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Christmas song - 2 y Faith in politics - 3 GOOD NEWS Syrian mission - 6 FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Community fridges - 8 Winter 2020/21: FREE Master beekeeper - 10 Robert helps million orphans find a home

Norwich-based international charity Robert Glover with Care for Children two Chinese orphans helped by his charity. has placed an incredible one million Dan Walker (c) BBC. orphan children into families in China and beyond. Eldred Dan tells stories of Willey reports.

remarkable people new book from BBC1 Breakfast show host Dan Hodder and Stoughton Walker has just written a new book A – As Many as the Stars - tells the story of charity about some of the remarkable peo- founder Robert Glover, and of ple he has met during his career as how he moved with his wife a journalist and TV presenter. and six young children from the UK to China to follow his n In Remarkable People, Dan, who also hosts calling. Football Focus and has presented everything Robert Glover was a sub- from Match of the Day to Olympics coverage, mariner and then a footballer recounts inspiring stories of the courage and before he settled into a career selflessness of people he has met throughout his as a social worker caring for career. difficult teenagers in Norfolk. He is determined to shine a light onto stories Since childhood he of selflessness and compassion that seldom nurtured a dream to visit make the headlines and he recounts tales of China and his dream devel- incredible humanity, empathy, and a steely oped into a vision: to help the determination to transform lives, restore trust, many children who have been renew hope. abandoned into orphanages And Dan is quite a remarkable person himself, across China as an climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for unintended consequence of OBE by Her Majesty Queen been greatly impacted by charity and known for putting his family and faith the One Child Policy. Elizabeth II for services to having a loving, local family to first despite his highly successful career to date. He first visited China in 1996, orphans and vulnerable call their own. He is the father of three young girls and and in 1998 moved to Shanghai children in China. “At a time when there’s so despite being a sports commentator does not with his family and founded Told with humour and sim- much negativity and cynicism, work on Sundays, giving himself time to focus on the charity Care for Children, plicity, As Many as the Stars here’s proof that positive, his family and his Christian faith which pioneered family place- gives a deeper understanding compassionate action can Talking to Sorted Magazine, Dan explains that ment as an alternative to of the importance of families transform the lives of an entire his faith is very important to him: "I don't take institutional care. When the and how to live with greater generation.” much seriously in life except for my faith and my charity was launched, there compassion, generosity and Jackie Pullinger (Author of family,” he said. “I believe that if you have a wasn’t a word in Mandarin for courage. Chasing the Dragon), who strong faith in Jesus Christ, it has to make a foster care. In conversations Robert now works as an works with drug addicts and difference to how you live your life. with the Chinese government adviser at conferences, events prostitutes in the Walled City "It informs who I am and who I would like to Robert demonstrated that and consortia around the in Hong Kong, said: “At last be, where I'm going, the way I talk, the way I act, family-based fostering and world. A feature documentary the world has a story it’s been hopes, dreams, aspirations etc. It is a significant adoption was a better alterna- An independent evaluation of entitled Children of Shanghai hoping for. This is a true part of every day I live," he said. tive to the system of the pilot project in Shanghai by has been made about his work, story… I watched it happen "I would like to think that it reduces pride and state-sponsored orphanages. the University of East Anglia narrated by Bear Grylls. with wonder.” self-obsession and makes you think more care- His charity has now reached concluded that it was one of the In his endorsement of the fully about the people around you, and the im- its goal of getting one million best foster care projects in the book, adventurer and TV pre- n As Many as the Stars was pact you're having on the community and society children fostered or adopted, world, and in 