HotPott April 2020 by Pott Shrigley Parish Magazine

£1 April 2020

Pott Shrigley’s Church & Parish Magazine

David’s Deliberations For my letter this month I’d like to share my talk from Mothering Sunday: the first Sunday after the suspension of church services. It is based on Luke, chapter 2, verses 22-35. Think back to the start of 2020. Most of us, as we stood on the verge of a new year, were wondering, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, what joys and sorrows, what nice – and nasty – surprises, the new year might hold. I suspect that very few of us expected that we would be celebrating Mothering Sunday isolated from our communities, from our everyday life and work, even from our friends, loved ones and church family.

And, of course, hard times did lie ahead for Jesus – and, with him, for Mary. But anyone who is a mother, a parent, knows well that it brings both joy and pain. Although Mothering Sunday is a happy day, it is also a painful day for many: for those who have lost a child or a mother; for those who would have welcomed the experience of parenthood, but were never able to; for those conscious of having made mistakes, whether as parent or child.

David Swales

In our reading we see Mary also on the verge of something new. She’s in the temple with her new baby, Jesus, and right at the start of a new journey as a mother. And no doubt she too is full of both excitement and trepidation for what lies ahead. Well, if she isn’t she soon will be as in comes old man Simeon with a message from God. ‘This child', he says, ‘will bring light, hope and healing into our world'. Great! Exciting!! ‘Oh, and sorrow, like a sharp sword, will pierce your heart, Mary.’ Oh no! Hard times lie ahead too.

Going back to the New Year: at that time I wrote in our parish magazine, HotPott: ‘The New Year is a trip into the unknown and uncertain. Only one thing is certain about 2020: God is already there.’ And that brings us back to Mary, and to the eight day old infant in her arms. Simeon’s words bring home to her, yes, the reality that pain and sorrow would come her way: but those words also remind her that God has sent, in her son, hope and a guarantee of God’s presence with us at all times. She might even have thought back nine months to the angel’s words: ‘You will call him Emmanuel,' he said. ‘God with us’. continued →

HotPott - April 2020

This Edition Pg

Content

David’s Deliberations

Cover story: Stan retires…

(Inside) Cover Story: Restoring the North Wall…

A Different Way of Connecting…

A busking clarinettist: Church Guild.

William Ernest Huntingford Lowther

PSCC Centenary: the New Millennium

Musical life at Pott Shrigley Church School

VIP Vicar…

Lessons for a bell ringer

Dead in the Water

Your Vote Your Council

Will's trip to Helsinki

Coffee Break

Missionary Matters

Who wears the Crown?

Suffering Church

Recipe: Dal bhat

Virtual Services

A Viral Ditty

Regular Church Activities

April 2020 Page 3

Mothering Sunday is not just about flowers and chocs: which is just as well, when we can’t even meet up to hand them over! It’s about a God who is not just ‘God up there’, but who came down to us as a baby; born of a mother, just like us. ‘God with us'.

That God is with us. At all times. Even now. Especially now. Your friend and vicar David

Cover story: Stan retires… After nearly two decades in the job, our lovely verger Stan decided to retire.

Stan has been a quiet (except for the stage whispers), reassuring presence at weddings, funerals and other special services – just getting on with the job diligently and with no fuss. Stan was often there as I opened

the curtains on the morning of a wedding (he gets up earlier than me), sweeping the path and making everything pristine for the bride to arrive. He made sure that the bells stopped ringing at just the right time when she did arrive too… always reliable. One visitor did ask me why there were ‘his’ and ‘hers’ sweeping brushes in the loo – but that’s a long story for another time… We wish Stan the very best for his welldeserved retirement, and hope he enjoys the rose (aptly named ‘Blessings’) which was presented by Vicar David at a recent morning service, with all good wishes from his many friends at St Christopher’s.

(Inside) Cover Story: Restoring the North Wall… Thanks go to all those who assembled and climbed scaffolding, wielded paint scrapers and paint brushes, mops and dusters in order to remove the oil based paint that was stopping the north wall at St Christopher’s ‘breathing’ and damaging the stonework. After the Page 4

stripping (who knew that paint could stick so tenaciously, or that the dust created would spread so far!), five coats of limewash were applied – peculiar watery stuff apparently that just makes the wall look wet when first applied, but then dries white(ish). The result of all this hard work is that the north wall looks fantastic – the paint appears slightly uneven in places, but looks entirely in keeping with our beautiful ancient building. So thanks again to all the helpers, but particularly to David Garton who, once again, spent many hours organizing equipment (much of which he provided himself), ordering limewash, supervising workers and doing a lot of the work himself. HotPott - April 2020

A Different Way of Connecting…

The St Christopher’s community has stepped up to help keep us connected during this time when we should all stay in our homes as much as possible. A WhatsApp (David’s SPICE POTT – support, pray, inform, connect, encourage) group is in full swing, with encouraging, funny and helpful messages posted throughout the day, and an email digest of the day’s postings made available each evening. Not everyone, of course, is on the Internet, but the telephone is an excellent way of communicating – having a phone conversation with someone is helpful to us all. We continue to worship and pray together too. Our 10.45am Sunday service will be live streamed each week, and made available later on the church website (pottshrigleychurch.org.uk). The prayer meeting is taking place ‘virtually’ too: please join us via the SPICE WhatsApp group on Tuesday at 7pm. The website has lots of useful information, as do the church Facebook pages. If you want further information about how to keep in touch via the WhatsApp or email groups or wish to suggest someone in our community who may appreciate a phone call, please contact

vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk or the churchwardens David Garton (573492) or David Gem (01260 252287). If you are reading a print copy of HotPott, this was either posted or delivered by people on their daily walks; apologies to those who may only receive an electronic copy.

