7th December. 2023 - Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights

The weather for most of the day had been atrocious with heavy rain and strong winds leading to many roads being flooded for a time but by tea-time the rain stopped, and the wind dropped to make it an ideal December evening for the switching-on of the Christmas tree lights outside the Parish Hall. Members of the Guide Group were there in force and they had organised a Christmas poster competition and the winner of each section was given the privilege of pressing the switch to turn the lights on. This was done at the very start of the evening and a few minutes later a very special guest arrived on the back of a pickup. The man in the red suit, ringing his bell, was none other than Santa, ready to come into the hall and give out presents to all of the children there. Santa made his way inside and found a very special chair in the corner. While he was very busy looking after the children and making sure everyone was given a gift the church choir led the Carol singing, with Tim Wilson, together with Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band providing the music. Then it was time for refreshments and everyone enjoyed a hot mince pie, biscuits and a drink. The church Ladies’ Group finished off the evening by having a ballot for some wonderful Christmas hampers. A very enjoyable evening to start the Christmas celebrations.

12th November, 2023 - Remembrance Sunday

This morning’s service of Morning Prayer included an Act of Remembrance where the ‘fallen’ of Kilbride Parish in two world wars were reverently remembered. The service was led by Rev. John McClure and the youth organisations associated with St Bride’s took an active part in the service, presenting their colours and reading the lessons. There was an excellent attendance from both the Girl Guide Group and the Scout Group with many parents accompanying their young people. The church was well filled for this very special and moving service of remembrance, with the atmosphere for this most poignant occasion being enhanced by the present of so many beautiful poppy arrangements throughout the church. The 2-minute silence began after the last notes of the ‘Last Post’, played beautifully by William Hill, faded around the church. He ended this quiet and solemn time of reflection as he sounded the ‘Reveille’ after which the names and regiments of each soldier named on the war memorial were read out. Twenty four men from the Parish of Kilbride made the Supreme Sacrifice in two world wars and they, and all war-dead, were appropriately remembered this morning.

10th November, 2023 - Kilbride Central Primary School

Mrs Paula Spence is the principal of Kilbride Central Primary School and she had noticed the publicity that the poppy display in St Bride’s has been getting in the last few weeks. Given the approach of Remembrance Sunday she thought it would be interesting for the P7 class to visit the church to see these beautiful poppies and to learn something more about what remembrance means and to have a class in the church. She contacted the church and it was gladly opened this afternoon to allow their visit and after a good look around the numerous lovely arrangements of poppies Mrs Spence read a poem and a book to the fifteen young people. Then she asked them to imagine how life might have been for a young soldier during World War 1, perhaps sitting in a trench trying to write to his family back home. The children thought about the problems the young soldier might have had, damp paper, poor light, the sound of guns, the constant threat of shelling, and they then wrote ‘home’ to their families. To sit amongst so many handmade poppies and the many memories that are held within Kilbride Parish Church was the perfect setting for them to try and write their own versions of these precious letters and postcards.

Mrs Spence commented, “As we left the church the children were thanking me for taking them, saying what a lovely place to visit, so calm and relaxing. And as I said if we were in a classroom sitting at our desks it would not have been the same. It was lovely to see them sitting trying to write on their knee with a tiny pencil, or leaning up against each others' backs.”

