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Bishop Nigel made his parish pilgrimage to Christ Church Ashton on 17 September 2009.
He began with prayers at the church, and prayed with 16 lay members who comprise the new Mission Accomplishment Team, playing a key role in church life, ministry and mission.
Bishop Nigel then visited the Waterloo Children`s Centre, a council-run centre that offers various activities. He met staff and children.
Next stop was George Alan the Barber's. George is a member of the congregation who showed the bishop how to cut and colour hair. The bishop tried out his skills on a young customer.
IKEA, a major employer in Ashton, was next on the agenda. Here Bishop Nigel met staff and toured the store, accompanied by Tony Hewitson, who is responsible for the retailer's local environmental programme. He put his DIY skills to the test by making a Billy bookcase at Bargain Corner.
At a reception at Canon Johnson primary school, the bishop met civic representatives, MP David Hayes, business leaders and members of the two church schools.
The congregation and invited community members welcomed the bishop to the evening service, where several people spoke about the life and times of the church over the years. The children were delighted when the bishop spontaneously raced down the central aisle, baton in hand. They presented him with a card made by the Sunday Schools.
Vicar, Lee Longden, said, "The bishop's visit was much appreciated by congregation and community
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