News and views from the Holme Valley

Jun 27 2009 by Yvette Smith, Hudd Sat

BROCKHOLES

Parish communion for Father’s Day at St George’s Church was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. The vicar and Roger Kenworthy presented a thought-provoking Father’s Day sketch in place of a sermon. Josephine Swallow read the lesson and Rosalind Watt was the server. The organist was Verena Wood.

The Rev David Priestnall led worship at the Methodist Church when the readers were John and Kath Gaukroger. Michael Brown was the organist.

HEPWORTH

It was a busy time last weekend in Hepworth. Friday night saw the unveiling of a carved stone bench which was created by members of the Hepworth Art Group. Community Association chairperson Chris Gardner unveiled the bench in front of a large gathering of people, and the Rev Keith Griffin gave a witty but appropriate blessing. A reception was held in the village hall afterwards.

On Saturday evening, Hepworth Cookson Homes Band entertained a large audience who braved the cool evening at an open air concert in the grounds of Hepworth School. Concert goers took along their tables, chairs and picnics for the evening which ended with the traditional singing of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance, followed by a fireworks display.

The grounds of Hepworth School were busy again on Sunday afternoon when the school held their Summer Fair. With refreshments, stalls, games and classic cards, there was entertainment for all the family and plenty of ice cream to keep everyone cool in the heat of the afternoon sun.

On Wednesday evening, members of Hepworth Church met for a Parish Consultation in the church meeting room. As part of a diocesan wide initiative, the consultation, chaired by Richard Southam,centred round what Hepworth Church currently offers and what its priorities should be for the future.

HOLMBRIDGE

Midweek communion at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford. Ian Gold read the lesson. Meetings of the Monkey Business, Over 60s and Tumble Tots groups were held during the week. Friday evening prayers were led by Carolyn Burley. On Saturday, as part of the Holmfirth Art Festival, an organ recital was given by Max Kenworthy at the church.

Early communion at St David’s Church was conducted by the Rev Roger Nelson. He also led parish eucharist when the lessons were read by Ian Gold and John Parker. Intercessions were led by Carolyn Burley. Dorothy Parker assisted with the chalice and the creche and junior church were led by Joyce Smith. Eddie Purcell played the organ.

HONLEY

New member Dr Bill Parker was welcomed at a meeting of the Probus Club in the community centre. Members also congratulated Leslie Chadwick, who provided coffee in celebration of his 65th birthday. Vice-chairman Ralph Jepson introduced John Gilleghan, who spoke on a Grand Canadian Adventure, recounting a holiday in Canada and including slides starting in Montreal and ending in Vancouver. John Ambler proposed the vote of thanks.

Family communion at St Mary’s Church was celebrated by Dean Henry Stapleton. The Rev David Barnes read the gospel and Pauline Adams read the lesson. At the end of the service, the congregation congratulated Dean Henry on his award of the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. During the afternoon, the Rev David Barnes baptised Ruby Grace Schofield, the daughter of Jodie and Daniel; and Lucka Harry Frank Marsh, the son of Suzanne and Ben. Pat Green read the lesson and the pianist for the day was Vernon Briggs.

UPPERTHONG

Midweek communion at St John's Church was led by the Rev John Capstick, who was also the celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room. On Friday, an all-day event was held at the home of Graham and Sue Dawson to raise £445 for church funds.

Family communion at St John's Church was led by the Rev Roger Nelson, who read the gospel and preached the sermon. The reader was Hilary Broadbent. Val Shuttleworth assisted with the chalice and Peter Travis played the organ. The service included the baptism of Tilly Anne Nelson, granddaughter of Anne and Neil Beaumont. Refreshments were served afterwards.

WOOLDALE

The Sunday school Anniversary at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was marked on Sunday and the preacher was Mr Tony Hudson who brought with him his good friend Roy from the Isle of Man, who gave his testimony in the service. Readings were taken from Psalms and Isaiah. In his talk Tony said that God always has his hand on us even when we are not aware of it and he is looking after us. Following the service there were coffee and cakes made by some of the ladies over which fellowship was enjoyed by everyone.The organist was Mr Peter Coldwell.

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was conducted by the Rev Peter Holt. The organist was Nigel Morris. The monthly social event consisted of anecdotes given by Dot Foster. Lyn Parker proposed the vote of thanks.

The women’s monthly fellowship was a talk by the Rev Charlotte Lorimer on the work involved in helping to rehabilitate ex-offenders. Audrey Fenwick proposed the vote of thanks.