*** Q: What do you get when you cross the Easter Bunny with an over-stressed minister during Holy Week? A: An Easter Basket Case

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A busking clarinettist: St Christopher’s Church Guild. Mary Currell opened the March meeting. Rev David read a psalm and led us in prayer. 17 members attended and it was good to see Eileen Frecknall back on her feet after her recent operation.

Eileen Stratford Our speaker, Eric Newton, entertained us with his life story and some great clarinet playing. Coming from a large family, his grandfather bought him a clarinet for his 16th birthday. Totally self taught (playing by ear) he joined the Ceramic City Stompers at 17. Eric tried many types of employment but his great love is jazz. Having been a busker for many years he has played all over the world and many times in Australia where he has a good friend, but his home patch is Cheshire. He’s still busking at 80 years of age. Thank you Eric for a fun filled afternoon: come to play for us again! Thanks also to Sheena for bringing the mouth-watering cakes. Being a Potteries lass, my attention was caught by Eileen’s mention of the Ceramic City Stompers: surely this had some connection with my home city? It did. A quick internet search revealed the band was formed in the 1950s, and first performed at The Embassy Ballroom in Burslem – which incidentally was my mother’s home town (no one in Stoke on Trent ever admits to coming from the city itself – they always come from one of the six towns that make it up!). The Embassy was a popular Page 6

venue: my mother learned ballroom dancing there in the 1940s. The Stompers were obviously quite a phenomenon: Old Betty Plant’s Pure Sweets, a local confectionary company, even named a gobstopper after them. Again coincidentally, one of the founders of The Stompers – a trumpeter called Mel Hill – taught me general studies in the sixth form. The only thing he taught us about was jazz. Mel was a relaxed, informal sort of a guy who always walked the few miles to work (no need to use dirtier forms of transport – he was way ahead of his time), but we students later learnt that he was an extremely well respected player and jazz historian who wrote learned articles and broadcast not only locally but on Radio Three (none of us ever listened to that!). He handled the ancient red and blue 78 jazz records he had in his collection with no care at all – fingers all over them. We sixth formers, who respected our vinyl, were horrified. Eric Newton seems to have joined The Stompers later – in an article Mel recalls: ‘It was, after all, right here in the Potteries that a very good jazz man decided to do his blowing sitting in the middle of town with a string of puppets between his knees … yes, Eric Newton not only became one of the city’s best buskers but even made his clarinet famous too as he took it with him out on his marathon-running exploits. These jazz men are interesting characters… Editor. HotPott - April 2020

William Ernest Huntingford Lowther Behind the choir stalls there is a brass plaque commemorating the life of William Lowther.

Mike Akerman William Ernest Huntingford Lowther was the eldest son of Colonel William Gorges Lowther and Harriet Agnes Lowther. At the time of William’s birth on 4th December 1876, his father was in Ireland serving with the Royal Artillery and so his mother was living with her parents at Long Sutton, Lincolnshire where her father was the vicar. William was baptised by his grandfather, Edward Leigh Bennett, on 11th February 1877. In July 1890 William entered Dartmouth Naval College, becoming a midshipman in September 1892 and promoted to sublieutenant on 14th March 1896. On 23rd February 1898 William was serving on the gunboat HMS Alarm. He was instructed to take a boat to the Wells Coastguard Station in Norfolk where supplies were needed as the Coastguard boat had not arrived to collect them from HMS Alarm. Unbeknown to them, the Coastguard boat had capsized losing all five members of the crew. William's boat itself capsized in the heavy seas and it was assumed that William and his five crew members perished. The bodies of four of the crewmen were recovered but at that time William and another crewman were missing.

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On 29th April 1898, the Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury (the local paper) reported that a body, proving to be that of William, had been found on the shore at Skegness on Tuesday 26th April. He was identified by a gold watch engraved ‘W.E.H. Lowther July ‘92’. His body was conveyed by train from Skegness to Macclesfield on Thursday 28th April arriving there around 2 pm. He was buried in the Lowther family grave at Pott Shrigley on Friday 29th April 1898. The body of the final missing sailor (Percy Head) was recovered on Saturday May 14th and laid to rest in the cemetery at Great Yarmouth the following Monday.

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PSCC Centenary: the New Millennium The new millennium started with a party. Remember the Millennium Dome? Well, Pott Shrigley Cricket Club had its own version – John Jackson’s barn converted to the Shrigley Dome, together with a bonfire and fireworks on the hill towards Bowstones.

Graham Hackney Entertainment was provided by the ‘No Parking’ trio – which included one of our most respected local estate agents – and a delicious hot pot was provided by Anne at the ‘body zone’. As midnight approached the party made its way to the bonfire, only to find the mist rolling down off the moor and reducing visibility to about 10 yards. In his book ‘Gone To Pott’, Derrick Brooke describes a circle of shadowy figures singing Auld Lang Syne and looking like a scene from Wuthering Heights, though there was one exciting moment when a young man close to Derrick had his proposal of marriage accepted by the young lady by his side. Kev Holliday told Derrick that the weather was