2003 this led to an senter Bear writes: “A released by Hodder and around you. For me, it underpins everything I am which is 85% of the children in invitation from the Ministry of determined man can overcome Stoughton in October, priced and want to be." the state-run institutions in Civil Affairs in Beijing to all obstacles. Robert Glover £16.99 hardback. n Remarkable People is published by Headline China. It has since expanded expand the project nationally. OBE is a friend and a true hero Publishing Group and is widely available. into Thailand and Vietnam. In 2005 Robert was awarded an of mine. Lives in Asia have n careforchildren.com Priest’s praise after five-week hospital Covid-19 battle – page 12 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Memorable moments from a long career in broadcasting

n High up in Norwich Cathedral is a wide Former BBC Mike called me into his office. “We need a reli- Pantomime cast service (oh yes we did!) from a gallery called the triforium, a vantage point gious programme. You’re religious and you’ve packed St Peter Mancroft. It was the last thing I where I’ve spent several Sunday afternoons Radio Norfolk done some hospital radio. You can do it,” he did before I retired. Not a bad finale. producing outside broadcast recordings of broadcaster said and so, in that first week on air, I was Since hanging up my headphones I’ve had special services for BBC Radio Norfolk. We creating and presenting Gospel Scene, a the privilege of producing and presenting a covered the moving and memorable, from the Tony Mallion Christian magazine and music show, landing a series of Festivals of Remembrance in Great Queen Mother’s death to the centenary cele- recalls some recorded interview with Cliff Richard to launch Yarmouth, with the last one to mark the cente- bration of Norwich City FC when the congrega- memorable it. He was at Ipswich on a Tear Fund concert nary of WW1, at the Hippodrome Circus where, tion sang ‘On the Ball City’ accompanied by the tour. I was nervous; he wasn’t. My faltering like the Royal Albert Hall, poppies rained down organ. moments questions were met with eloquent answers. from the roof for the two minutes’ silence; and Working in local radio – as I did for 25 years from Christ- It wasn’t long before I suggested recording a staging an annual carol service for my own of my career – was certainly wide ranging. One mas carol and carol service. We didn’t have enough equip- church (Cliff Park Community, Gorleston) at the minute out and about reporting, the next behind ment so I drafted in help from Hospital Radio local Pavilion Theatre – though sadly not this the microphone in the studio hosting a variety other services Yare in Yarmouth (where like so many others I year. Instead we’ve worked on a studio based of live programmes while also producing com- over the years while also looking had my first experience of radio) and asked St carol service going out on our local Harbour edy quizzes and shows at venues from village Andrew’s Church in my home town, Gorleston, Radio as well as social media. halls to the Theatre Royal. But as a Christian, ahead to life after lockdown. to hold a special service. As a youngster I first There’s also been opportunities to host having the chance to share church services live attended Sunday School at that church but concerts like the annual Methodist Songs of or recorded, particularly at Christmas, was aids of the residents next door. They were it was in my teens, through the work of Praise at Thursford as well as working with the special, if occasionally challenging too. delighted. Crusaders, that I became a Christian and soon Norfolk Fellowship Band of the Salvation Army At Sheringham parish church all went My broadcasting began in 1984 moving from after felt journalism and later broadcasting were which was the last thing I did a couple of days smoothly but later we discovered we’d inadver- 15 years in newspapers to be one of the a calling for me. before lockdown in March. And we’d like to tently done a live broadcast to the adjoining founders of Radio Broadland. Initially going to That St Andrew’s service was followed by think this might be the first thing we do when care home because the church’s loop system the newsroom clearly God – and programme scores of others, most memorably broadcasting we emerge from all of this. Now there’s some- was picked up loud and clear by the hearing organiser Mike Stewart – had other ideas as live for several years the annual Theatre Royal thing to look forward to in the spring!

GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Matt’s Christmas song n Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is published by Network Norwich & Norfolk, part of Christian Community Trust for Norwich and Norfolk Ltd. Registered charity no 1105340. of peace and hope n Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk blog award. n Editorial: 07712 788762 or e-mail stories Church minister, author Matt was born in Zimbabwe to [email protected] or Author and songwriter and songwriter, Matt and at 40 is something of a vet- send copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, Matt McChlery. eran songwriter after writing Wymondham Road, Wreningham, Norwich McChlery, has launched his first composition at just 15. NR16 1AT. a new Christmas song to Now a deacon at the King's n Advertising: Helen Baldry (01603) 926120 share a message of Church, Wisbech, he has also n Distribution: Alan Lusher 07743 926884 hope and peace after taught himself the guitar and n Editor and designer: Keith Morris plays hand drums. n Regular writers: Sandie Shirley, Helen fighting back from a Sustained and encouraged by Baldry, Kevin Gotts, Eldred Willey, Tony cancer diagnosis. his faith, his songs have always Rothe reflected a gospel signpost for

Sandie Shirley reports. others. They have been heard n Churches, Christian organisations and and sung in churches, commu- individuals from Norwich and Norfolk are in- ave you Heard describes nities and aired on worldwide vited to send news, events and pictures which the Christian reason for radio stations as well as a few relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in H the season. It declares seasonal TV programmes. social action, community care and evangelism. why a baby born to a humble Matt also plays renditions of family in a barn with smelly other worship songs, but his n The deadline for material for the Spring animals became a man who is influential talent has had a dif- edition is Friday February 19. Distribution is important to us all as our ferent spin when invited to play from Thursday March 11. Saviour, explains Matt, who at coffee shops or festivals and teamed up with singer he sings recognisable cover n Reproduction of any part of this publication songwriter Kate Mills to release songs from the radio such as without permission is strictly forbidden. But the song in November. Coldplay and Adele. please ask as we are usually happy to oblige The former primary school “The lyrics still carry some- for a credit line in non-commercial situations. teacher whose great, great, thing that will point people great grandfather wrote the towards God,” says Matt, who n We endeavour to adhere to the IMPRESS Victorian hymn: ‘Onward uses social media, YouTube and standards code. If you have a complaint you Christian Soldiers’ says he has his website to further extend his should, in the first instance, contact the editor known the saving power of message. [email protected] with Jesus Christ when he looked Covid-19 has called a halt to details. If you are still not satisfied you should death in the face. live events yet on-line work has contact IMPRESS, details below. Matt, who has walked the increased and Matt offers vir- waters of faith to combat tual concerts. “I have also been cancer, is a member of the taking part in a song writing Association of Christian Writ- “I knew I was safe in Jesus’ speaker and music tutor. challenge to write a song every ers’ ‘Brecks and Pens’ group hands whatever happened, but I That dark time spurred him month for the whole of 2020; I near Downham Market. He was am weak; I am not strong, but on to write a blog detailing his have not missed a month yet,” diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s he has been my strength. I journey from diagnosis to he says. Lymphoma, aged just 36 with a learnt God was with me. He was remission two years later. Now he has launched a crowd wife and young family, when he carrying me and fighting for His chronicles have inspired funding campaign to record a heard the bleak hospital report me,” says Matt who is also a nations while he achieved a new EP. Find out more at: nearly six years ago. live performer, worship leader, ‘finalist’ position for a national www.mattmcchlery.com NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 3 Tim talks of faith, politics and integrity As the divisive US presidential Tim said: “I ended up reading the weird God stuff! It struck me... it just hit me almost election was still in full flow, with a physical force - it's true!” former Liberal Democrat leader He said: “It's been far from plain sailing Tim Farron spoke at an online ever since. There have been times when I’ve backslidden. God is gracious, he's got us in event organised by Surrey his hands.” Chapel in Norwich about the topic Tim describes himself as a “Christian lib- eral, not a liberal Christian.” His faith has of integrity. Helen Baldry reports. caused tension in his career and caused him to relinquish political power. He seems

