Chilsworthy Methodist Chapel celebrated Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 16.

The chapel was beautifully decorated with corn, flowers, grasses, bull-rushes and a display of fresh produce for which we are all thankful, including an abundance of apples, with our orchards this year having been exceptionally productive. It had been encouraged that people brought non-perishable food items as Harvest gifts and the generosity of the people of the Chapel and Village was greatly appreciated.

Marlene Heard led the opening devotions and welcomed Dean James who we were delighted was able to lead the harvest service.

Worship singing was led by Dionne Bere on the keyboard, Bradley Glessing playing the drums and with Avril Glessing, Maxine Whenmouth and John Cleave as vocalists.

The worship songs were ‘Come ye Thankful People Come’, ‘The Splendour of the King with How Great Thou Art’, ‘Yes, God is God’, ‘My Jesus My Saviour’ and ‘To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise’.

The Bible reading was read by Maxine Whenmouth and Sandra Shepherd led the prayers of intercession.

After the service there was an interlude when coffee and biscuits were shared, this allowed the team of Chapel caterers, headed up by Linda Broome to finish preparing the Hot harvest luncheon which was served in The Stable at 12.30pm.

Mark Shepherd said Grace and the selection of Hot casseroles with vegetables was thoroughly enjoyed, followed by a huge selection of desserts. Thanks were express to all who contributed to such a delicious meal and time of sharing.

Grateful thanks also for generous retiring donations which totaled £592.20 which are being shared equally between the work of Andy Jerrard (Rural Support Worker) and The Ripple Effect (formerly the Send a Cow Charity).

On Wednesday the non-perishable Harvest Gifts were delivered to Holsworthy Food Bank, where they weighed in at a staggering 101kgs.

A spokesperson added: “Thank you to everyone for their generosity.”