IT has not taken long for Reverend Dr Adrian Burdon to become a convert of Shaw and Crompton’s Whit Walks.
For the first time since taking over as Superintendent Minister for the Shaw and Royton Methodist Circuit, Rev Dr Burdon took part in the annual procession through the town.
Joined by the Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Rev Mark Davies and led by Dobcross Silver Band, he attended the High Crompton walks on Sunday, June 9.
Later in the day it was the turn of Churches Together in Shaw to hold its own successful parade, fronted by Delph Youth and Training Band.
“It was an excellent morning,” said Rev Dr Burdon, whose afternoon duties attend to parishioners at Thornham St James, Gravel Hole and Fur Lane Methodists.
“We had a good turn out from the churches and lots of people came and joined in as we were going along
“It had a really good feel to it especially when we were joined by children, from the playgroup at St Andrews.
“I moved here last September and had not encountered the Whit Walks for many years.
“I hadn’t realised they still did them around here so it was a nice surprise and it all seemed to work. And the weather was good too.”
Walkers from St Saviours’, East Crompton St James’, Holy Trinity, St Josephs’, United Reform Church, St Pauls’, Salvation Army and Shire Edge took part in the Shaw procession. They were joined by Town Crier Marcus Emms.