im Farron, currently MP for West completely at ease with the position he is Morland and Lonsdale, was leader of currently in: “I love what I’m doing now.” T the Liberal Democrats for two years He describes leading the Lib Dems as “a before stepping down at the 2017 general massive honour” and said there is election, stating that he had become "torn something liberating about being “post- Tim Farron. between living as a faithful Christian and ambitious”. He believes resigning was the Picture by serving as a political leader". most useful thing he could have done. He Richard The Norwich online event, entitled ‘The I said: "The most important part of my job is Townshend/ Factor: How important is integrity in our the opportunity and privilege to serve other Wikipedia. leaders?’ was held on Zoom, hosted by Sur- people." rey Chapel and attended by around 100 Every year he deals with tens of people in November. Tim said he was famil- thousands of cases as an MP . He said: “It's iar with Norfolk which he described as: “A not just the number of people we're helping, for something infinitely and eternally more He said: “That doesn't mean that integrity glorious place... flipping hard to get to!” His but the depth and seriousness of the prob- valuable. doesn't matter.” He talked about John sister lived just outside Norwich so he is lems people are dealing with.” He cites Integrity in politics is about being less Major’s ‘back to basics’ campaign in the familiar with the county. current problems as people who are selfish and less vain. It’s being able to put 1990s talking about morality, decency, Tim was first involved in politics at 16, stranded in another country or had their others before yourself. Tim gave examples: importance of the family, setting up the became a Christian at 18 and is married cancer operations cancelled and the “Being prepared to get marked down by the Conservative party as the party of morality. with four children, owns two dogs and widespread increase in poverty and unem- whips. It actually looks like trashing your Subsequently MPs’ dirty laundry was turned 50 during lockdown. ployment. career. In the Bible, love is always costly... I publicly rummaged through and the view Not brought up in a particularly Christian It is important to him to communicate think the same goes for integrity.” that evolved was that you can do what you household, Tim remembers going to church faithfully and publicly about being a Chris- Jesus teaches about integrity. He is the like. Tim said: “I do think if you cannot be once as a child. However, he did hear the tian. The focus on Tim’s faith put him in a only person who ever lived who stands up to truthful and faithful to those closest in your gospel a couple of times in his childhood difficult position as Liberal Democrat scrutiny and his integrity is linked to life, how are we meant to trust you in pub- and there was a boy at college who was a leader. He said: “I'd either have to backslide humility, explained Tim. lic? We shouldn’t hold others to a higher Christian “a lovely guy, everybody liked and be a failure as a Christian in order to If the electorate acknowledges that standard than we hold for ourselves. The him.” move the conversation on. Option two was nobody’s perfect, should we lower our challenge for Christians is to demonstrate a However, to Tim, his faith was “weird, to be dogged and know what I should do and expectations when it comes to integrity in radical difference, which involves being prescriptive and unattractive.” be faithful to Jesus.” He felt that the option politics, he asked? countercultural when you put your trust in Tim’s own commitment to follow Jesus was to either be a bad Christian or be a bad Tim believes that if you put your ultimate Jesus.” happened when he was in Singapore as a leader. "That's a rubbish choice, let's do hope and trust in a politician then you’ll be Tim concluded: "Be careful where your young adult. The people occupying his room neither." disappointed and you’ll have to hope lies - make sure it's in the right previously left their books on the shelves. Tim says that he gave up the leadership compromise. person." 4 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

opinion column A bright hope New chaplaincy is

