THE Bishop of Gloucester will be taking to the churches and countryside around Chipping Sodbury to get to know local people better.

The Right Rev Michael Perham is due to spend three days in the area where he will teach congregations, talk to a variety of people and go on organised walks to see more of the parish.

During his visit, he will deliver three lectures starting at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury on Friday, February 15 (7.30pm) entitled where did it come from and how did it get here?, so many words - what do they mean? At St James the Elder, Horton on Saturday, February 16 (2pm) and what difference does it make to me? At St John’s on Sunday, February 17 (9.45am).

He will also spend his time in the parishes worshipping, meeting church teams over drinks and dinner and on Saturday morning (10am) Bishop Michael will walk with members of the community from St John’s Church in Old Sodbury to St James the Elder Church in Horton.

Sodbury Vale rector Rev Jane Kenchington said. “We are looking forward to Bishop Michael visiting us.

“It’s an opportunity for people to meet the bishop, listen to him teach; walk alongside him and for him to discover more about our life in the parishes.

“Everyone is invited to join all or some of the planned events.”