John Sherbourne

Okay so maybe we won’t be going quite this far back (this picture was taken of the New Mills Wesleyan High Street Sunday School trip to Whaley Bridge in 1896) but on Sunday July 9th that age old custom – a day in the country or a day at the seaside – is precisely what we’ll be celebrating. 

Starting at 3pm, and lasting round about 40 minutes MBC’s Tea Service is an all-age event that reminds those of a certain age of how things used to be and shows those a lot younger just what they’ve missed. 

Followed by tea and cakes the Tea Service is the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon. 

Between 3 and 5pm on Sunday, June 25th the Romania Support Group will be hosting another strawberry cream tea at Howard Dews’ home – 126 The Avenue in Alwoodley. Over the years this event has become a firm summer favourite and all are invited.

Once again donations are invited to support summer Christian camps for young people in Romania. There is a long tradition of holding such camps in Romania, and this forms a very important part of the church’s witness to young people.

 

In an exact rerun of last year the second Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon, Leeds proved that for the Brownlee brothers, besides appearing to be head and shoulders above the opposition you can’t beat a bit of local knowledge. 

After a 1,500 meter open water swim, a 40 km bike ride and then a punishing 10km run Leeds lads Alistair and younger brother Jonny claimed first and second place. Alistair finishing in 1 hr 46 mins and 51 secs… Jonny just 12 seconds slower.

However, earlier in the day and taking part in what’s called the Sprint Triathlon our own Gareth Davies had swum, peddled and run that same but admittedly shortened course in an equally impressive time of 1 hour and 53 minutes. 

Below, in our gallery, are a few pictures taken on the day. The ones of Gareth were supplied by wife Louise, the brilliant “elite” action shots were taken by Ross Bromley whilst the one of the riders streaming past MBC is courtesy of the BBC and was taken by John Sherbourne from the comfort of his armchair.

Besides setting himself a personal challenge Gareth who on the morning after the race was describing his legs as feeling “a bit crampy and stiff” entered the event to raise awareness and funds for a charity called The Bone Cancer Research Fund. In fact his Just Giving page (a direct link set up to make donating easy) is still active and can reached by clicking on https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gareth-Davies96

So to the Brownlees (no relation to Graham) and to Flora Duffy (no relation John and Gill) who won the Elite women’s event we say well done; as professional athletes we know they’ll be back. As for Gareth let’s just wait and see.

This coming Sunday, 11th June, there will be no morning service here at MBC. The reason being that like last year we sit fairly and squarely right in the middle of the World Triathlon route.

There will however be a Communion Service here at 6pm.

As her theme for our Pentecost sermon Shona chose Making Memories. For Stephanie Whyte (centre in the picture below) one can be sure that the memories of this particular day will stay with her for ever.Following an emotional testimony in which Steph, who recently completed an MBC Alpha Course gave some powerful examples of God’s goodness and grace it was time for her to step in the baptistery. With Shona Shaw on one arm and Janet Walker on the other Steph rose from the water to greet the packed church with a joyful Alleluia!

Sharing Steph’s special day was her mother Sandra, sister Melanie and nephew Jordan.

Another highlight of the service was the return of our “pop up” choir. Under the watchful eye of their leader, Abi Tilley, and after just three weeks rehearsal the singers were brilliant. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Sunday, that’s the 11th of June there will be no morning service here at MBC owing to road closures and us being slap-bang in  the middle of the ITU World Triathlon Series course.

For the elite athletes, and following a 1,500 meter swim in Roundhay Park’s Waterloo Lake there’s a quick change from wetsuit to lycra for their 40 km bike ride into and around town. After that it’s just a small matter of a 10k run: then the rest of the day’s their own!

As an amateur Gareth Davies, however, will be undertaking a slightly less arduous schedule. For him and his fellow athletes taking part in what’s called the Sprint Triathlon involves a mere 750 meter swim, a 20km bike ride and a 7.5km run. “I’m pretty fit” says Gareth “as I do a fair amount of running but swimming that sort of distance in a lake that I’m told years ago was once used as an armaments dump is a bit scary.”

So in readiness for the challenge, Gareth has been honing his aquatic skills by training in a flooded gravel pit alongside students at a diving school near Castleford. Another of his clever tactics is to borrow a bike from Graham and Margaret’s son Aodhan (in 2016 Aodhan rode this particular bike when he took part in the insanely tough Iron Man challenge).

So next Sunday, if you decide to sneak an extra hour in bed, or maybe opt for a drive out in the Dales spare a thought for Gareth. In fact, more than that – go online and visit  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gareth-Davies96 and sponsor him, because every stroke, every revolution and every step he takes will be counting towards his goal of raising £1,000 for The Bone Cancer Research Trust.

  

 

We want to recognize the changes and challenges this year has held for each young person. We also celebrate their growth and for some the exciting opportunities which await them as they head of to University. On the night there will be a live band, a silent disco, a scalextrics racing track and a whole lot more!

Tickets cost £10 for all this including food! Please RSVP by the 11th June. Or alternatively ring or text 07852388530 to let the youth team know you are coming.