Great Budworth Deanery Visit Report

Tuesday 20 January 2026

The visit began in Stockton Heath and Latchford. Bishop Mark along with Revd Michael Ridley visited Sir Thomas Boteler C of E High School, meeting Headteacher Beverley Scott‑Herron to hear about the school’s forthcoming quincentenary. He also spent time with the school’s Ethos Group, answering thoughtful questions about faith, leadership and the role of the Church.

Later in the morning, Bishop Mark visited Warrington Foodbank, meeting Operations Manager Daniel Taylor, volunteers and clients. The visit offered insight into the ongoing challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity, and highlighted the vital role played by churches and volunteers in responding to local need.

At St James, Latchford, Bishop Julie led the Eucharist and spent time with the congregation. This was followed by a visit to the adjacent business park, where Revd Robert Icke shared how the church has developed relationships with local businesses as part of its wider mission.

Meanwhile, Bishop Sam visited St Thomas’ C of E Primary School with Revd Ruth Gray. Whilst there they met with Headteacher Ian Moss, were taken on a tour of the school meeting the staff and children, and Bishop Sam took part in a lively question‑and‑answer session with the Year six pupils.

Great hospitality was shown over lunch at the Walton Lea Partnership café, where Bishops Mark and Julie met with Trustees, staff and learners. They were guided around workshops and heard about the stimulating learning opportunities provided for the adults and young people living with learning disabilities. This included hearing about the partnership with St Thomas’ church, Stockton Heath where the learners tend to the community vegetable patch and help tidy the churchyard and grounds with the help of the church’s Eco Champion Sheila Barton.

From there came a visit to the Daresbury Laboratory, hosted by Paul Vernon, Professor James Clarke, Kate Royse and Ian Lazarus. The visit included a tour focusing on science, technology and computing, followed by a meeting with John Leake (Sci-Tech) and colleagues who gather regularly for Christian prayer at the campus.

Later, Revd Jo Mackriell hosted a reception at the Lewis Carroll Centre, All Saints Daresbury, where the bishops met retired clergy, licensed lay ministers and members of the local congregation.

The evening for all three Bishops saw them attending a Deanery Gathering at St James, Latchford which began with worship and continued with a ‘Meet the Bishops’, question‑and‑answer session.

Wednesday 21 January 2026

Wednesday began at St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall, with worship led by the school Ethos Group from St Wilfrid’s C of E Primary School. This was followed by a circular pilgrimage walk organised by Revd Alec Brown which included the school children and their Headteacher Katherine Speed, Revd Kate Pwaisiho and ecumenical partners. During the walk Peter Gleave, Pastor of the Appleton Independent Methodists, shared plans for a new church building on a developing estate, demonstrating the strength of local ecumenical collaboration.

After a hearty lunch at St Wilfrid’s, Bishop Mark remained in the parish for further visits with Revd Mark Orrell, including meeting the families that attend the Pre‑school Praise.

At the same time, Bishop Julie visited St Matthew’s C of E Primary School in Stretton, meeting Headteacher Miss Simcock and taking part in a Q&A with pupils.

She then travelled to HMP Thorn Cross, where Chaplain Revd Canon Alan Pierce‑Jones introduced the bishop to staff and prisoners.

Bishop Sam spent the afternoon with Revd Douglas Black at All Saints, Thelwall, visiting the parish, meeting a local Parish Councillor and spending time at Chaigeley School.

The visit concluded with a final act of worship at All Saints Church, Thelwall, where the bishops offered prayer and a blessing for the continued ministry and mission of the Deanery of Great Budworth.