PARISH NEWS JUNE 2021 the villages of MARTON, SIDDINGTON, EATON, HULME WALFIELD, SWETTENHAM, CAPESTHORNE
500 reasons to celebrate at All Saints All Saints Church Siddington has a 500th anniversary to celebrate. Read more on page 7
CONTACTS
Vicar: The Revd Ian Arch 01260 224447
Church Office: [email protected]
Readers: Doug Wisener 01260 274062 Diane Wisener 01260 274062 Howard Lawton 07798 828740
Reader Emeritus: Raymond Rush
Churchwardens, Marton Barrie Nolan 01260 224076 Becky Barrow 01260 280170 Churchwardens, Siddington: Janet Billington 01260 224283 Kate Hipkins 01625 618889 Churchwarden, Eaton: Lynn McHugh 07881 935306 Deputy Churchwardens: Rebecca Ellston 01260 278952 (Hulme Walfield) David Morris 01260 273154 Churchwardens, Swettenham: Geoff Leech 01477 571889 John Gregory 01260 224902
Treasurers: Marton: David Worth 01260 224 466 Siddington: John Smith 01260 224790 Eaton with Hulme Walfield: Paul Hibbert 01260 278850 Swettenham: Geoff Leech 01477 571889 Magazine: Editors: Annabelle Birtles-Brown
Swettenham Copy: Hilary Andow
Copy for the July magazine should be received by Friday 18th June.
2 3 KEEPING IN TOUCH
The quickest way to find out what’s going on locally is to install the Rural Daneside Churches app on your smart phone, if you have one. Go to your phone’s app store and search for “School Jotter”. When you’ve downloaded it, you can search for Rural Daneside Churches and choose which church(es) you want to hear from. We have a YouTube channel – Rural Daneside TV, where you can see our ministers talking to you. Go to YouTube and search for Rural Daneside Churches. Subscribe, so that you get notice of new videos. We have Facebook pages: @eatonandhulmewalfield @martonvillagecommunity @SwettenhamChurch @RuralDanesideChurches @wackyworship. Instagram, a way to share images rather than news: @ruraldanesidechurches.
Don’t forget the basics – our webpages: The up-to-date websites are hosted by A Church Near You, the Church of England’s facility. To see the list of all our churches and find your way from one to the other: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/12764/benefice/ If you don’t have a smart phone and don’t have a Facebook account, are you happy for us to use email? Please send your email address to [email protected]
If you don’t have access to the internet at all, please let us know if we can phone you with news. Phone 01260 224447 to give us your name and number.
4 SERVICES 6th June Marton 11.00am Parish Communion Siddington 8.45am Communion Eaton 9.45am All-Age Service Swettenham 6.30pm Evensong 13th June Siddington 10.00am Parish Communion Eaton 9.45am Morning Prayer Swettenham 11.30am Parish Communion 20th June Marton 11.00am Morning Prayer Siddington 8.45am Communion Eaton 9.45am Parish Communion Swettenham 6.30pm Compline Communion 27th June Siddington 10.00am Animal Service Eaton 9.45am Communion Hulme Walfield 11.30am Family Communion Swettenham 11.30am Morning Prayer (Petertide)
Thursday 10am Communion services will continue to be streamed live on Zoom, but will not be held at Marton Church until further notice. Zoom details for services: Meeting ID 829 7421 4861, Passcode 2021,
Do you remember Kodak? They were everywhere in my youth, but almost entirely invisible today. So many of our family memories were captured on Kodak film – ‘Kodak Moments’ as their adverts described them. Oh, the memories of film cannisters, of struggling to wind on a new roll of film, and waiting for the photos to be developed and print- ed… Where are Kodak today? Well, they are still (just) in business, but I don’t remember when last I saw them. Their business was destroyed by the move from film to digital cameras. But here is the really curious thing: do you know who invented the digital camera? Will you believe me if I tell you it was Kodak?
I keep thinking about Kodak as I think about our villages and churches. Although Kodak told us they were in the capturing memories business, when it came down to it, their management and structures believed they were in the photographic film business – and there was no place in that for digital cameras.
