THE Anglican churches of the Bowland and Ewecross Deanery - which stretches from Gargrave to Chapel-le-dale, Ingleborough, are organising a series of open meetings during Lent.

All are welcome to the meetings, which will take place at Settle Parish Church  in February and March, whether they usually attend a church, or whether they’d just like to come along and see what the speakers, including a retired GP and the Bishop of Ripon, the Right Rev Anna Eltringham, have to say.

Rev John Davies, series co-ordinator, said “Following on from two popular Lent series in previous years, this year’s series aims to create space for conversation and reflection around the themes of health, ageing, young people, and wellbeing, with guest speakers on the first four evenings and the final session being a plenary with all the speakers chaired by the new Bishop of Ripon, Anna Eltringham.”

Each evening meeting will start with a presentation by the speaker covering the challenges and opportunities involved in their area of work, and move into time for questions and discussion, before finishing with a short Bible reflection on the session theme.

Speakers include retired GP Dr Colin Renwick, Jonathan Kerr , chief officer for Age UK North Craven; Gareth Whitaker, headteacher at Settle College; Leon Fijalkowski, strategic director of Pioneer Projects, Bentham, and the Bishop of Ripon.

The meetings will all be held at Settle Parish Church, Church Street, on Wednesdays - February 21 and 28; and on March 6, 13, and 20. Meetings will start at 7.30pm, with refreshments available from 7pm. Parking available at car park opposite the Parish Church Holy Ascension