Lynn's letter
Dear friends,
We live in fast paced times, when you can order pretty much anything you want with a swipe on your phone or the flick of a switch, which makes it surprising that some oldfashioned things still act as a signal to us that Christmas is coming.
I wonder why Christmas carols don’t seem to go out of fashion? Possibly because they evoke the nostalgia of Christmases past as we remember singing them at school or went carol singing in the snow? Or is it because many of the old Christmas films on TV have a scene where people gather to sing carols around the piano?
However, carols are not just sentimental songs. Many contain deep lyrics that feed our souls and point us to the glory of Christ. On the surface Away in a manger is a simple, childlike carol, but it contains an eternal truth. It brings
comfort to our hearts and renews our faith. ‘Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay’: those are wonderful words for you and for me, a prayer even for those who find Christmas a lonely time.
‘Close by me … forever, and love me, I pray’: whether the world events make you feel frightened, or whether you are full of anticipation for a good time with family, you can talk to Jesus in prayer. He is your Saviour but also a close friend. What a wonderful eternal promise that is.
O little town of Bethlehem speaks to those in darkness. It proclaims that ‘the hopes and fears of all the years are met in’ Jesus on Christmas night. A much-needed message for some people in our world who would say ‘hope is all I have’.
Joy to the World can lift our spirits above the commercialisation of Christmas, making us smile and expanding our hearts to make room for the Saviour of the world.
We will sing these familiar carols and more at our Christingle, Carols by Candlelight, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. (See inside front cover.) We will turn off the lights and set ablaze hundreds of candles. They will flicker continued →
and illuminate our ancient space at St Christopher’s in a beautiful way, reminding all present that Jesus brings hope, joy and light to a dark world at Christmas. We will also be reminded of all those who have gone before us, lifting their voices in praise to the One who came to be among us and save us from ourselves. So I’m glad that the tradition of carol singing has not gone out of fashion and is open to all.
This Christmas why not set aside some time to come and join in with these old traditions and hear the familiar story read out in the peace of the old church building. My prayer is that as we gather together, we will all be able to find within us the deep wonder of the child who was sent by God to save us all.
Have a blessed Christmas With love, Lynn.
POTT SHRIGLEY PTA CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOPS
Join us f o r festive wreath-mall.in� on: Friday 29th November or F riday 6th D ecember 6 .30pm. P o tt Shri�ley School liall
£25 per person to include: foliaqe. frame. floristry wire. strin-1 and quidance! Mulled wine. cheese and biscuits. festive cupcake
Please brin-1 alonq any additional foliaqe. ribbons decorative items . .lloves and secateurs if you have them!
Guest editor required!
Your editor will be away in February and is unlikely to have internet access, so producing the March edition of HotPott will be tricky. Although she will attempt to get some of the March HotPott sorted before she goes, here is your opportunity to be a guest editor! Many people are kind enough to send copy so you don’t have to write it all; the editor checks it over and (sometimes) makes changes to spelling, grammar etc. Photos are always good to have too; the photo headhoncho is coming with the editor to the internet desert, but if photos sent with articles need any editing, we have a few experts in our midst who, I’m sure, will be willing to help.
It doesn’t have to be a single person doing the editing – I’m sure it could be shared between a few people. If you are at all interested in doing this, please have a chat with me – Kath Matheson 07944 624 832.
* * *
The Sunday School Christmas play was in full swing when the teacher prompted: “And what was it that guided the Wise Men from the East?” Right on cue, the pre-schoolers turned their large white letters to face the audience. However, the last four children in the lineup had somehow reversed their sequence, and so the answer was:
C H R I S T M A S R A T S
PCC Ponderings
The parochial church council met on 11th November 2024 for what turned out to be a mega-meeting; there was a lot to discuss!
Looking Ahead – Looking Outward
Rev. Lynn has drafted a letter to go to everyone in the church family; you may even have read it by now. The letter reminds us of the call to look beyond our immediate church congregation and to maintain a collective vision of connecting with the wider community. At November’s PCC meeting we looked carefully at the contents of the letter to make sure we could all affirm the directions that it sets out.
two parish safeguarding officers who will deal carefully with any matters notified to them; we can also provide information on sources of support for anyone affected by abuse, whether recent or historical. If you (or someone you know) is affected, do talk to either of our safeguarding officers, Kath Matheson and Celia Fraser (contact details on notices in church or on the back of HotPott), or to Rev. Lynn. If you prefer, you can send an email to: safeguarding@ pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
As we talked it was obvious that there is no shortage of great ideas about how to enhance our church life and to be more effective in reaching out to others. However, we recognised that to understand the range of perspectives, and to gather as much wisdom as possible, we need to involve the whole church family at St. Christopher’s. PCC members discussed how best to prepare a survey, which could be sent out to all church members sometime in the New Year; we also thought about how to keep responses anonymous for those who prefer that. You’ll hear more on this soon.
Staying safe
Rev. Lynn emphasised that safeguarding concerns, including domestic abuse of any kind, are always listened to and taken seriously at St Christopher’s. We have
Other information and help on safeguarding matters can be found on our church website: http://www. pottshrigleychurch.org. uk/links.html
Our safeguarding team meets regularly to review procedures, and we are very grateful for their work in ensuring that St Christopher’s remains a safe place for all.
Lots of work behind the scenes!
As a new PCC member, I am struck by the dedication and hard work of so many in the church. Whether it’s data protection; health and safety; accounting; upkeep of buildings and churchyard; or organising of rotas… we so much appreciate the oftenunsung heroes who keep the show on the road!
* * *
An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that, and you start to age quickly. – Gene Perret
Simon Caudwell
Cover story: Lighting the Advent Candles
One of the joys of Advent, the first season of the Christian year, is the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath. Our young people clamour to help light the Advent candle each week and this month’s cover shows Clark lighting a candle last year. Each time a candle is lit the congregation is asked what it represents; read on and you will know…
Kath Matheson
Advent is a journey and a time of preparation for the coming of the Light of the World, our Saviour Jesus Christ. The word ‘Advent’ is derived from the Latin word ‘adventus’, which translates as ‘a coming, approach, arrival’; when we are expecting guests to our home or church we make preparations. We should do no less for our Saviour.
History of the Advent wreath
The Advent wreath may have its origins in pre-Christian Germany where candles were lit around wreaths in the dark winter months as a sign of hope in the future warmer, lighter, months to come. In Scandinavia, lighted candles were placed around a wheel in winter, and prayers offered to the god of light to turn ‘the wheel of the earth’ back toward the sun to lengthen the days and restore warmth. By the Middle Ages, Christians had adapted this tradition and used Advent wreaths as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. After all, Christ ‘the true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world’ (John 1:9) to dispel the darkness of sin and to radiate the truth and love of God.
