THE Rev Chris Straton is thankful for Northern warmth.
After the heat of South Africa Mr Straton, 53, and his wife, Elizabeth, admit they are "still waiting for summer" a month after arriving in Tyldesley.
"But the warmth of the people and their friendliness makes up for the lack of sun," says Tyldesley's new incumbent who was licensed as Priest in Charge of the Parish of St George.
The service was conducted by the Bishop of Bolton the Rt Rev David Gillett, accompanied by Archdeacon of Bolton the Venerable Lorys Davies and Leigh Area Dean the Rev Peter Leakey.
Born in a village near Bognor Regis, Sussex Mr Straton has moved from a position of Rector in a parish in Zululand, South Africa.
A former marine engineer/officer in the Merchant Navy he spent 26 years in South Africa and became a Missions to Seamen chaplain in 1989. He was ordained in Namibia.
His wife, Elizabeth, was born in Natal of British parents and their four grown-up children live in South Africa.
Mr Straton told The Journal : "Tyldesley has been without a Vicar for over a year and this long interregnum is not good for a parish.
"I aim to upbuild the church and the people are ready for that."
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