ST DAVID’S & ST OSWALD’S December 2014 We hope all our readers have a Very Happy Christmas

The Cross Country Parishes of Acton, , Wettenhall & Worleston

exhaustion, may we find time this A letter from the Vicar Christmas to come to the manger. Time to stand in awe at the Dear Friends vulnerability of God clothed in our Emmanuel flesh and lying in the manger. Here, the pain of labour rends the air after all, is the reason that we the baby’s cry grasps hold of life celebrate. Emmanuel. God with us, a mother cradles her child not just at Christmas, but throughout and bends to kiss the year. the face of God © S Anne Lawson Yours in our December 2000 Emmanuel,

It is hard to find much more to say Reverend about Christmas. This is the truth Anne about Christmas. This is the wonder that we celebrate. In some ways, it is all too simple; in others it is too profound to contemplate.

How sad that we so easily miss the profound simplicity of Christmas. Even as I write this letter in mid- November, I am conscious of the pressures which Christmas will bring. Cards to write (and design and produce if we are so inclined), presents to buy, parties and family gatherings to organise. All before we have begun to think about Carol Services, Christingle Services, Crib Services and Christmas Communions.

It is so easy to succumb to frenetic activity and bow under the pressure. It is frighteningly easy to forget the simplicity at the heart of Christmas; CONTENTS Letter………………… Page 2 the profound truth that the God who Christmas & Sunday Services…Page 3 created the heaven and the earth Wettenhall……………. Page 4-6 came among us as a helpless, School Book Launch Page 14-15 human baby. Recipe…………….. Page 18 Worleston ……………. Page 19-22 Church Minshull / Acton News Page 22-23 In the midst of our frenetic activity Contacts…………….. Page 27 and desire to celebrate to the point of Concert Photos Page 28

2 CHRISTMAS SERVICES CHRISTMAS EVE 4.00pm Crib Service at St Owald’s Worleston 5.00pm Crib Service at St David’s Wettenhall 5.00pm Crib Service at St Mary’s Acton 7.30pm Carol Service at St Bartholomew’s Church Minshull 11.30pm Midnight Communion at St Mary’s Acton

CHRISTMAS DAY 9.30am Family Communion at St Oswald’s Worleston 9.30am Family Communion at St Bartholomew’s Church Minshull 10.30am Family Communion at St David’s Wettenhall 11.00am Family Communion at St Mary’s Acton

Sunday Worship in the Cross Country Parishes

Sunday 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28 Dec. 4 Jan. Services Advent 2 Advent 3 Advent 4 Christ- Epiphany mas 1 Sunday

Wettenhall 11am 11am 6.30pm 11am 11am St David Morning Communion Carol Service United at Morning Prayer Acton Prayer

Worleston 11am 9.30am 6.30pm 11am 11am St Oswald All Age Communion Carol Service United at All Age Service Acton Service

Acton 11am 8am 6.30pm 11am 11am St Mary Eucharist Communion Carol Service United Eucharist 6.30pm 11am Eucharist 6.30pm Evening Morning Evening Prayer Prayer Prayer 6.30pm Evening Prayer Church 9.30am 7pm 11am 11am 9.30am Minshull Eucharist Evening Messy United at Eucharist St Prayer Church Acton Bartholomew

3 ST DAVID’S CHURCH, O COME ALL YE WETTENHALL FAITHFUL Visit www.wettenhallchurch.org.uk Darnhall Brownies & Guides will be Carol Singing for charity on Friday SIDESPERSONS 19th December. They will meet at 7 Dec Mrs. A. Hignett St. David's at approximately 7pm. 14 Dec Mrs. A. Brooks Anyone wishing to join the group as 21 Dec Churchwardens they continue on their way will be 28 Dec United at Acton issued with Carol sheets and 4 Jan Mrs. S. Langley obligatory Santa Hats and Scarves!

