The Messenger

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

The Cranmer Awards Group with their Certificates (and Christine)

December 2012/January 2013 50p

Service plan for December 2012

2nd December– Advent Sunday 8.00 am Middlewich Communion

9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Byley Morning Prayer 4.00 pm Middlewich Christingle Service 9th December– 2nd Sunday of Advent

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 Church @ 28 16th December– 3rd Sunday of Advent 9.15 am Middlewich Communion

11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise 11.00 am Byley Morning Prayer 6.30 pm Middlewich Carol Service 23rd December– 4th Sunday of Advent 9.15 am Middlewich Communion

11.00 am Middlewich All Age Worship 11.00 am Byley Communion 2.30 pm Middlewich Baptism No evening Service 24th December– Christmas Eve 4.00 pm Middlewich Crib Service 11.30 pm Middlewich Communion

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St Michael’s Church Office

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

For further contact details please see p20 …

25th December– Christmas Day 10.30 am Middlewich Christmas Praise

11.00 am Byley Communion 30th December– 1st Sunday of Christmas 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich All Age Worship 11.00 am Byley Morning Prayer No evening Service

Healing Service each Tuesday at 9.30 am (Except 1st January 2013)

A Message from Sylvia

My very grateful thanks to my ‘church family’ at St. Michael’s and St. John’s for all their love, prayers and support during John’s long illness, and espe- cially in the weeks since he died. I have been overwhelmed by so much kindness.

Your prayers, cards, flowers and offers of help have helped me through this sad time and I thank God for you all. Love Sylvia

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Service plan for January 2013 6th January– Epiphany 8.00 am Middlewich Communion 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich All Age Worship 11.00 am Byley Communion 6.30 pm Middlewich New Year Service 13th January– 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise 11.00 am Byley Plough Sunday 2.30 pm Middlewich Baptism 6.30 pm Middlewich Evensong 20th January– 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Byley Morning Praise 6.30 pm Middlewich United Service at URC– Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. 27th January– 4th Sunday of Epiphany 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 Church @ 28 There will be a couple of changes to the monthly Sunday service pattern at St Michael’s Church, Middlewich, which take effect from January 2013: 11:00am – 1st Sundays will be All Age Worship, 2nd & 4th Sundays will be Morning Praise, and 3rd Sundays will be Communion. 6:30pm – Evening services will now be planned as a series of special services. We will still aim for Church@28 and Evensong on a monthly basis. Evening Praise will no longer be the default option. Check the magazine & notice sheet for information.

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Dear Friends

At a school nativity play the three wise men marched solemnly across the school hall to the stage where Mary (resplendent in Blue) and Joseph (in his tartan dressing gown) sat gazing at the baby Jesus (played on this occasion by Tiny Tears). As the eight year olds approached the stage the first stepped forward and announced “I bring Gold for the new born King”, the second stepped forward and proclaimed “I bring Myrrh for the new Prince”, the third king was somewhat nervous and as he stepped forward he said “and Frankie sent this!”

The season of goodwill and consumerism, tinsel and stress, friends and in- laws is nearly upon us. In the hustle and bustle of our preparations it’s easy to get a bit confused as to what exactly we’re supposed to be doing and why! For many people Christmas passes by without so much as a thought for the Son of God whose birthday we celebrate when we sing “Away in a Manger” and other popular carols.

I expect most people who take the time to read this letter do not fall into that category, but have you ever stopped for a moment and wondered just what the call of the nativity story is, what response does the narrative demand from us as we read, or hear it again this year?

The key players in any self respecting school nativity are Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and the Wise Men. What can we learn from Shepherds and the Wise Men about the purpose of Christmas. In Luke 2 we read that the shepherds’ response to the Angelic vision was; Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about (Lk 2:15).

The Wise Men appear in Matthew 2 and have a clear objective. They declare before King Herod; Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him (Matt 2:2). When they arrive at Bethlehem we read; On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. (Matt 2:11)

The biblical account makes no reference to exchanging cards, visiting Santa 5

Claus, roasting a turkey, throwing a party (or three), putting up decorations nor even the need to give and receive presents. Whilst some of these may be worthy expressions of love and friendship the stress of the preparations can all too easily confuse and distract us from the call to simply “Come and Worship the New Born King”

Yours in Christ

Simon Drew

Reception Into Communion (Children/Young People)

Do you have, or know, a child/young person who would like to receive communion but is not yet ready to be confirmed? If so then at the same service as the Confirmation (Sunday 10th March 2013 – 6:30pm– see next page), Bishop John Hayden, will formally receive them into Communion. This is known as ‘communion before confirmation’ and allows for children too young for confirmation, but with a faith of their own to partake in the celebration of communion fully.

