HotPott Christmas 2022

Pott Shrigley’s Church & Parish Magazine

Kath’s Christmas Cogitations

Another year is drawing towards its end, another year of joy and sorrow, but with possibly more than its fair share of strife and division. As a church and village family we’ve had lots of joy: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the churchyard picnic and the Rose Queen Festival were particular highlights. But there has been sorrow too: in September we mourned the Queen and in July we were sad to see David and Kim Swales go –their contribution to our spiritual journey and village life was huge – but it’s good they are enjoying their well-deserved retirement. And on the wider stage – where to start? Inflation, the Ukrainian war (and many other conflicts), climate change, three Prime Ministers… a year of tremendous turbulence both nationally and internationally. As 2023 approaches, we can be certain that both good and difficult times are on the way for all of us. However, we have an unchanging God, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. I find Advent a good time to reflect on God’s presence with me over the past year and think of those difficult

days when my brave sister-inlaw was dying, and the peace and strength I felt as I and others prayed for her, her family and me as we faced the inevitable. ‘He who dwells in shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty… He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust… He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge’ (Psalm 91:12,4). I love the image of God as mother hen, sheltering her chicks; when times are hard we all need shelter.

In Advent, we can share in the anticipation of Christ, the Light of the World, being born, and ask for His light to shine into the dark corners of our planet. In many ways today’s world mirrors Jesus’ life and times; coming to earth fully human, Jesus really did know what it was like to live without privileges, and we can learn from Him how to reflect God’s love to others. Jesus’ young unmarried mother, Mary, risked being ostracised from her community; her faith and joy in being chosen by God is an example to us to trust, to rely on God’s promise in Joshua 1:9: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the continued →

Kath Matheson

Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Christ’s arrival, although heralded by angels, was not otherwise grand. Refused comfortable accommodation, Jesus and his family experienced what many do today – the homeless we walk past on the street, the migrants we disdain or the poor we fail to provide for – reminding me that I should be welcoming to the stranger, the outsider, someone who is not like me. Like Jesus we should be here ‘to proclaim good news to the poor… to proclaim freedom for the prisoners… to set the oppressed free’ (Luke 4:18).

Jesus, Mary and Joseph’s flight into Egypt reflects the experience of many, including Christians, who must flee from persecution today; I pray that they, like me, take comfort in knowing that we can never escape from God’s presence, understanding and love: ‘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 all creation, will be able to separate us from

the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:38-39).

I am confident that Jesus, now in heaven, remembers what it is to be human, that He experienced the highs and lows of life and therefore knows our hopes and fears, joys and disappointments as He walks alongside us. I am confident that, like the shepherds in the Christmas story caring for their lambs, Jesus cares for us: ‘He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart’ (Isaiah 40: 11). I am grateful that Jesus the Son obediently relinquished His life in heaven to carry our sins to the cross so those who believe in Him can be forgiven and have eternal life, and when life seems overwhelming, it's good to remember: ‘in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John16:33).

May peace and joy be yours this Christmas, and throughout 2023.

Christingle collection

There’s still time to contribute to our collection.

Liz & John Arrowsmith are kindly organising the collection for the Children’s Society again this year, and the candle boxes are available at the back of church until mid-December. Otherwise, donations can be made online www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ pottshrigleychristingle

Please do consider supporting this very worthwhile cause – our vulnerable children and young people need help more than ever.

A Pott Shrigley Winter’s Tale

Look around Pott Shrigley this wintertime, The sights, the scents, the church bells that chime. The houses are decorated along every street And log fires crackle giving out cosy heat.

Fun and games in rain or snow, Children’s faces smile and glow. Brightening the night is our church down the lane, Giving warmth and light to all our friends again.

The village is full of holly growing prickly, We hope for some snow to fall very thickly. So you see, it is all here, in our very own Pott Shrigley. We are excited for Christmas, and a little bit wriggly!

By Emily Bartle

I was delighted to receive this wonderful poem from nine-yearold Emily, who was this year's Pott Shrigley Rose Bud. Her mum, Victoria, tells me that Emily was inspired to write a poem about wintertime in Pott Shrigley after seeing our beautiful church lit up one night recently. Editor.

* * *

A mother took her young daughter to visit Father Christmas in his grotto at the garden centre. He greeted the youngster merrily and asked: “And what would you like for Christmas?”

The little girl stared at him, open-mouthed with horror. “Didn’t you get my email?!”

* * *

December is the month when the children begin to discuss what to get Dad for Christmas. Some insist on getting him a shirt, others a pair of socks. But the argument always ends in a tie.

* * *

Bethlehem. A Shepherd’s Story

No headlines brought me running to His birth. I’ve never been to Bethlehem or looked for rooms to stay to register with others and obey the census rules, or keep the Roman way. I wasn’t there.

I’ve known the prophet Micah’s words, the promise that the Christ would come from Bethlehem, but time moves on the promise fades, my hope has gone. He is not here.

My home is miles from Bethlehem, I live out in the open, and when I sleep I’m with my sheep. My register is counting them – my census rules –

‘Watch night and day, keep death away.’ My life is here. But ‘there’ and ‘here’ became as one that night.

My shepherd brother saw the sight of angels and a voice proclaimed, ‘Get up and go to Bethlehem, this night is born to you a Babe the Saviour is His name’.

The heavens blazed, he knelt amazed when he was told, ‘You’ll find Him in a manger and behold! The Christ, the Lord!’ He went and found Him there.

And though I’m not in Bethlehem, I’ve known creation’s wonder of a new-born lamb.

The angel’s words dissolved my doubts, my cynicism and my fear.

