£1 Christmas 2020
Pott Shrigley’s Church & Parish Magazine
CHRISTMAS 2020 @ Pott Shrigley
We warmly invite you to join us online at the following services:
Sunday 13th Christingle 10.45am Sunday 20th Virtual Carols by Candlelight 4pm Christmas Day Family Worship 10am
During December we plan also to hold services in church every Sunday, plus Christmas Eve and Day – subject to this being permitted. Please see our website for up-to-date information (currently it is necessary to let us know if you plan to attend in person).
Join us online @
www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
David’s Deliberations Dear friends, Welcome to our December HotPott – and a special welcome to any who don’t normally receive this publication, but who had this one drop through the letterbox. Actually, this edition covers both December and January. This time last year something made me write, not about Christmas, but about the New Year which lay ahead: ‘For all of us, it’s certain that 2020 will have its share both of pleasure and of pain .…we know that triumph and tragedy can equally lie around the next corner; but we can face the future with confidence, because, while we don’t know what the future holds, we know who holds the future. …The New Year is a trip into the unknown and uncertain. Only one thing is certain about 2020; God is already there’.
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peace of God’s presence with you.
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David’s Deliberations
God with us. Three words which sum up Christmas. Yes, I know it’s also a great holiday festival, a time for families, friends and feasting, and there is worry about how we are going to do that this year. And I know it’s an important commercial time, and who would begrudge our hard-pressed businesses a seasonal boost? But, despite all that, maybe, just maybe, this will be for many the most authentic Christmas they have ever known. For, more than anything, Christmas is about Light entering our darkness, Hope entering our despair, Joy entering our sadness, Peace entering our fear.
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The Power of Music & Praise
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Advent Candle
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The positive side of 2020…
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Sculpture for Yew?
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Where is Grandpa’s grave?
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On with the show!
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Pott Shrigley Church School…
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A Banner for Remembrance
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Flix in the Stix
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December Services: 2020
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Your vote, your council
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Coffee Break
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Annual Parochial Church Meeting
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Missionary Matters
Perhaps we can only appreciate how wonderful those gifts are once we find ourselves sorely in need of them. And all of them – Light, Hope, Joy, Peace – are wrapped up in that tiny Baby in the manger: because, in Him, God really is with us.
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Suffering Church
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All cntributins gratefully received
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Lockdown… and getting slimmer
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Recipe: Sticky Ginger Cake
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Services
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Big Quiz Night
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So many thank yous…
David Swales
Both of those last sentences have turned out to be true in spades this year! We had little idea of what an extraordinary and challenging time lay ahead, but it has led many of us to be all the more thankful for the knowledge that God is with us. I do pray that each of you who is reading this – whatever the past year has brought – will yourself know the HotPott - Christmas 2020
This Edition
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Your friend and vicar, David.
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The Power of Music – and of Praise For the last couple of years, I have regularly been visiting two nursing homes – until the pandemic, at least: Mount Hall in Bollington and Prestbury House in Macclesfield. At Mount Hall I visited in order to sing with the residents: pop songs, folk songs, wartime classics, novelty songs, and of course hymns. It is amazing what power music has to reach deep into our memory and our consciousness: even residents who are otherwise extremely confused will respond with a tapping of the foot, or even by singing along with long-remembered words. And I have a lot of fun myself: the folks at Mount Hall are a very forgiving audience, warmly appreciating my distinctly average singing and guitar playing! Prestbury House is different: there I am joined by James Gibson, Vicar of Hurdsfield, and between us we lead a full monthly service of ‘Songs of Praise’ – sometimes including Holy Communion. The lounge is always packed, and while the Bible readings, talk and prayers are willingly received, it is the music, the hymns, which seem to oil the wheels of our service, with some particular favourites being requested every time. And so it is that there too the guitar turns out to be a particular asset.
home – and we know that the residents, too, missed our times of singing and of worship, though I’m sure the homes did all they could to provide other opportunities. However, we did have a happy interlude from July to mid-October after the activities’ organiser at Prestbury House asked us to return. Our services restarted – fortnightly – us standing under a gazebo in the garden and the residents sitting with the windows and patio doors open – and it was lovely to once again lead our very enthusiastic congregation there in worship. We stopped when it got too cold to keep the windows open, but we are looking forward to resuming our visits when circumstances (and weather!) permit. Please remember all care home residents and staff in your prayers. David Swales
You can imagine that it was a real blow when the March lockdown prevented us visiting either Page 4
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Advent Candle Watching in the darkness when imagined griefs annoy. waiting for the world’s improvement from its disillusioned joy; thinking of the thousands who like Him now have no home, I light you and this is my prayerHave mercy Lord, and come. He whispers that He’s coming to restore, to make things new. That love is not an empty word designed to hurt and hew, ‘I trod the path before you from a baby to a man. Look up and see the myriad stars I knew when worlds began. My advent is the second chance of hope to all who hear the prophets’ promise, angel’s words to shepherds, Do not fear!’
Light and love go hand in hand and just one candle flame restores the shape of shadowed things, expectancy returns to bring His presence in life’s waiting game until He reappears. Audrey Bomford
Happy Christmas to all readers of HotPott! *** With several relatives visiting, I was struggling to get my wife’s attention. So, I simply sat down and looked comfortable. That did the trick *** HotPott - Christmas 2020
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The positive side of 2020…
It is impossible to deny that 2020 has been an extremely challenging and traumatic year: our way of life has altered completely and for some it has brought extreme anxiety and sadness as loved ones died, severe illness robbed some of previous good health, the lonely lost many of their support networks, livelihoods disappeared and front line workers experienced huge pressure, working long hours in difficult circumstances. Like many communities, the folk of St Christopher’s, led by our vicar, David Swales, looked for ways to reach out and keep us all connected – and David’s SPICE Pott was born as the March lockdown descended (Support Pray Inform Connect Encourage).
