Bishops, Mark and Sam visit Bowdon Deanery

Bishops Mark and Sam visited Bowdon Deanery on 22-23 September 2026 to encourage new ministries, forge community connections, support clergy and churches, and share in everyday church life.

Day 1 began with breakfast and holy communion with deanery clergy and members of All Saints, Hale Barns, praying for the parish in vacancy and the wider deanery. Bishop Mark then joined Ven Mike McGurk (Vicar of Hale) at Oliver Valves, a world-renowned engineering firm, guided by founder Dr Michael Oliver OBE, a highlight being his collection of vintage cars and classic motorcycles.

Bishop Mark later dropped in on “Healing Hearts Together” a bereavement support group run jointly by St Martin’s and St Mary Magdalene’s, Ashton-on-Mersey, to encourage their valuable pastoral ministry. Bishop Sam, meanwhile, was at Trafford College with Rev Daud Gill for a student Q&A, before joining the parents and toddlers’ group at St Alban’s, Broadheath.

He then visited Altrincham Church of England School, meeting new Head of School Laura Thompson: touring with pupils, joining Year 3 at Forest School, discussed the impact of climate change in the Solomon Islands with Year 6, read a story to Reception, and greeted parents at the gate.

Over afternoon tea at St Paul’s, Sale, both Bishops met local funeral directors to discuss mutual church support for bereaved families, particularly with the rise in unattended direct cremations, in a conversation set to spark new initiatives.

The day closed with Bishop Mark at St Mary Magdalene, Sale for worship and a wide-ranging Q&A hosted by Rev Nathan Gregory and Rev Andrew Knight, covering everything from artificial intelligence to the Biking Bishops Mission Fund. Bishop Sam, meanwhile, shared stories with the St Peter’s Christian Women’s Fellowship in Hale, one of the diocese’s largest, with over 50 regularly attending.

Day 2 saw Bishop Sam join Rev Jane Mottram and St Mary’s members on a prayer walk around Partington, visiting community projects the church supports and were guests at Four Oaks residential care home, where monthly services and pastoral care are offered.

Bishop Mark led the growing midweek Book of Common Prayer Eucharist at St Peter’s, before deanery clergy gathered for Chapter over lunch provided by parishioners of St Margaret’s, Dunham, sharing reflections on parish ministry and vision for the diocese. Meanwhile Bishop Sam, dressed in his new purple pinny, joined Sue Redford’s volunteer team at Bowdon Parish Centre’s weekly community lunch, a lifeline for many, serving meals at the tables.

After lunch, Bishop Mark preached at the Mother’s Union Eucharist at Holy Cross, Timperley, led by Rev Steve Dunton, while Rev Andrew Knight accompanied Bishop Sam to Elmridge Primary School, Hale Barns, to meet new Principal Stuart Nicholls.

In a lively assembly, pupils explored the role of a Bishop with mitre and crosier and the visit helped form a new church-school link. Bishop Mark then met staff at Bowdon Church School, one of the diocese’s largest, hearing of everyday joys and challenges. The visit ended in Hale, where Bishop Sam joined the ‘Mancave’, a new outreach group drawing in men from the parish, with a beer, BBQ, a taxing quiz and good conversation.

The busy two days blessed many, strengthened volunteers, encouraged clergy and lay ministries and opened new doors in the community.

Rev. Andrew Knight

View the gallery of pictures from the Bowden visit below