Derrick Brooke at Book Launch with Denise Burrows Page 8

better on The Nab so everyone up there took their clothes off and danced around the trig point . I was ringing the New Millennium in at St Christopher’s but have distinct memories of my three young children complaining that the fireworks had disappeared into the mist on The Nab. I think even they would have noticed if such dancing was happening – if only to wonder at the weird behaviour of adults! Editor. In the end, the joint Millennium Festival raised around £2000. On the field in 2000 the Hart brothers led the batting: Andy on 442 and Jamie on 303, Rick Hollinshead also topped 300 and took the bowling prize, spinning his way to 37 wickets. PSCC also had the top highest team score 247 -5 against Knutsford. 2001 saw the publication of Derrick Brooke’s candid history of Pott Shrigley Cricket Club: ‘Gone to Pott’; it was a less successful year on the field. The 1st XI was relegated into Division 2 by just four points despite only four clubs having more bowling points, but the batting did not get going: only Andy and Jamie Hart qualified for the Cheshire League averages with 300 plus each. The bowlers fared better: Matt Tarr’s 51 wickets gave him joint second place in the league with Ricks Mattock and Hollinshead taking 45 and 34 respectively. Skipper and wicket keeper Dom Lisle’s 17 victims saw him take fourth league HotPott - April 2020

spot. The under 15s lifted the gloom when Richard Hough was selected as the under 15s League Cricketer of the Year. 2001 did not improve: on 30th December Derrick’s beloved wife Kitty died suddenly, an awful shock for both her family and club members. Kitty had made countless teas over the years and played a major role in organising fixtures, cry-offs and secretarial work; she also helped Derrick bring out his book ‘Gone To Pott’. 2002 saw changes to the committee: Derrick resigned (though continued as groundsman) and two ladies joined: Beverley Hough, events organiser, and Denise Burrows, longstanding scorer and tea preparer and now match fee collector. On the field the 1st XI finished a reasonable seventh in the Cheshire League, but even better there were many personal highlights. Alistair Brett’s 8 for 22 was a league record and Rick Hough’s 116 ‘not out’ along with Jamie Hart’s 93 ‘not out’ in a match against Sandbach saw them both in the league averages and the highest stands table. Rick Mattock’s 43 wickets ensured him sixth place in the bowling and Jamie’s 17 victims took fourth place for ‘keepers. The 2nd XI saw some good action

Derrick Brooke at Book Launch with Alan Sherratt HotPott - April 2020

too: on a sunny windy day at home against Styal, and just nine seasons from his pension, Graham Hackney swung his way through the opposition taking 9 for 22. Despite Graham’s pleading, John Walsh would not sell him the other wicket. Still, it claimed a league record that lasted several years. Richard Hough continued to triumph too, being selected to play for the Cheshire League XI whilst still only a junior. Good cricket continued in 2003: the 1st XI finished third in the league, only one good win from promotion; in five games they scored over 210. The 2nd XI finished tenth with six wins and four draws. Matt Tarr’s 262, with nine ‘not outs’, saw him lead Pott’s batting averages and made him second in the Cheshire League; Rick Hollinshead (591) and Jamie Hart (548) outscored him, but in more innings. Rick also took the bowling with 53 wickets. Jamie’s 18 victims behind the wicket made seventh in the Cheshire League table and in the 2nd XI Nathan Bull was way out in front on 647, claiming fifth spot in the league. In 2004 the club introduced the ECB Child Welfare proposals to safeguard juniors; this involved many members and helpers being trained, some courses lasted several weeks. This important work continues today though now it’s much more time consuming and involved. The safeguarding training eventually ran alongside other ECB standards called ‘Clubmark’ which covered all aspects of running a club. What initially seemed a great idea proved easier to implement for the larger clubs with their greater number of members and income. Complying with the Clubmark rules became a gateway to obtaining funding from the County and the ECB itself. The smaller village clubs have struggled to get enough people involved, thus seeing funding opportunities reduced. Next time we see how the lack of club members played out on the field. Page 9

Musical life at Pott Shrigley Church School I thought that this month you might like to hear from one of our year six students, Eden, about an exciting trip we have been on recently….

Joanne Bromley and Eden

On Thursday 5th March, Class 2 travelled 45 minutes on the mini-bus to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. When we arrived, we sat down at the final row of seats in the auditorium and listened as the grand Hallé orchestra musicians tuned their instruments. As soon as the first piece started playing, a hushed silence fell over all the rowdy children in the hall. The music was paired with a picture/painting or a short clip. Personally, I think that the artwork shown didn’t suit the music. The musical piece contained life and wonder – danger and disaster rolled into one symphony conducted by Ellie. After each piece, Tom Redmond, the host, would talk to us (the audience) about why he chose each picture for each piece and how it made him feel. In my opinion, the music didn’t make me feel anything apart from admiration for the musicians and conductor whom were wearing different coloured scarves and neckties to represent which musical instrument they play. My favourite piece was called Carmen, about an impulsive Spanish lady. Eden Christensen 6th March 2020.

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As you can tell, we all had a marvellous time and the children behaved so well that we took them to MacDonald’s for lunch afterwards. They recently performed in Macclesfield Music Festival and were such stars that other people, who are not in any way related to school, commented on how fantastic they were. Needless to say I am extremely proud of their musical abilities and their exemplary behaviour when we are out and about. When this article was written it included an invitation to hear the children singing at a Dixieland concert in church; a glass of fizz was on offer, plus the opportunity to join in with some communal singing accompanied by the marvellous Darren Lloyd Dixieland Band! We hope to re-arrange this sometime and would love to see you there.

