HotPott October 2022

Cover

on 8th September the sad news reached us that Her Majesty had died, we knew that Operation London Bridge had to be implemented. This plan determined the protocols we, and indeed the rest of the country, should follow to mark the passing of our muchloved monarch. So a book of condolence and some prayer leaflets were put into church, the flag was lowered to half-mast, and muffles wrapped around the bell clappers. The bells were rung half-muffled that night; the ringers were not sure whether to look sombre or to smile on the photograph that was taken to mark the event – in the end we thought that as the Queen had now gone to glory, we should smile! At noon on the 9th, the tenor (heaviest) bell was tolled 96 times, one for each of Her Majesty’s years; the children of Pott Shrigley Church School were outside to listen, and others gathered to pay their respects too.

says

Then next day, up went the flag and off came the muffles as at 12 noon we celebrated the proclamation of King Charles III. Just as our Heavenly King never ceases to reign, there is always a monarch on the British throne. The sombre sound of halfmuffled bells, and the lowered flag, reminded us that we had returned to mourning on Sunday 11th September. It is rare for church bells to be muffled on a Sunday, the day when we come together to worship a living God, but it was deemed appropriate at this time, and all the ringing was half-muffled and the flag remained at half-mast until the day after Her Majesty’s funeral.

Thoughts turned to preparing a service in which we could remember and give thanks for the life and dedication of Queen Elizabeth II. David Gem led a service of prayer and reflection the

evening before the funeral; this was attended by members of the congregation and others and Sheila Garton’s singing of I know that my Redeemer liveth from Handel’s Messiah was a particularly poignant time.

On the day of the funeral, we rang a commemorative piece of ringing, a quarter peal lasting 43 minutes; it was the first time for 25 years that we have been able to do this with our own Sunday service ringers – what better occasion to do it?

Pott Shrigley said ‘Goodbye and thank you’ to Queen Elizabeth II in a fitting, Christian way; many thanks to all those who contributed to our commemorations. Many people have commented about how much the Queen’s faith, and its importance to her life, has been spoken about over the past days; we hope and pray that this will encourage many to look to Jesus in their own lives.

‘To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me, the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.’

Christmas message, 2000

PCC Ponderings

The church’s parochial church council met on 12th September, the first meeting since David, our most recent priest in charge, retired.

The meeting opened in prayer before the usual topics were discussed: the church building, finances, data protection, health & safety, safeguarding and fundraising. In addition, we received an update from Anne Murphy on her training to be a pastoral worker.

Here is a summary of the decisions taken, and discussions held…

There are some issues with the functionality of the microphones. It was agreed that some more troubleshooting would be done to try to improve sound quality, but if this was unsuccessful, one or two new, good-quality microphones should be purchased. A survey of the frequent attendees of the

8.30am service showed a majority preferred the form of service found in the Book of Common Prayer.

We have a card reader for use in contributing to the collection. However, it has been hiding in a drawer for some time! So if you come to a service, and would like to pop some money in the collection but have no cash on you, please look out for our Sumup machine, which should be out at the back of church. Please ask a sidesman or warden if you can’t see it!

Now the weather is turning colder, it was agreed that the doors will be closed during services. This will help us to conserve some heat too.

Work to install new windows in the ringing chamber has begun. So far the frames have been fitted, and the windows boarded up. Don’t worry: the glass is due to be fitted in the next couple of weeks! These will enable ventilation in the ringing chamber, while also keeping the jackdaws out!

A small team will be set up to develop ideas and options for the layout and furniture of the chancel; this will be led by David Garton and include representatives of those using the chancel (such as weddings and musicians) as well as one or two members of the congregation.

Sheila Garton

David Swales and the fundraising team, we look forward to the next event: an auction of goods and services, to be held on 29th October. Do come along and join in the fun! Anne is now in her third and final year of pastoral worker training with the Diocese of Chester. On successful completion of the course (this time next year, all being well), Anne will be licensed and assume the role of pastoral worker for St Christopher’s Church. It was noted that our Pastoral Care Team, who support members of the congregation with visits, lifts to appointments, etc., continues its very valuable role. There is a pastoral care email address (see the back cover of this magazine) which is available for anyone to use to request a visit or telephone call.

As you might expect, we reviewed our heating bills with some trepidation. Our gas and electricity prices are both fixed until 2024; welcome news indeed, at least for the time being. Thank you to Ian Clarke for his thrifty foresight. Despite this, it was agreed to make a couple of tweaks to our central heating. While we are unlikely to notice the impact of these just yet, it may be worth wearing a thicker jumper in the winter.

So, some good news about heating costs, but unfortunately the overall financial position continues to cause concern: income to date this year is significantly (approximately £10,000) below expenditure. Following the most enjoyable jazz evening organised by

Since my last PCC Ponderings, several people have come forward to take on roles which were vacant. Our sincere thanks to Sue Roberts who has taken over as chief puppeteer, Annie Palace who has taken responsibility for health and safety, Celia Fraser who is assisting Kath with all things safeguarding, and others who have joined the rota for junior church leaders.

Regarding the appointment of a new priest in charge, the closing date for applications was 19th September, and interviews are scheduled for mid-October. Please continue to pray that God will lead us to the right person, and the right person to St Christopher’s, in His perfect timing.

‘Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them I find hope.’ (Letter to the Lambeth Conference from Queen Elizabeth II, 2022)

Last month we learned the possible reasons why, and how, Geoffrey Downes rose through the social strata of London society in the 15th century. We now discover more about Lady Joan Ingoldesthorpe, and the nature of the relationship between her and Geoffrey…

Paul Bowdon

On 15th May 1464 another eruption of the sort of violent conflict that marked the second half of the 15th century in England occurred at Hexham in Northumberland. This battle was on a smaller scale than the battle of Towton three years earlier (described in the first article in this series) but its outcome was the same: the Yorkist army inflicted a decisive defeat on the House of Lancaster.

