October 2013

THE UNITED BENEFICE OF ST OSWALD, MALPAS WITH ST JOHN, THREAPWOOD AND HOLY TRINITY, BICKERTON

Parish News October 2013

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS Printed by Bishop Heber School

WHO TO CONTACT IN THE BENEFICE

Rector : Curate: Canon Ian Davenport The Revd Antony Dutton The Rectory, Church Street 7, Barnmoore Close, Malpas. SY14 8PP Malpas SY14 8HR Telephone: 01948 860 922 Telephone: 01948 861 226 Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected]. ST. OSWALD’S MALPAS & ST. JOHN’S THREAPWOOD Reader Emeritus: Verger: Brian Kimmitt 01948 860 309 Bob Carter 01948 861 017

Email: [email protected] Director Of Music: Church Wardens: Stewart Smith c/o 01948 860 922 Pauline Plumb 01948 861 345 Tower Bell Ringing Bill Witter 01948 770 277 Tower Captain: PCC Secretary: Stan Lloyd 01948 860 637 Carol Fletcher 01948 861 152 Ringing Master PCC Treasurer: Ben Kellett Margaret Bennion 01948 861 109 Friends of St. Oswald’s: Gift Aid Secretary: David Brooks 01948 860 287 Brian Fletcher 01948 861 152 Flower Rota: Mothers Union: Noreen Hodkinson 01948 860 371 Pauline Plumb 01948 861 345

ST. JOHN’S THREAPWOOD Church Wardens: as above The Friends of St John’s: Gill Edwards 01948 770694 PCC Rep: Sir Jonathon Clark 01948 770205

The Threapwood Community Group: Sue Pickering 01948 770236

HOLY TRINITY BICKERTON

Church Wardens: PCC Secretary: Dicken Cracroft 01829 720425 Anne Cracroft 01829 720425 Brian Jeffcoat 01829 782311 Mothers Union: PCC Treasurer & Gift Aid: Kate Holland 01829 261153 Mike Voisey 01829 782287 Flower Rota: Organist Kate Holland 01829 261153 Rachel Hall

Parish Letter for July 2013 Dear All, Egypt and Syria dominate the news at the moment and so many have already died and so many suffer horribly . The world waits to hear what the next step will mean not only for the peoples of that very troubled part of the world but also for everyone else. Many ask “what can we do”. Part of the Christian response is to pray and that we do in church and in our own private prayer times. I believe that prayer as someone once said is the most powerful force in the world. What do we pray for though I was asked in the High Street in Malpas. My reply was twofold. Firstly, that a peaceful and right solution can be found not only to the particular situa- tions in Egypt and Syria but also in the other troubled parts of the world and that the hearts of the people of violence can be turned to the creation of a new world order where no one nation preys on another and secondly that that world is a place in which all people have a part to play. We should also pray for those who have much power through out the world and those who, as a result of the position that they hold can influence the course of events in the world. Prayer need not be complicated but should come from the heart. The call is for much prayer to be of- fered as humanity stands at yet another crossroads. The other part of the Christian response (and part of all peoples response of all beliefs and non) is to be peaceable people ourselves and to always look to the good in everyone. We should seek the highest good and work actively as people of peace to do our own bit in our own way to make the society we live in a happy place where everyone feels wanted and valued. Everyone has the right to be happy .

I often use these words and perhaps you can make them your own too “ Lord we pray for a peace that is not just the absence of war but the creation of a world in which all have a part to play.”

Your friend and Rector, Ian. CHORAL EVENSONG 6TH OCTOBER at 6.30pm at ST OSWALD’S Sung by Vox Vocavit conducted by James Hall

Mary Needhan wishes to thank everybody who supported and gave so generously to the Cheese and Wine party held at Ebnal House on the 23rd August - in aid of the Alzheimer's Association. The effort raised £1,700.

Alan and Paul from the Rowans in Threapwood would like to thank all those who visited their garden, donated cakes, or the brilliant team who helped with refreshments and the organiza- tion of their National Garden Scheme open weekend on the 13th and 14th of July. Thanks to all their efforts we raised an amazing £1584 for NGS charities and £465 for Hope House Childrens Hospice, a total of £2049, our best ever figures. Again a big Thank You to all, without your support this would not have been possible.

