ST MARY'S EASTHAM COMMUNITY - and June 2020 - St Marys Eastham
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ST MARY’S
and
EASTHAM
COMMUNITY
June 2020
Eastham Larder bags....
Are available to any who would like them -
For yourselves or for a neighbour?
Donations have come from Eastham Matters members on Facebook,
Cereal Planters in Bromborough, Bookers Wholesalers (with Rob
and Tracey Hardman...thank you!), The One Stop Shop, Asda and so
many others,,,Thank you all.
Many thanks also to the three Eastham councillors for their generous
financial support from their allocation of Council’s funds.
Beth and Jean
(Beth: 0151 327 2182; beth.stmarys@gmail.com; Jean 0151 327
3317)
Hello!
If you are self-isolating, we can help?
St Mary’s Eastham has volunteers who can help people in
a variety of ways if they are self-isolating because of
the Corona Virus.
We can; Bring food to you…
I have much food for people, just ring!
You don’t need to be ‘eligible’ in any way.
Pick up shopping
Post Mail A friendly phone call
Or urgent supplies
Just ring Beth on 0151 327 2182 for food etc
Or Jean Cullen on 327 3317 for everything
else…
Coronavirus is contagious. Please try and spread only kindness!
Wash hands regularly. Avoid physical contact (2m) distance.
All items will be left on your doorstep.
2
Dearest Eastham!
Well, what a difficult month most of us have had.
If you are reading this and you have enjoyed the Lockdown in any way, and I know
for some it has been a real time of resting and recovering from the hectic lifestyles
we have had, I have to admit to envying you!
I am hoping that, before the churches open up again, there will be some garden
time for me too!
For others though..it has seemed a bit of a hoax, stuck at home, the world seem-
ingly slowing around you and nothing much happening. But long days can lead to
long and sometimes difficult thoughts, can’t they?
For others, sheer frustration and annoyance.
And to be honest with you (don’t tell anyone though), I think I have reached the
last one!
But, for all of us, it is such an unsettling time, and many are fearful and worried
about so much.
Here in Eastham though, people all look after each other in such a wonderful way
and we have seen so much of that.
Community is a strong thread running through this place and I have seen it as each
day I have delivered, waved, shared jokes and love and laughter.
Now we are beginning to ease off a little on our restrictions and I was thinking…
how shall we celebrate when all this is over?
Eastham needs to celebrate later on…..a picnic in the park, something on the play-
ing fields?
Whatever and whenever we can do that safely …. we will, but if you have any
ideas …. just let me know!
There is a different format to this month’s magazine…more community than
Church mag…so I hope you will enjoy it and know it comes to you with love.
Much love and prayers at this time,
Beth x
3
Winnie the Pooh quotes for Lockdown thoughts!
By Beth
1. “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than
you think.- Christopher Robin Lockdown has made us dig deep and grow strong-
er. We are warriors not victims…we are resilient!
2. “A hug is always the right size.”- Winnie the Pooh Oh for a hug! Lockdown has
made us all realise how special touch is…and a hug is so special.
3. “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”- Win-
nie the Pooh We have learnt to treasure the smallest things we may have taken
for granted.
4. “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” -
Winnie the Pooh Why is it that our days go slowly but time passes quickly in Lock-
down?
5. “The most wonderful thing about Tiggers is, I’m the only one.”- Tigger
. “The things that make me different are the things that make me. Piglet
Each one of us is uniquely made by God’s hands. Like a snowflake or fingerprint,
we have our own special DNA..no one else is created like us. We need to remem-
ber how much we are loved when all this is over!
6. “Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.”
- Winnie the Pooh Lockdown has released acts of kindnesses, of care, of support,
encouragement and hope globally and as such, it is lessening the force of the Co-
rona Virus and yes…it is called Love.
7. “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”-
Winnie the Pooh We all need something precious we want to hold on to and never
let it go..faith, joy, love, a loved one..they all count in so many ways..what is your
most precious thing?
9
4
9. "A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left in-
side."- Winnie the Pooh It’s only in the last few years I have realised how wonderful
friends are! I am a very shy, introverted person who loves her own company but
this Lockdown I know Pooh is exactly right!
10. “I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I have been.”
- Winnie the Pooh And we will, by walking away, or being locked out of our
‘normal’ ways of living, have a new chance to make some new ways of being if we
want, and we will get there. Pooh is right again, we always have to leave something
to arrive somewhere……never though of it like that.
"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference."- Ee-
yore …Eastham has come together so tightly, supporting and loving and just being
there for each other..I know, as I have put food, DVD’s, girlie mags, Peoples Friends
(!), gardening and wildlife mags, bags of treats for lonely/elderly people and have
got in return, smiles, waves, stories and a wonderful sense of camaraderie.
12. “Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” - Winnie
the Pooh
We will get there some day, but like a river, we may meander a bit,
but we do not need to get there too quickly..
SO!
Pooh, Tigger and Eyore are self isolating in Pooh’s home…honey is being delivered,
Tigger’s prescription processed on time and Eyeore’s rubbish collected..
Stay safe…till we meet properly again!
Bethxx
St Mary’s Parish Church Eastham Village
Come and see our beautiful graveyard at St Mary’s
A dedicated group of many wonderful people have worked so hard to create such
a beautiful space for us to enjoy this spring and beyond!
A guided tour of the churchyard itself, produced by David Allan, will be available
on laminated sheets in the summer for people who want to wander and marvel.
Open from light till night.
It looks brilliant, thank you for all the team, out cleaning and mowing as well at
this time
For Chris Arlene and Alan for help in the graveyard, outside of course this year!
Beth x
5
Possible Future Events (Virus permitting)
Thursday, 2nd July 2.30 p.m. Tai Chi at the Church Centre.
