St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

St Andrew's, Dearnley and Smithy Bridge

Tickets for a holiday prize draw, with proceeds going to our Wider Welcome project, are now on sale and available from Ken Harper.

The lucky winner will win a week in a luxury holiday apartment in Torquay, which would normally be valued at more than £1,000.

Money raised from the draw will further boost our Wider Welcome fund which, at the last count, was standing at £92,000, just £18,000 short of the target.

The money has been raised by individual and family donations, legacies, social events, church reserves and loans.

Because our community facilities are inadequate to meet the needs of groups who presently use the church, or those who would like to use it, the Wider Welcome project will provide improved and extended community space within the existing church building.

We hope to start work by the end of June, striving to provide toilet facilities for those with disabilities or mobility challenges; to enlarge the parish room; to provide nappy-changing facilities; to create storage space; to replace the present wooden screen with a glass partition with retractable doors; and to provide a supportive structure to enable an upper-storey room to be built at some time in the future.

Anyone intending to make a donation can use the blue gift-aid envelopes which are available in church or send a donation to 'St Andrew's Wider Welcome' c/o Debbie McRae at St Andrew's Vicarage, Arm Road, Dearnley, Littleborough OL15 8NJ.

Other notices: Anyone able to assist with Christian Aid Week collecting should speak to Denis - and please note that classes start this week for Confirmation on June 9.

On the social scene, tickets for Afternoon Tea next Saturday, May 11 (3pm) are avaiiable from Susan Knight, while names and acts for 'St Andrew's Got Talent' on Saturday, May 18 (6pm) should be given to Ada as soon as possible.