Children from Westbourne Primary School in Manningham, Bradford, enjoyed their favourite story, There’s a Shark in the Park, being read to them by Bishop Toby Howarth, the Bishop of Bradford, as a new story telling area was opened in the church grounds of St Paul’s Church, Manningham.
The story telling area was being dedicated by Bishop Toby as part of newly landscaped gardens and a memorial area which now fill the Manningham churchyard. And after the ceremonial cutting of the ribbons to mark the opening, Bishop Toby joined members of the community in enjoying a huge biriyani, while the children played games in the new churchyard gardens.
Alistair Helm the local vicar said: “It was a truly community event. We are so pleased that we have been able to bless the community with these new facilities. Benches, new paths, planting schemes, nature boxes and the story telling area make the churchyard so much more welcoming.”
Bishop Toby said, “I was delighted to be able to share in this event with the local community. Seeing people of all ages and different faiths celebrating the new gardens was so very heart-warming.”