All Profits Go Towards the Maintenance of the Churchyard

All profits go towards the maintenance of the churchyard. 60p 2 www.saintmargarets.co.uk

Officers of the Parish Church of St Margaret’s, Betley ....

VICAR OF BETLEY AND OF MADELEY Vacancy The Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, Madeley, CW3 9PQ 01782 750205 ASSISTANT PRIEST Revd. Pamela Lane, 01270 820258 Brandon, Main Road, Betley, CW3 9BH ORDAINED LOCAL MINISTER Revd. Alan Bailey 01270 820043 CURATE Revd. John Beswick Pallister ([email protected]) 07428 342801 CHURCH WARDENS Mrs. Jennifer Walton, 01270 820051 6 Court Walk, Betley, CW3 9DP

Mr. Kevin Hamer, 01270 820704 Shade House, Main Road. Betley, CW3 9AA READERS Mr. Kevin Hamer, 01270 820704 Mrs. Jennifer Walton 01270 820051 Mrs. Jean Ainsworth 01270 820532 READER EMERITUS Mr. Michael Darlington 01270 820582 CHOIRMASTER Mr. Kevin Hamer 01270 820704 ORGANIST Mrs Alison Hendricken ([email protected]) 01270 820078 CAPTAIN OF THE BELFRY Mr. Robert Bailey 01270 820522 CHURCH CLERK Mr. Bernard Swift 01270 821760 PCC TREASURER & PCC CORRESPONDENCE SECRETARY Mr. Michael Smith, ([email protected]) 01270 821099 3, Balterley Court, Balterley, CW2 5SB SAFEGUARDING COORDINATOR Mrs. Jennifer Walton 01270 820051 MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION QUERIES Mrs. Sue Cheetham 01270 820463 MAGAZINE EDITORS Sadie & Ken Blankley 01270 829128

Please email all entries/articles by the 15th of the preceding month to [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook! 3 CHURCHWARDEN’S MESSAGE Dear Friends, October, “season of mists and mellow God’s grace. As I write things are fruitfulness”!? opening up for public worship – do look at the information elsewhere This year spring and summer have in this magazine. You may find it a been almost surreal, with the ever- bit confusing, don’t worry, I do and changing and more confusing Covid I am on the Ministry Team! 19 regulations. Even as I write the (Please observe our Covid 19 Prime Minister has just announced protocol). There has been another guideline. For many it has camaraderie, innovation and been a hard, confining and depressing countless acts of kindness. We time, even if you personally were not have loved our neighbours as touched by this awful disease through ourselves and may even have sickness or bereavement. As a discovered our inner techie! Church we have continued to pray throughout for all those affected and We were sad to lose Rev. Peter, will carry on doing so. but we are looking forward to having a new vicar. The post has The autumn bears witness to new been advertised and the beginnings. Children and students interviews will take place later this return to their studies. Everyone goes month. Please pray for a good back to work and routine is restored. response and for the discernment Well, usually! The difficulty this year is of those who must decide. That is that we don’t know what lies ahead. exciting: a new priest, with new We are told normal life will be ideas perhaps. Things to look different. The future is uncertain. Will forward to indeed. there be a new surge of the Coronavirus? Can we manage it In all these trials, God is with us. better? If we did know the answers Please continue in your prayers would we be less anxious? and remember what Christ did for us. As the leaves turn gold and So, I want to be positive and celebrate red let us give thanks for all we do what went well – and look forward not have and all we have to look back. The Churches in Madeley and forward to. We will give special Betley working as one provided a thanks for God’s goodness at a programme of worship, and the solace Harvest Festival on October 11th that prayer and music can give. further details on page 5. Members of the Ministry Teams, (pretty much working as one!) and Every blessing, others have explored God’s Word with us. Thanks be to God, with a little help from Zoom. Yet even Zoom is by Churchwarden

St Margaret’s Church Celebrating, sharing and growing in God's love

4 www.saintmargarets.co.uk IN THIS MONTH’S BETLEY PARISH NEWS ...

