APRIL £1 £ 2021

£1 suggested donation amount FF or £10 annual cost for guaranteed delivery to your door – ST. MARY’S Joyful Easter reading! MAGAZINE

WHAT IS IN THIS ISSUE  RIC’S letter, weekly readings!  MEET members of the  PRETTY Ugly Poem! Magazine Distributor’s team –  Our Featured Article JAQI AND BILL YATES! HANDBRIDGE in the Round!  COMPETITION!  JULIAN GROUP!  NEWS & Notices!  LILY Appeal thanks!  OVERLEIGH ST MARY’S  APCM 25th April! SCHOOL News!  BOOK of Remembrance April  WHAT’S ON at St Mary’s! Pages!  PUZZLES – for all ages!  LETTERS & Thoughts!  TESTING TIMES poem! Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat. ERNEST W. EDGE & SON GREEN LANE VETERINARY CENTRE 54-56 Handbridge – Tel: 675156 5 Green Lane, Off Lache Lane, High Class Butchers. Local beef, lamb, pork, venison and chicken. CH4 8LS Also fine cheeses, pates, cooked meats and Tel: 01244 683858 now home cooked pies. Consultation by Appointment RCVS Accredited Practice HANDBRIDGE PHARMACY www.greenlanevets. 7/9 Handbridge – Tel: 683454 Gordon & Staff welcome you to your local community Pharmacy. All prescriptions dispensed - prescription COMPUTER SUPPORT collection & delivery service available for the elderly & All your computer problems can be solved here the housebound. Full range of medicines, vitamins, homeopathic and with a fast & expert service by our friendly staff. aromatherapy treatments + medical & surgical goods, Visit our Service Centre toiletries and baby goods at 100 Boughton, Chester, CH3 5BP Tel: 01244 566280 for free estimates, SAMANTHA WILD HAIRDRESSING home visits and advice 58 Handbridge – Tel: 677557 www.computersupportchester.co.uk Our team is dedicated in keeping up with the latest styles and trends to provide you with a first class service. Call in for a free consultation and to ask about our latest offers.

BROWN SUGAR Handbridge Coffee Shop with Internet Terminals & Free Wi-Fi Come in and enjoy our fabulous coffee, home-made cakes and freshly made food! DOORSTEPS of HANDBRIDGE Tel: 01244 683386 www.brownsugarinternetcafe.co.uk Tel: 675656 or 07889 021033 QUALITY SANDWICHES,

HOME MADE SOUP, JACKET POTATOES Business UNIFORMITY CLOTHING LIMITED Lunches, Sandwich Platters, 22-26 Handbridge Party Catering and Hot Buffets. Tel: 01244 680187 www.acateredaffair.co.uk (Contact Mike) Call in for *Clothing Alterations *Schoolwear *Embroidery *Transfers *Leisurewear HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED We are looking for caring host families in this area HANDBRIDGE LAUNDRETTE for students from Italy and Spain aged 13-18 35 Handbridge, Chester throughout the year for 1 – 2 week stays *Service washes *Duvets £21 per student per night inc. bed & breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal. *Dry Cleaning *Ironing Up to three students per family. For more Tel: 01244 681009 information ring Susan Jones 07830 096900.

Safeguarding Policy R. FODEN LTD St Mary’s, Handbridge takes its duty and obligation to 4 High St. protect all extremely seriously. We have adopted the Tel. 680224 – Mob 07973 661095 national Church of ’s robust procedures and High class custom made joinery inc. doors guidelines. Read about the policies and procedures & windows in hard/softwood. at www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding If you or Frames, Staircases & Conservatories. anyone you are in contact with would like to talk with (Guild of Master Craftsmen & FENSA reg.) someone independently, please call e-mail:[email protected] the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or website:www.fodenjoinery.co.uk email [email protected]. COMPUTER TUTOR Alternatively, you may contact our Parish Safeguarding Tel: 01244 539507 Mobile: 07539 422 673 Officer Peter Dove or the Diocesan Safeguarding Complete beginners welcome Adviser in the Diocese of Chester, via email or No request is too small. We come to you. phone: 07703 800031. Lessons tailored specifically to your needs Business training also available Do not delay - get online and train today! www.pctrainline.co.uk Email: [email protected] What is a smile? It’s when you laugh in a whisper LETTER from Rector Ric Letting the Light in at Easter

