Kidderminster Unitarians invited neighbouring congregations to join them for their mid-week Summer Outing on 25th August. The occasion was a great success with no fewer than 32 Unitarians and friends from ten congregations and five Districts participating.
The weather was kind, and after enjoying the excellent National Trust Museum which was formerly owned in Victorian times by the staunchly Unitarian Greg family, we all gathered for a picnic lunch before making our way on foot across the ripening cornfields, to the picturesque Norcliffe Chapel for a short service in the afternoon, led by their minister – and Principal of Unitarian College Manchester – Rev. Alex Bradley.
Speaking on the theme of ‘Welcome’, Rev. Bradley said how pleased he was to welcome Unitarians from so many different congregations and invited those present to stand when the name of their congregation was called. He also expressed his sorrow that Rev. Ann Latham had been unable to attend due to an unfortunate accident at her home, and invited everyone to sign the get well card that was circulating. There followed a delightful service complete with a full-voiced singing of hymns from Hymns for Living accompanied by Norcliffe’s excellent organist.
After the service and group photograph session, everyone enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Norcliffe Unitarians, who provided tea and home-made scones to round off a lovely day.
Roger Mathews, speaking for Kidderminster Unitarians, thanked everyone for joining with them and suggested that perhaps a reciprocal event could be arranged for next Summer, when Kidderminster would be more than happy to hold a short service in their Meeting House – after the visitors had enjoyed maybe a trip on the Severn Valley Railway. Watch this space!