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VIP Vicar… David recently attended the Mayor of Macclesfield’s prayer breakfast…

David Swales I always enjoy the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast: this year it was interesting to be asked to sit on the VIPs table - I breakfasted with our MP, David Rutley, on one side and the Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Janet Jackson, on the other! Also on the table were senior figures from the police, social services, and the NHS. I'm not a VIP but was a last minute stand in for the chair of Hope (a Christian charity working in north east Cheshire and organisers of the event), who was unwell. It fell to me to say Grace - and a blessing at the end. This fifteenth prayer breakfast focussed on: ‘Hopes and prayers for the challenges facing elderly people and those who support them’. Representatives from several charities, as well as statutory services, spoke about their organisations and those they support; many focused on the challenges faced by dementia sufferers and their carers, and the vital work being done to support them.

have in the Macclesfield area: this is because they work together so effectively under the banner of Hope in N.E. Cheshire, and are able to have a real impact - much more so than if they only worked separately. Folk at Pott Church will be familiar with me plugging different 'Hope' events and initiatives: I'll continue to do so, as I strongly believe that it is important for us to be a part of what Hope in N.E Cheshire is doing. If you would like to get involved in HOPE please speak to me, visit their website (hinec.org.uk) or contact the coordinator Pip Mosscrop at pipmosscrop2@ yahoo.co.uk. The title was the editor’s idea, not the vicar’s!

MP David Rutley said: ‘The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast has become an important annual fixture in Macclesfield, and for good reason. This important event allows us to give welldeserved thanks to many local organisations for the inspirational work that they do. We are extremely fortunate to have so many different groups all working together to further strengthen our local communities. I am particularly grateful for all the work that is being done to support older people, especially in these uncertain times.’ That so many influential people attend this event is testimony to the profile the churches HotPott - April 2020

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Lessons for a bell ringer

Rewind to the Annual Parish Church Meeting 2018:

Fast track to 2020:

'Um, maybe that's something I could do,' was my response to Duncan Matheson's (the tower captain) appeal for new bell ringers at St. Christopher's.

I'm ringing number three bell and so that means I move slowly into fourth place and follow number four bell, who has moved quickly to get into my place and is now following number two.

Yvonne Foster 'Learning new skills and physical exercise are both good for the over sixties,' my adult children cheerfully informed me. And so it was that I turned up, on a Thursday evening, for my first bell ringing practice. Over several months, I made steady progress learning to control the bell at hand stroke and at back stroke, and before long I was ringing rounds. But then, what was this next progression? Call changes?? Individual bells are called out to change places with each other (i.e. the order in which they ring), and in so doing they can make different tunes: Tittums and Queens to name a couple. I had good reasons for believing I was never going to master the mental gymnastics required for call changes. Back home I Googled 'dyslexic bell ringers' and discovered that, as with learning to read and write, yes, there was hope for me, but progress would be slow.

'Three to four,' calls Duncan.

'Two to four.' Two's swapped with four, so now I'm following two. (Got it, I think.) 'Four to two... two to four... four to two... two to four.' I sense something's afoot, what's happening here? I note that Kath and Laura, ringing bells four and two, are both experienced ringers and so I suddenly become aware that this repetitive manoeuvre must be for my benefit: but what am I supposed to be doing? Wide awake now, I give the situation my full attention: I begin working hard to follow bell two, and then at the change try hard to follow bell four: 'Not easy,' I muse, 'when both bells are changing speeds'. 'Aha!' I smile to myself, and at Duncan, as the penny drops. The change doesn't affect me. I just need to carry on ringing my bell, keeping the same rhythm- eureka! At home, I ponder the evening's lesson. Firstly, I appreciate what a good teacher Duncan is. Although we do need to be instructed, and taught facts, there's nothing quite like the joy we experience when we see the truth for ourselves. Jean Piaget, an influential developmental psychologist wrote: 'Every time we teach a child something, we keep him from inventing it himself. On the other hand, that which we allow him to discover for himself will remain

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with him visible for the rest of his life'.1 What a wonderful teacher Jesus was, and is. Jesus always wants us to see the truth for ourselves – to think and to grapple with what He has said, and is saying. It's the very reason that He gives us for choosing to teach us in parables. Peter requesting that Jesus explain a parable is answered by the words: 'Are you still so dull?' 2 (NIV) 'Do ye not yet understand?' 2 (KJV) The disciples are often frustrated that Jesus does not speak plainly.3 How glad I am that the Christian faith is not a box set of rules that I'm required to learn and keep, but rather a loving, dynamic, relationship with a Good Teacher. How God communicates His will is on our minds, as a church, as we venture 'Upwards and Onwards' this year: but how do we hear God speak? My experience at bell ringing provided me with a little parable: with a personal lesson. Firstly, I need to be aware when God, through circumstances, is trying to teach me something. Then, with this awareness, I need to wake up and pay attention. I need to do

some work to discern the lesson and not give up until the penny drops and understanding comes. When I look back, I can see how God has patiently worked in my life, blessing me with spiritual eureka moments, each coming with its own experience of joy, forgiveness, healing, or liberation. I thank God that I'm still a work in progress, both as a bell ringer and as a disciple. 1. Play and Development: A Symposium with Contributions by Jean Piaget. 1972. 2. Matthew 15v16 3. John 16v29

Yvonne first shared this with us at a prayer meeting. She also mentioned how sometimes she felt ‘out of her comfort zone’ at bell ringing as the more experienced of the band encouraged (some would say ‘pushed!) her to tackle more complex tasks before she felt ready. There was an analogy there too for our relationship with God, who often nudges us out of our comfort zones to do things that, in the end, mean we receive greater blessings from Him than we can ever imagine. Editor.

Dead in the Water

The winner of the competition 'Name that Brook' is ... the Environment Agency.