The symbolism of the Advent wreath
Our Advent candles sit on a circular
(and therefore never-ending) wreath of evergreen leaves, symbolising the eternal love that God has for each and every one of us and the everlasting life found in Christ. Evergreen leaves have traditional meanings: laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and holly’s prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns. Pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath symbolise life and resurrection. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Traditionally the candles lit on the first, second and fourth Sundays of Advent are purple, the colour which represents repentance and spiritual preparation; it also symbolises royalty. On the third Sunday rose is the colour, representing rejoicing. The candle lit on Christmas Day is always white, symbolising purity, light and restoration. The progressive lighting of candles symbolises the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of His second coming in future.
How the candles help us prepare: week one
The first Advent candle represents the patriarchs of our faith: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who looked forward with hope to the promises God made to Abraham about making him and his descendants into a great nation (Genesis 12:2). It also denotes their faith: Abraham trusted God’s promise that he would have a son, even though he and his wife Sara had to wait for many years before Isaac was born. We too need to have faith in Jesus' promises and patience in waiting for him in hope.
How the candles help us prepare: week two
Traditionally this represents the prophets who foretold the coming of our Saviour: ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9:6). As we prepare for Christmas, we should reflect on the promise of salvation that God gave us in the Old Testament, which was fulfilled by the birth of Jesus. The second candle on the Advent wreath also represents peace. Sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle, it reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Prince of Peace: after all the division, destruction, and scattering of God’s people in the Old Testament, the coming of Christ promises to restore a state of balance and harmony (shalom). We too should promote peace.
How the candles help us prepare: week three
This week we think of John the Baptist, who ‘came as a witness to the light (Christ)’ (John 1:8). John told people that Christ was coming, advising them to seek forgiveness of their sins and preaching the good news
that through Christ we could have eternal life (Luke 3). We too should be sorry for our wrongdoing, but also look forward with eager anticipation to the coming of Christ, as did the shepherds of Bethlehem. The angel told the shepherds: ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’ (Luke 2:10-11). Thus, rose-coloured third candle of Advent is sometimes called the Shepherd’s Candle and represents joy, a state of satisfaction in what is good and pure.
How the candles help us prepare: week four
Traditionally the fourth candle of Advent symbolises Mary, mother of Christ. Mary loved her son, and love is also what is represented by candle four: ‘This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.’ (John 1:9). In week four we should contemplate how great God’s continued →
love is for us, for ‘Neither death nor life, … neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Romans 8:38-39).
Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus, Master of both light and darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparation for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your Kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of Your presence.
We are Your people, walking in darkness yet seeking the light. To You, we say, ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’
Henri J M Nouwen
Sources acknowledged with thanks: Rev. W. Saunders, CERC; Cate Von Dohlen, Hallow; Oremus; Christianity.com
The Christmas Kitchen
The kitchen is, at Christmas
A very busy room! Lots of work in such a rush Or Christmas Day will loom.
First there is the cake to bake And many pastries too, Mince pies and biscuits,festive fare There is so much to do!
Then comes the day, the kitchen fills With wondrous cooking smells, As turkey roasts and parsnip toasts The cooks must work their spells.
The dinner’s on the table
We gather round and eat, But someone has to wash the pots And make the kitchen neat.
So have a happy Christmas, Enjoy the festive fare, But grab a towel and help the cook, And show them that you care!
By Nigel Beeton
Christmas card winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Pott Shrigley Church School Christmas card competition 2024. It was lovely to see them being given their prizes in church.
First place
Meadow Snelson Year 1
Second place
Sophie Hudson Year 6
Third place
Hugo Meppen-Keenan Year 3
Third place Hugo Meppen-Keenan Yr3
Second place Sophie Hudson Yr6
First place Meadow Snelson Yr1
The Other Shrigley
Chris Hagan, a journalist and author of the book Farewell to Dear Old Shrigley, contacted the parish council recently to find out what knowledge the residents of Pott Shrigley had of their twin village, Shrigley in County Down, Northern Ireland.
Joyce Burton
There is, or was, a village lying one mile from Killyleagh and named after Pott Shrigley. 200 years ago John Martin, a friend of the Downes family of Shrigley Hall and son of a Belfast merchant, left our village for County Down where in 1824 he built a six-storey weaving mill surrounded by a self-contained industrial
Shrigley Mills
village, calling it Shrigley in honour of the place he had just left. Shrigley was one of the first of what became known as ‘model’ villages (Port Sunlight and Bournville being others), carefully planned with well-designed housing, a school (Shrigley National School), a village hall (Martin Hall), shops and plenty of recreational facilities. The first mill burned down in 1845, but John Martin replaced it with a linen mill, which was once one of the biggest spinning mills in the British Isles. In 1871, five years before John Martin died, grateful villagers paid for a clock tower and a drinking fountain to be built in honour of the Martin family. The clock tower, which also contained a bell, was positioned in the centre of the village at the crossroads outside the mill gates; Bank Row, River Row, Main Street, Field Row, Brick Row, New Row, Pump Loney, Short Row, Short Bank and Model Row are all gone now but the clock tower remains.
When the mill closed on the night of Hallowe’en 1930, nine years of severe hardship and poverty followed, with Shrigley residents being described as in ‘an absolutely awful situation’. However, during the Second World War the derelict
The clock tower
mill was saved by brothers Alfred and Jacob Utitz from Czechoslovakia, plus Walter Weiniger from Austria, all of whom were Jews fleeing from persecution; they developed United Chrometanners (UCT), a leather tannery. When Jacob Utitz died in 1948 followed two years later by his brother Alfred, control of the firm passed to Erik Biss, who ensured that the tannery continued to develop and grow. It employed up to 600 people and became world famous for its production of light leathers and suedes, culminating in it winning the Queen's Award to Industry in 1966.
In that same year the diggers moved in and began building a new village on the opposite hill. The mill and all the beautiful blue stone houses that stood around the mill gates in John Martin’s time were
destroyed, but UCT continued functioning; it was taken over in 1974 and tanning in Shrigley eventually ended in 2004. However the lasting memories of the original village did not die and the Shrigley 200 group was formed. In May 2024 the village celebrated the 200th anniversary of Shrigley’s foundation. Even though all its streets have been bulldozed and every house has been knocked down, villagers threw an enormous birthday party in honour of the founders who built Old Shrigley. The celebratory events continued throughout the summer: the Shrigley Olympics started with primary schoolchildren having a race down what used to be Main Street in the old village and, following in the footsteps of Shrigley’s international footballer Hugh Henry Davey, the children also enjoyed a penalty shoot competition whilst the adults enjoyed history walks and a dance which recreated those held regularly in Shrigley in times past. People shared memories too – the smell of oranges, plums and pears in McCullough’s shop; sitting on sacks of corn; bacon hanging on hooks; and listening to the banter in Eddie Fee’s shop and the smell of petrol and the big scales for weighing potatoes…
An official history of the model village, Farewell to Dear Old Shrigley, was published in May 2024 to coincide with the 200th anniversary. The author, Chris
The tannery at Shrigley
The village before demolitioin
Eddie Fee's shop
East window, St Christopher's Hagan, took the title from the original Song of Shrigley Village, which was sung by the spinners and doffers as they made their way from the spinning mill at the end of the working week. A permanent mural sponsored by the National Lottery Heritage Fund features more than 100 photos of old Shrigley loaned from previous residents and their families.