The prophecy is true at last –this new-born Lamb, this Baby Boy this Christ the Lord, mean God is here!

By Audrey Bomford

Footnote: The full prophecy concerning Bethlehem is found in the Old Testament in Micah chapter 5.

Ring for the King

Duncan Matheson

‘A peal goes out for trainee bellringers’ was the somewhat predictable headline to a recent article in The Times, but it provided a good summary of the plans bellringers have to Ring for the King at his coronation next May. Anyone in the vicinity of St Christopher’s around the time of H M Queen Elizabeth’s death and funeral would have noticed that bells are important in marking notable royal events, and they don’t come much more notable than a coronation! Of course, for centuries church bells have sounded in calling people to worship, in celebration of weddings, in remembrance and to mark other special events.

But we have a problem: there are about 6,000 sets of bells across the British Isles, totalling nearly 38,000 bells, but only around 30,000 bellringers, so more are needed when we want all our towers with bells to ring out simultaneously. Bellringers often support several towers to fill the gaps and with the announcement of the date for the coronation of the new king, the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers has put out an appeal to recruit more ringers so they can be trained in time to Ring for the King.

Bellringing is a team activity that stimulates the brain and helps keep you fit; it also makes a glorious sound! Many consider ringing to be their contribution to church life. Ringers come from all walks of life and range in age from about 10 to beyond the 80s.

So if you would like to ring for the coronation of King Charles III and be a member of our bellringing team, contact me (details on the back page). If you start now and are prepared to practice it should be possible to have you trained in time. Our practice nights are every Thursday, 7.30 – 9.00pm. Come and try it out!

I coveted the cow

There were all sorts of other stuff there: a bathroom cabinet, a set of boules, a candlestick, a couple of knockers, a tin of soap (!), a beautiful handmade silk scarf, some very fine handcrafted stools and a bench, a suitcase, a whole variety of other pictures, but nothing quite like the cow. And there were promises of a Christmas cake (no good for my diet), cupcakes (diet), a beef casserole (diet), meals at the Legh Arms, Panache, The Poachers, Coffee Tavern, etc (diet!!!!), tuition in calligraphy, maths, navigation, mosaic building, etc. Mary and her team had assembled a marvellous lot of lots.

It was a decent sized picture in a square frame, with the cow’s face smiling serenely out at me. What not to covet? I spotted her the moment I walked into the room. I thought: ‘She’s worth a few bob. Maybe even a few quid!’ But then it dawned on me: ‘I’m at an auction of goods and promises; profits to the church; people are going to be spending good money on things like this.’ So I started to think about how high I could bid. £50? We’d see.

Duncan Matheson

David Garton and Steve Murphy, our pair of auctioneers extraordinaires, rattled through the items with consummate skill, entertaining us the while. The cow was towards the end, after the drinks interval, so, apart from the ‘three course meal for four cooked in the bidder’s home plus entertainment’, I kept my powder dry. People were bidding good sums for some things and getting bargains for others. And then it was lot 65: Cow Canvas by Bollington Artist! Am I bid £20? £30? Do I come in now? £40? Anyone for £50? Tempted. No, someone beat me to it. £60? £70? Could I really bid £80? Who will offer £80? £90? And so it went on. Way past my limit. £150? Gone for £180!!! Well, you used to be able to get a real one for that sort of money, milk and all.

Not quite the cow

And then, in no time at all, the auction was over. We all paid for our respective goodies (that card machine makes it so easy!) and we were on our way. The total was £2,740! Wow! I saw the cow slinking slyly out of sight, and

sighed. At least I got my meal to be cooked at home. That’s a hot pot, for four people. Must be beef for four; surely a cow’s worth, and with wine thrown in I’ll be able to drown my sorrows and dream of what might have been.

Cover story: the Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is based on a passage from Isaiah: ‘A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit’ (Isaiah 11:1 NIV).

Duncan Matheson

In mediaeval times, it was mostly represented in illuminated manuscripts (such as the Lambeth Palace Bible, 1140s) and stained glass windows (such as Chartres Cathedral, 1145, and Wells Cathedral, 14th century). The illustrations would show Jesse (father of King David) at the root, with a tree springing from him bearing figures who are the ancestors of Christ; at the top would be the figure of Christ, with Mary immediately beneath him. Later, images of prophets and kings would be included. These illustrations will have been used to educate the largely illiterate population.

In modern times the Jesse Tree has been adapted to be used as an educational tool for children, using images of Bible stories instead of Christ’s ancestors on its branches.

Upper section of Jesse Tree window at Chartres Cathedral; Wikipedia

Two years ago a Jesse Tree appeared at the back of St Christopher’s, the product of much hard work and fun by our children and young people, supervised by Anne Murphy. They had created illustrated baubles, one for every day of December, and these were then hung on the tree. The pictures on the baubles showed scenes from throughout the Old Testament and the Gospels. A wonderful artwork, and a great way to learn about the Bible.

Vigo the Vulture… and an introduction to the Trans Pennine Trail

You don’t get many vultures in the northwest of England, so when I heard one had been seen near the Woodhead Pass, I was impatient to see it. Several weekends passed before I had time enough to drive over there.

Simon Potts

Sightings had been intermittent, with the bird going missing across the moors for days on end. Birdwatchers had travelled from all over the country to see it, but often without success. This is part of what makes birdwatching exciting. You are never guaranteed to see your target species but can often see unexpected birds in places and at times of the year you could not predict. We once saw a December swallow at Spurn Point in East Yorkshire but didn’t see the snow buntings that had been reported on Twitter (where else?). I set off feeling apprehensive and excited about seeing a wild bearded vulture or lammergeier only 15 miles from Stockport. Our vulture had travelled north from the Alps where a breeding program has been used to introduce captive-bred birds to boost the local population. The bird became known as Vigo, despite later being discovered from DNA to be female. The lack of identification ring on her leg indicated she was wild bred as all the birds bred in captivity have rings fitted.

