Recently I have been living and working as a volunteer in the Iona C o m m u n i t y ’ s MacLeod Centre on the tiny Scottish island of Iona. With its commitments to working for peace and justice, the Community, an ecumenical Christian group, embraces the world in its brokenness, and welcomes visitors from across the globe. It creates a space where ethics matters, where visitors –Christian and non-Christian alike, can reflect and grow. George MacLeod, its founder, said that Iona is a 'thin place', meaning that the walls between us and heaven are weakened here. I think he is right. Iona is an inspiring place, seemingly far away from reality and the troubles of the outside world, yet in its midst.

The Archdeacon of Manchester, the Ven Andrew Ballard, has announced that he is to retire. His final service will be at 3.30 on January 31st.

Andrew has been a priest in this Diocese for 26 years, as parish priest in Walkden and Rochdale and as Archdeacon of Rochdale and Manchester.

Andrew and Caroline have three grown up children, and they will be moving to Brigg, just South of the Humber in North Lincolnshire in retirement.

Archdeacon Andrew said: “I have decided to announce my retirement now so that discussions in the Diocese about the possible fourth Archdeaconry and related discussions about the job description of the Archdeacon of Manchester can take place with everyone knowing the full picture.” 

Don’t Drain Us!

United Utilities has changed the way it charges rainwater drainage. Your church is now classed as a factory and charged on a factory non-domestic scale, based on the total size of roofing and car parks.Before 1 April 2008 these charges were based on rateable value. Church premises have an average rateable value of £128. United Utilities claims there is no additional income for them, but it means that by 2010 Bolton Parish Church will face bills of over £17,000 - a massive increase.The burden has been shifted from users with high rateable values and low surface areas, to customers such as ourselves with low rateable values and high surface areas.In many cases assessment has not been made correctly (e.g. churchyards and buildings which use soakaways have been included), resulting in charges 5-10 times higher than they should be. The onus is on the PCC to challenge this assessment charges are applied automatically at the full rate until this is done.On 16 September a new website will launch campaigning for the introduction of a new charity rate into the nondomestic charging regime. Visit www.DontDrainUs.org where you can also swap stories.There is also an online petition that you can sign at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ ChurchWaterBills. It already has over 33,000 signatures. Why not visit to add your name?

Join us from 2-4 for a special Heritage Open Day event celebrating the Precious Metals to be found in the Cathedral: 

• More tea vicar? A silver tea service sheds light on traditional Sunday School life in Manchester.
• Ring the changes! Come and experience a Bell Tower tour (Must be booked in advance – please contact Michael Scott).
• Brass rubbing and fun craft activities for all the family will be on offer, as will
• guided tours, focusing on the precious metals adorning the building.