St Andrew's, Dearnley raise £1,300 at their Autumn Fair

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

A big thank-you from St Andrew's goes to everyone who made last Saturday's Autumn Fair a resounding success, not least to all who turned up on the day and helped us to raise a stunning £1,300, a record for the event by around £200.

Thanks to Ada and her team for working so hard behind the scenes to organise the biggest event in our social calendar; to Peter, one of our two church wardens, for his words of welcome; to Barbara and Majorie for performing the official opening so gracefully; to the St Andrew's Primary School choir for singing so beautifully; and, most of all, to everyone who came through the doors and supported the event, either by donations of prizes etc or simply by joining the rush to the stalls or to the refreshments area.

The importance of a successful annual Fair, in terms of our church's continued work in the parish and in the local community, can't be overestimated so a hearty thank-you once again to everyone who made our 2016 event not only one to remember but one which will be extremely difficult to beat next year.

On a similar theme we have a Coffee Morning in the parish room on Saturday, 26 November, starting at 11.00am. All are welcome with all proceeds once again going to general church funds to meet current expenditure, which includes payment for the essential work currently under way to the west wall.

On the following day, the 27 November, we will have a parish brunch after our 9.30am Sung Eucharist to help us to celebrate St Andrew's Day on the 30th.

Also, coming up soon will be our Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, 3 December. Led by the Rev Canon Roger Hill, it will start at 10.00am with Holy Communion and it will end with Evening Prayer at 3.00pm.

Hot drinks will be available throughout the day, but those attending are asked to take their own packed lunch.

There will be five short talks on the theme of Advent Prayer, based around the Collects for the four Sundays of Advent. There will be times of silence, but feel free to take a stroll or to seek out Mike or Roger, the two Revs, for a chat.

Says Roger: "Our time together will help us to focus on preparations for a true celebration of Christmas and hopefully build us all up in faith. Sign up in the parish room if you hope to be there. I look forward to sharing the day with you."