188 Years of The Stanhill Methodist Church

stage in the schoolroom. The afternoon and evening services were usually led by Local Preachers, who had to walk from Rishton, Gt. Harwood or Blackburn because there was no public transport. All the children had a Star Card which was stamped by Mrs McMyn if they had attended. A book was presented for good attendance, at the Prize Giving Service in December. Sunday School trips on the train to Lytham St. Annes was another highlight in the year. Annual Choir picnics was another memory for some, all bungling into Mr. Bury’s wagon to be taken to a farm near Edgworth. Other events during the year were, Sale of Works, Whist and Beetle Drives, annual Christmas Parties. Church outings in Albert Benson’s bus to the Ribble Valley, then onto Pilling to the Ship Inn for tea. After onto Blackpool – everyone dispersing – the Pleasure Beach for the youngsters. Vernie Whittam led the sing song on the bus on the way home. We are sure Albert Benson, the bus driver was fed up with the noise and pleased when we got back to Stanhill ! Another memory was the Good Friday walks over Whalley Nabs. Everyone met at 9am at the end of Nab Lane with two Hot Cross Buns, an orange and 3d which suppose to be spent on a gift for any parent who didn’t go. After the picnic at Whalley and a good sing song, they made their way back to Stanhill. Some arrived home with an armful of bluebells and feet full of blisters ! Just to mention that Tom Broughton and May McMyn became Sunday School Superintendents on 14th June 1946, taking over from Gladys Grimshaw and Robert May. Charles Bury continued to be the choirmaster, and conductor at the Sermons until the late 1940’s. In 1950, Wilfred Lister became choirmaster and conductor. He was also the church caretaker. His daughter, Irene, is still a regular visitor to Stanhill (2025).

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