On 8 and 9 November, St John’s Church in Wortley is holding a Church Mouse Festival where hundreds of mice will be on display.
Churchwarden Wendy Gaunt says, “The inspiration came from the trademark mouse carved into furniture made by Robert Thompson, the well-known Yorkshire furniture maker. We have about 20 pieces of Thompson furniture, so amongst a full programme of events we’ll be having a mouse hunt to find the items. The church will also feature hundreds of knitted mice, a mouse-inspired art exhibition and displays from local schools and uniformed organisations”.
The Revd Canon Kingsley Dowling, Vicar of Wortley & Farnley, says, “Two years ago we had a very successful Angel Festival linked to a Remembrance theme and it was really well attended. So this is another opportunity for us to open our church and hall and welcome everyone in. There’s a full programme with something for everyone, and I’m sure if any real church mice visit they’ll be impressed by what they see.”
On Saturday there’ll be displays and children’s activities in the church, and refreshments in the adjoining hall along with a Christmas fair from 2-4pm.
In the evening the local group 'Vision' will be performing in church (7 for 7.30pm) - a local Methodist church group who perform songs and funny sketches.
On Sunday at 9.30am there will be a service and Act of Remembrance at which Councillor Terry Wilford and a representative from St John Ambulance will present wreaths. The church will be open to see the displays and refreshments will be available.
In the evening (6.30pm) there’ll be a Songs of Praise service at which Bishop Nick will be preaching.
Contact: Revd Kingsley Dowling, 0113 2638867, Wendy Gaunt 0113 2795581