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St Peter’s Church was the scene of a Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving for the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev Patrick Simpson, as deacon by the Bishop of Southwark. The large number of people attending were drawn from congregations of St Pete's Church and St Thomas’s Church, Milnthorpe, where, since he retired ten years ago, the Rev Simpson has officiated on many occasions.

He had previously served in parishes in Surrey, Essex and Devon, and had held a number of teaching posts and had been chaplain of Prince Rupert School, Wilhelinshaven. The service was conducted by the Rev Simpson’s son, the Rev John Simpson, and the former Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Hewlett Thompson preached the sermon. The Epistle and Gospel were read by churchwardens, Tony Hesmondhalgh and John Thornley, and prayers were led by the Rev Jim Radcliffe. The celebrant for Holy Communion was the Rev Pat Simpson himself.

Hymns and Taize songs were sung by members of the Milnthorpe choir and Heversham singers, accompanied by an orchestral group, with Arthur Dewhurst at the organ.

At the conclusion of the service, Heversham vicar the Rev Canon John Hancock, presented the Rev Simpson with a cheque and Mrs Simpson received a bouquet of flowers. The Simpsons also received a piece of framed embroidery marking the anniversary, made and presented by Jean Sowerby and Margaret Hesmondhalgh. After the service there was a Jacob’s Join supper with a celebration cake.

A day of Repentance and Prayer for the nation and community took place in Heversham and Milnthorpe churches. There were two sessions in each church occupying the whole day.

A coffee morning with plant, cake, and baby/toddler-wear stalls will be held in the Athenaeum, tomorrow (Saturday) from 930am- 12 noon. This is a fund-raising event for the Heversham children’s playground.

Your Correspondent
Malcolm Sisson
Tel: 015395-63100

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