WE'RE on our way to Woodbury!

That's the cry from 300 Bury people who will travel to the USA later this year for the borough's ambitious "Sailing Into the New Millennium" experience.

nd they are assured of a warm welcome - and a bumper programme of events - from their American hosts.

Although they will fly across the Atlantic, the man who is the architect of the link-up will be making a crossing of a different kind.

Tottington builder Melvin Magnall is to sail across the ocean in his own yacht before meeting up with his fellow Bury travellers at a huge opening parade and ceremony in Woodbury on July 1.

Throughout their stay in Woodbury, New Jersey, Bury's visitors will take part in a host of events and tours.

The "Sailing Into the New Millennium" project was inspired by Tottington Quaker Henry Wood, who at the age of 80 left the area with his family to escape religious persecution in 1682. Later, he founded the settlement of Woodbury, on the banks of the River Delaware. It was Melvin's dream to follow in the footsteps of Henry Wood.

Bury's massive contingent will embrace adults and children, many of whom are attached to a range of groups, clubs, schools and organisations.

The programme kicks off on June 29 when an advance party of 30 departs from Manchester to arrive in Woodbury the same day.

The remainder of the Bury delegation will fly out a day later and they will be met by their hosts at the local high school.

On July 1, Woodbury will stage an opening parade and ceremony in the town's stadium.

The highlight of the event will be the arrival of Melvin Magnall, who will bring with him two engraved stones from Henry Wood's farmhouse in Greenmount.

Speeches will be delivered by the mayors of both towns.

Throughout their stay, the Bury visitors will take part in soccer and swimming competitions with their hosts.

And Tottington Band and Bury Grammar School (Girls) will stage a concert in the auditorium of the Independence Seaport Museum in nearby Philadelphia. The visitors will also enjoy a trip to New York as well as attending a baseball game and Independence Day celebrations, both in Philadelphia.

Another major event will be a "Best of Bury Business" exhibition which will showcase the products and services of many local companies.

Other sporting and cultural events are also planned before the Bury contingent returns on Sunday, July 9.

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