Dear friends,
Lynn's letter
On February 18th we will hold a service for Ash Wednesday as we begin the 40-day season of Lent. Why not come along? It’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed with the commitments we already have in our schedules, so Lent can feel like yet another ‘thing’ to fit into our overburdened lives.
Lent why not think of creative ways to talk to your Heavenly Father. For example:
I am a great believer in the fact that Jesus said He came to bring us a good life. He says in John 10:910: ‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.’ If we hold on to that promise, then let us look at the three traditional pillars of Lent (prayer, fasting, and almsgiving) and explore how they can help us live life to the full.
• Create a quiet corner of the house, with a comfortable chair and a table with a candle to remind you that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God is present with us everywhere. I have such a quiet corner at home, and it always feels like a treat to go and sit there.
Rev. Lynn Caudwell
• Go for a walk alone with the intention of talking to God as you go. Ask Him to show you some special insights through nature or other forms of beauty. I do this regularly and am always amazed at some element of God’s creation that He has shown me.
Our first pillar is PRAYER
Instead of seeing prayer as a duty to be fitted in, during
• Do something practical that brings you pleasure such as art, cooking, gardening, or sewing. As you work, let your mind turn to God and listen to what He might be saying to you. I often find new ideas for sermons come to me as I cook.
• Do a jigsaw puzzle and let your mind continued →
wander as you take your concerns to your Heavenly Father. I find this a good way to pray for people in need.
• Go along to the weekly prayer meeting on Tuesday at 7pm at St Christopher’s or join in with our SPICE prayers. It is always amazing to hear of answered prayers!
Our second pillar is FASTING
Why do we fast? Well, fasting goes very well with prayer. It’s like salt and pepper; they just work well together. Fasting can help us focus more intensely on our prayer, and it also helps us show solidarity with the poor. For many centuries the poor couldn’t afford to eat much meat. Meat is still expensive today, so when we skip a meal or abstain from eating meat, it helps us to identify with the poor and to show some empathy with their plight. But fasting doesn’t have to involve food. Limiting your social media exposure or fasting from the 24-hour news networks, Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram may be even more challenging and uncomfortable. Try ‘unplugging’ and see how it affects your mood for good.
Our third pillar is ALMSGIVING
Almsgiving is a form of prayer because it is giving of yourself to God; it’s not just charity but a form of fasting that demands sacrificial giving. There are so many ways we can give to others. I’ve found that you cannot outgive God, so even when we give sacrificially, God is more than generous back. When I give to friends in Ethiopia who have much less than I do, I find that I am enriched by a relationship with people who are more joyful than me. When I
give my time to people in emotional or practical need, I am often humbled by their resilience in the face of challenges, and my perspective on my own problems changes.
It would be good to hear your stories of Lent when we come to celebrate Easter, which leads me on to a last practical point. Why not keep a journal of how God has led you into the fullness of life through the season of Lent? Then share them with others so they can be encouraged.
With my love and prayers that you will experience fullness of life in Lent 2026, Lynn.
What did the raspberry say to the blueberry? Breathe, breathe!!!
Cover story: How to get a Great Result for the Reverse Advent Calendar
The St Christopher’s Church family support the excellent Silklife Foodbank throughout the year, and we always include them in our Tuesday night prayers.
Jean and Reg Ferguson
However, we make a particular effort for the Reverse Advent Calendar event, when lots of us trot off to the supermarket to tick off as many items listed on the calendar as we can. This year the response from our church family and Pott Shrigley School was absolutely magnificent: our campervan groaned under the weight of 33 huge bags of staple foods donated to help those local families struggling to make ends meet at Christmas.
Clark Price came up with a brilliant idea to encourage the pupils at Pott Shrigley School to join in. They were asked to take a fun photo as they collected their donations and their wild antics are depicted on the front and inside front covers. We’re not quite sure what Elsie thought about Henry having his foot on her, nor why Felicity is hanging upside down, nor why Elsa is eating the Reverse Advent Calendar, but they all looked like they were having fun. We were asked to judge the best photo, but all of them were so funny it was only fair to award each of them a chocolate advent calendar. Perhaps next year I will suggest the idea to the congregation, and we can look forward to photos of you riding a Sainsbury’s trolley or hanging upside down over your stash!
Silklife has been hard pressed this year as many more families are being referred to them by doctors and social service staff. Consequently, their shelves were almost
bare when we delivered our contribution. They were very grateful to us for helping them to restock so they can continue this vital work.
Families need feeding throughout the year, so please keep those donations coming! Thank you so much.
And thank you to Jean and Reg who not only keep Silklife Foodbank on the St Christopher’s agenda, but also regularly gather up and deliver our donations to the foodbank.
Food bags for Silklife
Meet Melissa, our lovely ordinand
Is it true you were born and bred in Bollington?
Yes, I was. My mum is from Manchester and my dad from London but they moved here in the 70s and my mum – sadly my dad died in 2018 – still lives in the family home I grew up in in sunny Bollington.
Jean Ferguson
Where did you go to school?
I went to Dean Valley Primary School when Mrs Burgess was the headteacher.
Where did you go to university and what did you study?
I studied French and German at the University of Wales, Bangor.
What was your job before you became an ordinand?
I was working at Bollington Cross Primary School as the administrator but was a children and youth minister at different churches for 15 years before that.
