St Bede, Bolton-le-Moors

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd. Nigel McCulloch visited Morris Green, Bolton on Tuesday, the 19th February 2008.

After prayers at St Bede's church, the bishop was taken to St Bede's C of E Primary school - the largest in the diocese - to meet staff and children at the after-school club. Executive Headteacher, Jack Hatch introduced the bishop to the children and, after a question and answer session, the bishop visited 'Baby Bede' the school's nursery where he was given a tour of facilities, including their giant snail farm.
The bishop made a brief visit to Morris Green Post Office, where he discussed with staff and customers the vital role that the Post Office plays in the neighbourhood's life.

Arriving at Kenyon Rise sheltered accommodation, Bishop Nigel was warmly greeted by Arnold, a  member of St Bede's. After chatting with residents and staff for some time, the bishop prayed with them and offered his blessing.

A reception for the local community was held at the rear of St Bede's Church. The bishop met church leaders from other nearby Christian congregations, as well as representatives of Bolton's diverse faith groups and other members of the Morris Green community, including local councillors and the senior management team of Saint Bede's School.

At the Service of Recommissioning which followed, churchwarden Daniel Waller gave a presentation on the life and history of St Bede's, while Kristina Kelleway (11), who was preparing for Confirmation a few weeks later, on Palm Sunday, handed the Commonwealth Games baton back to the bishop.

The Revd. Phil Brew, Priest-in-charge of St Bede's, who retires in April 2008, said: "The service, and in

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

particular, the act of recommissioning, was  greatly appreciated. The vast majority of those who were there, including those from other churches, came forward to be anointed by the bishop. The bishop challenged us to pass the baton on and he got a very positive response. There was a general sense of being uplifted.


"I was proud of the way that church people did such a  great job of offering hospitality, though I'm not sure if the bishop managed to get to eat or drink very much at all - he was engaged with people so much!
"Bishop Nigel encouraged and challenged our lay leaders - and in fact all who attended.
"The timing of the visit worked really well - it was particularly appropriate as the parish faces a period of vacancy when I retire in April 2008, and, in the absence of a priest-in-charge, members of the church will have to take on more responsibility ."