Shirley Methodist Matters - One of 'Churches Together in Shirley' - Croydon Methodist Circuit
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Shirley
Methodist
Matters
One of ‘Churches Together in Shirley’
13 FEB 10.30 AM CHURCH ANNIVERSARY REVD CHOI
COMMUNION
10 FEB 10.30 AM RACIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY REVD TERRY YOUNG
ALL-AGE
6.00 PM COMMUNION REVD ANDREW LETBY
17 FEB 10.30 AM BENNIE HARMS
24 FEB 10.30 AM MR ROGER BYARD
Before morning service starts, from 10.15 am there is organ,
piano or recorded music.
A crèche is usually available in the lounge.
Sunday Morning Club is held during the morning service and
provides young people with a chance to explore their faith
through a wide range of activities.
Please contact us if you would like someone - or yourself - to be
prayed for by members of our Prayer Chain. Names are
only taken with the consent of the person concerned and
remain on the chain for a week.
Margaret King 8777 3770 or Elizabeth Smart 8681 0057
Prayer is important when things get hard and you find
it difficult to keep going. It’s worth remembering it’s
often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock.
Association of Church Editors
2All events at Shirley unless stated otherwise
WED 6 CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING - 8 PM
THUR 7 LUNCHTIME CONCERT - SEVENOAKS SCHOOL - 1.15 PM
SAT 9 PRAYER BREAKFAST - LOUNGE - 9-10 AM (SEE PAGE 9)
SUN 10 CHRIST CHURCH, ADDISCOMBE MESSY CHURCH 4-5.30 PM
THUR 21 GUILD - ‘BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS’ 8 PM (SEE PAGE 12)
SUN 24 CAFE WORSHIP - CHRIST CHURCH, ADDISCOMBE 5 PM
FUTURE EVENTS
SAT 2 MARCH - TALENTS FESTIVAL IN SHIRLEY (SEE PAGE 14)
SUN 10 MARCH - ‘LENT WITH LESLIE’ - 6 PM - FIRST OF A SERIES
OF BIBLE-BASED DISCUSSIONS (SEE PAGE 17)
SAT 16 MARCH - SHIRLEY METHODIST JUMBLE SALE - 1.30 PM
MAY 12-18 - CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
SUN 19 MAY - CHRISTIAN AID SPONSORED ‘WALK THE CITY’
FRI 24 MAY - NEW GRAND PIANO INAUGURAL CONCERT (SEE
PAGE 13)
An experienced reliable handyman
is looking for projects to undertake
at evenings/weekends (not gas).
Wojciech (pronounced Vocheck,
as in rhyming with low) works with
Heather Tarling for a local Christian
charity and is happy to pop round to discuss your requirements
and provide a no obligation quote. You can contact him directly
on 07515 643506 or through Heather (020 8656 5961)
This month’s front cover shows Alice Henry ( left foreground), Head
Gardener of the Wilderness Project at Hall Grange, showing residents &
visitors round the Wilderness on 10.12.18 (See page 22-23)
3As 2019 followed 2018, admit to those realities unless
I realised that the moment in one is willing to run from them
which it had become the reality for, at least, the next 45 years.
that I had been a minister for One has to find a way of living
more than half my life had vulnerably and fallibly if one is
slipped by last year without my going to live with integrity. One
notice. Recalling the past 23 also has to find a way of living
years that also span three kindly towards those who won’t
continents, I dwelt on some of understand or accept the
the consequences of entering changes taking place within
ministry at an early age. oneself. One has to find a way
Inevitably, one finds oneself to live graciously towards one-
doing much of one’s faith-filled self and to live graciously
“growing up” in full view of, and towards others.
yes, sometimes under the close
scrutiny of, other people. While
one is still finding one’s feet in
life, one’s early joys and
sorrows, one’s proud achieve-
Growth in that grace is some-
ments and crushing disappoint-
thing which might help us all.
ments, and one’s considered
We are all people who are
and ill-considered words and
growing and changing. We are
actions unfold within the
all people who learn new things,
context of others’ expectations.
who come to see things in new
It isn’t easy to change or to ways, who change our minds,
grow in front of others. One who realise our mistakes and
learns new things, one comes to who wish we hadn’t done
see things in different ways, one something in a particular way.
changes one’s mind, one We all find ways of coping with
realises one has been mistaken that, but whether those ways
or one wishes one hadn’t done are life-giving for ourselves and
something in a particular way for others is a question we
and one finds that one needs to might find worth asking.
