ST MARY’S and

EASTHAM COMMUNITY

July/August 2020

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Eastham is one of Wirral’s oldest villages, and is now a Conservation Area. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, its medieval street pattern evolved around the village church of St Mary’s, which was established in 1152.

The village is closely associated with Eastham Ferry and the adjacent Pleasure Gardens that became established in the mid-19th century. These boasted a zoo with over 100 animal cages and various hair-raising fairground rides.

In 1884 the famous tightrope walker, Blondin, thrilled the crowds that flocked from the smoky, confined streets of Liverpool to the green fields and bluebell woods of Eastham to see him perform.

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At one time the village streets rattled and rang to the cheerful sounds of some forty stage-coaches a day, as they passed through the village on their way to Chester, North Wales and the Midlands. Both goods and Liverpool businessmen crossed the Mersey on the ‘Eastham Packet’ which was established as early as 1358. The first paddle steamer, the ‘Princess Charlotte’, crossed the river to Eastham in 1816,; she was the first of some twenty-nine paddle steamers on this route. As road traffic increased with the advent of motor vehicles, the village was by-passed in 1922 by the current New Chester Road and some peace returned to the old village. So what else does Eastham have to offer? At the northern entrance to the Village is Anselmians Rugby Club, a community-based ama-teur sports club delivering inclusive rugby and social facilities for over 500 local players and volunteers of all ages from six to senior men and women. Torr Park houses Council tennis courts and excellent children’s play facilities and an out-door gym…work out for free! Eastham Golf Club is located in Ferry Road where visiting golfers can expect a warm wel-come. The clubhouse serves excellent food and is open to everyone, COVID permitting! The ancient village church of St Mary is built from the local sandstone. Then there are the pubs, two at Eastham Ferry including the Eastham Ferry Hotel built by the Stanley family in 1843 and The Tap, one of Wirral’s oldest Inns and formerly the boat house for the old Ferry. In the village itself is the cosy Hooton Arms (Lewis is our landlord), once the home of the village schoolmaster, and The Montgomery previously called the Stanley Arms and now a gastropub doing fab takeaway roasts. On its front wall you will see the famous Stag’s Head crest of the Stanley family. This stone carving was once located above the entrance to the now demolished Hooton Hall. There are two well patronised cafes at Eastham Ferry. The Old Ticket Office offers a wide range of snacks and ice creams, open throughout COVID and the Mimosa tearooms just now re-opening. The Village Newsagents in the centre of the village sells newspapers and a wide range of sweets, wine and tobacco. Next door is the Village Deli selling sandwiches and take away food and drinks. At the northern end of the village, opposite the old rugby club, there is also a newsagent, a fast food take-away, all well worth a visit. The well attended St Mary’s Church offers a friendly welcome to its various services. You will be warmly welcomed when you visit. (Visit our webpage www.stmaryseastham.uk and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/StMarysEastham). The churchyard is home to one of the oldest trees in the UK - a yew that was a sapling when the Roman legions were leaving Chester and the oldest headstone in the churchyard is dated 1632! The former Eastham Pleasure Gardens, with its zoo and fairground, was once a major desti-nation for day trippers who arrived by paddle steamer from Liverpool. It is now a peaceful country park. As you stroll through its quiet glades and bluebell woodland you will feel the history of this special place. The remains of the old pier that in 1884 accommodated 100,000 visitors over two weeks, when Blondin was performing, now provides a perfect viewing platform to watch the ships on their way to the Manchester Ship Canal. Come and walk through our Village! Beth

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July-August 2020

Dear all,

As you read this…the Lockdown continues to be eased, but I think, for so many of us, what I am calling ‘COVID fatigue’ has now set in.

Many of us are weary and confused, fearful of a second wave, untrusting of anything we are told, except perhaps our own common sense,

This week all non-essential shops are opening, planes are just beginning to take off and I am longing to go out and have a meal put in front of me!

Places of worship can now open so read on further about how we are going to do it at St Mary’s!

I am hoping that we can be open from 11.00 am till 2.00 pm Fridays, Satur-days and Sundays.

We truly do need, safely, to be open, for people to see and be in our an-cient, sacred space which has seen so much in its time.

During this last three months, COVID time, I think I have been up and down every road and hill and path in this lovely place called Eastham and all I am met with is smiles and waves and kisses blown at a safe distance as I deliver or pick up.

