Inside L Leon’s life - 3 Prison tears - 5 City saints - 7 GOOD NEWS Celia’s courage - 8 FOR & Christmas 2015: FREE Supplement produced by Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk Now it’s singing not dancing for Daniel

Despite recent successful appearances on the hit BBC1 TV show Strictly Come Dancing , Norwich faith world-famous Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell will be sticking to his social action country, folk and Gospel music when he visits Norwich next year. has huge impact Keith Morris reports. I The social action work of churches and faith groups across Norwich is having a huge positive local impact according to the n October, popular entertainer Daniel (53), results of a recently published survey. turned his hand to dancing, accepting an The Cinnamon Faith Action Audit, I invitation to appear on the BBC cult show conducted earlier this year, received Strictly where he was teamed up with Russian responses from 43 Norwich-based faith dancer Kristina Rihanoff. groups. Despite being the third celebrity voted off the Between them these groups reported show, Daniel said he enjoyed the experience: “I running 388 social action projects for the love Strictly, but it's very traumatic waiting to benefit of 85,320 people outside of their own know your fate. Standing at the top of the stairs membership group, during 2014. waiting for the Strictly results to come through This work was done by 215 paid staff and is the worst feeling in the world. Even if it's not 3,921 volunteers, putting in a staggering you that's leaving it's going to be one of your 810,000 hours of work and, using the Living friends, and that's just as difficult.” Wage rate of £7.85 an hour plus some Kristina, his dancing partner, said: “You were additional resources, the financial value of such a joy to work with; you are the most this project work is around £6.7 million. wonderful guy, always there with a smile, One of the respondents was Norwich always ready to learn. It was an absolutely Foodbank, which last year provided 9,198 wonderful experience for me.” three-day emergency food parcels to people After 30 years in the music business, Daniel in genuine need, along with refreshments, still sells out arenas around the world and has listening ears and referrals to other agencies. an army of fans whose fierce loyalty rivals that Phil Thorne, local co-ordinator of the of any of the top boy bands out there. survey and pastor at Alive Church in The Irish crooner has sold over ten million Norwich, said: “The results celebrate the records and in 2012 became the only recording immense variety of work impacting groups artist to have had a different album in the UK of all ages and situations from all faiths charts each year for 25 consecutive years. and none and will increase the working But Daniel is philosophical when it comes to relationships with our local authorities.” his fame, and credits his Christian faith with Danny Doran-Smith, Chair of Norwich keeping his feet firmly on the ground. churches group Transforming Norwich, which “It’s easy to do what we do, especially if Daniel O’Donnell, with Kristina has backed the survey, said: “Local churches you’re in the public eye and think you’re so Rihanoff on Strictly and other faith groups in Norwich work with powerful that you don’t need anything,” he Come Dancing families, provide debt advice, coach people says. “But my faith has kept me grounded – the which runs until back into work, offer emergency food parcels realisation that I’m blessed to be given all this. December 19. and provide a safe place to belong and build “For me, being a Christian is about how we Picture courtesy friendships. relate to other people around us. A lot of people of BBC. “These groups are uniquely positioned to believe in the Christian way – even those who support those in most need on multiple don’t believe – but it’s about realising that after levels and we believe that they should be this life there’s so much more. We have to “I always feel a real closeness to people in that I get from an audience when I perform on celebrated and encouraged. believe that. We don’t have any concept of what church and Christmas Eve in the chapel was stage,” he says. “It is heaven on earth to me. “The results of the survey show that that is but when we realise that what we have something special,” he explains. “Religious Without the people who follow me I would not local churches and other faith groups in here is nothing in comparison to what comes occasions like First Communion and have this life. They say that when you’re doing Norwich work with a vast cross-section of next – that’s powerful.” Confirmation were among the highlights of my a job that you love, you never work a day in beneficiaries and gives an insight into the “I’ve never sung to make money. I sing childhood years.” your life. Well, that is certainly the case with true breadth, value and impact they have on because I love it and the money is just a by- But it wasn’t until his late teenage years me. I have never worked since I became an all sections of