Dear friends,
I hope you have enjoyed a good summer, especially as we’ve had some periods of dry sunny weather this year. However, the lack of rain and the heat have reminded us of the need for enough water to keep our farms and gardens well supplied.
It is not just our land that needs water, our souls need to be refreshed in our noisy and busy world. Is it possible to find the time to switch off and slow down? Is it important to do this from time to time?
God created us in His image, and we know that He rested after creating the world (Genesis 2). The idea of taking sabbath rest for humankind and even for domestic animals is written into the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Did you know that there are detailed instructions of the need for land to be left fallow to recover (Exodus 23)?
Taking time to rest is a sign of our trust in God. It shows us that we are not indispensable and that we accept that we are designed to have rhythms of refreshment built into our routines.
Need for water
This August I was glad to go on a silent retreat for eight days at St Bueno’s, the Jesuit retreat centre in North Wales. As I walked through the doors, I felt such a sense of relief sweeping over me. Although I find ways to be refreshed day by day and week by week, after a prolonged busy period I was continued →
tired, and I knew it. The prospect of eight days of silence, without screens, only one conversation each day with a spiritual guide, and time to rest and walk, was exactly what I needed.
I started with some long solitary walks to allow my body to become as tired as my mind. Then I was able to take time to be still and sit in silence in small chapels or on benches overlooking Snowdonia whilst having a weeklong conversation with God. What God showed me was not a long list of things I needed to do, but rather He helped me to regain a deeper sense of being at rest and peace in His love. He reminded me that we do not need to overreact to what is going on around us, but our actions have the most impact when they are done in response to His love for us. He is not a hard task master. He wants to guide us towards fullness of life. We are dearly loved sons and daughters of God and not paid hands, recruited just to work.
I know that taking eight days to be alone with God will not fit into everyone’s pattern of life. But sometimes, with just a bit of adjustment to space in our homes or blocking out times in our diaries, we can give ourselves mini retreats.
As the school year begins (note the Backto-school service on 21st September) and as harvest is in full swing (note our Harvest service on 28th September), as clubs and obligations start up again, why not think about building oases of rest into your life? God invites us to break up our patterns of life to find rest, and a daily/ weekly pattern of spiritual refreshment can help us create healthy rhythms. Everyone is invited to join us for worship either on Sunday or at our midweek service (11.15am on Wednesdays). In our book groups, we think about patterns of prayer that can help us in our everyday lives; please let me know if you are interested in joining one. House groups and our men’s group also offer us a chance to focus on our spiritual lives. Or if you need a longer break, why not chat to me about what I experienced and think of having a longer, deeper time away from the demands of your busy lives? I highly recommend it.
With love and my prayers, Lynn.
… who were married at St Christopher’s in July and who held their reception at a beautifully decorated marquee on the village green. Maddie attended Pott Shrigley School, where her parents were active members of the PTA and Dad Kevin served as a governor for several years. Maddie, Jonathan and Maddie’s parents Kevin and Merryl are often to be seen at the village hall bar opening nights too.
We wish Maddie and Jonathan every blessing and happiness in their married life together.
Please see the lovely photo on the inside front cover.
…Elanor Malyan, who after three years of hard work in Aberystwyth gained a degree in education and drama/theatre. Elanor moves on to Brighton shortly, where she will be doing teacher training.
Niamh Davies, Chloë Middleton (Sharon’s daughter) and Tom Murphy all collected their A level results. Niamh is off to Newcastle to read Fine Arts and Tom to Brasenose College, Oxford to read Law. Chloë is taking a gap year whilst she considers a place at Manchester.
We wish all of them many blessings as they carry on along life’s road.
News just in! – for the first time ever, Keswick is hosting a weekend called the ‘Keswick Weekend’ – simple title but effective!
When: Friday 10 April – Monday 13 April 2026
Where: The Pencil Factory, Keswick
Features:
• Bible teaching from Ray Ortlund
• Full children’s programme for ages 4-18
• Choice of seminar tracks
• All-age afternoon concert
• Evening Celebrations and sung worship with EMU Music Cost and Venue
The weekend will be held at Keswick Ministries’ Pencil Factory, in the heart of beautiful Keswick. The cost per person is:
• Adults – £25
• 4-18s – £10
• Under 4s – Free
The Church today may look fragmented, but at heart it is whole. This is a great chance to spend time together as a church and meet other Christians from around the country.
At The Keswick Weekend we can be refreshed through God’s Word: refreshed in seeing who we are, so we can go home with lifted heads and to live for Christ together with renewed courage, passion and joy.
Accommodation and meals are not included – we can discuss whether we find something together or book individual accommodation. There are plenty of B&Bs, hostels, hotels, campsites and self-catering cottages to choose from in Keswick.
It is a beautiful location with lots of activities for all ages, which are all optional: it would be great to have a church weekend away – if you are interested or have any questions, please contact Melissa on melissa.wearden@emmanueltc.org.uk
Readers may remember that in May, Pott Shrigley bellringers gathered to ring our ancient bells for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
Kath Matheson
The war in the Pacific and Far East was not as prominent in the minds of those whose families were not directly affected by it as the conflict in Europe: it drew attention to Britain’s defeats in Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore and Burma; it was fought thousands of miles away from Great Britain; very few journalists were present and the defeat of Germany was considered the primary aim of the war. The Fourteenth Army, who fought in Burma, became known as the Forgotten Army, despite some of the most intense
fighting, under horrendous conditions, being fought in Kohima, Imphal and the jungles of Burma. Determined not to forget those British and Commonwealth troops who fought so bravely in terrible environments, at 6.30pm on Friday 15th August Pott Shrigley bellringers joined others from all over the UK to mark Victory over Japan Day and the end of the Second World War by ringing their local bells, just as was done before on the actual Victory over Japan Day. It was good to see the VJ Day commemorative flag purchased by the parish council proudly displayed on the village hall wall when we came out of St Christopher’s. (See photo in Your Vote, page page 10)
In 1945 my father rang for the first VE and VJ Days and is one of the few of his generation who continue to ring regularly. Stoke City Council paid for this ‘civic’ ringing, and Dad was delighted to discover that his wages had gone up between the two: a bob (one shilling, or 5 new pence) for VE Day and 1s 6d (7½ new pence) for VJ Day!