The United Benefice of St Oswald Malpas, St John Threapwood, and Holy Trinity Bickerton Services for October 2013

Morning Prayer is usually said from Monday to Thursday at 8 30am at St Oswald's. Holy Communion is celebrated each Tuesday at 7 00pm and on Wednesday at 10am and on major feast days at St Oswald's.

Sunday 6th October The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity 8 00am Holy Communion at St Oswald's 9 30am Holy Communion at St John's 11 00am Mattins at Holy Trinity 11 00am Parish Communion with Baptism at St Oswald's 12 30pm Baptism at St Oswald's 6 30pm Choral Evensong at St Oswald's

Sunday 13th October The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity 8 00am Holy Communion at St Oswald's 9 30 am Parish Communion at Holy Trinity 11 00am HARVEST FAMILY SERVICE AT ST OSWALD'S 6 30pm Evening Prayer at St Oswald's

Sunday 20th October The Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity 8 00 am Holy Communion at St Oswald's 9 30am Parish Communion at St John's 11 00am Parish Communion at Holy Trinity 11 00am Parish Communion at St Oswald's 6 30pm Evening Prayer at St Oswald's.

Sunday 27th October The Last Sunday after Trinity Bible Sunday. 8 00am Holy Communion at St Oswald's 9 30am Parish Communion at Holy Trinity Guest Preacher. The Archdeacon of Halifax 1100am Parish Communion at St Oswald's Guest Preacher The Archdeacon of Halifax 6 30pm Evening Prayer at St Oswald's

REMINDER British Summer time ends at 2.00am on 27th October. Clocks should be put back one hour on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

MALPAS & THREAPWOOD NEWS

MALPAS AMATEUR MALPAS FIELD CLUB GARDENERS The next meeting of Malpas Field Club will As Autumn takes charge we look for guid- be on Wednesday 9th October (7.45 pm) at ance to continue interest and extend the gar- Malpas High Street Church SY14 8PR. dening season. In a change to our original The popular speaker Idris Evans will be re- programme, we have Anne Harrison from turning for his fourth visit, this time to tell Reaseheath College coming to talk to our us about ‘The Dee: The most sacred river in group on the 10th of October, at 7.30pm at Europe’. Malpas High Street Church. The theme is Autumn Colours, and no doubt Anne will The Club has arranged a varied programme give us all inspiration for this special time of for its 2013/14 season, covering subjects year. Admission is only £1 for members and such as ‘The Treasures of the Cheshire £2 for non-members, this includes refresh- Countryside’, ‘Cheshire’s Airfields’, ments and a free raffle! ‘Malpas and the Great War 1914-1918’, and ‘Backyard Beasties’. A special visitor Do not forget your flower of the month and next April will be Chester‟s Town Crier the competition is a homemade paperweight. with a lively entertainment entitled ‘For crying out loud!’. Meetings are open to all. Please come along and support your local For information about Field Club member- friendly garden group, we look forward to ship and activities please contact David greeting friends old and new. Further details Hayns (secretary) on (01948) 860486 da- contact Alan or Paul on 01948 770522. [email protected]

MALPAS LADIES CHOIR Malpas Ladies Choir ended their year in July with a farewell party for their Musical Director David Hayns. The new year started last week with new Musical Director Steve Roberts. We were all pleased to be singing once more and looking forward to our next public performance.

New members are very welcome to join us in the High Street Church ,Tuesday evenings at 7pm If you would like more information please call. Brenda Cappaert 01948 820 388

CHORLTON AND CUDDINGTON WI

We have enjoyed a good summer, with a marvellous garden tour to Kent, a day out to the Derwen Garden Centre, a guided tour of Bryngwyn Hall, Powys and we supported a N.G.S. garden opening in Threapwood. In August Les Pichford told us how to draw cartoons and on September 4th Peter Ashbuner entertained us with stories and samples of his antiques business. Next month, on October 2nd, Laurie March will speak about “Fresh Produce and Farmers Markets” at 7.15pm at our hall in Chorlton and everyone is welcome.

