THE new Bishop of Bradford is to spend five weeks living in different parts of the region as part of an innovative programme of visits to get to know his area better – starting in Ilkley.

Bishop Toby Howarth, who became the new area bishop of Bradford last November, said the aim of the initiative was to get an in-depth understanding of the needs of the area, holding meetings with clergy and people of the churches of the areas, staying in local homes, meeting community and faith leaders, visiting local businesses and meeting councillors and civic leaders.

“As a new bishop in my first few months in post my priority is to make my way around parishes in Bradford and District, getting to know people and seeing for myself what Jesus is doing in the different communities,” he said. “I will be staying in people’s homes, visiting clergy, churches, schools and community projects, meeting civic leaders and business people.”

The visits begin on Sunday in Ilkley Deanery, and between then and Thursday Bishop Toby will be staying with families on two local farms. For the first two nights he will be guest of the James family in Menston.

Hosts, Mike and Val James said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Bishop Toby to a more rural part of the area. Staying with parishioners will allow more time for the bishop’s engagement with the local community – and should also increase the chance for some quiet reflection in undemanding surroundings.”

Bishop Toby added: “The perception outside of Yorkshire can be that the Bradford Episcopal Area is predominantly urban, forgetting its many rural communities, villages and smaller towns. Having lived most of my life in cities, this week in the Ilkley Deanery will be a great introduction for me to God’s church in some of the most beautiful countryside that England has to offer.”

Bishop Toby’s week in Ilkley will include three schools visits and he will visit projects for young people and those with learning disabilities, as well as meeting leaders of other Christian churches and even visit a local gardening club. The visit concludes on Thursday evening with a service of celebration and an open meeting for the whole deanery at St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley. Vicar of St Margaret’s and area dean of Ilkley, the Revd Canon Philip Gray, said: “We are delighted that Bishop Toby is going to spend this concentrated time living and meeting so many of us in the Ilkley Deanery, and we are looking forward to welcoming him. The visit shows Bishop Toby’s real desire to be a true shepherd to us all.”