New/Updated/Completed.
• Jackson Brow steps: the clerk has requested that Public Rights of Way (PROW) carry out some maintenance on the steps, which are barely visible under weeds and grass, and are very dangerous. It is confirmed that they are on the strimming list. PROW are also very interested in the history of the steps; the clerk responded with information and about an earlier failed attempt to have them repaired.
been no further response. (April 2025)
• Gulley emptying on corner of Shrigley Road & Spuley Lane: a request was again submitted for this, required following recent wall rebuilding and previous floods. (June 25)
Closure of B5470 (Macclesfield to Whaley Bridge Road
This remains in the design consultation stage
Modifications to pavement/road outside village hall
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 that abuts 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)
• Poynton Relief Road: the clerk has submitted a report regarding the mitigation measures for much-increased traffic through Pott Shrigley but there has
Work was scheduled to start over the school summer holidays in an attempt to stop trucks hitting the village hall roof Repair of the lychgate
After confirmation of a grant being awarded, the work has been scheduled for February/March 2026.
Activity in Jumber Clough (land above Pott Hall) was reported of lorries bringing hard core, fire burning trees and emitting black smoke and the appearance of 13 intermediate bulk containers. The Peak District National Park Authority Enforcement Team has visited the site and is investigating. The parish council awaits confirmation of further action.
25/2215- Beckside, SK12 1TF
Retrospective planning application for the demolition of an existing rear/side conservatory and erection of replacement with a single storey rear/side extension and new stone wall to the stream banking. 23/3874M Shrigley Hall Hotel, SK10 5SB Installation of two marquees on the
old tennis court area to be in situ for 12 months was refused on 6/12/2023 but the tennis courts are still full of unused furniture/equipment. This application followed a previous retrospective refusal for the use of the existing tennis courts as temporary storage facilities under LPA reference 22/0645M which was refused. Reported and received confirmation that it has been submitted to the Planning Enforcement Team.
• Defibrillator at Green Close: the pads on this need changing. The clerk found a cheaper price with no delivery cost; Gareth Winstanley will order the pads at the end of the month.
• The clerk has received a collage of Pott Shrigley, created by Pat Beal. The pottery relief depicts local scenes of Pott Shrigley and a map. This will be displayed in the village hall bar. The clerk will send a letter of thanks to her son.
• 80th Anniversary of VJ Day: the parish
council have bought a commemorative flag from the Royal British Legion for display on the village hall railings. Cllr Wray will investigate whether the mechanism for raising the flag on the flagpole can be repaired.
• Parish Council Millennium booklet: two parishioners asked from where they could get a copy of this, which was distributed to every property in the parish. As there are no available copies, Cllr Hadfield will scan it so it can be uploaded to the website for reading or downloading in the future.
• Graffiti on the sign near the aqueduct: Cllr Greenwood informed the PC of this. The clerk will report it to Cheshire East Council.
The next council meeting will take place at 8pm on Monday 1st September 2025 in the village hall.
Earlier in 2025 the PCC asked the congregation for their views on how services are conducted and on potential building interior changes. We had 67 responses and the results have now been summarised along with proposed next steps (agreed at the PCC in May).
As space is limited in HotPott full details of the results & the original questionnaire are on display at the back of church
At a date to be arranged in early autumn there will be an opportunity for a Q&A session following both 8.30am and 10.45am services.
Q1. We should continue with the current mix of musical accompaniment at the 10.45am service
80% are in agreement (12% neutral, 8% disagree).
PCC Recommendation: Continue as is
Q2. We should continue to locate the singing group and worship band in the chancel and sanctuary at the 10.45am service.
56% are in agreement (17% neutral, 27% disagree). Majority of comments relate to not having singing group in chancel during communion
PCC Recommendation: Continue as is with singing group located in chancel except for communion services where they should be located in north aisle. (as was done for HC on 1st June & 6th July)
Q3. Standing and/or kneeling for communion
46% are happy to receive communion
standing (20% neutral, 34% disagree) and 78% feel it is important to have the option to kneel
PCC Recommendation: Any solution to how the chancel is arranged in the future & how we take communion MUST include the option to kneel
We have moved the communion table forward so that the congregation can better see and appropriately participate in the Preparations for Communion, and the minister can face the congregation while conducting the Preparations.
Q4. We should continue to have the communion table in this forward position to allow for fuller engagement of the congregation in the Communion Preparations.
57% are in agreement with the communion table being in the forward position (26% neutral and 17% disagree)
PCC Recommendation: The solution to how the chancel is arranged and how we take communion should include the table in the forward position
In 2022, permission to temporarily remove the then front choir pews from each side of the chancel was obtained. This temporary permission is coming to the end of its validity.
Q5. These pews should be permanently removed (ie remain removed) and can be sold.
55% of people agree (18% neutral and 26% disagree).
PCC Recommendation: As part of the solution for the chancel the pews should be permanently removed
The redundant heating channels in the chancel floor (covered by cast iron grilles)
constrain where furniture can safely stand in the chancel.