The founder of Shrigley village, John Martin, was a generous man and had a philanthropic family who endowed the first children's hospital on the island of Ireland. And Pott Shrigley benefitted too: John Martin’s family apparently sponsored the east window in St Christopher’s Church. The members of the Shrigley 200 committee are keen to form links with Pott Shrigley. It’s a lovely idea to resurrect the connection between the two villages, but the council doesn’t want to start the process of an official twinning. If you have any suggestions of what we might do, please email me at clerk@pottshrigley-pc. gov.uk.
Sources acknowledged with thanks: Farewell to Dear Old Shrigley, Chris Hagan; Down Recorder; Down News; Old Shrigley Facebook page.
What did the snowman say to the aggressive carrot?
“Get out of my face.”
St Christopher’s Pastoral Ministry
For pastoral support, a listening ear, a home visit, Holy Communion at home, prayer support or if you have a baptism enquiry
please contact the pastoral ministry care team via Anne Murphy. pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk telephone: 07891 953919
I hope your Christmas has had a little touch of Eternity in among the rush and pitter and all. It always seems such a mixture of this world and the next – but that after all is the idea! – Evelyn Underhill
Seeking peace…
On the dark, drizzly, last night of October, the interior of St Gregory's, Bollington was lit by candles and tea lights, which cast a welcoming glow and was only matched by the warmth of the welcome given by the people of St Gregory’s to those who joined them from St Oswald's, Bollington, St John's, Adlington, and St Christopher's. They were gathered for a service held for peace: peace in the world, peace in our families and communities, and peace within our own hearts.
Reg & Jean Ferguson
The singing was led by Rev. Lynn Caudwell singing the beautiful Taize chants and accompanied by her husband Simon on the keyboard. Bible readings interspersed with periods of silent prayer allowed us to cry to the Lord for peace in all its aspects.
The people gathered were all invited to take a lighted tealight and place it on the altar rail as we presented our own personal intentions before the Lord. The service ended with Rev. Nancy Goodrich leading us in the Lord’s Prayer, then we sang:
In the Lord I'll be ever thankful In the Lord I will rejoice. Look to God, do not be afraid. Lift up your voices, the Lord is near; Lift up your voices the Lord is near.
concluded with the
of our
Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
A couple visited their son and his family for Christmas, and admired their beautiful nativity set in the hallway. The grandfather asked his young granddaughter if she knew what it was. “Oh yes,” she said immediately. “Of course I do. It’s breakable.” * * *
It
Grace
Lord
St Gregory's, Bollington for the Taize service
A Potted History of (some parts of) the Church Interior
A lot has changed inside St Christopher’s over the lifetime of the building. The available records give us some information about the last 150 years or so, but we can only speculate what may have been before that.
David Garton
1854: the box pews arrive, and the floors improve
The oak box pews in the nave and aisles came from St James, Gawsworth when it was being re-ordered. The pews were ‘installed, cut down and modernised’ at Pott Shrigley in 1854, their doors being hung upside down, presumably to make the names of the Gawsworth families marked on them less noticeable. All the box pews stand on wooden floors; the south aisle and the nave have a small underfloor cavity with dry earth beneath whereas those in the north aisle have concrete below, courtesy of the rebuilding of the pews and floor necessitated by the rot that appeared in 1988. The centre and side aisles, the sanctuary and most of the chancel are laid with light grey paving stones of varying thickness. The wooden floors and paving fit neatly together, suggesting the paving was laid in 1854 too. According to the church architect, the profile of the slabs of the sanctuary steps are typical for the mid- and late-19th century, which fits with the 1854 date. Prior to 1854, the flooring and seating were probably something cruder!
1876 – a busy year
Pews were probably installed for the first time in the chancel as part of an 1876 faculty which states: ‘Ellen Jane Lowther is desirous to place new oak seats in the
Chancel seats plan 1876 faculty copy
Childrens pews plan 1876 faculty copy
chancel for the use of herself as patron and her family’. However, the accompanying sketch drawings show an L-shaped pew mounted against the wall and extending into the chancel on each side with an L-shaped book board in front; these are just visible in an old photograph, but the current chancel wall panelling is absent. The pews and book boards no longer exist (but see later). Under the 1876 faculty, one box pew was removed from each side at the back of the church to make way for ‘new benches for schoolchildren’. This children’s seating was probably a bench seat mounted against the west wall of each side aisle with a shorter bench or pew placed in front of each. The south doorway existed in 1876 but was walled-up.
They were proper busy in 1876: the faculty further included for
• the removal of ‘a small gallery at the west end of the church’ (possibly a partial gallery in the tower for ringing the then three bells)
• the erecting of screens and doors on the west side of the tower arch in the base of the tower to form a porch, the roof of which would re-accommodate the bellringers.
• the replacement of the old font with a new one (location unknown, but the current font’s location is vacant on the faculty drawing)
• the installation of an organ, probably a freestanding ‘harmonium’ type of instrument. The subsequent pipe organ was installed where the vicar’s vestry now stands in memory of George Swindells who died in 1897, but was later moved up to the balcony at the back of the church, where it has been since at least the 1950s according to Mary Currell
• the erecting of a vestry (not sure where!)
• the provision of a pulpit and one prayer desk in the chancel (see 1876 faculty drawing). (A near-identical second prayer desk was donated to the church in 1908)
1907: the Lowthers are ejected
In 1907 a faculty was granted primarily for the erection of the south porch (given by estate tenants in memory of Captain Edward St George Lowther) and the reopening of the walled-up south doorway. This was achieved by the removal of portions of three pews, including at least one of the pews or benches provided in the south aisle ‘for schoolchildren’ in the 1876 faculty. According to Emily White, Rev. Carl Aslachsen ‘relegated Ellen Jane Lowther and her family from their seats in the chancel to the back of the church in order to start a surpliced choir’. This happened sometime between 1898, when Rev. Aslachsen was appointed, and 1906 when Ellen Jane Lowther died. As part of his reordering, Rev. Aslachsen probably removed the L-shaped pews from the chancel and introduced the pews we have today to better suit his surpliced choir. There appears to have been no faculty for this work, so there are no records to confirm it.
The 1907 faculty also provides for a stained window glass in the south chancel in memory of Ellen Jane Lowther.
Chancel photo maybe 1898
Organ on balcony; note the tea & coffee making arrangements through the door
2001: Yet more alterations
The bricked-up doorway in the north wall was reopened and three box pews removed from the adjacent aisle to make access for the toilet and kitchenette extension. The balcony was extended, and the screen with the Garden of Gethsemane glazing (dating from 1975) was moved to the east side of the tower arch.
The Sanctuary and Chancel
The communion rail is believed to date from the early 18th century. Hence it is probably older than the sanctuary steps. It’s not known whether the rail is original to Pott Shrigley Church or not, or if it has always been in or near its current position.
The oak Holy Table is dated 1698; it’s thought to have originated as a Jacobean dining table. In the 1960s a large oak Holy Table was given by Brabazon Lowther in memory of his parents; this was removed in 1995 as it took up too much space.
