LAST week’s guest church was the very impressive St Andrew’s at Slaidburn, and was correctly guessed by Clifford Meehan, of Sutton-in-Craven, and also by its former Rector, Jonathan Oldfield, who retired earlier this year.

He tells us: “I was delighted to see that St Andrew’s church, in the lovely Bowland village of Slaidburn, the parish church of Slaidburn with Tosside, was featured in this week’s Craven Herald.

“I was Rector there for 4 and a half years until I retired earlier this year. “

And, he points out though quite ordinary looking from the outside, the church is well worth a look inside, and its very special woodwork is responsible for its grade one listing - deemed to be of exceptional interest and may also judged to be of significant national importance.

Rev Oldfield continues: “Quite plain from the outside, due to the Victorians covering most of the building in cement rendering no doubt to stop this ingress of water, the church is famed for its woodwork, hence its Grade 1 listing.

“Box pews from the 17th and 18th centuries fill the east end of the church and there is a fine chancel screen from 1634.

“Pride of place goes to the oak Georgian three-decker pulpit of 1740. Historic as the woodwork may be, it is the east window of 1848 that is a sheer delight depicting the nativity and the visit of the shepherds and wise men.”

Following the Rev Oldfield’s retirement, the church is currently in interregnum -- meaning it is currently between parish priests; but is is hoped a new Rector will be appointed early next year.

What about this week’s church, pictured above by Philip Winstanley? Suggestions by 8am on Monday to news@cravenherald.co.uk