Churches Together
in Harrogate

Archive of Previous News

Return to Events menu / Current news

2008 : : 2007 : : 2006 : : 2005 : : 2004 : : 2003 :

Reload the full website in a new window2008

Churches Together & Church House Trust AGMs
14 May at St Paul's URC, included the Induction service for Ian Connell, the new CTH President. Churches Together and Church House Trust reports available on this website.

DEC website, pleaseChina and Myanmar Burma Emergency Appeals
Several agencies including CAFOD, TEAR Fund and Christian Aid as well as the Disasters Emergency Committee are providing relief following the devastation of cyclone Nargis and the earthquake in Sichuan province.

Christian Ecology Link
The CEL webpage on this website includes the downloadable Environmental Audit sheet noted at the CTH AGM on 14 May 2008.

All Saints
 The congregation of All Saints has taken the difficult decision to close its fund raising appeal for vital restoration and repair work to its church building and will move instead to a new home.
All Saints, Harlow HillThe basis for this decision is that the necessary finances were not in place to bring about the substantial repair and improvement work that the building requires. It is understood that all monies raised from the appeal will be returned to donors.
For the past three years the 30 strong congregation has been meeting in the nearby Methodist Church. All Saints congregation will continue to meet at the Methodist Church on Harlow Hill for services until the end of June. From the 6th July a new 9am Service of Holy Communion will begin at St Mary's Hall on Harlow Terrace three Sundays a month with the usual 2nd Sunday Anglican/Methodist Service continuing on Harlow Hill.
Full Press release available (pdf, 10kb)

Rev Canon Nicholas HenshallClergy News: Rev Canon Nicholas Henshall
A warm welcome to Nicholas, his wife Christine and their three children as they prepare to move to Christ Church, Harrogate, from Derby and the Cathedral where Nicholas is currently Canon Precentor. News released concurrently in Derby and Harrogate on 1 June 2008.

Stuart & Jenna McCormackStuart & Jenna McCormack
Congratulations to Stuart and Jenna on their joint appointment to the post of Director of Youth Ministry at Stanmore Baptist church, Middlesex. See also Stuart's blogspot.

Clergy news: Rev Canon Peter Midwood
A warm welcome to Peter and his wife Sue on his appointment as Rector of Walkinghall Hill; service of institution at Staveley at 7:30pm on Tuesday 27 May.

India AroraClergy news: India Trinity Josephine Arora
Congratulations to Rev Jo Logan and her husband Rev Arun Arora on the birth of India on Friday 16 May 2008.

Clergy news
Rev Roberta Topham is on sabbatical until August.

DEC website, pleaseChina and Myanmar Burma Emergency Appeals
Several agencies including CAFOD, TEAR Fund and Christian Aid as well as the Disasters Emergency Committee are providing relief following the devastation of cyclone Nargis and the earthquake in Sichuan province.

Christian Ecology Link
The CEL webpage on this website includes the downloadable Environmental Audit sheet noted at the CTH AGM on 14 May 2008.

WYEC website, pleaseWYEC summer news
The Summer 2008 edition of WYEC news is available (pdf, 938kb)

Yorkshire Church on Show website, pleaseYorkshire Church on Show spring 2008 news
Newsletter available (pdf, 239kb)

All Saints
 The congregation of All Saints has taken the difficult decision to close its fund raising appeal for vital restoration and repair work to its church building and will move instead to a new home.
All Saints, Harlow HillThe basis for this decision is that the necessary finances were not in place to bring about the substantial repair and improvement work that the building requires. It is understood that all monies raised from the appeal will be returned to donors.
For the past three years the 30 strong congregation has been meeting in the nearby Methodist Church. All Saints congregation will continue to meet at the Methodist Church on Harlow Hill for services until the end of June. From the 6th July a new 9am Service of Holy Communion will begin at St Mary's Hall on Harlow Terrace three Sundays a month with the usual 2nd Sunday Anglican/Methodist Service continuing on Harlow Hill.
Full Press release available (pdf, 10kb)

Thursday Meals Rota
A copy of the current rota through to August is now available on this website; the rota list is also linked via the Local Groups and Regular News Features pages.

HOPE 08 Harrogate WorkspaceHOPE 08 Workspace
 Members continue to be added to this secure workspace and planning forum; to be invited, please contact an existing member or your priest/pastor/minister: Pete Askew, Graham Carter, Bernard Cartledge, Angela Clough, Ian Connell, Tim Eldridge, Garry Feasey, Keith Gough, Tim Hurren, Dan Jones, Olivia Lambert, Darren McClintock, Mark McKnight, Peter McNulty, Jeannine Richards, Vernon Roosevelt, St Mary's office, Tony Shepherd or Andy Wilson

Wikipedia Harrogate Churches
 Draft page published April 2008

Hoax and chain emails
 A timely reminder to check before you forward chain emails; the BBC published a News item on the 'Holocaust ban' in April 2007 (BBC weblink); others may be listed on the Break the Chain website.

Retreat Holidays
Places still available (as of April 2008) for Brittany, Provence, the French Alps, Poland, Gozo, Turkey, Italy and Spain holidays and also individually guided retreats in Malta, Dublin, Salamanca, Antigua and Dominica. Organised and led by Dr Stephanie Rybak, WYEC officer 1998 - 2005; further dates and details on the Retreat Holidays website.