The 1907 reredos is of carved oak and is divided into seven panels; it replaced a previous reredos installed in 1876 but of which no details are known.
When central heating was first installed in 1870/71 the paving laid in 1854 at the rear of the church and in the chancel was
probably relaid or reconfigured to allow for a large diameter cast iron pipe to be run around the church mostly just above floor level but also in the now redundant channels covered with cast iron grilles seen at the rear of church and in the chancel.
The front (west) six feet of the chancel floor is not paved, with the carpet hiding a miscellany of different bits of wooden and plywood floors at various levels. You may have spotted that the pulpit and lectern sit through holes in the current floor on a piece of older floor below.
In conclusion
St Christopher’s Church has stood for several hundred years, but it has not been set in stone. As the needs of succeeding generations have changed, so the building has evolved to accommodate them. We need to take great care of our beautiful building, but we also need to follow our predecessors in considering changes which will help meet the needs of today’s and future generations.
Thank you to David for a most interesting article. He is happy to share references if anyone wants to see them.
Chancel with front pew still there
Under the chancel carpet; not quite solid rock
Church in the Pub
Every last Wednesday in the month, Church in the Pub meets in The Cotton Tree on Ingersley Road, Bollington from 8pm.
The September meetup saw 10 of us from neighbouring parishes (St Oswald’s Bollington, St Christopher’s Pott Shrigley and St John’s Adlington) gathering together. There was a warm welcoming atmosphere in the pub as The Cotton Tree was enjoying a mini festival, so anyone who wanted to enjoyed sampling some of the guest beers and ciders; many compared tasting notes. Others selected a glass of wine or opted for a soft drink. Buying our drinks provided a great opportunity to catch up with people around the bar, get up to date with any local news and invite some ‘pub regulars’ to join us. Jayne, the landlady of The Cotton Tree, had reserved a couple of
Anne Murphy
tables for us to sit around in the side room. This gave us plenty of space to meet and allowed others in the pub to come and chat if they wanted.
As our Harvest Festival Services were fast approaching, Rev. Nancy proposed that we look at the topic of ‘generosity’. We discussed a number of questions including: ‘What motivates us to be generous?’, ‘Are there different ways to be generous other than giving money, and if so can you think of some examples?’, ‘Is there anything that stops us from being generous?’ and ‘Can you think of how we can be generous in our everyday lives?’. Everyone had the opportunity to consider and put forward their ideas, with some questions generating quite lively debate.
I think we all felt that we had learnt something from someone else, and everyone was listened to.
Just after 9pm we shared a couple of copies of the day’s Macclesfield Express and looked through them to identify some stories or items relating to our community to pray about together. Everyone was invited to contribute and pray either out loud or silently.
Rev. Steve suggested that we share the words of the Grace Prayer: ‘May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.’
We then all bid each other goodnight, thanked Jayne for the hospitality we’d enjoyed in The Cotton Tree and headed home.
Many apologies to Anne for holding over this article for so long, but I thought the wider community may enjoy reading about Church in the Pub. To find out more, why not have a chat with Rev Lynn, Anne or Jayne or come along one month.
The Cotton Tree
Introducing Class 1
Hello everybody. We are Daisy, Arlo and Oscar from Class 3. This month we have interviewed Mrs Williams and some of the pupils from Class 1 to find out more about them. We have a new teacher called Mrs Williams and there are eight children in Reception and Year 1. Let’s find out a bit more about the youngest children in our school…
Daisy, Arlo & Oscar
Interview with Mrs Williams
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself
A: Hello everyone. I’m Mrs Williams and I started as the Class 1 teacher in September. I have two sons and a husband who I met in high school. I love to bake, walk and camp (when the weather is good!). Our big family news is that we are getting a new dog soon which is an Australian labradoodle – we are very excited.
Q: How are you finding being at Pott Shrigley?
A: I love Pott Shrigley. My last school had over 200 children, so this is very different for me but I love that I can get to know every single child very well. Also, I am used to teaching in a city, so to work in this beautiful countryside setting is a joy!
Q: What skills will you bring to our school?
A: I am an early years specialist, so I feel that I have the experience to provide creative and inspiring lessons and play opportunities to ensure that all my children make great progress. I also make great cakes!
Mrs Williams with some of the children in Class 1
Interview with some Class 1 children
Emma, Year 1
I am called Emma and I am six years old. My favourite thing to do in school is maths.
I love playing with Meadow and Miles and going to forest school.
We are learning about the seasons and it is autumn now and all the leaves are turning colour and dropping on the floor.
Meadow, Year 1
I am five years old and I love coming to school at Pott Shrigley. My favourite lesson is art because I am really good at drawing.
We are reading a book in class called Star in the Jar and I love it.
We are also practicing for our Nativity play and learning lots of new songs with David and Sheila.
Miles, Year 1
I am five years old and my favourite thing to do in school is to play with my friends.
We have been learning about frogs and have seen them jump really high. Some are spotty and are poisonous too.
I love Mrs Williams because she is always kind and looks after us if we are sad.
Why are mummies such big fans of Christmas?
Because they enjoy wrapping.
Nativity
Frog
Autumn leaves
Your Vote Your Council
Highways
• The modifications to the pavement outside school are still pending. Cllr Whittaker made enquiries about this, but the council has not received a date for the work to start even though the funding is in place
• Improvements to the bend at Brookbank: the council’s response is:
◊ there are not enough points to lower speed limit
◊ addition of more signs not viable
◊ car park signing and Pott Shrigley gateway sign should be provided by the parish
◊ missing chevron is on Cheshire East Council’s (CEC) maintenance list
Action: Cllr Lancaster will contact Highways to ask why significant changes have been made to what was originally agreed
• Simpson Lane marker post: a new post has been installed
• Damage to Norman’s Hall verges: CEC has assessed the damage and concluded that the damage does not present a risk to highway users at this time
• Request to include Pott Shrigley in a 20mph speed trial: a resident asked the parish council to support a request for a 20mph scheme to run all the way through Pott Shrigley and Bollington due to excessive speeds sometimes reached by cars travelling along Pott level. The council thought that it was a long way to travel at 20mph; their comments were submitted by the clerk. The scheme was not fully or wholeheartedly supported
• Missing coping stones on Shrigley Road near Spuley Lane: some copings seem to have been pushed in the stream.
These will need replacing before anymore are removed
Pending
• Repair/replace culvert under Shrigley Road outside Pott Hall
• Broken fence at West Park Gate car park on list for repair
• Remedial resurfacing of Shrigley Road from Green Close to the aqueduct
• Modifications to the chevron bend by Shrigley Hall
• Repair of collapsed wall on Bakestonedale Road still awaited
• Damage to the signpost by the church wall still awaits repair
• Work to modify the pavement outside the school still awaited
Lychgate
The clerk has submitted a pre-application to start the process to seek a grant for the repairs to the lychgate. Unfortunately, no work can start until the grant, if one is offered, is in place. The contractor has kindly agreed to extend his terms of the quote until Easter 2025.
Mersey Forest Tree Planting Scheme
A date is still awaited for a site inspection of the village green to suggest the number and type of trees which would be suitable for the site.
