Rev David Warner column: Best of brass this Easter

In his latest guest column for us, the Vicar of Mossley, Rev David Warner, reflects on a very different Easter this year and thanks the community for all their support during these tough times.

Last weekend we celebrated Easter, and for many of us the unusual experience of having to stay at home for much of the time.

Holy Week and Easter are usually very busy in my world, but there was a strange silence around, unable to hold services or travel around much.

It was good to see so much going on in social media and other ways, and thank goodness for decent weather so that being outside, if we could, was pleasant.

On Holy Saturday it was lovely to welcome the Mossley Easter Bunny and her Chick to the Vicarage garden before they went on their way, bells ringing, to deliver Easter eggs to children in the Carrhill Road and Roughtown area. 

Thanks so much to Mossley Community Centre volunteers for making this happen. 

I played Easter Bunny myself when visiting Sandon House Care Home to drop off some eggs - we need always to hold in our minds those whose work involves caring for others, and the many folk cared for in their own homes across our community. This work is often overlooked, so from us all, thank you.

On Easter day, members of St John’s band and friends performed a rousing rendition of the Easter hymn ‘Thine be the glory’ from their homes, producing a brilliant video of their efforts - these things, along with the rainbows and other colourful stuff appearing in windows, help to keep us cheerful.

Another event being held regularly is the Mossley Cancer Committee ‘virtual coffee morning’ - while we can’t be together for now, it’s always comforting to know that someone else is doing the same as you at a particular time - in this case raising money for this wonderful group and their vital work, while enjoying a drink at home.

Work continues with Mossley foodbank, helped by TMBC, Action Together and the Town Council to ensure that help reaches those who need it most wherever they are in our community. 

Thank you to the amazing volunteers who, week by week, make all of this happen - you really are heroes.

Finally I’d like to offer thanks for our shops and businesses who’re working hard to remain open to serve our community - I think all of us have seen the value of local shops and businesses in these challenging times, and it’s great to be able to support them, as they support us.

Join us again at 8pm on Thursday as we clap for our NHS, carers, and all key workers and staff who are continuing to work to keep the necessary wheels of our community running. 

Again, a bell will be rung at St George’s and St John’s will be floodlit to salute this massive community and nationwide effort.

As ever, please get in touch if there’s something you think we can help with or support. 01457 237667 vicarofmossley@gmail.com.