Q6. The channels should be covered and carpeted over.
66% agree (23% neutral, 11% disagree)
The pews mounted against the chancel walls impede access into the vicar’s vestry and flexibility at the front of the chancel
Q7a. These pews should be shortened to the width of the partial wall panelling behind them to give more flexibility and
unimpeded access at the front (west end) of the chancel
53% agree (16% neutral, 31% disagree)
Q7b. These pews and the partial wall panelling behind them should be retained as they are.
47% agree (25% neutral, 28% disagree)
Options for people to safely kneel to receive Communion
Q8a. Introduce one longer or two shorter freestanding communion continued
rails / kneelers in the chancel (we have been trialling this concept in recent weeks with a borrowed rail).
48% agree (30% neutral, 23% disagree)
Q8b. Install metal handrails on one or both walls at the sanctuary steps in front of the communion rail.
56% agree (22% neutral, 22% disagree)
Q9. To improve movement and circulation around the church building, the front pew on one or both sides of the main aisle could be modified so that they can be used as a through route if not being used for seating.
48% agree (16% neutral, 36% disagree)
PCC Recommendation for the chancel changes as a whole (questions 4 to 9): More support the changes so it is proposed PCC approve going ahead with the development of a more detailed plan that includes the following features:
1. Shortening (but retaining) pews
2. Modification of pews to give a through route on both sides - this plan would align well with the proposed organ replacement which could be moved to a slightly different location
3. Re-carpet the chancel
4. Positive action to make communion more accessible by:
a. Creating a freestanding communion rail (experience from the borrowed rail suggests a permanent solution would need to be split into two to allow for better moveability & retaining a fire escape route)
OR
b. Handrails for the existing communion steps
Questionnaire does not indicate which option 4a or 4b is preferred & PCC recommends we explore more in a little
more detail before making a final decision
Q10, Q11 & Q12. Timing of services & evening services
The vast majority of people are happy with current times of services and there is little interest in evening services except for special services
PCC Recommendation: No change to service time & no change to ad-hoc evening services (carols by candlelight, service of remembering etc.)
Q13. We should recommence using the Common Cup at Communion services so as to be able to receive the wafer and wine elements separately if we wish.
51% would like to use the common cup (20% neutral and 29% disagree). There are however strong comments related to health concerns that we cannot ignore
PCC Recommendation: we could consider a trial of the common cup for those who would like it in parallel to intinction; however this is felt to be logistically challenging, so we propose to continue as is, i.e. just taking communion with intinction.
The news of Pauline’s death on 12th July was, of course, sad but it also brought back many happy memories for the St Christopher’s family. Thank you to her children, Phillipa, Shane and Wendy, for allowing us to share in the celebration of her life.
Pauline was born on August 24th 1936 to Arthur and Elsie Bryan, her brother Barry arriving a few years later. She spent her early years in Stockport, where she attended Cale Green Infant and Junior Schools, followed by St George’s Secondary Modern. Although Pauline wished to become a nurse, on leaving school she began a seamstress career at a factory in Stockport; she became an expert needlewoman and tailoress.
From her earliest years, Pauline loved music and dance, playing the piano and taking lessons in tap, ballet and modern sequence dancing at the Beryl
Wood School of Dance. She joined the Stockport Operatic Society and performed in the annual Heaviley Sunday School Pantomime. Pauline continued to make music throughout her life: she had a beautiful singing voice which we benefitted from at St Christopher’s when she joined our choir. She encouraged the youngsters who joined the Singing Group for Carols by Candlelight services, particularly befriending Philip Curtis, which resulted in the whole group going to see him and the rest of the King’s College Cambridge choir when they visited Manchester. She enjoyed harmonising in the WI Choir and, apparently, singing Madame Butterfly and La Boheme while ironing!
Pauline danced well into her 80s, and over the years enjoyed Scottish country dancing and performing in Old Time Music Hall shows; she even tap danced in the kitchen while making tea! When she
continued →
and husband Harry discovered American square dancing at a weekend away in Scarborough, her seamstress skills came to the fore: she made countless dresses, with a matching waistcoat or shirt for Harry.
Fittingly, when she was 19 years old
Pauline met the love of her life, Harry, one summer’s night whilst dancing with her friends at Stockport Town Hall. He swept her off her feet and onto his motorcycle, and over the years they travelled extensively in the UK and across Europe, then migrating to a car, and after Harry died Pauline went on many coach trips.
Although Pauline probably dreamt of a romantic proposal, what she got in true Harry fashion (allegedly!) whilst walking home from Cale Green Park was: ‘I want to get engaged.’ They married on September 19th 1959 at St George’s Church, Stockport, and honeymooned on the Isle of Wight.
Pauline and Harry loved Poynton, and in 1959 bought a house in Coppice Road (cost £800!) where their children Pippa, Shane and Wendy grew up and Pauline lived for over 50 years. Although Harry
possibly thought he was in charge, it was Pauline who truly held everything together: organising, budgeting, planning, and sacrificing to ensure the children had a loving, stable, busy, and joyful home. She saved the family allowance to fund holidays, mostly camping or self-catering in Wales and the Lake District, and once, memorably, in a hotel in Newquay with her brother Barry and his family. These trips were filled with lots of laughter, mishaps, and fond memories. Pauline was patient, usually taking the blame when Harry got lost after ignoring her mapreading directions and managing to drive cars that were less than reliable; she dealt with difficult situations (like the family turning up for a walking outing a day late!) with calmness and fun. She supported the children in every way, encouraging their interests in ballet, cricket, judo, scouts, guides, football and more, often volunteering herself to help with events. Pauline was a proud member of the Poynton Rambling Club, and enjoyed many a good walk with them.
