! Joseph showed a star to the class, I am Jewish so I have brought in the Star of David.

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1 Rev d Sue Levitt 14 Tarporley Road, Tarvin CH3 8ER Tel: revsuelevwork@gmail.com September 2014 Dear Friends A class of eleven year olds was asked to bring something special in for the next Show and Tell session. As it was a multi-faith school they were asked to bring something that represented their faith. Joseph showed a star to the class, I am Jewish so I have brought in the Star of David. Maria came to the front of the class with some special beads. I am Catholic and this is my rosary Then Charlie came out to the front. I am a Methodist and this is a cake. I know you may well have heard that joke before now but it still makes me smile It is always good to have the excuse for a big celebration and it is also great to celebrate some of the little things in life. When we are in hospital, ill at home or are feeling overwhelmed with life all we long for is to do the simple, ordinary things like going for a short walk or sitting in the garden listening to the birds. Such things can become a real celebration of everyday life if we do them with awareness. Sometimes it is important to stop and really see the things around us, to look in detail at the beauty of a flower or the pattern of the clouds, to allow ourselves to celebrate the beauty of everyday life and to thank God. I d like to share this simple prayer with you all. It was recently sent to me and I think it is quite thought-provoking. Lord, help us to accept this day as a gift to be treasured, a life to be enjoyed, a trust to be kept and a hope to be fulfilled. Amen Bigger celebrations (and cake of course) are also great because they help us review what has happened in the past and take time to be thankful. At this time of year we celebrate harvest, a time for thanking God that all is safely gathered in, and a time for celebrating the great bounty of creation. It is also a time for celebrating all the gifts He has given us, the talents and abilities of ourselves and others giving thanks for how we share them. So it is so appropriate that at this time of Harvest we also include the dedication of our pastoral visitors who share their time, their care and their prayers in our name throughout the year. We thank them for all that they have done and continue to do and we promise to hold them in our prayers in the coming year. Every Blessing, Sue.

2 Craft Club News Our contact with Petty Pool Trust continues. In June they held an 'Open Day' when prospective students came to visit. Craft Club members helped in a variety of ways by running two craft stalls, and helping with refreshments and the B.B.Q. It was a most enjoyable and successful day. In July we enjoyed lunch at Petty Pool, prepared and served by the students who are always eager to please. They are such a happy and friendly group of students. In August we are visiting 'Aberkhan', a large craft centre situated in Wales. Hopefully we will return full of ideas and goodies but with a slightly diminished bank balance September will see us all putting on our 'thinking caps' for ideas for the Christmas Tree Festival. This is always a lovely event and it is good to see the different themes groups choose for their Christmas tree. Something to look forward to -- put the date in your diary now 5th, 6th, and 7th December. Soon be Christmas... Some thirteen members meet every Tuesday and in between our other activities we do actually manage some craft work. At the moment we seem to be doing our 'own thing' which includes embroidery, knitting, beading, sewing etc. -- of course along with the usual cup of coffee and a chat. June Faye Pastoral Piece As I look out of the window today, it's raining pretty hard. I expect the gardens will benefit after the lovely sunshine we have had. Probably like me you wonder where the months have gone. Here we are into July - half a year gone I hope you are all enjoying good health during these summer months (not eating too many strawberry cream teas?). At church we are already planning ahead for our Christmas tree festival (Lovely) but it does make one realize that it will be winter again. Our team continue in their pastoral role. We hope you and yours enjoy what s left of the summer months. We leave you with these words " Heart Gifts" It's not the things that can be bought that are life's richest treasure, It's just the little " heart gifts " that money cannot measure A cheerful smile, a friendly word, a sympathetic nod Are priceless little treasures from the storehouse of our God They are the things that can't be bought with silver or with gold, For thoughtfulness and kindness and love are never sold They are the priceless things in life for which no one can pay, And the giver finds rich recompense in giving the away. (words by Helen Steiner Rice) May God Bless you and yours and keep you safe and well Margaret Hogan 19/7/14 " 2