the community." product of what I do. My biggest payment is when it became clear that singing was Daniel’s entertainer. Matt Bird Cinnamon Network founder, said: being on the stage and that is a big part of the passion. Then, at the age of 21, he joined his Daniel was forced to cancel two previous “The purpose of the audit was to provide secret of my success. If it all ended tomorrow, I sister, Margaret, who had made a name for concerts at the Norwich’s Theatre Royal at the evidence for both the social impact and the couldn’t say there is anything the world could herself in Ireland as a singer. last-minute after his father-in-law had been economic value of all that faith groups do in have offered me that is better than what I have. A year later Daniel had produced his debut involved in a serious accident at his Tenerife communities across the UK. We hope that Born in Kinclassagh, a small rural town in record, which was quickly followed by his first home and he flew out to be with him and wife the evidence provided will inspire a greater Donegal, Ireland, Daniel’s first taste of music show and his career went from strength to Majella. He will now be appearing in Norwich confidence that faith and faith-based social was in his local church where he sang in the strength and his fan base grew with it. in September 2016. action is a force for good in our society.” choir. “There are no words to describe the feelings Article extracts from www.newlife.co.uk 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk Christmas 2015 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK When winter meets its death - in Narnia I from the curse. I Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is When we first encounter it, C.S. Lewis’ Pastor published by Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk. magical land of Narnia is in the grip of the Dominic And this really is the true message of Registered charity no 1141245. White Witch. She opposes Aslan and all that is Christmas, for just as Aslan broke the curse of the White Witch, so Jesus came as a human I Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk good and has cast a spell on Narnia so that it De Souza, child the very first Christmas to free us from I Editorial (01508) 488318. e-mail stories to is always winter but never Christmas. tlcNorwich [email protected] or For me, winters can be long and cold but at slavery and the grip of Satan. This is why the send copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, least the anticipation of the joy and warmth of Bible calls Jesus the Saviour. Wymondham Road, Wreningham, Norwich Christmas makes it easier to endure. But Sometimes we can feel as if we are stuck in NR16 1AT. imagine a land where there is no Christmas! a perpetual winter with no Christmas – our I Advertising: Helen Baldry (01603) 926120 Narnia was that land - a world that was in And when he shakes his mane, we shall lives become cold, dark, gloomy and depress - I Distribution: Les Champion (01603) slavery to the curse of the White Witch, a world have spring again. ing. We feel as if there is no hope, that there is 402310 that was not as it should be and a world that And thankfully the old prophecy does come no way out, that nothing will ever change. I Editor and designer: Keith Morris was awaiting restoration. true: Aslan takes his role as rightful king and But the great news is that Christmas did I Regular writers: Kevin Gotts, Mike Of course, as the plot in The Lion, the Witch Christmas finally comes to Narnia. come and God’s light and warmth broke into Wiltshire, Sandie Shirley, Helen Baldry, Les and the Wardrobe unfolds, we discover that For Christians such as C.S. Lewis, the our dark cold. What is broken can therefore be Champion. only Aslan, the true king of Narnia, can defeat fictional story of Narnia mirrors the actual story fixed. There is hope for the hopeless. In Jesus I Printed by Archant Print. the White Witch and break the spell: of our world. Though God created our world Christ the winter of our lives meets its death. I Churches, Christian organisations and Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in good, the Bible explains the consequences of And for those who accept Him, the long, dark individuals from within Norwich and Norfolk are sight, our wrong choices: the world – and indeed we spell of winter is not only broken but the invited to send news, events and pictures which At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no human beings – are not as we should be. newness of spring arrives in all its beauty. relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in more, With Aslan representing Jesus Christ and Christmas has come! Don’t allow yourself to social action, community care and evangelism. When he bares his teeth, winter meets its the White Witch being a picture of Satan, we go through another winter without experiencing death, are prisoners of sin who need to be rescued the true meaning of Christmas! I The deadline for material for the Easter edition is Friday February 19. Distribution is from Thursday March 10 .

