Inside

Couple celebrate: 3 Climate concern: 5 L In the pink: 7 GOOD NEWS Global role: 9 FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Autumn 2019: FREE Novel approach: 12 Lois achieves her life Norfolk plea over unjust long skydive dream prisons terms A group of prominent Norfolk Brave Norwich Christians with a keen interest grandmother Lois in criminal justice have been inspired by a Norwich judge to Wiltshire has jumped urge MPs and the Government out of a plane at 1,300 to intervene on behalf of 2,400 feet to fulfil her life-long prisoners, imprisoned unjustly dream and raise funds under the now abolished for Age UK Norwich. Imprisonment for Public Jenny Seal reports. Protection sentencing.

I The Bishop of Lynn and others from ois’ husband Mike, a former Norfolk’s Ecumenical Criminal Justice Forum Financial Times journalist have launched a campaign demanding L and President of Norwich action for prisoners held under the now Full Gospel Businessmen (FGB), defunct Imprisonment for Public Protection gave his blessing for the skydive sentences. shortly before he died last At a meeting in June, the Ecumenical November. Criminal Lois, who is in her 60s, lives in Justice Bowthorpe and is on the Church Forum Council of Bowthorpe Church heard where she leads The Oaks Friday from Friendship Group for those with Norwich dementia and their carers. Judge His Skydiving has long been a dream Honour for Lois. However, she was the Stephen main carer for her husband Mike, a Holt journalist who wrote for the Good about his News for Norfolk newspaper and concerns other Christian publications as well for those as the FT for over 20 years. He was prisoners also a key figure in the develop - held ment of Operation Mobilisation. under Mike struggled with heart Imprison - problems for many years and was ment for reticent for Lois to do a skydive Public while he was ill and she was caring Protection for him. (IPP) The Bishop of Lynn. “When Mike was in hospital for sentences. the final time last November,” Lois Rev Canon Chris Copsey, who co-ordi - said, “he told me to do all the nates the Ecumenical Forum, which meets things I wanted to do but hadn’t quarterly at Bishop’s House, said: “He gave done because of caring for him.” a powerful account of the effect on prisoners Lois Wiltshire before and after Early this year, Lois found out under such sentences and the, as he sees it, her charity skydive at Beccles that Age UK Norwich were recruit - obvious injustice that some prisoners are ing volunteers to do a sponsored Skydive Centre. currently subjected to. Such was the strength skydive for the charity. Already an of feeling among those present at the meet - Age UK Norwich Volunteer for ing that we have resolved as a group to try Neighbourhoods and Communi - in the plane straight away, so had after that it was ‘plane sailing’. she said. “Any donations would to do something about the present situation.” ties, Lois said: “I saw this as my the opportunity to watch the other “I loved every second as we be gratefully received for this good IPP sentencing was intended to protect opportunity to fulfil my wish – and skydivers land. gradually floated down to the cause.” the public by indeterminately holding prison - Mike’s for me.” “The scariest part was tumbling ground - I didn’t want the skydive To date Lois has raised over £330 ers who were deemed too dangerous to be On Saturday, June 15, at the headfirst out of the plane at 120 to end and can’t wait for the next for Age UK by taking her first sky - released when their original sentence had Beccles Skydive Centre, Lois finally miles an hour at an altitude of one!” dive. You can still sponsor her at: took the plunge. “I was very about 1,300 ft. When the parachute “Age UK are such an inspira - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ I Story continues on page four excited,” she said. “I did not go up was inflated there was a jolt but tional and hard-working charity,” lois-wiltshire 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Share a meal and you share life I Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is published by Network Norwich & Norfolk, I Have you ever had a meal that’s been so Rev Edward tion of how they were to collect this gift of part of Christian Community Trust for amazing, you’ve never forgotten it? Carter, Vicar food makes it very clear that there shouldn’t be Norwich and Norfolk Ltd. Registered charity I can think of a few, but the funny thing is – any unfairness. Each person and family was to no 1105340. it wasn’t really the food I ate that made it so at St Peter have just what they needed. I Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk memorable, it was the people I shared the Mancroft And when Jesus spoke about this manna I Editorial: 07712 788762 or e-mail stories table with. I’m thinking of a crazy, joyous from heaven he went on to say, ‘I am the bread to [email protected] or lunch in my back garden with some visiting Church of life’. He placed himself – and he placed a send copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, Christians from India. meal – right at the heart of the relationship Wymondham Road, Wreningham, Norwich And the last time my wife and I had supper between God and human beings. NR16 1AT. at home with our two sons, now all grown up Harvest thanksgiving makes me think about I Advertising: Helen Baldry (01603) 926120 and moved away. And the time I sipped a cup the food I eat day by day, and about taking a I Distribution: Val Dodsworth (01603) of tea and nibbled a biscuit with someone I bag of tins and other tasty provisions to 946294 loved, knowing it was the last time I’d see church, ready to send on to the Foodbank. I Editor and designer: Keith Morris them. others, as well as a sense of fairness, and of But Harvest thanksgiving also makes me I Regular writers: Sandie Shirley, Helen Sharing food and drink with others isn’t just the amazing blessings that God’s creation stop and think about the ‘bread of life’, and Baldry, Kevin Gotts, Jenny Seal, Tony Rothe about getting in the calories, nor is it com - includes. about the way Jesus sustains me. You see, Jesus I Printed by Archant Print. pletely about the flavours of the meal and the When Moses and the Israelites escaped from doesn’t really feed individuals as separate peo - ple – he feeds people who’ve gathered at a I Churches, Christian organisations and skill of the cook – although they are important Egypt and began their journey through the individuals from within Norwich and Norfolk are as well. wilderness, almost the first thing that hap - table, to share life together, and to share life invited to send news, events and pictures which Sharing a table and eating together is about pened was God’s gift of the manna from with God. relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in sharing life. And that idea of ‘sharing’ makes heaven. It was that food which bound the peo - Now that’s a meal which is so amazing I social action, community care and evangelism. me think about the solidarity I have with ple together and sustained them. The descrip - hope I never forget it! I The deadline for material for the Winter edition is Friday November 8. Distribution is from Thursday November 28 . I Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. But please ask as we are usually happy to oblige A story of love and war for a credit line in non-commercial situations. I We endeavour to adhere to the IMPRESS standards code. If you have a complaint you In August the team be - should, in the first instance, contact the editor hind the Good News for Daphne Dennis in her [email protected] with Norwich garden with details. If you are still not satisfied you should Norfolk newspaper the Life Story book and contact IMPRESS, details below. completed their first Life dog Ruby. Story commission, an engaging and entertain - ing memoir ‘Love, War and Tortoises’ that cap - tures the highs and lows of 88-year old Daphne Dennis from Norwich.

