November 2010 30p
The Parish of Christ Church Ashton under Lyne
See our website for more information www.christchurch-ashton.org.uk
Welcome to our Church Magazine ...serving the community in the Parish of Christ Church, Ashton. The Magazine can now be found on the church website in full colour! If you know of any church member who is ill in hospital please let Revd Lee know so he can arrange to visit them. Congratulations to Richard Kellett, son of Brenda from our congregation and well known to many at Christ Church, on being created an Honorary Canon of Southwell Minster. STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN: Many thanks to everybody who responded so generously to the stewardship campaign. The time and talents forms are still being collated into a skills register. The financial response forms returned pledged an increase of over 30% on our regular giving, and some other people have said that they didn’t want to return forms but would try to increase regular giving as they can. In addition we have had donations of over £3000 towards the fabric repairs. We still have a lot of money to raise, but your generosity will really help our church not only to pay its way, but to resource both new and existing ministries, and the PCC really appreciates all the responses, prayer and support. If you have not yet returned your form and would still like to, please give it to Revd Lee, one of the churchwardens or Philip Blanchard. Fred and Mildred celebrate their Golden Wedding, see pages 6 & 7 Introducing our new Social Coordinator, Julie Shaw: Find out about the ‘Christmas Lunch’ and the ‘Family Bowling & Laser Quest on page 12. Read all about our ‘Advertiser of the month’ on page 19 Our contributors have expanded the magazine to 24 pages! P.S. Contributions welcome for the magazine
Editor: email: magazine@christchurch-ashton.org.uk 1
Lesley Bunce
The Sale Salvation Army Brass Band In Concert on 7th November at Christ Church Time 2pm—4pm Tickets are £3.50 each and on sale Or...Pay on the door An event not to be missed! See you there... ****************************************************************
‘Renaissance’ Kath Nawaz sings with Renaissance Christmas:- Saturday 4th December St. Barnabas, Bredbury 7-30pm Pay on door £5; Tickets now available for Renaissance Christmas Concert at Bramhall Hall. Monday 13th and Thursday 16th December 8pm Ticket only Admission £10-50 (£11-00 on line) Tel. Bramhall 0161 485 3708 ****************************************************************
An Apology to Margaret Millin on the omission from last month’s article … “A Suffolk Boy on East Africa” Margaret Millin’s article was on her visit to Burgh to see Samuel Speare’s grave in last month’s magazine. I have included the missing section below with the omitted lines in italics which will then give a complete picture. These lines are as follows:Missionary work was strongly supported in his church and probably Samuel’s interest started with two African boys staying at the Vicarage. When Samuel was 15 years old, his Bishop, Bishop Tozer asked his parents to agree to him going out to the African mission, even though the little money he brought in was invaluable to them and they would have to contribute to his costs. Notwithstanding they agreed and he went to London for training before sailing for East Africa. The book gives the exchange of letters between Samuel, St Mary’s vicar, and the Bishop’s sister, about his life and work at Magila Village Mission. Fast forward five years and his stint at the mission had come to an end. He sailed home, visited his family, and in May was placed at the Parish Church at Burgh le Marsh near Skegness to train for Ordination before returning to Africa. Sadly, this was not to be as early November he succumbed to a chest infection which didn’t respond to the medicine of the day. He died on 13 November 1873, and was buried in the Parish Church at Burgh. 2
Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade Just some info’ on the Brigade... The band have been practising for a competition to be held on Sunday 10th October. The Brigade Band took part in the Parade Competition at the George Carnell Leisure Centre. Competing against other bands. This time we won a Silver Medal, only losing out on a Gold by half a point. Fred, Andy and myself would like to thank the band officers and members for the hard work they put into the band. The Brigade members who meet at both Canon Burrows and Canon Johnson are really enjoying themselves as they prepare for our Display/Awards Night which we are holding at the beginning of December. The Brigade meeting nights are as follows: Canon Johnson’s school Monday night - 6.30 - 7.45 p.m. All Sections Canon Burrow’s school Wednesday 6.30 - 7.45 pm Thursday
Martins & Y Team (4 - 9 years)
6.30 - 7.30 p.m. - JTC & Seniors (10 years upwards) Thursday
7.45 - 9.00 p.m. - Band Practice
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‘Sing Psalms, Hymns and Sacred Songs; Sing to God with thanksgiving in your heart.’ says Paul in his letter to the Colossians, chapter 3 verse 16;
The Lord inhabits the praises of his people Sing songs of praise to God Sing in the congregation…
Come and sing in the choir!
