The Messenger

Parish Magazine of St Michael and All Angels, with St John the Evangelist, Byley

March 2014 50p

Service plan for March 2014

2nd March– Sunday before Lent

8.00 am Middlewich Communion 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich All Age Worship with Baptism 11.00 am Byley Morning Praise 6.30 pm Middlewich Evening Praise 5th March– Ash Wednesday 7.30 pm Middlewich Ash Wednesday Communion 9th March– 1st Sunday of Lent 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise 11.00 am Byley Communion 2.30 pm Middlewich Baptism 4.00 pm Middlewich Bereavement Service 16th March– 2nd Sunday of Lent 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Byley Morning Prayer 6.30 pm Middlewich Church @ 28 23rd March– 3rd Sunday of Lent 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise 11.00 am Byley Communion

2.30 pm Middlewich Baptism 6.30 pm Middlewich Confirmation Service with Bishop Peter Forster

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30th March– 4th Sunday of Lent (Mothering Sunday)

9.15 am Middlewich Communion

11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise

11.00 am Byley Morning Praise

6.30 pm Middlewich CTiM Service– United Reformed Church Healing Service each Tuesday at 9.30 am

Communion Service each Thursday at 9.30 am

St Michael’s Church Office

28 Hightown, Middlewich, CW10 9AN 01606 738005 Office hours 10am-2pm Monday-Friday Office Manager : Beth Deakin [email protected]

FUNCTIONS AT NUMBER 28

All the rooms at Number 28, which is opposite St Michael’s Church, are available for rent when not being used by the Church.

The rooms seat between 8 and 60 people, are well appointed and would suit private functions or business meetings.

A full commercial standard kitchen is also available.

Go to the Number 28 Website www.at28.org/roomhire to see details, or phone the office on 01606 738005.

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Letter From The Rector

Dear Friends,

When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.

March this year brings us to the season of Lent. Traditionally a time of fasting, usually associated with giving up chocolate, alcohol or some other vice. It is meant to be a period of penitence though these days that tends to be restricted to celebrating Ash Wednesday (5th March). It is also an opportunity to prepare ourselves spiritually for the celebration of Easter. Personally I shall engage in the latter two but not the first!

Lent could be described as a walk to the cross as it culminates in the celebration of Good Friday. The words above by Isaac Watts are from perhaps the best-known Good Friday hymn. The cross of Jesus Christ is the centre point of Christian faith; hence it’s use as the universal Christian symbol.

But the story of the cross creates varied responses within the human heart. St. Paul wrote these words: Christ crucified – a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to gentiles, but to those whom God has called it is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). Most people prefer Christmas Day (Incarnation) and Easter Day (Resurrection), Pentecost (Empowerment) and Harvest (Creation), but it is the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross which is actually the true demonstration of the power & wisdom of God at work among us.

I don’t know if you will give anything up this Lent, or whether you will use it as a season of penitence and self discipline, but I do hope you will use it as an opportunity to look afresh at the cross of Jesus and remind yourself of what it really means to you.

Were the whole realm of Nature mine, That were an offering far too small;

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Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all!

Yours in Christ Revd Simon Drew

Holy Week & Easter

Services at St Michael’s Church

Tuesday 15th April 9:30am Healing Service

Wednesday 16th April 9:30am Prayer@28 (in No28)

Thursday 17th April 9:30am Midweek Communion 7:30pm Maundy Thursday Communion

Friday 18th April 10:30am United Walk of Witness (starts at St Mary’s Church, King Street) 2:00pm Good Friday Meditation

Sunday 20th April 9:15am Easter Communion 11:00am Easter Family Communion

Lent Course 2014: David – God’s Chosen King

What do you know about the life of the biblical King David? We can all reply ‘he killed Goliath’ but what else do we really know about the greatest king Israel ever had? David’s life from shepherd boy, to warrior, to king and then into his old age is a much deeper story of faith, success, failure, forgiveness and trust. During Lent this year we will be running a Lent Course on Tuesday evenings looking at the life of David and the lessons we can learn from this man of God, and ancestor of Jesus.

