MANY Bolton people have happy memories of Monday, May 31, 1982 - the day Pope John Paul visited Heaton Park, Manchester.

Thousands camped out in a "Holy City" in the 120-acre park waiting for the pontiff to arrive by helicopter in the grounds of Nazareth House, a convent nearby.

On arrival, the welcoming party included the Rt Rev Thomas Holland, Bishop of Salford, and Cardinal Basil Hume.

Civic leaders who greeted him also included Cllr John McCarthy, the Mayor of Bury.

Later the Pope climbed into the Popemobile - a specially converted Leyland 24-ton truck - for the short journey to the park.

Thousands of cheering families lined the route and groups of children chased the cavalcade.

The Pope smiled constantly and waved every few yards.

After the arrival at the podium - screened by armoured glass - there was a mass lasting more than two hours. A 3,000-strong choir sang, consisting of 1,500 sopranos, 640 altos, 400 tenors and 400 basses.

It was a special day for the 40-strong Thornleigh Salesian College brass band, which heralded the Pope's arrival after his helicopter touched down at Nazareth House.

Sixteen members of Bolton Wrestling Club acted as stewards during the visit.

The traditional Lancashire welcome for the Pope included a Bury black pudding, which was bought on Bury Market for the occasion.

His lunch, before he left in his helicopter, included a black pudding "starter", roast beef in horse radish sauce, asparagus, cauliflower and new potatoes.

Picture

Right - His holiness: Pope John Paul - whose health has not been good in recent years - was a robust figure on his arrival at Nazareth House in 1982.

Top - Flag-waving: These young people were photographed - flags at the ready - before they set off for Heaton Park on the Sunday night.

Bottom - Northern welcome: This delightful banner was one of the defining images of the Manchester visit.