09/03/2026
Latest Newsletter, please click on more to read in full
St JOHN’S CHURCH and COMMUNITY CENTRE, BRADSHAW, HALIFAX
MARCH APRIL 2026 NOTICE SHEET... and see Facebook
Priest in Charge Rev. Alan Maxwell 01422 251761
www.stjohnsbradshaw.co.uk
Church Wardens - Joan Walker and Jacqueline Young 07949710772
Treasurer- Geraldine Norrish Electoral Roll Officer- Pat Collins
Our Rev. Alan writes:
Dear Friends,
A Thought for Lent
As we journey through Lent, many people are using the days and weeks to do something different in their lives. Bible reading, prayer, fasting and acts of service are what we hear about a lot in church, but some people are choosing to use the time in other ways.
One of the actions I see this year is called ’40 days of Good {Stuff}’ (it may be phrased slightly more crudely by those following Nadia Boltz-Webber). It’s an encouragement to share something good that has happened on each day of Lent, and works best for those using social media like Facebook or Instagram. This is intended to be a positive counterpoint to all the bad and negative things we see and hear each day.
However you are observing this Lent, I pray that it would be useful and helpful to you, as we look forward to a joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter!
Rev’d Alan Maxwell
A Prayer for Lent
Almighty God,
by the prayer and discipline of Lent
may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way
come to share in his glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
What’s New ???
Amazing News ! New Church Pew Cushions !
In the last year St John’s was honoured to have been left a number of legacies, and the PCC has decided to use some of the money to purchase new pew cushions !
Some of you will remember that we used to have a much more comfortable experience
at church when we had pew cushions , but these sadly went during Covid. If all goes according to plan ,we might have the new ones delivered in about three months’ time . Colour not yet identified , but we will keep you updated !
Concert Programme 2026
Three concerts have been organised for this year, and the proceeds will go towards general church funds- so do please tell friends and family and come along if you can . The first one is the Drighlington Brass Band who are returning to us for the third time
on Sunday 19th April 2026 at 2.30 pm.
The other two are : a summer concert with new group for us - The Calderdale Senior Orchestra , on Sunday 28 June 2026 at 3.00 - although the orchestra has been going for many years ,this will be the first time they have ever ventured forth and given a concert outside their rehearsal home at St Jude’s - and Christmas with the Drighlington Brass Band at 2.30 pm on Sunday 13 December at 2.30 which will be their fourth visit to us .
A RAFFLE will be drawn during the interval : tickets £1 cash . Proceeds towards general church running costs.
TICKETS include interval refreshments.
Adults £10 , Under 18s £5 .
BEFORE THE DAY of the concert from Alex or Geraldine on Sundays in the
Church Community Centre at 10.15 – 11.15 . Cash
OR BEFORE THE DAY of the concert by paying online – tickets will be held at
the door on the day of the concert to collect Bank details 82-12-08 Acc. no 10200201. Parochial Church Council of St John the Evangelist Bradshaw .
OR ON THE DAY of the concert on the door - cash only.
Non-refundable. Please try and buy before the day as this helps with refreshment catering quantities
Did You Know ?
That the Church supports various charities – one for each month of the year ? Any donations can be put in the collection plate at the back of Church . This year the
charities we are supporting are:
January – Overgate
March – Mothershare
May - Christian Aid
July – MND
September - Dementia Uk November - Royal British Legion
February - A mental health charity . April - Water Aid
June - Cancer Research August - Noah's Ark
October - CART
December – Children’s Society
BRADSHAW WALKERS
Bradshaw Walkers originally held walks on the second Sunday of each month and
continues to do so. This has continued for over 45 years since the first ones over the Calderdale way inspired by the Cub and Scout leaders at the time! Most of the current walks are about 5 miles, although sometimes a little longer. If you wish to join one of the walks, further information can be gathered from Linsay Metcalfe at church, or by phone from Linsay on 07538385955.
HEDGEHOGS are getting good support at St John’s this year
The Rainbows are supporting the Hedgie Hog Hotel in Oakworth. This organisation cares for sick hedgehogs and is run by volunteers . Also watch out for a poster and donation boxes in the Community Centre. Thay are always looking for volunteers or foster parents , safe release areas and fund raisers .
See them on Facebook
CAN YOU HELP WITH THE UNIFORMED ORGANISATIONS ?
RAINBOWS , Cubs and Explorers are always glad to hear from folks who would like to join in being a leader or to help .
Could this be you ! ? Why not? Contact Mark or Caroline 07447937213, or for Rainbows - Katie Hardaker 07539327416 for more information .
WEEKLY EVENTS
WEEKLY SUNDAY SERVICE 9.15 Sunday Worship with Communion
Communion for those wishing to take part All welcome. Refreshments , cake, biscuits and chat
in the Community Centre SUNDAYS 10.15
BOOK EXCHANGE . Books and DVDs from the bookshelves in the small meeting room are now available – do have a look , and if any appeal to you
, take it and make a donation to the Sunday morning tea and coffee fund which goes towards general Church funds .
Books to donate ? Please leave them in a bag by the bookshelves...
---------------------------------------------------------------------SUNDAY 6 to 7 pm Traditional 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu with Roy Skinner Age 6 to adults. All abilities. See [email protected]
MONDAY Body Conditioning - The Whole Body with Shanaz. 6.30 – 7.30 £5 07990825412
TUESDAY RAINBOWS 6.00-7.30 See Church website or call Katie 07539327416
WEDNESDAY 9.30 to 11.00 BRADSHAW TODDLERS Term Time. Ages birth to 4 years old. £3.00 for one adult and one child.£1.50 per extra child. Includes arts and crafts. Tracy 07789247157 Maggie 01422 244144 .See Facebook- Bradshaw Toddler Group.