arlier this year, the team behind the long-standing E newspaper and the Net - work Norfolk website launched Life Stories, a new initiative help - ing people turn their memories into a well written, professionally printed paperback booklet. The first Life Story, ‘Love, War and Tortoises: A Short Biography of Daphne Ruth Dennis,’ came back from the printers in August. In around 10,000 words, it tells the life story of Daphne Dennis from Thorpe St Andrew, captur - ing her humour, her love of people and animals, and signifi - cant episodes that have shaped her life. Talking about the booklet, Daphne, who attends St Francis Church in Heartsease, said: “I’m ever so pleased with what you did. It’s ideal for me – just what I wanted.” Growing up amidst a tight-knit anguishes of motherhood and a captivating life story. your story through a series of one- family in Norwich’s Sussex Street, lifelong love of animals that led to Jenny said: “Working with to-one interviews, resulting in Daphne’s story tells of the devasta - a sanctuary for neglected tortoises. Daphne to produce this short biog - multiple copies of a professionally tion caused by the bombings of Writing has always been one of raphy has been so enjoyable. I have edited A5 paperback book with a 1942 which destroyed her school Daphne’s talents and pastimes, learnt a lot about Norwich during glossy colour picture cover, back and led to her evacuation to Lin - and over the years she had chroni - the war, how to care for tortoises and centre pages. colnshire. She recalls leaving a cled many of her memories in both and the power of memory. Daphne school she passionately disliked, poetry and narrative. Life Stories has lived a full life, and the good- To find out more about this biog - finding work at the EDP and inter - ghost writer, Jenny Seal, took these humoured way she writes and raphy-writing service visit viewing celebrities such as Val writings, along with additional talks will engage readers of any www.lifestories.org.uk, email Keith Doonican. stories recounted during their con - age.” at web@networknorwich or call She recounts the joys and versations, to create a unique and The Life Stories team can capture 07712 787762. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 3

Churches urged Couple celebrate ‘in to help tackle addiction

I Norfolk Christian police officer Marie Reavey who leads the na - sickness and health’ tional initiative Faith and Police To - gether, believes God is calling the church to step up and tackle the When Tom and Amy issue of addiction and is putting to - Stevenson made their gether a toolkit to help. wedding vows to one Acting Inspector Marie said she is developing a toolkit to encour - another a year ago, the age and empower churches to get words ‘in sickness and in more involved in tackling addiction. Marie said: “I believe God is call - health’ could not have ing the church to step up and start been more poignant. to tackle the issue of addiction Sandie Shirley reports. which is so often not considered when social action is being looked into. Yet it is probably one of the he courageous couple, who most significant factors to the celebrated their first wedding poverty and breakdown within our T anniversary on September 1, society.” undertook a journey of faith, hope In February a round-table con - and prayer when Tom was diagnosed versation in Norwich with with a grade four aggressive brain churches, faith groups and police tumour just after he proposed to Amy. hosted by Redeeming Our Com - But despite everything they continued munities, a founding member of to make plans for their wedding Faith and Police Together, high - reception at Norwich Cathedral. lighted addiction as the second Together, with their church, they biggest issue in the city. stood defiant against the odds believ - In a letter to Norfolk churches ing and trusting God would heal. Marie asks others to join with her Tom explains: After gruelling treat - in praying for churches to see the ment and lots of prayer, doctors gave need and get equipped to help the ‘all clear’ although they fully tackle addiction. expected the tumour to have grown She detailed a powerful vision again. she received in 2016 whilst pray - “It was a big miracle,” continues the ing for a prolific offender, an IV Wymondham maintenance man who heroin addict. She said: “God gave underwent a seven-hour operation, 30 me a vision (still to be fulfilled). He sessions of radiotherapy and six showed me him and his partner months of chemotherapy in 2017 both following Jesus, set free from while his fiancé was often at his side. addictions and the associated is - In addition, the couple sought sues that go with it. He got a job prayer from a Christian team from and for the first time in his life was Andrew Womack Ministries. “Since paying taxes instead of claiming then the colour came back into my benefits. Social services gave their cheeks, I became more lively and I children back and they were func - was healed,” says Tom. tioning well as a family with the Amy bought her wedding dress support of the church, so well that before the hospital scans revealed that Tom and Amy Social services withdrew their sup - the tumour had gone. “I was trusting Stevenson on port from the family completely. God that he had put us together for a their wedding “As a result [in the vision] he reason and we set the date because if day last year. was no longer committing crime God really wanted us to get married which meant that there were fewer Tom would be well.” victims of crime and the knock-on We lived in hope and faith and had effect of that on the victims. There our wedding day as a positive focus was reduced demand on the po - amid the difficulties she explained. lice service, the criminal justice “When the day came, it was incredi - system, the prison service, the ble. I felt so loved by friends and probation service, the NHS and family and I could not stop smiling. social services. Even the educa - People were so generous with their worrying time when I had a non-can - collapsed and was taken to hospital. defined by what happened and tion system benefited as their chil - time and they were so excited that we cerous tumour at the back of the left “Tests revealed a tumour on the together we are looking to the future.” dren were now in a stable home were getting married,” says Tom. eye to the bottom of the brain stem right side of my brain. At first, I was Says Amy: “We have learnt how and were encouraged to go to “Saying the vows – in sickness and and an operation removed 80 per cent shocked and angry because I had precious life is and we want to make school and were receiving support in health – was so real because having of the growth. I went through a lot, just proposed to Amy, but my faith the most of our time together making at home and from the wider church gone through what we did, they but I do not remember because I was has been enlarged and I am fully precious memories. family. Then God said to me imag - meant a lot,” explained Amy. so young,” says Tom. committed to Jesus who healed me,” “When you are tested like we were, ine the impact there would be if For Tom, it was the second time that In April 2017, Tom had a black-out he said. and God has done the impossible ten families were transformed like he battled with health issues. “When I and while awaiting an investigative Although Tom still has an MRI scan there is not really anything he cannot this. “ was three, my parents went through a MRI scan, he suffered a seizure and every three months, he says: “I am not do.” www.faithandpolicetogether.org.uk

AWARD-WINNING INDEPENDENT SANDWICH SHOP Greetings cards, stationery, helium balloons, party products Homemade cakes, Hot & cold drinks, Buffets, and Thorntons chocolates Inflight food, Offshore catering & Services 187 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, NR6 5NZ - [email protected] - 01603 425591 193 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, NR6 5NZ - cardsand [email protected] - 01603 485832 4 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

Unjust prisons plea

I Story continued from page one Do faith, politics been served. However, it led to these prisoners being held far longer than their Tariffs, often because of a lack of resources to adequately assess their suitability for release. In 2012 IPP sentences were abolished. The decision was not applied retroactively and those IPP sentences and business mix? given out before 2012 remained in place. There are still 2,400 prisoners held under IPP sentences. The Bishop of Lynn, Rev Canon Chris Copsey and Chair of the Ecumencial Criminal Justice Forum Paddy Breckland district I Why did you get involved in Seligman OBE have signed a letter to MPs, Ministers councillor and politics? Breckland and those involved in prison sentencing demanding I I had been a practicing Christian district action. cabinet member for just over 30 years when I de - councillor The letter details the plight of the prisoners, saying Gordon cided to enter into local politics as a Gordon “The majority were over the Tariff set by the courts. district councillor. There were all Bambridge. Many of these prisoners were given fairly short Tariffs Bambridge , who sorts of reasons given to me not to and are unable to achieve the Rehabilitation courses is a Christian and do this. Almost everyone was ad - and Accredited Offender Behaviour Programmes set a businessman, vising against, and yet I felt a real out in their Prison Sentence Plans. Therefore, through calling to go into this strange world no fault of their own, and largely because the Prison believes there is we call politics. I can honestly say it Service does not have the capacity or resources to put no issue at all was one of the best things outside on the required courses, prisoners are unable to of faith I have ever done. My only satisfy the criteria for release.” mixing faith, regret is I left it a bit late. The letter continues: “It is considered that urgent politics and action must take place for the IPP Prisoners because it business. He I Is there any conflict as a politi - is manifestly unfair to keep prisoners in custody over cian in also being a businessman? their Tariff if they have complied with all the require - spoke to Kevin I Would that all politicians had ments for release.” Gotts . some real-life experience. I was in The letter outlines four recommendations including commerce, trading goods from all the simple solution of converting IPP sentences to de - over the world into retail and terminate sentences and providing a firm release date, wholesale outlets in the South East as well as assigning additional resources for Parole England. From a standing start I Boards to provide assessments and consider cases. had built and lost a business and “We feel this should have been addressed ten years was acting for other larger concerns ago but the issue is yet to be resolved,” the ECJF letter across the UK. Even in local poli - concludes. tics it is useful to have had real world experience. I have passed retirement age but am still active in business helping others plus I am starting a small online e-commerce website trading in coins.

I You are a regular lay preacher, so how does this fit in? I Licensed in the Church of Eng - land, I regularly spoke in many de - nominations, plus my role in FGB Norwich. I found that the experi - ences gained in politics, not least the network of contacts made from the highest in the land to the most troubled and challenged people, helped in my work within the church. It is also evident that the opposite not give that then do not do it. But act on conscience and what we call is true. I am not the best evangelist the reward more than compensates ward matters rather than follow a in the world, but my role in church for the commitment. whip. life has enabled me to witness in a Now, 16 years on, I am a senior small way across East Anglia, and member with cabinet responsibility. I How does being a man of faith in Westminster. I usually spend about 30 hours a help with decisions about people? As others in any form of public week on council business. My port - I From day one of being a council - life will confirm, talking about my folio is planning, which is one of lor you do start to make decisions faith openly is difficult. I counter the biggest on any council. It also which affect people's lives. It may this by a clear statement of my faith includes infrastructure for the dis - be matters on planning, of housing, on all my social media – blog, Face - trict, and strategic housing, but this of benefits. So, we do have to assess book, Twitter etc. This means that fits well with my lifestyle and I situations sometimes with so often it is others who raise faith believe I am doing a good job. applicants from both sides of an matters with me. argument. I Which political party do you As a church leader and a busi - I What time commitment does the think is the most Christian? nessman, long before I became a role take? I I believe there are Christians in politician, I was used to doing this. I It does take a big time commit - most political parties. I am a Chris - As you are promoted in politics you ment. When I started out politically tian and believe that the Conserva - do tend to make more decisions in 2003, I shared this with fellow tive Party and its principles most which affect people lives directly. I Christians, and we all made a com - closely match my evangelical Chris - find that to do this, being scrupu - mitment. To be an effective back tian stance. Over the years I have lously honest is always the very bench rural district councillor takes met Labour, Liberal and UKIP best way. an average minimum of 10 hours Christians. By that I mean those Never say you can do what you per week, some daytime, some politicians who practice their faith. cannot, and always follow up on evenings, some actual work, some Conservatives are generally an ex - every promise. reading, some telephone and a lot, tremely moral party and within my Mostly I feel that I can help to nowadays, of internet. If you can - group, I always have the ability to improve people’s lives. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 5 Couple’s climate concern

Norwich church what you’re doing.” Jim took part in recent members, Jim and arrestable action organised by Sue Green, are XR at Westminster called Church needs motivated by their ‘The Blood of Our Children’ where each of 40 participants Children & Christian faith to poured a bucket of fake blood actively engage in the on the road at Whitehall, symbolic of the risk to future Families Worker current climate generations, and of the people Are you excited by the prospect of breakdown protest who suffer in the world right sharing the gospel with children movement. Helen now due to climate change. and with families? If so, read on! Jim said: “I found it really Baldry reports. emotional, God was challeng - St Andrew’s Eaton is looking for ing me. Was it the right thing a Children and Families Worker to do? I’ve always known We need an inspiring leader to ue and Jim’s concern doing nothing is the wrong head up our work with children and started in the 1980s thing to do.” families, who is: S when they started Recently Sue and Jim I energetic and self-motivated supporting Tear Fund. More hosted an event at St Francis I passionate and enthusiastic for recently volunteering at the Church, at which there was an the gospel Tear Fund cafe at New Wine Extinction Rebellion (XR) I able to lead and inspire others sharpened their awareness of presentation. Sue said: “This I keen to maximize the potential the impact of climate change was because we are passion - for outreach in the local community ate about Christians engaging on the poor. Sue’s view was: I committed to full involvement in “How can I not do something with what we feel is the most the life this Anglican church which about this?” pressing issue of our time. enjoys close ties to the local pri - The couple, who live in We are delighted that, partly mary school and community Thorpe St Andrew, have also as a result of this, there is a Salary: £10,000-11,000 p.a. (22 been supporters of Green growing connection between hours per week, with possibility of Christian and also the growing XR and St Peter Mancroft overtime) group Christian Climate Church, Norwich.” Closing date: Saturday 28 Septem - Action (CCA). Over the last On September 18, from 7 – ber 2019 year the number of people on 9pm, XR will be presenting Interview date: Thursday 10 Octo - the mailing list has risen from 'Heading For Extinction - and ber 2019 about 50 to 350. With this what to do about it' at St Peter Start date: To be agreed with the group they have taken part in Mancroft Church. Also, at the successful candidate small scale action, for example XR Car Free Sunday action in (but as soon as possible) holding a vigil at fracking sites Norwich city centre on Sep - Application packs available at: and performing a sketch out - Climate activists Jim tember 22, Rev Fiona www.standrewseaton.org.uk Howarth of St Peter Mancroft side the Church of England’s and Sue Green. For further information contact: HQ in Westminster to high - will be leading a Christian Rev Phil Rodd (Vicar) 01603 light its continued investment presence and witness, along 455778 in fossil fuels. CCA start all with Rev Heather Cracknell. [email protected] action in prayer, explained Jim: “It’s ment decided to set up a Citizens way supporting, non-arrestable roles For more details see: most definitely about Jesus and is Assembly on climate breakdown. are vital. You have to be able to justify www.networknorwich.co.uk grounded in prayer, honesty and Increasingly the situation is reality.” referred to in the media as a They have undertaken training ‘climate emergency’. with Extinction Rebellion (XR), an For Jim and Sue, their involve - international activist group that uses ment is an act of obedience; they non-violent methods to persuade are not just doing it for the out - those in power to take action on envi - come, because that is not ronment issues. The foundation of guaranteed, but also for the the movement is on telling the truth process. They believe it is the about climate change – a message that right thing to do and is a respon - seems to be getting through. Christian sibility as a disciple of Jesus. Aid commissioned a poll which The couple have made lifestyle found that 71% of people thought that changes. Sue said: “We are all FOR YOUR NEXT climate change was more important complicit in the situation and are than Brexit issues, rising to 77% responsible for adding to the FUNCTIONBelsey Bridge Conference OR Centre, EVENT Ditchingham, among church-going Christians. problem. However, there is provides friendly service and great facilities for Jim said: “People venture into plenty we can do to tread more your● function in a quiet rural setting. something like this because they care. lightly on the earth, including Often at actions you get talking and considering the transport we ● Function rooms for up to 110 people you discover it’s the first time those use, eating a more plant-based around you have done anything like diet and ensuring our homes are Locally sourced food, tailored to your it.” more energy efficient. None of us ● individual requirements People from all walks of life take does enough, but what we do part in the protests and Jim and Sue individually is important. It’s ● Free Wi-Fi and AV equipment have had opportunities to share their about who we are.” faith because they are frequently Although XR protests are Hotel quality bedrooms at affordable prices asked why they do it. The experience always peaceful and respectful, of a rally can be fun and participants it is part of the strategy to take use creative ways of expressing their action which leaves people open 0300 111 4444 concerns. Recalling a critical mass to arrest. Each time, Jim carefully CONFERENCES cycle ride, Sue said: “I felt empow - considers his role and how far he [email protected] ered, realising that I have a voice.” is prepared to go. He said: AWAY DAYS She sometimes admits that she feels “There is no pressure on you. www.cct.org.uk/belseybridge grief, when another negative report is You don’t have to do anything Belsey Bridge Conference Centre EVENTS publicised. However, in June parlia - you don’t want to do, and any - Ditchingham, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2DZ SHORT BREAKS CELEBRATIONS 1 FUNCTIONS0 6 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Queen’s honour for Janet

In her four decades of living in the small Janet Croxson in her beloved village of South Norfolk village Brockdish in South of Brockdish, Norfolk. Churchwarden J anet Croxson has made a big contribution, which has been recognised by the Queen. Jenny Seal reports.

n October 7, in recognition of her dedicated service to O the local community, Janet, a Churchwarden of St Peter and St Paul’s Church, will be presented with a British Empire Medal awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Husband Peter Croxson describes his wife Janet as the “gel that holds the community together”. “She won’t say it,” he says, “so I will!” Janet’s many roles serving the pretty village of Brockdish speak for themselves. As well as being Churchwarden, Jan is also the Chair of Brockdish Village Hall where she recently raised funds for a village defibrilla - to her cottage in Brockdish just over Ever since Jan has been motivated do the Angles Way call in and there prices down which encourages tor. She is Chair of the Village 40 years ago from Canada where to make the church a welcoming are always lovely comments in the people to come. I feel my role is Magazine, that keeps each of the 265 she lived for 12 years with her first and open place. “If anyone moves visitors' book." helping to keep the community as a households updated with local husband. “I was told after 30 years into the village,” she said, “I make a In 2016, Jan invited Baroness community.” happenings and, until 2016, Jan was of living here that I was now of the point of writing a ‘welcome to your Elaine Murphy, a fellow resident of In May, the letter arrived telling a Governor of Brockdish Primary village!” she jokes. “I was no longer new home and village’ card, on Brockdish, to write a history of the her she was to be awarded a British School, which had to close that year an in-comer!” behalf of the church. It’s the same church. “She did a fantastic job and Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birth - due to lack of numbers. She also 'Close to the southern border of with births, deaths or marriages. we’ve got a wonderful church day Honours List, a month before coordinates the Open the Book Norfolk, Brockdish is a historic, “We want people to know that the guide,” said Jan. This month, for the the public announcement. team, going into Harleston Primary rural village – almost a fifth of its church is here, and they are first time, Baroness Murphy will "I just started crying, I was just so Academy each week to share Bible houses are listed buildings. “We’ve welcome to come regardless of give a guided tour of the church. overwhelmed,” she said. “It was a stories. got no shop”, said Jan, “we’ve got whether they are Christian or Presently, as her husband recovers big secret and, of course, they ask Janet, 75, was nominated for a the pub which is quite a hub, the whatever – the door is open, please from an operation, Jan is using the you not to tell anybody. So, I could - Queen’s honour in recognition of church and the village hall.” come in. It’s just a little reaching out. time to book next year’s calendar of n't tell anybody for a month and I her ‘services to the community in It was in the early 1990s that Jan If we can draw people in, it’s so community fundraising events for just wanted to tell my children." Brockdish’, by her husband Peter rediscovered her faith and started important. the church’s upkeep and parish On the night before the Queen's and two others, including Rev Nigel going to St Peter and St Paul’s, the "And our congregation is getting share. “We do regular quizzes and official birthday, Janet and her hus - Tuffnell, Rector of the Benefice of medieval church that stands apart bigger," she said with delight. "We're we usually have about 100 people,” band Peter were babysitting their Redenhall with Scole. from the village. It was here that Jan in double figures now! Percentage- she said. “Because Peter’s not able granddaughter at their daughter’s "It's lovely to be recognized and got the urge to do something special wise, considering the size of the to get out, I’ve been sat here plan - house. "In the morning when it was appreciated for what you do,” said for the community. population and how many come to ning three concerts next year and six finally official," Janet said, "I went Jan, “but let's be honest, if I didn't "One Sunday I was just sitting church, we're as good as Harleston quiz nights, and possibly an Open into my daughter's room and woke enjoy doing it and want to do it, I there when all of a sudden, I as a town, so we're quite chuffed." Gardens.” her up to show her the letter – it was wouldn't be doing it. I think there is thought this church needs a flower As churchwarden, Jan has put Janet endeavours to keep the cost 6 ‘o' clock in the morning!" something in you [she points festival," she said. "That was the first together a rota to ensure the church of the concerts low so the whole On October 7, the Lord- upwards] that makes you feel it’s big thing that I did. I didn't know is open every day from dawn to village can enjoy them. She said, Lieutenant of Norfolk, Lady your role. It becomes a way of life. I how to go about it. It was a big dusk. "Our church is rather special,” "Whenever there's an event, there Dannatt, will present Janet with her don't think it's that special." learning curve. But that was the she said. “Every window is stained are always Jan's Jams for sale. Peter British Empire Medal at the Great “It’s special to people in the start of it all and I've been doing it glass. It dates back to the 11th cen - helps me. We make lots of jams and Hospital. “We get afternoon tea and village,” interjects her husband for the church ever since. It brings tury. There is a great sense of peace. lots of marmalades and that helps next year we will be invited to go to Peter gently. the community together. I It's very welcoming. We're very us buy refreshments for the a garden party,” she said. “So that’s Originally from Kent, Jan moved absolutely love it." proud of that. A lot of people who concerts. So we manage to keep the all rather lovely.” NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 7 Town Pastors in the pink at Latitude Festival

Pink sheep and pink at Latitude in the summer. “They invite us to work alongside Festival Pastors are two them and in return they provide of the best-known resources like the marquee, water, elements of the popular electricity and wristbands for the team. Latitude music and arts “The operation costs us to the tune festival which took place of around £8,000 a year. This comes from the café income, donations and at Henham Park in Suffolk some Police funds,” said Barry, who at the end of July. Keith is also finance director of Town Pas - Morris reports. tors. It is a relatively expensive operation for us for a short period of time but we think it is worth every hile the 40,000 festival- penny. goers were entertained by “We are part of the welfare team W George Ezra, Imelda May on site and our role is to keep people and the Stereophonics, teams of at the festival as safe as we can Christian Festival Pastors such as alongside the security and other staff Richard from Lowestoft and Anne here. The pastors will do anything from Ipswich were going around the they can to help people, put up tents, huge campsite giving a helping hand give out chocolates and safety and a cheerful word to campers. messages. Dressed in their own distinctive “Incidents dealt with in the past pink high-vis jackets and armed include domestic violence and a with a tent peg mallet, Love Hearts, bereavement when a young mother chocolate bars, saline wipes and died and her young children were flasks of water, the popular Festival cared for on site. We also have con - Pastors patrol the vast campsite in Festival Pastors Richard and versations starting in the café with pairs helping people put up tents, Anne in action at Latitude. young Christians and others who are find lost friends and provide a trying to work out their life paths, friendly face. for example.” In the hour I spent with them, distressed friend. Leiston, Dereham and Haverhill. team, the pastors’ work is supported Barry, who also has a number of Richard and Anne certainly made Festival Pastors are there to help Volunteers working with the Festi - by a 24-hour prayer operation across other major voluntary roles includ - their mark. They cheered up bored people and look out for those who val Pastors, who have been serving the whole country to pray for the ing co-ordinating the Norwich Soup security staff, helped families who may find themselves in a vulnerable the festival since 2011, also staff an festival and in particular for the Run and the Salvation Army Tins had just arrived put up their tents, situation. Patrols go on from 8am all inviting café offering the best-value work of the Town Pastors. and Toys Appeal, is stepping back advised them where to pitch their day and up to 3 or 4am in the drinks and the friendliest staff on Co-ordinating the team, and the after the event and it will be his last tents and gave out chocolates and morning. site. massive effort required to produce year on site after eight years, two of Love Hearts to children. All are Christian volunteers from An art installation and working such a service, is general manager which he worked as café manager, Meanwhile, other Pastors helped the Town Pastors charity which pro - artist could also be found there Major Barry Willson, from Norwich. and the last three he served as after an incident when a young vides teams to regularly patrol the alongside live Christian music from Barry said: “My role takes off in general manager. He will still be festival-goer was very ill after weekend night-time streets of towns professional musicians Bean Baker January when we are in contact with involved behind the scenes. possibly being given a spiked drink. across Suffolk and Norfolk, such as and Jon Kendall. Festival Republic regarding the They were able to comfort her Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Ipswich, As well as the 73-strong on-site possibility of forming a team to work www.festivalpastors.org.uk Survivor talks about Rwandan genocide ScenicǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ͕ŵĂŬŝŶŐŝƚƉĞƌĨĞĐƚĨŽƌůĂƌŐĞƉĂƌƟĞƐ͘'ƵĞƐƚƐĐĂŶƌĞůĂdžŝŶƚŚĞƚƌĂŶƋƵŝůŐƌŽƵŶĚƐ surroundings and a warm welcome awaits you. I Rwandan genocide survivor Illu - Illuminée existed for 100 days in ĂŶĚŐĂƌĚĞŶĂŶĚĂƌĞŽŶůLJĂĨĞǁŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ͛ǁĂůŬĨƌŽŵƚŚĞďĞĂƵƟĨƵůEŽƌƚŚEŽƌĨŽůŬĐŽĂƐƚ͘, Overstrand, Norfolk minee Nganemariya will talk about the living hell of Kigali, Rwanda’s Standing in six acres of grounds, The Pleasaunce can accommodate up to 80 her experience in Rwanda during capital, after watching her husband the genocide in 1994 and her sub - be dragged away to be killed by The Pleasaunce sequent life in Norwich at an event friends who had celebrated their 3 3 on October 23. wedding with them a month earlier. 3ŚĂƉĞůĂŶĚďĞĂƵƟĨƵůĐůŽŝƐƚĞƌƐ3 ŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ&ĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐĨƌĞĞtŝͲ&ŝ The evening marks 25 years She embarked on a horrific jour - En-suite and standard rooms Children’s adventure playground since the genocide and is part of ney through the genocide, with her 3,ĂƌĚdĞŶŶŝƐŽƵƌƚ͕ƌŽƋƵĞƚĂŶĚ'ĂŵĞƐZŽŽŵ 3 Black History Month. Illuminee will baby strapped to her back – their be in conversation with Paul Dick - survival was a miracle. son, who assisted her to write her Illuminée and Roger moved to dŚĞĐĞŶƚƌĞŝƐĂŶŝĚĞĂůůŽĐĂƟŽŶĨŽƌĂůůŚŽůŝĚĂLJŵĂŬĞƌƐ͕ĐŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞƐ͕ŐƌŽƵƉƐ͕ƐĐŚŽŽůƉĂƌƟĞƐĂŶĚƌĞƚƌĞĂƚƐ͘Table Tennis, Pool Table, Indoor/Outdoor Bowls book ‘Miracle in Kigali’. the UK in September 1996 and How does it feel to wake up have built a new life in Norwich. ƚŽƐŝdžƉĞŽƉůĞ͘^ĞůĨͲĐĂƚĞƌŝŶŐŽƉƟŽŶƐĂƌĞĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞŝŶďŽƚŚƚŚĞďƵŶŐĂůŽǁĂŶĚĂŶŶĞdž͘ every morning for more than three A new anniversary edition of Mir - months facing the prospect that acle In Kigali has been published There is also a self-contained 2-bedroom bungalow and a 5-bedroom annex, both of which can sleep up you and your newborn baby are and it updates Illuminée and likely to be brutally murdered that Roger’s story, including Roger’s de - day? veloping film and TV acting career. This was the experience of Illu - He was most recently seen as minée, a young Tutsi bride. By a Dadir Hassan in the BBC drama In - seeming miracle, she and her son former Roger survived the 1994 attempt The free event takes place from by Rwanda’s Hutu extremists to 5.30-7pm at Revelation, St wipe their Tutsi neighbours from Michael-at-Plea Church, Redwell the face of the earth. Street, Norwich.

Call our booking team on 01263 579212 or visit www.cehc.org.uk 8 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

A 10-strong team, all from Hope Community Church Wymondham , has helped shine out a message of hope and faith at a thriving Christian school in the Czech Republic. Sandie Shirley reports.

Fun and games at the No The Hope team including ē school in the Czech Republic. Elisabeth Louis (far right) and husband Steve (front). Faith mission at Czech school

hildren’s worker, Elisabeth one of its teachers joined the trip in tional Mission trip by Norfolk closing week of the summer term,” had been two or three times before – Louis, helped mount a life- June and pupils exchanged letters. churches in 2017 and 2018. This sum - said Elisabeth. stayed in dormitories above the C changing prayer and gospel Some members of the team have mer, two older students from No ē “We are not strangers anymore and school. They lived, worked, mission at a city school in Pardubice, been building relationships and shar - travelled to England for the Christian the children remember our names so worshipped and prayed together 60 miles east of Prague in June. It also ing their faith with staff and children Newday festival at the Norfolk we could start where we left off,” during an imaginative programme paved the way for a possible educa - at No ē (pronounced ‘Noah’) Chris - Showground. added Elisabeth who recalls being that included hosting a bumper tradi - tional and cultural exchange with a tian Elementary School for the last Less than 30 years since the Czech greeted by a little girl wearing a tional English tea with 200 scones Wymondham primary school after three years after a combined Rela - Republic emerged from Communism, Union Jack. (brought from the UK along with tea) there is a growing openness to the As with previous years, the remit and jam as part of an outside presen - gospel and No ē school is building was to help the children with their tation to parents, family and friends on its strong Christian foundation English while engaging them in Bible in sweltering temperatures nearing through prayer and commitment. teaching activities as team members 40 0C. “It is a very significant place in shared their faith. It meant preparing “There were also opportunities the city; it is seen as a school of light and leading assemblies and classes outside school hours to hear encour - with the heart of Jesus,” says with Bible stories, using games, craft aging stories from the staff, so we Elisabeth. activities and testimonies as well as prayed with them and for them for Birthed with prayer and hard sharing their work with parents at the what they are seeking to do in Pardu - work, it opened nine years ago with final school assembly. bice,” said Elisabeth. support from various established “Each morning we would meet to Contact continues throughout the churches in Pardubice. The school pray with staff despite our different year with teachers, especially Czech- began with a class of six-year-olds languages, which did not matter. The born Michelle Foster who, together and a new class has been added head teacher told us not to hold back with her English husband Pete, annually; now there are 170 pupils with prayer, so we were able to pray helped issue an invitation to the Nor - up to the age of 15-years and a wait - specifically for older children when folk Relational Mission churches to ing list. they had concerns in their young build on and encourage the work at “For various reasons members lives or had family members who the school and the supportive work from other Norfolk Relational Mis - were sick. of the Oaks church which the couple sion churches could not visit the “For the first time we were also help oversee. school this year and a trip looked able to pray God’s blessing and guid - “They have connected and doubtful but in answer to prayer, a ance over the older children before gathered with Christians and non- self-financing team of children’s they left the school to move onto the Christians in the city and workers from Hope Community next stage of their education; it was accompanied two older pupils to Church Wymondham, including a the highlight for me,” said Elisabeth. England for the Newday event which 15-year-old member, managed to Friendships deepened as team is held at the Norfolk Showground continue the work that occurs in the members – some new and some who each year,” said Elisabeth. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 9 Global role for retired Rev

A spiritual jolt during a conference in 2016 compelled retired church minister from Thorpe St Andrew, Rev David Adams , to take on a new development role for the global mission organisation World Outreach International. Jenny Seal reports.

s UK Development Director for World Outreach, David Adams sees a pressing A need to take Christianity to unreached people now. "Mission is becoming more diffi - cult," he said. "We need to do all we can now because we don't know what freedoms will be taken away." Rev David Adams (71) retired in 2014 from Norwich's Witard Road Baptist Church, where he was well-known for his passionate preaching. He and his wife, Sandra, who have six children, were born and lived most of their lives in Thorpe. Yet David's path to becoming an advocate of World Outreach has been global. It began in 1977 when David and his young family moved to Dallas, Texas so that he could study theology. Working as part of a scholarship scheme, he became friends with a fellow inter - national student, Kitbok Ryntathaing from North-East India. "Kitbok used to say to me, ‘one of these days you'll come and visit my land,'" David said. "And in my heart, I was saying, ‘not on your Retired Norwich Baptist life'. I didn't like the heat, I didn't like curry, I minister David Adams. was from Norwich in the 1970s. The Lord had to do a real work on me. It took from then until 1991". years, all I'm doing is looking at figures." and every missionary must raise their funding. "The last Sunday I was there I preached in a After he did visit in 1991, David began to "Then in 2016, John Elliott encouraged me to "It's amazing," he said. "Worldwide there are church that had been established in a Hindu punctuate his Norwich ministry with regular come to the World Summit in Chiang Mai in only a handful of paid staff. In the UK if we get community. They had endured no end of perse - trips to India. Kitbok was, by then, a mission Thailand," said David. "Early on in the confer - a gift that isn't Gift Aided the whole amount cution and problems. But the first thing you see partner of World Outreach and asked David to ence, someone read Matthew 24:14 which says, goes to the mission field. If it is Gift Aided, we is the smiling face of the pastor of the church, join the team to train local ministers in North- ‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be take 5% of just the Gift Aid as an admin fee, and full of joy. They suffer physically, get abused East India in Christian leadership. preached in the whole world as a testimony to the rest goes to the mission field." and attacked and yet they carry on." The visits were intense. David would lead all nations, and then the end will come.' Having seen the impact of recent political "A third of the missionaries with World Out - back-to-back seminars for a week in one place "The thing that struck me was that Jesus can't changes in India first-hand, David is acutely reach now have to work under pseudonyms and then travel to a new location, often in a come back until all nations or people groups aware of the threats to mission. In March he because of the dangers and for their security," very poor rural district, to repeat the same semi - have had an opportunity to respond to the was in India and due to preach at three evangel - David said. "What that says to me is that while nars with another group of Christian leaders. Gospel. So, I thought, ‘what am I doing about istic meetings in Assam. "On the preceding there is the opportunity to go, go – because it Hundreds of local pastors would travel great that?' And the answer was, 'Precious little'. I Monday," he said, "we got a message to say that could be withdrawn at any time." distances to be there, hungry for the teaching. said, ‘I'm going to say I don't want to be on the some of the Hindu people had seen posters put David would be happy to speak to churches "People were so poor that they didn't have board to shuffle bits of paper. I want to be up by the Christians advertising it. They went and groups about World Outreach. You can money to go to Bible College. It was very proactive'". to the authorities, who withdrew permission. email him at [email protected] practical teaching to help them establish and "I went to the board, and they said, 'we've So, I never went to that particular area." www.world-outreach.com/gb run and see a church expand." been waiting for somebody to say that for On some of these visits David also had the years!' The next thing I know they are calling privilege of preaching the Gospel in places for me the UK Development Director for World the first time. On one visit in 1995, Kitbok asked Outreach!" Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services David to accompany him to a village deep in David has taken on this new role with charac - the Garo Hills of the Indian state of Meghalaya. teristic enthusiasm. "I will do whatever I can to "They had never had anybody preach the do what I can," he said. And, so as well as Gospel to them," said David. "So, we went mission trips to Macedonia, Thailand and India, there, and I preached on the side of the hill, he also regularly travels to UK churches to 01603 528800 07789 586817 outside one of their huts. There were no micro - speak and takes part in Mission Roadshows at phones, I just had to shout. I preached from universities. John 3:16. I gave an altar call and prayed. I World Outreach has a focus on presenting the Christian funeral director never heard a thing for months. I had to ask Gospel to unreached people groups around the Kitbok, ‘what happened in that village?' He world, which includes an estimated 3 billion Independent, affordable and personal said, ‘There's a church there now'. We never people. David said: "World Outreach is really know what effect we have on people." currently working in 149 unreached people When David retired from Witard Road he groups in 70 countries around the world with Home visits, Full quotations, Funeral Plans, Memorials was visited by the International Director of over 250 expat missionaries. It might take years World Outreach, John Elliott, who came to to present the Gospel because you have to build 109 Cromer Road, Norwich, NR6 6XW Norwich to ask David whether he'd consider a relationship. And you may have to help the becoming a UK Board Member for the mission people economically before you earn the right agency. David agreed. "It became a journey of to share the Gospel." www.cobboldfunerals.co.uk frustration," he said. "The board was very David takes pride in the lean budget that administratively focused. For the first three World Outreach runs on. His role is voluntary, [email protected] 10 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

Thetford church pastor Steph’s mission Steph Williams. to empower lives

Thetford church pastor and tures and ages with her team from And working with a planning team of Liberty Church. Keen to forge relation - 10, along with many volunteers from mother of three Steph ships with unchurched women has Liberty Church, begins more than a Williams helps women live meant joining community initiatives, year in advance of every conference. connected and empowered championing women and running a Reaching women outside the church host of unique events as a ‘stepping- has involved visits to an old people’s lives – a mission that even stone’ to church with future home and the hospital premature baby saved one woman’s life. invitations to Easter, Christmas and unit with gifts while teenage mums Mother’s Day services. have been invited to a huge baby Sandie Shirley reports. Being keen can be challenging and shower. Women who have made a hard work, Steph says. “Although I difference to Thetford have also been have a university degree in perform - honoured including a fitness instruc - teph’s desire is to encourage ing arts no amount of education can tor who mounts an annual community mostly Christian women in prepare me to talk clearly and with event and a mother who raises cancer S their workplace, community truth from the heart of God as his awareness after losing her young and family through gifted songwriters mouthpiece. It is all about honouring daughter to the disease. and speakers sharing their compelling God and not me (or the team) – I am Eleven years ago, a ‘no preach’ fun stories and heartfelt missions for God just one person who said yes to an evening was launched for Christian at the annual ‘Flourish’ conference. idea he gave me.” women to invite their unchurched Steph – along with her team, will Steph grew up in the church. She friends to – whether they were 16 or host the fifth ‘Flourish’ event on was a 19-year-old youth worker, at a 96. Today ‘Beautiful’ runs three times October 19 that includes guest artist women’s conference when she a year (February, July and November) Philippa Hanna at The Apex in Bury believes she first heard God’s prompt - and there are more non-Christian St Edmunds to share a message to ing for a mission with women. She felt attendees that Christians. ‘Rise Up’. an unlikely candidate but 17 years The diverse programme has “We aim to relate and be ‘real’ and later there’s a growing ministry as she included pampering, cream teas, one woman wanted me to know that and co-pastor husband, Phil, dared to jewellery sales, chocolate fountains attendance in the past stopped her believe and trust. and songs from the theatre. There is from committing suicide – it is amaz - The first ‘Flourish’ conference was also news of church and social action ing that God could use the conference held at Thetford’s Carnegie Room in programmes, a table quiz that to do that,” said Steph. 2015. Two years later they booked the encourages conversations and Steph “‘Flourish’ is about sharing encour - Apex at Bury St Edmunds, seating 500, may share a stirring five-minute aging stories, to gain the tools for and guest speaker was author and thought or interview. everyday life, so we are better able to evangelist J John. Past guests have also “Even if just one person walks out do what God has called us to. It is easy included the Daughters of Davis, Ben of ‘Beautiful’ and decides to return to to slip into the busyness of life but it’s Cooley from Hope for Justice and church, we have done what we have important that we take the time to Arianna Walker, Executive Director of set out to do,” says Steph. The next remember what we were made for and Mercy Ministries UK. ‘Beautiful’ event will be held at the who we were made by,” she says. One of the keys to growth has been Carnegie Room, Thetford on Novem - Unafraid to break new ground, unity and networking with women ber 16, 7pm-9pm. Steph has pursued a passionate from Thetford’s churches and beyond www.flourishconference.co.uk adventure to reach women of all cul - to share ideas and encouragement. www.libertycentre.org.uk Record numbers attend Sheringham churches’ The BeachLife activity outreach giant inflatables. The week was rounded off with a beach scavenger hunt on the Friday. for children and young people on Evening activities for young people included Sheringham cliff top and beach the return of the popular “Sheropoly” trail at the end of August was another around the town and swimming at the local Splash pool. huge success, attracting around Peter Skivington, from the organising team, 300 children and young people, said “We’ve had a fabulous week, with the op - which is more than ever before. portunity to impact well over 300 young lives with the message that Jesus loves them and Tony Rothe reports. cares about them. That has to be worth cele - brating. There are around 60 volunteers on the I This was the eighth successive summer that team, all working together as a great team to BeachLife has taken place, and each year the share the Good News with the youngsters in event has built on the success of the previous the glorious setting of the clifftops and beach in years. It is a joint venture by the churches in Sheringham.” Sheringham, aimed at engaging with local Next year’s outreach is expected to run youngsters as well as holidaymakers. Feed - during the last week of the summer holidays back from parents and children has been very again, starting on September 1. Sheringham positive and encouraging. youngsters will not have to wait until next sum - The activities each day included the “Beach year, with one of the leaders getting covered in for lunch. There was also a pop-up café offering mer to continue the fun, however, as the team Special”, where all ages came together at the slime each day. free teas and coffees to parents of the children are already starting to plan an event on Octo - cliff-top marquee on The Leas for music, silly The mornings also included the “Going who were attending. ber 31, and another during February half-term. games, drama and challenges, and to intro - Deeper” sessions where the children and The afternoons comprised a family tide fight, duce the day’s theme, which this year was Epic young people split into age-groups to explore a beach sculpture of the BeachLife logo, the Visit: www.sheringhambeachlife.co.uk Explorers. The gunge tank featured again this that day’s theme in more depth before breaking egg parachute challenge, outdoor games and Also: www.facebook.com/sbeachlife/ NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 11 The first minister of music With over 70 recordings to Latterly he founded a music ensemble in Norfolk called Bella his name, Norfolk musician Roger Mayor at his piano Musica, whose members are all com - Roger Mayor was the in his Norfolk home. mitted Christians with outstanding Church of England’s first- music careers. Roger is strongly aware of the power of music to bring ever Minister of Music and the love and healing of the Gospel is used to leading crowds into the lives of many who are seeking love and wholeness. of over 10,000 people in His own diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer worship. Kevin Gotts in 2011 has reinforced his desire to reports. serve the Lord with gladness all the days of his life, and makes for a powerful testimony to God’s gracious healing in his own life. oger, who now lives in a “I am passionate that my life and village near Norwich with music must reflect the warmth and R wife Penny, is a well-known grace God has shown to me,” he says. composer, music arranger, pianist and Sometimes described as the “quiet producer. man at the piano”, he is softly spoken Originally from Cheshire, he recalls and carries in his heart and in his that 'my parents and grandparents manner the quiet confidence of hav - prayed that I would grow up to be a ing walked with the Lord through the servant of the Lord. I had started many storms that life brings. learning piano at the age of five, and “As God's hand has been upon me, by the age of 12 I felt God was calling so He has given me two hands to play me into my life's work of music the piano and keyboard in order to ministry.' bring blessing, and two ears to listen Steeped in Christian worship music to the needs of others,” he said. all his life, Roger received a classical Roger and Penny have made their music training in New York and home in a village some eight miles London. Then, having studied at from Norwich with their beloved Capernwray Bible College in the early golden retriever Charlie. The couple 1970s, he trained to be a teacher in are involved in their village church London. community with Roger serving as an In 1977, Roger was called to full- Authorised Worship Assistant, time music ministry, initially on organist and keyboard player. Merseyside and later in leading In 1989 Roger served on the music audience in Norwich Cathedral. load on our backs.” With his team of professional musi - music for the international Keswick committee and played at several Through the various trials and With the company he founded, SRS cians he has presented several Convention, and many other national venues for Dr Billy Graham’s Mission challenges of life, and following a Music, he had a long and fruitful concerts of inspirational music in his Christian events. '89 in London. cancer diagnosis in 2011, Roger says: career combining his love of teaching home village and in churches around “After a year playing the piano at Of his many CDs, his album Gentle “The Lord impressed on me that with his studio music production and Norfolk, celebrating the inspirational Keswick I was invited to bring about Touch won a coveted Album of the whatever the question, ‘Love is the arranging skills. Roger produced diversity of music in its many forms. the transition to a contemporary Year Award in 1996. In 2005, his answer’ for all human relationships, over 70 recordings for numerous Further information about Bella worship band, leading up to 10,000 hour-long choral work – Julian: especially in families and in the schools and colleges, as well as for Musica and the availability of the people in worship over three weeks’ Mystical Revelations – won critical Church. For all of us, there’s no situa - relatively unknown solo artists who group for concerts can be obtained of meetings in the giant marquee,” he acclaim when it was performed and tion that God’s love cannot reach, or then went on to enjoy successful from [email protected] said. recorded in front of a capacity any reason to carry guilt like a heavy careers as singers or instrumentalists. www.rogermayor.com Beachlife activity week BRIGHT QUALITY PLUMBING No job too small One year warranty on all work Available weekends and evenings Repairs and upgrades undertaken Free estimates. No extra call-out charge Handyman services also available Please phone Greg Bright Home: 01603 479216 Mobile: 07814182940 K.P. ELECTRICS FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. NEW ADDITIONS, REPAIRS AND EMERGENCIES. FAST, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE

The Beachlife tide fight, above and huge beach logo, left. PLEASE PHONE 01603 744208 Photos by Gareth Gabriel Film and Photo http://filmand.photo MOBILE: 07770 921399 12 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2019 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Novel examines mental health

Retired clinical psycholo - She says: “Everybody has to find gist, Angela Hobday, from Angela Hobday their own writing style and I like to with some of use the first person so I can get under West Norfolk, has taken up her books. the skin of the character and believe the pen to bring a new in them as real people. Often the story just takes off if I have written a good awareness to mental character.” health issues through her Losing Face takes the form of Word documents, interspersed with emails novels including the latest, and features the accident and recov - Red Cabbage Blue, ery of a young girl who sustains facial published by Instant injuries and loss of an eye in a car crash. The story is set against a back - Apostle on September 19. drop of friendship, relationships and Sandie Shirley reports. challenged values. Angela attended a psychology con - ference about visible differences, which was later followed by a semi - nar about children and adolescents. It revealed a gap in the market. “There were books written for boys with facial scarring but nothing for girls, so I ditched the book I was writing and had the plot for Losing Face by the time I had driven home,” says Angela. Writing was a childhood pastime. “While my sisters played the piano or painted pictures, I would write to relax. I later wrote professionally, as a psychologist, producing information sheets and articles and co-authoring four books in the Creative Therapy series.” She has found writing support through the Association of Christian ngela was a clinical psycholo - emotions and situations that bring Market and is the current chair of the Writers. It produces regular maga - gist for 30 years before doing drama and understanding. nationwide Association of Christian zines with news updates as well as A an MA in Creative Writing. She is also passionate about encour - Writers (ACW). writers’ days, competitions, manu - She draws on her experience as a psy - aging other writers who are She writes novels as Annie Try. Her script criticism and prayer support. chologist to portray fictional plots, Christians. She holds monthly meet - debut, Losing Face (Roundfire Books) The nearest group in Cambridge was characters and a medley of difficult ings at her home near Downham was published in 2011 while Trying to too far to travel so Angela set up a Fly and Out of Silence were pub - Norfolk ACW group, Brecks, Fens lished in 2017 (both by Instant and Pens, at her home nearly ten Apostle) as part of the series years ago. about fictional psychologist, Those first tentative steps led to Mike Lewis. ACW committee roles as Groups’ “Each of the Dr Mike Lewis Co-ordinator and four years ago she Do you have stories involves a mystery or became Chair as she continues to dilemma to be solved,” said forge the charity’s aim to encourage, Angela. “Red Cabbage Blue is the equip and inspire writers who are latest Dr Mike Lewis story and Christians. a heart for features the extraordinary life Throughout her latest role, the com - and discoveries of 22-year-old mittee has helped launch a members’ Bluedelle who eats, drinks, wears Facebook page and prayer space; young people? and lives surrounded by the heightened pastoral care needs and, colour blue.” with enhanced communication, has Angela’s fiction mirrors the better equipped the committee to To find out more please contact our friendly difficult realities that can be work together. The writers’ days have Why not become a Supported experienced by mental health also expanded to cover more of the Supported Lodgings team: sufferers. Her powerful written country and the number of local Lodgings or Nightstop host! YMCA Community Housing, 29-34 Anglia Square, messages breach a world of dark - groups has grown. If you are willing to provide a young person in need Norwich, NR3 1DZ ness and loss that includes topics Says Angela: “Writers can be evan - with a room in your home and support them on their such as facial disfigurement, gelists through their writing, so it is E: [email protected] adoption, life as an agoraphobic, important they are continually seek - journey, we would love to hear from you. T: 01603 662455 unresolved grief, relationships ing God’s will, honing their skills and YMCA Norfolk is looking for hosts for vulnerable young www.ymcanorfolk.org and the challenges of a mute have encouragement to prepare their work for publication. people and has both paid and volunteer opportunities, asylum seeker. Find us on Facebook “As a clinical psychologist, I “Writing can be a lonely occupa - from just one night or up to two years. facebook.com/ymcanorfolk wanted to do something about tion, sometimes not knowing where our writing is going and if anyone You won’t be alone in this, YMCA Norfolk will help by Follow us on Twitter how those with mental health problems are viewed by others. will appreciate it. But when we look providing training and ongoing support. @YMCANorfolk They are interesting people with at our Norfolk group it is a real joy to their own lives, thoughts and see how people have blossomed and ambitions and are so much more gained in confidence by meeting and than their diagnosis. Many have supporting each other.” to struggle to overcome adversity Angela’s books can be purchased to do ordinary daily things and through Amazon or ordered through then they hold down a job or local bookshops. achieve great things on top of www.christianwriters.org.uk that.” Printed by Archant Print, Thorpe Print Centre, Norwich