Christ Church, Longridge - Methodist/URC

The June Ramble

Only five ramblers assembled at the car park in Slaidburn on a day of uncertain weather. Setting off over the Hodder Bridge and taking the footpath on the right to Broadhead Farm, then west alongside Easington Brook to Harrop Hall, the group climbed up to Smallden Lane. Turning right, and using the next bridleway on the left this took the walkers to Higher Edge Farm. After walking thru’ the farm the route to Champion (a remote barn) and on to Holden Lane, was difficult because of tussocky grass very marshy ground as well as lacking a defined footpath. This part of the ramble took longer than expected. After lunch overlooking the Gisburn Forest, the ramblers followed the lane over the B6478 and taking the track to Hammerton Mere, Rain Gill and or to Hammerton Hall. This picturesque part of the Read more…

By The Editor, ago

Musings From The Manse: Summer 2009

Dear Friends, “What can I write for my pastoral letter”, I asked my husband and daughter the other evening. “How about ‘Keeping your faith in the political and economical climate’”, came back the reply! (Serves me right for asking!) I was about to dismiss it, when I thought actually this is something which is affecting us all at the moment, in one way or another. Our newspapers are full of the ‘Ministerial Expenses’ revelations; European Elections and the threat of the BNP loom on the horizon; and the credit crunch has ramifications in all walks of life. I suppose, firstly, we are reminded that no-one is infallible. Political party representatives who claim that they have just been following (and perhaps bending) the rules, have now been ‘found out’ – and hopefully whatever sort of system emerges from all the mayhem Read more…

By helen, ago

Tuesday At Two

The organization called Tuesday at Two began at Longridge Methodist Church about 25 years ago. At the time, it was felt that there was a need for a day time fellowship meeting, as most church activities took place in the evening. It was open to anyone at home during the day and to begin with attracted both men and women, retired people and young mums. The fortnightly meetings have continued ever since but are now mainly attended by women although men would always be welcome. There have been a wide variety of interesting speakers and trips out over the years and for the last twenty years the team of Mary Hughes, Margaret Mohyla and Sheila Freeman has kept things running smoothly. Not surprisingly they are looking to hand over the task of finding speakers, organizing trips and making sure that Read more…

By The Editor, ago

New Font

Since Christ Church was formed, we have had two fonts – one from each of the joining churches. These were both rather small and both had damage to them but served the purpose. However, they were not very visible and for some time there had been discussions about the possibility of a new font specially for our joint church which is now 20 years old!! Earlier this year, we received an incentive to move more quickly when the mirror in the vestry fell on to one of the fonts and smashed it into tiny pieces. We are grateful to the Ladies Guild who provided most of the money to purchase a brand new font in wood to match the rest of the church. A special word of thanks goes to Janet Sommerville, who researched designs and found the supplier and Read more…

By The Editor, ago

The May Ramble – Nicky Nook

If a Prestonian had undertaken just one hike in their lifetime, it would probably be to Nicky Nook, such is the popularity of this fell. Not only is the walk popular, but it is also exceptionally scenic. Not even the carving of the M6 through the middle of it has diminished its attraction. Starting from the car park in Garstang, six of us, two Spaniels plus three walkers from the Bolton section set off in pleasant conditions along the riverside path, over the Wyre footbridge onto a short stretch of quiet lanes then across fields, the motorway, railway and on to another lane. Shortly, we joined the beautiful track through Grizedale, climbing steadily up to the reservoir. From here, we took the steep ascent up to the summit of Nicky Nook and were met by a ferocious westerly gale that Read more…

By The Editor, ago

The April Ramble – Wigglesworth

This month’s walk, led by John Dixon, was, as usual, one of his Yorkshire adventures, but this time a little closer to home. Starting from the Plough Hotel at Wigglesworth. (The Plough IS Wigglesworth, the place is so small), our party of five plus two from the Bolton section started walking up-hill past the hotel along a short stretch of road before we entered the fields. The layout of this walk consisted of a steady climb up a south facing slope followed by a decent further to the west. Consequently, we were able to take advantage of the pleasant sunshine that lasted throughout the walk. Climbing steadily, crossing field after field, we were able to admire the excellent views opening up ahead, including Whernside in the distance and noting that the Ribble Way passed closely to the east of us. Read more…

By The Editor, ago

The March Ramble

This walk started at Wheelton (with 8 people and 2 ‘four footed’ friends) from the car park at the Dressers Arms. This establishment has been around a lot longer than any of the participants – in fact it was “The Inn on Friars Brow” in Oliver Cromwell’s time and commemorates Cromwell’s persecution of the Roman Catholics in the area and in particular the Brothers of a Friary that stood on top of the hill. Until its expansion in the late 1950s, it was the smallest pub in Lancashire. Leaving the car park we crossed the main road and soon took a path that led us across a very muddy field and then down through a copse of Chestnut trees to a lane with a view point which overlooks the canal to the Lancashire Plain and a view of the large Read more…

By The Editor, ago

From The Manse: Spring 2009

Dear Friends, As you [may] know, since September 2008 our son Daniel has been serving as a Medic out in Afghanistan, firstly in Kandahar then latterly at Camp Bastion. Just recently he was back in the UK for two weeks R&R and it was lovely to see him safe and well. Colin and I were overjoyed that he took the time whilst home, to make his engagement to girlfriend Lowri official – as in, he took her to buy ‘the ring’!! Before he left, I asked him if he would write a few lines to let you know how the boxes of ‘goodies’ I’ve been sending out to him were distributed. The ‘Buddy Box’ at the back of church has become a familiar sight, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed and Read more…

By helen, ago

The February Ramble – Around Garstang Via Calder & Wyre

The walk for this month, led by Veronica, was a pleasant seven mile tour of the countryside to the west of Garstang. The weather turned out to be pleasant and less cold than recently. Starting from the main car park in Garstang, our little party of six and two dogs headed out through the village to join the Lancaster Canal and then walking south towards Catterall. The water had a slight covering of ice, but provided little difficulty for two swans that decided to investigate the dogs. Leaving the canal at Catterall basin, we then followed a mill stream westwards across fields to Calder Bridge, crossing the main road and now following a path by the River Calder. Shortly, we arrived at the confluence of the Calder and the Wyre. Next, we had to cross the busy A6 and pick Read more…

By The Editor, ago

The January Ramble – Haskayne

Haskayne is a small village between Ormskirk and Southport located on the Leeds & Liverpool canal. Over the years, we have walked many miles along the towpaths of this canal but this is probably as far to the west as we have been, some fourteen miles from the centre of Liverpool. Starting from the Ship Inn, our party of five and two dogs headed west along the canal. The dogs immediately spotted two ducks’ and gave chase. The ducks took flight and landed on the frozen canal with a very impressive skid. After a mile or so, we left the canal at the Scarisbrick Arms Hotel. This large and well-known pub is now closed and boarded up, like so many these days. After a short road section, we entered the fields of Smithy Farm, followed by Tanpit Farm. The day Read more…

By The Editor, ago