7th February the week ahead:-
Today is the FIFTH Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge
Mass 5pm (Saturday) Clitheroe
Mass 9.30am (Sunday) Clitheroe
Mass 11am (Sunday) Sabden

Monday No Public Mass
Tuesday Mass 10am
Wednesday No Public Mass St. Scholastica.
Thursday Mass 10am Our Lady of Lourdes.
Friday No Public Mass

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge
Mass 5pm (Saturday) Clitheroe
Mass 9.30am (Sunday) Clitheroe
Mass 11am (Sunday) Sabden
A Public Mass can only be celebrated on the days that we have stewards who are available. (see above)

http://annedickson.co.uk/?p=7 Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, World Day of the Sick. Thursday 11th Feb, Mass at 10AM
In 1992, Pope John Paul II, instituted the World Day of the Sick which would be held on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes. On the 11 Feb. 1858 Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. Bernadette was to hear Our Lady declare ‘I am the Immaculate Conception’. Pope Francis reminds us this Feast Day is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and to those who provide them with assistance and care whether that be in healthcare institutions or within families and communities. We think in particular this year of those who have suffered, and continue to suffer the effects of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

http://ramblingfisherman.com/category/how-to-get-to-the-bucket/ Lately Dead:
Catherine (Kitty) Wilson, Paul Bradley, Anna Copsey
Masses received this week:
Rita & Frank Donvaband
Anniversaries:
Fr Joseph Wareing SJ – today Sunday 7th February)

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CYCLE RIDE – CLITHEROE TO LOURDES
Parishioners Paul and Bernadette Worden had intended to cycle ride from Clitheroe to Lourdes in support of Mary’s Meals, but Covid has made it very unlikely to happen any time soon. However they are planning the following as per an email from them –
“We have now decided to do this as a virtual ride by clocking up our mileage on local rides each day, following lockdown requirements, and relating that to where it would have got us had we actually been en route to Lourdes.

Our ‘virtual journey’ will begin from Clitheroe on Saturday 13th February. Our virtual route would be to Hull to take the ferry crossing to Belgium, then make our way to the Rhone Valley and travel south as far as Avignon before heading west through the Pyrenees to Lourdes – all without leaving our local area!
We plan to ‘arrive’ in Lourdes on Easter Sunday 4th April after completing our challenge of cycling 1065 miles in 51 days.
Mary’s Meals is a charity dedicated to providing life changing meals to some of the worlds poorest children. Their vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education and that all those who have more than they need, share with those who lack even the most basic things.
We would really appreciate your support in helping raise funds for this charity. You can read more about their great work and perhaps donate to our project via the link below.
https://giving.marysmeals.org/en_gb/projects/1omh-clitheroe-to-lourdes—virtually-?fbclid=IwAR0KJ4wNcVfm4gqvDRCD4ZJHydLRSuvmQksgJP3f6PtKkVx4I6McqayttVE
Alternatively you can ring Arnold on 01200 427096 or email arnoldmarsden@gmail.com to be added to the sponsor list. Please enjoy the journey with us and follow our progress, both real and virtual, via our travel blog www.mytb.org/BernieW
Alternatively you can email cycle21lourdes@yahoo.com and we will include you in a weekly update of our progress”.
Thankyou
Paul and Bernadette Worden

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RIBBLE VALLEY FOODBANK
The Ribble Valley Foodbank is looking for a part-time assistant to the manager, starting as soon as possible. 8 hours a week for a three month period, mainly to be worked on a Monday or Thursday, with the possibility of extra hours to cover for the Foodbank Manager, when necessary.
To apply please send CV and covering letter to info@ribblevalley.foodbank.org.uk.
Or for an informal chat, or more information please contact the Foodbank Manager Jane Chitnis on 07849 534431
Closing Date 21st February 2021

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CCP (CLITHEROE CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP)
An update on the Hamper Project given in last week’s newsletter
Below is a message regarding hamper items which can be dropped off in advance of the hamper distribution. Thank you for supporting this hamper initiative; we hope it will greatly bless and encourage our amazing key workers.
We aim to provide a good variety of items that will genuinely be appreciated by those working on the ‘front line’. The hamper contents will consist of individually wrapped items to help make them as COVID secure as possible. Some items, such as hand creams, will be sourced in bulk online; other, such as packaged fresh fruit, will be purchases shortly before hamper delivery. For these reasons we ask you to restrict your contributions to the items on the following list:
1. Cadbury’s Heroes (290g box)
2. Celebrations box
3. Tesco Finest cookies (Quadruple Chocolate/Belgian Milk Chocolate/Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut/Sultana & Oat)
4. Nature Valley Granola Bars – 5 x 24g
5. 25g Nut Sachets (Almond/Cashew/Mixed)

Items can be delivered in advance to Clitheroe Community Church (Millthorne Avenue, Clitheroe, BB7 2LE between Saturday 13th February (10am – 12noon) and Wednesday 17th February (1pm – 3pm)
If you have any questions or anything needs clarifying, please contact Chris Meyer at chrischrismeyer@gmail.com
This hamper project is now on the Love Clitheroe website –
https://www:loveclitheroe.com/keyworker-hampers if you want to direct people there, and the link for donations (which is also linked from the website) is https://www.give.nte/loveclitheroeevents

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On the Feast Day of St Bakhita let us pray for the victims of human trafficking.
St Bakhita, born in Sudan around 1869, was taken into slavery as a child. She died in 1947, her body scarred from the dreadful wounds she received from whipping. The name Bakhita, given to her by her slave master, means ‘lucky one.’ After years of horrific abuse, she did become the ‘lucky one.’ She was bought by someone who treated her kindly and finally she found peace and freedom with the Cannosian sisters. She took her vows in 1896. Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical letter Spe Salvi (In Hope We Were Saved) relates her entire life story as an outstanding example of Christian hope.
Slavery wasn’t officially abolished in Sudan until 1924. Even today Sudan remains one of the countries with the greatest incidence of modern slavery in the world. We pray that there may be hope for all those enslaved – an estimated 40 million worldwide, 136,000 in the UK.
Two young women, rescued only a few weeks after they had been forced into a brothel in Preston in 2015, were lucky. For most, there is no escape and the misery these women endure was captured in DNA found in fingernail fragments where a woman had tried to scratch her way through a locked door in Belfast. The DNA matched a woman subsequently rescued in London.
In 2019 39 Vietnamese people died in a container. We do not know the life they were bound for but Caritas Anti-Trafficking worked with a Vietnamese trafficked woman a few years ago, who said, “They come from same province where we are from. These bring back bad memories. I couldn’t breathe when I was in the Lorry. Twenty-three of us would have died if the police came five minutes late. Thank God, we’re still alive. I have been through all so I feel so bad thinking about them. We pray for them every night, and thank God saved us. Thank you for your prayer and your thoughts so much. This reminds us how lucky we are to be here, to live in the UK.” They too were the lucky ones.
We have many stories, all different, all witnessing to the worst excesses of human behavior.
When Benedict says “in hope we were saved” he refers to the hope for fulfillment in Christ’s promise but St Bakhita was saved from slavery first and again in the Christianity she learned from the Cannosian sisters. Let us pray for the hope that one day all slaves will be saved but much more than that, let us see modern slavery as a barometer or litmus test of how the much the world and the Church measure up to a striving for the Common Good. And let us pray that we have the strength to acknowledge our complicity in the root of it all – structural sin and the globalisation of indifference.

Anthony Brown

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FROM THE ARCHIVES
Girls School Log Book 1888-1889
Class Subjects 1888-9

1. English As in Code of 1888
Rep i & ii The homes of England

iii The Battle of Blenheim

iv, v, vi, vii Extract from “The Task”

2. Needlework As in Code 1888
May 4th His Lordship the Bishop of Salford honoured the children this morning with a short visit. He praised the neatness and cleanliness of a little girls exercise book which he took up and expressed his pleasure at seeing the children so neat and clean.

June 8th Twenty-one girls admitted from the infants’ department. All the girls examined have been removed a standard higher.
Martina Bramley is taking Standards I & II. Amy Dawson is taking charge of Standard III

June 15th The children have entered into their new work with great spirit.

June 22nd The children have again worked well in their new standards. Three full-time and several half-time certificates given.

June 26th Government report received today – Girls’ school. The Girls School is the equal of the Boys’ School in the excellence of the discipline, the skill of the teaching, and the thoroughness of the instruction and like, it fully deserves the Highest merit grant.
A. Dawson has passed well. Manager John Hartell

June 29th The midsummer holidays began yesterday.

Present staff
Mr A Baynes certificated 1st Class
Martina Bramley (article 50)
Amy Dawson 4th year pupil teacher
Manager John Hartell

Aug 3rd School re-opened on Monday July 30th. Holiday on Thursday for the annual agricultural show

Aug 9th Visited this School without notice. Tested and examined Registers and found everything correct. 98 present and marked.
Manager John Hartell

Aug 10th Margaret Marchant a child of 6 sent back to infant school not knowing her letters or figures

Aug 17th Holiday on Wednesday. Martina Bramley absent on Thursday & Friday through sickness.

Aug 24th Martina Bramley absent all week through sickness. Her sister Mary cam in her place and taught Standard II

Aug 31st Martina Bramley returned to school on Monday morning. Notice of pupil-teacher relisious examination received. It is to take place Octobert 13th at St Alban’s, Blackburn.12s paid to Manager for books sold.
Sept 7th On Tuesday morning the children had holiday to witness Miss Tipping’s wedding. Notice of the children’s religious examination received to take place on the 17th October

Sept 14th Four children absent through sickness. Average attendance lower than usual being only 89.

Sept 21st Average attendance better this week being 96.

Sept 28th Two children admitted one for Standard I and one for Standard III

Oct 5th 1s 4d received from guardians for Grace Wilson’s fees.

Oct 12th The average attendance this week is 100 and last week was 101.

Oct 15th Visited this department without notice, examined and tested the Registers, found everything correct 108 present and marked.
Manager John Hartell

Oct 19th The religious examination took place on Wednesday morning. Holiday was given in the afternoon. 11s 11d received from Guardians as fees for Ellen Foy and Margaret Parker

Oct 20th Holiday on Thursday and Friday for the annual fairs.

