St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

Anyone at St Andrew's, the parish church of Dearnley and Smithy Bridge, who wishes to donate old or unwanted tools to be sent to Africa should speak to Jo Dobbs for more information.

They will be sent across the world under the auspices of TWAM (Tools with a Mission), a Christian charity whose primary goal is to impact on poverty by sending shipments of tools and equipment to parts of the world where they are most needed.

'Tools with a Mission' enables people to support themselves and earn a living --- and at St Andrew's we believe we can make a difference.

We have the facility to store tools until such time that we have enough to be collected and taken to St Aidan's in Rochdale, then onward for refurbishment in Ipswich before being shipped to Africa.

We are also in urgent need of supplies for Rochdale Foodbank.

On the social scene we hold one of our biggest events of the year this coming Saturday, April 20, with a visit by the celebrated Wardle Anderson Brass Band who will lead our St George's Night celebration.

It starts at 7pm with tickets priced £10 available from Sheila.

It will be followed by two other events in May, an afternoon tea extravaganza on Saturday, May 11 at 3pm (see Susan Knight for tickets) and St Andrew's Got Talent on Saturday, May 18 at 6pm (names and acts please to Ada).

This Sunday in church we have Eucharist at 8am, Sung Eucharist at 10am and Holy Baptisms at noon and at 1pm.

The parish rota is: lay assistants, J Paterson, C Cook; readers, P Shrigley, J Mills; Intercessions, C Longhurst; sidespersons, G Kilpatrick, M Sheridan.

After the 10am Sung Eucharist on Sunday, April 28 we will have the annual parochial church meeting, starting at 11.30am.

Three members will be elected to the PCC. Anyone interested should speak to the Vicar or to either of the wardens, Susan Knight or Ray Milligan.