BROCKHOLES
A celebration of St George's Day took place at St George's Church, Brockholes, on Sunday. In the morning, a Celtic communion service was held. The celebrant was the Rev David Barnes, who was assisted by Roger Kenworthy. Rosalind Watt read the lesson and Verena Wood was the pianist. The children assembled for a procession around the village. The procession was led by Hade Edge Youth Band and incorporated a dragon which had been refurbished by members of the AD Group under the guidance of Sue Clay. After the procession returned to the church, a barbecue was organised by John Clay and Peter Drake. There were also activities for the children, culminating in a musical celebration led by the vicar, which featured items by the AD Group and Brockholes School as well as congregational hymns accompanied by the music group. Windows in the church were decorated by different village and church organisations. Each window featured a different month of the year. Greeting all who came to the church was St George himself – a figure standing in the entrance, constructed by Sue Clay. Proceeds from the day will be shared between Shelter Box and St George's Church.
Mr Michael Tolson led worship at Brockholes Methodist Church when Mrs John Gaukroger read the lesson. The pianist was Mrs Muriel Bennett.
HEPWORTH
At Holy Trinity Church on Sunday morning, parish Eucharist was celebrated by the Rev Keith Griffin. Prayers were led by Jane Selkirk, the reader was Cheryl Roberts and the organist was Jane Robertson. Refreshments were served after the service by the newly-elected churchwarden, Hilary Fletcher.
On Tuesday evening, a Coffee Morning and Evening was held at the home of Gwen and Arnold Holmes at Scholes. Members of the Mothers Union who had planned the event helped serve coffee to the many visitors.
HOLMBRIDGE
Members of the Camera Club held their annual meeting under the chairmanship of Phil Hack.
On Tuesday, Hilary's Keep Fit Class was held. St David's Church, Holmbridge, annual meeting was chaired by the Rev Sean Robertshaw. The Rev Geoff Bamford conducted midweek communion when the lesson was read by Ian Gold. Meetings of the Monkey Business, Tumble Tots and the Free Lunch and Over 60s Club were held during the week. Friday evening prayers for St George's Day were led by Carolyn Burley.
Parish Eucharist at St David's Church was led by the Rev Geoff Bamford when lessons were read by Andy Wise and Carolyn Burley. Thelma Nelson led intercessions and the chalice was administered by Dorothy Parker. The crèche and junior church were led by Sandy Wise and Judi Bamford. Hymns were sung to recorded music.
HOLMFIRTH
The morning service at the Methodist Church on Sunday April 18 was a special one, as the Rev Charlotte Lorimer reminded everyone it was a celebration on several counts. She said it was wonderful to see so many people present, particularly children with their parents. They had come to celebrate the baptism of brother and sister Archie and Florence. The service started with the hymn Come On And Celebrate, accompanied by the children on a variety of percussion instruments. The Rev Charlotte remarked that this was a party to celebrate God’s gift of baptism. Parents and godparents made promises on behalf of Florence and Archie and a baptismal candle was lit for each of the children, who also received books. A poem in the form of a prayer for the two children was beautifully read by Mandy, the God-daughter of Claire, the children’s mother. All children then spent the rest of the service in Junior Church or the crèche. The second part of the service was a celebration of the work of pastoral carers – an important part of the life and fellowship of the church. Each year the names of the carers are read out and they confirm their willingness to carry out their work. The Rev Charlotte reminded everyone that caring was not just about comforting the ill or the unhappy, but also about getting to know them and sharing fun, joy and laughter with them. This part of the service ended with the singing of Brother, Sister, Let Me Be Your Servant.
The Fourth Sunday of Easter was celebrated at Holy Trinity with 8am Holy Communion. The Rev Val Clarke was the celebrant and Maureen Smelt was the reader. At the 10.30 am Parish Eucharist the Rev Keith Griffin was the celebrant and Brian Shaw assisted with the chalice. Carlton Tinsdeall read from John 10 v 22.30. Mike and Linda Smithers were sidesmen. Lizzie Hayward played the organ and the choir served coffee after the service. The church annual meeting took place after the service
HONLEY
Members of Honley Probus Club held their annual meeting at the community centre when retiring chairman Martin Dove reported on a successful year and thanked officers and committee members for their support. Auditor Cliff Green reported a healthy financial situation. John Black was elected vice-chairman and Leslie Chadwick was elected secretary. Current vice-chairman Ralph Jepson steps up to become chairman for the coming year.
Parish Eucharist at St Mary's Church, Honley, was celebrated by the Rev David Barnes when Shirley Turner read the lesson and intercessions were led by Jean and Leslie Chadwick. Jean Chadwick was the organist.
Holme Valley Scouts held a service at St Mary's Church, Honley. The service was organised by 2nd Holme Valley (Netherton) Scout group and there was a good turn out of Scouts from Holmfirth, Netherton, Meltham, Honley, Netherthong and New Mill. The parade from Fisher Green to the church was led by Skelmanthorpe B Band, each group parading their own flags and Holmfirth leading with the Union and District flags. The service was led by the district chaplain, the Rev Sean Robertshaw and the address was given by the Vicar of St Mary's, the Rev David Barnes. Beavers Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, leaders and other Scouting members reaffirmed the Scout Promise, led by the district commissioner of each section. Two leaders from Meltham group: Margaret Ferrari and David Sill, were presented with the Award of Merit by district commissioner Kevin Johns.This is an award given for service to Scouting over a long number of years. The district Scouts then proceeded to Honley Scout Headquarters where refreshments were served. Specially invited guests at the service included deputy county commissioner for Scouts, Christine Watson and council representatives Royston Rodgers, Donald Firth, Stewart Roberts and parish council chairman Judith Roberts. Also present were Lesley and Joyce Hobson representing The Lions Club of Holmfirth and Meltham.
At an open meeting of the Men's Monday Club of Scholes Methodist Church, Christine Mills and Richard Brooker gave a talk entitled The Role of the Magistrate.
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UPPERTHONG
The weekly prayer breakfast was held at the home of Sue and Graham Dawson.
The Rev David Barnes led midweek communion at St John's Church, Upperthong. Lunch followed in the meeting room.
Family communion was conducted by the Rev John Capstick, who read the gospel, preached the sermon and was the celebrant. The readers were Hilary Roberts and Philip Broadbent. Les Walton led prayers and Bill Brown assisted with the chalice. Hazel Thompson was the organist. Coffee and biscuits were served afterwards. In the evening, a healing service was led by Sue Dawson.
WOOLDALE
Paul Joseph led worship at Wooldale Methodist Church when he preached on The Fruit of Spirit. The organist was Nigel Morris. Members of the Women's Fellowship held a games afternoon at their monthly meeting led by Audrey Fenwick.
