TILSTON & SHOCKLACH REPORTER

E E A A S S T T E E R R

35p Number 521 APRIL 2020

APRIL 2020

Wed 1 Thurs 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5 • All planned activity has been cancelled by

MON 6 the organizers. If you need any further Tue 7 information please contact them direct. Wed 8 Thurs 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Sun 12 • A full list of cancelled activities is on page 3.

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Tue 14 • This is a very sad situation for us all and I Wed 15 Thurs 16 hope it is not too long before we can start Fri 17 getting back to normal and this page is full Sat 18 Sun 19 again.

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MAY

Articles and items for the next issue can be handed in to the Village Shop or emailed to [email protected] at any time but before TBC 2020 To contact the Reporter phone Chris Blazdell on 01829 250073 2 Editors Page Dear Readers, It is a very different Tilston & Shocklach Reporter you are reading this month. This will be obvious from the lack of activity on the Diary Page. Given the current circumstances and uncertain times we are in, lots of events have been postponed or cancelled. . Given the uncertainty of what the coming weeks will bring, I am not sure if there will be enough content to produce the Reporter next month. As you know the Reporter is an information source for the local communities and without events and meetings taking place, there may not be enough to make an issue. Depending on how the situation develops, there could also be possible delay or disruption to the printing of future issues of the Reporter. Should this happen, annual subscriptions will be adjusted at the next renewal. It is a great shame that after 40 plus years of continuous printing, the current situation we find ourselves in could disrupt this record. However be assured we will return as soon as we can. Whilst writing, can we please ask you to keep a watchful eye on your neighbours, especially the most at risk (our older citizens who are unable to get out and the more vulnerable amongst us). We are a community and we should look out for one and other, especially in times like these. In the mean time take care and keep safe. Chris Blazdell - Editor

List of Known Cancelled Meetings or Classes ❖ Churches - Both St Mary’s, Tilston & St Edith’s, Shocklach, services have been cancelled until further notice. ❖ Knit One, Purl One - until further notice. ❖ Chorlton & Cuddington WI for April, May & June. ❖ The Playing Fields Association AGM on 6th April - Postponed. ❖ Cardio Fit & LBT—All classes cancelled until 22nd April, when the situation will be reviewed. ❖ Dog Training/Puppy Classes - cancelled until further notice. ❖ Shocklach Gardening Group - Meetings suspended until further notice. ❖ Village Hall AGM & VE Day Afternoon Tea - Both cancelled. ❖ The Bull, Shocklach Quiz Night - Cancelled until further notice. ❖ Family Easter Bingo at Shocklach Oviatt School - Cancelled ❖ Yogafit- Cancelled until further notice ❖ Revitalise Yoga - Cancelled until further notice. ❖ Emily Moore School of Dance - Cancelled until further notice.

3 Good Neighbours helping deal with Covid 19

Many of you are already keeping an eye out for your neighbours during the Coronavirus pandemic and helping those that may slip through the net, offering practical support, such as shopping, collecting prescriptions, donating to food banks etc. No individual or organisation can be expected to be knowledgeable about everything that is available out there, especially as the situation is so changeable and fast moving. Support groups are emerging all over the country and we are doing the same to cover Tilston and surrounding area. We are an informal group of local residents, some representing parish based organisations, who are keen to establish open and candid communications to ensure that any that might need this type of help are not overlooked. If you are already helping then keep up the good work, we don’t need you to tell us. But if you need help;

• Perhaps you are having to self isolate or somebody needs something you can’t get. • You’re not sure about how to access a service or support. • You’re worried about someone local who may have been overlooked. • You would like to help but aren’t sure how best to do so. The best way to contact us is to email [email protected] If you would prefer to ring, here is a list of numbers of people who are part of the group, some or all of them, may be familiar to you.

Trisha Swift 01829 250740 07736718197 Gill Putnam 01829 250228 Nicky Prince 01829 250457 Gail Graham 01829 250662 07754857057 [email protected] Chris Blazdell 01829 250073 Tom Stephenson 01829 250249 Norma and Tim Robinson (pastoral support and foodbank) 01829 250989 Ann Wright 01948 861035 [email protected]

To emphasise, our aim is to keep it simple, practical and safe.