When I arrived at the pass, groups of birdwatchers were scanning both sides of the valley and nervously looking at their bird apps. Suddenly, everyone began running along the old railway track, deeper into the valley. Scope over my shoulder and binoculars in hand I rushed to join the dash, we must have looked quite a sight to dog walkers and day trippers. We all gathered some distance from a craggy outcrop and

everyone set up their equipment. There Vigo was on a rocky ledge, looking tiny through the scope despite being magnified 40 times. She was magnificent and I never wanted to leave. After around 20 minutes, Vigo began to get restless; she stretched her incredible 2.5 metre wingspan and soared from her rocky perch and along the ridge. She treated us to several minutes of aerobatics and then disappeared from view.

Feeling very pleased with myself I wandered back to the car and noticed a sign with wavy lines and, once home, researched the symbol I had seen. Thanks to Vigo the vulture our next long-distance walk was discovered. The Trans Pennine Trail is 215 miles long and runs from coast to coast from Southport to

Birdwatchers watching vulture

Bearded Vulture

Hornsea. We decided to walk it from west to east, due to lockdown restrictions and being forbidden from staying overnight away from home.

Postscript: After a tour of Lincolnshire and Norfolk Vigo eventually left Britain via Beachy Head, travelling safely back to the Alps with confirmed sightings south of Paris then near Lyon. Quite some holiday.

God in a stained glass window

The children from Class 3 at Pott Shrigley Church School have been exploring what it means for Christians to believe that God is holy and loving. They understand that Christians express their faith in a variety of ways, including using song, drama and art. They explored a virtual church to look at images that represent God and agreed

Marie Maynard

that one of the most common ways to see art in a church is through stained glass windows. The children were challenged to follow instructions to design and create their own stained glass window and to choose a symbol to represent the Christian faith. I am sure you will agree how effective they are!

Pott Shrigley Cricket Club promoted after successful season…

Pott Shrigley Cricket Club 1st X1 gained promotion as runners-up in the Derbyshire & Cheshire Cricket League Division Two this year, thus celebrating an immediate return to Division One next year. It marked a successful debut season as captain for Phil Beard, who has been at the club since he was a junior; Phil led the team to victory in 13 out of their 18 games, with most wins being by a convincing margin.

Andy Matheson

The bowling was the strong point for the team this year. Led by openers Andy Tatton and James Bridgford, who got 40 and 36 wickets respectively, most opposing batting line-ups didn’t stand much of a chance. Andy Tatton was inspiring in his first full season for the club and, standing at 6'4'' at the top of his mark, intimidated many an opening batsman with his fast bowling. At 8/31 Andy was the Best Figures winner for Division Two of the Derbyshire & Cheshire League. We also welcomed our overseas player Seth Mawhinney, who spent the summer playing for Pott after coming over from Queenstown, New Zealand. He impressed with his quick, short bowling as well as consistent performances with the bat; he will be sorely

missed next year when we compete in the top division.

Meanwhile, the 2nd XI had an encouraging season in 2022. Although finishing bottom of the table, solace can be found in several junior players starting to play regularly for the team and, even better, finding success. In particular Vaughan Barlow-Walsh and Jacob Baron bowled well all year and will certainly be pushing for a first team places in the coming seasons. At the other end of the experience spectrum, it was the evergreen Vinny Allen who out-bowled the rest of the league, finishing with an impressive 44 wickets to become not only the club’s top wicket-taker but also the league’s, where he also triumphed in the Most 5 Wicket Hauls category. The second team captain, Ian Tomenson, finished the year as the club’s top scorer with 443 runs.

The cricketing season ended with President’s Day, where President Rob Street’s XI took on Chairman Andy Hart’s XI, each team being made up of players from both senior and junior teams. The cricket was enjoyable, the weather fine, the company good, the beer excellent and the tea and cakes yummy; the only blemish on the day was that the six hitting competition was won by a Bollington player.

President's day

Seth Mawhinney at the crease

The final extravaganza of the year was the famous Pott Shrigley Bonfire, an event shared with the village hall. For the second year running, the hordes arrived – and

very welcome they were too. Spectacular fireworks were the best of it, but games, mulled wine, beer, sausages and burgers all went down well too – in fact the burgers went down so well that we ran out. Again.

So thanks are due to all the members, sponsors and other supporters of Pott Shrigley Cricket Club for their hard work in 2022, and now onwards to next season, when the 1st XI will be competing in the top division once more. We are always looking for new players and have junior teams down to under 11s, with under 9s also having training sessions. Keep a look out on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/PottShrigleyCricket for updates about nets in the new year.

All change…

It’s all change at Pott Shrigley Church School in the new year. At the end of the autumn term we will say: ‘Goodbye and very best wishes’ to our interim headteacher, Miss Marie Maynard, and thank her very much for so ably taking the helm for us whilst governors deliberated, advertised and interviewed for a permanent head to start in January 2023.

I am pleased to say that we have a successful candidate to take over when Miss Maynard leaves; I would like to introduce you to Mrs Anne-Marie Willis.

