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

July/August2017 Colour edition Deadline: June 18th

Publication date: July 2nd

IN THIS ISSUE Page 2: Directory

Page 3: Monthly Musings; Nat Lloyd’s to Nursery; Congratulations

Page 4 : The Hand of Friendship; Life Explored; Knit & Natter Page 5: Looking Back & Looking Forward; June Sayings Page 6: From Horwich to Exeter; Wise Words

Page 7 : From the Registers; Dates & Reminders for June; World Refugee Day; Ladybridge Singers Page 8: St Elizabeth’s 50th Celebrations; Rev Jo Smith ordination and first communion; Joke; Messy Church

NOT ONE BUT TWO!

Two valued members of our churches—Rev. Terry Litherland (St Catherine’s)

and Irene Jackson (Holy Trinity) have been awarded well deserved Horwich

Civic Medals. They were awarded for:

Irene Jackson

Irene was born and bred in Horwich. She was the Guide Lieutenant of Horwich Parish Church Girl Guides from 1960 to 1970, gaining her Campers Licence and the responsibility of running the annual guide camp. For the next four years she started and ran Horwich’s first Guide Ranger Unit for 16 – 18 year olds. Irene has been involved with Horwich Parish Church for most of her adult life as a valued member of the Church Parochial Council, and a school governor at Horwich Parish Primary School for more than thirty years. Irene represented Horwich as a magistrate on the Bolton Bench and during thirty years’ service sat on the Adult, Youth and Domestic courts. Irene has also found time to be involved in fundraising activities as an active member of Horwich Inner Wheel, the Women’s Institute and the RNLI charity. At 88 years young, still helping with church cleaning and helping to pack Christmas boxes for the Samaritans Purse Charity, Irene is a continuing example of selfless service to the community. 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 Horwich I have always been involved in the life and activities of the Town, much of it, among other things, involving Horwich Parish Church School and 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 retirement still officiated at funerals, at the request of loved ones, as well as visiting nursing homes, the sick and the housebound to offer communion. 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…..)

A proud Terry with his Civic

Medal. More photos on

Page 6

Holy Trinity Church Playcare: Weekdays Lisa Entwistle 667606 Parents & Toddlers Mon. 09-11 am. Jaffa Tots (3-6) Sunday 09.15 Nicola Gillard 227648 Jaffa Juniors (7-10) Sunday 09.15 John Shawcross 469355 Jaffas (11-13) Sunday 09.15 Steve Gillard 227648 Tuesday Beavers Nigel Anderson Nigel.Anderson@brooks.com Thursday Cubs Brian Boyne kathboyne@hotmail.co.uk Beavers, Cubs & Scouts (overall) Christine Bradley 410811 Rainbows & Monday Brownies Angela Alcroft angela_alcroft@tiscali.co.uk Wednesday Brownies Katie Webster katie164@btinternet.com Friday Guides Kathryn Tomkinson kath.tomkinson@btinternet.com

St. Catherine’s Children’s Club Sunday 10.30 Michael Behrend 697162 Tiny Tots Wed 09.15-11.15 Michael Behrend 697162 St. Elizabeth’s Church Energize (4-11) Sunday 10.00 Jane Halstead 468273 Pathfinders (11-14) Sunday 10.00 CYFA (14+) Thursday 20.00 Gill Smart 468271 Beavers, Cubs & Scouts Derek English 469972 Brownies Monday : Beverley Gowen 468581 Rainbows Tuesday : Meriel Gregson 697255 Rivington J.A.M. (1-14) 3rd Sunday 10.30 Susan Firth 01257 480084 (Jesus & Me) Church Hall

YOUTH ORGANISATIONS ACROSS THE TEAM

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CHURCH SERVICES SUNDAYS Holy Trinity Church: Every Week 08.00 Holy Communion 1st, 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays 09.15 Informal Worship (with K4C) 10.45 Choral Service (Communion) 3rd Sunday Please refer to newsletter and notices for information. Evening Services 18.30 Celtic Communion (1st Sunday) 18.30 Evening Praise (2nd Sunday) 18.30 Holy Communion (3rd Sunday) 18.30 Enigma (4th Sunday)

Rivington Parish Church: 10.45 Holy Communion 1662 10.45 Family Communion (1st Sunday) St. Catherine’s Church: 08.45 Holy Communion 1662 10.30 Holy Communion (1st, 3rd & 4th Sundays) 10.30 Church Family Worship (2nd Sunday) 10.30 Morning Worship (5th Sunday)

St. Elizabeth’s Church: 08.45 Holy Communion 1662 (1st Sunday)10.00 Home4All (1st Sunday) 10.00 Communion4All (2nd Sunday) includes our children 10.00 Word4You (3rd Sunday) 10.00 Communion4You (4th Sunday)

WEEKDAYS 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month 09.30 Holy Communion—St. Elizabeth’s 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month 09.30 Holy Communion—Holy Trinity 4th Thursday of each month 10.30 Holy Communion St Catherine’s Every Wednesday 6.30p.m Holy Communion—St Elizabeth’s 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tuesday each month 09.30 Midweek prayers for all church members at the Independent Methodist Church, Lee Lane Last Saturday of month—Matins at Rivington Church 10.30am

PEOPLE & PLACES

THE MINISTERIAL TEAM Rector: Stephen Fletcher Vicar: Michael Behrend Curates: Jo Smith Gill Smart Associates Peter Harley Caroline Tracey Honorary: Glenda Bush Colin Craston Brenda Craston Anthony Greenhill David Griffiths Readers: Irvine Delamore David Hawes THE TEAM CHURCHES: Holy Trinity Church Wardens: Chris Knowles Grenville Hartley Treasurer: Lesley Greenhalgh Secretary: Susan Kerr Rivington Church Wardens: Peter Holden David Hawkins Treasurer: David Hawkins Secretary: Barbara Shaw St. Catherine’s Church Wardens: Ian Winnard Kath Jackson Treasurer: Andrea Shore Secretary: Pam Smith (c/oTeam Office) St. Elizabeth’s Church Wardens: Sandra Almond Jane Halstead Treasurer: Richard Skidmore Secretary: vacant post

468263 697162

240508 691539

692303

468271 699972 699972 696509 469621 696437 693727

07833 290498 694782 693973 692760

01257 307949

077105667 (as above) 01257 480759

694005 770598 694613

692252

692749 468273 693415

BELOW THE PIKE BELOW THE PIKE is published by the Team Council of the Anglican Churches of Horwich and Rivington. Its aim is to link the Team Churches with each other and the wider community of Horwich. The contents are not exclusively religious, but encompass any matters of Christian or local concern. Anyone who would like to make such a contribution, through the Editorial Committee, is most welcome (details below). Please be aware that the articles printed do not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the Editor or Editorial team Editorial Team

Editor: Margaret Broadfoot 690283 email: mbroadfoot283@btinternet.com Stephen Fletcher (Rector) 468263 Pam Knowles 667363 Gloria Long (Holy Trinity) 692035 David Griffiths (Rivington) 469621 Judith Whalley (St. Catherine’s) 691968 St Elizabeth’s (vacancy) THE TEAM OFFICE is situated in the crypt below St. Catherine’s Church. Open Mon to Fri: 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon Telephone: (01204) 692252 Email: churchteamoffice@gmail.com Holy Trinity Parish Hall Booking enquiries to:- Susan Preston T: 693722 E: colin.preston8@btinternet.com St. Elizabeth’s Church Hall Booking enquiries to:- Jill Harley T: 694611 E: jill.harley@talktalk.net Web Site: (all churches) www.bhrmp.co.uk/ BAPTISMS Initial enquiries for baptisms Emma Shawcross emmashawcross82@gmail.com WEDDINGS Initial enquiries for weddings

Revd Caroline Tracey

469355

692303

Monthly Musings for June

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This month is about— Archbishops urge everyone to vote on 8th June to

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 Horwich Town Council 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 hello@crofthousenursery.com

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!

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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, Chorley 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.

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

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

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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 village 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 England 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 Church of England 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 Manchester 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.

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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

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 Bishop of Crediton 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 Oldham, Rochdale, 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!

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

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DATES & REMINDERS FOR JUNE Including Thy kingdom come (TKC) events:

1st june- TKC—Prayer for the Community Horwich

evangelical church -7.30—9.00pm

2nd june—tkc— 7to7 prayer room st Catherine’s 7am - 7pm

3rd june—TKC—pentecost prayer morning st Elizabeth’s

10am—12pm then TKC—Messy Church family prayer party st

Elizabeth’s 4pm - 6pm

4th june—TKC - Pentecost praise party—holy trinity 5.30pm

5th june—Monday matinee at Horwich community centre

2pm A selection of Charlie Chaplin movies.

17th/18th june—horwich festival of racing—various

events,see local publicity

20th june—world refugee day (see column left)

21st june—Beer and chat—blackedge brewery & bar,

Hampson st. Horwich—from 7.30pm (other drinks available!)

24th june—jo smith ordination Manchester Cathedral

24th/25th june –Horwich carnival—see local publicity

24th june—Ladybridge singers Holy trinity 7.30pm (see left)

25th june—rev. jo smith communion holy trinity 10.45am (Rivington Church—no service) 30th June—Bolton Prayer breakfast - festival hall, Bolton, 7.30-9.15am Booking essential: admin@urbanoutreach.co.uk ANSWER TO JOKE ON P. 8— Because seven

ate nine!

WORLD REFUGEE DAY—JUNE 20TH

Starting in 2001 the United Nations

General Assembly dedicate 20th June each

year to be World Refugee Day. An

opportunity for us to pray and give

support to the more that 10 million people

forced to leave their homes to find safety.

LADYBRIDGE SINGERS PRESENT

A GALA CONCERT

HOLY TRINITY 24TH JUNE 7.30pm

Tickets £8 and proceeds in aid of

North West Air Ambulance and

Marie Curie Nurses

Advance Notice: W/C 3rd July—Horwich in Bloom judging 8th july Cedar Avenue Village Green Fete—family attractions 16th july—ironman

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

Q: Why is six afraid of seven?

Answer on Page 7.

MESSY CHURCH !!! Messy Church presents Family Prayer Party, at 4pm on 3rd June, St. Elizabeth’s Church. Contact Jane Thompson 468541

LET’S CELEBRATE—50 YEARS OF ST ELIZABETH’S CHURCH

The last weekend at the end of

April was very special for St

Elizabeth’s as we celebrated 50

years in our current building, as

well as the journey through 125

years as a Church, beginning with a

Church Army Mission at the top of

Alexandra Road in 1892.

On the Saturday evening over 80

of us met together in Ridgmont

House for a 3 course meal and the

pleasure of catching up not only,

with our current friends but also

many ‘blasts from the past’ as

clergy, church members, friends

and relatives from over the years

travelled to share their memories

with us. Wendy introduced David

Kay, Chris Erridge, Kevin Ashby,

Phil Brew and Paul Berry who all

spoke eloquently of the good times

they shared with St Elizabeth’s and

Jane Halstead, one of our current

Church Wardens talked about now

and into the future. Wendy

Holland & Graham Smith had

done a fantastic job of pulling it

all together.

Sunday saw many from the

night before and more crammed

into St. Elizabeth’s Church in an

atmosphere of praise and

celebration. With the Horwich

Mayor, the Mayoress and local

Councillors attending, worship

led by Music Group, the sermon

was preached & Communion

celebrated by Bishop Mark

Ashcroft. Memories were shared

by Sylvia Smith and flowers laid

at the Foundation stone by John

Michell & his own daughter, son

of the Rev Michell who laid the

stone originally. A cake was cut

by the Bishop and church

members past and present & a

video sent from Paul Dever and

his family was shown, as they

couldn’t come. Afterwards we

‘partied’ in the Hall with

Prosecco, nibbles and lots of cake,

a fruit one made by Sue Bird and a

sponge one from Greenhalgh’s.

And it didn’t stop there! Bank

Holiday Monday saw a sunny day

as we held a Family Fun Day

around the church grounds,

attended by several hundred

people, many dressed in their 60’s

garb! They enjoyed a free bar-b-

que, more cake, tombola, Messy

Tent, musical bands in the church,

the Horwich Hunters showing their

amazing gymnastic skills and

games for all ages with prizes and

certificates for the winners. Many

thanks to Andy & Kath Ferrier and

all of the Events team who

organised this.

After a hectic weekend,

organised and accomplished by so

many people (too many to name

here), exhausted but elated, St

Elizabeth’s Church and all it was, is

& 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 ,

mark Ashcroft, 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.