As this edition of the Parish News goes to press, Betley is enjoying a week of golden autumn sunshine and the days are precious. Looking ahead, some familiar village events aren’t happening this year, including the Betley Bonfire and a BATS production. But St. Margaret’s Sunday Services are back in church every other week, alternating with All Saints’ Madeley. Local groups are re-starting where they safely can: there are updates from U3A and the Village Hall – where the trustees are looking for a new Bookings Secretary: could that be you? Looking back a few weeks, many people enjoyed ‘Songs Under the Stars’ at Betley Court Farm and Reuben Speed shares the story from behind the scenes on page 14. The Betley, Balterley and Wrinehill Neighbourhood Plan Draft is due out for public consultation and there will be two online webinars on 10th and 19th October, in lieu of a public meeting because of Covid-19 restrictions. This is an important document for the future shape and size of the villages, so do take the opportunity to have your say and support those who have been working hard on this project. You can read more on page 8. Despite the challenges of 2020 there are many things to be grateful for, not least the way Betley has pulled together, and it’s good to know that this is being recognised even beyond the village boundaries. Caroline and Paul Beardsmore in the Village shop and Post Office, and also the Speed family at Betley Court Farm Tea Rooms have received personal cards from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire thanking them for their contributions. And so say all of us!

Would you like to help with Covid-19 research? The COVID-19 Symptom Study is an easy-to-use app developed in collaboration with researchers from King's College London. It’s free and over 4 million participants are using it to report regularly on their health, making it the largest public science project of its kind anywhere in the world. Download ‘COVID Symptom Study’ (Zoe Global Ltd) from the Apple or Android app stores.

Thought for the week If you like to take a few minutes to pause and reflect, join us on Wednesdays for a thought for the week. These are live videos on the All Saints Madeley page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsmadeley/, but you can see them later on Facebook or on this link: http://tiny.cc/tftd

Follow us on Facebook! 5 ST MARGARET’S BETLEY… SERVICES IN OCTOBER 9.30am Sunday services continue fortnightly During October the following services will be held—all are welcome Social distancing and other safety measures in place. Face coverings required.

Sunday 11th October - Harvest Festival 9.30am Harvest Celebration with music Outdoors – details to be confirmed - families welcome. Please check Church and RR Noticeboards, Facebook and Website 6.30pm Harvest Thanksgiving with music in St. Margaret’s All Harvest cash offerings to support Sanctus

Sunday 25th October 9.30am Holy Communion with music in church 6.30pm Short Evensong and Annual Church Meeting in church

All Tuesdays during October 9.15am Morning Prayers in church NB 6th October 9.15am Holy Communion (BCP)

In addition we are welcome at Holy Communion in All Saints’ Church, Madeley every Thursday at 10.00am and on Sundays 4h and 18th October at 9.30am

Unable to get to Church? Joint Zoom Services continue every Sunday at 11.00am. There will also be a live streaming of our more informal Living Streams service at 6.30pm on 4th October and 1st November Details are issued each week by e-mail with advice on how to participate. Just let one of us know your e-mail address and we will include you. Revd. John Beswick Pallister (Curate) Jennifer Walton and Kevin Hamer (Churchwardens)

6 www.saintmargarets.co.uk

PLEASE COME to St. Margaret’s ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING

6.30pm Sunday 25th October in Church

A short service of Evening Prayer followed by the Annual Meeting

Share in our review of God’s blessings over the last year

Elect your Churchwardens & Church Council (Nomination forms posted at rear of church)

Face coverings must be worn

A copy of the PCC’s Annual Report 2019/20 and the Financial Accounts ending 31.12.19 are available for inspection in Church

If you wish to contribute to the meeting but are unable to because of Coronavirus restrictions please contact

Jennifer Walton 01270 820051

St. Margaret’s continues to be open for individual private prayer between 9.00am and 5.00pm daily You are welcome to enter but please adhere to the guidelines posted on the church door. Please close the door when you leave!

“Let There Be Light!” Betley Village is fortunate to have such a beautiful church in its heart. Whether you are a regular worshipper, occasional attendee or just walk or drive past occasionally, we can probably all agree that the church building sits well in our village, as it has done for centuries. Responsibility for the upkeep of such a Grade I listed building brings its challenges, of course, and collectively we have achieved a tremendous amount in recent years with the major refurbishment of all the external stonework and minor roof repairs. This should stand us in good stead for many years to come. A review early last year of all the electrical systems and lighting arrangements in St. Margaret’s, revealed that significant remedial work was required to bring the electrics up to modern safety standards. In particular, the church lighting was proving to be inadequate, relatively expensive to run, and difficult to maintain safely. The heat-generating light fittings were also of concern to the church insurers. The PCC appointed a small group to undertake a full review of the church lighting and electrics and to seek quotations and a specification for the required work to be done. This preparatory work was completed earlier this year and in August the Diocesan authorities confirmed that work could proceed. The nominated contractors, Church Lighting Systems Limited, began work on 7thSeptember and by the time this edition of Betley Parish News is distributed we expect the work will have been completed. This will have been a major contract for our church and we are indeed fortunate that we have been able to fund the full cost from local church reserves. On completion of the work:  we will have a far more effective and flexible LED lighting system;  the need to replace bulbs at high level will be almost eliminated;  running costs of the lighting should be reduced by as much as 80%;  the overall power supply in church will be protected to the latest industry standards. Our thanks go to all those involved in this project; we shall reap the benefits as winter approaches.