High Street Church

Malpas

Our Sunday morning services are at 10.45am followed by coffee. Or visit our coffee mornings at 10-11.30 on the 1st Saturday of each month. Having said farewell to our Minister Rev Jenny Arthurs in July we now welcome Rev. Rob Weir (01948 663936) to High Street Church

Messy Church If you enjoy crafts, food and fun, with family and friends, why not join us at our next Messy Church on Sunday 27th November from 4.00-5.30pm. All welcome! Led by members of High Street Methodist/URC and Malpas Elim Community Church (Call 01948 860608 for more info)

A.HUGHES & CO

SUPPLIERS OF FRESH EGGS & CHEESE

WEST END POULTRY FARM MALPAS

Telephone MALPAS 860433

The Jubilee Hall - Your Village Hall

Or to give the full correct title “The Malpas Victoria Jubilee Hall”. Built from public subscription to commemorate Queen Victoria‟s Jubilee, it is often easy to forget and take for granted how much this wonderful facility has and still does contribute to the communal and social life of our village. It is your Hall.

Malpas would be a much poorer place to live, without this building, but like all things, it comes at a cost. Held as a charitable trust for the use of the village, it has been run by volun- teer committees since it was built. These committees have been charged with financing the ever on-going maintenance, repairs and updating over the years and have had to rely totally on the monies from renting the rooms out, continuous fund raising events and from gener- ous individuals making donations. There are an amazingly diverse range of clubs, societies and organisations thriving in Malpas, using the Hall regularly throughout the year and without them the Jubilee Hall would not be able to continue.

As a committee we have a balancing act to perform in trying to keep rental costs to a mini- mum and yet maintain a decent and reasonable facility for all of us to use. All of us will be aware of the impact on our family budgets over the last couple of years as living costs have rocketed and the Jubilee Hall is no exception in suffering from the inroads made into income.

We have an old inefficient gas central heating system for example, with crude temperature controls which on occasions seems to make the building too hot or too cold. Our gas costs have nearly doubled and further increases are in the pipeline. Short of replacing it, and we cannot afford that, there is not a lot we can do but live with it for the next few years. Over 28% of our income goes on gas and electricity. In the meantime of more pressing concern is the leaking roof which will be our priority, provided our bid for a matched funding grant comes through. Whilst the scaffolding is up, we will at the same time be painting the outside of the building.

Further work will get rid of the carpets in the downstairs rooms and replace with a more eas- ily cleaned surface material, redecorating and repair everywhere and the provision of better lighting systems. All dependent upon availability of funding from grants of course.

To continue to run and maintain the Hall we have reluctantly concluded we have no choice but to increase hiring charges and will be applying these increases from the 1st Jan. 2014. Letters advising of these increases will be sent out to all existing users in due course.

We sincerely hope to be able to rely on the continued support of all users of the Hall over the coming years. Your feed back on any problems concerning the Hall to members of the committee, are welcome and essential.

Without you, Malpas would be without a village Hall.

Jubilee Hall Committee Sept 2013

Wright Manley

Auctioneers – Valuers – Surveyors – Land & Estate Agents

A complete professional service to all sectors of real estate based at five offices And one of the county’s largest livestock markets at Beeston providing a comprehensive service to the whole of Cheshire, North Shropshire, and North Wales 

Residential sales of urban and rural houses conducted by private treaty or by public auction. Surveys for Building Societies, Banks and major lending institutions RICS House buy- ers Reports by Chartered Surveyors Rural estate management department specialising in the sale of farms, estates and land by public auction and private treaty. 

Valuations for probate, compulsory acquisitions, tax purposes, planning, tenant right and other allied purposes Negotiations with the Valuation Offices as required 

Regular sales of stock, horses and implements at Beeston which operates four days a week 

Monthly sales of Pedigree and Unregistered Holstein and Friesian dairy cattle. Large Herd dispersal sales conducted throughout England and Wales at individual farms 

Collective sales of antiques and modern furniture at Beeston 

Other aspects appertaining to land, stock and chattel ownership

A complete professional service from modern, progressive firm of independent specialists

HEAD OFFICE 63 HIGH STREET, TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE Tel: 01829 731300 Fax: 01829 733878

Other offices at: Beeston Livestock Market: Tel 01829 262100 6/8 Watergate Street, Chester: Tel 01244 317833 137 Nantwich Road, Crewe: Tel 01270 255396 56 High Street, Nantwich: Tel 01270 625410 16 Watergate, Whitchurch: Tel 01948 662281

THE BEECHES PRE-SCHOOL Edge Village Hall, Edge, Nr Malpas

We are a community-based, OFSTED registered pre-school in a wonderful rural setting, accepting children aged 2-5 years for early years care and education.