As this month's magazine lands in letterboxes the feast of Easter is upon us. It is, thankfully, an Easter we can share a part of in person, as well as from our homes. It is an Easter we can mark by looking backwards towards Easter 2020, and forwards towards possibilities of renewal. What we mark at the feast of resurrection at Easter isn't renewal as a blank slate, but something far more interesting, and intimate. The newness that Christ's resurrection offers does not wipe out all that has been. It seeks to set all things in a new configuration: it does not deny or pretend wounds do not exist, including the difficulties of the last 12 months, but proposes to us that scars and memories of difficulty and grief are also places of hope and grace and renewal. Easter promises to make more of who we are than we otherwise could have done ourselves. And it does this by reminding us that the love we witnessed go towards death remains powerfully with all, especially with those who don't feel particularly powerful. When I look back over the year since Easter 2020 I want to be able to hold the difficult realities of what has been, and acknowledge the times when (to borrow from some famous lyrics attributed to Leonard Cohen) "the cracks...let the light in". For some in our community, that light has come in the faces and gifts of those volunteering in one of our area’s mutual aid schemes, for others prayer ribbons and finding space to pray, and still others being able to participate in services with St Mary's from their homes (whether those homes are nearby or in other time zones altogether). The moniker "Together Apart", used across our services tries to sum up our commitment to broaden the ways St Mary's is with people in our parish and locality. The love we receive, that showed us the light in the cracks, whilst we remain "Together Apart" can, I hope, move us "without the walls" again in the 50 days of Easter and beyond. Let's mark Easter by not ignoring the cracks, but testifying joyfully to the light we've encountered and the new life it brings on Easter Day. Ric

Weekly Bible Readings First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel 4th April 2021 Either Acts 10:34-43 Either Psalm 118: Either 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Either John 20:1-18 EASTER DAY Or Isaiah 25:6-9 1-2. 14-24 Or Acts 10:34-43 Or Mark 16:1-8 Or Psalm 118:14-24 11th April 2021 Either Acts 4:32-35 Psalm 133 Either 1 John 1:1 – 2:2 John 20:19 - end Second Sunday of Easter Or Exodus 14:10-end; Or Acts 4:32-35 15:20-21 18th April 2021 Either Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 Either 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 Third Sunday of Easter Or Zephaniah 3:14-end Or Acts 3:12-19 25th April 2021 Either Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 John 10:11-18 Either 1 John 3:16-end Fourth Sunday of Easter Or Genesis 7:1-5. Or Acts 4:5-12 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Dear Readers, Considering we feel that ‘little has been happening’, the days do seem to fly by (WHAT? 2pm already?) By the time you are reading this we will have ‘sprung forward’ with the hour change, evenings will be increasingly longer and Spring is, well, springing! We are so lucky to have our Featured Article being a walk and treasure hunt around Handbridge sent in by Derek Jones, who lives in the area. He has teamed up with Sarah Corfe, a local artist. READ ALL ABOUT IT! Stuart Bull has send me this picture of his magnificent camellia. I was handed one down from my mother’s old home – a tree which was over 100 years old. Sadly it died on my watch in some terrible winter frosts. I still feel sad about it so particularly love this pic of a thriving Camellia. Stuart also sent this sponge throwing picture to remind us of those Old Days when St Mary’s Garden Party was in full throttle. Here we see the Shaplands (I may be wrong, is it? Or not?!) having a go – sponge in mid-air! And talking of Gardens… 3rd April, Easter Saturday, is the next ‘Come-Along-to-Help-Do- The-Church-Grounds’ session ensuring everywhere will be looking ticketty boo for Easter Day. Details in the News and Notices page. Thanks to Linda Shuttleworth for sending in this intriguing newspaper headline from The Guardian (I am guessing!) So please to feel free to send in articles, jokes, recipes, memories, photos for the magazine. I am delighted to have a variety and will squeeze contributions in whenever I can! Keep Safe, Keep Healthy and Keep SMILING! Catherine

Pretty Ugly by Abdullah Shoaib There are 2 ways to read this incredible poem, both are so powerful Sent in by Wendy Gorman

I'm very ugly So don't try to convince me that I am a very beautiful person Because at the end of the day I hate myself in every single way and I am not going to lie to myself by saying There is beauty inside of me that matters So rest assured I will remind myself that I am a worthless, terrible person and nothing you say will make me believe I still deserve love, Because no matter what I am not good enough to be loved and I am in no position to believe that beauty does exist within me, because whenever I look in the mirror, I always think Am I as ugly as people say? (now read from the bottom up)

Our Featured Article by Derek Jones Handbridge in the Round Handbridge, the historic village community nestled ‘outwith’ the City Walls See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” Song of Songs Ch 2 vs 11-13

We are inviting you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Handbridge, to learn a little about its historical significance and take some family time exercise by following the village route indicated by the questions or statements. Please start the walk at St Mary’s Without the Walls Church. There are special questions for children indicated by this image. The answers to the questions will appear in the May edition.

1. In which year was St Mary’s Without the Walls Church built? Walk towards Overleigh Cemetery and along the way: 2. Which TV drama was filmed at St Mary’s School Building?

3. What was built in 1896 and 1897?

4. What has been here for over 300 years? Turn into River Lane and turn right at the bottom of River Lane 5. Where does this house lead you to?

