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Trip down memory lane and support for saving St Mary's
Tytherington Drive Macclesfield Cheshire
I was saddened to read of the plight of St Mary's Church, Illingworth.
I was 12 years old when my family moved to Holmfield in 1947 (during the big freeze) and having failed to settle in the Scout group at St Andrews I joined the youth club at St Mary's which was affiliated to the AYPA – Anglican Young Persons Association.
Meetings were held weekly in the Church Hall in Raw Lane. Usually there would be a speaker and afterwards we would socialise with tea and biscuits and play games such as table-tennis and badminton.
On Sundays after evensong a country walk would be taken and occasionally an longer afternoon walk would take us to attend evensong at another Church – I particularly remember walking to Cragg Vale and to Queensbury. Dances were held on a regular basis (Olde Tyme dancing in those days), and once a year a concert would be given in the church hall. The youth club also had table-tennis and cricket teams in local leagues - home cricket matches being played at Roils Head. No time to hang out on street corners complaining there was nothing to do!
Norman Statham, a prominent member of the PCC, was youth club leader until his work took him to pastures new in Berkshire. After my two years National Service I took over as leader, until I too left Halifax to advance my career in 1955.
I was confirmed at St Mary's on 27 January 1952 by the Bishop of Pontefract – Henry Thompson being the Vicar at the time.
My sadness is not only for the demise of the church itself but also for the loss to the community of the many facilities provided, such as the youth club which played such an important part of my life in my formative years.
I wish every success to the campaign to save St Mary's for the benefit of the people of Illingworth.
Peter Sutcliffe
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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