All ages welcome, we sing in varied styles, Christ church is looking to expand into new styles including ‘Gospel’ and more popular music... With instruments. 4
Lesley
Love Eternal Sing a song of love eternal Let the music draw you nigh. Call to Jesus, He will listen Quiet and softly as a sigh Words of wonder he has spoken God’s own message to the heart Listen closely, you will hear him Each and every word a part Dearest people, come close to him Feel the presence of our God He will never, ever leave us Follow where his feet have trod. Still treading softly, we must follow All our life God’s song we’ll sing. Join us now his chosen people Prayer and praise to God our King. Christos May Foreman 5
MILDRED AND FRED BENNETT CELEBRATED THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON 15TH OCTOBER 2010 Mildred and Fred met at the Plaza Ballroom in the late fifties when Mildred (who came from Ancoats) was 16 and Fred (who came from Hulme) was 17. Mildred started work at Unilever as a postal messenger and then trained as a Secretary which she did for most of her working life. Fred joined the Manchester Regiment when he was 18 and served in Kenya, Nairobi, Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. When he came out of the Army, Fred was a lorry driver for a long time but he always says that the best job he ever had was when he was the Caretaker at St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Droylsden. Mildred and Fred are officers in The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade at Christ Church Ashton where they have been members for many years. Whilst Mildred was an Officer at St John’s Droylsden CLB, she was asked to help out at Christ Church Ashton in the 80’s when the officer at the time, Betty Wood wasn’t very well. She has remained there ever since! Fred joined Christ Church Ashton in the late 90’s when he transferred from St Barnabas Church Lad’s and Church Girls’ Brigade Fred is still playing the bugle in the Brigade band at the age of 71! Cont... 6
The Band takes part in a lot of charity parades and every year they lead the ‘Salford British Legion Remembrance Parade’ in Ordsall and at Waterloo Ashton. They entered a Band Competition last Sunday October 10th and earned a gold medal and trophy. They still go to Brigade Camps taking part in all activities, gorge walking, canoeing etc. This year Mildred went on the highest zip wire in Aberfoyle Scotland whilst attending the Manchester Regiment Annual Adventure Week. Working with children and being part of the Brigade has helped us to keep young!
CHRIST CHURCH ASHTON CLCGB DISPLAY EVENING FRIDAY 3rd DECEMBER 2010 7.00 p.m. at Canon Burrows School We are holding our Annual Display Evening on the above date and would like to Invite you to attend. 7
GETTING READY FOR THE HARVEST At Canon Johnson’s Sunday School Every year we have a harvest theme, with just two weeks to prepare displays for church. Our theme this year was... ‘JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE’ WHAT WE DID! We talked about Harvest and its traditions- giving thanks, corn dollies, bread etc. Our ‘Sparklers’ group coloured fruit pictures and made fishes; The ‘All Stars’ made assorted sandwiches and ate them. The YCs discussed the importance of bread ,’The Last Supper’ and the Communion Service. We looked at breakfast cereals and what they were made of, the favourite was Cornflakes!
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Canon Johnson Prize Giving. On Sunday 26th September we held our Prize Giving in church, Philip Blanchard presented the children with their books and book tokens in recognition of their attendances over the last twelve months. Philip along with his siblings Deborah and Christopher were members of the Sunday School when they came to live at the Vicarage in 1966. As many of you know, Philip has been a member of our church choir since that time and has been involved with Scouts and is their district treasurer, many will remember his performances in the parish Pantomimes. Philip is involved in administrative duties each week at church, and we were so pleased when he agreed to perform this task for us. Philip shared some comical memories of his time at Sunday School before presenting the prizes. A gift of wine was presented to Philip by Bethany Garside ( Trainee Teacher with our ‘All Stars’ group ). After the Communion service the children posed for a group photograph which will be presented to each family. A very happy and uplifting service! Thank you to … Parents, teachers and helpers and all who support and encourage our young people. 9
Prayer of the Heart Theme:- Singing to Christ until we are joyful and serene In our ‘Prayer of the Heart’ this month we drew from ‘the wellspring’ of prayer with music and song. Unfortunately, until we have a magazine that can play music like the birthday cards you can buy, I can only give you the words that accompanied the music, and due to space, they are of a shortened version. The format is of previous months. Biblical reference:- Ephesians 5: verse 19 says...Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. A world without music would be a sad place indeed. Music has the power to bring us joy and happiness and yes, in some instances, tears, as it evokes poignant memories. But just for a moment try to imagine a world without God; completely unthinkable to the Christian heart. A life without hope, without promise, a darkest, deepest, abyss of despair. So we give thanks to our God in prayer for the precious gift he has given to us. As we celebrate his love for us in music and song. Opening Prayer:Jesus, be the centre, be my source, be my light, Jesus Jesus, be the centre, be my hope, be my song, Jesus Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails, Be the reason that I live; Jesus, Jesus Jesus, be my vision, be my faith, be my guide, Jesus. Amen Silent Prayer Time:Our prayer for others:Beauty for brokenness, hope for despair Lord in your suffering world, this is our prayer, Bread for the hungry, Justice, joy, peace, Sunrise to sunset, your kingdom increase. 10
Cont...