6. Which 1960’s Pop Group has a connection to this house? Continue along the pathway and continue into Edgar Fields 7. What connection is the red sandstone outcrop with Handbridge?

8. Who is a Handbridge Community Champion? Leave Edgar’s Field 9. Which wild animals protect Edgar’s Field? Look towards the 10. Who dropped anchor in Handbridge in 1741? Some research may be required for Q11, Q12 and Q15 11. What historic significance does the concrete post have to Handbridge? Cross over into Mill Street and follow the pathway by the flats 12. What was the Medieval name for Handbridge?

13. Which fish can you see leaping up the steps?

14. As you walk alongside the River Dee, mark the wildlife you can see? Write their identities below

15. Look up to your right at the Churchill Building. Which THREE previous organisations have occupied this building?

The walk ends at Queens Park Bridge, so you can cross over the bridge and treat yourselves to a well-earned refreshment, return to Handbridge via Victoria Crescent and Queens Park Road or by retracing your steps Ten decorated stone pebbles by local artist Sarah Corfe, have been placed in key locati0ns along the walk and around Handbridge village. Match the image to the pebble & cross the box for each pebble you find.

The work of Sarah Corfe can be viewed through her Facebook page: therockndotco

THE JULIAN GROUP

THE JULIAN GROUP was started by Vera Stanton in 1976 as part of a nationwide (and beyond) network of meetings for quiet time, meditative prayer and fellowship. Group meetings are held monthly, following in the tradition of the medieval holy woman, Julian of Norwich, who lived a solitary life of devotion to Christ, learning and understanding more fully the significance of His message and mission for all. She wrote, “I saw that God is our true peace. He watches over us when we can find no rest, and he works continually to bring us to peace that shall never end.” Julian Meetings are for all those who value the need for stillness and quiet before God in this busy world: a time to slow down and to reflect. Currently our group numbers 10 and we meet in each other’s homes on the first Monday evening in every month. Following a brief ‘lead-in’- a short reflection or a prayer- there is usually some calm music leading us to about 30 minutes of silence for concentrated thought/ prayer/contemplation. Further music then turns our attention back to the Group, and our evening is ‘rounded off’ with fellowship and a friendly cuppa. During Lockdown it has been important to ‘keep going’, and members have kindly contributed and shared their thoughts for the monthly meeting- time and space for our regular quiet reflection. So the first Monday in the month continues as ‘Julian Evening’. Also as a group member of the Julian Meetings we subscribe to the JM Magazine and quarterly Newsletter, both of which are most informative. Soon, it is hoped, that there will be a renewed opportunity to also meet with other Julian Groups at national Get-togethers and Quiet Days up and down the country. Above all we are now looking forward to the time when, once again, our Julian Group can meet together for fellowship, quiet time and prayer … with a gentle music background. But, until then, we carry on repeating the precious Julian prayer. All shall be well and all shall well be and all manner of things shall be well Why not find out more about the Group, Maybe come along and spend time with us? Our meetings are open to all and more information can be found out locally from [email protected] as well as nationally at www.thejulianmeetings.net. Denise Parkin

The Lily Appeal The Lily Appeal for 2020 was unable to continue because of the pandemic. However several members of the congregation had already kindly made donations in memory of the following loved ones for which we are very grateful: Michael Baldacchino Marie - Paule Van Bellingen Robin Young John Anson Jim Fitz-Gerald Dorothy Bridges Mark Schofield John Otter Stephen Pritchard Vanessa Wall and also a donation from Phyllis Roberts in memory of ‘the family.’ Linda Schofield

Daily Hope phone line to continue A free phone line offering hymns, prayers, and reflections to tens of thousands of callers after church buildings closed because of the coronavirus is to continue despite moves to ease the lockdown restrictions. Daily Hope, launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in April, has now received 173,000 calls from over 37,000 people – with calls topping more than two million minutes. The service – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – was set up as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people’s homes, especially older people and anyone unable to join online church services.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today, because by that time there will be a tax on it. ANNUAL PARISH CHURCH MEETING (APCM) Sunday 25th April at 12 noon in the Parish Centre

The question for today: Are APCM Meetings like buses? You see none for ages and then they all come at once!!! So, here we are..... APCM 2021 seems to have arrived very speedily following on after the 2020 APCM last September. The 2021 APCM is ‘arriving’ on Sunday 25th April. Hopefully we should be back in church and, as usual, the meetings will be held from 12 noon following the10.30am Eucharist in the Parish Centre. The Annual Meeting for the Election of Churchwardens will be followed directly by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. The PCC Annual Review for 2020 and the St. Mary's Financial Accounts will be available to everyone attending the Meetings together with additional reports reflecting the range of parochial activities. All these documents will also be circulated in advance by email to those registered on the Electoral Roll. It is also the time when elections take place for the appointment of our Churchwardens and for lay representatives to the PCC and Deanery Synod. Finally, Independent Examiners of the annual church accounts are appointed. We always like to welcome new church members whose positive ideas and enthusiasm are really valued. So, if you are interested and would like to know more about St. Mary's- possibly even considering becoming a PCC member* - please get in touch either with Rector Ric, the Churchwardens or myself. The main requirement is that you and yours enjoy attending St. Mary's and are keen to become part of our parish "family”. The Annual Meetings offer a real chance for you to consider all that goes to make up our parish life and to make your voice heard in discussions about the ministry, management and development of our church.

