BROCKHOLES

Helen Johnson led worship at the Methodist Church. The readers were John Gaukroger, Jan Gaunt and Muriel Bennett, who was also the pianist.

The annual St George’s community celebrations were held on Sunday and masterminded by Kate Drake, Sue Clay and Verena Wood. The event began with a service of Celtic communion at St George’s Church, celebrated by the Rev David Barnes. Children of the AD group disguised themselves as a dragon and led a family processions around the recreation ground. The Honking Hedgers Junior Band provided music for the occasion. Following a barbecue and children's activities in the churchyard, the day concluded with a short service led by the vicar, during which children of the AD group and Brockholes School choir provided musical items under the direction of Jill Roberts. Rosalind Watt was the reader at both services and the organist for the day was Verena Wood.

HADE EDGE

Have you ever played or been involved with the running of Hade Edge Football Club? If so contact John Dalton (685021) who is wanting to invite as many people as possible to the club’s Centenary Celebration Day on July 18. The committee have been meeting throughout this centenary year to discuss the possibility of a new club house and plans will be unveiled on the celebration day. The club has expanded considerably in the past five years since adding a junior section to two seniors teams and there is a pressing need to reorganise the pitches and to provide up-to-date facilities. New players – senior or junior – are always welcome at this family-orientated club. Ring 684924 for more details.

HOLMFIRTH

Holy Trinity Church celebrated St George’s Day with the Holme Valley District Scouts. Sam Green from Holmfirth Scouts read the lesson and Brian Shaw led the prayers. Rev Keith Griffin spoke about St. George, a christian who was born in the Middle East in the 3rd century. He was courageous and set a good example to us today. Although he is the patron saint of England he is also celebrated in lots of other countries especially in the Middle East.

Paul Joseph was the preacher at Holmfirth Methodist Church on Sunday morning and was inspired by a beautiful spring day and a recent visit to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. With the young people he shared pictures from a butterfly farm. Paul explained how these were more than just a vivid demonstration of the wonder of God’s creation – they reflected how anybody can have a new start in life and change from the ordinary into splendour, simply by knowing Jesus. Following a reading from Genesis - depicting the creation of heaven and earth - and an account of John’s revelation of the throne in heaven, Paul encouraged those present to celebrate the awesomeness of creation - a once barren earth transformed by God into something perfect. Again he drew a parallel, this time between God’s caring relationship with his creation, including us, and how we should relate to each another.Paul reminded the congregation of how privileged they were to be able to talk directly to the creator. He went on to lead them in prayer for one another – lifting each other up to God. Margaret Heeley announced the Flower Festival taking place in the church over the bank holiday weekend. Not only would there be floral displays reflecting hymns and songs following the life of Jesus, but also refreshments and a children’s artwork completion judged by Ashley Jackson. All are welcome.

HONLEY

There’s a chance to find out the RNLI at a special meeting, organised by the Honley and Brockholes branch, at Honley Liberal Club, Cuckoo Lane, on Wednesday May 13 at 7.30pm. The evening, sponsored by HB Precision Ltd and Treble Nine Storage Services Ltd, will feature a talk and demonstration by lifeboat helmsman Mark Harding, from New Brighton lifeboat station. The open event also includes films and information.

UPPERTHONG

Midweek communion at St John’s Church was led by the Rev Geoff Banks, who was also the celebrant. Lunch followed in the meeting room.

Family communion at St John’s Church was conducted by the Rev Di Ellerton, who was also the celebrant. The reader was Rachael Haslam. Lay reader Martin Woodhead read the gospel and preached the sermon. Val Shuttleworth offered prayers and the organist was Adam Greenhalgh. Refreshments were served afterwards by Bill Brown.

WOOLDALE

The service on Sunday at Wooldale Methodist Free Church was led by Mr Roy Horn, who took his readings from Chronicles and from John. In his sermon he talked of not judging others, of us all being angels without wings,The organist was Peter Coldwell.

Terry Frost led the service at the Methodist Church when the organist was Sue Ogden. The monthly social was a meal at the Cask and Spindle, Shepley, enjoyedby 16 people.