Poignant service sees 100 attend
MORE than a hundred people packed St Mary the Virgin Church in Bosley exactly a week after the mill explosion which has shattered the rural community.
The moving prayer event, on Friday morning, included a two-minute silence and the hymns ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’ and ‘Abide with Me’.
The service, led by the Vicar of Bosley, the Revd Dr John Harries, started just after 9am and the twominute silence was held shortly after 9.10am, to coincide with the explosion last week.
John Harries said everyone had gathered to support and comfort each other for “those who have died; those injured; those who have lost their jobs”.
Families of workers killed and injured in the explosion were at the prayer service.
Among the clergy present were the Archdeacon of Chester, the Ven Ian Bishop, and the Rector of Gawsworth, the Rt Rev William Pwaisiho.
Bosley Vicar John Harries said: “People here are in deep shock, struggling to come to terms with all that’s happened.
“So many local people had connections to the mill going back generations. It was seen to be integral to the community – and now it’s gone.”
The Methodist minister in Bosley, the Rev Pam Butler, was also there. She assured those who were suffering that the Lord would “settle their racing thoughts and help them to know that they will not stand alone in grief”.
Relatives of those caught up in the explosion joined Macclesfield MP David Rutley, senior police offic- ers, civic leaders and others affected, in lighting eight candles at the front of the church – four for the three dead and one still missing; and four for people being treated in hospital.
Earlier this week Vicar John Harries called on everyone to pray for the village and everyone affected by the explosion – as did the Bishop of Stockport, the Rt Rev Libby Lane.
St Mary’s remains open daily for prayers, the lighting of candles, and a listening ear.
Working with Cheshire East Council, parishioners have been assisting with a ‘help hub’ located at the village school, St Mary’s CE primary.
Bishop Libby said: “As a diocese, alongside the local parish, we continue to hold in our prayers all those affected by the explosion at Wood Flour Mills. In this time of personal and community tragedy, we extend whatever care we can, offering both practical and spiritual support.”
Macclesfield MP David Rutley, who attended the service, said: “It was a very moving and touching service.
“Local vicar John Harries and the local Methodist church leader really measured the mood well and gave a service that appealed to a packed congregation.
“It was
particularly moving to meet with more family members of those who are missing and whose family members have been hurt in this tragic accident.
“Everyone who attended came away feeling how strong this community is and how it has pulled together.”