Shrigley, County Down
Chris Hagan has sent a copy of the updated history of Shrigley in County Down. The clerk has written a very interesting article for this edition of Hotpott. (see page 10)
Cheshire Association of Local Councils (CHALC) AGM
Cllr Basford attended. Officers were
elected and a 2.6% increase in the subscription was announced. There was no representative from CEC present. The main event was a talk by a guest speaker.
Peak District National Park Statement
The main aspirations of the parish were discussed, and the original statement was amended.
Remembrance Wreath
The clerk, Joyce Burton, placed a wreath on behalf of the parish council and residents at the lychgate on Remembrance Sunday.
Increase of Traffic Through Village
The council will request the updated figures of traffic passing through village following the opening of the Poynton Relief Road. Councillors suspect there has been a significant increase in traffic using Bakestondale Road. CEC agreed to monitor
the traffic travelling through the village in the first year after the Poynton Relief Road opened, which was February 2023; there has been evidence of monitoring strips on Shrigley Road, Brookledge Lane and Street Lane
Action: The clerk will ask Cllr Saunders to ascertain who is currently responsible for this so the clerk can contact them directly to ask how the council can obtain the data.
Parish Precept
The tax base for 2025-6 is likely to be £162.17. The last date for the precept request is Friday 17th January 2025.
Community Right to Bid: Bollington tip
Unfortunately, CEC did not accept an initiative to keep Bollington tip open. Sadly, it has now closed permanently.
Planning applications
NP/CEC/0924/0993 Dingle Side, SK10 5RT Variation to condition 2 on Decision Notice. The council had no further continued →
Remembrance at the Lychgate
comments on this application.
24/3155M 1, Normans Hall Mews, SK10 5SE
Proposal: Demolition of garage and the construction of a new garage with workshop and storage areas on the ground floor and a first-floor home office above. The council had no objection to this application.
24/1173M Lyme View, SK12 1TF
Proposal: Two storey rear extension and internal remodel, new front porch, canopy roof structure to the rear, existing front bay window be modified and external building fabric to be upgraded and insulated. Revised plans submitted 04/09/2024.
The council had no further comments on this application.
‘Journeying’
24/1251M (Sent to Bollington TC) Nab
Quarry, Unit 1, SK10 5SD
Lawful Development Certificate for proposed use of a light Industrial building as a small workshop or storage unit.
24/2084M 3A Moorside Cottage, SK10 5RZ
Proposal: Two storey side extension to the existing dwelling
Next meeting
The next council meeting will take place at 8pm on Monday 2nd December 2024 in the village hall.
Jo Hadfield
Thank you to the parish council for all their hard work on our behalf throughout 2024.
on November’s
As we began our November prayer walk the idea of journeying developed as a theme for prayer. We thought and prayed about the physical journeys we make, and the spiritual journeys we are on.
Yvonne Foster
From the Coffee Tavern, crossing the fields towards the canal we stopped to pray for those trapped in war-torn places in the world and for those restricted in freedom of thought by the dogmas of their totalitarian state. We thanked God for the privilege of living in such beautiful countryside and expressed our gratitude for the peace and Christian heritage that we have in our country. We observed many birds in flight; one large flock we saw was possibly migrating.
Before reaching the canal we paused to notice how, through the beautiful autumn colours, creation itself spoke of the journey
Prayer Walk
it makes from one season to another. Pam found a fragile, young oak tree in the grass,
Pam, Yvonne & Anne at the Coffee Tavern
and nearby we saw mature oaks in all their splendour.
Walking along the canal towpath we met and chatted to some fellow walkers. Two lived on narrow boats and one was walking the towpath to collect his washing (not quite sure where from!); other walkers had the purpose of just enjoying the bright autumnal day.
We thought and prayed about beginnings and endings and times of passing through.
Our final stop finished with a message from the last book in the Bible, where Jesus declares: ‘I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end’. It was a reminder that our precious planet will have an end and a new beginning, a promise fulfilled when Jesus comes again on the last day to ‘make all things new’.
Returning to the Coffee Tavern, Pam and I enjoyed a welcome cup of tea and a filled oatcake for lunch.
Thank you, Anne and Pam for your love and companionship on The Way.
Prayer walks are a great way to get out into our beautiful surroundings, to make new friends and to deepen old friendships. And, of course, to praise God, to say thank you and to bring the needs of our neighbours to Him. Contact Yvonne on 07842 428496.
The Coffee Tavern
Fully License(\
Shrigley Road, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield 01625 576'90
Setving Daily, Breakfust, Main Meals, Snacks etc
Available (or Functions etc.
OPEN 10qm to 6pm - Thursday to Sunday
A very young, fragile oak tree
A mature oak tree in all its splendour
The canal
Across
1 ‘The blind receive sight, the — walk’ (Luke 7:22) (4)
3 Got (Philippians 3:12) (8)
8 Leave out (Jeremiah 26:2) (4)
9 Castigated for using dishonest scales (Hosea 12:7) (8)
11 Weighty (1 John 5:3) (10)
14 ‘Now the serpent was more — than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made’ (Genesis 3:1) (6)
15 ‘Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot — God’ (Romans 8:8) (6)
Coffee Break
17 Because Israel lacked one of these, tools had to be sharpened by the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:19) (10)
20 In his vision of the two eagles and the vine, this is how Ezekiel described the latter (Ezekiel 17:8) (8)
21 Rite (anag.) (4)
22 Nine gigs (anag.) (8)
23 ‘The eye cannot say to the — , “I don’t need you”’ (1 Corinthians 12:21) (4)
Down
1 ‘Flee for your lives! Don’t — — , and don’t stop anywhere in the plain!’ (Genesis 19:17) (4,4)
2 Principal thoroughfare (Numbers 20:19) (4,4)
4 ‘The tax collector... beat his — and said, “God have mercy on me, a sinner”’ (Luke
18:13) (6)
5 ‘The zeal of the Lord Almighty will — this’ (2 Kings 19:31) (10)
6 ‘The day of the Lord is — for all nations’ (Obadiah 15) (4)
7 Specified day (Acts 21:26) (4)
10 Deadly epidemic (Deuteronomy 32:24) (10)
12 Roman Catholic church which has special ceremonial rights (8)
13 Tied up (2 Kings 7:10) (8)
16 In his speech to the Sanhedrin, Stephen described Moses as ‘powerful in speech and — ’ (Acts 7:22) (6)
18 ‘Although he did not remove the high places, — heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life’ (1 Kings 15:14) (4)
19 Tribe (Deuteronomy 29:18) (4)
An Elusive Dream: the Pott Shrigley 1st XI Season Report
For those unfamiliar with the realities of English village cricket, it’s easy to picture an idyllic scene: warm summer days, a break for tea and sandwiches, pleasantly drowsy spectators rousing to applaud the satisfying crack of leather on willow, and a gentle breeze drifting over the Cheshire plains as 22 players in spotless whites exchange handshakes after a day of skill and sportsmanship.
