It was a warm and sunny afternoon for the Altrincham Interfaith Group’s Tea Party
and about 60 people from all different faiths came to Blessed Thomas Holford’s
Catholic College Sixth Form café to mingle and chat together while sharing delicious
sandwiches and cakes. We were also pleased to welcome Connor Rand, the MP for
Altrincham and Sale West who has previously connected with AIG and expressed
interest in interfaith work.
The event began with a warm welcome from Ann Angel, newly elected Chair of AIG,
who expressed her pleasure that so many people attended despite the tensions and
pressures of world-wide conflict and emphasised how important it was for people to
interact and get to know each other, thus promoting mutual understanding. She then
introduced the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Jane Brophy, who said a few words
about the importance of good interfaith relations and how pleased she was to be
invited to this event. Representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and
Baha’i faiths then each recited a short blessing. Tea was then served and guests
were able to speak with one another and our special guests.
Towards the end of the afternoon, Dominique D’Arcy, Vice-Chair of AIG, introduced
the guest speaker Rev Dr Andrew Knight, Vicar of Bowdon Parish, who gave a
thought-provoking address entitled “Beneath the Surface: Unlocking the Depths of
Spiritual Blessing”, He explained how blessings were an important and integral part
of daily life in all faiths, which was a very appropriate topic for the afternoon. Ann
Angel then ran through the events of the past year followed by Dominique who
previewed what AIG has planned for the future. Then it was “all hands on deck” to
clear away the tea things, say our goodbyes and return to our homes after what
everyone agreed had been an extremely successful afternoon.
We are most grateful to everybody who brought sandwiches and cakes and for the
kind generosity to Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College for allowing us to use
their lovely premises. We would also like to give special thanks to the two pupils from
the school who did everything possible to help the afternoon go smoothly.

We are deeply saddened by the recent tragic Air India crash at Ahmedabad, India and would like to express our heartfelt condolences and solidarity with all those affected.

We understand that some of the passengers were nationals from the UK.

May the departed souls rest in eternal peace, and may their families find strength, comfort, and courage in the love and support of their communities.

Over 40 people took part in AIG’s visit to St Mary’s in Bowdon. Visiting the different places of worship around Altrincham is a regular feature of AIG’s efforts to encourage its members to learn more about each other’s faith and practices. Rev Dr Andrew Knight, the vicar of Bowdon parish, welcomed us warmly before handing over to Derrick Murdie, the parish archivist.

Derrick’s informative presentation highlighted key stages of the church’s long history. It is probable that a 7^th century wooden Saxon structure existed, of which there are no traces. Around that time, as Christianity took hold in Britain, its regions were divided into ‘dioceses’ (pastoral areas overseen by a bishop), Bowdon was one of the first parishes recorded in the Mercia region. Its location offered several advantages: a steady stream of pilgrims, news and trade because of its proximity to a Northern extension of Watling Street; the generous patronage of two local estates (Dunham and Tatton); a high ridge formed from glacial deposits of sand and gravel – both useful construction materials – that also offered visibility.

The doomsday book (1086) records that Bogedone (bow-shaped ‘dun’ or hill), was part of Haimo of Mascy’s estate and boasted a mill, a priest, 2 Frenchmen and a church. In around 1100, the church was rebuilt in stone in the Norman style, and rebuilt again in around 1320 during the reign of Edward II. Further alterations were started in the 16th century, but were interrupted by the reformation. The edifice we see today was completed in 1860 and is the work of architect William H. Brakspear, however it retains some elements of the 16th century church.

The boundaries of the original Bowdon parish were extensive, reaching from the River Mersey to Tatton Park, and from Baguley to Little Bollington. Between the mid-19^th and early 20^th centuries, no less than 16 autonomous parishes were created from within its boundaries. This reflected the substantial population increase caused by Manchester’s thriving industry, and the arrival of the railway. Derrick highlighted a few household names from the estimated 45,000 people buried in the 3 acre cemetery behind the church. The earliest tombstone is dated 1617 and belongs to William Artinstall de Ringey (Ringway).

Derrick drew our attention to the various funerary monuments belonging to the Booth and Grey (of Dunham Massey) families (Stamford chapel), and the striking format of the Brereton family’s (of Ashley Hall) memorial, as well as some of the stained glass windows.

He had also selected 3 important books from the church’s archive to exhibit, including two prayer books dated 1662 and 1669, one of which was opened at the 6th day of the month, showing Psalm 31 [photo: St Mary's Bowdon Psalm for Day6].

Rev Dr Andrew Knight concluded by describing the regular services taking place at St Mary’s. On Sundays there are 4 services, at 8am (traditional), and at 10am 3 services run concurrently: one in the main church (Communion), another (contemporary) at St Luke’s (Bowdon Vale) and a 3^rd in the Parish Centre (for families with young children). Evensong is celebrated Sunday evenings, with choral evensong once a month.

After the presentations, we were encouraged to explore the church, Andrew and Derrick remained on hand to answer all our questions.