Nov 2nd 10s paid to Manager for books sold. Holiday on Thursday afternoon.

Nov 9th Holiday this afternoon in honour of the re-election of the mayor.

Nov 16th The reports on the religious examination – “An excellent school with a pious earnest spirit”

Nov 23rd Father Hartell gave Amy Dawson two lessons on astronomy.

Nov 30th 6s paid to the Manager for books sold.

Dec 7th Father Yates gave Standards IV, V & VI several exercises in mental arithmetic.

Dec 14th Examined Standards I & II and found them very well advanced for the time of the year. Father Yates again gave several mental arithmetic exercised to the upper standards.

Dec 20th Christmas holidays commence today

1889
Jan 7th Registers tested T.J.Johnson

Jan 11th 4s 8d received from Guardians. Holiday on Friday afternoon for the children’s annual tea-party. Mary Anne Scott sent back to Standard III

Jan 18th Several children have been absent this week with measles.

Jan 25th Standard IV have now been taught all their rules in arithmetic and have begun to work from cards.

Feb 1st Although several children are still away on account of measles the average attendance keeps above 80.

Feb 4th Visited this Dept without notice found 72 children present and 72 marked everything correct. Manager John Hartell

Feb 8th The average attendance this week has fallen to 77 on account of sickness and cold wet weather

Feb 15th Cutting out paper patterns taught to Standard VI

Feb 22nd Standards V & VI have begun to work sums from cards – having learned all their rules

March 1st Sickness still continues amongst the children there being 3 new cases this week.

March 8th Holiday given on Shrove Tuesday afternoon.

March 15th Margaret Swarbrick has returned after a month’s illness. She is still suffering from great weakness and rheumatism and is quite unfit to resume her studies in Standard VI. She has been allowed to do Standard V work, and had better remain in that Standard.

March 22nd The Manager heart Amy Dawson’s recitation and helped her with Stocks and Shares.

March 29th Form VIII filled up and returned to the Manager.

April 5th 12s 4d received from Guardians for Ellen Foy and Margaret Parker’s school fees.

April 12th Amy Dawson was allowed to study every morning this week.

April 15th Visited this school without notice found all things correct. Tested the attendance and registers – 90 present and 90 marked. Manager John Hartell.

April 19th Holiday today, Good Friday. Holiday also given for Easter Monday.

April 26th Notice received that the girls will be examined on Friday May 31st and inspected on Monday afternoon June 3rd.

May 3rd The new registers were begun on Wednesday.

May 10th Father Yates visited the school yesterday afternoon and looked at some of the needlework.

May 17th Examined standards III & IV in arithmetic and dictation. All passed in arithmetic 1 failed in dictation.

May 24th Examined Standards V VI VII in arithmetic, composition and dictation. All passed except one in composition.

May 31st The girls were examined this morning by Mrs Walsh

30th January – 7^th February the week ahead:-

Today is the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge

Mass 5pm        (Saturday) Clitheroe

Mass 9.30am   (Sunday)    Clitheroe

Mass 11am      (Sunday)    Sabden

Monday         No Public Mass

Tuesday          Mass 10am  The Presentation of the Lord

Wednesday  No Public Mass

Thursday        Mass 10am

Friday              No Public Mass  St. Agatha

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge

Mass 5pm        (Saturday) Clitheroe

Mass 9.30am  (Sunday)    Clitheroe

Mass 11am     (Sunday)    Sabden

A Public Mass can only be celebrated on the days that we have stewards who are available. (see above)

Racial Justice Sunday – 31 January 2021 This weekend we celebrate Racial Justice Sunday with this year’s theme is ‘A Time to Act’ and it is perhaps more important than ever for us to actively oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour.

 Congratulations  To Peter and Pat Ryan who are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary this week.

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Elizabeth Prout, Mother Mary Joseph C.P. An Englishwoman born in Shrewsbury, who spent most of her time ministering to people around Manchester, in Cheetham Hill, is advancing towards being recognised as a Saint.
Pope Francis has declared Elizabeth Prout to be Venerable, putting her a crucial step closer to final recognition as a Saint.
The Holy Father authorised the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate a decree on January 21 formally recognising that the Servant of God Mother Elizabeth Prout lived a life of heroic virtue.

As Bishop Mark Davies said, “The Church has declared her Christian life and virtues worthy of our veneration.It seems appropriate this announcement came during the pandemic when we can look to Elizabeth’s example and ask the help of her prayers as a woman who helped many during the epidemics which swept the industrial communities of Victorian England.”

Mother Elizabeth earned a reputation for her tireless efforts in teaching, sheltering, feeding and nursing the needy and for establishing a chain of schools and hostels across the other poverty-stricken parts of the North West of England.

She is considered to have been ahead of her time in teaching women skills to earn their own livings. She attracted other women who were motivated by their faith to join her in her work, and more than 20 of them were formed into a religious community by 1852, the Sisters of the Cross and Passion.

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Global Healing  On Thursday 18th February, Bishop John will launch a series of speakers, prayers and discussions based on the film-based resource, “Global Healing”. The talks will take place each week from the 18th February throughout Lent, with our Head of Environment Dr Emma Gardner sharing her own knowledge and experiences with us on Thursday 4th March’s event.

We all have our own part to play in responding to the environmental crisis our world is facing and Pope Francis has called each of us to listen to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

The “Global Healing” documentaries will inform and challenge people to respond to Pope Francis’ call to Care for Our Common Home. The films are suitable for all who are concerned about what is happening to our world and who want to take action, or those who want to learn more about the issue.

The films will take place over six Thursdays, from 18th February – 25th March 2021, between 7.30pm – 8.30pm and are hosted by the Global Catholic Climate Movement Laudato Si’ Animators in the UK.

To register to join, please email jane@catholicclimatemovement.global

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The Word This Week Where does authority come from? Why is one man regarded as a prophet, and another as a lunatic, and a third as a hypocrite? Jesus startles the crowds with a ‘new teaching’ today, but what amazes them so much is not the message but the authority behind it: they are convinced because what he does somehow adds credibility to what he says. It’s the old situation that we are all familiar with – we look through words to see the actions, which show us the real message. The scribes did not heal or work miracles, but simply talked about God. Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, but also shows the people what it is – a Kingdom where all that damages human happiness is abolished. The other side to this is that we must listen to a prophet or teacher when they are backed by such authority; we may not “harden our hearts” and ignore the message when we have recognised that the messenger is sent by God. This is the hard part, because it demands that we too show, by our actions, that we have heard.

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Caritas Sunday, January 31^st, 2021

Last year our Parish donated £692.89 from the collection.  Can we aim to do the same this year by donating on line?

In past years we have had envelopes and perhaps a speaker from the pulpit but this year things are very different.   Things are different for a lot us.  Some are experiencing loss of income from loss of work or reduced hours.  Some have more money through inability to spend on the usual little joys of life.  For some people in our community Inequality suddenly feels more pronounced.   A different form of inequality arises from being confined to our homes.  People react differently and whilst for some it isn’t much of a problem, for others there is the stress of inactivity, isolation or worse.  The stricture is the same but the effect creates another form of inequality.

For the people who rely on Caritas their problems have increased.  Once again the gap between those who have and those have not has grown bigger.

Fr Ged Murphy, Episcopal Vicar for Caritas, speaks for Caritas

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a familiar one: a traveller is beaten by robbers, stripped and left for dead by the road. First a holy man and then another comes by, but both avoid the man. Finally, a Samaritan happens upon and helps the injured man, showing great compassion, reflecting the lengths to which love will go. He treats the injured man not as an enemy but as a neighbour, as one of his own. Through this parable, Jesus indicates that a person truly acts as a neighbour through love.

“But who is my neighbour?”

Every gift Caritas receives means we can love and support the most vulnerable and marginalised in our communities. We provide a befriending service for older people, preventing loneliness and isolation. We welcome the stranger, teaching English to those seeking asylum and those with refugee status so they can quickly integrate into their new home community. And we continue to love and feed the hungry, and shelter the homeless, across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Pope Francis reminds us that, before we are anything else, we are brothers and sisters sharing a common home, and we are called to become neighbours and friends. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen rising inequalities in wealth and new forms of poverty and a disregard for human worth. We have a universal responsibility to act; to accept the obligations we bear to each other, and to find ‘fraternal love’. A willingness to respond to human need wherever it is found. So I ask for your help in responding now. Please choose to help Caritas to continue its life-changing work during 2021 with our brothers and sisters in need. The best way to answer the question ‘Who is my neighbour?’ is to choose to become.

So how do I donate?

It’s quite easy actually.  £10 provides a weekly befriending phone call.  £30 provides one to one case support work for the vulnerable.  £55 pays for groceries for a small family.  Please give what you can by clicking on the link https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/service-view/sunday2021/

Learn more about Caritas

Read the latest Caritas Salford Beacon.

Read the Caritas impact report for 2020

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LATELY DEAD:
Gerald Walmsley, Dr Paul McCondie, Kieran Hughes, Catherine (Kitty) Wilson, Paul Bradley, Anna Copsey

MASSES RECEIVED THIS WEEK:
Gertrude Feely & Ann Copsey, Rita & Frank Donvaband, John Snape, David Whitty, Barbara Dewhurst, Keiran Hughes, John Hartley, Special Intention, Harriet Foulker, Chris Carr,  Special Intention x 4, James Hardwick, Dr Paul McCondie, Gerald Walmsley x 2, Ann Wharton

ANNIVERSARIES
Fr Joseph Wareing S.J., Harriet Foulker, Ann Wharton

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Live simply thought for the week:

The Environment Agency is warning that the UK could face serious water shortages within the next 25 years.

The Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) says cutting showering time by one minute will reduce energy bills and reduce water consumption.

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CAFOD LENT APPEAL:

Are you ready to change your life and transform someone else’s this Lent? Then please check out the following:

Walk for Water is the only Lent challenge you need: 10,000 steps a day – done your way. Every day for 40 days. Go the distance this Lent and help to end water poverty.