The sessions will take place on No28, Tuesday evenings at 8pm (lasting for around 90 minutes). Dates are 11th, 18th, 25th March, 1st, 8th April 2014. Do come and join us. (For further information contact Simon Drew)

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Observations for Lent

The shortest distance between a problem and its solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. Anon

The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Anon

People are like tea bags - you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are. Anon

When down in the mouth, remember Jonah. He came out all right. Anon

Many a man has thought himself broken up, when he has merely been made ready for the sowing. Hugh Redwood

Adversity does not make us frail; it only shows us how frail we are. Anon

Affliction by itself does not sanctify; it exhausts and embitters, it depresses and entices. It is the presence of God and the use made of it by him, as he relates it to our lives as a whole... that makes adversity salutary. Donald MacLeod

God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. Laurence Sterne

Self-emptiness prepares for spiritual fullness. Richard Sibbes

An humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning. Thomas a Kempis

The man who does not like self-examination may be pretty certain that things need examining. C H Spurgeon

God only asks you to do your best. Robert H Benson

Fight truth decay - study the Bible daily. Anon

Do not wait for the hearse to take you to church. Anon

Unless the Lord Builds the house, its Builders labour in Vain. (Psalm 127:1) So don’t forget to Pray!

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Christ For All

On Friday 7th February we held a Supper with an Indian Flavour in No. 28. We enjoyed a delicious meal and fellowship in the room downstairs, after which we adjourned to the upper room for coffee and entertainment. This was in two parts: Robert Reed divided us into small groups and ran a light hearted general knowledge quiz with the winning group receiving a prize of sweets. While this was going on, 3 married couples were dispatched to other rooms (men & women separately) in order to answer a selection of questions on the lines of the television programme Mr & Mrs. The quiz started with questions such as ‘Where you first met ‘ and ‘who puts out the rubbish’. There was much hilarity when the answers were revealed.

The object of the evening was to raise money for the work of Christ For All (one of St. Michael’s four designated charities) This quarter we are focusing on this work and it was good to have Will Bishop as the guest at Church @ 28 in January. Will spent about 6 weeks last summer as a volunteer with John Mark and his team and was able to tell us first hand about this remarkable organization. A magnificent £400 was donated to this work at the Supper. A huge thank you to all who helped in the success of the evening.

There will be a Coffee & Cake Morning in No. 28 on Thursday 13th March from 10 a.m. till 12 noon, with homemade cakes for sale. Anyone who feels able to make and donate a cake for this please let Ruth Broadfoot know.

See page 9 for the recipe for that wonderful curry!

The cost of heating and lighting St Michael's for a whole year is nearly £6,650:

Heating alone costs about £38 per day. So please turn the lights off and shut the door after you! 7

Parish Weekend Away

Following the success of our weekend at Cloverley Hall in October 2012 we have booked another parish weekend in October 2014, at Cloverley Hall (nr Whitchurch, Shropshire). Cloverley Hall is a Christian conference & retreat centre and we have booked the house for our sole use over the weekend of 3rd – 5th October 2014.

This weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time together with periods of Christian fellowship and teaching, and also some fun and relaxation. There will be groups and activities for both adults and children. Our speaker this time will be Bishop John Hayden, who has a wealth of experience as a church leader, both in and also in Africa.

Those of us who went in 2012 had a really great time and I would really like us all to be able to share in this next weekend away together.

Visit www.cloverleyhall.org for more information.

At this stage costs for 2014 have not been finalised but an indicative cost for the weekend, which will include full board from Friday evening meal to Sunday lunch inclusive is: Adults: £100.00 & Children: 0-4 years £10.00; 5-9 years £40.00; 10-12 years £70.00; 13-17 years £90.00 Additional supplements may apply for ensuite rooms and single occupancy rooms.

Please do come along and join us. To book a place we require a deposit of £10 per person (including all children). Booking forms available via the church office.

