Young people from across Lancashire descended on Waddow Hall near Clitheroe this week for a four-day holiday led by the new Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North. 

The programme for the event included a high-energy mixture of games, activities, Christian teaching and worship.

Through events like this our Diocese continues to ensure young people are front and centre. 

A full list of churches is further below.

Places represented are Burnley, Torrisholme, Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool, Feniscowles, Lancaster and Thornton.

Also, Morecambe, Lower Darwen, Over Darwen, New Longton and Heysham. 

Bishop Philip was there for the full four days and said today: “Putting children and young people at the heart of what we do as a Diocese is one of my three key priorities as Bishop so it’s been lovely to lead this four days away with nearly 80 young people.

"It's been a time for them to make new friends and also time to think about their faith and growing their friendship with Jesus.”

Young people arrived at 2pm on Tuesday at Waddow, which is situated deep in the Ribble Valley, while parents and families were invited to a closing Eucharist at 11.15am on Friday, June 2, which was followed by a picnic.

While at the holiday event the young people were split into teams and participated in a wide range of activities: games, kayaking, rounders, treasure hunts and much more. There was also quiet prayer time; Bible study time; a music gig; a murder mystery night and choir singing. 

• Premier Christian Radio reported 'on location' for the event, and you can hear that report on their website here (note, requires registering on the website, which is free to do). 
• Further news coverage could be found in local newspapers across the Diocese, including the Lancashire Telegraph. 
• There are also more pictures from the four day event available to view in a flickr album on our flickr picture site here.

One of the youngsters attending the holiday, Abigail, from All Saints, New Longton, said: “I’ve enjoyed worshipping with other young people like me, alongside having lot of fun!“

Kyran, from St George’s in Preston, said: “I’ve made lots of new friends from around the Diocese and I’ve enjoyed time in worship as well as all the games.”

Meanwhile, Rev. Kat Gregory-Witham, from St Matthew's Church in Burnley, brought seven young people from her parish with her and was also a leader at the holiday event.

She said today: "The holiday has been great and it's also been great to have Bishop Philip attending and leading the event while being so clear about sharing our faith with young people.

"Everyone has been able to make friends with others from around the County who believe the same things as they do."

Parishes in Lancashire represented at the holiday were as follows ... 

• St Matthew's, Burnley
• Church of the Ascension, Torrisholme
• St George's Church, Chorley
• Saint Catherine’s, Burnley
• St Andrews, Burnley
• Immanuel, Feniscowles
• Over Darwen, St James
• St George's, Preston
• Lancaster Priory
• Christ Church, Thornton
• St Christopher’s and St Nicholas Church, Blackpool
• Blackburn Cathedral
• St Barnabas Church, Regent Road, Morecambe
• St James, Lower Darwen
• All Saints, New Longton
• St James, Heysham

Pictures here and on Flickr by Sara Cuff and Ronnie Semley. 
 

Ronnie Semley, May 2023