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The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch let the train take the strain when he visited Eccles on Friday, 16th November 2007, arriving at Eccles Station on the 4.08 (on time) from Manchester. Waiting to greet him there were the the Friends of Eccles Station ("Freccles") and their chairman, Professor David Yates.
Leaving the station, the bishop went to Saint Andrew's to pray with clergy and church-members. While there, he took a moment to look at the remarkable display telling some of the stories behind the names carved on the war memorial. The bishop also visited Eccles Library, where he presented prizes to the winners of a primary schools writing competition. The bishop also met staff and customers at the town centre Morrisons' Supermarket. This being 'Children in Need' day, staff were in fancy-dress and busy fund-raising, though they did have time to present the bishop with (what else but?) an Eccles cake.
The churches of St Mary Eccles, (Eccles Parish Church) and St Andrew Eccles organised a joint community reception at Saint Mary's, to bring together community leaders and members of the church. Invited guests included Dr Ahmad & Mrs Mair Gilani of Eccles Rotary Club, former Salford City Cabinet member, Eddie Sheehy, and Ivor Williams of the Royal British Legion. The Local History Society, GM Police and Salford Heartcare, also brought exhibitions about their work.
After the reception, the bishop led a short pilgrimage service at 7pm at Eccles Parish Church. Two younger church members, Patricia Lewis from St Andrews, head girl of Wentworth High School and lifelong member of St Andrews, and Christopher Rowles from St Mary's made a presention, telling the story of the church and community of Eccles.
At the end of the service, Alan Cooper, Lay Canon of Manchester Cathedral,
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