Sign up now, raise money and do something different to fight poverty: https://walk.cafod.org.uk/

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CLITHEROE CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP

Pray for Refugees in Calais – CCP February 2021 Immigration controls can be a contentious social and political issue. People can be worried about uncontrolled entry to their country, their city or their town. ‘Who is picking up the bill?’, is a common concern. Despite all such things what might be the Christian perspective? One of the main ‘jumping off areas’ for illegal entry to the UK is around Calais and whatever our personal view might be there are undoubtedly men, women, children and families who are desperate for a new future and in a position of great physical, and emotional need. The choices that have driven them to Calais could well be born out of a genuine fear and desperation that we struggle to imagine. Into the New Year Clitheroe

Churches in Partnership (CCP) are looking at the plight of refugees as part of their aim to raise awareness around human rights abuse and the blight of criminal trafficking of vulnerable people. Parishioners from Our Lady of the Valley RC fellowship pledged to send money saved during Covid lockdown to some of the most vulnerable. They have searched for charities where money would go directly to those in need. Sister Bridie Dowd of the Sisters of Mercy of St Vincent de Paul, Salford, one of the Catholic Church Anti-Trafficking networkers, has been to Calais a number of times and put them in touch with Alex Holmes. Alex was to spend a month with Maria Skobtsova House of welcome and relief helping to minister to refugees in Calais over the Christmas period. Alex goes to Calais regularly and is a trusted friend of Sister Bridie. Maria Skobtsova House says: “We are very grateful that we have been able to rely on Alex and Joëlle who have been faithfully supporting the mission of the house over the past four years. Their regular presence in the House assures, beyond the practical help, a solid continuity in nourishing the spirit of Maria Skobtsova House, in all the uncertainties, precariousness and turmoils of the situation and the daily life in Calais.” Our friends at our Lady of the Valley knew they could trust Alex completely and were able to donate directly to the ‘front line’ of the problem. In September Alex wrote: “For the refugee community in Calais, this past year has continued to be shaped by police violence and the building of ever more barriers. Almost daily the refugee communities are confronted with a hostile environment, the constant dismantling of their living spaces, and actions that are an attempt to dissuade them from staying in Calais. Despite the Covid pandemic there has been no letup in the pursuit of a policy of zero tolerance by the authorities towards refugees. “ It was much colder in January when Alex emailed us from Calais with a message of thanks: “HAPPY NEW YEAR from across the Channel in Calais” “We had an amazing Orthodox Christmas celebration two days ago, on January 7th. Thank you for helping make this possible. We were able to use one of the churches in Calais, St Joseph’s…more than 60 Eritreans came for a 3 hour prayer service led by two Eritrean deacons. A fine team of 6 Eritrean refugees prepared a meal for 150 of their community. Because of Covid, this had to be outdoors…and mercifully it was dry all day.” So, Christians in Clitheroe reached across the divide and actively contributed to keeping those people in need, warm, sheltered and well fed over Christmas. Please join us in praying for refugees in Calais:

Lord of the Lost, Calmer of the Waves,
a Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief,
We pray for all refugees in Calais as they seek new life from desperation,
As they seek a place to call home,
As they seek protection from danger, hostility and violence,
As they confront barrier after barrier to simple freedom,
As they are haunted by uncertainty and fear for their loved ones.
Lord in Your Mercy may they see and feel You reaching out to them,
Lord in Your Mercy protect them,
Lord in Your Mercy uplift and empower those who lovingly minister to them,
Lord in Your Mercy show us a way to help.
Lord Jesus, in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayer

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CCP (CLITHEROE CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP)

A letter sent from Chris Meyer Outreach/Youth Coordinator at the Grand Clitheroe regarding a Hamper initiative.:

Thank you all for your interest and support of the Hamper initiative.  It was great to share the vision of the project and hear your thoughts and ideas as well.  I’ve set out the details of the project below.

Aim

The aim of the project is to send a message of appreciation, hope and encouragement to those in our community who have been working tirelessly on the ‘front line’ over the last year.

Scope

Due to the scale of the project, it is proposed that the hampers will be delivered in three ‘waves’.  Initially hampers will be delivered to organisations in the medical and care sectors:

• Castle Medical group
• Pendleside Medical Group
• Clitheroe Funeral Services
• The COVID testing site *
• The ten care homes in Clitheroe
• Clitheroe Ambulance Station

* In this group, we will give individual bundles to the COVID Testing site rather than group hampers in order to ensure the safety of individuals working there.

Cost (first phase)

We estimate we will need fifteen group hampers plus individual hampers for COVID testers.

The estimated total cost is therefore about £500.  However, Tesco has already contributed approximately £90 worth of items towards the first phase.

CCP has funds available to make an initial donation of £400 towards the first phase.

The budget for each of the following phases is likely to be approximately the same as the first phase.

Logistics

Each hamper will include six packs of either biscuits or chocolate, a bundle of hot chocolate sachets, and a handwritten card.  We will be sourcing drinks sachets via a bulk order online and buying the other items from local shops.

Clitheroe Community Church will act as the distribution “hub”.  We’ll arrange times when items can be dropped.

Invitation

I would like to invite churches to be involved in various ways:

• Consider contributing financially towards the cost of the hampers. This could be done corporately or individuals can donate via the giving pace on the CCP website.

• Consider buying items for the hampers. To ensure items are of consistent quality, covid safe, and to avoid duplication, please contact me at chrischrismeyer@gmail.com beforehand if you would like to donate in this way.  I will provide you with an up to date list of the required items.

• Invite volunteers to help put the hampers together and distribute them. I will co-ordinate the volunteers.

Timescale

The goal is to make up the hampers during the half-term week of February (15 – 19^th February) and deliver the following week.

Evaluation

We’ll evaluate the best way forward after completing the first phase.  If there is sufficient support, it is proposed the following phases will include schools, those in public services, such as refuse collection and school crossing patrols, and various individuals such as child carers.

Thank you all for your support and involvement in the project!

Chris Meyer

Details of how to pay will be given in next weeks newsletter

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ARCHIVES – CLITHEROE

1953 Copies of correspondence in response to an application to use rooms in Stanley House for use as a Club.

A letter was sent to The Trustees, Catholic Club, Clitheroe from J.C. Smith & Son, Collectors and Restorers of Antique Furniture,
54-58 Lowergate , Clitheroe Telephone 400 on 15^th May 1953.

Dear Sirs,

With reference to your application for rooms in Stanley House for use as Club.

Fr d’Andria is willing to consider this application providing the members of the Girls’ Club will move from their present rooms and take those on the first floor.

The floors of the latter are thought to be insufficiently strong for use such as you would require.

The Leader of the Girls’ Club is being interviewed and it is hoped that a reply to your request will be possible in the next few days.

A reply was sent the following day May 16^th from The Trustees:

Dear Sirs,

In view of the fact that members of the Girls’ Club are willing to take rooms on the first floor of Stanley House, Father d’Andria has favourably considered your request for rooms and is prepared to let those on the ground floor, such as are not let to Girls on the following terms:-

Rent 30/- (thirty shillings) per week, payable quarterly.

You as tenants to be responsible for the payment of rates, including  water rates.
The cost of any alterations to the interior for use as Club premises to be borne by you, but it is hoped that if any be found necessary these will prove of minor order and that every care will be taken of  the walls and interior fitments.

Twelve months notice will be given should the premises be required by the Parish Priest for parochial purposes.

As Stanley House is scheduled as a historical building the exterior of the house must not be altered in any way.

A reply sent from The Knights of St Columba  Council 215.  Back York Street, Clitheroe on the 21^st May 1953.

RE: PROPOSED GENTLEMENS’ CLUB AT STANLEY HOUSE

Dear Sir,

By kind permission of the Leader of the Girls’ Club our Accommodation Committee have viewed the ground floor rooms of Stanley House now occupied by the Girls.  We have reached the conclusion that these rooms are totally unsuitable and utterly unadaptable for use as a Catholic Gentlemens’ Club.

In spite of this we are still interested in transferring to premises worthy of same.

In your letter of the 15^th instant you state that you consider the floors of the now vacant section to be unsafe for our particular requirements.  Three members of the Committee with long experience in the building trade feel certain that this is not so and that the floors in question would quite easily carry.  Further we are agreed that the vacant section viewed by us on Sunday the 10^th instant is entirely suitable for our purposes and that no major alterations are either necessary or desirable.
Consequently, should your view concur we shall be pleased to receive and consider your Terms for same.

Yours faithfully,

For & on behalf of

THE ACCOMMODATION COMMITTEE

Convener

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ARCHIVES – SABDEN

The following was either in the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times or The Lancashire Evening Telegraph 21^st December 1956

JUBILEE

Solemn High Mass was celebrated at St Mary’s R.C. Church on Sunday evening for the first time to mark the golden jubilee of Father Thomas Murray, Sabden’s 75 year old parish priest.

On Saturday before a crowded audience in the schoolroom Fr Murray was presented with a cheque.

Other presents were bestowed on him by the children, the Children of Mary and the Knights of St Columba.

Fr Murray, a native of Glasgow, was ordained in 1906, after which he spent 20 years as a missionary in South Africs.

He was curate for four years at St Anne’s Church, Blackburn, and later at St Michael’s, Ancoats.

He succeeded Fr Meade as parish priest at St Mary’s Sabden, in the year 1933, and in 1938 he was largely instrumental in the building of the village church of St Mary, which he has served so faithfully and well for the past 23 years.

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A new-year prayer for God to bless and protect his people (Numbers 6:22-27)

‘The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.’

May the Lord  fill your hearts, your homes and your families
with his peace and his love throughout this New Year.

Prayers and blessings.

Fr. Paul
 

The week ahead:-

Today is the Second Sunday of Christmas

Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge

Mass 5pm        (Saturday) Clitheroe

Mass 9.30am   (Sunday) Clitheroe

Mass 11am      Sunday) Sabden

Monday           Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

Tuesday           Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

Wednesday     Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

Thursday          Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

Friday               Mass 10am (Clitheroe)

The Baptism of the Lord

Mass 12 noon (Saturday) Dunsop Bridge

Mass 5pm        (Saturday) Clitheroe

Mass 9.30am   (Sunday) Clitheroe

Mass 11am      (Sunday) Sabden

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The Drama Displayed: A Journey of Salvation

A free series of online talks offered by the Christian Heritage Centre. A range of excellent speakers will examine the key moments of salvation history, with the aid of great works of art. At 7:30pm every second Thursday, from 14^th January to 25^th March. For info and registration: https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/the-drama-displayed/

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Thank You    Fr. Paul would like to thank you for your cards and gifts, prayers and best wishes for Christmas. They were all very much appreciated.