The Yorkist captain was John Neville, 1st Marquess of Montagu and created Earl of Northumberland by King Edward IV for winning this victory. One of the three defeated Lancastrian commanders was Thomas, 9th Baron Ros of Helmsley, who at the close of the battle was found hiding in a wood. Neville took the captured Ros to Newcastle and had him publicly beheaded the next day.

Thomas Ros was Lady Joan Ingoldesthorpe’s brother-inlaw; he was married to her elder sister Phillipa Tiptoft. His killer, John Neville, was Lady Joan Ingoldesthorpe’s son-in-law; he was married to Lady Joan’s daughter, Isabel Ingoldesthorpe. Perhaps by now inured to the seemingly constant round of violence and death that her circle of friends and close family were meting out to each other, Lady Joan’s daily life and

business seem to have flowed on without upset or interruption. Little more than three weeks after the battle and Ros’s death, Godfrey Greene, a London lawyer, wrote to his client and kinsman Sir William Plumpton about commercial negotiations in which Lady Ingoldesthorpe had been lately and enthusiastically engaged. They concerned her proposed investment in a new mercer’s business that a young man from Norfolk was trying to establish in the City of London. Significantly, Greene’s letter suggests that Lady Ingoldesthorpe had made other similar investments in the past and was using part of her considerable wealth to act as what today we would call a ‘venture capitalist’. Even more significantly, Greene confirms that Lady Ingoldesthorpe was being advised by Geoffrey Downes – and being advised to drive a hard bargain. One historian has described Geoffrey Downes at this time as Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s ‘steward’; this may not do their relationship full justice.

As we saw in the last article, the evidence points to Geoffrey, who by the 1460s was in his mid-late 30s, having become a successful business lawyer with connections in the

‘…There is a young man, a mercer in the Chepe, …the which makes great labour to my lady [Ingoldesthorpe] and Jeffrey Downe …’

L John Neville, Marquess of Montagu, Earl of Northumberland, R Thomas Ros, Baron of Helmsley; Historica

City of London. Lady Ingoldesthorpe was about the same age, twice-widowed and perilously connected with many of the leading figures on both sides of the deadly Yorkist-Lancastrian conflict, hugely wealthy and, without a husband, concerned to make the most of her capital. If anyone needed a good lawyer, it was Joan Ingoldesthorpe! And that is almost certainly what Geoffrey Downes was to her in 1464 – her lawyer and business manager. For those who have read and enjoyed C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake novels which feature the fictional Tudor barrister, Matthew Shardlake, (who finds adventure serving the interests, whatever they might be, of the great and the good, like Henry VIII’s widowed queen, Katherine Parr) they would probably find Geoffrey Downes a very familiar character.

The relationship between Lady Ingoldesthorpe and Geoffrey appears to have been close and successful. It was also long-lasting: in 1490, more than 25 years after Greene wrote his letter to Plumpton, Court records show Geoffrey Downes buying the manor of Brockenhurst in the New Forest from Sir Edward Dudley and his wife Cicely. Sir Edward was Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s nephew, the eldest son of her younger sister Joyce Tiptoft, who had married Sir Edmund Sutton of Dudley Castle. This was obviously a family transaction and Geoffrey’s purchase can only have been on behalf of Lady Ingoldesthorpe, as her agent and attorney.

Geoffrey and Lady Ingoldesthorpe also worked together on several charitable projects, in addition to founding the chantry at Pott Shrigley. Intriguingly, a trust deed of 1493 in the Chester Diocesan archives records an endowment Geoffrey and Lady Joan made some time earlier for the appointment of a chantry priest at Taxal church, although it appears this initiative did not come to fruition and the endowment transferred to the chapel at Pott Shrigley. Also, around the same time,

Geoffrey and Joan established another local charity that was to buy and maintain a herd of 100 dairy cattle from which the poor of the district ‘…may have one beast by rent of prayers for the souls of Joan and Geoffrey..’. Some historians credit Geoffrey Downes as having been educated at Queens’ College Cambridge. The university registers certainly show that Geoffrey was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts in 1485 and elected one of the dozen or so Fellows of Queens’ College in 1490. Both were, however, highly unusual as Geoffrey was in his late 50s by 1485 (and certainly no student) and the recipients of MAs and Fellowships were generally restricted to men in holy orders – which Geoffrey unquestionably was not. These must have been honorary awards and can only have come Geoffrey’s way because of Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s intervention as a principle benefactor of Queens’ College.

One of the main Victorian county historians, Earwaker, inferred from the length and closeness of their relationship (including their co-founding of the chantry

Joyce Tiptoft Sutton; Wikitree

at Pott) that Geoffrey eventually became Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s third husband, albeit a marriage kept away from the public gaze because of the great difference in their social status. It is a romantic idea, and may be no more than that, although it cannot be discounted and finds some support in the way Geoffrey and Lady Ingoldesthorpe are referred to together in the will of Sir Edmund Shaa (see the previous article) and, as we will see, from the provisions of Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s own will.

Geoffrey’s relationship with Lady Ingoldesthorpe, whatever it was or became, certainly helped him. He started as a landless younger son and ended up a substantial landowner, including in his native county. There is a wonderfully preserved record in the rental lists of the Pott chantry of what Geoffrey came to own in Cheshire: estates, farms, pastures and individual properties in Mobberley, Alsager, Sutton, Bollington, Rainow, Kettleshulme and, of course, Shrigley and Pott. In the latter some of the properties Geoffrey acquired are still identifiable including Kinder House, The Holmes, Arkylle House, The Oxforthe and John Pott’s Land, which prior to 1490 had been the estate of the Beardsley family.

The relationship between Geoffrey and Joan Ingoldesthorpe came sadly to its close in the summer or autumn of 1494 when Joan died. In her will Geoffrey is named as one of her two executors; the other was Dr William Sutton, rector of St Stephen’s Walbrook in the City of London and possibly a relation of Lady Ingoldesthorpe through her sister Joyce’s marriage into the Sutton-Dudley family. The overseer of the will was Dr William Rochford, the head of the Dominican Order in England, in whose friary of Blackfriars at Ludgate the body of Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s brother John Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester, was buried after his execution at the Tower in 1470. Joan wished to be buried alongside her brother in the Lady

Blackfriars Priory sign

Chapel of Blackfriars.

Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s will contains numerous bequests to charitable causes in London and elsewhere, including to ‘the chapel of which I am founder’, which is probably a reference to the chantry at Pott Shrigley. There are, however, few bequests to individuals so it is notable that these include three of 10 marks each (about £4,000 today) to Joan, Margery and Maude Downes; these three, of whom no other historical record exists, must be relatives of Geoffrey Downes. Were they three unmarried daughters of Geoffrey from a marriage of his of which there is no remaining record? Might they have been left this money because they had become stepdaughters of Lady Ingoldesthorpe?

This notion that Geoffrey may have become Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s (secret) third husband receives just a little more support from her will. As well as being bequeathed an interest in one of her former estates, the manor of Oakley in Essex, Lady Ingoldesthorpe leaves to Geoffrey ‘ …the residue of all my singular my goods, chattels, debts and jewels not bequeathed’. In short, Lady Ingoldesthorpe intended to pass much of her great wealth to Geoffrey.

But Geoffrey never saw any of it. Within a couple of months, possibly even a few weeks,

of Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s death Geoffrey himself was dead. We do not know where he died, how he died or where he was buried. A small note of mystery, possibly of suspicion, creeps into our story at this point, making it indeed rather like a Shardlake novel. Around the same time as, and certainly not long after, Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s and Geoffrey’s deaths, both William Sutton and William Rochford, respectively the second executor and the overseer of Lady Ingoldesthorpe’s will, were arrested. The pair had been under the surveillance of King Henry VII’s spies since the middle of 1494 and were considered coconspirators alongside a number of Henry’s military commanders and courtiers in the socalled Perkin Warbeck plot to remove Henry from the throne. Both men were spared execution or banishment only because they

were clerics. It may all be quite coincidental, and we can only speculate – but might Lady Ingoldesthorpe and Geoffrey Downes also have been in some way involved in the plot, and might their deaths, so close together in time, have been linked to it somehow?

We do have some certainties. By the time of their deaths the chantry at Pott Shrigley was ready with the chantry priests installed and prepared to sing masses for their souls, the ‘Great Bell’ in the new tower was able to be tolled in their memory and the stained-glass images of this lawyer and client, husband and wife or (possibly most likely) simply unlikely couple who had become close companions over the years, looked across at each other from their respective windows in the chancel and main sanctuary of the Pott chapel and would do so for another 150 years .

A smooth transition… news from Pott Shrigley Church School

In the September edition of Hot Pott, I introduced you very briefly to Miss Marie Maynard, autumn term interim headteacher for Pott Shrigley School. It was the very last day of the summer term that Miss Maynard was appointed.

Sally Winstanley

The governors are so grateful to her and the staff for interrupting their summer holidays to meet each other, complete paperwork and beat deadlines to ensure a smooth start to this term. Miss Maynard has been busy meeting parents and getting to know the children, as well as leading school in mourning our dear late Queen Elizabeth II. The whole school gathered in the playground at midday on Friday 9th September to listen to the church bell toll 96 times, whilst they all reflected on what the Queen meant to them.

There are exciting events and school trips arranged already for this term; the next one being a visit to Manchester Airport. We shall look forward to hearing all about it in the next edition of Hot Pott!

Marie Maynard

Determining the Centre…

messages anywhere in the world. At a cost, of course! But pause and be thankful for the Royal Female, Her Majesty the Queen, whose crown with the initials E II R is cast in the front of the box.

Queen Elizabeth has been the centre of the lives of millions as she has dutifully delivered her messages of hope and purpose all over the world. Queues of respectful people have come to her coffin to show their thankfulness.

What do you think of as the centre of Pott Shrigley? The church, or the graveyard? The cobbles you park on to get there? Or is it the village hall and the school?

Audrey Bomford

Late one Friday afternoon last month, an articulated lorry hit and damaged the corner of the roof of the school at the very centre of the village! Thankfully the children were not there. At this dangerous central junction you need ears and eyes in all directions if you are crossing the road to the post box. For many locals and visitors alike, the post box is central to the village. A wave of thankfulness sweeps over you when you’re in time to catch the post, knowing Royal Mail will deliver your

There is, however, another centre to Pott Shrigley, perhaps older even than the church itself, and one which can also remind us of the Queen: the stream that flows next to Bakestonedale Road, passing the outdoor classroom of the school, then diving under the tarmac playground, through a culvert under Shrigley Road before surfacing as a peaceful trickle or a powerful torrent alongside the road. Like Queen Elizabeth, this stream has lived its long life serving. Humbly continuing, day after day on the same route, coping with all that the country’s drainage brings to it. Despite all weathers, it faithfully flows, bringing life to its environment, and joy to all who stop to gaze. Like Her Majesty, the stream has enjoyed open hillsides and endured dark times and pressure, not complaining, not explaining, but always emerging with a new

power for life’s journey.

Her Majesty has openly declared her faith in God and following the teaching and example of Jesus Christ has been the centre of her own life. For many, past and present, it is the lychgate war memorial that is the centre of Pott Shrigley, a reminder and tribute to all who gave their lives for their country. And that is exactly what our beloved Queen has done. For most of her people, she has always been there at the centre, and will never be forgotten. May we not forget either to follow her example and put firm faith in God and following Jesus at the centre of our lives too.

