St. Michael and St. John’s, Clitheroe, continues to open for quiet prayer
This week: Monday – Thursday 11am till 12 noon.(Not Friday this week) Saturday 11am till 1pm.
We have now got used to a new way in how we come in to church for private prayer. Thanks to all of you for your cooperation in doing what has been asked of us, and to the stewards for all their good work which enables us to continue to keep our church open.
As from Monday 3rd August we will start to have Mass during the week
at 10am. Monday – Friday in Clitheroe
Wednesdays 7pm Sabden
and Saturdays at 12 noon in Dunsop Bridge.
(No Sunday Masses for the time being)
IMPORTANT THINGS FOR US TO REMEMBER
There is still No Sunday Obligation
If you are shielding or not well you should not attend church
Space in church is restricted to 60 people at Mass in Clitheroe
20 in Dunsop Bridge
24 in Sabden
No more that 30 can come into church for a funeral
Try and make Mass during the week your ‘New Sunday Mass time’.
Please remember that coming to Mass will be very different from what we have been used to—Mass will be much shorter, no music or singing, we will be seated throughout Mass, there will be no bidding prayers, no long homilies, and Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass after the final blessing. Stewards will direct you to where you can sit, and also out of your bench to receive Holy Communion. There will be no piety stall, no holy water and no toilet facilities! As we are all required to wear face coverings in shops and other enclosed places, you might now consider wearing one when you come to Mass!! Our team of stewards are doing a great job, and will continue to be around at all Masses to help keep everyone safe— be nice to them and please listen to their guidance and work with them. Let us do all we can to keep safe!
On the days when Mass is celebrated the church will be opened 30 mins before Mass begins. If you wish to light votive candles please do this before Mass. The church will not be opened for private prayer on the days that we have Mass.
Baptisms, weddings and Requiem Mass, can now all be celebrated in church. Again, government and church guidelines apply, things will be somewhat different to what we have so long been used to, but we have to abide by the instructions if we are to remain open. Despite these changes it is so good that we are back in church.
First Holy Communions should have been celebrated a few weeks ago, but could not go ahead. Children will be invited to make their First Holy Communion in the Autumn, but this will obviously not be in a big group, it all needs to be well thought out. I will have more information when schools reopen in September.
LATELY DEAD:
We keep in prayer all who have died recently especially Miles Fox who died on Tuesday 21st July aged 88 years
Lourdes at Home – Friday 31st July – Tuesday 5th August.
Services from Salford Cathedral are live streamed via Church Services TV and can be accessed via the following links: https://www.churchservices.tv/salfordcathedral
Video messages and services will be hosted on our website and Facebook page which can be accessed via these links: https://www.salfordlourdes.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/salfordlourdes
They will also be hosted on our YouTube channel which can be accessed via this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/SalfordLourdesPilgrimage/
Feasts this week:
Wednesday St. Martha.
Friday St. Ignatius Loyola
Saturday St. Alphonsus Liguori
Newts and Catholic Social Teaching
When we were lads one of our favourite places was Cross Hill between Brungerley Park and the Cement Works. There was a small pond known as the Newt Pond. You could see the newts rising to the surface for air and in the evening they came to the edge of the water where we would catch them with a small worm on the end of a piece of string. The newt would swallow the worm and we would gently retrieve the worm and use it to catch another newt. But back home in a goldfish bowl the newts weren’t interested in the worms so we returned them to the pond.
The newts we liked best were the now rare great crested variety. Even the 6 inch females are impressive in their black coats and orange and black spotted bellies, but the males are an extraordinary sight with their long jagged crest making them look like mini dinosaurs.
The pond can still be seen on the OS map but sadly it was lost to landfill many years ago.