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Chicken Passanda

Since our Indian meal on 7th Feb, we have had a number of requests for the recipe, so here goes: Passanda is a very mild curry. Even people who don’t like curry can enjoy it. This quantity serves 6 Ingredients 700 g Chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces ½ red onion – finely chopped 1 inch piece root ginger – finely chopped 1 red chilli – finely chopped (more if you like it hotter) 4 cloves garlic – crushed 200g ground almonds 4 tablespoons flaked almonds 4 tablespoons tomato puree 410g tin evaporated milk. 8 fl oz double cream 250g natural yoghurt 6 tablespoons mango chutney 4 teaspoons curry powder 2 teaspoons turmeric 2 teaspoons garam masala 1 teaspoon chilli powder Sprig fresh coriander – finely chopped 1 chicken stock cube – dissolved in 4 fl oz water 1-2 tablespoons cooking oil

Method Oil the base of a large oven-proof dish and add the chicken. Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the chicken. Mix all the other ingredients in a large bowl to a smooth consistency. If it is too stiff to pour, mix in a little more stock. Pour the mixture over the chicken. Place the dish in a pre-heated oven (220°C – Fan, 200°C) and cook for 35- 40 minutes – or until the chicken is cooked – stirring half-way through. It should bubble gently. If it shows signs of burning, turn the heat down a bit.

Serve with rice and poppadoms.

Steve Broadfoot

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Parish Registers for 2014

Funerals

29th January William Peter USHERWOOD Greendale Drive

30th January Enid Marjorie WILLIAMS Long Lane

31st January Myla Grace HAYES Brierly Court

4th February Susan Ann BROWN Waterside Way

7th February Clive William TEMPEST West Street

26th February Alfred LOWE Booth Lane

Crematorium only

12th February Melville Gilbertson MOIR Brynlow Drive

Byley Funerals

14th February Ronald Sandy Lane, Cranage

There were no weddings or baptisms during this period.

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Special Events & Services coming soon:

Ash Wednesday – Wednesday 5th March 2014, 7:30pm Communion service at St Michael’s Church

Bereavement Service – Sunday 9th March 2014, 4:00pm at St Michael’s Church (Please do invite friends and neighbours who you think would appreciate this)

Confirmation Service – Sunday 23rd March 2014, 6:30pm at St Michael’s Church This year we welcome the Bishop of (Peter Forster) to do our confir- mations

Byley’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting – Monday 31st March 2014, 7:30pm at Byley Village Hall

Middlewich’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting - Sunday 6th April 2014, 4:00pm at No28 Hightown.

Christian Aid Small Change Big Difference

Churches Together in Middlewich, as part of their ongoing support for Christian Aid, are inviting church members to consider having a lent collecting box to support Christian Aid. If you would like to give your small change during lent to support this the collecting boxes will be available at the back of St Michael’s Church. The campaign title is – Small Change Big Difference.

There is always someone available to pray with you after services. Just ask. It’s good to pray! Equally, if you would like someone to come and pray with you at any time speak to :

Sylvia, Elaine or Sue Ikin.

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Future events

Friday, 7 March

Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held at the Middlewich Community Church at 1.30pm. The service has been written by our Christian sisters in Egypt and called “Streams in the Desert”. The guest speaker is Mrs Fiona Bruce MP. If you require transport please give Susan a call on 832148.

Thursday, 13 March

There will not be a Tuesday branch meeting in March, instead the Wave of Prayer will be held in church at 12.20pm. on Thursday 13th. The theme for 2014 is “Sowing the Future Together”. We intend to meet in No.28 at 11.00am for coffee and notices and to support the coffee morning in aid of “Christ for All in Andhra Pradesh”.

NOTE: Please bring your order of service, printed in the centre of MU Matters – Autumn 2013. Extra copies will be available.

Monday, 17 March

A Deanery meeting: 2.00pm at Castle Church Hall.

Tuesday, 25 March

The Deanery Festival Service will be held at 7.00pm at Christ Church, Wharton. If you require transport please let a committee member know.

Tuesday, 8 April

Our visiting speaker is Penny Allen, who will be demonstrating “MU in a Simnel Cake”. Although she will be preparing a cake during the meeting, there will also be one to sample afterwards.

