THIS year Christ Church, Pennington is celebrating 150 years of ministry to the church and local community since the church was first dedicated on June 12, 1854.

The Leigh church has organised a range of celebratory events. The first of these was a highly successful New Years Eve party and in February there was a 'history of the church' presentation given by local historian and church member Tony Ashcroft . More recently a Pennington church school reunion was held at the school on Bridgewater Street that included a buffet meal with well over 100 guests and teachers attending.

The climax of the year's celebrations is a Flower Festival that is taking place at the church between Friday, June 11 and and Sunday, June 13. The church will be filled with an abundance of flower arrangements provided by Horwich Flower Club and based on the theme The Life of Jesus Christ. Also on display in the adjacent church annexe building will be historical and photographic exhibitions.

Admission to the Flower Festival is free (including free programme), light refreshments will be available.

On the Saturday evening of that weekend a celebratory thanksgiving worship service is to take place at the church at 6.30pm. The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt. Rev. Nigel McCulloch will be speaking, past clergy of the church will be attending and immediately following the worship service cake and 'bubbly' will be served.

For anyone interested in attending the Flower Festival, further details can be obtained from Derek or Jean on 01942 674935.