Mary Currell explains: ‘David’s SPICE Pott has been brilliant in keeping the church family connected during these difficult and March challenging times. The group has shared some very happy times together, including sending birthday wishes to each other, not to mention the amusing stories and jokes and amazing photographs which have brightened our days. Of course, there have been sad and difficult times for us all, but we could always rely on the WhatsApp group to send messages of encouragement and comfort and offers of help where needed, and this support has been appreciated by us all. The group can be relied upon to pray alongside us if we post a particular concern, and on Tuesday night, usually led by Yvonne Foster, we have the opportunity to join to pray together for Page 6
a short time and can post a prayer to share with others or just quietly pray ourselves. April Of course, not everyone can access WhatsApp, but they have not been forgotten: Pam Cooke puts the WhatsApp messages into an email and sends it to those who prefer this, and yet others get a printout of the email, often hand delivered by willing volunteers, with the additional bonus of a doorstep chat! Thus, everyone who wishes is kept both informed and connected: so, thank you, Pam and the postmen.’ Carole Taylor sent this: ‘March 15th, 2020 was a Sunday and I seem to remember setting up and serving coffee after the service wearing gloves and trying to keep all the commodities covered. Within days the world changed, and I was a carer in lockdown. Quite how I slipped into SPICE Pott I’m not really sure, but there I was with messages coming in thick and fast. Thank goodness they did because all my outside help stopped and for the next three months I felt as if I had never worked so hard in all my life. Remembering for two people at a time is tough, ditto planning, meals, paying bills and medication tracking. May Through it all HotPott - Christmas 2020
I never felt alone, as contributions on SPICE Pott were prayerful, encouraging, caring, funny, even June ridiculous and often beautifully illustrated. There were days when I browsed over the contributions (rare) but more frequently I fell into bed at the day’s end and followed my church family’s previous 24 hours of thoughts, prayers and activities and noted their caring of others.’ And from Jean and Reg Ferguson: ‘The jokes and fun postings on SPICE enlivened every day and the morning and evening prayers focused our minds on God and reminded us we were not facing this pandemic alone. Being able to bring prayer requests for friends in need through the group was very helpful too. It has shown us what it is to belong to such a loving and forgiving church family. Thank you all so much for caring.’ Gill Mosley agreed: ‘It made me feel great to read the contents of WhatsApp and sometimes I go back to other days as prayers can help you to relax and love our brothers and sisters loving Jesus Christ.’ Jean Bennett writes: ‘During lockdown SPICE has been a lifeline, not just to me I am sure; from my point of view it has been lovely to receive the morning prayer from Vicar David
July HotPott - Christmas 2020
followed by the postcard from the Chapel in the Fields. The birthday wishes have been and still are great; Mary has done a great job remembering birthday dates. The funny stories and jokes, plus more serious and useful information, have all helped to pass what sometimes could be a lonely day. Prayers on a Tuesday evening have brought us together and give a warm feeling of being amongst family.’ And from Audrey Bomford: ‘SPICE has given me a real sense of belonging to St. Christopher’s more than just ‘going to church’. August The prayer meeting on Tuesdays is easily accessible (without the journey!) and there is a sense of oneness and power in praying together, even with people I have never met, and it is led so sensitively. If we don’t know what to say, a few earnest written words to God are easy to do. Time keeping is immaculate too! Every ‘Amen’ is encouragement to those who post messages. You know someone is there with you, and understands. Daily instruction on scripture and saints of the past from Rev David give a purposeful start to each day. Not to mention the laughter SPICE brings in the jokes and shared videos. I now know what an emoji is!’ And what of the other positives? Without missing a beat, thanks to Rick, Andy and Tess, Sunday services continued online; we even had Kim’s ZOOM coffee afterwards. Youth and Junior Church soon logged on, as did various home groups. The wonderful spring weather saw many out walking and it was a joy to stop and chat to friends; shopping got delivered to those shielding and, for those who preferred, DVDs of services and email print continued → Page 7
outs of SPICE postings were sent out. No wonder 2020 seemed rather busy at times…
services, linking together so many people; week by week they became more polished, but the warm contact that David and Anne and all the support teams generated was never lost…’
Reg and Jean contributed further: ‘Lockdown meant we could September no longer meet in church, but it did provide an opportunity to get to know people we see each week but don't really know very well. Delivering print outs of SPICE prayers and chatting to some of those unable to access it online was lovely, as was delivering Hot Pott and the Morning Service DVDs. It gave us a chance to stand on their doorsteps, socially distanced of course, and talk about anything and everything, making bright spots for us in a difficult time. The walking was an added bonus as we found parts of Bollington, Pott and Rainow we weren't familiar with. We love our chats with Rita and Stan about their early lives: school, long disappeared shops and characters like the midnight milkman and farmer Caleb Jodrell; the Stratford's memories of how they met and the tea dances they enjoyed. We never knew there was a farm right on our doorstep in Bollington where the delightful Jackie lives. Clapping for the NHS meant being able to chat to people we only usually wave out of the car to.’
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And what of our streamed services? Carole Taylor continued: ‘Then came the virtual
What, to me, has been so wonderful is seeing so many people, both locally and from around the world, who don’t usually worship with us, joining our online services and finding encouragement and solace and learning something of our great God. Our MP, David Rutley, responded appreciatively when Peter Boulton contacted him: ‘Many thanks for your email and for sharing Pott Shrigley’s Remembrance Sunday Service video – it is very moving and a great tribute to the fallen.’ And the other benefits? November Becca RothBiester writes: ‘The general increased sense of belonging and community. The way everyone has pulled together to help each other, particularly those most vulnerable. The fantastic weather during the first lockdown made a crazy situation so much easier to bear. The way we’ve all learnt to embrace and be amazed by new technologies. Who had even heard of ZOOM pre-COVID? The scarecrow festival and the Bolluminations: two events which very likely would never have happened without COVID. The return of home deliveries for all sorts of things.’ And so, as we head towards 2021, we find ourselves in another, albeit not as stringent, lockdown, though we are able to welcome some positive developments in our management of coronavirus too. So, what of 2020? Possibly we’ve learnt to be more aware of the needs of those around us, the importance of community and looking after HotPott - Christmas 2020
each other, that some things are perhaps not quite as necessary to us as we thought they were? All that, and more, of course but to me it has been a reminder that we are completely dependent on our Father God, and He is completely reliable: ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness’
and ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’. Amazing promises. Thanks to Carole Taylor, who gave us the idea for this article.
Sculpture for Yew?
As part of our ongoing care of our churchyard, an unsafe yew had to be felled. The tree occupied a very prominent position right at the edge of the churchyard, just by the access to the village green off Shrigley Road.
David Swales The tree surgeon left us an 8 foot stump and so we have the possibility of a tree sculpture. Our church council recently discussed the pros and cons of this idea. On the plus side, it occupies a prominent position and could give a positive, life- and faith-affirming image to all who pass by: worthwhile at all times – but perhaps especially now. Set against this, it could perhaps be seen as a frivolous project at a time of national crisis and need. The sculptor’s fee would, typically, be £1,500. Being within the church grounds, it would, of course, be a Christian image: the church council has looked at one design depicting our patron saint, St. Christopher, who unwittingly carried Christ on his shoulders
when he helped a small child across a dangerous torrent.
We already expend many thousands every year keeping our building and grounds in good repair, and this extra expenditure would actually give us something tangible and new; by the same token, we would welcome contributions to the cost of this venture, should it go ahead. We would be glad to have feedback on this idea – please contact me – and also your offers of contributions towards the cost, if it is something you would like to support!
More apologies… this time to Bev Angier of Prestbury, who provided the cover photograph of Steve Murphy on November HotPott, but who was not acknowledged – thank you Bev! This month photographs have come from: Jean Bennett, Joyce Burton, Jean & Reg Ferguson, Rick Gem and Duncan Matheson… and probably lots of others. Thank you all, named and un-named! HotPott - Christmas 2020
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Where is Grandpa’s grave? In the autumn of 2017, David Swales sent the following email: ‘Does anyone know the whereabouts of the grave of a Mrs X Z, buried in March 1978 (previously resident in Y Rd, Bollington)?’ This was followed a few months later by ‘the family are trying to locate the grave as it is likely to be needed in the near or medium future. There is no headstone, and they believe it to be by a wall’.
