June 2017 THE MAGAZINE OF THE HORWICH & TEAM CHURCHES Price 50p

IN THIS ISSUE NOT ONE BUT TWO! Page 2: Directory Two valued members of our churches—Rev. Terry Litherland (St Catherine’s) Page 3: Monthly Musings; Nat and Irene Jackson (Holy Trinity) have been awarded well deserved Horwich Lloyd’s to Nursery; Congratulations Civic Medals. They were awarded for: Page 4 : The Hand of Irene Jackson Friendship; Life Explored; Knit Irene was born and bred in Horwich. She was the Guide Lieutenant of & Natter Horwich Parish Church Girl Guides from 1960 to 1970, gaining her Campers Page 5: Looking Back & Licence and the responsibility of running the annual guide camp. For the next Looking Forward; June Sayings Page 6: From Horwich to four years she started and ran Horwich’s first Guide Ranger Unit for 16 – 18 Exeter; Wise Words year olds. Page 7 : From the Registers; Irene has been involved with Horwich Parish Church for most of her adult life Dates & Reminders for June; as a valued member of the Church Parochial Council, and a school governor at World Refugee Day; Ladybridge Horwich Parish Primary School for more than thirty years. Irene represented Singers Horwich as a magistrate on the Bench and during thirty years’ service Page 8: St Elizabeth’s 50th sat on the Adult, Youth and Domestic courts. Irene has also found time to be Celebrations; Rev Jo Smith involved in fundraising activities as an active member of Horwich Inner ordination and first Wheel, the Women’s Institute and the RNLI charity. communion; Joke; Messy At 88 years young, still helping with church cleaning and helping to pack Church Christmas boxes for the Samaritans Purse Charity, Irene is a continuing example of selfless service to the community. July/August2017 With her usual modesty Irene writes, “I feel very honoured and proud to have been awarded the Horwich Civic Medal. As a person born and bred in Colour edition Horwich I have always been involved in the life and activities of the Town, Deadline: June 18th much of it, among other things, involving Horwich Parish Church School and Publication date: July 2nd Holy Trinity Church. “However, I consider this Award is not just for me but represents all volunteers serving the community quietly and without fuss, over many years and I was very happy and privileged to accept this Award on their behalf”.

Reverend Terry Litherland Terry has served the community of Horwich for most of his life, particularly through his voluntary work for St Catherine’s Church where he has fulfilled many roles including Church Warden and a member of Deane Deanery Synod for forty-eight years. Terry has served as non-stipendiary vicar in the Horwich and Rivington Anglican churches for over 20 years until his retirement in 2016. He served as Chaplain to the Air Training Corps (ATC), Chair of Governors at St Catherine’s CE Primary School, Chair of Churches Together in Horwich and Rivington and was instrumental in leading the ecumenical service on Carnival Sunday. An immensely well-known and popular figure in Horwich and following A proud Terry with his Civic retirement still officiated at funerals, at the request of loved ones, as well as Medal. More photos on visiting nursing homes, the sick and the housebound to offer communion. Page 6 Terry and his wife Sandra will be leaving Horwich in 2017 to live closer to their family in Exeter. (Terry writes: “From Horwich To Exeter”—see Page 6…..) CHURCH SERVICES PEOPLE & PLACES BELOW THE PIKE SUNDAYS THE MINISTERIAL TEAM BELOW THE PIKE is published by the Holy Trinity Church: Team Council of the Anglican Churches of Every Week Rector: Stephen Fletcher 468263 Horwich and Rivington. Its aim is to link Vicar: Michael Behrend 08.00 Holy Communion 697162 the Team Churches with each other and Curates: the wider community of Horwich. The 1st, 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays Jo Smith 240508 contents are not exclusively religious, but 09.15 Informal Worship (with K4C) Gill Smart 691539 encompass any matters of Christian or 10.45 Choral Service (Communion) local concern. Anyone who would like to Associates Peter Harley make such a contribution, through the 3rd Sunday Caroline Tracey 692303 Editorial Committee, is most welcome Please refer to newsletter and notices for (details below). Please be aware that the information. Honorary: Glenda Bush 468271 articles printed do not necessarily reflect Colin Craston the thoughts of the Editor or Editorial Evening Services 699972 team 18.30 Celtic Communion (1st Sunday) Brenda Craston 699972 Editorial Team Anthony Greenhill 18.30 Evening Praise (2nd Sunday) 696509 David Griffiths 469621 Editor: Margaret Broadfoot 690283 18.30 Holy Communion (3rd Sunday) Readers: Irvine Delamore 696437 email: [email protected] 18.30 Enigma (4th Sunday) David Hawes 693727 Stephen Fletcher (Rector) 468263 Rivington Parish Church: Pam Knowles 667363 10.45 Holy Communion 1662 THE TEAM CHURCHES: Gloria Long (Holy Trinity) 692035 10.45 Family Communion (1st Sunday) David GriffithsRivington) ( 469621 St. Catherine’s Church: Holy Trinity Judith Whalley (St. Catherine’s) 691968 Church Wardens: St Elizabeth’s (vacancy) 08.45 Holy Communion 1662 07833 Chris Knowles 290498 10.30 Holy Communion Grenville Hartley 694782 THE TEAM OFFICE is situated in the crypt (1st, 3rd & 4th Sundays) Treasurer: Lesley Greenhalgh 693973 below St. Catherine’s Church. 10.30 Church Family Worship (2nd Sunday) 10.30 Morning Worship (5th Sunday) Secretary: Susan Kerr 692760 Open Mon to Fri: 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon Telephone: (01204) 692252

