JOHN WESLEY'S LOCAL LEGACY: The History of Methodism in Bolton and District (1748 – 2025)

David’s 'love affair with John Wesley' essentially began in 1989 when he purchased around 4 acres of Westhoughton – at Wingates industrial Park – in order to build a new UK HQ for the company of which he had stewardship as MD.

For their 'Grand Opening Banquet' after the formalities at the new premises, they hired their new neighbours, Wingates Band, and thus began another very long and deep love affair for David. In researching the history of the band, he soon discovered its Methodist links, with Methodism in the district having its roots in Wingates in the wake of Wesley's two sermons there in 1784 and 1785.

He has remained fascinated by Methodism (despite being raised in a very disciplined Anglican family!) and everything it meant to so many people for so long.