4Much is changing around us and where every weakness may be
potentially provoking change safely known …
within us. Do the ways in which … give me your strength when
we respond to the challenge of all my words are weakness,
living differently bind us to a give me your love in spite of all
person we struggle to continue you know …
to be or do they help us to grow … give me your hope through
towards the person we believe dreams and disappointments,
our faith invites us to become? give me your trust when all my
Do we find ourselves defending failings show:
our individual desire to remain as God loves us, so let us love
who we are when we might be each other,
reaching towards one another with no demands, just open
to help one another to realise - hands and space to grow.”
to make real - who we might
become together? We are more used to singing
those words aloud to, and with,
The hymn writer Michael
others. Perhaps we might also
Forster expresses it so well:
whisper them to ourselves
“Let love be real, in giving and when we are struggling hardest
receiving, with who we are becoming …
without the need to manage
and to own; Revd Nadine Wilkinson
a haven free from posing and
pretending,
Sadly, for personal reasons, Julie and Karen have decided it is time to
stop running the 3rd Shirley Brownies. I would like to thank them both
for taking over from Kay Bateson and myself 8 years ago. It is not an
easy task but I know they have enjoyed their Brownie Guider days –
and will have so many happy memories – just as Kay and I have.
The Guiding District Team is actively looking for ladies to take over the
pack. I do hope they are successful. There has been a pack affiliated to
our church for many, many years. If you know anyone who would ‘fit
the bill’ please get in touch. Kate Marsden
5Elizabeth Smart writes:
Time once again for the family
news to be shared and as I have
said before – this is something
We will have a bring-and-share
that we do together and so I
lunch afterwards and I am sure
look forward to you letting me
many memories will be
know if there is something you
exchanged over food,
would like to be included. As
fellowship and of course cake!
you know, we do have to have
permission from the person/s
concerned and I do have the
consent forms available if you
need them.
The Church Winter Party will be
held tonight and I am sure will
be a great evening of food, fun, We have been saddened to hear
fellowship and also a ‘little that Brenda Brindley died on
magic’ if I remember from last 18th January after a short illness
time. Huge thanks go to and we remember Ivan, Jill,
Rosemary, Jenny and Simon for Lorna and Richard and their
once again planning, arranging children at this time of great
and giving us an evening to loss and sorrow. Our prayers
remember. and loving sympathy are with
them all. We remember Ivan
On the 3rd February we are
and Brenda with such fondness.
having a Church Anniversary
Ivan and Brenda ministered to
service to give thanks for 88
the Shirley Methodist Church
years of worship at Shirley
folks from 1991 – 1997 and
Methodist Church and to
journeyed with us through a
remember those who had the
difficult time when decisions
faith and vision to build the first
had to be made as to whether
church in Eldon Avenue in 1931.
we should re-build the church.
6We remember members of our Grange and we give thanks for
church family at this time and we the care and love that is shared
pray for Christine Gayle, Brian daily in this home. As the
and Margaret Robins, Roy and Wilderness Project gets under-
Alma Pritchard, Bernie Vail, way, we look forward to being
Christine Elliott, Roma able to get involved in many
Berthwick, Dennis Blount, Alan different ways as the team
Harper, Pat and John Pritchard, begins the transformation of this
Lesley and Anthony Vigurs, historic site. If you would like to
Margaret and John King, Vicky know more about how you can
Lynch-Shyllon, Jean and Frank get involved, do contact Alice
Brooks, Charlotte and Robert Henry at Hall Grange, Head
Nisbeth and Charlotte’s mother, Gardener for the project - see
Ron and Adele Sluce, Jose pages 22-23.
Riddiough, Irene Owens, Jean
Cooper, Essie Green, Gwen
Richardson, Brian Reed, Alan
Youngs and Elaine.
We also hold in prayer those We send Birthday greetings to
who are unable to come to Irene Owens at Hall Grange on
worship, Margaret Lloyd, Carol the occasion of her Special
and Christopher Land. Birthday this month. We wish
her every blessing and hope that
We pray for all the residents, it will be a very happy
staff and volunteers at Hall celebration.
A large city centre church which had problems with break-ins
decided to employ a night watchman so that there was always
someone on the premises. Interviews were held by the vicar
and church warden. They greeted the first candidate and asked
him, “What are your qualifications for the job of night watch
man?” He replied, “The slightest noise wakes me up.”
Association of Church Editors
7BENNIE’S
If I were to ask – “Which one for all of their formative and de-
word, used today, has become veloping years, they’ve heard
so divisive: inflaming people to more sermons from Jen and me
do things they’d normally never than they’ve heard from any-
do and more confusing than any body else! From an early age
other?” – I believe a large they had to sit and listen to my
percentage would simply say ‘words’ whilst preaching and
‘Brexit!’No-one knows what leading services. There were also
world is going to be created by daily words of scripture reading
that one word. and prayer during ‘family
prayers’ after the main meal of
So, putting Brexit aside (as if we
the day.
can!) during this new year - 2019
- ‘What worlds will you create Unfortunately, there were also
with your words’? words of anger and frustration
and obviously things were said
When I think back on my early
which hurt. Words and feelings
days of being a parent, I really
were sometimes misunderstood
shudder because the words I
causing confusion.
remember using, more than
My most
others, were – don’t touch; no;
embarrassing
you can’t have that; put it down
moment was
you’ll break it and so on. But
receiving a letter
that couldn’t have been the only
from my sons’
words our children heard as they
Headmaster.
were growing up. We always
It was after a
went on holidays and shared
bruising game of rugby played
happy moments together. We
against my ‘old school’. He asked
explored different things and
me to try and curb my enthusias-
tried to show them different
tic shouting from the side lines
places. Having been in ministry
during the rugby matches they
were playing in.
8He noted that some parents (I can understand now why my
feared I might be exciting the wife used to sit in the car and
boys too much and encouraging either read a book or do some-
a certain style of playing that was thing else).
frowned on!! Me?? Never!! I
I leave you with this thought –
may have encouraged them to
Choose your words carefully in
tackle harder and play more
2019, building ‘worlds with your
fiercely but I’d never encourage
words’ that will enrich, empower
(or condone) any ‘foul play on
and enthuse others to do the
the field’. The parents either mis-
same!
heard what I was shouting or
misinterpreted my words. I did May God richly bless you in 2019
try, after that, to create ‘another giving you the right words to use
world with my words’. daily!
Brian Sherrell writes:
After receiving responses about the best time to
have a time of prayer as a church, we have
decided to stay with the second Saturday of each
month, at 9am-10am, with the anticipation of a
number of other members joining us.
My thoughts on prayer - you don’t need a degree
in theology to pray; what is important are the words
that come into your mind when thinking about any
given situation, and it can be that a single word is
the most powerful.
We next meet on 9th February for stillness and prayer.
SEE YOU THERE?
9were the provision of a cow for
Jean Beecher writes: an Ethiopian widow, struggling
to send her children to school, a
The “Traidcraft” Christmas cards hand pump for a family in South
sold on our weekly stall proved Sudan, and mosquito nets for
very popular and raised £130: boys and girls in Nigeria where
thanks to all who bought them – malaria is a constant threat.
you are helping to transform
The money collected also
lives.
enabled us to give £100 for the
Sunday Morning Club had a busy Leprosy Mission from the box in
time with two new projects for the Welcome area.
Christian Aid this Christmas. We
We had a retiring collection for
all admired the beautiful “Peace”
Christian Aid after the Covenant
cards featuring their hands in a
Service on 6th January, when the
circle; it was a fitting picture to
congregation from St John’s
grace the front of the December/
joined us. This raised a further
January Church magazine. Many
£173.70. “Promoting Peace” has
people donated their loose
been high on the Christmas/New
change, put in an elegant box,
Year agenda.
and this quickly mounted up.
This was added to the money
collected on 2nd December from
their Christingle cakes. The
amount raised was an excellent
£206. Thank you, Sunday
Morning Club.
This is something we all crave,
Your generosity also meant that none more so than the children
the three projects selected as who live in the Nahr-al-Bared
presents (again by Sunday Morn- refugee camp in Lebanon. The
ing Club), from the Charity Gift money from this collection will
Aid pamphlet for Christian Aid, be put to helping and counselling
were able to be realized. These them.
10The last words go to Peacemaker I am sorry”. He says: “If all peo-
Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban, a ple put these twenty-eight words
U.N. Peace Prize winner and into their hearts, and every day
member of the South Sudan they repeat them, there will be
Council of Churches (SSCC), no war in South Sudan, there will
Christian Aid’s partner. He has be permanent peace in South
worked tirelessly for the Sudan.”
restoration of peace in South
We pray that, with our help, he
Sudan. Each morning he repeats
and others like him will be given
twenty-eight words for peace –
support and resources, so that
words such as “Love, joy, peace,
they can help more people to
patience, compassion, truth,
find safety and security this year.
gentleness, self-control, humility,
forgiveness, unity; I am wrong,
On Thursday 7th February we shall be welcoming Piano
Students from Sevenoaks School, together with Head of
Keyboard Tau Wey, to entertain us at the Lunchtime
Concert at 1.15 pm.
