United Benefice of Thornhill & Whitley Lower

Serving our local communities

Church activities


There is always lots going on in church and you are very welcome to come along and join us. Why not ask for more information...

Bellringing

 The church has a fine peal of 8 bells with teams from elsewhere often coming to ring at evenings or weekends. Our team at Thornhill are always on the lookout for new members – no experience necessary! Practice is on Wednesday evenings at 7.30. We ring before the 9.30 service each Sunday, and at special services and weddings by arrangement. For further information contact Gary Rawson 01924 461541 or click here for email The peal of bells installed in the church were commissioned in 1980 you can view the text of the booklet minus picture here. Pictures may be seen in the photographs section of this site.

Click here to view our latest booklet on the Bells 2010

Board

We have a Child Protection Policy in Place and the responsible member is Helen Armitage- all people working with children have appropriate DSB checks in place. Kirklees Safeguarding board information here

Choir

 We have a  small robed choir at our 9.30 Eucharist; their singing as the rest of the congregation receives communion being particularly appreciated.  New members adults and children are most welcome - choir practice is held on Wednesday evening at 6 pm, why not drop in to say hello!

Community Choir

The Community Choir meets every Tuesday at 4.15 and remains FREE and open to all --in Church until 5.30 each week in Term Time.

Musical Director of the Community Choir - is Charlie Murray 

 Angels Cafe  

This is run by Friends of the church and donates all profits to Charity . Open every Wednesday  at Thornhill Parish Church from 11.15am - 1pm, Hot meals.sandwiches,puddings and  cake, tea and coffee are on sale   It provides the opportunity to meet with friends, old and new, in beautiful surroundings. We usually have  live Cafe Music provided by Colin Kneen. We  look  forward to seeing you there.

Crafts Group

We are a friendly and informal group who meet twice a month on alternate Tuesday evenings, making a variety of handcrafted items for sale within the church and at local craft fairs. Over the years we have raised significant funds for the church whilst our members enjoy the fellowship and company of the evenings together. Items are also made for needy children in an orphanage in Romania or to support local and national appeals. You don’t have to be an expert – whatever you level of skill a task will be found for you!

Schools

We are always delighted to have visits from schools and are fortunate in our links with the three schools within the parish boundary, as well as with Ravenshall School in Dewsbury. We seek to make each visit unique and tailored to the needs of the visiting group.  

We have particularly close links with our Church School Academy at Overthorpe . Our Foundation Governors seek to support the running of the school through their roles on the governing body as well as in fundraising, concerts and events, and prayer. The Rector regularly takes Collective Worship, and supports R.E lessons as and when required. 

  We are also pleased to have close links with Thornhill J&I  Academy and  Thornhill Community Academies. 

Environment

As a church we are trying to become more environmentally aware in terms of recycling, eco-friendly products and energy-saving. We try to raise awareness of our duty of stewardship of God’s world and have even handed out packs to put in your cisterns to save water when you flush!

Church Cleaning 

 A beautiful building like this cannot be maintained without a dedicated band of cleaners. We have a rota system of people working in pairs. All cleaning materials are provided and no experience is necessary! We generally clean on Friday mornings, although times may vary according to the use of the building.

Uniformed Organisations-

12th Dewsbury Brownies 7-10 year old girls. Meeting here.  Contact      debbietolson04@gamil.com

12th Guides 10-14 year old girls. Meet here Contact Sally Kynaston  01226211227 or 07939304612

Brownies at the Bazaar   Bazaar

 Welcome to Girlguiding UK!

Guiding is a game - with a purpose. It provides opportunities for girls and young women to be challenged by new adventures and experiences and achieve a sense of pride in accomplishment. Guiding also teaches them to understand and learn about the world, its people and cultures

For further information try this link

www.girlguiding.org.uk