The Messenger
Parish Magazine of St Michael and All Angels, Middlewich with St John the Evangelist, Byley
June 2013 50p
Service plan for June 2013
2nd June– 1st after Trinity 8.00 am Middlewich Communion
9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich All Age Worship 11.00 am Byley Morning Praise 6.30 pm Middlewich Teaching Evening 9th June- 2nd after Trinity
9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise 11.00 am Byley Rose Fete Service 2.30 pm Middlewich Baptism 6.30 pm Middlewich Evensong 16th June- 3rd after Trinity 9.15 am Middlewich Shortened Communion 10.30 am Middlewich Civic Festival Praise Field 11.00 am Byley Morning Prayer 2.30 pm Middlewich Baptism 6.30 pm Middlewich Church @ 28 23rd June– 4th after Trinity
9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise 11.00 am Byley Rose Fete Service 2.30 pm Middlewich Baptism 6.30 pm Middlewich Evening Service cancelled
Healing Service each Tuesday at 9.30 pm Communion Service each Thursday at 9.30 am
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30th June– 5th after Trinity 9.15 am Middlewich Communion 11.00 am Middlewich Morning Praise 11.00 am Byley Morning Praise 6.30 pm Middlewich United Service at St. Mary’s RC Church
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 …
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FUNCTIONS AT NUMBER 28
All the rooms at Number 28, which is opposite the 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
In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made an application to Prior Richard at the local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery. “Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.” “I understand,” said Henry. “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.” “Then I will tell you what to do,” said Prior Richard. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you. When King Henry died, a statement was written: ‘The King learned to rule by being obedient.’
I guess most of us know the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 1 & 2. Their disobedience was the beginning of humanity’s rebellion against God. But how often do we actually look at the nature of their disobedience. The biblical account says that they ate a fruit (traditionally the apple) from the tree that God had told them not to eat from, but why?
The answer lies in the taunting words of the serpent; God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5). It wasn’t the eating so much as the desire to be like God that was the problem. This is something that lies at the heart of most human disobedience – the arrogant belief that actually we know better than God does, and He is accountable to our knowledge and understanding.
Margaret Thatcher was once quoted as saying; ‘As God once said, and I think quite rightly …’ When we elevate human knowledge (philosophy, science, politics, etc.) above God’s inspired word revealed in the Bible then we are guilty of the same disobedience as Adam and Eve. We are judging God’s word by our own standards. This leads to people dismissing the bible as irrelevant and unreliable, and has led us into today’s moral shambles where human rights take precedent over those of the creator!
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King Henry III of Bavaria became a good king, not because of his royal lineage or knowledge but because he learnt obedience to Jesus Christ. Another king, King David of Israel put it like this in Psalm 131;
My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things to wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quietened my soul; Like a weaned child with its mother is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and for evermore.
Yours in Christ Simon Drew
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.
GEMZ Girls Enjoy Meeting
Tuesday 4th June 7.00pm
Stroll the canal towpaths and byways of Middlewich, followed by a strawberry extravaganza at Number 28...
Or just come along at 8.00pm for the strawberries!
More information from: Sue Ikin (01606 42258) [email protected] Jean Griffiths (01606 835133) Julie Hassall (01606 737030).
The cost of heating and lighting St Michael's for a whole year is nearly £6,000:
Heating alone costs about £34 per day. So please turn the lights off and shut the door after you! 5
Ephesians – A Sermon Series
As part of our strategy to promote discipleship we are embarking upon a Sunday sermon series based upon the NT book of Ephesians. Ephesus is the only church from the opening chapters of Revelation to also feature in Acts (Chs 19-20) and have a NT epistle. It is a book about faith, unity, discipleship, and finishes most famously with the passage on ‘the armour of God’. It is not without controversy either. Did Paul really write it? Was it only for the Ephesians or was it a circular letter? These are some of the scholarly issues around this great book. But whatever the debates may be – it is the word of God.
We will work steadily through it passage by passage beginning in June. There will be a break over August when the school holidays change the nature of our morning services, and we will pick up the series again in September. If you would like some background on the place, the book and some of the issues around it, there will be a special evening session on Sunday 2nd June, 6:30pm at Number 28. Please do come along. Simon Drew
A Plea for Number 28!
Number 28 is really struggling for volunteers during the summer season. If you can spare a few hours, so please, please give Beth a ring and come along and help, so that we can continue to provide this fantastic service for the people of Middlewich. Number 28 needs you!