‘I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian Gospel.’ (Christmas message, 2002)

We will be holding our Carols by Candlelight services (indoors) on Sunday 18th December at 10.45am and 6.30pm, and on Thursday 22nd December at 6.30pm.

As in previous years, we will be forming a group to lead the singing of the carols. If you enjoy singing, you are most welcome to join - no previous experience needed. See Sheila for more details.

The rehearsals will be at 8pm on the following Tuesdays and Thursdays:

- Thursday 27th October - Tuesday 1st November - Thursday 10th November - Thursday 17th November - Tuesday 22nd November - Thursday 1st December - Tuesday 6th December - Thursday 15th December

Christmas is coming ... ... and with it the opportunity to sing carols!

Rita Mary Bunting, my life

I was born on the 21st of September 1938 at 49, Shrigley Road, Bollington. My father was Percy Bunting, and my mother was Nellie (née Jackson); mum was known as Dadie, a name she gave herself as a toddler. Dad had served in the First World War in the 25th Army Cyclist Corps; in civilian life he was a clerk at Thomas Oliver & Sons, a fine cotton spinning mill at Waterhouse, Bollington.

My grandparents, John and Mary Jackson, had a butcher’s shop at Palmerston Street, Bollington. Mary came to Bollington from Cardington near Church Stretton and worked as a cook at Endon Hall, Kerridge; I think they met when Grandad delivered meat to

the hall. John and Mary had two daughters, my mum Nellie and Aunt Irene (Rene). After they retired, my mother’s parents lived close to us at number 41, Shrigley Road, also known as Whitefield; Rene and her husband Albert Bass lived there too. Albert was both churchwarden and treasurer of St Christopher’s for several years as well as an enthusiastic member of The Follies, an amateur concert party in Bollington.

I started school aged 5 at St John’s Infants in Lowther Street, Bollington; our teachers were Mrs Clough and Miss Cheetham, who were both very nice ladies. I remember there was a rocking horse and an open fire with a large fire guard in the classroom; in winter the milk was delivered frozen and placed near the fire to thaw out. My friend Joan Clews, whose story appeared in HotPott in April 2022, used to call for me each morning. We both won stars for reading our Beacon Readers books, the reading scheme that was in vogue in the 1940s. At St John’s Infants there were just two classrooms and a cloakroom; the toilets were at the bottom of the school yard – cold in winter! At breaktime we played out, skipping, playing hide and seek and doing lots of running and jumping about. After two happy years it was time to move on to the big school, St John’s Juniors, across the road in Church Street, next to St John’s Church.

We spent the first years downstairs, with a male teacher who used to throw the board duster at anyone who was not concentrating! Then it was up the stone stairs to Miss Hackney’s class where she taught us needlework as well as the three Rs. Then there was the

Dadie Jackson

headteacher, Mr Newcombe, and his wife; she played the piano and we had lots of singing and country dancing. Mr Newcombe was very strict and very keen on penmanship. Some of the boys used to be very challenging in their behaviour, but most of them turned out all right in the end! I spent two years in the top class because I could not go to secondary school until I was the right age.

In 1950, when I had reached 11¾, I started school at Macclesfield Grammar School (as it was known then) in Fence Avenue, Macclesfield; I was in Sandringham House. Along with my friend Mary Robinson, I was in Miss Porter’s class, lower three alpha, in a prefab building. The next year, lower fifth, there was a choice of subjects: languages, commercial or domestic science. I took domestic science. Next year, upper fifth, I took O levels: English language, domestic science, biology and arithmetic. I spent one year in lower sixth but decided to leave school aged 18 and went to work in the lab at GH Heath & Co, Pickford Street, Macclesfield; the company were textile throwsters (For the uninitiated like me,

throwsters spin silk or other

fibres into yarn. Editor.). My job was to test the quality of the nylon product. After being made redundant from Heath’s I worked for a while at the Ministry of Pensions, Black Road, Macclesfield. Then I left to look after members of my family and worked at the East Cheshire Hospice Shop in Chestergate for 10 years and at St Michael’s church on the coffee rota until COVID struck in March 2020.

I was christened and confirmed at St John’s Bollington; I went to Sunday School and parades on Sermon Sundays and later joined the Anglican Young People’s Association, enjoying social events like hikes up White

John Jackson & Rita

Nancy. Aged 21 I started to attend St Christopher’s where my Uncle Albert Bass was the treasurer. The vicar was Reverend Oscar Lloyd. I still go to services at Pott Shrigley; previously I was treasurer for the church guild and on both the coffee and cleaning rotas along with my dear friends Eileen and Roy Stratford.

In my early life I had lovely friends, brother and sister John and Pat Hancock; their father owned Shrigley Dyers, the flats known as Dyers Court have replaced the factory at the bottom of Church Street. Another friend, Joan Clews, lived at Cocksheadhey Farm. Maurice Cole lived two doors away; he became town clerk in Morpeth, Northumberland. Next door was Kathleen Howarth; she married Duncan Moss, a relative of Florrie Harding from Ivy Cottage Pott Shrigley, and went to live in Torquay. Uncle Charlie Walker had a chicken farm close by too. My older friends, Pat and Gwenne, took us younger ones on hikes to Lyme Park, Sowcar Brook and Bollington. We were always outdoors in the summer.

I belonged to the Macclesfield & District Field Club, which still meets in the Salvation Army Citadel in Roe Street; they had speakers and films on all things pertaining to the countryside as well as outings. I was also a member of the flower club in Macclesfield and went to Margaret Ridgeway’s flower arranging class at Bollington Civic Hall for about 15 years; I loved to arrange the church flowers at Pott. Latterly I kept active with sessions at Activities in Retirement in Macclesfield, the Thai Chi class in the Senior Citizens’ Hall and the Music and Movement class and outings. Rita seems to have always, in her own quiet, unassuming way, strived to live life to the full, being a familiar figure in Bollington, generally to be seen striding purposefully along in her cream raincoat, often on her way to one of her many volunteer roles. She is not able to be quite as active as she was, but we are always delighted to see her at St Christopher’s each Sunday. Perhaps one day she will reveal the secret of how, even when walking through mud, she always emerged with clean shoes!

‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor

my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out His hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith

none.’

Love Where We Live

10 years on from the 2012 summer Olympics questions have been raised again about the fulfilment of the promised legacy. ‘A massive betrayal: how London's Olympic legacy was sold out’ is just one recent media headline. The legacy of regeneration was central to London's bid to host the games, but many believe this commitment has been forgotten and many have been left disappointed.

Yvonne Foster

Three months on from Festival Manchester, the congregation at St. Christopher's are keen to keep alive the desired legacy from the Christian festival in Manchester. The organisers' vision was that Festival Manchester would be far more than a threeday event in Wythenshawe Park. One legacy initiative was to Love Where You Live. Pott Shrigley is already loved, and its wellbeing sought by many: by those who serve on the parish council, tend the village green, plant flowers or organise and attend the litter picking days. The school and village hall are kept open and thrive because of the community's care and hard work. The congregation love and care for our church and the churchyard, and many work tirelessly

Prayer walk July 2022

for their good. Therefore, as a legacy from the festival, what further special contribution could we as a Christian community make?

Believing in a living God who answers the prayers of those who put their hope and trust in Him, we decided we could Love Where We Live by praying for God's blessing upon all who live and work in the parish. To that end several prayer walks were planned and taken; leaflets outlining the routes and with suggestions for prayer have been produced and are available in church, at Shrigley Hall and in The Coffee Tavern. We plan to continue to walk and pray around the parish on a regular basis; everyone is most welcome, but no one is obliged to pray aloud. Or take one of the walks yourself. Or, if you would prefer not to join a group but would like a companion on the walk, there are willing volunteers happy to do this.

Perhaps readers could suggest ideas for prayer for our community or suggest other church and community initiatives which would promote the village's spiritual health and wellbeing. Please feel free to contact the editor (details on the back of HotPott) with any suggestions for Loving Where We Live or to share news of experiencing God's blessing.

Your Vote Your Council

Highways

New/Updated/Completed:

Unofficial layby on Shrigley Road (opposite Normans Hall entrance): Grass is now fully grown and a verge created. Cheshire East Highways enforcement team are unlikely to consider this a high priority so regrettably no further action to be taken.

Double yellow lines at Pott Hall and Spuley Lane bend: The necessary paperwork is being drafted and will be considered by the Head of Highways in early October, depending on his availability.

Collapsed wall, Bakestonedale: Highways think the wall is retaining the highway. It will be added to the future schemes list for repair when resources become available.

Damage to village hall roof by articulated lorry: The incident has been reported and is in the hands of the insurers. Highways have been informed and Cllr Saunders has asked the Head of Highways to review the mitigation measures put in place six years ago; these were never considered adequate to prevent future collisions. Action: Clerk to contact Head of Highways to reinforce Cllr

Saunders comments and suggest signage is required to warn HGV drivers of the hazard.

Pending:

Remedial resurfacing of Shrigley Road from Green Close to the aqueduct.

Modifications to the Shrigley Hall bend. Fingerpost at junction of Street Lane and London Road.

North-East Cheshire Community Partnership (NECCP)

Their vision is to make the residents and neighbourhoods of Adlington, Bollington, Disley, Kettleshulme, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury, Pott Shrigley, Poynton and Rainow better connected, to promote a strong sense of place and to represent the interests of the residents.

Pott Shrigley Parish Council website now includes a link to the NECCP website as requested. Recently representatives were asked to identify six key issues for their areas to inform the new Live Well For Longer plan. Cllr Boulton was supplied with some ideas to take to the September meeting such as more tree planting, supplying every household with a copy of the walking map, updating the

Bollards at junction

Damage to roof

Pott Shrigley Directory and making greater use of the village hall bar to get residents together and develop a sense of community. As requested, the council discussed the idea of a Civic Pride scheme but no decision was taken. They were also asked to contact their area police representatives when researching issues for inclusion in the new plan.

Telephone kiosk

The parish council has signed a contract to purchase the village telephone kiosk; the clerk has been informed that the telephone equipment will now be removed and a completion notice issued in due course. When the council owns the telephone kiosk, the defibrillator will be resited in it, which will make it more readily accessible for use.

Planning applications

The clerk contacted David Rutley MP to express the council’s dissatisfaction with the inordinate length of time being taken by both Cheshire East Council and the Peak District National Park planning authorities to process planning applications. Cheshire East have opened an official enquiry and have requested the application numbers of outstanding plans; these have been submitted.

Planning - Applications

21/6042M 11 Normans Hall Mews, SK10 5SE 22/2809M 10, Normans Hall Mews, SK10 5SE

Rear extension along the party wall boundary to give a garden room to each property. Re-submission of application

For both these applications the clerk submitted the council’s original comments regarding the inappropriateness of blue roofs.

Decision

NP/CEC/0621/0623 Pott Mill Farm, SK10 5RU

Proposed agricultural building to store fodder & implements.

Approved with condition: the use of the building hereby approved shall be restricted to agriculture only.

22/0645M Shrigley Hall Hotel, SK10 5SB

Retrospective application to use existing tennis courts as temporary storage facilities.

Refused

Pending

21/1251M (08.03.21) Nab Quarry, SK10

5SD Resubmission for the regularisation of warehouse storage buildings and demolition of existing shed and replacement with two storey office building.

21/1283M (08.03.21) Separate application for warehouse for MRI Polytech.

21/6312M (21.12.21) Shrigley View, SK10 5SE Enclosure of existing external staircase, conversion of garage to living accommodation and single storey extension. 22/0078M (11.01.22) Woodside, SK10 5SA

Two storey rear extension, new photovoltaic array on south facing roof, detached workshop / storage area and works to highway to create a dropped kerb to provide vehicular access to driveway.