Harry died in 2005, a very sad time, but Pauline’s strength of character saw her making a fresh start and embarking on many new adventures, including further travelling. After years of accommodating the ‘meat and two veg’ diet Harry preferred, Pauline’s diet became far more
varied and whether at home or abroad she was eager to try new foods and tastes.
Pauline moved to Hillbrook Grange Care Home in her later years, where she received excellent care. True to her character, Pauline joined in all the activities and was known for her kindness, sense of humour and always remembering the carers’ names.
Pauline’s daughter Wendy married at Pott in 1995, and thereafter Pauline worshipped
at St Christopher’s until she became too frail. Known for her quiet faith, her kindness and cheerfulness, she was always one of the first to help out, whether she was wielding a teapot or a duster! She was committed to the choir, rarely missing a Sunday, and her beautiful singing voice will long be remembered.
May Pauline rest in peace and rise in glory. Thank you to the family for the use of Pauline’s eulogy
The leaves are falling earlier than usual, and the berries are appearing early too. However, the Carols by Candlelight services are in their usual place in the calendar: at 4pm on Sunday 14th December, at 6.30pm on Thursday 18th December and at 10.45am and again at 6.30pm on Sunday 21st December. So, that means the fun and frolics of the St Christopher’s Carols by Candlelight Singing Group are on the horizon too. Being part of the singing group is great
fun, even for those of us who don’t have great voices. Do consider joining, even if you can’t get to all the rehearsals.
Tuesday 28th October
Thursday 6th November
Tuesday 11th November
Thursday 20th November
Tuesday 25th November
Tuesday 2nd December
Thursday 11th December
For more information, please chat to Sheila or David Garton.
We welcome into our church family: 17th August Amelia Rose Henshaw Weddings
Congratulations to: 19th July Jonathan James Spencer & Madeline Cass 15th August William Anthony Gunshon & Tracey Bernadette Kavanagh Funeral
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of: 19th July Pauline Frances Ward, aged 88 years
With some of our faithful prayer walkers otherwise committed and away on a bellringing outing, and with the weather forecast looking dubious, the chances of July’s prayer walk going ahead were looking very slim. However, on the day, despite the forecast, Ros and Sharon turned up.
Yvonne Foster
Our first task was to offload layers of clothing, as the sun shone brightly and we’d all come prepared for the worst. Then remembering Jesus’ words to His disciples, ‘I am among you as one who serves,’ and before setting out, we prayed for all those working at the Coffee Tavern, and for their patrons too.
On the walk we stopped and chatted to many people. We were very conscious throughout the morning of God’s glory in all His creation. We walked across an old-fashioned meadow full of flowering buttercups, clover and bird’s-foot trefoil –
with, no doubt, other flora hidden away or unobserved.
Beasts of the field were happy for us to share their space, and one inquisitive youngster was keen to follow us. It was a fitting environment to stop and pray for farmers and those who work so hard to bring food to our tables.
We chatted and prayed as we walked along, only stopping to listen to a bird singing very loudly in the tree above us. Sharon used her bird song app to identify
it as a wren. We were surprised to learn that such a small bird could sing so loudly. Reaching Green Close Methodist Chapel we stopped to pray in the chapel’s garden. We felt saddened to think that the building no longer had a congregation. We thought that the redundant chapel would now make a perfect retreat centre.
Climbing steadily uphill we stopped to take a peek in Nancy’s wooden oratory. We lit candles and prayed for her, grieving as she is just now at the loss of her daughter and the death of a dear friend.
Climbing higher we stopped, turned around to admire the view and then prayed for all those living in the distant conurbations. We prayed especially for God’s healing through the work of the churches and those in the caring professions. Walking along Moorside Lane we stopped to admire the new drystone wall at Keeper’s Cottage.
Drizzle began as we left Moorside and took the track down to Birchencliffe, but it was nothing too serious and certainly less than predicted and expected. We stopped by the small lake. In this special, peaceful
spot we savoured a verse from Zephaniah 3:17:
‘The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.’
As we listened to the birds singing we tried to grasp the truth of God’s word, spoken through the prophet. We prayed for the Birchencliffe community and for other communities in Pott Shrigley, for knowledge of God’s love and for good relationships one with another. Sharon opened her bird song app again and we discovered that singing over and around us were a chaffinch, goldfinch, wren, dunnock, robin, meadow pipit, swallow and a blackbird.
It was all downhill to the Coffee Tavern where we then enjoyed some refreshments.
Thank you Ros and Sharon, for your company and fellowship on The Way.
The weather forecast was not good for the August Prayer Walk (again!), but six people turned up at the Coffee Tavern prepared with waterproofs etc ready for whatever the elements had in store.
Our first stop was at the memorial seat at Unwin Pool, where we thanked the Lord for the beautiful surroundings and asked for all who live in Unwin Pool to have peace and an appreciation of where they live, as God created it all. We noticed two horses with their beautiful foals in the field behind us, again reminding us of God’s hand in all creation, so we gave thanks.
We carried on across the road and through two fields before we came to a marker post for both the Cheshire Way and the Heritage Walk. There we gave thanks for the peace and the surrounding countryside and asked God to bless all who walked these paths and that they will appreciate the wonders of your hand.
Our next stop was beside a pool, where we were amazed at all the life it supported, including fish and insects. This is usually a quiet place to listen to the birds and reflect on God’s handiwork but today a farmer was harrowing an adjacent field. Quiet it was not, but it did give us chance to thank the Lord for the farmers who raise livestock and crops and who keep our countryside in good condition, and we asked that they and their work to be blessed.
Along the canal towpath we paused to admire a heron standing stock still gazing intently into the water; we didn’t want
to disturb him! As we marvelled at this beautiful bird and the perfect harmony of God’s creation, a passing boat disturbed him and he flew off, such a large bird looking almost prehistoric in flight. We prayed for all who use the canal and for the people who maintain it. By this time the sun was shining, so off came our coats and waterproofs. At our last stop in Simpson Lane, as we were admiring the surrounding fields two ears were spotted in the long grass: a hare had popped up! We gave thanks that they have found a safe habitat.
We arrived back at the Coffee Tavern and thanked Yvonne for leading the walk and for all her work in preparing the prayer walk leaflets (available in the Coffee Tavern and at the back of church). Prayer walks help us appreciate our beautiful surroundings and remind us to remain thankful to God. They are also sociable and fun! Thank you to Anne, Ann, Kath and Ros for your company.
And thank you to Madeline for your company too, and for writing this piece for HotPott!
To give financially in support of St Christopher's Pott Shrigley
Please scan the barcode below
Thank you!
Despite a flurry of WhatsApps back in the spring, finding a suitable Saturday for the Shrigley Stag Fell Run and Rose Queen proved impossible. What to do? Determined to have our day of fun and frolics, and (for some) hard running, Pott Shrigley Rose Queen was held on Sunday 29th June. Rose Queen Eden and Rose Bud Abby looked resplendent in their regal outfits as they were crowned during our joyful family service at St Christopher’s. Then it was off to the village green for the dog show, the sheep shearing, face painting, raffles, guess the weight of the sheep and all manner of other entertainments and goodies to eat (and drink!). Meanwhile those doing the hard running were starting to return – some in what seemed to me to be superfast times; well done to all the runners. Thanks to all those who helped to organise and run the event and to all those
who came to support us, in whatever capacity. A magnificent total of £3,154.95 (including a generous donation from the fell run proceeds) was made, and split between the school, the village hall and St Christopher’s.
Here’s to next year: put June 28th 2026 in your diaries! * * *
Hymns for people over 50
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, I’ve Forgotten Where I’ve Parked The Car
Count Your Many Birthdays, Count Them One By One
Blessed Insurance
It Is Well With My Soul, But My Knees Hurt
1 ‘A little later someone else saw Peter and said, “You — are one of them”’ (Luke 22:58) (4)
3 Giving (1 Peter 2:5) (8)
9 They came to Jerusalem seeking an infant king (Matthew 2:7) (3,4)
10 ‘An athlete... does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the — ’ (2 Timothy 2:5) (5)
11 Pacifist, temperance advocate, open-air preacher, leading 20thcentury Methodist, Donald — (5)
12 ‘Come quickly to — — , O Lord my Saviour’ (Psalm 38:22) (4,2)
14 ‘The God of Abraham, — — — , the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus’ (Acts 3:13) (5,3,5)
17 Sear by intense heat (Revelation 16:8) (6)
19 ‘It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust — — ’ (Psalm 118:8) (2,3)
22 Goods (Nehemiah 13:15) (5)
23 i.e. train (anag.) (7)
24 Surrounding area (Luke 24:50) (8)
25 ‘Righteousness will be his — and faithfulness the sash round his waist’ (Isaiah 11:5) (4)
Down
1 Elegant and creative (Exodus 31:4) (8)
2 ‘Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all — , but we will all be changed’ (1
Corinthians 15:51) (5)
4 ‘I... delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your — — — is’ (Colossians 2:5) (5,2,6)
5 Enlist (2 Samuel 24:2) (5)
6 Of the Muslim faith (7)
7 Sharp intake of breath (Job 11:20) (4)
8 Woven cloth (Ezekiel 16:13) (6)
13 Plentiful (Romans 5:17) (8)
15 CIA char (anag.) (7)
16 Paul and Silas stopped him committing suicide after an earthquake in Philippi (Acts 16:27–28) (6)
18 One of the ingredients in the making of incense for the Lord (Exodus 30:34) (5)
20 Episcopal headwear (5)
21 Inhabitant of, say, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia or Bulgaria (4)
‘Transition is an international movement of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world. Since 2005, thousands of groups have emerged in villages, cities, universities and schools in more than 50 countries.
Yvonne Foster
Transition is about people taking practical action in their local area to address the big challenges they face. Between us, we are building a more equal, sustainable and democratic future.’
More information at https:// transitiontogether.org.uk/
Bollington is a transition town: a group was started in 2018. Here are just a few positive outcomes since their formation:
• A joint Transition/Town council project saw four EV charge points installed in the Pool Bank car park
• Bike racks were designed, fabricated and installed on the Middlewood Way, with the help of Cheshire East Ranger
Service
• TerraCycle collection units (which take difficult to recycle products like toothpaste tubes) were built and installed at local primary schools, and facilities made available near the town hall
• Planting schemes, including orchards and other edibles, were enabled in some local primary schools and in various locations.
Thomas Schafernaker had predicted heavy rain showers for Saturday 14th June and we were together for the whole day for a pre-Father’s Day family meet up: Olie from London, Sophie from Brereton plus two-year-old Mollie, and Simon and I. Due to the weather, a driving tour of Cheshire West was considered best. Something for everyone.
Through walking the Sandstone Trail, Simon and I have experienced the beauty of Cheshire West, a chocolate box halfcounty of castles and cottages.
A treasure map was drawn up and Mollie would put Peppa Pig stickers on the map once we’d collected the treasures. Simon put the postcodes into Grok, the AI App, and within seconds Grok planned us a logical route, starting with the furthest point and allowing Mollie a sleep in the car.
The Littlest Farm Shop was first, our treasure being handmade Cheshire cheese. The Bourne family have made Cheshire cheese using this traditional method at
Bank Farm since 1930, and historically since 1750. They are the only Cheshire cheesemakers who still make Cheshire cheese by hand, and they won the best Farmhouse Cheshire Cheese at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards in June 2024, with a clothbound Cheshire.
The Littlest Farm Shop is delightful, set within a large Cheshire brick farmhouse, and selling local produce such as smoked treacle bacon, burgers, black pudding and preserves, as well as their own amazing Cheshire cheese. There is an honesty till and card reader if the Bourne family are not at home.
The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters was our next destination – so-called because it was thought the original barn was blown away in a storm in 1839. We ordered drinks of coffee and sat outside their black timber barn buildings in their spacious garden. The rain had abated, and a warm wind blew through the barns. It felt as though we were sitting amongst sand dunes. Mollie played in the sandpit, whilst Sophie and I looked in the gift shop, and all was well. Before leaving, Olie bought some ground coffee packs for a Father’s Day gift.
On the move again – Sophie used to work in Chester and had requested a visit to Mondego Stoneware, based in Chester but with free parking. Mondego sell stoneware made in Portugal and sold by weight. Their quality products are similar to Denby but with contemporary designs and features. Walkers Nurseries, our next planned stop, was mainly selling bedding plants at the time of our visit, so we moved on to Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre just to see their lovely gift shop. Mollie had some birthday money to spend. I hadn’t realised, but within 50 acres of Cheshire countryside, the Cotebrook Centre has Shetland ponies, otters, polecats, foxes, and wildcats, as well as their shires. The
King family have been breeding champion shires there for 50 years. Families can watch the animals being fed and groom the Shetland ponies. Once purchased, tickets can be reused for a month. Certainly worth revisiting with Mollie.
The Hollies Farm shop was our last stop. Run by the Cowap family, the farm shop has a café, a butcher's and deli, and sells all manner of bakery and farm produce, as well as indulgent treats. Sophie bought Diddly Squat beers as a gift to accompany her Father’s Day socks.
Also on the map were Walk Mill in Waverton, or Weetwood Ales in Kelsall, but they can be for another time. There is only so much you can do in a day. Well done Mollie, we loved the Peppa Pig element to our tour.
Thank you to Lydia for sharing her family day with us – sounds a grand day out! Editor.
This year has been one of continued community engagement and a shared passion for film that brings people together in a way few things can.
Although we take a break from screening during the summer months of July and August, we stay busy getting ready to launch the new season. Committee members met at Roger and Sheila Jenkins’ home to discuss various issues, including selecting films for September voting. Anne Gregory, our highly regarded film critic, provided guidance on this, whilst David Garton took on the task of updating our constitution. As a result, all attendees become Flix members on paying the standard admission fee. We also decided to reduce the number of attendees from 80 to 70 for a more comfortable setting. Unfortunately, we were unable to continue with our business account due to potential tax implications.
The AGM was deferred to the October screening and although we completed it in just 53 seconds, this was not quite a record!
As a result of Flix’s donation towards the cost of an iPad for Pott Shrigley Church School, in October the committee were
invited to make a presentation to the children. Of course, we do see them during their ‘Pizza and Popcorn’ afternoons when we screen their films. We talked about Paddington Bear and his journey from darkest Peru, over 6,000 miles away in South America. Whilst we couldn’t quite remember how Paddington got to London, we knew some of his friends in Peru needed our help, which is why we sent them a small amount of money towards food, clothes, shelter, health and education a little while ago. It’s always good to lend a helping hand, so we were keen to do this again, but this time rather closer to home! November saw Roger and Sheila kindly accommodating our meeting again. There was much to discuss: film selection for December voting, the Christmas screening for Junior Flix, sourcing of the best supermarket quality mince pies, and despite increased costs we even agreed to reduce the price of sweets.
At the turn of the year, we took a leaf out of Hippocrates’ book: ‘First, do no harm’. We therefore decided to postpone the January screening for one week due to the harsh freezing conditions.
By this point Roger and Sheila had escaped our winter months and were ‘living the life’ in Australia. Meanwhile, we held our February meeting at David
and Sheila Garton’s home. We focussed on the next round of films and, most importantly, ensuring that the customary complimentary Easter Eggs were available for the April screening. Shortlisting out of the way, one burning question remained: Cadbury’s Caramel Egg or Cadbury’s Crème Egg? Although Anthea Wilkinson favoured the slightly healthier caramel option, we felt it only fair to offer our audience both. Upon departure our hosts introduced us to their new family members: Flip, Flop and Slider. To our surprise, we spotted three friendly, pink and black Kunekune New Zealand pigs, looking quite settled in their new home – an outbuilding in Rainow!
Film licence applications sometimes raise certain challenges, especially when Filmbankmedia are unable to supply and we must consider alternative options for a single-title screening licence. As we eagerly anticipated the return of Paddington to our screen in March, Roger diligently applied to Filmbank for the licence from his sunshine base in Oz only to discover that this required special permission from Studio Framestore, the Academy Award-winning visual effects company, who journeyed to deepest, darkest Peru for Paddington’s third feature film. Thankfully we were pleased to receive acceptance following the successful submission of a six-page form, followed by an extensive survey.
Technology is often regarded as remarkable because of its transformational
impact on many aspects of life. It’s no surprise therefore that we are considering streaming when required to replace the DVD player.