(Treasurer) on behalf of St. Margaret’s PCC

8 www.saintmargarets.co.uk BETLEY, BALTERLEY & WRINEHILL PARISH COUNCIL Parish Council meetings The Council was able to meet again in July, albeit remotely using Zoom. The current (mid-September) increase in Covid-19 cases, and Government advice to avoid gatherings of more than six people suggests this was the right approach, and this is likely to continue for some time. Arrangements can be made for members of the public to view meetings live (by prior arrangement with the Clerk) and limited public participation is still available. At this stage we would assume that the Zoom platform will also be used for the October and November meetings. The Council does not normally meet in December. Neighbourhood Plan It is now four years since a group of local residents, including several parish councillors, started work on drawing up a Neighbourhood Plan for Betley, Balterley & Wrinehill. This will be an important document which will shape the control of development in our community between now and 2033. Their work is now nearing completion with public consultation on the Draft Neighbourhood Development Plan due to start in early October. This is the opportunity for local residents to express their views and to suggest any changes you feel might be appropriate. Consultation runs from 8th October to 27th November. The Plan will be available to view on-line at www.bbwplan.org or a paper copy can be obtained (by prior arrangement) at the vet’s surgery. In light of Covid-19 public meetings cannot be held but two on-line webinars have been arranged for the 10th and 19th October: details will be available on www.bbwplan.org. Ad- vice has been taken as to how we should proceed with this important consultation in the present circumstances. Speed Indication Devices (SIDs) You will be aware of these devices, purchased by the Parish Council with the support of the Betley Bonfire Committee, the County Councillor and other grant-making bodies. The devices are used throughout the length of the speed restriction on Main Road in Betley and Wrinehill. What you may not know is that these devices also record data on to a memory card to give details of date, time, speed, and number of vehicles passing them. It is hoped that, over time, this data will support a case the Parish Council wants to make to Staffordshire County Council for the installation of Average Speed Cameras at the entrances to Betley and Wrinehill on the A531 travelling both north and south. The need for such cameras is emphasised by just one piece of SID data which tells us that a vehicle was clocked at 78mph on Main Road. You may have spotted there is now an additional SID in use – this was recently purchased using a generous grant from the Bonfire Committee. The Parish Council would like to thank them for their continuing support. Thanks also to Mr. Terry Townsend who, on a purely voluntary basis, continues to administer the SIDs, change batteries and locations etc as necessary.

Follow us on Facebook! 9 Community Speedwatch (CSW) Betley CSW was placed into isolation by Staffs Police at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak and only granted permission to resume in July under strict social distancing protocols. These mean that a number of our approved sites are currently unsuitable and leave us with only three locations (along Main Road) where we can safely operate. Since July we have been out monitoring speeds on several occasions, the most recent (at going to print) being Friday 11th September to align with a county-wide Staffordshire Police “Operation Lightning” which was targeting vehicle offences of all types. Following this session fifteen motorists were reported to the Police for exceeding the speed limit. As ever, if you are interested in getting involved with the Betley CSW please contact Cllr Neil Bullock on 07717 617454 or [email protected] Autumn Events Covid-19 casts a shadow over the events which form a traditional part of this time of year for our community. Events to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day will take place, though clearly some adjustments may need to be made to respect social distancing. The arrangements for Remembrance Sunday (8th November) are a matter for the Church, with the Parish Council participating in the service to lay a wreath. The Covid-19 pandemic rules, as we saw on Monday 14th September, can change at short notice, but in any event a wreath will be laid by the Parish Council at the Remembrance headstone at 11.00am on Wednesday 11th November. We hope that there will also be a ceremony on the Memorial Garden at 11.00am on that day but the arrangements and format depend on the rules applicable at the time. The Parish Council also hopes to light up the Memorial Garden over the Christmas period though again the precise details may have to be adapted in light of circumstances at that time. The current plan is for the lights to be turned on by Santa on Friday 27th November, as Advent Sunday this year is on Sunday 29th November. Next Meeting The next scheduled meeting will be on Thursday 22nd October and will again be a virtual meeting. For details of how to view the meeting please contact the Clerk (as below). Details will be posted on the local noticeboards and on the Council’s website. Go to www.hugofox.com/community and enter Betley, Balterley or Wrinehill into the search facility.

