The weekend of 17^th & 18^th November 2007 saw a double celebration at the Centenary Methodist Church in the village of Moira, which is part of the Ashby and Coalville circuit.  

The former mining village, located in the north west corner of Leicestershire has seen many changes over the years, in particular the disappearance of the mining industry and in its place the development of the National Forest for which Moira is the hub and the ever expanding growth of new housing due to its close proximity to the motorway network. 

Yet in the midst of all the changes, one element has remained constant for the last 175 years and that is the Christian witness and fellowship practiced at the Centenary Methodist Church. The original Wesleyan church was built in 1832 and still forms part of the church complex, but this was extended 100 years later when a new church was built and opened in 1932. Hence the name “Centenary”. These days, like so many other churches, congregations have dwindled but there remains a strong core of worshippers who are more than determined to ensure its Christian witness continues along with its very strong musical heritage. Talking of which brings me on to the second celebration. As well has having its own church choir, the Centenary Methodist Church has also been host to the Moira Male Voice Choir for 75 years for it too was formed in 1932 by a small group of church members. Was there ever a better example of Methodism being born in song! 

To commemorate the weekend of double celebrations a Saturday evening concert was given by the Moira Male Voice Choir and special Sunday services were held and led by one of our previous ministers, Rev Malcolm Hickox and his wife Christine, who now reside in Salisbury.  

What a wonderful occasion, and how good it was to be able to reflect and give thanks for 175 years of Christian worship, vision and commitment. With the guidance of our current minister Rev Lynda Coates I hope and pray that our own vision and endeavour for today, tomorrow and the day after will ensure not only the existence but also the growth of our church here at Moira, so that we too can look forward to future celebrations becoming a reality and not as in so many cases simply a missed opportunity.   

Keith Betteridge 

Choirmaster

A Service of Admission

A Circuit Service was held at Moira Centenary Methodist Church on Sunday 9^th July 2006.  It was a service of admission for Ian Irwin and Jane Rutter to be accepted as local preachers into the Methodist Church.  A letter from the President of the Methodist Conference was read out and each was presented with a gift from the Circuit. 

A gift was also presented to Ray Fisher who has completed 60 years as a local preacher, 33 of which have been in the Coalville Circuit which more recently has been the Ashby and Coalville Circuit. 

Thanks were also offered to Derek Horsman, who has acted as tutor to numerous local preachers in the Circuit, including Ian and Jane over a number of years.  Derek will be standing down from this role as from the end of August.