Thank you also for your continued help and support during the last twelve months, and as strange as things have been, together we have, with God’s help, safely got through it.

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Places of worship

You can attend places of worship for a service. However, you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. You should maintain strict social distancing at all times.

You should follow the national guidance on the safe use of places of worship. We must adhere to all the previous rules and regulations.

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2021 – TIER 4

As we enter 2021 it is a time when we can reflect on how we are managing the procedures that have been put in place for the safe opening of our churches.

In the last few days we have heard more about the virus mutating and becoming more easily transmissible. It is important, therefore, to review how we maintain the good practice to keep our churches safe, so that people who use them can do so safely, and so that we are able to remain open.

Ventilation is important, so too sanitising, people wearing face coverings (unless exempt) and no socialising either in or at the back of church, or outside the church, are things we need to remember.

It is also still advised that people should sit throughout the liturgy. People should not kneel nor stand with the obvious exception when going to receive Communion. Communion must only be given in the hand, not on the tongue. Communion will be administered at the end of Mass.

Singing should also not take place.

During tier 4 weddings can only take place in an emergency.

Funerals are limited to 30 members present, not including the priest and stewards. Whilst music can be played care should be taken that it does not prolong the Service.

At Baptisms there should be only 6 present.

We are all a lot more confident about dealing with these matters than we were a year ago but we need to be careful of becoming complacent, especially as the numbers of Covid cases are presently rising rapidly.

Finally people should leave church straight after Mass and not congregate at the back of church, or outside, to chat.

Priests should stay away from the back of church afterwards and if anyone wishes to talk with him they should ring him.

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Lately Dead:

Bridget Barnes (previously Lynch), née Kerr, aged 77

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Live simply thought for the week:  

12 green ideas for the New Year:

1.   Buy local produce
2.   Make the most of what you have
3.   Reuse, Repair, Recycle
4.   Plan meals to avoid food waste
5.   Eat better meat and eat a lot less of it. 
6.   Take your own bags to the supermarket
7.   Don’t leave the tap running while cleaning your teeth. 
8.   Make sure dishwasher/washing machine is full before switching on
9.   Use a cooler wash, save electricity
10. Buyclothes when you need them not when you want them
11. Don’t leave electrical items on standby – switch off 
12. Use greener cleaning products

On behalf of CAFOD and Laudato Si Groups

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Is there an Arabic speaker in the parish?

If so could you please ring Tom Clay on 07962 136749

hal yujad natiq bialerbyt fi alraei?

yrja alaitisal b Tom Clay ealaa 136749 07962

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LATELY DEAD

Joe Balshaw aged 86years from Burnley, late of Clitheroe

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MISSIO

Fr Chantry from Missio has sent the following message:

There is no doubt that this year has been a very difficult time for all of us.  We have all had to find ways to cope not only with the restrictions around us, but with isolation and sometimes loss.  Thank you for doing all you can in the present situation to support Missio.  A very important part of Missio’s work is to pray for each other and for those in need across the world.  Your prayers have played a vital role in supporting mission and missionaries.

Please continue to pray for us, as I will for you.

As we say goodbye to this year let us hope and pray that next year will bring us some welcome relief.

May God bless you and your loved ones at this special time.

Father Tony

Fr Anthony Chantry

Missio National Director

England and Wales

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CONGRATULATIONS…

to Mrs Chris Carr who last weekend celebrated her 99^th birthday.  She is one of, if not the oldest of our parishioners.

She was ‘serenaded’ on the occasion by local singer Arthur Geldard, outside despite the weather last weekend.

The surprise event was arranged by Mrs Marina Barrett and helped by our Ladies Group.

Some parishioners joined in the celebration along Bleasdale Avenue, socially distancing of course.

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CLITHEROE CIVIC SOCIETY

A casual walk along Woone Lane will reveal the fact that a tremendous amount of work has been undertaken to return the area to a more natural state, and providing access to an area, which will rapidly become a really valuable and accessible local asset.

We are most fortunate to invite Jack Spees, the director of the re-wilding project, who will give a presentation via Zoom on Monday 4^th January.

The presentation is available to Civic Society members as part of membership fees, and is available to others on payment of £3 per viewing person, via contact with the society’s treasurer.  Contact details can be found via the website:

www.clitheroecivicsociety.org.uk

Don’t miss this golden opportunity.

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CAFOD

The Cafod group send their best wishes for a very Happy Christmas

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Father Paul, Janet and Teresa send their best wishes to all parishioners for a very holy and peaceful Christmas and New Year

From 13^th December.     The Week Ahead:-

Sunday                      Mass 12 noon (Saturday) in Dunsop Bridge      (3^rd Advent)

Mass 5pm (Saturday) in Clitheroe

Mass 9.30am in Clitheroe

Mass 11am in Sabden.

Monday                    Mass 10am in Clitheroe    (St. John of the Cross)

Tuesday                    Mass 10am in Clitheroe

Wednesday  Mass 10am in Clitheroe

Mass 7pm in Sabden

Thursday                   Mass 10am in Clitheroe

Friday            Mass 10am in Clitheroe

Saturday                   Mass 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge                         (4^th Advent)

Mass 5pm in Clitheroe

Sunday                      Mass 9.30am in Clitheroe

Mass 11am in Sabden

 

LATELY DEAD:
Rita Donbovand, Miles Eastwood

ANNIVERSARIES:
Kenneth and Janet Barlow, Richard Embery, Margaret Watkins

LIVE SIMPLY THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
Try using recycled/recyclable gift wrap or material to wrap up your presents.  Look for cards with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark. This guarantees the paper has been produced sustainably and ethically.

CAFOD
Don’t know what to get for Christmas presents? Buy a World Gift for Christmas and help to change the lives of those living in poverty.
Please check out the following website:

World Gifts explained   https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/pages/gifts-in-action

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CHRISTMAS MASS STEWARDING

Additional volunteers are needed for some of the Christmas Masses.  We’re “OK” for the 3pm and 5pm on Christmas Eve but could do with a few more names for the 7pm one.  We also need more names for the Mass on Christmas morning.  Please contact Ann Harkin if you could help

anhark456@aol.com

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LAUDATO SI’ At our Laudato Si’ meeting on Tuesday Dominic Aunger alerted us to the CAFOD Send a Message to the Brave initiative which was a humbling reminder of just how much some people are prepared to do for the rest of us. The Brave are human rights defenders and environmental activists across the world who are risking everything to defend our brothers and sisters and protect our common home. You can also look at the CAFOD website to view their latest petitions. In order to ensure our defenders receive their messages by Christmas, please send your online messages before 19 December.  

https://cafod.org.uk/Campaign/Latest-campaigns/Messages-to-the-brave?fbclid=IwAR0JrQnTbdLhXFLJj059C9D6EFUWAz6TPIbKOYBMRF51EP56NgeAR_6mq8k

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LOVE CLITHEROE – CAROLS IN THE CASTLE

The usual Carols in the Castle event will not take place this year due to Covid19 restrictions but there will be a service on Saturday 19^th December at 6pm which will be streamed on Youtube and Facebook Live.  This is an outreach event aimed at those outside of our Churches more so than those who are already have a faith.   The programme includes a trimmed down Carols band for some more traditional Carols alongside some local musicians and local actors in the Zoom Nativity/

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CLITHEROE CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP

PRAYER THEME

This month’s CCP prayer theme will focus on intercession for the various outreach activities taking place in our community during Advent. Let us pray for both the online event and physical events such as the Christingle services. Also, on Christmas Day the Salvation Army are planning to hold a meal for the lonely. Please pray for God’s wisdom in their planning, for protection, and a good atmosphere within the restrictions of social-distancing.
Let us pray that God will open the minds of many in our community so they will see the light of the gospel. May the Holy Spirit work His work, turning hearts back to Himself, and may there be fruit for eternity as a result of these outreach activities.
Let us also pray for God’s protection over His Church as we do our best to safely meet in our congregations during this time.      A.Meyer (chairman CCP)

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Please see the Caritas Salford Advent appeal here https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/

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The Word This Week So who is coming? This Sunday’s readings help to answer that question. John the Baptist is asked about the coming of the Messiah – is it him? He affirms his role as a witness to speak for the light, by pointing to the one who stands among the crowd unknown to them who is coming after him. This idea is present in the First Reading, where Isaiah proclaims what the anointed one” (Messiah in Hebrew) will do, and the joy that this will bring. It is interesting that the Psalm appointed for this Sunday is the Magnificat – Mary’s song of praise at the announcement that the Messiah would be born of her – in which she sings of the works of the coming Messiah. Paul then reminds us that we are still waiting patiently: God has called you, and he will not fail you. This is why, on this ‘Gaudete’ Sunday, we as God’s people rejoice in his care, made visible in his promises, fulfilled in Jesus.

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The Diocese has started work with academic partners on a ‘decarbonisation strategy.’ This will involve understanding our carbon footprint and ways to reduce it, over the next two years. The team would welcome anyone with expertise in this area in our parish communities to get in touch at decarbonisation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk. so that they are aware of those that might want to get involved.

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Year of St Joseph – December 8th 2020-2021 The 8th December, marked the 150th anniversary of  Blessed Pius IX placing the Universal Church under the Protection of St. Joseph. To mark the anniversary Pope Francis as written a powerful meditation on St. Joseph, particularly in the light of the current pandemic. http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2020/12/8/letteraapostolica-patriscorde.html

The Pope has dedicated the next twelve months as a Year of St. Joseph. The Decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary is not yet available in English but there is a good summary here https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2020-12/apostolic-penitentiary-plenary-indulgence-year-st-joseph.html

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Thank You  For a cheque to the parish for £2000 from the Sabden Village Folk Panto Group. We will miss the Pantomime this year due to the present Covid restrictions.

Also to the Sabden Knit, Stitch and Natter Group for their cheque for £150. We look forward to you being able to meet again once we are able to meet in the future.

Salford Diocese Caritas Advent Appeal  If you would like to make a donation this Advent and Christmas. Call Rachel Taylor 0161 817 2285 or visit the website https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/service-view/advent-appeal-2020/

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Christmas Masses 2020

Christmas Eve

12 noon Dunsop Bridge
3pm Clitheroe
5pm Clitheroe
7pm Clitheroe
6pm Sabden
8pm Sabden

Christmas Morning

8am Dunsop Bridge
10am Clitheroe

We have put on an extra Mass in each of our three churches this year because we will still be limited in the number that can be in the church for Mass. Previous guidelines will still need to be adhered to at all times. Fr. Ian Kelly has very kindly offered to help us out.
There is still no obligation to attend Mass, and as Christmas continues to be celebrated after the 25th, perhaps you might even consider coming to one of the Masses between Christmas and 1st January which is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
It is important that we continue to keep safe and well, and help others to do the same.

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Offertory Collection Thank you for your continued financial support to the parish during these difficult times through standing orders and by leaving your offertory collection in the box which has been left near the hand sanitizers at the back of church. It is much appreciated.

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First Holy Communions  As you are aware, the children now in year 4 who took part in the Sacramental Programme had just started to receive their First Holy Communion before we had to again suspend all public worship. We are hoping that these children will be able to receive their Fist Holy Communion at one of our weekend Masses starting in the New Year. The schools will give you a date and the time of the Mass for you to attend.

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Diocesan Almanacs Are now available giving diocesan and parish info at £3.50 each.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Whilst reading through some St Hubert’s correspondence this week I found the following account regarding its history.  Some parishioners already know this story but for those who don’t, this is what I found:

Part of the funds for the building of St Mary’s & St Hubert’s Roman Catholic Church, which was opened in 1865 came from a race horse win.

The land round about was owned by the Towneley family and the church itself is a memorial to the family and the energy of Richard Eastwood who carried the title of Bowbear of Bowland.  Awarded the title by Peregrine Towneley of Burnley, Richard Eastwood with assistance of Charles Towneley, built the church on land belonging to the family.

The erection of the church cost about £700 and some of the money came from the winnings of the horse Kettledrum, which won the Derby in 1861.

Surrounded by stained glass windows there are two paintings of the horse on the decorated ceiling, also four small carved horses heads on the stone side pillars behind the altar.

Designed in the early English style and made to accommodate about 100 people the church was dedicated in May 1865.  The opening sermon was preached by Dr Richard Roskell, Bishop of Nottingham, who returned many times.  He was eventually buried in the Church yard.  Mr Charles Towneley head the church decorated in the 1870’s and the presbytery was built by Mrs John Towneley, while the family also furnished the sanctuary and provided funds for church expenses.

In the grounds of the church stands a huge white angel, which cost £1,000 to erect as a memorial to Richard Henry Towneley.

Mr Pergrine Towneley bought the ‘Whitewell’ estate in the early 1800’s.  A curious story is told in connection with the purchase of the property, Mr Towneley loved a joke and never cared in the least what people thought of him.  Hearing the property was for sale, he dressed himself as a tramp and begged a breakfast at Whitewell Inn.  To the amusement of the assembled company the ‘tramp’ bid at the extensive property, the auctioneer entered into the fun and accepted a higher bid and knocked down the estate at an absurd amount under the mistaken belief that he could not pay.  Where upon the ‘tramp’ laid a small card on the desk bearing the words Mr Peregrine Towneleym Tiwbeket Hall.

Charles Towneley succeeded his father in 1846.  The church has always been protected by the Towneley family and in 1937 when the rest of the family estates in the district were sold to the Duchy of Lancaster the church was excluded from the transfer.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES – CLITHEROE

Clitheroe Advertiser and Times Friday January 2 1948

Helped To Stage His Own Pantomime

———————–

Written in Greece in 1945

———————–

CAST OF 70 REQUIRED 300 DRESSES

————————–

Following his release from captivity by E.L.A.S. Forces during the Greek Civil War in 1945. Mr Edmund Cambien of Bawdlands, Clitheroe, occupied his leisure moments by writing a pantomime, and even went to the extent of designing the scenery on small sheets of foolscap.

This week his pantomime entitled “Humpty Dumpty,” came to life on the stage of The Hall, Lowergate, and Mr Cambien was not only joint producer with Mrs J.Sherliker, whose name is so often associated with Christmas entertainments at The Hall, but took a small part in the show himself.

Many willing helpers had thrown their resources into making the pantomime one of the finest achievements in the long run of successful entertainments at The Hall, about then complete changes of scenery and over 300 dresses, most of them locally made, contributing to the bright and colourful spectacle.

Abounding in humour, and generously sprinkled with tuneful songs, the pantomime romped along at lively pace, the versatility and enthusiasm of the cast of 70 investing it with an exuberance which met with a ready response from the audience

Following tradition the unfolding of the story served merely to link a succession of captivating stage pictures.  The multi-coloured dresses of the opening scene, and the rousing singing of the entire company put the pantomime in the right key, and the liveliness was sustained by subsequent song scenes which appealed to the eye as well as the ear.

PICTURESQUE SCENE

Perhaps the most stimulating of all was the exquisitely-performed Dutch scene in which chief honours went to the children.  Dancing with precision and singing with a delightful simplicity they presented a tuneful and picturesque scene, the solo parts being taken by Helen Turner, Ann White, Margaret O’Donnel and Vivian Calvert.

By contrast, another song scene “All the King’s Horses” had as the name implies, a military flavour, and was notable for some dexterous stage movement and skilful tap-dancing.  In “Winter Wonderland” the senior members were seen in some attractive dance figures which successfully created the illusion of skating, and another impressive number was “I was never kissed before” from the musical success “Bless the Bride,” the pastel-shaded period gowns and graceful dancing resulting in a scene of rare beauty.

A very effective number was a ballet by the children which had the charm appropriate to its title of “Fairyland,” the originality of the scene winning loud acclamation from the audience as a diminutive fairy emerged from a large “tulip” to join a group of garlanded children.  Another striking feature of this scene was a dance by a number of children representing butterflies, their gaily-painted wings being illuminated with small electric bulbs.  A similarly successful item was the finale, in which a small child was carried on to the stage in a basket of flowers.

PLENTY OF FUN

The men of the company were responsible for some brisk singing, and in their numbers “On the Quayside,” they contributed some popular shanties, the soloists being Richard and Robert Geldard and Jim Parker.  They also provided some rollicking fun, especially in the “paddling,” scene in which they were dressed in old-time bathing costumes and carried parasols.

Much of the success of the show rested upon the comedians, Mr Sam Bridge and Mr Jow Bailey as Gertie and Liza, their lively sense of fun keeping the audience in merry mood.  Mr Bailey’s characterisations as a schoolgirl and later as an old gossip were riotous affairs, and Mr Bridge was indefatigable in sustaining a continuous flow of quips and local allusions which were quickly appreciated.  His comedy songs “Big-hearted Lily,” and “An old Fairy,” were highly entertaining, and he managed to get the audience singing with him in “Has anyone seen my pom.”  The two combined in another uproarious sketch “Queuing,” the background of which was Clitheroe Market Place.

Mr Bridge also figured in duets with Mr J O’Donnel (the King), who proved a capable partner in the humorous songs “I get up every morning” and “If I had my way.”  Very few in the audience on Monday could have realised that Mr Bridge had been confined to bed with a cold until shortly before the performance.

SKILFUL INTERPRETATION

The more serious side of the pantomime was in equally efficient hands, the roles of Ricki and Jill being skilfully interpreted by Jacqueline Crawford and Marjorie Cambien.  The two were always decorative, and their voices blended well in their duets “This is my lovely day” and “I was never kissed before.”  Miss Cambien created a favourable impression in her first song, the lilting “Beautiful Morning” from “Oklahoma” and charmed with the contrasting “Rockabye,” a tenderly-interpreted number in which she was supported by the children.   Miss Crawford had an easy stage presence and brought to the role of principal boy appropriate assurance and vitality.  Her song “Top of the morning smile” was a distinct success.

Humpty Dumpty, whose three wishes form the basis of the story, was conveniently portrayed by Mr Joe Webster, and Miss Kathleen Nelson made an attractive Rosanne.  To the part of the Fairy Queen, Miss Frances Lofthouse brought considerable charm, and her solo dances were executed with skilful precision.  Messrs Robert Geldard and Phillip O’Hagan were responsible for some knockabout comedy as a wayward “horse” and another small role, that of Father Christmas in the “Rockabye” scene, was successfully handled by Mr Jim Parker.

EFFICIENT CHORUS

The chorus which played such an important part in the success of the show was as follows:

Children: K.Nelson, J.White, R.Bailey, B.Jackson, M.O’Donnel, V.Calvert, M.Tyrer, E.Batts, B.Vose, M.Hilton, I Stephenson, R.Frankland, K.Devine, M.Devine, A.Worswick, M.Booth, M.Taylor, M.Walmsley, K.Wilkinson, J.Wilson, K.Scott, M.Patefield, S.Webster, F.Jackson, L.Holmes, A.Birtwell, A.McNally, P.McNally, Pat Gudgeon, Pam Gudgeon, B.Goodbier, J.Jackson, J.Birtwell, H.Turner, M.Wrigley, A.White, C.Rawcliffe, R.Hargreaves, F.Birtwell, S.McNally, J.Preedy, M.Jackson, M.Winterbottom.

Ladies: D.Manley, M.Sherliker, F.Lofthouse, J.Hutchinson, E.Wright, S.Boyers, E.Boyers, J.Turner, M.Turner, E.Goodbier, M.Boyers, A.Rice, E.Vose, B.Punchard, J.Goodbier, D.Jackson

Men: Richard Geldard, Robert Geldard, P.O’Hagan, T.Bailey, J.Parker, F.Dunn, D.Birtwell, E.Cambien, J.MacDonald, T.Blacklock, J.Bailey, D.Hutchinson

The pantomime was a personal success for the joint-producers who seem to possess a flair for choosing the right type of material, as well as the capacity to infuse their enthusiasm into every member of the company.