Rivington Email: [email protected] St. Elizabeth’s Church: Church Wardens: 01257 08.45 Holy Communion 1662 (1st Sunday) Peter Holden 307949 Holy Trinity Parish Hall 10.00 Home4All (1st Sunday) David Hawkins 077105667 Booking enquiries to:- Susan Preston 10.00 Communion4All (2nd Sunday) Treasurer: David Hawkins (as above) T: 693722 includes our children Secretary: Barbara Shaw 01257 E: [email protected] 10.00 Word4You (3rd Sunday) 480759 10.00 Communion4You (4th Sunday) St. Catherine’s St. Elizabeth’s Church Hall

WEEKDAYS Church Wardens: Booking enquiries to:- Jill Harley 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month Ian Winnard 694005 T: 694611 E: [email protected] 09.30 Holy Communion—St. Elizabeth’s Kath Jackson 770598 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month Treasurer: Andrea Shore 694613 Web Site: 09.30 Holy Communion—Holy Trinity Secretary: Pam Smith (all churches) 4th Thursday of each month (c/oTeam Office) 692252 www.bhrmp.co.uk/ 10.30 Holy Communion St Catherine’s Every Wednesday St. Elizabeth’s BAPTISMS 6.30p.m Holy Communion—St Church Wardens: Initial enquiries for baptisms Elizabeth’s Sandra Almond 692749 Emma Shawcross 469355 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tuesday each month Jane Halstead 468273 [email protected] 09.30 Midweek prayers for all church Treasurer: Richard Skidmore 693415 members at the Independent Methodist Secretary: vacant post WEDDINGS

Church, Lee Lane Initial enquiries for weddings Last Saturday of month—Matins at Revd Caroline Tracey 692303 Rivington Church 10.30am

YOUTH ORGANISATIONS ACROSS THE TEAM Holy Trinity Church St. Catherine’s Playcare: Weekdays Lisa Entwistle 667606 Children’s Club Sunday 10.30 Michael Behrend 697162 Parents & Toddlers Mon. 09-11 am. Tiny Tots Wed 09.15-11.15 Michael Behrend 697162 Jaffa Tots (3-6) Sunday 09.15 Nicola Gillard 227648 St. Elizabeth’s Church Jaffa Juniors (7-10) Sunday 09.15 John Shawcross 469355 Energize (4-11) Sunday 10.00 Jane Halstead 468273 Jaffas (11-13) Sunday 09.15 Steve Gillard 227648 Pathfinders (11-14) Sunday 10.00 Tuesday Beavers Nigel Anderson [email protected] CYFA (14+) Thursday 20.00 Gill Smart 468271 Thursday Cubs Brian Boyne [email protected] Beavers, Cubs & Scouts Derek English 469972 Beavers, Cubs & Scouts (overall) Christine Bradley 410811 Brownies Monday : Beverley Gowen 468581 Rainbows & Monday Brownies Angela Alcroft Rainbows Tuesday : Meriel Gregson 697255 [email protected] Rivington Wednesday Brownies Katie Webster [email protected] J.A.M. (1-14) 3rd Sunday 10.30 Susan Firth 01257 480084 Friday Guides Kathryn Tomkinson (Jesus & Me) Church Hall [email protected]

