The Bishop of Stockport, with Rev Margaret Jones, vicar of Whaley Bridge, and confirmation candidates

The bishop who likes to visit Whaley Bridge was in the parish for the final time on Sunday 16 March.  The Rt  Rev Robert Atwell, Bishop of Stockport, conducted a confirmation service in Holy Trinity Church. The three local candidates were Mollie Fyfe. Rebecca Harrison and Daisy Thorogood.

Bishop Robert is to become Bishop of Exeter.  He leaves Stockport after Easter, with his installation in Exeter Cathedral in July.  His new  diocese  has more than 500 parishes across the county of Devon.

Bishop Robert  told a large congregation how, at the age of 10, he said to his grandfather that he wanted to become confirmed.  Grandad said:  “It’s a religious phase – you’ll grow out of it.”  Now  59, the bishop said in his sermon:  “Well, here I am today.”