CLEANING & FLOWERS The singing continues on Sunday Dec 7 Mrs. A. Nicholas 21st December with our annual Dec 14/21 Mrs. E. Carr & Carol Service at 6.30pm . This will Mrs. A. Nicholas be followed with glasses of hot Dec28/Jan4 Mrs. A. Brooks & Family mulled wine and mince pies. Everyone is very welcome! 'WE WILL REMEMBER THEM' Many people turned out this year to On Christmas Eve at 5pm there remember those who gave their lives in will be a Crib service for all ages to war, particularly on the Centenary of get involved. the First World War. During St. David's Remembrance Service, Chris Pope On Christmas morning at projected some amazing photographs 10.30am we will celebrate the birth onto the walls as we recalled the of Jesus with a service of Holy poppies displayed at the Tower of Communion. If anyone is able to London - 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas keep one Christmas present of Red'. A powerful tribute which wrapped up and bring it captured the emotions of this country along, there will be a chance and beyond. The collection of £185 has to unwrap it during the service. been sent to further the work of the Come and join the Celebration! Royal British Legion.

ANYONE FOR COFFEE & CAKE? The first meeting in November proved to be a lovely morning of renewing friendships and meeting new neighbours over hot coffee and delicious cakes. Hopefully this will continue on the first Thursday of each month - apart from January when we will move on a week to January 8th.

Please make a note in your diary for the December 'Coffee & Cake' morning from 10am -12noon on December 4th. Just drop in for as little or as long as you want. Everyone of any age is very welcome!

4 CONGRATULATIONS TO.... Daniel Alexander Sarah (nee Nicholas) and Dan Daniel Leather Edwards on the birth of their baby Danielle Butler daughter Alice on 6th November. A Emily Drinkall baby sister for Isabelle. Emily Williamson Emma Revill Honor Nixon James Brunt Josie Cowap Monty Alexander Romilly Tomlinson Ruby Leather William Ablard Jack Latham

Centre and Life School News Magazine will publish this Gardening Club Success exciting news in the December Congratulations to Calveley or January issue. Gardening Club! They have won the award for ‘School Garden This award is testament to the of the Year 2014’ and received hard work and dedication shown a £1000 voucher to spend in by every member of gardening Gordale Garden Centre. This is club (adults and children) - an incredible achievement which WELL DONE TO YOU ALL! A is well deserved! Children, special thank you to Anni and parents and carers have worked Gromitt who have led garden hard to create a colourful, club since it started last year. friendly space within the school They both show an endless grounds that excites the amount of energy when it imagination and stimulates the comes to teaching the children senses and that’s exactly what about protecting and they’ve achieved! The award was preserving our wildlife and presented on Thursday 6 th countryside. November at Gordale Garden

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DARNHALL AND WETTENHALL WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Between the October and November meeting the Annual Hot Pot Supper was held which as usual was a great success. Everyone enjoyed the Hot Pot supplied by Foodcraft.

The November meeting which was also the Annual General Meeting took place in the Village Hall. This year we had been pleased to see an increase in members. The officers made their annual reports. One of our newer members has joined the committee and was welcomed aboard by the president Jean Hitchen. Carman McCleary thanked the committee for all their hard work.

A Willow Weaving class had taken place at since the last meeting and members had enjoyed making Christmas Decorations and Small Baskets. A Flower Arranging class is arranged for later in the month. The Institute Darts match will take place later in the month.

The speaker for the evening was Peter Turner who talked about life ‘Through the Eyes of a Magician’. This made everyone take notice and a number of members joined in to assist with the Magic.

This was followed by a supper of Cheese and Pate. The Christmas party will be held in December.

On the 11 th November a Bingo Evening was held. The theme of the evening was Christmas and it was very good to see many new faces along with the regulars. Everyone was thanked for taking part whether playing or donating raffle prizes

Non members are welcome to come along to any of our meetings. More details on activities can be obtained from 01270 528367.

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7 A message from St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice “Did you know that you could buy your Christmas tree and contribute toward patient care for your local hospice? Our wonderful trees are freshly cut in Scotland and come down to us at the very end of November. They are all premium grade and fabulous quality, non-dropping varieties”

Trees are available from the hospice on Queensway from Saturday 29th November until 14th December 10-4pm They will also be available at our Santa Dash at Oulton Park Racing Circuit on Sunday 7th December between 10-4pm

DID YOU KNOW WE CAN COLLECT YOUR TREE AFTER CHRISTMAS? We have a Christmas tree re-cycling scheme which offers a valuable service whilst supporting patient care. For a donation we will collect your tree from your home (we also do business premises/schools etc) and arrange for it to be mulched with the shredding being used locally. Last year we raised over £6,000 from this initiative and we hope to increase it further this year. Registration is done online and is very simple. Just click onto www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/tree It really is as simple as 1 -2 - tree. Any questions please call Jane Thompson on 01606 555688 or 07964 394963

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10 11 GRANTS BUTCHERS

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13 ST OSWALD'S SCHOOL BOOK LAUNCH

During a week which brought many tributes from around the World to the forces that died during the First World War, St Oswald's School children produced their own commemoration in a wonderful book of poems, writing and art. St Oswald’s Church hosted a highly successful launch of the book during an evening of readings and singing from that time. The evening was extremely well supported with visitors from the parish and elsewhere.