Unless the Lord Builds the house, its Builders labour in Vain. (Psalm 127:1) So don’t forget to Pray! 6
FAB Festival 2013
This years FAB Festival (the new name for Folk & Boat) will take place on 14th-16th June 2013. St Michael’s Church will, as usual, be taking the opportunity to open our buildings up to the community. Hosting some mainstream FAB events and organising some of our own. Please do support us in this as it is a real opportunity for mission to the people, and visitors, of Middlewich. This year’s programme of events at St Michael’s is as follows:
Friday 14th June
Ticketed Concert – Woody Mann (blues-jazz) 7:30pm – tickets £10
Saturday 15th June
Number 28 Café – Open all day
Festival Fun in the churchyard 11am onwards – puppets, games, stalls, BBQ
Exhibition of local artists and schools work in church.
Free Concerts: Bostock Band, Middlewich High School, Folk Singers
Ticketed Concert – Africa Entsha (a taste of Africa) 7:00pm – tickets £5
Sunday 16th June
10:30am Festival Praise – Middlewich Schools Choir & Festival Choir. This is a joint Middlewich churches service on the main stage at the Civic Field.
Number 28 Café – From 12 noon
Ticketed Concert – Dick Gaughan (Scottish folk) 1:30pm – tickets £12
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Parish Weekend Away
Cloverley Hall - 3rd – 5th October 2014
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.
Once again this weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time together with periods of Christian fellowship and teaching, and also some fun and relaxation. We plan to provide groups and activities for both adults and children.
Cloverley Hall, a rambling Victorian house, has beautiful grounds with facilities such as a playground, football pitch, boules piste and tennis courts. There is a mixture of bedrooms, some are ensuite (only 15), some are larger family rooms, and the house can hold up to 130 guests. Within the house there are various meeting rooms, lounges, a games room (pool & table-tennis) and a dedicated children’s playroom.
Those of us who went last year had a really great time and I would really like us all to be able to share in this next weekend away. Cloverley is 23 miles away and takes just under one hour to get there.
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
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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.
Rector’s Sunday
Sunday July 7th 2013
To mark the anniversary of Simon’s installation we will once again be holding a joint service on July 7th 2013.
The service will be at 10:30am in Byley Village Hall, followed by a bring & share lunch. This will replace the 9:15am & 11am services at Middlewich and the 11am service at Byley.
It will be a service suitable for all ages and an opportunity for the three congregations to meet and worship together.
Please do make a note of this in your diaries and come along.
Exam
An ill-prepared student taking an exam in theology finally gave up by writing on his paper: "Only God knows the answers to these questions. I’m off for the summer to enjoy his Creation."
The professor marked the paper and added this note: "God gets 100, you get 0. Watch out for sunburn.”
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Parish Registers for 2013 Baptisms 14th April Alex Michael John Austin
14th April Emily Rose Rice
Funerals
25th April Alice Gough, Newton Court Care Home
1st May Margaret Smith, Lawrence Avenue West
8th May Linda Hardman, St Ann’s Road 8th May Susan Davies, Hazelmere 14th May Ronald Ellison, Willowmere
Crematorium Only
19th April Stuart Wilson Robson, Alexandra Road
Weddings
There were no weddings during this period.
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Billy Graham’s Prayer at 90
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good’, but that is exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbour's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honoured values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!'
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ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS – MOTHERS’ UNION
Future branch events:
Tuesday 11th June Our speaker is Rev Thia Hughes presenting “My Trip to the Congo”. If you missed Thia’s earlier talk, this is another opportunity to hear of her wonderful experiences and the effect they have made on her and her colleagues. She will be telling us about the people she met, places she visited and the very special confirmation service at the end of their time in Aru. Join us for lunch at 12.30pm with the presentation following at 1.30pm.
Saturday, 29th June The AGM and Diocesan Council meeting will be held at Hartford Church Centre at 9.30am. The guest speaker is Fiona Bruce MP. Please let Miriam know if you require transport to attend this meeting, especially to support our branch member.
Tuesday, 9th July Holy Communion at 2.00pm followed by a Strawberry Tea in Number 28. There will be a small charge of £2.50 for the tea.
Tuesday, 13th August Our annual outing has yet to be decided.
Tuesday, 10 September Our visiting speaker is Sylvia Crossley Jones who will be telling us about the work of the Leprosy Mission in Africa.
Samaritan’s Purse If you have time to start knitting hats, gloves or scarves, Angela Tempest has a selection of patterns. Look out for ‘buy one, get one free’ offers when shopping for toiletries.
Jo Hulse
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Mothers’ Union Sunday Rota Duty June July Intercessions Miriam Sant Jo Hulse Banner Jo Hulse Jo Hulse Escorts Pauline Davies Pam Jackson & & Janet Chisholm Miriam Sant
Offertory Pauline Ashley Edna Rose & & Pam Dunning Angela Tempest
Some one-liners for the summer season!
One who boasts of being a self-made person relieves the Lord of a lot of responsibility.