2 This month is about— Monthly Musings Archbishops urge everyone to vote on 8th June to for June support the NHS and education for all

In a three-page pastoral letter the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and John Sentamu urged everyone to go out and vote on 8th June. Unfortunately, the time available between the calling of this snap election and election day meant that it was very difficult this election to organise a Churches Together election forum for all the candidates. Justin Welby and John Sentamu urged people to eschew apathy and cynicism and draw new inspiration from the ancient Christian virtues of "love, trust and hope" caring for those who are most vulnerable in our society. “Faith has a central role to play in politics and in this general election” they said. They spoke clearly about refugees and migrants and that they should be given ‘a generous and hospitable welcome’ but politicians should not be deaf to the legitimate concerns about the impact of immigration on communities; they spoke about the issues around education; a flourishing health service, particularly mental health but also public health … the catastrophic gap in life expectancy between rich and poor and the need for a just economy, highlighting major concerns over poverty, housing and the dangers of "crushing" debt. Christians have an "obligation" to participate in the election and to pray for those standing for office, the pastoral letter said, recognising the personal costs and burdens carried by those in political life and by their families. NAT LLOYD’S

The old stone building on Bridge St. Horwich, which, many people still call 'Nat Lloyd's' is currently being renovated in order for Croft House Nursery to eventually move there. The building obviously has a rich history - actually dating back to the eighteenth century when it was built as a bleachworks. It was taken over in 1840 by William Longworth, whose memorial stone can be found inside Holy Trinity, and it remained with the Longworth family until approximately 1937. The Longworth Family were, during the 19th and 20th centuries, active members of the congregation at Holy Trinity Church and some members were also involved with around the turn of the twentieth century. The building was bought by Nathaniel Lloyd in 1950 and then by various other companies: Sonoco, Portals Packaging Tapes, De La Rue, Machaire, until it was sold to Janet Lomax-Baker at Croft House Nursery in 2015. Janet is trying to find people who have either worked in the building, or have memories of it so that she can compile its story before it is too late. Any members of the community who might have an interest in the building are invited to come along on Saturday 8th. July between 12 and 2pm to have a look round and share any memories they might have. For further details, or to share any memories or photographs before the event, please phone Janet on 01204 697613 or email to [email protected]

Do you recognise yourself , a relative or a friend in the photo? Employees of Nat Lloyd’s pictured in the late 1970s.

CONGRATULATIONS TO —

Ron Knott and Grenville Hartley who both reached their 3 score years and ten in May!

3 THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP Firstly, may I introduce myself – I am Dorothy Shaw, the current Team Leader of Horwich Visiting Service. My background is one of working in a Nursing Home for the elderly for 15 years. I just love being with the elderly and find great satisfaction in helping the lonely and isolated people of Horwich. However, after working for the Visiting Service for nearly 20 years it is time to hand over the reins to someone younger and I am pleased to say that my colleague Lesley Youngman will be taking over this month. Horwich Visiting Service is a Befriending Registered Charity based in Horwich Clinic. It first opened its doors in 1999 and we are the only visiting/befriending service operating in Horwich. We are a charity that is run by the local people for the local people. We provide a visiting, befriending service for adults in our local community and operate entirely on a voluntary basis. Our chairman is always the current Mayor of Horwich and for 2017 – 2018 we welcome Cllr Stephen Rock. We are proud to say that the service is still going strong, 18 years later. In that time, we have helped to alleviate loneliness for the elderly and isolated people in Horwich. We are passionate about reaching out to the most vulnerable people in our community and bring fun, friendship, laughter and enjoyment into their lives. We have 40 volunteers visiting people every week and over that time they become firm friends. Our ‘visitees’ look forward to their weekly visits and we believe that the volunteers’ visits help greatly with reducing issues such as depression and mental health. The volunteers also get a lot out of making the visits as they too find friendship. Our organisation relies heavily on donations to keep the service going and as well as fund-raising and individual donations we are pleased that Horwich businesses have given generous donations recently and in the past: The Co-Op; Cohens Chemist; Flowersmith; Horwich Carnival Committee; Rotary and The Mayor’s Charity Fund to name just a few. In closing, if any of you know someone living in Horwich who would benefit from being visited or if you are able to give an hour a week to visit someone and brighten up their life please contact: Horwich Visiting Service on 01204 669408 or email: info@horwichvisiting service.org.uk Dorothy Shaw

LIFE EXPLORED What's the best gift God could give you? Join us for a seven week course in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Great for anyone wanting to explore what life is about. You can ask any question you like or just sit and listen. Wednesday evenings 7.45pm (finished by 9pm) at St.Catherine’s Church, Richmond Street Contact Michael (697162) to book in. There is no charge for the course Planned dates: 17th May, 24th May, 7th June, 14th June, 21st June, 28th June, 5th July KNIT AND NATTER You may be surprised to hear that there are a number of knitting groups in Horwich. They are open to anyone interested in knitting or crochet. All of the groups are very friendly and keen to welcome new members. Knitting groups are a great way to meet people and form new friendships.

