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Bamford

Chapel

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BAMFORD CHAPEL

Mission/Vision Statement

MISSION

TO MAKE KNOWN THE GOOD NEWS OF THE LOVE OF GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

WORSHIP

We believe as a congregation that our worship should be

wholehearted and meaningful as we join together in praise and

thanksgiving to God. In response to God’s love, we wish to express our joy, to open our

hearts to God’s voice and to respond to His word.

LEARNING

Recognising our need to learn of God and from God, we seek to

provide an environment within which learning and teaching can take place. We would

want to enable each person to accept God into their life and to have the ability to

discuss and share their faith with all.

PASTORAL

We are joined together in our faith by the Holy Spirit. As a loving

fellowship we wish to deepen and extend our care for each other

encouraging everyone to use their gifts, as they are enabled by God, to show tenderness

and compassion in a spirit of humility.

MISSION/SOCIETY

We accept that we are called to make Christ known in our community at Bamford and in

all other places. We would wish to influence others by example and comment,

accepting that God will speak through us as we maintain a relationship with Him. We

recognise the need for the Church to participate in all aspects of the life of the world,

and proclaim God’s will, as it is revealed to us.

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Further Details may be found at www.bamfordchapel.co.uk

Sunday 3rd March.

10.30am Family Worship with Holy Communion led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley

2.30pm - 5.00pm

Messy Church

6.00pm Evening Worship led by Laura Davies

Monday 4th March

8.00pm March Focus on Prayer Meeting in crèche room

2.00pm CTiNWR Lent Course Week 4 at Cutgate Baptist Church

Thursday 7th March

7.30pm Elders’ Meeting

Sunday 10th March

10.30am Mothering Sunday with Family Worship led by Andy Platt

6.00pm Evening Worship led by our Minister Rev Richard Bradley

Monday 11th March

8.00pm March Focus on Prayer Meeting in crèche room

Tuesday 12th March

12 Noon for

12.45pm

Light lunches followed by concert given by Students from the Royal Northern College of Music

Thursday 14th March

2.00pm CTiNWR Lent Course Week 5 at Bamford Chapel

Saturday 16th March

7.30pm Annual Quiz with Angela & Ken Smith

Diary continues on the next page

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10.00am Good Friday Reflections led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley

Good Friday 29th March

1.30pm Family Ramble, All Welcome

7.30pm Food for Thought present Sorrowful Mysteries

Easter Sunday 31st March

8.00am 10.30am

Easter Breakfast, please sign up. Easter Communion led by Ken Greer

Please note there is no evening service

Sunday 17th March

10.30am Family Worship led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley

12 noon Followed by our Church Meeting, all welcome. Includes presentation of 2012 accounts.

6.00pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley

Monday 18th March

8.00pm March Focus on Prayer Meeting in crèche room

Wednesday 20th March

1.30pm Midweek Communion led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley. All Welcome

Thursday 21st March

2.00pm CTiNWR Lent Course Week 6 at Norden URC

10.30am Palm Sunday Family Worship led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley

Sunday 24th March

6.00pm Evening Worship led by Andy Platt

Monday 25th March

8.00pm March Focus on Prayer Meeting in crèche room

Thursday 28th March

7.00pm Maundy Thursday Communion led by our Minister Revd Richard Bradley

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. – Anon

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Message from the manse “Walking with Jesus”

As I sit to write this article for the March edition of the magazine I am conscious that we will be two weeks into Lent. Lent is a period that offers us the time to reflect on Jesus. To reflect on his obedience and willingness to do what his Father wanted of him. Jesus knew full well what lay ahead for him. He knew the suffering he would endure. The abandonment he would experience at the hands of those close to him. During the services in the month of March we will be exploring passages with the theme of “Walking with Jesus”. We will explore Bible passages that will help us to think about how people encountered Jesus and began some form of journey with him. During these services I hope there will be the opportunity for us to think about our own Walk with Jesus. I don’t know what people have thought about the themes we have been following in the last few months. Some may have found them helpful, others perhaps not. But I hope what they have done is to make us stop, and think about our own faith journey. This year we are “Seeking God’s Vision for the Church”. That is seeking God’s vision for Bamford Chapel. What God wants of us and from us. I am in my third year of ministry here now and I never stop thanking God for the talent He has blessed this church with. We have recently had the show Jesus Christ Superstar and the amazing talent that stood on the stage again. And I hope that if you watched that show that you saw beyond the actors and actresses; the lyrics, the choreography, the musicians and saw what is at the heart of the Christian Gospel - the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The production was a timely