TILSTON Covid Support Group

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Tilston Parish Council Report – March 2020

Corona Virus At the time of writing attention locally and nationally is focused on the Coronavirus pandemic, work is already taking place in the Village to support those in need of help during these uncertain times. It is likely future Parish Council meetings in May will be cancelled as well as other events that were planned over the next couple of months. However please note the Parish Council will not shut down even if meetings are cancelled so if you are self-isolating or just require support, help or advice please do not hesitate to contact us on the usual ways. We are a small village and as a community should endeavour to care for each other particularly those most vulnerable. Notice Board for Village Hall A new notice board has been ordered which will be placed at the entrance of the Hall, replacing the existing board, although it will have a door it will be open for use by Hall users etc.

Fox & Hounds S106 Funding At the last Council meeting the Council agreed to support Tilston Playing Field Association’s application for £2000 of the S106 funding from the Fox and Hounds development for use on redeveloping the Pavilion.

Speed Gun Training The Parish Council is planning to hold speed gun training in the Village but due to the current situation is not able to set a date yet. The training will allow people to use the Ward Speed Gun in Tilston in a number of places on Malpas and Church Roads so please watch out for training dates when they are announced. Highways Gateways Scheme The Parish Council is awaiting the imminent installation of new speed limit signage at the various entry points in Tilston including larger signs highlighting the speed limits, dragon teeth (sounds drastic, just road markings) and also interactive 30mph signs on Malpas Road. These works have been agreed over a long period of time with CW&C Highways and are being funded by the S106 Highways money from the Jones Homes development. Any issues we can help you with relating to the village please contact any of the Councillors or the Clerk, you can also report a range of faults directly to CW&C just search for ‘Cheshire West Report it

For more information contact the Clerk to Tilston Parish Council Ann Wright, 62 Well Street, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8QH. Tel: 01948 861 035 E mail: [email protected]

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News from St. Mary's & St Edith’s

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that all church services and meetings will not take place until further notice. Although we are of course disappointed that our Easter celebrations will be disrupted and we won't be able to meet, we will be posting messages and prayers on our church webpage. We also will be arranging for our churches to be open for private prayer and Tim and I are always happy to chat to you on the phone if you are feeling lonely or anxious. Our pastoral worker Trisha will be working with the Parish Council to ensure that those who are most vulnerable will be helped and supported. Corona virus has caused great anxiety. It’s not easy to remain cheerful when things seem to be going wrong or we are fearful about the future. But as the weather improves and there are signs of Spring all around us, we are reminded that our God is a faithful God who will never leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) On a lighter note we would also like to say thank you to all those came along to the Pancake Party and the Open Day at the Rectory. It was so good to meet you all. We are very grateful to those who supported us on the two occasions by helping with the refreshments. When I wrote this article, it was St Patrick’s Day and a prayer written by Him may be helpful at this difficult time. Please be assured that we will be praying for you all. Tim and Norma St Patrick’s Breastplate Christ be with me, Christ within me. Christ behind me, Christ before me. Christ beside me, Christ to win me. Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me. Christ in quiet, Christ in danger. Christ in our hearts of all that love him. Christ in mouth of a friend and stranger

6 Shocklach Gardening Chorlton and Cuddington WI Group The speaker at our March meeting arrived in his working clothes! A splendid red tailcoat jacket In line with Government with all the accessories. Richard Aves then spoke advice, our monthly meetings are suspended until about his experiences during the last 20 years as further notice and many of our members will be a Toastmaster at events ranging from large self-isolating. corporate gatherings to small family celebrations. We shall take the positives and enjoy the chance In latter years he has also acted as Celebrant at Civil wedding ceremonies and funerals. He gave to spend more time in our gardens with all the an interesting insight into what can perhaps be therapeutic benefits that offers. All being well we described as a rather unusual occupation. can also look forward to our group trip to the The competition was for 'A Special Event nd new RHS Garden Bridgewater on Wednesday 9th Memento'. The winner was Oriel Piggott, 2 Sue rd September. Pickering and 3 Paula Williams. The speaker at the meeting on 1st April will be Information: Wendy Gilpin 01829 250413 Melanie Latham talking about 'Chutney & Cheer' and the competition is for 'The nicest dish to use Knit One, Purl One to serve chutney' There are still some places available on the All meetings are suspended until annual Garden Holiday from 12th - 15th June. further notice. The break includes all coach travel, 3 nights at a Hopefully, everyone will remain healthy and keep in 4* hotel in Taunton and visits to 4 Somerset good spirits. gardens. Anyone interested should contact

