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Bible Images of 'Living Water' and 'the Good Shepherd' came vividly to life when the Bishop of Manchester visited the parish of Rivington on Thursday, 14 May 2009.
Bishop Nigel McCulloch began his visit with a short service of prayers in the church before heading down to the Church school where he met headteacher, Mrs Case and other members of staff.
Melanie Walton, who accompanied the group said, "Once introductions had been made, I lost him - and then spied him down with the children. He is a tall man but seemed quite comfortable sitting on a chair designed for a six year old, chatting away. Then he was down on hands and knees, in his element, playing cars with a group of boys."
The bishop's next visit was to Yarrow Reservoir Pumping Station where Dave Kettle and Leslie Povey enthusiastically told the bishop about the workings of the pumping station and the movement of water from one reservoir to another.
The bishop's final visit was to Higher Knoll Farm, owned and run by John and Carol Needham, whose daughter plans to carry on the family tradition in the future. John took the bishop to see the sheep and goats, together with their lambs and kids. Bishop Nigel was invited to feed a two-week old orphan lamb (named 'Frog' by the Needham's daughter) that was being hand-reared. Bishop Nigel took the lamb in his arms fed her with a bottle of warm milk brought from the farmhouse kitchen.
At a reception in the church hall prepared by members of the Social committee, Bishop Nigel met church members and many of those who work in Rivington.
The reception was followed by a Service of Pilgrimage. Church member Willoughby Burgess
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