Bowdon Church News

For the BCN by email, click the link on the website.www.BowdonChurch.org

facebook.com/ BowdonParish

twitter.com/ BowdonParish

No 717 January 2020

Parish and Lettings Administrator Kay Holt admin@bowdonchurch.org

Bell Ringers David White (Tower Captain) bellringers@bowdonchurch.org

BCN Editor Hilary Gartside hilary@bowdonchurch.org

St Mary’s, Stamford Road, Bowdon, WA14 2TR

St Luke’s, Vicarage Lane, Bowdon, WA14 3BN

Parish Office: 0161 929 1537

At this time of year, and immediately after Christmas, as the buying and bonhomie winds down, the Christmas tree is stripped, and we go back to work and start to wade through the cold, bleak, wet and dark days of winter. People become motivated to take stock of their lives to date and, in tandem with millions, resolve to do better. It is the season of the New Year’s Resolution.

The tradition has a long and honourable history. The Babylonians would agree with their ‘gods’ that they would return borrowed items and pay debts. In medieval times, knights renewed their commitment to chivalry at the end of the Christmas period. Today, when news is scarce in the post-Christmas period and pages must be filled, the media steps up with tips and hints and suggestions for ‘lifestyle changes’ and improvements. The ‘usual suspects’ are identified as in need of reduction or elimination – fags, booze, weight, grumpiness, laziness, procrastination. The sins of the flesh and of temperament! Christians and those of other faiths might determine to study their sacred scriptures more regularly or develop their ‘spirituality’ - a catch-all term today for joining a yoga class, swimming with dolphins or becoming a vegetarian! At a time of the year when motivation is low and serotonin less available, what drives us to want to ‘do better’? Are we not setting ourselves up

for failure and disappointment, trapped by our lack of willpower and deep seated resistance to change and growth?

Our desire to be better than we are seems to be part of the human condition. As we stagger wearily to the end of another year that saw dreams evaporate, hopes dashed, frustration and disappointment mount, so we look at the mountain to climb to reverse the trajectory of our lives. Having only our human resources, we try to drag ourselves up by our bootstraps and soon find that our gym membership and Nicorette patches mock our good intentions.

As Christians, we find that in our daily struggles against the destructive and the mundane, we are not alone. In Christ, we are ‘loved into life’ to live realistically, hopefully and with a God-given inward life that brings change and growth. Our goals are not striving, grasping or acquiring - they are the goal of Shalom: wholeness, tranquillity, harmony, completeness. A life no longer fractured by culture and social expectations. Before resolving to ‘do better’ this coming year, think about what ‘better’ means. More and more at the cost of your ‘soul’ or a life in harmony and peace with God and neighbour? Your choice.

John Fenton, Reader

The limits of human resolve

Parish Missioner (Youth) Sam Wilson youth@bowdonchurch.org

Churchwardens Patricia Arrowsmith patriciaarrowsmith@bowdonchurch.org Susan Redford sueredford@bowdonchurch.org John Newton johnnewton@bowdonchurch.org Jo Howling johowling@bowdonchurch.org

Parish Recorder (Donations) Kate Stross parishrecorder@bowdonchurch.org

Director of Music Michael Dow music@bowdonchurch.org

Organist and Associate Music Director Roger Bryan organist@bowdonchurch.org

Parish Office admin@bowdonchurch.org 0161 929 1537

Vicar Revd Ian Rumsey ian@BowdonChurch.org

ReaderJohn Fenton john@bowdonchurch.org

Parish Missioner (Zone2) Julia Dow julia@bowdonchurch.org Parish Missioner (Schools) Kirsten Wood kirsten@bowdonchurch.org

This school year Bollin Primary School in Apsley Grove, Bowdon, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In November I paid a visit to the school to find out what the school community is doing to celebrate this milestone.

In reception I met Head of School Mrs Natanya O’ Hara, who has been in post since January 2019. She previously taught at a primary school in Northwich for 12 years, serving there as Deputy Head for the last five.

Mrs O’ Hara explained that following its difficulties in 2017, Bollin Primary School is now on very sure footing. In June 2018 the school became an Academy, joining with Tyntesfield Primary School, Sale, in the Inspiring Learners Multi Academy Trust. In September that year, Bollin School adopted its new Mission Statement of “Growing hearts and minds together”, underpinned by four values that all members of the school community strive to support and practise at all times: we work together; we learn and achieve; we are kind and care for each other; we respect our school and community.

On the wall of Mrs O’ Hara’s office are displayed the winners from each class of the competition to design a flag that will fly outside the school from the new year to mark the 50th anniversary. A Year 6 girl won the competition with a design that beautifully incorporates the Mission Statement and four core values. Mrs O’ Hara pointed out that many of the entries had featured rainbows and that she had asked the children why they had used this motif. The children’s reply was that their school was a happy place and that they associated rainbows with happiness.