3 The Annual Church Meeting The annual church meeting followed a shortened morning service on June 1, itself was followed by an excellent lunch and concluded with sacrament. Some 24 members joined Sue for the meeting. The meeting appointed Philip Garner and Mary Dimelow as Church Stewards, and re-appointed the 4 continuing stewards. Sue thanked Heather Davies for her 6 years as a steward, and particularly for being an excellent senior steward this last year. Sue was delighted to report that Alison Twinn would take over in September as the senior steward. Sue also thanked Pauline Gates for her vestry stewarding, and welcomed Yvonne who had taken her place alongside Rajan and Barbara, who were formally re-appointed. Ken Dunning is stepping down as a representative from the meeting to the Church Council and was thanked by Sue for all his wise advice over the years. Heather and Yvonne were elected as representatives from the meeting to the Church Council, and it was proposed that Lewis Dimelow be appointed to the Church Council if the age rules allowed. The meeting distributed 600 as donations to charities - 50 each to Norley News & the Poppy Appeal, and 100 each to All We Can (the new name for MRDF), the Norley Hilltop Play Area, Northwich Samaritans and the Chester & Ellesmere Port food bank. Safari Supper in 2014 This was held this year on June 7 th, and over 120 people turned out to the Safari Supper. Many thanks to Ruth, Hazel and Joan for organising the event, to all the helpers and particularly to Peter and Ruth Hosker for hosting the starter course (where Tommy and Joe Gadd helped to serve the starters with Beryl, and many church members made the delicious soups); to Ruth and Bruce Lane for hosting the main course (where the Dales, Prestons, Gates and Dimelows all helped to serve the food, prepared earlier by Ruth, Pauline and Vaughan, and where Philip as usual did a great job selling the raffle tickets for prizes donated by many others); and to those at the Church where for the second year the deserts, cheese and biscuits and coffee or tea were served (by the Bells, Goughs, Ramsbottoms and Barbara, Yvonne and Sylvia, with many members contributing the deserts). In the end 1555, including gift aid on the ticket donations of 338, was raised towards Church funds and our Charity giving. What a wonderful result many thanks to all who contributed. Bruce Lane The Church Council was held on June 9 th and received reports on all the church activities over the last year, which showed what an active Church community we have here in Norley. The proposed revisions to the Church Mission proposed by the stewards were debated, amended where necessary and adopted. The mission was changed to become the village sees God s love shining from our Church community and responds to it. Copies of the Policy can be found on church noticeboards. It was agreed that no activities should be discontinued and that the proposed monthly after school club for KS2 children from September was approved. " 3

4 The meeting debated a proposal for the refurbishing of the Church garden and adopted it, resolving to remove both large Rhododendrons from the drive, and removing most of the large trees, delegating the implementation to the property stewards over the next 2 years. The meeting also agreed to confirm a booking at Beth Eden for the 2015 Church Weekend Away, even though that would restrict the numbers attending. Sue congratulated the church on the diversity and breadth of our outreach activities and said that the Circuit Leadership Team sees our church as a church for mission. She also said that preachers like to come to Norley because of the friendly atmosphere, the good acoustics and the invigorating singing. Christian Aid 2014 A big Thank You to everyone who donated and collected for Christian Aid this year. A record amount of over 2300 was collected, including Gift Aid. Ruth Lane and Rita Boon " 4

5 Preparing for worship At the Annual Church meeting a request was made that the spiritual committee look at how we prepare for worship. Just before the worship service begins, the noise sometimes is rather intrusive. Although I understand the concerns raised, I have come to realize that the noise before the service is the sound of a family reunion. I like that too. It's a good sign when church members are glad to see each other. The Spiritual Committee s solution is to enjoy the family reunion before the service, but then to transition into a time of silent and thoughtful preparation. The way we plan to do this is a few minutes before the service is due to start one of the stewards will walk in with the Bible and open it and light a candle in front of it. You are then asked to spend the next few moments in a time of silence as we prepare our hearts and minds to worship God before the service starts. We hope to begin doing this on Sunday 14 th September when I will explain. Rev Sue " 5

6 First Wednesday Walks Eleven people took part in the First Wednesday Walk on June 2 nd, which was led by Peter & Sheila. We started from the Langwyfan Forest car park in the Clwyd Hills. The forecast was not good and as we booted up there was dampness in the air, so it was cagoules and over-trousers from the start. We picked up the Offa s Dyke path from the car park and began the steady climb to the summit of Penycloddiau, which is one of the largest iron-age forts in the Clwydian range, and half way to the top we passed through the earthworks which define it. After an hour we had reached the summit, marked by a reconstructed bronze-age burial chamber, where we had planned a coffee break, but the serious rain arrived, so we pressed on, descending to the col (or, this being Wales, the bwlch) between Penycloddiau and Moel y Parc. By this time the rain had ceased, the larks were singing, and we decided to have an early picnic lunch. There was even a convenient fallen tree to sit on. After lunch we left the Offa s Dyke path, doubling back onto the Clwydian Way, which offered fine views over the Vale of Clwyd, though not Snowdonia in the distance. Finally, we turned off the Clwydian way and followed a gently rising path through the woods, back to the car-park. The weather had improved and the birds were singing, making a fine end to a good walk. Peter Hills July s walk was led by Heather & Anthony around the villages of Wrenbury & Marbury. The weather was very kind to the 8 walkers who took part in the walk & the picnic lunch, overlooking Marbury Mere. Both of the churches in the villages were well worth our visits & the flora & wildlife along the canal side & countryside were very varied. If this walk is ever to be repeated at this time of year it would not be a good idea to wear shorts due to the Cheshire Man-eating Nettles, or bring your wallet to purchase Doc leaves Anthony Davies The August Wednesday walk, led by Vaughan and Garry took us to the Trevor Basin near Llangollen. This was an important area of industrial activity in the early 19 th Century where limestone quarried locally was transported to the ironworks of the Midlands. To cross the Dee Valley, Telford built the stream in the sky, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carrying the canal 126 feet above the river Dee, finishing it in Preferring not to think of its age or height, those who could crossed this fantastic structure, meeting those who couldn't on the other side. For about a mile we followed the canal, leaving it to walk down a stretch of road to Newbridge (which it once was) and thence to the Ty Mawr Country Park where we enjoyed a picnic surrounded by stunning scenery. Once replete the journey back was alongside the river to the base of the aqueduct and then up the 126 feet to the canal where a much needed cuppa was enjoyed by all. The 18 stone piers of the aqueduct carry the water in an iron trough 1007 feet long and the cast iron was cemented together with Welsh wool boiled in sugar and lime mixed with ox blood no doubt in the presence of three Welsh witches muttering the equivalent of 'hubble, bubble, toil and trouble' and on the lookout for any pregnant drabs who could contribute to the mix. N.B. I disclosed this tit-bit to the participants...after they had completed the crossing...it would not be wise to know beforehand Garry Wynne Future walks start from the Church at 9.45am on the first Wednesday of the month with details of the next walk available from the Church porch, so why not come and join us on:- Wednesday September 3 rd " 6