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reminder for each of us what suffering Christ went through for us - for you, for me, for the whole world. I have a passion for longing to see deeper commitment to Christ. Each day of our lives is another opportunity to give to God more of ourselves. I hope that as we journey through this Lenten period we will think about what it means to Walk with Jesus. As we heard in the service on the 7th February that walk (with Jesus) can be costly. But the rewards are quite literally mind-blowing for those who commit fully to God, in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. I invite you on a walk, a walk with Jesus a walk that is the most important walk we can take, learning together and being transformed into the image of God. Let us get our spiritual boots on and trust in the one who will lead us and guide us on this journey. God Bless, Richard.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my

friends at Bamford Chapel for the support given to

Richard and I during Jean’s illness and following

her death.

I had drivers to take me to Fairfield hospital and

the emergency Meal Scheme sprang into action. I

had splendid lunches during December and

January and give thanks to all the cooks.

God Bless

Eric Lumb

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News of the family

Concerns are expressed for Auriel and Ray Atkins, Ken and

Marjorie Farrington, Alastair Linden and family, Don and

Winifred Schofield, Fred and Margaret Riley, Muriel and Ian

Sturrock, Peter and Lesley Sutton, Geoff and Margaret Ogden,

Lydia Wright and Joan Warner`s sister, Sylvia.

We continue to remember Eric and Richard Lumb in our

prayers, following Jean`s death and her funeral on 1st

February.

Sheila James had a fall on 9th February and we pray that she

makes a quick recovery.

We give thanks for the success of Max Beaumont`s recent

heart surgery and pray that he makes a full recovery.

We rejoice with Ruth Watson and family that Ruth has

accepted her call to ministry in Salford. Our love, prayers and

best wishes go with her as she moves towards the end of her

course and looks forward to new challenges. May God bless

her and give her the strength to continue to serve Him as she

has been called to do.

And finally, a big thank you to all who were involved in “Jesus

Christ Superstar”. What a wonderful weekend, and what a

witness to the fellowship, talent and commitment of

Christians at Bamford chapel. Well done everyone. We look

forward to the next one...

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Ladies’ Fellowship

Ladies’ Fellowship – January meeting 2013 On our first meeting of the New Year, we were privileged to have our very own Finlay Galloway, telling us about his part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Finlay took us on a tour ‘behind the scenes’ at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and shared with us his involvement in Athletics at both Games.

One thing which was very apparent was the amount of preparation that took place from Finlay’s invitation to be part of the Event Management Team in November 2009 through to a visit to the Stadium in March 2012. There was a Test Event for both Games in the May and a 2-hour rehearsal event, two nights before the Athletics started!

The uniforms were fascinating and the formal jacket (used in the evening sessions) had to be seen to be believed as did the ‘conversion kit’ to change his jacket between the two Games!

Life in the Paralympic Village seemed to be very enjoyable (when the Officials had time to be there) and the dining hall with its menu choices sounded mouth-watering. Finlay also had time to tell us that for the Olympic Games (when the Athletics Officials lived in a hotel on the edge of the Olympic Park), a colleague with a pedometer had calculated that the Officials had walked 50 miles throughout the event, just getting to the Stadium and back four times a day. And all this as an unpaid volunteer!

I am sure everyone will agree with me that we are very proud of Finlay and what he achieved. I personally would have loved to have attended at least one of the events at the Olympics. But at least I was able to watch on television more events than I could have attended.

Thank you Finlay for all you did at Olympics 2012. And thanks go also to Gillian for her part of our evening’s entertainment..

Margaret Entwistle

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Annual

Quiz Night

Saturday 16th March 2013

7.30pm

----------------------------------------------------

Get your names down for our annual

fundraising quiz and supper. We`re looking for

teams of 4 to take part, come along as a team or

by yourself and we will put you in a team.

£5 per person including supper.

Bring your own wine/beer

Please sign up on the list in the coffee area.

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Wisconsin Lutheran Choir

24th/25th May

Thanks to those people who have already volunteered

to host members of the choir. We now know that there

will be 61 young people in the party, so we still need

more beds. There is a list to sign in the coffee area.

For more information, please see

Angela Smith or Julie Platt.

No Time for Prayer?

What is this life if, full of care

We have no time to spend in prayer?

No time to meet our Father, dear

And hear the words we need to hear?

No time – because we’re rushed to

death

And fail to feel the Spirit’s breath?

No time – because our lives, absurd

Preclude from time spent with His word!

No time within our full employ

To know our Lord’s transcending

joy? What is this life if, full of care

We have no time to spend in

prayer?

By Nigel Beeton

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On the afternoon of

Sunday

3 March 2.30 –5 pm

Menu

Spaghetti bolognaise

Vegetarian option

Made from Fairtrade

products

All ages welcome Theme: Fair Trade

Enjoy: Craft, Music, Food,

Fellowship and Fun

Donation in exchange for food!

Children: please bring an adult with you

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Please sign up under the clock or see Barbara

Redmond. Thank you

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The egg with added ‘Easter’

launches 2013 campaign

Congregations, schools and individuals are being asked

to support the Real Easter Egg 2013 campaign - and

help change a life. Of the 80 million chocolate eggs

expected to be sold in the UK this Spring, the Real

Easter Egg is the first and only Fairtrade egg to explain

the meaning of Easter on and in the box.

Last year stories began to emerge of people whose life

had been changed after being given a Real Easter Egg.

A grandmother from Oxfordshire gave an egg and

explained: “Tracy saw the book that was included with

the egg and wanted her mum to read the story to her…

The following week Tracy attended Sunday School.”

But it is not only at home that lives have been

transformed. With each sale of The Real Easter Egg a

donation is made to Traidcraft Exchange to support

some of the poorest farmers in the world. More than

£40,000 has been donated so far.

David Marshall, founder of the Meaningful Chocolate

Company, said: “It is encouraging to hear many lives

have been changed by people receiving a Real Easter

Egg. It is proof that the events of Easter, including the

death and resurrection of Jesus, have the power to

open minds, change lives and

offer real hope. It is also a boost

for charitable giving, Fairtrade

and the work of trade justice. I

hope individuals will hunt out a

Real Easter Egg this year.”

www.realeasteregg.co.uk

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Bamford Chapel

Lunchtime Concert

Tuesday 12th March

Students from the

Royal Northern College of Music

Lunch available at 12 noon

Concert at 12.45 pm

Entry to the concert is £3

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Food for Thought by arrangement with RADIUS

(The Religious Drama Society of Great Britain)

presents

Sorrowful Mysteries by Les & Julie Ellison

Good Friday 30th March 2013

7.30 pm

at Bamford Chapel

Followed by refreshments

The action of the play will take place in various

locations within the church premises

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Big Sing

This is happening on Saturday 27th April from 1pm to 4pm at Bamford Chapel. It is an opportunity to come together with our friends from other Rochdale Churches to have a time of singing. Revd Carole Marsden from Cumbria is leading the event. Tickets are available please see Richard for tickets or let him know if you plan to come on the day. It was cancelled at the last minute last time because the ministers didn’t think there were sufficient numbers. Only to find out people were planning to attend. So apologies for that – please come along!!!

Thanks, Richard.

Churches Together in North West Rochdale Lent Course

All are invited to the CTiNWR Lent Course. The course will be run at lunch times from 12.30pm with a soup and roll lunch. The course will then start at 1pm and run for an hour.

The course is called Transformed by the Presence of Jesus.

The dates and times are as follows:-

I hope people will come along and share together with friends from across the CTiNWR churches. God Bless, Richard

Date Venue Leader(s)

28th Feb Bamford Chapel URC Revd Richard Bradley

7th March Cutgate Baptist Church Mr Mike Davis

14th March Bamford Chapel URC Revd Karen Smeeton

21st March Norden URC Revd Diane Hicks

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The Offering Plate - read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Ed Dobson, my former pastor, often said that he disliked

preaching about financial giving to the church. He said his previous

job required fundraising, so he didn’t like putting any unnecessary

pressure on people. But when he was teaching through 2

Corinthians, and he came to chapters 8 and 9, he couldn’t avoid

the topic of giving. What I remember most about his sermon was

the illustration he used. He placed an offering plate on the floor,

stepped into it, and stood there as he talked about the importance

of giving our whole selves to the Lord, not just our wallets.

Those two chapters in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians give

us a number of attitudes and actions that we are to display in our

giving to the Lord:

• Give yourself to the Lord first (8:5).

• Give, remembering the example of the Lord Jesus (8:9).

• Give according to your means (8:11-12).

• Give enthusiastically because of God’s love (9:2).

• Give generously, not grudgingly or because of outside pressure

(9:5-7).

Next time the offering plate comes around at church, imagine

yourself stepping into it. It will help you to excel in the grace of

giving (8:7).

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving Yourself for me on the cross. Because of Your love, I give all of me—

my heart, my time, my funds, my will—to You.

I love You.

When we give ourselves completely to the Lord, all lesser giving becomes easier.

Extract from Our Daily Bread left anonymously in the magazine folder.

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Alpha’s Back!!

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR What a show! What a cast! What a man!

Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ

Who are you, what have you sacrificed? Jesus Christ, Superstar

Do you think you’re what they say you are?

Who was right? Judas – Jesus was a failure? Pilate – Jesus was a sad little man, not a King or God? Herod – Jesus was a nuisance? Caiaphas – Jesus was a danger? Mary – Jesus is able to change people? Peter – Jesus will get the power and the glory?

What do you think? Come and have your say at the

Alpha Course starting at Bamford Chapel on Friday 8th March.

The Alpha Course is a 10-week course giving you an

opportunity to look at the Christian faith in an informal setting. We meet once a week, starting at 7pm with a meal, then a DVD, then a discussion. It’s free, it’s fun and it’s friendly. First week’s topic is ‘WHO IS JESUS?’ and the second is ‘WHY DID JESUS DIE?’ Check out the website www.bamfordchapel.co.uk

To confirm your place or to find out more contact Joan Warner on 01706 347 358

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Facts & figures about the show that you probably didn’t know

The cast rehearsed every Sunday afternoon from late April 2012 to February 2013 with a break in July & August; that’s about 31 weeks / 93 hours.

Refreshments were provided at every rehearsal – 1240 drinks in all The age range of the 38 members of the cast was 9-90 (give or take a few months). The age difference between Jesus and his oldest (female!) disciple was 62 years! Rehearsals went on despite car crashes & horse-riding accidents! Steven Gooding only REALLY lost his temper once AND I WAS ON HOLIDAY AND MISSED IT! The number of sleepless nights Clair endured is unknown! 600 people attended over the two nights, 300 programmes were provided. All were helped to park their cars, find their place, and have refreshments. 40 metres of voile and 20 metres of blackout was used for the backdrop Costume trio begged, borrowed and bought from many sources. Received great help from Whitworth Dramatic Society & stitched & stuck with help from cast members. Tech team used 7.500 watts of lighting, 250 metres of cabling, 40 watt audio system 9 head & 4 hand-held microphones & had time to train a new apprentice! Props used 4 tubes of lipstick & 1 bottle of tomato ketchup to provide the blood for the 39 lashes scene

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The cross was 12 foot high, 6 foot wide and 9*6 inches square. Michael hung from it some 20 times. When it was first erected Mary Magdalene's foot was under it! OUCH! Transforming the sanctuary to stage took 8 hours on the snowy Saturday morning of Saturday 27th January. But the sausage butties helped! Dismantling it took 2 hours after the Sunday performance.

And as you sat and watched the show – you had no idea of all that had gone on to achieve the vision that Clair and Steven had a year ago. We know it was all worthwhile because of your response as an audience. We hope the powerful images will linger with you over this time of Lent and into the season of Easter. Then the agony of the Cross is transformed by the victory of the resurrection! Words from John Wooller in his inspiration book ‘I AM WITH YOU’ are worth pondering.

“On the Cross, you see My heart of love, crushed for the moment, by the force of evil which darkens this universe. Then you see the bursting forth again of

love’s power in My Father’s victory; this power in its submission and its patience, can change,

permanently, any human situation.”

Names have not been mentioned here – to protect the innocent!

Actually it’s to allow readers to guess who the backstage crew

might have been – names are listed later in the magazine. Thanks

to one and all for a wonderful experience

Joan Warner

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Jesus Christ Superstar at Bamford Chapel

certainly had support in high places.

A letter was received from Andrew Lloyd Webber which

sent ‘best wishes for a wonderful opening

night and an enjoyable and successful run.’

Alice Morris tweeted Tim Minchin and Chris Moyles who

are playing Judas and Herod in the Nationwide tour of

Jesus Christ Superstar. Tim Minchin replied,

‘Break legs. My one tip: kill the lead

characters. Works every time. Xx’

Chris Moyles replied, ‘Break a leg an’ all that! ‘

Jesus Christ Superstar-a personal review

I had deliberately not taken a sneak preview at any of the

rehearsals or even of the Saturday night performance in order to

get the full impact on the night when I watched it in full. I was not

disappointed! Every member of the cast did Bamford Chapel

proud. They had obviously put a great deal of time and effort into

perfecting their performances. The talent displayed on stage was

simply staggering from everyone involved. The story was

beautifully told and the crucifixion scene brought a tear to the eye.

So many deserve special mention but so as not to disappoint any

individual I just wanted to say a huge congratulations and well

done to everyone. You are all stars!

Louise Aspinall

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Ignite GEAR event

Saturday 13th April

(time to be confirmed)

Following on from the GEAR (GEAR = Group for Evangelism and Renewal in the URC) event last year we are holding another event

at Bamford Chapel called Ignite.

“Ignite provides opportunities for congregations to catch the Holy Spirit's flame and grow in faithfulness to Jesus Christ. Taught from a Reformed perspective, Ignite conveys a Biblical message that will enrich and empower the people of your church, enabling them to serve with joy.” (from the GEAR website)

I am still awaiting further information about the event but I urge you to put the date in your diary. I am sure it will be a blessed event where we will learn together more of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks, Richard.

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Fairtrade Fortnight

25th February to 10th March 2013

Look out for events planned for this special two weeks of the year as far as fairtrade is concerned

Fairtrade Fortnight 2013 will be all about baking;

it’s rather a food orientated theme.

Fairtrade Fortnight brings together consumers, retailers, licensees,

businesses, producers and campaigners nationwide to promote

awareness and sales of Fairtrade products and campaign on issues of

trade justice.

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BARN DANCE

7.30pm FRIDAY

22nd MARCH

ST VINCENT PARISH CENTRE

CALDERSHAW ROAD, ROCHDALE

(FULLY LICENCED BAR)

TICKETS £7.00 - FAMILY TICKET £25.00

PRICE INCLUDES POTATO/CHEESE PIE SUPPER

PROCEEDS IN AID OF OUR TEENAGERS’ CHARITY

WORK ABROAD IN 2013

Please see Lyn Jefferies, Carole

Greaves, Carol Morris, Janet

Crompton for more details

and tickets.

Limited number of tickets available so book early Lost property.

Please check the lost property store (on the cleaning cupboard) for

anything you may have mislaid.

Unclaimed items will be disposed of at Easter.

Thank you

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Ladies’ Fellowship

With apologies to Margaret and the Ladies’ Fellowship for

the late publication of this article.

Our November meeting gave us a chance to finish our

Christmas shopping. Fiona Shepherd brought a lovely

selection of scarves, jewellery and fashion accessories

which I personally took advantage of.

Our December meeting saw about 40 of us having a

Christmas meal at the Peacock Room in the Crimble.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal and it was very

relaxing as we enjoyed the friendship between all

members. We also had a couple of quizzes to keep us

out of mischief.

We did however have a bit of drama - Pat Gate decided

to attempt to burn the place down - she accidentally laid

her quiz paper on one of the small candles which set

alight immediately

However, it was quickly dealt with and the Peacock

Room is still intact. May I take this opportunity of

wishing everyone a peaceful and healthy New Year.

Margaret Entwistle

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BACKSTAGE AT JCS – February 2013

Sunday refreshments – Olive Brierley, Pat Gate

Show week refreshment support – Audrey Telford

Performance night refreshments – Barbara Redmond’s team

Ticket sales – John & Angela Hall, Bernice Miller

Publicity & programmes – Louise Aspinall & Lesley Sutton

Welcoming team & Car Park – Cameron Baines & Team

Scenery – Gill Galloway + volunteers

Costumes – Lyn Jeffries, Carol Greave, Karen Nuttall + volunteers

Tech Team – Gareth Rich, Richard Warren, Will Hazlehurst, Joshua Gordon

Props – Jean Fitton & Clare Rich

Make up - Julie Platt

Continuity - Katie Platt

Staging – Stuart Dean

Construction & demolition – willing volunteers

Sausage Butties – Julie Platt

Photographs – Steve Pratt (www.lambourneimages.co.uk)

The Band

Carolyn Divers - After show party organiser

I accept full responsibility for any names I have omitted and apologise globally in advance – will apologise in person when I’m made aware of my errors. Joan Warner

FAIRTRADE FUN DAY

Saturday 2nd March Rochdale Pioneers Museum

31 Toad Lane, Rochdale OL12 0NU Learn about Fairtrade by taking part in our trail and hoopla game. ‘Take

a step for Fairtrade’ and get involved in our giant foot collage .

Entry is FREE Face paint £1 and cookie decorate 50p

Suitable for the whole family. Drop-in, no need to book

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Rochdale Pioneers Museum

Wednesday 27th February

Symbol of Success, 1963 and Halcylon Days, 1962

Wednesday 6th March

Towards Tomorrow: Pageant of Co-operation, 1938 and

Filming of the International Co-operative Day Pageant at

Wembley Stadium in 1938

Wednesday 13th March

The Right Mixture, 1955 and Behind the Counter, 194

FREE, donations welcomed.

Drop in, no need to book.

Film Shows 1.45-2.30pm

Watch a selection of Co-operative Films whilst

enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.

Lectures

Thursday 21 March

Women’s Outlook: A surprisingly modern magazine?

6.00-7.30pm

For nearly five decades, Woman’s Outlook was the voice of

the Co-operative Women’s Guild. In this lecture Natalie

Bradbury will explore some of the key issues addressed in

Outlook, from suffrage and peace to maternity benefits,

pensions and nursery education

FREE, donations welcomed. Please book in advance.

Rochdale Pioneers Museum

31 Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL12 ONU

01706 524920 / museum@co-op.ac.uk

www.rochdalepioneersmuseum.coop/events

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BAMFORD CHAPEL MAGAZINE

EDITORS: Louise Aspinall 01706 719449

l.aspinall@yahoo.co.uk

Martyn James 01706 868885

martyn-james1@sky.com

SECRETARY: Joan Ashton 01706 360395

ray-joanashton@sky.com

DATES FOR THE NEXT MAGAZINE

APRIL 2013

Articles to be handed in by: Sunday 17th March 2013

Magazine to be completed by: Thursday 28th March 2013

Magazine distributed: Sunday 31st March 2013

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BAMFORD CHAPEL

United Reformed Church Charity - Reg’d No 1128387

(FAIRTRADE CHURCH) Norden Road, ROCHDALE, Lancs. OL11 5PQ

The Manse,

Norden Road,

ROCHDALE,

Lancs

OL11 5PQ

Telephone: 01706 369622

www.bamfordchapel.co.uk

Minister : Rev Richard Bradley

Email: richardbradley@cantab.net

Church Secretary: Ian Sturrock

Telephone: 01706 653109

Email: i.sturrock@talktalk.net

Wedding Secretary: John Lapworth

Telephone: 01706 632460

Email: john@lapworth37.plus.com

Lettings Manager: Linda Kerford

Telephone: 01706 624256

Email: l.kerford@btinternet.com

Times of Services: Family Worship : 10.30 am : Holy Communion 1st Sunday in month

Evening Worship : 6.00 pm : Holy Communion 3rd Sunday in month