When did you meet your lovely husband, Richard?
We met at the Millstone pub in Macclesfield on 24th October 2007.
Was it love at first sight?
Yes, it was. We played pool and he asked for my number so that we could have a rematch, and the rest is history. We got married in May 2009 and I still beat him at pool.
When did you get the calling to train as a priest?
It was in 2005 that my vicar at the time suggested it, then other clergy said the same, but it wasn't until 2020 that I finally answered the calling and started the
discernment. When I was diagnosed with MS in 2022 my first thought was: ‘I can't get ordained with MS' but when I contacted the diocesan director of ordinands to tell her, she got a missed call during our conversation and that missed call was from someone with MS who was about to be ordained the next day; we both agreed this was a sign that ordination is part of God's plan for me.
Did this come as a surprise to your family?
It was Richard who suggested I should finally start the discernment, so he has supported me, as have Bella and Michael. The rest of the family are also supportive and always thought that this may be the path I would take.
Who outside your family has encouraged you on your journey to the priesthood?
A lovely couple called Phil and Julia have been supportive and offered help as well as resources. Phil is a retired vicar so is a very helpful person to know! Julia even tailored his cassock and surplice as a gift for me! I have good friends who helped me through my selection process, both practically and emotionally. I'm so grateful for this and for the support I receive from St Christopher's and my fellow ordinands at college.
Did you know what was involved in the training?
I had an idea what to expect theologically but there is a lot of focus on character forming, which is required to make sure I am spiritually and psychologically prepared, as well as theologically. The amount of work can be overwhelming at times, especially as I'm also working as a private tutor and I know I must be mindful of self-care with having MS. I know other ordinands struggle more because their churches are less supportive. I am blessed to be in a church with a vicar that understands what my role is and knows what is required to develop and nurture me.
What does being an ordinand entail?
I am required to be based at a church and to get involved in ways that will develop my preaching and leading in services. At St Christopher’s I’m demonstrating my leadership skills by leading the youth and children's ministry. I keep a record of my progress and get written feedback from members of the congregation; my progress record and feedback forms are then submitted to college, which I attend on Thursday evenings having done preparation work for each session.
What
studying do you
have to do
and is your faith stronger the more you learn?
So far, I have studied the New Testament, leadership skills, pastoral practice, funeral ministry and more. I attend six weekend residentials per year and submit an average of three assignments per term. The more I learn, the stronger my faith gets as I get closer to Jesus.
When you have successfully completed these studies what is your next step to becoming a curate?
Bishop Sam and the college will decide where my curacy will be, but they should take our family situation into account and not send us too far away while Bella and Michael are still in school.
Richard has joined the music group, Michael is an active member of youth church and Bella is an accomplished reader and leader in our services. Do you feel you and your family have been welcomed into the church family here?
Very much so! It really doesn't feel like we have only been at St. Christopher's for a year, and we love how you have enabled us to be so involved and part of the family here. We feel so welcomed. I know Bella thoroughly enjoys leading the services, Richard likes being part of the music group
Melissa, Bella, Michael, Richard
and Michael is just as happy as we are. The cake and biscuits are an added bonus!
What would you like to achieve during your time here at St Christopher's?
I would like to continue to develop my preaching and leading styles, enhance the youth work and potentially organise a residential as a church family. We have even talked about camping with the youth as well!
Where would you see yourself in five years, and what is your ambition now we have a woman appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury?
In five years' time I plan to be ordained and have my own parish. If I were to have any additional roles, I would like to contribute to the high standard of safeguarding within the diocese, as this is imperative in ensuring we provide a loving and safe space for people during our ministry. I have no idea where we will be based but we trust God will guide us.
I have heard you mention Christian gatherings in France and Keswick. Will your family be going and can you give us
Church bulletin notices that did not come out quite right…
We congratulate our youth group for raising nearly £500 for drug abuse.
We apologise for the following typo in last Sunday’s bulletin: ‘Lunch will be gin at 12:15.’ Please correct it to read ’12 noon.’
The Seniors group will have a picnic on Saturday. Each person is asked to bring either a friend or a vegetable in a covered dish.
Church Jumble Sale: All welcome. We can offer a gents three-speed bicycle, and two ladies for sale, in good running order.”
more information about them?
Yes, we are going to week two (25th to 31st July 2026) of the Keswick Convention. The great thing about Keswick is that you can attend for as long as you choose. There are good speakers and worship bands as well as fantastic sessions for children and youth. There's a variety of options for accommodation from tents to hotels to cottages or even campervans!
We also plan to go to Spring Harvest from 17th to 24th August 2026. It's a lovely site in the Vendée, France. Phil Knox from the Evangelical Alliance is the speaker and there are children and youth groups. You can stay in a tent, caravan or villa, and there is an onsite bar and cafe and an outdoor pool with a slide. Other activities include tennis, bike hire and evening entertainment. We plan to explore the beaches and water parks too.
In conclusion, I'd like to thank everyone at St Christopher's for being such a loving church family who have made me and my family feel very much at home. God bless you!
Happy New Year from Pott Shrigley Church School! Class 3
It was a cold and snowy return to school after our Christmas break. It was lovely to see all our families though, and nice to be back in our classrooms looking forward to a new term.
We have lots of exciting learning to enjoy in the spring. Class 3 are visiting the Police Museum in Manchester as part of their crime and punishment history topic.
