Bishop pays a visit to town traders

Buy photos » Mayor Anne Taft, Janet Yates (Droitwich Spa Area Partnership Manager) and Canon Sheila Banyard (Rural Dean of Droitwich) welcome Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge to the town. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4012024MMR Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com

THE BISHOP of Worcester Dr John Inge paid a visit to Droitwich on Wednesday (October 3) to speak to local traders.

Bishop John was offered a warm welcome during his visit which had been organised by Canon Sheila Baynard, rural Dean of Droitwich.

Town mayor Coun Anne Taft welcomed Bishop John to the town and met with him in the mayor's parlour at St Richard's House while Droitwich Spa Area Partnership Manager Janet Yates spoke to him about the town centre.

During his visit, Bishop John learned more about the challenges being faced by local traders during the economic downturn.

After being greeted at the mayor's parlour, Bishop John learned more about the town itself and how it battled back from the

devastating floods which hit the High Street in 2008.

Following the meeting, he was given a tour of the council chamber and the tourist information centre to learn about the importance of tourism to the town's economy.

Bishop John also took a peek at the popular Salt Museum and the Radio Museum, something which he was particularly interested in according to Coun Taft.

Following his tour, Bishop John took to the streets with Canon Sheila Banyard and Janet Yates for a morale-boosting tour of the traders in and around the town centre.

Coun Taft told The Standard: "I did say to him we were delighted to welcome him to Droitwich and say he was welcome back anytime he wished.

"It was a great honour and we are delighted he took a keen interest in Droitwich and the issues facing the town during these tough economic times," she added.

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