Throughout the season we enjoyed screening afternoon sessions of Nativity and Wild Robot for Junior Flix, both scheduled to coincide with our evening events, allowing the modular staging to remain in place. We hope you enjoyed the mix of films this season: The Holdovers, Mothers’ Instinct, American Hustle, Thelma, Next Goal Wins, The Intern, The Critic, Paddington in Peru, Into the Wild, The Leisure Seeker and Small Things Like These. As the last three films had a continued →
2nd Friday of every month, 6.30 'til 10.00pm
12thSeptember 10thOctober
somewhat sombre tone, we aim to include a bit more humour in our selections for the coming year.
None of the above would be possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers and audience members. A special thank you to the committee for their tireless work behind the scenes and to our projectionists.
Flix in The Stix is Pott’s largest regular community event and is more than just a place to watch films: it’s a space for connection and conversation. Thank you for being part of the journey.
A huge thank you from the Flix community to our committee members, all of whom work extremely hard to bring us our films and fun each month. Editor.
Johnny and Ann McClean have settled back into their hectic Bangkok lives after a few weeks in the UK, which saw them reunited with their children Matt, Bethan and Josh as they celebrated Bethan’s graduation from the University of East Anglia.
In late July, Johnny spent a wonderful week in Australia with the Langham Preaching Asia-Pacific leadership team; praise God for how the team and the work has grown since 2019. Last year, Johnny introduced Mohammed, whom he’d met online while participating in Redeemer City to City training, to Langham Preaching training.
Mohammed (named after the Central Asian mathematician and father of the algorithm) is the pastor of a church plant in Central Asia, and Johnny was delighted to learn recently that Mohammed has been attending training since February and runs an effective preaching club meeting at his church. Johnny is currently rewriting his training notes to reflect current adult education methods, but will shortly be off on Langham Preaching travels again, training church leaders in Malaysia on preaching Old Testament prophecy and Psalms. He will be giving two sample sermons, one on Ezekiel 37 and the other on Psalm 55. In September, he’ll be training in Indonesia, on ‘Introduction to Preaching the Old Testament - the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’, before attending the Indonesia Langham Preaching retreat. Johnny’s 2026 diary is already filling up with trips abroad, including some places where it is distinctly dangerous to be a Christian. Please pray for Johnny and the work of the Langham Preaching teams, and for a movement of preachers across the globe who delight to preach God’s word faithfully, clearly, and relevantly, preachers who are confident in their conviction about the power of preaching and are Christlike in character. Please pray for godly pastors like Mohammed in Central Asia to multiply their influence. Please pray too for the safety of all those who seek to spread the Gospel in difficult places. A few weeks ago, friends of the McCleans were stopped in a neighbouring country with some special books they were trying to take to Christians there. After six hours of questioning, they were all able to return safely to Bangkok, though one officer kept three books: pray for that officer to read and understand the books, and
for those who were briefly detained, that they may process that event together.
Praise God for Thai Christian Students (TCS). Johnny feels privileged to be on the TCS board, as is Au, one of the students he and Ann discipled in Phitsanulok back in 2002. They are hoping that the leader of the Christian Medical Association (a TCS graduate) will join the board too. Johnny asks for prayer for wisdom in advising Au, selecting new staff, accountability in finances and seeking to support Au and the student ministry.
Ann is well settled into the new term at the International Community School in Bangkok and is enjoying her Grade 6 (first year secondary) class. Ann will be speaking at the chapel more frequently, and she has already prepared burgers and hot dogs for 160 kids for the FNF monthly after-school activity. In early August, she helped lead a Discipleship Camp for 50 students; she spoke on ‘Becoming like Jesus’. Praise God for all that He did in the lives of the students that weekend and pray that they will all come to know Jesus personally as they learn more about Him.
After 32 years in Malawi, Helen and Megumi Fazakerley continue to prepare for their permanent return to the UK in September 2026. Sorting through their
possessions, deciding what to sell, what to give away, what to keep, has been difficult at times as they hold so many memories… Helen’s sleeping bag for instance, which her parents bought for her first camping trip with the Christian Youth to Keswick Convention… apparently the new owner is very pleased with it! I suspect a lot of us can empathise with Helen – we know everything we have comes from God, we only hold things for a short time – but it’s very easy to become attached to ‘our’ things.
Helen’s health skills were recently called into use: some of the SIM Malawi team acquired insect bites at their annual conference. After discerning that the local Thyolo flies were responsible (rather than bedbugs!), as these are vectors for onchocerciasis (river blindness) immediate treatment with antibiotics was required. Helen also continues to be busy with the guesthouse, including sorting out a leaky toilet (yuk!).
The theme of the 2025 SIM Malawi Spiritual Life Conference, where SIM workers meet to eat, talk, laugh, listen, reflect, learn, pray and enjoy together, was 'Flourishing in Times of Transition'. Appropriate as they said good-bye to two long-term families and welcomed both their new country director and their regional director and his wife, who joined them from Zimbabwe. Life on earth is a continuous process of transition, but it looks like yet another wave of changes will hit the SIM Malawi team in the coming year. Please pray for them, that they may flourish as people serving God together.
Helen and Megumi’s home group meet weekly; they continue to study Revelation and Megumi reports: ‘As it's primarily a vision, it's like a drama and its message is presented pictorially. And in its visual message, images and ideas from Creation, Fall, Exodus, wilderness journey,
monarchy, Temple, prophets, Jesus, Church and mission all converge as layers to form one composite picture of Jesus, having received authority from God on the throne, now ruling as King of kings, calling, cheering and assuring us to be faithful.’ Helen hopes that came across when Megumi preached on Revelation at the end of June.