The church, now, feels a much deeper part of the community and my thanks to Jean Cullen and all her volunteers for all they do to keep the com-munity love flowing as well.

But our children? The opening of the schools is as confused as ever.

Please continue to pray for and support Millfields, Heygarth, and South Wir-ral at this time and for the Heads and Governing Bodies there.

Holidays seem such a long way away, don’t they - even coach trips and days out are not possible just yet.

So, to all of you, near and far this summer, keep smiling, keep loving.

Find time each day to play (or in my case to watch Judge Judy but shhh, don’t tell anyone!) and be thankful for every single blessing we have.

Beth xx

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WHAT HAPPENED TO ST MARY’S OVER THE LOCKDOWN?

As the Lockdown is eased, I thought I would like to share with you what has hap-pened to our church over the last three or four months.

Some people actually thought it had closed!

Something quite remarkable has happened instead.

St Mary’s moved …from its small black and white Chapel in the church grounds from 600AD to its Norman roots with the building of St Mary’s as we know it now, in 1152, through the Middle Ages, the Reformation, conflicts and wars and the two Great Wars of 1918 and 1939, through plagues and epidemics.

Through the inception of our wonderful, and rightfully applauded NHS, through the Beatles and digital transformation, to the Millennium, the 21st Century and beyond!

At the beginning of the new decade, wishing everyone a Happy New Year as the year changed to 2020, we had no idea what was to happen so very soon.

Neither did my brides and grooms and people grieving loved ones and babies wanting to be christened and placed into God’s hands of love.

As our church doors shut, the miracle began and the church, here, changed shape gathered energy and grew. And it took us all by surprise.

Mothering Sunday, Easter, Pentecost and the Ascension, all came and went.

We could just have played safe, said prayers and waited for the All Clear to be heard again but no..my younger people had other ideas and so did God!

First of all, we ramped up our Webpage and Facebook pages and they became full of life and love and a lifeline to so many….(my services in the garden got 3,000 hits).

Then we looked at services and they have all been live streamed or pre-recorded from Communion to Celtic reflections to quiet evening services..

The church family morphed from being part of the community, often loosely, to being part of a community family with the church within it.

We, like many others, discovered Zoom but we have upgraded to Pro Zoom.

We are having WiFi installed in the church and our own YouTube link so that mod-ern, vibrant services and worship can be resourced and accessed. People have sponsored all of this.

This will all be as well as the beautiful traditional services we already have.

We are planning services for young people and teenagers and still keeping our Little Gems and JAM Club of course.

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St Mary’s Parish Church Eastham Village The graveyard is now open to be explored!

If you enter the graveyard through the lychgate, you will see a box with some lami-

nated copies of a graveyard walk. David Allan, who compiles the wonderful

Eastham Archives leaflet, has put this together.

Please take one to walk around with and then leave it please for others.

I am hoping to have a Prayer Walk set up soon for people to reflect and meditate

for a little while.

Don’t forget, our church is now open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11.00

am to 2.00 pm every week as well if you want to pop in and say a prayer?

Each day there are prayers on our Facebook page and, each day, so many read and comment/’like’ them…so many of us all praying together in our own homes, part of the family of God at St Mary’s.

We have started Zoom bible and discussion times and are planning online re-sources and Zoom groups just for those interested in finding out a little more about God and what we believe from the safety (!) of your own space.

I will be able to share more in September.

But, for now…for all of our new church family who now join us from all over…

Welcome to our re-envisioned St Mary’s

and may we all grow together into what, I truly believe, will be creative and ex-citing and more hopeful times ahead.

Vicar Beth

PS. An anagram of Saint Mary(s) is ‘mainstay’ how wonderful.. because we strive to be that, but there may be others?

Please follow us on our Website www.stmaryseastham.uk

Facebook page www.facebook.com/StMarysEastham

Community Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/stmaryseastham

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EXPLORE OUR LOCAL WILD Wirral is blessed with lots of wildlife. Have you yet explored what is on your doorstep? All these places are open at all times except the last one.

Eastham Country Park, Eastham Ferry Road – you must know this one!

Situated on the Wirral bank of the River Mersey, this park provides breath-taking views across the estuary. It also supports an abundance of wildlife and contains some of the finest mature trees to be found on the Wirral.

But do explore away from the car park, especially the south end which often gets for-gotten. Can be muddy in wet weather! (parking free as I write, but check if and when the council re-imposes charges).

Lowfields Wood, Eastham Rake

Just opposite Eastham Rake station is a small ancient wood – look for the new gate. It is owned by the council, but neglected for years. A small voluntary group is doing ex-cellent work restoring it – look for the coppicing and `dead hedges’ of branches. Paths muddy in wet weather. If you would like to help when volunteering can re-start, contact me and I’ll put you in touch (info@wirralwildlife.org.uk 0151 327 5923)

Summer Holiday Fun for our younger ones !

This summer we cannot have our Holiday Club or Munch Clubs on Mondays and Thursdays.

Instead we will be having a collection of lunch bags, activity packs and other fab resources on those days....

I will let the schools know and it will be on FACEBOOK.

love Bethx

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Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve

Several access points, but the best wild flowers are found by going from Bromborough Rake Station across the railway on the old bridge. A footpath leads down and across the marsh to the grassland beyond. Other footpaths lead into the wood and along the valley. Steep slopes! From Spital Road car park there is a flat walk around the top of the valley, taking in Woodslee Pond. Linking the two halves is Otters Tunnel – but take your torch when going through there!

Wirral Way

The former railway line runs from Hooton to West Kirby. At Hooton the footpath starts down steps adjacent to the railway bridge on Hooton Road. At Willaston there is car park-ing on Hadlow Road next to the old station, lovingly restored by Cheshire West council and a band of volunteers. Access is flat from the car park onto the footpath – and nearly flat then for a mile back to Hooton or 11 miles to West Kirby. A surfaced path for those who do not like mud, plenty of trees and flowers and views out over farmland. Even a few benches for a rest!

Port Sunlight River Park, Dock Road North, CH62 4TQ

Port Sunlight River Park has been transformed from a closed landfill site to a 28-hectare park providing a popular community space with an array of walkways, wildlife, wildflowers and a wetlands area.

Steep climb up to the top for the best views (and a stiff breeze), but also a fairly flat walk round the south end, and a somewhat steeper one round the north end. Surfaced paths. Some of the best wild flower displays in Wirral.

And finally my pet…(because I have helped run it since its inception in 1993)

New Ferry Butterfly Park, off Bebington Road by Bebington Station, CH62 5BJ (next to the station carpark)

Open Sundays 1-4pm till 13th September. Small but feels bigger.

New Ferry Butterfly Park is an urban nature reserve that was developed on the former site of a railway goods yard, coal yard and water softening plant at Bebington and New Ferry Station.

Acidic grasslands developed on the coal dust areas. Calcareous grasslands developed from lime waste from a water softening plant; these provide species rich flora with plenty of nectar sources. On thin nutrient poor soils, which overlie old railway track beds, carpets of bird's-foot-trefoil dominate along with wild carrot & occasional bee orchids. On damper grasslands surrounding the lower pond, cowslip, lady’s smock & purple loosestrife occur.

26 species of butterfly have been recorded here with 17 species breeding on site. The park is rich in many other invertebrates with large populations of grasshoppers, bees and shield bugs.

We have opened up the Park with a one-way system, but I am afraid no pond dipping this summer – it requires close contact to stop anyone falling in!

These sites have webpages or Facebook pages for more information. Visit, look and listen!

Hilary Ash

(when not playing music for St David’s, I am Hon Conservation Officer for Wirral Wildlife, the Wirral Group of Cheshire Wildlife trust. www.wirralwildlfie.org.uk)

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Winnie-the-Pooh had wonderful things to say about love, acceptance, and being kind to others.

And who wouldn't like more of that, both at work and at home? I hope it never stops….

Here are some remarkably wise Winnie-the-Pooh quotes that are sure to inspire us all!

1. "If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you."

2. "Love is taking a few steps backward, maybe even more...to give way to the happiness of the person you love."

3. "Some people care too much. I think it's called love."

4. "It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like 'what about lunch?"

5. If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."

6. "I think we dream so we don't have to be apart for so long. If we're in each other's dreams, we can be together all the time."

7. "A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left in-side."

8. "Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known."

9. "One of the advantages of being disorganised is that one is always having surprising discoveries."

10. "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

11. "If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."

12. "You're braver than you believe and stronger and smarter than you think."

13. "You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."

14. "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine."

15. "A day spent with you is my favourite day. So today is my new favorite day."

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Faithful Departed

6th May John Keith Rogers 7th May Joan Edwards 15th May Julie Clyne 26th May Barbara Burkey Derek Charles Wakeham 28th May Irene Burns

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 something

in your gardens you can donate?

So we are going to have a pop up

Bring and Buy Plant Sale on;

Saturday 4th July at the Church Centre in Eastham Rake

at 10.00 am.

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)

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3rd July St Thomas the Apostle – confused and doubting

Thomas, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, was an impulsive, confused, honest sceptic. Jesus could understand and work with such a man. Thomas’ impulsiveness was evident when Jesus prepared to visit Lazarus in Bethany. It was a dangerous trip to make, because of the Jews, but Thomas urged his fellow disciples: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16) Instead, Jesus brought Lazarus back to life.

Thomas’ confusion is shown in later talks with Jesus. He was not really sure where Jesus was going long-term (John 14:5). But Jesus accepted this confused commitment, and be-gan to untangle it, patiently explaining: “I am going to my Father”, and “No one comes unto the Father but by me.”

Finally, Thomas’ honest scepticism is revealed after the Resurrection, which he flatly re-fused to believe - unless he could touch the wounds of the risen Jesus. Sure enough, Jesus appears - but instead of scolding him, shows him the wounds. Thomas responds: “My Lord and my God”(John 20.26ff).

Thus Doubting Thomas’ honest doubts, turned to honest faith, have become a reassurance for thousands of men and women across the centuries, who also want to follow Jesus, but who require some proof of this amazing event - the Resurrection. In Doubting Thomas’ complete affirmation of faith, after meeting the risen, crucified Christ, they can find sup-port for their own faith.

Ancient legends tell how Thomas went on to India as a missionary. There are rumours that Thomas even built a palace for a king’s daughter in India, and thus he is the patron saint of architects. It is believed that he was martyred by a spear on 3rd July, 72 AD in Mylapore, near Madras. 46 ancient churches in England were dedicated to him.

15th July St Swithun (or Swithin) - saint for a rainy day

St Swithun is apparently the saint you can blame for rainy summers. It is said that if it rains on his special day, 15th July, it will then rain for 40 days after that. It all began when Swith-un was made Bishop of Winchester in 852 by King Ethelwulf of Wessex. It was an important posting: Winchester was the capital of Wessex, and during the 10 years Swithun was there, Wessex became the most important kingdom of England.

During his life, instead of washing out people’s summer holidays, and damping down their spirits, Swithun seems to have done a lot of good. He was famous for his charitable gifts and for his energy in getting churches built. When he was dying in 862, he asked that he be buried in the cemetery of the Old Minster, just outside the west door.

If he had been left there in peace, who knows how many rainy summers the English may have been spared over the last 1000 years. But, no, it was decided to move Swithun. By now, the 960s, Winchester had become the first monastic cathedral chapter in England, and the newly installed monks wanted Swithun in the cathedral with them. So finally, on 15 July 971, his bones were dug up and Swithun was translated into the cathedral.

That same day many people claimed to have had miraculous cures. Certainly everyone got wet, for the heavens opened. The unusually heavy rain that day, and on the days follow-ing, was attributed to the power of St Swithun. Swithun was moved again in 1093, into the new Winchester cathedral. His shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the middle ages. The shrine was destroyed during the Reformation and restored in 1962. There are 58 ancient dedications to Swithun in England.

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JULY/AUGUST PRAYER DIARY 2020 Come Dear One; Our Saviour calls, Walk with Me now as I reveal My-self, Giving you all that I Am and have 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 the Plant sale and Bring and Buy (Virus permitting), as we

enjoy fellowship together. 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 CAMEO (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 Maureen. Lord, surround Maureen and her family with your unfailing love.

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 Pray for all those who are ill at this time, in Hospital, Hospice, Care homes ,and Rehabilitation 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

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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 by donating food.

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. Praise and thanks 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 them in your loving arms. Pray for the troubled of mind. Pray for the children and anyone who is experi-encing 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. Pray for all those bereaved at this time, Holy Spirit be with them and let them know your presence in their lives

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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 Sunday, 26th 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

27th 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 Praise and thanks for Oasis as we study and discuss together, inspired by God’s Spirit and sustained by His Word. We also pray, laugh and have coffee (or tea and bis-cuits). Holy Spirit be with us.

31st Praise and thanks for the Pastoral Team as they watch over, with love, our communi-ty of Eastham

Praise to You lord for all You do for us individually, and in the wider commu-nity. Praise you Lord.

As we go, my faithful love will show you all that I created you to do. As you walk with Me you’ll walk like Me; giving mercy; making peace,

comforting..

TO all C.A.M.E.O. Members and Meet and Eat people.

I do hope you are all keeping safe and well.

Some of you have been asking when we will open again but the answer at the mo-ment is that we just don't know, but I do hope this will before the end of this year.

I know we are all keeping in touch with each other but if there is anything you need please let me know.

Take care..and God bless, till we meet again.

Jean Cullen (327 2182)

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A Special Sunday Service (including the last line this month !) 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-chievous eyes a voice said, “Welcome home, mother, we’ve all been waiting for you.”

One of the wisest

tributes to Black Lives

Matter against a back-

drop of extremism.

Black Lives Matter

Black lives can inspire

Black lives can uplift

Black lives can bring wisdom

Black lives can beautify

All lives are important to God

We can all make a difference…together

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From Wirral Borough Council

While some schools, shops and other businesses have partially resumed following the national Covid-19 lockdown, the council and community partners will continue to provide emergency food support in Wirral as well as with essential work.

The Emergency Food Hub is there to maintain a supply of food and essential sup-plies to the most vulnerable members of the community.

However, most vulnerable members of society still face stringent precautions, meaning things like going to work, to the shops or visiting friends and family is still difficult for them to do with confidence.

Many people are also in financial hardship which has been made worse by the pan-demic.

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Pat Hackett, said:

“With the Emergency Food Hub, (which includes the Foodbank) our staff and part-ners are working on an exit strategy to transition out from carrying out this central-ised, co-ordinated support, to them going back and continuing their own local pro-jects.

However, we know that there will be an ongoing need for emergency support for a while yet, so we can assure people we won’t be standing down this service anytime soon.”

More than 11 weeks into this emergency response and following relaxation by the government of its lockdown rules, all requests for emergency food hampers are now subject to a brief assessment of need.

This is the same process that is applied to requests for financial support with food and/or utilities.

This is to ensure that those most in need during this time are prioritised for help.

Any individuals who are confirmed to be ‘shielding’, are not subject to any assess-ment, and will continue to be prioritised for support.

Supported by local charities, Age UK Wirral and Rapid Response North West through their ‘Shop Assist’ service, help is also available to those in more immedi-ate need of food who are able to pay, but cannot get to the shops due to them be-ing vulnerable or self-isolating.

Help with food for those most in need can be accessed through Wirral’s Corona-virus Helpline -

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0151 666 5050 –

or online at www.wirral.gov.uk/foodhelp.

Further support can be found by visiting www.wirralinfobank.co.uk.

17

Boys 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

ON LINE GIVING! One of the more exciting outcomes for lockdown is we have needed to explore other ways to keep funds coming into our church. Now that we cannot be together under the churches roof we need to get creative. So a few of us from PCC attended an online course looking at online collection plates. We are nearly at a stage where we will have information on our web-site where you can click and give!!! WOW, Impressed! Even when we come back to church you can do it all online if you want. Our preferred method of receiving money will always be by direct debit, but this is a great back up. It is also wonderful for people wanting to make a one off donation as well. This is going to ensure that we move into the future and protect it. Keep an eye out for when it appears on our website. Fr Mark and Beth

18

Keep 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?

Answer to challenge on page 26: There are four. Three of them are feeding..

19

St Peter’s Chapel Brookhurst Close

Bromborough, CH63 0LF

An ideal venue for children’s parties, family gatherings, and other

meetings

For more information ring Sandra Wellings on 07889 431085

Hire of Church Centre St Mary’s Church Centre,

Eastham Rake with a beautiful new kitchen,

is available for hire. It’s ideal for birthdays and special events

Phone Jean for further details 327 3317

A date for your diary.

On the 1st August this year we will be celebrating our 50th Wedding An-niversary. We would like our friends from the Parish to help us celebrate by sharing a glass of fizz and a piece of cake after the morning service on Sunday 2nd August before we whisk ourselves away to Pembrokeshire. Ray and Valmai Bonnard.

These facilities are not currently

available but will reopen as soon as

possible

Tea and Chat after Forest Church

May 2019

Forest Church

The next meeting of Forest Church is

likely to be a video service. If you are

interested and would like to know

more please contact Hilary Ash

(hilary.j.ash@ntlworld.com)

20

23rd Psalm for the hard-pressed student

The Lord is my real instructor and I shall not want. He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me. He gently reminds me to pray before I speak and to do things without complaining.

He reminds me that He, and not my school, is my Salvation. He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions that I might honour Him in everything I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of social isolation, live streaming and exams, I will not stop – for He is with me!

His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through. He will raise me up, even if I fail to get a good grade. He claims me as His own and knows that I have done my best.

His faithfulness and love are better than any A+. In eternity it won’t matter what degree I got.

When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot longer than I’ll be in school (even when it doesn’t feel like it) and for that, I bless His name!

You are invited to take part in this national survey…details below The Covid-19 pandemic has obviously had a profound effect on churches. The lockdown has severely restricted ministry in areas such as pastoral care, fellowship groups, and serving the community. On the other hand, for those with online ac-cess, worship has taken on new and creative forms over the last few weeks. Many clergy and ministry teams have risen to the challenge of operating in the virtual en-vironment. As we pass the most severe period of lockdown, it seems a good time to assess how churchgoers have responded to the experience, and what they think the future might hold. How well have people coped with the pandemic? Has it strengthened or weakened their faith? How has it been for clergy and ministry teams trying to work in this new environment? How have those receiving ministry found this novel expe-rience? Will virtual ministry become part of the post-pandemic landscape, and will this be a good move for your church? This is an online survey, which we estimate it will take you about 20-30 minutes to complete. Most of the questions simply require you to tick boxes, though there are options to specify your particular circumstances, and an opportunity at the end for you to tell us your views in your own words. The survey can be completed on mobile phones, though it is more quickly complet-ed on devices with larger screens such as tablets or computers. You can access using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ycsq9fy2

21

Do 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

• Bath lifts

• Crutches

• Toilet aids

• Commodes

• Seating

You can either return the equipment to Unit 16-18, Thursday Court, Thursby Road, Bromborough CH62 3PW

Or arrange collection by either emailing Wir-ral@medequip-uk.com with your contact number or phone 203 0404 to talk to a member of the customer care team.

Volunteers needed

For graveyard management

Please contact Chris Gardner (327 3767)

22

Beavers aged 5½ - 8 years 07889431085

Cubs 8-10 years 07921197769

Scouts 10-14 years 07832355094

Watch this space for when activities will restart once

the present restrictions are lifted

23

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

Eastham

DELAMERE CENTRE

Delamere Avenue, CH62 9ED

Tuesdays

9:30am 11.30am 5:30pm 7:30pm

For more details contact Sharon

on 07415 889413

Sandra Mobile Hairdresser

Ladies hairdresser with over 30 years experience.

Fully qualified in all aspects of hair-dressing.

Specialising in senior citizens. Competitive rates.

Reliable and friendly service.

Covering Eastham, Bromborough & Bebington.

Telephone: 0151 328 1204

Mobile 07850 269 069

Michelle’s Little Cleaning Services

Local and friendly cleaner with over 25 years of experience in domestic duties

£12 per hour Regular and one-off cleans

07597 708975 0151 327 1623

References & recommendations on request Hard working, trustworthy & honest

24

Braecroft Landscapes All kinds of tree work and hedges

expertly cut and felled, also fencing, flagging, block paving

and much more. Logs for sale.

Fully qualified and insured. braecroftlandscapes@hotmail.co.uk

Tel. Robert on 07962 012331 0151-328-1277

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

Come & Join Rooters Folk Band

On Thursdays at Eastham Rake or 1 to 1 tuition for piano,

clarinet, flute or sax.

Also group keyboard lesson available in our keyboard suite

Contact Lesley-Ann on 0151-512-5007 / 07906405882

www.wirralpianotutors.com

Hair Flair 43 Eastham Village Road, Eastham

Telephone 0151-327-1610

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)

Dudley’s Chemist

1149 New Chester Road,

Eastham

Telephone 0151-327-1586

25

Daisychain Childcare,

Eastham

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Before and after school

full and part time places available.

All enquiries welcome.

Please contact Steph

0151-327-4086 07446 940607

Mini 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

Please contact our school office

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

Learn, laugh

and play at

Mini Millfields

Counselling and support tailored

to suit your unique needs in

comfortable professional

surroundings

07486 922470

www.footprintswirralcounselling.co.uk

If you would like to place an advertisement in our magazine

please ring Sue Pridding for details 327 5277

How many calves can you spot ? Answer on page 18

Bottle feeding lambs

27

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