After a 30 minute delay, sadly due to an accident on the motorway, fourteen people were ordained Deacon at Manchester Cathedral on Sunday 2nd July. One of which was Lesley Steer from St Andrew’s. Three years of hard work, cumulated in a beautiful service where the cathedral was filled with very proud friends and families of the candidates. Led by the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Doctor David Walker, and assisted by the Bishop of Middleton, the Right Reverend Mark Davies and the newly consecrated Bishop of Bolton, the Right Reverend Doctor Matthew Porter, the Ordinands made a declaration of Assent and swore an Oath of Allegiance and Obedience, with the Cathedral filled with joyful anticipation as the service began. The Ramsbottom and Edenfield Team Ministry could not have been any prouder of Reverend Lesley Steer as she knelt for the laying on of hands from Bishops David, Mark and Matthew. After the newly ordained deacons were presented with a Bible, they were then given a stole to signify their new office. This gesture being equally special for RETM as it was the first time that Rev Ian Fleming has represented the Team as our incumbent designate. Congratulations Rev Lesley, our love and prayers go with you as you take this wonderful step on your journey in Ministry.
As the country prepares for the Coronation ceremony, so too are Graham Lord, Captain of the Bells and his team of bell ringers at St Paul’s, Ramsbottom. This morning they will Ring for the King from 10am to 10.30am.You can listen to Graham talking to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bbcmanchester?__cft__[0]=AZUxNbe6QClqBaE4KqpfJpyeT0Z0QtfdGgeMvuBom4Qv1d-TTZ6-9qEYvjfqGsrnT5lPMxTHrxLwVliv9TkuTpiq-KWGTBzzNCJTPOXuOwhGJUv-6YwtKjsx3YGppz0UNXv2XfipU1ZPQFhNXVxO9rZd&__tn__=-]K-R">BBC Radio Manchester</a> at around 9.40am on Saturday as he prepares to mark the Coronation. The eight bells in the historic bell tower will ring out for 30 minutes ahead of the Coronation ceremony.We caught up with the team while they were practicing some of the arrangements – The Coronation March and the Orb and Sceptre - for the big day. Graham told us “Our bells toll for all of the special occasions, from local weddings to national events. We rang the bells for the Queen’s Jubilee and again, using muffles on the day of the Queen’s funeral.“We are blessed with a fantastic group of bell ringers, and have more training up to ring with us. It takes up to 18 months for volunteers to be ready to join in with us and we are pleased to have a thriving group. We always welcome new volunteers and encourage you to get in touch. We also organise plenty of social activities with our bellringers and bellringing alumni, so we have a lot of fun too.”
Tomorrow morning 6th May 2023, the bells of St Paul's will ring out to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. The bells will ring from 9.45am as part of the 'Ring For The King' series of events which will be taking place across the country. I believe our ringing is going to be broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester so no pressure there then!! We have been rehearsing a couple of pieces specially for the coronation, Orb and Scepte which is a new piece written especially for this and the Coronation Match which was rung for Queen Elizabeth II. Fingers crossed we do a good job and don't massively muck it up!
Listen out for our wonderful bell ringers who will be "Ringing for the King" on Saturday at 10.00am. We are extremely proud of out Team of bell ringers led by Captain of bells Graham Lord, who endeavour to ring in honour of special occasions.After the heart breaking toll for our late Queen last year, it is nice that this time the bells will be ringing for such a joyous day.They will be ringing two routines, the Coronation March and Orb and sceptre. NB. <a></a>Graham may be on radio Manchester around 9.30 on Saturday morning