Saturday, 4th July 10 a.m. Bring and Buy Plant Sale at
the Church Centre
th
Sunday, 26 July 11 a.m. J4U at the Parish Church.
6.30 p.m. Memorial Service at the Parish Church.
Mondays & Thursdays in August (apart from 31st August)
11 a.m. Munch Club at the Church Centre.
Sunday, 23rd August 11 a.m. J4U at the Parish Church.
Note: The planned VE day celebrations and the Pet Memorial Service will
take place later in the year. The Parish luncheon is cancelled
Dandelions!
Many of us actually like dandelions. Their amazingly cheerful colour always brings
a smile to our faces. The not-so-neat-and-tidy gardeners among us can simply en-
joy flowers where they grow.
The name 'dandelion' apparently derives from 'dent de lion' – lions' teeth, owing
to the tooth-like shape of its leaves. There are many different varieties of dandeli-
on, but they all have the toothed leaves arranged in a rosette around the single
flowers, each one made up of up to two hundred [yes, really!] tiny florets on a
smooth stem, that when picked, releases a milky substance known as latex.
The golden heads, which close up at night, in wet weather, or if picked to go in a
vase, give way to the seed-heads we all know as clocks.
Who can’t remember telling the time as a child, having blown the seeds away,
counting each breath as an hour?
And who, if this happened in the garden, remembers the reaction of a parent, or
grandparent, as we blew the seeds all over the vegetable patch or flower bed!
In the past, dandelion drinks and concoctions have been valued for their medicinal
powers in combating a variety of complaints, and the Victorians used to cultivate
them in order to fill sandwiches with the young leaves.
Fizzy drinks manufacturers still produce a variety known as Dandelion and Bur-
dock,
and intrepid wine-makers can use the flowers to concoct a heady brew.
The roots, some say, can be dried and ground up for use as a coffee substitute. It
is those same roots, long and strong, that our grandmothers would water careful-
ly, to the amusement of onlookers, in order to pull them up completely.
To many of us, dandelions are one of Nature's joys.
6
Faithful Departed
"I am the resurrection and the life"
31st March Roy Munro
th
9 April John Farthing
st
21 April Evelyn McKay
23rd April Glenda Williams
th
28 April Cedric Penny
th
30 April Annie Lupton
30th April Jane Finan Known as Edwards
Summer Fair..alas! But gardeners and plant lovers?
There will sadly be no Garden Party or Summer Fair in my Vicarage garden
this year.
It has always been our only Fundraising for the work of the church (rather
than for a specific issue).
Lots of you,I know though, have been growing plants to sell or have some-
thing in your gardens you can donate?
So we are going to have a pop up
Bring and Buy Plant Sale on;
th
Saturday 4 July at the Church Centre in Eastham Rake
at 10.00 am.
We can socially distance and enjoy a takeaway bacon butty etc.
Please come and bring what you can and take away what you want!
I will collect from your homes as well!
Beth x
Thanks !
Laura Howlett has kindly offered to help fund the CAMEO Christmas dinner in
memory of her Mother, Joan Edwards.
7
JUNE PRAYER DIARY 2020
Be Strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armour of God.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the
breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readi-
ness that comes with the gospel of peace.
1st Thank you, Lord, for all that You do for us, seen and unseen. Also for our lovely
churches and their congregations.
2nd Pray for Beth’s ministry, Lord uphold and sustain Beth, so that with Your love
and guidance, we can grow in love and faith as a church.
3rd Pray for Mark as our priest: Holy Spirit, encourage Mark in all that he does and
thank you, Lord, for all the talents that Mark and his family bring to the church.
4th Praise and thanks for Maureen, enjoying a peaceful retirement. Lord surround
Maureen and her family with your love and peace.
5th Pray for all those who work in any capacity for our three churches, Parish work-
ers, Readers, etc also for those who do any maintenance work in the three
churches. Praise and thanks for C.A.M.E.O (come and meet each other). For all
our friends who enjoy the company, tea and cakes and especially the love.
6th Pray for all those people touched by the Virus in any way, through illness or car-
ing for or helping, or working. Lord be with everyone, at this time, hospitals,
shops, care workers, anyone who needs to work.
7th Praise and thanks for the Pastoral Team, for all that they do in the Community;
Holy Spirit be with them, equip and enable them.
8th Praise and thanks for Little Gems, Carers and Toddlers group, Lord watch over
the little ones and their families, Holy Spirit watch over them.
9th Praise and thanks for the Places of Welcome initiative, Holy Spirit help us to
grow the existing love in your church to be a more grace filled love, so that we
can truly be the people you need us to be, to care for others. Pray for Eastham
Spirit (at the Delamere Centre) social club with fun activities .
10th Praise and thanks for the Graveyard Team, Lord as these lovely people help to
keep your beautiful creation “Beautiful”: Chris, Peter, Arlene, Alan—Lord as we
marvel at your creation.
11th Pray for the Churches Together in Bromborough and Eastham (CTBE), enable
and encourage your people to be loving and caring as they work together.Praise
and thanks for the United Services, Lord as we come together to worship You.
12th Praise and thanks, for all the schools in Eastham: Millfields, Heygarth, South Wir-
ral, thank you Lord for all the schools, teachers, children and families.
13th Pray for Helena as she ministers to the staff and students at Sheffield Hallam
University.
14th Pray for all who attend the Munch club, for the children and their families, Holy
Spirit be with the children and their families. Praise and thanks for the people
who help at any of our organisations for young people.
15th Praise and thanks for the Net@73: come and see us for a cuppa and a chat.
Monday and Friday. Also for Craft and Knit and Knatter (for when it opens again)
16th Praise and thanks for the Monastic Day each month: Lord, as we search for You
in the silence; lead us gently and lovingly in our searching. Also pray for all those
“totally isolated” be with them, Lord.