WEEKLY: Monday 1pm - 3pm at Fine Yarns, Lee Lane. Charge £1

Tuesday & Thursday 10am – 12noon at Nutmeg 'n Vanilla Art Cafe, New Road (in the row between Domino’s and Beaumont Electric). Please ring Angela on 01204 469770 for details.

Friday 1pm-3pm at Horwich Library. No charge.

2nd & 4th SATURDAY IN THE MONTH: 10am – 12noon at Horwich Library. 30p charge. Groups where charges are levied include tea/coffee & biscuits.

4

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD…….

As I approach the final months of my headship at Horwich Parish, I have been asked to write my reflections on my time here. I have been Headteacher for over 12 years, and before that I was the head of a small school, Emmanuel Holcombe CE Primary. Over the years at Horwich Parish, I have seen well over 1000 children pass through our school, and have been lucky enough to have a memory for 400 names, so I can - nearly always – name every child in my school at present. I have also had the privilege of being able to appoint around half the staff who currently work at the school (the others have been there even longer than me!) My view of headship in a Church of school is that it is a form of lay ministry. Church schools have been at the heart of our education system for over 200 years (well over, in the case of our school). The challenge of my time at Horwich Parish has been to ensure our children get the best possible education, but in the context of Christian values and foundations. Many children today face great challenges in their home life – some find a lack of consistency and clear boundaries except in the school situation. I have aimed to create opportunities for our children to learn in a faith-based context, and also to meet their needs whether educational, emotional, social or spiritual through the time they have spent at Horwich Parish. Not all of them go on to high schools, and it is my prayer that we have made a difference in each child’s life that they would not have had elsewhere. In 2009 I was fortunate to be able to accompany Richard and Margaret Fairclough on a visit to our partner parishes in Namibia. This allowed me to visit, amongst other places, our partner schools in Okathitu, Onanghola and Ruacana, and the trip opened my eyes to how different life, school and Anglicanism can be in Namibia. The visit made a great impact on me as a teacher and as a Christian, and I came home very appreciative of home comforts such as running water and electricity! I have aimed to keep the link with Namibia real and have continued to support the Namibia Committee. As well as being on the receiving end of Ofsted inspections and SATs, I have had the opportunity to inspect other church schools under the SIAMS system (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools). Together with a period of time working as Adviser for RE and Collective Worship for Diocese, I have been lucky to be able to visit a large number of church schools, and to take good practice back to my own school, as well as sharing good ideas with others. It is my prayer that Horwich Parish, like all church schools, will continue to serve its community and retain its Christian distinctiveness as it moves into a new period under new leadership. My reasons for leaving (well before retirement!) are many, but it is reasonable to say the challenges of education continue to increase, as all public services seem to be increasingly squeezed in terms of finances. I am able to look back on a successful career of 31 years in primary education, in the firm belief that God will open new doors for me that I am as yet unaware of, just as this particular door closes. So let our prayer for each other be, in the words of St Paul in Ephesians chapter 3: “That out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Alan Beedie

We wish Alan well in his new life and thank him for his years of service to HPCS and the Church.

SOME JUNE SAYINGS -  Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June - Al Bernstein  Oh, my luve's like a red, red rose, That's newly sprung in June; Oh, my luve's like the melodie That's sweetly played in tune” - Robert Burns

