Shirley Methodist Matters - One of 'Churches Together in Shirley' - Shirley Methodist Church, Croydon CR0 8SD
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Shirley
Methodist
Matters
One of ‘Churches Together in Shirley’
1
SUNDAY JAN 31ST LEPROSY MISSION CHRIS STRATTA ZOOM
SUNDAY FEB 7TH REVD CHOI ZOOM
SUNDAY FEB 14TH BENNIE HARMS ZOOM
SUNDAY FEB 21ST REVD STEPHEN DAY ZOOM
FRIDAY FEB 28TH BENNIE HARMS/ REVD DR LESLIE GRIFFITHS ZOOM
You can listen to a recording of service on www.shirleymeth.org.uk
any time from 7pm that day. To hear the service on CD - contact
Rosemary Jones 8656 1915
r Zoom services have been running for quite some time but now you
can join us by phone! We are just starting to make use of
this feature (other churches - Christchurch for example - use
this already) Phone participants can hear the service but
obviously cannot see it – or indeed be seen.
Email smchurchzoom@gmail.com - you will get all the
details you need including the standard rate phone number to dial and
the secure (private) Meeting ID which you will be asked to enter on
your phone using your keypad .
Please note - friends who do not have the internet are being given the
secure phone details separately - by hand - so that we do not
compromise our internet security. We look forward to phone
participants joining us.
The weekly notices - including Revd Choi’s weekly reflection are also on
the website - www.shirleymeth.org.uk
Revd Stephen Day’s services are at 3pm each Sunday. See the website
(look under ‘services’) for the link.
Many thanks to all those people who are making these different
forms of worship available to us.
2
Sadly this is a farewell from Lindsey. Lindsey - you will be sorely missed
by so many. A big thank you from the editors for all the lay letters you
have written for our magazine - 172 we believe. You have inspired,
encouraged and helped us. God bless - we wish you and your lovely
family every blessing in the future Jenny & Kate
I have sometimes wondered what this article will look like. It is
finally before me. A friendly robin has pitched up to help. On
Tuesday 9th February I will be made redundant. I will no longer
work for the Croydon Circuit and possibly no longer live here
either. For over 17 years I have enjoyed sharing the seeds of
God’s Good News amongst you. I am blessed.
Each September for so long I had a seasonal
range of activities. Many familiar events mixed
with the new. Familiar faces along with others
to be welcomed. I have been privileged to be
amongst you. Children have grown to be
adults. Young people are now youth leaders. Hundreds of people
have helped; many for even longer than I have! Thank you. There
are lots of special memories to share. Our family find that when
we are working in the garden a little robin turns up to watch. We
are encouraged. We chat, we smile, we laugh as the robin joins
us. We are aware that over many years you have been alongside
us, prayed with us, lived with us and loved us. We are so grateful.
God embraces us with the Holy Spirit and with each other.
In absence of an event, I am organising my own Farewell. You are
all invited. It will be on Zoom - Wednesday 3rd February at
7.30pm. You can phone in or video call. The Zoom Meeting ID is
856 6471 3650, passcode Farewell. For those who wish to listen
in by phone, dial 0203 051 2874, enter meeting ID 856 6471
3650, then (no participant ID) just enter # and phonecode 7741
9756.
3
This time together will include contributions from Rev John
Pritchard, Pastor Damian Luke and the CE Bishop of Croydon,
Jonathan Clark. I hope it will be a simple time of thanks to God,
who called me here, to sow seeds of love and encouragement, to
bring to mind happiness and do good. Recently, I have found the
following words helpful and I share them with you as, together
with Alistair, Esther & Daniel, we thank you for sharing with us
and wish you God’s continuing blessings.
Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are
passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.
St. Teresa of Avila
With love and best wishes,
Lindsey Macfarlane & family
Croydon Circuit Youth Development & Safeguarding Officer
We remember Lindsey as a warm and friendly person who made
you feel as if you had known her your whole life. She and Alistair
got involved in church life at Shirley and brought their own brand
of ‘magic’, commonsense, spirituality, enthusiasm and … let’s not
forget the large trailer. The sight of all the left over jumble
leaving our site (going to charities with which Lindsey had
connections) brought us sighs of relief. It was a HUGE help to the
organisers of the Jumble Sales and Book Sales.
Lindsey’s organisational skills came to the fore in getting
everyone signed up to safe-guarding programmes. No mean feat!
She delivered the training modules with professionalism … and
always made sure we were provided with coffee and cakes!
4
Lindsey had that rare ability to engage
young people on a spiritual level - just
one example is the way she
encouraged them to share prayers
openly in a group. Her support has
been transformative to so many young
people - who are now making their
way in the world as adults She has been a keen supporter of the
Church youth football team - seeming not to care that it was
freezing cold on the touchline - or on the odd rare occasion
blazing hot! It was always a pleasure to have the whole
MacFarlane clan at our Winter parties. Not only did they join in
enthusiastically, they helped with the catering and most
importantly stayed on at the end to wash up! Lindsey always
thought, quite rightly, that food was an important part of
ministering to young people. What fun we had on the Circuit
pilgrimages - goodness knows what the bus drivers thought!
The Macfarlane home has been a refuge for those needing
someone to listen and somewhere to rest awhile. Just look at the
way the little ones thrived who lived with Lindsey’s family while
their own families were unable to care for them.
