A few weeks ago I was asked to tell you something of my life. However, if you wish to hear about my first seventy five years you will have to get hold of ‘The Fulwood Methodist’. for June 1987 as I don’t think the magazine Editor has room for a reprint!

I had a super seventy fifth birthday party. I received many letters and such interesting notes were hung on the ‘Tree of Memories’. I did enjoy the birthday cakes (both of them)! One was given by Mrs Lambert and another by Mr Maudsley. Geoff Oldham did me proud when he presented me with ‘Fulwood Methodist Church - This Is Your Life’. People came from all over the country to see how I was getting along. I do believe it is on video. Thinking of birthdays ... recently it was good to be celebrating sixty glorious years with the Brownies & Guides and ten with the Rainbows. I believe that the Scouts will catch up to them next year!

In 1992 I was enjoying another Preston Guild. We were able to use the accountants’ car park to decorate the lorry in order to portray Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ as part of our theme. The Banner, painted for the 1952 Guild was carried around the town once more. Everyone who took part enjoyed representing me in the festivities.

There have been a few changes over these past years and I hope I am taking things in my stride trying to get more closely involved with other Churches, Especially CTFB (That’s ‘Churches Together in Fulwood and Broughton’ for all who are as old as me)! Exploring Faith and having meals together has given many people food for thought.

So in May 2000 ‘The Launch’ was held. A Scheme was devised to try and raise enough money to make hopes and dreams come true. I really enjoyed that weekend when many people including Mr & Mrs Joe Public and Mr & Mrs A. N. Other were shown just what might be achieved. Since then countless numbers of people have been helping in so many ways. My rafters reverberated to the sound of drums as never before when ‘Jambo’ played their hearts out!

Last December every part of me was in use for the Christmas Fair, proving that I really did need a bit more space and some refurbishing. I was quite nostalgic during ‘Oliver’ and the Men’s Weekend. I was reminded of other joyful occasions in years past when I’d had fun and fellowship in plenty. All this has helped me tremendously.

I have been remembering some of my other birthdays. I was 21 in 1933. Although it was during times of depression someone baked a cake and there was a tea party. In Coronation year 1937 (George V1) I was twenty five and during the Swinging Sixties I turned fifty! At present I have no idea if there’s anything in store for my ninetieth birthday. Perhaps a cake? or a Chapel Anniversary? (Now that does make me show my age!) or maybe a gig?! Whatever befalls, as I celebrate, I will remember all people who have found faith and fellowship, found Jesus and joy, praised and prayed or worked and worshipped within my walls here at Fulwood for the past ninety years.

By the time I reach my centenary in September 2112 (and with my fifth Preston Guild under my roof) I shall probably have had a face lift and open heart surgery. There may not be bats in the belfry, but antennae in the steeple. All this, with everyone’s help, should keep me going into the next millennium, able to help many people in so many ways. Looking forward: Building Together: To God be the Glory.