St Mary the Virgin, Deane with Over Hulton, St Andrew

The Bishop of Manchester visited the two churches and communities of the Deane Team Ministry over two days in February 2009.

Bishop Nigel arrived on Tuesday 3^rd February and prayed with members of the church before being taken to Deane Church Shop on Wigan Road where he met the volunteers at a new charity shop, set up and run by St Mary's for the local community.

After stopping off at Lyngate Residential Care Home, to meet residents, visitors and staff, the bishop concluded the first day of his visit at a reception for the local community, held at St Andrew`s.

On Thursday 5^th February, the bishop's visit began at St Andrew's Primary School, Crescent Avenue, Over Hulton, where Bishop Nigel met staff and pupils and watched a short presentation. The bishop also visited Ladybridge High School and talked with staff and students from the school council.

After popping in on the residents and staff at Woodlands Care Home, the bishop attended a reception for the local community at Deane Memorial Hall. Meeting regular Hall  users, the bishop heard about the many groups and societies based  there, among them, a handicraft group and a troop of morris dancers. Bishop Nigel also found out about the planned rebuilding project, and met guests, including Cllr Alan and Mrs Audrey Rushton and other local community and business leaders.

Afterwards a service of celebration and commissioning was held in St Mary's, involving all the generations sharing the story of their community and church and committing themselves afresh to 'Run the Race' of faith, hope and love.

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

Curate, the Rev'd Daniel Howard, said, 'The Bishop's visit was a boost to our morale and our mission; a great opportunity to celebrate our many church ministries and to express publically our appreciation, gratitude and support towards everyone involved in improving our community life. together ."