Duncan Matheson I decided to do some detective work. After searching through burial records, existing plans, and inscriptions on gravestones, I shortlisted four possible locations for this unmarked grave. Two could be discounted fairly easily, though not without unearthing other questions over grave positions. Later conversations with a relative of Mrs X Z revealed that the grave may not have been by a wall (he pointed to an unmarked grave I had previously discounted, but this still wasn’t the correct one); following a lot of digging (not literally!) I was finally able to identify Mrs X Z’s grave with reasonable confidence. There was obviously some confusion about who was buried where in St Christopher’s churchyard, an unsatisfactory state of affairs which could prove distressing for relatives. This led me to embark on drawing up a plan of the churchyard with a list of everyone known to be buried in each grave, including burial of ashes, and especially as regards to unmarked graves. Graves all have numbers to mark their position. Unfortunately, at least two numbering systems have been used to mark graves at St Christopher’s, so some graves have two numbers. Most of the burial records only record the fact of burial but not the position of the grave; some vicars have Page 10
added the grave number but not necessarily saying which numbering system was used. A number of burials have not been recorded and some who are known to be buried in other graveyards are recorded in our burial register. Names and dates of death on headstones do not necessarily match the burial register; some people appear to have been buried before they died! Fast forward three years and the plan is now just about complete, as far as it can go. I can search for individuals by name in the burial registers, by name on the headstone inscription, by date of burial, by grave number, etc. I have stuck with the most recent numbering system by and large – a tiny number of graves have been given new numbers to avoid confusion. The earliest recorded burials were in 1685; the oldest marked grave is that of James Hankinson who died around 1768, buried between church and the lychgate. Of the eight recorded burials in 1685/86 four were called Snape; indeed, Snape was the commonest name up to 1730, after which it was superseded by Hooley, and then in the latter half of the 18th century by Vare. None of those buried before 1768 have marked graves, nor do many subsequent burials and we have no way of knowing where many of these people are buried. Of the graves whose occupants I have identified, the commonest name is Jackson, followed by Wainwright. HotPott - Christmas 2020
Huge numbers of young children died in the years before the early 20th century. In the first half of the 19th century the average age at death was 28 years 1 month, and this includes a large number of young children. In the 1830s, for instance, more died under the age of 4 than over; the majority were under the age of 1. Of those over 4 a substantial minority was under 20. In the 21st century, however, the average is 80 years 5 months and the youngest is 21. Notable graves include three Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) graves: Pte Leonard Haigh of the Army Service Corps (former England international rugby player), died 6th August, 1916; in the same grave Pilot Officer John Guy Leonard Haigh of the RAF, died 20th October, 1939; and Leading Seaman Frederic Frank Bailey of the Royal Navy, HMS Defiance, died 5th August, 1945. Two other men killed during World War 1 are commemorated though not buried: Cpl John James Greenhough, killed in action in France 21st March, 1918; and William Unsworth, killed on active service 1918. Three killed during World War 2, commemorated but not buried: Geoffrey Lucas Jackson, lost his life in the ocean serving King and Country 4th March, 1943; F/Sgt Witold Padzior, killed in action 11th March, 1944; and Guardsman Reginald Vare, killed in action in Tunisia 30th April, 1943.
Blincoe, reputed to be the man on whom Charles Dickens based the character of Oliver Twist. He died 19th December, 1860 but sadly his headstone is in a very poor state of repair. There are also the graves of the Lowther family of Shrigley Hall and also some of the Downes family who were their predecessors. Several interesting anecdotes crop up in the burial records. James Ryle died, killed in 1836 in a state of intoxication by the overthrow of a cart he was driving furiously; Thomas Clowes in 1834 and Henry Swindells in 1876 were both accidentally shot; several coalpit accidents are noted, including Thomas Burton, killed instantly in 1845 by falling in an unsupported basket into a coalpit, and Thomas Worrall, instantaneously killed in 1839 by the falling of a stone from the roof of a coalpit; Annie Shallcross died in 1892 aged 3 days, child unbaptised service not read. These anecdotes offer brief glimpses into the world of 18th century Pott Shrigley, and the whole survey has been interesting and, at times, sobering. The present COVID crisis has reminded us all of the unpredictability of this life; the graveyard tells us: ‘it was ever thus’. Thanks to Mike Akerman for his help in sorting out some discrepancies in the records. If anyone would like further information about the graveyard plan, please contact me: 574983 or dmmpott@yahoo.co.uk.
Among other notable graves is that of Robert HotPott - Christmas 2020
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On with the show!
One of the positive outcomes of the current pandemic has been the honing of technological skills on the part of church congregations. Here in Pott Shrigley, we have been the lucky beneficiaries of a brilliantly professional weekly live-streamed service, complete with video clips, PowerPoint slides and hymns. This is not the first time our local church community has been at the forefront of modern technology.
In August 1972, the Sunday morning service at St John's Church in Bollington 1972: Note how smart everyone is. If you look extremely carefully was televised, live, to the nation. My father, Canon Peter Hunt, was the vicar you can just about spot a four year old ME! (arrowed). Rev Arnold Hurt, who was helping the at the time and he received a panicked incumbent clergy at the time. Arnold was phone call from his good friend Canon Frank the father of Sir John Hurt, the famous actor Wright of Manchester Cathedral. In addition who starred in The Elephant Man, and more to being a cricket fanatic, Canon Frank was recently, the Harry Potter films. Religious Adviser to ITV. In those days, ITV broadcast a Sunday service every week from On the morning of the broadcast it was all a different church around the country. As it hands on deck. Full choir and servers. As the was August, several vicars were away, and service was going out live, timing was vital. Canon Frank was in a bit of a pickle. Dad leapt Everything was planned in minute detail. My at the chance and wheels were set in motion. father and his curate even cut the grass in the
Rebecca Roth-Biester In terms of logistics, it was a bit of a nightmare. ITV had to set up a substation in Kerridge in order to get a direct line to Manchester. They brought generators for extra power and lighting. It was like an alien invasion. Bollington had never seen anything like it!
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The team involved included
churchyard – the TV crew couldn't believe they were clergy!
One of the biggest concerns was that people wouldn't turn up. This was in the days before video recorders, so everyone wanted to stay at home and watch the service on television! My father told them that if they did not come there would be no service. We could not let ITV down. He needn't have worried. On the day, the church was packed. Dad told everyone they were starting 15 minutes earlier to ensure that all were on time. When the service began with 'Onward Christian Soldiers', a cameraman lent over to Dad and whispered: 'There are two million people watching this!' HotPott - Christmas 2020
I was four years old at the time. I am told that my brothers and I were fed Jellybabies throughout the service to keep us quiet! It was a great success. Sadly there is no film
footage available, but we do have a sound recording on a huge tape. If anyone can suggest how we can convert it to a CD, do let me know!
Shopping, oceanology and international studies at Pott Shrigley Church School… We’ve welcomed six great characters into reception class this year – they’ve all settled in so quickly and are all very comfortable in their new surroundings. Our dedicated EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) outdoor area remains incredibly popular and we’re out there whatever the weather. Mrs Turner created our very own Fruit & Veg shop; the children were tasked with writing their own shopping list, reading it to their friends and then they went shopping! This involved putting into practice our reading, writing and maths skills and practising our communication skills too. Another great learning adventure.
some impressive lighthouses in design and technology. The children also produced some fantastic pieces of writing describing Black Rock using alliteration and similes. We also watched a virtual firework display which inspired the children to compose a whole class Tanka Poem. Tanka means ‘short song’ in Japanese and the children used a range of adjectives to create theirs.
The children of Class 1 have had a busy few weeks. Last term our topic was ‘Under the Sea’ which we linked to the book, The Secret of Black Rock. Years 1 and 2 designed and made
HotPott - Christmas 2020
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A Banner for Remembrance
As I rolled up the banners that had been on display either side of the chancel for our Harvest Family Service, and put them away for another year, I was thinking about when we would change them again – it would be for Remembrance Sunday…
Sheila Garton Mmmm – we only have one remembrance banner, and it’s the only design on offer in a size suited to our narrow walls. Last year we left the wall by the pulpit blank – a banner missing, like so many soldiers’ lives from both world wars, and other conflicts too. Perhaps the supplier could print a mirror image for us? Could we get one made? … Maybe we could create our own? Would members of our church family craft a few poppies that we could somehow mount together? The idea grew. It seemed a realistic possibility; something we could all contribute to, whatever our age and artistic capabilities. Thank you Anne for launching the idea and requesting the poppies at our October Family Service. After several days, the box in the church porch started to receive poppies – small ones, bigger ones, made from paper, felt, wool. I looked forward to Page 14
collecting them each day – all so different – red, scarlet, crimson, russet - made with precious time, care and a common purpose. No doubt behind each poppy, there was a story to tell!
I wondered if a few crosses amongst the poppies might be appropriate – would they enhance or detract? Our homegroup took up the challenge and, thinking there were about a dozen names on the lychgate, agreed to put the names of those who had served in the world wars on them. It turned out there were 30! A. Howe and W. Lomas were straight forward, but how to fit J. J. Greenhough and W. W. Wainwright on? And was it C. Gardiner or G. Gardiner? Thank you Mike for your prompt replies. The poppies kept coming. At the end of the first week we had enough for half a banner. Still they came – a pack from school full of poppies decorated with tissue paper, buttons and carefully cut out silhouettes of soldiers, photographs of poppies, knitted poppies – some with leaves, crayoned poppies, silk poppies, ‘lest we forget’ poppies, carefully HotPott - Christmas 2020
researched poppies. Some with notes enclosed: ‘Sorry these are rather small’, ‘Can do more if you need them’, mostly anonymous – their creator ‘known unto God’.
each poppy, there will be a story. Here are a few:
The pile on the lounge floor grew – would we have enough for two banners?