Class 2 are learning about the Great Fire of London and Mrs Slater has a surprise trip in store for them.
Class 1 were met with some unusual creatures trapped in the ice on our first day back. They will be finding out more about these prehistoric animals when they visit Manchester Museum next week.
Happy 2026 to all our church family!
Adam was out walking with his sons Cain and Abel. As they passed by the ruins of the Garden of Eden, one of the boys asked, “Father, what’s that place?”
Adam replied, “Boys, that’s where your mother ate us out of house and home.”
Brrr! Braving the elements on January’s prayer walk
The start of the prayer walk on January 3rd was decidedly chilly. However, recalling Rev. Lynn swimming in the River Tyne on New Year’s Day, we hesitated to utter a word of complaint about the freezing conditions.
Yvonne Foster
We set off from church at a brisk walk, not stopping to pray together as we normally do, but praying out loud as we walked along: firstly to keep moving to keep ourselves warm, and secondly to make up some time as the closure of Jackson Brow steps involved us taking a detour along Spuley Lane, up Hedgerow and along the Gritstone Trail.
As we walked along we prayed for the farmers in our community, for an increase in society’s appreciation of the work they do, for their encouragement and for the
future of Redacre Hall Farm. Passing the vicarage on Spuley Lane, we remembered Lynn and Simon, who were away taking a well-earned break in Northumberland. It was lovely that Anne, a regular prayer walker, could join us here.
The new route prompted new prayer concerns. Passing Stan’s home we prayed for him and the other residents now needing the care given at Ingersley Court. Prayers for the staff there, for Mary and Ivan and for other devoted visitors and carers were voiced.
Once we’d crossed the donkey bridge on the Gritstone Trail the sun began to break through and, along with the effort of climbing uphill, our fingers and toes began to thaw out. It was good to stop periodically and look back: the view of the Happy Valley and White Nancy was picture-book. We also stopped to admire the mole, which we thought had only very recently emerged to greet walkers on the Gritstone Trail. By the time we reached the top of the hill we were all marvelling at the glorious day and stunning views.
We continued praying and walking down into the Hammond Brickworks. After stopping to pray for the local businesses we called in for a coffee at Kickback.
Our final stop was at Pott Shrigley School, where prayers were said and thanks were given for the staff and children, for the links the school has with our church and for members of our congregation who help and show support in so many ways. Thoroughly warmed through in body and soul we said our goodbyes.
Thank you Anne, Duncan, Kath and Sally for braving the elements and sharing the first walk of 2026.
And thank you to Yvonne for organising these refreshing walks. For more information, please contact Yvonne on 0784 242 8496.
A little girl sitting on her grandfather’s lap reached up to touch his wrinkled cheek. “Grandpa, did God make you?”
“Yes, sweetheart,” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.”
“Oh,” she paused. “Grandpa, did God make me too?” Her grandfather assured her that He had. Feeling his wrinkled cheek again, she observed, “God’s getting better at it, isn’t He? * * *
A little girl told her mother one day before lunch that her stomach was hurting. Her mother replied: “That’s because it’s empty, you have to put something into it!”
That evening the minister and his wife came for dinner. The minister looked a bit rough and explained that his head was hurting him. The little girl gave him a sweet smile and said encouragingly: “That’s because it’s empty, you have to put something into it!”
A Joyous Christmas Season
Although the singing group have been practising for several weeks by the time Advent starts and some of our church family are organised enough to have bought their Christmas presents and done their Christmas online food order, for the rest of us our Christingle service reminds us of how quickly the Christmas season is approaching.
Kath Matheson
Thanks to the stalwarts who made up bags of components during the previous week, we were all able to enjoy constructing the familiar Christingles during the service on 12th December. We are familiar with thinking of the orange as the world, the red ribbon as Christ’s sacrifice and the four sticks with fruits/sweets as a reminder of God’s provision, but Rev. Lynn also pointed out the relevance of the foil which is wrapped around the candle. If we think of the foil as representing us, we see that Christ, the light of the world, is in us, and we reflect His light in the world we inhabit. Rev. Lynn’s message for us to remember that God knows everything about us and the challenges we face, and that He loves us unconditionally and fills us with what we need; only then does He send us out into the world. It was a timely reminder not to rush around exhausting ourselves working for God before allowing ourselves to be loved and filled by Him.
After the Christingle service, there was a little respite for some of us as we enjoyed Pott Shrigley Church School Christmas Fair. There were delicious goodies to buy (not least the Vicarage Garden Chutney) and consume (yummy soup), and much fun to be had. It raised a massive £1,048
for school funds, so a good result in all respects!
Then back to church for the first of our four Carols by Candlelight services and lots of joyous singing praises to God. Rev. Lynn’s message to us was that just as the wise men followed the star, the star of God’s presence is within all of us if we
Christingle preparations
slow down enough to look, to spend time pondering what the glimmer of God’s spirit deep within us is telling us. God was not found in a palace, where the rich and powerful reside, but as a vulnerable child in commonplace, humble circumstances, allowing ordinary folk to be close to Him. Being close to God, whose power is used to lift us up rather than drag us down, will bring us peace and joy. We come to God empty handed, but if we have the courage to take the first leap of faith, to come closer to the ever-near Christ in our hearts, He will lead and guide us into the lives we were designed to live.