Denise Parkin pcc [email protected] ,tel. as in Parish Magazine *All PCC members should have been on the Electoral Roll for at least 6 months prior to their nomination.

April pages of the Book of Remembrance

LETTERS AND THOUGHTS

Prayer from Simon I have been occasionally going through some of the many books relating to my mum's time in the Mother's Union, and I came across this blessing. A PILGRIM BLESSING May the Babe of Bethlehem be yours to tend; May the Boy of Nazareth be yours for friend; May the Man of Galilee his healing send;

May the Christ of Calvary his courage lend; May the Risen Lord his presence send; And his holy angels defend you, to the end.

I don't know if this has been published in the Parish Magazine before, but I found it quite moving, and I feel it needs to be shared. Thank you. Simon Price

Letter from Anne Stockdale I haven't really had much to do with St Mary's since both my Mum (Gill Raymond) and my 'Auntie Sheelagh' Churton died in 2014 and 2017 respectively. However yesterday a copy of the March edition was posted to me kindly by Anne Knight as there was an article about the Luncheon Club. I well remember Mum being involved from the start of this, in the background supporting others. My Auntie Jenny Roberts was also involved in the 1970s when she was living on Hough Green before she returned to Zimbabwe. The Luncheon Club menu was not written by Gill Raymond, my Mum, but written and illustrated by Sheelagh Churton, as I recognise her handwriting very well! Sheelagh always had a very creative streak and would have loved making menus. She joined in when she returned to live in Queens Park probably around 1980. She had taken early retirement from her nursing career at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, but Chester was her town of birth. In the black and white picture on the right page of the article (shown left) I can name 3 people. Standing left is Sheelagh Churton. Next to her is Trixie Gill and on the far right standing is Gill Raymond. These three were all on the catering team together, hence their aprons or overalls. Both Mum and 'Auntie Sheelagh' loved being part of one of the teams each month, so it was really interesting for me to see this article. Anne

Letter about the Brownies The Brownies in this last month have been working towards their local history badge where we looked at the history of Edgars Field and found out

that years ago it used to be a quarry. We would also like to introduce you to Mary. Mary is our Brownie mascot and each week she has been going to a different Brownie’s house. During Covid we have not been able to do this as much. So Brown Owl has been taking care of Mary. Mary has had lots of fun in the garden on the sunny days and also down to the river to feed the ducks. This week Brown Owl sent Mary to the spa to get her all clean and tidy to go to Elouise’s house. We will let you know what fun they got up to next month. Take care, lots of Love, the Brownie Leaders xx

Letter from Pam Byrne Mary A heartfelt Thank You, to everyone at St Mary’s for their good wishes, support and prayers for Peter and our family. When Peter worked in County Hall – he often took a lunchtime stroll after having had his butties, over the bridge and would wander into St Mary’s – so handily-placed, for a few quiet moments and to pray. He loved the church building and as he saw the red lamp lit he knew God was in for a chat! He leaves us with so many positive memories for which we are blessed. We are so touched, overwhelmed and very grateful for your friendship at this sad time. Love to you all, Pam and family.

Meet members of the Magazine Distributor’s team – Jaqi and Bill Yates Jaqi and I were married in Liverpool and celebrated our 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary last year. In 1970, we were based in Portsmouth in the Royal Navy. I specialised in civilian and maritime health, and Jaqi was a naval nurse (QARNNS). During my career, I have served at sea and at various shore establishments and in an assistance-role to civilian authorities around the UK and abroad. In 1972, we had a three-year married- accompanied posting to Malta GC, which more than satisfied our every expectation. We made many lifelong Maltese friends, who we still visit and they visit us in Chester. In 1975, we returned to Plymouth. Here we set up our first home; our three children Elizabeth, Amanda and Jonathan, started their schooling, and Jaqi worked for Plymouth NHS. 1988 marked the end of my Royal Navy service; the end of twenty-two years of living out of a suitcase, and leaving my family remaining resident for continued schooling in Plymouth. In 1991, we moved to Chester where I worked for Chester City Council and retired in 2009. Jaqi held various nursing positions in the NHS. She recently retired from her last post as Manager at Wirral St John’s Hospice. By 2001 all the children having been to local schools, had been to university. We now follow the achievements of Talitha, Alexander, and Joshua, our three grandchildren. Thankfully the vaccination programme is now in full swing, and we look forward to our “new normal” and returning to Church services and events. Jonathan and I look forward to being able to join the crew and sail a restored classic lifeboat again around Anglesey in the near future. Jaqi looks forward to again attending Silver Singers; we both enjoy music, National Trust, researching our ancestry, holidays in Cornwall and most recently 17 jigsaw puzzles! Jaqi and Bill