for tomorrow launched on Broads Andrew Frere-Smith is A new Waterways Development Worker for Chaplaincy hub has New Norfolk Broads chaplains, Imagine Norfolk Together, recently opened on the Angie Baldwin and Mike Cadman. based in King’s Lynn. Norfolk Broads, and it is now looking for more n As an eight-year-old, I can remember volunteer chaplains to walking to primary school and passing groups of intimidating teenagers loitering help cover the large and laughing as they made their way to the area. Tony Rothe high school at the opposite end of town. I hoped that one day I would be as tall as reports. them and no longer feel so small and vulner- able. It was only a few years later and I was ngie Baldwin, an experi- the high school pupil looking down on the enced chaplain, has young ones. My hope had been fulfilled. A moved into the area and As a teenager I hoped that one day I would been joined by Mike Cadman. feel normal and no longer be the gangling, Mike has been commissioned awkward, following a training period, but spotty and brings with him lots of experi- embar- ence in other areas of public life. rassed indi- Both chaplains will have their vidual that I own ‘patch’ to work as part of had become. those communities, but they Hopes of will also work across the whole ever having area to try and provide the pas- a girlfriend toral support, for which the were a dis- chaplaincy is well known, to all tant dream. who use the waterways. Yet today, at Waterways Chaplaincy is an 62, I am a established national organisa- grandfather tion which helps those who live with a won- and work on or alongside water- derful wife, ways, canals, and rivers in both two impressive sons and grandchildren. rural and urban communities in Sometimes miracles happen, hopes and the UK. dreams are fulfilled! It operates as part of Work- Our personal hopes may sound silly when place Matters, which in turn is we reveal them but, actually, they are very part of the Church Army, and is important. In the Bible, Proverbs 13 verse 12 an ecumenical partnership says that “Hopes deferred makes the heart reaching out and taking sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Christian values through its It is good to have hopes, desires, dreams chaplains into the community. given us one or two people to try even open a bank account. including safeguarding training, and ambitions. They often motivate us to give The two chaplains will look to and help, so we are pastorally Choosing this way of life does to fulfil their role. more effort than we might otherwise do. recruit additional chaplains to active and spiritually reactive. not always give access to They support and encourage When our hopes are fulfilled, sometimes provide a better coverage across “At the moment there are just schools, medical facilities or everyone regardless of religion, despite ourselves, we are encouraged to the area and work to get to know the two of us to cover the whole other amenities and these prob- orientation, or race, and are have greater faith. those who live and work on and area. We manage to get around, lems can be compounded when always happy to offer practical In this time of uncertainty, many of us are near the local rivers and Broads. but a few more chaplains would bereavement, depression, and spiritual help, or just to dis- having to learn to live life a day at a time. Angie and Mike are delighted be a great help. If you see us illness, or unemployment cuss spiritual and practical Having the discipline not to worry about to- with the reception they have around in our ‘gilets’ or in the occurs. matters if invited to do so. The morrow can be a constant struggle. I want to received from the Broads boat with our banners, please Chaplains are volunteers from network of waterways chaplains be able to plan for the future, to know where I Authority and Norfolk Police say ‘hello’. We would be happy local churches who visit the are well placed to respond to the will spend my holiday and who I will be able which will enable them to target to talk and help in any way we waterways regularly, offering needs of the most vulnerable, to share it with. But at the moment these their pastoral work where it is can.” companionship and a listening responding to concerned com- things are not possible. most needed. People live and work on the ear to individuals and munity members, providing Should I abandon my hopes? Is it better Mike says: “We have met with waterways - many use their businesses. They take an inter- pastoral support, care and not to think about the future? I don’t think so. the Broads Authority who are boats for recreational purposes, est in whoever they meet - guidance. I still want to have dreams, ambitions and happy that we are working but some choose to live on boaters, holidaymakers, You can contact Mike at hopes, but most of all I want the faith of St alongside them. We have also board. This means that the live- cyclists, walkers, anglers, etc as [email protected] or on Julian of Norwich that “All shall be well, and met with Broads Beat, the aboard boater will not have a well as all those who live and 07885 282465 or Angie at all shall be well, and all manner of things Broads Police, and they have post code and as such will find it work on and care for the Broads. [email protected] or shall be well.” involved us in their information difficult to register with a GP, They all have enhanced DBS phone 07771 438062 As a vaccine comes closer, it may not be community. They have already claim benefit, tax a vehicle, or checks and are fully trained, www.waterwayschaplaincy.org.uk so long before the pandemic comes under control. In the meantime, I hold onto words from the wonderful hymn, Great is thy Faithful- ness, which proclaims that God’s desire has always been, and will always be, to provide Greetings cards, stationery, helium balloons, party products and Thorntons chocolates us with ‘Faith for today and bright hope for 193 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, NR6 5NZ - [email protected] - 01603 485832 tomorrow’. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 5 Norfolk church Helping children on offers free help with debts