We offer a play-based, inclusive curriculum in a friendly, safe and secure environment.

Open 8.30-3.00 Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday and till 1.00 Monday. We have an experienced staff, led by a qualified teacher. Our children come from a wide local area, and we feed into all the local schools. For further information please contact Sue Anderson on 01948 820 775 or 07506 994 550 or feel free to call in for a visit at any time.

Inspect our “Good” OFSTED report at www.OFSTED.gov.uk

MALPAS PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council warmly welcome the initiative to develop Malpas as a DEMENTIA FRIENDLY COMMUNITY. The Cheshire West Clinical Commissioning consortium, supported by the team at Laurel Bank and a range of local people will be advancing plans for Malpas. Cllrs Sue Norwood, Martin Shakleton and John Webb have agreed to lead this work on behalf of the Parish Council. More details will be provided at the Farmers Market on 21st September. For more information come along to the open meeting later in the year, the date will be confirmed shortly. Better still, if you want to get involved with this important work contact any of the Cllrs involved.

The Council has established a working group to create a number of ALLOTMENTS. There is a fair amount of work to do before plots will be available, however it is hoped that AL- LOTMENTS should be available for rent in the New Year. Please register your interest with Ruth Jacks [email protected] or contact Cllr Paul Austin for details– see ad on page 39. The Parish Council is supporting the Fair Share for Rural Communities campaign. This National campaign calls on government to adjust the spending settlement, which sees urban areas receiving 50% more support per head than rural areas, this despite higher costs in rural service delivery. This is an all party campaign. Copies of the petition are available in Londis, the Dry Cleaning Company and Laurel Bank Surgery. PLEASE SIGN AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.

Planning Update. There are a number of important planning decisions being considered by CWaC, these include a 35 metre Wind Turbine at Ebnal Grange. At our September meeting the Council having listened to detailed objections, voted to oppose this development. The Parish Council has supported the proposal by the Co operative to develop the Old Smithy Garage; their revised plans will involve demolition of the old MOT workshop and a major rebuild, to provide a new convenience store. In supporting the development the Parish Council will be seeking some assurance, from the company regarding elements of the build that will impact on its neighbours. The Parish Council have received notification that the application for up to 35 houses, at Well Meadow, has been rejected by CWaC. An application for 43 houses, with land for a new GP practice has been submitted to CWaC and will be considered shortly by the Parish Council. CWaC have published their draft Local Plan, which will be considered by the Parish Council at a special meeting – Date to be notified. This important document sets the framework for development across the Borough. A drop in session has been arranged by CWaC on Wednes- day 25th September 1pm – 6pm in the Jubilee hall. Please do drop in and make both CWaC and the Parish Council aware of your views. Spurred on by the progress made by colleagues in Tattenhall, The Malpas and Overton Neighbourhood Plan steering group have decided to accelerate publication of our own draft plan. This will give us some real control over all planning and developments in the area. To make progress the Steering Group are planning to pay for some additional professional in- puts from IBI Taylor Young. However an extra £7,000 additional funding is required. Are

you able to help by making a contribution? If so please send a cheque payable to:

Malpas Parish Council to Ruth Jacks, at Broselake Cottage, Greenway Lane, SY14 8DE; make a BACCS payment to Lloyds TSB; Account Name: Malpas Parish Council Sort Code: 30-99-95 Account Number: 00898499

If you want more details please ring Cllr Chris Whitehurst on 01948 860333, or Cllr John Webb on 01948 861019.

Finally, the Parish Council is determined to become more accessible to all people in Malpas and to make its priorities and achievements clear. These will be published shortly. If you have ideas of how we can improve life in Malpas please do let us know. All our Council meetings are open to members of the Public and the Parish Council have arranged to hold an additional advice/information session each month, from 6pm on the evening of the Council meeting. So if you want to raise any matters with us, please call in to talk to a Councillor, come along to a Parish Council Meeting, or make contact with us via the website www.malpaschesire.co.uk