So what about us and our villages? As vaccines and distancing measures start to pay off, and as we begin rebuilding normal life, it’s worth thinking about how we do things. We say that our villages are about strong communities and close neighbours. We believe our churches are about genuine spirituality and a kingdom of love. But, it can be all to easy to cling to the old structures hoping this will preserve what we had before. In a fast changing world we all need to do things differently if we are to hold on to what matters. In lockdowns we realised more than ever how important local is, and how precious our ‘Village Moments’ are. As things get busier again, in the new post-Covid world, I hope that we can hold on to, and improve, our local life. I’m sure we will need to be creative at times to do so – but can’t wait to see you all again in our shared communities.
Ian.
6 500th anniversary is worth celebrating – but not just yet! 1521 was a very significant year in the religious life of the church in England. The Pope (England was a Catholic country at the time) made King Henry VIII Defender of the Faith, and a small chapel in the Cheshire countryside was consecrated, allowing it to be used for some religious ceremonies. King Henry’s relationship with the Catholic Church went rapidly down- hill a few years later, however, and he broke away in 1533, so beginning the creation of the Church of England, and heralding a tumultuous period in the religious life of the country. The newly-consecrated All Saints Church, Siddington, however, sailed serenely through the various upheavals of Henry’s reign as he began dissolving the country’s monasteries, and this year celebrates the 500th anniversary of its consecration. There has almost certainly been a chapel on the site serving the God- fearing folk of Siddington dating back much earlier than 1521 as records show a chapel mentioned in wills from the 1330s and 1474. It was probably a Chapel of Ease to the ‘mother church’ of Prestbury, and/or possibly a chapel attached to nearby Siddington Hall. The church was licensed for burials in 1721, but local people had to wait until 1883 to be allowed to marry there. It was built in the striking half-timbered fashion of the day, all of which still exists, although a great deal is hidden within a brick ‘sandwich’ built in Victorian times, when the congregation realised that the heavy stone roof they had installed to replace the original thatch was making the walls unstable, and used the brickwork to support the roof. It was that which eventually led to the church adopting its curious, even eccentric, painted walls inside replicating the original black and white, and also partially outside, which gives the building a unique charm. The years haven’t always been kind to All Saints, however. It fell into disrepair at one stage and was rescued from a sorry fate by some timely TLC which subsequent generations have endeavoured to continue. The church has seen many monarchs come and go since Henry’s day, weathered the Civil War, welcomed countless generations of worship- pers through its doors, and lost many of its sons to two world wars, but
7 few events down the centuries can have had such a dramatic effect on church life as the coronavirus pandemic. It is difficult to believe that the church doors, along with those of every other church, were locked and bolted for a few traumatic months last year. Even when the church was allowed to reopen, restrictions have continued to affect worship at All Saints, and indeed at every other church. So planned celebrations to mark 500 years of history have had to be put on hold, and instead All Saints is planning to mark the 501st year of its consecration (more lockdowns notwithstanding!) in 2022. Look out for more details.
Article by Peter Kent
Every oval shape contains a different letter of the alphabet from A to K inclusive. Use the clues to determine their locations. Reference in the clues to ‘due’ means in any location along the same horizontal or vertical line
C is due east of H, which is due south of B.
F is due west of D, which is due south of E.
I is due east of F, which is due north of H.