Clerk [email protected] 01270 663832 BOROUGH COUNCILLORS Cllr Simon White Cllr Gary White Simon.white@newcastle- Gary.white@newcastle -staffs.gov.uk staffs.gov.uk Tel 07834 090 747 Tel 07561 340 899

10 www.saintmargarets.co.uk

Thank you Betley

for 72 kgs in August

Much appreciated at the warehouse! Current shortages are: Any non-perishable food Particular non-food items needed are: Washing powder, washing up liquid, personal toiletries

Collection boxes in the porches of the Reading Room and the church are frequently monitored. Your contributions are being secured and safely transferred to the warehouse.

More information is available from www.newcastlestaffs.foodbank.org.uk Kevin Hamer 820704

ST MARGARET’S CHURCH - HOW TO ARRANGE…

Baptisms - Please contact the Parish Office 01782 750205.

Confirmations - Adults and young people who would like to re-commit themselves to the baptismal promises made on their behalf and who would like to prepare to begin to receive communion are encouraged to speak to one of the clergy about being confirmed.

Weddings - Normally, weddings can be arranged for couples when one or both partners live in the parish or are on the electoral roll of our church. Please contact the Parish Office 01782 750205.

Funerals - Arrangements for funeral services in church are made through the funeral director who will contact the clergy.

Visiting - Please let the clergy know of anyone who is ill at home or in hospital, and who would appreciate a call.

Follow us on Facebook! 11 CHURCH FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Praise and Play The toddler group was re-started after the summer break, it’s online only which is of course a shame, but is certainly better than not meeting each other! Please watch our Facebook page and weekly notice sheets for details of how to join - and/or send John an email.

Early Birds/Kid's Church We don't yet have a realistic idea of when we can re-start Early Birds on Sunday mornings, so we're going to carry on doing Kid's Church with Madeley church, which you can join online and do at home. As soon as we can do it again in church, we will - watch this space!

School assemblies School is different for everyone from September, but we're carrying on with assemblies as recorded videos until it is safe to meet again with all classes and in the church building.

Youth Group Our youth group hasn't just survived lockdown - it's actually thrived! A few more young people joined, as did some volunteers. We also had a lot of fun with a creative take on the David and Goliath story (if you haven't seen it, go to: https://tinyurl.com/yg-film). We'll continue on Zoom for the time being, you can ask John for the details. Please pass the message around about this group, and let John know of anyone whom you think might like to join.

If you're not a child or a young person… ...We really value your thoughts and your contributions. We've had some excellent helpers and input from people of all ages and backgrounds. If you want to get involved... we'd love to hear from you!

[email protected] (07428 342808)

DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Would you, or someone you know, appreciate a private conversation with clergy and the chance for some personal prayer for yourself or someone you know? Clergy from St Margaret’s and All Saints’ churches will be available by phone after the online Sunday services. Please phone or send a message to Revd. John Beswick Pallister, or Revd. Pamela Lane to find out who is on duty on a particular Sunday.

12 www.saintmargarets.co.uk BETLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL Welcome to the new term

It has been great to see all of our children back in school. Some have not been in school since the middle of March and the looks on their faces, their enthusiasm for learning and their excitement to see their friends and our staff has been super. The children have settled well into their new routines. It has been fabulous to be able to welcome new children too. Below are a few sentences from each class teacher about what the children have been doing in their first few weeks of term. Marvellous Minibeasts (Reception and Nursery) The Marvellous Minibeasts have had a fabulous start to the new school year; the children are already used to their new routines and are taking school life in their stride. The older children in the class are enjoying the responsibility of taking care of our new little ones and all the children have impressed us with their ability to cope with new situations. Our topic this half term is 'Nursery Rhymes' and we are currently working hard on covering our walls with artwork based on this theme. So far, we have made twinkling stars, dishes and spoons, and buses. We are looking forward to next week when we shall be making lots of spiders to go with one of our favourite nursery rhymes, 'Incy Wincy Spider'! Fabulous Flamingos (Year 1 and 2) The Fabulous Flamingos have had an excellent start to school in September. They adapted to their new classroom and peers quickly and got settled into their work. Our first topic is 'All About Me' and we have spent the last few weeks getting to know our friends in our class; what they look like, where

