HOLY Trinity Church in Shaw will be looking its best for the imminent arrival of its new vicar later this summer.
And one job Reverend Katy Cunliffe won’t have to concern herself with is repairing the church’s lychgate.
That task has recently been completed with funding from English Heritage and Oldham Council.
The ravages of time had taken its toll on the local landmark, particularly the roof.
Now, all is in good order and the lychgate and surroundings were officially given the blessing of Mark Davies, the Bishop of Middleton on Trinity Sunday.
Following mass, there were photographs with Harvest Queen Erin and her retinue before a procession for the formal blessing of the restored lychgate, churchyard wall and railings.
The Bishop blessed and then sprinkled the work with holy water and a ribbon was cut by Cllr Diane Williamson on behalf of Oldham MBC.
She was assisted by fellow Liberal Democrat councillors, Cllr Dave Murphy and Cllr Howard Sykes.
The formalities were rounded off with a parish lunch in the hall.
Holy Trinity’s worshippers were joined by Reverend Graham Kent (St Paul’s Methodist Church) representing Shaw & Crompton Churches Together.
As part of her ‘reign’ Harvest Queen Erin and her Retinue will be hosting an ‘At Home’ event on Saturday, June 23.
To help with organising this event they are looking for donations of: chocolate items of any sort, good condition cuddly toys, good condition new/used books and toys, sweets of any sort, bottles of any sort, toiletry items, any other raffle prizes.