BROCKHOLES

A very successful evening was held at the village hall when Mrs Hilda Goddard, president of Brockholes Village Trust, welcomed Mr Joe Maiden, the gardener, who was making his fifth visit to Brockholes. The meeting was well attended and Joe kept everyone entertained and amused. He brought a great show of plants and vegetables. During the interval, refreshments were served and a raffle was held. The evening was brought to a close when people were able to buy plants from Joe.

A service of holy baptism and communion was held at St George’s Church. Roger Kenworthy read the Isaiah, chapter 6 and the Rev David Barnes read Mary’s Song from St Luke’s Gospel. In his sermon, the vicar spoke about Life’s Experience and asked the question “Why do we go to church?” He baptised Helena Grace, the daughter of Susan and Matthew Teale. At the end of the service, Helena Grace was given a candle. Roger Kenworthy was the server and the sidespeople were Mrs Helen Dickinson and Ms Joan Oldfield. Verena Wood was the organist.

HEPWORTH

The Rev Nick Heaton celebrated parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning. The reader was Cheryl Roberts, prayers were led by Richard Southam and Lorraine Pollitt assisted with the chalice during communion. Rebecca Battye supervised the Sunday School, and the organist was Jane Robertson.

HOLMBRIDGE

Members of Holmbridge Women's Institute met for a talk by Karen Longbottom, of Finishing Touches Floristry.

On Tuesday, the circuit leisure group met at St David’s Church before taking a four-mile walk and lunch.

Midweek communion at St David’s Church was conducted by the Rev Nick Heaton when lessons were read by Ian Gold. Friday evening prayers were led by Carolyn Burley.

Meetings of the Monkey Business, free lunch and Over 60s Club and Tumble Tots groups were held during the week.

Sunday parish Eucharist at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford when lessons were read by Margaret Tupling and Judith Roberts. Intercessions were led by Carolyn Burley and the chalice was administered by Ian Gold. The creche and junior church were led by Carole Heaton. The organist was Chris Cooke.

HOLMFIRTH

The first Sunday after Trinity at Holy Trinity Church was celebrated with Holy Communion at 10.30 am led by the Rev Val Clarke. Brian Shaw read the lesson from St Paul’s letter to the Romans and also assisted with the chalice. Mike and Linda Smithers were sidespeople, Roger Pullen led the intercessions and Noel Clarke played the organ. After the service coffee was served in the Gallery Room by Alan and Vicki Winpenny. Next Sunday at 10.30 am the serviceŠ will be a special Service of the World led by Roger Pullen. All welcome.

SCHOLES

On Sunday the Methodist church held its annual Open Air Anniversary service, including the baptism of baby Jessica Sykes.Š The Rev Tim Moore conducted the service and Christine Lockwood was the organist. Hilary and Roger Deakin welcomed the church members and the family of Jessica . Coffee and biscuits were served by Amy Booth and Lorna Peace.

UPPERTHONG

The prayer breakfast was held at the home of the Dawsons. Midweek communion at St John’s Church was led by Dean Henry Stapleton, who was also celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room.

The Sunday service at St John’s Church was conducted by the Worship Group when the theme was Discipleship. The readers were Angela Cole and Sue Legge. Val Shuttleworth led prayers and Sue Dawson gave the talk. The organist was Peter Travis. Refreshments afterwards were served by Sue Legge.

WILSHAW

As part of their 20th anniversary celebrations, the Valley Flutes travelled from their base in Wilshaw to visit the Preston Flutes Group. Their conductor Robert Rainford invited Valley Flutes to join them in an open rehearsal during the afternoon. Then, both groups went out for an evening meal.

WOOLDALE

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by Granville Dews assisted by Paul Jackson on guitar. Lessons were red by Abigail Jackson and the organist was Nigel Morris.

The Sunday School Anniversary service on Sunday at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was led by Mr David Blakeborough. His two readings came from the Old and New Testaments. In his sermon he talked of forgiveness and gave various illustrations where it can be very hard to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply. The organist was Mr Peter Coldwell. Lunch was served after the service when once again fellowship was enjoyed.