Eileen Broad on 01948 770405. Any further information: Tel. 01829 250615 Hopefully the Litter Pick around Chorlton Lane and Cuddington, organised by Margaret Bennion for 28th March, will have gone ahead as planned. Celebrating VE Day Previous 'Picks' have collected a TV set, As you know I was planning numerous cans and plastic bottles, a still warm to produce a special edition half eaten beef burger! and a crispy £5 note. New members will be made very welcome, ring of the Tilston and Shocklach Eileen as above. Reporter in May to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day. UPDATE - All Meetings have been Due to the current Corona Virus situation there is cancelled for April, May & June some doubt that there will be a May edition due to content. In addition I also put out a request for help The Bull Quiz with any contributions,. Do you or your families have any pictures, photos or special memories of Sadly, in line with the Government’s advice the Bull VE Day, have stories or memorabilia that have been Quiz is suspended until further notice as we aim to reduce our social contact. passed down through the family which you would be happy to share? We understand however that the Bull will now be Can I please remind you that if you have anything offering a take away service for anyone not relevant to include then please contact me by email wishing to eat in the Bull itself. Telephone 01829 250335 to discuss your to: [email protected], or if easier give requirements and arrange to collect. me a call on 01829 250073 and we can arrange the best way to include items Chris Blazdell—Editor

7 Stretton Watermill Volunteers Stretton Watermill will soon be ‘waking the mill up’ for the summer season. We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in supporting the millers this year. The Role Involves: • Welcoming the visitors, demonstrating the model and giving a background to the mill • Shop and admissions • Accompanying mill tours and learning about the mill machinery • Maintenance with the miller Full induction and training will be given. If you would like to get in touch, please contact [email protected]

8 SHOCKLACH OVIATT AND DISTRICT Tilston Playing Field Association PARISH COUNCIL Due to the recent advice that people should not have Parish Council Meeting on 20th February social interaction, the TPFA AGM, due to be held on the 2020 6th April, is postponed. The meeting had a touch of déjà vu about it with Our annual and financial report will be published in the discussions about broadband, damaged roads and May Reporter. leaking drains being on the agenda. We would like to thank all the local tradesman and Increase in broadband speed seems as far away as volunteers that came to our special meeting to discuss ever. Council has heard about a funding arrangement with B.T. in Frodsham that has the refurbishment of the field pavilion. Your support for improved speeds for some customers and will be our cause was heart warming, thank you! It early days obtaining more information about the scheme. to know how quickly we can start the project. Simon It was noted that the roads had fallen into disrepair Kettle is drawing up detailed plans for us. during the recent wet weather and potholes had The £5000 the TPFA have fund raised over the year will increased in size and number. There is concern about collapsing road surfaces in Castletown Lane. go towards the project. The Tilston Parish Council have On the bright side, the potholes in Church Lane have also agreed that we can bid for some of the S106 been attended to, shortly after they were reported to money for Play and Open Spaces from the Fox and CWaC. Hounds development. Despite much correspondence with CWaC, there is Offers of further help can be emailed to Gail not yet a solution to the water leak in Little Green. The extended closure of Sibbersfield Lane has caused [email protected] some concern but traffic appears to be coping well The SPORTS WEEK will hopefully go ahead from 3rd – 7th although, with so many road works in the area, it is August, 10.30 -12.30. difficult to know which “diversion” is being followed. Thank you! Keep safe! ‘ Come and Play’ A resident mentioned the speed of traffic through Caldecott but there is little that can be done as it is within the national 60mph speed limit. Tilston Trotters Run Club Council extends thanks to The Bull which has accepted the responsibility for regular checking of The Tilston Trotters Run club the village defibrillator (A.E.D.). returns on Wednesday 22nd April, meeting on the Tilston Playing Field at 18.30. Our motto is VILLAGE MEETING “Run for Fun”, we are really friendly and actually have some st The Annual Village Meeting will be onThursday 21 very good runners amongst us. There are also those who just May at 7.30pm in Shocklach School. enjoy a run no matter how long or short. We held our first Everyone is welcome to attend – come and meet awards ceremony last year, with Tilston Trotter of the Year your councillors and raise any problems. awarded to David for achieving his running goal but also for Notice of Parish Council Meeting always looking out for everyone, which is the ethos of the club. The next meeting (and A.G.M.) will be at7.30pm on Thursday 7th May 2020 in Shocklach School. Tilston doesn’t have many paths so we run on open roads Interested residents are always welcome to attend. and visible clothing should be worn at all times. We do Councillors: Marcus Chaloner (Chairman); looped runs so that anyone doing a shorter distance will not John White; Michael Wilson; Greg Bowles; get left behind. The Tilston 10k is on June 28th so we base Andrew Brown our training around a build up to that with a practice run before hand. We also do 5k parkruns so there are distances Clerk to the Council and contact: Claire Taylor for everyone!! Please note the club is unaffiliated and free, Tel: 01829 270887 you need to have good road sense and take part at your own risk. For further information, contact Mary. e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 07535936456 Website: www.shocklachparishcouncil.co.uk Facebook: Mary Richardson PT – MPRPT

