Harvest

The children and teachers  of Otterburn First School walked up to St John's church and were joined by parents to celebrate harvest thanksgiving through drama, prayers and songs. Items were donated and will be added to other produce for the church Harvest Festival on Sunday. Food items will go to The People's Kitchen in Newcastle. 

Blessing of Animals

A group of parishioners and their pets assembled at St Francis Church in Byrness on the afternoon of Synday 4th October (The Feast of St Francis) for our annual service of blessing of animals. 

The stunning altar frontal for St Francis was made by local people. (We don't normally leave it out for fear the church mouse might find an alternative use for the material!)

Redesdale Show

Managed to spend an hour at the Upper Redesdale Show in the midst of a full day. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, especially the children in the races. Couldn't stay to see the (adult?) wheelbarrow race, which was a pity. The photo is of some of the entries in the carved walking stick competition. Which would you choose for first prize?

St Cuthbert Walk

Saturday 5th September was blessed with perfect weather for walking. Seven of us set off from St Cuthbert's Elsdon. The aim was to walk across country to St Cuthbert's Corsenside for lunch, then on to St Cuthbert's, Bellingham. I managed the seven miles to Corsenside I was certainly ready for lunch. Next year maybe the whole fifteen miles! At certain spots we stopped and Susan, the Team Rector, told a story from St Cuthbert's own travels through this part of the world. We heard how Cuthbert's needs were provided by his horse, an eagle and two sea otters. 

Elsdon Village Fete

A great at Elsdon Village Fete and the weather was good too, sunshine and no bank holiday rain. Spent much of the day working with a great team serving at the barbecue. Then found myself 'volunteered' for tug of war. A different way to spend my birthday!

Preparations for Elsdon Village Fete

What some churches will do to draw people in! This was what I discovered  the 'kitchen' at St Cuthbert's, Elsdon when I arrived to take the service. Actually there was nowhere else to store them prior to the Village Fete. Looks like it might be a good day. Why not come along. 12.00 noon to 4.00 pm Bank Holiday Monday, Elsdon Village Green. 

Horsley Wedding

Congratulations to Jessica and Jeffrey on their wedding on Saturday 22nd August at Holy Trinity Church, Horsley. We wish them a happy life together.