Follow us on Facebook! 13 they live and who is in their family. We particularly enjoyed looking at maps of the country and exploring where Betley is. You may spot us out and about exploring our wonderful village and how things will change as we enter Autumn and then Winter. Heroic Hedgehogs (Year 3 and 4) What a fantastic start the children have made to the new school year in Heroic Hedgehogs. They have created some amazing artwork based on our new topic of Groovy Greeks and have begun reading our first class text of the year, ‘Beast Keeper’. The children have also written some wonderful poetry about what their dream classroom looks, sounds and feels like. A perfect start to the year; keep it up Class Three! Cheeky Chimps (Year 5 and 6) It has been fantastic to welcome back the Cheeky Chimps to the classroom and it has amazed me how they have just taken returning to school in their stride. They have quickly picked up the new routines and procedures that they have to follow and this has made the settling in period run smoothly. We have started to work on place value in numbers with up to eight digits in maths. The children are enjoying our new class book, ‘Journey to the River Sea’ and I can already tell that this is going to lead to some fantastic writing. Our topic this term is the Rainforests and we have begun by learning about the Equator, the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn and looking at where the main rainforests are. Nursery admissions We have a few spaces left in our fabulous Nursery Class. To find information please see the link below. Please note that all applications for Nursery go through school not the Local Authority http://www.betley.staffs.sch.uk/ admissions/. If you would like to come and visit please contact the school office for an appointment: 01270 820286. In the meantime, if you would like to book a place for your child to start Nursery in September 2020 please email me on [email protected]

Executive Headteacher

14 www.saintmargarets.co.uk Songs under the Stars – behind the scenes ... I think we can all agree, no one expected 2020 to be the year it has turned out to be. Blissfully unaware at the beginning of the year and working on Lionel Blart’s London revival of ‘Blitz!’ at The Union Theatre, I had planned that this was the year I was finally going to make it as theatre designer. It had been a hard two years and finally in the last six months things were looking up. The pace of design work was picking up, with back-to-back shows and conversations happening that would have seen me with a full year of work. It was all very exciting, including my intention to move back to the capital after 18 months of commuting from Betley to London. I will never forget 16th March 2020; I was going into tech week with Ibsen’s ‘Hedda Gabler’ at The Greenwich Theatre. I had the radio on as I did a costume parade with the actors. Suddenly the music was interrupted, and our PM was addressing the nation with ‘we strongly you advise not to…’. This simple statement saw an entire industry shut its doors, close up in less than two hours, and remain closed for the next six months and counting. In less than two hours, I had lost my remaining year’s work and other potential prospects from meetings with new directors, actors and producers. Venues and the independent producers who create shows all lost their income in those two hours, with no support (still no signs of the promised £1.5bn) and no insurance; the productions could still go ahead, but from that night they would be playing to empty houses. ‘Songs under the Stars’ was a response to the crippling effect of Covid-19 on the theatre and event industries. Back in late July when outdoor performance was given the go-ahead, I was working with my colleague, producer and friend Sasha Regan, who owns and runs The Union Theatre in Southwark, south London, with the aim of creating a safe and enjoyable evening of live music. Something we so craved and missed. We worked closely with Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council on a risk assessment to find practical solutions to create a reduced-risk event. Betley Court Farm itself is super lucky to have hosted many different events in the past, including concerts, and the annual Show and Bonfire. We now know what works and what doesn’t work for the event, for the environment and for the community. This was a big factor for me to get right, I wanted to make sure the community felt we had created a safe event that would also suit the environment of Betley. We were able to tailor a site plan that utilised the benefits of these past events for my first musical concert. We managed to line up some stellar performers, who had all recently been performing in the West End. I had seen all of them in different shows whilst I was studying, and actually ‘fan girl-ed’ when I heard we were getting Gemma Sutton! Gemma was constantly in work performing in some amazing West End shows as the leading lady. Then it came as a shock to me to find out that the amazing cast were all local to this area, heralding from Crewe, Nantwich, Mow Cop and Macclesfield. They had all moved back home to ride

