End of an era at St Andrew's

It was the end of an era at St Andrew's, Dearnley when church wardens Ray Milligan and Peter Shrigley retired from office to be succeeded by Christine Longhurst and Janice Perkins.

Ray, a warden for six years, will continue to be actively involved as verger.

Peter served as a warden for three years, but before that he led the ambitious Wider Welcome and new Parish Room project, which began in 2010.

It ended when the new Parish Room was opened by Bishop Mark in 2013, on schedule and on budget. Peter will continue in his role as building and fabric officer.

A church spokesperson said: "We look forward to having Christine and Janice in office. After all Peter and Ray have done, and achieved, in the last few years this is the end of one era and the start of another."

Vicar of St Andrew's, the Rev Rachel Battershell, meanwhile, has indicated that work in the communities of Dearnley, Wardle, Smallbridge and Smithy Bridge, is one of her priorities.

Highlighting the importance of forging links with schools, care homes and local businesses, she revealed in her first annual report that when children from a reception class visited St Andrew's to talk about baptism "we even baptised a rabbit!"

Links were being extended and developed, she said, with four primary schools, St Andrew's, St James's (Wardle), Smithy Bridge and Kentmere, as well as with Wardle Academy.

"Working with children has been a blessing," she wrote.

"Many classes have been in church and some of them, from St Andrew's Primary, are already booked in for next year to explore Epiphany, Baptism and Easter and to attend our Thursday Eucharist service.

"In one week alone during the run-up to Christmas I talked to about 150 children and I hope links with all our schools will develop over the coming years."

Rev Rachel also revealed that St Andrew's regularly visit four care homes and that prayer cards have been issued to local businesses, a street at a time.

She added: "As an ex-nurse I'm passionate about our work in care homes.

"As for local businesses, they struggle with many issues because of the country's financial climate, so we've been praying for them. I've been warmly welcomed by staff, who are grateful for our prayers."