Shelter for the homeless, cure for all ills, Refuge from cruel wars, freedom to share, Peace to the killing fields, scorched earth to green, Lord, end our madness, carelessness and greed. God of the poor, friend of the weak, give us compassion We pray, come change our lives from a spark to a flame. Closing Prayer:Jesus our saviour, our friend, We thank you for your presence, For the gifts of music and song, For this time of sharing our love for you and one another. May we forever sing for joy at the work of your hands and may we, with every breath we take never cease to worship you, Our comforter, refuge and friend. Amen. My pray for all of you, my sisters and brothers is:‘May God keep you and all your loved ones in the palm of his hand ‘till we meet again.’
Your sister in Christ Pauline The ‘Prayer of the Heart’ group meet in church on the first Wednesday of the month at 3pm. All are welcome 11
Christ Church Social Events Christmas Lunch at the ‘Broadoak Hotel’ Thursday 2nd December 12pm 3 Course Special £12 each Full details of the menu are on the notice board at the back of church. Please add your names and food choice. A deposit of £5 is payable. We still have room; maximum places 42. ***************
Family Bowling &
Optional … Laser Quest Sunday 21st November 2pm £5 Adults £4.50 Children For the price you get either 2 games of Bowling and 2 games of Laser Quest Or 1 game of Bowling and 1 game of Laser Quest Strike Ten Bowl, Sandbrook Park Rochdale OL11 1RY For further information please contact Julie Shaw (I attend the Wednesday services.) I would like to thank everyone who supported the raffle at my Candle Party & In Church which raised £41 towards Church Funds.
Julie Shaw
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A Thought for Today In the kitchen of my home is a black pan with a very long handle. It’s old and was used for cooking on an open fire during my childhood. It’s still in daily use today and is much appreciated. In the living room there’s a brass rose on the fireplace. It’s what my son brought as my Christmas present one year. He’d found it in the gutter when he was going through a very bad time in his life and had no money to spend on presents. You can imagine how I treasure it. He came through that time and now has a home, a job and even a car. Miracles do happen. On the fireplace in my front room is a shoe-last that my Father mended our shoes on when I was a little girl. I can see him now with the nails held between his teeth, the hammer in his hand. I always watched as he worked his way round the shoe sole, holding my breath that he didn’t swallow any of the nails! On the dressing table in my bedroom is a little gold ring with a dove perched on it and a pair of silver shoes. They remind me of a young woman who married fifty years ago with a head full of hopes and dreams. Next to them are two horse shoes, each with a dove. One is from the wedding cake of my father and stepmother, the other from the wedding cake of my Goddaughter. Out into the front garden takes us to a tiny border where the Bellis (tiny red daises) grow. Once looking brown and wilted, I cut off the parched bits, gave it water and waited. When it flowered I was reminded of that bit in the Bible where it says “He did indeed bring forth many descendants—and from one who was almost dead.” I hope you enjoyed this tour of my house— ”There’s no place like home.” Mary Withnall 13
