Mollicar Woods Sing

The Mollicar Woods Sing was a tradition held for well over a hundred years. It started back in 1903, when the choir at Zion Methodist Church, went to Mollicar Woods early in the morning to practice their singing, without disturbing their neighbours.

Up until 2010(?), at 7.30am every Whit Sunday, people still came together to continue the tradition. We were blessed with sunshine or got a little damp, but this did not deter the usual, excellent renditions of well known hymns, resounding through Mollicar, Royd House and beyond.

When is the next Mollicar Woods Sing and where do we meet?? Unfortunately we no longer meet to do this, but this does not mean it has gone forever. This may resurface another time in years to come. The usual meeting was place in the field at the bottom of the woods beyond Royd House Farm (off Sharp Lane).

The sing usually started in the field at the bottom of Mollicar Woods with a good selection of hymns. John S introduced the hymns, providing the vocal keys and conducting the choir of 50 singers/walkers (and a few hundred midges). The walk then continued into the bluebell filled Mollicar Woods, gathering at the big beech tree for the next set of hymns. The little walks between the hymns gave a time to rest one's voice and enjoy the surroundings, or enjoy a time of fellowship with friends old and new. After the singing at the big beech tree, the walk then continued up and out of Mollicar Woods, on to the hillside facing Castle Hill, ready for the last sing (if everyone had it in them...).

One thing is for sure... be it rain or shine, amongst beautiful surroundings, it was an amazing way to worship and praise God.

At the end of the sing, a collection was usually held, with all donations going to Charity. Previous year's donations went to Yorkshire Cancer research.