Grappenhall Walking Day bathed in sunshine

The annual Grappenhall Walking Day was a scorching success with the glorious weather putting smiles on faces.

The customary prayer for sunshine by the Reverend Jane Proudfoot of St. Wilfrid’s Church appeared to work wonders, as a fantastic day was enjoyed by a large turnout for the traditional walk of Witness. The village can trace this annual custom back over 180 years.

Reverend Jane comments “The tradition of Walks of Witness goes back many years and can be found in various forms across the North West. Here in Grappenhall the church leads the community in a celebration of our unity and togetherness. Walking together is great fun and every year we seem to attract more people. I hope that the tradition continues for many years to come”

The walk is combined with the crowning of the new Grappenhall Rose Queen and Rose Bud. This year the honour of being Rose Queen fell to Millie Chadwick aged 11. Millie attends St Wilfrid’s school and loves, amongst many other things, playing music and is in the school brass band.

Rose Bud this year is 9-year-old local girl Emily Davies who is very proud to have been selected.

After a short service the procession began from the school field and progressed throughout the street of the village, lined by well-wishers. This year the walkers were musically accompanied by the Dobcross Youth brass band who travelled from Saddleworth to play. The Queens and their attendants were joined on the walk by Church members, The Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Grappenhall Rainbows, Grappenhall preschool, St. Wilfred’s School, and many local residents.

After the walk the crowds gathered on the school field to see the new Rose Queen crowned by Gordon Berry who was church warden at St. Wilfrid’s for 50 years. The new Rose Bud was crowned by the outgoing Rose Queen Olivia Proctor.

Once the formalities were complete it was time for some fun and games in the sun with a host of activities and games including a kiddies fun fair, a Nerf Gun Arcade, Moana singalong, Cross Bar Challenge, 2 Bouncy Castles and much much more.