St Cuthberts, Fitton Hill

On Friday June 30 2006 Bishop Nigel visited three churches on the same day.
Priest in Charge Rev Geoff Garrett of Holy Trinity, Bardsley explained: "Bishop Nigel began by visiting each of the three churches and having a short service.

"First of all he went to Woodhouses Village Church and then on to St Cuthbert's, Fitton Hill. We had a short service that the visitors lead which included the anointing and blessing for those who weren't coming down to the main church for the later service and there was brief time to chat afterwards. Following that Bishop Nigel came down to the parish church of Holy Trinity, Bardsley."

There was a community reception in Holy Trinity Church with light refreshments and nibbles. The event was well attended by members of the local community, people from the two local church schools and members of the Village Association. Rev Garrett said: "We have a monthly quiz evening in the pub that we all join in with. I was pleased that some of those people came."

Following the community reception the pilgrimage service was held in Holy Trinity Church. The church has a Flower Festival about every two years and the pilgrimage service was based around that. The theme for the flower festival this year was the signs and wonders of John's Gospel. Bishop Nigel had a look around at all the displays. Rev Garrett said: "During the service Bishop Nigel handed the baton to the son of our OLM, Gary Lowe, a young man with cerebral palsy. In the 'telling our story' part of the service representatives from each of the three churches spoke."

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

He added: "One fellow who I know very well once vowed that he would never be seen in church. However, he actually stayed for the pilgrimage service and came forward for the anointing and blessing and was visibly moved. He said later how much he had appreciated the visit. We are still in contact and I think it did make an impression upon him."

On reflection Rev Garret said: "It has had an effect and some people are still wearing their badges. It has obviously meant something to them. It was a very informal occasion. For the purposes of the flower festival and the pilgrimage service the chairs were set out in a diamond formation in the centre of the church creating an informal atmosphere and people appreciated that. Everybody I have spoken to really appreciated the Bishop's visit and found it very moving and uplifting in life and in faith."