8
17th Pray for Beth’s Larder Bags, and for all of those who come to us for help,
Lord show us how to be humble, not proud, to help these people. Also
for people in Eastham helping others with food for donations
Also pray for Meet and Eat, Lord watch over all those who come to Meet and Eat
and for those who help to organise and help with cooking etc. Thank You Lord
for the love and laughter. Remembering all our lovely Meet and Eaters who
can’t meet at this time because of social distancing, Loving thoughts.
18th Pray for the Places of Welcome in our area, Clifton Avenue, a place of safety
(not open at the moment). Holy Spirit, enable and strengthen. Lord let us be a
beacon for You and your kingdom principles. Praise and thanks for the Memorial
Service, Lord as we remember all our loved ones.
19th Pray for the Circle of Prayer, as they pray for the sick, Lord encourage Barbara,
Simone, Lynn, Sue and others. Holy Spirit fill us with the spirit of love, so that we
can pray and give out that special love, only through You can we give to all who
need it. Praise and Thanks for all those preparing for Confirmation. Holy Spirit be
with them all, surround them, envelop them with love, peace and joy.
20th Pray for all those who are in hospital, or the hospice, Lord God watch over your
loved ones, may they feel your loving embrace enfolding them and for the hos-
pital staff who do such a marvellous job. Also for people having to wait for ther-
apy or tests at this time.
21st Praise and thanks for all those people who help us in anyway, doctors, nurses,
clergy, anyone in the emergency services as well for all their hard work. Lord
protect. Also for the Lent Project U.S.P.G (Overseas Aid), we have everything
they have nothing.
22nd Praise and thanks for the Parish Workers and the Church Wardens Marilyn, Sue,
and the Parish Manager, George - for their diligence.
Also for the Servers etc and cleaners who help with the smooth running of the
church. Lord be with them and encourage.
23rd Praise and thanks for the Wednesday Communion and also for the Home Com-
munion for the sick. Lord, help them to see you in everyone they meet, and that
they are truly loved and cherished (social distancing). Pray for the housebound
and physically and mentally disabled. Lord, embrace in your loving arms. And for
the troubled, peace of mind. Pray for the children and anyone who is experienc-
ing abuse of any kind.
24th Praise and thanks for the three places of worship, for all those who attend the
services and their families and also the communities of Eastham. Lord be with us
as we all reach out together in your name (all places of worship are closed be-
cause of social distancing). Praise for our Online Services.
25th Praise and thanks for the Ukulele Group, also for our choir and the Men’s Choir.
For Malcolm, our organist. Lord help us to appreciate them all. We pray also for
Flat Pack Music. Thank You, Lord, for their talents, and for all the joy they bring
to those that attend the concert evenings, for fun and fellowship.
26th Pray for the Children’s Society boxes, for Joan who administers them and those
who contribute.
927th Praise and thanks for the Youth groups, Jam, and for all those who help in any capac-
ity. Patience and love and the New Youth Group starting soon (Sunday Evenings),
chat, food, and cake.
28th Praise and thanks for all those having a wedding in the parish: Holy Spirit be with
them and their families. Also for all those having a Welcome, Thanksgiving and Bap-
tism. Lord be with Nickie as she arranges and attends them.
29th Pray for Beth, in all that Beth does for people in the parish, and all the Parishes and
duties Beth has to fulfil as Rural Dean. Lord, strength, love, peace. Praise and thanks
for Beth delivering food parcels to people who need them. Praise to You, Lord.
30th Pray for all those who are ill at this time, in Hospital, Hospice, Care homes ,and Re-
habilitation and also those people who are at home being cared for, those who have
cancer and are awaiting operations, or chemotherapy, etc. Lord God be with them
and their families, Love , Peace. (This will be left out this month I think it is more
important than some of the things that are not happening.)
Praise to You lord for all You do for us individually, and in the wider commu-
nity. Praise you Lord.
Pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Peace, Love and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ..
Bishop Mark Tanner announced as next Bishop of Chester
You may know that since last September the diocese of Chester has had no dioce-
san bishop with Bishop Keith left as a caretaker. On 12th May it was announced
that Bishop Mark Tanner would become the next Bishop of Chester in the Autumn.
Bishop Mark has been suffragen bishop of Berwick since October 2016. He is mar-
ried to Lindsey, a social worker, and they have two children, Jonathan and Pippa.
He was born in Canada but has local connections. He was ordained in Chester Ca-
thedral and did his curacy at St Mary’s Upton (where he knew Beth) and has a
Master of Theology degree from Liverpool University. He was trained at Cranmer
Hall, Durham, and later returned as warden. Cranmer Hall is a theological college
in the Open Evangelical tradition. According to Wikipaedia “Open evangelicals
combine a traditional evangelical emphasis on … traditional doctrinal teachings,
with an approach towards culture and other theological points of view which
tends to be more inclusive than that taken by some other evangelicals”. You can
see his opening address to the diocese at youtu.be/ZbTJd0b2Mfk where he
emphasises the importance of fun and describes baptising people in the sea at
Holy Island. This seems to herald a bright future for our diocese.
Please pray for Bishop Mark as he prepares to move to Chester
10Author’s note. When I wrote this it was for a short story competition and had to be 300
words. My first attempt was far too long because I wrote it with our church in mind and
the Fair was set in Church Lane so dear reader as you read this you can picture our
church and imagine all the people who have worshipped there in the past. Valmai
A Special Sunday Service
Mary arrived at church early. She anticipated there would be a large congregation and
she wanted to make sure of her usual seat by the radiator at the back of church. The ser-
vice was a special one to bring the weekend’s festivities to an end. The theme this year
was ‘The village from Domesday to the present.’ Everyone was expected to come dressed
as characters from different historical periods. As Mary sat she thought how beautiful the
church looked and the tableaus portraying village life through the ages were fascinating.
She wondered what costumes her friends would decide to wear.
While Mary waited she reflected on yesterday’s Medieval Fair and the variety of Craft
Stalls and activities. She smiled as she remembered the boy with mischievous twinkling
eyes which sparkled with tears when he realized his pocket money wasn’t enough for the
chocolate cake he desired. Mary’s heart had melted as she quickly wrapped the cake in a
napkin and gave it to him. Her reward was an angelic smile that brought tears to her
eyes. He reminded me of my Daniel, Mary thought. How I miss him although it’s years
since he died.
The warmth from the radiator made Mary’s eyes droop as the church filled with people
dressed as villagers from the past. When the organist played the opening hymn Mary
woke up. My goodness the church is packed and doesn’t everyone look wonderful in
their costumes, Mary thought. The service was uplifting. Everyone sang with such enthu-
siasm for a change that Mary felt her spirit rise. Too soon the service ended and as Mary
got up she felt a little hand slip into hers. As she looked down into a pair of twinkling mis-
The Map
Once, a dad was looking after his children and trying to keep them entertained, but he
wasn’t having too much success. It was a wet Saturday, and the children were getting
bored. They were starting to get on his nerves, with their restlessness and constant
chattering.
But the man was inventive, and suddenly he had an idea. He took down a magazine from
the shelf and opened it up, looking through it until he found a map of the world printed on
one page. He tore this page out of the magazine and proceeded to cut it up with scissors
into small pieces. Then he jumbled up all the pieces and placed them in a pile on the
floor, like the pieces of a jigsaw.
Then he set his two young sons the task of putting the map together again, thinking that
this would keep them quiet for a good long time. He left them with it and went to make
himself a cup of coffee.
Imagine his amazement, therefore, when five minutes later he came back to find the map
neatly and accurately put back together again.
“How did you manage to put it back together again so quickly?” he asked them, taken
aback by their skill.
“Oh, it was easy,” the younger boy replied. “You told us it was a map of the world, and
when we looked at the pieces, at first we didn’t know where to begin to sort it all out. It
seemed impossible. But then we realised that there was a picture of a man on the other
side, so we just put the man back together again. When we turned it over, the world had
come back together again as well!”
“Yes, Dad,” chimed in the other brother. “It’s ever so easy. If you put the man right, the
world is OK.”
11CAMEO and South Wirral High School.
CAMEO is our ‘Come And Meet Each Other’ group for our gold and platinum peo-
ple in the parish!
Jean Cullen has run it now for 13 years and CAMEO has forged good, deep and
fruitful links with South Wirral High School for many years.
Students come to the Church Centre to meet, do craft work, feed and entertain our
group which meets most Tuesdays throughout the year at 2.00 pm.
Everyone is so very welcome when we can all meet again.
Please phone Jean on 327 3317 for more information. (we can also pick you up and
take you home).
At various times of the year, CAMEO migrates to the school itself where they are
wined and dined and very much entertained by the students there.
During the Lockdown we received this message from Dave Bell, a teacher at South
Wirral High School, I thought you may all like to see this!
Dear Jean, I hope that you and all of CAMEO are well and safe.
I would like to reach out to your group by assigning 'pen pals' (students from the
school) to them. The idea is that the Active Across Ages Buddies who have been
working with the group will send correspondence to the ladies from CAMEO. They
will include cards, letters and simple challenges for the ladies to engage with.
I was thinking that using the old school method of posting the packs would be best.
This way we can personalise them to the individual. We can provide stamps, enve-
lopes and paper for the ladies to respond with.
Look forwarding to getting this going and keeping the lovely inter-generational re-
lationship going with CAMEO and SWHS students.
And so they did, bringing much happiness to a lot of
people.
Thank you, South Wirral
Jane Edwards/Finan was also the Librarian at South
Wirral for over 12 years.
She will always be to me ‘our beloved Jane’ and so
she was to so many of you reading this. Wherever she
went and whatever she did she was an inspiration
to all of us. Libraries, schools, Unions, LFC, thrilling
sports and experiences
and a wonderful mum to Sam, wife to John and
daughter to Mavis.
South Wirral want to honour her memory and so they
will, when we can, with a service, a bench and many
other tributes…
She is so, so missed
When we can there will be a glorious celebration at
St Mary’s for her.
12When we’re cleaning windows……
As we all know, one of the truly amazing features of St
Mary’s Church are it’s beautiful stained glass windows. We
are lucky as a Church to have 19 windows that were de-
signed and installed by the famous Victorian stained glass
window designer and manufacturer, Charles Eamer Kempe.
In 1866, Kempe opened a studio in London, supplying and
creating stained glass and furnishings and vestments. The
firm prospered and by 1899 he had over fifty employees.
As a trademark, the firm used a golden garb or wheatsheaf,
taken from Kempe's own coat of arms and in a number of
our windows, you can see the wheatsheaf.
Charles Kempe’s studio produced over 4,000 windows and
also designs for altars and altar frontals, furniture and fur-
nishings, lichgates and memorials. The list of English cathe-
drals containing examples of his work includes Chester,
Gloucester, Hereford, Lichfield, Wells, Winchester and York
so St Mary’s Church in Eastham is in good company!!
The stained glass windows were one of the themes for our
heritage weekend in 2018 and as part of the research into
the history of the windows, we came across the Kempe
Trust whose primary purpose is to assist and facilitate the
maintenance and preservation of the work of the C E Kempe Studios carried out between
1865 and 1907. Having contacted them, they explained that they are able to offer grants to
organisations to help to preserve the Kempe windows.
Following recommendation from the Kempe Trust, an inspection of all of our stained glass
windows was carried out by Norgrove Studios, a company specialising in the restoration
and conservation of existing stained glass who prepared a condition report for each of the
windows, remediation works that should be carried out and instructions to help us clean
the windows.
The first step was to vacuum the sandstone surround and clean the cobwebs off the sur-
face of the stained glass itself. It was incredible to see the amount of cobwebs all over the
windows and on the surrounding walls and the amount of dirt that came off the glass itself.
However, despite all our careful cleaning, at the end of the afternoon, the windows didn’t
look much different from when we started!!
Having taken a look at the outside of the window, it became apparent that there is much
more dirt on the outside trapped between the window covering and the glass itself so it
would be more beneficial to clean from the outside but of course there are the protective
covers across the windows which have been secured in the mortar so that makes it a little
bit of a challenge!
13In our recent Quinquennial inspection,
there were comments relating to the
window protection and recommenda-
tions that some should be replaced
with more suitable, modern types of
protection.
We have been back in contact with
Norgrove Studios for their advice for
removing and replacing the covering
for the window we have cleaned from
the inside including the costs for repair-
ing a small number of the panels. The
aim being that we can approach the
Kempe Trust and hopefully apply for a
grant to help us repair all the remaining
windows.
Our Kempe windows were originally
installed between 1888 and 1905 –
how wonderful would it be to be able
to restore the windows to their original
colours and condition and to see the
sun shining through them as they did
all those years ago!
The environment – we can still do great things to help
Before coronavirus, 2020 was to have been the year when the Church really made
the environment central to its plans and actions.
This year, Lambeth 2020 was to have brought the issues to the forefront of its
agenda.
Whilst the virus has shut things down for the moment, clearly in future the
Church can do major things on a national and international level, but so too can it
achieve much locally.
Everyone can play a part. Even the space around churches can become special by
providing space for all of us in the local community to spend time gardening,
bringing benefits to both our bodies and souls
When our isolation finally ends, it will be a great time for our church to find space
to make room for a garden to bring people together and share the glory of nature
by planting seeds to bring new life, hope and a sense of wellbeing to our world.
For church space which can be seen by passers-by it will be a 24-hour sign of hope
and that we are back in business.
We have already started this at St Mary’s …go and have a look!
1411th June Barnabas , Paul’s first missionary companion
Would you have liked to go to Cyprus on holiday this year? If so, spare a thought for the
Cypriot who played such a key role in the New Testament.
He was Joseph, a Jewish Cypriot and a Levite, who is first mentioned in Acts 4:36, when the
Early Church was sharing a communal lifestyle. Joseph sold a field and gave the money to
the apostles. His support so touched them that they gave him the nickname of Barnabas,
‘Son of Encouragement’.
Barnabas has two great claims to fame. Firstly, it was Barnabas who made the journey to
go and fetch the converted Paul out of Tarsus, and persuade him to go with him to Anti-
och, where there were many new believers with no one to help them. For a year the two
men ministered there, establishing a church. It was here that the believers were first called
Christians.
It was also in Antioch (Acts 13) that the Holy Spirit led the church to ‘set aside’ Barnabas
and Paul, and to send them out on the church’s first ever ‘missionary journey’. The Bible
tells us that they went to Cyprus, and then travelled throughout the island. It was at Lystra
that the locals mistook Barnabas for Zeus and Paul for Hermes, much to their dismay.
Much later, back in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul decided to part company. While Paul
travelled on to Syria, Barnabas did what he could do best: return to Cyprus and continue to
evangelise it. So, if you go to Cyprus and see churches, remember that Christianity on that
beautiful island goes right back to Acts 13, when Barnabas and Paul first arrived.
In England there are 13 ancient church dedications and not a few modern ones. Barnabas
the generous, the encourager, the apostle who loved his own people – no wonder he
should be remembered with love.
13th June Antony of Padua, friend of St Francis of Assisi
Antony of Padua knew St Francis of Assisi. Both men were true followers of Christ in a time
of great religious confusion and social turmoil.
Like Francis, Antony (1193 – 1231) was born into a wealthy family. Antony’s father was a
nobleman of Lisbon, Portugal, who sent his son at 16 to study the Bible at Coimbra. It was
important study: the early 13th century was a time of many heresies, and also when the
Christians of Portugal and Spain felt threatened by the Moors. When in 1220 Antony heard
of the martyrdom of several Franciscan friars in Morocco, he sailed to Ceuta, a Spanish city
beside Morocco, to take their place. But ill-health soon forced him to return home.
A failed plan is not always a disaster in our lives. It was soon apparent that God had other
work for Antony to do. His superiors sent him to take part in the General Chapter of Assisi
in 1221, where he met St Francis of Assisi. Francis was so impressed with Antony that he
sent him to teach theology to the friars at Bologna and Padua, and later at Montpelier,
Toulouse and Arles; where Antony earned the name ‘the hammer of heretics’.
Antony was elected as Provincial of northern Italy in 1227, and spent hard weeks on the
roads each year, visiting the friaries under his charge. Antony also wrote ‘Sermons for Sun-
day’, which became greatly loved. When he was sent to Rome to discuss the Rule and the
Testament of Francis, his preaching at the papal court was hailed as a ‘jewel case of the
Bible’. But Antony’s real heart was as a Christian pastor: he spent the final months of his
life at Padua, preaching, hearing confessions and helping poor debtors to pay their debts.
His preaching was so popular that Antony filled the marketplaces with listeners. The cult of
Antony has always been strong. He seems to have been an outstanding representative of
the Franciscan pre-scholastic period, very close in spirit and outlook to Francis himself. The
most usual representations of Antony show him with a book and a lily, and the infant Je-
sus. Antony’s care for the poor is remembered by the 19th century’s charity: Saint Antony’s
Bread, which devoted itself to feeding the poor.
15Our Digital Granddaughter
It was the spring of 2019 we received the lovely news Kathryn and Alastair were expecting
a baby at the very end of the year, and were moving from New York to new jobs in San
Francisco. We expected that there would be some problems but reality has proved to be
beyond imagination.
We went to see their new San Franciscan apartment in the autumn and made arrange-
ments to return in the Spring to allow them to attend a wedding in New Orleans. We were
to be trusted to care for this much wanted new baby. On our return home the flight was
booked and plans made for May 2020, but the fates intervened. I had serious health prob-
lems diagnosed, a shock, but there was the bright prospect of that baby to look forward to.
On Thursday 2nd January 2020 Gabriella Rose made her appearance, a trifle late, but other-
wise perfect.
Despite my diagnosis I was still determined to get to see and hold my granddaughter, but
then covid-19 locked us all in. Who would have foreseen that an illness in Wuhan, China,
would close the world? We were in ‘lockdown’, me for 12 weeks, but we are lucky and can
keep in touch via Duo, email, text and the phone. We are lucky we are financially secure
with a home and garden. Our children are either in key jobs or can work from home and
have lovely families too. We have supportive friends and Andrew and Adele to do some
shopping, but it is not easy being on the receiving end of help when you are used to doing
the helping. We are lucky we have watched Gabriella’s progress through the regular pic-
tures sent by Alastair and Kathryn. She is growing up so fast.
To my confusion my diagnosis was changed and treatment delayed, so I was relieved when
an operation was arranged for the beginning of April. An hour before I was due in theatre
a scan indicated covid-19, later confirmed by a swab test, so no operation. I had no symp-
toms. The only places I had been were hospitals. How many others are walking around,
asymptomatic, and not knowing they are infectious? I remained without any symptoms for
the seven days of isolation and David had to remain in quarantine for fourteen days. He
escaped any nasty symptoms too. My treatment was delayed again.
We are lucky, despite St. Peter’s being closed, there are phone calls and texts flying around
the congregation, there are connections to the services, we swap walks, discuss progress in
the garden and admire the blue haze of the bluebells . We are blest, but it does not stop
me having a grumble at having missed getting to know my granddaughter over Easter, I
miss our grandson too, but he is now of the age when hugging Granny is only endured!
Roll on the time when we
can meet everyone again
and have a hug, go on
holiday, drive over to our
daughter’s and help on
the farm and open up the
foodbank and attend St.
Peter’s. All taken for
granted a short while
ago.
So it does not look as
though we are going to
be meeting our new
granddaughter any time
soon and must make do
with digital pictures. We
are so lucky and give
thanks for the many
blessings (in no particular
order) of our garden, our
family and our friends.
Sue Mottram (of St. Pe-
ter's congregation}
Gabriella Rose, our digital granddaughter
16Boys and Girls
Looking for something fun and exciting to do and make new friends
Come and join the
12th Bebington Scout Group, Ferry Road
Beavers: (5½ - 8yrs), Cubs: (8 - 10yrs)
Scouts: (10 - 14 yrs)
If interested once the current crisis is over please contact Gill Dillon on 0785 0468445
email gilldillon147@gmail.com
Help…!
For those who give regularly to the upkeep of the church through weekly enve-
lopes could you save them somewhere safe?
(if you give by standing order, give your halo a shine!)
We will have had no income for months by the time this is over and we are com-
pletely self supporting at St Mary’s, the Church Centre and St Peters.
Forget the idea there is a higher being called the Church of England helping us out
… they stopped that many years ago and cut each parish adrift to fend for them-
selves!
If we can’t manage ourselves we will close…simple as that.
Sorry to be money-minded at this time, but it is about survival as well……
Vicar Beth
St Sofa’s
We worship at St Sofa’s now Our Parish Church stands empty
Since Covid came to stay With praise she does not ring;
We don’t dress up or do our hair But still her people gather round
But still we come to pray! To pray, and praise, and sing!
Our Vicar is a clever gal The virus is a nasty thing
A Zoom with her IT Yet it has helped us see
And so we sit down ev’ry week The church is NOT a building
And meet up virtually! But folk like you and me!
17Keep an eye out for the elderly
When did you last see your elderly neighbour? Seriously: are they okay?
During this time of social distancing, it is all too easy to assume that the elderly person you
never see is simply safe indoors. But are they?
Isolation can be dangerous: it is too easy for them to have had an accident and be unable
to call for help.
Why not arrange a system with them whereby you agree that you will give them a quick
ring once a day, or even stand outside their house and wave? It only takes a few seconds to
make sure they are still on their feet, and that all is well.
If you have several elderly neighbours, why not ask a few of your local friends to help you
keep in brief touch with them each day?
In the Day of Trouble
There is a God who answers prayer We trust in Him who knows all things
Who intercedes before the throne And lift our prayers to heaven above
The Son of God who ever cares Our confidence is all in Him
Who walks with us, we’re not alone. Encompassed by unfailing love.
Though flood and pestilence should come
He sees the path that we now tread
His rod and staff will comfort us
He knows the days that lie ahead.
The Three Sieves
Jess came running into her grandma’s house. “Gran, Gran, there’s something I’m dying to
tell you…”
“Wait a moment,” her grandma broke in, with a wise smile. “Whatever it is you want to tell
me, have you shaken it through the three sieves?”
“Three sieves?” Jess asked, amazed.
“Yes, my love. Three sieves! Let’s see whether your story will go through the three sieves.
The first sieve is the truth. Have you thought about whether what you are going to tell me
is true?”
“Well,” hesitated Jess. “I heard it from someone else, so I’m not absolutely sure…”
“Right,” said Gran. “That was an honest answer. So let’s try it through the second sieve.
This is the sieve of goodness. Since what you are going to tell me is not necessarily true,
then is it at least something good?”
Jess lowered her eyes. “Well, no,” she admitted. “Not really. In fact, quite the opposite.”
“Well,” the wise grandma continued. “Let’s use the third sieve, and see whether what you
are going to tell me, even if neither true nor good, is at least necessary.”
“Well, not exactly necessary…” Jess sank into a thoughtful silence.
“So,” Gran said, giving Jess an understanding hug, “since what you were going to tell me is
neither true, nor good, nor necessary, I suggest that we bury it deep in the ground of for-
getfulness, where it won’t cause any heartache to anyone ever again.”
18Do you have equipment you no longer
need?
Every year hospitals etc. issue equipment
which is not returned when it is no longer
required. This equipment can be collected,
cleaned and re-issued for use by someone
else.
If you have equipment such
as
• Walking aids
Volunteers needed
• Bath lifts
For graveyard management
• Crutches
Please contact
• Toilet aids
Chris Gardner (327 3767)
• Commodes
• Seating
You can either return the equipment to Unit
16-18, Thursday Court, Thursby Road, Brom-
borough CH62 3PW
Or arrange collection by either emailing
Wirral@medequip-uk.com with your con-
tact number or phone 203 0404 to talk to a
member of the customer care team.
Hi everyone,
I do hope you are all keeping as well as we can in the circumstances we find ourselves in. It
was with great pleasure that I received a phone call today from one of our readers. She
said how thrilled she was to receive her magazine for May as she was not expecting it. She,
like myself, is unable to access social media and keep up to date with emails. Therefore,
receiving the magazine from the parish was a lovely bonus. We had some lovely articles,
both amusing and informative. Not to mention our vicar Beth’s wonderful words of wis-
dom!
Our Easter message surrounding the topic of gardens and what they mean to us as far as
the Bible tells us was very appropriate I thought, as during this time, the majority of us
have been able to spruce up our own gardens and for most, sit and admire our efforts.
‘The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth
One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on Earth’
Alan and I have enjoyed our Sundays by listening and singing along with the services broad-
cast on television and radio. I feel very sorry for our neighbour who must hear us. Maybe
the spirit will be working in a way that they may enjoy too!
Now to say, thank you to all our readers for their continued interest in our church and
community news over the year. I cannot believe we are already nearly halfway through it!
Also, allow me on your behalf to thank our distributors, contributors and especially our
vicar and our editor Philip, for going the extra mile to supply us with our magazine.
God bless you all and I hope to see you back at church in the not too distant future.
Sue Pridding 19Watch this space for when activities will restart once
the present restrictions are lifted
Beavers aged 5½ - 8 years 07889431085
Cubs 8-10 years 07921197769
Scouts 10-14 years 07832355094
20Wirral joins Merseyside message to stand strong on stay at home guidance
Local authorities in Merseyside are calling for members of the public to remain vigilant and
continue to stay home as much as possible, in light of national changes to the UK’s Corona-
virus response.
The move comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an easing of the UK lock-
down, due to the nation’s ‘R value’ (the reproductive number or rate of infection of the
virus) dropping below one transmission per COVID-19 case.
According to data gathered by Merseyside Resilience Forum’s (MRF) Intelligence cell, this is
not the case for the Merseyside region which has a significantly higher death rate than Eng-
land and the rest of the North West.
Serena Kennedy, Chair of Merseyside Resilience Forum, said: “Local authorities across the
MRF are united in this call for the public and partners to continue to follow the stay at
home guidance, as much as is possible.
“While infections and deaths are reducing, it appears that we are not coming down the
other side of the epidemic curve as fast as other areas and regions.
“Easing of lockdown does not mean that we are through the worst of this and as ever, the
health and safety of our communities comes first.
“Right now, we need to do more than stay alert, we must all continue to stay at home
where possible and do our bit to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, together.”
The latest Government guidance states that everyone must:
• Stay at home as much as possible
• Work from home if you can
• Limit contact with other people
• Keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• Wash your hands regularly
Self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
Cllr Pat Hackett, Leader of Wirral Council said: “I am urging all Wirral residents to continue
to follow the national guidance and stay at home wherever possible.
“Some people may interpret the relaxing of measures to mean things are going back to
normal.
In the ‘new normal’, we must continue to stay at home as much as possible, to keep our
distance from others when out and about and, if we show any symptoms of Coronavirus,
we must self-isolate.
I’d like to thank all of you for your continued efforts to reduce the spread of the virus,
which I know have come at great physical, emotional and financial cost for many. We must
continue to stay strong with these measures to ensure that our most vulnerable are pro-
tected.”
The latest guidance is available at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus.
21These facilities are not currently A date for your diary.
available but will reopen as soon as On the 1st August this year we will
possible be celebrating our 50th Wedding An-
niversary. We would like our friends
from the Parish to help us celebrate
Hire of Church Centre by sharing a glass of fizz and a piece
St Mary’s Church Centre,
Eastham Rake of cake after the morning service on
with a beautiful new kitchen, Sunday 2nd August before we whisk
is available for hire. ourselves away to Pembrokeshire.
It’s ideal for birthdays and special events
Phone Jean for further details Ray and Valmai Bonnard.
327 3317
Hanging Baskets
The EVPA plan to double the number of
hanging baskets this year.
This will necessitate an increase of
“waterers”, to look after the displays.
Thank you to those who have volunteered
St Peter’s Chapel
Brookhurst Close DAVID COLENSO
Bromborough, CH63 0LF
An ideal venue for children’s parties,
family gatherings, and other PP3 battery recycling
meetings
If you are recycling PP3 batteries please
be aware that because the terminals are
For more information ring Sandra
very close together they can end up
Wellings on 07889 431085
becoming connected in a recycling box
leading to a fire. Please cover the termi-
nals to prevent this
22Eastham
DELAMERE CENTRE
Delamere Avenue, CH62 9ED
Tuesdays
9:30am 11.30am 5:30pm 7:30pm
For more details contact Sharon
on 07415 889413
ASTRA PROPERTY CARE LTD
Building & Preservation Specialists
Trading Standards Multiple winners
for Customer Service
Extensions, Loft Conversions, Kitchens,
Bathrooms, Renovations, Alterations,
Damp and Timber Specialists
Insurance Backed Guarantees
Tel 0151 327 4871 Mobile 07876 696337
Email info@astra-property-care.com
Sandra
Mobile Hairdresser Michelle’s
Ladies hairdresser with over 30 years Little Cleaning Services
experience.
Fully qualified in all aspects of hair- Local and friendly cleaner with over 25
dressing. years of experience in domestic duties
Specialising in senior citizens. £12 per hour
Competitive rates. Regular and one-off cleans
Reliable and friendly service. 07597 708975
Covering Eastham, Bromborough & 0151 327 1623
Bebington.
Telephone: 0151 328 1204 References & recommendations on request
Hard working, trustworthy & honest
Mobile 07850 269 069
23Dudley’s Chemist Hair Flair
1149 New Chester Road, 43 Eastham Village Road, Eastham
Telephone 0151-327-1610
Eastham
Telephone 0151-327-1586
Braecroft Landscapes
All kinds of tree work and hedges
Come & Join Rooters Folk Band
expertly cut and felled, also
On Thursdays at Eastham Rake fencing, flagging, block paving
or 1 to 1 tuition for piano, and much more.
clarinet, flute or sax. Logs for sale.
Also group keyboard lesson
Fully qualified and insured.
available in our keyboard suite braecroftlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk
Tel. Robert on
Contact Lesley-Ann on 07962 012331 0151-328-1277
0151-512-5007 / 07906405882
www.wirralpianotutors.com
Mobile Podiatry
Chiropody Treatment
Wendy Bowers
D.Pod.M MChS
HCPC Registered
Telephone: 0151-608-0115
Or 07846 058948
The acceptance of advertisements in this magazine DOES NOT imply endorsement
Parish Magazine
Please note that the cut off date for articles for the magazine
is always the 15th of the month.
Always happy to receive articles but there are editorial constraints.
Please email to stmaryseasthammag@gmail.com
or give to Sue Abraham or Philip Mayles(450 words max please)
24Mini Millfields
offers part time funded places
for 2 and 3 year olds in the morning
Monday to Friday, during term time only
Sessions run from 9.00am to 12.00pm
Learn, laugh
and play at Please contact our school office
Mini Millfields for more information;
Mini Millfields
Millfields C.E. Primary School
Willington Avenue, Eastham
CH62 9EB
Tel: 0151 327 1722
Email school:
office@millfields.wirral.sch.uk
Daisychain Childcare,
Eastham
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Counselling and support tailored
Before and after school
to suit your unique needs in
comfortable professional full and part time places available.
surroundings
All enquiries welcome.
07486 922470
Please contact Steph
www.footprintswirralcounselling.co.uk
0151-327-4086
07446 940607
If you would like to place an
advertisement in our magazine
please ring Sue Pridding for
details 327 5277
25Meet Lewis! Many of you already have as you stop outside the Hooton each day in the Village. Lewis took over at the Hooton Arms about six months ago (you may recognise him from the Montgomery) but, like all of us, this virus took him by surprise as well. But, each day, he receives deliveries from our nearest social supermarket, the Port Social Supermarket based in the centre of Ellesmere Port. They receive unwanted food etc from the local supermarkets, M and S, COSTCO and other places. Each day people come past (as I do) and pick up things they want or need and make a donation to the project. Each day I have arranged, through Jean Cullen and her volunteers, that all that is left over goes straight to the Ark in Birkenhead. Thank you if you have been doing that. Nothing is wasted. Lewis also makes wonderful take-aways of chip butties and bacon sarnies for £2! Please support this if you can, the fresh veg is wonderful and there are some good bargains to be had for a very worthy cause. I know there are other places doing this so thank you all. Community again is thriv- ing here. This one though is right in the centre of the Village! Thanks Lewis. Vicar Beth
WHO'S WHO
Vicar: The Revd Beth Glover beth.stmarys@gmail.com
The Vicarage, 29 Ferry Road, Eastham 327-2182
Curate: The Revd Mark Turner
Lay Ministers: David Colenso (Emeritus) 327-3546
Ray Bonnard 327-4609, Anne York (Emeritus) 334-1996,
Andrew Bradley-Gibbons 328-0685
Pastoral Workers: Simone Llewellyn 327-8631, Dot Christiansen 327-5322
Churchwardens: Sue Abraham 334-9216, Marilyn Gardner 327-1732
Parish Manager: George Wynne 327-3737
Church Treasurer: Irene Jones 327-6741
Church Organist: Malcolm Perry 334-1807
Choir: Gail Davies 348 1032, Gerry Warr 334 1162
Sacristan: Russ Boyes 513-3259
PCC Secretary: Sue Abraham 334-9216
Baptisms: Nickie (0151 200 0636) ‐ evenings
Electoral Roll: Gordon Glover 327-2182
Flowers: Chris Gardner 327-3767
Church Bookings: Church Centre, Jean Cullen 327-3317
St. Peter's, Sandra Wellings 07889 431085
Bellringers: Dave Hocker 07970528956
Disability Officer: Barbara Chambers 334-9329
Planned Giving Gift Aid : Diane Casewell 923-4113
Missionary Secretary: Anne York 334‐1996
Requests for Prayers: Lynn Matthews 327-1548, Simone Llewellyn 327-8631
Parish Safeguarding Coordinator: Emma Davies 07835 504676
Parish Magazine Editor: Philip Mayles 327-7196 stmaryseasthammag@gmail.com
Magazine Treasurer-Adverts-Distribution: Sue Pridding 327-5277
Magazine Postal Requests: Joan Hignett 327-1309
www.stmaryseastham.uk
www.facebook.com/StMarysEastham
Printed by Parish Magazine Printing EX22 6TD 01288 341617
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