Youngsters lead procession Barnard Castle Walk of Witness

Barnard Castle’s young worshippers were at the forefront of a Walk of Witness as more than 50 people gathered to commemorate Good Friday.
Shoppers and tourists looked on as a cross was carried through Barnard Castle by youngsters George Brown and Ben Drozdziak, marking a reminder of Jesus’ journey towards his crucifixion 2,000 years ago.
Nine-year-old Ben, who carried the cross from St Mary’s Parish Church to Scar Top, said: “It was really heavy. It must have been really hard for Jesus. Near the end of my time carrying the cross, I was really struggling.”
Methodist Superintendent Minister Revd Bev Hollings said: “It is important that Good Friday is marked in the town. It is pleasing that a good number of people have turned out today.”
The route started at Green Bridge and continued up Thorngate to St Mary’s Church before pausing at Scar Top.
Led by Canon Alec Harding, hymns such as When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and There is a Green Hill Far Away were sung and Bible readings about Jesus’ crucifixion and death were read out.
The Walk Of Witness ended with some well-deserved refreshments at the Methodist Church.
Elsewhere in the dale, residents from Toft Hill and Etherley gathered for a special outdoor service to reflect on the true meaning of Easter.
St Cuthbert’s Church and Etherley Methodist Church joined together for their annual Walk of Witness through the two villages.
St Cuthbert’s Church warden Barrie Kirton said: “Every year it is a celebration of looking at Jesus as he was crucified. We had our Maundy Thursday service last night and we have come back today to think about what happened on this particular day. It is our walk of witness to tell everyone we are Christians and we embrace the issues of Easter.”
About 20 people joined the procession from Toft Hill to Low Etherley. Prayers were offered at various stops along the way including Toft Hill Primary School and The Fields care home.
Revd Elisheva Mechanic, of St Cuthert’s Church, said: “Good Friday is important to all Christians. We remember that Jesus died on the cross to take away the sins of all of humanity.
“It is a sad day and a dark day but we also look forward to Easter when we remember the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.”
Refreshments were served after the walk and everyone tucked into a renowned “Etherley bun.”
Methodist minister Revd David Briggs said: “If we don’t remember what happened on Good Friday then Easter morning does not have a great deal of significance.
“It is the single most amazing event that happened. It puts Christmas in its place. If we didn’t have Easter, Christmas would have no meaning.”