And some of us were privileged to see the Pott Shrigley School Nativity: the shepherds were somewhat reluctant, but after consideration hurried to the stable. No one wanted to miss that allimportant birth. It was a joyous, wonderful performance, and there was more fabulous carol singing by the children at Tesco a few days later.
More joy at Ingersley Court, where many
of the residents dug deep into their memories to join in with the carols, and at The Cotton Tree, whose customers appreciated our visit. The traditional Christmas Eve visit to Shrigley Hall encouraged some of their visitors to join us for Christmas down at St Christopher’s.
Another busy Christmas season was drawing to a close. We pray that those who were with us at St Christopher’s, Shrigley Hall, Ingersley Court, The Cotton Tree and Tesco ponder the Christmas story and know joy with Christ.
School nativity
Carols at The Cotton Tree
Introducing Jesus Shaped People
Last year Rev. Lynn mentioned an organisation called Jesus Shaped People (JSP) which produces material to be used across the whole church – formal services, junior and youth church, home groups – which would help us to grow as a church, a church which looks outward in service to our community. We welcomed Brendan, national lead for JSP, to our morning services on January 11th and he kindly agreed to write about JSP for HotPott readers:
It’s an honour to pen a few words for this prestigious magazine about my recent visit to Pott Shrigley. While I could never be a native Pott Shriglean, I could imagine adopting it as home given the beautiful surroundings, fascinating history and, crucially, the charming and kind people that I encountered.
Brendan Bassett
I live in Plymouth, but travel to the northwest reasonably often for work with the Diocese of Chester. I am a clergyman who nowadays is the national lead for an organisation called Jesus Shaped People, or ‘JSP’ for short. We help churches discover afresh, and often re-discover, what really matters to Jesus, and make those things our own church life priorities too.
As we look through the gospels and explore the life and ministry of Jesus, we find He prioritises His time and energies around five themes:
• People: Jesus prioritised loving people over institutional life and our self-serving ‘systems’.
• Teaching: He used the familiarity of local experience and knowledge to teach important spiritual truths.
• Prayer: Jesus took time out from business to pray, despite His own divine status.
• Team building: He recognised His work would not be done by Him alone, so He built a team with everyone included.
• Prophetic Challenge: Jesus challenged human systems that oppress people and spoke up for those whose voice and life had been silenced, rubbished and forgotten.
Regulars at St Christopher’s will be aware their JSP journey began on Sunday 11th January, and it was my privilege to speak at both the 8:30 and 10:45 services. The church will spend 15 weeks (not consecutively) taking a deep dive into the priorities of Jesus, not just on Sundays, but through small groups, children’s and youth activities, and lots of conversation.
We set off on the first JSP Sunday around the theme of ‘people’. I spoke from the account in Mark’s gospel (Mark 3:1-12) where we find Jesus beginning His work in the synagogue, clashing with the leaders and then moving out ‘into the streets’ and away from the synagogue or church building and toward the places where He met many more people from different
backgrounds. During 18 years in an innercity church in Bristol I conducted many funerals. It was not unusual for me to be asked to take funerals for people who had no known next of kin or family. I recall one such person who used to drink in a local pub where fools were not tolerated gladly. I went there one evening to ask some questions about the late man’s life and times from his fellow drinkers. Wearing my clerical collar, and a man sat at the bar turned around, looked at me and said: ‘Ah, the church, you only come round when someone is dead…’ It was a stinging rebuke, but probably a fair one. I think he just meant: ‘You lot stay in your buildings and aren’t really present where the people are.’ His challenge is very real for every church today.
We like to call the JSP journey an ‘adventure’ because, by definition, an adventure means we don’t know exactly what will happen or where we’ll end up. I really admire St Christopher’s for taking on the challenge of running JSP because clearly there is a vibrant multigenerational congregation at work doing
lots of Jesus Shaped things already. It was inspiring to see how some folk who are going through all kinds of life-changing trauma and heartache are so loved and supported, but you want to press on and go further, exploring how an even bigger impact can be made, especially in the community.
The JSP adventure is for the whole church and not just a few. A lady I met at the 8:30 service told me she had worshipped at St Christoper’s for 91 years, then at 10:45 I met a toddler. JSP invites both of them and everyone in-between to travel together on a journey of discovery.
My weekend was rounded off with a superb curry at the Viceroy in Bollington with Simon and Lynn. They do an excellent special offer for Sunday lunch that includes complimentary ice cream, in case you are not aware!
I look forward to seeing you all again and perhaps meeting those who weren’t able to be at the launch. In the meantime, be assured of our prayers for everyone at St Christopher’s and the wider community.
Pott Shrigley C of E Primary School
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Not Just Sunday News
Epiphanytide celebrations continued on January 7th at Not Just Sunday, our mid-week Celtic worship. At this first meeting of the New Year, we shared a French Galette des Rois (Epiphany cake): Nick Houseman won the crown and became the king as his slice contained the small favour. Afterwards we included a discussion about John's first letter; this was the first time we have looked at an Epistle with the group.
Lynne Bowden
Social time before worship has been extended to offer more time to get together, and everyone is welcome to come whether they wish to stay for worship or not.