G is due west of A, which is Answer due north of I. page 25 J is due south of K. 8 The Reverend Dr. John Roskilly Tribute to the late Dr John When Dr John, as he was universally known, came to us in 1986 he found himself dealing with parishes which had been through many years of uncertainty and problems, with no incumbent, no vicarage, and having faced a period where there had been little prospect of how the situation could be resolved. Into this really difficult situation came a kind, gentle soul, with his equally lovely wife, Liz, and together they quickly estab- lished themselves as “Just what the doctor ordered”! They were both eternally patient and cheerful, even when coping with the quirks of the new vicarage, and John quickly gained a strong reputation both as a dedicated churchman and for his excellent parish work and the empathy he showed to all. Throughout his time with us he did everything he could to bring the parishes together, and to involve the youngsters of the villages. In church the young people acted as servers, and the joint youth club thrived. Dr John and Liz gave up hours of their own time to take the youth club on their canal boat, and for many walks together. There were fun musical productions for them too, including the never to be forgotten building of a whale out of chicken wire for their performance of Jonah Man Jazz. The adults’ social lives were not forgotten either! The outings to The Davenport Arms after so many events became a feature of our joint parish lives, which even tempted more people than usual to attend the Archdeacon’s Visitations! There were PCC Awaydays and Christmas Fairs at the Vicarage, while at Siddington his skills on water were employed to great effect when he rowed the Water Lily Queen across the Lake on Fete Day for many years! John and Liz were involved in village life too, and the sight of him in full Teddy Boy gear for a village enter- tainment was unforgettable! Sadly, the time came for John and Liz to leave us, though they remained in touch with many people, and we were all delighted to welcome them back to us. We will all miss him and be grateful for all that he has done for us.
9 Dr. John & Liz Canal Boating—with Youth Club
Dr. John in ‘working’ mode
10 Marton and District C.E. (Aided) Primary School
School Lane, Marton, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9HD Tel: 01260 224482 E-mail:[email protected] Head Teacher Mrs N Deakin, NPQH, B.Ed (Hons)
Dear Friends
School continues to be a very busy place and we are all enjoying the good weather and beautiful school grounds.
As restrictions are easing we are being cautious and mindful that children need to begin after school activities and interact with each other. As part of our commitment to Well Being, we invited Kerry Lockyer from Oomph Learning in to work with children in Years 5 and 6 all about colour therapy, perceptions and how we can all recognise that our preferences are different, unique and individual. The children engaged in 2 days of activities and even learnt about juggling! Everyone agreed they had had a lot of fun and understood how special we all are!
To support our children further we are creating ‘Time to Talk’ opportunities so children can chat to adults and this is also proving very effective. Lockdown has been challenging for so many, but we have much to celebrate and enjoy!
Very soon we will begin our Reception Class Transition and look forward to welcoming new families to school. We are still welcoming new children in other year groups and if you do want to consider Marton for your children’s education – please contact us! You will not be disappointed!
With best wishes Mrs Nevin J Deakin
11 Parish News
Liz Nolan tells me that the Wakes Committee has decided against MARTON having Marton Wakes this year. For two years now the Pandemic has interrupted tradition, previously only heard of in wartime. We feel a great sadness following the death of the Reverend Dr. John Roskilly whose funeral took place here in Marton Church on Thursday 13th May. A Tribute to Dr. John as we all knew him
appears earlier in this edition. He is very much missed as a friend, life helper and an inspirational force in Marton Parish. Gradually a return to Parish events is taking place, and Liz helped Reverend Ian Arch with a Wedding Service in Church on Saturday 22nd May 2021. Slowly, safely, the church is returning to its life’s purposes. Jen Urquhart on behalf of Liz Nolan
This is (I think) only the second sighting of a Black Stork in Cheshire. The bird was flying very high and the image was captured by David’s long lens camera. It was later sighted east of the Pennines and in Kent and Sussex so it was on quite a tour! It would be great if species like this returned to the UK. Interestingly, white storks have already returned to the UK and are nesting in protected sites in Southern England. Many thanks to David Taylor of Marton Trout Pools for capturing this image of the rare Black Stork over- flying Marton.
