Men’s Event

Report:

A Brilliant Start to Our Men’s Events at Beech Hill Church

On Wednesday 13th May, Beech Hill Church hosted its very first Men’s Event — and what an evening it turned out to be. From the moment the doors opened, there was a real sense of anticipation. Men from across Otley and Wharfedale arrived, some bringing friends, others coming along for the first time, all ready for a relaxed night of food, conversation, and a story worth hearing.

We kicked things off with pizza, and plenty of it. The room filled quickly, and so did the conversations — laughter, introductions, and the kind of easy chat that makes people feel at home straight away. It was exactly the atmosphere we hoped for: warm, open, and welcoming.

But the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly our guest speaker, Ian Ferguson. Ian shared from his remarkable experiences in the RAF, including the day that changed his life forever — the moment his Phantom jet malfunctioned over the Yorkshire Moors, sending him crashing into the hillside at 600mph. His survival, after ejecting at just 250 feet, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Ian spoke with honesty, humility, and a quiet strength that held the room. His story wasn’t just about the drama of the crash; it was about faith, providence, and the way God can meet us in the most unexpected moments. You could have heard a pin drop.

What encouraged us most was the response. Everyone — without exception — said they had a great time. Many stayed long after the talk had finished, chatting, asking questions, and sharing their own experiences. Several asked the same question before they left: “When’s the next one?”

And that’s exactly what we hoped for.

This event was just the beginning. Our vision is simple: to give the people of Wharfedale the chance to hear real people tell real-life stories — stories of challenge, hope, faith, and the God who works through them.

We’re already planning the next Men’s Event, and we can’t wait to share more details soon. Keep an eye on our social media — there’s much more to come.