I While every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained within are believed to be correct, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any Ruth is on the ball inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. But please ask as we are usually happy to oblige for a credit line in non-commercial situations. as sports minister

A Norwich church has stolen. She said: “That was one of the first times in my life when I appointed former didn’t know what to do. So I went basketball player, Ruth back to God and spent time in Graveling , as its new prayer. I learnt through that and other experiences to trust in God." sports minister to help Ruth discovered she had a people develop their knack for connecting people through sport and telling them love of sport, alongside about Jesus. She went on to a faith in God. Helen become a sports minister in Baldry reports. Gloucestershire working with disengaged young people. She said: “They weren’t aving gained experience interested in Jesus at all but were in youth work and sports massively sporty.” H coaching, Ruth, aged 33, Ruth found that a shared love has returned to her Norfolk roots of sport enabled her to talk to into full-time sports ministry at St people about God. During Thomas’ church in Norwich. this time she saw many lives Ruth grew up in Cromer, she transformed – several of the has always been sporty and young people became Christians played basketball to a high level. and many became qualified “I wanted to make it big in sport,” sports coaches. she said. “I wanted to make it to Now back in Norfolk, working the Olympics or to play for my for St Thomas’ Church in country. When I didn’t get that far Norwich, Ruth is at the helm of I thought ‘what should I do?’” The Sports Factory, a church What Ruth did was explore her project which runs regular appetite for Christian ministry by sporting activities, holiday clubs taking a year out in Coventry and coaching academies. with Youth For Christ as a Ruth has already made basketball worker. progress; over 450 people Her first task was to set up a attended a rugby world cup youth Alpha course, to which she event, 12 people have started invited a few local teenagers. their academy training and over After they had left, she discov - 40 children attended the first half ered her wallet and keys had been term holiday club. Ruth Graveling, new sports minister at St Thomas Norwich.

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Leon McKenzie, right, speaking at Soul Church in Norwich with senior pastor Jon Norman. Leon talks about faith and football

eon told a 480-strong audience Former Norwich City convictions. of making his professional striker, and now masters “When the guard shut the cell door, L debut for Crystal Palace at the the reality hit me in the face and I burst age of 17 as a YTS trainee and the boxing champion, Leon into tears. When things are taken highlights of his Norwich City career - McKenzie talked about his away from you it really defines your scoring twice on his debut in a derby character,” said Leon. game against Ipswich Town at sporting career, his battle Leon became a born-again Christian and the winner against with depression and his at the age of 20 and was baptized a year Manchester United. later, but he admitted he often struggles “It was a dream debut come true,” faith in God at Soul Church with his faith, while retaining a belief in Trusted by local families said Leon. “I fell in love with the club in Norwich recently. Keith God. since 1925 and played with my heart – what a Morris reports. “I believe God sometimes lets things fantastic time I had at Norwich.” happen in your life so that you can He also revealed that he used to pray really appreciate where you are and St Stephens Square before every game. “I used to take my what you have,” he said. Norwich 01603 625495 Bible into the changing room and sit in “Some days when I open my Bible I the corner and just pray – not that I get it and some days I don’t. If I am Aylsham Road would score lots of goals and we would attempt while playing for Charlton. honest, sometimes the whole religion Norwich 01603 483060 win, but that I would not get hurt and I “Towards the end of my career I lost thing gets on my nerves. I don’t go to Witard Road would just go out and have fun,” said my way and had injuries – it was a church every Sunday or pray every Norwich 01603 431797 Leon. nightmare. When I went to Charlton, I day, but I know my heart and I know “I was very privileged to play was not playing and I had serious God sees that.” George Bush professional football and earned depression. I pulled a hamstring. I Leon has been married and divorced Oak Street fantastic money. But if you are not called my mum after training that day twice, and has five children, whom he Norwich 01603 764157 careful you can lose your identity and and just burst into tears. For about a clearly adores. High Street yourself along the way,” he said. month I had just wanted out and to end “Sometimes I come home and sit Retiring from football in 2013, he it all. there by myself and I see all memora - Gorleston 01493 440838 followed his father Clinton McKenzie “I had collected about 60 pills bilia and man of the match award and Northgate Street and uncle Duke McKenzie into the sleeping pills and other tablets and the boxing belt and I can still feel Great Yarmouth 01493 842464 boxing ring. took them all, one after the other with a alone,” said Leon. “I appreciate them Earlier this year, Leon won his first bottle of Jack Daniels. I don’t know but they don’t really mean anything – High Street boxing title by beating Ivan Stupalo why but I called my dad. He rushed I would much rather see my kids Stalham 01692 580213 to take the international super- around and burst into the hotel room running about me any day. But that is middleweight masters belt. and I just collapsed in his arms. I woke down to my issues and my demons. But the biggest fight of Leon’s life has up next day in hospital.” “All I can do is try to correct certain been with depression, which he wrote In February 2012, Leon’s life hit things that have happened in the past about in his 2012 autobiography, My another low when he was jailed for six and move forward with faith and try eastofengland.coop/funerals Fight With Life, which led to a suicide months for trying to avoid speeding and be a better Leon McKenzie.” 4 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk Christmas 2015 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

Sandhurst star student and financial high-flier, Justyn Rees Larcombe , lost his wife, his family, £750,000 and his Sword of Honour to a crippling online gambling addiction, a Norwich audience has heard. Mike Wiltshire reports.

