1

St. Nicholas’ Church News Belonging – Believing - Becoming

February 2020

50p

Registered Charity Number 1158819 www.stnicholaschurchblundellsands.org

2

WHO’S WHO IN ST. NICHOLAS’ CHURCH?

Self-Supporting Ministry Curate Rev’d Keith Thornborough keith174@aol.com

281 4459

Church Warden Church Warden

Derek Parkinson derekp99@gmail.com Lesley Utley lesleyutley2@gmail.com

924 9031 931 1813

Deputy Church Wardens Glenda Cain Caroline Hailwood Stephen Bailey Stephen Green Stephen Chantler

474 0189 924 1714 924 4416 476 9885 286 0083

Musical Director Adult Church Choir

Mr Michael Foy michaelgfoy@yahoo.com

281 2541

Youth Church Choir Welfare

Barbara Qualtrough barb.qualtrough@gmail.com

932 9946

St. Nicholas’ Singers (Community Choir)

Michael Foy stnicholassingers@outlook.com

281 2541

PCC Secretary Gill Enstone gillenstone@hotmail.co.uk

PCC Treasurer Liz Sinker alsinker@hotmail.com

476 4211 07796 628901

Verger Helen Pennington nellieschildcare@gmail.com

07963 000053

Gift Aid Administrators and Stewardship Recorders

Angela and John Rankin jmal4@aol.com

474 5967

Safeguarding Officer Liz Sinker alsinker@hotmail.com

476 4211 07796628901

DBS Verifier Peter Warren peterwarren@blueyonder.co.uk

474 0194

Parish Administrator - General Administration

Diane Turner (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) stnicspa@gmail.com

352 8893

Parish Assistant Nicola Jeens (Wednesday) stnicspa@gmail.com

352 8893

St. Nicholas’ School Head

Rebekah Woods www.st.nicholasprimary.org

924 1204

Website Administrator www.stnicholasblundellsands.org FaceBook Administrator

Joyce Batey joycebatey1@btinternet.com

929 3031

Heritage Tours Organiser (group bookings)

Lynne Godfrey lgodfrey@virginmedia.com

474 0194

3

VIEWPOINT – Warden’s Wisdom!

We’re now four months into the interregnum (the time between Janet retiring from her role as our vicar at St Nicholas’ and the arrival of a new vicar). As churchwardens Derek and I have done our best to carry out our duties, keeping things ticking over. The prospect of shouldering this responsibility when first, Ravi moved on, and then Janet left too, was daunting; in reality we have been supported every step of the way by the team of clergy and lay readers, the PCC, the deputy wardens, sidespeople, our parish assistants, media folk and so many members of the congregation, all with great advice, cheerfulness and good humour. Many people have taken on extra responsibilities so that we could continue ‘business as usual’.

As I write this in the month of January I’m reminded that Janus, the Roman god after whom the month is named, is usually depicted as having two faces, since he looks to the future and to the past.

Looking backwards to 2019, in December we actually held 21 services! In addition to the usual ones, we had the Toy Service, Toddler Church Nativity, the Community Carol Service, St Nicholas’ School Service, Carols by Candlelight, two Christingle services, a Midnight Eucharist, Church@School and Sanctuary at Seven. We also had our annual ‘Taste of Christmas Festive Tea’! Phew!

At each service people gave generously of their time and energy, opening the doors wide and welcoming familiar faces and newcomers alike.

The preparation and organisation involved was tremendous – we made 400 Christingles and 180 turkey butties; we decorated the church with twinkling lights, flowers and candles; we welcomed Bishop Bev Mason, collected toys and gifts for the children of Sefton, donated food to the local Foodbank, cooked lunch for the Wednesday Communion folk, linked with St Helen’s RC Church in planning their first Christingle service, mucked in at the Kindhearts Café, held parties for The Bridge Youth Group, Juice and 3F4U, served mulled wine and mince pies, counted all the coppers, sang carols, worshipped and prayed, were uplifted by amazing music, laughed uproariously, and comforted each other at times of poignancy and sadness.

We’re now in February and all those festivities are a distant memory. We look to the future with the prospect of new beginnings and change. Can we maintain that momentum as we approach Lent at the end of the month? It’s a very different period of preparation before the joyfulness of Easter. But I’m positive that the people of St Nicholas’ definitely can. With that strength and energy, augmented by prayer, we can look outside our church, beautiful as it is, and make a real

4

impact in the community, at home, in the neighbourhood, on the prom, at work, while shopping, on the school run, walking the dog, in the doctor’s surgery and at the gym.

Bishop Paul, who officiated at Janet’s leaving service, has some real challenges for us. Our diocese is committed to being a Bigger Church making a Bigger Difference. “Do Ten Things” is an encouragement for every member of every worshipping community in the diocese to show the difference being a Christian makes. Those ten things are part of our outward journey on the Bishop’s Rule of Life where we are called to serve. You don’t have to be following the Bishop’s Rule of Life to do ten things (but we hope you do). And there isn’t a fixed list you have to follow. Your ten things are up to you. If you choose your own then you are more likely to succeed in doing them. You don’t have to do all those ten things in one go and your ten things don’t have to be new ones. Your ten things are a way for you to show others how your faith makes a bigger difference. Here are a few ideas to start you off - how about putting one item in the Foodbank box at the back of church each time you come to church? You could look out for the date of the next beach clean-up on our stunning coastline and go along. There’s the safe subject of our British weather – make a comment about it to a complete stranger and brighten up their day! Why not be courteous on the road and stop to let a driver from a side road join the traffic? Or let the person behind you in the queue go before you, if they only have a pint of milk! There are so many small steps we can take to make a big difference - let’s all be part of it. With every blessing

Lesley Utley

P.S. Check out www.liverpool.anglican.org/RuleOfLife

5

FEBRUARY SERVICES

Sunday 2nd February

8.30am 10.30am

Eucharist Eucharist

Wednesday 5th February

10.15am Eucharist in the church hall

Wednesday 5th February

7.00pm Sanctuary at Seven

Thursday 6th February

9.00am Morning Prayer

Sunday 9th February

8.30am 10.30am 5.00pm

Eucharist Eucharist (followed by bring and share lunch to meet Stephen Hatch –CMS Link Partner) Toddler Church

Wednesday 12th February

10.15am 6.00pm

Eucharist in the church hall Church@School

Thursday 13th February

9.00am Morning Prayer

Sunday 16th February

8.30am 10.30am

Eucharist All Age Parade & Service

Wednesday 19th February

10.15am Eucharist in the church hall

Thursday 20th February

9.00am Morning prayer

Sunday 23rd February

8.30am 10.30am

Eucharist Eucharist

Wednesday 26th February

10.15am Eucharist in the church hall

Thursday 27th February

9.00am Morning prayer

6

LOOKING BACK - WE HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME! (and Advent too!)

Lesley has mentioned all the services in her letter, but just to say ‘Thank you’ to all those who contributed to Christmas in any way: The Church decorations, lights, candles, flowers, tree, crib, ensured we had a decorated tree in each of our halls, cleaning, our Christingle makers, those who read at our carol services, our ‘meeters and greeters’, our tea makers, mulled wine makers and those who made extra refreshments…… ..…to those who led our worship, the Church Choir and St. Nicholas’ Singers (our Community Choir) and our Musical Director Mike Foy; those who tidied everything away again and those who washed and returned all the extra tea towels! Our Church and halls looked wonderful and we have had so much positive feedback from our congregation and visitors too, so a great big THANK YOU to all. A Christmas Gift We have had a wonderful response to ‘A Christmas Gift’! With gift aid over £1000 has been raised for much needed Church funds. Thank you so much! A Taste of Christmas Festive Afternoon Tea - a sell out and a great fun afternoon of eating, singing and company. Thank you to all who helped in any way from the Shared Ministry Team and others, and thank you to those who came along. Whilst the focus of this event is social, we raised nearly £400 for Church funds in the process, so thank you!

Keith Thornborough

“THE KINDHEARTS CAFE”: Fancy a cuppa, food and a chat? Every

Thursday 11.30am - 1.30pm located in the small hall in church. Tea, coffee,

homemade soup, hot meals, cakes and fruit are served. Please pop in for a

chat in a friendly environment. Thank you Rose, Liz and their helpers

7

WHAT’S ON IN THE WEEK AT ST. NICHOLAS’ CHURCH?

REGULAR CHURCH GROUPS + UNIFORMED GROUPS

DAY/TIME GROUP CONTACT SUNDAYS 10.30am

Junior Sparks Sparks Plus

Margaret Bird

Sundays (fortnightly in term time) at 7.00pm 2nd Feb, 16th Feb

Bridge Youth Group - church hall

Nicola Wilson - 0151 286 7911 tantor@blueyonder.co.uk

Mondays – weekly at 2.00pm

Card making class - council chamber

Jan Warren - 924 1287 Peterwarren@blueyonder.co.uk

Tuesdays (alternate weeks during term time) at 3.15pm

3F4U – (Fun, Friendship and Faith) in church

Julie Dray 924 4073 juliedray1937@gmail.com

Tuesdays - 6.00pm 6.00pm 7.30pm

Rainbows Brownies Guides

Liz Sinker – 476 4211 / 07796 628901 Gemma Silcock-Stevenson 8thcrosbybrownies@gmail.com Lindsay Martin - 07534 958925 Lindsaymartin170410@yahoo.com

Wednesday weekly at 1.00 -3.00pm

JUICE (Join Us in Christ’s Environment) in church hall

Helen Pennington - 07963 000053 nellieschildcare@gmail.com

Wednesday weekly at 7.30pm

St. Nicholas’ Singers - community choir - in church hall

Mike Foy - 281 2541 stnicholassingers@outlook.com

Thursdays 11.30am – 1.30pm

Kind Hearts Cafe Rose and Liz

Thursdays (term time) at

Beaver Scouts Cub Scouts

Andy Davidson - 07900 582094 apptscrosby@sky.com

Saturdays – some Saturdays and on festive occasions

Flower Team Laura Gear - 07748 597571

Saturdays once a calendar month 9.00am – 12noon

Men’s Working Party

Stephen Green - 924 4416 Stephen Bailey - 476 9885

8

HERITAGE OPENING: Our Heritage Volunteers are

taking a well-earned break during January and

February, but they will be re-opening for tours at the

beginning of March on:

Tuesdays from 10.00 am - 12 noon

Thursdays from 2.00pm – 4.00 pm.

Individual tours are available and group visits

welcome by pre-arrangement. Email:

stnicholasblundellsands@outlook.com

Our CMS Link Partner, Stephen Hatch, will be coming to speak to us at our 8.30am and 10.30am services on 9th February. He will also be visiting school on Monday 10th. Stephen Hatch’s role is working as a maths teacher and head of the science department, supporting the headmaster and chaplain at St. John’s Seminary, Kilimatinde, Tanzania.

We plan to have a ‘bring and share’ lunch after the 10.30am on the 9th February, where we will have the opportunity to talk with Stephen some more. Please add your name(s) to the list at the

back of the Church if you wish to join us for lunch.

Our former CMS Link Partner, Ruth Hulser who was working in Tanzania, has now returned to Europe to be near to her elderly parents. Ruth has sent a lovely newsletter to us and this can be downloaded from our church’s website: https://stnicholasblundellsands.org/mission-and-outreach

FEBRUARY’S TEA ROTA:

2nd February - Carl and Sam Rooney

9th February - Laura Gear and Helen Pennington

16th February - Rhian Kilpatrick and Liz Jenkins

23rd February - Stephen and Rose Green

9

THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR THIS MONTH

Hello everybody, this year seems to be flying by, it is Saturday 18th January already. Today has been bright and sunny with blustery winds and very icy underfoot. I was very thankful for my walking stick, but most of all for Brian to hold my hand and help and support me as I unsteadily made my way along the pavements and car parks and over the inside floors of the various shops we have been into today. When I was young and well, I could stride out confidently hustling and bustling here, there and everywhere, toting shopping bags children, pushchairs and prams, hopping on and off buses and trains, secure in the knowledge that I would be able to do all these things, without thinking twice about it! It is easy to take life, people and situations for granted. I am more aware of how people are walking with the assistance of a stick or Zimmer frame or even another person, often sharing a smile or chuckle as we juggle our way round one each other. It is the beginning of a new decade with many changes happening, here in our church, politically generally in our world, especially thinking of Australia and the appalling bush fires, the loss of people, animals and homes etc. There are many people grieving the loss of loved ones over the Christmas period, feeling very sad, and perhaps lonely and isolated, unable to cope with their grief. Also those who are ill, perhaps suffering from depression, living alone or homeless, with no one to love or care for them. So in the midst of many resolutions you may have made perhaps run, walk, or swim more, join a gym, give up chocolate for a month, paint the house from top to bottom, clear all the clutter from your life etc, will you make one more resolution to be more aware of those living around you, have seeing eyes and listening ears, offer a helping hand if you can, a smile or a cheery word? They cost nothing and could possibly make a difference is someone’s life. Ending on a cheerful note, on the 3rd January, one of my Goddaughter’s, Kirsty Kenny, gave birth to Genevieve Pauline. May she bring much joy to Kirsty and

10

Ryan and all the Ligertwood and Kenny families. We welcome her to our Christian family here at St. Nicholas’. Use your voice with kindness, your ears with compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth and your heart for love. So, until next month, smile at a stranger, continue to support the food banks, start a new hobby, hug your loved ones, and always be thankful for all that you have. God Bless

Shirley Fairclough

UPDATE on MAGAZINE EDITORS:

Phil Pellow, who had edited the magazine on alternate months, since January 2019 has now resigned from the beginning of this year. We would like to thank him for his hard work and contributions during this time. It is with great sadness that we learnt that our other editor during 2019, Micaela McLaughlin, passed away in the middle of January, after a long illness. Our heartfelt condolences go to Neil, their daughter Faye and to other members of the family. St. Nicholas’ church is truly grateful for the contribution and time Micaela spent on editing our magazine.

OUR LOCAL FOODBANK - Can you help please?

Please could you help by making regular donations, particularly UHT milk,

tinned vegetables, tomatoes and potatoes? Please place them in box at

back of church. No more baked beans and soup – the mountain is still

growing!

Thank you Margaret Bird (Crosby Foodbank is part of The Trussel Trust - Reg.

Charity No: 1110522)

11

FINDING A NEW VICAR - Where are we up to?

The process for finding our new vicar continues and by the time this

magazine is printed the position should have gone to advert.

Two Parish Representatives, Peter Batey and Lesley Utley, were elected

by secret ballot of the PCC at the Section 11 meeting. They will sit on the

short listing panel as well as the interview panel.

The Role Description and Person Specification were prepared by the

Diocese. Peter Batey and Gill Enstone prepared and submitted the final

version of the Parish Profile to the Diocese by the required date of 9th

January. We owe a huge vote of thanks to them both for the many hours

they have spent in writing the profile and including sections prepared by

others, such as the section on the school and the music.

The advert for the position was being emailed to all clergy in the Diocese

on 14th January, and again the following week and added to the

Diocesan web site.

Just to remind you that once the position has been advertised, we may

see potential applicants visiting the church, particularly at our services.

Please remember always to show a smile of welcome to all newcomers,

as a member of the clergy may come ‘incognito’! Closing date for

applications is early February, with short listing soon after and planning

for interviews late February or early March. The panel members’ diaries

are being well thumbed or tapped, looking for a universally acceptable

date.

Watch this space in March for more news!

Please continue to pray for all those who are involved in running the

parish during the interregnum, particularly our hard working clergy, and

for those involved in the process to find our new vicar.

May God bless you all,

Derek Parkinson

12

WHANGAREI 2019

BARBARA’S ADVENTURE IN NEW ZEALAND

On 6th November 2019 I arrived in New Zealand after a two day journey by plane.

I was met at the airport in Auckland by my friend, Janet. We became penfriends in 1966 through school and have kept in touch ever since. It’s the first time that I have been over to New Zealand and this was a holiday of a lifetime for me. I was really excited and looking forward to learning about the country.

My first impressions were that New Zealand is much like the UK, but is much cleaner. We drove for two hours to Janet’s home which is in Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. I

began my visit by unpacking and relaxing after the long flight.

The next day Janet took me around Whangarei which is a very pretty and picturesque place. We went to Mount Parihaka, an old eroded bush clad volcanic cone and at 241 metres high it is visible and recognisable from many places in the city. It is a former hill fort site and is one of the most significant mountains for Māori in Northland.

The summit of Mount Parihaka is a popular destination for its panoramic views over the city and the harbour. The viewing platform is next to a memorial to commemorate

those lost in the two world wars. It was really beautiful.

On Saturday we went to a barbecue, which was great. Most New Zealanders cook on the barbecue which makes the food taste so much better. After looking around the host’s garden, we joined my friend’s walking group on a local walk by the Hatea River. Along the way we saw some memorabilia relating to the Maori people and their way of life.

Another trip was to Whangarei Heads further up the coast and on to Urquhart Bay. It was a really hot day with temperatures of 26 degrees! From there we could see over to Whangarei. At Oceans Bay I paddled in the Pacific, a fabulous experience which I’ll never forget.

We booked a trip to Bay of Islands and sailed through “The Hole in the Rock”

where we went orca and dolphin watching. Orcas, also known as killer whales

13

(an unfortunate title!), are actually members of the dolphin family. Orca

will eat more than just fish – sharks, rays, squid, birds and turtles are also

on the menu. I saw just the tail of an orca which was quite a rare sight as you

don’t often get to see orcas. It was amazing!

We also went to Ruakaka Bay with its beautiful clean white sand as far as the eye can see; we watched the surfers riding the waves. It was only 24 degrees that day!

In the final week we joined the walking group again and paid a visit to Quarry Gardens, located as the name would suggest in a disused quarry. The gardens are the result of a community garden project and were created by volunteers in the forested western hills of Whangarei City. With the ongoing support of Whangarei District Council, Community Employment Groups and many loyal sponsors and friends, the once dilapidated quarry site has become a subtropical oasis for all to enjoy. I thought it was absolutely stunning.

In New Zealand, and particularly in Whangarei, everybody goes around the house barefoot, and in the summer the children even walk to school without shoes. Some people walk around the city centre barefoot too!

I am hoping to make an album of some of the photos I took during my trip and will leave it at the back of church in a few weeks for you all to browse through.

On reflection, I found that New Zealand is a most fantastic country and my visit was an experience I will never forget. I especially loved the cleanliness and spaciousness, and the whole way of life. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to take this trip and see the sights for myself.

Barbara Qualtrough

PARISH GIVING SCHEME: The good news is that everyone benefits!

If you would like to take part in the St. Nicholas’ Parish Giving Scheme, for regular giving, please see full details of the benefits at www.liverpoolanglican.org or talk to John and Angela Rankin

14

MUSIC IN FEBRUARY

Before After

2nd February Rondeau Mouret

Tuba Tune Lang

9th February Trumpet Voluntary Clarke

Trumpet Voluntary Johnson

23rd February Hornpipe Handel

Tuba Tune Cocker

Spare a thought for the poor organist!

Musicians play their own instrument; they rehearse on it and take it with them to concerts. They are familiar with every nuance and every foible. There’s a comfort to be had with this situation; a performer should feel comfortable with and confident in their instrumental resource. The poor organist does is in a different situation. Most of us have to travel to church to practice, and every organ is different; the number of keyboards it possesses, the layout of the pedalboard, the layout of, and different stops included on each instrument, the acoustic of the building, etc etc. One of the most confusing things to learn is the names of all of the stops and what they sound like. All of this month’s organ music makes use of a reed solo stop, trumpet, tuba, and horn. This is straight forward at St Nicholas’ as we have these three stops on our instrument. However, on another instrument the organist might have to find a suitable alternative. Here are some other reed possibilities: Bombarde – a powerful solo reed of 8’ foot pitch. Clarion – usually of 4’ pitch and used a part of a chorus. Cornopean – similar to a trumpet, usually of 8’ pitch and on the swell manual. Cromorne – 8’ Fagotto – similar to a bassoon and usually 16’ in pitch Hautbois – similar to an oboe and usually 8 in pitch Ophcleide – often on the pedals 16’ or 32’ pitch Trombone or Posaune – powerful reed stop usually on the pedal division and 16’ Trumpet – Does what it says! Usually 8’ pitch Trumpet en Chemade – Trumpet Militaire – penetrating and loud version of the trumpet Tuba – smooth powerful reed of 8’ pitch 8’ is standard pitch, much like the piano. If a stop is 4’ if means that it will sound one octave higher, 2’ would be two octaves higher. So, if you play middle C on a 2’ stop it will sound like the C two octaves higher. 16’ would be an octave lower and 32’ would be two octaves lower. Confused? Let’s not get started on stops which are 2 2/3 or 1 3/5 or ‘mixtures’!

Einstein played the violin with some enthusiasm. He once played for Gregor Piatigorsky, the distinguished cellist, and he asked him: ‘How well did I play?’ Piatigorsky replied: ‘You played relatively well.’

15

COMMUNITY HALL USER GROUPS & CONTACTS

DAY/TIME GROUP CONTACT Mondays 10.00am – 12noon

NCT Playgroup Elisa Congdon - 07784 546507

Mondays 6.00 -8.00pm

WeightWatchers: Martin Colby - 07401 103230

Mondays 5.00pm – 9.00pm

Crosby Dance

Tuesdays 9.00am – 2.00pm

Baby Sensory Katie-Rose Vickers 07414 673251 liverpool@babysensory.co.uk

Wednesdays Greek School: Demetra Gavriel 07805 972846

Wednesdays WEA French Paul Thompson pauleverley@btinternet.com

Wednesdays 1.00 – 4.00pm

Crosby Dance

Thursdays 10.00am-12 noon

Caterpillar Music: Emma Gerrard - 07884 073049 emma.gerrard@caterpillarmusic.com

Fridays 9.00 – 12 noon

Friday Fun Tots Playgroup:

Jenny Campbell - 07815947950

Fridays Dog Training Fridays Constituency

Surgeries Cllr Diane Roscoe - 07557 649055

Every weekday in term time

JETS - After School Club

Penny - 07950 393307

Saturdays 9.00am -12 noon

Baby Ballet Jennifer Berrett - 07980521267

Saturdays 11.00am – 5.00pm

Crosby Dance

Saturday 9am-12 noon

Baby Ballet: 07980 521267 southport@babyballet.co.uk

Saturday 1.00pm – 2.00pm

Apple of my Eye Children’s Cookery

Michaela Wright - 07984 153798

ANY NEWS? Articles can be posted to the editor at the address below, emailed to: joycebatey1@btinternet.com or posted into the box at the back of church. Please note –

deadline for articles is the 3rd Sunday of the month preceding publication. February’s Editor: Joyce Batey

16

HALLS FOR HIRE

Contact: Liz Sinker, Hall Bookings Administrator

0151 476 4211 or 07796628901

Main hall: This hall seats over 100 people and includes stage area

Small Hall: Seats up to 40 people

PHOTOGRAPHY & TRAINING Local photographer available for:

Weddings Newborn and family portraits

Events Studio and location photography

onf@neilmclaughlin.co.uk neilmclaughlin.co.uk

Slimming World

Here at St. Nicholas’ Primary school Nicholas Road, Blundellsands

Every Saturday at 8.30am And 10.30am

Do you want to lose weight without ever feeling hungry?

Join us for a cuppa and find out how For more details:

Phone Vicki on 07909 614123

Crosby Tool Hire

For all your equipment needs

Sales, service, repair & hire of

all tools & gardening

Equipment

Floor sanders & carpet cleaners

Weekend deals!

We stock and deliver all sizes of

Calor gas

0151 281 9832

Kynaston – Electrical

151 Liverpool Road Crosby

Tel: 928 6721/1469

Electrical repairs and

Rewiring – free estimates NIC – EIC registered

McCallum & Tritton Funeral Directors

46 Mersey View, Waterloo L22 6QB

Tel: 0151 931 2002

Cohen’s Chemist Providing all your cosmetic

Requirements

17 Bridge Road

Blundellsands

17