About 40 people from Altrincham Interfaith Group gathered outside All Saints Friary on Tuesday 21st June. We were greeted by Father Brendan Blundell who showed us round and talked to us about this extraordinarily beautiful church. It had been built at a cost of £25,000 by the de Trafford family in 1865, who acquired the services of the celebrated architect E W Pugin and, since 1985, three quarters of a million has been spent on partial restoration. Pugin displayed his talent in the design of the Sanctuary, which was built using only the best materials. We were astonished by its gilded ceiling depicting an orchestra of angels, as well as the angels on the newly restored High Altar. A modern touch was given by the stunning rose window in the west wall with its emerald, blue, yellow and orange glass. There was a wonderful sense of light and of peace. After our tour we were given refreshments and there was a chance to socialise and meets old friends and new.
We are most grateful to Father Brendan for giving us an opportunity to visit this beautiful place and we wish him well with the ongoing restoration.