Welcome to the online home of St Matthew’s Church, Stretton, and St Cross Church, Appleton Thorn!

You can find our Facebook pages here:

St Matthew’s on Facebook
St Cross on Facebook

The two parishes are currently in vacancy following the retirement of the Revd Alan Jewell in May 2026. Please note that this website is not currently being updated. Please go to the churches’ Facebook pages for news.

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Safeguarding

Safeguarding
at St Matthew’s, Stretton and St Cross, Appleton Thorn

We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all. Our safeguarding practices follow the House of Bishops’ policies and guidance, and we take every concern seriously.

Parish Safeguarding Officers

St Matthew’s Church, Stretton
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Maddy Murdoch
Email: safeguarding@stmatthewschurchstretton.org.uk
Phone: 07549 028727

St Cross Church, Appleton Thorn
Parish Safeguarding Officer: Paul Clancy
Email: safeatstcross@gmail.com
Phone: 07712 078370

Diocesan Safeguarding Team

Email: safeguarding@chester.anglican.org
Phone: 01928 718834 (option 4)

Out of Hours Support

The Diocese of Chester partners with Thirtyone:eight, an independent Christian safeguarding charity. Their helpline is available evenings and weekends if the diocesan team is unavailable.

Thirtyone:eight Helpline: 0303 003 1111

In an Emergency

If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 999 and/or contact your local authority Children’s or Adults’ Services.

Support and Helplines

• Safe Spaces – support for those affected by church-related abuse
  
  Email: SafeSpaces@FirstLight.org.uk
  
  Phone: 0300 303 1056
  
  Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00, Sat 09:00–13:00, Sun 13:00–17:00
• Childline: 0800 1111 (24/7, free)
• Parent Line: 0808 800 2222
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Action on Elder Abuse: 080 8808 8141 (Mon–Fri, 9–5)

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Calendar

Click on an item for more information about venue, etc.