If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.
Try Jesus. If you don't like him, the devil will always take you back.
You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?
As long as there are exams, there will be prayer in schools.
I always wanted to be a procrastinator, never got around to it.
Children are natural mimics, who act like their parents, despite every effort to teach them good manners!
I plan on living forever. So far, so good.
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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
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.
Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the children were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly,
"The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."
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I wish I had an apple…….
I’ve often heard people say to me, ‘I wish I had a faith!’ — and I just don’t understand it. If I wished I had an apple, I’d go and get one… provided apples were available and I could afford one.
So what’s stopping people? After all, God’s welcome is available around the clock, and doesn’t cost a penny!
Perhaps what these people really mean is, ‘It would be nice to have a faith, but it might stop me doing what I want to do… so I’ll wait, and think about it later. Maybe when I’m older.’
I wonder how long they will leave it. Have you heard of the phrase, ‘death- bed conversion’? It’s when someone waits until their last dying breath before placing their belief in God. Death-bed conversions can be very genuine, powerful, moving and critically important moments. A friend of mine recently lost her father, but the most amazing news was that he turned to God in his last days. Christian chaplains working in hospitals often have the privilege of being with people at such a time.
Not everyone is ‘fortunate’ enough to have time for a death-bed conversion, however! Sadly, some people experience sudden deaths, which mean they’re unable to make any preparations at all — whether physical, legal, mental or spiritual.
God welcomes every single latecomer just as he would those who have believed all their lives. In fact, Jesus even told a parable about it! But I wonder if we’re considering God here — or just ourselves? After all, every relationship involves at least two people (or it’s not a relationship), and surely the view of both sides should be taken into account? If you’re anything like me, you find it frustrating and upsetting when relationships seem to be imbalanced and all in favour of the other person! Nicola David (originally published in church on the Net, 10th February 2013)
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With apologies to the bellringers…...
Editor: with Father’s Day this month.... A young father was taking care of his baby daughter while his wife went to town shopping. He decided to go fishing and he had to take the toddler along. "I'll never take her along with me again!" he told his wife that evening. "I didn't catch a thing!"
"Oh, next time I'm sure she'll be quiet and not scare the fish away," his wife said.
The father said gloomily. “No, it wasn't that. She ate all the bait."
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Byley Parish Church Rose Fete Saturday 8th June
Procession at 1.00pm
From Shanty Farm to the Church Field
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Byley Rose Queen and Her Retinue Visiting Queens
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Vintage Vehicles Including
Traction Engines : Steam Rollers : Tractors Rolls Royce Cars and More
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * *
Grand Draw Refreshments : BBQ Tombola : Hoopla : Games : Competitions
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Admission by Programme Accompanied Children under 12 years Admitted Free
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Rose Fete - Stop Press :-
FUN DOG RACING at the Rose Fete
Bring your dog along to take part in the Fun Dog Racing. All breeds welcome. No experience necessary. An entry charge is payable. Prizes Given
Whist Drive Date
25th June at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
PCC Meeting
Monday 1st July at 7.30pm in the Village Hall
Thank You
The PCC wish to express their appreciation and thanks to the Fitton Family for hosting the Rogation Sunday Service.
Rose Fete
A reminder– Only a few more days to go. We will be collecting for the Tombola and Book Stall, or pass your contributions to a member of the Rose Fete Committee. Thank You
Apology
Donation for Easter flowers given in memory should have read Alan Bennion, not Alan Bicketon. Apologies and thank you .
Flowers
June 2nd R Bennion
9th – 16th B Blackhurst
23rd and 29th (wedding) E Grayling
July 14th – 21st P Bennion
Cleaning
June 2nd - 9th G Richardson
16th - 23 rd C Hankey
30th - July 7th C Wilkinson 18
Byley This Month 2nd June Morning Praise Tony Woode Readers Jean Percival Organist Sidesman Alan Percival
9th June Rose Fete Service Simon Drew Readers Rose Fete Children
Sidesman Vera Farrow
16th June Morning Prayer Jacqie Briscoe Readers Anne Nichol Vera Farrow Sidesman Caroline Oakes
23rd June Communion Liz Woode Readers Celia Wilkinson James Bennion Sidesman Celia Wilkinson
30th June Morning Praise Jacqui Briscoe Readers John Grayling Alan Boyle Sidesman Eleanor Winnett
July 7th Rector’s service at Byley, please see page 9.
Byley Readers For those who like to prepare well in advance, the readers for July 7th are: Organist & Frank Walton
And for July 14th Glenys Richardson & Christine Hankey
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 Middlewich and 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 Other Middlewich [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 June 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
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, CHESHIRE, 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 (Somerford Booths)
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 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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