THERE have been a number of changes on Settle's Methodist Circuit with two new ministers welcomed into the fold.

The circuit encompasses eight churches in Settle, Ingleton, Bentham, Westhouse, Burton in Lonsdale, Newby, Hellifield and Rathmell.

On Thursday, September 6, St John’s Church, Settle, held a welcoming service for incoming minister Reverend Tim Broughton and his wife Pam.

He replaces Reverend Stephen Normanton who has left to go and work for the charity, Peertalk.

On September 1, a similar service was held at Bentham to welcome new minister and circuit superintendent, Stephen Caddy and his wife Christine.

Revd Broughton has pastoral responsibility for the churches in Settle, Ingleton, Hellifield and Rathmell. This is his first appointment as a minister in the Methodist Church, following a long career working in IT for a major retail company.

He replaces Reverend Bryan Yardy who has left to take up a post with the Methodist Church in The Isle of Man.

The service at Bentham was attended by 90 people and led by Redd Caddy an Revd Roger Walton, chair of the Yorkshire West Methodist District.

He had travelled from Brighouse (The District stretches from Penistone to Leeds to Burton in Lonsdale)

Greetings were brought by representatives of the community, of the churches, and of groups that use the hall including: Councillor David Taylor, Deputy Mayor of Settle; Reverend Stuart Stobart of Long Preston on behalf of Churches Together in Settle, Edith Diggles on behalf of Messy Church, Professor Frank Rhodes on behalf of the Bridge Club and St John’s congregation, and many others.

St John’s music group, led by Philip Taylor played for the hymns and included flute, recorder, cello, double bass, piano accordion, electric piano and organ,

Revd Broughton said: “I am really delighted to join the Settle circuit. I look forward to serving the churches in Settle, Ingleton, Rathmell and Hellifield and to joining with our friends and partners in other churches to share God’s love and hope with our community.”

St John’s services are at 10.30am on Sundays, coffee mornings are 10am on Tuesdays and a welcome is extended to all.

The meeting times of the twenty community groups that meet during the week (from Spinning to Bridge, from Scottish Dancing to Age UK Meals) are given on the website. www.settle-methodists.org.uk

In the retiring collection £242 was raised for Christian Aid for the Kerala floods in India appeal.