The Blyth Valley Times is a monthly church magazine containing information about Church of England services across the benefice, and services with other denominations. Also articles from local organisations, events, business adverts and thought-provoking content.For only a £1.50 suggested donation per copy, you can have it delivered direct through your door by a local friendly volunteer, or delivered by post (£40 per annum). Some free copies are available in your local church. Please donate if you can. Without subscriptions, donations and adverts the magazine won't be able to continue, so many thanks for your support. If you'd like to advertise, receive a delivery or have any feedback on the magazine please contact Annie at: blyth.valley.times@gmail.com
This is an appeal to all local residents about the future of St. Michael’s Cookley.The secretary, treasurer and churchwarden of Cookley PCC have now been in post for some twenty- five years and the time has finally come for them to hand over to others. Unless new officers can be found, our church may be forced to close.Would you, or anyone you know, be interested in taking on one of these roles? Our church has been here for more than a thousand years: It boasts a fine Norman arch and a beautiful 15th century hammer-beam roof and Cookley people have worshipped here for centuries. Countless generations of local residents are buried in our churchyard.Restoration work over the years has not always proved sympathetic but it has at least ensured its survival and it would be a tragedy if – after all this time – our generation was the one to abandon it.St. Michael’s is a small, friendly church. If you have never visited, please consider doing so. It is never locked and although access is through a private garden, don’t be intimidated. The owner is very friendly and there’s no wild dog to impede your progress!After some thousand years of its existence, the prospect of there being no more Cookley church is too horrendous to be contemplated. Please help us to prevent this from happening.Jane EversPlease contact Annie if you can help at: office.bvtm@gmail.com