the road to nowhere n The Mid-Norfolk branch of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), based at Fountain of Life Church in Ashill, is offering free debt help A child out of school is a child on to local people facing money problems. a highway to nowhere. That is the Tom Dannatt. Picture Heather Nunn, Mid-Norfolk CAP Debt (c) Street Child. Centre Manager, said: “We know that most stark reality which many people in people want to have a nice Christmas but it’s Norfolk have come to glimpse for hard to do when bills are piling up. “Getting help now can take the pressure the first time, thanks to the Covid- off and stop the worry and misery. 19 pandemic. It is also the reality “Christmas is supposed to be a lovely which stirred Norfolk-based Tom celebration, but we know that for many people in our area there’s not enough money Dannatt to create the charity to pay essential household bills. So there’s Street Child. Eldred Willey nothing left to make Christmas Day special. “Our team is here to help with debt prob- reports. lems through our CAP Debt Help service and because we’re local we can also support

clients practically too. ince 2008, Street Child has been “Over the years we’ve had all sorts of providing education for children in ways to help people make Christmas that the world’s toughest places. S little bit better by offering hampers, linking As Tom went through his twenties, the clients up with local food banks, arranging pieces of Street Child were already begin- emergency shops, emergency fuel, support, ning to fall into place, although he didn’t encouragement and a friendly voice at the realise it at the time. At Oxford University end of a phone. he shared a theology tutorial group with a “We're urging people to get in touch now student called David Lloyd. Both would for debt help because we don’t want anyone later train as lawyers. Another friendship worrying about how they’ll manage this Tom formed at Oxford was with Lucinda, Christmas. who at the time was studying politics. “This year has been challenging enough Tom always enjoyed adventurous travel with the coronavirus pandemic, so we want and in 2008 a research trip took him to to encourage people to get help now so Sierra Leone. It was there that he ran into a that they can have a more positive end to local charity which was working with street 2020.” children. The charity asked Tom if he could CAP client Joanne said: “Like any single replicate the project. Together they got the parent, I was doing my best, I had a job but I first 33 children into school. What could be struggled to provide for us on the money I better? Especially in an impoverished and children who had lost their care giver. first time, Street Child now has to figure out could earn. Looking back now I didn’t realise conflict-shattered country which, in devel- Things were changing in the charity how to get children back into school after how much my finances impacted every opment terms, was bottom of the bottom. world, and some of the things which Street they have dropped out and are maybe work- aspect of my life. Four years later, back in England, Tom Child stood for began to swing into view. ing in the market to supplement a family’s “Even though I was working hard to earn got a call from Freetown, the capital of Funders were becoming less prescriptive, reduced income. But Tom seems more deter- money, I was constantly having to deal with Sierra Leone. The line was crackly, and he and more open to partnership working and mined than ever. the feeling of disappointing my son. I heard could not quite make out what the other per- solutions which came from the ground up. “Children can’t go to school from the about CAP and now everything has changed. son was saying. But he thought he heard the The line between humanitarian responses street,” he said. “But if they can read and This Christmas we have peace. And I realise words “one and half million”. He eventually and long-term development was starting to write and add – then they have a chance.” that’s what makes my son happy.” asked the caller to repeat the number, and blur. Street Child has launched a special appeal If you are struggling with debt and need he had been right. The Department for All of this set the scene for the rapid to meet the challenge of Covid-19. If you help, get in contact with CAP today on 0800 International Development, which normally growth of Street Child and created a would like to contribute to it, you can do so 328 0006 or visit capuk.org. only funded the big players, had