188 Years of The Stanhill Methodist Church

From the 150th Anniversay Booklet

Some of Wilfred Taylor’s memories: New Year’s Day Coffee & Bun. The annual ‘At Homes’ at the end of February, an event everyone looked forward to. First Sunday in May – the Sunday School Anniversary – the Sermons. Everyone invited their relatives for dinner and tea. The chapel was packed for all three services. The village was packed for the outside morning service. There were eight collectors and I, Wilfred Taylor, collected for over 50 years in the village. Harvest -- first Sunday in September. A platform was built across the front of the chapel. My dad and I took a cart to collect plants and greenery. There was a lovely display in the chapel. The fruit and vegetables were sold on the Monday night at the Harvest Supper. Some memories by Doreen Prescott nee Broughton: New Year’s Day - Coffee & Bun. Everyone took their own cup or mug. The buns were so big you didn’t need any dinner! There was a late afternoon Tea Party. Everyone took their own dishes and cutlery, all marked with coloured cotton thread, so you knew which belonged to who! Mr. Farnworth, the butcher, took joints of meat – ham and tongue – he was the carver. After tea the schoolroom was cleared and transformed into a theatre ready for a concert to begin. What a way to start a New Year ! The annual ‘At Homes’ were held the last week in February – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Friday night was children’s night – the children doing recitations, musical items, dancing, singing & sketches. After, they were all given a bag of toffees for their efforts ! Saturday night was evening dress. A concert party from Burnley, Nelson or Blackburn performed. Each night there was always a chairperson and an opener. June Colbridge was one of the teachers who organised the children on their big night.

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