MALPAS FLOWER CLUB It was with deep sadness that we heard arrangements on songs from the past which of the death of a senior member, Mrs. Pat she played and interspersed with facts of the Paton. Mrs. Paton was a member for relevant dates which reminded us of milk at many years and was loved and respected 5d a pint, 3d to post a letter, the introduction by us all. She was a very talented lady in of crimplene, plastic and washing machines so many ways and an example to us all in and fridges in the 1960‟s and a sliced loaf was her willingness to take her part in the life 1s 8d and car tax £25! As we all say, those of the village. were the days! As well as nostalgic tunes, The memory of her courage and happy Jackie‟s mechanics were combined with beau- disposition will remain with us. tifully crafted models of musical instruments. All in all we shared a relaxed and colourful As Isobel Listern had injured her back she afternoon together. Our next meeting will be was unable to demonstrate at the January held on 18 February when we hope that Isobel meeting but fortunately she was able to Listern will be recovered from her injury. change with Jackie Charnock who was due to come in February. It is hard to recall now We are now preparing for our annual Day but there was considerable snow on the Event on 4 March when our after lunch speak- ground and we wondered who would man- er will be the Head Gardener from Erddig, age to attend. We need not have worried as Glyn Smith, who will speak about the hall, the there was a good audience of brave souls to family and the gardens. welcome Jackie whose title was“In the Mood” Jackie based her Audrey Schofield

Julian Meeting 2nd September 2013

When you look at yourself and the world about you with as objective and dispassionate an eye as you can, do you see both as phenomena to be understood, analysed and classified in a logical scientific way; or do you view what you see with a sense of awe? Do you have a sense of mystery? Mystery is a word with a past. In ancient Greece the mysteries were initia- tion ceremonies through which the initiates gained a secret knowledge of divine things and entered into what was holy and timeless. They were not allowed to speak of what they had learned. Later, not long before the birth of Christ, the word had come to have a different meaning. It had come to mean a particular way of approaching reality through the use of our intui- tive, as well as our intellectual, faculties; the belief that much of philosophy, art, poetry and music are inspired by a sense of something that lies beyond and unseen, something over and above the world as we perceive it with our five senses, though interwoven with it. God is the “beyond” in our midst and this consciousness of the “beyond” is present in all of us, often in an intense form. “Mysteries”, it has been said, “are not truths that lie beyond us; they are truths that comprehend us.” But which we do not comprehend. Let me name just some of them: timeless, daily human mysteries we can‟t escape. The mystery that you are uniquely you. Then there is the mystery of your birth, a miracle that is truly mind-blowing. And what about the mystery of the relationship between two persons that results in both being changed and enhanced over time. That brings us to the mystery of love which enables us to give completely of ourselves to others and experience the joy of service and self-fulfilment. And in every life the painful experiences of sickness, undeserved pain, failure, accident, death which leave us ask- ing “why” – and learning to expect no very satisfying answer. And there is the mystery of evil and how, by what is called redemption its poison may be countered and even good brought out of it. The mystics across the centuries unite in believing that the world of matter, the world per- ceived by our five senses is only a partial aspect of reality. They claim that the material world is pervaded by, and finds its explanation in, a transcendent reality: that is to say, a reality that surpasses or goes beyond itself; that underlying all we are and know is a Divine Ground. This transcendent reality was known to the Chinese as the Tao, to Buddhists as the Void, to Hindus as the Brahman, to Muslims as the Reality; and to Christians as the Godhead or the Supreme Being. Hence, when I try to analyse who or what I am, I am conscious of experiencing two worlds: a visible material world outside me which I make mine by using my eyes, ears, hands and brain; and an invisible inner world which is utterly different and which consists of my thoughts and feelings. I can only make sense of what I feel about myself and how my outer and inner world relate if for this mystery I use the word “God”.

The next Meeting is on Monday October 7th at 7.30pm in the Rectory.

Brian Fletcher

From the Registers around the Benefice

.Baptisms Funerals. 4th August George M Millington May they rest in peace Megan C Millington Georgia M Downey 19th July Mary Hewitt (St John‟s) Martha E Pinnington 18th August Phoenix J Tinsley 5th August Michael Goodwin 1st September Matilda C Robinson-Lea (Holy Trinity)

Weddings 21st August Liz Piper 8th August (burial at Holy Trinity) Michael R Parker & Kristina M Beresford 30th August 5th September Phyllis Salmon Sam Glynn and Sarah A E Sanderson-Naidoo (Holy Trinity) 31st August Michael R Ibbotson & Andrea C Walls

St Oswald's Flower Rota for October High Altar*Table/Memorial Shelf * Brereton Chapel October 6th Rose Roberts ...Gail Craddock ...May Rolands October 13th Harvest Festival October 20th….. Rose Roberts ...Gail Craddock ...May Rolands October 27th & Jane Toosey Ann Proudlove . Sue Griffith November 3rd….