Andy Matheson
But for the Pott Shrigley players this year, that dream remained elusive. Culminating on a bleak late September day in Dove Holes, spirits crushed as they trudged off the field, their whites dirty and oh so difficult to wash, defeated by 233 runs. Worn down and relegated to division two after a gruelling season, those romanticised visions of village cricket were, for them, just that — visions. Even the teas have turned into Tesco meal deals.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. I love a Tesco meal deal, and there have been some good performances fuelled by a Hoisin Duck Wrap and Quavers this year. The highlight would have to be Simon
Rajwer’s innings against Whaley Bridge in June — 156 runs of pure class. As a 24-year veteran of PSCC, I can confidently say it was the finest innings I’ve witnessed at the club. Even Andy Hart, our chairman with many more years under his belt, agreed. Simon’s score alone would have beaten Whaley by 61 runs.
We’d hoped that match would be the turning point in our season. After an early win, we struggled through May without a single victory, and Simon’s innings felt like the spark we needed to reignite our momentum. But sadly, that spark faded, and we waited until early August for our next taste of success.
During those challenging months, it was heartening to see strong performances from our promising juniors. Tyler and Jacob made impactful bowling contributions, while Ethan impressed with both the wicketkeeper gloves and the bat. Each of them delivered match-defining performances throughout the season for both the 1st and 2nd teams.
As the season neared its end, we held onto hope, knowing we’d need to win our last three games to avoid relegation. Against Newton, James Bridgeford’s exceptional
PSCC playing at Dinting
bowling — taking eight wickets for just 13 runs — sealed a decisive victory. Next came Dinting, where our best all-round batting effort of the season saw us post 257 runs on a tricky pitch, and despite a few nervous moments, we held on for the win. Then came the final showdown: Dove Holes, the league champions and a formidable team. We needed seven points to stay up. In the end, we earned five. Close, but not quite enough.
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But even in the midst of loss, hope lingers. Seasons come and go, and with them, new chances to rise, to rebuild in Division 2, and perhaps, one day, to bring that romantic vision of cricket to life.
If you fancy living out your village cricket dream, both our senior and junior teams are always looking for new players. We are a welcoming club with a wide range of ages and abilities. Our two senior teams both play on a Saturday afternoon. Our junior teams play throughout the week. We will be starting nets at Kings School in Macclesfield in February – please contact myself on 07446194777 for more information or look out for updates on our Facebook page.
Despite the doom and gloom, the Pott Shrigley Cricket Club has great fun – on and off the field. And their Poachers quiz time has put in some fine performances… Editor.
1st X1 PSCC 2024
Living in Bangladesh as a Christian child
Around the world, children are particularly vulnerable to faith-based persecution, being sometimes targeted to destabilise families and communities and to undermine the future of the church. Children who convert may be persecuted by their own families. In Bangladesh the constitution states that every citizen has the right to ‘profess, practise or propagate’ any religion, and that no person attending any educational institution is compelled to receive religious instruction.
Kath Matheson
However, although Bangladesh is a secular country, the state religion is Islam and 90% of the population is Muslim. Due to social and religious prejudices and despite the constitution, Christians in Bangladesh face direct persecution and pressure from their families and radical Muslims as well as indirect pressure and persecution from government officials. Families are more likely to live in poverty as when they become Christians, adults often lose their jobs, or people stop business relationships, or they lose inheritances and property.
The main persecutors of Christian children are non-Christian relatives, neighbours, classmates and their parents and teachers. OpenDoors’ local partner in Bangladesh, Sister Hadassah, reports: ‘Christian children and youth endure considerable levels of violence as their parents choose to follow Jesus – including verbal, physical, psychological and sexual violence. Often, they are bullied, mocked and discriminated against at school. They are isolated …’
Children are particularly at risk… Children may not have the physical
strength or the psychological resilience to minimise the effects of persecution. They may be strategically targeted because, through their persecution, they can bring ‘shame’ to the family or individual, and Bangladeshi society has a shame- and honour-based culture. The persecution may be hidden, but the children need protecting, not least because they are the future Christian leaders and influencers.
Christian children in the community and at school…
Bangladesh has a strong community-based culture, so Christian children suffer huge emotional damage when the community isolates them and their families. This is exemplified on the OpenDoors website by the stories of two nine-year-old girls, Moryom and Rumana, both of whom have been bullied, physically abused and isolated at school. During breaks at Rumana’s school the other children refuse to let Rumana join in with their play, leaving her to play alone with her toys. Moryom is similarly isolated and both girls have been bullied and physically assaulted. Moryon says: ‘I walk two kilometres to school because no one wants to take me in their rickshaw. They mock me, saying “Christian”. When I go to school,
Moryom and Rumana; OpenDoors
I see some of my classmates on the way. Sometimes they throw bricks at me and push me. … Sometimes they beat me with sticks…’. Her teachers turn a blind eye to the bullying. Despite her anger Moryom felt able to ask Jesus to forgive those involved. Both Rumana and Moryom are, unsurprisingly, reluctant to attend school, and many children like them drop out, which compromises their literacy skills and therefore their life chances. Their spiritual growth can be affected too: most schools can’t provide a Christian teacher for their very few Christian students. However, in most schools Islamic studies are compulsory for all children, which can challenge Christian children’s beliefs. Persecution occurs outside school hours too: Rumana’s adult neighbours verbally abused her when her mother was out: ‘They were … shouting insults at me! They said: “Come here, I’ll kill you today.’” Subsequently the family home was burned down. ‘No one from our village offered to help. All of them were just watching.’ Rumana’s father was traumatised, but the neighbours were so fearful of retribution that they refused to help. ‘No one allowed us to stay,’ Rumana says. ‘With nothing to wear and no food, we were utterly helpless.’ Eventually, a neighbour took pity and let them stay for a short time while Rumana’s dad recovered and one of his old Muslim friends paid for medical
treatment. Rumana’s parents built a shed in the grounds of their destroyed house and lived there until OpenDoors partners helped them rebuild their home.
Ramana and Moryom feel safe in church, where they can worship Jesus openly. Moryom says: ‘I really like Sunday school. We sing songs, dance and pray together. We also read from the children’s Bible.’ Moryom has memorised many psalms and other Bible verses. OpenDoors’ partners provide Christian literature, including age-appropriate Bibles, for Bangladeshi Christians and they also support an annual Christmas gathering. Rumana loves ‘to celebrate Christmas because all the Christians gather around together singing songs and reading from the Bible. We recite the Bible verses we learned from Sunday school.’ Although Moryom and Rumana love celebrating the birth of Christ safely and joyfully, the opportunity to meet and play with other young believers who share their experiences is invaluable. Both girls attend Sunday school regularly, but this Christmas celebration is very special, and a place where they receive encouragement and love from a much wider community.
