Letter from Parliament - Jim Dobbin MP

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St. Leonard, Middleton Parish Church is in bloom for Jubilee

The United Kingdom rightly celebrated the Diamond Jubilee, of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, in style. Her sixty years on the throne has brought a dignity and stability to the Monarchy, which is recognised across the globe.

Those celebrations were mirrored in every corner of this constituency and I attended as many of the larger events as I could fit in to my diary. St. Gabriel’s Parish church at Middleton Junction, on Thursday 31 May, organised a service in Praise and Thanksgiving.

Former Vicar, Rev. Ian Cook, conducted the service and lessons and was in great form. Ian wore his Air force uniform and medals with great pride. Former Vicar, Canon Alan Shackleton and his wife were present. We were entertained by the children of St. Gabriel’s Primary School, the church choir and the St. Gabriel’s Trail Blazers. The evening ended with a cheese and wine reception and of course a toast to the Queen.

The Parish Church of St. Leonard was celebrating both the 600th Anniversary of the Church with a flower festival, alongside the Diamond Jubilee. It proved to be a fantastic success in a perfect, historic setting. Middleton has a remarkable history with links into Lindisfarne and Iona. It’s most famous son Cardinal Thomas Langley of course was Chancellor to three Kings of England.

The Civic Service, on Sunday, June 3 at St Leonards, heard the Bishop of Middleton, Mark Davis, give a well balanced sermon on the history of Christianity locally and the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Representatives from other Middleton Faiths were also present.

The following day, June 4, brought the pageant performance by local children’s drama groups supported by a number of adults who displayed some hidden talents. The pageant began in Long Street Methodist Church and proceeded via Jubilee Park to St. Leonards, which was full. Middleton’s radical history was evident with references to Sam Bamford, the Peterloo Massacre and architect Edgar wood. It was a fascinating and well organised programme.

Moving on to Heywood, Sunday 3 June was a cold wet day but despite the awful weather, the Friends of Queens Park, Heywood, carried on with their arrangements. Punch and Judy and the Magician bravely entertained those families who attended. The young music group and brass band did well and the Fancy Dress Teddy Bears cheered the watching children and families. The children and Teddy Bears were all awarded a medal and a commemoration mug.

I was able to enjoy the Norden celebrations for an hour on the Monday afternoon. The weather was much improved and at least it was warm. Sue Taylor and her team of volunteers deserve credit for the hard work they contributed. I am aware of many more events that took place that I wish i had been able to attend, but well done to everyone.

I won’t mention the political situation. I’ll leave that for next time.

It’s back to Westminster on 11 June, following a very busy recess.