Follow us on Facebook! 15 out what everyone thought would be a month or two of no shows. Going from centre stage to delivering parcels for Hermes or creating Covid-19 test kits is a contrast for sure. However, whilst theatre venues themselves couldn’t diversify, as other sectors did, to survive theatre-makers were trying to get savvy and find a solution to the need for live performance. Finally being given the go-ahead for our proposed weekend, we had two weeks to advertise, sell tickets and get everything polished. I did my best Challenge Anneka impression – give me a tracksuit and a helicopter and I think we could have a remake! One thing I didn’t realise was the difficulty of trying to get publicity for the event with most media offices still closed. It was tricky to know whether local newspapers would do a write-up on the event. After sleepless nights and 20-hour days, we successfully managed to have a site. To fit our Covid-19 policy we had to create a site that kept areas grouped together; what sounded like a simple job soon turned out to be more complicated than predicted. As the numbers kept going up we had to keep picnic pitches together in ‘regions’. I hope this added to the experience and created confidence that we were trying to keep the event as safe as possible. The only thing we couldn’t plan for was the weather! At the beginning of August the forecast was for sunny days. Instead we had strong winds and rain, but everyone still enjoyed themselves, even if they were a little soggy and Ed the musical director was playing the piano with frozen hands. At the time of writing, we have passed the 21-day track and trace period, without any dreaded phone calls. I can confidently say we created a safe live musical event in a Covid-19 year! I have had some amazing feedback and positive responses, which really made the experience worthwhile. One thing that draws me to theatre is the community aspect, not just the community of people watching, but the community of makers all working together on a common goal. This ethos of community runs deep in Betley, which makes it a very special place to have grown up in. Without the individuals who helped out on the common goal of putting on an event like this, it wouldn’t have been as successful. A big thank you goes to Mark, Simon, Dan and Steven for all their hard work in the lead up to the event. Another big thank you to my parents and family for their constant support and help throughout the process and all their hard work after the weekend. Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who came and supported me with my first ever event, I have been so grateful to hear people talking so positively about the weekend. We hope everyone who did come enjoyed the show ... so watch this space there might be a ‘Songs under the Stars 2’!

Theatre Designer www.reubenspeed.com 07551 009853

16 www.saintmargarets.co.uk … and what some of the audience said afterwards:

The concert would be a real treat in normal times, but this was extra special. Live music in beautiful surroundings, talented performers who were overjoyed to be on stage again singing their hearts out to a very appreciative audience. It all made for a memorable evening. All our family had a delightful time. Thanks to Reuben and his team for making it happen so smoothly and safely. The Hawksleys

What a wonderful village event this was, a real ‘feel good’ night to enjoy. ‘Open Air Musical Theatre’, right in our midst, in these days of ‘not’ going out! A group of great professional singers, with a selection of songs from shows such as Les Mis. Chicago, Oklahoma, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and more created a lovely atmosphere down on the Mere Meadow. Taking your own wine and picnic, or enjoying fish and chips and ice cream on site, completed the evening. The crowd management and layout was spot on! A big thank you and well done to Reuben and his team for staging such a night to remember! Maybe we can look forward to another one?? Di and Ken Eaton

What a great idea after weeks of lockdown! A beautifully organised event that Betley could be proud of. Talented young musicians and varied music that everyone could enjoy. It should have been a perfect summer evening but it was cold!! - though on Friday evening we were treated to a glorious sunset. Thank you Reuben. Jean and Terry French

MADELEY AND DISTRICT U3A Good news! Some of the groups are meeting again including Amblers, Tree planting (see opposite), and Photography. We are just beginning indoor socially distanced/risk assessed/ Covid-19 compliant groups. U3A is counted as education, so we can have up to 30, but each co-ordinator sets the limit for the appropriate room and booking is required prior to attending any group. For more information go to the website madeleydistrictu3a.wordpress.com/ or contact Chris Hawksley on 07771 755307

Follow us on Facebook! 17 Trees for the Future Plant a tree and it gives back to us all in so many ways. It soaks up carbon dioxide every year of its life, putting oxygen back into the air. It gives shelter and food for birds and many other creatures, and delights our senses as human beings. It may be used for timber, or with luck, go on improving the lives of generations who live here after us. Madeley and District U3A have a tree planting group. During the last year, our dozen volunteers have been involved in planting over 300 trees across a wide area, from Woore to Halmerend and Clayton to Blakenhall. We are keen to explore any possibilities for planting in and around Betley. We like to plant cell-grown whips, the young saplings as used in forestry, and we choose native English species, thereby giving a high survival rate, good speed of growth and minimising the risk of imported disease. The whips may start only 40cm tall but, given a little weed-free clearing and a rabbit guard, many have doubled their size in a matter of months. We have planted them on both private and public land and helped with a memorial planting. They can go in singly or in little clusters, in a garden, the corner of a field perhaps as part of set-aside, round the boundary of a sports pitch, or as a screen or hedge; the options are many. If any Betley residents would like to talk to us about offering space for trees or can offer suggestions as to a tree planting project we could share, we shall be glad to hear from you. , Group Coordinator 01782 750917 [email protected]