BORDERS SINGERS CONCERT

The Border Singers are giving a concert in St. Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch on 16th No- vember to celebrate the centenary of Britten and the feast day of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.

The evening will include Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia, works by Durufle, Paul Mealor and Morten Lauridsen together with an organ recital by Geoffrey Walker. Contact 01829 250534 for more details or see www.bordersingers.org.uk

MALPAS MOTHER’S UNION MEETINGS

Tuesday 8th October in the Jubilee Hall 2.00pm + raffle- “Virtual babies” by Alison Neil.

Tuesday 5th November Supper evening at Mrs Harvey‟s at 7.30pm + raffle

St Oswald’s News October

Saturday 5th October Nantwich choral Society „Singing Day‟ 9.30am – 4.30 pm at St Oswald‟s

Sunday 6th October 6.30 pm Choral Evensong at St Oswald‟s sung by Vox Vocavit. Conductor James Hall, organist Stewart Smith.

Monday 7th October. Julian Prayer Group. 7.30 pm at the Rectory. For details phone Brian Fletcher 861152

Tuesday 8th October MU in the Jubilee Hall 2.00 pm

Sunday 27th October Bible Sunday preacher at 11.00 am The Archdeacon of Halifax, The Venerable Anne Dawtry.

Saturday 21st December St Oswald’s church choir will sing Evensong in Chester Cathe- dral, 4.15 pm in the Quire.

Carol Fletcher

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Shoe box appeal Malpas

Would you like to bring happiness to a child in need this Christmas by filling a shoebox with some small gifts. Details are available in leaflets from St Oswald‟s Church (Pauline Plumb 01948 861345), the High Street Church (Helen Proudlove 01948 861160) St Joseph‟s Church and Londis by the cash machine.

Drop off points for filled shoeboxes are St Oswald‟s Church, High Street Church and Lon- dis. A box is also available in Londis by the cash machine for anyone who would like to do- nate a small gift for inclusion in a shoebox. The deadline for dropping off filled boxes is No- vember 10th.

SINGING DAY English Church Music Anthems and Motets

Saturday 5th October 2013 9.30 – 16.30

St. Oswald’s Church, Malpas with John Naylor (conductor) Simon Russell (organ)

You are invited to join members of Nantwich Choral Society for a Choral Singing Day

Cost for the Day: singers £12 Copies of music available for hire @ £3

For more details and to book event telephone David Jones 01270 780854 Email [email protected]

The Whitchurch Podiatry Practice 7/8 Watergate Arcade, Whitchurch, SY13 1DP Emma Coley BSc(Hons), M. Ch. S., S.R.Ch HPC Reg. Podiaist

General Chiropody, Nail Care, Ingrowing Toenail Surgery, Diabetic Footcare & Advice Verruca Treatment, Gait Analysis & Orthosis

Home Visits Available Enquires Welcome Tel. 07976 242 096 Give Your Feet A Treat. Call Today

APPLE TREE FLOWERS Why not buy locally grown flowers next time you need a bouquet for a birthday surprise or a table arrangement for a party. Country style weddings, parties at local venues or flowers for your business premises - country inns / restaurants. Flowers brighten any venue! Prices start from £15.00.

Ring Jean 01829 782438 or email [email protected] www.appletreeflowers.co.uk

BICKERTON NEWS

Holy Trinity Notices

MOTHERS’ UNION NOTES

August brought us a lovely sunny day for our successful coffee morning raising much needed funds for the Chester diocese Away-from-it-all holiday fund. Thirteen families comprising of 19 adults 35 children and 1 dog " woof woof " enjoyed a week‟s caravan holiday by the sea and a good time was had by all.

The knitting needles have been clicking and so far we have knitted over 100 newborn and premature baby hats for the Countess of Chester maternity wards which they are very grateful for.

Our September speaker was Aleison Wilson who told us how the Children‟s Society was formed in the 1880's by a Sunday school teacher who went on to open Children‟s Homes up and down the country and about the work and projects that they are involved with today help- ing many children with a wide range of problems.

