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The Bishop of Manchester celebrated a lively past and a hopeful future with the people of St Mary's, Haughton Green, on his pilgrimage visit to the parish on Thursday 22nd January 2009.
The bishop's pilgrimage began with prayers in church. He was then taken by Rector, the Revd. Martin Dowland to call on parishioners in their own homes including a visit to Greatwood House Residential Care Home, where the bishop met centenarian Clare Eades - whom he would meet again later in the day.
A reception for the local community, hosted by church members in St Mary's Church Centre. More than a hundred invitations were sent out, and among those attending were Andrew Gwynne MP, the Deputy Mayor of Tameside and local wards councillors, the heads of two community primary schools, a pub landlord, local newspaper editors, community nurses, police, doctors, care home staff, mums and tots and neighbourhood shopkeepers.
A good number of those attending the reception joined the church family to stay for the celebration and recomissioning service in church.
Julie Cope, part of the group organising the bishop's pilgrimage visit, said, "We had lots of positive feedback; people responded to the warmth of the bishop's personality. The timing of the reception and the service meant it was hard for some people to engage fully, but It was still a great occasion."
Church member for more than 85 years, Clare Eades, whom the bishop visited earlier in the day, spoke of the church's life over eight decades. Jessica Holland, a younger member of St Mary's looked to the future as she received
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