18 www.saintmargarets.co.uk BETLEY AND WRINEHILL W.I. Dear Members, Sadly, the decision was made not to go ahead with the Christmas meeting. In light of announcements about the numbers that can meet in social groups, it was the right decision. We will just have to be patient and stay safe.

Sanctus, St Mark’s Supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees Sanitary products and toiletries can be deemed a luxury that is unaffordable for many. Sanctus relies on the generosity of supporters to collect these items for them, through collection boxes in local churches.

St Margaret’s is one such church. If you would like to donate, please leave your contribution in the church porch.

http://www.sanctusstmarks.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook! 19 BETLEY LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY www.blhs.co.uk Much as we would like to continue with our meetings offering interesting speakers and also a table of interesting items from the Archives, sometimes with gifts of new items which have been donated, it just is not possible at present. However, Shirley Kennerley (01270 820213) has settled so well into the position of Archivist. She has so much information well filed and indexed. You are reminded that, if you have any query, you are very welcome to give her a ring. We are, though we don’t often think of it, making history every day and week. Perhaps you could write up a little piece on what you know of the past of your house and add photographs of what it looked like when you bought it and how you have changed it and perhaps added to it. Also, if you have access to them, perhaps you could copy extracts from your deeds. Are you, for example, living in what was a Fletcher-Twemlow property? Not many of us, if any, can remember the Piggeries at the bottom of Bowhill Lane being in use. They were, of course, attached to Bow Hill Farm. As Syd lives nearby, he has been keeping a photographic record of its present transition into two bungalows. Perhaps you have pictures and/or memories of Ivydene Garage or The Blue Bell? Our newer residents would love to read about them. Who can now visualize The Saw Mill where The Meadows currently stands? Did you work there? Could you give us just a few paragraphs and a copy of any photographs you might have? Any contributions can be handed to me, or to any Committee member.

@BetleyHistory Rhoda Farrington (Secretary)

Books by Betley residents We mentioned a couple of local authors last month and here’s another: Angela Drakakis-Smith has written a series of books (suitable for 3-9 year olds) all about the adventures of Archie and they’d make a great Christmas present. Email Angela on [email protected] for more information.

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Reading Room celebrates 20 years’ service To mark the 20th anniversary of the formal re-opening of the restored Reading Room on 5th September 2000 a group of 14 intrepid walkers set off for an Anniversary Ramble (suitably distanced and in groups 1 minute apart). Pleasant weather with excellent visibility allowed them to enjoy panoramic views across the countryside to the Welsh hills. As soon as they had left, a group of well-wishers joined us for a celebratory drink and cake outside the Reading Room for half an hour, soon followed by another group of the same - all complying with Covid-19 restrictions. In spite of the restrictions it was a joyful occasion with a window display of pictures of happy events in the Reading Room over the years. If you haven’t seen them, take a look soon. It is impossible to say yet when the Reading Room will be able to open its doors again for much-enjoyed coffee, bacon baps, Taster talks and meetings, but we will keep you posted. The Reading Room Committee

We at the Chapel would like to offer our congratulations and thanks to The Reading Room Committee on their 20th Anniversary. We trust that the Room will continue to be a meeting place in the centre of the village for all of us for many years to come. Here in Betley, you can always contact me for the latest information about Methodist Services. At present, the Chapel remains closed.

01270 820022

BETLEY VILLAGE HALL

The Hall is starting to return to normal within current Government guidelines. Thank you to all our long-term hirers for your patience. Please check the Village Hall website www.betleyvillagehall.org.uk for details.

The play area is proving popular since it reopened – it’s great to see it being used again. In addition, the Bowls and Tennis Clubs have restarted, in line with guidelines, and have been very active over the summer.

Booking Secretary The Village Hall is looking to appoint a trustee to act as the Booking Secretary. The role involves liaising with potential hirers and longer-term users, and organising the booking system. Full training will be given for this vital role. It comes about as Diana Woods is stepping down in the New Year after many years’ sterling service. She will, of course, be around to help with transition and training. The role is central to the successful operation of the Village Hall and would suit someone who wants to be actively involved in the life of the village.