As part of the events to mark the 50th anniversary the school has devised a list of 50 acts of kindness that will be performed during the school year. The week I chatted with Mrs O’ Hara, a Year 5 class had spent an hour at the Handsworth Residential Care Home on West Road, Bowdon. Mrs O’ Hara explained that the children and residents had got a lot out of the visit, which fell on 11 November. One of the residents, named Joyce, had proudly shown the children her father’s medals from the Great War. Each half term, children from two different classes will make visits to the care home where they will interact with the residents - for example playing board games, singing along to the piano and chatting to them.

During Kindness Week next month, children will be carrying out acts of kindness on school premises such as litter picking, paying compliments and reading to others. They will also be forging and strengthening links with the community by presenting bunches of daffodils grown in the school grounds to local residents, giving to food banks, collecting and donating pet food to local animal rescue centres and bag packing in local supermarkets. The school clearly feels it is vital for the children to learn the importance of giving something back.

Future events planned to mark the 50th anniversary include an International Evening next month that will celebrate the broad range of ethnic backgrounds of the children who attend the school – apparently 12 languages other than English are spoken in the homes of pupils at the school. An exhibition to look at the history of the school over the past 50 years will be mounted. Old Boys and Girls will be able to tour the school and meet members of staff at an event in May. A major highlight of the social calendar will no doubt be a 50th Anniversary Ball for parents, to be held on 27 June. The children are also looking forward to a whole school picnic in the summer months to celebrate the anniversary.

All in all, a very busy year for Bollin School – happy 50th birthday!

Hilary Gartside

Turning 50 – Bollin Primary School

Head of School Mrs O’ Hara (photo: Tim Gartside)

Forthcoming Church EventsSt Luke’s Coffee CabinMondays, 10.30 am - 12 noonDrop in for coffee or tea and a toasted teacake or croissant for £1.Run by Bowdon Cares. St Luke’s ChurchContact: the Parish Office 0161 929 1537

Ladies’ Continental Breakfast Saturday 18 January 9.00 – 10.30 am“The Seven Acts of Mercy”, a talk by artist Ghislaine HowardBowdon Parish Centre. All ladies welcome.Contact Sue Coles: lcb@bowdonchurch.org

Afternoon Tea and ConversationTuesday 21 January 2.00 – 3.30 pmWe meet on the third Tuesday of the month at Bowdon Parish Centre. Everyone, including those who do not live in the parish, isvery welcome to come and enjoy a friendly afternoon.With cake, juice, tea and coffeeContact: Kaye Gardner 0161 928 1158

Lunch ClubWednesdays, from 15 JanuaryCome along to the Parish Centre for a hot, two-course meal, followed by tea or coffee. You are welcome to bring wine or beer. Glasses will be supplied. Help with transport can be provided. A minimum donation of £3.50 per person is requested.Contact: the Parish Office 0161 929 1537 by 12 noon on the preceding Monday to make a reservation.

Kingdom Club 2020: 6 – 9 April 2020This year we are travelling “to infinity and beyond” with Toy Story!Contact:kingdomclub@bowdonchurch.org to make a booking and receive a consent form.

If you have any spare Lego that you could donate to Kingdom Club, please contact: Jill Tyler jtylerbowdon@yahoo.comWe are always happy to welcome any new team members who would like to join us!

Each week we pray for people living in the Parish

Wk/begin We pray for: 5 Jan Bow Green Road, Bow Green Mews, Dunham Mews12 Jan Stanhope Road, Stanhope Road Flats, Marlow Drive, Talbot Road19 Jan Blueberry Road, Eyebrook Road, Barry Rise, Filleigh26 Jan Ashley Rd Flats, Springbank Flats, Littlemere Court, Garner Close 2 Feb Wolsey Drive, Kings Acre, Courteney Place

One of the favourite parts of my job as Parish Missioner for Youth happens on Wednesday afternoon. From 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm I get to listen to talented young people of our own parish play guitar, drums, sing and learn how to produce music of their own. In their world of endless exams and never-ending demands on their time, it is lovely for them to get the chance to express themselves through their music.

For over ten years our parish has had a link with the Message Trust, an innovative local Christian charity whose Genetik Sessions both here and in Sharston provide young people with the chance to be taught by tutors who are musicians in their own right. They come down to our Parish Centre between tours and albums and share their talent and their faith with the teenagers, who have come to learn.

Music and faith have always had a wonderful relationship. When the Israelites successfully crossed the Red Sea, they sang in praise of God. When David was being hunted by King Saul, he wrote and sang songs to remind him of his deep faith that would help him to persevere through the dark times. When St Paul was writing to one of the first churches, he spoke of Jesus living in us all through the lyrics of the songs and hymns we write. At Genetik Sessions, the songs the teenagers compose are filled with real expressions of emotions far removed from the false lives we can often pretend to live on social media. It is a brilliant opportunity and the reason why I look forward to every Wednesday.

Genetik Sessions at Bowdon is growing, and it is open to all in secondary school. If you would like to know more, including pricing, please contact Paul and Lauren at genetiksessions@message.org.uk

Sam Wilson, Parish Missioner for Youth

Additional Information for January - February

5 Jan 1st Sunday: Epiphany

10.45 am St Mary’s Oblations: PCC

6.30 pm St Mary’s: Epiphany Carol Service

12 Jan 2nd Sunday, 2nd Sunday of Epiphany

6.30 pmSt Mary’s: Choral Evensong Howells: Collegium Regale Mendelssohn: When Jesus our Lord

19 Jan 3rd Sunday, 3rd Sunday of Epiphany

26 Jan 4th Sunday, 4th Sunday of Epiphany

10.45 am Go4th at Bowdon Church School (No Zone2 in Parish Centre)

2 Feb 1st Sunday: Candlemas

10.45 am St Mary’s Oblations: a church group

Please note that Zone2 will not be meeting in the Parish Centre today as this is the Zone2 Weekend Away. Everyone welcome to attend St Luke’s at 9.20 am or St Mary’s at 10.45 am.

Regular Weekday ServicesSt Mary’s

8.30 am

11.30 am

7.00 pm

Morning Prayer

Holy Communion (BCP)

Silent Meditation

Every weekday

Every Wednesday

Every Wednesday

1.30 pm First Steps, Parish Centre Every Thursday

BCP: Book of Common Prayer (1662) CW: Common Worship (2000) SW: Service of the Word (2000)

Regular Sunday Worship(purple boxes)

St Mary’s 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)

9.30 am Matins (BCP)

10.45 am

Holy Communion (CW)

Holy Communion (BCP)

Choral Matins (BCP)

6.30 pm

Evensong (BCP)

Choral Evensong (BCP)

Sacred Space

Parish Centre

10.45 amZone2 (SW) and Kids’ Church

Zone2 at BCS

St Luke’s

9.20 am

Holy Communion (CW)Kids’ Church

All Age Worship

BCN Distributors RequiredWe deliver 3045 copies in the parish, but can only do this with your help! If you live on one of these roads or nearby, please could you give up just one hour – often much less - a month to deliver to your neighbours:Ash Grove, Cavendish Road, Fletcher Drive, Heald Road, Holly Grange, Langham Road, Marlow Drive, Thatcher Close, Weaver ClosePlease speak to Judith via the Parish Office or judith@bowdonchurch.orgThank you.

Reverse Advent CalendarPlease bring your boxes of donations to the Parish Office as soon as possible, for despatch to Trafford South Foodbank.

Eugene Halliday AssociationSunday 19 January, 2.15 pm “Damanhur”, a talk by Dan Sumption. Entrance £6 including refreshments. St Luke’s Church

Bowdon History Society- no meeting in January. Next meeting is on 10 February, as per details below.Monday 10 February, 8 pm “Bletchley Park: what they haven’t told us”, an illustrated talk by Colin Robins Bowdon Downs Church Contact: Ann Redford 0161 928 8975

Noticeboard

Funerals: we commend to GodRobert Bell, Michael Oglesby CBE DL

Registers

Genetik Sessions – Musical Youth

Bowdon’s baristas…The Coffee Cabin, which is open for business on Monday mornings at St Luke’s Church on Vicarage Lane, was launched in February 2015 in recognition of the need for a meeting place for people at risk of loneliness or isolation in the Bowdon community, who wanted to get together and to chat. Back in 2015 there were originally seven attendees, but nowadays there are usually anything from 30 to 40 (plus one dog) who turn up promptly at 10.30 am for readily replenished cups of tea and coffee and a toasted teacake, slice of toast or a croissant. Supported by Judith Robertson, the doyenne of the Coffee Cabin is Linda Woods, who always dreamt of offering such a service to the predominantly elderly residents of Bowdon Vale and beyond. Week in week out – excluding Bank Holiday Mondays – Linda is usually there, assisted by a team of volunteers from Bowdon Parish and beyond who set up, serve and clear away everything at the end. The £1 entry includes a raffle ticket, with prizes ranging from a box of locally-produced eggs to fresh fruit and vegetables from the local allotments, from a packet of biscuits to even a pack of toilet rolls. The prizes are undoubtedly modest but the drawing of the raffle is great fun. At least four times a year, bigger “seasonal” events are staged, usually under the supervision of Liz Taylor-Hayes, with additional volunteers drafted in for the day.

We have a lot of fun as volunteers and enjoy a real sense of camaraderie. There are moments of tension when the toaster misbehaves and produces rather too many burnt teacakes. The serving of the Christmas lunch was delayed one year when the gas oven at St Luke’s went cool part way through cooking the roast potatoes. Two volunteers had to make a quick dash across the car park to the Co-op where the potatoes were finished in the ovens normally used for baking bread.

Last month there were no such panics at the Christmas lunch. All equipment worked, the volunteers all knew what they were supposed to be doing and the Upper School Choir of Bowdon Church School entertained us royally. The only casualty on the day was Judith’s carefully-crafted seating plan …

Jill Tyler

Designed by Ben Dean. Printed by Chapel Press, Stockport 0161 406 9495

At the St Mary’s Nativity play last month the story was told from the point of view of the angels. Apparently, angels read the newspapers, so know all about Donald Trump, Boris and the birth of the Son of God. (photo: Tim Gartside)

Singing along with the Upper School Choir (photo: Hilary Gartside)