BARNARD CASTLE METHODIST CHURCH ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL – A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP AND TALENTS 7, 8, 9 JUNE 2019
The above event was part of the celebrations to mark 125 years since the Church was first opened in 1894. This beautiful building was enhanced by some wonderful art and craft work produced by members of the Church, a small sample can be seen below. Part of the exhibition also included a history of Methodism in Barnard Castle, photographs of marriages held in the Church over the years and photographs of past events that the Church has been involved in within the Community. Rev Bev Hollings, Superintendent Presbyter of Barnard Castle and Teesdale Circuit welcomed everyone to the Festival and invited the Mayor to open the event. Each day there was a full programme including performances from Teesdale School, Barnard Castle School, Barnard Castle Prep School and the Community Band, led by Annette Butters who set toes tapping with their selection of music. The performances were excellent and were enjoyed by all. The performances celebrated the wonderful talents of the younger people in our community. Elizabeth Oliver gave a short talk on lace making followed by a demonstration of her beautiful work.
Elizabeth Conran followed with a very informative and enjoyable talk about George Brown, a missionary in Papua New Guinea whose memorial plaque is displayed in the Church. Josie Pollard, who is the Church organist concluded the performances with a beautiful piano recital. During the day Heather Coustick coordinated an “All Age Children’s Workshop”. Using tissue paper and lots of PVA glue, children both young and old produced a very colourful picture of the ruins of Barnard Castle which can be seen below. Sunday worship, led by Rev Bev Hollings, celebrated the gifts and talents of everyone and also of Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit. During the service, two Junior Church children demonstrated their talents by each playing the piano. This was an occasion to celebrate the life of the Church and despite the inclement weather over the weekend, a good number of people came to see the exhibition and the performances and very generously gave donations, which will be shared between TODYS (Teesdale Opportunities for Disabled Youngsters) and Church funds..