Profile of Carrickfergus Branch.
The town of Carrickfergus can trace its history back some 800 years to the 12th century .
The Branch can trace its beginnings back to the first rally on 15th November 1980 and still meets on the third Saturday of each month.
We are grateful to the Trustees of the Victoria Evangelical Hall who have been supporting the ministry for the past 23 years.
Membership of the Branch is drawn from several of the local residential/care homes and individuals, some who may live alone or in Fold accommodation.
Attendance is usually around 30 each month.
We could not function without the faithful support of 'volunteer' workers.
Some use their cars for transport, a team of ladies make sure everyone is greeted with refreshments.
We are fortunate to have a 'resident' organist and this makes a real difference to the singing.
The Homefirst Trust makes two wheelchair coaches available free of charge each month to collect our members.
Transport Convener, Secretary and Treasurer deal with the more formal Branch work and other Committee members take part in arrangements and contribute to making decisions on various issues that arise from time to time.
One of our Committee members, Gary White and his wife Kim (see photo of Gary and Kim) make their flat available for the monthly prayer/committee meetings.
We enjoy the singers and speakers at our rallies.
Perhaps like many Branches, the annual outing is eagerly awaited and we praise the Lord for the lovely day we had on 2Oth June 2003, as the photographs show.
For the Branch's 2Oth anniversary a memorial seat was presented to the Holiday Home.
It has not yet been possible to hold a Branch holiday but some members have enjoyed the facilities at Newcastle.
We praise God for all that is past and for those who have served Him in the Branch, some now no longer able due to poor health, or gone to be with the Lord.
The Lord knows what lies ahead and we commit it to Him.
BRIAN BELL.