Mrs Willis comes to us from a Roman Catholic primary school in Irlam, Greater Manchester, where she has been the deputy headteacher for more than 10 years. She has a young family and attends St Wilfrid’s Church in Grappenhall, where she is an active member of the congregation. Mrs Willis loves outdoor adventure, water sports and open water

swimming (Brrrr! Editor.). She was previously a professional ballroom and Latin dancer and is eager to share her skills with the children. Mrs Willis is excited about meeting us all at St Christopher’s and we at Pott Shrigley School are looking forward to welcoming her!

Bonfire

Your Vote Your Council

The Parish Council’s Year, 2022 Christmas tree

Last year the tree was placed in the churchyard – a welcome new site as it increased the visibility of the tree. This year it will be in the same place; delivery is scheduled for early December.

Alison Greenwood

Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Pott Shrigley followed the UK’s long tradition of celebrating royal occasions with the lighting of a beacon. Cllr Chong kindly had a bonfire on her land on The Nab, which was easily visible from below. The bonfire was lit at 21.45 on 2nd June and the village hall bar was open to all.

The parish council purchased a commemorative Jubilee mug for each pupil at the school, children attending church and other children living in Pott Shrigley. The council intend to purchase a rowan for the village green; it will have a suitable guard and plaque.

Village flower boxes

The beautiful flower boxes in the village are maintained and planted by Sheila Jenkins and by your parish clerk Joyce Burton.

Proposed woodland creation scheme on The Nab

The council accepted this proposal in principal as it would help to increase the woodland areas and restore trees which were felled in the extension of the Nab Quarry industrial site. Councillors were concerned that if trees are planted high up on the western side of the Nab, its outline when viewed from the eastern side could be obscured when the trees are fully grown. However, the wood will stop some 20 to 25 metres below the summit and a smaller, shrubby tree layer will be graded into the planting, mirroring the existing shrub and shrubby tree layer of gorse, hawthorn, elder and rowan. Also, the trees are likely to grow slowly as the soil is shallow, overlying stone. Cllrs Chong and Goodman will meet on site to discuss the concerns.

Village spring clean/litter pick

The first Saturday in April saw councillors,

Jubilee bonfire

the clerk and a few residents gather for the annual Pott litter pick. Piles of litter were collected. Volunteers of all shapes and sizes are appreciated and welcome to join in; we meet on the cobbles outside St. Christopher’s church – equipment is provided and logistics organised!

The clerk puts it on the alert system* the week before and there are posters both on the notice board and in HotPott, so not excuse for not helping!

*Please contact pottclerk@btinternet.com to receive alerts about issues that affect the whole village.

Village green maintenance

After much research and consideration the council decided, on economic grounds, not to purchase a ride-on mower. Cllr Basford has purchased a mower and is willing to mow the village green in 2023. He has also provided a more substantial base for the bench on the green and planted a tree, installing a deer guard too. In the short-term sheep graze the green; the necessary fencing has been erected.

Telephone kiosk

The parish council purchased the village telephone kiosk to ensure it remains part of our landscape. The defibrillator will be resited from the village hall wall into the kiosk, making it more accessible to everyone, particularly during school hours when the playground is locked. Recently the defibrillator at the village hall has had new pads and the one at Green Close a new battery and pads; defibrillators are expensive to maintain but essential to have!

Easy access path to St Christopher’s Success at last! Wheelchairs, buggies and people with dodgy knees can now access the churchyard with ease, thanks to a gently

Cllr Greenwood and her son collected litter whilst exploring signs of spring in our beautiful village

Bench on village green Easy access path

sloping path to the left of the lychgate. This was partially funded by the NECCP – see below.

North East Cheshire Community Partnership (NECCP) (Previously PACP)

Email: nec.community.partnership@gmail.com Facebook.com/nec.community.partnership

The NECCP vision is to make its residents and neighbourhoods better connected, to promote a strong sense of place and to represent the interests of Poynton, Adlington, Bollington, Disley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury, Kettleshulme, Rainow and Pott Shrigley. Cllr Boulton usually attends the meetings.

Of relevance to Pott Shrigley:

• More grants are being distributed by the NECCP. Voluntary groups and organisations in the relevant parishes can apply for modest grants. The clerk has put a link to the grant application page on the council’s website.

• Parish representatives were asked to identify six key issues for their areas to inform the new ‘Live Well for Longer plan’. Ideas from Pott Shrigley Parish Council included more tree planting, making greater use of the village hall bar to get residents together and develop a sense of community, and developing a Pott Shrigley website...

A Pott Shrigley Website???

Currently Pott Parish Council, School and Church all have websites but if somebody searches ‘Pott Shrigley’, the first matches are the school, Wikipedia and Shrigley Hall Hotel. It has been suggested that a website called ‘Pott Shrigley’ be created to replace the booklet the parish council produced in 2014 which gives the history of the village and includes sections on the activities available to give a newcomer a snapshot of Pott Shrigley life. Obviously, a website is much easier to update than a pamphlet. The clerk

suggests using Google; it is free and whilst it would take some time to set up, it would be quite easy to run. It doesn’t have to be sophisticated, just informative. The council is therefore looking, with some desperation, for a willing volunteer with computer skills to create this website and then run it. Surely there is somebody in the village capable of doing this? The clerk is happy to help with the initial set up. Please think about it and if you are willing to give it a try email pottclerk@ btinternet.com

Meeting with Police Commissioner

Among the items reported were:

If feeling unsafe anybody can dial 999 on a smartphone to obtain the link to the SWANN App for video contact with the operator. £5,000 extra has been added to the budget to support women and girls.

There are 2,345 police officers in Cheshire, the highest number since 1974 and each of the 122 police areas has an officer.

The 101 call facility is now fit for purpose; the answering time has been reduced from 40 minutes to just 6.

