A village vows to remember its history (From Warrington Guardian)

A village vows to remember its history

A CELEBRATION of marriage will launch the 'Burtonwood 400' celebrations this Valentine's weekend.

Burtonwood 400 marks four centuries of the Burtonwood and Westbrook parish and there are a whole host of events lined up throughout 2005 for everyone to enjoy.

On Sunday, St Michael's Church is opening the birthday year with an exhibition of the parish's history, wedding dresses from throughout the ages, a reconfirmation of marriage vows and sermon from Rector of Warrington, Michael Finlay.

The church will be decked out in special wedding-day flowers and there will be cake for everyone in the social hall afterwards.

The Reverend Russ Naylor said: "We have done something similar on other Valentine weekends and thought it would be a nice way to launch Burtonwood 400, because a lot of people from across the area and former Burtonwood residents will be visiting the church.

"It can be quite a moving ceremony because everyone is at different stages in their marriage.

"Gill and I have been married for 32 years. I find the service helps you to remember what it's all about, although not in a heavy-handed way.

"Hopefully, if marriages are good, people will be happy to renew their vows."

Thelma Ellard, St Michael's Church berger, who is making the cake, said: "I think it's a lovely way to open the ceremony and I'm looking forward to the year ahead."