Joyce Burton After contacting the agency, Cllr. Goodman discovered that our brook is actually classed as a ‘main river’ and instead of flowing anonymously through the Pott half of the village it has been given the very uninspiring title of Pott Shrigley Brook. A rather pretentious name for the brook you may think, but maybe not when you consider the damage it has caused not just in the last year but before that in 1987 when some of us can remember the large sink holes in the school HotPott - April 2020

playground and across the road at the side of the cricket club entrance! Thank you to all those who took part in the competition; the most frequently submitted name was the alliterative 'Bakestone Brook'. Unfortunately, seeking to change the name seems an arduous and costly process so not one the parish council wishes to embark on. Page 13

Your Vote, Your Council Highways Recent additions • Gritting routes: The decision to alter routes (no gritting of parts of Shrigley Road) was taken at Cheshire East Council (CEC) level. The correct consultation process was not followed so re-consideration of the decision will be requested. • Blocked gully at the end of Spuley Lane is about to be emptied; the pothole is filled. Pending • Remedial resurfacing of Shrigley Road from Green Close to aqueduct: no indication of when this may be done. • Chevron bend, Shrigley Road: very low on CEC’s list of projects pending. • Stones missing from base of wall at side of bridge on Bakestonedale: CEC will assess as part of programmed safety inspections. • State of the road surface of Long Lane between Nab Quarry and Shrigley Road: Andy Simpson has passed this to the Capital team for assessment. • Raised kerbstone at cricket club entrance: added to list for future repair. • Flooding of Poynton Brook at the side of Shrigley Road, particularly in the vicinity of Trickle Brook Cottage. Still waiting for update from Paul Reeves promised to Cllr. Saunders. • Blocked gully at the junction of Long Lane and Shrigley Road. Status: Works order programmed.

though should support the bridge. An itemised quotation for the repair’s cost has been seen: there are discrepancies between this quote and the work done so the clerk will ask for the itemised invoice; she will ask again for an estimate of how long the contractors think the repair will last. The Peak & Northern Footpaths Society will place a notice acknowledging the contributors to the repair cost near to the bridge. Community meeting Poynton Area Community Partnership granted £250 towards musical instruments for school. School would like to loan World War Two memorabilia for their VE Day celebrations. Litter picking The spring village litter pick will not take place. If you are able to do so safely, please pick up any litter you see as you walk around the village. Civic Service This is to be held on October 4th.

Competition to name a brook

Planning

See Joyce Burton’s article: Dead in the Water!

Pending

Donkey bridge

19/3715M Location: Normans Hall Farm, SK10 5SE (Amendment to application ref. 18/4950M)

Some are dissatisfied with the method of repair, which is not pleasing aesthetically Page 14

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Repositioning and alterations to approved Units 1 and 2, and increased parking to Unit 3. The council does not support this application but submitted an amended comment omitting the statement that includes ‘unit 1 will inevitably be moved closer to the road ...’. 19/5049M Location: 3A Moorside Cottages, SK10 5RZ Demolition of single storey elements of existing dwelling, construction of replacement dwelling, with detached outbuilding and associated works (renewal of planning permission 19/1988M to include permitted development under Certificate of Lawfulness 18/4876M) Decision on these modifications left to the planning officer.

NP/CEC/0120/0028 Development: Easy access ramp Location: St. Christopher’s Church, SK10 5RT The council supports this application. Decisions 19/3438M Location: Nab Quarry – MRI Polytech Refused: inappropriate development in Green Belt. 20/0122M Location: Needygate, SK10 5SG Proposal: New front porch Withdrawn. Date and time of next meeting The next parish council meeting is scheduled for Monday 6th April 2020.

Will's trip to Helsinki In February 2020 we reported on Will Gem’s upcoming visit to Espoo, Finland. Will was one of the eight man under-14 fencing squad representing England at the Espoo Fencing Challenge meeting. We thought you’d like to know how he got on: Will came 30 (out of 63), losing out in his second direct elimination bout to another England

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fencer who ultimately came joint third in the championship – so he did really well! One of Will’s club team mates came fifteenth overall, having been knocked out by the Turkish boy who won the whole tournament. Congratulations to Will, seen here in his England kit

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Coffee Break

Across 1. Relating to the whole universe (6) 4. The disciple who made the remark in 8 Across (John 20:24) (6) 8. ‘Unless I see the nail marks — — hands, I will not believe it’ (John 20:25) (2,3) 9. He urged King Jehoiakim not to burn the scroll containing Jeremiah’s message (Jeremiah 36:25) (7) 10. Baptist minister and controversial founder of America’s Moral Majority, Jerry — (7) 11. ‘Look, here is — . Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’ (Acts 8:36) (5) 12. Repossessed (Genesis 14:16) (9) 17. Port from which Paul sailed on his last journey to Rome (Acts 27:3–4) (5) 19. ‘Moses was not aware that his face was — because he had spoken with the Lord’ (Exodus 34:29) (7) 21. Roonwit, C.S. Lewis’s half-man, half-horse (7) 22. Grill (Luke 24:42) (5) 23. ‘The lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the — apostles’ (Acts 1:26) (6) 24. ‘I was sick and you looked after me, I was in — and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:36) (6) Down 1. Coastal rockfaces (Psalm 141:6) (6) HotPott - April 2020

2. Academic (1 Corinthians 1:20) (7) 3. Publish (Daniel 6:26) (5) 5. For example, the Crusades (4,3) 6. 11 Across is certainly this (5) 7. He reps (anag.) (6) 9. Liberator (Psalm 18:2) (9) 13. Man who asked the question in 11 Across was in charge of all her treasury (Acts 8:27) (7) 14. They must be ‘worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine’ (1 Timothy 3:8) (7) 15. The human mind or soul (6) 16. ‘O Lord, while precious children starve, the tools of war increase; their bread is — ’ (Graham Kendrick) (6) 18. ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not — ’ (Matthew 11:17) (5) 20. Bared (anag.) (5) Page 17

Missionary Matters

The latest from Bangkok is that not only has Thailand’s hot season arrived (temperatures now up to 40°C!), but also the Thai government has announced measures to control COVID-19, including the cancellation of Thai New Year, the biggest event in the Thai calendar and a five day holiday. Traditionally everyone travels home for the break but this is being strongly discouraged and there will be no holiday!