‘Whilst writing the names on the crosses, I was reminded that having researched these men, I felt I knew them personally – where they were born, their parents, how they died.’ Mike Akerman.
The deadline arrived; time now to create a design. I laid the poppies out and let the picture evolve into a cascade of falling flowers, a river of red, like spilt blood. Where to put the crosses? Keep them separate or mix them in? They looked better separate – a streak of white, of light, of hope beside the waterfall of tumbling. Now there were too many! And some just didn’t fit in the cascade. What to do with them? Let’s try a poster for the box by the lychgate…. Yes, that works! And so our WW2 soldiers, whose names had been patiently written on tiny wooden crosses, mounted amongst silkprinted poppies, in a border of carefully cut out paper ones, were commemorated on their own banner beside the WW1 memorial. While husband David worried about the potential weight of the banners and whether the wall-mounting brackets would hold them, the gluing began – each poppy, cross, runaway button. It took over three hours, and we only missed one! A big thank you to the volunteer gluer. Finally, well almost, a bit of hemming, a couple of loops for each banner, a pile of drawing pins, check it wasn’t raining, and into the car to take our communal remembrance offerings to their resting place at St Christopher’s. Finally finally, a secret visit by photographer Rick, creating a moving video by which we could see them despite lockdown, and reflect, thankful for all those who gave their lives for the freedom of our country. Thank you Rick. Some of you have commented that behind HotPott - Christmas 2020
‘I’ve had a real love/hate relationship with these poppies – so fiddley! But then when I finished one, I wanted to do another.’ Meg Bailey. ‘I knew I’d nothing red in my rag-bag. How to get some red material? So I went to the charity shop and found a T-shirt which had red brocade-y patches on the shoulders. For £1: brilliant! I unpicked the pieces of red fabric and they made two nice poppies.’ Carole Taylor. ‘I can give you some red wool; it’s not a lot – left over from making a pair of mittens for a young Manchester United-besotted godson! Should be enough for a few poppies.’ The wool Jean Bennett used. ‘The first ones were way too small but then we found our ruby wedding party box. In it were lots of red hearts; putting four together, their points touching, made great poppies!’ Reg & Jean Ferguson. ‘When we were asked to make some poppies for the church Remembrance Day banners we looked on the internet for different designs. We were surprised to find that different countries seem to use slightly continued → Page 15
different designs of poppies. The traditional British poppy as worn on lapels is very simplistic: two petals in a figure of eight with a black centre.
socks for his first day at Pott Shrigley School, or into his uniform before he left home? What were her thoughts as she carefully wrote her son’s name in thread?’ Sheila Garton.
We found a US style poppy which is four petals instead of our two. Canadian poppies often have a white dot in the centre of the larger black dot and Anzac Day poppies sometimes have a yellow or green centre. We made various versions of the different styles of poppy; they are dotted around the banners, the most obvious one being a US style poppy above the words 'lest we forget' in the bottom left corner of the left hand banner.’ Simon & Lydia Potts.
Perhaps we should have included some words: ‘WE WILL REMEMBER THEM’. Or a verse from the Bible: ‘GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS: THAT HE LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS’ (John 15:13). But they seemed too predictable, and gave death the Winter and Spring 2020 last word. I’d have chosen Jesus’ words: ‘I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. HE WHO Pott Shrigley BELIEVES IN ME, THOUGH HE MAY DIE, HE Cinem SHALL LIVE’ (John Community 11:25). But there wasn’t space.
‘Stitching the names on the crosses, I wondered who had last sewn this lad’s name into a garment. Had his mum done it in his
Instead, we’ll let the poppies speak for We proudly present themselves, and invite you to sit, reflect and : listen to what they say to you.
A massive thank you to everyone who contributed in any way January to our beautiful Pott 8th – Blin Shrigley Remembrance Banners.
5th February – Hot 4th March – Jud 1st April —Mr
We will remember.
Looking forward to a resurgence of Flix in the Stix I trust you all remain safe and well during this resurgence of the virus.
Peter Boulton I recently read of the warning from a top Hollywood director that the coronavirus is pushing cinemas to the brink of extinction. Just days after Cineworld, the world’s second biggest cinema chain, announced they were shutting all screens again due to lack of demand, Patty Jenkins, whose films Page 16
include Wonder Woman, said movie theatres could be lost for good.
Ti
-A
Without -P government support she E-mail thought the only option is to take your kids to watch a movie in your own living room. https://sites.goo
Thanks to Junior Flix, we know this is not Tickets : inthat advance £4.0 the case in Pott Shrigley! HotPott - Christmas 2020
Cinemas have been hammered by low audience numbers and decisions by studios to delay big releases. The latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, is now out for release in April 2021. Since we’ve grown to favour Bond films, it’s refreshing to know Flix in the Stix is far from extinction and can confidently look forward to screening this at some future date. We’re all eagerly anticipating such a good night out!
*** First man: ‘My wife doesn’t know what she wants for Christmas.’ Second man: ‘You’re lucky. Mine does. ***
December Services: the 2020 version A year quite unlike any other is bound to be rounded off with a December unlike any other!
David Swales
At St Christopher’s December always contains a busy and joyous variety of services and celebrations – for which a very large number of people, through the course of the month, usually cross our threshold. Well, the good news is that, although we can’t welcome so many into the building this year, the joyous variety itself is undimmed! The highlight every year is perhaps our Carols by Candlelight service which, for the last two years, we have needed to hold an unprecedented four times in order to fit everyone wishing to attend into church. We sincerely hope that every single person who would have joined us in person this year will sit in front of a screen of some kind and join us for our online only ‘virtual’ Carols by Candlelight: we can promise that it will be marked by the same joy and creativity, and the same faith in the Good News of Christmas, as every year. Unfortunately, though, we can’t deliver our usual mulled wine and mince pies to you! We are hoping to have a full programme of Sunday and Christmas Services throughout HotPott - Christmas 2020
December, including our Christingle on 13th at 10.45am, and our Christmas Morning Worship at 10am. And, we’re very excited about something new this year – and specially planned to meet the current circumstances: our 4pm Christmas Eve ‘Children’s Crib Service’ – a 30 minute celebration of the greatest story ever told. Normally, many families are gearing up to attend Bollington Carols around the Tree at that time: we hope that this year, for some, our Crib Service will more than fill that gap. We hope that most of our services, (but not Carols by Candlelight), will also have a ‘physical’ congregation present in church (though this is entirely dependent on what is permitted at the time). Of course, there will be social distancing, face coverings, sanitiser etc. to keep us all safe and so, because of our limited space we do need you to tell us if you plan to attend church for a service: please contact Duncan Matheson: 01625 574983, mobile 07854 884145, email dmmpott@yahoo.co.uk. There are full details of all our services, and how to access both the live streamed and recorded versions, on our website: www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk and go to the Sunday Service page. Or, look at page 36 (‘Services’) of this magazine for the same information. Page 17
Your Vote Your Council
Highways updates
Resurfacing Shrigley Road and traffic lights near Cedar Lodge: Highways have been advised on both of these outstanding issues. They will investigate and advise. Double yellow lines: The council does not need to submit a new application requesting double yellow lines on the bend opposite Pott Hall. Highways will be in touch when work on the assessment is due to start.
inform highways that the only funding required is for two new posts and the workforce to install them. Highways will also be asked to sign a declaration that Cheshire East Council Highways have declined to carry out this work on a bend that has been assessed for extra measures costing in excess of £10,000 to improve the safety of road users and pedestrians. Jackson Brow steps
Gritting routes: The clerk received and complied with a letter asking for further comment on the proposed gritting routes. Cllr. Wylie and Cllr. Boulton argued the case for continuing to grit the whole of Shrigley Road at a recent Area Highways meeting. However, Highways said that it was too difficult to assess the justifications at a Zoom meeting. Those submitted will be reviewed by the Well Managed Highways Group.