Remembrance: Revd Simon Bessant & Cllr Basford

A commemorative service was held at the lychgate, during which Cllr Basford laid a wreath on behalf of the parish to remember the men from Pott Shrigley who died or were injured in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts.

Highways highlights (!) 2022

Blocked grids

The blocked grid situated at the junction of Shrigley Road and Green Close was reported to Highways in 2017. No action was taken in five years, so local resident Gareth removed six wheelbarrows full of debris and the water now flows – thanks Gareth!

A parish council plea!

The level of road maintenance provided by Cheshire East Council (CEC) Highways, including pothole repair, road gully emptying, verge cutting and footpath sweeping, continues to deteriorate, leading to many of the road gullies becoming partially or completely blocked and an increased risk of flooding after heavy rain. Therefore, when using blowers to clear leaves off your premises, please ensure they are collected and removed and not simply blown out into

Kerb outside village hall Leaves in road

the road to block the gullies and drains. All too frequently in recent years, several properties, including the village hall, have suffered severe flooding. Please do your bit to prevent this, and if you can safely remove accumulated leaf fall from the roadside adjacent to your property that would be much appreciated too!

Damage to village hall roof by articulated lorry

A meeting was held in September to discuss possible modifications to the road layout to avoid a repeat of the above accident. The simplest solution is for the kerb to be extended for a short distance. Cllr Saunders offered to use her ward councillor’s allocation to fund it in the next financial year. The cones are to remain in situ for now.

Flooding outside Pott Hall

In late 2021, the combination of a blocked culvert under the road and heavy rain transformed the front garden of Pott Hall into a large lake and the pavement and Shrigley Road into a fast-running river; the ducks enjoyed it but no one else did. A jetter removed part of the blockage, and the road continued →

was closed to try to repair the collapsed culvert but to no avail. Highways have indicated that the definitive repair is expected to take place between October and December 2022. We look forward to the road being closed again.

The Cedar Lodge traffic lights

In March, after much persistent pestering, CEC Highways finally completed the roadway and fencing repairs necessitated by previous flood damage near Cedar Lodge. The traffic lights, which had been in place for more than two years, were then removed. Hooray!

Potholes

Two have been repaired, both situated between the Shrigley Hall bend and Shrigley Hall.

Verge repairs

The initial reinstatement of the badly damaged verge on the left side of Shrigley Road (going west) just beyond the Shrigley Hall entrance was unsatisfactory. Our diligent clerk pursued the matter and the verge was reinstated properly in March 2022.

Unofficial lay-by

The council wished to have the lay-by on Brookledge Lane opposite the entrance to Normans Hall restored as there are very few areas in Pott to park safely. The clerk again persisted with CEC Highways, but with limited success: although boulders were removed the

agreed alterations to the soil shelf were not completed. The grass has now fully grown and a verge has been created; regrettably the Highways enforcement team is unlikely to take any further action.

Bakestonedale wall collapse

This was reported by the clerk in October. Highways consider the wall is retaining the highway and so will repair it when budgets allow.

Double yellow lines

The yellow lines on the Pott Hall and Spuley Lane bends will be completed before February 2023. If enforced, these lines should make it easier for cars to negotiate this section of Shrigley Road safely.

Poynton relief road

The Poynton relief road, which joins the A523 and A555, is nearing completion. Although the parish council pressed for mitigation measures to improve safety and to reduce the anticipated increase in traffic volume through the southern end of Pott, the local authority did very little to help. It remains to be seen what impact the opening of the road will have on routing higher numbers of long-distance commuter traffic through Pott Shrigley.

Collapsed wall, Bakestonedale Road

Road near Cedar Lodge

Delay in processing planning applications

The clerk contacted David Rutley MP to express the council’s dissatisfaction with the length of time being taken by both CEC and the Peak Park planning authorities in processing applications, some of which have been ongoing for nearly two years. After some initial confusion in the MP’s office, official enquiry No. 16818741 has been opened to investigate the problem.

Current planning matters

Application

22/2879M (28.10.22) Nab Works, SK10 5SD Proposal: New office/reception building to replace the existing temporary mobile unit. The applicant plans to use the same footprint as occupied by the existing temporary building. There are no objections to the application.

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 twostorey 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; create a dropped kerb to provide vehicular access to driveway.

NP/CEC/0222/0213 & NP/CEC/0122/0080 (15.02.22) Keepers Cottage, SK10 5RZ New agricultural barn. Demolition of existing property and rebuild.

NP/CEC/0322/0436 (30.03.22) 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. 22/2809M (12.07.22) & 21/6042M (15.07.22) 10 & 11 Normans Hall Mews, SK10 5SE Rear extension along the party wall boundary to give a garden room to each property. Re-submission of application APPEAL 21/4435M (20.08.22) Heatherdale Farm

Conversion of an existing agricultural barn to a single dwelling. The clerk submitted the council’s original comments.

Your parish councillors:

Chair: Dave Basford Vice-Chair: Mike Wray Parish clerk: Joyce Burton Meredith Barlow-Walsh Peter Boulton Kath Chong John Goodman Alison Greenwood

Best wishes from us all for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Next meeting

The next meeting will take place at 8pm on Monday 9th January 2023.

And thank you to Joyce and the councillors for their hard work throughout the year. Particular thanks are due to Mike Wray, who stepped down as chair in 2022 after many years of sterling service. Editor.

