On what has now become an annual event, Josh found time in his busy professional schedule to perform at our fund raising event.The audience were enchanted, and towards the end there was dancing in the aisles.Josh commented afterwards that it was lovely to perform to an audience who had come to see him. This included his grandma who lives in the village.Apart from having a good time, a tidy sum of money was raised for church building works.
St Mary's marked the Diocesan Centenary, and the 180th anniversary of St Mary's Church itself.In the preceeding week the clergy and wardens attended an inspiring service at St Barts, led by the Bishop of Blackburn. Bishop Philip is a great preacher, and set us up for the weekend ahead.On Saturday we hosted a celebration at Trawden Community Centre. This included stone painting, badge making, story telling and coaster decoration for children and parents. For the adults there was a talk on the history of St Mary's with contributions from the audience. We found out that the first Trawden curate had proposed to Charlotte Bronte, although he had moved to Christ Church before then, but he could have been serving both churches. Unfortunately he was rejected, and died shortly afterwards. He must have retained strong Trawden links, possibly still living in the original clergy house in Carry Bridge. His funeral was arranged and paid for by Mary Foulds of Trawden Hall.The curate was one of three curates who proposed to Charlotte!A member of the congregation recalled being told that Patrick Bronte had preached at St Mary's.All this was despite the main road into the village being closed, locally referenced as the "Trawden Lock in". The Trawden Beer and Music Festival was in full swing across the road at the Community Pub, so plenty to do.On Sunday we held a celebration service with significant input from our new curate the Rev James.Next Weeknd the 20th September is Harvest Festival at 09:30. Then on 4th October at 2pm there is the popular annual concert by local singer Josh Hindle. Tickets £15 on the door, free tea and coffee, wine available.
The older children from our local nursery walked across to church to have a look at the decorations and Christmas trees.They followed the advent star, found the three wise mens camels on their way to Bethlehem, and then the stable where Jesus was to be born but with an empty manger.Carols were sung, and the children had clearly been practising their favourites. Thanks for coming to see us, and have a great Christmas.
The school carol service was a great success with the Church completely full.KS2 (juniors) read the nativity story interspersed by carols, some sung by the school others by everyone. There had been much practicing, including two rehearsals in Church, and the end result was flawless performance by everyone.Parents, grandparents and villagers joined in the singing with great gusto. A comment from one parent was "It was absolutely lovely. Couldn't think of a better way to start the festive period".See the Trawden Forest Primary School Facebook page for a video of one of the rehearsals.