On Wednesday 11th February, a week before Ash Wednesday, we are going to lunch at the Legh Arms immediately after Not Just Sunday worship. Watch the weekly newsletter for further details of this and of lunches during Lent. Please tell Lynne or Caroline by Sunday 8th February if you would like to come to the Legh Arms.
Instead of our usual Celtic worship there will be a service for Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes at 11.15am on February 18th.
Not Just Sunday
St Christopher's Church Every Wednesday
Meet with a cuppa at 10.30am and then join together in prayer at 11.15am
'King' Nick
Your Vote Your Council
These notes are based on the draft minutes from the council meeting on 5th January 2026.
Joyce Burton
Highways
Completed:
• All the pavements have been swept.
• Pothole outside Woodside Cottage: this was reported by Rod McClellan after it caused a cyclist to come off his bike. It was repaired the next day.
• Deep pothole outside Needygate: this was reported by both the clerk and a member of the public after two cars punctured their tyres and a cyclist came off his bike. It has been filled twice but as water is still flowing, the tarmac has lifted. The clerk will report it again, pointing out that the water flowing down the road and creating the pothole is coming from the manhole, indicating a blocked drain.
Updated
• Steps at Jackson Brow: as John Goodman and Joyce Burton spent many hours clearing all the vegetation from these (Thank you! Ed.) they have asked for the closure to be lifted. Joyce has taken photographs showing the current state of the steps to persuade the public rights of way manager to reopen them.
• Land north of Fern Cottage: Karen and Joe Davies, the owners, pre-empted the clerk’s email by confirming they had asked their builder to create a soakaway to ameliorate the water still flowing from the field adjacent to Fern Cottage and collecting in large amounts on the pavement, where it often freezes.
Jackson steps before clearing Jackson steps after clearing
• Damage at Normans Hall grass triangle: as requested by Highways, the clerk sent the photograph she held but unfortunately it was of the RTA which demolished the sign in the hedge rather than the major damage on the grass triangle.
Pending
Dates when issues were first raised with Cheshire East Council (CEC) Highways appear in brackets.
• Broken fence at West Park Gate car park on list for repair. (April 23)
• Remedial resurfacing of Shrigley Road from Green Close to the aqueduct. (2014)
• Modifications to the chevron bend by Shrigley Hall. (2017)
• Repair of collapsed wall on Bakestonedale Road. (July 22)
• Improvements to bend at Brookbank: will be included in the Minor Improvement Scheme. (Nov. 2024)
• Culvert/wall on the west side of Shrigley Road. (Nov. 2024)
• Blocked drain in the field by Nab Cottage: it has been agreed that there is a blockage under the road. Currently a soakaway option is being investigated to alleviate the problem. (March 2025)
• Jackson Brow steps: these are not likely to be repaired for some time. (Aug. 2025)
• Poynton Relief Road: no further information about a proposed meeting regarding traffic mitigation measures.
• Mitigation measures to prevent further damage to the village hall: no further information. (Oct. 2025)
• Gullies not emptied on Spuley Lane & Bakestonedale Road: no further response. (Sept. 2025)
Adlington New Town
The task and finish group’s next meeting is on 14th January at 3pm in Prestbury Village Hall. Cllrs Basford and Boulton have agreed to attend. No further information has been received during the Christmas break.
Lychgate
Repair work is scheduled for February/ March 2026. A breakdown of costs and grants was circulated to the councillors.
Police
Cllr Boulton contacted PC Howard with the council’s concerns about HGVs above the weight limit using Bakestonedale Road. PC Howard made several suggestions and asked several questions in his response, to which the clerk has now replied.
Christmas trees
Although Cllr Greenwood has asked on several occasions, no invoices have been received for the 2024 and 2025 trees.
Replacement laptop
The council laptop is 10 years old and cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 so a new laptop and printer (the clerk uses her own) needs to be purchased. Unfortunately, the clerk’s enquiries about a grant have met with a negative response.
Bus stop Brookledge Lane
In response to a parishioner’s concerns about the lack of any hard standing near this stop, the clerk contacted Chris Buck, public transport officer at Cheshire East Council regarding the Bus Stop Improvement Plan to see what could be done.
Planning
Application
25/4528/HOUS Church View Cottage, SK10 5SA.
Proposal: Re-roof the property and install energy saving materials. Replace previously removed greenhouse in the garden with a pergola on the same site, same base and height dimensions. Install solar panels in the south and west facing roofs of the property and the pergola Council response: As this property is in a conservation area, Pott Shrigley Parish Council is concerned that putting solar panels on the south facing roofs will have a detrimental impact on the traditional character of the village. There is no objection to panels on the west facing roof or pergola roof.
For information only. No comment required.
NP/CEC/1125/1153 Brink House, SK10 5RU. Occupation in breach of condition 3 attached to NP/M/291/5 (approved at appeal) for a continuous period in excess of ten years. Seeking Certificate of Lawfulness.
Decision
NP/CEC/0925/0919 Sherrow Booth Farm, SK10 5RU.
Proposal: Build stable block, hay store/ lambing shed and all-weather riding area. Granted with several conditions including ‘for private use of the occupiers of Sherrow
Booth Farm only; they shall not be used as commercial stabling or livery.’
Pending
23/3874M Shrigley Hall Hotel, SK10 5SB. Storage on tennis courts: The enforcement officer Charlotte Stacey visited Shrigley Hall and found most of the items had been cleared. She has sent a further email to check that the remaining items have been removed.
