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Saving grace for St Mary’s Church

Kirsty Elleray
28/ 2/2007

WE have come a long way since Reverend Roger Scoones appeared in the Stockport Express as the 'quicker vicar' - and 10 years on he is still making the news.

When Rev Scoones arrived at St Mary's in the Marketplace in Stockport town centre in 1997, the church was not well used.

Now the congregation has doubled in size and he has made it accessible to everyone in Stockport and beyond.

Stockport Express photographer Chris Hill took the very first picture of Rev Scoones that appeared in the paper when he arrived in the borough.

He was pictured with a pair of skis, as he had a reputation for liking the slopes but since then it has been all up hill for the 'quicker vicar'.

And this week Chris was back at the church to take a photograph of an exhibition of posters, bills and a scrap book filled with over 50 stories that have appeared in the newspaper over the last decade.

The 58-year-old said: "It has been 10 years of good news. The Stockport Express has helped put St Mary's on the map. I think it is quite unusual to have so much news from one source.

"My aim has always been to make the church more accessible, it is the people's church, and the important thing is that St Mary's has gained a reputation as a welcoming church.

"The service on a Tuesday has grown from nothing to being full to the brim and is even more used than the Sunday service."

The most recent story about St Mary's to appear in the newspaper before Christmas was when thousands of pounds were needed to be raised to save the church, which was successful.

And Rev Scoones says there have been many memorable moments, including the funeral of Lady Mayoress Margaret Brailsford, who died while she was in office, as the church was filled with mayors from many boroughs.

He added: "There have been sad times, but these are outweighed by lots of exciting times, and lots of pictures of people smiling, which is what I like. Throughout the 10 years I have tried to make the image of the church a happy one.

"As well as the Stockport Express, I would like to thank the congregation of St Mary's and all the people of Stockport who have made all this good news happen."