News archive 2013

We celebrated - a dodransbicentennial!!

That’s a big word but means 175 years and on Sunday 27^th October 2013 we held a big celebration, marking 175 years of the parish in Walmersley.

At a special service at Christ Church the Revd Dr John Findon, Rector of Bury, was our guest preacher, and many friends joined us for the occasion, not least those from the parish of St John with St Mark.

Afterwards drinks were served in the Hall, the Vicar cut a cake to mark the occasion, and many enjoyed a trip down memory lane - thanks to a collection of memorabilia displayed.

TOGETHER EVERYONE ACCOMPLISHES MINISTRY

Bishop Chris Edmondon instituted the Reverend Dave Thompson as Vicar of the Benefice in a service at Christ Church on 3 July 2013. The theme of his sermon was 'working together' and he used this acronym.

We are delighted to welcome Dave and Linda to this community and look forward to working together.

MOTHERS' UNION PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT

On 17 May 2013 Barbara Taylor was commissioned by the Archbishop, in York Minster, to her new role as president of the 14 northern dioceses. Catherine Hilton stood with the other 13 presidents to affirm her commitment to Mothers' Union. Rosemary Taylor carried the Christ Church banner, and many members and friends were in the congregation. Read more in July's magazine.

Arthur Hoyle Smith, BEM

Everyone at Christ Church Walmersley is absolutely delighted to learn of the honour bestowed on our long serving organist and choirmaster, Arthur Smith.

Arthur joined the church choir in 1922 and has been our organist and choir-master for well over seventy years. Even now at ninety seven years young he never misses a church service. Last winter when there was snow on the ground and plenty of ice under foot he walked up the hill from his house to church to play at the Christmas Midnight Communion. This is so typical of the man and his commitment to the church he has attended, and served, since his childhood.

He is a great example to us all of steadfast Christian ministry. We give thanks to God that such devoted service, which Arthur has given in his professional, yet unassuming and quiet manner, has been recognised in this way by Her Majesty who is head of our country and church. We are all thrilled for him.

On Sunday 7 April 2013 Mr Smith was presented with his award by the Lord Lieutenant, Her Majesty's representative in Greater Manchester, in the presence of the Mayor of Bury and her Consort and Canon Paul Denby, Deputy Lieutenant.

The Archdeacon of Bolton, the Venerable David Bailey, brought greetings from Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton, together with congratulations from the Diocese of Manchester.

Family, friends, past choir members enjoyed refreshments afterwards in the Hall where Arthur cut a celebration cake.