NP/CEC/1025/1086 Keepers Cottage, SK10 5RZ.
Replacement dwelling - self-build.
Clerk’s retirement
After 20 years in the position of clerk, Joyce has submitted her letter of resignation effective from 1st January 2026. She will work her three months’ notice unless a replacement is found sooner. The advertisement for a new clerk has been posted widely, and a copy can be found in this HotPott. If you are interested or know anybody who might be interested, please get in touch.
Next meeting
The next council meeting will take place at 8pm on Monday 2nd February 2026.
Job opportunity! Parish Clerk (part-time), Pott Shrigley Parish Council
Pott Shrigley Parish Council is seeking a reliable and organised individual to take on the key role of parish clerk and responsible financial officer. This is an interesting and varied position at the heart of local democracy, supporting the work of the council and serving the local community.
Duties include preparing agendas and minutes, implementing council decisions, managing correspondence, liaising with Cheshire East Council and other public bodies and residents, administering the council’s finances, and maintaining the council’s website and records.
The role is home-based for four hours per week, worked flexibly. Attendance
at the monthly evening council meeting (first Monday of the month, 8.00pm, Pott Shrigley Village Hall) is mandatory.
Salary: £13.26 per hour (SCP 5 on the Local Government Scales), paid quarterly. IT equipment will be provided.
Applicants should have good administrative, financial, and IT skills, and be able to work independently. Training will be available for the successful candidate.
Please send a CV and covering letter to clerk@pottshrigley-pc.gov.uk or for further information contact the clerk on 01625 572668.
Hymns for Professionals
DentistCrown Him with many crowns Contractors
The Church’s one foundation Obstetricians – Come labour on Golfers – There is a green hill far away Politicians – Standing on the promises
The Coffee Tavern
Fully License(\
Shrigley Road, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield 01625 576'90
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1 ‘If you love those who love you, what — is that to you?’ (Luke 6:32) (6)
4 ‘They threw the ship’s — overboard’ (Acts 27:19) (6)
7 The first murderer (Genesis 4:8) (4)
8 He was the head Levite in charge of the singing when the ark of God was brought back to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:22) (8)
9 Samson was noted for this (Judges 16:6) (8)
13 Solicit money or food from passers by (Acts 3:2) (3)
16 What William Booth’s Christian Mission became in 1878 (9,4)
17 Alliance of Religions and Conservation (1,1,1)
19 ‘I will praise your name for ever and ever. — — I will praise you’ (Psalm 145:1–2) (5,3)
24 Simon had (anag.) (8)
25 Desperate (Deuteronomy 28:48) (4)
139:10) (5)
26 Elisha witnessed the boy he was seeking to resuscitate do this seven times before opening his eyes (2 Kings 4:35) (6)
27 The belly and thighs of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream were made of this (Daniel 2:32) (6) Down
1 ‘Before the — crows, you will disown me three times’ (Matthew 26:75) (4)
2 Relating to the books of the Bible between Acts and Revelation (9)
3 ‘They have — the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’ (John 20:2) (5)
4 Belief (5)
5 ‘Take the following fine spices: ... 250 shekels of fragrant — ’ (Exodus 30:23) (4)
6 ‘Do not — Jerusalem, but wait for the gift’ (Acts 1:4) (5)
10 A seer (anag.) (5)
11 ‘Even there your hand will — me’ (Psalm
12 The wild variety was part of John the Baptist’s diet (Mark 1:6) (5)
13 A non-Greek speaker who was looked down on by civilized people (Colossians 3:11) (9)
14 Famous 1950s musical whose characters included members of 16 Across, — and Dolls (4)
15 The province from which Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:19) (4)
18 ‘He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring — — his hand’ (Ezekiel 40:3) (3,2)
20 ‘Today, if you hear his — , do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion’ (Hebrews 3:15) (5)
21 The Jericho prostitute who hid two Israelite spies on the roof of her house (Hebrews 11:31) (5)
22 ‘And now these three remain: faith, — and love. But the greatest of these is love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13) (4)
23 ‘God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end’ (Daniel 5:26) (4)
Missionary Matters
Megumi and Helen Fazakerley enjoyed their last Christmas and New Year in Malawi, particularly a meal out with friends on Boxing Day, when they ate at another friend’s restaurant. Helen did lots of jigsaws, then sold them after the holiday so now feels a little bereft!
Kath Matheson
As this is their final year serving as missionaries in Malawi, their overall aim is to conclude their time well. Helen asks for prayer as she continues to sift through their belongings and tries to sell those they no longer need. She has been busy managing the missionaries’ guesthouse: two families from the USA are staying for almost a week before heading to their new homes. One of the Fazakerley’s neighbours suggested a games' afternoon to keep the newly arrived missionaries awake and to aid them on their way to recovering from jetlag. At Helen and Megumi’s church, Blantyre Baptist, the theme for 2026 is ‘Intentional Growth’. Their pastor wants everyone in the church to be proactive in seeking to grow by
engaging in activities that will help, such as attending Bible studies, prayer meetings and fellowship gatherings. As this is an economically very difficult time in Malawi, many struggle to find the time to attend such groups. The Fazakerleys’ home Bible study group is currently looking at Psalms; please pray that more of their church members are able to join them. For Megumi, concluding well in terms of his ministries means completing his Bible study notes on Revelation, hopefully by the time of the SIM Malawi team's Spiritual Life Conference at the end of July. He continues to help lead home group Bible studies and he preaches occasionally. Life in Malawi is economically challenging, with the government hampered by domestic debt. Please pray that everyone in Malawi will think about what they can do to help productivity. Meanwhile, God is good and continues to bless Malawi with a good rainy season; please pray for a good maize crop.
