St Anne's, Tottington

On June 23, Bishop Nigel visited St Anne's, Tottington as part of his Run The Race pilgrimage. Revd Hugh Bearn, vicar at St Anne's explained: "We constructed our own service within the remits provided. We put together an order of service which fitted into our tradition and everyone was very comfortable with that." Local businesses, farmers, tradesmen, schools and shopkeepers were invited to the event.

As part of the parish visit Bishop Nigel visited St Anne's chorister, Mrs Shaw. He called in at her seamstress shop 'Sew Impressed' in Tottington village, which is fast becoming an unofficial interface between church and community. He also visited Tottington South Primary School Summer Fete where he met the headmaster, members of staff and students. Next was a visit to longstanding Mother's Union member, Joan Round, who has been housebound for several years. She was delighted to see the Bishop and he said prayers with her.

There was a relaxed, informal reception in Tottington Village Hall which is owned by the church. The Bishop mingled and chatted over refreshments with those attending. In a display of the history of Tottington items from the archives were on show.

This was followed by a service of Commission, Celebration and Thanksgiving. The Bishop handed the baton to 18-year-old Captain of Bury Grammar School basketball team, and alter boy, Edward Brown. A young member of the congregation read a statement of faithfulness to mission, service and tradition. The young people read various prayers within the context to that service. Rev Bearn said: "It was

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

a very moving and meaningful occasion. The service itself actually provided a space for people to come forward to be blessed by the Bishop - those who wouldn't normally do so."

Reflecting on the visit Revd Bearn said: "Following the service I went to visit a 70-year-old man and took him the Run the Race badge and a specially shaped cross which fits into the palm of your hand. He was dying. I spoke about running the race and read prayers from the service. His family were around his bed. He was a very loyal devoted Christian man - it was a real connection with what we had just been doing three hours earlier. It was the most beautiful thing. He died the next morning wearing his Run The Race badge. His whole family wore their badges to the funeral."