Pat Yates, Michael Aiers, Rev Sarah Hancock, Rev Janet Owens

Michael and Angela Aiers and their six-month-old daughter Helen arrived in Cheadle Hulme in 1967. Michael remembers that their previous vicar in Leeds had sent warning of the move and they received a visit from two people from our church within hours of their arrival and with the house full of packing cases. From that time the family has been members of All Saints, taking on various roles over the decades.

Michael was admitted as a Reader by Nigel, Suffragan Bishop of Stockport, acting as delegate for Bishop Peter of Chester, on 14th October 2006. When he reached Reader retirement age, Michael was appointed Reader Emeritus and granted Permission to Officiate (i.e. carry on just as before) on 13th October 2018.

Rev David Parker, Michael Aiers, Rev Canon Howard Eales, Pat Yates

As he prepares to 'step back' from regular preaching, we asked Michael about his time on the Worship Team at All Saints...

Q. How did you receive your calling to be a Reader?

A. The possibility of entering the church had been in the back of my mind since my own school days but it made itself more strongly felt when I retired from teaching.

Q. What's been the most enjoyable part of the role?

A. Delving more deeply into the Bible with our discussion groups. Hard work to prepare for but very rewarding.

Q. And the most challenging?

A. Conducting the funerals of close friends of many years standing.

Q. Has the role changed at all during your time?

A. Not fundamentally but there has been an increase in safeguarding training and regulations.

Q.You have an affiliation to the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield, how important has that been in your Reader role?

A. I've had a connection with the Community since before I became a Reader. This has been very important as a background support and as a place of retreat.

Q. Is there a service or services which have stuck in your mind during the time you've been a Reader?

A. Our Advent services, particularly one arranged by Harry Bennett many years ago where I was introduced to the poetry of John Donne.

Q. Do you have a favourite piece of scripture to preach on and why?

A. I have no favourite piece of scripture for preaching on as all are, to varying degrees, challenging and require careful study and prayer in an effort to explain the text and its current relevance.  If I had to pick a favourite passage of scripture, it would be John 1: 1-14 ,which I have never preached on, as it is full of meaning and the language is beautiful.