Christ the King celebrates 40th anniversary

The current church building, in Stocksbank Road, Battyeford, was constructed in 1973 after a fire left the former church in ashes.

The ruby celebrations will commence with a private champagne reception, opened by the Mayor of Kirklees, Coun Martyn Bolt, on Thursday.

And imaginative flower arrangements, from individuals and organisations around Battyeford, will be on display at the church’s flower festival, starting next Friday.

The show, which will be ruby-themed to celebrate the occasion, will open from 10am until 8pm on Friday and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday September 21.

The Rev Maggie McLean said: “Christ the King has developed over its 40 years as a community church through which many people pass each week for worship, education, exercise and play. There are activities for everyone, from pre-schoolers to the elderly, and each plays a vital role of creating and building up the community life of Battyeford.

“Our festival weekend is a community festival which will be full of colour, music and laughter. Each of the floral displays are created by local groups and are done with imagination and creativity and each is a celebration of the forty years of the church building in this place.”

The church’s Ministry to the Elderly team will also host a Songs of Praise event and afternoon tea, starting at 1.30pm next Friday, and Hade Edge Band will be performing a jazz quartet at Saturday evening’s music night.

A special service, presided over by the Bishop of Wakefield, the Rev Stephen Platten, will close the celebrations at 11am next Sunday.

For more information on the festival and timings of the events, contact Mrs McLean on 01924 493277.