Coffee Break

Across

1

‘How long will you — your face from me?’ (Psalm 13:1) (4)

3 ‘Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the — he bore’(Hebrews 13:13) (8)

9 Posh sin (anag.) (Romans 8:15) (7)

10 Solemn pledges (Matthew 5:33) (5)

11 Italian term for full orchestra (5)

12 ‘For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not — the cry of the afflicted’ (Psalm 9:12) (6)

14 Prescience (1 Peter 1:2) (13)

17 Where a Hindu holy man lives (6)

19 ‘If he found any... who belonged to the Way, whether — — women, he might take them as prisoners’ (Acts 9:3) (3,2)

22 Fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:15) (5)

23 Vine hen (anag.) (Jonah 1:2) (7)

24 Precious stone decorating the twelfth foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20) (8)

25 ‘Will you keep to the old path that evil men have — ?’ (Job 22:15) (4)

Down

1 ‘Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with — — ’ (Numbers 20:11) (3,5)

2 ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “ — — murder”’ (Matthew 5:21) (2,3)

4 One of Paul’s many hardships endured as a servant of God (2 Corinthians 6:5) (13)

5 ‘We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the

Spirit, — inwardly’ (Romans 8:23) (5)

6 Changed (Daniel 6:8) (7)

7 ‘My yoke is — and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11:30) (4)

8 Recoil (Revelation 12:11) (6)

13 ‘O Lord, you have — me and you know me’ (Psalm 139:1) (8)

15 ‘ — to me the joy of your salvation’ (Psalm 51:12) (7)

16 Express sorrow (Isaiah 16:7) (6)

18 ‘Then he said to Thomas, “ — out your hand and put it into my side”’ (John 20:27) (5)

20 ‘God has said, “ — will I leave you; — will I forsake you”’ (Hebrews 13:5) (5)

21 Son of Onam and brother of Shammai (1 Chronicles 2:28) (4)

* * *

After the christening of his baby brother in church, young Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, “That minister said he wanted us to be brought up in a good Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys.”

The Suffering Church

Our country is knee deep in problems, ranging from our national debt and tax rises to pay it off, a winter of discontent as rail workers to nurses strike for more pay, huge travel disruption as climate activists glue themselves to motorways, ambulances that take two days to come to the rescue of someone with a heart attack etc, etc. And yet life goes on. We in Pott are mostly happy, more or less prosperous, and definitely able to meet for worship in church Sunday by Sunday unmolested. But as I read through and pray about the issues raised in the literature put our way by Barnabas Fund, I realise others live in a very different world, a world where our brothers and sisters in Christ are existing in an atmosphere of constant hostility from otherwise ordinary people as well as the radicalised – just because they believe in Jesus.

Thus in northern Mozambique an Islamic State (IS)-affiliated organisation Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, known locally Al Shabaab, has subjected both the Christian and nonradicalised Muslim communities to a campaign of terror since 2017. In September eight believers were killed in lslamist violence

in the region and in October jihadists torched a church building and several houses in Chiure, Cabo Delgado Province, killing one person; the killing of 20 Christians and the displacement of hundreds more in Cabo Delgado between 3 and 20 October was announced in al-Naba, the weekly magazine of IS. A Muslim leader and his wife were also beheaded by the jihadi group.

Sister Maria De Coppi, a nun killed by terrorists in northern Mozambique; FSSPX news

On 3 November four men were wounded in Myanmar as the military (Tatmadaw) shelled a long-established Bible school run by the Kachin Baptist Convention at Kutkai in northern Shan State. The four students were in a dormitory when the shell struck a tree; they were injured by shrapnel and required hospital treatment. ‘I can’t even imagine what could have happened if it had hit them directly,’ commented a volunteer who assisted with their treatment. The Tatmadaw, which seized power in Buddhistmajority Myanmar in a coup in February 2021, has for many years persecuted the Christianmajority Chin, Kachin and Karen ethnic groups, as well as the large Christian communities in Kayah and Shan states, and the Muslimmajority Rohingya. Pray for an end to targeted attacks on churches and Christian institutions in Myanmar. Pray that the four Kutkai Bible college, Myanmar; thechinwin.com

injured students will recover fully and that the Bible school will continue to function effectively, equipping saints with the truth of the Gospel.

And so to Pakistan where Christians are more or less restricted to the more unpleasant and low-paid jobs and consequently become mired in debt. ‘I never imagined paying off my loan – ever,’ said Hanif, a brick-kiln worker who is blind in one eye and had to borrow money for a medical emergency. ‘But when Barnabas Aid paid off my total amount of loan, I literally bowed down to my Saviour God thanking Him. For someone who is totally unknown to me had come to me and paid off my loan. This is a miracle for me and my family.’ Like thousands of other Pakistani Christian brick-kiln workers in times of crisis, Hanif took a high-interest loan from the kiln owner, which bonded him to the brick kiln; unable to leave and get another job, and with money deducted from his wages to pay the accumulating interest, it was virtually impossible for Hanif to become solvent again. Another man, Farooq, was spending a little more than half his wages in loan repayments; this meant he received just 500 rupees (£2) for making 1,000 bricks each day. Farooq told Barnabas Aid: ‘With that amount, I was not able to fulfil the essentials of my family. I was very worried about that because our expenses were increasing day by day. Me and my family used to pray daily about getting rid of our loan. Then suddenly God gave me an answer through you guys.’

Farooq

This answer to prayer has greatly encouraged Farooq and his family in their faith. Thanks to God’s grace and the generosity of Barnabas supporters 1,475 Christian brick-kiln families have been freed from debt since the project started in 2017; many children have received education that would otherwise have been denied to them. The families also receive support to help them to save regularly so they have money to fall back on next time there is a crisis; this helps keep them out of debt. Thousands more of our brothers and sisters toiling in Pakistan’s brick kilns still need to be freed; please pray for them, and for all those who are enslaved.