7 Family Worker. Ephesians 3:18-20 (ERV) Wednesday October 1 st Wednesday November 5 th And I pray that you and all God s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ s love how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. Christ s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. With God s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. When visiting the Beacon House of Prayer in Stoke recently the above verse was written as part of a prayer station. Here Paul reminds and encourages the Ephesians that God s love is for everyone and how through his power he can do much more than we think. Recently Joe and I had the opportunity to take the year six children from Norley to Oakmere Methodist Church for the morning to talk about moving on to High School and remind the children through trust games, art work and the story of Joseph that God knows and loves them always. I pray they will know God s love for themselves. In September we are starting a new after school group for KS2 children (see flier below) called Wise Up. The children will get involved in all sorts of activities and discover more about the Bible. I pray that through this event together we will continue to discover what Paul wrote in the above verse. May you have a summer of discovery, rest and enjoyment. Andrea Ellams " 7

8 Wise Up Once a month after school club P for ks2 children at Norley Methodist Church. 3.15pm-4.30pm. Cost 1 per child crafts Story Games Message cooking prayer starting the 9 th September E S I W for more information text Andrea on The Road to Rome, via Norley In the centre of Rome, close to the Vatican, you will find the Ponte Sant Angelo, a Methodist Church which originated in the Waldensian tradition. It is the Pope s nearest Protestant neighbour, within sight of St Peter s. The church, once the home of an order of friars, was dedicated in March 1877 as a Protestant place of worship by Alessandro Gavazzi, then the Protestant chaplain to Garibaldi, the Italian general and politician, who played a pivotal role in the unification and formation of the modern state of Italy. After periods of uncertainty and closure over the turn of the century, the church was re-opened permanently by an English superintendent in 1919, and remodelled in its present style in 1934 under the leadership of the Revd Emanuele Sbaffi, whose son the Revd Mario Sbaffi would succeed him, and then in the early 1960s, his grandson the Revd Paolo Sbaffi. Since 1955, services have been conducted in the English language and today the Pont Sant Angelo is the centre of English-speaking Protestant worship in Rome, attended by people of many nationalities. It has become the custom in modern times to station a British Methodist minister to the appointment in Rome. So what are Norley s connections with all this? There are four, believe it or not. First, the Revd Paolo Sbaffi did part of his training at Hartley Victoria College in Manchester in the original building in Alexandra Road South, now a Muslim school in , when I also lived there as a lay student studying economics at the university. My main memory of him is that U " 8

9 he was typically Italian effervescent and enthusiastic in all he did with the notable exception that he was a hopeless footballer. Secondly, the Revd Ken Howcroft, who preached at Norley in March 2009 whilst he was Assistant Secretary of the Conference, was appointed as the Methodist minister in Rome in September 2011 and has just completed a three-year term, returning of course to be President of Conference in Thirdly, we understand that for the interim period between Ken leaving in June and his successor arriving in September, the Revd Norman Wallwork has temporarily emerged from retirement in Exeter to serve as our man in Rome. Was there ever a more appropriate match? Norman is fondly remembered as minister in Kingsley and Norley in the 1970s and when I occasionally meet him at Conference, he always asks and how are they at Norley? and mentions particular people. Finally, the minister appointed to Rome in September is the Revd Tim Macquiban. Tim remembers his boyhood years in Norley with great affection, as his father was vicar at St John s Church of England and he grew up in the old vicarage. Tim is a minister, historian and scholar of Methodist heritage. He preached at Chester Cathedral at one of the Wesleyan Anniversary celebrations a few years ago in which many of us were able to share. We wish him well as he prepares for his new challenge. So, next time you happen to be in Rome on a Sunday, you know where to worship. John Bell " 9

10 Diary Craft Club meets from 10am to noon in the Open Door room on Tuesday (unless the notices say otherwise) September 2014 Monday pm Welcome service at Hoole for Christine Dutton & David Goodwin the circuit s 2 new ministers Wednesday am First Wednesday Walk 7.30pm Café Church Rev Sue Levitt Open Door Room Thursday pm The Hurst Messy Church Sunday am Mr Ron Davies of Chester 6.30pm Mr Philip Garner of Norley Monday 8 12 Noon The Hurst soup lunch in aid of the Circuit Project 4.00pm Kelsall Messy Church Tuesday pm Wise Up after school club Wednesday Noon NO OPEN DOOR LUNCH Thursday pm Circuit Meeting Caldy Valley Saturday am Synod Bishop s Blue Coat High School, Chester Racial Justice am Rev Sue Levitt - Sacrament Sunday 6.30pm No service at Norley Monday pm Stewards Meeting Open Door Room Tuesday pm Christmas Tree Festival Meeting Howell Croft Wednesday pm Tarvin Messy Church Friday 19 Church Weekend Away at Abbot Hall Sunday am Service at Oakmere 6.30pm Service at Blakelees Wednesday pm Kelsall Café Church Thursday Noon Open Door Room Lunch 1.15pm Thursday Club Saturday am Decorate the Church for Harvest Sunday am Harvest Festival Mr John Bell of Cuddington All Age Worship " 10

11 6.30pm Harvest Festival and Pastoral Visitor re-dedication Rev Sue Levitt Sacrament Tuesday Noon Pastoral Meeting Open Door Room October 2014 Wednesday am First Wednesday Walk 7.30pm Café Church Alan Carter Open Door Room Thursday pm The Hurst Messy Church Sunday am Miss Wendy Ross-Barker 6.30pm Mr Mike Ridley of Bunbury Monday pm Kelsall Messy Church Wednesday 8 12 Noon Open Door Room Lunch Sunday am Rev Sue Levitt Sacrament 6.30pm No service at Norley Monday Noon The Hurst soup lunch October 2014 (continued) Tuesday pm Wise Up after school club 7.00pm Church Council Meeting Wednesday pm Tarvin Messy Church Saturday am Vocation Day at Kelsall Methodist Church Sunday am Norley@ am Mr Edgar Gregory of Frodsham 4.00pm Big Sing Circuit Service at Caldy Valley 6.30pm Rev Sue Levitt Alternative Worship Wednesday pm Kelsall Café Worship Thursday Noon Open Door Room Lunch 1.15pm Thursday Club 7.30pm Local Preachers Meeting - Frodsham Sunday 26 Clocks go back end of British Summer Time November am Mr Ken Jackson of Caldy Valley - All Age Worship & Shoebox Sunday 6.30pm Rev Sue Levitt - Sacrament Sunday am Rev Sue Levitt - Sacrament " 11

12 6.30pm Mr George Moore of Chester Monday pm Kelsall Messy Church Wednesday am First Wednesday Walk 7.30pm Café Church John Bell Open Door Room Thursday pm The Hurst Messy Church Remembrance am Mrs Avis Palmer of Kelsall Sunday 6.30pm No service at Norley Monday Noon Ghe Hurst soup lunch Tuesday pm Wise Up after school club Wednesday Noon Open Door Room Lunch Sunday am Norley@ am Mr Andrew Ellams of Frodsham 6.30pm Rev Neil Stacey Alternative Worship Wednesday pm Tarvin Messy Church Sunday am Mr Alan Carter of Helsby All Age Worship 6.30pm Rev Sue Levitt - Sacrament Wednesday pm Kelsall Café Worship Thursday Noon Open Door Room Lunch 1.15pm Thursday Club Sunday am Rev Sue Levitt December pm Advent Carols at Caldy Valley Wednesday am First Wednesday walk Friday 5 Norley Christmas Tree Festival Thursday Noon Open Door Room Christmas Lunch Sunday am Norley@9 Thought for the quarter : " 12 NO GOD, NO PEACE KNOW GOD, KNOW PEACE

13 What s in the Diary? September is always a busy month after the long lazy days of summer and we ve certainly had some beautifully hot and sunny days this year. So, what s in store? Café Church is at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month and on September 4 th it will be led by Sue Levitt. Alan Carter will lead in October and John Bell in November, There is now a rota for refreshments at café Church see the rota s page at the end. The next week is calm unless you attend Circuit Meetings (7.30pm on 11 th September) and Synod (13 th September), but the week after has the stewards meeting (1.30pm on 15 th September) and the Christmas Tree Festival organising meeting (7.30pm on the16th). Then, pack your suitcases ready to go on the church weekend away at Abbot Hall from 19 th 21 st September. Make sure you have a bit of space in your suitcase when you go as the weekend might be a good time to buy things to fill your Shoe Box to go to a needy child overseas. Then comes the Harvest Festival on 28 th September. So we will be busy during the week before buying non-perishable foodstuffs and toiletries as Harvest Gifts for the Young People s Support Foundation in Manchester and then decorating the church with flowers on Saturday 27 th. On Sunday 28 th September at 10.45am John Bell will be leading our All Age Worship Harvest Festival service. In the evening at 6.30pm the Rev Sue Levitt will continue our harvest celebrations and during Holy Communion the Pastoral Visitors will be re-dedicated. In October we have the Autumn Church Council Meeting at 7.30pm on 14 th, and the Local Peachers meeting on the 23 rd at Frodsham. This is followed by Shoe Box Sunday is 26 h October when we hope to delight even more children than usual with our gifts. November brings Remembrance Day on 8 th for our Remembrance Service led by Avis Palmer and ends with Advent carols on the 30 th at 4pm at Caldy Valley. And then it s Advent and Christmas festivities doesn t the autumn pass quickly. " 13

14 Open Door Lunches It is always good to have something to look forward to as we go into Autumn, so here are our dates for lunches - more opportunities to meet with friends old and new. PLEASE remember to book for your lunch because it is impossible to cater accurately without that information. October 8th November 12th Please note: September 25th October 23rd November 27th 1. There will be no Wednesday lunch in September 2. Our Christmas Lunch will be on Thursday December 11th. Please book the date now - more information will follow. Joan Bell " 14

15 " 15

16 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me... Matthew 25:35-36 A report titled Below the Breadline produced jointly by Oxfam, Church Action on Poverty and The Trussell Trust in June 2014 highlights the ongoing and growing problem of Food Poverty in the UK today. The full report is available to read on-line and the facts and figures it presents are alarming. For example: In over 20 million meals were given to people in food poverty in the UK Over half a million UK children are now living in families who are unable to provide a minimally acceptable diet. UK food prices have risen by 43.5% in the eight years to 2013 (even more than energy prices). This puts a huge strain on families with low income who having traded down and down to the cheapest food after which they have no alternative but to buy less food. The Trusell Trust which operates the UK s largest foodbank network estimates that 49% of people referred for help are there due to problems with social security payments or because they have been refused a crisis loan. An all parliamentary group is being established to look at the problem and the causes but any changes will undoubtedly take time to agree and filter through to families and individuals. In the meantime, please help by continuing to contribute to our local Foodbank the donations we make from our Church community are most gratefully received. Foodbanks provide three days worth of nutritionally balanced food for individuals and families in crisis. They also help by signposting people to other organisations that can help them address the underlying cause of the crisis. " 16

17 The Foodbank depot for Chester and Ellesmere Port is particularly short of the following items at the present time: UHT milk, UHT fruit juice, tinned meat, jams and spreads, instant mashed potato. Many thanks for your continuing support. Lesley Gough From the 1952 Edition of Cheshire Village Memories The name Norley means the north clearing of the forest. In the twelfth century forest laws were very severe, and if a man was caught poaching he was hanged by one of the head foresters. One of these foresters must have lived in Gallowsclough Lane where there was a twelfth century house on a high plateau of ground overlooking the forest. Other names in this neighbourhood are "Hanging Hill" and "Gad Bank"--which according to local legend is a corruption of "God's bank"-where poachers knelt and prayed before they were taken to be hanged at Gallowsclough Hill. A farm called Forest House now stands on the site of the twelfth century house. In the thirteenth century the Abbot of Chester was charged with trespassing in pursuit of venison, and Piers Dutton, who built Dutton Hall, was outlawed for a similar offence. The nobles and clergy were often in league with the outlaws who lived in the forest, and the situation became so bad that Henry IV ordered his officers to seize the Abbot and Monks of Vale Royal. The offenders were quite safe if they kept within the Abbey grounds. All that Henry could do was to enact a new law which made those who claimed sanctuary liable to (be accused of Ed) outlawry and loss of goods. According to Slater's chronicles Norley had a bad name and was considered to be the abode of thieves and robbers. The village had many alehouses which were opened at six a.m. and remained open all day. In 1662 the alehouse-keepers were: Ranulph Harrison and his sureties Richard Smethurst and Thomas Lawrensen; Margaret Sootherne and her sureties Ranulph Harrison and Thomas Lawrensen; and Thomas Lawrensen and his sureties Thomas Widdens and Ranulph Harrison. Until 1779 there were no places of worship in Norley. The first to be built was the Wesleyan Chapel in The Church of St. John the Evangelist was started in 1833 and consecrated by the Bishop of Chester. In the eighteenth century the Vicarage was made from the building known as the Red Lion Public House. In connection with the Church a night school for men and boys was started and a parish library opened. The subscription was one shilling, collected halfyearly. The Church bell which weighs one ton was brought by boat up the river Weaver. It was used in the first Church and moved to the present one when it was built in Norley Bank is a large country house which was built by James Croxton. His family was very fond of archery and built a footbridge over the road now known as Croxton's Hollow, to connect the house with the field in which they practised archery. The bridge was pulled down a few years ago. The house afterwards became the property of one of the Lascelles of Harewood, and his daughter was a talented painter of miniatures. About eighty years ago there were communal bake houses in the village to which the children would take baskets of prepared dough to be baked. The ovens were heated with wood, and the doors sealed with cow dung to keep the heat in. The local blacksmith was also the dentist, and would extract teeth with pincers while the victim sat on the hob.a local legend is that the ghost of a woman walks up the well steps in Pytchley's Hollow, onto School Bank. This is supposed to occur before a death in the village. Mr. Dennis Wright of Green Slate Farm (now Greenslade- Ed), used to take his cheeses to Delamere Station for transport to Manchester. It took two horses to pull the loaded wagon. There were ice houses at Norley Hall and Norley Bank, and these were filled each winter with ice from Hatchmere. Farmers lent their horses and carts to transport the ice. Anyone who was ill " 17

18 and in need of ice was supplied from these Ice Houses. The town Pinfold used to be opposite Town Farm. The "Horse Wash" was a pit at the bottom of Maddox Hill, but now the water which drains from Breech Moss is enclosed in a drain. Cheeses were rolled down Cheese Hill in a game called "Rolling the cheese" which was played during festivities in the seventeenth century. Finger-post Lane takes its name from a finger-post which has stood there since Houndslow means the Mill of the Dog. In the thirteenth century there was a sheet of water known as Flaxmere but it has long since disappeared. Article supplied by Anthony Davies IN MEMORIAM DOROTHY HILDA ROSE We have all come here today to give thanks for the life of Dorothy, Dot Hilda Rose and whichever name you knew her by or whatever relationship you had with her - be it her sister, mum, gran, auntie, friend, or neighbour you will all have come with your own unique memories of her... some will be of happy times and may well bring a smile to the lips in the remembering whilst others may be of more poignant times which may bring a tear to the eye... and that is fine and as it should be. But all these memories, happy or sad, unique to you alone or recalled by many... all of them I am sure will be filled with affection because from all I ve known of Dorothy, she was full of love and of care - God s love and care. She knew and experienced His love and care in her own life and was committed to sharing it with others. Dorothy Hilda was born in Liverpool and lived in the city until she retired. She wasn t even evacuated during the war. She had two brothers and sadly their mum died before Dorothy was two. Dorothy went to live with an aunt until her dad remarried, and then went back home to live. Her step mum was so good that it was not until after her step mum s death that Dorothy told her children that the person they had known as Gran was not Dorothy s blood mother such was her thoughtfulness and care. Dorothy worked as a GPO telephonist and later worked at Sayers for 20 years ending as Manageress. She always enjoyed being in the open air and was a member of the territorial army in her younger days. She loved dancing and as well as gaining many medals from competitions she met her husband too. They had 2 children Shirley and Peter and they remember mum as always putting the family first and working tirelessly to ensure they had all that they needed going without herself when necessary. " 18

19 Shirley and Peter remember with affection good times had on holidays and Friday night being chippy night. On Sundays dinner always ended with homemade rice pudding with a lovely skin on top the rice having been painstakingly soaked overnight and then carefully cooked to produce a wonderful pudding. They always used to joke with her about her icing on a cake because once she made the icing too runny and it simply ran off - she never lived it down. They also remember doing the general knowledge crossword together and if she didn t know the answer she expected the children to be able to supply the answer. Dorothy loved being in God s creation. She loved watching the birds - the kingfisher being her favourite and knew that when she retired she wanted to move out of Liverpool and into the countryside and so she moved into Nursery Park here in Delamere Forest with her partner Roy. Roy loved outward bound activities - and in her retirement Dorothy learned to drive, to abseil and to sail. There was a beautiful picture of Dorothy in her lounge of her behind the tiller of a yacht with the wind in her hair. It could be a still from the TV series Howards Way She looks so happy and not a care in the world. She loved going on holiday and seeing different places and exploring the countryside. She joined the WI, the choir and the Wednesday Club and took a keen interest in all that was going on. After Roy s death she found a good supportive friend in Bob, and I know they both appreciated the love, care and interests they shared. Her faith was always strong and she was a faithful member of the Methodist church both here in Norley. When Clive Green was threatened with closure she and Bob had a keen desire to support the chapel and help the people there to keep going and so diligently went there every Sunday afternoon until its closure in 2011, and they have subsequently supported their monthly class meetings at Trinity. For all Dorothy s sometimes sharp tongue, Dorothy was kind-hearted and always aware of the needs of the people around her. She noticed when people needed help and was willing to give it where she could and make others aware of it when she couldn t. For instance when Bob had a bad fall and badly damaged his knee and was in plaster for weeks, Dorothy didn t hesitate and was there ready to help. When someone else had a bereavement, she was there quietly getting alongside them helping them to become part of the community by introducing them to various things happening at church and to the Wednesday Club. For Dorothy her friends and family were her world. She was always so proud of all they did and all they achieved. She loved time spent with her family and hearing of all they were doing. And so we thank God for the life of Dorothy and all that she has meant to us and I know she will live on in our lives, in our hearts and minds, through memories shared. She will live on through the love and care she gave. But now for Dorothy the trials and tribulations of this world are over and death is past and I know she has gone to be in God s house where there is no more hardship or distress, no more pain or suffering, In a few minutes we will sing the hymn To God be the Glory in which in the last verse we will sing :- purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our rapture when Jesus we see.. " 19

20 and that is what Dorothy is experiencing now and for all eternity. Thanks be to God. Amen " 20

21 IN MEMORIAM VINCENT HOPLEY We have all come here this morning to give thanks for the life of Vincent Hopley and you will all have come with your own special memories of him and those memories may be of happy occasions or of funny incidents that bring a smile to your lips in the remembering whilst others may be of more sad times or of poignant moments and bring tears to your eyes... and that is fine and as it should be... But from all I knew of Vince... I am sure all those memories, happy and sad, joyful or tearful, shared by many or known to you alone are full of love and respect for a straight talking upright man... Sir Alan Waterworth shared some of his memories of Vince... This morning we have come together to remember and say goodbye to Vincent who was so loved and respected by us all. Apart from relatives I expect I knew him longer than most people, for it was in 1967 that he answered an advert l had put in the Chester Chronicle for a Gardener/ Handyman. He and his family were living in Bacup, East Lancashire, and Vincent was enjoying a well-paid job as a long distance wagon driver with Wilkinsons, but Nancy pined for Cheshire and the countryside, so that was why one afternoon Vincent, Nancy, Christine and Michelle, then literally a babe in arms, arrived at our front door. Of course he was just the man I was looking for, his father was Head Gardener at Cholmondeley Castle and had passed on many of his skills. I soon discovered that Vincent could repair anything, glazing, plumbing, you name it Vincent could fix it He was also a highly skilled mechanic. There was a problem however - he was earning twice as much on the wagons than I could afford to pay him I did not offer him the job but merely said I would think about it for I could not see that he would want to stay long term on 50% of his former wages though of course, a nice modem bungalow and garden went with the job. A week later Nancy rang to say that they had given notice to their landlord and to Wilkinsons, and that they would arrive at the bungalow with all their belongings on the following Friday. The die was cast, he came to live at Crewood and remained with us until he moved to Sandiway Lodge. You all knew Vincent cheerful, hard-working and resourceful. We never had a cross word, and he became part of the family. Our children adored him - he took them to school every morning. Our daughter Shirley was then nine years old, fifty six now and she wrote last week :- Vincent was such a part of our lives while we were all living at home. I can't ever remember seeing him in a bad mood or cross with us and I am sure there were times when we deserved a telling off. He used to drive us to school and when we reached Weaverham and the 30 mile an hour sign I would say "Vincent it is 30 miles an hour you will have to slow down" and he would say "The sign means 30 miles an hour faster" and put his foot on the accelerator for a brief moment so we squealed half in terror half delight. I loved the fact that he hired a morning suit for our wedding and we felt very honoured. " 21

22 Our children turned to Vincent for help whenever there was a problem. Andrew once broke 30 window panes with a single thunder flash - Vincent had mended them almost before I had seen the damage. Our grandson James, then living at Bartington just worshipped him, waiting in the garden on the day Vincent came because he knew Vince would push him round the garden in the wheelbarrow Vincent had a brother Rob and sister Maureen and was born at Clutton near Broxton where he went to school though I can't imagine schooling meant much to him his skills were more practical. Later he moved with his family to a cottage near Bankside on the Barbour estate where Vincent worked as a garden boy for Miss Jean Barbour. Later he worked for Mr. Dodd a local farmer and agricultural contractor and it was there that he learned his many farming skills which were later to prove so useful when he worked on the farm at Crewood. One day at Miss Jean Barbour's Garden Party he became engaged to Nancy with whom he had been to dances at Campbell Hall, Chester. Michelle tells me that when they were engaged Vincent would drive to a pub for a drink or two and leave Nancy sitting all alone in the car because her father strongly disapproved of young girls visiting pubs Vincent was always interested in things mechanical. He could mend anything and was the only man I know who made money out of his motoring for he would buy a dilapidated car for next to nothing and spend all his spare time working on it until it was fully repaired and roadworthy. At this point he would sell his original car at a profit, use the recently repaired one and buy another wreck to work on He just loved working on cars and often taking the dog out on a winter's evening I would call in at the Nissen hut beside the Lodge and talk to him as he restored yet another motor car. His grandfather had been a blacksmith and I am sure mechanical skills were in his genes. In his younger days he enjoyed motor bike scrambling participating as often as he could but I am not sure that Nancy was particularly pleased about it. Though he had come as a gardener, and the garden has never looked as nice since, we did not really need a full time gardener so he did more and more work on the farm. Setting a field for ploughing is a very exact skill which he had long since mastered and he derived real pride and satisfaction from a well ploughed field. I don't know how he would have reacted to the news that those same fields are now set and ploughed with the aid of a satellite link. In the light of what happened it is ironic that Vincent only had two days off sick during the whole time he worked at Crewood. When circumstances changed and I let the farm in 1993 Vincent set up a successful gardening business enabling him to meet many more people - all who knew him admired him for his unfailing cheerfulness, his many skills and his absolute integrity. We will always remember Vincent Hopley as a real countryman and a true gentleman.... Thank you Sir Alan. After Vince suffered a stroke in May 2001 he received help from the Stroke Association. He was invited to attend a Stroke club in Davenham where a wonderful lady called Angela volunteered to be his escort each week and has been a friend ever since. He enjoyed meeting everyone there: the talks and visits and meals out. Later the group moved to become the Brian s Breakaway Club. He also attend the newly formed Will To Work Workshop with help from Geoff & Norma Prince and other friends. He liked to wood turn, paint, chat, laugh and drink tea. The workshop was a great support and companionship. Vince was pleased to see it go from strength to strength to where it is now. " 22