To accommodate such a large cast on a small stage was a severe test of stage-craft, the difficulties being overcome by clever and effective grouping which enabled exits to be smoothly accomplished.

Credit is also due to Miss M.Sherliker who with the assistance of Miss F Lofthouse taught the children the many attractive dance routines, and to Mr S.Bridge for his humorous additions to the script.

The scenery was painted by Mr Cambien and Mr K.Sherliker who began this task last May and are to be complimented on their tasteful creations.  Musical orchestrations were by Mr Bert Cross, who conducted an orchestra comprising the following: Violins, Mr T.Isherwood, Mr W.Jackson and Mr R.W.Harris. Cello, Mr E.Isherwood, Flute Mr J.Marsden. Trumpet Mr F.Worden. Drums Mr J.Devaney. Pianist Mr K.Sherliker

Much hard work was done by Messrs A.Batts, W.Wrigley, J.MacDonald and J.Burnett, and their assistants in preparing the stage, Mr J.Gudgeon, electrician, Miss M.Bailey, wardrobe mistress, Messrs F.Bailey and H.Oddie make-up, and the Ladies Committee.  Proscenium decorations were by Polish friends, Miss M.Wrigley efficiently fulfilled the duties of secretary-treasurer.

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Click here for Thorneyholme Newsletter….

From 5th December – The Week Ahead:-

Sunday Mass 12 noon (Saturday) in Dunsop Bridge
Mass 5pm (Saturday) in Clitheroe
Mass 9.30am in Clitheroe
Mass 11am in Sabden.
Monday Mass 10am in Clitheroe (St. Ambrose)
Tuesday Mass 10am in Clitheroe (The Immaculate Conception)
Wednesday Mass 10am in Clitheroe
                        Mass 7 pm in Sabden
Thursday Mass 10am in Clitheroe
Friday Mass 10am in Clitheroe
Saturday Mass 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge
Mass 5pm in Clitheroe
Sunday Mass 9.30am in Clitheroe
Mass 11am in Sabden

The Word This Week

Throughout the first three weeks of Advent our focus is very clearly on the Second Coming of the Lord – not so much on the run up to Christmas (until the last week). If we view Advent as a preparation for Christmas these readings will make little sense – and neither will the figure of John the Baptist who appears today: if it’s about the preparation for Christmas, then John the Baptist, preaching after Jesus was born, is a confusing figure: but his role is to preach to us, as he did of old, and to prepare us for the (second) coming of the Lord. Today we have a very graphic reference to the end of time and the Second Coming in the reading from Saint Peter; it is a frightening picture, and so the first reading offers tender words of comfort to help us understand who is coming, and why we should be ready to meet him.

Advent Resources

As you know, this year the Season of Advent will be different. To help our parishioners to build Church at Home, the Department for Formation have created a document of resources called Preparing the Way: Advent at Home.
via the Diocese website:

Advent at Home

We will be sharing weekly reflections, videos and resources on the website, social media and via the Wednesday bulletin in the coming weeks.

LATELY DEAD:
Kathleen Lakin, Joanna Berry, Carmelius Sheehy,
Joan Chew, Rita Donbavand

ANNIVERSARIES
Cliff Astin, Andrew Dobson, Florence Buggie,
Ashfield Batts, Fr Francis Hannan SJ

LIVE SIMPLY THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

Try having a zero-waste Christmas. The temptation is to overbuy food and drink – both because the shops will be shut for a couple of days and because we want to treat our loved ones. The best way to avoid this is to write out a meal plan, build a shopping list around it and stick to it. Let guests plate their own food up at the table and store leftovers carefully in reusable containers to eat over the next few days. Use fabric napkins at the table. If you need a tablecloth, use a cloth one. Make your own crackers, using recycled paper.

CAFOD

Don’t know what to get for Christmas presents? Buy a World Gift for Christmas and help to change the lives of those living in poverty. Please check out the following website:
World Gifts explained https://worldgifts.cafod.org.uk/pages/gifts-in-action

CLITHEROE CHRISTIANS IN PARTNERSHIP

CAROLS IN THE CASTLE

The usual Carols in the Castle event will not take place this year due to Covid19, but there will be a service online via YouTube and Facebook on Saturday 19th December at 6pm. More details next week

PRAYER THEME

This month’s CCP prayer theme will focus on intercession for the various outreach activities taking place in our community during Advent. Let us pray for both the online event and physical events such as the Christingle services. Also, on Christmas Day the Salvation Army are planning to hold a meal for the lonely. Please pray for God’s wisdom in their planning, for protection, and a good atmosphere within the restrictions of social-distancing.
Let us pray that God will open the minds of many in our community so they will see the light of the gospel. May the Holy Spirit work His work, turning hearts back to Himself, and may there be fruit for eternity as a result of these outreach activities.
Let us also pray for God’s protection over His Church as we do our best to safely meet in our congregations during this time.
A. Meyer (chairman CCP)
Please see the Caritas Salford Advent appeal here:

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LAUDATO SI’

At our Laudato Si’ meeting on Tuesday Dominic Aunger alerted us to the CAFOD Send a Message to the Brave initiative which was a humbling reminder of just how much some people are prepared to do for the rest of us. The Brave are human rights defenders and environmental activists across the world who are risking everything to defend our brothers and sisters and protect our common home. You can also look at the CAFOD website to view their latest petitions. In order to ensure our defenders receive their messages by Christmas, please ensure we receive Christmas cards sent by post before 7 December and send your online messages before 19 December.
Note that Monday 7 December is probably unrealistic for most people but online by 19 December will be fine
https://cafod.org.uk/Campaign/Latest-campaigns/Messages-to-the-brave?fbclid=IwAR0JrQnTbdLhXFLJj059C9D6EFUWAz6TPIbKOYBMRF51EP56NgeAR_6mq8k

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FROM THE ARCHIVES
GIRLS SCHOOL LOG 1890

June 7 The inspection took place on Monday afternoon.
14 There has been holiday all week it being Whitsuntide.
The schedules were received on the 8th. 108 girls were presented, 107 passes in reading, 106 in writing, and 103 in arithmetic giving a percentage of 98.
21 Twenty-one girls admitted from Infants’ school.
28 3/6d received from guardians for 3 girls
2/2d paid to Manager for books sold.
29 Government report received to-day
Girls’ school. The girls’ school is a worthy companion to the boys’. There are a few more failures in the elementary subjects but these amount to only about two per cent, and the work throughout possesses the same qualities of accuracy, neatness and intelligence. The Needlework deserves special praise, so too does the discipline of the school, for the order is admirably kept, and the girls show a lively interest in their work. This school also fully deserves the excellent merit grant.
A.Dawson has passed well. She should be informed that she is now qualified under both articles 50 and 52. Manager John Hartell

Present staff
Mary Anne Baynes certificated 1st class
Martina Bramley (article 50)
Amy Dawson (articles 50 and 52)
Manager John Hartell

July 29 Visited this department without notice found 103 marked as present 105 were actually present but 2 of these had come late. Tested registers and found everything correct.
Manager John Hartell

Aug 2 School re-opened on Monday July 29th after a month’s holiday. The attendance has been good, the average being 100. 3/3d paid to Manager by Guardians for 1 girl.
9 Father Lea, our former Manager visited the school on Wednesday.
16 Schedule of workhouse children filled up with an insertion of the last secular and religious reports to be sent to Mrs Eastham
23 No school on Monday as it was a general holiday in the town.
30 A piano, that had become quite useless, has been made into a very useful work table.
Sept 6 12/1d paid to the Manager for books sold.
13 The rostrum was newly varnished this week.
20 Most of the children in Standard III have begun their garments for the next examination.
27 Notice was received a fortnight since, that the religious examination will take place on the 17th October.
Oct 4 11/4d received from Guardians for 9 girls.
11 The schools were warmed this week. The weather was very rough on Monday and the attendance poor in consequence.
18 The girls were examined in Religious Knowledge yesterday morning by the Rev.G.Richardson.
25 Amy Dawson received notice from the Liverpool Training College that she has passed 1st class in the scholarship examination and will be received as a student in January.
12/10d received from the workhouse for Ellen Foy and Margaret Parker; also 7/6d received from Mr Eastham for 5 girls.
No school today or yesterday as it is the annual fair.
30 Visited this school without notice. Examined visited the Registers found everything correct. 79 present, 78 marked, one having come too late to be marked.
Manager John Hartell
Nov 1 The average attendance this week is only 81 owing to the fair, wet weather and sickness.
8 Amy Dawson received, last Saturday, a beautifully bound volume of Tennyson’s Poems from the hands of Mrs Scott Coward Esquire
H.M. Chief Inspector, for having passed in the 1st class in ordinary subjects in her examination at the end of her apprenticeship in April 1889.
15 Gathering, stroking and setting into a band taught to Standard IV
22 The putting in of a gusset taught to Standard V
29 The girls of Standards IV, V, VII and VIII began the historical reading books having been through their ordinary readers.
Dec 6 A school Manager from Dutton visited the school on Tuesday.
13 During this week I have examined the three lower standards and find them all very well advanced for the time of the year.
20 The Christmas holidays began yesterday. Amy Dawson completed her engagement, yesterday as a pupil-teacher. She has given entire satisfaction throughout her apprenticeship both as a pupil and a teacher, and leaves to enter the Liverpool training College having obtained a 1st class scholarship. 11/1d received from Mrs Harrison for 6 girls.

Looking through the School Infants Log book back in May 1918 there were many cases of measles, followed in July by pupils absent from school due to influenza, followed in September by an outbreak of mumps.