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17 It's not quite clear who won but that was CROSS COUNTRY EVENING not an issue.

Afterwards we had supper at the nearby On November 13th more than thirty Pizza Hut and John Hamblin tasted, and people from the Cross Country parishes enjoyed, his first ever pizza - not bad at enjoyed an evening of bowls at the 90 years old ! Phoenix Leisure Park in . There was much enthusiasm, if not an excess of Many thanks to Joyce Percival for expertise but a good time was had by all. organising this event.

NANTWICH DEANERY SYNOD the chaplaincy. In a nutshell it 'brings light to the end of the tunnel', giving support to

the farming community in difficult times. He The meeting took place on Monday 3rd gave us some moving case studies of November at St Matthew's, . people who had received help. He

hoped that PCCs might think about The Revd. Tim Watson introduced himself donating to the chaplaincy's work. and his new post of Pioneer

Minister, licensed to the Deanery for one After business items the meeting closed year. The post takes responsibility for the with Compline, led by our vicar, 'Restore' Project at Christ Church, Crewe. the Revd Anne Lawson. Tim hopes to use the building in new ways as a witness to the wider Future meetings: community and to grow disciples. 10 Feb 2015 St Margaret's

6 May 2015 St David's Wettenhall Canon Keith Ineson, Agricultural 16 November 2015 St Peter's Crewe Chaplain, then spoke about the work of

RECIPE 1 egg Five-minute chocolate mug-cake 3 tablespoons milk This really does work, and if you are 3 tablespoons vegetable oil fraught with festive cooking, then 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) this will fill a gap. Can be used as a quick Splash of vanilla extract pudding as well. Serves 2. Add all dry ingredients to the mug. Mix well. You need a large mug or tall plastic Add egg, Mix well beaker or glass jug. It needs to be Pour in milk and oil. Mix well microwavable. The cake will rise to the Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. top. Put in microwave. Cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. For 8000 4 tablespoons self-raising flour watts, add another 30 seconds. 4 tablespoons sugar Allow to cool. Nice with cream or ice cream 2 tablespoons cocoa for a quick pudding.

18 Worleston Women’s Institute

The AGM, Committees, Cake and Crafts

When the Worleston ladies met during November, it was for their Annual General Meeting and Produce Show. President Annita Grunner opened the meeting by welcoming members, Jean Cornes (WI Judge) and Eileen Bourne, (Teller). Unlike the Annual General Meeting, the Worleston Produce Show only takes place every two years so the ladies had all been working hard to produce home-made bakes, preserves and crafts for their show. While Jean Cornes and Karen Harvey (Steward) judged the show entries in a separate room, President Annita opened the monthly meeting. Kath Nixon gave Group event details and a report from her last Malbank Group meeting. Kath thanked everyone for their support during her time as Group Representative. Invitations were received from other WI groups and for Christmas events. The Worleston Christmas meal is booked. The Bridge group are enjoying their meetings and have some very good players, the Darts group are due to play their first competitive match of the year and the scrabble group are enjoying their games and are due to play again at Hatherton. The Drama group has entertained Woodnoth and Shavington WI with their version of “Not Strictly Dancing” and are now busy planning and rehearsing their New Year performance. Arrangements are in place for the ladies, families and friends to visit the Manchester Palace Theatre to see Barnum. Thanks to Ann Fletton for all her hard work in arranging the theatre trips and Worleston social events. When the Monthly business was complete, President Annita began the Annual General Meeting by inviting the Worleston Treasurer and Secretary to give their annual reports, both of which were accepted, proposed and seconded by members. President Annita then gave her own annual report and thanked the 2014 Committee for their work and support and Carol Hocknell for the welcome and support that Worleston WI always receives at “The Pinfold”. After the reports had been received, the Teller announced the results of the presidential vote which confirmed Annita Grunner as Worleston WI President for 2015. Congratulations to President Annita for her second term of office. After the formal business was completed, the ladies enjoyed a light-hearted game of “beetle” while the WI Judge prepared to announce the Produce Show results. Most members entered into the spirit of the show with home-made entries. There were five produce categories and five craft categories. The overall winner of the Produce section was Annita Grunner, with Ros Lea (second) and Sue Kaufman (third). The overall winner of the Craft section was Linda Smith, with Ros Lea (second) and Annita Grunner (third). The Best in Show was won by Jeanne Soddy with a home-made Christmas card. President Annita thanked Jean Cornes for her judging and feedback on show entries and also thanked Eileen Bourne for her assistance as Teller. The monthly competition was won by Margaret Janes with a ladle. The Worleston ladies enjoy a variety of regular activities, crafts and social occasions, frequently including friends and families. Visitors and new members are always welcome at Worleston WI. We are a very active and sociable mixed-age group, meeting at 7.15pm on the second Wednesday each month at “The Pinfold Centre”, Wettenhall Road, Poole, Nantwich, CW5 6AL. Details from President Annita Grunner, tel: 01270-629164.

