This year, the Methodist Church on the corner of Manor Road in Writhlington is celebrating its centenary. One hundred years is a very special moment in the life of an organisation, or indeed a person, often marked by special events like parties or photos in the newspaper.

Our church has been a special place over the years for lots of people, with many moments marking phases of people's lives, and with the story of God's great love for us told time and again.

The world before the First World War was very different from the one we live in now, but it was already changing for people who had the vision to build the chapel. The building, of course, was not the beginning of Methodist work in the area, we have been in Writhlington longer than that, but those who built the chapel back then had two aims – to provide a place to worship God and to tell the good news about Jesus to their friends and neighbours.

In the course of the next twelve months, we have twelve exciting events to mark this milestone in our history. They are listed in our souvenir programme available from church members, but they will also be advertised individually.

We are starting with a Grand Garden Party on Saturday, 22nd June from 2 – 5 p.m. It will be opened by the Right Honourable Lord Hylton, with his wife, Lady Hylton, and introduced by the Town Crier, Mr Adrian Dando. (Lord Hylton's father opened the church in 1913).

There will be a children's fancy dress competition, face painting, children's games and a grand tea. We hope to recreate the happy gatherings the church family has enjoyed over the years.

A word of warning, space is limited. Programmes, which will act as a ticket, are available from members of the Centenary Committee.

Val Montague