Announcement from the Circuit Stewards
Dear Friends,
You will remember that in July the Circuit Meeting agreed for an
independent review of lay employees to take place due to the
significant financial constraints we have been, and continue to
be, under. The Circuit Meeting voted for a consultation redun-
dancy process to take place. Following consultation and careful
consideration, the process concluded that the Lay Development
Worker role should be made redundant and it is with regret that
Lindsey Macfarlane will be leaving her employment with the
Croydon Circuit on 9 February 2021.
5
We give thanks for the work that Lindsey has contributed to the
Croydon Circuit in the last 17 years and wish her and her family
the very best moving forward.
We appreciate the current difficulties presented by the pandemic
and are seeking to take steps to ensure that Lindsey and her
family are provided for in order to make the transition as smooth
as possible. We want to express our thanks as a Circuit for her
time with us and the contribution she has made over the years
and would like to find a way to mark her time with the Circuit.
We recognise that this will be a difficult time for Lindsey and we
invite you to continue to hold Lindsey and her family in your
prayers at this time.
Dear friends, and our communities. We pray
for one another as Covid
Greetings to you and your affects us in many and varied
families at the beginning of ways. We thank God for the
this new year. Christmas may rollout of vaccines, from which
have felt very strange since we some of us are already
couldn’t meet family and benefitting, which give hope of
friends or worship together. a different future, albeit with
However, hopefully we could its own challenges.
still celebrate the wondrous
mystery of the Son of God In my letter last month I
coming to dwell amongst us in reported on the generosity of
the vulnerability of flesh and circuit members which
blood. enabled us to present a
Christmas gift to every staff
We begin this year in a member at Hall Grange.
lockdown; seeing the
continuing impact of Covid I am pleased to share the
upon our lives, our families following email from the
manager Ms Abi Williams.
6
I would like to say a massive thank you on behalf
of myself and my colleagues at Hall Grange, for
such a wonderful and thoughtful gesture of a
card and voucher received from yourself and
the Croydon Methodist Circuit. Each and every staff
member at Hall Grange is ever so grateful and most
obliged by this gesture, the thought, kind words and
gift goes a long way in realising how much we are
appreciated, it is also a reminder that there are
wonderful people out there thinking and praying for
us, during these unprecedented and uncertain times.
If we look back at this year we all remember the
difficulties we faced in March and April when
nobody in the world knew how to respond to the
attack of the coronavirus, the lack of PPE and the
endless runs to the Council and other authorities to
retrieve some tools and information, and of course -
the high number of residents we lost.
Still, we came together and all helped each other to
the best of our abilities. Unfortunately, we are now
in the middle of the second wave of crisis. And now,
more than ever, we can only wish for the best and
also work towards it: as we all stay together, believe
in each other, and pray for God’s mercy and light to
shine on each of us.
With all my heart, I wish you all kindness, hope and a
better time to come.
From myself, and on behalf of my colleagues at Hall
Grange: please extend our sincere appreciation to
every partaker of this kind gesture, we wish you all a
prosperous new year.
7
Abi’s comments connect us to relationship: ‘My Father is
the theme of Covenant. Our glorified by this, that you bear
Covenant services provide a much fruit and become my
powerful reminder about disciples’ (John 15:8). We may
celebrating and valuing our recognise that sense of
relationship with the God and becoming disciples of Christ as
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ we abide in his love and bear
and with one another. fruit. We are not the people
We recall the words of Christ: we were because of all we
‘I am the vine, you are the have experienced during the
branches. Those who abide in past year. At the start of 2021,
me and I in them bear much the Covenant service allows
fruit, because apart from me us, together, to re-commit
you can do nothing’ (John ourselves to abiding in Christ
15:5). We bear fruit to God’s the true vine and bear fruit to
glory - it is the outworking of God’s glory. We remind
the life and love of Christ ourselves of the words of the
within our lives as we abide in Covenant Prayer below.
him. This is a dynamic God bless,
I am no longer my own but yours. Your will, not mine, be done in
all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do and in all
that I may endure; when there is work for me and when there is
none; when I am troubled and when I am at peace.
Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking; when I have all
things, and when I have nothing. I willingly offer all I have and am
to serve you, as and where you choose.
Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven.
Amen
8
Elizabeth Smart writes:
Keeping in touch has kept us and cards have been a joy and
all ‘on our toes’ during this reminded us that in these
year (and last) and it has been difficult times we must count
a challenge that most of us our blessings day by day.
have risen to. Margaret Blake (from Tower
I had the pleasure of singing View, Shirley) writes.
Happy Birthday to Reg Young - Thank you so much
wearing my mask and standing for the pot of
daffodil bulbs and
2 metres away. It was a very card brought to me
brief visit as it was a bitterly –it was a kind
cold day. It was thought and much
great to see Reg appreciated. I am very fond
and he sent his of daffodils because after the
dark days of winter, they are
love to everyone
a herald of brighter things to
and thanked you come. I wish everyone at
for his birthday Shirley Methodist a Healthy
card and lemon New Year . Love Margaret
drizzle cake!
We remember Margaret in our
The Zoom and YouTube prayers as she is no longer
services help us to worship able to come to Church and
together. We are so fortunate her husband Alan. The family -
to have those with the Margaret, Elizabeth, James
technical skills to do this – and Mary were all in our
thank you so much. Sunday School and Uniformed
Delivering church notices by organisations when they were
hand helps us to have our daily younger.
exercise as well as providing Our Church family have been
the weekly news to others saddened by the loss of two of
from the Church. Phone calls our members – Elliot Abadoo
and Lis Black and our thoughts
9
and prayers are with the We give thanks that Beth
families; Akos, Andrew and Fairbairn is now convalescing
Joseph Abadoo, Alex and at home following her
Robert Black and their families successful surgery. We also
and Lis’ sister Sarah. May they remember Alan Youngs being
be comforted by the cared for in hospital and the
memories that they hold dear. medical staff caring for him.
As a Church family we have Also for Lambert Rae and for
been blessed by Elliot and Lis’s Danuta Plummer.
pastoral care; always there to We pray for the work of
give a listening ear and yes, a Methodist Homes for the Aged
hug – it was OK then! Both Lis and especially we remember
and Elliot had been Church the residents and staff and
Stewards and were hugely their families at Hall Grange as
supportive to our Ministers they support and care for each
and the congregation. May other, keeping everyone safe.
they rest in Peace and rise in
Glory. Stay safe and hold each other
in prayer.
We remember others in our
Church family who are unwell.
Shrublands Foodbank are in
great need of car driver
volunteers to do Friday
deliveries to people who
cannot get to the centre
themselves. Can you help ?
Or do you know someone
who might be able to ?
Email:
info@shrublandstrust.org
Tel: 020 3441 7887 Spotted in Woodland way on
January 14th. Spring is on its way!
10W.A.R.M.
We like to think that Shirley Methodist is a welcoming church.
Warm buildings are as important as warm greetings!
BUT we have a problem …
Worn out - the church’s heating system is showing its age.
Alarm - radiators and pipes are 90 years old.
Repairs - for leaks and broken parts are an ongoing problem.
Money - being spent on call outs for temporary repairs.
What can we do? - update the system in phases – first to replace
the oldest radiators and pipes - estimated cost
£35,000, of which the church needs to raise £20,000.
(Estimate of a total system update is £57,000 – to be
gradually implemented when finances allow).
Aware – that incomes have been severely reduced both of
some members and from church lets and fundraising.
Response – we need your help. Can you make a gift or a loan to
be repaid? Any contribution will be so welcome. Grants
and loans will be sought from other sources too.
Many thanks
What Covid - friendly fundraising ideas do you have?
All ideas gratefully accepted -please get in touch
Respond by sending your ideas to bennieharms@croydonmeth.org
Must I wait to give my contribution to WARM ? Of course not!
Please help us right now so that we have a WARM and
welcoming church once again.
Bennie Harms
11Lis was interviewed in 2015 as part of our ‘Getting to know our
Stewards’ series and wrote ‘ I love ballet and opera - in fact was
very lucky to be offered a scholarship to study dance full time …
after an accident stopped me dancing I worked for English
National Opera as a costume buyer and was fortunate enough to
attend first nights.’
Maureen Hunt writes: When I think of Lis I see a graceful,
dignified, quiet lady - who loved fun. I wish I had asked her if she
enjoyed Strictly Come Dancing. I am sure she did - both the
dancing and the wonderful costumes. God bless you Lis, it has
been a joy to have known you. I will miss you.
Fran Byard writes: I remember Lis with great affection. She
was a very loving person. She took her responsibilities as a
Church Steward very seriously; writing wonderful prayers to
share with the preacher in the vestry before the service, advising
the readers, making sure the organist had the hymns and
generally ensuring everything ran smoothly. One memory so
many of you will have is the way Lis kept the kitchen so
immaculately clean! Even when she had a bad back she cleaned it
from top to bottom. Tea towels were always washed on a very
hot wash and ironed. Lis was a great help to me when we
catered for church events. She also helped with meals for the
Floating Shelter. Lis encouraged me with gardening too. She was
very proud of her two sons and grandchildren.
Thank you Rob for this lovely photo of
your mum in happier, sunnier times.
12Our Church community was blessed when Elliot
and Akos joined us. Elliot was a faithful member
of our Church family and he will be greatly
missed. He served as a Steward when Harvey
Richardson was our minister. He was hard
working and reliable; bringing his good sense and cheerful good
humour to all tasks. Elliot was a life-long Methodist; he had
attended the prestigious Methodist school Mfantsipim in Cape
Coast Ghana.
Brian Cantrell writes:
The Church were very grateful when Elliot took on the role as Gift
Aid Secretary. He did this with understanding and efficiency. He
always had a smile and a friendly word. He truly extended the
hand of the Lord with all of us.
Robert and Charlotte Nisbeth write:
We have known Elliot as a dear friend for several years, and since
his untimely passing we have truly missed him. Elliot was a
friendly, generous and most welcoming person. He was a true
gentleman who adores his family and those close to him. He had
a good sense of humour. It is his laughter that we will always
remember him by. We thoroughly enjoyed his company and we
shall always remember him with affection.
ddddddddddddddddddddddddd
Bill & Sue Gale write:
The staff and those who use the Somewhere Safe to Stay Hub
in Croydon would like to pass on their thanks for the Christmas
gifts given by members of our church. Somewhere Safe to
Stay Hub provides 78 hours of emergency shelter. Once
assessed, people are supported to find a pathway away from
rough sleeping and into housing.
13Maurice Graham writes:
Many of us, in January, think about the
year that has just passed. I find my mind
going back to January 1950 when, at the
age of 19, I felt that I finally began to grow
up and imagine what the future might
bring; but a little scene setting is necessary.
Four years after the end of WW2 the Cold
War, as it came to be known, was beginning. The nations who
had been victorious over Nazi Germany in 1945 had divided
themselves into 2 blocs led by Russia and America. From 1949 for
close on 40 years, war between these two blocs was a distinct
possibility. I was stationed in the army in Vienna; deep in the
Russian zone of occupied Austria when the Korean war broke
out, later that year. Life there was dangerous; relations between
Russia and Britain continued to deteriorate. Mainly because of
language difficulties, British soldiers, whilst friendly with the
French and Americans, had little to do with the Russians, seeing
them, as our leaders would wish, as distinctly unfriendly.
On New Year's Day, there occurred an incident between myself
and a Russian soldier - trivial and perhaps almost comic. It did
however have a great effect on me. I had just boarded a tram in
the middle of Vienna and running immediately behind me was a
young Russian carrying, of all things, a tray of eggs. I hauled him
onto the tram, clinging on to him as he regained his balance. Not
speaking each others language we could only smile at each other.
I realised then how much we had in common - both in a country
where its people did not want us and both of us wanting to go
home.
Every New Year I am filled with gratitude that our leaders finally
came to their senses - even though it took them nearly 40 years.
14Bennie’s Recently, someone was
heard to say on a Zoom
church service “It’s so
wonderful to be able to
see you all after such a long time!” They were really glad to be a
part of the service and able to still see so many of their friends.
This brought to mind a pop song from quite a few years ago –
When will I see you again? Released in 1974 and sung by ‘The
Three Degrees’. That year was a memorable one for my wife and
myself as we went to our first church - Salt River, in Observatory,
Cape Town. Such a beautiful city and quite a church as well!
Well, I found myself taking a trip down memory lane. Jen and I
had completed our training as Salvation Army officers and
travelled to Harare, Zimbabwe, by car to visit my parents for
Christmas. My father bought us two tin trunks for our goods
(waiting in Johannesburg). I still have those trunks in my garage
today! We travelled to Cape Town, via Port Elizabeth to visit
Jen’s parents) and then on to Cape Town. Our little car was
packed so full, baby Ryan lay in his carrycot on top of everything
else on the back seat with about 3 inches to spare between the
cot and the car’s roof! The streets, running downhill, had deep
gutters in them, where the other streets crossed
over them. Driving along one of these cross streets
looking for our new house I didn’t see the gutter
and after flying through the air (in the car of
course) Ryan landed on my wife’s lap and she was
not very happy with me! He enjoyed the trip!
Enough of that! When will I see you again? I’m really looking
forward to having regular services in church again - no
restrictions - no masks and with singing!
Lockdown has not been very kind to me, my waistline has
expanded more than I would have liked, you might not recognise
the bald, grey-haired, rather rotund old man in the front!
15Just kidding, I haven’t changed THAT much. But won’t it be so
great to just SEE each other again - but more than that, maybe to
shake hands, instead of bumping elbows - even have a little hug?
It’s amazing how these little things are missed. Has the ‘hand-
shake’ disappeared for good? There are many responses to that
on line. The following links make interesting reading . Is it time to
re-think the handshake?
(https://theconversation.com/miss-hugs-touch-forms-bonds-and-boosts-
immune-systems-heres-how-to-cope-without-it-during-coronavirus-137612)
https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-news/pages/coronavirus-time-to-
rethink-the-handshake.aspx)
I prefer some form of contact but am aware of reasons why it
shouldn’t take place. In a world where so much has been turned
upside down – it behoves us to act circumspectly and carefully.
Sometimes a ‘touch’ can be misconstrued and oft times for good
reasons too. But that’s for another discussion on safeguarding.
HANDS – there’s a chorus which goes like this: I’m
in his hands, whate’er the future holds; I’m in his
hands. The days I cannot see have all been planned
for me. His way is best you see; I’m in his hands
Dont forget to wash your hands!
FACE – may the Lord make His face to shine upon
you and be gracious to you (Num 6 v 25)
Be careful about the way you touch your face.
SPACE –(James 4 v 8) Draw near to God and he will
draw near to you.
Covid forces us to stay a safe distance away from
each other but don’t wander away from God!
So, until we are able to see each other again, I pray that you
stay safe and stay well. When will I see you again…. Precious
moments!
God Bless You Bennie
16Brian Sherrell writes:
Please pray for all our health care workers
Please pray for all those working on the vaccination programme.
Please for all those mourning the loss of loved ones.
Please pray for Joe Biden as he takes over the responsibility of
leading America that he is able to bring healing.
Please pray for all the residents and staff at Hall Grange
Please pray for the opportunity to speak with your neighbours to
see if you can help, especially those living on their own.
Lent begins on February 17th. I would like to
commend ‘At Home in Lent’ by Rev Gordon
Giles. The author, a vicar from Enfield, gives such an original way
of approaching Lent. It is one that will encourage you to consider
your own faith journey in the light of the Easter story. Crossing
the threshold of your home, Gordon Giles spends each day with a
different household object gleaning spiritual lessons from its use
and history. As a result, you may discover that finding God in the
normal pattern of life - even in the mundane. It may transform
how you approach each day; moving from regret and
repentance, through resolution and recognition, to
reconciliation, renewal and resurrection.
https://stmarymagdalene.church/at-home-in-lent-holy-week/
Go to this website to “get a taste” of the book and read the Holy
Week meditations. ‘At Home in Lent’ is published by Bible
Reading Fellowship. It is available on Amazon but we would be
happy to order one if you prefer.
171 Nothing is impossible -the word itself says
‘I’m possible’.
2 Keep smiling - life is beautiful, There is so
much to smile about.
3 It’s never too late to start over and to be
happy.
4 Just be yourself - there’s no one better.
5 If we all did what we are capable of, we
would literally astound ourselves
6 Dig within, there lies the well-spring of good; ever dig and it
will flow forever.
7 Always be a first rate version of yourself, in-
stead of a second rate version of someone else.
8 The most important kind of freedom is to be
what you really are.
189 If you think you are too small to be
effective - you’ve never been in bed with a
mosquito!
10 If you don’t know what
you're here to do - just do
some good.
11 Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.
12 You’re never too old to be young
Answers on page 35
But surely the words that best give us the
strength to face adversity were spoken by Jesus.
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; a
believe also in me. In my Father’s house are
many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told
you that I go to prepare a place for you. And if I
go and prepare a place for you, I will come again
and will take you to myself, that where I am you
may be also.
John 14 1:3
19Leslie Griffiths writes
I’m writing this piece three days ahead of the magazine deadline.
It’s January 21st and, much as I’d like to take a look forward into
the murky shadows of a year that has a great deal to prove, I find
myself looking the other way. “Some men a forward motion love,
but I by backward steps would move.” Thus spoke a 17th century
poet. And thus speak I as I begin to write.
It was on this day, 48 years ago, that I was ordained as a
Methodist minister. My heart and my mind inevitably go back to
the events of that day and you, dear reader, are invited to join
me on this journey through time.
The scene was set in Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti.
Something like 2,000 people filled our main Methodist Church.
We were a District of the recently founded Methodist Church in
the Caribbean and the Americas whose President (the Rev’d
Claude Cadogan) had arrived to preside over the service.
Margaret’s parents had come too – they’d already been able to
witness the baptism of our first-born son. And now, icing on the
cake, the ordination too. It was a case of “attend one, get one
free.” The atmosphere that day was intense as leaders of the
various churches in Haiti and representatives of the nation’s
public life entered the church to take their places.
Much of what happened remains a blur – it was quite simply too
overwhelming. But I distinctly remember going forward to kneel
in front of the altar for the traditional “prayer and laying-on of
hands” – the physical act that would stamp me forever as a fully
ordained presbyter. I rejoiced that a mulatto and also a black
Haitian hand would rest on me. The separate histories of the
black and mulatto populations had vitiated the whole of Haitian
history. Alongside theirs were the hands of two fellow mission
20partners from Britain and of the President of the Conference
himself, a proud Jamaican. It struck me then that my ministry
must be dedicated to bringing people of different races and
backgrounds together. That’s where it began, that’s how it must
continue.
I rose gingerly to my feet and turned towards the congregation as
I headed back to my seat alongside Margaret (with Tim, our son,
on her lap) and her parents. The sight of that huge crowd would
have been enough to inspire awe but there was something more.
Sat along the front of the Church were leaders from all the major
churches in Haiti – corybantic Baptists and euphoric Pentecostals,
beaming officers of the Salvation Army and imposing
Episcopalians (Anglicans) and, a startling extra dimension, two
enthusiastic Roman Catholics. My ordination took place right in
the middle of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and here
was the whole Church of Christ united in joy and reverence for
this occasion.
A word about the Roman Catholic delegation. I was a member of
the Ecumenical Research Group of Haiti and had formed a good
friendship with an Italian priest. Naturally, I’d invited him to
attend but he, of course, needed the permission of his boss. That
happened to be the Nuncio, the Pope’s own diplomat in Haiti.
When asked, he’d shaken his head and given a curt negative.
“No,” he said. Short and simple. Sensing the young priest’s
disappointment, he asked “Aren’t you going to ask me why I’ve
said no?” Sheepishly, he did just that. “Because I’d be jealous,”
said the Nuncio, “you can only go if I’m invited too!” And so it
came to pass.
I’ve teased my Anglican friends ever since. Could the presence of
a Roman Catholic archbishop at my ordination, a man who sat
just twenty feet from where the ordination took place, mean that
my ordination might be, in the eyes of Rome, more valid than
Anglican orders? Surely grace can “jump the points” at a mere
21twenty feet! Kidding of course. But it was a great moment. And,
as I returned to my place, I became utterly convinced that my
ministry must not only be dedicated to the bringing people of dif-
ferent cultures and races together but also to the cause of unity
between the various branches of the Christian church.
A couple of years later, at the airport as we were leaving Haiti, a
breathless member of the Ecumenical Research Group called out
our names just as we were completing the formalities for our de-
parture. He held up a large package. It was a farewell present. Oh
dear! We’d packed so carefully. We had two tiny children in tow.
We really had no way of taking this large item. But I couldn’t say
no. So I argued with airline officials to allow this mysterious bun-
dle to be added to our carry-on baggage. They nodded their
heads. It turned out to be a lovely painting which has hung
proudly on a wall in all the manses we’ve lived in. And it’s still
with us here in Croydon.
My relationship with the Nuncio, Monsignor Luigi Barbarito
would be renewed several years later. That reunion would have
some monumental consequences. But all that stands outside the
scope of this article and can wait for another time. For now,
please do rejoice with me at the memories and thank God with
me for the enormous privileges my ministry has given us.
22Boris has been urging us to ‘stay local’ - so maybe that is why
three contributors have sent in articles with ‘local colour’ this
month! Many thanks to Jean, Paul and Margaret.
Photo credit: Croydon Art Collection
Jean Beecher writes
Imagine the scene: on 10th July 1946 a large congregation at
Norbury Methodist Church waiting expectantly for this painting,
entitled “Out of Great Tribulation” to be unveiled in memory of a
young girl, Peggy Watson who died in her teens. The painting
also commemorated local civilians and service personnel who
had served and suffered in WW2. The artist used family, friends,
or people she had simply met in the street as her models. A
rainbow arched above the group – a symbol of hope for the
future.
The artist was Cicely Mary Barker and she may ‘ring a bell’ with
you as she was very well-known as the creator of the “Flower
Fairy” books. Altogether she painted 72 fairies, each representing
a different flower. She was a keen botanist and made sure each
detail was accurate. The pictures opened up nature to a
23generation of children. When asked - she
said, “I have never seen a fairy. The fairies
and all about them are just pretend.”
Cicely lived much of her life in South
Croydon. A delicate child, she was taught at
home but attended evening classes at the
Croydon School of Art. Aged 16 she was
elected to life membership of the Art Society,
the youngest person ever to receive this
honour. She designed cards, some on
religious themes, which became very
popular.
Cicely’s older sister Dorothy, a teacher, opened her own
kindergarten in the grounds of their home in The Waldrons.
Cicely sketched some of these pupils for her Flower Fairy books.
For her other paintings she used as models a paper seller from
Crown Hill, a blind beggar who sat outside a nearby church and a
gypsy who sold her wares from house to house. All would have
been recognisable to local inhabitants.
Both Cicely and Dorothy taught in Sunday school. Cicely received
a number of requests to paint panels in nearby churches. “The
Parable of the Great Supper”, appeared in St George’s Church,
Waddon and “The Last Supper” was put up in a window at St
Edmond’s Church, Pitlake. Cicely also painted two baptismal rolls,
with the figure of Jesus and the names of those baptised, at the
font in St Andrew’s Church, South Croydon.
The book, “Cicely Mary Barker – a Croydon artist” was produced
by Croydon Natural History and Scientific Society and contains
many beautiful illustrations of the work of this talented Christian
artist who was so much part of Croydon.
For details of CNHSS publications: https://cnhss.co.uk/booksproceedings/
24Paul Davies writes:
This huge building was
moved from Hyde Park in
1854 after the Great
Exhibition to the Penge
Place Estate. What an
undertaking!
Its inauguration as a music
venue came a year later
with the appointment of Musicians). On Manns' arrival
August Manns as Music he found "neither orchestra,
Director, a position he held library, concert room nor
until 1901 during which time audience" and he had to battle
he conducted some 12,000 with a strongly rooted
concerts! His aim was to prejudice against classical
entice people to listen to instrumental music.
classical music and to
demonstrate to them the wide However Manns persevered
choice available, both vocal refusing to accept Grove’s
and instrumental. His efforts view that the acoustics ruled
became so well known that out string players. Concerts by
the young Edward Elgar the Crystal Palace Band were
travelled from his home in soon being performed to large
Worcester, setting out at the audiences. The Saturday
crack of dawn to attend the Concerts were given by the
regular Saturday concerts. large and expanding Crystal
Palace Orchestra - its
The Secretary of the Crystal repertoire included the first
Palace Company was George UK performances of
Grove (founder of the symphonies by Schubert and
Dictionary of Music and Schumann along with what
25was then "new music" by the The construction of new
likes of Brahms, Dvorak and concert halls in central London
Tchaikovsky. took away a large part of the
The venue became famous for audience at Crystal Palace.
its gargantuan performances Manns died in 1907 at the age
of oratorios. A concert poster of 81 and his funeral was
at the time advertised attended by the British
Mendelssohn's Elijah - a composers Hubert Parry and
performance given by 3,000 Charles Stanford whose music
performers! That should have he did much to champion.
sent the prophets of Baal The steady decline in the
packing! fortunes of Crystal Palace
On the 50th anniversary of the ended in November 1936
move to Sydenham 3,000 when a devastating fire
performed Mendelssohn's completely destroyed the
Hymn of Praise in front of an building despite the efforts of
audience of 10,000 people. 438 firefighters. Some 10,000
people gathered on Sydenham
Over the years Manns' efforts Hill to watch the blaze, the
had attracted the attention of glow from which could be seen
many famous composers and over 8 counties.
performers such as Liszt and
Saint-Saens who visited the A sad ending indeed.
Palace but sadly it was too
good to last.
A note from the editor: Frank Brooks recalls performing Wagner’s
‘Tannhauser’ at the Crystal Palace as part of a huge choir of
primary school children just a few months before the Palace
burned to the ground. He did not witness this event as he was
living in Blackheath but does recall noticing lots of exotic birds at
the edge of the heath! Jean Brooks, who was living in Carshalton
Beeches, recalls her parents waking her up to witness the
conflagration which lit up the sky to the north.
26Isn’t it good to enjoy a short story - set in a familiar place?
Thank you Margaret Chan for writing this short story - such a
unique contribution.
So, here they are: Doll and Fred and Doll’s brother, Bill, crammed
into a charabanc with twenty other excited day-trippers, outside
‘The Grapes’. The landlord has arranged the outing; his pal has a
pub out Croydon way and they’ll stop off there.
The women are in their Sunday best; hats and gloves, tippets and
swishing sateen skirts, their button-boots newly shined. The men
are also ‘dressed to impress’, with their bowlers, waistcoats and
tight trousers. They are going to show those stuck-up inhabitants
of Croydon that Bermondsey folk have style.
Doll settles herself contentedly beside Fred. ‘This is a bit of fun,’
she calls back to Bill. Ma has insisted Bill comes too. ‘She won’t
let us go alone’ Doll had explained to Fred, ‘thinks you’d push me
into a bush and have your wicked way ...’ ‘And would you let
me?’ She’d fluttered her lashes, smiled, said nothing …
Doll is pleased to see that Fred has borrowed his granddad’s
pocket-watch; the chain gleams across his chest. We’re doing
well for ourselves, she thinks. Fred is a junior clerk in the biscuit
factory; Doll is an assistant at a draper’s in Bermondsey High
Street. Nice, clean jobs. Doll won’t be like Ma, washing and
scrubbing for lah-di-dah ladies in posh houses and Fred won’t be
like his Dad, lining up at the Docks each morning, hoping for
work.
They skirt Croydon town
and bounce merrily along a
winding road, past cherry
orchards in full bloom;
shouting boys run along be-
side the charabanc, pulling
rude faces.
27‘Just look at them big houses they’re building, Fred,’ says Doll,
‘What’d I give to live in one ...’ Fred puts his hand on her knee.
She lets him leave it there.
About midday they are approaching Shirley Village, but turn off
and start up a steep hill. ‘You’ll have to get off and walk,’ shouts
the driver, ‘the horses can’t make it up with the wagon loaded...’
Complaining loudly, the party descend, the women worried
about their good boots in the muck of the road, the men laughing
and helping their sweethearts down, taking the chance of a quick
squeeze of their waists.
‘This here is Badger’s Hole’, says the driver, ‘… the pub’s up
ahead.’ How superior they feel as they see the poor houses, the
filthy children playing in the dust, the women sitting at their
doors, many pulling on a pipe. Doll pushes her hat, which she has
trimmed with new ribbons for the occasion, more firmly onto her
auburn curls. ‘Hope them kids don’t throw no stones,’ she whis-
pers to Fred and places her hand under his arm. He smiles at her,
‘Don’t you worry Doll,’ he says, ‘I’ll look after you’.
They come to the Sandrock pub and the horses are unhitched
and taken round to the stables at the back. ‘The landlord can fix
you up a nice bit of dinner,’ says the driver – but Doll has brought
a picnic and the three of them wander off to a smaller pub on the
other side of the road. Fred treats them all to a beer; they take it
outside into the fields at the back, to sit in the sunshine. Doll
spreads out the refreshments. As they finish eating, Doll catches
some sort of a knowing look pass between Fred and Bill – and
straightaway Bill gets up and says, ‘Excuse me – call of nature...’
Once he’s gone, Fred clears his throat, ‘Doll,’ he says, ‘I got some
good news couple of weeks ago – I’m being bumped up to senior
clerk.’ Doll gasps. ‘I never saw that coming, Fred.’ ‘I’ve done my
sums, Doll and I reckon we can be wed next year – if you’ll have
me?’ and he reaches in his pocket, pulls out his hankie, producing
28from its depths the sweetest little ring, set with a pretty blue
stone.
Doll takes the ring and slips it onto her finger; it is a perfect fit.
‘Course I’ll marry you, silly,’ she says and leans into him for a kiss.
Just then Bill returns, ‘What’s this then?’ he asks, ‘can’t leave you
two alone for a minute, can I?’ Doll holds up her left hand and
shows him the ring … ‘Well there’s a surprise!’ he says – and
winks at Fred.
You’d think that would be enough surprises
for one day – but just then a butterfly
flutters past Doll and lands on the grass in
front of them. ‘Look,’ she says, ‘… isn’t it
pretty!’ And it is – with its dark maroon-
coloured wings bordered in cream, its bright blue flashings… Like
my ring, thinks Doll. Then, suddenly, there are hundreds more of
them, whirling and dancing in the sunlight. The field is tremulous
with vibrating colour. ‘What a picture,’ says Doll – ‘we should tell
the others.’ But there’s no need – the group are streaming out of
the Sandrock pub. They all stand in amazement – just looking and
looking. All the way back the talk is of the butterflies. ‘Such a
surprise!’ they all agree. But Doll sits quietly, turns the ring on
her finger, smiles; hugs her own special surprise to herself.
The butterflies were Camberwell
Beauties and the swarm attract-
ed so many visitors that it
brought prosperity to Badger’s
Hole, which started calling itself
Upper Shirley. Several of the in-
habitants opened tea rooms and
in 1872, the little pub across
from the Sandrock renamed itself
The Surprise Inn.
29Tau Wey writes
On a cold winter’s night, with England rising up and up the Covid
tiers, news came that my forthcoming concerts in 2021 would be
cancelled. We have all been missing communal activities that we
previously took for granted, particularly the uplifting experience
of singing together, the stimulation of dining and chatting
together, and the excitement of listening to live music and
watching live theatre.
For someone who is admittedly not very spiritual, all of these are
in some ways spiritual encounters that I constantly seek. As a
musician, the act of performing music to an audience is one such
peak experience, where all present may experience the beauty of
something greater than oneself. With concerts throughout the
country on hold, I decided to pop into church and record the
pieces that were to have featured in my forthcoming recital
programme. Over the next few months I plan to share these with
the readers of this magazine, along with a few words about the
composer and their work.
Edvard Grieg’s Piano Sonata in E minor, Op. 7.
One of the movements from this work was heard
in today’s service (24th January) led by Leslie
Griffiths. Many readers will be familiar with
Grieg’s serene ‘Morning Mood’ and the
tumultuous ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’.
The Piano Sonata, an early work written in 1865, is
less well-known, but lacks none of Grieg’s
characteristic charm and appeal. The first of four
movement contains drama as well as delightful
folk-inspired ditties. There is a rustic Minuet movement sure to
make everyone tap their feet, and the Finale concludes with a
triumphant hymn.
30It is the second movement, Andante molto, that was
incorporated into Leslie’s sermon. Although Grieg struggled with
ill-health throughout his life as well as witnessing the political
uncertainties of his native Norway, Leslie pointed out to the
‘peace, beauty and inner strength’ that could nevertheless be
heard in this serene piece of music.
He posed the question, ‘How does a man, who on the surface,
has had to endure so much find it possible, through his art, to
offer such regenerating and hopeful material?’ The goodness of
God, Leslie proffered, lie beyond the reach of tragedy, sickness,
threat of annihilation and meaninglessness. At times of affliction,
so the sermon continued, we can still remember the spiritual
qualities of genuine love, holiness of spirit, kindness, knowledge,
patience, the power of God, purity and truthful speech, as St Paul
did under duress.
To listen to Grieg’s Piano Sonata: https://bit.ly/39YCU6T
Thank you Tau for providing the readers of SMM with the
opportunity of having a ‘front row’ seat at your piano recital.
And how lovely it is to see the inside of our lovely church once
again. We look forward to another next month.
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 stay on the chain for a week.
Margaret King 8777 3770 Elizabeth Smart
8681 0057 or via the ‘contact us’ form on
www. shirleymeth.org.uk
31Dafna Languut, an archaeobotanist at Tel Aviv
University has been leading a ‘dig’ in the courtyard
garden of King Herod. She has analysed pollen
samples from 80 buried, perforated pots and
revealed that he grew miniature cedar, pine and
olive trees. Roman wall paintings showing dwarf
trees have been discovered before but this is the first real
evidence of ‘bonsai style’ trees! Dr Languut says, ‘ I assume the
purpose was that human, mainly high-ranking visitors would feel
superior to nature - taller than trees!
One of our church friends writes :
With regard to the vaccine, I would recommend it
if offered. Not painful. Very efficiently dealt with
and the biggest plus of all is the mental health effect - I feel my
spirits lifted and feel that our lockdown world is a large step to-
wards ending.
Obviously care needs to be taken still but the benefit seems more
than just a shot in the arm.
The National Trading Standards Association
has published a website ‘Friends Against
Scams’ www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/
Have a look at the video explaining what you need to be aware
of and how to avoid being a victim. Some of this you may have
heard already, but there is no harm in having an easy to follow
reminder.
32The original St. Valentine was (probably!)
a bishop who was martyred around 270
AD. It is claimed that he refused to deny
Christ before the emperor Claudius and
was executed (possibly) on February 14th.
He was taken off the list of venerated
saints in 1969 - as there is some doubt
over his identity (there is another strong
contender!) There have in fact been at
least 14 St Valentines.
Valentine, meaning strong and worthy, was a popular name in
the early Middle ages
The most recent St Valentine is a Spaniard of the Dominican
order - a bishop in Vietnam until his beheading in 1861.
There was a Pope named Valentine - little is known of him as he
served for a matter of days in 427 AD
Besides being the patron saint of love and lovers, Valentine is
the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy.
St Valentine has been petitioned in times of in times of pandemic
and plague. Useful to know at the moment ?
The skull of St Valentine was discovered in a Roman catacomb in
the early 19th century - it can be seen to this day, always
bedecked in fresh flowers.
There are parts of St Valentine’s skeleton in churches throughout
Europe (far too many bones for one man!).
Chaucer linked St Valentine with February 14th in “Parliament of
Foules.” referring to the day birds (and humans)
find a mate.
25 million Valentine cards are bought in UK alone!
33Back in the days of tanners and Back in the day of Milligan’s
bobs, goons,
When Mothers had patience and When butter was butter and
Fathers had jobs. songs all had tunes.
When football team families It was dumplings for dinner and
wore hand me down shoes, trifle for tea,
And TV gave only two channels to And your annual break was a day
choose. by the sea.
Back in the days of thruppenny Back in the days of Dixon’s Dock
bits, Green,
When schools employed nurses Crackerjack pencils and Lyons ice
to search for your nits. cream.
When snowballs were harmless; When children could freely wear
ice slides were permitted, National Health glasses,
And all of your jumpers were And teachers all stood at the
warm and hand knitted. FRONT of their classes.
Back in the days of hot ginger Back in the days of rocking and
beers, reeling,
When children remained so for When mobiles were things that
more than six years. you hung from the ceiling.
When children respected what When woodwork and pottery got
older folks said, taught in schools,
And pot was a thing that you kept And everyone dreamed of a win
under your bed. on the pools.
Back in the days of Listen with Back in the days when I was a lad,
Mother, I can’t help but smile for the fun
When neighbours were friendly that I had.
and talked to each other. Hopscotch and roller skates;
When cars were so rare you snowballs to lob,
could play in the street. Back in the days of tanners and
When doctors made house calls; bobs.
police walked the beat. David Wood
34Personal shopping – our volunteers are regularly making
individual shopping trips for clients.
Telephone befriending – more than 40 of our clients are
benefiting from a regular call from volunteer phone buddies.
Tel 020 8662 9599
Email sncs@shirleyneighbourhoodcare.co.uk
Each month’s magazine will available at
www.shirleymeth.org.uk.
If you know someone who would like to
read our magazine but does not have
the internet - maybe you
could print off a copy and
post it … or pop it through
their door.
We are always very grateful ANSWERS
for contributions.
1 Audrey Hepburn
2 Marilyn Monroe
Jenny Crook will be the next editor 3 Jane Fonda
jenny.crook@blueyonder.co.uk 4 Taylor Swift
katemarsden747@gmail.com 5 Thomas Edison
6 Marcus Aurelius
The MARCH magazine will be on the 7 Judy Garland
8 Jim Morison
website on Sunday 28th February. Please
9 Dalai Lama
send contributions to Jenny by Sunday 10 Maya Angelou
21st February 11 Oscar Wilde
12 Snow White
35Shirley 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
36You can also read
