A group of Haberdashers enjoyed an inspiring visit to Bunbury earlier this year. Welcomed by the Revd Tim Hayward, members of St Boniface church and the school, the day served as a reminder of the importance of community and belonging. 

From top: The Master presents Year 6 pupils with the Haberdashers’ Bible; The Master receives the traditional gifts of port and anchovies from the Head Boy and Head Girl

In a rural pocket of Cheshire sits the small village of Bunbury. It might seem curious that the Company has a church here, but the connections with this part of Cheshire began in the late 1500s. Haberdasher Thomas Aldersey established the school, initially as a grammar school. He also established a preacher and curate in Bunbury, subsequently passing on the church’s patronage to the Company.

We should be grateful that this link was established. Now a vibrant school and dynamic church, both organisations seek to meet the needs of their local community. 

During the deputation the church and school community offered an incredibly warm welcome to the group of Haberdashers.  Each class – from Reception to Year 6 – presented a varied mix of poems and songs to their parents and Haberdashers in the church. 

The Master was presented with the traditional gifts of port and anchovies, believed to be a long-held custom in order to sustain the Master during his long journey back to the City (although there were musings that perhaps the phrase ‘port and cheese’ got lost in translation along the way!). 

‘We thoroughly enjoyed presenting our teaching and learning to you and I hope you got a real sense of how passionate we are about allowing all our children to 'Let their Light Shine' (Matthew 5v16) through our connected curriculum approach.’
Nic Badger, Headteacher

With a strong team of church wardens, staff and volunteers, as well as well-established links with the school, the church is in a good place to serve its neighbours. This hasn’t been easy over the course of the pandemic. Rural isolation, social needs and hidden poverty have all been part of the reality for this community. 

Under the solid and capable leadership of Revd Tim Hayward over the past ten years the church has flourished. It reaches out into the community through a variety of methods, including their ALIVE group (Alleviating Loneliness In Village Environments) and Forest Church. Even downpours do not stop people coming to Forest Church; this clearly meets the needs of those who enjoy worshipping surrounded by nature.  

After ten years of ministry Tim enjoyed a well-deserved sabbatical over the summer months. The Company provided financial support to enable him to participate in a men’s weekend away in the Scottish Highlands (competing in an Extreme Character Challenge!), a Mental Health Conference and a period of study at the Anglican Centre in Rome. The church also receives a modest, annual allocation from the Company. 

Revd Tim, his church family and the school play an important part in the Haberdashers’ auspicious history in Cheshire. The Company thanks them for their energetic and dedicated commitment to their community. 
 

From top: The Revd Tim Hayward leads the Leavers’ Service; Haberdashers and Bunbury church members