Donkeys help bring new Palm Sunday tradition to Uppermill

A NEW tradition for Palm Sunday in Saddleworth began this Easter with the help of two donkeys.

The loveable duo, Slim and Shandy, accompanied the congregations from St Chads Parish Centre on Lee Street processed to Uppermill High Street and Uppermill Methodist Church for songs and prayers.

The donkeys, from Stanley near Hardwick Hall, were led by the Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, and accompanied by adults and children.

The procession marked the beginning of Holy Week – the seven days leading up to Easter – and recalls the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with crowds waving palm branches.

Traditionally, palm crosses are distributed and kept as a reminder of the events of Good Friday and Easter.

Rev Canon Sharon Jones commented: “It was a beautiful sunny morning and the children and adults absolutely loved the donkeys.

“There were bemused stares as we headed down the High Street but it’s good to provoke the deeper questions about the connections between life and faith and the traditions which hold communities together.”

Meanwhile, Canon Jones revealed St Chads Church has received a staggering anonymous pledge £25,000 to boost their restoration appeal to rebuilt part of the ancient place of worship.

“It is wonderful and most generous, particularly coming at Easter,” she declared.

Last month, Canon Jones outlined a vision to transform the church into a “vibrant and inspiring meeting place” and prevent it becoming a “fossilised relic”.

At a public consultation, she warned parishioners unless urgent restoration work costing £1 million was carried out, the church could close in 10 years.

Find out more about the works and fundraising online: cofeinsaddleworth.org.uk