The striking stained glass window behind the altar was painted by Clutterbuck and depicts the Crucifixion. It shows Christ on the cross (centre), flanked by the two robbers crucified alongside him. At the foot of the cross, on bended knee, is Mary Magdalene and some Roman soldiers.

At the end of the evening the group was offered refreshments provided by a dedicated parish team, during which we met with old and new members of AIG, and continued to ply Andrew and Derrick with further questions.

Sources/further information

Guide to Bowdon Parish Church and the surrounding area produced by Judith Miller and Sue Nichols, 2016  www.bowdonchurch.org/parish-history/ (download pdf);

The history of Bowdon Parish www.bowdonchurch.org/parish-history/

More stories ‘from the graveyard’ https://friendsofbowdonchurchyard.org.uk/grave-tales/

Services and events taking place in Bowdon Parish www.bowdonchurch.org/ (service times, scroll down for events, activities and news)

Chair’s Annual Report: 9th May 2024 – 8th May 2025

It has been another meaningful and active year for the Altrincham Interfaith Group
(AIG), as we continued our mission to build bridges between faith communities,
encourage mutual understanding, and stand together for peace and justice. Our
programme of events has been rich and diverse, involving thoughtful dialogue,
uplifting spiritual encounters, and moments of remembrance, education, and joy.
On 19th May 2024, over 70 attendees gathered at Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic
College for an Interfaith Afternoon Tea, celebrating unity across faiths. Guest speaker Dr Mona Dillon of the Baha’i community delivered a powerful talk on shared spiritual values, while Deputy Lieutenant Karen Wilson commended King Charles III’s vision and AIG’s role in fostering interfaith harmony.
On 15th September, around 20 members visited the Manchester Jewish Museum, gaining valuable insights into the local Jewish community’s history through artefacts, testimonies, and exhibits—deepening our appreciation of the region’s diverse heritage.
The Alf Keeling Memorial Lecture on 12th November featured Dr James Holt, who explored creation stories from various faiths, highlighting shared themes of unity,
stewardship, and interconnectedness, followed by refreshments and an engaging Q&A.
On 23rd February 2025, our first post-COVID Grand Quiz expertly hosted by John
Moran brought together around 40 people of different faiths for an evening of fun, learning, and community spirit at Holy Angels’ Parish Hall.
Throughout the year, we welcomed thought-provoking contributions at our committee
meetings, including from Michelle Moses, who introduced her interfaith children’s
charity Hello Buddy, and Rabbi Warren Elf, who briefed us on the Trafford Faith
Action Network and Greater Manchester Faith Covenant. Additionally, committee
members engaged with local MP Connor Rand, who expressed enthusiastic support
for our interfaith work during a Teams meeting.
We continue to participate in wider civic and commemorative events, including
Holocaust Memorial Day and Remembrance Sunday services, where AIG members
laid wreaths in Hale and Altrincham and offered reflections. As always, our engagement reflected our commitment to peace, remembrance, and respect for all
communities.
This year also saw the continuation of our Friendship Circles, informal and
welcoming gatherings that allow people of all faiths to connect through conversation,
shared stories, and personal reflections. Despite an effort to rejuvenate and increase
the numbers we are down to one functioning group.
Sadly, we also marked the passing of two cherished AIG members. Cathy Pridgeon,
a stalwart representative of Timperley Churches Together, passed away on August
12th. Cathy’s quiet strength, steadfast loyalty, and willingness to help in every way
possible will be deeply missed. Her funeral was a testament to her interfaith legacy –
attended by a Welsh Muslim, Orthodox Jew, Unitarian, Catholic, Reform Jew, and
Asian Muslim, all united in their love and respect for Cathy. Michael Jackson, a
founding member and former Chair of AIG, passed away on October 2nd. Michael’s
deep spirituality, humour, and unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue shaped
the foundation of AIG and touched many lives. He will be fondly remembered.
In terms of our internal developments, Carolyn Jones will be stepping down from her
post as Honorary Secretary. She has served with tireless dedication and meticulous
care in this role; her calm efficiency, commitment, and thoughtful contributions have
been invaluable to AIG, and she leaves with our deepest thanks and warmest
wishes. Mina Desai left the committee due to relocation, and we extend our gratitude
for her contribution, while Cedric Knipe had to leave the committee on health
grounds. Cedric has been a loyal committee member for many years and we will
miss his dedication in representing the AIG at many local meetings. We warmly
welcome Manjari Patel, representing the Jain community, to the committee, as well
as Maleeha Tayyab from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. We are also pleased to
welcome Councillor Eve Parker as the Trafford Council representative. The
committee has reviewed and updated our constitution this year to reflect our evolving
structure and priorities.
As we look ahead, our calendar continues with plans underway for our Afternoon
Tea event on 29 th June. We remain committed to fostering shared learning, building
relationships, and advocating for a compassionate, inclusive society.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful committee, supporters, speakers, and all
those who help behind the scenes. Your dedication ensures that AIG continues to
flourish as a force for good in our community.
With warm regards and enduring hope,
Elinor Chohan MBE DL
Chair, Altrincham Interfaith Group