The Parish MagazineSt Nicholas’ Church, Burton-in-Wirral

April 2020

www.burtonchurch.org.uk

I� T��� I���� �� ��� M�������COVID-19 A Difficult Time for Residents & Businesses

Help and Assistance Available for Anyone in Need

Building Closure & the Church Community

The church doors of St Nicholas’ Church, Burton may be closed for the time being but the church is not a building and is not closed.

The church of St Nicholas’ is the men, women and children who, like others across Britain, are praying at home and in open spaces, supporting vulnerable neighbours, home-schooling children and grandchildren and working in essential jobs to help the nation.

These are the people who are the church and our hope is in a God who is ‘Our refuge and strength and an ever-present help in times of trouble’ - Psalm 46

A few years ago, a friend sent me alink to a short clip on YouTube called‘meChurch’. It was presented in theusual advertisement way with a soft-spoken voice, encouraging thelistener to join a church which is allabout satisfying ‘me’ and my needs.It’s a church where those attendingexpect to get exactly what they want,including their cars waxed duringthe service! A church which makes‘me’ feel good.

St Paul wrote to the Christians inCorinth that:

Christ crucified isa stumbling blockto the Jews andfoolishness to theGentiles[1 Cor. 1: 23]

He knew from personal experiencethat following Jesus is not aboutcomfort and getting what we want,to fit in with our preferences but itmeans following someone who chosethe way of the cross.

Hebrews 12: 2 says :

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him chose the cross.When you love someone, over timeyou get to know and understand theirthoughts, their passions and maybeeven start to look like them! (or is thatjust with dogs?) When we were inCornwall on holiday wrapped upagainst storm Dennis, we realisedhow much we coordinated! Not quitein matching jumpers, but not far off!

When we love someone, we take thetime and trouble to listen, to try tounderstand, to share in their joys andsorrows and at times it means we maylay aside our own preferences, likesand dislikes, to even sacrifice ourdreams to enable them to achievetheirs. Our love for our loved ones,however strong, will always be a palereflection of the much greater loveJesus has for us.

At Easter, we can take time to reflectand remember that love costs, lovemakes demands. If we are to followJesus who loves us completely, wechoose to follow a king who came toserve, who chose the cross. The wordsof the wonderful hymn written byIsaac Watts in 1717 come to mind as aheartfelt response.

Use the words of this hymn as a wayto prepare for Easter, read it verse byverse and reflect on what living it maymean for us as individuals and as achurch as we discover love soamazing.

When I Survey theWondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

I wrote my article back in Februarywhen life was very different. I didconsider changing my article. I thenreflected and realised that ourdependency upon Jesus who loves us socompletely has been brought into evensharper focus as we now get used tobeing in social distance or isolation. Heis our strength, our hope, our courage,our calm in the storm. He understandsloneliness, suffering and isolation.

When Paul and Silas were imprisonedand chained to the wall, they wererestricted, isolated, at the mercy offorces beyond their control and whatdid they do? They sang praises to Godand worshipped Jesus who knows whatit is to be alone.

I’ve already suggested one hymn to useto reflect upon, but if you were asked,which would be your favourite hymn orsong of praise?

Why not go to YouTube and listen to it,even sing along? Some versions showthe lyrics too!

The words of favourite hymns andsongs have the amazing ability tolift our spirits, to remind us of greattruths of God’s love, hisfaithfulness and his presence withus through these difficult times.

My favourites are Great is Thyfaithfulness, Praise my soul theKing of heaven, 10, 000 reasons, InChrist Alone, King of kings,Majesty ….I could go on. Thenation’s top ones for last year wereJerusalem, Guide me, O Thou greatRedeemer and Amazing grace.

As the church building is sadlyclosed, the church is still verymuch in business. I am sending outour Sunday services via email eachweek and you can either email mec.helm@burtonchurch.org.uk toask to be included or you can findthese and other resources on thewebsite.

Why not email me with yourfavourite hymn if I’ve notmentioned yours?

Another favourite is based onPsalm 46:

God is our strength and refuge, an ever present help in trouble.

Easter Daffodilsin Burton

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St Nicholas’ ChurchBurton-in-Wirral

Message from Justin Madders, MPIf you are self-isolating and are unable to get tothe shops, and do not qualify for the Council HELPscheme, we can offer supplies delivered to your door.

