Whitehouse Funeral Service helped to support a local 'Celebration in Flowers' in St Mary's Church, Newton Aycliffe on 23 -26 September 2010.

The event was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Catholic Church in Newton Aycliffe and attended by Bryan A Shepherd from Whitehouse Funeral Service.

'It was a great honour for us to help support such an event along with other businesses from within the local area' said Bryan 'and also a great honour  to see Father Jack Caden again having worked closely with him all those years ago'.

As reported by The Newton News: Father Michael Campion welcomed everyone and praised the work of all who had contributed to the beautiful display of flowers, all with different themes. He made particular mention of displays mounted by other churches in the town, presented to the Festival in true ecumencial spirit.

Father Jack Caden was invited to open the event as he was the first minister to have pastoral care of Catholics in the new town. As a young priest he remembered those early days with great fondness. He was also appointed RC Chaplain to the largest mental hospital in the country, Winterton at Sedgefield. Usually priests remain in a parish for about 5 years, but this secured his ministry in this area for 44 years.

St. Mary’s celebrated their 50th in style by installing new carpets and redecorating the church throughout to present a beautiful setting for the Festival.