St Margaret, Halliwell

The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch visited Halliwell on Thursday, November 15, 2007 and met a number of groups and individuals engaged in improving the lives of others in Bolton and further afield.

After beginning his pilgrimage with prayer in Saint Margaret's church in Halliwell, the bishop was taken to visit the training centre for Guide Dogs for the Blind in St Margaret's parish where he met trainee dogs and their handlers.

Before meeting staff and patients at the Bolton Hospice, the bishop popped in on Mrs Katherine Robertson, a member of Saint Margaret's church, who has recently celebrated her 100th birthday. At Bolton Hospice the vicar, the Revd. Derek French, had been notified in advance of a patient who particularly wanted to meet the bishop. As it turned out, a total of seven patients asked to meet the bishop, prompting a comment from staff that this was a greater number than those who had asked to meet Princess Alexandra a few weeks earlier. Wanting to give good time to each patient, the bishop's schedule had to be amended, though, instead of visiting the Royal British Legion Social Club, the bishop was able to meet branch members later, at the reception.

In the church hall, the bishop met church members and community leaders at a  reception. Invited guests included local councillor; Roger Hayes, Margaret Evans; Chief Executive of Bolton Hospice and Navin Patel; representing the local Hindu Temple, also located in the parish.

The service at Saint Margaret's afterwards reflected the many changes in the church and local community over the years but also looked forward to the future. Mrs Sheila Worthington, a former

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

Churchwarden who has been a member of the congregation for over 40 years, told the story of the church, with his grandma, Sheila Pollett, and a young member of the church, Christian, (aged 7) received the Commonwealth Games baton which has travelled with the bishop throughout his three-year pilgrimage. St Margaret's Junior church has grown in recent months, in part, thanks to Christian inviting a number of his friends!

Vicar of Saint Margaret's, the Revd. Derek French, said, 'While we face challenges and changes, in both church and community, the Bishop's visit has reminded us that  there is much to encourage us as we go forward on our path of faith.'




'Before the event I was a bit stressed out, but the day went very well. Though the number of church-members at the service was a little disappointing, though those who did  come were incredibly enthusiastic.

A number of people spoke of the impact the experience had had on them. It was a great delight to see so many different members of our community coming forward to blessed, including the three  RNIB guide dogs (together with their handlers!) that the bishop had visited earlier.'