Please continue to pray for Malawi, particularly for the presidential election in mid-September, please pray that people remain calm. It seems that the Malawians are unenthusiastic about the process, so please pray that the best candidate wins, and that all in authority do well in their respective roles.
Some tourists touring the north of England stopped to visit a Priory. The Prior gave them a tour of the buildings, ending in the kitchen, where one monk was making fish and chips. One tourist said brightly: “You must be the fish friar,” to which the monk gravely replied, “No, I am the chip monk.”
Full & part home renovations
Project management
Joinery
Plastering
Heating/plumbing & electrical
Kitchens & bathrooms
Painting & decorating
Wallpaper hanging
Venetian plastering
Tiling
Hand painted kitchens
“Incredibly pleased with the renovation work by Spring Decorating. The work involved the replastering of several rooms, replacing internal doors, bannisters, spindles, radiators and then redecorating. All finished to a very high standard, which I am delighted with. The team was professional, efficient and friendly. I wouldn’t hesitate to have them back in the future.”
0161 439 9195
info@springdecorating.co.uk
www.springdecorating.co.uk 17 Earle Road, Bramhall, SK7 3HE
Exterior painting & decorating
Rendering & K Rend
Joinery
uPVC window spraying
Scaffolding
“We are delighted with the work by Spring Decorating. The response to our query was quick and a quote followed promptly. Work started a couple of weeks later on the outside of our house. The team always arrived exactly when they said they would and were totally reliable, pleasant and courteous. The work was thorough, with excellent preparation and looks very good. We will certainly use them again for more work.”
info@springdecorating.co.uk www.springdecorating.co.uk 17 Earle Road, Bramhall, SK7 3HE
This is a seasonal recipe brought back from Nancy’s church in Vancouver Island.
Being from North America, the original recipe was in cups; we’ve translated it into millilitres (ml), which makes the ingredients list look a bit different from our usual ones. But we’re sure it’ll work out – it looks an easy chutney to make and will be delicious!
Yield: makes about 500ml
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 good cooking apples (500ml, peeled and chopped)
250ml fresh or frozen cranberries
125ml chopped onion
60ml cider vinegar
80 – 120ml brown sugar
1 tablespoon of orange zest
1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
1½ teaspoons of cinnamon
Small pinch of ground clove
Method:
Put all the ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil, reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Uncover and cook for a few minutes more to reduce any remaining liquid.
Refrigerate up to two weeks.
Church Cleaning Rota
5th Sept David & Joy
12th Sept Shirley & Christine
19th Sept Sally & Yvonne
26th Sept Caroline & Jean
3rd Oct Ros & Madeline
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
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
7th September.
8.30am 10.45am
14th.
Holy Communion Holy Communion‡**
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Morning Worship‡**
21st.
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion All-Age Worship
28th.
8.30am 10.45am
5th October.
Holy Communion Morning Worship
8.30am 10.45am Holy Communion Holy Communion‡**
Philemon 1-21
Luke 14: 25-33
Lynne Bowden
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
Prov 3: 13-18
Matt 9: 9-13
Deut 26: 1-11
John 6: 25-35
Malachi 4: 1-6
Luke 1: 5-25
Lynne Bowden
Lynn Caudwell
Lynn Caudwell
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) OWLS - Occasional Worship Leaders
7th Sept
14th Sept
Paul Bowden & Mike Akerman
David Gem & Tom Murphy
21st Sept Tony Witkowski & Judy Keeling
28th Sept
David Gem & Anne Murphy
5th Oct Reg Ferguson & Jean Ferguson
Sally Winstanley
Sandy Milsom
David Garton
Audrey Bomford
Sally Winstanley
Annie Palace
Nigel Heathcote
Jenny Miles & Annie Smith
Jim Curtis
Annie Palace
Ian Malyan
David & Joy Whitehead
Tony & Rachel Witkowski
Gillian Macneill & Judith Harris
Reg & Jean Ferguson
Yvonne & Annie
The Malyan family
Frances & Meg
Joy & David
Gill & Victoria
An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, “They wouldn’t take me out while I was alive, so I don’t want them to take me out when I’m dead.”
Priest-in-charge: Rev. Lynn Caudwell vicar@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Assistant Priest Rev. Lynne Bowden a.curate@btinternet.com
(please prefix numbers with 01625)
Licensed Pastoral Worker Anne Murphy, 14 Silver Street, Bollington, SK10 5QL 07891 953919
Churchwardens: Andy Phillips, 26 Hurst Lane, Bollington, SK10 5LP
358976 andyphillips@totalise.co.uk
Jean Ferguson , 17, Poplar Grove, Bollington, Macclesfield, SK10 5LS 261361 jeanfergusonuk@msn.com 07762 649990
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 573735 marycurrell61@btinternet.com David Garton, davidgarton2020@gmail.com
Phillips, as above
Weekly Bulletin: Annie Palace, anniepalace04@gmail.com
Electoral Roll officer Kath Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA 07944 624832 kmmpott@yahoo.co.uk
Safeguarding officer: Kath Matheson, safeguarding@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Tower Captain: Duncan Matheson, Church View Cottage, Pott Shrigley, SK10 5SA
07854 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: Situation Vacant
Little Doves: Victoria Price 07961 004755
Parish Council Clerk: Joyce Burton, clerk@pottshrigley-pc.gov.uk
Wedding Coordinator: Pam Cooke, weddings@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
Head Teacher: Mrs Anne-Marie Willis , 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 24th June 2025. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk