.

This stretch of the Wye is very popular with canoeists.

Naturally the ducks made their appearance too.

Possibly, one of the most interesting buildings seen from the riverside was the local parish church, " St. Dubricius. "  As well as having a very ancient history, ( foundations  from 9th Century: oldest part existing church  13th C. ) it possesses in the church yard, a tulip tree, reputed to be over 300 years old  which gives yellow flowers every June and July.
 I regret to say, that this year it has yet to shine.

More Church Info. here:Dubricius

Apparently, when weddings are held , a lovely custom of ferrying the bridal couple and party  to and from the church is enacted; giving an extra flavour to the celebrations.

The trip, taken in such perfect conditions could not fail to please and at £6 I felt,  very good value indeed.

Afterwards D. and I walked, for a short way along the river bank to observe the nearby rapids.

We had learnt, that ahead of the rapids was the county of Monmouthshire; to our  left  Herefordshire and on the right bank lay Gloucestershire. Thus a view of three counties close up could be easily be seen.

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Last Thursday ( 6/ 6 ) at  9:00 in the evening on BBC2,  a programme entitled; " The Most Dangerous Man In Tudor England."  It was presented by Melvyn Bragg and told the story of our local hero ' William Tyndale, ' who 500 years ago, took on the might of the tudor monarchy and Henry V111, in particular, on a  mission to translate the Bible into English. A mission, which ultimately  cost him his life,  at the stake; but not before, he  left an indelible  mark with over 83% of the New Testament; 76% of the Old Testament  (James' version ) in his own words.

Bragg said that Tyndale was born in Slimbridge, in Gloucestershire. Please don't mention this to the good folk of  nearby North Nibley, who  not only believe  they have the birth place; but also went to the trouble of errecting a monument in his honour,

Unaccountably, this monument was not shown in any footage I saw in the programme. Shame!

Here is my blog entry; in which D. made the climb to the top of the monument in Nibley.

William Tyndale


Note: Bragg programme can  be viewed on BBC iPlayer until 13/ 6/ '13 .

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June still going well. Pray continue.

Cheerio,

CK.