9 Q. CAN YOU SPOT THE ODD ONE OUT?..

JUNE 28th 2020 BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY https://10k.tilston.org

ANSWER: THERE ISN’T ONE ! They’re all training for the 2020 Tilston 10k!…

TILSTON 10K : CORVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS UPDATE)

The Tilston 10k organisers have looked at the current and evolving situation and have decided to continue with planning for the 2020 Tilston 10k having taken into account the following:

 The event is still some time away.

 Training is generally a solitary occupation with social separation.

 The event itself is held outside. It has also been decided that the entrance fees will be fully refundable to all that enter prior to the day should the event have to be cancelled for any reason, or if the runner has to pull out before the event due to ill health.

We are closely monitoring Government Guidelines and will of course comply with any future requirements. We do need to have your entries as the only other reason that the event would be cancelled would be lack of numbers entered by the 18th June 2020 and again would stress to all potential entrants that there is no financial risk involved with entering this years event. All information and announcements will be available on the Tilston 10k Website.

https://10k.tilston.org

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It has been a busy month for the Bluebell Nursery and the children have participated in some very important events. We started by wearing green for ‘Go Green for Clatterbridge’, where we helped to raise over a whopping £1,000. The children enjoyed coming to school wearing green and eating cakes. Well done to everyone! Shrove Tuesday was celebrated by making pancakes for snack and then enjoying a pancake race. It was so much fun to see if we could flip the pancakes without dropping them.

Time for World Book Day where we came to Nursery in our pyjamas and invited out parents into the setting to read books with us. It was lovely to see so many families enjoying a book together. Finally, we need to give you an update on what has happened to the Evil Peas. Well, we have finally caught them in our well, made traps. Hooray! They are back in the freezer where they belong!

11 Church Road Tel: 01829 250204 Tilston Fax: 01829 250674 Malpas Cheshire SY14 7HB

Tilston Parochial CE Primary School

Headteacher: Mrs Kelsey Mort Website: www.tilston.cheshire.sch.uk

As we all face an extremely challenging few months ahead, we would like to share some wonderful learning opportunities our children have experienced over the past few weeks, and hope we spread a little happiness. Year 3 and 4 Residential to Burwardsley Outdoor Education Centre Our House Martins class enjoyed their first school residential experience at Burwardsley in February. The children took part in a range of activities and rounded off their stay with a sing-along by the fireside.

World Book Day 2020 What a wonderful way to celebrate World Book Day than with the grand opening of our new Tilston School Library. Our aim was to provide a high-quality learning library where children develop their reading skills and a love of reading. With the help of The School House Trustees we have achieved this. Thank you for supporting us in providing this wonderful new library for our children and the wider community. Author Visit On World Book Day, the children met Sam Kitson and Katie Faithful, author and local illustrator. It was fascinating hearing them speak about their journeys. We now have many children aspiring to be future authors! Shhh… Secret Storyteller! We rounded off our World Book Day celebrations with our very own Secret Storyteller, AKA Mrs Edwin-Scott! The TSA organised the event and provided hot chocolate and biscuits, and our parents were invited to join in the fun. Mrs Edwin-Scott is an exceptional storyteller and the children thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you!