Admission is FREE and concert-goers may bring a packed
lunch with them. Tea, coffee and fruit juice will be
available FREE OF CHARGE.
Following the withdrawal from the team of our good
friend, Roy Pritchard, who has suffered a stroke, we are
looking for someone to produce future posters, handbills
and programmes. If you can help or want more information
please speak to Jonathan Baxter or Robert Goldsmith
(rjgoldsmith@btinternet.com).
Meanwhile we thank Roy for all he has done over the years
for the Lunchtime Concerts and hope and pray for a full
recovery.
11Ruth Tayler writes: On 21st March, Tau Wey will be
A belated Happy New Year to sharing his musical expertise by
everyone ! way of exploring ‘Contemporary
Music'. Tau's evenings are
The Guild has enjoyed a happy always a joy - you are warmly
year thus far. We've had a New invited.
Year party and have been trans-
ported to Costa Rica thanks to Guild always runs between
Sue and Bill Gale. Their title of October and March. After the
'Captivating Costa Rica' lived up 21st March we gently wind
to its promise with pictures of down with our AGM evening and
incredibly colourful flora and lastly - certainly not least - with
fauna, wonderfully displayed on the Guild Supper and evening
our new church 55" T.V. !! entertainment.
Now we look forward to 21st The more observant of you will
February when Kate Marsden is spot that during January,
our speaker. She has chosen the February and March we have, in
enigmatic title of ‘Books Books the main, met on the 3rd
Books!’ Like to find out what Thursday instead of every week.
she means by that - then come We decided that our Autumn
along and all will be revealed. programme takes the main
thrust by meeting every week
and then, in the cold shivery
months January - March, our
regular meetings will be on the
3rd Thursday.
We will plan an occasional
Summer Out & About
programme. We will advertise
those and, for some of them,
other friends at church will be
invited to join in.
12Tau Wey writes: those who came to the fundrais-
The church has recently ing concerts, those who helped
acquired a new grand piano. run the concerts, those who
Following a period of fundrais- sponsored a hymn; in particular
ing, trips to central London, I would like to acknowledge the
Milton Keynes and Berlin (!) funds received from Joan
were made in order to identify Miller’s bequest, and a donation
the most suitable instrument. in memory of Lucy Rogers from
Eventually we decided on a her godson Peter Gibbons.
Hoffmann grand piano, which An inaugural concert is planned
was made in the Czech Republic for the evening of Friday 24th
and selected in a Berlin show- May. This will be given by pianist
room. Fusae Takahashi, and will be part
You will soon be able to hear its of a month’s celebration of the
wonderful sounds whenever the contribution of the arts towards
piano is used in our worship, spirituality, led by Leslie
lunchtime concerts, and Talents Griffiths. Watch this space as
Festival. It will be an instrument further details are announced!
that will bring joy to many future
generations.
A big thank you to everyone who
supported the piano fund -
A retired vicar and his wife were feeling their age but managed to
struggle by with their various ailments. One morning, before getting
out of bed, the vicar heard his wife say, “I think I am dead.” Not
unnaturally the vicar was concerned about this remark and he said
to his wife, “What on earth makes you think you are dead?” His wife
replied, “I am absolutely sure I must be dead.” The vicar thought he
would play along with this, so he said, “Give me one good reason
why you think you are dead.” His wife said, “Because I have woken
up this morning and nothing hurts.” Association of Church Editors
13Jenny Crook writes:
Plans for the Methodist Talents or afternoon tea, and during
Festival, on Saturday 2nd March your visit support the work
at Shirley Methodist Church, are competitors from local Method-
well under way. Creative entries ist churches have put into their
are being adjudicated now and entries - this year 19 churches
will be on display at the Festival. are taking part!
The display of handicrafts,
creative writing, photographs Now we do need some
and artwork will be impressive – volunteers to help the Festival
over 300 entries. run smoothly! The type of help
required includes:
Those performing – singing, - Front Door stewards to
playing a musical instrument, welcome visitors to the
reading a Bible passage or premises
reciting a poem or monologue – - A pair of stewards for
will appreciate an audience, so each of the rooms where
please put the date in your performances will be
diary! Copies of the timetable of taking place
the performances on 2nd March - Helpers to serve teas and
are available in the Welcome coffees and cashiers to
Area. take money!
The Festival starts at 10.30 am. The more people who offer to
The final event, from 4.15 to help the better. Please let me
5.30 pm, is the Celebration know if you will be able to help,
Concert and will include what help you’d like to give and
performances from winners of a the times of the day when you
selection of classes. will be available. There is a list in
Very reasonably priced refresh- the Welcome Area for you to
ments will be available most of sign up! Thank you.
the day. You might like to come
Come & Enjoy a Day of Talents!
for morning coffee, a light lunch
14A seven-year-old boy who sent a birthday card to his
dad "in heaven" received a touching letter from the
Royal Mail to say it had been delivered safely.
Jase Hyndman, from West Lothian, received the
letter assuring him that his message to his father
James had made it through the ‘difficult’ journey.
Posting the heartwarming letter to Facebook, mother
Teri Copland said: "I actually cannot state how
emotional he is knowing his dad got his card……
Royal Mail you've just restored my faith in
humanity. “In response to Jase's envelope requesting
to be sent to "heaven", Royal Mail's Sean Mulligan
said: "I just wanted to take this opportunity to
contact you about how we succeeded in the delivery
of your letter, to your dad in heaven. This was a
difficult challenge avoiding stars and other galactic
objects on route to heaven," the note added.
It concluded: "I will continue to do all I can to
ensure delivery of it to heaven safely."
The Facebook post with Royal Mail's response to Jase
was shared more than 200,000 times. Jase and his
10-year-old sister Neive mark the occasion of their
father's birthday every year since he died in May
2014. Ms Copland said: "He was overwhelmed and
kept saying 'my dad really got my letter mum'….
I've always told Neive and Jase, even if you can't get
anyone a present, it's always nice to make sure you
send a card at Christmas and birthdays. I want
people to realise that a small gesture of kindness can
have such a fantastic impact on someone's life...
Royal Mail actually took part and that gives me so
much comfort."
Association of Church Editors
15After many years as Christian AidWe are also very grateful to Jean
Week co-ordinator for Shirley Beecher who has worked tire-
Methodist Church for the annual lessly in supporting Christian Aid
house to house collection, I am for many years, and to all those
relinquishing this role. who give their time to house-to-
There are a couple of meetings house collecting, Walking the
in preparation, one at Christian City, cake and marmalade
Aid headquarters in Waterloo, to making, running the stall,
learn about the focus for the donations, buying Christmas
year’s fundraising appeal cards and many other ways to
(followed by nice refreshments!) help this wonderful charity.
Liz Bebington co-ordinates and If anyone would like to take this
orders the materials for each on I can pass on more details of
church in the Shirley group of what’s involved. It is a role which
Churches, and there is a meeting could be shared.
in February to sort out what is It could be that there are other
required. Then it’s a matter of ways of fundraising which can
sorting and counting envelopes reach out into the community
and leaflets and distributing and could replace the house-to-
them in good time to those who house collection; this has been
have volunteered for the house- the main way that Christian Aid
to-house collecting that year. raises money for the poorest
After the week is over, the people on earth and it reaches
money is collected in, counted people outside the church as
and banked. This is a separate well as within. Our church has
job and can be done by another always been a great supporter of
person. Bill and I have done the Christian Aid; we will
banking in the past, and we are continue to raise funds in the
grateful to Alan Frost who has many other ways that already
helped with this task in the last exist.
few years. Many thanks.
Sue Gale 020 8651 0717
16Following the success of Friday These will be in the form of bible
night is thinking night last study sessions, exploring Luke,
November, we are pleased to chapters 22-23.
announce that Leslie Griffiths All are welcome to attend these
will lead another set of meetings, and if you haven’t yet
discussion groups. made it, do give it a try! Leslie
In the Friday night meetings, Griffiths brings with him a
Leslie addressed the topics of wealth of experience, having
class, race, identity and gender. been superintendent at Wesley’s
The highly stimulating talks Chapel and President of the
challenged the audiences to Methodist Conference. He was a
think about how we can break regular contributor to Radio
down barriers. Four's Thought for the Day and
Radio Two's Pause for Thought
The forthcoming Lenten meet- for many years. We look forward
ings will take place on Sunday to hearing what he has to say in
evenings at 6pm in the lounge at Lent with Leslie.
Shirley Methodist Church.
Dates for your diary: Sundays at 6pm at Shirley Methodist
10th March, Luke 22:7-21 ‘This is my body’ (This session will
incorporate Holy Communion)
17th March, Luke 22:22-34 ‘The flesh is weak’
24th March, Luke 22:39-53 ‘The cost of leadership’
31st March, Luke 22:54-71 ‘The die is cast’
7th April, Luke 23:1-25 ‘Choices’ (led by Mr Bennie Harms)
14th April, Luke 23:32-49 ‘Jesus, remember me’ (led by Rev S. C.
Choi, this session will incorporate Holy Communion)
17Margaret Chan writes: and other information provided
by various organisations and
Are you interested in the history
individual contributors across
of Croydon or, more widely, in
every London borough. Above
the history London? Do you
all, it aims to ‘crowd-source’
come from a family which has
history and focus on the lives of
lived in London for a long time
‘ordinary people’ – rather than
and have stories to tell about life
on the exploits of the rich and
in days gone by? Or are you
famous, which too often seems
more recently arrived here and
to be the only sort of history we
have a tale to tell about what it is
learn about!
like to arrive in London from
elsewhere? Do you have photo- The project website allows you
graphs, letters, records or family to interact with and contribute
archives which relate to life in to many different 'layers' of
London over the years? London's history, from the
Romans to the present day.
For some time now I have been
These layers include historic
involved with an exciting project
maps, images of buildings and
of the Institute of Historical
film clips - as well as information
Research, which is part of the
about individual people who
University of London, situated in
have lived and worked in London
Senate House. But, if that makes
over the centuries. I have been
the project sound dry and
involved with the project almost
academic – I can assure you that
from the beginning when we
it is certainly not!
were struggling to iron out
Called ‘Layers of London’, the glitches in the original website.
project aims to create a unique, The new, easily accessible and
free, historical and geographical interactive website was launched
resource for Londoners by bring- a few months ago and it is really
ing together a collection of worth a look.
digitised historic maps, photos
18Anyone can explore the map
layers that have been stretched
and manipulated to fit over a
contemporary map of London;
meaning you can focus on a
street, building or area and see
how it has changed over time!
There are currently 8 layers of
Do have a look at the website,
different maps available, from a
and maybe you will feel that you
Tudor map of 1520 right up to a
can get involved in this fascinat-
present day satellite map. On
ing project! By the way, if you go
these, people place ‘pins’ with
into the website and click on the
their information about people
Explore the Map icon, the first of
who lived at the different
the pictures that come up is of
locations or events that
the Seager Bookshop, which was
happened there. More historic
my grandmother's family
maps are being added all the
business! You can find the web-
time.
site at: www.layersoflondon.org
SPRING JUMBLE SALE
AT SHIRLEY METHODIST CHURCH
SATURDAY 16TH MARCH, 1.30 PM
ADMISSION: ADULTS 50P, CHILDREN FREE
19Lapidary is the engraving on reflection. Feedback was over-
stone or cutting of a jewel. Over whelmingly positive because the
Christmas there were splendid participation was wholehearted.
pictures of jewels belonging to Thank you!
travelling Wise Men and There are still a number of
towards Easter we glimpse people, many of whom have
thoughts of the glorious crown been in touch, who were not
of Christ. The combination of able to attend these sessions.
God’s natural world and the skill More sessions of training will be
of a craftsman are a wonder to organised before Easter for
behold. which individual letters will be
During last Autumn I had the sent out. I hope for another
privilege of leading a number of good response and am grateful
sessions of Safeguarding to those who have helped with
Refresher Training at churches distribution and facilitation.
across the Circuit, attended by a There is a significant change of
total of 152 people. This too was understanding in the Circuit and
a wonder. I never cease to be society since the Methodist
amazed by the sheer numbers of Safeguarding sessions were first
people linked to the Croydon introduced and as a result we
Circuit who are willing to give are a much safer community.
their time and care to others. It As we continue to carve a way
is a humbling experience to be a into sometimes difficult areas,
part of. In response to the first may we continue to pray that
invitation I sent out, people God’s gracious understanding
came ready to spend several and humanity is evident
hours considering matters which amongst us.
are not the most pleasant. Their Best wishes,
responses during the sessions Lindsey Macfarlane
showed the deepest of love Croydon Circuit Youth Development &
towards unknown neighbours as Safeguarding Officer
2018 Faith & Belief Forum Community
well as friends, insightful Award
questioning and thoughtful
20CROYDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
‘Romance & Revolution’
SATURDAY 16th FEBRUARY - 7.30 pm
performing
Prokofiev - Cinderella
Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto n. 3
Shostakovich - Symphony no. 5
TRINITY SCHOOL CONCERT HALL
Conductor - Darrell Davison Solo piano - Alan Brown
Tickets - £15 (children 16 & under £5)
Available from 020 8680 2639
or online www.croydonsymphony.com
SPRING 2019 LUNCHTIME RECITALS
40 minutes of music
CROYDON MINSTER
Church Street, Croydon
Every Friday at 1.10 pm between 1 February & 29 March
1 February Students from Old Palace School
8 February Ryan Pollock - Bass
15 February Simone Alexandro Tavone - Piano
22 February Heather Easting - Organ
1 March Aida Duo - piano & violin
FREE ENTRY - donations to Minster Funds
(You can bring your packed lunch)
21Jenny Crook writes:
In the last issue of Shirley the original home on the site
Methodist Matters readers were where Rev Wilks created a
invited to the launch of the natural garden on his retirement.
Wilderness Project. The Project Visitors then donned hard hats
focuses on the seven-acre and were shown round the
historic garden behind MHA ‘s garden in small groups by Alice
Hall Grange care home in Shirley Henry, Head Gardener for the
Church Road. The restoration is Wilderness Project, to explain
funded by grants from the the scale of the project and the
Heritage Lottery Fund, the work to be done. Restoration
Garfield Weston Foundation and not only includes bringing the
from MHA. garden back to life but also
The launch event took place on making sure it is accessible by
10th December, when VIPs from care home residents and their
MHA and the Royal Horticultural families. A green classroom is
Society (RHS) gathered at Hall being created for use by local
Grange alongside Hall Grange schools and community groups
residents, their families, as well as residents.
volunteers (including a few from The first stage will be removal of
Shirley Methodist) and local a number of trees which are
Shirley residents. A visual dead and work on others to
presentation was given to put make them safe. Tree surgeons
the project into a historical will be spending several weeks
prospective - that the garden on this huge task from the end of
was originally created by the Rev January. Clearance of under-
William Wilks, a former vicar of growth, bamboo and self-set
Shirley, Secretary and Fellow of invasive rhododendron will then
the RHS and creator of the be carried out, followed by hard
world-famous Shirley poppy – landscaping work to form the
now used as the symbol of circular pathways in the garden.
Croydon. The Wilderness was
22The invasive
rhododendron -
Ponticum - in the
Wilderness
Hall Grange residents – some of used in the audio benches within
whom remember The Wilder- the Wilderness for residents and
ness from their early years – will visitors to enjoy as they move
be involved in green activities around the garden.
such as helping create homes for
Head Gardener, Alice said “I am
wildlife and planting. Residents
delighted to be working on the
will benefit from being able to
restoration as I love the way Rev
use the garden as an extension
Wilks is recognised as being
to their existing grounds while at
ahead of his time in adopting an
the same time enjoying a wide
ecological approach to garden-
range of gardening activities
ing. It would have been quite a
alongside volunteers.
task to have kept the heather
Collecting memories of the and other heathland plants in
Wilderness Garden is another the garden in the lifestyle they
aspect of the Project. On 25th thrived upon. And it’s this task
January, Alice, plus five that I’ve taken on - I am quite
volunteers (including a member literally stepping into Rev Wilks’
of the care staff as well as gardening boots.”
Elizabeth Smart and Jenny
Alice is looking to recruit
Crook), were trained by the Oral
volunteers to work in the garden
History Society in how to collect,
– both those with experience
edit and transcribe oral histories.
and skills already and those who
This will enable them to
would like to start to develop
interview Hall Grange residents
their expertise. If you would like
and local people about their
to know more, call
memories of the Wilderness
07966 232359
Garden and what it means to
them. Selected memories will be
23Crystal Palace football club has games, rough sleepers will be
offered rough sleepers a room referred to other emergency
inside the stadium at Selhurst shelters in the borough and in
Park to spend the night. Eight central London. Support workers
people used the shelter - a will seek to advise those using
lounge which now serves as an the shelter and help get them
overnight emergency refuge - for into longer-term accommoda-
the first time when tempera- tion.”
tures hit freezing on Thursday “We are delighted to be
17th January. Up to ten home- collaborating with Croydon
less people in Croydon will be council and their partner
able to sleep at Selhurst Park. agencies to ensure that rough
As part of the initiative, people sleepers can find an emergency
will be provided with a hot shelter in the event of severe
dinner, camp bed, breakfast and winter weather,” the club chief
washing facilities. executive, Phil Alexander, said,
thanking volunteers and the
“Freezing temperatures are a
supermarket Sainsbury’s for
particular safety risk for rough
providing food. “The club wants
sleepers and this is a wonderful
to be a force for good in the
gesture by Crystal Palace for
community and we are happy to
helping us reduce that risk,” said
do our bit to help those most in
local councillor Alison Butler, the
need.”
cabinet member for homes. “I do
hope that the actions and sup- As reported in ‘The Guardian’ newspaper
port of our local Premier League
football club will encourage
more businesses in Croydon to
get in touch and do what they
can to help us address homeless-
ness. The space is returned to
normal club use in the mornings.
When the team plays home
24West Wickham & Hayes
Fundraising for Cancer
Research UK
Saturday 9th March
Saturday 9th March
7 for 7.30 pm
Shirley Parish Hall
St Francis of Assisi
81 Wickham Road Church Hall
Ravenswood Avenue,
7 for prompt start at 7.30 pm West Wickham
Bring your own food, drink, £6 per ticket
plates, cutlery & glasses
Maximum of 8 per team
Teams of 8 ideal but smaller
Bring your own nibbles,
numbers can be joined with drinks, glasses
others
Contact :
020 8776 1256
020 8650 5171
Email:
barbarabaker@hotmail.co.uk
maryejones.1@btinternet.com
Tickets £7.50 each
Available from SNC Office
Call 020 8662 9599
or email:
info@shirleyneighbourhoodcare.co.uk
25The next editor will be Kate Marsden.
Articles for the March magazine should be submitted by
Sunday 24th February.
This issue will be available on Sunday 3rd March.
Articles can be placed in the box in the Welcome area, given or
sent to: Kate Marsden katemarsden747@gmail.com
Jenny Crook jenny.crook@blueyonder.co.uk
Margaret Chan clockie68@gmail.com
We had wonderful support from over 60 church members (aged from
under a year to 95, with 19 children/ teenagers) who came to the
Church Winter Party on 19th January. Thank you for all the food and
drinks you brought - this year an abundance of desserts!
As well as playing games, teams were tested by the Quiz of 2018.
After demonstrating amazing tricks during the buffet break, our
resident magician ended the evening with a gravity-defying stunner!
The weekly service runs on alternate Tuesdays &
Wednesdays to either
Tesco in Elmers End or
Sainsbury’s in W. Wickham.
RETURN FARE: £7.00
The bus will pick you up from home
and return you there.
Volunteer escorts will be on hand to help you on and off
the bus, and carry shopping to your home.
The minibus is adapted for wheelchairs.
Please indicate your mobility when booking.
Early booking is recommended!
Call 020 8662 9599 to book your seat.
26Revd Soon Minister 8654 5481 choi_sc@hotmail.com
Cheol Choi
Lay
Bennie Harms Pastor 07900 890 384 Bennieharms@croydonmeth.org
Tau Wey Senior 07779 581 816 ttwey@yahoo.com
Steward
Elizabeth Smart Pastoral 8681 0057 bandesmart@btinternet.com
Care
Ruth Tayler Guild 8651 0085 RUTH.L.TAYLER@gmail.com
Lindsey Youth 8653 2424 Lindsey@croydonmeth.org
Macfarlane Develop-
ment
Margaret King 8777 3770 margking3770@btinternet.com
Prayer
Chain
Elizabeth Smart 8681 0057 bandesmart@btinternet.com
Brian Cantrell Keyholder 07468 618 553
Ruth Dodoo Weekly 8777 1987 ruthdodoo@outlook.com
notices
Rosemary Sunday 8656 1915 jonesrabarnfield@virginmedia.com
Jones Morning
Club
Margaret Chan Church 8655 4343
Council clockie68@gmail.com
Secretary
Suzy Stoyel Shirley 8662 9599 sncs1970@gmail.com
Neighb’d
Care
Ruth Tayler Lettings 8651 0085 RUTH.L.TAYLER@gmail.com
Secretary
Sukhvinder Treasurer 077420 41318 sukikalsi@hotmail.co.uk
Kalsi
Juliet Smith Circuit 020 8774 9356. office@croydonmeth.org
admin
27Shirley Methodist Church
one of ‘Churches Together in Shirley’
As followers of Jesus Christ, our mission is:
to honour God by our daily living as individuals
and our corporate life as a church
to offer God worship which is both lively and
dignified
to offer welcome and care to all, regardless of
age, status, gender, ethnicity, social class, sexual
orientation, ability or disability
to stimulate one another to grow in our faith
and develop our discipleship
to work with our fellow-Christians in Shirley to
serve our neighbours and share with others our
experience of God’s love
www.shirleymeth.org
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