Johnny and Ann McClean continue to be busy in Bangkok. Ann was significantly unwell with an infection in late November but has recovered; please pray for good health for both as they manage enormous workloads. Johnny saw many answers to prayer in Vietnam as Langham seeks to strengthen and develop the work there. Give thanks that some younger Vietnamese men wish to work
Boxing Day meal for the Fazakerleys
in partnership with Langham. Please pray for the church in Vietnam which is not only sometimes persecuted but also divided by politics and history. Pray too for wisdom as Johnny and other Langham leaders choose local leaders in Vietnam. The church the McCleans attend held a wonderful children’s outreach just before Christmas. About 60 local children attended, including one boy Ann used to look after when he was a toddler attending church with his grandmother. Please pray that both he and his grandmother start attending church regularly again. Not many attended New City Foundation (NCF) on Christmas Sunday, but Pastor Pramote and his wife Lhing are doing a great job talking openly and honestly with members about what the church may look like over the next year. Some church members are disappointed that the McCleans are leaving, but Lhing and Pramote’s maturity in the faith and leadership of the fellowship are a huge asset as the McCleans navigate their final six months in the church. All the McClean family were in Bangkok for Christmas –the last in their present house. Missionary families often move frequently, or live in remote places without adequate schooling, so Johnny and Ann are grateful that they have been able to live together as a
family in the same place throughout the children’s formative years. By mid-January Johnnie was off to Phnom Penh to attend Langham training on ‘Preaching from the New Testament’, though his primary role there was to spend time getting to know the Cambodian facilitators and leaders. He will travel to training sessions in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in March; please pray for all the practicalities of these trips, particularly for smooth and safe travel. Pray that these workshops would be a blessing to all who attend, and that attendees will be equipped to teach the Word of God faithfully, clearly and relevantly in their own, often challenging, contexts. At the International Community School (ICS) Ann recently led a workshop for teachers on ‘Helping Students to Think Deeply’, a vital skill for students to develop as they read Scripture and as they are exposed to so many conflicting messages on social media. Ann has also helped at a successful school camp for 14- to 18-yearolds; they took nearly 300 students away to the beach for two nights of activities, Bible talks and small group discussions. Please pray that the students continue to ponder on the things they learnt and experienced. In late February Ann hopes to take a team of students to a poor district served by NCF (Mahathai). Please pray that
Christmas in Bangkok
Johnny in Phnom Penh
Pott Shrigley Village Hall Bar
2nd Friday of every month, 6.30 'til 10.00pm
13thFebruary 13thMarch
the students see both the needs in their own communities and the ways in which Christians respond to poverty. Johnny and Ann hope to visit Udon Thani soon to start considering which local church
they will join and where they might live. Their provisional moving date is the week beginning June 15th. Please pray for wise decision making over the coming months.
Service of Remembering for Those Who Mourn
We will be holding a Service of Remembering at St Christopher’s Church, Pott Shrigley, for all those who mourn and wish to remember loved ones who have died. During the service, we will include them in our prayers.
Anne Murphy
Our service will take place on Sunday 8th February 2026 at 4.30pm, and will be followed by tea and coffee, to which everyone is warmly invited.
We are mindful that grief, and the process of adjusting to life without someone we love, can take a considerable time. This service is offered as a quiet, supportive space for reflection and remembering, whatever stage of grief you may be in.
You, along with any family members or friends, are very welcome to attend.
Cards will be available on which you may write the name of the person you are remembering, if you would like to. These cards will be collected and placed at the front of church for blessing and prayers.
There will also be an opportunity during the service to light a memorial candle in memory of your loved one. Please know there is no expectation to do so.
If you prefer, a member of the pastoral team can light a candle on your behalf.
For further information please contact: vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk OR pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
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
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Electoral Roll Revision
It is a legal requirement that we revise the church electoral roll annually to ensure it remains an accurate reflection of those who attend church regularly (or would do so if they were not prevented by frailty or illness from doing so) or who live in the parish. This will happen in the second half of March and the relevant official notice will be posted in church just before 1st March 2026. The revised roll, together with a list of names of those added or removed from it since the last annual meeting, will
be put up on the noticeboard at the back of church on the 29th March 2026.
Please note that if you are already on the roll, you do not need to take any action. If you would like to be on the roll, or have any questions about it, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kath Matheson, Electoral Roll Officer 07944
624 832
kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk
Your data: collecting it and protecting it!
PCC
Ponderings from November 2025
St Christopher’s has always kept lists – not least the names of people who receive this magazine! It is extremely helpful to keep some contact information too, so that we can let you know about upcoming events and other news.
Simon Caudwell
However, data protection legislation (commonly known as GDPR) requires us to think about how we collect, keep, and use your personal data. This is a good thing! With your consent, we can collect only the essential information we need for legitimate purposes such as maintaining our news distribution lists.