12 Shrove Tuesday We would like to say a big thank you to both Rev Tim and Rev Norma who have already settled in well, and quickly become part of our Tilston school family. We particularly enjoyed their fun worship which involved a pancake tossing competition!

Collective Worship Our value this half term is Forgiveness. We have been talking about how God forgives us and how we need to forgive others. Our nursery and reception children led a family worship and talked about turning over a new leaf. It was lovely to welcome our families into school and share this very important message together.

Science Fair The Bishop Heber High School organised another fantastic Science Fair to celebrate British Science Week, and we were delighted to take part. Our children worked on projects during a 6 week science club, focusing on the theme ‘Our Diverse Planet’. All children across the cluster created fantastic projects. Megan Hayward achieved the Year 4 Champion award.

As we all face very uncertain times over the next few months, we want to reach out and provide support within our community. If anybody needs any support, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will happily help. Take care and stay safe everyone.

Best wishes, Kelsey Mort, Headteacher

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We aim high in our hearts and minds as we blossom in God’s garden. Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God Science Fair – Our Diverse Planet The recent Science Fair held at Bishop Heber High School was a great success. The children put in an enor- mous effort – they worked on a huge range of projects including researching the cost of fast fashion on the environment, rubbish disposal and the effects of plastics on Crosby each. The judges were very impressed with all the entries so a big well done all round. World Book Day To mark this year’s World Book Day, the children came dressed as a word! This is in line with our big drive on vocabulary throughout school. There were some amazing conversations to be heard when the children tried to guess what their friends came dressed as – not an easy task with words such as “intrepid” and “arboreal”. Visit to Oswestry School to meet some fantastic authors We visited Oswestry School to meet some really inspirational authors including former Blue Peter presenter, Konnie Huq and medal winning, wheelchair basketball player, Ade Adepitan. The younger children met Jonny Duddle and Alex Milway. It was wonderful to hear first-hand some top tips for writing and to hear what has inspired these incredible authors. Badgers Class have composed their own very special song – ‘Made For Love’ Badgers Class enjoyed a song writing workshop with vocal specialist, Helen Chetwood. The children expressed their ideas, thoughts and feelings so eloquently – here is a sneak preview of the chorus: Made for Love, made for peace. We’re all part of one big family. Made for Love, made for peace. No outsiders in God’s family. The children’s performance was filmed in our church, St Edith’s and we are just putting the final edits together showing how the song came about. Huge thanks to Mrs Cobden for doing some stunning artwork with the children – it’s going to be an impossible task deciding on the album cover! Special thanks to Church Warden and Governor, Helen Peel for allowing us use of the church, treating us all to scones, biscuits and hot chocolate and for pushing the Cholmondeley Minibus out of the mud!

14 Visit from Imran Kotwal Earlier this week, Imran Kotwal from the Muslim Learner Services led a fascinating workshop for Badgers Class on Islam. The children really enjoyed hearing about the Hajj pilgrimage, exploring artefacts and sampling dates from Saudi Arabia. Imran has since emailed us saying: “It was a pleasure to visit your school; the children were so engaged and asked really thoughtful and intelligent questions”. Book of the Month We have chosen ‘Survivors: Extraordinary tales from the wild and beyond’. This books retells the story of incredible feats of survival against the odds. Both shocking and inspiring, their tales will have readers enthralled by the resolve of the human spirit. Great for older children to read independently or to share with younger readers.

Treetops Toddler Group Treetops has had a fun filled activity month at Shocklach School with the highlight being a messy play session based on the book, ‘The Tiger Who Came To Tea’ - the children enjoyed the sensory trays with oats, jelly, cake dough and not forgetting water! ‘All the fun of the fair’ sessions have proved a big hit too with a bouncy castle, climbing frame and fair ground games. We also had a fabulous Mother’s Day session, where the children did floristry, card making and of course, making gifts for their Mummy’s!

Do ring and make an appointment if you would like to see us in action; you will be made very welcome.

With warmest regards, Mrs Kath Shephard Executive Headteacher

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