8th November, 2023 - Quilt Display

Sandra Weir is an extremely talented and experienced quilter from Cookstown and she was invited by the church ladies’ group to display a selection of her many quilts at this evening’s ladies’ group meeting, and to talk about what inspired her to make each one. Sandra travelled to Kilbride late this afternoon with her husband Derek and they set up a number of her larger quilts on display stands around the Parish Hall prior to the start of the meeting. Sandra is a doctor and is employed as a community paediatrician in the Cookstown area. She is a committed Christian and is deeply involved in Christian witness in her church but still finds time to produce beautiful quilts, all inspired in one way or another by Christian values and verses of scripture. Sandra is pictured above with one of her many wonderful quilts, this one is based on the Bible and every book of the Bible is represented by a quilted ‘book’ in her ‘Bible’ bookcase. In recent years her son Daniel asked her to make him a piano quilt for his 18th birthday. Technically this was quite a challenge as there were so many small pieces but a quilt which is large enough to place over a baby-grand piano was duly made and dedicated to her son with two verses from Psalm 95 - “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout aloud for the Rock of our Salvation. Let us come before him with Thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Sandra also told of a visit she made to Pennsylvania where she visited and worshipped with Amish and Mennonite communities. She was particularly taken with how they lived and that they didn’t worship in churches but in each others’ homes. This visit was the inspiration for yet another beautiful quilt reflecting the simple lives that these people live and the quilt features their homes, barns and the iconic covered wooden bridges. Sandra’s attention to detail in all of her quilts is quite phenomenal and this is also the case for the reverse side of each one. They are truly works of art but importantly each one has a gospel message and she spoke with a passion about every one on display.

Two of the ladies from the parish also brought along some of their craftwork to be displayed. Hazel McDonald had some of her wonderful quilts on display and Eleanor Graham brought many of the beautiful bags she has made in the past few years.

7th November, 2023 - Poppy Display

In September Fiona Charlton (pictured in the Gallery below) had the inspirational idea of a poppy display for Remembrance Sunday and she enlisted the help of various people to make enough poppies for a fitting display.  The response was amazing and there are approximately 900 poppies arranged in a wonderful display in the church. Fiona would like to thank everyone who has knit or crocheted poppies, they have all been put to good use.

The display has attracted many lovely comments and compliments from parishioners and visitors to the church and it can be seen for the last time this year this Sunday, Remembrance Sunday, before or after the church service. It will be removed next week and carefully packed away for use on another occasion.

4th November, 2023 - The Kilbride Herald

29th October, 2023 - Holy Baptism

17th October, 2023 - Watchmen Visit to McMillan Specialist Cars

The Watchmen men’s group visited the business of parishioner George McMillan this evening to look around his specialist car servicing facility in Antrim. George’s company, McMillan Specialist Cars, looks after the servicing requirements of many prestige vehicle brands, including Audi, Mercedes, Maserati and Lamborghini to name a few, but his company specialises in Porsche. The men were able to look around a very well-equipped workshop to see state-of-the-art servicing equipment and numerous performance cars currently being worked on by George’s skilled technicians. There was even a 1900 vintage Renault car being prepared for the annual London to Brighton vintage car rally. George gave a talk on the history of his business and some of the training work he personally does for other companies such as Toyota UK. Listening to him speaking it was clear that he has been passionate about cars throughout his life. It was an extremely interesting and informative visit enjoyed by everyone. George is pictured above with his Vauxhall Nova which he has modified for auto-tests.

2nd October, 2023 - Claire Patterson (New Sexton)

2nd October, 2023 - Jean Johnston Retirement

Jean Johnston has been sexton in Kilbride for over 33 years and during the summer she decided it was time to take things a bit easier and she gave the Select Vestry notice that she would retire in September. In her many years service she has kept the church, parish hall and parish room immaculate, quietly working in the background to keep everything clean and tidy. Her many years of service were recognised by the Select Vestry this evening as she was presented with gifts by Ivan Topping and Lillian Lyttle. Ivan expressed the gratitude that every parishioner felt for her long and dedicated service and wished her a long and very happy retirement. Jean thanked everyone for their generosity and said that she had enjoyed working in the church over the years. She is pictured above with her husband Alec.

10th September, 2023 - The Kilbride Herald

7th September, 2023 - Parish Hall Car Park Re-Lined

It has been some time since the Parish Hall car park was lined to ensure orderly parking and over the years traffic and weather have taken their toll to the point where some lines were almost totally worn away. It was decided that the lines needed to re-marked and a professional company was contacted to do this. However there was a lot of work to do to get the car park cleaned to ensure the white lines would adhere to the tarmac. An industrial street cleaner was arranged and earlier this week it went to work cleaning the surface of loose stones, leaves and all manner of unwelcome material. The lining company arrived this morning and within a few hours the car park was re-lined with clear and pristine white lines. A number of hatched areas were marked with yellow lines and for the first time there are double yellow lines marked a short distance inside the gates. No-one should park in any of the areas that are painted yellow or on the double yellow lines. As before there are disabled parking bays clearly marked near the door of the hall. Considerable thanks must go to the glebe wardens in particular for organising this and for the effort that went into preparing the car park. It’s an excellent finished job.

3rd September, 2023 - Rev. John McClure is now Rector-in-Charge

29th August, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Titanic Quarter)

It was the last walk of the season this evening and the location was a very flat route of almost 5 miles around the Titanic quarter of Belfast. Starting on the Antrim side of the river the walkers crossed the Lagan at the ‘Big Fish’ before passing the SSE Arena and ‘Nomadic’ in the dry dock in front of the iconic Titanic building. Then it was on to the slipways where many of the great ships built by Harland and Wolff were constructed. A shower of rain had the walkers looking for shelter but the rain passed over quickly and the walk continued, going deeper into the harbour estate. The “Big Light’ was the next item of interest. This is the light from the top of a former lighthouse on Tory Island, Donegal and it now commands a prominent location near the entrance to the river. Walking on HMS ‘Caroline’ could be seen and then round the corner the famous Thompson dry dock. Then it was a walk up Queen’s Island Road past the massive gantry cranes and back to the Bullitt hotel for some refreshments. A very pleasant walk to end the season.

27th August, 2023 - Rev. Canon David Humphries Retirement Service

This morning’s service of Morning Prayer was the last service for our Rector as he retires on 31st August after almost seven years as Rector of Kilbride Parish Church. It was a normal service of Morning Prayer but many visitors from other churches and organisations came to wish him well. Representatives from Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, Ballyclare Victoria Flute Band, various Masonic lodges and many personal friends came to show their respect and wish him well in his retirement. To mark the occasion a collection had been made in the past few weeks and a gift cheque was presented to David by Ivan Topping, Secretary of the Select Vestry. Ivan paid tribute to the wonderful service that David has given to Kilbride during his time as incumbent, also mentioning his work outside of the parish with the organ scholarship scheme and in particular his leadership of a number of pilgrimages to the Holy Land during his time at Kilbride, the last one being in May of this year accompanied by Bishop George Davison. David has led more than twenty five pilgrimages to the Holy Land during more than three decades of ministry. On behalf of the members of the Select Vestry and the parishioners of Kilbride Ivan thanked David for his ministry and wished him a long and productive retirement. David Holmes then paid a personal tribute to the Rector for the help he had given him in his role as Parish Reader for Kilbride and presented him with a photo-book containing photographs taken during the Rector’s ministry. The church choir sang an anthem entitled ‘A Clare Benediction’ written by John Rutter. Following the service everyone enjoyed refreshments in the Parish Hall where they were able to chat with David and offer their own personal tributes and good wishes to him as they said goodbye. On behalf of the church wardens during David’s time in Kilbride Iris McCormick read a poem she had written about David.

22nd August, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group Visit to Rathlin Island

Twenty walkers assembled in Ballycastle this morning to make their way to Rathlin Island for another very enjoyable day exploring different parts of the island. The crossing aboard the Spirit of Rathlin ferry was very smooth and the weather was extremely kind, although showers were forecast for later in the day so coats were kept convenient. The group split up and spread out across the island visiting all three lighthouses and walking on virtually every road there is. There was blue sky above and bright sunshine for a time but clouds began to thicken after lunchtime and eventually heavy rain fell for a time. Thankfully it wasn’t to last and soon the sky cleared again in time for the return trip back to Ballycastle. Morton’s fish and chip shop did some good trade and it was ‘al fresco’ dining beside the harbour before heading for home. Another great trip to this very interesting island.

20th August, 2023 - Holy Baptism

During this morning’s service with Holy Communion our rector performed his last baptism before his retirement at the end of August. The little boy was presented by his parents Anthony and Anna Hill, together with godparents Colin and Lauren Hill. He was baptised Arthur Alexander Hill. It was wonderful to have four generations of the Hill family in church for the occasion with proud great-grandparents Alex and Beth Hill in attendance (pictured in the gallery with Alex’s sister Betty).

15th August, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Lagan 2 Bridges Walk)

The walking group met at the National Trust car park at Minnowburn for the evening’s walk. The weather was extremely pleasant as the group of 12 walkers left the car park , heading upstream along the river towards Lisburn. The first bridge encountered was a footbridge where everyone crossed to the western side of the River Lagan before heading back towards Shaw’s Bridge. Then it was under the main road into Clement Wilson park and on to the Lock-keeper’s Cottage. This was the turning point as everyone made their way across the canal bridge and back to the car park for some refreshments. A very flat walk by recent standards but enjoyable nonetheless.

8th August, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Carnmoney)

Carnmoney Hill was the venue for this evening’s walk and was the third hill in as many weeks that overlooks Belfast. Starting near Cloughfern the walkers made their way up the hillside passing through the derelict farmstead and on up to the wildflower meadow near the top. The fields here have been left to grow unchecked with only paths mown though the grass to allow easy access for walkers. Then it was down the hill a short distance again before heading up some steep paths to the viewpoint overlooking Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus and Belfast. A short and at times challenging walk but one that was enjoyed by all.

12th August, 2023 - Wedding Day

St Bride’s was the venue for a very international wedding today as Olivia Jackson married Dmitre Ratnayake, shared by their family and friends who came from across the globe to be part of their special day. The service was conducted by our rector, Rev. Canon David Humphries, who was officiating at his last marriage service before retiring at the end of August. Organist for this special service was Dr. Joe McKee, OBE. During the signing of the register Esther Dickmann sang Panis Angelicus and Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

Olivia and Dmitri are pictured above leaving the church amid a blizzard of confetti. Best wishes go to them both from everyone in St Bride’s. May they have a long, happy and blessed marriage.

1st August, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Cavehill)

This week’s walk was again in the hills above Belfast, this time it was Cavehill. There was a late call made to go this evening and the weather forecast was consulted a number of times before deciding that it should be a dry walk. Starting in Cavehill Country Park, near Belfast Castle, it was questionable whether or not there would be a view at the top as low cloud was drifting through but the walkers pressed on up the hill, past the limestone quarry, before turning towards the summit near McArt’s Fort. Cloud still obscured the top but just as everyone reached the highest point the cloud cleared and the views across the city and beyond opened up. The sun even managed to break through for a short time. After a short break taking in the panorama the walkers followed the main path down the other side of the hill towards the zoo before making their way back to the cars. A completely dry and pleasantly warm walk.

25th July, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Divis Mountain)

The rambling group meet at the car park on the Divis Road above west Belfast to begin the walk around this National Trust maintained area. Following the Ridge Trail the walkers followed the path through rough grassland and heather, eventually arriving at the viewpoint above the Springfield Road. Even though it was a dull evening with cloudy sky all around the views across the city were excellent. Strangford Lough could be seen to the south-east with Scrabo Tower prominent in the near distance and the Mourne mountains to the south were just visible. Showers of rain could be seen in various locations around the city and beyond but thankfully Divis remained dry throughout the 5 mile walk. It was also quite mild and the walkers were able to enjoy some refreshments and good conversation in the car park at the end. Another very enjoyable walk.

23rd July, 2023 - Dedication of Christie Family Gifts

The Christie family from Burnside has had a long association with St Bride’s and at this morning’s service a number of new wall decorations were dedicated in memory of Martha and William Henry (Ernie) Christie as well as the community of Cogry and Burnside. Many of the Christie family and their friends were in attendance for this special service conducted by our Rector. These new additions to the church wall complement similar gifts given by the Christie family some years ago. The congregation was invited for lunch, very generously provided by the Christie family, in the Parish Hall at the end of the service. In addition to a very tasty lunch the family also provided a beautifully decorated cake which had the cross of St Bride on top. Our Rector was given the honour of cutting the cake which was also enjoyed by all.

