Although the Very Reverend Jeremy Winston, who died on Monday November 21, was Dean of Monmouth for such a short time, he had already made his mark on life at the Cathedral.
Born in 1954 in Middlesex, he moved with his mother and brother, on the premature death of his father, to the family home in Griffithstown.
He attended Griffithstown Primary School and then Croesyceiliog Grammar School, where he became Head Boy.
As a music scholar, he went on to Trinity College, Carmarthen, where he graduated with a BEd and trained to be a teacher.
He taught for a while in Llanelli Grammar School before offering himself for selection to the sacred priesthood.
He was selected for training and went up to Oxford – a city he loved all his life – where he studied in theology, specialising in patristics, at St Stephen’s House, where the then principal was later to become Bishop David Thomas, Assistant Bishop Emeretus. He graduated with a BA.
On return to the Diocese of Monmouth, he was ordained by Bishop Derek Childs and then licensed to the parish of Rogerstone as Assistant Curate, where he spent four years.
During his time there, he was responsible for chirch life at St Anne’s where he made wonderful friends, including the Rt Revd John Davies, Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.
At 28 years of age, he was appointed to the group parish of St Arvans with Penterry and Itton, Devauden and Kilgwrrwg – the youngest incumbent in the Diocese at that time.
He’s still remembered for organising the Chepstow Passion Play which was embraced by the whole Christian Community in the town and surrounding areas.
During his incumbency at St Arvans he became Children’s Advisor from 1979-89 and Bishop’s School Visitor from 1993 to 2007, a position which he held until his appointment to the parishes of Abergavenny and Llanwenarth Citra. He became Area Deean in 2002 and, in the same year, became Canon of Monmouth.
While in Abergavenny, he was the driving force behind several enterprises which included the wonderful Priory Centre and stunning Tithe Barn, both opened by their Patron, HRH the Prince of Wales.
Fr Jeremy’s encouragement of others in their discerning a vocation to the religious life is legendary and there are many priests throughout the country who owe so much to him.
Outside his parish life, he was Regional Chaplain to the Order of St John and past chairman of the Gwent Medical Ethics Board, where he was keen that medical experts appreciated how their work affected the general public.
He was a past chairman of the Additional Curates Society, believing strongly in their aims of supporting poor and populous parishes with additional priests.
He was a Governor of several schools in Abergavenny, often acting as Chairman.
In recent years, he became a valued member of the committee of Friends of Friendless Churches – his expertise in church architecture was outstanding.
Always a gentleman, he was courteous to everyone he met, even those who did not share his traditional views.
Well known for his culinary skills, he enjoyed entertaining, sharing true Benedictine hospitality with everyone from Lords of the Realm to the homeless, never turning away anyone in need from his door.
He had a terrific sense of humour and brought smiles and laughter wherever he went.
Rest In peace dear Father Jeremy!! You lived a wonderful & full Life. As mush as we would ahve liked to have you here on eArth for many years to come I believe GOD called you Home to be with Him…..may you sing with the Angels & be at peace….Your friend in Canada, Sherri Ellen…
[…] It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of our former priest, the Very Reverend Jeremy Winston. His funeral took place in a packed Newport Cathedral. Bishop John Davies gave the address. Tributes are left on the blog. […]