Between Easter Monday and the Bank Holiday two weeks later we had a pretty busy time at St Bart’s. On Easter Monday, between 3.00 am – 8.30 am the community centre was used as the final rest stop on the annual Halifax Long March in aid of Christian Aid. A number of ‘willing’ volunteers provided refreshments and acted as marshals for the walkers.
The following Saturday, the Bridge Inn held its annual Pork Pie competition and church was open for tea and coffee with a WI cake stall, a general church stall and bell tower tours. Maybe the weather was too good but we had fewer visitors than usual – however, a number did come along and visit us and we raised £100 along the way.
On Monday 28 April a Ladies’ Day Lunch was held at the Fleece Inn in Barkisland. Over 100 ladies enjoyed a two course meal and a talk by Chrissie King, the Milliner of Hebden Bridge. £847 was raised which was a wonderful result but, more importantly, everyone seemed to have a good time.
The hectic two-week spell of fund-raising culminated in the stall at the Gala on 5 May. Now we prepare for the arrival of Rev Chris Ball, swiftly followed by the Garden Party and Duck Race on 29 June, church-opening every day till 6 July; a flower festival between 3 – 6 July and Calderdale Big Band in concert in church on Friday 4 July. Oh, and the Tour de France race passing yards in front of the church on the 6th of course!