Children will need to be in school year 5 or above and attend a short preparation course. I will be holding a series of four preparation sessions on Sunday afternoons from 5-6 pm, plus a rehearsal. These will start on Sunday 13th January but will not include the Sundays at the beginning/end of half term week.

If you know someone who wants to be part of this course, and be received into communion, please do let me know. If you want to talk it through further give me a ring.

Simon Drew (01606 833440)

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Confirmation

March 10th 2013 at 6.30 pm.

Have you been confirmed? If you now see yourself as belonging to St. Michael’s or St. John’s, and have not yet been confirmed, this is important for you. We are having a Confirmation Service at St. Michael’s at 6.30 pm on Sunday, March 10th If you are someone who has come to faith recently, we invite you to consider Confirmation. It is an opportunity to make the vows made for you at your baptism for yourself in public, and to receive prayer from the bishop. It is, if you like, a coming of age ceremony. For many it is the occasion of their first Communion. If you have not yet been baptised, we will arrange that at a suitable time.

But you may have been coming along for years, you may have joined St. Michael’s or St. John’s from another Christian denomination, and you want to make a public declaration that you now belong to us – then again, please consider Confirmation. It is good to have an opportunity to learn more of the faith in an informal setting, and always good to rededicate our lives to the Lord.

Young people need to be in year 10 or above. I normally hold five preparation classes and then a rehearsal on Sunday afternoons from 5 – 6 pm. The classes will start on Sunday, January 13th, missing the half term weekends.

If you think you might be interested, please contact me soon. If you are not sure what to do, or what is involved, it would be good to have a chat – do please get in touch.

A Note from Gladys

A big thank you to everyone for helping me to celebrate my 80th birthday. Thank you for all the lovely cards, gifts, and good wishes– and especially to Sylvia for baking yet another cake!

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Cranmer Awards

This is a national competition for young people, who read from the Book of Common Prayer. This was the first prayer book to be written in English, in 1662. The language is beautiful, but quite hard for our youngsters.

Our candidates, Charlotte Buckley, Paul Ellison and Kate Olbrich, entered the Diocesan heat, and read brilliantly. Unfortunately there was strong opposition from highly trained students of the King’s School. Macclesfield, and Chester Cathedral, so they did not manage to win this year. (Although I didn’t altogether agree with the judges!).

However, they should be congratulated on their efforts – they worked really hard, and showed that they understood and believed in what they were reading. Megan Ellison and Alice Olbrich, who were too young to compete this year, each did a reading as a practice and were much praised by everyone. I shall be looking out for entrants for next year!.

Christine Malkin

The Children are put through their paces!

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Phew, it’s all over! (pictures by Richard Olbrich)

Those Shoeboxes!

Anyone who wandered into St. Michael’s around 4/5th November could have been forgiven for thinking that Father Christmas had come early! The erstwhile book stall was piled high with brightly wrapped shoeboxes, all heading for children who don’t know about Christmas or presents!

Samaritan’s Purse picked up 52 shoeboxes for onward transmission to their collecting centre in Nantwich. That’s 52 happy children, thanks to St. Michael’s.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who took part. You will see on page 13 that the Mothers’ Union have great plans for next year, so start thinking now! Margaret English

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Parish Registers for 2012 Baptisms 14th October Isabella Grace REED

28th October Reuben Jack BRADLEY Bobby James BLACKLOCK 11th November Reece Samuel ASTBURY Bella Grace ASTBURY Jacob Robert CARSON At Byley 4th November Jessica Florence MATCHETT Funerals

11th October Christine Nugent of Coronation Road

24th October Harold Evison of Elm Road

30th October Alan David Bennion of King Street

1st November John Malcolm Bosomworth of Sutton Lane. Crematorium Only 19th October Donald Sinclair LORD of Northwood Avenue

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

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Chill Time (Mens’ Night)

Date- 13thNov, Event- Channel Island cricket.

2 teams, "The Righteous Brothers" (Simon Drew captain) played "Haven't a Clue” (John Hughes captain). After 2 close fought and rowdy innings the Righteous Brothers won by 1 wicket. An enjoyable evening was had by all. See photos on church website. Watch website and Sunday notice sheet for next event. Graham Ikin

The Winners

The Runners Up

Please turn the lights off! Please note it costs about £2,500 per week to run St Michael’s!!!

Energy is a huge part of that cost so please - Don’t waste it.