Tuesday, 13 May

Janet Bowden our visiting speaker will give a presentation on ‘Bridge Foyer, Chester’ where accommodation and training are provided for homeless and

12 unemployed young people.

Wednesday, 14 May

Diocesan Festival Eucharist at 11.00am in the Cathedral. Branch banners required for Archdeaconry only. Bishop Peter preaching and celebrating.

Jo Hulse

Mothers’ Union Sunday Rota

Duty March April Intercessions Jo Hulse Vi Neale-Smith

Banner Thelma Ashley Jo Hulse

Escorts Chris Overton Pam Dunning & & Pauline Ashley Miriam Sant

Offertory Janet Chisholm Pam Jackson & & Susan Hawkes Pauline Ashley

WINDOW IN THE RAIN

The wet world weeps; tear drops trickle down the window pane. Wait till the sun shall shine again. The window will be bright and all the room suffused in light.

SIMON H-S

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The Normal week at St Michael’s Monday 9.15am Staff Meeting at Number 28 with prayers 1.15 pm SMILERS at church (not during school holidays) 7.00 pm Rehearsals for the Festival Choir in Church 7.30 pm SMAART St Michael’s handbell ringers Tuesday 9.30 am Healing service and coffee at Number 28 7.30 pm Tower ringing practice in church Wednesday 7.00 am Prayer in church 9.30 am Prayer @ 28 6.00 pm Worship group 7.30 pm Choir practice Thursday 9.30 am Communion 7.30 pm Card Group at Number 28 Friday 6.00 pm BLOG (Club for Years 4, 5 and 6) not during school holidays 7.30 pm DYN@MIC (Club for Years 7, 8, 9) not during school holidays 8.00 pm AFTER DARK (Club for years 10 and above) not during school holidays

Easter Flowers

The churches of Middlewich and Byley always look wonderful at Easter.

If you would like to contribute towards flowers for the churches during this season in memory of a loved one, please fill in the form on the facing page and send/give it to the Church Office (for St. Michael’s) or Glenys Richardson (for St John’s).

A list of contributors and those so beautifully remem- bered will be published in the magazine after Easter.

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Church Office, Church 28, High Number Town,Middlewich) 9AN(for CW10 Middlewich

Or Mrs G. Richardson , Byley).G.Richardson Byley (for Gables,Lane, Mrs ByleyOr The

I enclose £…………………..towards the cost of Easter flowersat Easter of cost the £…………………..towards encloseI

………………………………………………………………….

Byley/Middlewich Parish Church (please delete one). delete (please Parish Church Byley/Middlewich

Address…………………………………………………..

Signed………………………...Date…………………...

Please complete in block letters and return to: and return letters block in complete Please

Easter FlowersEaster

In Memory of In

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Byley Notices

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Monday March 31st 7.30pm in the Village Hall All parishioners are welcome to attend

This meeting will be followed by a PCC Meeting

Easter Flowers

Please forward any donations towards the Easter Flowers to Glenys, together with the name / names of those in whose memory the donation is made.

Rose Queen Selection

The selection of the Rose Queen and Retinue will be on :-

SUNDAY 23rd MARCH

At 2.30pm in the Village Hall

All children wanting parts in the retinue are expected to attend this meeting.

It will be helpful if we could have the names and ages of children prior to the selection meeting. If we do not already have this information please ring Celia on :- 01606 832313.

Rose Fete Committee Meeting

Wednesday 26th March 7.45pm in the Village Hall

Don’t forget to check out the 28 website...www.at28.org

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BYLEY CHURCH ROSE FETE COMMITTEE

Family Night PRIZE BINGO

Friday 4th April

EYES DOWN at 7.30pm

Bring your own drinks and glasses and nibbles

BYLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

40’s NIGHT

With

WYCHCRAFT BIG BAND

SATURDAY 26TH APRIL

7.30 PM - BYLEY VILLAGE HALL

*Dress to Impress 40’s Style - Best Dressed Competition*

Tickets £15 - inclusive of Hot Pot Supper

Early booking advised - Call Russell on 01606 832597

Bring Your Own Drinks and Glasses

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. Flower Rota

March 2nd Vera Farrow

No Flowers in Lent

Cleaning Rota

Feb 23rd & Mar 2nd Christine Hankey

March 9th - 16th Celia Wilkinson

March 23rd - 30th Eleanor Winnett

April 6th - 13th Vera Farrow

Some Smiles for March

What a mess Boy to school chaplain: Christianity has been in the world for 2000 years and look at the state of it. Chaplain: Water has been in the world for longer than that, and look at the state of your neck!

Carry on The vicar was making an appeal for more help with the Sunday School: “At the moment I’m just carrying on with a couple of single ladies!”

GO! A teenager was always asking his father if he could borrow the family car. Pushed to the limit, the father asked his son why he thought that God had given him two feet. Without hesitation, the son replied, "That's easy, one for the clutch and one for the accelerator."

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Byley This Month

2nd March Morning Praise Lorraine Reed Readers Anne Nichol Organist Sidesman Alan Percival 9th March Communion Simon Drew Readers Jean Percival Vera Farrow Sidesman Vera Farrow 16th March Morning Prayer Tony Woode Readers Anita Halman Alan Boyle Sidesman Nigel Martin

23rd March Communion Liz Woode/Anne Latham Readers James Bennion Jean Percival Sidesman Caroline Oakes

30th March Morning Prayer Thia Hughes Readers Organist Glenys Richardson Sidesman Eleanor Winnett

Byley Readers

For those who like to prepare well in advance, the readers for 6th April are:

Celia Wilkinson and Frank Walton

And for 13th April:

Josie Trelawny and Anne Nichol

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Rev Simon Drew, Rector– Middlewich and Byley The Rectory, Poplar Fell, Road, Middlewich 01606 833440 CW10 9HG [email protected] Jeremy Coles, Director of Music & Family Work 6 Shilton Close, Middlewich CW10 0RN office: 01606 738005 [email protected] mobile:07981 051776

Rev Liz Woode, Curate & Tony Woode, Reader 6 The Grange, Hartford, CW8 1QH 01606 75030 [email protected] Rev Thia Hughes, Curate The Vicarage, 50 Norley Road, Sandiway, CW8 2JU 01606 883286 mobile 07970 734507 [email protected] Rev. Lorraine Reed, Curate 1 Douglas Close, Hartford, CW8 1SH 01606 781071 [email protected] (Lorraine) Rev Simon Hamill-Stewart, Assistant Priest & Christine Hamill-Stewart, Reader 87 Lane, Middlewich CW10 0DJ 01606 737329 [email protected] Steve Broadfoot, Reader Ruth Broadfoot, Electoral Roll 22 Angus Grove, Middlewich CW10 9GR 01606 738373 [email protected] Jacqui Briscoe, Reader and Alpha leader & Bob Briscoe, Health and Safety Officer

Middlewich and Byley Church Staff Byley Middlewich and 53 Lewin Street, Middlewich CW10 9BG 01606 836460 [email protected] Sylvia Bosomworth, Pastoral Care Worker 98 Sutton Lane, Middlewich, CW10 0BY 01606 737338 [email protected] Elaine Reynolds, Pastoral Care Worker 01606 832596 28 Westlands Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HN

e,[email protected]

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Sue Ikin, Pastoral Care Worker 110 West Ave., Rudheath, CW9 7ET 01606 42258 [email protected] Beth Deakin, Office Manager (Mon-Fri 10am-2pm) Church Office, 28 Hightown, Middlewich 01606 738005 CW10 9AN [email protected] Steve Bailey, Middlewich Church Warden 4 Ladies Walk, Middlewich CW10 0BH 01606 834264 [email protected] Graham Ikin, Middlewich Church Warden 110 West Avenue, Rudheath, Northwich 01606 42258 CW9 7ET [email protected] Elaine Reynolds, Church Warden 28 Westlands Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HN 01606 832596 [email protected] Christine Malkin, Middlewich PCC Secretary 5 Lindisfarne 01606 833023 Close, Middlewich, CW10 9HS [email protected] Stuart Barber, Middlewich PCC Treasurer 24 Waterside Way, Middlewich CW10 9HP 01606 833161 [email protected] Jo Hulse, Middlewich Mothers Union 56 Nantwich Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HG 01606 832198