Christmas reminds Rumana that she belongs to the body of Christ. It’s why she can continue to walk with Him, even as continued →
Rumana, bullied and rejected at school; OpenDoors
Other children refuse to play with Rumana at school; OpenDoors
she knows the path will be dangerous. ‘Jesus loves me. I’m very valuable to Jesus. It’s only because of Jesus’ love that I have survived until now, despite all the persecution. His love has guided me this far, and I know I am on the right path through His love.’ Rumana and Moryom’s resilience is bolstered by knowing that these pressures cannot separate them from the love of Jesus, and they are taught to forgive. Ramana is forgiving towards the children who torment her: ‘I told God everything so I feel better. Why should I be angry at them? I forgive them. I pray to God every day for them.’ The resilience they have is reflected in their parents’ deep faith, love and the assurance of salvation in Christ.
So what can we do to help?
Organisations such as OpenDoors and Barnabas, working through local partners, provide ministry support such as persecution survival training, Sunday school, discipleship and leadership training and practical help like immediate
* * *
What happens if you eat Christmas decorations? You get tinsel-itis
Who is never hungry at Christmas? The turkey — he’s always stuffed * * *
food assistance, medication, wells, sanitary latrines, secure shelter, and home education. This enables the people of the church to be strong enough to live and proclaim their Christian faith. The support of the worldwide church is essential, without it the resilience and sustainability of these persecuted believers, including children, cannot grow.
Please pray for the Christian community in Bangladesh, and consider donating to an organisation such as OpenDoors that supports them.
Rumana celebrating Christmas with her Sunday school; OpenDoors
Moryom dreams of becoming a teacher; OpenDoors
Missionary Matters
Once again I have gleaned some information about Johnny and Ann McClean’s busy lives from their Facebook jottings.
John Ryley
Johnny and Pastor Pramote are busy with the New City Fellowship Church (NCF) and Grace Fellowship Church, which both have Afghan, Chinese, Australian and American members as well as Thai. Ann is busy in church too with Sunday School teaching and catering: it’s not tea or coffee before or after the services, it’s lunch! Pray for Ann too in her ministry at the American Christian school where she teaches. Generous donors (the Good Book Company UK and Irish friends passing through Bangkok) have enabled her to supply some great Christian books for both Ann’s
classroom library and the school library. Please pray that these books will encourage conversations about God, help those who are seeking God to understand the Gospel and strengthen believing students in their faith. Johnny remains busy with Langham ministry work in Thailand and in other East Asian countries, including some where Christianity is discouraged. The Langham organisation supports already established pastors to become even more effective in their ministries through teaching and spiritual support.
Christian books for the school library Langham preaching
Map of Thailand showing Langham preaching activity
Pott Shrigley
Village Hall Bar
2nd Friday of every month, 6.30 'til 10.00pm
13thDecember 10thJanuary
Lek, the McClean’s precious friend, church member and longstanding house help, has been mentioned previously in these columns. She recently collapsed and was subsequently diagnosed with very high blood pressure; she is now recovering with the help of medication and rest, aided by staying with the McCleans until she feels better rather in her usual, extremely busy, home environment. Please pray for good rest and for the Lord’s healing hand on her body, and for the inequalities of the Thai healthcare system to be resolved!
Keao, who has a long association with NCF and who has worked for the New City charity for many years, lost her father recently. Funerals, which are spread over the three to four days immediately after death, have huge significance in Thai culture. Kaeo is the only believer in her Buddhist family so Johnny, Pastor Pramote and two other friends travelled 12 hours north to be with Kaeo and her family for two of the three funeral days. Please pray for the Lord to comfort Kaeo and that the rest of her family would be responsive to hearing the Gospel. Please pray too for the McCleans’ friend Trey Adams, who has recently returned from the USA and has resumed his Christian work in Bangkok.
Megumi and Helen Fazakerley have asked for prayer for Malawi, with fuel shortages being a particular problem. Helen oversees the SIM (missionary) guest houses, and a lull in visitors has enabled her and Esther to catch up with cleaning, maintenance and stocking up with supplies. Otherwise, she seems to be occupied with the International Ladies’ Bible study and practising with the orchestra for their Christmas concert. Megumi is busy with church ministry rather than his former missionary work: he has been leading studies on Romans, and was so challenged by chapter nine that the study guide he’s writing on Matthew has come to a halt.
Megumi and Helen’s daughter Mary and her husband Trevor have bought a house in Liverpool and are busy setting up home in the city; please pray for them to be blessed in their new home and in their married life together.
The Fazakerley's caregroup
Mary and Trevor's new house
Auntie Lek
A new Electoral Roll
It is a legal requirement that a completely new church electoral roll is compiled every six years to ensure it remains an accurate reflection of those who have attended church regularly for at least six months (or would have done so if they were not prevented by frailty or illness from doing so) or who live in the parish. The new role will be prepared between the dates of 23rd February 2025 and 8th March 2025 and the relevant official notice will be posted in church by 23rd January 2025. The new roll will be posted on the noticeboard at the back of church on 9th March 2025.
Please note that if even if you are already on the roll, you will need to complete a new application form, as long as you qualify for the electoral roll. The process for establishing the new role will begin in January, but your name can still be added to the current roll if you fulfil the requirements for this. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kath Matheson, Electoral Roll Officer 01625 574983/07944 624 832
kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk
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Recipe of the Month
Audrey B’s Seville Orange Marmalade
Making marmalade is a marvellous challenge. It requires stamina, strength, patience and perseverance, but most importantly, watching and waiting!
Audrey Bomford
I usually make enough for a year which is about 36 to 50 jars, depending on their size. However, by Christmas, it’s all gone! The Seville oranges used for marmalade are harvested in November in Spain but appear in our shops in January. They taste bitter and, like lemons, are certainly not for eating. Their rough and lumpy skin contains pectin, the invisible power to set the marmalade. All the peel, pips, pith, fruit and fruit juice are used and the end result is pots of gold. Of course, you do need a metal Hot Pot too!
Equipment:
• Large thick bottomed pan or jam pan
• Pyrex pint jug
• Jam jars with metal lids
• Lemon squeezer (definitely worth getting an electric one)
• 3 saucers
• Muslin cloth about 8 inches square
• String, wooden spoon, timer, large bowl for warming sugar, saw-edged knife, chopping board, labels
• A radio helps!
Ingredients:
• 4 pints water
• 2lb (900g) Seville oranges
• 1 lemon
• 4lb (1.8kg) granulated sugar
• Knob of butter
Method:
• Pour the water into the pan
• Wash and dry fruit. Cut it in half and squeeze. (The electric machine does it very quickly and noisily!) Scrape all the pips and pith from squeezer onto the muslin cloth on a saucer but don’t tie it up yet. Pour all the juice from squeezer into water in pan.
• Cut the orange and lemon skins in half once again. Roll up to slice downwards onto chopping board in very fine slices. Catch any escapee pips and put with the others on muslin saucer. When all slicing is finished, tightly tie the pip bag and put all the chopped fruit and the pip bag into the water and juice in pan. Leave to soak overnight.
Next morning:
• Heat the pan of marmalade to gently simmer for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally and watch to check it doesn’t go off the boil. This will reduce the volume.
• Warm the sugar in the oven.
• Test a few peel slices for softness and if soft then remove the pip bag. (Don’t
forget!) Put on a saucer to cool, then squeeze and scrape off all the sticky goo that comes from the pips into the pan. Gently pour in sugar, stirring all the time. Turn up heat. Watch and stir as it boils furiously for at least 20 mins or more. Volume will reduce further and the mixture will turn darker.
