The bishop who likes to visit Whaley Bridge – and even help with the washing up – will be in the parish again on Sunday (16 March). The Rt Rev Robert Atwell, Bishop of Stockport, will conduct a confirmation service at 10.30am, then stay on for a bring and share lunch with he congregation.
It will be his last visit to Whaley Bridge before becoming 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 beautiful county of Devon.
Bishop Robert was last in Whaley Bridge for the induction of the Rev Margaret Jones as, priest-in-charge in November 2012.
A visit to Taxal and Fernille Church of England primary school followed a memorable visit to Holy Trinity church on Palm Sunday, 2011. Bishop Robert led worshippers in procession round the church, holding their crosses high. Later, at the party, he helped the ladies with the washing up in the church kitchen, producing a Page 1 picture for the parish magazine.
Bishop Robert, 59, spent 10 years of his earlier life as a Benedictine monk. He has said: “Those years taught me that all growth is rooted in prayer.”