OUTLOOK Mellor Church Country Fete and Bands on the Hill 27th June 2015 Serving the communities of Mellor, Marple Bridge, Moor End, Mill Brow, Cote Green and Ludworth. June www.mellorparish.org.uk facebook.com/stthomasmellor 50p 2015 @stthomasmellor The Parish of St Thomas , Mellor Registered Charity No. 1130414 Vicar: Rev’d Alex Sanders MA, The Vicarage, 51 Church Road, Mellor 427 1203 Phone 0161 484 5079 (Parish Office) email [email protected] www.mellorparish.org.uk Parish Office The Parish Centre, Church Road, Mellor, Stockport SK6 5LX For all enquiries and bookings for the Church & Parish Centre Phone: 0161 484 5079 The office is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm Reader Nick Sanders 51 Church Road, Mellor 427 1203 Reader Emeritus Dr Peter Harrison 24 Clement Road, Marple Bridge 427 6542 Parish Office Val Wallace (Mon, Wed & Thurs mornings) Administrator Parish Secretary Peta Stockton (Tues & Fri mornings) Churchwardens Anthea Nicholls 18 Townscliffe Lane, Marple Bridge 427 2187 Richard Elliott 64 Ernocroft Road, Marple Bridge 427 5981 Dep.Churchwarden David Butterworth Lea Cottage, 18 Low Lea Road, Marple PCC Treasurer David Ackroyd 57 Clement Road, Marple Bridge 427 1568 Treasurer designate Karen Greenough, Podnor Farm, Moor End 449 8234 Assistant Gordon Johnson (Gift Aid and Envelope Scheme) Treasurers: Lynda Gwyther (Income) Anthea Nicholls (Expenditure) PCC Secretary Vacant Director of Music Jonathan Lo Outlook Editor Guy Nicholls Members of the PCC David Butterworth, Julie Elliott, Beverley Williams, Lynda Gwyther, Janet Wilson, Alison Dowdeswell, Helen Kennedy, Alex Gunz, Karen Greenough, Catherine Starling, Gwenn Perks. Diocesan/Deanery Julia Mann & Judith Shiel / Mary Heijbroek, Ann Hearle & Representatives Richard Benford-Miller Churches Together in Marple Representatives Helen Kennedy & Janet Wilson Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals are arranged through the Parish Office Articles for publication should be submitted to the Parish Office (preferably by email to [email protected]). The deadline for the July 2015 edition is 15th June. 2 Vicar’s Viewpoint How well do we know the Lord’s Prayer? Many of Our Father... us can recite it by rote, even though we may not have used it for many years. But how often do we stop and think about its meaning? ‘Bring us not to the time of trial’ is a recent Church of England translation of one line of the Lord’s Prayer, more familiar to us as ‘lead us not into tempta- tion’. It caused me to look up the meaning of the words trial and temptation; and I found that they can be used interchangeably, though each retains in the English language a particular resonance of its own. ‘Temptation’ is a word used particularly when we’re inclining to do something bad. This might be trivial, such as that ‘naughty but nice’ slice of chocolate cake. It might be much more serious – the temptation to steal or to slander for instance – and has a particular religious connotation. So often we are tempted to take the easy road, or do the less honourable thing. We would not ever want to be tempted seriously. ‘Trial’ has a specific legal use of course, and it also means ‘test’. No doubt those preparing for school exams at the moment will be finding these tests something of a trial. Trial can also mean suffering, and can mean ‘a testing journey’. There is in the Greek a sense that a test can be a positive experience, unlike a temptation. One might well argue with the premise that suffering is a positive experience, but a testing journey – a pilgrimage for example – can be a rewarding experience in itself, quite apart from the reaching of a destination. Tests of various types undoubtedly appear in all our journeys through life. So what are we asking the Lord to do for us as we repeat the prayer He gave us? It’s hard to imagine that He would deliberately lead us into a situation where we would succumb to temptation; the next line of the prayer, ‘deliver us from evil’, is much easier to pray wholeheartedly. But I do think that using the thought, if not the words themselves, of being spared from a time of trial is meaningful for us. We would prefer not to be tested; we would not want to be found wanting. We would certainly not want to suffer, given the choice. Even worse, we would not wish to be in circumstances where we would challenge the very existence of God – us trying God rather than the other way around. And if we seek to avoid such difficult and demanding circumstances, how fit it is that we should ask our loving God to spare us if possible. After all, Jesus did the same in the Garden of Gethsemane. But, like Him, in asking to be spared, we should also remember that sometimes God has a different plan for us and that He has something better in mind. Thank God for that too. With every blessing, Alex 3 CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JUNE 2015 1 Mon 10.45 am to 12 Coffee with the Vicar (Parish Centre) noon (Note change of date) 3 Wed 10.00 am Holy Communion 8.00 pm Pilgrim Group (Vicarage) 6 Sat All Day PARISH WEEKEND: St Thomas’ by the Sea (see p 6) 2.00 pm Wedding of Philip Manning & Amy Higginbotham 7 Sun (No 8.30am service) 1st Sunday after 9.30 am Parish Communion at St Thomas Trinity 11.00 am Joint Parish Communion at the Parish Church of Ss Asaph and Cynderyn, Llanasa 6.30 pm Evening Prayer 9 Tues 7.45 pm PCC Meeting (Parish Centre) 10 Wed 10.00 am Holy Communion 11 Thurs 9.30 – 10.00 am ‘Praise & Play’ (Parish Centre) 13 Sat 7.30 pm FOMPC Event (Parish Centre) 14 Sun 8.30 am Holy Communion 2nd Sunday after 9.30 am Alternative Worship (Parish Centre) Trinity 6.30 pm Evening Prayer 17 Wed 10.00 am Holy Communion 20 Sat 7.30 pm Rose Queen Concert 21 Sun 8.30 am Holy Communion 3rd Sunday after 9.30 am Parish Communion Trinity 6.30 pm Evening Prayer 24 Wed 10.00 am Holy Communion 27 Sat All Day Mellor Church Country Fete and Bands on the Hill 4 28 Sun 8.30 am Holy Communion 4th Sunday after 9.30 am Parish Communion Trinity 12.30 pm Holy Baptism 6.30 pm Evening Prayer The Women’s Evening Fellowship meets on the second Wednesday at 8.00 pm (Parish Centre) The Choir practises each week on Friday at 6.45 pm Guides meet each week on Tuesday 7.00pm to 8.30pm (Parish Centre) Tea and Friendship meets on the first Wednesday 1.45pm to 3.45pm (Parish Centre) Mothers & Toddlers Group meets on Thursday each week 10.00am (Parish Centre) Prayer Group meets on Monday each week 10.30am (from 15th June)(Parish Centre) Church Fete and Bands on the Hill Saturday 27th June The Big Picture Alister McGrath did Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A level. He then gained a First-Class Honours degree in Chemistry at Wadham College, Oxford. He has a Phd in Molecular Bio-Physics and is also a Doctor of Letters in Intellectual History and a Doctor of Divinity. He has crossed swords in debate with Richard Dawkins on numerous occasions and has written a book called ‘The Dawkins Delusion’ in answer to ‘The God Delusion’. McGrath says in his book 'Faith and the Creeds': ‘Although Richard Dawkins and I disagree on many points, I am completely at one with him when he states that “science has no methods for deciding what is ethical”.’ McGrath goes on to say: ‘Like C.S. Lewis, I started out an atheist. For a while, I believed that science (which I will always love) might help me work out what life was all about. But I discovered that it didn’t. And then I realised that it couldn’t. Science helps us uncover the hidden logic of our cosmic system, but that’s not the same as telling us why it exists and where we fit in. Science is good at taking things to pieces. But analysis is not enough. What really matters is what we do with these pieces. We need synthesis in order to perceive the big picture. Science dismantles so that we can see how things work: faith re- assembles so that we can see what they mean.’ 5 St Thomas-by-the-Sea in beautiful North Wales Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2015 Venue: St Mary’s Campsite, Mostyn Road, Prestatyn, LL19 9TB A full programme of family entertainment, with plenty of time for relaxation, watching the beach volleyball, and spending time together. Saturday: Sunday 12noon: Day trippers arrive at campsite 9am: Walk to Llanasa church with sea 1pm: Lunch (provided) views 2-6pm: Afternoon activities in the field 10.30am: Day trippers arrive at the Parish and on the beach, including cricket, art Church of Ss Asaph and Cynderyn, Llanasa classes, crafts, parachute games, beach 11am: Joint Sunday Service volleyball, Welsh for beginners, nature 12.30pm: Bring and Share lunch in Llanasa walk and more... Village Hall 6 pm: Bring your own Barbeque 3pm: Beach time at Talacre Later: Candlelit compline and stargazing Cost (pay on arrival) Camping/Caravan/Motorhome: £15 approx. per unit Contribution to running costs (campers and day trippers): Adults £10; under 18s £5 To reserve your pitch for your tent, caravan or motorhome, please contact Ian Collyer by email on [email protected] by 31st May. Details of more comfortable lodgings in nearby Prestatyn can be found at www.visitwales.com. 6 ENGLISH TUITION Curtis Builders Mr. M Bennett M.Sc. B.Ed. 8 Years Freelance: 23 Secondary, 15 Dept Head Marple Bridge Age 7-14: Skills boost; Private School Exam prep. Age 14-18: G.C.S.E. / A Level preparation; English 427 2633 skills in other subjects; logical thinking University entrance assistance Building Contractors 0161 427 0312 LIGHTNING REPAIRS LTD ROB PRESTON REPAIRS TO TV  HI.FI  PLA STER ER  DVD  WASHERS/ Happy to advise DRYERS  ELECTRIC Telephone COOKERS 07967 311818 or 01663 742831 INSTALLATIONS - I CAN INSTALL  Hard Wall Plastering YOUR TV/HOME THEATRE ETC AND  Rendering HELP YOU GET THE MOST FROM IT TEL: 0161 427 8181  Dry-lining MOB: 07974 737432  Skimming  Tyrolean Textured Finishes FREE CALL OUT AND ESTIMATE  Plaster Boarding ALL WORK GUARANTEED 6 MONTHS  Coving ESTABLISHED 1986  Cornice Repair Martin Quinn J.R.S CROFT Jon Croft Plumbing Specialised Carpenter & Joiner Mobile: 07855 688440 (Est.1983) ALL JOBS UNDERTAKEN NO JOB TOO SMALL Bathroom Suites – Showers Joinery Tiles – Leaks – Overflows Door, Windows fitted Hardwood, Softwood & UPVC Fitted Kitchens and Bedrooms also new Worktops Free estimates and advice Skirting boards, Architrave and all inside Joinery Garden Decking, Pergolas, Garden Gates Friendly Service Stair Handrails, Spindles, Newel Posts fitted Will also replace failed Double Glazed units and Dado rails SPECIALISED CARPENTRY 35 Alan Drive, Marple, Stockport, Tables, Beds Bookcases, Fire surrounds, Radiator SK6 6LN Covers, Chests of Drawers, Plate Racks Also Dovecotes 07774 480636 or 0161 221 3259 Will also make to your own design [email protected] 7 PIANO LESSONS By experienced qualified teacher Mellor Nook Young beginners to advanced students Margaret Rutherford Private Residential home B.Mus,ISM and EPTA member for the Elderly 2 Gibb Lane, Mellor Tel 427 9707 [email protected] Registered with Stockport Social Services Telephone 0161 427 4293 Established 1898 Roofing Contractors & Merchants Proprietors 80 Stockport Road Mrs J Critchlow and Sons Marple, Cheshire Tel 427 3752 The Oaks Boarding Cattery Gird Lane, Mill Brow, Marple Bridge 0161 427 1492 Centrally Heated Chalets Built to F.A.B. Standard Vaccinations Essential Loving Personal Attention Outdoor Runs Play Badminton in Mellor Warren Mitchell (W N J S) Plumbing, Gas, & Heating All Property Repairs Tuesdays 10am - 12 noon Tel: and 2pm - 5pm  ACS Qualified Social Badminton all standards - Monday  City & Guilds Qualified and Wednesday at 8pm  Gas-Safe Registered Stockport League and Tameside League  Emergency Callout matches played Tuesday and Thursday, 7pm Mellor Badminton Club 0161 484 0430 Longhurst Lane, Mellor Mob: 07904 364734 For further details contact: Peter Hotson 427 6253 Ann Preston 01663 742831 8 Editorial meanderings Morning, gentle readers. At least it’s morning as I sit here with my mug of coffee writing these meanderings. Mrs Nicholls and I have just made the bed with clean sheets and pillowcases (annual event). We have, over many years, always had the same bed-changing conversation. “I haven’t got much sheet my side.” “How much do you need?” “Well, more than this." "How much is this?" "About another foot.” “Look, that line should be in the middle,” etc, etc. Our bed is a plain pine frame bed with a strong wooden bit up the middle and the usual slats going across. Many years ago my eldest son, Thomas (now safely ensconced in New York), when he was about ten years old, had obviously danced on the bed (my side) and broken the slats. Being very frightened of his brutal and cruel father, he pulled the broken slats together and made the bed carefully before heading for the hills in panic. Later that night, Mrs Nicholls got into bed with her book followed by me with mine. For a few blissful seconds we both lay there reading until the broken slats gave way and I descended rapidly through the hole to the floor. I lay on the floor, still holding my book in reading position and gazing up at Mrs Nicholls who was looking down with mock concern whilst trying to keep a straight face. It's called family life. Now, family life also meant family holidays and getting through life on the very limited income of a jobbing actor meant that our holidays were always cheap and out of season with Mrs Nicholls invariably doing a brilliant job to manage to get the children holidays at all. Whenever I worked at various theatres around the country, Mrs Nicholls would occasionally bring the children to meet their 'fun' dad. She would then trail the four of them off to anything local that was free. They once visited me in Scarborough where I was working with Alan Aycbourn's company (quick name drop) and we went off to Scarborough beach for the afternoon. Mrs Nicholls, always trying to make a holiday silk purse out of a penniless actor's sow's ear, came across this small old lighthouse on the end of a short quay which the authorities had attempted to turn into a museum. Entry was free but it was still completely deserted. It was very run- down and most of the exhibits were, shall we say, a bit indefinable. A bit of rope, a dirty bottle of sea water with an ancient prawn in it, another bit of rope, a rusty little wheel, etc. Mrs Nicholls pointed at these items with great excitement saying, "Isn't this interesting?" Morose small faces gazed up with incredulity at this lunatic woman. One of the children eventually gazed round and said, "Why are we always the only people at the things we go to see?" That described our holidays generally really. It's a good job Mrs N. is a positive and optimistic person. Having married me she has had to be. She's made of the sort of stuff which tamed the American Wild West. I would have just surrendered it to the Indians. 9 UTILITY WAREHOUSE can supply all your landline and mobile telephone services, broadband connection to the internet, gas and electricity, at very competitive prices. Clear, convenient monthly bill. 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