23 After his wife Nancy passed away in April 2004 Michelle looked after her Dad. She told me they always got on well and enjoyed holidays to Llandudno and the Lake District and once to Scotland. They also enjoyed meals out as she was sure he preferred that to her cooking They enjoyed walks down the River with Vince on his scooter and Basil running beside. Vince always liked to have a drive around Cholmondeley and Broxton to see the places he used to live and work. In the winter he liked to go on Thursday evening to watch the indoor bowling at Crowton Village Hall. Vince enjoyed attending Norley Wednesday Club with Kath although Michelle told me Kath had to put up with him commenting about her driving. Here he met friends and was known to eat all the biscuits Jackie would vouch for that. He also enjoyed the Chapel Open Door lunches which is where I knew him. He enjoyed the food and the camaraderie... Although he never did dry the dishes for Yvonne. Over 4 years ago Vince became unwell and went to live at Sandiway Lodge Residential Home. This became a home from home for him and also for Michelle. They appreciated its lovely homely feel and caring staff. Michelle told me she knows her Dad enjoyed the chats with staff and a laugh and a joke and she would like to thank everyone at Sandiway Lodge for the care and dedication given to looking after her Dad - especially during the last few weeks which were difficult for all involved. Care that was given with respect and love. Vince had a full and happy life and Michelle hopes he will be known as a good friend - who could mend/fix and make anything. And so we thank God for the life of Vince - a life filled with love and care... But now for Vince the trials and tribulations of this world are over and death is past and I know that he has gone to be in God s house where there is no more pain, and no more suffering. So today we give thanks for Vince, for all that he meant in so many different ways and we thank God for all those special memories of him which mean he will live on in our lives and in our hearts in his love and care you carry on with you. Amen. " 23

24 Solar Panels Update The solar panel installation has continued to perform well. In the first two years of operation we generated 7331Kwhr of electricity, and received cheques for 3437, a return on our investment of 7,540 ( 10,040 less a grant of 2,500) of just over 20% per year compound. In addition our electricity consumption from the grid went down by 1334Kwhr as we consumed part of the electricity we generated, saving us a further 161. The first quarter of our third year of operation generated another 1068Kwhr (compared with an average of 1232Kwhr in the same quarter in the previous 2 years), and a cheque for 526. During the last year we were able to pay back the first 2,500 loan taken up for the purchase of the installation from the income generated.. Bruce Lane Church Weekend Away 2014 Abbot Hall Hotel September 19 th - 21 st Well it is almost here now. Alison and Di are organising the weekend programme, and Alison is finalising the transport details so please contact her if you need a lift. All the money is now in and the bills paid. We just need to go and enjoy ourselves so don t forget your walking shoes and your swimming costume if you are so inclined. Please bring your best jigsaw solving skills as well. We have 28 adults and 2 children attending, including Sue and Peter. It should be a great time. See you there. Bruce Lane " 24

25 Rotas Page Flowers Rota Sep 7 Mrs M Hogan Sep 7 June & Denys Fay Morning Door Stewards Rota The September to November rota is published below. The September rota has already appeared in the August notices. Please ensure that you find a substitute if you re unable to fulfil your duty Sep 14 Mrs R Lane Sep 14 Pauline Gates & Lewis Dimelow Sep 21 None Sep 21 None Sep 28 Mrs R Lane Sep 28 Ken Dunning & Yvonne Roughsedge Oct 5 Mrs V Wynne Oct 5 Margaret Hogan & June Fay Oct 12 Mrs J Dunning Oct 12 Mary Dimelow & Oliver Dimelow Oct 19 Mrs H Dale Oct 19 Alison Twinn & Ruth Howarth Oct 26 Mrs P Gates Oct 26 Hazel and James Dale Nov 2 Mrs H Davies Nov 2 Mary Dimelow & Yvonne Roughsedge Nov 9 Mrs S Grindley Nov 9 Barbara Garner and Philip Garner Nov 16 Mrs B Garner Nov 16 June & Denys Fay Nov 23 Mrs J Barclay Nov 23 Mary Dimelow & Oliver Dimelow Nov 30 Mrs L Gough Nov 30 Ken Dunning and Yvonne Roughsedge Dec 7 Mrs M Hogan With thanks, as ever, to you all. Your welcomes are much Dec 14 Mrs R Lane appreciated The Stewards Dec 21 Mrs V Wynne Dec 28 None Coffee Rota Sep 7 Sep 14 Sep 21 Yvonne & Mary Ken & Margaret None Sep 28 Margaret & June Car Rota If you need a lift to or from Church on any Sunday please contact the senior steward, Alison Twinn, on who will make arrangements. Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Nov 2 Richard & Di Hazel & James Ruth H & Alison Ken & Margaret Yvonne & Mary " 25

26 Nov 9 Nov 16 Nov 23 Nov 30 Richard & Di Margaret & June Ruth H & Alison Hazel & James Café Church refreshment rota Sep 3 Yvonne & Ruth H Contact numbers : followed by for Ken & Oct 1 Richard & Di Margaret; for Yvonne; for Margaret; for Hazel; for Richard & Di ; for Ruth H & Nov 5 Mary & Michelle Alison. " 26