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Marriage Celebration

As the bells ring in a New Year - 2013 - there is a wonderful occasion to celebrate. Sixty years ago, on the 1st January 1953 Eric Rose and Edna Powell were married at Christ Church, Eccles. Edna is a dedicated and hardworking member of the Mothers’ Union. She is currently part of the team embroidering a wall-hanging and is also busy making pretty crosses to sell as bookmarks at our coffee mornings. Since his retirement, Eric has discovered a talent for baking, and often provides the cakes for our various events. Together with Edna he enjoys completing the baptism cards and printing the holders for the candles. We send all our love and best wishes to a very special couple on their Diamond wedding anniversary and a big thank you for all they do for St Michael’s.

Future events:

Monday, 3rd December Advent Carol Service at St James, Christleton, at 2.00pm. This is always a very joyful and happy service. The list is now open for transport; please give your name to Susan if you would like to attend. We will leave Middlewich around 12.45pm. (Susan: 01606 832148)

Tuesday, 11th December Our branch Advent Meditation will start at 1.30pm and will be held in Number 28.

We are currently preparing the programme for 2013 and have some interesting speakers lined up, so watch this page! However, we do have a terrific speaker coming in January by courtesy of Rev Thia Hughes.

Tuesday, 8th January Our visiting speaker is Eileen Walker, who will be telling the story of Ruth’s life in flowers. Thia has met Eileen and was very impressed with her floral presentation about Ruth and Boaz. Lunch from 12.30pm; presentation 1.30pm.

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Tuesday, 12th February

The Annual General Meeting will be held at 1.30pm, followed with a talk by Ian Taylor on “Samaritan’s Purse, Shoe Boxes”. Using Ian’s advice and suggestions, we plan to pack as many shoe boxes as possible at our October meeting. Well done and many thanks to everyone who packed a shoe box for Christmas 2012.

Friday, 1st March

Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held at 1.30pm at the United Reform Church, Queen Street. If you would like to read at this service, please give me a call.

Good news from the Dioceses, our subscriptions of £18.75 remain unchanged for 2013.

A prayer from ‘Families Worldwide’, Tuesday, 11th December. “May we value each person we meet today as a child of God, loved by the Father and saved by the Son.”

Jo Hulse

Mothers Union Sunday Rota

Duty December January February Intercessions Miriam Sant Jo Hulse Jacqui Briscoe Banner Chris Overton Jo Hulse Chris Overton Escorts Edna Rose Susan Hawkes Pam Jackson & & & Angela Tempest Pauline Ashley Thelma Ashley Offertory Susan Hawkes Edna Rose Pauline Davies & & & Pam Dunning Angela Tempest Merle Ikin

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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

Church Sweat Shirts

I will be putting in an order for sweat shirts in January so if you are interested in purchasing either a sweat shirt or a polo shirt with the church logo on, please put your name and details on the list at the back of church and I will let you have more information and an order form.

Alternatively you can email me for the information on [email protected].

For a sweat shirt or polo shirt similar to those purchased before the price would be approximately £14 and £12 respectively, but does not include VAT.

Susan Hawkes

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And just in case it’s cold…….

The Holy Family

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus' mother's name?" One child answered, "Mary." The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus' father's name was?" Another child ventured: "Verge?" Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?" He replied hesitantly: "Well, you know they are always talking about Verge n' Mary.

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Byley Players Pantomime 2013 'Sing a Song of Sixpence'

Wednesday 23rd to Saturday 26th January Nightly at 7.30pm Matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm

Tickets :- Adults £6 : Children under sixteen £4 Bookings on :- 01477 533293 and 01606 835582

Byley Plough Sunday Service

The traditional Plough Service will be held on Sunday 13th. January at 11.00 am. Archdeacon Mike Gilbertson will be attending and possibly preaching, (although details have yet to be formalised). It is also hoped that, following tradition, farmers from the Parish will be taking part.

Plough Sunday Lunch

Sunday 13th January at 12.30pm in the Village Hall £10 per head Please book your meal in advance by calling either:- Bruce on 01606 832523 or Celia 0n 01606 832313 Bring your own Drinks and Glasses

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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Byley Notices for December and January

January PCC Meeting : Monday 14th at 7.30pm. Please note that this meeting will be in Church

Whist Drive Dates : Christmas Whist Drive - Tuesday 11th December at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. The first Whist Drive of 2013 will be on February 5th. We would like to thank Jean for all her hard work running the Whist Drives each month, the proceeds from which go into Church Funds.

Carol Singing Monday 17th December . Bruce and Anne Gleave again welcome the Carol Singers to meet at Cross Lanes House for a prompt start please at 6.30pm. If you would like the singers to call at your home please contact Bruce on 01606 832523.

Carol Service Friday 21st December at 7.00pm Afterwards join us for Mulled Wine and Mince Pies in the Village Hall when the Christmas Draw will take place. All welcome.

And so into 2013 Shrove Tuesday We are hoping to run an event on Shrove Tuesday Evening. At the moment we are considering various options. Please look for notices nearer the date. Cleaning Rota for December and January

December 2nd– December 9th Jean Percival December 16th– December 23rd Ruth Bennion December 30th– January 6th Jane Wildman January 13th– January 20th Anne Nichol January 27th– February 3rd Glenys Richardson February 10th– February 17th Christine Hankey

Flowers December 25th Glenys Richardson January 13th-January 20th Phyllis Newton January 27th– February 10th Jean Percival (3 weeks to fit in with Lent!)

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Byley in December 2012

2nd December Morning Prayer Steve Broadfoot Readers Alan Percival John Grayling Sidesman Anita Halman

9th December Communion Simon Drew Readers Frank Walton Organist Sidesman Eleanor Winnett

16th December Morning Prayer Tony Woode Readers James Bennion Celia Wilkinson Sidesman John Bennion

23rd December Communion Anne Latham and Simon Hamill-Stewart Readers Glenys Richardson Organist Sidesman James Bennion

25th December Communion Tony and Liz Woode Christmas Day Readers Glenys Richardson Frank Walton Sidesman Alan Percival

Morning Prayer Liz Woode 30th December Readers Celia Wilkinson Frank Walton Sidesman Nigel Martin

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Byley in September 2012

Byley in January 2013

Communion 6th January Readers Alan Percival Jean Percival Sidesman Frank Walton

Plough Sunday 13th January Readers James Bennion Frank Walton Sidesman Caroline Oakes

Morning Praise 20th January Readers James Bennion Frank Walton Sidesman Celia Wilkinson

Communion 27th January Readers Glenys Richardson Anita Halman Sidesman Vera Farrow

Byley Readers

For those who like to prepare well in advance, the readers for February 3rd are:

Celia Wilkinson & Organist

And for February 10th…

Jean Percival & John Grayling

Don’t forget to check out the 28 website...www.at28.org 19

Rev Simon Drew, Rector– Middlewich and Byley The Rectory, Poplar Fell, Nantwich Road, Middlewich 01606 833440 CW10 9HG [email protected] Jeremy Coles, Director of Music & Family Work 6 Shilton Close, Middlewich CW10 0RN office: 01606 738309 [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 & Mike Reed, Middlewich PCC Vice Chairman 1 Douglas Close, Hartford, CW8 1SH 01606 781071

[email protected] (Lorraine) [email protected] (Mike) Rev Simon Hamill-Stewart, Assistant Priest & Christine Hamill-Stewart, Reader 87 Warmingham Lane, Middlewich CW10 0DJ 01606 737329 [email protected] Steve Broadfoot, Reader Ruth Broadfoot, Electoral Roll & Bookstall Manager 22 Angus Grove, Middlewich CW10 9GR 01606 738373 [email protected]

Middlewich and Byley Church Staff Byley and Middlewich Jacqui Briscoe, Reader and Alpha leader & Bob Briscoe, Health and Safety Officer 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]

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Elaine Reynolds, Pastoral Care Worker 28 Westlands Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HN 01606 832596 [email protected] Sue Ikin, Pastoral Care Worker 110 West Ave., Rudheath, Northwich 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] Fiona Loney, Middlewich Church Warden 3 Coriander Close, Middlewich CW10 9PB 01606 833180 [email protected] Christine Malkin, Middlewich PCC Secretary 5 Lindisfarne Close, Middlewich, CW10 9HS 01606 833023 [email protected] Stuart Barber, Middlewich PCC Treasurer 24 Waterside Way, Middlewich CW10 9HP 01606 833161

Other Middlewich Contacts OtherMiddlewich [email protected] Jo Hulse, Middlewich Mothers Union 56 Nantwich Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HG 01606 832198 [email protected] John Briggs, Pledges Officer 85 Rolt Crescent, Middlewich CW10 0BE 01606 832810 Gladys Robinson, Middlewich Flower Guild 2 Orchard Close, Middlewich CW10 0AU 01606 834923 Anne Hardy, Organist 54 Westlands Road, Middlewich, CW10 9HN 01606 832121 [email protected] 21

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] 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 15th January 2013 to the Church Office- [email protected] . You can also place articles in the pigeon hole for the Church Office. Alternatively, you can e-mail direct to Margaret English at: [email protected].

The church website address is

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

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

Ideal for parties, meetings etc For further information call Reg Jackson on 01606 832118

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, CHESHIRE, CW10 9DX

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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 Hassall 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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