ChadNet – no 345

ChadNet – no 345 – Sunday 1st November 2026

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

Tracey Williams

As Remembrance comes upon us and the world reflects on past and present wars we will look inwards to our own families and how we may have been affected. In our family there are two members that we remember fondly.

The first is on my maternal side – my Great Grandfather Maurice Anker. He was born in 1893 so was 21 when the First World War broke out. He was already married and had a young daughter (my Grandma). Sadly, he was injured, losing one eye and the sight in the other eye was severely impaired. He was supported by an institution called St Dunstan’s in Brighton who on medical discharge supported him to learn a new trade. On researching my ancestry I found a letter in a St Dunstan’s publication. This letter was written by his father my Great, Great, Grandfather and gives a moving account of my Great Grandfather’s resolve and resilience despite his injuries and the support he received.

The following letter to Sir Arthur from Mr. J.G. Anker, father of one of our St Dunstan’s men, will be of interest to all our readers:
“All honour and thanks are due to you by many, many parents of our soldier boys for your noble and invaluable work done on their behalf through St Dunstan’s. I for one wish to testify to the lasting good and benefits derived from this grand Institution by my son Maurice Owen Anker, wounded on the front at Paschendale, one eye destroyed, the other damaged to such an extent that he has only a glimmer of sight, just sufficient to distinguish the out-lines of objects and light from dark. He entered St Dunstan’s took up boot re-pairing, became efficient, purchased a small business at Ealing, where he and his wife have been for about twelve months. It is extremely gratifying to ourselves as parents to be able to report that he has made excellent progress in spite of trade difficulties, etc., He has often expressed himself as being a great debtor to St. Dunstan’s, yourself and all who assist in helping the men obtain victory over such stupendous affliction. He has often spoken of the great kindness and consideration shown by the Sisters, the practical sympathy and real help of Mr Black , the great assistance obtained from the After-Care Department through Captain Fraser, Mr. Durrant, Miss Cotton and others.
It is also amazing to always find him possessed of unbounded optimism, contagious cheerfulness and dogged perseverance to make his business a success in order to become a credit to St Dunstan’s and a worthy citizen. He was a great reader and his wife after completion of household duties tries her best in the evening to appease his hunger for news and any time when I am able to pay a visit I am bombarded with questions of all kinds and requests for information upon all current political and social matters.
Wishing you Sir Arthur, continued good health and all success to St Dunstan’s.”

My Great Grandfather was a Private in 1st Northants Regiment. He built up an amazing business which continued until his retirement in 1956. He died suddenly in 1960 leaving a widow and two daughters.

To this day we still have a box of the glass eyes he used!

The other member of the family I wish to mention is from my paternal side. My Great Uncle. Frank Alan Goodchild (Stoker 1st Class C/KX610952) served in the Royal Navy in World War Two.

On December 14th 1944 in the Adriatic Sea close to the coast of modern day Croatia the ship struck a mine (during a bombardment mission). 63 men were rescued but tragically 126 crew were lost. It was the last Royal Navy Destroyer to be lost in World War Two. Sadly, Frank died, he was 19 and is commemorated at a memorial in Chatham Kent.

We have a commemorative scroll which my mother displays with his photo and medals. The inscription reads: “The person whom this scroll commemorates was numbered amongst those who, at the call of Monarch and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger and finally passed out of sight of men by the path and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom. Let those who come after see to it that this person not be forgotten.”

Which brings me to the Poppies. They are such a poignant symbol. Each Poppy signifies those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The response by the community and beyond to make these wonderful, precious Poppies each with love, has been truly wonderful and I am immensely grateful to you all.

We must never forget what has gone before. We will remember them.

Tracey Williams

(As always this View is the personal view of the author.)

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

The Vicar’s post is half time so Merry will not be working every day. Her usual working days are Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday but this is subject to change. Her phone number is 07486 066065 and her email address is  When she is not working she will not normally answer the phone, listen to messages or respond to emails. 

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 not 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 

Sunday 1st November – All Saints’ Sunday

At 10 am there will be Henry and Iain’s Church of Games – a First Sunday Service based on Richard Osman’s (now Martin Sheen’s) House of Games, led by Iain Coleman and Henry Ibberson, in church, including a short act of Communion, led by the Vicar. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available after the service.

At 6.30 pm there will be the All Souls’ Memorial Service, led by the Vicar, in church.

In the Parish Prayer Diary we pray for those who live and work in:
Nurton Hill Road, Holyhead Road, County Lane, High Park.

In the Trysull Deanery Prayer Diary we pray for:
All Saints, Trysull.

This week

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

Work on the churchyard paths continues all week. Please take care if visiting the churchyard during working hours.

On Tuesday the Prayers for Peace Group meets in church at 6 pm. Please do join us and if you would like more information please contact Mary Hayward ().

On Wednesday at 10.00 am there will be a service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer, led by the Vicar, 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. If you haven’t yet ventured in but would like to, why not give it a try? No charge, no commitment, just lots of 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.

Sunday 8th November – Remembrance Sunday

At 10.30 am (note the time) there will be a Remembrance Sunday Service in church, led by Philip Sims. There will be no Communion Service. Coffee (and tea and biscuits) will be available after the service.

Following the service those who wish can gather for a prayer meeting.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:
St Philip, Penn Fields.

Century Club

The winners of the October Century Club draw were:

  • 1st Prize – £150
    • Richard Buttress – ball 79
  • 2nd Prize – £100
    • Chloë Darby – ball 30
  • 3rd Prize – £50
    • Jane Horton – ball 98

Congratulations to all of them.

Ukraine Refugee Centre

Mary Hayward sent the following message after her visit last week taking the donations to the Ukraine Refugee Centre.

A huge thank you for your support to Wolverhampton Ukrainian Centre.
Your kindness and generosity continues to improve the lives of young Ukrainian families living in and around Wolverhampton.

Today’s delivery included:

Bedding
Kitchen Items
Electric Heater
Small Television
Ladies clothing
Ladies fashion accessories
Ladies new shoes
Children’s new soft toys
Raffle prizes
Cash donations

My next visit will be 20th November which will be the last one of 2026 as the Centre closes to donations in December to accommodate Children’s Christmas Parties etc

Thank you again and God Bless you all
Mary Hayward

If you have anything you wish to donate please contact Mary at or in Church.

All Souls’ Memorial service

The annual Memorial Service for All Souls will be held on Sunday 1st November at 6.30 pm.

At the service we will remember by name those for whom funerals have been held in the last 2 years and those names from our Memorial Book who have died within the last 6 years. There is an opportunity to add extra names, as there will be a list at the back of the church where additional names can be written. The list will be removed on Thursday 29th October for administration purposes. Please ensure any names are placed on the list before that date.

Wolverhampton Interfaith Conference

Saturday 14th November – 9.30 am to 12.30 pm at The Royal School, Penn Road, Wolverhampton.

“We don’t all look the same, we don’t all speak the same but we can all love the same”

This is as part of National Interfaith week which runs from 8-15th November 2026.

St Chad’s Church is a member of IFW and last year several of our congregation attended. 

Bishop Tim and the Mayor will be in attendance.

Contact details: Interfaith Wolverhampton Office: 07853 251929
Free tickets available on Eventbrite (or Jill Parker if you prefer)
https://Interfaith-Wolverhampton-Conference-Tickets.eventbrite.co.uk
Please book your tickets by Friday 6th November.
Tea and Coffee/Refreshment.
FREE EVENT – DONATIONS WELCOMED.

Worshipping God through Music and Song

Saturday 14th November – 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm

This is a new style of worship at St Chad’s where all are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome, in this place.

Vicar Merry will led the service accompanied by Martin – the worship band is Martin Fox and friends.

Join us for refreshments and a natter at 4.30 pm – the service starts at 5.00 pm – approx 1 hour.

Everyone welcome. It’s free and no need to book.

If you are able to help with serving refreshments or baking cakes please speak to Tony or Alan, alternatively please put your name on the form at the back of the church.

Opportunity to remember a loved one

At our “Step into Christmas” Festival from the 11th to 13th December 2026 the end of each pew will be decorated with a seasonal display and an opportunity to dedicate each one in memory of a loved one, much as we do at the time of the Scarecrow Festival.

If you would wish to remember someone in this way, we ask for a donation (minimum £10) in aid of the Church with the following details to be forwarded to or placed in an envelope, addressed to Debbie Sims, and left at the back of Church:

Name of loved one ………………………………

Inscription or message …………………………

An evening of Christmas Harmony with VocaBella

Saturday 12th December 7.30 pm in church

A concert by VocaBella, a local ladies singing group formed in 2016, who enjoy performing many styles of music from folk to jazz; from choral to pop; all sung in a Cappella, close harmony.

Tickets £15 per adult – includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie (Refreshments courtesy of Our Co-op Pattingham) – children under 16 FREE if accompanied by a paying adult.

Box office: Contact 07757 688518 or

Proceeds and Raffle – in support of St Chad’s Church, The Well Foodbank and Midland Blood Bikes.

The Well – the Wolverhampton Food Bank

The Well

The Well continues to need our donations and prayers. The box remains at the rear of the church for donations of food and toiletries and the wishing well for donations of cash (including foreign and obsolete currency which should be in a separate bag).

<www.thewellwolverhampton.co.uk>

Dementia Friendly Church

Weekly Prayer 

Becoming Dementia Friendly Church

Pour your grace, O loving God, upon all living with dementia.
It is frustrating not to find a word; it is fearful to lose ones memories.
Bless them with patience, a loving and supporting family and days of hope and accomplishment.
In Christ`s name we pray.
Amen

(Adapted from “Prayers of Our Hearts”)

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 25th October and 8th November.

Ian Beavis Hall – 25th October 1999
James Albert Monckton – 26th October 1962
Dennis Selby – 26th October 1981
Norman Tooth – 26th October 1995
Gordon Roy Pymer – 26th October 2011
Christopher David Wilde – 28th October 2008
Janet Eileen Owen – 28th October 2016
Paul James Potts – 28th October 2019
Marion Katie Potts – 29th October 1987
Kenneth John Bowley – 30th October 1988
Norman (Jim) Smith – 30th October 2012
Elsie Lyon – 31st October 2005
Kenneth Ernest Wilde – 31st October 2013
Cyril Edward Godwin – 1st November 2003
Eileen Curtis – 3rd November 2020
Timothy John Cooper – 4th November 1999
Adam Witold Kwiatkowski – 4th November 2002
Hilda Mary Smedley – 7th November 2013
Elizabeth Scarth – 7th November 2014

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

Enquiries about adding names to the Memorial Book should be addressed to Margaret Lingford.

Giving to the church

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

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“.

We have a JustGiving page to enable people to make one off donations. It’s at <https://www.justgiving.com/page/pattingham-church-jg>. 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.

ChadNet

This bulletin is sent to those who have requested it. We now have 170 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