Shaun Williamson (Extras, Eastenders); click for Quiz Aid at Christian AidChristian Aid Quiz Aid
Q What gives you two hours of pleasure, leaves you with a warm feeling inside, and only costs £2?
A Quizaid - the new annual Christian Aid week FUNdraising event. More details and press release available on this website about this innovative idea for Christian Aid Week or direct from Christian Aid

St Luke's chairs
 Fine old bishop's chair and others available for sale before auction in Apri - sold before 25 April

Bar chapel pews
 Four pitched pine pews for sale - one ended - all sold. Proceeds added to the building fund in April 2008

HOPE 08 Harrogate WorkspaceHOPE 08 Workspace
 Members continue to be added to this secure workspace and planning forum; to be invited, please contact an existing member or your priest/pastor/minister. See 3 March 2008.

Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber website, pleaseChurches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber
David Arblaster (Roman Catholic, Harrogate), John Beale (Church of England), Tim Bywater (Roman Catholic), Shelagh Fawcett (Roman Catholic), David Humphries (Baptist)and Pamela Knight (Roman Catholic) have been appointed in the Spring of 2008 to the Churches Regional Commission

Church websites
Various churches have recently relaunched their websites early in 2008: Christ Church, Pannal Methodist, St Mark's and St Robert's RC. See also the 2005 Dorchester extract (pdf, 151kb).

Dan & Rebekah Jones
After serving at Harrogate New Life church since October 2007, Dan and Rebekah moved on to pastures new in March 2008.

Harrogate YfC website, pleaseHarrogate YfC
The search is on to appoint salaried Associate workers for key youth projects across Harrogate, from February 2008 onwards. Mark McKnight has chosen to move on and explore other works. More info on the new roles on the Harrogate YfC website

BBC Songs of Praise from Harrogate, Sunday 3 February, 5:45pm, BBC1
 "Thank you to all for making the recordings for Songs of Praise go so well. Pics on this website via the BBC Songs of Praise page". The programme featuring Harrogate, Knaresborough and surrounding village church congregations is scheduled for 6 April with further filming during March.

Julie Jowett, Wesley OwenJulie Jowett, Wesley Owen
 Congratulations to Julie as she takes on the role of Area Manager, Yorkshire in addition to managing the Harrogate shop and managing Wesley Owen's 'Fiction' category.

Signatories to the Declaration of Intent; click to enlargeSunday 20 January: Harrogate Baptist and West Park URC
10:30am Celebration service with Declaration of Intent as the two churches progress on their ecumenical journey; full week's events poster available (pdf, 95kb).

CTH email change
Secretary's email addressThe secretary has a new email address; with apologies to all affected by spam and the inconvenience of email address changes.

Knaresborough church leaders after the induction service for Rev Bob JonesSaturday 12 January: Induction of Rev Bob Jones
 2.00pm at Knaresborough URC as minister for Knaresborough and Bilton Grange URC, Harrogate

Reload the full website in a new window2007

Lights on! Princes Street illuminations switched on on the night of 22 November 2007; click to enlargeChristmas services
The Christmas Services brochure (pdf, 187kb) went to print Wednesday 28 November; distribution to TIC, hotels and shops on Monday & Tuesday 10/11 December; Christmas Service listings also available on this website.
The Christian nativity scene displays can be seen in Princes Street and Commercial Street. Further donations welcome; more info available: background, donation reply letter; proposed lamp post poster.

Samaritans main website, pleaseChristmas poster available (pdf, 95kb). CTH joins with the gratitude and prayer of many across this area for the life and work of Rev Chad Varah

Network down...
Apologies for the lack of on-line communication from the CTH office over the weekend of 14-17 December due to Virgin Media / NTL network service problems. [Network status: 0800 561 0061]

Rock ConneXion
Saturday evening services have been cancelled for the remainder of this year with effect from 24 November 2007

One man and his God at AuthorhouseOne man and his God
Rev Richard Kayes' book baring all on his times in Harrogate and Liverpool, along with Africa, India and Palastine, is now available from Authorhouse, ISBN 9781434312624.

Amnesty International Information packs available for sending greetings to recipients who include prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders and the families of those who have 'disappeared' or been found murdered pursuing information or justice. More info: 528330, j.barbarabarnes@ntlworld.com

Rev Olivia LambertStaff moves
A warm welcome to Rev Olivia Lambert, licensed to serve as Associate Minister at St Mark's on Sunday 9 December

Vacancies, autumn 2007:
Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire and the Humber website, pleaseProject Development Officer, Culture/ Heritage/Tourism Project, West Yorkshire NJC 31 (£25,320pa), three year fixed term, full time post based in Leeds, working throughout West Yorkshire, to promote the cultural, tourism & heritage potential of places of worship. Subject to CRB disclosure. Details: Mary White, Administrator, CRC, 20 New Market Street, Leeds, LS1 6DG. www.crc-online.org.uk, tel: 0113 244 3413, mary.white@crc-online.org.uk. Closing Date: 3 December, interviews 18 December
Director of Music, Christ Church: weekly parish Eucharist and choir practice with RSCM robed choir and rebuilt three manual pipe organ. RSCM scale and good fees; apply to Christ Church office, 01423 530750
Traidcraft shop, Harrogate: volunteers especially needed for Christmas for a couple of hours a week; more info from Carmen Sawyers, tel: 562064 or Mary Tennyson, tel: 563459 or by email
HYPeR: a part time manger sought; more details on the HYPeR website; closing date 3 December 2007
Receptionist, Wellspring Therapy & Training: volunteer receptionists are sought to cover counsellors when they are working with clients; advert available (pdf, 113kb)
Roll the Rock: various part time volunteer posts; flyer available (pdf 62kb); application forms on the Roll the Rock website
Ripon Methodist Circuit Support Manager (20hpw) based at Allhallowgate Methodist Church, Ripon. Assisting the Circuit Leadership Team to carry out its duties, in particular those related to Health & Safety and Administration. Good IT skills essential. Salary £8,320 pa plus benefits. Application pack: Terry Frazier, 4 Meadow Avenue, Ripon. HG4 2NL, tel: 01765 601434. Applications must be received by 30 November

Labyrinth - an ecumenical resource: The Church House Trust-funded Labyrinth has been in use at Ripon Cathedral as part of a Year 7 retreat day, facilitated by Rev Catherine Clasen [now Askew]. More detail on how to use the Labyrinth available on this website

Dennis Richards OBE on receiving the Ted Wragg award for Life Time Achievement; pictured here with white roseDennis Richards
Congratulations to Dennis Richards OBE on receiving the Ted Wragg award for Life Time Achievement; pictured here during BBC filming for the programme at St Aidan's; the award was introduced by Dame Kelly Holmes and Jonathan Agnew (right).
The Church of England school head teacher parodied 1 Corinthians 13: "Now abideth football, rugby and cricket, but the greatest of these is cricket".
More info and background: Teaching Awards, St Aidan's

Vacancies:
Director of Music, Christ Church: weekly parish Eucharist and choir practice with RSCM robed choir and rebuilt three manual pipe organ. RSCM scale and good fees; apply to Christ Church office, 01423 530750
Traidcraft shop, Harrogate: volunteers especially needed for autumn and Christmas for a couple of hours a week; more info from Carmen Sawyers, manager, tel: 562064 or Mary Tennyson, tel: 563459 or by email
HYPeR: a part time manger sought; more details on the HYPeR website; closing date 26 October 2007
Receptionist, Wellspring Therapy & Training: volunteer receptionists are sought to cover counsellors when they are working with clients; advert available (pdf, 113kb)

Richard Taylor Education Foundation funds disbursement
This foundation exists for the purpose of providing educational benefits for ‘boys and girls resident in the Borough of Harrogate who, in the opinion of the Trustees, are in need of assistance'.
We have a relatively small sum of money to distribute each year. In the recent past we have helped primary age children attend short-term residential educational visits (eg to Bewerley Park) and have helped a few children receive special tuition when found to be dyslexic. We have also helped older children with educational ‘gap year' projects. The trustees meet each term.
Application forms are available from the Clerk to the Trustees, Terry, Wagner, 38 Knox Grove, Harrogate, HG1 3JH.

Graham spoke with Elly Fiorentini on teh Julia Booth Sunday morning breakfast showChurches Together: Friday 28 September 2007: Graham Kendrick at the Conference Centre (Map) supporting child charity Compassion, sponsored by Harrogate YfC; e-card. The Box Office remains open to 7:30pm on the night.
BBC Radio York: Graham spoke with Elly Fiorentini on the Sunday Breakfast Show

Rev Mark Carey with Bishop John PackerClergy moves
St Mary's and All Saints are pleased to announce the appoint ment of Rev Mark Carey as their new vicar from 5 October 2007. Mark and Penny, with their children, move from Grenoside, Sheffield in the summer. More pics on the October page of this website

Rev Mark GiodfreyRev Nick and Mrs Eleanor WhithamSunday 2 September greeted Rev Mark Godfrey as superintendant minister to the Methodist circuit with pastoral responsibility for Trinity and Harlow Hill, Rev Nick Whitham as minister to Starbeck Methodist and Rev David Barker to serve as chaplain at Ashville College; the preacher was Rev Dr Elizabeth Smith, District Chair

Bob & Ann Jones; click for large pic of Rev Bob JonesBilton Grange URC and Knaresborough URC are delighted to announce Rev Bob Jones as their new minister, pictured here with his wife Ann.

A sad farewell to Rev Canon John Colston, retiring on 30 September and Rev John Campbell, moving from head of RS at Rossett High to Silcoates in September.
Rev Jonathan RhodesCongratulations to Rev Jonathan Rhodes on his appointment as Priest in Charge to the Parish of St Aidan's with St Columba's, Hartlepool in the Diocese of Durham in early 2008
A warm welcome to those priested this Petertide, 1 July:
Rev Tim Burrell, St Wilfrid's, 10:00am at St Wilfrid's
Rev Sue Pearce, St Robert's, Pannal
Rev Ralph Hudspeth, Ripley, 6:30 Saturday 30 June
Rev Caroline Falkingham, St John's, Bilton

Staff moves
Dan Jones and Rebekah AllenSally LodgeA warm welcome to: Martin Wingrave as the new manager at Emmaus House
Dan Jones and Rebekah Allen as youth workers at Harrogate New Life, to be married on 27 October 2007
Sally Lodge, administrator, St Wilfrid's; prayers and best wishes as Sally commences ordination training; September 2007

Neema crafts website homepageAndy & Susie Hart - Neema Crafts new building
News just in from the Harts on 4 September: "a contractor has finally been chosen to construct the new Neema Crafts building and will start preparing the site this very week. Thank you all for your patience, your prayers and your continued support. We wouldn't be in a position to construct the new building without you, so thank you from all of us!"

Richard Taylor Education Foundation funds disbursement
This foundation exists for the purpose of providing educational benefits for ‘boys and girls resident in the Borough of Harrogate who, in the opinion of the Trustees, are in need of assistance'.
We have a relatively small sum of money to distribute each year. In the recent past we have helped primary age children attend short-term residential educational visits (eg to Bewerley Park) and have helped a few children receive special tuition when found to be dyslexic. We have also helped older children with educational ‘gap year' projects. The trustees meet each term.
Application forms are available from the Clerk to the Trustees, Terry, Wagner, 38 Knox Grove, Harrogate, HG1 3JH.

CTH Office
The Secretary is unavailable from 6 - 16 August; please contact other members of the Exec

More info website, pleaseAnglican Funds for Youth Evangelism
 The Ripon & Leeds Diocese has up to £17k to distribute to young people aged 11-20 (with direct links to an Anglican church) who have a plan for evangelism; it's not available for salaries, though. Applications to Nic Shepherd by 27 July 2007 latest; application forms and more info on Youth Evangelism

Live Earth Pledge: "Personal commitment to stop climate change by acting in every part of our lives, from our own homes to our political systems"; website tying in with Live Earth concerts on 7/7/07

Issues that United and divide Pics from the Ripon Deanery Synod at Fountains Visitor centre available on our July 2007 page

Julie Jowett receives the 2007 award as runner up managerWesley Owen Harrogate news June/July 2007
New opening times: 9-5 daily, 9:30am on Wednesdays
Vacancy: Welcome to Lesley Falkingham, new Senior Sales Assistant at Wesley Owen (Christian) Books and Music shop
Award: Harrogate branch was runner up Wesley Owen shop of the year at the latest Christian Media conference, with Julie Jowett awarded runner up manager

Mark McKnight in the YfC officeYfC appointment: Mark McKnight
The Trustees of Harrogate and District YfC are delighted to announce that Mark McKnight started as Centre worker on Monday 18 June 2007

Click for the HYPeR websiteHYPeR manager: Kelly Nevett
The Trustees of HYPeR have appointed Kelly Nevett as part time manager

Rev David Deeks; click for summary report'Looking to the future' with Rev David Deeks
Summary of the talk now available given by Rev David Deeks, General Secretary of the Methodist Conference at Wesley on Sunday 3 June.

Rev Canon Lawrie Hulme; click for Exec pageChurches Together and Church House Trust AGMs: and the induction of Rev Canon Lawrie Hulme as president of Churches Together in Harrogate took place at St Aelred's on Wednesday 16 May. CTH AGM (now) and CHT AGM (soon) details available on this website.

Inauguration service at Pateley Bridge Memorial Hall27 May: Pentecost Sunday: Church in the Dale
3:00pm Inauguration service at Pateley Bridge Memorial Hall (Map) marking the birth of the ecumenical work of the Church in the Dale. With Rt Rev James Bell, Rev Michael Townsend, Rev Arnold Harrison and Fr Michael Quinn.

Display on 2 June 2007Jubilee Debt Campaign
2 June around St Peter's. Lift The Lid on unjust loans and calling governments to account on their promises to cancel debts caused through irresponsible lending years ago. Church bells ringing out, and like those gathering at the rally in London, observing a minute's silence. Organised by the Harrogate & Knaresborough JDC

Display at the roadshow in HarrogateTear Fund website, pleaseTear Fund roadshow
23 May 2007 at St Mark's. Presentations on the Tear Fund 10 year vision at 4pm and 7pm with Kath Shortley, Tearcraft UK co-ordinator and Mike Chesterton, Tearfund's Northern Region Manager; more on Tearfund in Harrogate available on this website; more info from Liz Priestley, tel: 01274 744944

No smoking sign, click to enlargeNo Smoking
Downloadable A5 No Smoking signs available from the NHS Smoke Free England website resources pages - including fact sheets in several languages. See also our 999 emergency signs page

Click for the HYPeR websiteHYPeR manager: Kelly Nevett
The Trustees of HYPeR have appointed Kelly Nevett as part time manager

HYPeR Vacancy
Part Time manager; Experience of working with under-17's essential. To work up to 18 hours per week including school holidays. Closing date for application a Friday 25 May 2007 at 4pm. Interviews over the weekend. Telephone: 01423 525838/07963 223065 or send application and cv to hyper@surefish.co.uk. Write to HYPeR The Citadel 1 East Parade Harrogate HG1 5LB

More info website, pleaseAnglican Funds for Youth Evangelism
 The Ripon & Leeds Diocese has up to £17k to distribute to young people aged 11-20 (with direct links to an Anglican church) who have a plan for evangelism; it's not available for salaries, though. Applications to Nic Shepherd by 27 July 2007 latest; application forms and more info on Youth Evangelism

More on Christian Aid, please 13-19 May: Christian Aid Week

Stuart McCormack new email: youthworker.stuart@yahoo.co.uk at St Mark's

Rev Pete Askew pictured with Fr Chris Angel at St Aidan's & St John Fisher's 2007 Leaving Assembly; click to enlarge (170kb)Youth Cells.net website
A new website is being launched with info and links on Youth Cells and the network ministry of Pioneer Minister Rev Pete Askew, pictutred here with Fr Chris Angel after the St Aidan's and St John Fisher 2007 Leavers Assembly

Starbeck Methodist Church
New website from May 2007: www.StarbeckMethodistChurch.org.uk

Wesley Methodist Church
New website from May 2007: www.WesleyChapelHarrogate.org.uk

Andy Hart leading the conga; click for another pic Conga at St Aidan's
Led by Andy Hart on Thursday 3 May, in aid of Neema Crafts building project; pics on our May page

More on Harrogate YfC, pleaseYfC: Centre Director
More details and application form downloadable from the YfC website; closing date: Monday 30 April

HYPeR: Part time Youth Centre Manager
£9,360pa, more details from the HYPeR office, tel: 525838; closing date: 13 April

The Pannal Methodist story
Following the launch of the book 'Hilltop Heritage' by Rita Corbridge, a CD has been produced of the Celebrations - 'a unique mix of drama, music, amusing and poignant recollections vividly presented by members of Pannal Methodist Church, ministers and other good friends from Harrogate'. £4, available from Rita Corbridge, Pannal Methodist church

New Wine, Wednesday evening; click to enlarge 178kbNew Wine main website, please2-4 May: New Wine Leaders Conference
At the Harrogate International Centre. Speakers included Bill Johnson: "My prayer for this conference is for you to have courage"; more details on our May page.

Induction at St Anne's cathedral, Leeds; more pic on our April pageClick for the WYEC websiteWYEC Rev Dr Clive Barrett
Clive Barrett has been inducted as the County Ecumenical Development Officer for the West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council during the service of Repentance and Reconciliation at St Anne's Cathedral, Leeds on 27 April, led by Rt Rev Arthur Roche, bishop of Leeds with preacher Rt Rev John Packer, bishop of Ripon & Leeds and prayers led by Rt Rev Walter Jaguki, bishop of the Lutheran church in Great Britain. Clive joins from the Church of St Cross, Leeds. (Poster pdf 69kb). More pictures on our April page.

Charles McNutt
Retires with his last service on 8 July. Pics on our in July page.

The Pannal Methodist story
Following the launch of the book 'Hilltop Heritage' by Rita Corbridge, a CD has been produced of the Celebrations - 'a unique mix of drama, music, amusing and poignant recollections vividly presented by members of Pannal Methodist Church, ministers and other good friends from Harrogate'. £4, available from Rita Corbridge, Pannal Methodist church

April Fools
A new summary page is now available on this website

Rev Mark Tanner with archdeacon of LeedsHoly Trinity, Ripon: a warm welcome to Rev Mark Tanner and his family to Holy Trinity, Ripon. New office email from March 2007: office@holytrinityripon.org.uk

Emergency Services : 999
With the Ambulance service using satellite navigation to respond to Emergency Calls, there is now a listing of postcodes for local churches on this website

Paul & Sheelagh Easby22 March: Paul & Sheelagh Easby Licensing
 7:30pm at St Andrew's with Rt Rev James Bell, Bishop of Knaresborough. Sister Sheelagh Easby CA and Captain Paul Easby CA were licenced as Community Outreach Workers working in the parish of Starbeck, supported by St Andrew's Church and Church Army. Further pics on the March 2007 page.

Our sincere apologies for interrupted website availability on 14/15 February due to unforeseen server issues.

26 February - 11 March, Fairtrade Fortnight
The Fairtrade shop in St Peter's, Harrogate (Map), is celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight with a competition to design a logo for the shop. See also the new webpage for Tearfund Harrogate, including report on the visit of Phil Willis MP to Wesley Owen Harrogate

Tuesday mornings : Healing hour at Har-Low-Gata Café Bar
From 10:00am; open to all - drop in for a coffee and even for prayer at the Har-Low-Gate coffee bar (Map) organised by Harrogate New Life, tel 548854

Rev Elizabeth Sewell; click for Harborough parish websiteRev Thomas YapCaroline Falkingham with her husband JohnClergy moves: Rev Thomas Yap, Rev Elizabeth Sewell & Rev Caroline Falkingham
Congratulations to Thomas as he moves in May to take up the post of Anglican Chaplain at the University of Essex in Colchester
A warm welcome to Rev Elizabeth Sewell of Harborough who is to be appointed Team Rector of the United Parish of Knaresborough and to Rev Caroline Falkingham, joining St John's, Bilton in May

Pete Askew & Catherine Clasen; click to enlargeClergy news: Rev Pete Askew & Rev Catherine Clasen
Congratulations to Pete and Catherine on the announcement of their engagement over the weekend of 25 February 2007: Rev Pete Askew, Chaplain at St Aidan's Church of England High School, Harrogate and Pioneer Minister for the Youth Cell Network in the Archdeaconry of Richmond is engaged to be married to Rev Catherine Clasen (PCUSA). Their wedding will be on 11 August 2007 in North Carolina followed by a blessing in the UK in September. Pete and Catherine will be living in Harrogate.

Click to enlargeFriday 23 February: Wesley Owen + Tear Fund charity of the year
12:00pm, with Phil Willis MP, marking Tear Fund as Wesley Owen's charity of the year, under the banner: 'Work a Miracle'. Further pic via February page.

 

Julian Cummins; click for the Anglican Diocesan News itemRev Dr Julian Cummins
It is with sadness that we report the sudden death, on Friday 9 February, of the Revd Dr Julian Cummins, aged 52, while on holiday. As well as serving on the Churches' Regional Commission and chairing the Yorkshire Church on Show committee, he was assistant priest in Bramley, Leeds. The funeral took place at Leeds Parish Church at 2:30pm, Thursday 22 February. More on the Anglican Diocesan website.

More on the Oak Tree project, pleaseThe Oak Tree Project
The The ‘Oak Tree Project' is a new Government initiative which is part of the Partnership for Older People Projects. More info on this website

Downing Street Petitions
Preservation of church buildings petition, please Various petitions on the Downing Street website of interest to the faith community include: Preservation of C of E church buildings deadline 3 July 2007, Pro Faith Schools, deadline 29 June, countering Abolish Faith Schools; requesting Zero VAT for Charities 21 June 2007; Catholic opt-out on same sex adoption 26 January 2008; Exempt all faith adoption agencies 26 April 2007, Live Music - affecting schools as well as charity fund raising events, 11 June 2007 and:
Analogue radio mics, threatening the use of radio mics in churches and live music, 19 June 2007; the Musicians Union urge asking your MP to sign Andrew Mackinlay's Early Day Motion 531 calling for the government to intervene in Ofcom's plans for Analogue signals and asking for special dispensation for Radio Microphones; note: Harrogate & Knaresborough MP Phil WIllis has already signed this motion.  Draft business letter, background info on Public Consultation - closes on the 20 March.
Further petitions on the Downing Street website include ecological issues. Also: from the London Evening Standard, a poll on a £100m Mosque for the Olympics. This entry is also featured on our Regular News page.

Staff vacancies, Wesley Owen
Volunteer staff were being sought by Wesley Owen in January 2007, (tel 521662). Hours 10-4, for one day a week or fortnight to suit, with a £3 lunch allowance and staff discount.

WYEC Ecumenical Officer vacancy
Serving the wider Church in Yorkshire; 30 hours a week with a salary of £23,000pa. Secretarial support and existing office at Hinsley Hall, 62 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 2BX. For an informal conversation, call the office on Thursday mornings (0113 261 8053), or David Rowland at home (01924 274592). If you are a person of vision and imagination, then please apply! Application forms are available from the WYEC office. The closing date for applications is 14 February, expected interview dates: first week of March.

More on the Oak Tree project, pleaseThe Oak Tree Project
The The ‘Oak Tree Project' is a new Government initiative which is part of the Partnership for Older People Projects. More info on this website

Street Pastors at midnight on 15 December 2006; click to enlargeTown pastors logo; click to enlargeStreet Pastors
 Harrogate's Town Pastors now number some 30 volunteers who 'walk the streets' on Friday nights through until 3:00am, with a further half dozen people who kindly pray at the base, in addition to all those who pray for the ministry from their homes. The work is well received by the police; young ladies are being reasurred by the pastors' presence and young men are showing respect for the generosity of the volunteers. The volunteers are being lifted by "God encounters" and feel priviledged to help some of those who have become vulnerable.
The (winning) logo was produced by Ricky Bailey of Rossett School. Further info from Jeremy Clough

Stonefall Cemetery
Due to works involving the fitting of Mercury Filtration Equipment at Stonefall Crematorium, the Chapel will be closed 15-19 January, and possibly 5-9 February. The Chapel and Crematorium are expected to be closed 12-23 February; local churches and neighbouring crematoria will need to be used: York (Map): 01904 706096; Lawnswood, Leeds (Map): 0113 267 3188 & Rawdon (Map): 0113 250 2904

Alpha in Bilton
7:15pm, St John's, Bilton, starting Wednesday 10 January. Suitable for those wanting to learn more about the Christian faith in a place where no question is too simple or too hostile! More info: Sue & Tim Davis, tel: 506415 (in advance for numbers needed for catering)

St Peter's office email
St Peter's church office have a new email address: Stpeters.office@ntlbusiness.com

'Block the escalation in Iraq': AVAAZ website, please'Block the escalation in Iraq': AVAAZ
Some across the churches in the area have added their names to this on-line petition during January 2007

Reload the full website in a new window2006

Evelyn DowbigEvelyn Dowbiggingin
Friday 22 December 2006: 2:00pm a Memorial and Thanksgiving Service at Mayfield Community Church (Map) followed the private family funeral service at 1:00pm.
Steve Mitchell of Wesley Owen writes: "It is with great sadness that we heard that Evelyn Dowbiggin, the original owner and founder of [Branchlines] Christian bookshop has died. Evelyn was an inspirational person; her enthusiasm and passion for her faith created this bookshop, and Wesley Owen were privileged to take over the shop when she retired in 2003."
A Book of Remembrance has been opened at Wesley Owen shop.

Street Pastors at midnight on 15 December 2006Town pastors logo; click to enlargeStreet Pastors
 Harrogate's Town Pastors have begun the work on Friday nights before Christmas 2006; further info from Jeremy Clough

More on the church adverts, pleaseCAN Christmas Campaign
John Carter is welcoming contributions to this year's campaign on Stray FM. Cheques payable to Churches Advertising Network; please post to Rev John Carter, 7 Blenheim Court, Harrogate, HG2 9DT

Questionnaire on the Holy Land
Survey seeking opinions about the current situation in Bethlehem in The Tablet, inspired by the coming visit of all UK church leaders to Bethlehem this Chrtistmas. The short survey takes a couple of minutes; the results to be published in the Christmas issue. The survey will be up for two days only... 11 December 2006.

Panel at Anglican Deanery Synod on youth matters. l-r Stuart, Jan, Nic & PeteHarrogate Anglican Deanery youth work web links
 From the recent meeting at Pannal Chapter House: 'Young, gifted and .... missing?' , with Rev Dr Jan Cheeseman, Rev Pete Askew, Pioneer Minister, Stuart McCormack (MySpace/Stuart) and Capt Nic Sheppard, Diocesan Youth Work Advisor. Ways of developing youth and children's work. Further web info available from Rev Clare MacLaren, Leeds Archdeaconry Children's Work Advisor; United Gigs is also now on MySpace/UG. Further links on prayer available on this website, in addition to Pray as you go.

Rev Dr Keith Albnas; click for report pageAnnual Assembly 'Nurturing the Third Age'
Wednesday 15 November at Trinity Methodist Hall with Rev Dr Keith Albans (Chaplain to MHA) and St Aidan's Phoenix Trio. Full report available.

Operation Noah website, pleaseCTBI: Operation Noah
With three key areas of action: 1. Sign the climate Covenant (online): ‘World leaders must act to avert dangerous climate change, and give everyone fair access to energy in a sustainable world economy, asking the UK to lead negotiations whilst taking action personally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.' 2. Take action yourself to cut your greenhouse gas emissions by switching to green electricity, and 3. Spread the word - Get your church and local community on board. More info from CTBI

Ceasefire Campaign website petition

Rev Canon Lawrie Hulme; installation at St Anne's Cathedral 30 November 2006; click to enlargeClergy moves...
Congratulations to Fr Lawrie at St Robert's RC as he becomes Rev Canon Lawrie Hulme; pic shows the Mass and installation at St Anne's Cathedral, Leeds on 30 November 2006
Rev Timothy Graham Burrell as NSM curate of St Wilfrid's
Rev Sheelagh Jones as chaplain of Wetherby Young Offenders Institution
Dr Sue Riley, ordinand at St John's, Nottingham, to be attached to St Andrew's, Starbeck
Rev Jeremy Trew moves with Alison and the girls from Spofforth to Seaton and Beer, Devon in the new year.

Church listing brochure; click for inside view, pdf 290KBChurch Listing brochure circulated to TICs across the area, Harrogate hotels and other locations during October / November 2006.

Local Alpha course listings, pleaseAlpha Courses
 Alpha courses start around this time of year: Mondays at St Mark's, (Map), Tuesdays at St John's, Bilton (Map) and Thursdays at Elim, Harrogate, and Gracious Street Methodist Church Hall, Knaresborough. More details on the Alpha course page of this website.

Saltbox website, pleaseHalloween responses
 Saltbox offer a pack exploring ways to help protect the elderly and vulnerable; pic shows a copy of their poster.

Harrogate YfC wesbite, pleaseHarrogate & district Youth for Christ Centre Director
 Details and application forms are available for download on the Harrogate & district Youth for Christ website; closing date is this Friday, 27 October.

Isobella Grace McCormack, 7lb 11oz at 2:05amCongratulations and welcome: Isobella McCormack
Sister to Noah, born on 19 October to Jenna & Stuart (Youth Worker, St Mark's). Mother and baby doing well, father & brother celebrated by touring the Christian Resources Exhibition (!).

Christian Resources Exhibition website, pleaseBishop David Hoskins on the CRE catwalk...19 - 21 October: Christian Resources Exhibition, Harrogate
10:00am - 5:00pm (4:30pm Saturday) at the Yorkshire Events Centre, (Map). 'Resourcing church leaders in all aspects of Christian life'; in addition to a wide range of Christian products, missions, organisations and services, all three days are packed with workshops and events, including performances by Christian rock bands thebandwithnoname and The Steels. Pictured right: Rev David Hoskins (Hospital Chaplain), on the Fashion Show catwalk. The regional BBC Look North news included Rev Nigel Sinclair (below, in green) describing how the fabulous colour of these vestments illustrated the richness of God.
BBC Look North filming the CRE Fashion Show; click to enlarge Just after the reverse angle 'anything you can do' geneflection; click to enlarge Choir at large; click to enlarge Frills, too; click to enlarge

Clergy moves: a warm (belated) welcome to Rev Fr Chris Angel, arriving at St Robert's RC in September, and congratulations to Fr Lawrie at St Robert's RC as he becomes Rev Canon Lawrie Hulme.

Fire regulations
New fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales came into effect on 1 October 2006, under the provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. The rules place anyone who has control of premises or part of premises, known as a “responsible person”, under an obligation to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure occupants of premises (including employees and visitors) can escape safely in the event of fire. The detail on how this affects churches is included on this downloadable pdf document: Places of Assembly.

Thursday 21 September: Nhadia Roosevelt
2:00pm at St Mark's, Leeds Road (Map). The funeral service of Nhadia Roosevelt, 30 year old daughter of Vernon & Susan Roosevelt (NLICM church & HOPE Centre); there was a reception at the HOPE Centre from 3:30pm (Map)

New email: Christ Church
Christ Church office has a new email address: christchurch01@btconnect.com

Halifax: Street Angels
Members of Town centre churches are looking at the work of the Street Angels of Halifax, West Yorkshire. Their website includes many quotes including: "Street Angels? What a great idea. I congratulate everyone working to make Halifax a safer place at night without taking the fun out of life. Christians - get to it!" The Most Revd & Right Hon. Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York".

Encouraging and nurturing
A page of stories and accounts of God's provision, love and care is under development for this website. Your thoughts and contributions are most welcome to the secretary.

HYPeR Summer Opening
 Over the summer holidays, HYPeR was open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11am - 4pm with the café. Re-opened on Fridays in September.

Fr Johannes ArensClergy moves
 Rev Fr Johannes Arens, team vicar, St Wilfrid's, moves to St James the Great, Manston next month. His last service is at 10:00am on 1 October.
Rev Peter Askew becomes Pioneer Minister and chaplain to St Aidan's from 1 September. The Pioneer Minister role provides a new resource developing a youth cell network across the wider Church in Harrogate and also the Anglican diocese up to Teesdale. Pete's contact details remain unchganged.
Alan Bolton, minister, Starbeck & Woodlands Methodist churches moved to take up the post of Superintendent Minister in Hyde with their circuit welcome service on 30 August. Alan advises their new address: Wesley Manse, 70 Chapel Street, Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 1DN, tel: 0161 3682484.
Colin Emerson becomes minister for Starbeck .
Christine Gillespie moved from Bolton Methodist circuit in September with responsibility for Woodlands.
Adam Raven (Summerbridge, 07779 811884) takes up the post of ecumenical youth worker to Upper Wharfedale at the beginning of September 2006.

CRE Fashion models and beauticians urgently required
Christian Resources Exhibition website, pleaseIn preparation for the forthcoming Christian Resources Exhibition in Harrogate this October, local volunteers are needed as models for a fashion show featuring several suppliers including RISE, God in Charge, Freeset, I believe in Miracles, Religious T-shirts, Holy Socks, In Yer Faith Ltd and Santa Maria de Fe. Also required: hairdressers, beauticians and make-up artists. Please contact Joy Gilmour at CRE direct Tel 01844 271466.

Thursdays in August: Live music for summer evenings
7:45pm at St Mark's summer Youth Music Café (Map). Time to chill and enjoy a mix of live and recorded music with refreshments on sale - surplus to support work with the poor in Africa. For year 8 and over. Also listed on the United Gigs website. More info from Stuart McCormack, tel: 547589
 DYE band at the Youth Music Café. Click for the United Gigs website3 August: Live Jazz & music dvd
10 August: Gareth Taylor with James live
17 August: Live and recent music
24 August: DYE band jam - last played at the World Cup Final party.
31 August: Live Jazz night with Jonathon & Dominic

Sponsored Walk : Rosemary Coggrave
South west coastal path, 58 miles from 9 to 16 August. Sponsorship funds raised are going towards training and equipping young leaders to mission to young people and the New Generation Project. More information from Rosemary Coggrave (Tel: 358095) or Pannal Methodist church.

Wednesday 2 August: Churches Together mailing
One of the occasional extra surface mailing dates as part of the service to the churches and community. More details on the Communications page.

Harrogate & district YfC website, please31 July 2006: Harrogate & district YfC Trustees
The Trustees met and agreed timescales for the appointment of their new Centre Director.

Harrogate International Festival
Various events during the festival take place in churches across Harrogate - details below. Book direct from the Festival website, or email reservations, or in person from the HIC box office, Kings Road, Harrogate, (Map), telephone 01423 537230.
Full listing of events on the Harrogate International Festival website, tel: 562303.
Festival website, pleaseFriday 28 July: 11:00am Gemma Rosefield at St Wilfrid’s church (Map)
Saturday 29 July: 11:00am Patricia Rozario at Christ Church on The Stray (Map)
Monday 31 July: 8:30pm Tenebrae at St Wilfrid’s church (Map)
Friday 4 August: 11:00am Paul Skinner and Melissa Doeke, St Wilfrid’s church (Map)

Tuesday - Thursday 11-13 July: Great Yorkshire Show
Yorkshire Church on Show at the Church Pavilion this year the theme explored the points where contact is made with the Church - Baptism, Marriage and Death, with three distinct areas and displays: Belonging, Commitment and Hope. Pics and links from 2006 now available along with a Press Release dated 25 June 2006.
A campaign to support local farming - with corresponding impacts on global Fair Trade initiatives - was launched on the Tuesday of the GYS; [Adobe] background paper 'Fair and Free' available on this website.

Oatlands Methodist
 The community around Oatlands chapel continues to serve with coffee mornings for charity on the second Saturday each month, starting at 10:00am on 8 September 2006. A webpage of pics and history is now available on this website

Martin Soar farewell Communion service at Harrogate Grammar School, 16 July 2006Clergy moves: Rev Martin Soar
A sad farewell to Martin and Megan Soar as he takes up the chaplaincy post at Old Swinford Hospital school in Stourbridge from July. His last services with the congregations of St Mary's at the Grammar School and All Saints at Harlow Hill were on Sunday 16 July.

Retreat Holidays
Last places available on these holidays were sold out within minutes of puiblication of this news item. Dr Stephanie Rybak, previous WYEC Ecumenical Officer, advised a few spaces on:
Hôtel le Colombier, in the Alps of Haute Provence: 4-11 September 2006 (departure from Leeds-Bradford or Gatwick)
Cruising on a Turkish gület in the wake of St Paul: 18-25 September (departure from Gatwick) and 25 September – 2 October (departure from Newcastle) Details are on www.retreat-holidays.co.uk

15, 20, 25 June, 1 July: World Cup England matches
St Robert's, Pannal (Map) presented the England world cup matches on a large screen.

Berwick Grange development appeal
Berwick Grange plans; click for more infoMethodist Homes for the Aged are building a new care home in Harrogate which will offer dementia care in addition to residential and nursing care support. Construction has already started at the site on Wetherby Road, and completion is scheduled for January 2007. In order to offer an enhanced quality of life, MHA hopes to provide a library, a computer room, an activities room and a sensory garden.
Methodist Homes are see