SERVICES: Sunday morning services start at 10.45 am. Children are most welcome at all Chapel services.
|
Date |
Minister |
Organist |
Flowers |
Refreshments |
Steward |
|
2 Aug |
Sian Murray |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
C
Worthington |
J Readett |
|
9
Aug |
Rev Chris Buice |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
M Jones |
E Taylor |
|
16 Aug |
Cathy Brennan |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
M Sixsmith |
J Poole |
|
23 Aug |
Cathy Brennan |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
J Coles |
M Sixsmith |
|
30 Aug |
Cathy Brennan |
R Steedman |
L Readett |
L&J Readett |
G Leigh |
|
6 Sept |
Rev Lynne Readett |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
J Hodgson |
D Williams |
SPECIAL SERVICES: 2nd August Sian Murray (from Gateacre Chapel, Sian is studying for Unitarian Ministry); 9th August Rev Chris Buice. Chris is from Knoxville, Tennessee. A full resume is attached; 6th September Rev Lynne Readett. This will be a flower communion, please bring a bloom.
Chris Buice is the minister of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. He has been a guest teacher at the Unitarian College here in England. He was an exchange student at the University of Manchester in the 1986-87 academic year, when he became a member of the hiking club and explored the Peak and Lake Districts and North Wales. We welcome him to Chowbent Chapel on 9th August and hope that many of us will come to hear him preach.
SHEILA DARBEY is in Wigan Infitmary, ward NRU. She has received a card from the congregation and would appreciate a visit, 12 until 8 pm. She has broken her pelvis.
FLOWERS: 5th July Birthday memories of John Williamson, given by his wife, Dorothy, and family.
NUMBERS CLUB: July draw First prize No 6 £50, Second prize No 2 £30, Third prize No 14 £20, Fourth prize No 92 £15.
TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING: Free Advice every 3rd Tuesday of the month: Laura from Groundwork will be at our free coffee mornings at Chowbent Chapel Atherton every 3rd Tuesday of the month to give free advice on bills, how to maximise income and save money. So why not come along.
CALENDAR: If you can print a copy of
the calendar for someone who is not able to get it electronically that would be
much appreciated. Items for the next
calendar, eg dates of events, news of people, should be with me, Dorothy, by
Sunday, 23 August.
FROM KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE TO
ATHERTON. REV CHRIS BUICE VISITS CHOWBENT CHAPEL’S HISTORIC 1721 BULDING.
On the 9th of August Chowbent Unitarian Chapel is honoured to welcome Rev. Chris Buice, minister of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
Rev Buice
is known for his inspiring preaching and his commitment to diversity, social
justice and interfaith partnership. His ministry in Knoxville has been shaped
by both joy and resilience. In 2008 his congregation endured a tragic mass
shooting during a youth performance. In the years since, they have become a
powerful witness to courage, compassion and the healing strength of community.
Unitarianism
is a liberal faith that values freedom of belief, the authority of individual
conscience, and the richness of diversity. Here at Chowbent we strive to be an
inclusive community where people of all faiths and none can find common ground,
share their gifts, and feel respected and valued.
Rev Buice
has also served as a guest teacher at the Unitarian College here in England and
has fond memories of his time as an exchange student at the University of
Manchester in 1986-87, when he explored the Peak district, Lake district and
North Wales with the University hiking club.
We warmly
invite the community to join us at Chowbent Chapel for this special service.
Rev. Buice’s preaching promises to be both uplifting and thought provoking,
offering a rare opportunity to hear a minister whose work has touched lives
across continents.
Getting to
Chowbent Chapel. We are on the direct 582 bus route from Leigh. If you are
driving our full address is. Bolton Old Road, Atherton M46 9DS
SERVICES: Sunday morning services start at 10.45 am. Children are most welcome at all Chapel services.
|
Date |
Minister |
Organist |
Flowers |
Refreshments |
Steward |
|
5
July |
Tanya Smalley |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
M Sixsmith |
J Poole |
|
12 July |
Rev Celia Cartwright |
Debbie Jones |
L Readett |
J Coles |
M Sixsmith |
|
19 July |
Janet Poole |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
L&J Readett |
G Leigh |
|
26 July |
Cathy Brennan |
R Steedman |
L Readett |
J Hodgson |
D Williams |
|
2 Aug |
Sian Murray |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
C
Worthington |
J Readett |
CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY:
The Anniversary service on 21 June was led by the joint
Presidents of the GA, Rev Jean and Rev Alex Bradley with traditional anniversary
hymns. Unfortunately, Chowbent school
choir were unable to sing as the date clashed with Father’s Day but the Chapel
choir’s contribution was enjoyed by everyone present. Both ministers gave an address; Rev Jean
recalled her time at Chowbent as a trainee minister and Rev Alex took as his
theme ‘the river of truth’.
CLARE WILLIAMSON: There is good news
from Clare, she is cancer free and feels able to come to us
once more. She will take services on October 18th and 13th December.
CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION: At the AGM on 17 May the resolution to apply for Chowbent to be a CIO was unanimously agreed and is being progressed by Slater Heelis, the solicitors acting on our behalf.
NELUM: Please
find attached the Job Description poster prepared by the NELUM Administrator
working-group, which Iis being distributed throughout our NELUM congregations. The
group realises that the poster will not necessarily be of interest to congregation
members, but would appreciate it if everyone could spread this information to
family, friends, neighbours and anybody who might be interested in a new
opportunity for part-time work.
TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING: Free Advice every 3rd
Tuesday of the month: Laura from
Groundwork will be at our free coffee mornings at Chowbent Chapel, Atherton,
every 3rd Tuesday of the month to give free advice on bills, how to maximise
income and save money. So why not come along?
CALENDAR: If you can print a copy of
the calendar for someone who is not able to get it electronically, that would
be much appreciated. Items for the next
calendar, e.g., dates of events, news of people, should be with me, Dorothy, by
Sunday, 19 July.
SERVICES: Sunday morning services start at 10.45 am. Children are most welcome at all Chapel services.
!!br0ken!!“
|
Date |
Minister |
Organist |
Flowers |
Refreshments |
Steward |
|
5 Apr |
Vince McCully |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
M Jones |
E Taylor |
|
12 Apr |
TBA |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
M Sixsmith |
J Poole |
|
19 Apr |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
D Jones |
L Readett |
J
Coles |
M
Sixsmith |
|
26
Apr |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
R Steedman |
L Readett |
S Darbey |
G Leigh |
|
3 May |
TBA |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
J Hodgson |
D Williams |
“EASTER PARADE”: On Easter Sunday
there will be an ”Easter Parade” of hats in memory of Pauline Hill. There will be prizes for the best adult and
child’s hat.
MAUREEN’BIRTHDAY. We all enjoyed the
birthday buffet prepared by Margaret Sixsmith and Janice to celebrate Maureen’s
90th birthday. The birthday
cake decoration was ordered by Muriel and David Shallcross paid tribute to
Maureen and Roy’s long service to the Chapel, which included creating a visual
record of past Rose Queens now on display in the vestibule. Maureen would like
to express her thanks to all who were involved in her 90th
birthday celebrations. The cake, flowers and cards were lovely.
Coffee Morning/ warm space, breakfast club every Tuesday 10.30.till 12 noon
Free Advice every 3rd Tuesday of the month:
NUMBERS CLUB: 1st prize: 34 M Birchall, £50; 2nd prize: 90 J Tonge, £30,
donated to the restoration fund; 3rd prize: R Birchall, 24, £20; 4th prize: 62
Janet Scott, £15, donated to the restoration fund. February 2026
VACANCY: The Chapel needs a Treasurer or Bookkeeper. David Evans deals with investments and David
Shallcross is responsible for several accounts but at present is also dealing
with the general account, donations and payments. If you or someone you know can help please
get in touch with David Shallcross.
CARETAKER: Phil Grundy will
retire as our caretaker at the end of March. We wish Phil a long and healthy
retirement. In his place, David Basnett will take over.
SURGERY: On
the 31st March,
Clare Grace Williamson will be undergoing surgery to remove a large tumour from
her colon. She has had to cancel her upcoming visits to Chowbent. We send all
our good wishes to her. This is so sad
as Clare has had previous Ill health and seemed to be on her way to good
health, only recently running a 10K.
FUNDRAISING: Contact David Shallcross at the Chapel or
email: chowbenter@gmail.com to join the Chapel numbers club, to buy
and dedicate a hymn book, a chalice badge or a copy of the book "The
Story of Chowbent Chapel. by J.J. Wright.
For copies of “Chowbent Chapel and the Organs” by Bryan Hughes contact
Dorothy Williamson. For weekly donation envelopes; please contact Geoff
Leigh. If you are able to replace your
envelope contribution by a standing order this would be much appreciated.
GIFT AID: White
A4 Charity Gift Aid Declaration forms are located in the trough under each of
the Chapel’s notice boards.
CALENDAR: If you can print a copy of the calendar for someone who is
not able to get it electronically that would be much appreciated. Items for the next calendar, eg dates of
events, news of people, should be with me, Dorothy, by Sunday, 19 April.
SERVICES: Sunday morning services start at 10.45 am. Children are most welcome at all Chapel services.
|
Date |
Minister |
Organist |
Flowers |
Refreshments |
Steward |
|
1 Mar |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
D Williamson |
M Jones |
M Sixsmith |
J Poole |
|
8 Mar |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
R Steedman |
L Readett |
J
Coles |
M
Sixsmith |
|
15
Mar |
Janet Poole |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
S Darbey |
G Leigh |
|
22 Mar |
Cathy Brennan |
D Jones |
L Readett |
J Hodgson |
D Williams |
|
29 Mar |
Jean Longworth |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
C
Worthington |
J Readett |
|
5 Apr |
Vince McCully |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
M Jones |
E Taylor |
“EASTER PARADE” As
a tribute to Pauline Hill, we ask those who can to decorate a
simple hat in time for Easter Sunday, 5 April. Prizes for best adult hat and
best child’s hat. See poster.
CHOIR REHEARSALS for Easter: 1 pm Thursday, 19 and 26 March and 2 April,
Sunday, 22 and 28 March.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAUREEN. Maureen Birchall
turns 90 on 1 March. Congratulations and best wishes for many happy
returns of the day.
NUMBERS CLUB: 1st prize: 34 M Birchall, £50; 2nd prize: 90 J Tonge, £30,
donated to the restoration fund; 3rd prize: R Birchall, 24, £20; 4th prize: 62
Janet Scott, £15, donated to the restoration fund. February 2026
FLOWERS: 15 February in loving memory of Patricia and Peter John
Vernon given by their sister, Dorothy Williamson
CARETAKER: We are sorry to
learn that due to ongoing health issues Philip Grundy will be retiring as
Caretaker. Phil has served in this
capacity for several years and also taken responsibility for Hall bookings so
his work will be greatly missed. We wish
Phil all the best for improving health and relaxation.
We will, of course, need someone to take over from him and anyone who
is available, or knows of someone else who might be interested, can contact
David Shallcross, Chairman of Trustees. Duties
include opening and closing the Chapel gates and doors for Sunday Service and
the hall for the after-service tea. There are other times that the hall
needs to be opened and closed after functions. Hours and rates of pay are
negotiable.
FUNDRAISING: Contact David Shallcross at the Chapel or
email: chowbenter@gmail.com to join the Chapel numbers club, to buy
and dedicate a hymn book, a chalice badge or a copy of the book "The
Story of Chowbent Chapel. by J.J. Wright.
For copies of “Chowbent Chapel and the Organs” by Bryan Hughes contact
Dorothy Williamson. For weekly donation envelopes; please contact Geoff
Leigh. If you are able to replace your
envelope contribution by a standing order this would be much appreciated.
GIFT AID: White
A4 Charity Gift Aid Declaration forms are located in the trough under each of
the Chapel’s notice boards.
CALENDAR: If you can print a copy of the calendar for someone who is
not able to get it electronically that would be much appreciated. Items for the next calendar, eg dates of
events, news of people, should be with me, Dorothy, by Sunday, 22 March.
SERVICES: Sunday morning services start at 10.45 am. Children are most welcome at all Chapel services.
SERVICES: Sunday morning services start at 10.45 am. Children are most
Welcome at all Chapel service Minister Organist Flowers Refreshments
Williamson L Readett S Darbey G Leigh
22
D Jones L Readett J Hodgson D Williams
29
Ma
r
Jean
Longwort
h
D Williamson L Readett C Worthington J Readett
5
Apr
Vince
McCully
D Williamson L Readett M Jones E Taylor
“EASTER PARADE” As a tribute to Pauline Hill, we ask those who
can to decorate a simple hat in time for Easter Sunday, 5 April. Prizes
for best adult hat and best child’s hat. See poster.
CHOIR REHEARSALS for Easter: 1 pm Thursday, 19 and 26 March
and 2 April, Sunday, 22 and 28 March.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAUREEN. Maureen Birchall turns 90 on
1 March. Congratulations and best wishes for many happy returns of
the day.
NUMBERS CLUB: 1st prize: 34 M Birchall, £50; 2nd prize: 90 J
Tonge, £30, donated to the restoration fund; 3rd prize: R Birchall,
24, £20; 4th prize: 62 Janet Scott, £15, donated to the restoration
fund. February 2026
FLOWERS: 15 February in loving memory of Patricia and Peter
John Vernon given by their sister, Dorothy Williamson
CARETAKER: We are sorry to learn that due to ongoing health
issues Philip Grundy will be retiring as Caretaker. Phil has served
in this capacity for several years and also taken responsibility for
Hall bookings so his work will be greatly missed. We wish Phil all
the best for improving health and relaxation.
We will, of course, need someone to take over from him and
anyone who is available, or knows of someone else who might be
interested, can contact David Shallcross, Chairman of Trustees.
Duties include opening and closing the Chapel gates and doors
for Sunday Service and the hall for the after-service tea. There are
other times that the hall needs to be opened and closed after
functions. Hours and rates of pay are negotiable.
FUNDRAISING: Contact David Shallcross at the Chapel or email:
chowbenter@gmail.com to join the Chapel numbers club, to buy
and dedicate a hymn book, a chalice badge or a copy of the book
" The Story of Chowbent Chapel. by J.J. Wright. For copies of
“Chowbent Chapel and the Organs” by Bryan Hughes contact
Dorothy Williamson. For weekly donation envelopes, please
contact Geoff Leigh. If you are able to replace your envelope
contribution with a standing order, this would be much appreciated.
GIFT AID: White A4 Charity Gift Aid Declaration forms are
located in the trough under each of the Chapel’s notice boards.
CALENDAR: If you can print a copy of the calendar for someone
who is not able to get it electronically, that would be much
appreciated. Items for the next calendar, e.g., dates of events,
News of people should be with me, Dorothy, by Sunday, 22 March.
|
Date |
Minister |
Organist |
Flowers |
Refreshments |
Steward |
|
4 Jan |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
C
Worthington |
J Readett |
|
11 Jan |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
D Williamson |
L Readett |
M
Jones |
E
Taylor |
|
18
Jan |
Rev C Vanden Broeder |
D Williamson |
M Jones |
M
Sixsmith |
J
Poole |
|
25 Jan |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
R Steedman |
M Jones |
J
Coles |
M
Sixsmith |
|
1 Feb |
Rev Tina Gandhi |
D Williamson |
M Jones |
S Darbey |
G Leigh |
TOY
SERVICE: The Chapel welcomed the
Chowbent School choir and many of their families to a Toy Service which
everyone enjoyed. The children sang
beautifully and the toys given were to be donated to the Salvation Army for
distribution to children in Atherton who would otherwise not have many
presents. The service was led by Tina,
who has built up a strong relationship with the school in her time at Chowbent,
which sadly will come to an end in April, when she takes up an appointment at
Walmsley.
CAROL SERVICE:
More than 100 people attended the Carol Service, which included the
Naming Ceremony for Lydia Florence Owen, granddaughter of trustee, Joyce
Tyldesley. Only 13 weeks old, Lydia
slept peacefully through most of the service in spite of some great singing of
carols by the congregation and special items by the choir, .Anoushka and Rohan
added a charming nativity scene to accompany the choir singing ‘Jesus Child’.
Mince pies and brownies added a festive touch to the usual after-service
refreshments.
CHAPEL OF THE WEEK: The
Chapel has been awarded "Chapel of the Week" by the National Churches
Trust for our comprehensive maintenance programme to our Grade 2 Star
Building, thanks to David Shallcross who organised the work and entered the
Chapel for the award.
ORGAN DONATION: The Chapel has received a generous donation of £2000.00 from Blanche
& Ian Collier's estate. Blanch, a longstanding member of the choir,
requested that it go to the organ fund and asked her family to make this donation
on behalf of herself and her husband, Ian.
FLOWERS: 14 December In
loving memory of Mr & Mrs John Vernon given by their daughter Dorothy. 28th
December in loving memory of Ivy
Kniveton given by her daughter, Lynne.
TUESDAY COFFEE MORNINGS: On 9
December
great fun was had at the Tuesday Coffee Morning, party with the raffle
providing funds for the continuation of the Coffee Mornings.
NUMBERS CLUB: Winning
numbers: 1st £50 C Hodgson,
2nd £30 L Fildes, 3rd
£20 L Fildes, 4th £15 B Catherall.
Thank you to all members for their support.
LAY WORSHIP LEADERS
TRAINING DAY at Walmsley Unitarian Chapel,
Bolton, BL7 9PR, 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, 13 June. If you wish to attend please email Admin@unitarian-college.org.uk. The training includes lunch, which is free and funded by
NELUM. Please see insert.
CALENDAR: If you can print a copy of the calendar for someone who is
not able to get it electronically that would be much ppreciated. Items for the next calendar, eg dates of
events, news of people, should be with me, Dorothy, by Sunday, 18 January.
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