John Percival
12 MARTON ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS MARTON Hello everyone, I hope you are all well and that you are enjoying spring despite the rather cool weather. I think that it is the latest spring for a number of years. Northwest England experienced 20-25 frosts by the end of April which is remarkable and to date May has been cool and Northerly dominated. This has of course held back the plants, but it has meant that wild and garden plants have bloomed for longer. At the time of writing there are still some daffodils hanging on and the bluebells are not yet in full swing. Similarly, although the hedges are out a number of tree species are still barely in leaf. One country rhyme linked to trees is ‘Ash before Oak, regular soak’, Oak before Ash only a splash’. But to the best of my knowledge Ash always come into leaf after Oak so who knows! Looking around the Marton area spring migrant birds appear to be arriving but slowly, swallows and Martins are here and in the last week or so I have seen groups migrating, heading further North. As reported last month warblers are here but I have not heard any reports of spotted flycatchers-a delicate migrant bird that use to be a regular visitor to the Marton area. A recent chat with David Taylor at Pikelow revealed that he has an old (but still very active) swan! The cob (male) of the pair of mute swans at Pikelow is thought to be 36 years old, which is remarkable given that a typical age is 15-18 years. This particular swan lost his original partner but has since found a new lady friend and they have once again raised a brood of cygnets. Thanks to Dave for this photo. This month I would like to raise the issue of Hedgehogs!
13 In the centre of Marton we appear to have a decent colony, but as MARTON a species, Hedgehogs are struggling across the UK. The reasons for this are complex but include lack of habitat with are complex but include lack of habitat with gardens and the countryside in general lacking thickets and scrub areas, predation from badgers, warmer & changeable winters which lead to hedgehogs breaking hibernation but finding no food and being exposed to sudden colder spells, accidental poisoning from slug pellets and rodent poison and restricted habitat range due to roads and garden fences. They do eat slugs! Best wishes, John Percival
Every row and column of A this grid should contain one each of the letters A, E B, C, D, E and F. In addition, each of the six shapes D (marked by the thicker lines) should also contain D C B one each of the letters A, B, C, D, E and F. Can you complete the grid? F E
Answer page 25
14 SIDDINGTON Whilst we have had our movements and growth restricted, Mother Nature has continued unabated. Our hedgerows & hedge- bottoms are packed to overflowing with white hawthorn, creamy- white, lacy cow parsley, massed bluebells, pink / purple willow herb, a veritable Rainbow. White daises, the yellows of butter- cups & dandelion. All in their supreme strength out-growing the green of our lawns, defying the mower, triumphant seeds escaping on the breezes. Unstoppable, natural forces at work! I used to believe so but now I realise we must all work hard, to
protect our Rainbows … Jen Urquhart on behalf of Ray Rush
Closing date for history project submissions Work is progressing on the combined history of All Saints and Siddington village life, which will be published in conjunction with other ways of marking the 500th anniversary of the church’s consecration. If you have been asked to contribute or you think you may have something which would add to the project, could you please do all you can to make sure it is submitted by the end of July. Peter and Sheila Kent are the ones to contact, either by emailing [email protected], or phoning 01625 617027. Most people who have a long-standing connection with Siddington will probably have a story to tell or a stand-out memory, so do get in touch. All being well the history will be published towards the end of the year. Thank you to all those who have contributed so far. It has all been fascinating to read, and we hope you will think it worthwhile when you see the finished product.
15 SIDDINGTON The new Queen and King Redesmere Fete’s 2021 Queen and King share a ‘royal’ family history going back generations. Alana Craven and Jack Grainger are among the latest generation of the Wain family, and are the great- grandchildren of the late Roy and Alice Wain. Roy was for many years chairman of the fete, and Alice was also one of the event’s major contributors and supporters. Many of each of Alana and Jack’s families have been Queens or Kings before them, and countless members of the Wain family have been involved in the fete’s royal processions in various roles down the years. Soon to be Water Lily Queen Alana loves all kinds of sports and she now coaches gymnastics at Sandbach. She enjoys going to dance twice a week where she does tap, ballet, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary dancing. She also plays the piano and violin (she is working towards her Grade 5 in both). Alana is an avid Marvel Fan and thinks they are the best movies ever! Jack, the next King of Redesmere, is also well into his sport and is the goalkeeper for Maccles- field Juniors. Off the pitch he supports Liver- pool. Playing Xbox with his friends, riding his bike and walking the family dog Poppy take up what is left of his spare time. Best of Luck for them both on Saturday 31st July 2021
16 SIDDINGTON Redesmere Fete returns – roadmap permitting Planning has started for Redesmere Fete 2021 – assuming that the roadmap out of lockdown goes ahead as planned with the lifting of the restrictions which prevented the event last year. The date for your diary is Saturday July 31, starting at 1.30 with the proces- sion down to the lakeside led by the piper, where the 2021 Water Lily Queen will be crowned by her King.
The usual festivities will follow at the Village Hall. We’re aiming to put on an event worthy of the return of this traditional celebra- tion of village community life. Majestic Owls have us in their diary so we can see again their wonderful collection of birds, and Snaggers the balloon modeller has also confirmed he can be with us. Negotiations are under way with the Siddington Stompers to persuade them to come out of retirement to entertain our visitors. The Dog Show is also planned for the afternoon and a Punch and Judy show is scheduled to add to the afternoon’s entertainment. The Grand Draw will also be held. The barbecue, with Nick Barnes entertaining, will follow in the evening, with the fun run and family games planned. The bar is also booked for the afternoon and evening.
So please put the date in your diary now and put the word out so we can have a successful day. Tombola stall – prizes needed! An early call is going out for donations of prizes for the Fete tombola stall, so please help us to stock it with the kind of prizes to swell the Fete profits which are vital to the future of the church. Prizes can be taken to Barbara Smart’s house, Colshaw Heath Cottage, Salters Lane SK11 9LH. Alternatively you can ring Barbara on 07817 887818 or Sharon on 07791 359493. Silent Auction We will also be holding the popular Silent Auction, where people can bid for the skills and prizes given by people within the community. A full list of lots will be available in due course, but if you have anything you think you might like to offer, please contact Sue on 07814 965871. 17 SIDDINGTON The May meeting of Capesthorne and Siddington WI held on 11/5/21 by Zoom Whilst we don't know when the village hall will open its doors to the WI we have started tentatively to meet up. A small group took a walk and coffee stop in the Capesthorne Hall grounds and next week on the 18th we are hoping (weather permitting) to meet outdoors in the village hall car park. A garden visit on June 8th is to Moston near Sandbach has been arranged. It was crafting via Zoom this week as we joined Leila Khasel a jewellery designer in Stockholm (yes) to make paper ornaments. This was a light-hearted affair with some pretty results.
The CFWI's 19th talk by Inspiring Women, took place on the 10th with Dorothy Bryne the speaker. She has just left Channel 4, to take up the role of President of Murray Edward College, Cam- bridge. Dorothy worked at Granada TV producing World in Action and Dispatches before moving to Channel 4 and becoming Commissioning Editor of Current Affairs and subsequently Head of News and Current Affairs. She was awarded a Fellow of the Royal Television Society and an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Sheffield University amongst other accolades. Tonight (the 12th) the program, "Devina McCall: Sex, Myths and the Menopause" goes out on Channel 4, and is one of the last programs overseen by Dorothy, (and produced by Kate Muir), a fitting end to a long career in journalism. Another speaker in the series was Clare Birkenshaw who was the first transgender headmistress. She has since gone on to become a lecturer at Leeds Becket University in Childhood and Education. Her story took us from childhood and knowing that she was different but not being able to define how, to eventually transitioning and becoming Clare after many years as Mr Birkenshaw. A lunch time talk was given by Ruth Rabet who started the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme at Gatwick Airport in 2016, which is now world- wide. It started with the emblem of a sunflower on a lanyard, to indicate that the wearer might need additional support, help or a little more time. It has become adopted globally by major airports, supermar- kets, railway and coach stations, leisure facilities, the NHS, police, fire, and ambulance services and more. There is no qualifying list and people may wear a sunflower product (there are now badges, pins, stickers, caps etc) if they feel they would benefit. The web site is hiddendisabilitiesstore.co I hadn't heard of this scheme and then spotted a lady wearing a sunflower 18 lanyard this week in Macclesfield, so I certainly learnt something. SIDDINGTON Just to add that the bowling season has started for the WI at Siddington, with the ladies bowling on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. New WI players are always made welcome. Tuesday 8th June Garden meeting. Meet at the Village Hall 6.30pm (car sharing ) Friday 2nd July WI Lunch
Below are my attempts at pompoms and tulips:
Rogation Walk—Siddington About 40 people took part in All Saints’ Rogation Walk recently. Andrew led everyone on a lovely route around Redesmere and Howard led small acts of worship at various points along the way. The walk culminated at the village hall for a party for tea and cake to celebrate the 80th birthdays of a select group, John and Jo, Liz, Arthur and Mavis, not forgetting Margaret who celebrated her 90th earlier in the year.
19 EATON HULME & WALFIELD EATON PARISH COUNCIL REPORT The Annual Parish and Council meetings were held on the 4th of May by zoom. One resident attended and a second sent in questions. Susy Evans and Irene Goodwin agreed to remain in their positions of Chair and Vice Chair and we are grateful to them. Cllr Waltho will be reporting separately on the very successful Neighbourhood Plan referendum. The Community Governance Review remains very high on the list of matters being covered by the council. Cllrs. Waltho and Connon recently attended a meeting with David Rutley MP and Ward Cllr. Lesley Smetham and we will really need to keep on top of this and keep you advised. The question was asked at the meeting what is SAPD and how does it affect the parish. Cllr. Connon has provided an explanation as follows: “The Site Allocations and Development Policies Document (SADPD) forms the second part of Cheshire East’s Local Plan. Alongside the CE Local Plan Strategy provides further details and non-strategic planning policies and land allocations in line with the strategy set out in the CE plan. In addition, SADPD includes new policies to replace old ones from the former district plans. The purpose of both documents is to achieve sustainable development by enabling jobs growth and maintaining a strong
local economy, protecting the environment and delivering the new homes needed for existing and future residents. SADPD has been ongoing since 2017 and is currently at an advanced stage. Although not yet formally adopted by CE and is still considered a ‘draft’ document it must be considered when determining planning applications. CE have decided that the SADPD should be moved forward to the next stage and submitted for examination by an independent planning inspector. It was formally submitted to the Secretary of State on 29th April 2021. Once adopted it will be used alongside the Local Plan to determine future planning applications” A local resident has suggested that some residents may be willing to submit their e mail addresses to the Parish Council to be retained by the Clerk so that messages can be got to those expressing an interest in a much quicker way. Messages will be sent out ‘blind copy’ so secure
20 EATON HULME & WALFIELD under GDPR. A flyer on this is being prepared and if you are interested please contact the clerk. The accounts have been given a clean report and a notice of Public Rights to inspect will be published shortly. All the accounts can be viewed on the council website. The Council is pleased that we have finally found someone to work on the restoration of the village sign. This was initially done at the turn of the Millennium by resident Harry Harvey and it has long awaited the work that has been done on it. Very well done. We hope to meet face to face at the next council meeting which will be held in the Church Hall on Tuesday 6th July at 7.00 pm. Dorothy Waite – Clerk and RFO – Tel. 01260 276385. E mail [email protected]
Eaton Neighbourhood Plan
Following lots of hard work and dedication by the team of volunteers compiling the Neighbourhood Plan, we are delighted to inform you that the Eaton Neighbourhood Plan passed through the final hurdle of the Referendum on 6th May 2021.
The full results of the referendum are as follows: Total Electorate within the NP Area 223 Total Number of Votes cast were 137 Which equates to a turnout of 61.43% and is the highest percentage turnout that Cheshire East Council 21 has had to date for a Neighbourhood Plan. EATON HULME & WALFIELD The Votes were 127 Voting Yes and 10 Voting No. This means that almost 93% of all votes cast were in support of the Plan. Thank you.
Cheshire East Council will now be making a formal decision to ‘make’ the plan in the coming weeks. This means that our plan will be adopted and form part of the Development Plan for Cheshire East. Until this decision takes place, the plan is not formally ‘made’, however, the plan will be used and afforded significant weight in decision making on planning applications in our area.
If you wish to view the Neighbourhood Plan this can be found at either of the following links: Eaton Parish Website Eaton NDP - Referendum Version (May 2021) (2).pdf (eatoncheshire.co.uk) Cheshire East Website Eaton Neighbourhood Plan (cheshireeast.gov.uk)
Everyone on the Neighbourhood Planning team, which includes John Bradburn, Andy Mitchell, Tamsin MacCormack, Neil Thorpe and Steve Waltho, would like to thank all the residents who took the time to cast their votes, and also for the support we
have received from everyone in the village throughout the process of creating the Plan for our village.
Many Thanks Steve Waltho
Donations to the magazine have been received with thanks from: Mrs M Jackson, Mr and Mrs E Pennington, Mr and Mrs W Hutchinson, Mrs J Davenport, Mrs R Ellston, Mr and Mrs D Tompson.
Donations to the magazine are very welcome. If you wish to pay by cheque, please make them payable to: ‘Eaton and Hulme Walfield Magazine’, and send them to Miss B Thorley, 1, Holly Cottages, Somer- ford Booths, Congleton, CW12 2JX, who will be pleased to receive them. 22 EATON GARDEN PARTY 2021 EATON HULME & WALFIELD It is with much sadness that the Eaton Garden Party committee has taken the decision to cancel the Garden Party and Fete which was due to be held on July 11th. It is an event that just cannot be put together in a couple of weeks or so, even if all restrictions are lifted on 21st June. In any event it is unlikely that there would be any visiting Rose Queens or Kings, who create much of the traditional atmosphere. If we think it feasible to hold a fund raising community event later in the year, we will do so.
EATON Village Amenities Fund Committee is meeting on Tuesday 1st June to discuss the prospect of holding a couple of events later in the year. Maybe an autumn race night (Covid permitting!) so watch this space. We would love a couple of volunteers to join us. It’s not hugely onerous, just 4 or 5 meetings a year, maybe 3 or 4 social events, and new ideas about what people want are always welcome. Please email Kate Hart at: [email protected] if you would like to join our happy band, or even just to make a suggestion about what we might
organise.
23 Nature Update EATON HULME & WALFIELD This year at News Bank we have several flowers just appeared from nowhere, wild primroses, a clump of cowslips, fritillaries—these are all new to News Bank, we can’t blame this on Covid! There are at least three pairs of robins, and one pair of blackbirds, who all wait for Margaret to arrive to serve breakfast. On one of the rare sunny spells, we saw a mother goose with her several goslings across a flood in a nearby field.
Gardener’s Corner Just the time to plant your hanging baskets and tubs, remember to keep the baskets well watered even if it rains, and feed them once a week. Continue to sow lettuce, beetroot and other vegetables as you need them.
The Gardener
24 EATON HULME & WALFIELD Eaton Flower Rota First, sincere thanks to all those who have kindly donated flow- ers during previous weeks and months. We are indeed very grateful to Lynn McHugh, Pam Davenport, Irene Sefton and Mary Hibbert. However, once again this is a request for more parishioners to join in this lovely task of providing flowers. You do not need any fancy skills—just a willingness to put flowers on the shelves beside the altar. The flowers last for two Sundays. Please contact the churchwardens if you would like to help. June Rota May 30th / June 6th for a wedding on May 29th Lynn McHugh June 13th / June 20th Irene Sefton June 27th / July 4th Vacant
Puzzle answers:
E C F A B D E
B G A E B D A F C
A E B F C D F D I D A E C B F H K C B C F D E A J F D C E A B
25 SWETTENHAM PCC Annual meeting
The meeting Annual meeting of the PCC was held on April 20th, the purpose of this meeting was to approve the Church accounts and appointment officers. Various reports were given, regarding the maintenance, financial situation of the church and the past years services. The churchwardens John Gregory and Geoff Leech both agreed to stand again, Geoff also was appointed Treasurer, the current list of PCC members all wished to remain on the PCC, with the exception of June and Michael Baker who wished to stand down due to ill health. Shirley Harrison was welcomed onto the PCC.
Reading at Swettenham Church Services
Hilary Andow has handed responsibility for organising the rota of Readers for Services at St. Peters, Swettenham to us, Ian and Lydia Taylor. While Hilary has assembled a great team of volunteers, we always have room for more to share the load. If you would like to join the St Peters team of Readers, please contact Ian or Lydia Taylor either by email – [email protected], or telephone 01260 275248. If we happen not to be at home please leave a message with your name and number and one of us will call you back.
Thanks for your anticipated support Ian and Lydia Taylor
Thoughts from our roving reporter
The country is all about going green and one of the ways is to plant lots of trees, which is very commendable, but you can’t eat trees. The area a fully grown tree will be considerable, a tree will be in the ground for about 300 years, think of how many potatoes you could grow in that space in that time. After all we need food, one person suggested getting rid of cats because of global warming, no cats – the rats and mice would have a field day. Cows and sheep are being targeted because of methane gas, but what about the wildebeests in Africa and the caribou in Canada are they not ruminants. Go green by all means but let us do it responsibly, after all, the world has been around a very long time and has seen good and bad times.
26 Best wishes to……….. SWETTENHAM Janice Wright , recovering at home from an operation Bernard Davies and Michael Baker, both presently in hospital receiving excellent care and treatment, thoughts and prayers to you all and wish you a speedy recovery.
Swettenham Women's Institute
It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce Swettenham WI’s Re-launch meetings. Starting Wednesday 7th July at 2pm at The Swettenham Club. Mr John Hambleton will entertain us with his ‘Unusual Objects’ as we
guess what they were used for. Afternoon Strawberry Cream Tea will be served. PLEASE come along to meet your friends and have a chat. If you are new to the area or the WI, and you feel you would like to join in. You will be made most welcome. All Government COVID-19 restrictions in effect at the time of the meetings will be strictly adhered to. We would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Lydia and Joanne we hope you have a lovely day. Linda our treasurer would like to remind members subscriptions for 1st April ’21 to 31st March ’22 are now due. Full member - £44.00 Dual member - £20.60 Cheques made payable to Swettenham WI. Linda is collecting used postage stamps. The stamps will be used to help fund Bone Cancer Research. Dane Valley Group. The Autumn meeting on the 21st October at Lr. Withington Village Hall is still going ahead and also the Group Carol service. National Mental Health Awareness Week. Me, Myself and WI. The NFWI has launched a programme aiming to help members with their mental and physical health. Using the butterfly logos which will identify activities in the coming weeks, members can incorporate the activities into their daily life. Cooking, craft, exercise and science. The Butterfly Effect.... Every single thing you do matters. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to Change the World. Andy Andrews.
27 Zoom meetings Saturday 5th June 10.45am UN Environment Day SWETTENHAM the theme ‘Ecosystem Restoration’. Lindow Moss, Cheshire. The battle to keep peat in the bog and not in the garden. Wednesday 9th June 7pm Ailsa Holland co-author of On this day She: Putting Women Back in History, One Day at a Time (2021). She is a poet, writer, artist, TEDx speaker and activist. She was Manchester Cathedral poet of the year 2019. 2021 The proposed Resolution is:- A call to increase awareness of the subtle signs of ovarian cancer. Every 2 hours in the UK a lady dies of ovarian cancer. Making sure GP’s and the public recognise the symptoms will ensure early detection and treatment of this disease. It will transform lives today and for generations to come. Please keep in touch with your friends it is lovely to receive a phone call and have a chat. I am looking forward to seeing you all on the 7th July and maybe some new friends, you are welcome to Come and join us. Alison Gregory. President.
Parker’s ponderings
A truck driver came into the road side cafe and placed his order. He said, "I want three flat tyres, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards." The brand new waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, "This driver out there just ordered three flat tyres, a pair of headlights and a pair of running Boards. What does he think this place is, an auto parts store?" "No," the cook said, "Three flat tyres mean three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up, and running boards are 2 slices of crisp bacon." "Oh, OK!" said the waitress. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of baked beans and gave it to the customer. The driver asked, "What are the beans for?" She replied, "I thought while you were waiting for the flat tyres, head- lights and running boards, you might as well fill up with some gas aswell!"
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