Now, all of the native species of newt are protected to some degree by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 but full protection is given to the great crested newt which is also a European protected species. However in his recent “build build build” speech Boris Johnson claimed “the newt-counting delays in our system are a massive drag on the productivity and prosperity of this country”. Natural England’s Tony Juniper called on the government and planners to change their thinking to ensure environmental considerations were designed into new housing estates, as well as road and rail projects, at the beginning, rather than being a hasty “add-on” or “mitigation” at the end. “When I hear ‘build build build’, I say ‘nature nature nature’,” said Juniper. “None of this should be controversial any longer because we’ve had a succession of reports telling us that healthy nature is an asset, not a burden.”
The other day I stopped to observe progress on the Primrose Lodge Blue and Greenway Project (PLBGP) which is converting the former Primrose Mill Lodge into a public open space within the heart of Clitheroe. The project will achieve its aims by improving the habitats, providing public access, and connecting the river habitat. As a result, the site will boast a diversity of wildlife for people to explore and enjoy. The project is hoped to be one of several to convert the whole of this site into much valued green and blue space for people and wildlife, unique in its placement with an urban surrounding. The fish pass will connect 9 hectares of Mearley Brook and lead to salmon, sea trout, and eels being present not only in the heart of Clitheroe, but beyond to Worston and into the streams on the side of Pendle Hill. They will, in turn, support other wildlife such as kingfishers, herons and otters. The de-silting will create a permanent open water habitat, which will be home to wildfowl and invertebrates that will support bats and other species, as well as a significant improvement of the aesthetic value of the site.
Locally we also have the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership which with its 4 year lottery funding will restore, enhance and conserve the heritage and landscape of Pendle Hill.
It will
- re-connect people with the landscape;
- re-connect people and the past;
- bring together the two sides of the hill;
- and create a sustainable future for the environment, heritage and for visitors’ experience of Pendle Hill.
Much is going on locally which may have seemed of peripheral and not of prime importance but during the lockdown restrictions the thinking behind these projects strikes more of a chord. The air is cleaner, we see more stars in the sky, we hear more birds singing and there seems to be more wildlife around.
Many still think that care for the environment is a peripheral part of our faith. It isn’t. It would be foolish to say that newts are more important than people but that is missing the point. In his introduction to Laudato Si’ Pope Francis cites the words of Patriarch Bartholomew who has spoken in particular of the need for each of us to repent of the ways in which we have harmed the planet; for “inasmuch as we all generate small ecological damage”, we are called to acknowledge “our contribution, smaller or greater, to the disfigurement and destruction of creation”. He has repeatedly stated this firmly and persuasively, challenging us to acknowledge our sins against creation: “For human beings…to destroy the biological diversity of God’s creation; for human beings to degrade the integrity of the earth by causing changes in its climate, by stripping the earth of its natural forests or destroying its wetlands; for human beings to contaminate the earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life – these are sins”. For “to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin against ourselves and a sin against God”.
The Catholic Church has always taught that we own nothing and hold dominion over nothing. We are merely stewards of our environment and of what we possess. We must use them with wisdom and generosity. It isn’t easy to live a full Christian life, and in nurturing a personal relationship with God I am reminded of a conversation I once had with Fr David Glover, one time Episcopal Vicar for Cartitas: Catholic Social Teaching is the Catholic Church’s best kept secret.
Having a personal relationship with God involves caring for his creation as outlined in an examination of conscience based on Catholic Social Teaching:
- Do I live out my responsibility to care for God’s creation?
- Do I see my care for creation as connected to my concern for poor persons, who are most at risk from environmental problems?
- Do I litter? Live wastefully? Use energy too freely? Are there ways I could reduce consumption in my life?
- Are there ways I could change my daily practices and those of my family, school, workplace, or community to better conserve the earth’s resources for future generations?