Our Easter Competition 2021 & our February Competition winner! Firstly, in the February issue, with the hope of bringing a little smile and love into your homes, there was a competition to find all 10 of those cheeky masked hearts! Pam Byrne was our outright winner! And well deserved, so she has been given a prize of some bulbs for her garden and now we have ANOTHER competition to find all the pieces of this poor Easter Rabbit who appears to be in bits all over the pages of magazine. There are 13 ‘bits of bunny’ to find. (You MAY have to get yourself a second copy of the magazine if you are going to cut out the pieces to fit onto the template!) Just send me an email to let me know if you have found all the pieces! I don’t need to have proof!! Each one a winner! GOOD LUCK!!

Grandparents are similar to a piece of string - handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of their grandchildren.

Registers February 2021: Church Flower Arranging Rota April 2021 Deaths Margaret Lawson Gladys Doreen Randles Catherine Parkes John Barry Robson Liz Young Gerald Dare If you would like to be on Sam Hassall the flower arranging rota PLEASE contact Diana May the above, and those others known to us personally, Morgan on 01244 678083 rest in peace and may faith and courage to be granted to those who mourn. Hello everyone, Baptisms Hope you are well None During lockdown of 2020 Marriages and 2021 l haven’t been None able to collect the boxes for Adoption Matters Coffee after Zoom church in April 2021 I am hoping to gather them in now. After the Zoom service on Sundays, Michael pops St Mary’s started helping Adoption Matters in 1996 and us randomly into smaller groups when we can chat in 2004 I took over the collecting boxes. During that time and have our coffee – almost as if we were having a we have donated £4842. coffee in the Centre after the morning service – and who I know how charities are struggling at the moment but knows, maybe soon, back in church? our number of helpers has fallen to just six. Currently, coffee time in the Centre after church is not I have tried over the last few years to encourage members yet happening. Let’s trust it will as easing continues. of St Mary’s to have a money box and to just put their Handbridge Flower Club April 2021 loose change in. It doesn’t have to be a regular amount It seems an age since we last met, just what you want. and sadly there seems to be little Adoption Matters Northwest is an extremely prospect of doing so before the worthwhile charity placing children with adoptive parents start of summer. We hope you are and helping families in difficult times. all keeping well. We would like to If you feel you can help by having a money box or need be able to contact you on a more personal basis, so Dawn me to come and collect your box please don’t hesitate to has suggested that those who can, could email her ring me on 678625 or at 19 Farbailey Close, Westminster at [email protected] , so that we will Park have your email address to let you know of any Looking forward to hearing from you developments or online events or just say 'Hello!' Alma Hukin I expect that most of you will have had the vaccine and maybe even the second! Do look after yourselves and Handbridge WI Meeting April 2021 keep safe. Contact no. 01244 683715 Members enjoyed a very interesting talk and presentation at our March meeting with Cath Turpin on the lives of GARDENING GROUPS AT ST MARY’S 2021 narrowboat people. A visit to Ellesmere Boat Musuem is Our first Gardening on the calendar for when we can get out and about. Group will be meeting We will be having a Chester Then and Now evening at on Saturday 3rd our April meeting with Mike Pollard and members are invited to talk about anything of particular interest that April at 9.30am to they have in Handbridge and Chester. carry out the list of Our book for April is Slow Horses by Mick Herron and tasks to do around the we will be meeting to discuss this book on Tuesday 20th church following the April. winter season. 15 members made funky ducks at our last Even if you can only craft meeting with non-crafters joining for manage 1 hour, you a chat. April's craft will see us making will be very welcome. If you can bring your own daffodils from egg boxes. tools that would be great, but I will bring spades, We are hoping the easing of lockdown will forks and rakes and rubbish containers. There will be see our walking group starting again and a variety of tasks to be carried out so I am sure that we are looking forward to a time when we can welcome members and visitors back to you will find something to do. our meetings. Maureen We have decided that in 2021 Gardening Groups will meet on the First Saturday of Every Month For updated information please contact me: from April until September, so the next group will email; [email protected] or follow us on: meet on 1st May. Facebook Handbridge WI Chester or 01244 671304 You will be more than welcome! John Parkin At the end of February we held our whole school focus day on the Christian Value of INTEGRITY. As most children were learning from home at that point the work was completed remotely. It was planned so that all ages could participate in activities together. The day was launched by reading the story 'The Empty Pot', which is a traditional Chinese folk tale. In it, the hero of the story learns that it is better to be honest than to cheat, and that honesty will bring real rewards. The children were asked to express their views on it and thought about how Ping showed integrity. Activities included designing our own temples for Ping to live in when he is emperor of China and growing our own pots of flowers, and sharing how we show integrity in our lives. Below are some examples of the feedback and pictures we received.

Emma Drew - admin@overleighstmarysce..sch Headteacher .uk www.overleighstmarysce.cheshire.sch.u k

WHAT’S ON AT ST MARY’S IN APRIL?

Regular Monday to Friday Services: 9:15am Morning Prayer (in person and via St Mary Handbridge YouTube channel)

All our services will be held in person (unless Covid restrictions change).

The following services will also be accessible via Zoom (please contact the Rector on [email protected] for log-in details): Sunday 10:30am “Together Apart” Services Maundy Thursday 7:30pm Holy Communion Good Friday 2:00pm Hour at the Cross and 6:30pm Service of Tenebrae

Storytelling Services will be in person only.

All other services will also be accessible via St Mary Handbridge YouTube channel.

Please follow St Mary’s Facebook Page for updates. Thursday 1 Maundy Thursday 9:15am Said Morning Prayer 7:30pm Maundy Thursday Holy Communion, followed by vigil

Friday 2 Good Friday 9:15am Said Morning Prayer, including Litany 11:00am Good Friday Storytelling 2:00pm Hour at the Cross 6:30pm Service of Tenebrae

Sunday 4 Easter Day 6:00am Dawn Service for Easter Day 8:00am Holy Communion, according to the Book of Common Prayer 10:30am “Together Apart” Service, including Storytelling Families

Thursday 8 9:15am Said Morning Prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer 10:00am Said Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer

Sunday 11 Second Sunday of Easter 9:00am Morning Prayer 9:30am Storytelling Service 10:30am “Together Apart” Service 6:30pm Evening Prayer

Monday 12 7:30pm PCC Standing Committee

Thursday 15 9:15am Said Morning Prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer 10:00am Said Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer

Sunday 18 Third Sunday of Easter 9:00am Morning Prayer 9:30am Storytelling Service 10:30am “Together Apart” Service 6:30pm Evening Prayer

Thursday 22 9:15am Said Morning Prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer 10:00am Said Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer

Sunday 25 Fourth Sunday of Easter 9:00am Morning Prayer 9:30am Storytelling Service 10:30am “Together Apart” Service 12:00pm Annual Parish Church Meeting 6:30pm Evensong

Thursday 29 9:15am Said Morning Prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer 10:00am Said Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer PARISH DIRECTORY

Rector The Revd. Dr Richard P. Whaite, 671202 email: [email protected]

Assistant Priest The Revd. Laura Rhodes, 78 Ringway, Waverton, Chester, CH3 7NR 07875657784 email: [email protected]

Parish Administrator Doris Keen, St. Mary-Without-the Walls, Overleigh Rd., Handbridge, Chester CH4 7HL 671202 email: [email protected] - www.stmaryschester.co.uk Parish Centre Booking Secretary Doris Keen – Details as above.

Hon. Asst. Clergy The Revd. Maureen Pickering, 3 The Paddocks, Long Lane, Waverton, Chester CH3 7RB 749112 email: [email protected] The Revd. John Carhart, 29 Abbot’s Grange, Chester CH2 1AJ 380923 The Revd. Bill Hamilton, 51 Vincent Drive, Westminster Park, Chester CH4 7RQ 428457 Hon. Parish Reader Linda Manning, 35 Eaton Mews, Handbridge, Chester CH4 7EJ 682143 email: [email protected]

Churchwardens Ted Graham, Beechwood, 18 Victoria Crescent, Queens Park, CH4 7AX 679636 Lynne Jones, email: [email protected], 07713167332 PCC Secretary Denise Parkin, 14 Edinburgh Way, Queens Park, Chester CH4 7AS 676009 and 07876154722 email: [email protected] PCC Treasurer John Parkin, 14 Edinburgh Way, Queens Park, Chester CH47AS email: [email protected] 676009 and 07979306292

Bellringers Fiona Harrison, email: [email protected] 314712 Director of Music Michael Reynolds, email: [email protected] 07786 323946

Church Flowers Lead Diana Morgan 87 Lache Lane, Chester CH4 7LT 678083 Church Flowers Treasurer Linda Schofield, 8 Audley Crescent, Belgrave Park, Chester CH47ET 659149

