Report by Ian Faulds

It was a nostalgic moment for the Bishop of Sodor and Man as he boarded the footplate of the Isle of Man Railway’s historic loco, Hutchinson, to fire up the Back to Church Sunday Special to Port Erin – and launch this year’s event.

Dressed in blue overalls this time, it was a far cry from the little trains on which he used to travel to school from Cardiff!

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience," said the Rt. Revd. Robert Paterson, "although shovelling coal in a confined space is very heavy work!"

Like the Isle of Man Railway, Back to Church Sunday – an idea that allows people to put their toe in the water again – has been gathering a head of steam since the first event in 2004, when more than 1,000 people came through the doors of 160 churches in Greater Manchester.

Last year, 37,000 people tried Back to Church Sunday as the result of a friendly invitation through participating churches in the UK.

This year Back to Church Sunday is 26th September, and the message is clear: come as you are, straight off the footplate, in a wetsuit, walking gear or whatever!

Everyone will be made welcome, said the Bishop, whether this is a ‘first time’ or a return to roots – and you don’t even have to buy a ticket!

Churches around the Island involved in the initiative include:

Ramsey – Trinity, 10.30

Laxey – Christ Church, 11.15

Lonan – Parish Church, 9.30

Onchan – St. Peter’s, 9.00, 11.00, 6.30 p.m; Onchan Methodist Church, 10.30 

Douglas – All Saints, 10.00; St. Ninian’s, 10.45; Braddan, 9.30; Loch Promenade 10.30

Castletown – St Mary’s, 8.00; 10.30, 6.30 p.m

Port St. Mary/Port Erin – Rushen Parish Church, 9.30; St. Catherine’s, 11.00; St. Mary’s, 11.00; Cregneash, 3.15 p.m

Peel – St. German’s Cathedral, 10.30

Marown – Parish church 10.00, 11.15

Union Mills – Methodist Church 10.45, 6.30 p.m.

Pictured: The Revd. Robert Paterson aboard Hutchinson