19 ST OSWALDS CHURCH, REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY WORLESTON

Visit www.worlestonchurch.org.uk This year has been a special year of

SIDESMEN remembrance and on Remembrance 7th Dec. Mr & Mrs P Callwood Sunday a packed church was 14th Mrs A Fletton evidence that people have been 21st 11.ooam Mr M Alexander touched by all the commemorations 6.30pm Mrs I Burnley taking place nationally. The church 24th Mr M Alexander had been beautifully decorated for the 25th Churchwardens book launch which took place a few days before. The children of St FLOWER ROTA Oswald's Worleston have published 20th Dec. Flower arranging group their own book about WW1. This was CHURCH CLEANING on display. December Mrs J Grocott January Mrs M Booth & Mrs P Stalker At the service we were joined by our friends from the Methodist chapel and their District Superintendant, the Belated Revd Malcolm Lorimer was the preacher. CONGRATULATIONS To Geoff Darlington on his 70th It was commented on that the sad list birthday. You are now a member of read out, of those from this small the “more mature” group. rural parish who lost their lives in the two World Wars was very long. Worleston Village Hall The build completion date is now £200 from the collection taken was December 8 th , and construction of the car forwarded to the Royal British Legion. park for 70 cars will begin shortly. We will remember them. We are able to receive bookings starting on 1 st January 2015 so please consider us for childrens parties , birthdays and any other celebrations. Any local interest groups will be given first priority for bookings.

Early in the new year we hope to organise group taster sessions to give people the opportunity to experience the facilities available in the new hall. Please contact: Harry 01270 611465 or Louise 01270 623364 for further information.

20 St Oswald's Church Worleston Christmas Carol Service

Sunday 21st December 6.30 pm

Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols To be followed by Mulled Wine and Mince Pies

All are cordially invited.

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21 St Oswald’s Worleston School News During the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War there have been numerous events to honour those who sacrificed their lives so that others could live in peace and freedom. 'Not Only Ourselves' is a thought provoking collection of creative writing and artwork developed by the children of St Oswald’s CE Primary School in Years 3-6. The book is the culmination of months of work and collaboration between school, local artist Sue Heap and local author Tanya Ravenswater and was supported financially by The School House Trust.

The children worked with Tanya using authentic photographs, first-hand accounts and artefacts as a stimulus for writing and discovered that nature and animals paid a huge price during the conflict alongside human casualties. Every child took part and expressed themselves in their preferred format. They chose to write from a range of viewpoints and used their imagination to go beyond the facts and figures of WW1 delving to the heart of what it felt like to be really there. Working alongside local artist Sue the children created stunning mixed media collages illustrating the themes explored in their writing.

The book was launched at a special Remembrance event at St Oswald's Church which was well attended. Parents, children, local residents, Cllr Rachel Bailey, members of the Rotary Club, the Cheshire Headteachers group and the Royal British Legion enjoyed an evening of art, recitals, readings from the book, WW1 poetry, WW1 music played and sung by the children and also singer Jane Wallen. One of the highlights of the evening was provided by former soldier, Terry Edge, who dressed as an authentic WW1 soldier, allowing members of the audience to have hands on experience of carrying a real backpack and rifle. A wonderful display of artefacts also enhanced the authenticity of the evening.