Phone: 0151 357 2092

Email: EPorthelp@gmail.com

(https://twitter.com/justinmadders/status/1244384775726682116?s=09)

Coronavirus - Local Help & Information

It has been a busy term for BishopWilson so far.

We have taken part in severaldifferent sporting competitions andthe children have been fabulousambassadors for our school.

In January, The Owl Sanctuarycame to school and the children verymuch enjoyed learning about thedifferent owls. The Little Owl was afirm favourite with our staff.

In February, students attendedYoung Voices 2020 in Manchesterand had fun with friends fromChrist Church Primary School.

In March, our Owls class went offcampus on a residential outdoorpursuits adventure at CulmingtonManor in Shropshire where theytried out a range of activities, somefor the very first time.

The Year 5 & 6 children were taughthow they can ‘Escape to Safety’during a workshop by the FireBrigade. All the children entered a‘smoke tent’ designed to teach themhow they would exit a smoke-filledroom, learned how to keepthemselves safe at home and thenwere treated to a tour of the fireengine rig.

On World Book Day, we all dressedup as characters from our favouritebooks. During the day there werebook related activities and retellingstories through drama. Lunch was inthe form of a Mad Hatters TeaParty - with all the usual party foodand fun!

Finally, our special thanks must goto the children who read sobeautifully at Chester Cathedral onSunday 1 March. They led parts ofthe first service in Lent with theregular team, the congregation andstudents from Capenhurst andChrist Church.

Please take a look at the schoolwebsite(www.bishopwilson.cheshire.sch.uk),Facebook (@bishopwilsonprimary)and Twitter (@bishop_ce) to seemore photos of what we get up to.

Children at Chester Cathedral

World Book Day Characters

Escape to Safety

Young Voices 2020

EnjoyingOutdoorPursuits

APPRENTICES GIVE BISHOP WILSON SCHOOL AMAKEOVER

Six students on a painting and decoratingapprenticeship programme have beenbrushing up their job skills at BishopWilson School, redecorating the school ina partnership between Curtis PaintingGroup and Wirral Metropolitan College.

Behind the initiative is Curtis’ contracts manager Dave McCormick, himself aformer apprentice, whose ‘gift’ of the refurbishment work serves a dualpurpose – to provide the apprentices with valuable experience of the realworld of work and to give a bright new look to the school.

Dave said: “When we heard that Bishop Wilson Primary was in need of apainting facelift it was a project in which we were delighted to becomeinvolved.

“It also meant we could introduce students to a real working environment tocomplement their college learning. Not only have they been putting theirpainting and decorating skills to the test, but they’ve also been pullingtogether as a professional team, gaining confidence and getting a valuableintroduction to working and liaising with customers.”

This message was reinforced by Steve Kelsall, from Bromborough Paints,whose business supplied painting materials free of charge.

Steve said: “Keeping a continuous pipeline of young talent in the painting anddecorating industry is vital to the success of the regional economy and tosuppliers like ourselves. This is why we are happy to support Curtis PaintingGroup with their plans to set young people on the path to careers as paintersand decorators.”

Having the apprentices in school for two days was lovely and it was a privilegeto be part of their journey into the world of work. Our children and staffare delighted by the facelift to the main areas of the school and promise tokeep it as clean as possible!

CHRIST IS RISEN!

Praise be to God and father of ourLord Jesus Christ. In his greatmercy he has given us new birthinto a living hope through theresurrection of Jesus Christ fromthe dead. 1 Peter 1 ³.

As we rejoice in the resurrection of Christ,we give thanks for the brave women whoran to the tomb and then brought backwonderful news. We pray for women whohave courage to lead the way in their owncommunity to bring about new life.We pray that those who are living indarkness for whatever reason may findlight and hope in the joy of theResurrection. AMEN.

Looking Back

2020 began on a positive note with awell-attended AGM. Branch leadersand committee members remain thesame for the next year.

The February meeting was somewhatnostalgic with members sharing atreasured memory. As always, therange of experience amongst the ladiesis delightful and rewarding to all.

The MU Diocesan Festival was held inChester Cathedral on 29 February – atruly uplifting and inspiring occasion.

Read the full report at:https://www.trusselltrust.org/state-of-hunger/

As the church building iscurrently closed please donate

direct to the foodbank

Curtains of rain one moment, brilliant sunshinethe next, gale-force winds and perfectly balmyevenings: the restless weather can only meanone thing; Spring is underway!

It’s been a wet start to the year, with the blus-ter of storms Ciara and Dennis to blow awaythe cobwebs earlier in February and speed usthrough March! We’ve consequently had veryhigh-water levels on the main scrape at RSPBBurton Mere Wetlands and have beenastounded by spectacular high tides atParkgate. The wild wind and water havepushed some magnificent birds of prey ontoour reserve, with both male and female henharriers, marsh harriers and the odd owl or twoamong the truly special wildlife seen here thisyear.

On 8-10 April we had planned to have moreTidewatch events at Parkgate, held on theDonkey Stand but these have had to becancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions.

Looking out of the panoramic windows in ourvisitor centre, the changing season has usheredin new faces and feathers. A friendly officesweepstake saw us trying to predict the firstavocet back on the reserve, and on 13 Februaryit turned up, right on cue!

This iconic, elegant black and white waderwasn’t alone for long, and not just avocets, butlapwings and black-headed gulls in breedingplumage are building nests on the islandsacross the main scrape.

Two exciting species, the exotic cattleegrets and secretive bearded tits have beenspotted throughout the winter, leaving ushopeful for further breeding attempts thisspring. Nesting herons and little egrets, aswell as our steadily increasing number ofgreat white egrets will be seen precariouslyperched in the treetops in April. If youhaven’t seen this odd but endearing feat ofnatural engineering, you’re in for a treat! Acouple of spoonbills – unique-billed rela-tives of the ibises – showed promise lastyear, so we’re hoping to add them to ourcollection of breeding birds in 2020.

Before we sign off, we’d like to thank youall for your support in making ourmail-order shop a success over its first year.We’ve got our summer range in and canadvise you about everything from birdfeeders to bamboo cutlery to tea towels!Not to mention, of course, our dazzlingarray of optics.

For further details on any of the reserveactivities and events, please see ourwebsite:

, or

Call us on ,

Spring’s on the Way …Hopefully the weather will continue toimprove to allow an explosion of colour in thegarden from all those lovely spring floweringbulbs.

First to show were thesnowdrops, namelyGalanthus Nivalis,Flore Peno and Elwesii.After flowering theNivalis will be splitfrom the larger clumpsand replanted.

The weeping willow (Kilmarnock) lookswonderful with masses of pussy willows. Itwas purchased last year from Scotland andhas continued to grow on well.

The Buddleja Davidii have been hard prunedto promote new growth this year.

To date the camellias are in various stages ofbloom. The white variety is in full bloom as isthe Felice Harris (pale pink). Still to bloom areLady Macron (doublepink) and a newcamellia MarieWilliams (red).

Daffodils, Tête-à-tête,Rip Van Winkle andThalia have short stemsand can withstand the gales.

The many tubs of tulips are a long way fromflowering and their blooms are awaited.

The heathers on the rockery have providedmuch needed colour to the garden and apurple/white Hebe has also flowered.

The Viburnum is in full bloom at themoment and red Skimmia is stillflowering.

The twisted hazel (Harry Lauder’sWalking Stick) is again growing out ofcontrol and will be pruned back to anacceptable height.

Masses of birds havevisited the garden –pairs of blackbirds,blue/great/long-tailedtits, a lone nuthatch,greenfinches,goldfinches and, ofcourse, our pair of very aggressive robins.

Tasks to be getting on with …● Prick out seedlings

● Harden off any plants as

necessary

● Weeding

● Cut off old flower heads from

hydrangeas

.

Happy gardening,

LOCAL POLICECOMMUNITY SUPPORTOFFICER - PCSOLinda ConwayThe weather was particularly foul inMarch, courtesy of all the storms, and yetwe received numerous calls about a ladycalling door to door, claiming to be deafand trying to sell paintings to raise moneyfor her family.

Police advise never to let unwanted callersor strangers into your home as they oftenappear to target vulnerable people.

We also receive numerous reportsregarding online scams and phone scams.

Phone Scams

Scammers will call on mobiles or landlinesclaiming to be your bank or other trustedorganisations. They may have some ofyour details, which they use to convinceyou that they are legitimate. Your bankwill never ask you for your PIN or fullonline banking password. One techniquethat scammers use to convince you thatthey are legitimate is to ask you to callthem back to prove that they are the actualorganisation. When you hang up, thescammers can keep your line open for 2-3minutes before it automatically clears. Thescammers will then play a dial tone noiseso that when you pick up the phone to callthe bank, it will seem that you’re initiatinga new call when, in fact, you’re stillconnected to the scammer. They will thenask you for secure information which theycan use to take money from your account.If you ever receive a call purporting to be

from your bank, etc then wait at least 5minutes before calling back or use adifferent phone such as a mobile to ensurethat the line has been cleared.

Computer Software ServiceFraud

This occurs when fraudsters posing aslegitimate companies such as Microsoft oryour ISP call to tell you that there’s aproblem with your computer. They’ll saysomething like there’s a virus on yourcomputer or there is something wrong withyour computer or your router or internet arenot performing properly.

They might say that they can fix theproblem for a fee, or alternatively they cancompensate you for the problem.

What the fraudsters really want is for you tounwittingly grant them remote access toyour computer by installing software orvisiting a particular website and for you togive them your payment details. Legitimatecompanies like Microsoft and Google nevercold call you and ask for access to yourcomputer or for your financial details. Evenif they give you details, never give outpersonal information during a cold call.

Never grant anyone access to yourcomputer remotely, never go to a websitethat they give you and never installsoftware because of the call.

During what will undoubtedlybe a difficult and challengingtime for many people, if youwould like to let others know ofyour experiences such as talesof good-deeds, touchingstories, lighter moments, orparticular instances of notearound the villages, pleaseemail your contributions to :

From theRegistersService of Thanksgiving29 February- Andrew Martin MortimerFunerals7 February- Edward CostelloInterment1 March- Ernest Maurice Watkins3 March- Robert Ian Cowan- Bevyl Bruce Cowan- Peter Thompson- Alexandra Prudence Joanna Thompson

Pollards Inn, Willaston12.30pm for 1.00pm

Tel: Vivienne 336 7435Tel: Linda 336 5017

Holy CommunionSoup & Sandwich Lunch

For the last 9 years we have been holding aninformal Holy Communion service once amonth for those who find getting up the

steps to church a bit of a challenge.

Initially we started in the Burton café andthen moved to the Glass House at BurtonManor for a while until we settled in the

Sports and Social Club where the facilitiesmake it a perfect venue.

Several of the volunteers who have helpedmaking the soup and sandwiches and

hosting the lunch over the years have nowstepped down….so a big Thank You to allthose who have helped so faithfully and also

to the new volunteers who have made upthe teams so that we can continue to provide

this very special service.

Many thanks fromCathy and those who enjoy coming along

each month.

Supporting the Local Community

DovecoteNurseriesStation RoadBurton

Tel 336 5748email dovecotenurseries@gmail.com

Continue toenjoy yourgarden andborders andlet us deliverwhat youneed.

Dovecote Nurseries is closed to thepublic due to the government’s

Coronavirus regulations. However,we are allowed to take orders byphone or email and we accept

payment by card.

Stock Available for Home Delivery

- Pansies- Violas- Stocks- Gazanias- Antirrhinums- Mimulus£2.99 per tray or 4 trays for £10All ready for planting

- Single Colour or Mixed Colours£2 per pot

- Selection of plug plants

- Half hardy plants- Geraniums- Pelargoniums- Osteospermums- Argyranthemums£2.99 per pot or 4 pots for £10- Ivy-leaf geraniums£1.80 per pot

- Evergreens & Deciduous Shrubs- Climbers- Herbaceous Plants

- Leeks- Broccoli- Swiss Chard- Peas- Broad Beans

- Dwarf & Climbing FrenchBeans- Runner Beans- Sweetcorn- Cabbage£2.50 per pack

£1.20 per plant

- Multi-Purpose- Ericaceous- Grow Bags- Farmyard Manure- John Innes No.2 & No.3- Bark Chips

- Johnsons Flower & Veg Seeds

To sign up to our Newsletter it’s www.gladstonevillagehall.org

To join our bar team call us on 0151 665 0875

To follow us and keep in touch

Burton and Puddington Sports and Social Club

Welcomes New Members

With active social calendars and great facilities, why not join?

For Social Club membership or Cricket, Tennis, Bowls, Snookeror the Walking Club call us on 0151 665 0875

Gladstone Village Hall, Sports Pavilion, & Grounds

Activities suspended due

to government

Coronavirus regulations

Activities suspended due to

government Coronavirus

regulations

Our professional staff have a wealth of experience arranging funerals for bereavedfamilies, serving Wirral and Merseyside.

At Charles Stephens our aim is to ensure that you have the minimum of worry andinconvenience at a time of bereavement. We are keen to offer advice and supportwherever necessary to help with your funeral arrangements.

Our six funeral homes, situated across Wirral, are specifically designed to cater for allyour needs with comfort, dignity and respect. Each and every member of our team istrained to the highest level and we support the attainment of relevant professionalqualifications at all levels.

An Independent Family BusinessEstablished 1896

Fully Qualified Staff24 Hours, 7 Days a WeekPre-paid Funeral Plans

Clifton House, 215, Bebington Road,Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH42 4QA

Tel: 0151 645 4396reception@charles-stephens.com

We Only Sell Seasoned LogsExcellent Quality for Fires & Stoves

Locally Sourced - Barn Dried - Sustainable MaterialHardwood & Softwood Logs Available

Big Bulk Bag - Delivered & Stacked from £65Small nets of logs £5 - minimum 6 nets

Tree Surgery & HedgesFelling, Reducing, Pruning, Hedge Cutting, Chipping,

Grass Strimming, Ground Clearing, Mini-DiggerProfessionally Qualified & Fully Insured

J o e l B l a k e m a nT e l : 0 7 8 8 0 5 5 3 7 7 5 T e l : 0 1 5 1 3 3 6 7 4 3 5

m a r e s f i e l d f a r m @ b t i n t e r n e t . c o mPleased to Support St Nicholas’ Church

YOGA CLASSESClasses are held on Tuesdays atGladstone Village Hall, Burton7.00pm to 8.30pm. - Hatha Yoga

Also on Mondays & Thursdaysat the Burton Sports and SocialClub - Chair Yoga9.30 am to 10:30am

Beginners andreturners areall welcome andequipment can beprovided

Contact Andrew CollinTel: 07802 73 258

andrewcollin@btinternet.com

WIRRAL & CHESTERCHIMNEY CLEANING

Call Mr WalkerB i r d G u a r d s

C h i m n e y C o w l s F i t t e d

S a m e D a y C l e a n i n g S e r v i c e A v a i l a b l e

C l e a n l i n e s s G u a r a n t e e d

B r u s h & V a c u u m

T e l : 0 1 5 1 3 3 6 7 2 7 4

Coronavirus Epidemic

During these Difficult

times please continue to

support local

businesses and advertisers

wherever possible …

Thank You!

Activities suspended dueto government’s

Coronavirus regulations

Meetings in the Gladstone Village Hall at 8.00pmContact Janey Griffiths 0151 336 3621

For more information about eventsContact Hazel Huxley on 0151 336 2288

For more information about eventsContact Robert Thrift on 0151 336 1771

New members always welcome - for more information about activitiesContact John Nuttall on 0151 336 7178

For further information about future meetingsContact Hazel Huxley 0151 336 2288.

For membership information and events: Contact 0151 336 6154 or email, burtonmanorgardens@gmail.com

Next issue deadline for copy and advertisers 1 MayMagazine Administrator - sue@suebirch.com

You can contact Linda by emailing linda.conway@cheshire.pnn.police.uk or by calling herPolice Mobile Number 07824 609048.

You can also reach Linda at: www.cheshire.police.uk/little-neston-and-burtonFacebook: Little Neston and Burton Police

Twitter: LilNestonBurPol In an emergency, dial 999.For general enquires and non-urgent assistance, dial 101.

The Parish Magazine is published by the PCC ofSt Nicholas’ Church, Burton-in-Wirral.

Publication is made possible through the contributions anddonations of church members, Friends of St Nicholas’ Church,

residents, advertisers and other members of the public.The PCC is not responsible for the content or claims of

advertisers nor does it warrant or endorse any such content.Consequently no warranties or endorsements should be inferred.

The PCC and editorial team retain the right to edit itemssubmitted for publication. The editorial team’s decision is final.

Copies of this magazine can be found atwww.burtonchurch.org.uk

To discuss opportunities to advertise here contact

0151 271 4278 or 07507 051 048burtonchurchcomms@btinternet.com

All proceeds in aid of St Nicholas’ Church, Burton-in-WirralRegistered Charity No. 118483