A REVEREND and mission area leader is to revive an ancient village tradition that "goes beyond living memory". 

On January 29, at 4pm, St Ffraids church in Glan Conwy will hold a rush bearing. This is a centuries-old festival and dates back to a time when church floors consisted of little more than stones or bare earth. 

Rev Samuel (Sam) Erlandson, Mission Area Leader of Aberconwy, said: "The tradition of rush bearing is common in riverside churches. It was when the church would have had just a dirt floor and instead of hay, the church riverside church would have been carpeted with rushes. Once a year the old rushes would have been cleared out and the new put in. 

North Wales Pioneer: All are welcome to take part in the celebration.All are welcome to take part in the celebration. (Image: Reverend Samuel Erlandson)

"However, St Ffraids church has extra significance. The legend of St Ffraid says that during a local famine, St Ffraid in an act of either desperation or discontent threw a bunch of rushes into the river Conwy after she had been praying for all those who were going hungry.  The rushes turned into fish and the people ate. 

"Rush bearing around the feast of St Ffraid has always been an incredibly important festival for the people of Glan Conwy, but has been some decades since the last celebration," Rev Sam added. 

"All are invited to take part in this ancient and locally significant festival as we will pray and take a collection for the local foodbank and the Aberconwy Care and Share project; two important charities that in the spirit of St Ffraid put the concern of those going hungry at the heart of their mission."

Rev Sam said that preparations ahead of the festival are going well.

"Some of it is difficult as it seems this tradition goes beyond living memory but, I'm sure we will capture the spirit of the occasion," he added. 

"We are also unsure how they managed to get so many rushes for this time of year as it appears to be more of a late spring festival rather than late winter. 

"Nevertheless, we are coming together to celebrate the uniqueness of the Glan Conwy community and to remember holy people such as St Ffraid who gave much of her care and attention to the hungry. 

"And last but not least, to hear the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, a reminder to everyone that all who are in need in their lives can find satisfaction in Jesus Christ."

The Rush Bearing will be held at 4pm. All are welcome.