WEDNESDAY 6 pm to 7 pm Traditional 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu
See Sunday above for details.
THURSDAYS 10.00 to 16.00 Dementia Day Care – Rainbow Care
Group- [email protected]
01423 223 454
THURSDAYS 6.30 to 9.pm Scouts and Explorers Contact Mark or Caroline 07447937213
FRIDAY 1 pm BINGO with BARRY March 6th , 20th, then April 3 and 17th
FRIDAY 6.30 to 9pm Squirrels ,Beavers Cubs and Scouts
Dates for Your Diary 2026
Mothers Day - Sunday 15th March 9:15am
Maundy Thursday - 2nd April 7pm
Good Friday - 3rd April 7pm
Easter Sunday - 5th April 9:15am
APCM ( Annual Church meeting for all )
Thursday 16th April 7 pm
Drighington Brass Band Spring Concert - Sunday 19th April 2.30 pm Calderdale Senior Orchestra Concert - Sunday 28th
June 3.00 pm Harvest Service -
Sunday 20th September 9:15am Remembrance Service -
Sunday 8th November 9:45am Christmas Fayre -
Saturday 5th December
Messy Church - Saturday 12th December 2.30
Christmas With the Drighlington Brass Band -Sunday 13 December a Christingle - Saturday 19th December 4pm
Nine Lessons and Carols Service - Sunday 20th December 4pm Midnight mass - Thursday 24th December 11:30pm
How You Can Help St. John’s to Continue in Our Community. St John’s needs over £50,000 a year to keep the Church and Community Centre going as well as people willing to contribute with their time in various roles.
Here are some ways you could chip in to help to help St John’s continue: - Support occasional fund-raising events by helping ot attending.
- Set up monthly, annual or one-off donation/s.
- Offer skills for maintenance which saves money in hiring tradesmen .. - Hire the Community Centre for your events .
- Volunteer to help with the running of the church in roles such as reader or flower rota. Ask for details about how you could help ...
- Fund Raise as You Shop painlessly by joining the scheme Easy Fundraising HTTPS://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/stjohnsbradshawholmfield/29er0k/c2s/zYSX MpZ/CE011/facebook/
- -Leave a gift in a will.
CHURCH BANK ACCOUNT Bank - Virgin money.
Name- Parochial Church Council of St John the Evangelist Bradshaw. Sort Code 82-12-08. Account number- 10200201.
If you wish to join the Parish Giving Scheme, need help to change your standing order or have any questions please contact Geraldine in person, phone 07713882333 or email [email protected]
SPEAKER and a CUPPA FRIENDSHIP
GROUP
This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2 pm in the Community Centre of St John’s Church ,Bradshaw .
On Tuesday 3 March , Vic Luker came to speak to the Friendship / Speaker and a Cuppa Group – it was really interesting and attended by 25 a records attendance for this group. See below the forthcoming programme .
All Welcome for all ,or any of the talks .
Each month a different speaker comes along to talk for about 45 minutes / 1 hour followed by tea/ coffee and chat . Cost- £2.70 per person, which includes refreshments and raffle.
St John’s is 3.5 miles up the Keighley Road on the A629 from Halifax -then turn right down Pavement Lane. St. John’s is at the bottom on the right – Easy car parking. This group is run by John Kiddle 07746 953527
2026 PROGRAMME
How to Grow Your Own Veg – plant and take home ...
with Fiona Skipper ( Mrs Brooksby’s granddaughter) A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Altar ...
With David Glover - Well-known local historian - Mount Zion Heritage Chapel – ‘Told by the Dial’ with
Dr Diane Hadwen
Work of the Rainbow Care Group - with Chris Stack . Calderdale Community Engagement Lead
Top Tips for Home Security with Jill Pilling -
Crime Prevention Officer with West Yorkshire Police
An Afternoon at the Races . Peter Plinston of ‘Model War Games fame’ returns – prepare to participate !
Bring your Own Funny /Humorous Poem or Short Story to Share - Following on from our successful favourite poem session.
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance Rides Again!
This time with Robin Morley-Owens – experienced volunteer
Mini Christmas Party- Mini Quiz, Secret Santa and Buffet –Action Replay, but with more action this time !
7 APRIL 5 MAY
2 JUNE
7 JULY
4 AUGUST
1 SEPTEMBER 6 OCTOBER
3 NOVEMBER 1 DECEMBER
5 JANUARY
returns: ‘ I will be giving members an exclusive, rare opportunity to see the full unexpurgated version of the “Iconic” Alan Wicker interviews with Great Uncle Percy , inventor of Cats Eyes entitled “The Road from Rose Linda’s” originally broadcast and shown by Yorkshire Television in 1968.’
2 FEBRUARY Our Baptist Missionary Ancestors – Life in the Belgian Congo1880 -1915 with Rosemary Pickles
2 MARCH The Evolution of the Two Forms of Rugby A Personal Perspective - with afficionado Michael Steele and Watch out for... Ballet, Astronomy, Music in My Life ... and more ...
2027 PROGRAMME so far ...
“The Road from Rose Linda’s” Our own - nothing if not humorous - Glenda Shaw
My prayers in winter ...
Wonderful, Counsellor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace . Isiah 9:6.
Sorry...
Help ...
Thank you for...
Amen
2
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