Head teacher, Fiona Todd, said " The whole project has been an outstanding success and has enriched the children's learning not only about WW1 but also about the processes writers have to go through before their work is published

Church Minshull News CAROLS AROUND THE TREE

St Bartholomew’s “Carols around the Tree “ will take place this year on THURS- DAY 11 TH DECEMBER .Doors open at 7pm, with the singing starting at 7.30 A good rousing start to Christmas for all the family , led by The Co-operative Fu- neral Care(North West) Brass Band. Seasonal drinks at regular intervals through the evening.

22 News From Acton LADIES WHO LUNCH IN DECEMBER An increasing number of Ladies are now meeting at 12.30pm each month for lunch and time to relax and chat over a hearty warm bowl of soup, sandwiches and a coffee for £10.00 Why not come along, no need to book, just put the dates in your diary and come if you can. The Royal Oak at Worleston on Wednesday 10th of December.

PRAISE & PLAY For pre-school children and their carers. Songs, stories, games and a chat. We meet every other Wednesday at 09.15 in St. Mary’s Church, Acton. The next dates are, 3 rd December and 17 th December. We’d love to see you. Please contact Tracy Foster on 01270-626802 for further information.

MORE THINKING ABOUT CHRISTMAS Party lovers in Acton look forward to their Christmas Party in Acton Parish Hall on Friday 12th of December from 7.00 pm. Don't miss this annual display of local talent, Christmas games, a Fork Supper and lots of festive fun, all for £10.00 Book a place or table by ringing Joyce on 01270 624158

It won't be a "Silent Night" Thursday 18th of December is the date for our annual Carol singing when we hope to gather in "The Star" to raise the roof as we sing all the traditional and favourite carols to put you in the Christmas spirit. Invite a friend to come with you or if you require transport ring Philip or Joyce on 01270 624158.

Nantwich Christian Council will be providing lunch on Christmas Day for anyone who would otherwise be alone. This is served in Nantwich Methodist Church and transport can be provided. Do you know anyone who may like to be invited to this special lunch?

From St Mary's Acton we help by providing transport and volunteers and also by giving the mince pies which the guests enjoy after lunch and if we have enough they are able to take one home to have for their tea. Offers of help or mince pies to Joyce Percival 01270 624158

The Nantwich Christian Council also fill "Bags of Joy" for the patients who will be in Leighton Hospital over Christmas, if you have any small toiletries, tissues, chocolates, games etc. which will fit into a small bag, we will have a collection box in Church throughout December.

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24 25 St Oswald's Church Worleston

CRIB SERVICE

A short service at the crib for all ages.

Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December 4.00 pm

CheshireBright Specialist Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Trained and highly experienced technicians Professional and local service Free no obligation quotation and survey Tel: 01270 628 423 Mob: 0791 390 3595 Email: [email protected]

26 CONTACTS FOR BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS etc are as follows:

Rev’d Anne Lawson 01270 628864 The Vicarage, Road, Acton, Cheshire CW5 8LG Email [email protected] Parish Office Open at the Vicarage - Tuesday & Thursday - 9.30am - 12 noon

Licensed Readers: Isobel Burnley 624521 [email protected] Ann Nicholas 528273 [email protected]

St David’s Parish Office Holders St Oswald’s Churchwardens Mr R Nicholas 528273 Mr M Alexander 624404 Mr R Brooks 528278 Mrs I Burnley 624521 PCC Secretaries Mrs H Pope 528755 Mrs J Grocott PCC Treasurers Mr M Cookson 528456 Mr G Heap 620199 Organists Mr R Nicholas 528273 Mr G Heap 620199 Magazine Reps Ann Nicholas 528273 Pat Stalker 625381 www.wettenhallchurch.org.uk www.worlestonchurch.org.uk CW7 4DN CW5 6DR

LADIES WHO LUNCH A point of View

Tuesday 10th December at If you don't read the newspaper The Royal Oak, Worleston you are uninformed, if you do 12.30pm read the newspaper you are misinformed. -- Mark Twain Cost: £10 (No need to book) .

When you contact one of our advertisers please mention that you found them in our magazine.

All copy for the next Magazine must be with Donald Brockbank (01606 593651) at [email protected] or your parish rep NO LATER THAN Friday 5th December. For advertising contact Roger on 01270-528273

This magazine is printed for us by Delmar Press Ltd, Nantwich. 01270-624122

27 Back Row Singers in Concert at St David’s Wettenhall

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