5 ON REFLECTION ..FROM HORWICH TO EXETER! It’s Sunday 14th May 2017, we are just getting ready to go to St Thomas’s Church, where we have found a great welcome from that community. It is just 3 months since we made the “big” move, and now here I am beginning this article for Below the Pike, just as I am about to travel up to Horwich to receive the Horwich Civic Medal in St Catherine’s School Library on Wednesday. Life throws up all sorts of challenges, or, on reflection should that not read God throws up all sorts of challenges? There’s no doubt about that, I firmly believe that we are directed down certain pathways, but we have a choice, as Robert Frost concluded in his poem “The Road Not Taken” with these words, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-----I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference”. Yes, the road we decided to take has made all the difference, and would you believe it, we had just been at St Thomas’s for two weeks, and Nick, Priest-in- Charge and Team Rector announced that he was taking early retirement , and then two weeks later it was announced that Anne, Team Curate, was leaving to take up an appointment as Cathedral Chaplain. Her last service is today. Yes! Challenges come in all sorts of ways. It’s now Monday the 15th, and I have said bye to Sandra and I’m on St David’s Station waiting for the train for Manchester, and reflecting on the situation, but looking forward to meeting up with friends in Horwich, also reflecting on my forthcoming meeting (July 17th) with Bishop Sarah (Suffragen in Exeter Diocese) with regards to seeking a Licence to Officiate (PtO). Ah well! The train is here, so, what will it be like going back up to Horwich after 3 months away? From the moment of arriving in Horwich, it began almost what was a whistle-stop tour – so many thanks: to Pam & Graham for inviting me to stay at their home, to Eileen and family for dinner on the Monday, to Ruth & Tony for dinner on the Tuesday, and to those who were able to share in the Presentation on Wednesday, to Karen and the St Catherine’s School for hosting the event, to those who were able to share in the meal at Leo’s in the evening; it was good to catch up on news and views etc. It has certainly been an opportunity to give thanks to God for the privilege of being enabled to Minister in a town and community where I have lived most of my life. Those treasured memories will be with Sandra and myself for ever, thank you for allowing us to share in those special moments in your lives. What now as we move forward? Well we have certainly got quality time with our family: Rachael & Steve, Jack (8yrs) & Rosetta (20mths). I ask for your prayers as I prepare to meet with Bishop Sarah and as I look forward to being able to help out at St Thomas’s please hold in your prayers St Thomas’s Charles (Team Vicar) and Will (Team Curate), as they lead the Parish during this Interregnum. This was until recently a 3 Church Team, but the 3 congregations have come together at St Thomas, a Church that goes back quite a few Centuries, to form one congregation. The interior is undergoing quite a lot of work, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources. The wonderful Parish Hall, is well used, especially during the colder months, because we Worship in there. There are many more “renegade” Northerners ,from places like , , and Houghton, in fact Eileen from Oldham commented on our 2nd Sunday, “EEh! it’s grand t’ear that accent” Our prayers and kind thoughts are with you all, with every Blessing, Rev. Terry Litherland

Irene on the left with Horwich 2016-17 Mayor & Mayoress Cllr Jim and Mrs Dorothy Bullock and Terry on the right with Cllrs Joyce Kellett and Peter Wright after being awarded their Civic Medals. Well done!

SOME WISE WORDS TO HELP YOU ON YOUR WAY OR MAKE YOU THINK —IF YOU HAVE ANY TO SHARE PLEASE SEND THEM IN: If everyone in the world consumed as much as the average UK citizen, it would need three planets to resource it. WWF’s Living Planet Report

6 FROM THE REGISTERS BAPTISMS & THANKSGIVINGS We welcome to the family of the Church: With sincere apologies to Mabel Rose Horne, baptised on 9th April, for incorrectly spelling her name in the May edition.

22nd Apr 2017 Dylan Mackenzie Johnson 7th May 2017 Riley Gatenby Mitchell 7th May 2017 Neave Grace Bell 7th May 2017 Sebastian James Bell 7th May 2017 Frankie Gordon 21st May 2017 Matthew Smith

WEDDINGS We wish joy and happiness to:

28th April Shaun Gibbs & Natasha Darr

FUNERALS We offer love and sympathy to the relatives and friends of: 24th April Jean White 28th April Bill Bloor 11th May Dr Sheila Lochead McKinlay 16th May Lilian Cadman 23rd May Ivy Fish