Like many organisations, we are moving away from paper-based recordkeeping and manually updated spreadsheets to modern electronic systems for managing information efficiently and accurately. St Christopher’s is now using an approved
professional customer relationship management system (CRM) called Hubspot. This will help guarantee that we comply with government legislation while also making it much easier to gather and maintain personal data.
This new system lets you provide us with the personal information you want us to hold, and to record your consent for us to use it in specific ways. By ticking various boxes, it allows you to opt in or out of various kinds of communication and, for example, to say whether you allow photographs of yourself to appear in our publications. Over time we will consider adding new electronic features such as the option for completing parish feedback forms or expressing interests in upcoming events; watch this space!
Our next step is to do some data collection to gather missing information. Will you help us with this please?
Typing (or copying) the link below into your web browser (or scanning the QR code on a smartphone) will take you
to a straightforward form which will automatically upload the data you provide to Hubspot’s secure database.
Honestly, it’s easy! …and our hope is that many people will engage with this process and allow us to hold their name and, where possible, give us permission to use their email address.
There are special rules about holding data for under 16s, and even stricter ones for under 12s, so our initial online data collection is just for adults and older children aged 16+. However, we still need consent if we are to include images of under 16s in the streamed services and in photographs in HotPott, so please continue to complete the paper forms that are at the back of church for this purpose.
And if you are not the kind of person who wants to engage with computers or smartphones, don’t worry, we can still collect your information by pen and paper. We look forward to keeping in touch with you!
Here’s the link: https://tinyurl.com/t5yvrs6k and the QR code:
For more information, please contact Mark Davies on 07720837756.
Disturb us, Lord,
When we are too well pleased with ourselves, When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little, When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord,
When with the abundance of things we possess We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life; Having fallen in love with life, We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth, We have allowed our vision Of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery; Where losing sight of land, We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes; And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
Attributed to Sir Francis Drake, 16th Century
Services
1st February.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡**
8th.
8.30am 10.45am 4.30pm Holy Communion Morning Worship‡** † Service of Remembering
15th.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion All-Age Worship
22nd.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship‡**
1st March.
8.30am
Communion
Colossians 1.15–26 Mark 1.14–22 Lynn Caudwell
Isaiah 55.6–13
Acts 1.6–111 Mark 8.27–9.1 Lynn Caudwell
• All services underlined in blue will be streamed live on our Facebook Page & YouTube channel.
• A recording of each live-streamed service will be available from the services page of the church website: ‡ Junior Church **Youth Church (at 10.45am) † Refresh Youth Group (at 7.00pm)
Judy Keeling & Sharon McMullen
Victoria Price & Jean Fergusong
Garton
Ferguson & Tony Witkowski
Garton
Bomford
Witkowski
Malyan
Recipe of the Month: Chicken, Chorizo and Potato Pot
Anna cooked this slow cooker dish for the Antarctic evening we recently held, and it proved to be very popular. It was slightly spicy and very flavoursome.
Anna Howard
Ingredients:
8 chicken thighs, cut into pieces
225g (8oz) Spanish Chorizo, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
1 or 2 red peppers
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 can butter beans
3 large potatoes, cut into small pieces
450 ml chicken stock
2/3 bay leaves
2 teaspoons chilli flakes
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper
Cornstarch to thicken (approx. 1 dessert spoon)
Oil for frying
Method
Lightly fry the chicken, add black pepper and put in the slow cooker.
Fry chorizo, onion and garlic until oil runs from chorizo and add to pot.
Add all other ingredients except paprika and cornstarch.
Cook in slow cooker until potatoes are soft. Add smoked paprika. Mix cornstarch to a paste with cold water and add to pot. Stir until thickened.
Cook another 20 minutes, season to taste and serve with bread.
Serves 6 to 8.
This dish can also be done in a conventional oven at 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4 for around an hour.
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Directory
Priest-in-charge: Rev. Lynn Caudwell vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Assistant Priest Rev. Lynne Bowden a.curate@btinternet.com
(please prefix numbers with
Ordinand Melissa Wearden, melissa.wearden@emmanueltc.org.uk
Licensed Pastoral Worker Anne Murphy, 14 Silver Street, Bollington, SK10 5QL
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, beccacourtney@gmail.com
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
davidgarton2020@gmail.com
Andy Phillips, as above
Weekly Bulletin: Annie Palace, anniepalace04@gmail.com
Electoral Roll officer 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
884145 dmmpott@yahoo.co.uk
Pastoral Ministry: Anne Murphy, pastoralteam@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk 07891 953919
Children's Ministry
Melissa Wearden, melissa.wearden@emmanueltc.org.uk
Youth Ministry: Melissa Wearden, as above
Parish Council Clerk: Joyce Burton, clerk@pottshrigley-pc.gov.uk
Wedding Coordinator: Pam Cooke, weddings@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Head Teacher: Mark Harrison, 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
Duncan Matheson, Sally Winstanley, Peter Kennedy, Jean Ferguson, Andy Phillips, Pam Cooke, Mary Currell, Mike Akerman, Ang Davies, Simon Caudwell
PCC Members:
Rebecca Roth-Biester, Sheila Garton, David Garton, David Gem, Annie Palace, Kath Matheson, Reg Ferguson, Anne Murphy. This directory was updated on 7th February 2026. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk