ChadNet – no 273

ChadNet – no 273 – Sunday 15th June 2025

ChadNet - the eBulletin of St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull

Welcome to this week’s edition of ChadNet – the eBulletin of St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull.

In this week’s ChadNet:

View from the Pews

Mike Stirk

Sue and I seem to have done a lot of travelling in very recent months both abroad and in the UK . I suppose it’s that notion that as one begins to age one must get in a few trips you have planned before you get too old to make the effort to fly, drive or even cruise.

One thing we seem to be more and more interested in wherever we go is the churches that we are curious to look at.

When we were in New Zealand we were to meet our relatives in Christchurch with whom we had stayed some fifteen years ago and they, in turn, had stayed with us in the past in the UK.

We had a very pleasant rather short day in the lovely city and were interested in seeing all the new rebuild that had happened since that terrible earthquake that occurred the following year after we had visited. In particular we were very curious to see how the lovely small Cathedral had been restored and rebuilt, but we weren’t allowed to visit it as it was closed for further restoration. Having seen it before in its glory this was therefore disappointing, but good progress had been made. They had run temporarily out of money and were seeking extra funding for the grand high wing and windows behind the high altar. Instead they had done a makeshift wooden-painted replica  of the old, now demolished, wrecked wall to appease the tourists. This was also rather bizarre as new smart shopping malls, smart libraries and an excellent art gallery had been funded both by the state of Canterbury and the Government  to attract the tourism which is rapidly becoming the country’s number one source of revenue in a struggling economy at present.

Then we went on to Australia to Sydney and we were curious to look into a very grand Roman Catholic Cathedral which seemed extremely well maintained and attended, but again we could not enter very far as they were busy conducting their second of four weddings that Saturday.

In Perth we took time to visit the Bell Tower, which is a very interesting feature especially built by the city to store and ring these bells throughout this lovely city. We discovered that a lot of these bells, that could all be rung , were of British origin and that the biggest one weighing over ten tonnes came from St Martin in the Fields and an exchange had been done.

When we returned back to the UK we were visiting Norfolk and Suffolk for three days and were struck by how many lovely, mainly Norman, Tower Churches, with their typical stone decorative stucco stone outside walls, had been built in the great  wealthy wool exporting era some four centuries ago. These were numerous, occurring in nearly every hamlet and in most cases they were well maintained and open for the public to view – how they were financed for their upkeep remains a mystery with their dwindling and mainly agricultural communities.

Askrigg church

Finally, a brief Easter visit to Swaledale in Yorkshire and on our travels we espied the now rather famous church in the small town of Askrigg. This was a rather large church, again with a Norman style tower – almost out of proportion to the size of community living in the vicinity – but recently  it had become a curious centre of tourist attraction.

This was because this sixteenth century church  tower had been deemed in a very poor state of repair and unsafe from water and damp penetrating through the mortar used amongst the brick work centuries ago. An appeal had been successfully launched for the restoration, costing some £250,000 – financed mainly by local wealthy Trusts. The majority of the parish wanted it restored in its original mortar, which had to receive six coats of the original specified mix to keep it in the same state of the rest of the church. This work was successfully completed some eighteen months ago but to most people’s surprise it stood out as an almost completely white tower, causing great disquiet amongst some of the locals, which was highlighted in the National press and caused a lot of comment. However, this whiteness apparently will fade off through weathering in a few years’ time to blend in with the rest of the building. We were interested to see how the inside of the church had improved from the relief of the permanent dampness, but unfortunately it was locked up! Probably too many curious visitors like ourselves tramping around inside; but it was a shame one couldn’t have given them a bit of further support in the collection box inside.

Viewing these churches in various parts of the world brings us back to our own wonderfully preserved St Chad’s and the fact that it remains open to all during the daytime. Unlike the other churches mentioned it has a wonderful spire inviting people from afar to come and view it in its lovely position.

May we all hope we can keep it open and in its great condition for years to come.

Mike and Sue Stirk

Would you like to write a View from the Pews?

We welcome contributions for View from the Pews from anyone who would like to write one. It does not need to be on any particular subject. If you would like to write one please send it to or contact Henry Ibberson ( / 01902 701136).

.Contacts

We do not have a Vicar at the moment. For matters which would normally be dealt with by the Vicar the churchwardens are the first point of contact. The Vicarage phone (01902 700257) is redirected to the churchwardens. When they are not available a message can be left on the voicemail and they will return the call when they are available. Emails to will be received by the churchwardens.

