BROCKHOLES

Mrs Kath Beetlestone led worship at the Methodist Church when the second symbol was laid on the Lenten Cross. The readers were Mr Graham Nicholson, Mr John Gaukrodger, Mrs Eileen Littlewood and Mrs Kath Gaukrodger. Mr Michael Brown was the organist.

Parish communion at St George's Church was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. During the service, he baptised Honey Rae Hazel Furniss, the daughter of Gemma and Dean. Rosalind Watt read the lesson and was also the server. The organist was Verena Wood.

HEPWORTH

A very successful Big Breakfast morning was held in the village hall when over 100 diners enjoyed breakfast, cooked and served to them by a team of people from the village, organised by Jim Vigor and Simon Cave.

The Rev Keith Griffin celebrated parish Eucharist at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning. The reader was Graham Latham, prayers were led by Richard Southam and the organist was Jane Robertson.

The Mothers Union held their monthly meeting on Tuesday when the guest speaker was Dr Nick Martin. Maureen Buckley proposed the vote of thanks and refreshments were served at the end of the meeting.

Friday Come to Lunch dates continue during Lent and on Friday, about sixteen people enjoyed the soup and bread, tea and cake served in the church meeting room between 12 noon and 1.30pm.

HOLMBRIDGE

Members of the Women’s Institute were given an insight into the fundraising work of Kirkwood Hospice when they met on Monday. The Camera Club held a natural history competition.

Midweek communion at St David’s Church was conducted by the Rev Nick Heaton. Lessons were read by Ian Gold. Meetings of the Monkey Business, Free Tea and Over 60s Club and Tumble Tots were held during the week. On Thursday evening, the Lent course began led by the Rev Nick Heaton, when he spoke on Praying the Scriptures. Friday evening prayers were led by Ian Gold.

Sunday early communion at St David’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford. Parish eucharist was conducted by the Rev Nick Heaton. Lessons were read by Peggy Whiteley and Helen Cooper. Intercessions were led by Carolyn Burley and the chalice was administered by Helen Woods, The creche and junior church were led by Sandy Wise and Glynnis Askew. The organist was Eddie Purcell.

HOLMFIRTH

Apologies to eagle-eyed folk fans, who have contacted us regarding last week’s article, headed Young talent at the Picturedrome. It should of course, have referred to the Holmfirth Festival of Folk – and not as stated in the first paragraph of the item.

Rev Keith Griffin celebrated Holy Communion for the second Sunday in Lent at 10.30 am. Brian Shaw read the Gospel from St John and the music was accompanied by Noel Clarke. Sue and John Winter were theŠsidespersons and coffee was served in the gallery room after the service by Alan and Vicki Winpenny. The service next Sunday will be followed by the church annual meetings at which the accounts will beŠ presented and Šchurchwardens and sidespersons for 2011 elected.

Sunday morning worship at Holmfirth Methodist Church was led by Terry Frost, assisted by Andrew Denton and Sheila Talbot. Readings were taken from Matthew chapter 24 and 2 Peter chapter 3. The theme was continued in the sermon when Mr Frost explained the meaning of the end times – when Jesus returns to earth to gather up his believers. he encouraged the congregation to be ready as no-one knows when He will return. The second week of the Lent Course was held last Tuesday evening at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to the next three sessions.

Bob and Ann Thorpe are celebrating a triple success for their homemade marmalade.The Holmfirth couple won three prizes at the World’s Original Marmalade Awards in Cumbria. Bob took gold for his Seville Fine Cut and Mandarin and Irish Whiskey marmaladesŠwhile Ann’s Pineapple and Citrus Fruits was also victorious.Bob, who took up marmalade-making when he retired 11 years ago, said: “I knew nothing about baking when I first started but luckily Ann is a really great cook and she was really happy to teach me.Nowadays, we bake very differently though. Ann follows the recipes while I like to experiment. It has certainly paid off with my delicious preserves and I am sure this has helped me to win Gold at this year’s awards.” The couple are members of Pennine Country Market.

HONLEY

Acting chairman Les Hobson introduced Simon Tomson, who was the speaker at a meeting of the Probus Club. The subject of Byzantine Churches of Ravenna was covered through an impressive display of slides accompanied by a most informative commentary. Don Fisher proposed the vote of thanks.

The family service at St Mary’s Church was led by the Rev David Barnes. Rebecca Noble read the lesson and Clive Waind led intercessions. Before the service, music was provided by The Hand Chime Group. The music group led singing during the service.