Peak and Northern Footpaths Society is offering financial donations towards rights of way improvement projects within the parish. The improvements policy is available to view at www.pnfs.org.uk/aboutus/constitution. htm
Chevron bend signs – no change: The clerk’s request for the replacement of the missing road signs received a response to say: ‘I have had the local highways officer assess these signs and can confirm that there are a couple that require new posts. Unfortunately, with a very limited signing budget we are only replacing mandatory Stop and Give Way signs which are a requirement in our Code of Practice
1. the construction of ‘leaky dams’ from natural materials 2. planting of native trees 3. installation of small-scale water level monitoring equipment.
Natural flood management scheme Natural Flood Management proposes measures along the Bakestonedale Brook and its tributaries.
Tree planting proposals are accepted in principle by the council as they should reduce the flow. It has concerns about whether the trees will survive in the suggested areas and
As there are currently 3 signs in either direction there is no immediate safety concern however, this location has been added to a future programme for sign repairs which will be delivered subject to available funding.’ Action: The clerk will Page 18
New road sign at Spuley Lane
Joyce’s dog admiring the sign acknowledging contributions to repair of the donkey bridge HotPott - Christmas 2020
18/4950M) The council re-affirmed its objection to this application. NP/CEC/0720/0690 Pott Hall Barn, SK10 5RT Sub-division of dwelling to form two dwelling units. The council agreed to support this application.
whether the barriers will be kept clear of debris by the landowners. Poppy wreath and Service of Remembrance A video was made of Cllr. Wray laying the parish council’s wreath as part of the Remembrance Sunday live-streamed service at St Christopher’s. Planning - Pending 19/3715M Normans Hall Farm, SK10 5SE Extensions to approved Units 1 and 2 to form 2 two-storey dwellings, and increased parking to Unit 3 (Amendment to application ref.
n’t Do get r fo
20/3710M Heatherdale Farm, SK10 5RZ Conversion of existing barn to a single dwelling The council objects to this application. 20/2431M Proposed Poynton Relief Road Modification of Condition 41 of the decision notice. Date and time of next meeting The next parish council Zoom meetings will be held on Monday December 7th and Monday January 4th at 8pm. If you wish to join a parish council meeting as an observer, please contact the parish clerk, Joyce, to provide her with your email contact information to set up your invitation to the Zoom meeting.
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Sunday, 17 th Jan www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk HotPott - Christmas 2020
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HotPott - Christmas 2020
Coffee Break
Across 1 Rely (Psalm 62:7) (6) 4 ‘He stretches out the heavens like a — , and spreads them out like a tent to live in’ (Isaiah 40:22) (6) 7 What the dove carried the olive leaf in, when it returned to Noah’s ark (Genesis 8:11) (4) 8 Annoy (1 Samuel 1:6) (8) 9 Judah’s last king, who ended his days as a blind prisoner in Babylon (Jeremiah 52:11) (8) 13 ‘They all — and were satisfied’ (Luke 9:17) (3) 16 Eliphaz the Temanite was one; so was Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite (Job 2:11; 16:2) (4,9) 17 National Association of Evangelicals (of the USA) (1,1,1) 19 Popular song for New Year’s Eve, Auld — — (4,4) 24 Able dock (anag.) (8) 25 The number of stones David chose for his confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40) (4) 26 Elgar’s best-known ‘Variations’ (6) 27 Soak (Isaiah 16:9) (6)
Down 1 Money owing (Deuteronomy 15:3) (4) 2 Conciliatory (Titus 3:2) (9) 3 ‘Do this, whenever you — it, in remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians 11:25) (5) 4 A group assisting in the governance of the Roman Catholic Church (5) 5 One of the gifts Joseph’s brothers took with them on their second journey to Egypt (Genesis 43:11) (4) 6 ‘Reach out your hand and — — into my side. HotPott - Christmas 2020
Stop doubting and believe’ (John 20:27) (3,2) 10 Be outstandingly good (2 Corinthians 8:7) (5) 11 ‘What — — that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?’ (Psalm 8:4) (2,3) 12 Horse’s feet (Judges 5:22) (5) 13 Notice (Deuteronomy 17:4) (9) 14 Comes between 2 Chronicles and Nehemiah (4) 15 One of Israel’s northern towns conquered by Ben-Hadad (1 Kings 15:20) (4) 18 Narnia’s Lion (5) 20 One of the two rivers in which Naaman would have preferred to wash (2 Kings 5:12) (5) 21 Avarice—one of the evils that come from inside people (Mark 7:22) (5) 22 Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George (1,1,1,1) 23 Jacob’s first wife (Genesis 29:23) (4) Page 21
An excellent excuse to meet up with your church friends, aka the annual parochial church meeting The annual meeting is normally held in the spring after the Sunday morning service but, as with everything else in 2020, this year was very different! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the diocese extended the time limit for holding the meeting until October 31st, so on Thursday evening, 22nd October, 25 members of the congregation donned woollies and facemasks for a socially distanced meeting in church. Thanks to the brilliant efforts of Rick Gem and Andy Phillips, we were also joined by a further seven people via Zoom.
project can now help fund the upkeep and maintenance of the church building. Putting his Mr Micawber hat on, Duncan reminded us that it is unsustainable for expenditure to exceed income on a regular basis, so although our financial position is currently healthy, we should not become complacent about our finances. In the buildings report for 2019, David Garton described the work to remove the oil-based paint from the north wall; everyone agreed that the new whitewash was a huge improvement. The ongoing project for a new sloping entrance path into the churchyard, suitable for wheelchair and other easy access, has progressed slowly as COVID-19 delayed the process of obtaining the diocese’s permission for the work, and the same applies to the replacement of the worn out projector system in church (Since the meeting permission has been granted for both. We now have a fantastic new projector! Editor.) However, action has been possible regarding the churchyard trees: an evaluation of their condition was made and remedial work undertaken. A tremendous amount of effort is entailed with all these jobs, researching options and getting the necessary permissions before any work can start; all present expressed their appreciation to David for this.
Ros Johnson
The agenda papers comprise reports from the vicar, plus those from all the main church officers and leaders of groups such as Praise and Play. Duncan Matheson, who chaired the meeting, raised each report in turn and any comments and queries which subsequently arose were addressed. This year there was an addition to the agenda: an overview report about our aims, objectives and activities at St Christopher’s, as required by the Charity Commissioners to support our application for separate registration as a charity. The financial report prepared by the treasurer, Peter Kennedy, covered the period from January to December 2019. Duncan noted that expenditure was lower, largely as a result of the reduction in major building works, and he welcomed the rise in the amount shown for individual giving. Peter injected a note of caution, however: church was fortunate to receive two legacies during the year and it’s only as a result of these that income exceeded expenditure for the first time in many years. In spring 2019 the PCC decided not to proceed with the building of the church room, so the funds from a previous legacy earmarked for this Page 22
The reports from church groups, written in those distant pre-COVID days, paint a picture of thriving children’s groups, exciting activities in the St Christopher’s Church Guild and dedicated teams running the pastoral team and the prayer group. Our duties as a parish are monitored in areas such as finance and safeguarding and there are fellowship opportunities with bell ringing, Pott Puppets HotPott - Christmas 2020
and the home groups. Many people are involved in the organisation and running of these activities and they were thanked for their hard work.
again and were joined by David Garton as the third member of the team. Ian Malyan and Kim Swales are standing down and were thanked for their service.