Justyn with wife Emma. Justyn lost family,

OPTOMETRISTS & job and £750,000 DISPENSING OPTICIANS ustyn had it all - around his Justyn is the son of well-known my faith is everything to me - my rock QUALIFIED ADVICE IN beautiful home were the Christian writer and speaker, Jennifer and my foundation. I feel so very ALL ASPECTS OF EYE CARE J mementoes of success - the Rees Larcombe. He had Christian happy to have been given another Sword of Honour awarded by the values from the day when, as a child in chance to be a proper father and a Queen when he left Sandhurst; the the garden - his big sister led him to husband. CONTACT LENS CENTRE silver photo frames with the pictures of faith in Christ. “I intend to live one day at a time in his much-loved wife and family; the Later, at university, and in the Army, all its fullness. Having spent so long ALL TYPES OF LENSES INCLUDING rooms full of the rewards of a career in he did very well, remembering a taking, I now love nothing better than DISPOSABLES FITTED & SUPPLIED the City of . promise in the Bible where God says: giving. Giving my time and my energy But Justyn had a parallel life: he “Those who honour Me, I will honour, to others and my trust is in Christ – not gambled. The gambling addiction and those that despise Me will be the spin of a roulette wheel!” TEL: NORWICH (01603) 626750 “seemed to come from nowhere”. humbled.” (I Samuel 2:30). A keen endurance swimmer and But gradually, from the age of 44, he Then, during a highly successful fund-raiser, Justyn successfully swam 19 CASTLE STREET, NORWICH, NR2 1PB allowed it to take over everything, career in financial services, Justyn, who the English Channel solo in 2014 to www.dippleconway.co.uk getting through a staggering £750,000 - loved sports, found himself with raise awareness of Hemiplegia, a some his own money, some his wife's. money and time on his hands and condition his seven-year-old son When the credit crunch came he lost made an innocent sports-related bet. Matthew has suffered from birth. his job, his wife left him, taking his “I was looking for alternative Justyn is married to Emma and they sons. Soon, the excitement, away from God.” But one have three sons: Matthew, Oscar 4 and Porsche and bet led to another . . . and the secret Harry, 14. Mercedes cars losses began to pile up as the stakes It was a painful experience writing were gone - and increased. Family relationships suffered his story, called “Tails I Lose” – as he Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services anything that badly - along with a terrible sense of ‘relived’ with tears the misery of his could be sold. shame as he “began to lose almost gambling addiction. “I hope people Then he just everything.” who read my story will gain a better gambled away Eventually, he found himself alone, understanding about addictions in 01603 528800 07789 586817 again. without hope, selling everything and general which can affect us all if we Justyn’s not eating, At his lowest point, he fell let down our guard,” he said. “But, inspirational on his knees in tears and confessed ultimately I want people to know there Christian funeral director personal story that it was pride that had led to his is hope, healing and restoration of recovery downfall. But he knew he was forgiven through Christ.” provides hope – and on a tough road to freedom from In a review of Justyn’s book, General Independent, affordable and personal for many who addiction. The Lord Sir Richard Dannatt, former struggle with The loss of trust has been difficult to head of the British Army, said: "This is Home visits, Full quotations, Funeral Plans, Memorials addictive repair, but today Justyn is a changed a most compelling account of the ups behaviour man, vowing to never gamble again. and downs of life, written with deep issues – there “Through a miracle, I’m now back passion and total honesty.” 104-106 Sprowston Road, Norwich, NR3 4QW are an with my wife,” he says. “I have estimated nothing like the income I once had, I Justyn was speaking at a VIP www.cobboldfunerals.co.uk 450,000 but my life is so much richer. I’ve Christmas dinner in Norwich, compulsive discovered that money isn’t important - arranged by the Full Gospel [email protected] gamblers in the people and relationships are. Businessmen’s Fellowship at the UK. “I have a regular walk with God and Brook Hotel. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk Christmas 2015 5 YMCA launches UK’s most dangerous Christmas appeal I YMCA Norfolk has launched a Home for Christmas campaign which aims to help ensure that no young person in Norfolk has to sleep on the street, in cars or on friends’ is turned to tears floors this Christmas. This Christmas, YMCA Norfolk will provide a safe home for over 260 homeless young Once known as one of the most people and support them towards a brighter Shane Taylor, whose life future - people like 21-year-old Leah dangerous prisoners in the UK, was touched by God. Jenkinson from Norwich. Last September, Shane Taylor went on a 17-year Leah moved into YMCA supported lodgings rampage of violence, theft and after a relationship breakdown with her family. drugs until a dramatic encounter “In the run-up to Christmas I was not looking forward to it and thought I would be turned him to tears and showed lonely and him God was real. Sandie Shirley sad,” she said. “But things reports. changed for me, my t the age of 19, Shane was arrested after supported two attempted murders. Then, after a lodgings A number of incidents at HMP Holme providers House, near Middlesbrough, he was put in gave me a segregation. The Home Office came to know Christmas I him as one of the six most dangerous prisoners couldn’t have in the country. dreamed of. “In prison I went wild. I lost hope, I lost love “At first I was and I did not care if I got ‘life’ since I lost all my nervous about inhibitions. But now I know God is real and he Christmas as I didn’t want to can change your life,” Shane told an Alpha Leah Jenkinson. supper hosted by Christ Community Church in intrude, but my Attleborough, a couple of weeks ago. providers welcomed me into their family Today he is a doting father with a strong traditions. I got to spend the day playing Christian faith who works with ex-offenders. “I games and enjoying myself. They showed me meet them at the prison gates, mentor them and what a Christmas could be like and helped bring God into their lives because I know God is me make the best of the situation I was in. We going to change them, he changed me,” he said. all cooked together and shared the day, I was As a teenager he took on society and included in every aspect. authority after he was bullied at school. “I was with broken glass when he could not use the am; I hate who I have become.” “I never thought I would be included in determined no-one would pick on me again,” gym, causing a riot. Suddenly Shane could not stop sobbing. “I someone else’s Christmas and the fact that I Shane told the packed audience during the Shane was moved to a variety of maximum could feel a weight being lifted from me. In a was will stay with me forever,” said Leah. Alpha course, which explores Christianity. security prisons. “They were full of mafia hit split second I knew God was real and Jesus had YMCA Norfolk chief executive, Tim “I would steal anything in my path,” said men and serial killers,” he says. There were touched me. Sweeting, said: “There are children and young Shane. He was soon mixing with the wrong long stretches of segregation and six or seven “We all deserve to go to hell. According to the people out there who are sleeping on the crowd and he made daring daylight burglaries officers used riot shields as they opened his cell Bible all of us are sinful and miss the mark. streets, in cars, or on a series of friends’ floors while the occupants were at home. door, he explains. That is why the Bible is called the Good News – until they run out of options. His role model was an uncle who had a When Shane moved to Parkhurst Prison on if you accept Jesus Christ you go to heaven.” “They have no safe base from which to reputation for fighting. “I carried a full set of the Isle of Wight he met a lifer who threw down Weeks later, Shane’s changed behaviour build a life for themselves. So we are knives around my waist. When I pulled out a the faith gauntlet. “Jesus loves you, open your meant a trusted job with the prison chaplaincy encouraging the local community to join us knife I intended to hurt someone. heart,” he said. “I thought he was mad but I instead of permanent segregation. Almost a year in making sure no child or young person “I did not have any morals. I became a feared could not forget him telling me that he had been after that Alpha day he was freed from prison. experiences the instability and fear of having drug dealer. Life was about my reputation, I in prison for years and would never be released “God has spoken to me and done things that no place to call home.” showed everyone that they should not cross but he was free.” only he could have done for me. I am now To support someone like Leah this me.” After moving to another prison, Shane married with four beautiful children and I do Christmas and give them hope for the future, Soon he was on the run for kidnapping and responded to an Alpha invite because of the Bible studies at night. He has changed the path text YMCA15 and your chosen donation attempted murder. After landing in gaol he biscuits and debates. of my family and changed the next generation,” amount to 70070. fought the system, rebelling with violent attacks Eventually he made a desperate plea to God. says Shane who tells prison inmates about the www.ymcanorfolk.org/homeforchristmas on inmates and stabbing two prison officers “If you are real come into my life - I hate who I Saviour who gave him new life and purpose. 