St Peter Blackley

The Bishop of Manchester visited St Peter's Blackley on 15th September, 2008, as part of his ongoing Run the Race Pilgrimage.

After praying with members of the church and staff team, the bishop met a group of church members who have recently reclaimed and restored the churchyard. The bishop also met a representative from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (St Peter's churchyard contains a number of war graves) who presented the parish with an award recognising the work that had been done.

The bishop also visited one of Blackley's well-known hostelries, Ye Golden Lion, where he was invited behind the bar to pull a pint with the landlady. The bishop's visit celebrated the links the church is trying to make with Blackley's wider community through involvement and partnership with the local pub.

After a visit to a parishioner in their home, the bishop returned to a community reception, hosted by the church. Guests included the head teacher of St Peter's Primary School, members of Blackley Band and the Chair of Blackley's local Residents' Association.

Taking part in the Pilgrimage service were members of Pike Fold Primary School Choir. "This is an important and growing link", said Vicar, the Revd. Hilary Evans, "The school is not a church school but I take a weekly assembly there, and the school comes into church at least three times a year for special school services. Their participation will both  confirm and encourage that link."

Uniformed organisations "relayed" the special 'Run the Race' baton which was handed back to the bishop by the local Scout group. "The Scouts are also a very important part of our community, but

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

we have struggled to  find accommodation for them" continued Revd. Evans. "We are currently trying to find the money to re-order the church  so that the Scouts and other community groups can have a permanent home in the church again."

Blackley Band, who regularly play at church Carol Services as well as for the St Peter's Summer Fun Day, played before the service and accompanied several of the hymns. "This is another link within the community that we have been wanting to develop and strengthen." Revd. Evans concluded.