Posted Friday 17 February 2012
Gathering after the Wednesday Eucharist, members from the congregations of St Andrew`s Ardrossan, St Peter`s Dalry and St Andrew`s Irvine put questions to Bishop Gregor.
The Bishop`s Visitation to the North Ayrshire Team began with a morning Eucharist at St Andrew`s Church, Ardrossan after which Bishop Gregor answered questions about himself and the Diocesan Growth Strategy. One or two tales ( or should that be tails ) were talked about, the funniest being that of Simon the Bishop`s cat from his previous time at a Church not too far from Ardrossan… Following question time the Clergy Team, Revd Martin Sofield (Rector), assistant Priests Revd Sandy Montgomerie and Revd Ian Boffey, and Lay Reader Linda Whitby had a working Lunch with the Bishop at Cecchinis Restaurant on Ardrossan Marina.
After Lunch there was a visit to James McFarlane School in Ardrossan where Revd Sandy Montgomerie is Chaplain and some of the congregation at Ardrossan help as volunteers. The School provides education for children in North Ayrshire who have severe, complex and profound learning difficulties. These include intellectual impairment, sensory impairment, physical disability, challenging behaviour and autistic spectrum disorders. The Teachers clearly deserve our praise and admiration for all the work they do with these children.
The afternoon continued with a visit to Greenbank Nursing Home in Irvine to see the oldest member of the Irvine congregation. 99 year old Hilda was in great spirit and remembered Bishop Gregor from his time at Largs. After a lengthy chat with Hilda and a visit to take home communion to two other members of the Irvine congregation, the Bishop ended the day at the Rectory for a buffet and a social evening with the joint vestry. A very enjoyable evening brought a very interesting day to a close.
Category: Bishop's Office