Contact details for church officers can be found on the Contacts page of the church website. You can use if you are nore sure who to contact and the churchwardens will be able to forward it to the correct person.

Notices, which should be received by Friday afternoon for inclusion in that week’s ChadNet, and other communications in relation to ChadNet should be sent to

Articles for the magazine should be sent to (note – this is different to the address used before November 2020 which no longer works).

Sunday 15th June – Trinity Sunday

At 10 am there will be a service led by the Youth Group in church.This will be followed by a short service of Holy Communion, led by Revd Sue Watson, to which you are all most welcome. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available after the service.

In the Parish Prayer Diary we pray for:
Those members of the congregation who live outside the parish.

In the Trysull Deanery Prayer Diary we pray for:
The Church at Perton.

This week

The church will be open every day. Look out for the “church open” sign outside the porch.

On Tuesday Prayers for Peace will be said in church at 6 pm. Please do join us and if you would like more information or are willing to lead a session, please contact Mary Hayward ().

On Tuesday evening there is a PCC meeting in church.

On Wednesday at 10.00 am there will be a service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer, led by Revd Sue Watson, in church which will be followed by tea, coffee and cake.

After the service the church will be open from 10.30 am until at least 11.00 am as a Place of Welcome when anyone who wants to will be welcome to share in the coffee, cake and chat, whether they have been to the service or not. Those attending will receive a warm welcome.

At 6 pm on Wednesday the Pattingham Shower Singers meet in church. All are welcome – just come and sing and have fun! If you need more information, contact Alix at .

At 7 pm on Wednesday Choir Practice takes place in church. Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact Martin Fox or any member of the choir.

On Thursday at 2 pm the monthly “FORGET ME NOT” Tea takes place at St Andrew`s Church Shifnal – for carers and their loved ones. The theme is board games and children and staff from St Andrews School will be attending. A warm welcome is assured. More details from Tracey WIlliams, our Dementia Friendly Church Co-ordinator.

On Friday from 10 am to 12 noon the Home Instead Memory Café is being held at the Village Hall. These are free informal sessions designed for individuals living with dementia and their carers to meet in a relaxed environment.  Enjoy simple, engaging activities, while connecting with others who understand the challenges of dementia. No need to book. Just pop along.

On Friday from 2 pm to 4 pm the first session of ChadART takes place in church. See below for more information.

On Friday from 7 pm to 10 pm the Trysull Deanery Summer Evening of Prayer with Bishop Tim takes place at Christ Church, Tettenhall Wood.

On Saturday the PCC meets at Boningale Church for an Awayday reviewing the Mission Action Plan.

Sunday 22nd June – First Sunday after Trinity

At 10 am there will be a service of Holy Communion including the baptism of Archie Lowe, led by Revd Paul Brown, in church. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available after the service.

At 6.30 pm there will be a Service in the Iona style, led by Iain Coleman, in church.

In the Parish Prayer Diary we pray for:
The Parish Council and all elected representatives.

In the Trysull Deanery Prayer Diary we pray for:
Church Wardens across the Deanery.

ChadART

Enjoy painting, drawing, printing or mindful colouring?

We are starting a new Art Club at St. Chad’s where people can come and socialise as they create.  Bring along your own projects and materials.  While there is no formal teaching, I am sure we will all enjoy sharing our own expertise and ideas.  Everyone is welcome.

Please come and join us at the back of church.  We will be there on Friday afternoons from 2pm-4pm, starting 20th June.  Tea and coffee will be available. If you have any questions, please contact Jo Bramall on (07977) 007537.

Village Fete – Saturday 5th July 2025 – 12 midday to 4 pm on the field

Pattingham Village Fete

The village fete is fast approaching! It will be opened by Revd Merry Smith, who will be our Vicar from 10th August.

We have so much going on this year: there’s a Total Wipeout style assault course (minus the mud and water!) that’s suitable for all ages, plus all the usual stalls and attractions and entertainment including African drummers and performances from a local dance school.

Entry is just £2 per person which includes a programme (under 16s go free).

The competitions are also running again – closing date for entry forms is Saturday 28th June.

There is more information at <https://www.pattinghamchurch.org.uk/web/news-and-events/fete/>.

It promises to be a wonderful afternoon – fingers crossed for the weather!

Coming up …

Reminders of events in the next few months which have been in previous editions of ChadNet.

Concert by the Much Wenlock Male Voice Choir – Saturday 12th July at 7.00 pm

Tickets £15 per adult includes a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic drink
Children under 16 FREE if accompanied by a paying adult
Box Office: Contact 07757 688518 or

Licensing of our new Vicar – Sunday 10th August at 4 pm

Annual meeting

Draft minutes of the annual meeting which was held on Sunday 11th May are on the website at <https://www.pattinghamchurch.org.uk/web/information/pcc-news-and-reports/pcc-reports/>. If anyone notices an error could they let the secretary know. They will not be formally approved until the next annual meeting.

Ukraine Refugee Centre

Mary Hayward sent this message after she took donations to the Ukraine Refugee Centre on Friday:

I have just returned home from the Ukrainian Centre in Wolverhampton
The donations received this month from St Chad’s Church family and Pattingham community were simply overwhelming!
My boot and back seat were absolutely full.
Everyone was so extremely grateful.
Thank you to you all for your kindness.
My next planned visit to take contributions will be Friday 25th July.
God bless
Mary Hayward

The Well – the Wolverhampton Food Bank

The Well

Everyone at the Well is extremely grateful for the gifts of cash and goods which are donated regularly. At present there is a particular need for the following items:

  •     Tinned tomatoes
  •     UHT Milk
  •     Male toiletries
  •     Custard
  •     Noodles
  •     Tinned Vegetables

Project leaders, Gary and Caroline Price, will be speaking at our Family Service on Sunday 6 July.

Again many thanks for your support.

Alan Smith

If you wish to know more about the work of The Well, or would like to know how you can support it in other ways, do look at their website <www.thewellwolverhampton.co.uk>

Dementia Friendly Church

Weekly Prayer 

Becoming Dementia Friendly Church 2024-25

God of compassion and grace,
we pray for all those who,
through age and infirmity
find themselves imprisoned
within the loneliness of home,
Watching a world outside
that once had their
full involvement
increasingly pass them by.
Be with and bless them, Lord,
along with family and carers
calling through the week to help,
still precious in your sight,
and feel your arms support them
in the day and through the night.
Amen

(Faith & Worship)

If you would like to suggest (or write) a prayer for inclusion in this series please let Tracey Williams, our Dementia Friendly Church Co-ordinator, know.

From the Memorial Book

Those whose anniversaries occur between 8th and 22nd June.

Nellie Elizabeth Warrilow – 9th June 1967
Henry Parkes – 9th June 1989
Violet Agnes Davies – 11th June 1992
Gwendolyn Mary Pellow – 11th June 2010
Geraint Samuel Jones – 12th June 2013
Annie Parton – 13th June 1987
Gerald Victor Rowley – 14th June 1993
Frederick Seymour Toy – 15th June 1971
Ian Brian Price – 15th June 1973
Winifred Jane James – 15th June 2006
Audrey Wilhelmina Rose – 15th June 2022
Anthony Robert Kiddle – 16th June 2015
Mitchell James Lingford – 18th June 1989
Kenneth Joseph Russell – 19th June 2010
Wilfred Leslie Darlington – 20th June 1981
Kath James – 20th June 2024

You can see all the pages of the Memorial Book on the Memorial Book Online page of the Church website.

Giving to the church

Details of the various ways in which you can give can be found on the Giving page of the website.

We have a JustGiving page to enable people to make one off donations. It’s at www.justgiving.com/pattingham-church. You will be asked if you want to make a contribution on top of your donation. If you do it will go to JustGiving and not to charity. If you do not want to make such a contribution select “other”. If you are a taxpayer please consider gift aiding your donation.

You can make a bank transfer to our bank account (Account name: Pattingham Parochial Church Council – Sort Code: 20-97-78 Account No: 50655023).

If you are paying by cheque please make the cheque payable to “Pattingham PCC” or “Pattingham Parochial Church Council“.

ChadNet

This bulletin is sent to those who have requested it. We now have 142 subscribers but there may still  be some people who are not aware of it and would wish to receive it. The weekly bulletin for each Sunday will normally be sent on the preceding Friday or Saturday. Additional bulletins may be sent if required. It is only being sent to those who have requested it.

If you know of anyone who might be interested please tell them about it and ask them to sign up using the form on the website (www.pattinghamchurch.org.uk/web/information/chadnet/sign-up-to-chadnet/) or by email to

St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull Registered charity no 1151604