The meeting took the opportunity for an update on how many of these groups have adapted to continue during 2020. Prior to the pandemic, preparations were in hand to open the church each day and this proved invaluable once people were allowed to visit for private prayer. Junior Church, Youth Church and home groups have been able to meet via Zoom and the pastoral team has contacted people by phone when visiting was not possible. The prayer group continues to meet via WhatsApp and the streamed services and magazine reach a wide and appreciative audience.
The parish is entitled to 12 ordinary PCC members, based on the total number of people on the electoral roll. Anne Murphy, Sheila Garton and Ros Johnson have completed their three year term; Anne and Sheila were happy to stand again. Jean and Reg Ferguson wished to become PCC members and as four vacancies existed, the nominees were all elected to the PCC.
Elections took place resulting in Andy Phillips and David Gem being appointed as churchwardens for the coming year. David Garton stood down as churchwarden after filling the post for the past six years and was thanked for his tremendous service, both as churchwarden and in many other areas of church life. A new three year term is starting for our deanery synod representatives: Pam Cooke and Sally Winstanley agreed to stand
I have decided to stand down from the PCC and am therefore relinquishing my role as PCC secretary, which I leave in the very capable hands of Chris Day. I have enjoyed my time in office and was very touched to receive the appreciation of church members at the meeting. Very many thanks are due to Ros for all her hard, conscientious work as our PCC secretary over many years – one of the largely unsung tasks that keep St Christopher’s functioning. And an especial thanks from the editor of HotPott for her prompt submission of copy – and for making sometimes dull subjects interesting for the readers!
Missionary Matters
In Thailand, Johnny and Ann McClean’s Facebook page indicates some of their recent activity.
John Ryley Thailand has very few COVID cases, which enables Johnny’s local church and teaching activities and Ann’s work in school to operate reasonably normally. However, borders are effectively closed, which has left the leader of the Thai missionary team stranded in America, and means Johnny’s preacher HotPott - Christmas 2020
training commitments are all online. Johnny has recently been involved in a two week City to City Asia online training course and has been asked to be a gospel coach for one of the participants, Peter, a Thai church planter; pray that Johnny will be blessed with energy, wisdom and discernment in this exhausting work and that he will be a good elder brother in the faith to Peter. With only 400 gospel churches for its population of 15 million, Bangkok desperately needs more pastors and churches! Over the last couple of months we’ve been asked to pray for Q, a Page 23
Shiite Hazara refugee from Afghanistan who was given a Farsi New Testament whilst he was interned in a detention centre. Q is now bailed on health grounds; he has read a lot of the New Testament but, unsurprisingly, there were many things he didn’t understand. Q was initially reluctant to go to church or to study the Bible more deeply but is now studying the Farsi version of Christianity Explored with Johnny. During the first session Johnny said: ‘If you could ask God any question what would it be?’ Q replied: ‘Please God show me what is the truth. Help me to follow that path whatever will happen’. Please pray that Q will be led into the truth as he studies God’s word with Sarah, Mahyah and Johnny each week. Please pray for church member Lek, that her faith will remain strong and that she will be an effective witness to her Buddhist family, particularly her two daughters. The McClean’s son Matthew remains at university in Belfast; their other two children – Bethan and Joshua – have both been busy with Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions with their school. Political protests against the government and monarchy continue; please pray for these problems to be resolved. Megumi and Helen Fazakerley, our missionary partners in Malawi, have made the most of the isolation and lockdown that greeted them on their return home on furlough. After an initial brief contact with daughter Mary, they have been ‘bubbling’ with Helen’s dad, sorting out his house and belongings prior to his move to live with Helen’s sister and husband in the Midlands. It’s lovely that he will have plenty of company and be well looked after, but sad that his wife has to remain in a care home on the Wirral. Megumi’s mum is currently in hospital in Japan with an undiagnosed illness; she is out of intensive care and will be discharged shortly, but it’s doubtful if she will be able to continue living alone. Please pray for Page 24
Megumi’s brother, who lives in Japan and bears the burden of sorting out her future care, and for Megumi too: family issues can be a real worry to missionary folk living far from family. I have spoken to Megumi twice since he arrived in England and asked about the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi (EBCoM) where he works. Megumi wasn’t entirely sure of the current situation (he tries not to get involved in management issues!) but assured me he would have a job to go back to, despite the college’s ongoing financial and governance problems, which have resulted in most of the African staff leaving. The Malawian missionary team are united in the view that an ongoing training programme is needed to equip people to pastor churches and work in full-time ministry. Our friends Steven and Jo Wheatley are hoping to return to Malawi next year; Steven has previously worked with Megumi producing material for in-service training of pastors, so please pray that a suitable programme can be devised. Helen continues to contribute to the work of SIM’s management team in Malawi – via Zoom of course! The Fazakerleys still need more financial support, so please consider if you could help in this way. Megumi and Helen hope to send us a presentation to use at one of our services; we look forward to seeing it! CROSSWORD ANSWERS
HotPott - Christmas 2020
The Suffering Church
It’s easy to criticise our government’s handling of the COVID crisis, but so many unknowns render strategic decision making difficult. Different approaches have achieved various levels of success, but the ‘beloved leader’ of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has a unique solution: although he claims the country is free of the virus, Christians working in Korea report that quarantine camps have been established for COVID patients. Tim Peters, of the Seoul-based charity Helping Hands Korea, said sources in the north had given information about camps near the Chinese border where inmates are provided with ‘absolutely minimal or no food or medicine… It is up to the families … to come to the edge of the camps and bring food to keep quarantined relatives alive along with whatever health-related aids that they can muster’. This included medicines ‘sold in the jangmadang [local] markets or even herbal home remedies gathered from mountainsides’. Many inmates have already died, not only from COVID but also from starvation and related causes. Peters, whose NGO delivers medical and other supplies to North Korea, said the reports match the testimony of survivors of the country’s labour camps, where between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are currently incarcerated, abused and tortured. David Lee, a pastor working with North Korean defectors in Seoul, said refugees in contact with relatives still in the country had reported cases of people suspected to have coronavirus being forced into isolation or 'being boarded up in their homes without food or other Quarantine Camp, North Korea support HotPott - Christmas 2020
Islamic Militants on Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
and left to die’. North Korea, where owning a Bible can result in execution, is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. In the oil and gas rich province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique, militants linked to Islamic State are seeking to establish an Islamist caliphate by force and have effectively gained control of part of the region. Barnabas Fund’s local contacts report that anyone refusing to support the jihadists and embrace their beliefs is attacked and their property set on fire; Christians who refuse to deny Christ are amongst the 2,000 people who have been killed and the 430,000 left homeless in the region since 2017. Desperate people are flooding into Christian mission stations for protection. The rise of Islamist fundamentalism is a particular threat to Christians, who are targeted for their faith. Please pray for the safety of the team running the Christian radio station (Radio Nuru) in the area, and for their equipment to be protected so that the gospel may continue to be broadcast. Pray too for the salvation of the perpetrators of these atrocities. (Please see the Bible Study ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’ on the church website.) In Bangladesh, 500 Christians and other minority groups took to the streets of Dhaka in early November to protest peacefully against relentless Islamist extremist attacks on minority continued →
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Bangladeshi Christians worshipping
communities, which killed at least 17 people between March and September 2020. Although Bangladesh’s constitution gives religious minorities the right to practise and share their faith, and the 1% Christian minority has enjoyed greater religious freedom there than in many other Muslimmajority countries, they and the 9% Hindu and small Buddhist populations are subject to discrimination from the Muslim majority. Violence against Christians, particularly in rural areas, has been growing, with those active in evangelism and converts from Islam particularly targeted. In some Muslim countries young Christian girls are at risk of kidnap with subsequent forced marriage and conversion to Islam. In Pakistan, Sindh High Court recently ruled that a 13 year old Christian girl, Arzoo Raja, is a minor and declared her ‘marriage’ to her Muslim abductor illegal; a lower court directed that Arzoo be taken back to a safe shelter and that her ‘husband’ be prosecuted as the law prohibits the marriage of any child under the age of 18. A further hearing will examine whether Arzoo was coerced into converting to Islam. We have wonderful technologists at Pott who enable us to join in church services from home. China is using technology with frightening consequences: the Communist Party is installing facial recognition cameras in any building where Christians, Muslims, Buddhists or Daoists meet to monitor believers and ensure ceremonies follow Page 26
rigid government guidelines. A worker installing the equipment explained: ‘The cameras are specially made and installed with the Public Security Bureau’s approval. Arzoo Raja, Pakistan All information is stored in their surveillance system once cameras register someone’s face. It notifies immediately when a person blacklisted by the police is identified’. A pastor reported: ‘If cameras capture an unknown face, the police come to determine who the person is’; two members stopped attending another church as they were afraid their social benefits might be stopped. China’s ‘Sharp Eyes’ surveillance system provides total coverage across all regions and churches hire security guards to disperse congregants talking in groups in case the cameras capture them saying something that could be construed as anti-government, which may cause huge trouble for the church. In October, a Chinese church leader warned that greater pressure will be put on Christians in the workplace to hide their faith; the government’s nationwide Social Credit System (SCS) ranks the ‘trustworthiness’ of individuals and businesses by scoring ‘financial integrity, compliance and social responsibility’. The artificial intelligence surveillance platform for SCS has also captured genetic information for China’s entire male population from June 2020. Pray for the millions of Christians in China, that they will keep the faith and that churches will be Surveillance in China HotPott - Christmas 2020
able to function effectively. And now some good news! Following the 2019 revolution which removed former President Omar al-Bashir from power in Sudan and ended 30 years of conflict and rule under Islamic law, Christian and Muslim leaders recently signed an agreement designed to promote peace and freedom of religion. The declaration was ‘inspired by the spirit of peace and prosperity for the people of Sudan and all those of goodwill in the world,’ said a Sudanese Sovereign Council member. The Archbishop of Sudan’s Khartoum Archdiocese said the agreement would help create space for more religious freedom as the country embarks on a new era, though he warned that ‘three decades of religious oppression created social stigma among different communities across the country and change will not happen
overnight’. Sudan’s apostasy law, which carried a death penalty for leaving Islam, had been abolished in April 2020. Christians and human rights activists have welcomed St. Matthew's Catholic Cathedral the changes, Khartoum but Islamists are against the reforms and have called for the government to be overthrown; pray this will not happen! With thanks to Barnabas Fund, Open Doors, The Religious Freedom Institute, The Sun, Upstream, Wikipedia.
All cntributins gratefully received The biggest prooblem I have had too face with Coovid has been the shooortage ooof
Duncan Mathesooooooon looooo rooolls. It’s all this sanitizer we have too use. It’s sticky and it gets everywhere; including oooontooo cooomputer keyboards, making oooone ooor moooore keys stick. At present it’s the ooooo. But having the keys stick is such a nuisance. At least with ooo yoou can switch tooo zer0. So I use t0ilet paper t0 rem0ve it. 0ne r0ll per device per week, in 0ur h0use that’s tw0 c0mputers, tw0 m0bile ph0nes, the landline, micr0wave, dishwasher and washing machine: eight r0lls a week 0n t0p 0f n0rmal HotPott - Christmas 2020
usage. N0 w0nder the sh0ps ran 0ut at the beginning. It’s 0K to use zer0 f0r emails and the like. But y0u can’t use zer0 f0r p0sh d0cuments, s0 y0u just have t0 0mit the relevant letter frm these, like writing articles in HttPtt. I try t make sentences using wrds that dn’t cntain the sticky letter; nt easy. It’s a gd jb I’m nt writing a ckbk, unless smene has a flprf way of aviding bbs. Perhaps I’ll revert t the zer0 0pti0n. 0h nooooooo: I’ve run 0ut! Noooo w0nder D0minic Cusins went fr0m Looooondooooon to Barnard Castle: n0 ooooooos. Any0ne c0ming? We can always keep in tuch using Zoooooooom. Or is it Z0m? Page 27
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Lockdown… and getting slimmer During Lent certain items of food are banished from my diet: ice creams, crisps, cakes and biscuits are among the forbidden fruits. This helps with my weight and my Slimming World record; I’d been a member of Slimming World for some time, but my weight continued to pretend to be a yo-yo, always going up and down, and I never reached my target weight. This was still the case when I weighed in on March 17th 2020; the next day I started my self-isolation, so no more weighins for a long time.
Gill Mosley Usually I keep my fridge full of salad foods and ham and my freezer full of appropriate meals and soups; this helps me to continue to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner the Slimming World way. For the first six weeks of lockdown, when I needed food my niece Chiara ordered it for me; after that, a lovely volunteer called Kate went to Tesco’s with my list – which didn’t include ice creams, crisps, cakes or biscuits! At the beginning of August my Slimming World consultant Barbara was given the go ahead to hold meetings in Bollington, so on August 11th I donned my mask and attended the weigh-in. I knew I’d done well when I
HotPott - Christmas 2020
was told I had lost 31½lbs in weight – and that was with my shoes on – we are normally allowed to take them off! My exciting progress continued: I achieved my target weight on September 22nd and was made one of Bollington’s Slimmers of the Year. During the first lockdown my life was enriched by the SPICE emails sent by Pam and by the phone calls I received from friends; the online services were helpful too. As a bonus, I was able to sort out cupboards and the mess that seemed to have accumulated in most of my rooms; lots of bags were filled for the charity shops! I would like to thank everyone who helped me get through lockdown. Congratulations to Gill. Some of us got heavier in lockdown…
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HotPott - Christmas 2020
Recipe of the Month Sticky Ginger Cake
This is the kind of cake that tastes like it came from your grandmother's cookbook. Equally tasty eaten warm as a pudding, or cold as a cake. It would probably keep well for several days, but I can't say that it lasts very long in our house!
Frances Arnott Ingredients: 185g (6½oz) pitted dates, roughly chopped 3 chunks stem ginger In syrup, plus 7 tablespoons of the syrup 100g (3½oz) black treacle 150g (5oz) butter, softened 100g (3½oz) soft light brown sugar 2 medium eggs 250g (9oz)self-raising flour 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon mixed spice 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 8 pieces crystallised ginger, chopped (optional) Method: 1. Drop the dates into a bowl and pour over 200ml of boiling water. Leave to soak for a minimum of 1 hour. 2. Preheat the oven to 180°C, 350°F, gas mark 4. 3. Grease and line a 23cm (9") square baking tin* with non-stick baking parchment. 4. Pour the dates and their soaking liquor into the bowl of a food processor and add the stem ginger, the black treacle and 4 tablespoons of the syrup. Blitz until smooth.
