Around and about in Whitchurch…

Whitchurch

Town Twinning

The Annual General Meeting of the Whitchurch Town Twinning Association was held at The Dodington Lodge, Whitchurch, on Tuesday, November 21.

The chairman, Andy Allen, welcomed those attending and thanked everyone for coming, remarking it was good to see a representative from the town council.

The president, Iris Field, thanked everyone, but observed that through an oversight she had not been informed what gift we had taken to France as she had not been at the meeting and it was not clear from the minutes.

The Chairman thanked members for their help and support during the year to give an update of the 12 months, which was described as financially challenging.

There was only one coffee morning – which is on Friday – and the mentioned the lack of a grant from the town council.

The accounts were circulated and treasurer, Russ Symons, said that finances were in a healthy state, but had no expenditure to speak of this year because of the visit to France.

Next year the French will be hosted and that is when the money will be spent. The chairman thanked Russ for his hard work. Subscriptions are now due and should be paid by the end of January.

The secretary, Val Webb, informed the committee of the possible dates for a French visit next year and it was decided to propose May 18-21 and June 8-11 for the comité de jumelage to choose, as these were the dates when most of the membership was free.

The deadline for selection was to be February 1, 2018 as the French do not meet every month.

The next AGM will be held at 7.30pm at the Dodington Lodge on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

The next regular twinning meeting will take place on December 12, 2017 at the Dodington Lodge. All interested parties are welcome to attend. Membership enquiries to the secretary, Val Webb, telephone 01948 663948.

Christmas Fair

Lower Heath Primary School is holding a fair on Sunday, December 10 between 2-4pm.

The school will have a visit from Santa and great prizes on offer for their prize draw including £100 cash, a day’s clay pigeon shooting for two and a luxury family Christmas hamper.

There will also be a performance from the school choir who are currently practicing for an amazing concert that they will be taking part in at the Manchester Arena in Manchester in January.

The fair is organised by the Friends of Lower Heath who organise events to raise funds for the school, who have this year managed to raise more than £5,000 which has gone to new classroom equipment, school trips and books.

The main focus for next year is to raise money for new playground equipment and educational learning tools.

Church Services

Time Together meets today for those with memory loss or dementia with their family or carers at Bargates Hall between 2-4pm.

Enquiries to Rev’d Judy Hunt on 01948 667253.

Messy Church meets on Sunday from 4pm in Bargates Hall – all age activities for Advent and Christmas – fun and food. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

On Sunday, December 10 at St Alkmund’s, there is 8am said communion, 10am sung communion with activities for chikdren and young people at Bargates Hall.

At 6.30pm there is sung evensong. On Monday, December 11 there is a carol service for White House School at St Alkmund’s at 7pm and Shropshire Young Farmers at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 14.

Walkers

On Sunday, Whitchurch Walkers will walk the Congleton Edge Loop, led by Clive and Jane Bullock.

Meet at Sherry Mill Hill car park at 10am and car share to meet leaders at Ackers crossing, Morton CW12 3PA. This six-mile walk will take you from the Macclesfield Canal, through Roe Park, to the Old Man of Mow, along the Gritstone Trail following the Congleton Edge before descending to the Cheshire plain.

Please bring a packed lunch and some refreshments.

Seniors

There is a Christmas lunch for pensioners in Whitchurch at Peal Yard Club on December 20. Get in touch on 01948 664443 before December 15 to book your place.

Tilstock

Tilstock Garden Club

The group’s final meeting of the year is an informal get together with a light hearted, garden related, quiz – prizes for the winning team and the top raffle prize being a Christmas wreath, kindly donated by White Wysteria, High Street, Whitchurch.

As well as tea and coffee, we will be serving wine and canapes – everybody welcome – £3 entry to include refreshments.

For further information, please call 01948 880058.

Hanmer

Christmas Services

There will be Christmas services at St Chad’s Church in Hanmer on December 10 at St Chad’s School at 11am.

On December 17, there is 11am family worship and 7pm lessons and carols. On Christmas Eve there is a special children’s crib service with a visit from Father Christmas.

At 11pm there is Holy Communion and 11am on Christmas Day.

In St John’s Bettisfield on Friday, December 15 there is carols at 7pm and on Christmas Eve, communion at 9.30pm.