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Mr. Dunderdale (left), the vicar, churchwardens and guests at the opening.

The attendance of 300 at the Hallow'e'en opening of the new St. Mark's Church Hall took everyone by surprise. After the official opening by the secretary of the Blackburn diocese, Mr. David Dunderdale, there was a Hallow'e'en party in the new hall. The vicar, the Rev. A. Taylor said "There was so much noise and confusion with all that unexpected number of people turning up, that it was virtually impossible to hear Mr. Dunderdale's opening speech. It was a marvellous attendance, and although we just hadn't the space to hold a dance for such vast numbers, the competitions more than made up for it." A presentation of a Parker pen was made to Mr. M. Woodhead, who is Deputy Director of Parks for Burnley, who played a large part in getting the new hall built, and also to Mr. G. Fielding, representative of the construction firm who built the hall.

During the evening, fancy dress and turnip lantern competitions were held, and there was singing by Misses Eileen Johnson and Susan Carol. Two "witches" made their way to the opening by bus, and announced to the conductor that their broomsticks had broken down. They later toured several pubs, taking a collection for the hall, and more than one man complained to the landlord that his beer was making him see witches! After the Sunday morning Eucharist, 95 church members took breakfast in the new hall to celebrate.