Sorbus aucuparia as "Thor's protection". In English folklore, twigs of "S. aucuparia" were believed to ward off evil spirits and witches. The plant was called "the witch" in England and dowsing rods to find ores were made out of its wood. Twigs of "S. aucuparia" were used to drive cattle to the pasture for the first time in spring to ensure their health and fertility. The wooden shafts of forks and other farm implements were constructed from "S. aucuparia", to protect farm animals and production from witches' spells. In weather lore, a year with plentiful rowan fruit would have a good grain
Bethania, Mountain Ash built alongside. Thomas Llewellyn was minister from 1854 until 1888. He was succeeded by Owen Jones who remained until 1909. John Phillips was minister from 1911 until 1945 and Haydn Davies from 1950 until 1960. The chapel remains beautifully preserved and maintained. There were 20 members in 2004. Mountain Ash and District Choral Society hold their practices and rehearsals at the vestry. Bethania, Mountain Ash Bethania, Mountain Ash is an Independent chapel in Phillip Street, Mountain Ash, Glamorgan, Wales. Services at Bethania are conducted in the Welsh language. The church began in the form of a Sunday School built in