On Saturday, 2nd July 2005, a coach-load of folk from the Circuit set off on a glorious day to Epworth, the birthplace of John and Charles Wesley, and we all enjoyed fine views as we travelled along the M62.

After a delicious meal in the Epworth Rectory's tea-rooms we were taken on a fascinating tour of the Wesley's Rectory where we heard about the life of the family. Samuel Wesley built this house in 1709 after fire had destroyed the earlier building from which John was rescued as "a brand plucked from the burning".

Susanna, the mother of John and Charles, was a very important influence in the life of the family. She and Samuel married in 1688 and had 19 children of whom 10 survived infancy. They moved to Epworth in 1695. Susanna, we were told, taught her children at home for 6 days a week and for 6 hours a day. Every night there was time set apart for conversation with a child individually. The boys left home to obtain further schooling at an early age. She taught them scripture and prayed daily with them. Through her dedication two of her sons, John, whom God used mightily, and Charles, who wrote hundreds of hymns, became famous throughout the land.

We were fascinated to move around the large house and enjoy its beautiful gardens. We saw Susanna's kitchen where she held her famous Sunday evening meetings when her husband was away in London.

Later, we strolled through the town to St Andrew's Anglican Church where Samuel Wesley was rector for 39 years, then past the Market Cross where John Wesley preached in the open air, and then on to the Methodist Church where a wedding was taking place - conducted, no less, by the minister who is our Rev. Richard Byass' godmother! This latter church was built as a memorial to the Wesley brothers in 1888-89.

Ladies from the Methodist Church served us with a very welcome cup of tea and scones before we entered the church to sing a few hymns and share in an act of worship led by our Minister, Paul.

We travelled home happily to Knutsford, still in radiant sunshine and dropping off friends from Alderley and Mobberley on the way. Our thanks are due to Joyce C for making all the arrangements so efficiently.