A lifetime of Singing It came as no surprise to learn that Geoffrey Ford had been singing all his life. Indeed, from the very moment of his birth, when the midwife slapped him, he sang instead of crying! It is not known what he sang on that occasion as there are no recordings. Fortunately for the Mother’s Union, and others who were in church on the second Wednesday in October, there were plenty of recordings of his subsequent performances. The quality was surprisingly good as recording equipment in the late 1950’s was primitive by today’s standards and the performers themselves had no microphones or amplifiers. As Geoffrey put it, they had to ‘belt it out’ for the people on the back row of the Circle to hear. His voice came over clearly and confidently and instantly recognisable (even though most were in an American accent). Between the playing of some of the best-known songs of the great musicals such as Oklahoma, Carousel and South Pacific, Geoffrey entertained us with stories from behind the scenes... After the first night of playing Billy Bigelow in Carousel he decided to leave jumping on the carousel a little later in the opening scene. What he had forgotten though was that the carousel accelerated and that by the time he decided to jump, the thing was spinning at a rate considerably faster than was compatible with an elegant hop aboard. Being the true professional, Geoffrey achieved the death defying leap without mishap. Cont…. 14
Having said that Geoffrey was a ‘true professional’ he was, of course a professional amateur and never sought to go the way of some he performed with, such as Meg Johnson (Emmerdale), John Savident (Coronation Street) and Kathy Staff (Last of the Summer Wine), and turn professional. As he put it, he had the best of both worlds; teaching, which he loved, and would never have given up, and the stage which he could enjoy in his spare time to professional standards. The evening ended with Geoffrey doing what he does best – singing. He gave us ‘If I never sing another song’ which surprisingly was not from a show but which had very appropriate words. He confided that although when asked, he always said that his favourite musical was the one he was appearing in at the time, his actual favourite was Brigadoon. Coming a close second however was Les Miserables in which he would probably never appear as it will be a long time before it is released for the amateur stage. He would love to play Jean Valjean and would particularly love to sing ‘Bring him home’. We were privileged to hear his first public rehearsal that night.
Geoffrey Ford is currently appearing with Christ Church Choir most Sundays. 15
Flowers in Church in November 2010. Flowers donated with love, remembrances and thanksgiving by:7th Nov
Joan Sutton Ann Jagger Beryl Fisher 14th Nov Mr and Mrs G Mottram 21st Nov Mrs Davies Mrs D Armit 28th Nov Margaret Yates Mr and Mrs P Blanchard Tom Wragg
Flowers in Church in December 2010. Flowers donated with love, remembrances and thanksgiving by:6th Dec Evelyn Viney Mrs Wood Ina Mellin 12th Dec Doris Hardy 19th Dec Ruth Kelly Anne Gordon Kath & Geof’ Pierson 26th Dec Mary Mirfin Denise Crebo Asenath Crebo
Jesus‌May we love you in the Symphony of Creation...
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Baptisms: We welcome into God’s family, The Church: 3rd October: Dylan Lewis Roberts. Cyndi Leigh Heywood. Santino Giuseppe Luca Martorana. 17th October: Isabelle Skye Poolton. Niall Anthony White. Matthew Kyle Nolan. ********************************************************** Marriages: We congratulate: Danielle Claire Etchells and Robert Stephen Hyde
Love is patient, love is kind… 1 Corinthians chapter 13 verse 4 *********************************************
Funerals: We commend to God’s keeping and offer our sincere sympathy to None at this time
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Please remember in your prayers those who are ill: Dave Gee, Eunice Pinkerton, Erika Phillips, Jill Jones, Joyce Oliver, Keiran Troup, Lyn Taylor, Lee Conner, Louise Mellor, May Gawthorpe, Margaret Walker, Pat Platt, Peter Blakeney, Pru’ Slater, Suzanne Carter-Harrison, Sharon Ward, Scott, .