NP/CEC/0222/0213 Keepers Cottage, SK10 5RZ. New agricultural barn.

NP/CEC/0122/0080 Keepers Cottage, SK10

5RZ Demolition of existing property and rebuild.

NP/CEC/0322/0436 Moorside Quarry, SK10 5RZ Siting of one residential caravan following removal of plant and container storage. Erection of three additional stables following removal of the existing caravan.

Next meeting

The next meeting will take place at 8pm on 3rd October 2022.

Coffee Break

Across

1 Tertullus, who presented the high priest’s case against Paul in his trial before Felix, was one (Acts 24:1) (6)

4 As balm (anag.) (6)

8 Having explored Canaan, he and Joshua urged the Israelites to take possession of it (Numbers 13:30) (5)

9 On becoming king of Judah, he had all six of his brothers killed (2 Chronicles 21:4) (7)

10 ‘Even the — has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself’ (Psalm 84:3) (7)

11 Banishment (Jeremiah 29:1)(5)

12 ‘And now I will show you the most — way’ (1 Corinthians 12:31) (9)

17 ‘Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not —— the same spirit and follow the same course?’ (2 Corinthians 12:18) (3,2)

19 Mice den (anag.)(7)

21 How Egypt is often described in the Old Testament: ‘the land of — ’ (Exodus 13:3) (7)

22 One of the first Levites to resettle in Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon (1 Chronicles 9:15) (5)

23 ‘As a sheep before her shearers is —,so he did not open his mouth’ (Isaiah 53:7) (6)

24 Paul’s birthplace (Acts 22:3)(6)

Down

1 Ravenous insect inflicted on Egypt in vast numbers as the eighth plague (Exodus 10:14) (6)

2 Well-being (Philippians 2:20) (7)

3 Small piece of live coal or wood in a dying fire (Psalm 102:3) (5)

5 Sportsman or woman (2 Timothy 2:5) (7)

6 The original name of Abraham’s wife (Genesis

17:15) (5)

7 ‘So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each — belongs to all the others’ (Romans 12:5) (6)

9 According to Peter, a wife’s beauty should not come from wearing this (1 Peter 3:3) (9)

13 ‘For God did not send his Son into the world to — the world’ (John 3:17) (7)

14 ‘The Lord of heaven and earth...does not live in — built by hands’ (Acts 17:24) (7)

15 ‘If your hand — you to sin,cut it off’(Mark9:43) (6)

16 Something like these fell from Saul’s eyes as soon as Ananias placed his hands on him (Acts 9:18) (6)

18 Track (Job 41:30)(5)

20 Religious doctrine(5)

‘I have been—and remain—very grateful to you for your

and to

love. I have indeed seen

The Suffering Church

Christians in India have suffered much at the hands of the nationalistic Hindu majority, particularly since Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power. Now some potentially good news! In July a petition calling for a directive to end hate speech targeted against Christians and attacks on their places of worship was submitted to the Supreme Court by Archbishop Machado of Bangalore and fellow Christian organisations. The petitioners asserted that, on average, 45 to 50 violent attacks are perpetrated on Christian institutions and church leaders every month in India. On 1st September the Supreme Court ordered detailed reports into more than 20 cases of violence against Christians across eight states. Archbishop Machado and fellow petitioner AC Michael are pleased with this outcome as they think it will ‘help bring out the truth’ as it indicates that these allegations of anti-Christian violence are being taken seriously. Please give thanks for this and pray that the verification process will be fair and a true reflection of the persecution Indian Christians’ experience. Ask that the findings will cause the government to take steps to protect freedom of worship for all its citizens in accordance with the Indian constitution.

Bhagwant Mann, chief minister of Punjab, India

that an attack on a church in the Tarn Taran district, during which a security guard was taken hostage at gunpoint and the church and the pastor’s car vandalised, be carefully investigated. A special investigation team (SIT) of three senior police officers will examine the incident, which is just one of several anti-Christian attacks reported in Punjab on 30th and 31st August. Chief Minister Mann described the incident as ‘unpardonable’ and promised that the perpetrators would be punished. A senior church leader in Amritsar, Punjab, Rev Samantaroy, alleged that anti-Christian sentiment had been stoked by the acting head priest of the local Sikh temple, making a false claim that Christians, funded ‘by foreign forces’ were seeking to gain converts from the Sikh and Hindu communities ‘by alluring them fraudulently’. This priest has also called for Punjab – which is around 58% Sikh, 38% Hindu and less than 1.5% Christian – to adopt an anti-conversion law, such as those already in force in 11 other Indian states. However, Sikhs in the area do not generally regard Christians with hostility. One elderly India's supreme court; Barnabas fund

And another hopeful item from India: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered

Sikh villager said: ‘We respect Christians and they respect us too... My own grandchildren study in the Christian school.’ Another Sikh man explained: ‘Whoever adopts Christianity does so out of his own choice. No one forces anyone to change their religion.’ Rev Samantaroy added: ‘We continue to pray for speedy investigation by the government into the matter, and for peace and harmony between all faith communities.’ Give thanks for the swift response of the Punjabi authorities and for the concern shown by the state government for religious freedom. Pray that the attitude of tolerance demonstrated by most of the local Sikh community will prevail, and that Christians will continue being able to live and worship in peace. In Pakistan the Supreme Court has granted bail to two Christians, Salamat Mansha Masih and Haroon Masih, who were first arrested on blasphemy charges in February 2021 when four Muslim college students accused the pair of ridiculing Islam whilst preaching Christianity to them. Salamat and Haroon had given the students a Christian booklet; the defence lawyer contended that the booklet related to the Bible and contained no material that any religion could deem sacrilegious, as claimed by the Muslim students. Two judges ruled that the accused should be protected until the allegation was proved; one of the judges noted the polarisation in Pakistan caused by religion: ‘There is already a lot of division in the society in the name of religion. Don't create more,’ he instructed the complainant’s lawyer. Two other Christians, Patras Masih and Raja Waris, arrested for allegedly posting blasphemous material on social media, have also been bailed recently, despite Patras being charged initially with a capital offence; his case has been sent back to the lower (trial) court with clear directives from the Supreme Court that judgments should be based on evidence, not outside pressure. Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are