John Ryley Of more import to Ann McClean is the closure of all schools indefinitely: as ‘tech’ lead for her school Ann and the team had a very brief time to ensure every child and teacher was ready for a full online learning programme to start as the school closed. Please give thanks for all those who worked so hard to make this possible. Please pray too for wisdom for Ann as she deals pastorally with anxious students and parents, some of whom had already been exposed to the virus when they visited Singapore and Japan over half term, and for her to show clear but gracious leadership as she leads the whole school in moving to a way of working that was unimaginable two months ago. Please continue to pray for Johnny as the restrictions on travel and the banning of gatherings of more than 50 people affect church life and the work he does training and encouraging Thai pastors. Pray for those many church members who are suffering from unemployment, unpaid leave or a drastic cut in their wages due to COVID-19. Pray too for Ling, the pastor’s wife, that her unborn baby is unaffected by her recent infections with influenza A and Dengue fever, and for the family to have sufficient income. Page 18

The McClean’s son Matthew has been offered places to study law in London, Durham and Belfast; he is also considering studying in the Netherlands. Please pray for guidance on where God wishes Matthew to be. Issues with the aid agency helping the Afghan family and student the McClean’s support to seek asylum in Canada mean their applications were unlikely to be successful. Please pray that another channel for them to apply to Canada will open. Pray too for their relationship with their landlord; sometimes they get fined for marks on the wall or for washing dishes in the room. Pray that, in all that happens in the coming weeks, Ann and Johnny will be enabled to show the love, grace and hope of Christ to a bewildered community. Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Malawi yet, as health coordinator for the SIM team Helen Fazakerley is keeping up to date with developments. Please pray for wisdom for Helen in dealing with any issues arising in the missionary community, and pray too for protection for those members of the Fazakerley family working in health services. Politically, Malawi is in turmoil: the president recently sacked the entire cabinet and a further general election will, in theory, be held in May. Pray for the country to remain calm. Pray too that the government will finally decide that missionaries do not need to pay income tax, and that the Fazakerley’s personal financial support will increase. Term has resumed for Megumi at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi (EBCoM); he is enjoying teaching the students but the college is in financial difficulty as the additional courses put on this academic year have not attracted enough students – please HotPott - April 2020

pray for appropriate decisions to be made regarding the future direction of EBCoM, which may include becoming a Christian university. Megumi and Helen hope to be on home assignment from August to January. *** Please note that all cafes and pubs and some other businesses are currently closed due to COVID-19.

Who wears the Crown?

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an uplifting item just published by Juan, a co-leader of the Maratha Community and passed on by Peter de Bourcier for our refreshment: The coronavirus is named after its appearance; like it is wearing a crown (corona = crown). At this time of uncertainty and sudden change, let us take courage and hope that Jesus is the King of Kings and "upholds the universe with the word of his power." (Hebrews 1:3) Who wears the crown? When the virus stalks in our midst, And spreads its woe unseen, Who wears the crown? When fear crowds in, And all must isolate, Who wears the crown? When jobs and money are no longer secure, And provision is scarce, Who wears the crown? When those nearest to us are vulnerable, And safety means distancing ourselves, Who wears the crown? When our leaders admit their limits, HotPott - April 2020

And their strategies rely on hope, Who wears the crown? When we can only see an unfamiliar future, And we are shaken into sudden change, Who wears the crown? He is near to the lonely and broken-hearted, And with all His heart consoles the afflicted, For Jesus wears the crown. He is our provision and provider, And by His Word we live, breathe and have our being, For Jesus wears the crown. He is not caught off guard, And all things work together for our good, For Jesus wears the crown. He knit us together in our motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s womb, And every day of our lives are known to Him, For Jesus wears the crown. He may not be seen in the ways we expect, And yet his presence is found in those He loves, For Jesus wears the crown. His love drives out all fear, And death is swallowed up in His death, For Jesus wears the crown www.maranathacommunity.org.uk Page 19

The Suffering Church

All the stories this month are from Pakistan, which has a significant number of Christians; the missionary organisation SIM has workers there and also runs an international school, though this is in real need of teachers so please pray for this provision. You may remember Aasia Bibi, the Christian mother who spent nearly eight years on death row falsely accused of blasphemy after a dispute with Muslim neighbours over a shared water cup considered unclean after being used by a Christian, and culminating in Aasia being accused of insulting Muhammad. Following her (and her family’s) resettlement in Canada she said: ‘I am not angry at all, I’ve forgiven everyone from my heart and there is no hardness in me. There is patience in me because I learned how to be patient after having to leave my children behind’. Aasia hopes to return to Pakistan one day: ‘It was my country that freed me. That makes me proud … I still respect my country and want to see the day when I am able to go back’. Unfortunately, Christians continue to be persecuted for sharing water sources with Muslims in Pakistan: Saleem Masih died in February from severe injuries inflicted on him over a period of hours after he used water from a Muslim well to wash. He was