6 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk Christmas 2015 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Val is honoured with MBE A community I Christian social action pioneer Valerie Dodsworth (pictured right) received her MBE from Richard Jewson, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, on behalf of the Queen, at a that cares private investiture ceremony at Keswick near Norwich a few weeks ago. Val was made a Member of As a £19m ‘care the Order of the British Em - village’ on the edge of pire for services to homeless people and to the community Norwich prepares to in Norwich. She has worked open its doors next in prison, in the after-care of spring, members of homeless offenders and for the Probation Service. nearby Bowthorpe After retirement, Val Church , are helping became a member of the to develop a chaplaincy team at Norwich Prison and became Dementia Friendly increasingly concerned about Community in the the welfare of prisoners after Her goal was to make the my life and has kept the their release. She decided house a real home rather House of Genesis going in area. Mike Wiltshire to set up a home for the than a hostel run by staff. reality. In the Bible we are reports. homeless, including ex- She said: “Today has been told not to forget to show offenders, called the House a wonderful day and party hospitality to strangers for of Genesis. Initially she used and just amazing. My some who have done this n 80-bed specialised her own home but then inspiration for the work has have entertained angels care home, called moved it to a larger property. come from God who changed without realizing it.” A Mayflower Court, with a further 92 apartments, part of a housing with-care- scheme, called The Meadows, are being built on a 79-acre site at Three Score in Bowthorpe by NorseCare, owned by Norfolk County Council, working in partnership with the Saffron Housing Trust. Although there are more than 850,000 registered dementia sufferers in the UK – of whom 17,000 are in Norfolk, there is widespread anxiety about the impact of the illness, which comes in 200 varieties, and which starts with loss of Lois Wiltshire, in a hard-hat, tours the new Care Village at short-term memory and Bowthorpe. changes of perception. It is believed that one person in the area on behalf of inclusion, where people 14 could develop dementia, Bowthorpe Church. “We want living with dementia feel including younger people. The to turn our new understanding empowered to play an active youngest sufferer in Norfolk is into action.” role in their communities – for a woman aged 27. Kate Grange, who works example, having a coffee or In Norfolk, there are around with the Community meal with friends or shopping 70 dementia cafes, run by the Engagement Partnership and for a gift for a loved one. Alzheimer’s Society and Age Norsecare, is working with The ‘Welcome Me as I Am’ UK. They provide a safe and Lois and others to show that, project, which promotes supportive environment for with support, people with awareness of mental health in people with dementia. They dementia can and do take an faith communities and in the also enable carers to socialise active role in life. wider world, says: “Churches and find advice. However, As a care provider, Norse - need to welcome and include there is much that the wider Care, is keen to be an integral people with dementia, as well community can learn in part of the local community, as their carers. helping to ease the burden for “and Bowthorpe is no Meanwhile, Heather sufferers and carers alike. different,” says Richard Edwards, a Norwich teacher By becoming “Dementia Smith, marketing manager of and hospital volunteer, has Friends”, members and friends the care company. “We have developed the ‘Music Mirrors’ of Bowthorpe Church – already been working very resource project - a unique located half-a-mile from the closely with Bowthorpe way to spark memory through Care Village – have learned Church, sharing our plans for music, which is “language vital aspects about dementia the care village, helping them beyond words.” There has and the many misconceptions. with community groups, been national interest among For example: dementia is not Dementia Friends sessions, healthcare professionals in a natural part of ageing; it’s pastoral support and many Heather’s system which possible to live well with more activities. The local awakens emotions and helps dementia; it’s not just about church has a vital role in the the person with dementia to memory-loss and mood community,” he adds. “We feel recognised and valued. changes – it can affect hope the new care village and Heather, is a Quaker who also thinking, communicating and the church can share facilities.” worships with the German doing everyday tasks. Dementia Friendly Lutheran Church in East “There’s more to a person Communities, such as those in Anglia. than dementia,” says Lois Aylesham, Wymonham, For details about the work Wiltshire, a “Dementia Friends Swaffham, Diss and Wayland of “Dementia Friends”, call Champion,” who networks in and Wells, are based on Lois on 01603 503 274. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk Christmas 2015 7

Short Norwich film Chaplain to those on tells Christmas story I The Diocese of Norwich has produced a short new film entitled The Story of Christmas to help people understand the birth of Jesus Christ. Shocking statistics in a recent study streets of Norwich showed just 12 per cent of adults know the nativity story, and more than one-third of children don't know whose birthday it is. Norwich’s self-appointed The new film aims to help young and old chaplain to the streets, discover the true meaning of Christmas. The Carrie Sant, is an expert animation re-tells the nativity story and is narrated by the Bishop of Norwich the Rt Rev social networker – with Graham James. the homeless, refugees, Bishop Graham said: "Everyone celebrates Christmas but not everyone knows the story asylum seekers and of Christmas, though they often think they do. addicts. Helen Baldry So we need to tell it as vividly as possible in reports. the language of today.” The Ven Jan McFarlane, Archdeacon of Norwich said: “For vast numbers of people Christ is still very much at the heart of Christmas, even if their knowledge is a little he doesn’t have a website, hazy. Our hope is this film will remind us of she doesn't produce leaflets the wonder which lies at the very heart of S and doesn’t tweet, but Christmas in the form of a tiny infant born to Christian outreach worker Carrie teach us the power of unconditional love.” Sant is a social networker par You can see the film at https://www.you excellence. Carrie works in tube.com/watch?v=Pu99qCegVNU Norwich with homeless people, asylum seekers, refugees, addicts and any vulnerable people who need help. She is a qualified nurse, ordained minister and trained counsellor with a natural skill for helping people. She describes herself as a self-appointed chaplain to the streets. Carrie takes action where she sees a need and says that she asks God what she should be doing each day and just tries to follow His leading. Carrie said: “I was aware of the enormous need in people’s lives, and as a Christian, I am aware of the enormous resource that is the church. My heart is to try and Carrie Sant helps teach pottery at the Turn Around Stays farm near Garboldisham. connect the church to the need in a safe and effective way.” Having experienced poverty and received a call that day from perishable items are saved to use refugee who, after volunteering even homelessness herself and somebody who’s relative had died for their weekly open table lunches with City Saints and receiving having experienced the devastating and wanted to give everything – and to give to give to people in support from them, wanted to help effects of addiction and poor kitchen contents, furniture, need, including newly-arrived others in their settlement process. mental health within her own appliances – to somebody in need. asylum seekers and refugees. Turn Around Stays is based on a family, Carrie is able to empathise Inspired by Genesis 11, the motto At Christmas with added provi - farm near Garboldisham where with the people she meets. of Carrie’s group, City Saints in sions from Norfolk farmers and groups volunteer and gain Much of Carrie’s work ‘just Action, is ‘blessed to be a blessing’ Norwich Foodbank they deliver up practical skills, such as pottery. happens’ due to the extensive and they have an ability to spot to 250 hampers to people in need From this, eight men at present, connections she has with opportunities to assist in very Carrie likens her role to that of a enjoy much-needed space, living individuals, agencies and practical ways. midwife – assisting in the birth of for a while, away from chaotic organisations in the city. Every year, Carrie turns up on new projects – seven have sprung circumstances. She said: “I believe God’s put me the last day of the Norfolk-based out of small beginnings, including Carrie said: “Our ethos is to in this very strategic place where I Christian festival Newday with a an informal language group which, build new social networks by have a pretty good idea of what’s team of helpers and vans, this year under the vision and leadership of working together to help other happening and what is needed.” they collected about £4,500 worth Rosie Sexton, has since blossomed people.” For example, an elderly refugee of unused food from groups at the into English+, to support people The impact Carrie and her team was moved to a house which was campsite. The perishable food is who have moved to Norwich to have on the city is evident; after entirely unfurnished and she had distributed amongst hostels and speak English. City Saints take action, amazing no belongings whatsoever. Carrie families in need and non- House to Home was started by a things follow in their wake. 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I Les Moore, a retired hospital chef, has created a fund-raising image of the historic landmark tower at his local village church of St Andrew’s in Eaton, Norwich, despite being blind in one eye through serious illness. Les built the tower model (pictured right) out of old wallpaper pasting tables and covered it with photos of the tower’s flinty surface, to help raise £35,000 towards the £40,000 needed to repair the 15th century tower. The 80ft flint tower stands alongside the 13th century parish church, the only thatched-roof church in Norwich. In his home workshop, Les has made stage-sets, puppets, scenery and visual aids for his work in running vividly remembers the night has found comfort from Celia Harmer from Norwich, who has produced an inspiring Lifeline DVD. more than 100 holiday clubs when, at the age of 9, he Psalm 27:13: “I am still for children, over the years. came to faith in Jesus Christ. confident of this: I will see the Now 68, Les is an In recent years he has goodness of the Lord in the evangelist at heart who survived serious illness and land of the living.” Celia’s show of courage

edics told the Many of us will be She believes no valley is too Norfolk grand - lighting candles this dark for the light and love of M mother that she has Jesus to penetrate. Two three to ten years to live, but Christmas, but Celia decades ago she survived a she faces each day with Harmer’s home is ruptured ectopic pregnancy courage, believing her life is when she was close to death. now richer than before she had usually aglow Celia recalls being in agony the disease. throughout the year. in the hospital operating “God has shown me real theatre. Unable to breathe, an love through family and She regularly lights oxygen mask was placed over friends and strangely I am candles as a reminder her head. She prayed, more alive now than before the that Jesus is the light prepared to die as her life cancer,” says Celia, who lives seemed to ebb away, but near Norwich. of the world, as she suddenly Celia felt different. Her vibrant faith has given lives with inoperable “It was as though I was being her blessings for life and hope filled with hot water – I felt for death, helping her breast cancer. Sandie warmth and peace. I was withstand the fears, pressures Shirley reports. amazed by the result of my and dictates of the disease prayer; when I came round I through prayer and loving learnt that I had been given support. filming and editing using just 20 minutes left to live,” she Celia shares her inspiring lessons from ‘BBC Voices.’ says. message through ‘Lifeline’ – She has already given away Celia has lost many friends a DVD made to give every over 1,000 copies of the short to cancer. She says: “I know I suffering soul new hope. film to people from all walks am here through the grace of She is often tired and cancer of life. She encourages people my Lord Jesus and I am helped has now spread to her breast to take one – “It is a blessing – by his love; the prayers of bone, ribs and lungs and a ‘lifeline’ to anyone in distress others and his love working surgery is impossible but she through the power of prayer,” through others. says: “I have the strength to says Celia. “We are on this earth face all conditions by the The film was first intended together with different parts to power that Christ gives me. I to help members of the play and I am here by the skill want to shout it from the roof Norfolk and Norwich Big C of doctors, nurses and by tops that Jesus is alive. If you Centre’s Rosemary Group – a science,” says Celia who are suffering in any way or are support group for women continued radiotherapy last at breaking point, Jesus comes living with secondary cancer. year to help fight the disease if you ask him.” Celia attends the weekly that first struck 17 years ago. ‘Lifeline’ was made seven meetings where raw emotions, She adds: “I am here until it years ago after Celia received laughter and friendship are is too much for me and God the bleak medical report, shared to help everyone cope takes me home to be with despite previous chemo and with the challenges of cancer. him.” radiotherapy for the disease. She says: “Caring friends Copies of Celia’s DVD are She was too weak to carry a and family, together with quiet available free from: Revelation, camcorder on a tripod but reflection and the beauty of St Michael at Plea Church, enlisted the help of a creation, are like blessings Redwell Street, Norwich NR2 Printed by Archant Print, Thorpe Print Centre, Norwich photographer friend for the from God.” 4SN (enclose second class sae).