often used to make false accusations to settle personal grudges. Christians are especially vulnerable, as simply stating their beliefs can be construed as blasphemy and the lower courts usually favour the testimony of Muslims, in accordance with sharia (Islamic law). Also, judges are often reluctant to acquit those accused of blasphemy for fear of reprisals. Give thanks for the decisions of the Supreme Court in recognising the lack of evidence against these Christians. Pray that they will all be acquitted and their cases dismissed; pray too for their protection from further attacks by extremists. Continue to pray for other Christians imprisoned in Pakistan on charges of blasphemy.

At least eight Christians in Mozambique were killed by Islamic State (IS)-affiliated terrorists in attacks across the northern part of the country in September.

Al-Shabaab militants, Mozambique; Ahram

Patras Masih, Pakistan; Pakistan today

Church buildings and houses have been burnt too. One of the groups, Al Shabaab, has been highly active in the area since 2017, subjecting both Christians and moderate Muslims to a campaign of terror; violent attacks now seem to be increasing. Pray for our brothers and sisters in northern Mozambique, asking that they will be strengthened despite the difficult circumstances they face. Ask that the Lord will not allow the terrorists to succeed, but that there will be peace for all people in this troubled region.

Generally, Christians in Egypt get favourable support from the government, but life for them can be dangerous in the Sinai, where Islamic State terrorists have been active since 2011. In August, two Egyptian Christians, father and son Salama and Hany Moussa Waheeb, were working on their family farm when they were shot by jihadists from IS; both left dependent children. IS has intensified its

operations in northern Sinai in recent weeks; it was driven back by the Egyptian army but is now resisting the army offensive. Pray for the Waheeb family, that they will receive the Lord’s comfort and strength as they come to terms with their loss. Pray for an end to violence towards Egyptian Christians in Sinai. Thanks to Barnabas, the source of the above information.

‘For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation, and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.’ (Christmas message, 2013)

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Salama Moussa Waheeb and son Hany, Egypt; Barnabas fund

Missionary Matters

Just two weeks to go before the end of term for Megumi Fazakerley teaching at the Evangelical Bible College of Malawi; he’s hoping he can cover the non-Pauline letters and Revelation in that time! Megumi likes teaching; some days are disappointing while others bring him much joy and encouragement.

John Ryley

Before joining Megumi in the New Testament survey classes, some students regarded the New Testament as a collection of independent writings, but they are now coming to see how the books belong together in God’s story of His people. Pray that Megumi’s students not only make good academic progress, but also grow spiritually in their love and zeal for Jesus; both will be needed when they go out into the world to serve the Church. Helen is busy, cooking for the men’s breakfasts, organizing ladies’ Bible studies, attending orchestra rehearsals and celebrating team birthdays after Thursday prayers! Helen and Megumi have been keeping up with the recent momentous events in the UK; son Joshua, a policeman with the Met, was probably on duty for the Queen’s funeral. In Australia, daughter Elizabeth is home alone for a few weeks as husband Josh Mark travels the world for his PhD research; she is kept company, and wellguarded, by Thor, a German Shepherd dog they recently adopted. Meanwhile daughter Mary and fiancé Trevor will soon be starting their final university years at Liverpool and Chester; they plan to marry in October 2023 after they graduate. Megumi and Helen are hoping to be on home assignment then; they don’t want to miss another daughter’s wedding!

It was great to have a brief chat with Johnny McClean a couple of weeks ago when I muscled in on a Zoom prayer meeting run by his mission (UFM) from somewhere in Ireland; it was 2am in Bangkok, so the rest of the McClean family were safely in bed. But it was greater still to have him at our St Christopher’s prayer meeting this week,

Elizabeth & Josh Mark with Thor

Mary

Trevor

Johnny with the Ryleys then to hear him speak the same night in the village hall and to have coffee at home with him the next day! It was good to get up to date with his (and wife Ann’s) work in Thailand with the New City Fellowship Church, the City to City movement (which helps to plant new churches in cities round the world) and with the Langham Fellowship, which trains and encourages pastors and church workers in Thailand and some other south-east Asian countries. Since he has been in the UK, Johnny has safely installed daughter Bethan in the University of East Anglia in Norwich; please pray that she settles in well, does brilliantly with her studies and gets involved with the university Christian scene. Whilst in the UK Johnny has preached at his sending church at Borras Park in Wrexham; from Pott Shrigley he paid a visit to Holy Trinity Hurdsfield, and then he has a couple of weeks visiting other supporters before returning to

Bangkok on October 8th. Back in Thailand, Ann and her friend and helper Lek have been preparing beds. The McCleans will open their home to church members if the recent severe flooding north of their home results in flash floods in their church area and people get flooded out. Afghan refugee M is enjoying her nursery school – Blessings International Academy – and apparently is less keen on going home at the end of the day! No news yet as to when her family can go to Australia and join K, a fellow Afghan refugee, who is settling well in Adelaide, learning to plumb and attending a lively, encouraging and welcoming church. Pray for Ann and son Joshua as they get on with life and school without Johnny for the next two weeks, and for son Matt as he settles into the final year of his history degree at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Ann, New term

Bethan McClean, UEA

Johnny talk

Don’t forget that invitation to an extraordinary evening…

Last month we reminded the readers of HotPott of the fun and frolics that is the Tearfund BIG QUIZ and I’m sure you have Saturday 19th November 2022 marked in red in your diaries or have lots of alerts set up on your electronic calendars, or both. This year, this exciting event is in the village hall, and what could be better, the bar will be open too.