Pakistan Christian shot during church construction dispute Page 20

Aasia Bibi

called a ‘chuhra’ (latrine cleaner) and a ‘filthy Christian’. The well owners were reluctant to allow Saleem’s family to take him to hospital and his father said he knew his son was killed for ‘nothing but for being Christian’. He acknowledged that ‘there is not much hope’ of justice because ‘we are poor, we are Christian’. Christians are often met with opposition when building churches in certain parts of Pakistan, especially rural areas. In Muzaffarabad building materials were stolen and the water supply cut off to halt the construction of a church approved by the local authority. In Punjab province three Christian men were severely injured during a church construction dispute between some Muslim neighbours and the Masih family, who wanted to facilitate the women and elderly who can’t travel each Sunday to the nearby city. Currently the local Christian community gather in the house of a local pastor for weekly prayers. It is very sad that this persecution does HotPott - April 2020

not appear to be limited to the activities of indoctrinated extremists, but is perpetrated by other citizens with no known allegiance to radical groups. Please pray that this extreme hatred would disappear, and that peoples can live together in peace. And now a more encouraging story. Pakistan, along with many other countries, is home to sweat shops, but there is also slavery in the building industry: brick-kiln workers and their families live at survival level so if someone falls sick, or another family crisis occurs, they have to take a loan from their employer. Interest on the loan is then deducted from their weekly wages and this can go on for years, even generations. The families subsist on reduced wages and, as long as the debt remains, they are bonded to the brick-kiln. Since 2017 1,001 families have been released from debt because of the generosity of Barnabas Fund supporters; these freed families then give a small portion of their wages, low as they are, to a ‘revolving loan fund’ which is used to repay the debts of other bonded Christian labourers. Having been desperately poor, helpless and dependent for so long, the freed families feel blessed to be in a position to help other believers. Widower and father-of-two, James Iqbal, who was freed in 2017 said he would ‘happily pay back my amount for the revolving fund. It will be my utmost priority to lend a hand in this noble cause in helping my other brothers and sisters. We had never imagined that we could be free’. Younas Aziz reported living under ‘the curse’ of a debt of 59,350 Pakistani rupees (£290) for ‘a very long time’. He added: ‘Sometimes, my curse increased and sometimes it decreased but I couldn’t get myself free of it fully. But, thanks to Barnabas Fund, who took this initiative of the voluntary revolving loan fund, my other brothers have paid off our loan’. HotPott - April 2020

James Iqbal and his children after their debt had been paid

At 58 Younas still works hard to support his wife and three children but the family now contribute to the fund. Barnabas Fund helps the families to maintain their family budgets by providing lessons in finance management. They also support more than 30 primary schools, five adult literacy classes and a sewing centre, specifically for Christian brickkiln families. Monthly food parcels are given to families in particular need. Although 1,087 families have been set free thousands more are still struggling in bonded labour. Please pray for the future success of this programme, and for the spiritual and physical health of families living in such difficult circumstances.

n’t o D get r fo

“Your magazine needs you.”

Please send your contributions to

magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk no later than midnight on.....

Sunday, 12th April www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk Page 21

SPARKLING AFTERNOON TEA FROM Â£9.50 PER PERSON

TO BOOK CONTACT US ON 01625 575757 or email reservations@shrigleyhallhotelandspa.co.uk pott Shrigley, nr Macclesfield, Cheshire, sk10 5sb

HotPott - April 2020

Page 25

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Page 26

HotPott - April 2020

Recipe of the Month Dal bhat (with a difference)

Dal bhat is a traditional staple meal from the Indian subcontinent, popular in many areas of Nepal, Bangladesh and India. It consists of a cooked lentil soup called dal and, usually, steamed rice.

Audrey Bomford Audrey’s basic curried lentil recipe comes from a little book called: ‘How shall we eat for a change’ and was written by a nutritionist. It was published by Tear Fund about fifty years ago. Hence the ‘old fashioned’ but reliable measurements. Audrey finds that the extra ingredients she suggests make all the difference… especially if you are not a very ‘curry’ person! Ingredients: 6oz (175g) red lentils 1 onion 1 baking apple (half a large Bramley) 2 heaped teaspoon medium curry powder 1oz (25g) butter Enough water to cover the ingredients whilst cooking: about 1/3 pint (200ml) Optional extras: 1 tablespoon sultanas I ‘fork full’ twisted in runny honey 4 – 6oz (125 – 175g) grated mature cheese for topping

Method: Soak lentils for about an hour in a saucepan, then strain. Add chopped onion, apple, water and curry powder to the lentils in the pan Add sultanas and honey, if used Boil in a pan for 30 to 40 minutes: It should not be too dry, just pouring consistency Pour into a glazed or glass ovenproof dish Cover with grated cheese, if using Cook centre oven on 185oC for 20 minutes Remember to put the extractor fan on (if you have one) and close the kitchen door! Serves three, but only for two if you enjoy second helpings.

*** Our Lord has written the promise of the Resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime. Martin Luther HotPott - April 2020

Page 27

BARROWS TRADITIONAL BUTCHERS

Est since 1890

1 Henshall Road, Bollington. Tel: 01625 572110

Virtual Services April 5th. 10.45am

10th.

Click here to watch

David Swales

Click here to watch

David Swales

Virtual

Click here to watch

David Swales

Virtual

Click here to watch

David Swales

Virtual

Click here to watch

David Swales

Good Friday

10.00am

12th.

Virtual Virtual

Easter Sunday

10.45am

19th. 10.45am

26th. 10.45am

Please note: • All virtual services will be streamed live on the Pott Shrigley Church Facebook Page. • A direct link to the live stream will be posted the week before in SPICE & on our website • The live service is open to all - you do not need to be a member of Facebook. • A replay of each service will be available after the event and linked from the services page of the church website. For electronic readers these links are in the rota above (please allow time for editing - expected afternoon/evening each Sunday).

A Viral Ditty

We're sitting in to dodge the bugs But oh, how much we miss the hugs ..... Of family and all our friends For 12 more weeks? It never ends.

I hope we take away from this ... It is not TESCOS that we miss But neighbours "bobbing in" - what bliss! A brew with friends ... A Grandson's kiss.

We need to shop but can't do that There's nowt to eat for dog or cat We need to learn - be of no doubt To eat things up .... Not throw them out.

So let us bring our quiet prayers Unto our God whom we know cares Teach us for Our Father's sake To learn to LOVE and GIVE .... Not Take. by Meg Bailey

Think of the folks in World War Two Who lived in fear - and hardship too They had no WhatsApp, Skype or Sky But kept their FAITH ... And spirits high. HotPott - April 2020

Page 29

Weekly:

Regular Church Activities

JUNIOR CHURCH - Children of three years and older - held during the 10:45am service. Meets in church for the first part of the service and then goes over to the village hall for Bible stories, songs, craft activities, prayers and fun. YOUTH CHURCH - (Year 6 and above) - generally 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. CRECHE - Held during the 10:45am service in the tower vestry. HOME GROUPS - Four groups offering fellowship, worship and Bible study: Daytime - Monday 10.30am, The Vicarage; David Swales, 575846 Rainow - Monday 8:00 - 9:30pm; Sheila Garton, 573492 Pott Shrigley (North) - Tuesday 8:00 - 9:30pm, 3 Green Close; Sally Winstanley, 574545 Bollington - Wednesday 8:00 - 9:30pm, 14 Silver St, Bollington; Anne Murphy, 575768 PRAY TOGETHER - Tuesday 7:00 - 7.45pm in the tower vestry; Yvonne Foster, 07842 428496 PRAISE AND PLAY - Children up to school age. Thursday 09:30 - 11:30am in church for stories and activities; Celia Fraser, 665054 BELL RINGING - Thursday 7:30 - 9:00pm, meet in the bell tower; Duncan Matheson, 574983 Monthly: CHURCH GUILD - Fellowship, speakers, outings and tea. Meets the second Wednesday in the month 2:30 - 4:00pm in church; Georgina Wray, 615547 The list above was last revised on 2nd September, 2019. All telephone numbers are prefixed with 01625. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk.

Thinking about advertising in this magazine?

For commercial or private advertising, please contact us for free advice and very reasonable rates: magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Helen went to church three weeks running, so she was co-opted to the P.C.C.

Page 30

HotPott - April 2020

Page 31

Directory Priest-in-charge:

Rev. David Swales, The Vicarage, Spuley Lane, SK10 5RS

575846

vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk Readers:

Dr John Ryley (Reader Emeritus), 2 Wych Lane, Adlington, SK10 4NB

829595

Parish Assistant:

Gillian Mosley, 129 St Austell Avenue, Macclesfield, SK10 3NY

829819

Churchwardens:

David Garton, veronagartons@btinternet.com

573492

David Gem, Ridge Hall Farm, Ridge Hill, Sutton, Macclesfield, SK11 0LU

01260 252287

davidgem@gmail.com Verger:

Stan Heathcote, Lilac Cottage, Spuley Lane, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5RR

PCC Secretary:

Ros Johnson, 32 Tapley Avenue, Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1XX

PCC Treasurer:

Peter Kennedy, kennedyp@tuckerssolicitors.com

Gift Aid & Planned Giving:

Sally Winstanley, 3 Green Close Cottages, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SG

Organists:

Mary Currell, 61 Crossfield Road, Bollington, SK10 5EA

875902

pccsecretary@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk 07850 740335 574545

sjwinstanley.ps@gmail.com 573735

marycurrell61@btinternet.com David Garton, as above

573492

Andy Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP

07881 358976

andyphillips@totalise.co.uk Weekly Bulletin:

David Gem, as above

Electoral Roll and Safeguarding officer:

Kath Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA

01260 252287

Tower Captain:

Duncan Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA

574983

kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk 574983

dmmpott@yahoo.co.uk Pastoral Care Team:

Kim Swales, The Vicarage, Spuley Lane, SK10 5RS

575846

Church Guild:

Georgina Wray, 14 Paladin Place, Bank Close, Macclesfield, SK11 7HE

615547

georginawray@btinternet.com Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry:

Anne Murphy, 14 Silver Street, Bollington, SK10 5QL

575768

annemurphy1214@gmail.com Praise and Play:

Celia Fraser, Rose Cottage, Bull Hill Lane, Rainow, SK10 5TQ

665054

celiaxfraser@gmail.com Parish Council Clerk:

Joyce Burton, pottclerk@btinternet.com

Wedding Coordinator:

Pam Cooke, weddings@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Head Teacher:

Joanne Bromley, Pott Shrigley Church School, SK10 5RT

573260

head@pottshrigley.cheshire.sch.uk Website:

Tess Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP

PCC Members:

Dr John Ryley, Duncan Matheson, Sally Winstanley, Peter Kennedy, Ros Johnson, Andy Phillips, Pam Cooke, Eileen Buffey, Ian Clarke, Mary Currell, Mike Akerman, Sheila Garton, Ian Malyan, David Garton, Kim Swales, David Gem, Anne Murphy, Kath Matheson, Chris Day.

info@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

574768 (please prefix numbers with 01625)

This directory was updated on 2nd September 2019. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk