A SMALL Severnside country church which has been revived as a local history centre is welcoming a national author and journalist to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible – its own having been rescued from a skip.

Author and journalist, Derek Wilson, who describes himself as a 'story teller' and has written widely about everybody from Peter the Great to Henry VIII, will offer an insight into the Bible which shaped and influenced the history of Britain on September 18.

His setting is, to give it its correct name, St Michael's Church in Llanfihangel Rogiet, was entirely without electricity, power or heating when it was renovated as a local history centre last year.

As an added interest, Richard Jones of Caldicot and District Local History Society, says the church has its own 19th century edition of a King James Bible.

"The illustrated Bible was rescued, unwanted from a rubbish skip following a house clearance. Cleaned up it now sits on the lecturn of the church.

"Clearly it was a family Bible," says Richard. "There are names and family occasions recorded in wonderful copperplate handwriting. The inscription on the front reads 'Samuel N Hamilton, His Book. May 7, 1875, Risca, Monmouthshire.'"

"Who Samuel was and what he did is a mystery, but it would be thrilling to discover descendents of his and to welcome them to Llanvihangel Rogiet Church where his family Bible has a pride of place and new lease of life."

If you know of the Hamilton family, get in touch with either Richard Jones or Peter Strong through the Review.

Derek Wilson will be speaking at the church from 2.30pm on Sunday (September 18). Tickets from Richard (01291) 421711 or Peter (01291) 425638.

The church is also welcoming visitors as part of the Wales Civic Trust 'Open Doors' programme on both Saturday (September 17) and Sunday (September 18).