Anthony Brown
RIBBLE VALLEY FOODBANK would like to thank all those still managing to donate food at the moment – we are very busy and your generosity is much appreciated. We are currently short of the following items: washing up liquid, washing powder/liquid, shower gel, kitchen roll, sponge puddings, chocolate and sweets, and custard, and long-life fruit juice. Our warehouse is currently open to receive donations on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am – 12 noon, and on Friday from 9am – 11am – please call us for directions. Thank you. info@ribblevalley.foodbank.org.uk 07849 534431
FROM THE ARCHIVES:
CATHOLIC FEDERATION CLITHEROE BRANCHES MINUTE BOOK
It looks as though this group was set up in July 1907 with a meeting in the Catholic Club, (now the first floor of our Primary School) with Father Hayes in the Chair. The following Committee chosen with power to add
| Father Hayes |
Mr John Brown, Back King St |
| Mr Fullalove, Woone Lane |
Mr John Thornber, WaddingtonRd |
| Mr Wells, 17 Castle View |
Mr Alfred Ingham, Moor Lane |
| Mr E Ingham, Eshton Terrace |
Mr Roger Holden, Pendle Road |
| Mr Coneron, Moor Lane |
Mr R Frankland, Waterloo |
| Mr T Cawley, Victoria St |
Mr J Walkden, 14 Salthill Road |
| Mr McNulty, Lowergate |
Mr Norbert Dewhurst, Salford |
| Mr John Holden, Lowergate |
Mr Thos Tressnan, Brownlow St |
| Mr H.Hacking, Moor Lane |
Mr J O’Donnell, 28 Wilkin Street |
| Mr Walter Brown, Shaw Bridge |
Mr E Embley, Lowergate |
Secretaries: Mr E.Embley, Mr E.Ingham
Proposed and resolved to divide the town into districts and canvassed two persons in each district.
Meetings seem to have been at three monthly intervals. The July, October and December meetings were short and dealt with the By-election in November of that year. After that there wasn’t much content in the minutes until July 1908. This was held on Sunday July 5th and reads:
‘The attendance was thin. Besides the Rev President, Treasurer and Secretary, there were 6 other members of the Committee present.
The Secretary had a letter from Mr Gregson, Secretary of the District Committee at Blackburn. In this letter Mr Gregson informed us that the admission of Ladies to the Federation was in itself lawful and in accordance with the rules, but that at Blackburn they had received no applications so far. We were also asked to use our influence against the Election of Ladies as delegates to the Central Committee.
The position of our Branch being left completely in the cold and with scarcely any information from and communication with the District Com at Blackburn was severely commented on. The possibility and advisability of our being contacted immediately with the Diocesan Com in Manchester was ………….discussed. Mr Wells (Our Treasurer) informed us of a similar case at Rossendale: but the authorities at Rossendale were told by the Diocesan Com that communications could be carried on, only through their District Com. It was thought advisable that the Treasurer and Secretary be invited to explain our grievances to the Very Rev Canon Lonsdale at Blackburn. We were informed that the Diocese had formed a general sub committee of Trade Unionists, each District being empowered to send as delegates: 2 trade unionists at the request of the Secretary for general stationary, and in view also of the publication of the new Parliamentary and Municipal lists of voters, it was resolved on the proposal of Mr Coneron seconded by Mr Parker that the Secretary purchase the required stationery and the new lists of voters. Proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the Rev Pres
A Special meeting was held on Sunday July 19. The attendance was fairly good. Including the Rev President, Treasurer and Secretary there were 16 members of the Committee present. The object of this special meeting was to consider the invitation, by the Sub Committee of Trade Unionists at Salford, to each parish of the Diocese to send 2 Trade Unionists to a Conference in Manchester on Aug 1
On the proposal of Mr Parker, seconded by Mr Walter Brown, it was unanimously agreed upon to accept the invitation. On the proposal of Mr Walter Brown, seconded by Mr James Thornber it was resolved that Mr Clayton (Engraver to Calico Printers) and Mr Ince (of the Clitheroe Weavers Assoc) be sent as Delegates. These 2 gentlemen kindly consented to go: and reasonable expenses, at the suggestion of Rev President were very reasonably conceded to them.
Report in the Clitheroe Advertizer and Times September 1956:
OH GRANDMA, THE THINGS YOU WORE!
Fashion down the ages in parade
A delicate silk evening gown which had lain in a drawer for 50 years without seeing the light of day, was one of the many beautiful gowns worn by the Broughton Mannequins at a fashion parade “with a difference” at the Hall, Lowergate, on Wednesday afternoon 19th September.
Of pearl grey ottoman silk with the huge puff sleeves of the period, this attractive gown was work by a former Mayoress of Preston, Mrs W.H.Wood, during her term of office in 1894-95.
When taken out of the drawer, where it had lain for half a century, it was in perfect condition – and the same dress drew much praise from an admiring audience when it appeared during the parade.
Displaying authentic costumes dating from 1816, the mannequins descended from a tastefully-decorated stage to walk along a central platform to piano music “in the quiet mood” delightfully played by Mrs Jean Calvert.
The history and a description of the various costumes was broadcast by Mrs Olga Bell, the producer of this colourful show.
RIPPLES OF LAUGHTER
But the proceedings were not wholly serious. There were moments when ripples of laughter flowed among the onlookers as they were treated to intriguing glimpses into the now rather dim past of costumes work by bashful bathers, coquettish croquet players, and even gaunt golfers – complete with putter
Even the secrets of the basic principles of the bustle and the crinoline were coyly displayed by the mannequins who lent further realism to the authenticity of their costumes with appropriate gestures and a little play-acting – such as the forbidding suffragette Mrs Pankhurst type complete with brandished umbrella.
A delightful show, well presented and one which evoked admiration for the manner in which these ladies from Broughton have transformed what started as a “little bit of fun” into such a charitable affair.
The parade was followed by a display of modern fashions.
The afternoon show was opened by the Mayoress of Clitheroe, (Mrs J.W.D.Critchley), who was thanked by Mrs C.Chatburn.
Among the audience at the afternoon show was a party of members of the Old People’s Club, who were specially invited by the organisers.
LOVELY SURPRISE
Thanks to all those who had assisted in the organisation of the show were voiced by the Rev. Fr.R.Walmsley S.J. parish priest of SS Michael and John’s R.C.Church. The show was being held for the Restoration Fund of the church.
After the show Mrs Olga Bell described the layout and decoration of the Hall as “really wonderful. A lovely surprise” a tribute which was justly earned by the volunteers who worked so hard to prepare the Hall for the show, and the men of the Parks Department, under Mr J.Hall who were responsible for the floral decoration.
Mrs A.D.Cassidy, of Clitheroe, opened the event when it was repeated in the evening.
The parade was organised by Mrs W.E.Fehrenback, Miss M.Leigh, assisted by members of the Women’s Sodality. Lighting and stagework was capably handled by Mr J.Brown.
If anyone has any interesting information for this page from past times in any of our three churches, St Michael & St John’s, Clitheroe, St Mary’s, Sabden or St Hubert’s Dunsop Bridge then please email Janet on janegg@hotmail.co.uk or janet.clegg@dioceseofsalford.org.uk
GIFT AID AND OFFERTORY ENVELOPES FOR CLITHEROE ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO COLLECT FROM THE PRESBYTERY IN CLITHEROE.
SABDEN AND DUNSOP BRIDGE ENVELOPES WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN MASSES RE-COMMENCE THERE; UNTIL THEN THEY CAN ALSO BE COLLECTED FROM THE PRESBYTERY AT CLITHEROE
On the newsletter on 28th June I included a report in the Advertiser and Times for a production of Cinderella from 1915 which was the earliest report I could find. I knew there were some productions prior to this dating from 1911. However a colleague of mine has found an advertisement for a production of “Castle – Spectre” from 1898. I will try and get some more information on this but in the meantime here is the advert – with some familiar names on.