The next meeting is on Wednesday October 9th at Mosswood starting at 2pm when the speaker will be Georgette Buttera , the title of her talk is Building lives in Burundi. It's a busy week as the next day we will be visiting our Prayer Partners in Chester to celebrate their 40th Anniversary ( Cholmondeley Bus at Bickerton Hall car park 1.30 pm )

Everyone is welcome to come along to our meetings or for information about Mothers' Union contact Kate Holland 01829 261153

COFFEE ROTA FOR 9.30 am. SERVICES AT BICKERTON

13th October, Joan Sharman 01829 720340 27th October, Anne Cracroft01829 720425

If any date is inconvenient it would be a great help if you could arrange to swap with someone else on the rota or contact Joan Sharman .(Tel 01829 720340) Many thanks.

BICKERTON CHURCH LOTTERY

CONGRATULATIONS to Peter Sharman who was the lucky winner of £100 in the monthly draw in July and Peter Cooper who won in August.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Shoe box appeal

It is time once again to think of filling a shoe box with small gifts for children in Eastern Europe. Leaflets will be available at the back of Church with suggestions of items to include and what to avoid, please take one and also encourage family and friends to participate.

You will need to enclose £3 in each box to cover delivery costs, do not seal the box, and enclose a slip from the leaflet marking whether the box is for a boy or girl and the age group. Boxes should be in Church at the beginning of November so that they can be taken to Bick- erton Village School ready for collection.

At Bickerton Village Hall

PROGRAMME FOR OCTOBER

Friday 18th October: This month‟s film is from the Argo, a tense drama that was well received village hall on 01829 782348. by critics and audiences. Doors open 7.00 Saturday 2nd November: The Autumn pm for 7.30 start. Ice cream refreshments Ball. Tickets £25 available from the village interval Tickets £6- all proceeds to hall hall for 3-course meal, music for dancing, funds. bar. Doors open 7.30 for dinner at 8.0 pm and carriages at 1.00 am. Saturday 19th October: A Rural Touring Arts Production of Very Hard Times by Sunday 3rd November: Christine Tobin Theatre Rue. This is a melodrama about stars in A Thousand Kisses Deep, with the temptations of a loan shark, and it brings songs from Leonard Cohen and others ac- out all our emotions. The show is funny, companied by an acoustic trio and jazz music moving and well performed. Doors open at at its best. Tickets available from the village 7.15 for a start at 8.00 pm. Tickets available

MALPAS OILS

HEATING OIL SPECIALISTS

REMOTE TANK MONITORING Never run out of fuel, let us monitor your tank level for you

BOILER MAINTENANANCE AND REPLACEMENT Our engineers offer a prompt efficient Service and are OFTEC approved

TANK REPLACEMENTS Our OFTEC engineer can give you’re a no obligation quote and all our tanks come with a 10 year guarantee.

EASY MONTHLY PAYMENTS WITH OUR HEATPLAN ACCOUNT An easy, interest free way to pay for your fuel.

For a fast and friendly Service please call Rob or Sue on 01948 820514

For out of hours please call Rob direct

on 07710 335 232

The Parish News has been produced under the control of the Rector and the MalpasMalpas Parochial Church Council who bear ultimate responsibility for the contents. AllotmentsAllotments Parish News Production Team

Editor: Joan Jeffcoat 01829 782311 Email: [email protected]

Advertising: Marion Randles:- 01948 860 598 Email: [email protected] Are you interested in allotment gardening? Distribution for Malpas : The Parish Council is the process Helen Ravenhill:- 01948 861 166 of identifying land suitable for Distribution for Bickerton : allotments and is keen to find out Brenda Harvey:- 01829 260170 the level of interest in renting a plot within easy access of the Printing: village centre. The Reprographics Department Bishop Heber High School For further information and to Malpas SY14 8JD register your interest, please Tel:-01948 862 027 contact Paul Austin: 01948 861338 [email protected] Publicity Officers

Ann Welby 01948 861 475 Carol Fletcher 01948 861 152

Don’t forget to check out the web- Copy Deadline for : site, www.malpaschurch.co.uk. A fuller version of the magazine is November 2013 Edition available there as well as more in- 8.00am formation about the churches in the Saturday 12th October 2013 benefice. Editor. 40