by Margaret Ward, Our Lady of Victories

HOW lovely it is to see the wonderful signs of new life all around us at this time of the year.

It brings to mind the great mystery of new life which is the resurrection of Jesus.

But the signs in nature of flowers, lambs, leaves on the trees are tangible things and we are all called to a new life as Christians.

Some 49 years ago my husband and I arrived in Keighley looking for a new life as a newly married couple.

We left our homes and families in the south to settle in a town we only knew by name.

Our lasting memories are of the welcome we received as strangers, from the people of Keighley. Their kindness and the help that was offered will always be remembered with gratitude and love.

Many of those who were so good have now gone to their reward.

We stayed, our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all born in and around and we have made Keighley our home.

Today we are seeing many new strangers in Keighley, people who have, like us, chose to come to this lovely Yorkshire town. Our hope is that we are able to be as welcoming and as helpful to them as others were to us.

Jesus welcomed everyone and as we are full of Easter joy at this time, may we offer what ever help we can, but most of all let us be friends to all.