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Church Offerings Total banked, including all services and donations For the weeks in September: 05/09/2010
£1033.35
12/09/2010
£1615.41
19/09/2010
£ 843.49
26/09/2010
£ 903.89
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The Treasurer acknowledges the Donations given Book of Remembrance; In Loving Memory of my dear husband Harold Armitage who died 28th November 2009 from Betty Armitage ******************************************************
Mothers’ Union Events Diary Dates Wed 10th Nov 7.30pm Speaker Sally Sargeant; Salford Deanery Leader Wed 24th Nov 7.30pm Holy Communion Service
The Mother’s Union Christmas Lunch Date TBA will be held at Ashton Park on Wednesday 8th December There is a choice of Menu 2 Course £11.45 3 Course £13.45 Willow Wood Hospice calendars for 2011 £3.25 are available from Anne Gordon, please contact or stop her in church if you wish to buy or order one. 18
‘Advertiser of the month’
Three generations of Butchers...have been serving ‘Quality Grade A’ meat in Ashton Market Hall, at W Briggs High Class Butchers Phil’s Grandad, Bill, opened the business in 1938 and his father, also Bill took over the reins in the late 1970s, retiring just three years ago passing on the business to a very capable son Phil and his wife Kath. Phil and Kath made me very welcome today and introduced their assistant Lindsey. Her sister Loren, works part time at the butchers along with Phil’s sons, James and Andrew who also help out on a part time basis. Eddie is a full time butcher (he was on holiday, so I haven’t met him yet.) I bought all my meat this morning while I was chatting to Phil and Kath, and I have some of their skirt in a casserole in the oven for tea. I have popped a lamb joint in the freezer for Sunday, (my husband Peter cooks the meat on Sundays,) and I bought black puddings for lunch and two pieces of fillet steak for tomorrow’s tea. My butcher in Stalybridge has retired and now I have rediscovered the joys of Ashton Market and found a new butcher! It was a very enjoyable morning in Ashton, meeting a professional and pleasant butcher and his staff. Lesley Bunce 19
Services, Readers & Readings for 10.30am Services: 7th Nov: Holy Communion Readings: Audrey Jones: Job 19:23-27a; Luke 20:27-38 Intercessions: Rachel Hindle
14th November: Remembrance Sunday: Service of the Word: Canon Burrows School Readings: Mal 4:1-2a; 2 Thess 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19
21st Nov: Christ the King Morning Prayer, Traditional Language Readings: Sheila Blanchard Jer 23:1-6; Col 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43 Intercessions: Mary Withnall
28th Nov: Advent Sunday: Service of the Word Canon Johnson’s School Readings:Isa 2:1-5; Rom 13:11-end; Matt 24:36-44 *******************************************************
The Peaceful Game of Cricket Lucky to be born into a family of cricket lovers. We would often spend the day all together at Old Trafford watching England play their important test matches. I’ve been fortunate enough to see Bradman, Hutton, Yardley, Compton, Mankad, Ramadhin, Valentine and Laker and many, many more on Manchester’s green turf at Old Trafford. ….cont 20
It’s unfortunate that the shady exploits of the Pakistani test team has brought the whole game into disrepute. When a gifted player loses the sight that they are being paid to entertain the cricket supporters who’ve paid to see them play well; then corruption rears it’s head. Quite a few years ago when the limited ‘overs’ cricket matches were introduced I was a regular attendant at Old Trafford. I was then working as a postman and we started at five in the morning and finished around midday so I had the rest of the day to watch Lancashire play. Lancashire were playing either Middlesex or Kent in a Gillette Cup match. The visiting team batted first and their runs were restricted by the accurate Lancashire Bowlers and they reached quite a modest total for their fifty ‘overs’ and easily overhauled by Lancashire’s batsman, and it seemed victory was a foregone conclusion. When the game eventually petered out I left that ground vowing never to watch Lancashire again. Lancashire avoided scoring any runs and the visiting team surprisingly won easily. The newspaper reported the next day that the captain who I admired, the Australian Ken Greaves and Vice Captain and wicket keeper Geoff Clayton (backed by the press as a potential future England captain) had been immediately sacked. They had deliberately instructed the team to lose in protest over the visitors adopting defensive fielding positions. I did stay away from Old Trafford for quite a number of years following this fiasco but I was eventually lured back by my brother’s description of the exploits of Clive Lloyd on the field for Lancashire at Old Trafford. I was glad that I had returned to see Clive Lloyd myself, what a cricketer!
Mike
Christ Church Choir August 2010
Editor’s Note: Here is what St. Paul says in 2 Timothy chapter 2: verse 5
... if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. (From NIV version of the Bible) .. 21
Christ Church Junior Choir Practices are at 4.15pm on Tuesday after school. Enquiries to join the Junior Choir to Kath See Kath after church, Sunday mornings *********************************************************** YES... IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN Christmas! If anyone would like to donate Food Items towards the Christmas Hamper Please give to either myself or Mary Mirfin. All Items must be dated 2011 or later, Thank you , Kath Nawaz
****************************************************** "200 Club" draw for October 2010 The Winning Numbers were 1st: 94 2nd: 6 3rd: 8 *******************************************************************
BOOKS! - BOOKS! - BOOKS! Thank you to everyone who has donated and/or bought books from the Book Corner! Do take a look...There are lots of good “reads” available, only 50p each! All the money is for Christ Church Building Restoration (Repairs and Decoration) So… Please keep reading!!
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Hear is an easy tune to play! When you can play it, play it for your friends; come and play for me, on recorder, keyboard or whatever you can play. Lesley Bunce
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Parents, Grandparents...try this page with your children!
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