18th July, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Glenarm)

This evening’s walk was a relatively short one in Glenarm forest. The walkers started in the coast road car park near St Patrick’s parish church and made their way across the bridge to the marina and through the village to the forest. After a lot of rain recently the paths were a little bit wet and muddy in places but were passable with care. The route took the walkers a short distance up Glenarm glen before turning back again close to the Glenarm river. Back through the village again, past the castle to the car park where everyone had some refreshments and a chat before heading home.

4th July, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Woodburn Forest and Knockagh Monument)

The weather had been very unsettled over the past few days with periods of heavy rain followed by brilliant sunshine but the walk through Woodburn forest to the Knockagh monument went ahead. The sky was dark with threatening clouds but the baker’s dozen of walkers set out through the trees for a very enjoyable walk through the forest. The route was slightly different and a little longer than the previous visit to Woodburn, going close to the extremity of the forest near the Slievetrue Road. Winding their way along the forest paths the walkers made their way to the county road and followed it to the Co. Antrim War Memorial overlooking Belfast Lough. Even with the less than perfect weather the view was very good with the west coast of Wigtonshire in Scotland visible to the east across the North Channel. To the south the mountains of Mourne were just visible. Everyone spent some time identifying the landmarks in Greenisland, Carrickfergus and Belfast and across the lough Scrabo Tower was just visible on the horizon. Then it was time to return to the start by way of the forest and reservoirs. Another good walk and not spoiled by rain.

2nd July, 2023 - The Battle of the Somme Commemoration Service

The Ballyclare branch of the Royal British Legion was once again the organiser of the annual commemoration service for those who died at the Battle of the Somme during World War 1. The battle began on 1st July 1916 and many soldiers on both sides of the conflict died that day, including many from the Ballyclare area, with many more wounded. Thousands more died in the months that followed in what was a very long battle. A number of them who were parishioners in Kilbride are named on the war memorial in St Bride’s (follow this link for more information on these men on this website- War Memorials). Today our Rector led the very moving and poignant service held in Ballyclare War Memorial Park remembering all of those who perished in one of the bloodiest battles of World War 1 and many parishioners from Kilbride attended the service. Wreaths were laid by elected representatives of the area as well as by the Royal British Legion. Ballyclare Memorial Flute Band played the National Anthem.

“Lest we forget”

27th June, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Hidden Village of Galboly)

Hidden from view on the lower slopes of the Antrim plateau is the abandoned village of Galboly. It is accessed from the Garron Road just a few miles north of Carnlough and close to St Killian’s College. It was home to a very small community for many years but gradually over the decades people moved away and eventually only one man remained, living there for a number of years on his own. He too has gone and the village has been left to nature which has gradually been taking over as vegetation is now evident in most of the derelict buildings. The village did see a new lease of life for a short time as it became a filmset for the well known ‘Game of Thrones’ series and evidence of a filmset can be seen in number of locations. The walkers were fortunate this evening as the rain which had been falling for most of the day had cleared, for a time at least, and they were able to walk up the steep lane to the village to explore the various buildings before heading on up the path above the village to admire the lovely views from the top. Scotland was visible for a time before the rain returned. The landowner is to be commended for allowing free access to his property to explore this hidden gem on the Antrim coast. Everyone enjoyed the walk as well as the refreshments and conversation stopping in Carnlough on the way home.

23rd June, 2023 - Christian Aid Collection

13th June, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (North Down Coast)

It was a glorious evening with a warm temperature and brilliant sunshine for the walk along the North Down coastal path from Helen’s Bay to Holywood. The walkers met in Holywood ahead of the 6:45pm train from the station with a few early birds managing to have an ice cream ahead of meeting on the platform. Getting off in Helen’s Bay the walkers made their way to the coastal path about 500m away. The beach was very busy with locals enjoying the wonderful weather. The route back to Holywood wound its way along the north coast of County Down, in and out of little inlets, with wonderful views of the lough and the coast of County Antrim beyond. The path eventually emerged at a residential area near Holywood and the walkers were able to enjoy some refreshments in ‘The Dirty Duck’ restaurant before heading home.

6th June, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Antrim)

30th May, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Shane’s Hill)

The weather has been wonderful for the past few days and the ramblers enjoyed beautiful sunshine and blue shies for the walk this evening. The Shane’s Hill Road at the northern end of Ballyboley forest was the starting point for the eleven walkers and the route followed the Ulster Way from the forest, firstly to Shane’s Hill, and then on further north to Agnew’s Hill. Ground conditions were largely very dry but with a few boggy bits here and there which made walking a little more interesting. One walking shoe was lost almost beyond sight but was retrieved just in time! The views were a little hazy with the recent heat but Slieve Donard in the Mournes mountains could be seen to the south, with the coast of Scotland visible to the east and Slemish to the west. An excellent evening for a walk which covered the greater part of five miles across the hills. The midges were out in force at the end so there was no hanging around but a cup of tea and biscuits were on hand on the way back at a walker’s house. Next week it’s a very flat route around Antrim - see Diary Dates for details.

16th May - 25th May, 2023 - Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

In the last few days our Rector returned from the Holy Land having led another very successful pilgrimage with one of the largest groups he has ever organised. Together with joint leader Bishop George Davison a party of 29 pilgrims made its way from Belfast to London and on to Tel Aviv on Israel for the ten-day trip. This was the Bishop George’s first time in Israel whereas our Rector has made in excess of 25 visits leading many pilgrims over the years. There was a lot of unrest and violence in Jerusalem in the weeks leading up to the visit but as the situation settled down again the decision was made to continue. The pilgrims all had a chance to see the many significant Biblical sights in the Holy Land and to worship in a number of the main churches on the way. A spiritually uplifting experience for everyone.

16th May, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Minnowburn & Giant’s Ring)

9th May, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Ballyboley Forest)

Attendance at this evening’s walk was well up on last week as 12 walkers (and Bert the dog) made their way to Upper Ballyboley for a walk to the reservoir and around the forest paths. The venue was changed when it was realised that there was a large running event organised for this evening in Woodburn but the paths around Ballyboley were an adequate alternative. The weather was reasonably good with only a light shower of rain to trouble the walkers for a short time. For the more energetic the slightly longer route of 6.5 miles was chosen. The normal silence of the forest was disturbed by the sound of the tree-harvesting machinery at work even as darkness approached but it was interesting to see the machines in action.

7th May, 2023 - Coronation Big Lunch

2nd May, 2023 - St Bride’s Rambling Group (Scrabo)

The new walking season began this evening and even though numbers were small those who did manage to make it thoroughly enjoyed the walk, and at times challenging ascent, up to the viewpoint beside Scrabo tower. Sadly a slight sea mist, combined with low cloud, meant that the views from the top weren’t as good as last year but it was good to look out over the town below and to Strangford Lough. Hopefully numbers will pick up for next week’s walk to the Knockagh monument.

24th April, 2023 - Coronation Tree Planting Ceremony

In 1953 the then Lady Glentoran planted an oak tree to mark the occasion of the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II. 1st Kilbride Scout Group made the suggestion that a tree should be planted to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III and with the agreement of the Select Vestry an application was made to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for a suitable tree. The application was successful and an oak tree was donated by the council and at a ceremony this evening the tree was planted in the grounds of the church. Barbara Atcheson was a Guide leader for many years and the honour of being first to help with the planting was given to her. Barbara was followed by Trevor James, a former Scout leader with the group for many years, and then a Beaver, a Cub and a Scout completed the planting. The ceremony was watched by everyone in the Scout group and members of the Select Vestry.

23rd April, 2023 - Holy Baptism

19th April, 2023 - Kilbride Parish Group Ladies’ Group

One Small Seed

19th April, 2023 - The Watchmen

2nd April, 2023 - Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday and the first of a number of services was held for Holy Week. This morning’s service with Holy Communion began at the church hall where the church wardens lead the procession up to the church, symbolic of Jesus’s final journey into Jerusalem before his trial and crucifixion. Following the wardens came Annie the donkey, also symbolic of that last journey when Jesus’s disciples borrowed a donkey for him to ride into the city. Annie was very well behaved as she stood at the front of the church while our Rector explained the events of Palm Sunday to the congregation before she was led out again to her trailer.

22nd March, 2023 - Wednesday Witness

17th March, 2023 - St Patrick’s Night

A number of parishioners and friends came together this evening to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and had a lot of fun playing Housey Housey (a little bit like Bingo) in the Parish Hall. Concentration was needed as the numbers were called out by the caller Clarence Gibson, assisted by the Rector, and excitement mounted as numbers were crossed off until eventually the call went up that there was a winner. Prizes were presented for completion of a line and then of a box. At the halfway point a delicious supper was served by Diane, Agnes and Dorothy, who had been working hard in the kitchen, and entertainment was provided by George and David Rea on their accordions. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

15th March, 2023 - The Watchmen visit to RNLI in Larne

This evening the Watchmen men’s group had a thoroughly enjoyable visit to the RNLI and Coastguard Stations in Larne. The visit began with a short talk on the work of the RNLI given by Derek, who is an employee in the station, before moving to the garage and equipment area to see one of the boats used in this area. There is a lot of equipment to look after and there are many volunteers from the Larne area who maintain it and crew the lifeboats when required. After a good look around the group then moved next door to the Coastguard station and again they were given a very informative tour of the station by Mark who works there as a member of the local team. It was fascinating to hear the history of the organisation and about the scope of what the Coastguard looks after right around the coast of Northern Ireland and even Lough Neagh. Sincere thanks were given to both Derek and Mark for taking the time to show everyone round and for their very interesting talks.

15th March, 2023 - Wednesday Witness

It was the turn of the church choir to provide the music at this morning’s service and the pieces chosen were ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’ by Martin How, the unaccompanied Psalm 67 and the very popular ‘A Clare Benediction’ by John Rutter. The anthems were accompanied by Tim Wilson on the piano. It was wonderful to see the church well filled and everyone enjoyed the singing before Rev. Canon David Humphries delivered a homily. Most of the congregation was able to move down to the Parish Hall for refreshments after the service.

8th March, 2023 - Wednesday Witness

In the second of the special Wednesday Witness services during Lent it was the turn of Stephen Hamill to give an organ recital this morning in St Bride’s. Stephen is a freelance musician and music teacher and he gave a virtuoso performance on the church organ playing a selection of pieces that included the following;

Chorale Prelude: Embarm dich mein by Bach
Attende Domine by Jeanne Demessieux
Fantasia in G major by Bach

Numbers attending were up from last week’s recital and the congregation thoroughly enjoyed Stephen’s superb playing. Rev. Canon David Humphries gave the homily and everyone enjoyed refreshments in the Parish Hall at the end. Next week the music will be provided by the church choir.

15th February, 2023 - The Watchmen

8th February, 2023 - St Bride’s Ladies’ Group

29th January, 2023 - Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day is 27th January and in recent years in Kilbride Parish Church it has been observed on the nearest Sunday to that date. During the service of Morning Prayer this morning a very informative talk was given jointly by Rev. Canon David Humphries and parish reader David Holmes. Together they described the events leading up to the Holocaust, why Jewish people and other groups were targeted for humiliation, discrimination and eventual extermination by Hitler and the German Third Reich. The events of the Nuremberg trials were described when many of the people who perpetrated these atrocities were held to account with many being executed. In the aftermath of the war Jewish people were still viewed with suspicion by many nations and Jewish refugees were shunned by many including Britain. Other genocides in the years since were remembered and prayers offered that they should never happen again. The commemoration ended with the lighting of six candles representing the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust.

28th January, 2023 - Church Grounds Tidy-up

Late last year a group of willing workers came together to clear up the majority of the fallen leaves, sticks, etc. around the church and the grounds were left very tidy. However with some trees shedding their leaves later in the season and with wind-borne debris finding its way into the grounds another clean-up was needed. Jim Wilson convened another work party and they set to work this morning and after a few fruitful hours they had the areas around the church and Parish Hall completely cleared of all unwanted debris. The grass was given a short trim so that everything is now ready for the new spring season. Well done and thanks to Clarence, Jim, Simon, Barbara, Hilary, David, Fiona, George and Trevor (not pictured) for their hard work.

 2nd January, 2023 - The Kilbride Herald