On Sunday afternoon, the Rev David Barnes baptised Ava Louise Hutchinson, the daughter of Jessica and Timothy. Pat Green read the lesson and the organist was Jean Chadwick.

On Sunday evening, the Rev David Barnes celebrated parish Eucharist at St Mary’s Church when lessons were read by John Ambler and Jean Chadwick. Lent lunches were served in the parish room by the ladies of Honley Churches Together.

MELTHAM

Plans by Jones Homes (Northern) Ltd and North Point for 34 dwellings and garages on land off Oak Avenue, Meltham have been refused by Kirklees planners – and not as stated in last week’s edition. Apologies for any confusion

Pennine Borders Flower Club is now in its fifth year. It has a growing membership for all ages at monthly meetings which are held on the second Wednesday at St Bartholomew's Church Hall, 7.15pm. Meetings alternate between demonstrations by experienced flower arrangers and workshops. If you would to come along please contact Gwynneth Taylor on 01484 850354 or Lynne Knight 01484 650160 for further details.

SCHOLES

On Sunday, March 20 Peter Lockwood welcomed the congregation to the sacrament service led by the Rev Tim Moore. Christine Lockwood played the organ and Lorna Stanley read from Matthew chpt 7 v15-20 ,Psalm 42 v1-6 and Jeremiah 17 v7-8/.Š The theme from the readings led to the address of ‘Not getting to God’. Coffee and biscuits were served after the service by Margaret and Richard Thompson. Saturday March 19 saw 60 members of church enjoy a meal at Durker Roods Hotel Meltham for one of the 150th anniversary celebrations. Thanks to Christa and Lorna Peace for organising this event. On Monday, March 21 the Ladies Circle met for their fortnightly meeting. The speaker was Sally Dudley who talked about patchwork quilting.

UPPERTHONG

The prayer breakfast on Tuesday was held at the home of the Dawsons. During the afternoon, the first Lent course meeting was held in the meeting room.

Midweek communion at St John’s Church was conducted by the Rev Keith Griffin, who was also the celebrant. A faith lunch followed in the meeting room.

An evening of Music and the Deaf was held at Upperthong Village Hall. It was presented by Paul Whittaker. Refreshments were served and a raffle was held.

Family Eucharist at St Mary’s Church was led by the Rev Di Ellerton, who read the gospel, preached the sermon and was celebrant. The readers were Graham Dixon and Sarah Drummond. Les Hopkins gave prayers and Philip Broadbent assisted with the chalice. Adam Greenhalgh was the organist. Refreshments were served afterwards.

The annual parochial church meeting was held after the service when elections took place. Philip Broadbent and Graham Dawson were re-elected churchwardens. The sidespersons were all re-elected and the parochial church council was re-elected with the addition of Tim Cock and Sally Hedges. Hilary Broadbent was elected PCC secretary/treasurer. Graham Dawson and Ashley Ward were elected to the team council.

WILSHAW

Owing to the bad weather and bereavement, the March meeting of Wilshaw Village Institute had fewer members than normal, but those who met in the village hall had the usual pleasant afternoon. Mrs Fielding presided and started with the sad news of Mrs M Sykes’ death. Menus for the May Spring Lunch were then discussed. Speaker was the Rev Jane Austin, who gave an interesting talk – That’s Life – about leaving her work as a midwife in Iran and retraining to become a member of the clergy. She described her life thereafter as a curate in Kent, her rise to be Vicar and as a Canon of Rochester Cathedral. She answered members’ questions and was thanked by Mrs Traye. Refreshments were served.

On Sunday March 13 at St Mary’s Church, the Rev Maureen Read celebrated Holy Communion. Her talk was based on the woman at the well and Elizabeth Pearson read the lesson.

On Sunday March 20, there was an All Age Worship service based on Why Did Jesus Come? The Rev Judy Kenworthy led the service and organist was Elizabeth Pearson. The children were encouraged to find pictures of joyful people – especially those with red noses – and there was plenty of laughter. Rev Judy said that God loved the world so much, he sent Jesus to save it. Jesus was concerned with helping people, just as people in Comic Relief had been doing and just as we all should.

WOOLDALE

The service on Sunday at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was led by Mr Roy Horn. In his sermon he talked about Judas Iscariot, and all the things that happened to him. His reading was taken from Mark chapter 6. The organist was Mr Peter Coldwell.

Morning worship at the Methodist Church was led by the Rev Charlotte Lorimer. Nigel Morris was the organist.

Members of the Women’s Fellowship held a craft and hobbies afternoon. Refreshments were also served.