July 5 Weekly average 103. Number on registers 148. Many children are absent from school suffering from influenza.
8 Only 85 present this morning. Fr Robinson visited also Mr Dewhurst. Schools closed today 4pm by Medical Authority owing to prevalence of influenza. They are to remain closed until July 19th. This is the date of the commencement of the Midsummer Vacation.
Aug 20 School re-opened this morning. Fr Robinson visited 44 children trans to std I
23 Fr Hulley visited this morning. No on registers 104 weekly average 91
30 Mr Dewhurst visited three times this week. Weekly average 89 No on Register 105
Sept 6 Fr Robinson visited twice this week. Mr Dewhurst paid his usual visits. Average attendance 84
13 Five cases of Mumps reported. These children are excluded for three weeks. Fr Robinson visited once this week. No on register 110, Weekly average 86
19 Nurse visited this morning and examined all the children present. She sent James Smith home because he had a ring work on his head.
20 Schools close today 4pm for two days.
25 Schools re-opened this morning only 71 children present. Fr Robinson visited.
27 Attendance this week is low. Weekly average 72. No on registers 114. Three children excluded by Medical Authority because they are suffering from ring-worm. Eight cases of mumps reported. The weather this week has been very wet. This has caused poor attendance. Pipes heated for the first time yesterday. Mr Dewhurst visited this morning and reported six more cases of mumps.
Oct 4 No on Register 115 Weekly average 79. Low attendance is due to wet weather and mumps.
11 Weekly average 71. More cases of mumps reported. Heavy rain each day has prevented many of the babies from attending. Mr Dewhurst visited as usual. Rev Fr Robinson visited twice this week. Two children left for Oldham.
18 Attendance still low on account of mumps. Another case reported this week. Number rolls 115. Weekly average 70
21 Only 61 children present this morning. Nurse visited. She weighed and measured entrants. This afternoon Dr Barker medically examined 16 of the Babies. Work in other classes proceeded as usual.
23 Mr Thomas H.M.I called this morning to examine Registers and Summary. Five more cases of mumps reported. Influenza is also prevalent. Attendance very low. About one half of the scholars in each class are absent.
25 Schools closed to-day 4pm for a fortnight by Medical Authority owing to prevalence of Mumps and Influenza.
Nov 11 Holiday given to-day at the request of the Mayor.
12 Holiday given today at the request of the Mayor, because of the Germans signing the Armistice.
13 Schools re-opened this morning at 9am. No on registers 115. Only 50 present. Schools closed at 4pm today by Medical Authority.
18 Children assembled at school this morning at 9am. 60 present. An order was received from the Medical Authority to dismiss them for another week because of the epidemic.
25 School re-opened this morning. Rev Fr Robinson visited also Mr Dewhurst.
29 Weekly average 78. No on register 115
Dec 6 Weekly average 82. Mr Dewhurst has paid his usual number of visits. Rev Manager visited three times. A collection was made in school this week for a contribution to St Dunstan’s Fund for the children of soldiers and sailors blinded in the War. Amount received 12/-
13 Rev Fr Robinson visited twice during this week. Weekly average 80.
20 Completed and sent in Monthly Returns. Schools closed to-day 4pm for Christmas vacation.

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– On behalf of Sabden Baptist Church:

As you know each year we take it in turns to host the village Carol service – this year it is our turn and it is to take place on Sunday 20th December at 4 pm.
This year, due to the pandemic, we are to hold this service via Zoom. Since March we have had very successful Sunday morning services and we do hope that the village Carol Service will be a great success.
We ask that you encourage your fellowships to join along with as many children as possible – there will be a story about an inquisitive penguin! And, of course, favourite carols. If your fellowship wish to form a choir and sing a Carol that would be really wonderful – if so please contact me beforehand on 07894 982310. Unfortunately Santa cannot come as he and his reindeer are stuck in the frozen north – also they are in Lockdown as we are!
So, please join us for a memorable service – you can contact me via email for the required number and password.
See you soon.
May God bless you,
Liz (Elizabeth Briggs)
briggs393@btinternet.com

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Our Lady of the Valley Parish

Christmas Masses 2020

Christmas Eve

12 noon Dunsop Bridge
3pm Clitheroe
5pm Clitheroe
7pm Clitheroe
6pm Sabden
8pm Sabden

Christmas Morning

8am Dunsop Bridge
10am Clitheroe

We have put on an extra Mass in each of our three churches this year because we will still be limited in the number that can be in the church for Mass. Previous guidelines will still need to be adhered to at all times. Fr. Ian Kelly has very kindly offered to help us out.
There is still no obligation to attend Mass, and as Christmas continues to be celebrated after the 25th, perhaps you might consider coming to one of the Masses between Christmas and 1st January which is the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
It is important that we continue to keep safe and well, and help others to do the same.

29^th November. The Week Ahead:-

Sunday                No public Mass

Monday              No public Mass

Tuesday              No public Mass

Wednesday        Mass 10am in Clitheroe

Thursday             Mass 10am in Clitheroe

Friday                  Mass 10am in Clitheroe

Saturday            Mass 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge

Mass 5pm in Clitheroe

Sunday                Mass 9.30am in Clitheroe

Mass 11am in Sabden

As from next Wednesday Public Mass will again be celebrated following the previous restrictions which were in force before the last lockdown.

There is still no Sunday Obligation, numbers are limited in Church, masks must be worn, and Masses will be brief with no singing and Holy Communion will be distributed on the way out of Church.

Advent:-

As you know, this year the Season of Advent will be different. To help parishioners to build Church at Home, the Department for Formation have created a document of resources called Preparing the Way: Advent at Home.
You can access the document via the website: https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/covid19/advent-at-home/
They will be sharing weekly reflections, videos and resources on our website, social media and via the Wednesday bulletin in the coming weeks.

The Word This Week

Advent opens with a great cry, and a great promise: Oh that you would tear the heavens open and come down! is the cry, of a people who need God…The master is coming is the promise, not to breed fear, but to answer our cry. Advent begins, not with thoughts of the past, with the coming of the Lord we celebrate at Christmas, but with the future, and the promise that He is coming back. We are encouraged to treat every day as the day the Lord will come; we do not do this out of fear for a Master who beats his servants, but out of love of a Master who always treats us with love and mercy. Nevertheless we must always be watchful, because we can grow sleepy and complacent, saying that we can leave this prayer or that confession or the other change in the way we live to tomorrow. Even as we look forward to the tomorrow of the Lord’s coming, we must remember that it might be today!

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Lately Dead:Kathleen Lakin, Joanna Berry, Carmelius Sheehy, Joan Chew

PARISH FORUM

     The next Parish Forum will be held “virtually” on 30^th November with a 7.00 p.m. start for a general “catch up” and the meeting starting at 7.30 p.m.  Please send any agenda items to me on anhark456@aol.com and I will pass them to our Chair, Carol Riley.

It is simple to join the meeting and you do not need an invitation. If you have installed the Zoom App on your computer, tablet or smartphone (recommended) the ID is 865 074 9717.  If you don’t have the App installed, click on the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8650749717

The last meeting was really great way to catch up with other parishioners who you may not have “seen” since this all started in March.  Even if you don’t normally attend, please consider doing so.  This is definitely a case of, “the more, the merrier” and it’s not likely that you will have other plans!

LAUDATO SI’ ZOOM MEETING, TUESDAY 1 DECEMBER, 2.00 PM

Our parish Laudato Si’ (Live Simply) Group hasn’t met since January but during that time we have liaised with the local primary schools and we hope that we can bring the Parish and the schools more closely together, not just on the environmental issues but on all things pertaining to social justice and integrally bound with our faith.

We are pleased to have input from St Michael and St John’s Primary School and also from Bob Turner who led the eco developments at St Mary’s Primary School, Clayton-le-Moors.

Please attend if you can.

You will find details and instructions on our Laudato Si’ (Live Simply) Group  webpage 

Clitheroe Civic Society:

The next Civic Society Meeting via ‘Zoom’ will be on Monday 7^th December when Andy Froud, Vicar at St Mary Magdalene Clitheroe, is giving a presentation entitled “The Real Father Christmas”.

The meeting will commence at 7.30pm. Non-members of the Society are most welcome to join us. There is a cover charge of £3.00 for visitors to be paid prior to the commencement of our virtual meetings. Details of access is available via our Treasurer Barbara Alty by email at: shawcottage3@btinternet.com.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES:

An extract from The Boy’s School Log Book January 1870

Mon     Tues             Wed             Thurs               Fri               Mon       Tues     Wed   Thurs           Fri     Mon Tues   Wed Thurs   Fri

10th     11th             12th             13th               14th               17th       18th     19th   20th           21st     24th 25th   26th 27th   28th

I, John Burke took charge of this school this day January 10th 1870.  The attendance in the morning was 52 and that in the afternoon was 47. The Rev’nd Manager, Father Cardwell, visited the school this morning. I found it almost impossible to teach single-handed, the ‘3 Rs’ to the different standards.  I used a monitor from the 6th Standard to superintend the transcription of the 2nd and 3rd Standards, but found him utterly useless.  I find that I must deal very strictly with the children who are having silent work in the desks, for any breach of the school rules while I am giving special lessons. There is only one easel and one blackboard in the school.  Another easel and blackboard is indispensable to the good instruction. I warned the half-timers of coming late and also of the negligent manner in which their home tasks were done.  I also put the home tasks down on the partition between the two schools.  I think that if parts of the partition were painted they would make good blackboards.  The home tasks were put down in the morning so that the half timers who came in the morning might take them home. The night scholars are few in number.  They are very industrious. The writing in the school receives a great check from the children buying what copy books they think fit in the town shops.  I must endeavour to get a series of copy books in the school and compel the children to buy that copy gook which I think best suited for them.  The attendance this afternoon was very poor.  Many of the children leave the school at 11.30 in the morning and 3.30 in the afternoon on the plea of home duties.  I must see into the truth of this.  I punished publicly several boys for coming late, they being previously named.   This afternoon I told all the children that no boy should leave the school during the school hours, to go home, unless received word from their parents that they had to go.  Many of the children looked very blank at this.  I fear that many of them have been going home this week during the school hours unnecessarily. The time table does not work as well as I could wish.  I must alter it by Monday next. I told all those who are in copy books that before buying a copy book they must first of all ask what number they are to buy. I examined the dictation of Standard VI and found that out of ten lines of Stand VI reading book, some of the Standard VI boys had as many as eight mistakes in spelling.   Two parents came today stating that their children must leave the school at 11.15 am and gave the parents to understand that their children must be in the school at least two hours before that time. I punished publicly two boys who ran out of the school before four O’clock on Tuesday afternoon. The children were very restless all day, and the attendance was small.  One of the children’s mothers came today and threatened to send her boy to a protestant school if he did not make more progress.  The child to my own knowledge is getting on very well which I told her. I also told her that if she sent her boy to a protestant school she alone would be held accountable for her child’s soul. Several boys asked me today what copy books they should buy.  I acquainted the Rev’nd Manager of the necessity of a payed monitor in the school. The attendance was fair.  The children were very talkative today about their Sunday School prizes which they received yesterday. The home tasks today were done very badly.  I fear I have been too lenient in hearing them. Punished two boys for truant The Rev’nd Manager F.Cardwell has kindly allowed me a payed monitor.  He began his duties this morning. The monitor was absent this afternoon without leave.  I have devoted an half hour every day during the whole of this week to give a special writing lesson to the whole school at once, in order to eradicate the errors which the children make in joining letters to the letters ‘w’ and ‘v’ and ‘b’.  The result of the lesson has been very satisfactory.

 

From 1947 – CLITHEROE ADVERTISER AND TIMES

CLITHEROE CATHOLIC GIRLS CLUB

ASPIDISTRA WENT TOO

     The drama section of Clitheroe Catholic Girls Club with two ‘busloads’ of supporters, most of the furniture from Stanley House, and numerous bags and boxes filled with “props” including an aspidistra which is not the biggest in the world, was the biggest seen in these parts for some time, travelled to the Jubilee Theatre, Blackpool recently to give their festival-winning play at the County display.

Four other plays were presented by teams from Cleveleys, St Helens and Blackpool.  Clitheroe’s was the only comedy, and judging by the laughter and applause the audience found it rather a relief after the tragedy and drama of the rest of the evening.

VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

     There was no detailed adjudication, but after the final curtain Mr A Willett Whittaker, Lancashire Drama Organiser, spoke of his pleasure at the standard the teams had attained and of the importance and benefit of drama as a club activity.  Mrs Walter Elliot, chairman of the National Association of Girls’ and Mixed Clubs, was also present and expressed her enjoyment of the entertainment.

The players were a little disappointed not to have the benefit of an adjudicator’s criticism and comments, but nevertheless, found it a valuable experience to perform in a display and to have the opportunity of comparing the work of other teams.

FRANTIC SEARCH

     Before the performance, some of the Clitheronians spent a rather envious five minutes prowling about the back-stage, most of them wishing it were possible to take home the magnificent set of curtains which the Jubilee Theatre possesses.  Needless to say the evening was not without its lighter side.  A necessary sofa for the set nearly didn’t turn up, and at the last minute a frantic search had to be made for a piece of furniture on which to stand the precious aspidistra.  About 20 of the party got stuck in the lift taking them to the theatre and had to be rescued; several people managed to get lost in fish and chip shops just before the return home.

COMB BAND

          Finally after a number of hectic and practically useless attempts to count furniture, props and people from forgetting the aspidistra, the party set off homewards and arrived in Clitheroe with a comb band and two impromptu choirs in full swing shortly after midnight.

Audrey Bradshaw, the producer, tells me she hopes the next production will be a three-act “something” that isn’t comedy.

Covid-19 Guidance – November 2020

On 4 November 2020, Parliament passed into law The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020. These are in force from 5 November to 2 December 2020. As well as the Regulations, the Government has updated its Guidance for the safe use of places of worship to reflect current circumstances. The Regulations preclude gatherings for communal worship, including the celebration of Mass, baptisms and most weddings.

Funerals can take place following present guidelines and restrictions.

So in accordance with the above there will be no public celebration of Mass or any other form of Public Worship in any of our churches at present. Fr. Paul will continue to celebrate Mass each day in one of our three churches, without a congregation and behind locked doors.

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You may be aware that earlier this week, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) published its report into the Catholic Church.
In its response, the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales said: “We apologise to all victims and survivors who have not been properly listened to, or properly supported by us. By listening with humility to those who have suffered, we can contribute to the healing of the wounds of abuse, as well as learn from those most directly affected how we must improve the Church’s safeguarding standards, policies and procedures.”

We know that with the report comes an increased awareness of abuse, which may lead individuals to reflect on their own experiences. If you are aware of people in distress, the support on offer via our Healing Through Community project can be accessed by anyone living within the Diocese of Salford.

If you would like to access help, please call Survivors Manchester on 0161 236 2182 or Greater Manchester Rape Crisis on 0161 273 4500. The Safeguarding Office is also available for any safeguarding queries or referrals by all. Their number is 0161 817 2206.

Let us all join in prayer for the healing of those that have been hurt and abused by members of the Church.
You can read the full Bishops’ Conference response here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/statement-on-the-publication-of-the-iicsa-report/

The Word This Week

We must be very careful that the real point of today’s first reading is not washed away in genuine concerns over what one can and cannot say about the responsibilities of spouses. This is not, in fact, a recipe for the perfect wife, but an illustration, from one age, of the virtue of fully employing the talents God gives us. Some things are timeless, such as holding out a hand to the poor, while other talents shift and change. The point is that all of us are gifted in varying ways and degrees: none of us should begrudge anyone else their talents, for fear that we overlook our own. We work wisely and well, looking forward to the master’s return, when we can hand over to him not just what he gave us, but also the fruits that our labours have gained.

Parish Forum

The next Parish Forum will be held “virtually” on Monday 30^th November with 7pm start for a general “catch up” and the meeting starting at 7.30pm.  Please send any agenda items to me on anhark456@aol.com and I will pass them to our Chair, Carol Riley.

It is simple to join the meeting and you do not need an invitation.  If you have installed the Zoom App (recommended) on your computer, tablet or smartphone the ID is 865 074 9717.  If you don’t have the App installed, click on the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8650749717.

The last meeting was really a great way to catch up with other parishioners who you may not have “seen” since this all started in March.  Even if you don’t normally attend, please consider doing so.  This is definitely a case of, “the more, the merrier” and it’s not likely that you will have other plans!

CLITHEROE CHURCHES IN PARTNERSHIP
RIBBLE VALLEY YOUTH

Many of you will be aware of plans for a town-wide youth strategy. Part of this strategy is the launch of a new platform called “Ribble Valley Youth”, or “RVY” for short. Our intention is that RVY should be a town-wide ministry for young people in the Ribble Valley. The goals are to reach our young people with the Gospel, to build a community of young believers and help disciple them.
Part of our plan includes providing an online presence via social media and other platforms. We have now launched RVY channels and accounts on most Social Media platforms, including Facebook & Youtube.
We are very excited to be launching RVY with a Youtube live stream on Friday 20th November at 7pm. Can we ask you to encourage your young people to join us in the live stream? Youth volunteers are also very welcome.
We hope this town-wide youth strategy will be something every church can be part of and shape together.
See the link to the Youtube Channel, and the launch trailer below.

Every blessing,   Chris Meyer, and the RVY Team.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCizk5dkOLhMGAYiF2c60DQA/featured

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

DECEMBER 1899 – ST MICHAEL AND JOHN

GRAND SOIREE

     To swell the funds at the forthcoming Sale of Work which is ere long to be held, in connection with the above schools, a grand soiree was held in the Public Hall on Friday evening last.  The event was exceedingly well patronised, there being over 200 present during the evening.  The Hall itself presented a pleasing and artistic appearance, the windows being exquisitely draped, there also being seats placed in different parts of the room for the convenience and indulgence of those present.  This being the case, one could, as it were, make himself “at home,” and when not inclined to trip along to the music which was supplied by Mr Gudgeon’s band – and also everyone knows the type of dances these gentlemen can supply – he could betake himself to some small group and there join in with some pleasant conversation; perhaps it would not be altogether pleasant to speck of the meteoric shower bringing the end of the world as pleasant conversation.  Albeit it, this subject would at some length be debated upon.  However, this by the way, this just shows that one could enjoy himself and that right heartily.  The members of the Catholic Ball Committee, of which Mr R.Holden is at the head, were responsible for the decorations.

During the evening, a duet was given by Messrs. J.Duckett and H.Holden, songs also being rendered by Mr J.Holden and the Misses P.Parker, M.Cornwall, and J.Balshaw, the latter receiving an encore.

The evening was in this wise spent in a convivial manner, dancing, which commenced at 8 o’clock, being held up until the small hours of the morning.

Needless is it for us to say the Sale will have received some pecuniary assistance.

INFANT SCHOOL LOG   June 24^th 1878 Inspection Report

The Infants School may perhaps be said to be in a fair state of efficiency but I cannot express myself altogether satisfied with it.  Too many children are in the lower classes who from their age and from the time they have been in the school ought to be in the upper, and the work done in each class falls below what is usually done in Infant Schools both in extent and thoroughness.  This is the case with the rudiments of Reading, Writing and Number, and with the subjects taught by gallery lessons also.  Writing is the most satisfactory subject of instruction.  Discipline is fair but maintained with an excess of effort.  I shall expect better results next year.

B.Joyce                                        Spelling and Geography

Pupil Teacher                             Bedelia Joyce 5^th Year

Mistress                                      Jane Agnes Baynes

Manager & Correspondent     William Lea

The school closed for a months holiday to re-open on July 29^th

 

INFANT SCHOOL LOG   –  1879 Inspection Report

Under the new Mistress the Infants School appears to be advancing in efficiency.  Its general tone is more satisfactory, and though the instruction is not yet more than fair, it gives promise of improvement.  Sewing is properly taught.  Discipline has improved.

Catherine Chew          Mistress

Mary Bramley             Candidate for Admission

William Lea                 Manager & Correspondent

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INFANT SCHOOL LOG   –  1880 Inspection Report

Received the Inspectors report of the school which is as follows: The Infants School has progressed both in instruction and discipline.  It is now in a very fair state of efficiency, and appears likely to make still further advances.  The children of six are well, the younger ones fairly taught the rudiments of Reading, Writing and Number.  The Gallery lessons are satisfactorily given.  Sewing, Singing and Repitition are very fair.

Mary Bramley         Geography

Catherine Chew      Mistress

Mary Bramley         1^st Year

William Lea             Manager & Correspondent