Whit Walkers’ services in sun

HUNDREDS of worshippers took part in the Shaw Whit Walks

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OLDHAM Whit walkers had their prayers answered as the skies stayed clear for the hundreds taking part.

Congregations from churches in Shaw, Royton, Failsworth, Chadderton and Oldham town centre took to the streets, accompanied by brass bands.

Worshippers from all corners of Shaw walked from their respective churches to the town centre, parading along Rochdale Road and Market Street, before joining in a huge service in the town centre led by the Rev David Jones.

In Oldham town centre, congregations from Oldham Parish Church and the United Reformed Church, Union Street, gathered in the grounds of Oldham Parish Church and paraded past Tommyfield Market and the Spindles Shopping Centre, led by the Oldham Band (Lees).

Patients at the Royal Oldham Hospital also had the opportunity to take part in the Whit Sunday celebrations as members of St Anne’s Church in Royton walked to the Hospital and held a service, with more than 100 people in attendance.

Elsewhere in Royton, congregations from Trinity Methodist, St Paul’s and the Royton Moravian Church toured the district, accompanied by Friezland Brass Band, with more than 200 people taking part.

Churches in Chadderton, including Christ Church, St Saviour’s, St George’s and Crossley Christian Centre joined together for their walk, ending in Coalshaw Green Park for a short service and music.

Parish vicar of Christ Church and St Saviour’s, John Simmons, said: “It was a lovely event.”

Eight churches from Failsworth Churches United gathered at St John’s Church for an outdoor service.

Church warden Ken Barton said: “It was a brilliant day, more than 100 people turned up.”

A group of 140 people walked around Clarksfield and Greenacres, representing three local Churches; St Barnabas, Greenacres Congregational Church and East Oldham Methodist Church. They were led by the Dobcross Brass Band.