Kath Matheson

Last year we learnt of Tearfund’s life changing work in Burkina Faso, where drought means many can’t grow enough food to eat and families can’t afford to send their children to school or pay for necessary health care. Tearfund’s local partners, working alongside local churches, enable community members to farm in sustainable ways adapted to the changing climate; this makes a tremendous, positive difference to their daily lives.

Clean water distribution, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; tearfund

Great news but so much more needs to be done in Burkina Faso and elsewhere! Last year Pott folk raised a magnificent £492 – but let’s see if we can beat this in 2022.

So come along! And bring your friends of course. An evening of great fun is guaranteed.

‘Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves— from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique Person—neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. … It is my prayer that on this Christmas Day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.’

Recipe of the Month

Spiced apple traybake

This recipe is based on a traditional West Country cake and uses up any mix of dried fruit and nuts, as well as the apples that are now in season. Delicious with a spoonful of yoghurt and honey!

Celia Fraser

Ingredients:

175g (6oz) butter, softened

175g (6oz) brown sugar

3 eggs

100g (3½oz) self-raising flour

100g (3½oz) ground almonds

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

50g (2oz) dried fruit (e.g. sultanas, raisins, apricots)

200g (7oz) chopped nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts or pecans)

2 medium cooking apples: peeled, cored and thinly sliced

Method:

Put the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, almonds, cloves and cinnamon into a large bowl and beat until smooth.

Stir in the dried fruit, half the nuts and half the apple slices.

Pour into a greased and lined oblong tin (approx. 28 x 18cm/11 x 7in) and smooth the surface.

Scatter with remaining apple, then nuts.

Bake for 45 minutes or until risen and centre feels firm at 180oC/350o F/ Gas 4.

Cool in tin then cut into squares to serve. Enjoy!

Services

2nd October.

8.30am

10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion ‡

9th.

2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10

Holy Trinity Hurdsfield

10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship‡**

8.30am

16th.

2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 1 Peter 1: 3-9, John 15: 18-25

TBC Trevor Green (Open Doors)

8.30am 10.45am Morning Prayer Family Service 2 Tim. 3:14-4:5 TBC

23rd

Hellen Watson Anne Murphy

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship 2 Tim.4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 Ian Bishop

30th.

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship

6th Nov.

1 Thess 1:1-12, Luke 19:1-10

Nancy Goodrich TBC

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡ 2 Thess 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38

Readings are the same at both 8.30am and 10.45am services unless stated

All 10:45am services will be streamed live and a recording of each livestreamed service will be available from the services page of the church website: http://www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk.

‡ Junior Church

* Youth Church (during 10.45 service)

** Youth Church (at 6pm)

Prayers Readers Sidesmen at 8.30

2nd Oct Anne Murphy Tom Murphy Keith Ardern

9th Mathesons Reg Ferguson Clare Chasty

16th Children and Young People Mathesons

23th Audrey Bomford Jon Weston John & Liz Arrowsmith

Holy Trinity Hurdsfield

Church Cleaning

7th Oct Caroline and Jean

14th Reg & Jean

21st Sue & Mike

28th Ivan & Mary

4th Nov David & Joy

Sidesmen at 10.45 Coffee

Anne Murphy Ros & Madeline

Mike & Sue Akerman Caroline & Steve

Jean & Reg Ferguson Yvonne & Annie

Simon & Lydia Potts Meg & Roger

30th Sandy Milsom Nikki Hughan John & Liz Arrowsmith Jean & Reg Ferguson Malyans

6th Nov Anne Murphy Toby & Henry Fraser Mathesons

Anne Murphy Liz & John

Directory

Priest-in-charge: Situation Vacant info@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: Andy Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP 07881 358976 andyphillips@totalise.co.uk

David Gem, 4 Normans Hall Mews, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield, SK10 5SE 476398 davidgem@gmail.com 07766 880318

Verger: Situation Vacant

PCC Secretary: Chris Day pccsecretary@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

PCC Treasurer: Peter Kennedy, kennedyp@tuckerssolicitors.com 07850 740335

Gift Aid & Planned Giving: Sally Winstanley, 3 Green Close Cottages, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SG 574545 sjwinstanley.ps@gmail.com

Organists: Mary Currell, 61 Crossfield Road, Bollington, SK10 5EA 573735 marycurrell61@btinternet.com

David Garton, davidgarton2020@gmail.com 573492

Andy Phillips, as above 07881 358976

Weekly Bulletin: David Gem, as above

Electoral Roll officer Kath Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA 574983 kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk

Safeguarding officer: Kath Matheson, safeguarding@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Tower Captain: Duncan Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA 574983 dmmpott@yahoo.co.uk

Pastoral Ministry: Anne Murphy, pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk 07891 953919

Children's Ministry Situation Vacant

Youth Ministry: Anne Murphy, 14 Silver Street, Bollington, SK10 5QL 07891 953919 annemurphy1214@gmail.com

Praise and Play: Situation Vacant

Parish Council Clerk: Joyce Burton, pottclerk@btinternet.com

Wedding Coordinator: Pam Cooke, weddings@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Head Teacher: Marie Maynard, Pott Shrigley Church School, SK10 5RT 573260 head@pottshrigley.cheshire.sch.uk

Website:

Tess Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP info@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

PCC Members:

(please prefix numbers with 01625)

Dr John Ryley, Duncan Matheson, Sally Winstanley, Peter Kennedy, Jean Ferguson, Andy Phillips, Pam Cooke, Ian Clarke, Mary Currell, Mike Akerman, Rebecca Roth-Biester Sheila Garton, David Garton, David Gem, Anne Murphy, Kath Matheson, Chris Day, Reg Ferguson.

This directory was updated on 23rd August 2022.Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk