St James Church Hebden Bridge

ChoirFest

and Georgian Ensemble

On 11th May 2024, seven choirs - Shared Harmonies, Waiting for Dawn, Corista, Under the Bridge, Vocal Highs, Three Valleys Gospel Choir and Calderdale Valley Voices, each performed three pieces followed by everyone including the audience singing together. The ChoirFest was in aid of the local charity, Music for the Many who were represented by a group of three teens called Low Expectations. High Expectations might have been a better description because the packed church of about 160 singers and over 60 people who had come to listen donated £1100 and a further £400 for the refreshments. A number of participants brought in delicious homemade cakes including vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free choices, something for everyone.

It was a lovely atmosphere and the singing was continued by some in the Fox and Goose afterwards. Others returned the next evening to see the Georgian ensemble, Mtiebi and Amer-Imeri who are on a UK tour. The evening was arranged by the local Zarebi Georgian Choir.

Welcome to Todmorden, Reverend!

I was honoured to witness Rev. Dr Catherine Shelley’s induction as the new incumbent Vicar at St Mary's Todmorden, and to welcome her on behalf of our whole town.

She shares Todmorden’s values - of kindness, community spirit, and care for our environment - all of which was evident in the words she shared with everyone present (and echoed so brilliantly by Huddersfield’s Bishop Smitha).

I can tell that she will be a great asset to our town, within the walls of St Mary’s and beyond. I’ll be working alongside her to build those bridges, to bring all of us together and to make Todmorden an even greater place to call our home. If you see her, say hello! (from Sarah H)

St James’ and Mytholm

celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee

Thanks to a Jubilee Grant from Hebden Royd Town Council, St James’ was able to put on an exhibition about Mytholm charting the changes in the life of the local community. The children made their own memorial books with the aid of Reverend Karen Marshall, which they could complete over the Queen’s Jubilee Holiday. The church was decorated by the Community Payback Team with bunting and flags. The church created the flower displays. Much of the materials were bought locally and local shop, "Word of Mouth", was a great help.

The celebrations ended with local residents bringing their own picnic with the church providing free refreshments and “Food Share” [food from shops which would normally go to waste at the end of the day.]

Due to the inclement weather, the picnic was inside the church. With the help of residents who were there at the time of the Coronation, the special jubilee cake in the shape of a 2D Coronation Crown was cut and shared out. The cake was made by the Buttercup Bakery in Pecket Well. It consisted of "ermine" fruit cake, Madeira sponge along and gluten-free and vegan cupcakes with edible jewels and gold dust.