Other Middlewich Contacts Other Middlewich [email protected] John Briggs, Pledges Officer 85 Rolt Crescent, Middlewich CW10 0BE 01606 832810 Janet Chisholm, Middlewich Flower Guild 37 Brooks Lane, Middlewich CW10 0JG 01606 836263 [email protected] Anne Hardy, Organist 54 Westlands Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HN 01606 832121 [email protected]

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Ian Taylor, Middlewich Bellringers 78 Long Lane, Middlewich CW10 0EN 01606 834095 [email protected] David & Miriam Sant, Children’s Society local representatives 29 King Street, Middlewich CW10 9EJ 01606 832583 [email protected] Glenys Richardson, Byley The Gables, Byley Lane, Byley, CW10 9NL 01606 834343 [email protected]/uk Anne Nicol, Byley PCC Secretary The Round House, Byley Lane, Cranage, 01606 836314 CW10 9LW annenicol@btinternet .com Frank Walton, Byley Church Warden

Middlewich / Byley Contacts Byley Middlewich / Woodside Farm, Goostrey Lane, Cranage, Holmes 01477 533284 Chapel, CW4 8HD [email protected] Alan and Jean Percival, Byley Church Warden and treasurer [email protected] The Green,Yatehouse Lane, Byley, CW10 9NS 01606 833808 Christine Hankey, Byley Village Hall Chestnut Farm, Byley 01606 832938 If you have any articles or photographs for the next magazine, please would you e-mail them by 10th March 2014 to the Church Office- [email protected] . You can also place articles in the pigeon hole for the Church Office (early press date as the editor is going on holiday!) Alternatively, you can e-mail direct to Margaret English at: [email protected].

The church website address is

Www.middlewichparishchurch.org.uk/ St Michael’s is a registered charity, number 1127335 22

Middlewich Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Ltd CHARTERED AND HEALTH PROFESSION COUNCIL REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST “For all your aches and pains” Tel: 01606 832457 No G.P. referral required www.middlewich-physio.co.uk 1a ST MICHAELS WAY, TOWNBRIDGE, MIDDLEWICH, , CW10 9DX

Alternative to Kennels Going away on holiday? Just for the Weekend? “Your dog can come and stay in my home, with adjoining fields, plenty of walks, care and attention CALL BELINDA on 01260 224722 ()

Middlewich Community Centre (off the Civic Hall Car Park, Middlewich)

Ideal for parties, meetings etc

For further information call Reg Jackson on 01606 832118

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Peter Forshaw Ltd Funeral Services An Independent Family Business 24 Hour Personal and Dignified Service 23 Wheelock Street, Middlewich 01606 836708

CATS (Opticians) Optometrists and Contact Lens Centre Senior Citizens special package 30-32 Wheelock Street, Middlewich CW10 9AG 01606 836582

HPC registered Chiropodist/ Podiatrist

Cheshire Lasers Medical Clinic, 75a Webbs Lane, Middlewich, CW10 9DS Tel: 01606 841255 Mobile: 07748712399

Neil Hopley, Electrical Contractors Ltd NICEIC Approved Agricultural, Industrial, Domestic Installations and Repairs Brooks Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire 01606 833993 or 07976 661061 (mobile)

Byley Village Hall Bookings for family parties, receptions, meetings and groups 01606 832938

Paul Contractors (Middlewich) Electrical, Plumbing, Central Heating, Building & Joinery All new installations, alterations and repairs – No job too small NICEIC Approved for Electrical Work, Gas Safe Registered Engineers for Gas Work All aspects of building maintenance covered, Bathrooms and Kitchens fitted Freephone : 0800 9558680 or Mobile 07831 503385 e mail : [email protected]

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