Golden memories of the Whit Walks

A RETIRED clergyman who met his wife on the Whit Walks half a century ago is to fill a book with memories of the parades.

Retired Canon Jim Burns (66), from Diggle, is writing the tome about the 200-year history of the Manchester Whit Walks, which will also include memories of walks around Oldham.

The event has even greater significance for Jim and wife Iris as they met during the walk in 1953 at the tender ages of eight and six.

He said: “We were both brought up in Manchester and both took part in Whit Sunday parades in the centre of Manchester. We were photographed side by side walking in the procession, but it wasn’t until later when we were finally going out that one of the mothers produced the photograph and said ‘that’s you and Iris’.”

Jim says the origins of the colourful May processions lie in a celebration of the Sunday School Movement. The Manchester procession began in 1801 and spread to other towns. It was a significant community event involving 40,000 people from 45 parishes and drawing huge crowds of spectators in grandstands in the city centre.

Jim added: “I always thought the Whit Walks were a major event not just religiously but socially as well. I always wanted to write a book about it.

“I’m appealing for people to send me memories and photographs they have got. The book will be about a history which is 200 years old.”

He has already been sent much information and is currently trying to find a publisher.

He added: “I have been inundated and have got a file bulging with photos and memories. It’s touched a lot of people, particularly older folk. I’m really enjoying it. I have been wanting to do it for a long time but couldn’t find the time needed. I have time on my hands now. It will take a while to do but will be very worthwhile.”

Jim served at St Mary’s, Rufford, near Ormskirk; St Peter’s, Chorley, and Christ Church, Lancaster. The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, has promised to write a foreword to the book.

Anyone with memories, photographs or who can help in publishing the book can contact Jim on 01457 810074 or write to 7 Devon Drive, Diggle, OL3 5PP.