WORLD REFUGEE DAY—JUNE 20TH DATES & REMINDERS FOR JUNE Including Thy kingdom come (TKC) events: Starting in 2001 the United Nations General Assembly dedicate 20th June each 1st june- TKC—Prayer for the Community Horwich year to be World Refugee Day. An evangelical church -7.30—9.00pm opportunity for us to pray and give 2nd june—tkc— 7to7 prayer room st Catherine’s 7am - 7pm support to the more that 10 million people 3rd june—TKC—pentecost prayer morning st Elizabeth’s forced to leave their homes to find safety. 10am—12pm then TKC—Messy Church family prayer party st Elizabeth’s 4pm - 6pm LADYBRIDGE SINGERS PRESENT 4th june—TKC - Pentecost praise party—holy trinity 5.30pm A GALA CONCERT 5th june—Monday matinee at Horwich community centre 2pm A selection of Charlie Chaplin movies. HOLY TRINITY 24TH JUNE 7.30pm 17th/18th june—horwich festival of racing—various Tickets £8 and proceeds in aid of events,see local publicity North West Air Ambulance and 20th june—world refugee day (see column left) Marie Curie Nurses 21st june—Beer and chat—blackedge brewery & bar, Hampson st. Horwich—from 7.30pm (other drinks available!) Advance Notice: W/C 3rd July—Horwich in Bloom judging 24th june—jo smith ordination 8th july Cedar Avenue Village Green 24th/25th june –Horwich carnival—see local publicity Fete—family attractions 24th june—Ladybridge singers Holy trinity 7.30pm (see left) 16th july—ironman 25th june—rev. jo smith communion holy trinity 10.45am

(Rivington Church—no service)

ate nine! ate 30th June—Bolton Prayer breakfast - festival hall, Bolton,

Because seven seven Because — ANSWER TO JOKE ON P. 8 P. ON JOKE TO ANSWER 7.30-9.15am Booking essential:[email protected]

7 LET’S CELEBRATE—50 YEARS OF ST ELIZABETH’S CHURCH The last weekend at the end of Holland & Graham Smith had Prosecco, nibbles and lots of cake, April was very special for St done a fantastic job of pulling it a fruit one made by Sue Bird and a Elizabeth’s as we celebrated 50 all together. sponge one from Greenhalgh’s. years in our current building, as Sunday saw many from the And it didn’t stop there! Bank well as the journey through 125 night before and more crammed Holiday Monday saw a sunny day years as a Church, beginning with a into St. Elizabeth’s Church in an as we held a Family Fun Day Church Army Mission at the top of atmosphere of praise and around the church grounds, Alexandra Road in 1892. celebration. With the Horwich attended by several hundred On the Saturday evening over 80 Mayor, the Mayoress and local people, many dressed in their 60’s of us met together in Ridgmont Councillors attending, worship garb! They enjoyed a free bar-b- House for a 3 course meal and the led by Music Group, the sermon que, more cake, tombola, Messy pleasure of catching up not only, was preached & Communion Tent, musical bands in the church, with our current friends but also celebrated by Bishop Mark the Horwich Hunters showing their many ‘blasts from the past’ as Ashcroft. Memories were shared amazing gymnastic skills and clergy, church members, friends by Sylvia Smith and flowers laid games for all ages with prizes and and relatives from over the years at the Foundation stone by John certificates for the winners. Many travelled to share their memories Michell & his own daughter, son thanks to Andy & Kath Ferrier and with us. Wendy introduced David of the Rev Michell who laid the all of the Events team who Kay, Chris Erridge, Kevin Ashby, stone originally. A cake was cut organised this. Phil Brew and Paul Berry who all by the Bishop and church After a hectic weekend, spoke eloquently of the good times members past and present & a organised and accomplished by so they shared with St Elizabeth’s and video sent from Paul Dever and many people (too many to name Jane Halstead, one of our current his family was shown, as they here), exhausted but elated, St Church Wardens talked about now couldn’t come. Afterwards we Elizabeth’s Church and all it was, is and into the future. Wendy ‘partied’ in the Hall with & will be, was truly celebrated.

John Michell and daughter at the Foundation Stone laid by John’s father 50 years ago. Also pictured , the scrumptious 50th birthday cake! Watch out for next month’s colour photos !!

Stop press news: Rev. Jo smith will be ordained at Manchester cathedral by the bishop of Bolton , , at 2.30 pm on Saturday 24th june. Then on Sunday 25th jo will lead her first communion at 10.00 at holy trinity. Rivington church will be closed to allow the congregation to attend. we ask that all team churches come and support her on the next step of her journey of faith.

Q: Why is six afraid of seven? MESSY CHURCH !!! Messy Church presents Family Prayer Party, at 4pm on 3rd June, St. Answer on Page 7. Elizabeth’s Church. Contact Jane Thompson 468541

With many thanks to Easiprint, Crown Lane, Horwich for their excellent service & the quality and printing of this magazine