Intercessions Rota Jackie Hirst, 32 Abbots Park, off Liverpool Road, Chester CH1 4AN 371083 email: [email protected] Server Rota Sue Dickinson, 8 Cottage Road, Westminster Park, Chester CH4 7QB 678328 Magazine Distributors Bill & Jaqi Yates, Broadwater, 16a Curzon Park North, Chester CH4 8AR 681349 John & Melissa Grundy, 39 Vincent Drive, Chester CH4 7RQ 630561 Magazine Editor Catherine Jones, email: [email protected] 07730584510 Social Activities Veronica Bull, Hermitage, South Crescent Road, Chester. CH4 7AU 676865 email: [email protected] Electoral Roll Officer Alison McLellan, email: [email protected] 676772 Giving Recorder Helen Brophy, 36 Norwood Drive, Westminster Park, Chester CH4 7RH 629111 Safeguarding Co-ordinator Peter Dove, 111 Philip Street, Chester CH2 3BZ 321938 Health & Safety Alun Williams, 48 Hough Green, Chester CH4 8JQ 679654 Julian Meetings Sec John & Denise Parkin, 14 Edinburgh Way, Chester CH4 7AS 676009 and 07876154722 Meditation Group Jackie Hirst, 32 Abbots Park, off Liverpool Road, Chester CH1 4AN 371083 email: [email protected] Luncheon Club Leader Maureen Evans, 2 Queens Drive, Chester. CH4 7BD 676123 Youth Group tbc Beavers, Cubs & Scouts Susan Jones, 16 Ludwell Close, Westminster Park, Chester CH4 7RD 675538 Brownies Krystina Littlehales, 15 Devonshire Place, Chester CH4 7BY 07860845402 and 677983 email; [email protected] Guides & Ranger Helen Williams, email: [email protected] 07951959007 Rainbows Grace Hamilton, email: [email protected] 07943811854

Overleigh St. Mary’s Head: Emma Drew, Overleigh School, Old Wrexham Rd., Handbridge, Chester CH4 7HS 981700 C of E Primary School email: [email protected]

All advertising enquiries to be made through the Parish Administrator, Doris Keen by email: [email protected] & www.stmaryschester.co.uk All Editorial enquiries to be made through the Editor, Catherine Jones email:[email protected] Articles, letters, funny jokes and photos to be submitted to Catherine by 10th of the month for the following month’s magazine, so 10th April for the May magazine please! Please contact Catherine if you wish to be sent the magazine in PDF form by email where you will receive it every month & you can still pick up your paper copy, currently donation only, unless it is being delivered. This service is an annual payment of £10.

PLEASE NOTE: The Parish Office hours are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00am - 3:00pm, Wednesday: 9:00am - 12:30pm

‘The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine.’ – St Paul PUZZLE TIME for the Young and the Not so…

(Answers at the bottom of the page!)

ACROSS 8 ‘He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the — ’ (Isaiah 53:12) (13) 9 ‘When they had sung a hymn, they went — to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30) (3) 10 Comes between Galatians and Philippians (9) 11 ‘Your heart will — and swell with joy’ (Isaiah 60:5) (5) 13 Muslim holy month (7) 16 Ten ears (anag.) (7) 19 Under (poetic abbrev.) (5) 22 How Abram described himself to God when he complained that his inheritance would pass to a servant (Genesis 15:2) (9) 24 ‘Go to the — , you sluggard’ (Proverbs 6:6) (3) 25 Debar from receiving Communion (13)

DOWN 1 My — for His Highest (Oswald Chambers’ best- known book) (6) 2 Festival of the resurrection (6) 3 ‘His sons will prepare for war and — a great army’ (Daniel 11:10) (8) 4 ‘Let not the — string his bow’ (Jeremiah 51:3) (6) 5 Name of the River Thames in and around Oxford (4) 6 ‘From then on Judas watched for an opportunity — — him over’ (Matthew 26:16) (2,4) 7 ‘But Christ is faithful — — — over God’s house’ (Hebrews 3:6) (2,1,3) 12 Long-handled implement used to till the soil (Isaiah 7:25) (3) 14 Order to which monks and nuns devote themselves (8) 15 Appropriate (Proverbs 15:23) (3) 16 I, uncle (anag.) (6) 17 ‘They gave him — — of broiled fish’ (Luke 24:42) (1,5) 18 ‘Weren’t there three men that we — — and threw into the fire?’ (Daniel 3:24) (4,2) 20 Mountain where Noah’s ark came to rest (Genesis 8:4) (6) 21 ‘Don’t you know that friendship with the world is — towards God?’ (James 4:4) (6) 23 Prominent architectural feature of large cathedrals such as St Paul’s (4)

The Bible version used in our crosswords is the NIV. Crosswords reproduced by kind permission of BRF and John Capon, originally published in Three Down, Nine Across, by John Capon (£6.99 BRF).

What do you do if you see a spaceman? You park your car in it, man.

Testing Times by Roy Loveluck I should, go and enter, my Parish Church again When this vile virus no longer gives pain. Through its familiar places, to slowly wander From the Font, through the Nave, to the Altar.

I shall, go and enter, my Parish Church again With my fellows will make the Christian chain An assembly, of the faithful, we will gather With a contrite heart, offer prayers, to the Father.

I will, go and enter, my Parish Church again To worship and pray, where the good Lord doth reign. Kneel at the Altar rail for communion once more Tell Him, that the Holy Trinity, we all, adore.

Mothering Sunday 2021 St Mary’s from across the river

R. FODEN LTD IAN’S PLUMBING SERVICE 4 High St. Saltney Add or replace radiators. Tel. 680224 – Mob 07973 661095 Outside taps. Installation of High class custom made joinery inc. doors washing machines/dishwashers. & windows in hard/softwood. Fit new pumps. Frames, Staircases & Conservatories. Cylinder tank & ball valves. (Guild of Master Craftsmen & FENSA reg.) NO JOB TOO SMALL e-mail:[email protected] Call 07840 856380 website:www.fodenjoinery.co.uk

BLACKWELL’S STONECRAFT LTD. SALTNEY TYRE SERVICE Monumental & Masonry Work Units B1/B2, Brymau Ind. 1 River Lane,

Overleigh Road, Handbridge: Tel: 680704 Saltney Batteries, Brakes, MOT Memorials/additional inscriptions and Tel: 67488 – Fax: 01244 674858 Bill Edwards – All makes of tyres and exhausts renovation work. Supply and fitting of granite worktops for kitchens As my five-year-old son and I were heading to McDonald's one day, we passed a car accident. The English test had only one question: ‘Write an essay Usually when we see something terrible like that, on “The Most Beautiful Thing I Ever Saw.”’ One of we say a prayer for whoever might be hurt, so I the students finished his essay in less than a minute. It pointed and said to my son, "We should pray." read in its entirety: “The most beautiful thing I From the back seat I heard his earnest voice: "Dear God, ever saw was just too beautiful for words.” He please don't let those cars block the entrance to got the only A in the class. McDonald's." HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE The most effective way to remember someone Support Workers Required. special’s birthday is to forget it once. We are recruiting support workers, own

transport essential, to offer Companionship, Home Help and Personal Care Service for Specialising in anything adults and older people living in their own from minor roof repairs, homes in Chester and the surrounding areas. flat roofs to full re-roofs, Flexible positions, including full/part time hours lead work and slating. and weekend shifts are available for suitable Dee Roofing covers all aspects of the residential candidates. roofing industry. All Dee Roofing tradesmen are We offer a competitive rate of pay, weekend experienced CSCS qualified and from the Chester enhancements, mileage to/from client’s home, area. holiday entitlement and free training. Dee Roofing workmen are registered installers of For further information, please call Becky on Firestone EPDM rubber roofing, 01244 851744 or Velux windows and skylight specialists. email [email protected] Contact Peter Reid on: Tel: 01244 681321 or visit our website at www.homeinstead.co.uk Mob: 07786852282 - Email: [email protected] www.deeroofing.co.uk ABBEYFIELD CHESTER SOCIETY Where older people can find a new lease of life. KEITH S. JONES & SON Our house in Queens Park Road, Handbridge Electrical Contractors (12 rooms) provides sheltered accommodation Rewires, Domestic, Commercial & Industrial in a family-like environment where support, Tel: 01244 678942 independence, companionship and privacy are email: [email protected] all on offer. For more details, contact our manager, Lorna Hughes, on 01244 678308.

I-VA ASSIST SAUNDERS FOR SERVICE LTD We brighten days. We shop. We organise. All makes Car Servicing, Repair and MOT. We transport. We run errands. Services from £99.99 inc. VAT. We give families respite. MOT £39.99 We make life easier for people in later years. Free Collection and Delivery service. Tel. 01244 350341 Free Courtesy Vehicles www.vi-vaassist.co.uk Free Wash & Vacuum with Service [email protected] Units 5+6, Ketlan Court, River Lane W, Saltney. Chester. CH4 8SB – Tel - 01244 I680777 www.saundersforservice.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]

House PAINTING & DECORATING Visits Available - 24-Hour Service KEITH STOKOE On Site Parking 49 Wavertree Road, Blacon

52 High St., Saltney, Chester CH4 8SF Personal attention at all times Tel 01244 629999 Tel: 371408 – Mob. 07970 257918

SALTNEY SERVICE STATION CLIVE LITTLER St. Mark’s Rd. Saltney – Tel: 681679 45 yrs. experience. Peter Langford No job too small. servicing and repairs to all makes. Free estimates Tel: 372231 – Mob. 07539 653536

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs Brown, our church warden, to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.