From Kirkby Stephen to Grange-over-Sands

The Revd James and Mrs Kathleen Skinner and Kirkby Stephen Chapel (above)

Washing up after a good lunch (below)

At Westerley (below)

If food has seemed to be a theme of our visit to Cumbria then I make no apologies!

At Kirkby Stephen we were served two of my favourites for lunch - shepherds pie followed by trifle - and at Grange the table of home-made cakes was a sight to behold!

But there was spiritual food too. The Rev James Skinner presided at a service of Holy Communion at Kirkby Stephen where folk from eight chapels had gathered and prayers were led by the District Chair.

In the evening, the Ulverston Circuit came together for a reflective service conducted by the Rev. Joe Daley (pictured above). It was a pleasure to meet a number of people with Manchester links, in particular Irene McKay (known to many as Irene Cooper) and Margaret Berry, the widow of the Rev. John Berry, who was an inspirational teacher of what was then known as divinity - but for him in its widest interpretation - when I was at school.

In the afternoon I had been delighted to be asked to lead the service at Westerley in Grange, the residential home run by the Leaders of Worship and Preachers' Trust (formerley LPMA).

I was warmly welcomed by the residents and staff as well as a number of friends from the Circuit.

This reflected the welcome we received all around the District and we were particularly grateful for the warm hospitality offered us by Susan and Richard Teal.