If you are interested, please talk to Richard Head on 07801813831.

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Child Sexual Abuse Helpline Child sexual abuse is hard to think about, and even harder to talk about. But talking about the issues means that more people know where the risks lie and how to prevent them. Children and young people are most likely to be at risk of sexual abuse within their family and community. But not all sexual abuse is carried out by adults – around one third of child sexual abuse is thought to be carried out by under 18s. As Covid-19 restrictions mean that some children might be spending more time unsupervised, offline and online, or away from supportive adults, there’s a real danger that cases of harm might increase. Stop It Now! is a confidential helpline and campaign that works with parents, carers, families and professionals to prevent child sexual abuse. They’ve made a toolkit for parents, carers and professionals to help them be aware of the risks of harmful sexual behaviour, so that they know what they can do to prevent it. There’s support, advice and information, plus resources and links to useful organisations. It isn’t always easy to tell the difference between abusive and normal sexual behaviours in children. Children, particularly in younger age groups, might engage in such behaviour without knowing that it is wrong or abusive. That’s why it can be more accurate to talk about sexually harmful behaviour rather than abuse. This includes sexual actions that are outside what is safe for a young person’s stage of development. It includes actions that can harm either the child or young person themselves, or another person. If you, your colleagues, family or friends want to know more, you can find the information and toolkit at www.stopitnow.org.uk or ring the confidential Helpline on 0800 1000 900,

(Staffordshire Police, Community Engagement Assistant, Staffordshire)

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Based in Wrinehill

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Members of the Association of Master Upholsterers

◊ Re-Upholstery ◊ ◊ Soft Furnishings ◊ ◊ Repairs ◊ ◊ Antique Upholstery ◊ ◊ Replacement Cushions ◊ treverhaycockupholstery.com [email protected] 01782 712155 Monument Lodge, Manor Rd, Madeley, Crewe. CW3 9PS

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Chartered Health & Safety Practitioners CMIOSH & Acoustic Consultants MIOA

Free initial consultation Health and Safety Law – requirements

Environmental Noise Assessments (Planning / Industrial). Sound Insulation Testing Part E. Noise at Work. Health and Safety Policies. Risk Assessments. On line Safety Training e.g. Fire Safety.

www.sbmsafetysolutions.co.uk Tel / Fax: 01270 820 533 2 Betley Hall Gardens, Betley, Crewe, CW39BB

34 www.saintmargarets.co.uk HAVING A PARTY?

BETLEY VILLAGE HALL is a GREAT VENUE

Visit our website www.betleyvillagehall.org.uk to see the great range of facilities:

A lovely hall with party ambient lighting, audio, stage, bar facilities, catering, kitchen, separate ‘break-out’ room. Large car park and play area.

Email: [email protected] to arrange a visit or booking

‘ Crewe’s Liners ’ Line-Dance Class Tuesday nights Betley Village Hall Beginners Hour 7.15pm - 8.15pm £4.00 Or 2 hours 7.15pm - 9.15pm £5.00 Have fun, keep fit and make new friends No partner required - Dancing to all genres of music For more info and details call Sue on 07761 350527 or email [email protected] Qualified Line-Dance Instructor

36 www.saintmargarets.co.uk Betley Tots Group

Betley Village Hall Every Tuesday 9:45 - 11:45

Songs, activities and a good chat.

Call Katie 07508 150392

Dog Training and behaviour Introduction to working dog training One to one or Group sessions available

Contact: Hannah Tel: 07760 999 694 [email protected]

Chimney Sweeping 01630 658947 [email protected]

Member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps

Peter Buckley BSc. Env. (Hons) 14 Derwent Drive Loggerheads

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Betley Court Farm, Betley, CW3 9BH Closed Mondays Tuesdays – Fridays & Sundays Open 10am-4pm Saturdays Open 9am-4pm

Please call 01270 820229 for booking enquires. Private events catered for also.

Digital x-ray, ultrasound & endoscopy, same day results for blood tests from our in house lab

Friendly and professional service Vaccinations & boosters Microchipping & health checks Fully equipped operating theatre & hospitalisation facilities Laparoscopic / keyhole surgery Airway surgery Advanced soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery Fully equipped mobile service for horses Acupuncture poolfarmvets.co.uk RCVS accredited small animal and equine practice