Thanks to Barnabas Fund for the above information.

and his family, Pakistan; Barnabas

Hand Painted Pet Portraits

As a professional designer, I have enjoyed visualising my designs my career but have in recent years rekindled my love of painting landscapes, and pet portraits,

throughout in particular through the medium of watercolour.

As an animal lover, it is of great satisfaction to capture the true character of a beloved pet. From my home in Cheshire allow me to bring your pets to life in a vibrant, illustrative image - the perfect gift

Missionary Matters

Johnny and Ann McClean haven’t written from Thailand recently, possibly because their house may be upside-down. After many years of waiting, their landlord has finally arranged for a new kitchen to be installed; they are grateful for the new opportunities for ministry this will give them but were not expecting it to happen during the half-term holiday!

John Ryley

And then subsidence under one side of their home (a common thing in Bangkok) is finally getting repaired, a huge blessing as this will obliterate the space where snakes and vermin often live. Johnny and Ann will feel much safer walking there, particularly in the evening. As a result of attending the wedding of the daughter of a church member, the McCleans got to know the new village chairman and other members of the Mahathai 3 slum community, all of whom encouraged them to run a Christmas programme at the community hall. Pray for ongoing good relationships, pray for Ba’Nong who is the

only Christian in her family, and pray for gospel conversations as they visit and do outreach. Johnny and son Joshua recently visited the Mahathai 3 community to gather information for a piece of college work Josh is doing; whilst they were there, they were very moved by two situations. Firstly, they met a lady with terminal cancer whose son has a learning disability; she is extremely concerned about what will happen to him after she dies. Secondly, they learned of an elderly gentleman who is blind and waiting for cataract surgery; he is living in very poor conditions and has insufficient funds to live: he receives 600 baht (£15) per month from the government, but it costs him 600 baht per week for the treatment he needs as he prepares for cataract surgery in March. Please pray that the McCleans will have wisdom in knowing how to help in each case and pray for them as they work with the community leaders and other NGOs to help the Mahathai 3 community. Pray too for opportunities to speak of Jesus, which brings eternal hope as well as temporary help.

Megumi and Helen Fazakerley have written from Malawi, where those in the three major leadership roles of the Service in Mission (SIM) team are away; the team director is on home assignment until February 2023 and the personnel coordinator and administrator are both returning home to America permanently. For services to continue to run, others have to step up and try to fill in the gaps. A deputy director has been appointed for this season, two national staff are taking on administration work and Helen has been handed extra responsibilities too. Please pray that nothing untoward happens (particularly medical emergencies) for the next few months to reduce staffing further. During semesters Megumi has a 30-minute

walk to the Evangelical Bible College and works from home otherwise: a great blessing as there is a severe shortage of fuel in Malawi. Megumi likes to use visual aids in his teaching and tries to give the students handouts with maps, charts and diagrams. He produces short digital slideshows but a projector is not always available, or indeed the electricity to run it, so he has put them on Youtube so the students can watch them later on their phones. Try them out at https:// youtube.com/@MegumiFazakerley. I did, but did not get very far! Megumi and Helen have attended a big Baptist church in Blantyre for over a year now. 16 nationalities are represented in their usual three services, but recently they all worshipped together in a service celebrating the diversity and all the nationalities that make up the one church. Each nation grouped together in the foyer, then marched in with the leader holding their nation’s flag. Once at the front, the Salvation Army brass band played the National Anthem, followed by a short PowerPoint presentation with someone covering topics like industry, culture, national dress, and a map of the country. At the end of the presentation, a

representative from another country came forward to pray for that nation. Each land was given a 10-minute slot, but only a few kept to that; the service lasted over three hours! A delicious meal followed; everyone had made a national snack: Helen supplied sandwiches because they were invented in Britain by the 4th Earl of Sandwich!

Group from South Korea

Baptist church, Blantyre

And, as ever, thank you…

Once again, thank you to all those people who have helped to produce 10 editions of HotPott in 2022. I am so grateful to all our contributors, both those who faithfully produce copy month by month and those who send occasional articles. One of the highlights of HotPott 2022 has been Paul Bowden’s series on the history of the chantry in Pott Shrigley and I am really pleased that these articles are being collated into a booklet for sale shortly. But don’t think you have to produce pieces of such immensity, all contributions are valuable, so please send things in – everyone has a story to tell or a photo to send – so please don’t be shy! What is routine for you may well be interesting to others, be it a ‘Day in the Life of…’ or ‘My childhood in …’ or ‘How I spend my spare time…’ or ‘Poetry I have written…’ and I’m sure there are lots more thoughts out there. Please feel free to talk to one of the team about any ideas, however vague, you may have. Without your help, there will be no HotPott.

An enormous thank you to our advertisers too; we hope you have gained some business from HotPott readers, but we appreciate that many of you advertise just to support us.

Tess and Andy Phillips’ expertise in converting the contents of the HotPott Dropbox into the attractive magazine it is was demonstrated by HotPott being awarded the Association of Church Editors annual prize for effective use of graphics. Their continued tolerance of the editor’s obsessive tendencies shows what

patient people they are. Thank you so much.

The proofreaders have continued to keep your editor on her toes. Thanks to: Mary Currell (fount of all knowledge and chaser too), Sandy Milsom & Sally Winstanley. And special mention to Vicki Shelley, who has been an expert proofreader for several years, but who is relinquishing the role for now – we haven’t always agreed on the punctuation Vicki –but I have valued your eye for detail, timely responses and kind words very much.

Mike Akerman’s rapid organisation of the print run, chasing the printers when they are tardy and subsequently extracting discounts from them is very much appreciated.

Thanks to all those who are still incorporating HotPott delivery (and a friendly chat on the doorstep) into their exercise regimes, our doughty distributors:, John & Liz Arrowsmith, Eileen Buffey, Pam Cooke, Ivan & Mary Currell, Duncan Matheson, Jean & Reg Ferguson, Yvonne Foster, Peter Kennedy, Anne Murphy, and Sally & Gareth Winstanley. And for amazing shots, photographers in chief: Rick Gem, Duncan Matheson & Steve Murphy. Thank you all.

Kath Matheson, editor. 01625 574983/07944 624 832 magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

Please note, copy dates for 2023 are now on a Thursday to give the editorial team a little more production time. Welcome to Caroline Booth, our new proofreader.

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW DUE. PLEASE SEE INSERT.

Thinking about advertising in this magazine?

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

Recipe of the Month Smoked salmon spirals

Earlier this year I happened across two of our stalwart cleaners, Christine Bowes and Shirley Plant, discussing favourite recipes. One of these was the Bowes family's Christmas Day starter – quick and easy to do, freezes well and tastes delicious:

Christine Bowes

Makes 25

Ingredients:

200g smoked salmon slices

225g mild soft goat’s cheese, or if preferred cream cheese

½ - 1 tablespoon creamed horseradish

1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives

2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill (optional), plus fresh sprigs to garnish Freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Separate the salmon slices into strips, lay out, overlapping slightly to make two long rectangles.

Beat together the cheese, horseradish, herbs

and pepper, then spread over the salmon. Roll up tightly from the longest side to make two Swiss rolls, wrap in film and chill before slicing. Serve garnished with fresh dill.

To freeze: Wrap the spirals in plastic film and foil, freeze until solid. Use within a month. When needed, thaw in the fridge, slice and garnish.

February 12th Jan Sandy Milsom 27th Jan

March 9th Feb Mary Currell 24th Feb

April 16th Mar Caroline Booth 31st Mar

May 13th Apr Sally Winstanley 28th Apr

June 11th May Sandy Milsom 26th May

Summer 15th June Mary Currell 30th June

September 10th Aug Caroline Booth 25th Aug

October 14th Sept Sally Winstanley 29th Sept

November 12th Oct Sandy Milsom 27th Oct

Christmas 9th Nov Mary Currell 24th Nov

Services

December 4th.

8.30am 10.30am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡ Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 James Gibson

11th. Christingle

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Family Service**

8.30am 10.45am 6.30pm

22nd Thursday

Holy Communion Carols by Candlelight Carols by Candlelight

James 5:7-10, John 1:1-5 John 1:1-5

Anne Murphy &

Ian Bishop Ian Bishop 18th.

Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 Nancy Goodrich Steve Murphy Steve Murphy

6.30pm Carols by Candlelight Steve Murphy

24th. Christmas Eve

11.30pm Midnight Communion TBC Sue Hawkins 25th. Christmas Day 10.00am Family Communion TBC John Buckley

• There will be no 8.30am service at Pott Shrigley on 1st January 2023.

• All services underlined in blue will be streamed live on our Facebook Page & YouTube channel.

• A recording of the first Carols by Candlelight service will be available online from the evening of 18th December

• A recording of each live-streamed service will be available from the services page of the church website: ‡ Junior Church * Youth Church (during 10.45 service) ** Youth Church (at 6pm) Readers Prayers

Dec 4th Audrey M Anne Murphy Clare Chasty Anne M Gill & Victoria 11th Children/Young People Gill & Sue Simon & Lydia P Caroline & Steve 18th Various Gill & Sue 10.45am: Mike & Sue A 6.30pm: Jean & Reg F Ros & Madeline 22nd Various N/A 6.30pm: Jon Weston N/A

24th Mike Akerman N/A 11.30pm: Arrowsmiths N/A N/A

25th David Gem N/A N/A 10:00am: Anne M N/A

Jan 1st Jean & Reg F Pam Cooke N/A Jean & Reg F Yvonne & Annie

8th Mike & Sue A Sally Winstanley Arrowsmiths Mike & Sue A Malyans

15th Children/Young People Mathesons Simon & Lydia P Liz & John 22nd Ian Malyan Gartons Gill & Sue Ian Malyan Meg & Frances

29th Nikki Hughan Audrey Bomford Keith Ardern Tony & Rachel W Joy & David

Feb 5th Carole Taylor Gartons Clare Chasty Anne M Lydia & Simon

Services

January 1st.

8.30am 10.45am No service Holy Communion Hebrews 2.10–18, Matthew 2.13–23 John Buckley 8th. Epiphany

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship‡** Acts 10.34–43, Matthew 3.13–17 George Lane 15th.

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Family Service 1 Corinthians 1.1–9, John 1.29–42 John 1.29–42

Lynne Bowden Anne Murphy 22nd.

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship* 1 Corin. 1.10–18, Matthew 4.12–23 TBC Trevor Green 29th.

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship 1 Corinthians 1.18–31, John 2.1–11 TBC Hellen Watson February 5th.

8.30am 10.45am Holy Communionr Holy Communion‡ 1 Corinthians 2.1–12, Matthew 5.13–20 Lynne Bowden TBC

Church Cleaning Rota

2nd Dec Reg & Jean F 6th Jan Sally & Yvonne 9th Sue & Mike 13th Caroline and Jean H 16th Ivan & Mary 20th Reg & Jean F 22th David & Joy 27th Sue & Mike 30th Shirley & Christine 3rd Ivan & Mary * * *

We know how God would act if He were in our place –He has been in our place.

A W Tozer * * *

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

(please prefix numbers with 01625)

PCC Members: 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