Leave to one side. 5. Beat the softened butter and sugar together in a bowl, either by hand or with an electric hand whisk or mixer. When well blended, whisk in the eggs one at a time (don’t worry if it curdles, it will sort itself out later). Add in the date mixture and whisk again to incorporate. 6. Add the flour, ground ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda to the mixture, and using a wooden spoon (or your mixer) bring all the ingredients together to form a smooth mix. Pour this into the prepared tin. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, by which time a skewer inserted into the cake should come out clean. 7. Remove the cake from the tin, and place on a rack to cool. While it is still warm spoon over the remaining 3 tablespoon of ginger syrup and scatter over the chopped crystallised ginger (if using). Leave the cake to cool before cutting into squares and serving. *although the recipe suggests using a square tin, I've used a 20cm (8") round tin, and cooked it for 15-20 minutes longer. This delicious sounding cake seems like a good one to indulge ourselves with at Christmas…
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For commercial or private advertising, please contact us for free advice and very reasonable rates: magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk HotPott - Christmas 2020
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Services December 6th. 8.30am 10.45am
Morning Prayer Morning Worship
Isaiah 40.1-11
David Swales
13th. Christingle 8.30am 10.45am
Morning Prayer Family Service
John 1.6-8,19-28
David Swales Anne Murphy & David Swales
20th. 8.30am 10.45am 4.00pm
Morning Prayer No service Carols by Candlelight (Online only)
Luke 1.26-38 David Swales
24th. Christmas Eve 4.00pm 11.30pm
Children's Crib Service Midnight Communion
David Swales
John 1.1-14
25th. Christmas Day 10.00am
Christmas Worship
Luke 2.8-20
David Swales
Holy Communion
Matthew 1.18–25
David Swales
Morning Prayer Morning Worship
Matthew 2.1–12
David Swales
Morning Prayer Morning Worship
Acts 10.34-43; Matthew 3.13-17
David Swales
Morning Prayer Family Service
Mark 1.4-8; Matt 3-'3-17
Morning Prayer Morning Worship
John 2.1–11
David Swales
Holy Communion Morning Worship
Mark 1.40–45
David Swales
Morning Prayer Morning Worship
Matthew 6.25–34
David Swales
27th. 10.00am
January 3rd. Epiphany 8.30am 10.45am 10th. 8.30am 10.45am 17th. 8.30am 10.45am
David Swales Anne Murphy & David Swales
24th. 8.30am 10.45am 31st. 8.30am 10.45am February 7th. 8.30am 10.45am
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HotPott - Christmas 2020
Readers
Prayers
Dec 6th
Clare Chasty
Gartons
13th
Children & young people
20th
No 10.45am service
Jan 3rd
Sue Akerman
Mathesons
10th
Ian Malyan
Pam Cooke
17th
Children & young people
24th
Nikki Ellis Hughan
Sandy Milsom
31st
David Gem
Chris Day
Feb 7th
Richard Chasty
Anne Murphy
Please note: • These plans assume that, from 6th December, we will permitted to hold services in church. • If you would like to attend any of our services in person, please let Duncan Matheson know. • The exception is Carols by Candlelight, which is online only this year. • All services underlined in blue will be streamed live on the Pott Shrigley Church Facebook Page whether or not a physical congregation is permitted. • A direct link to the live-stream will be posted the week before in SPICE & on our website • A recording of each live-streamed service will be available from the services page of the church website • Links to recordings will be posted in SPICE and are in the rota above (click on links for online readers) • A Facebook login is needed to watch the live-stream (but not the recordings) • Please allow time for editing - recordings expected afternoon/evening each Sunday Church website: http://www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
The Tear Fund BIG QUIZ NIGHT 2020 Well – we were promised a BIG QUIZ, and Saturday 14th November we got one! 17,432 people across the UK participated, and with St Christopher’s contributing 12 teams and £655 we did a bit to help transform the lives of people living in poverty. After our quizmaster, the lovely (and strict!) Anne, had let us into Zoom (what else?), Hannah from Team Bob’s House (James Phillips’ contribution to the event) started the evening off well by reading a prayer given to us by Tearfund: Father God, Thank you that we can come together for the fun and excitement of the BIG QUIZ tonight. Thank you that we can join so many other churches in supporting Tearfund as they help HotPott - Christmas 2020
people living in poverty create a better life for themselves. We pray for healing, hope and wholeness and an end to hunger, anguish and despair across the world. Please bless our evening. In Jesus name, Amen. This set us up well, and an excellent evening ensued. We learnt more of Tearfund’s life changing work in Malawi, where sustainable farming is helping lift people out of poverty. Congratulations to the winners: Ali, Tom, Steve and David aka The Gamekeepeers. Many thanks to Anne for organising us all. Looking forward to the 2021 Quiz already! Page 37
So many thank yous…
We always say ‘thank you’ in the Christmas edition to everyone who has helped produce 10 more editions of HotPott over the year. In the tumult of 2020, you have been amazing: so many people answered pleas for contributions, submitted ideas for new themes and sent photographs that some editions were bursting at the seams – which is a good thing! Copy was received from contributors old and new, and we’re immensely grateful to you all – keep it coming, and there’s always room for new additions to the ‘staff’! Tales of your early life are always popular, as are photographs, jokes, fillers and most other things. Without your help, there would be no HotPott.
An enormous thank you to our advertisers too; we hope you have gained some business from HotPott readers, but appreciate that many of you advertise just to support us. Tess and Andy Phillips have continued to do an expert job of laying out the magazine, often under pressured timescales – your work makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of HotPott. And fitting it alongside all the extra work you do with live streamed services these days, (and three young children, and jobs) is amazing; thank you so much. The proofreaders have continued to keep our commas under control. Thanks to: Mary Currell
(fount of all knowledge and chaser too), Sandy Milsom & Vicki Shelley. And so to our distributors: lots more recruits this year as we grappled with distributing HotPott to subscribers who usually pick up their copies from church, and those we guessed bought copies each month. So, thanks to all those who did their daily exercise with HotPotts tucked under their arms: Mike Akerman (also print run organiser), John & Liz Arrowsmith, Eileen Buffey, Pam Cooke, Ivan & Mary Currell, Duncan Matheson, Jean & Reg Ferguson, Yvonne Foster, Stan Heathcote, Peter Kennedy, Anne Murphy, Kim Swales and Sally Winstanley And for amazing shots, photographers in chief: Rick Gem, Graham Hackney, Duncan Matheson & Steve Murphy. Thank you all. Kath Matheson, editor. 01625 574983/07944 624 832 magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk 'Also a huge thank you from us all to our dedicated editor Kath for all her hard work over this past year. Because of present circumstances there have been pressures in various ways this year but Kath has always managed as far as possible to get our HotPott to us on time. She is just amazing!' Mary Currell
MAGAZINE SUBSRIPTIONS ARE NOW DUE. PLEASE SEE INSERT.
Page 38
Month
Deadline for articles
Proof reader
Publication date (Friday)
February
17th Jan
Sandy Milsom
29th Jan
March
14th Feb
Mary Currell
26th Feb
April
14th Mar
Vicki Shelley
26th Mar
May
18th Apr
Sally Winstanley
30th Apr
June
16th May
Sandy Milsom
28th May
July / August
13th June
Mary Currell
25th June
September
15th Aug
Vicki Shelley
27th Aug
October
12th Sept
Sally Winstanley
24th Sept
November
17th Oct
Sandy Milsom
29th Oct
Christmas 2021
14th Nov
Mary Currell
26th Nov
HotPott - Christmas 2020
HotPott - Christmas 2020
Page 39
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
Parish Assistant:
Gillian Mosley, 129 St Austell Avenue, Macclesfield, SK10 3NY
Churchwardens:
Andy Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP
829595 829819 07881 358976
andyphillips@totalise.co.uk David Gem, Ridge Hall Farm, Ridge Hill, Sutton, Macclesfield, SK11 0LU
01260 252287
davidgem@gmail.com Verger:
Situation Vacant
PCC Secretary:
Chris Day
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
pccsecretary@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk 07850 740335 574545
sjwinstanley.ps@gmail.com 573735
marycurrell61@btinternet.com David Garton, davidgarton2020@gmail.com
573492
Andy Phillips, as above
07881 358976
Weekly Bulletin:
David Gem, as above
01260 252287
Electoral Roll and Safeguarding officer:
Kath Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA
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 Children’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, Jean Ferguson, Andy Phillips, Pam Cooke, Eileen Buffey, Ian Clarke, Mary Currell, Mike Akerman, Sheila Garton, David Garton, David Gem, Anne Murphy, Kath Matheson, Chris Day, Reg Ferguson.
info@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
(please prefix numbers with 01625)
This directory was updated on 23rd November 2020. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk