A great deal has happened over the last month locally in support of Ukrainian refugees. As we go to press (mid-May), around 50 Ukrainian visitors have arrived in our area. What was the “Marton Area Ukraine Support Network” is now the “Congleton Area Ukraine Support Network”, and the Congleton area has been growing! Many from our parishes have been active not only in hosting Ukrainian guests, but in helping others to navigate the hosting process, in liaising with other organisations and with local government and MPs, and in many other areas. A pop-up boutique has been providing clothing, a house has been fully furnished, bikes and computers donated. While there would have been advantages of the government taking full responsibility for refugees, the current (volunteer driven) system has allowed the generosity of our local community to be expressed to fully welcome our visitors into the community. There are many more Ukrainians in the visa process, and homes being offered. You can find out more, and get involved, through a new website: causn.com.
From the Youtube video description by James Balme, 'Welcome to episode 2 of our 3rd series of 'History Walks' filmed at the medieval St James' & St Paul's church in Marton, Cheshire. In this episode entitled 'A Medieval Treasure of Marton' see for yourself this wonderful timber framed church dated to 1343 and join me as I take a tour of this archaic religious site and show you the wonderful history and treasures within including the stone effigies of the 14th century Davenport family, the medieval religious 'Doom' wall paintings and two beautiful oil paintings depicting the Ten Commandments amongst other artefacts... We also fly high above the the church giving you a great perspective of this archaic religious site from the air and allowing you to see how it blends into the open countryside that surrounds the church. I would like to express my gratitude to the Rev. Ian Archer for his support in making this film and for allowing access into the church without which this film would have not been possible.'Click here to see the video.