Maurice Norman on Remembrance Day 2025
Witsend3 • 10 November 2025
Maurice recalled how very fortunate he was to survive while friends of his did not
St Mary’s Churchwardens, Alyson & Avis, before the festivities began! Alyson baked a celebration cake which looked amazing.
The licensing service was very well attended and was a joyful occasion for everyone. After the licensing service, a light supper was held in the Parish Centre
On Sunday 15th May, we had a very special Family Communion service, as welcomed three of our children to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. Imogen, Isabel and Jack had all spent time preparing for this special day and we were delighted to welcome them into this new stage of their life of faith. Children are invited to participate in our separate FunDay Sunday activities at 10.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and attend our more family-friendly services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month (5th Sundays vary).
It was such a joy to have the Choir leading our singing again today. We welcomed back many of our former Choir members with the addition of several new members. The Choir will sing at our more traditional services of Holy Communion at 10.15am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Christian Aid will be making a display of boats at COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Everyone is invited to contribute a boat, with a prayer or message to world leaders. There will also be a display in Leeds, to which MPs will be invited. Here, at St Mary’s, we have decided to join in with this important installation to demonstrate the depths of people’s concern about the climate change emergency and, as Christians, to stress the responsibilities we share as stewards of God’s creation. So we will be providing opportunities at Church events to make your boat, but we have also included details below if you would rather make one at home. You could also sign the Christian Aid climate justice petition here: www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/climate-justice-2021
You may not have realised it, but a dedicated group of volunteer supervisors have been enabling us to open Church to provide a place for people to come to pray, to weep or to give thanks, for the last year (whenever restrictions have allowed). Apart from a few regulars, we have seen many members of the wider Garforth community come in, often in times of desperate need. It has been such an important service to local people, so thank you to everyone who has been involved. Tomorrow, 19th July, we will be able to resume our practice of having Church open every day from Monday to Saturday, 9am-3pm. Please do come into Church at any time during these hours, if you need a space to be quiet, to open your heart to God, to pray or light a candle. All are welcome.
In our main service today, we presented Revd Jonathan for the gift from St Mary’s in celebration of his ordination to the priesthood on 26th June. The chalice, paton and candleholder had been specially made for him and inscribed underneath with the words ‘Ordained Priest 26/6/21’. It may have been 3 weeks late, but we hope it was worth the wait! Congratulations Jonathan and thank you for your ministry here over the last year.
At our Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 25th April, Revd Jane offered a review of 2020 and encouraged us to look forward with hope and confidence. A copy of the full text may be downloaded HERE .
On Friday April 30th 2021, it is the 125th anniversary of the Peckfield Mine Disaster. The memorial to the 63 men and boys who died in the explosion is in the Churchyard at St Mary’s, Micklefield. As well as the 43 victims who lived in Micklefield there are recorded those who travelled to work at Peckfield Colliery from the surrounding villages, 8 of whom were from Garforth. Edward Goodall (42) Joseph Jackson (30) Walter Jackson (28) Raynor Scrimshaw (27) Arthur Simpson (24) John Simpson (26) George Simpson (21) Henry Tallett (30) Each of the 63 victims has been researched and information about them is now on display in St Mary’s Church, Micklefield (open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm). The first explosion ripped through the mine at 7am, followed at 7.20am by the second and largest explosion. At 7.20am on Friday 30th April, the church bells at St Mary’s Church, Micklefield and at St Mary’s Church, Garforth, will be tolled 63 times in memory of those who died. St Mary’s Church, Micklefield are holding three separate services to remember those who died. All are welcome to attend Friday 30th April 7am Act of Remembrance at the Memorial, St. Mary’s Church, Mickefield. 7:30pm Outdoor* Memorial Service for victims and their families. Wreaths laid and candles placed around the Memorial. Preacher: Archbishop of York. (*weather permitting) Sunday 2nd May 9:30am Requiem Eucharist for all who have died in the Mining Industry.
