Welcome to Todmorden, Reverend!

I was honoured to witness Rev. Dr Catherine Shelley’s induction as the new incumbent Vicar at St Mary's Todmorden, and to welcome her on behalf of our whole town.  

She shares Todmorden’s values - of kindness, community spirit, and care for our environment - all of which was evident in the words she shared with everyone present (and echoed so brilliantly by Huddersfield’s Bishop Smitha).

I can tell that she will be a great asset to our town, within the walls of St Mary’s and beyond. I’ll be working alongside her to build those bridges, to bring all of us together and to make Todmorden an even greater place to call our home. If you see her, say hello! (from Sarah H)

Preparing about 100 Christingles for the 2023 service with the help of the Community Payback team who were provided with aprons and plastic gloves


26 November 2023

Licensing service of Rev Ruthi Gibbons

Our Celebrations on 8th October

Service Of Holy Communion with Thanksgiving  for the 190th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Parish Church of  St James The Great, Hebden Bridge led By The Right Reverend Smitha Prasadam, Bishop Of Huddersfield

From LHS.

Rev. Howard Pask, vicar 2002-2018

Rev Canon Ralph C Godsall 1984-1993

Rev. Martin Parrott 1993-2001

The Right Reverend Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield

Rev. Karen Marshall 2019-2023

Rev Ruthi Gibbons starting on 26 October 2023

Rob Paton, head of Hebden Royd C of E School.

Reader, Shan Evans

Civic Guests

From LHS.

Hebden Royd Town Mayor's consort, Mr Eddie Hayes

Hebden Royd Town Mayor, Cllr Bernice Hayes

Deputy-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire's wife, Michelle Dargan-Cole.

Mayor of Calderdale Cllr Ashley Evans

The Right Reverend Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield

Mayoress of Calderdale Rosie Tatchell

Deputy-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Tim Cole

Catching up with old friends

One of the flower arrangements by Harvey

Rev Canon Ralph C Godsall (1984-1993) tries on his old cope - commissioned in 1994 and featuring knitted wire.

2023 6-8th May Coronation Weekend

Bunting outside the church

One of two displays - Prince Charles's two visits to Hebden Bridge. The second inside the church was how Hebden Bridge celebrated past Coronations.

Vicky's flag cake and Diana's Coronation Surprises

2023 Easter

One of Harvey's displays

Easter lilies

2022 Christmas

One of Harvey's displays

2022 Remembrance Sunday

Denise's poppies and Harvey's display

Queen's Jubilee Celebrations

Jubilee Crown flower arrangement
Jubilee Crown cake

 St James’ and Mytholm

    celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee

Thanks to a Jubilee Grant from Hebden Royd Town Council, St James’ was able to put on an exhibition about Mytholm charting the changes in the life of the local community. The children made their own memorial books with the aid of Reverend Karen Marshall, which they could complete over the Queen’s Jubilee Holiday. The church was decorated by the Community Payback Team with bunting and flags. The church created the flower displays. Much of the materials were bought locally and local shop, "Word of Mouth", was a great help.

The celebrations ended with local residents bringing their own picnic with the church providing free refreshments and “Food Share” [food from shops which would normally go to waste at the end of the day.] 

Due to the inclement weather, the picnic was inside the church. With the help of residents who were there at the time of the Coronation, the special jubilee cake in the shape of a 2D Coronation Crown was cut and shared out. The cake was made by the Buttercup Bakery in Pecket Well. It consisted of "ermine" fruit cake, Madeira sponge along and gluten-free and vegan cupcakes with edible jewels and gold dust.

Child's book cover based on the Queen in her pearl necklace.
Jubilee Flower Arrangement in red, white and blue
Carnations, red, white and blue
Platinum Jubilee book covers made by Hebden Royd  school
Platinum Jubilee book covers made by Hebden Royd  school
Platinum Jubilee book covers made by Hebden Royd  school

 

 

'175' by Peter Coles

 

A celebration of

the 175th Anniversary of

St James the Great

Hebden Bridge

on the

5th October 2008

 

 

Our 175th Anniversary!

 

 

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