• Test for setting by putting some of the mixture into a chilled saucer and place in fridge. If a skin forms on top and crinkles when you push it with a finger, the marmalade will set! Try again in a few minutes if not crinkly! If scum has formed, stir in butter knob.
Bottling:
• Remove the pan of setting marmalade from heat. Using Pyrex pint jug, carefully pour mixture into hot jars from oven. Wipe jars clean and put on lids immediately. Place to cool and label batch and date. I use a variety of sizes of jars so there are some to give away.
Readers may remember Audrey’s piece in the March 2024 edition of HotPott when she compared the waiting and watching involved in making marmalade to the waiting and watching we should do as we listen to God. As Seville oranges are not in season in March when Audrey’s piece was published we kept the recipe until now. Editor.
“Your magazine needs you.”
Please send your contributions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk no later than midnight on..... Thursday, 16th Jan www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Proof reader next month is Caroline Booth
to: 9th November Christopher Burke & Rebecca Capper
December 1st.
8.30am 10.45am
Holy Communion Holy Communion
Services
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36
Lynn Caudwell & Hassan John 8th. Christingle
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion All-Age Christingle
Lynn Caudwell & Melissa Wearden 15th.
8.30am 10.45am 4.00pm
19th Thursday
Holy Communion Morning Worship Carols by Candlelight
6.30pm Carols by Candlelight 22nd.
8.30am 10.45am 6.30pm
Holy Communion Carols by Candlelight Carols by Candlelight
24th Christmas Eve
Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6
Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 Lynne Bowden
Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 Lynn Caudwell
11.15pm Holy Communion Acts 13:16-26, Luke 1:67-69 Lynn Caudwell
25th. Christmas Day
10.00am Family Communion TBC Lynn Caudwell 29th.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Luke 2:41-52 Anne Murphy
• 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 15th December
• A recording of each live-streamed service will be available from the services page of the church website: ‡ Junior Church * Youth Church (at 6pm) **Youth Church (at 10.45am)
Church Cleaning Rota
Dec 6th Caroline & Jean
Jan 3rd David & Joy Feb 7th Victoria & Sharon
13th Victoria & Sharon 10th Shirley & Christine
20th Reg & Jean 17th Sally & Yvonne
27th Ivan & Mary
24th Caroline & Jean
31st Ros & Madeline
Services
January 5th
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡ Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:10-18 Lynn Caudwell
January 12th
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship‡** Acts 9:14-17, Luke 3:15-17 & 21-22 Lynne Bowdon 19th.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion All-Age Worship 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 Lynn Caudwell
26th
8.30am
February 2nd.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡ TBC Lynn Caudwell
Dec
19th Various N/A N/A
6.30pm: Potts N/A
22nd Various N/A Mathesons 10.45am: Witkowskis 6.30pm: Whiteheads
19th Paige Price & Victoria Price
26th Matt Bird & Rebecca RothBiester
Audrey Bomford Jim Curtis
Tony & Rachel Witkowski Malyan family
Thank you HotPott team!
Another year of producing HotPott has flown by, and it’s time, yet again, to say thank you to all those diligent, kind people who spend hours of their free time getting the magazine to you, the readers. Tess & Andy Phillips’ ability to turn so many disparate documents, photos, pdfs, cartoons etc into such a readable product never cease to amaze me; that applies to their patience, and willingness to work into the wee small hours too.
And to our eagle-eyed proofreaders, Caroline Booth, Mary Currell (also recipe-obtainer extraordinaire), Sandy Milsom and Sally Winstanley – thank you for so often working at short notice, and for finding all those errors I miss.
Mike Akerman, maitre de of printing, thank you keeping our printers on their toes, an unenviable task. Eileen Buffey, Mary & Ivan Currell, Jean & Reg Ferguson, Yvonne Foster, David Gem, Peter Kennedy, Anne Murphy and Sally & Gareth Winstanley trog, or in Anne’s case run, around delivering HotPott, whatever the weather – thank you. Our advertisers help to keep us afloat – thank you very much, we hope you get some custom from your HotPott advert.
And to everyone who diligently send copy month by month – John Ryley, Jo Gem, Lynn Caudwell, prayer walkers – and those who regularly contribute recipes, poems, photos (thank you Rick Gem, Duncan Matheson, Steve Murphy & SPICE
HOTPOTT COPY DATES 2025
13th Mar
10th Apr
15th May
12th June
14th Aug
11th Sept
photographers), history pieces etc etc – I am truly grateful, without you we would have no magazine. Keep them coming. And to everyone who hasn’t sent me anything yet – what are you waiting for??
And last but not least, thank you for reading HotPott! Subscribers – we hope you have enjoyed HotPott in 2024, but it’s subscription time again – please see the insert in this copy.
Kath Matheson, editor.
And to Kath our wonderful and conscientious editor a very
BIG THANK YOU
from the rest of the team!
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
Directory
Priest-in-charge: Rev. Lynn Caudwell vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Assistant Priest Rev. Lynne Bowden a.curate@btinternet.com
Readers: Dr John Ryley (Reader Emeritus), 2 Wych Lane, Adlington, SK10 4NB
Licensed Pastoral Worker Anne Murphy, 14 Silver Street, Bollington, SK10 5QL
Parish Assistant: Gillian Mosley, 129 St Austell Avenue, Macclesfield, SK10 3NY
Churchwardens: Andy Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP
andyphillips@totalise.co.uk
Jean Ferguson , 17, Poplar Grove, Bollington, Macclesfield, SK10 5LS
jeanfergusonuk@msn.com
Verger: Situation Vacant
PCC Secretary: Rebecca Roth-Biester pccsecretary@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
PCC Treasurer: Peter Kennedy, kennedyp@tuckerssolicitors.com
Gift Aid & Planned Giving: Sally Winstanley, 3 Green Close Cottages, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SG
sjwinstanley.ps@gmail.com
Organists: Mary Currell, 61 Crossfield Road, Bollington, SK10 5EA
marycurrell61@btinternet.com David Garton, davidgarton2020@gmail.com
Electoral Roll
Kath Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA
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
Children's Ministry Situation Vacant
Ministry: Anne Murphy, annemurphy1214@gmail.com
Little Doves: Victoria Price
Parish Council Clerk: Joyce Burton, pottclerk@btinternet.com
Wedding Coordinator: Pam Cooke, weddings@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Head Teacher: Mrs Anne-Marie Willis , Pott Shrigley Church School, SK10 5RT
head@pottshrigley.cheshire.sch.uk
Website: Tess Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP info@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
PCC Members:
Duncan Matheson, Sally Winstanley, Peter Kennedy, Jean Ferguson, Andy Phillips, Pam Cooke, Mary Currell, Mike Akerman, Ang Davies, Simon Caudwell Rebecca Roth-Biester, Sheila Garton, David Garton, David Gem, Annie Palace, Kath Matheson, Reg Ferguson, Anne Murphy. This directory was updated on 25th August 2024. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk