Baton-run Bishop saddles up for visit

THE Bishop of Manchester will have the chance to ride on some alternative methods of transport when his baton run takes him to High Crompton.

The Right Rev Nigel McCulloch is carrying the baton from the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games to every parish in his diocese as part of his “Run the Race” pilgrimage.

But he’ll be able to give his feet a brief rest tomorrow when the opportunity arises to ride on a horse and cart as well as a quad bike.

The Bishop will visit Trent Riding Stables to watch youngsters ride their horses, before going to the North Star pub to meet local councillors and the community, and meeting the Friends of High Crompton Park at the local beauty spot.

He will also hear a performance by St Mary’s School choir and band and attend a service at St Mary’s Church.

Father Alan Butler said: “Our hopes for the visit will be that the Bishop will re-energise our church, take the reins to lead us into the future and foster strong links within our community.

“He will be visiting Trent Stables, which a lot of the younger generation attend, also taking in the wonderful countryside, hopefully weather permitting, by horse and cart and possibly on a quad bike as well as High Crompton Park, which is used by a wide variety of the community.”