decided to favourable environment for a series of at: www.street-child.co.uk try a wild card and had spotted Street Child. mergers. First came that with Children in As Street Child started to show that they Crisis, which brought Congo, Afghanistan could handle the big money, other doors and Burundi into Street Child’s portfolio. began to open. In 2012, they also came up With growing confidence, Tom navigated with the idea of a Sierra Leone marathon, four other mergers in quick succession, Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services which proved immensely popular. People pitching Street Child into the centre of were happy to pay the air fares for a unique major refugee crises, such as those stem- fundraising and life experience. And then ming from Myanmar and South Sudan. suddenly Ebola hit, and all of Street Child’s The fellow students from Oxford had, 01603 528800 07789 586817 meanwhile, come into their own. David teachers became Ebola educators, showing local people how to avoid contracting the Lloyd became a founding trustee, which virus. worked out perfectly, since he was Christian funeral director The terror which the deadly disease appointed lead vicar of the Mitre Group of struck among journalists turned into an parishes in Norwich, where Tom goes to Independent, affordable and personal unexpected opportunity for Street Child. church. Lucinda went one better and The news outlets wanted the stories, but became not just a founding trustee but also they didn’t want to come and get them. So his wife. The couple now live with their four Home visits, Full quotations, Funeral Plans, Memorials Street Child created its own video produc- boys just outside Norwich. With the trustees tion team, and got the content onto they oversee a passionate team which gath- 109 Cromer Road, Norwich, NR6 6XW Newsnight and Channel 4 News. ers regularly, speaks frankly and hammers As they began to see what was possible, out innovative ideas. Senior staff turnover the phrase “thousand children” started to is, unsurprisingly, very low. www.cobboldfunerals.co.uk enter Tom’s vocabulary. By the end of the This year Covid-19 has upped the ante. outbreak he was looking after 12,000 Besides getting children into school for the [email protected] 6 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Samara’s life-changi

Young mother s the founder of a char- Samara Levy’s ity dedicated to aiding A the traumatised people Samara Levy. desire to help of Syria, Samara’s work has war-weary helped to open the floodgates of provision for hundreds of Syrians has thousands. propelled her on Samara shared her epic sacrificial story at a Zoom a life-changing meeting organised by the Nor- journey amid wich branch of the FGB in the Val Dodsworth with her MBE. danger and autumn. She told how a simple miraculous act of obedience poverty. Sandie has snowballed into a giant, Shirley reports. expanding, £2.3m mission since she first heard the call of

Val is an inspirational God nearly seven years ago. Living in comparison with relative comfort, ease, and Christian pioneer luxury in Brighton, Samara has been moved to radically Inspirational Norwich Christian pioneer Val love her neighbour as Jesus Dodsworth has been usefully spending her time commands. “His words are very simple, during lockdown writing a short autobiography of and are black and white, ask- her remarkable life. Keith Morris reports. ing us to share what we have and to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and care for the n Val modestly describes it as: House Trust, a prisoner rehabilita- sick,” says Samara, who has “The story of God’s dealings with tion charity – her first contact with sacrificed social life and mate- a very ordinary and unexceptional the Probation Service. rial pursuits to instead pour human being; of how He opened “Providing a home for the time and energy into this my ‘blind eyes’ and turned me homeless, and especially home- calling. from Norfolk churches and aims at rebuilding the light of from darkness to light. Of how I less ex-prisoners was beginning It is believed there are more include Hope Community God,” says Samara. “We -estab- then received His forgiveness for to take hold of my heart,” said Val. than 11.7 million people in Church in Wymondham. lished four temporary field messing up the life He had given She attended Middlesex Syria requiring humanitarian The appeals have had dra- hospitals at different times in me, experienced the joy of a place Polytechnic and became a trainee help and the UN has described matic results, sending a total of the conflict, one of which amongst His own people, and the probation officer in Corby in it as “the worst humanitarian 110 containers and lorries to treated 3,000 patients a month. hope of Abundant Life in His pres- Northants. For the next 20 years crisis of our time.” the Middle East as well as pro- Another permanent medical Val worked as a probation officer ence after this life is done.” Samara launched the viding 11 ambulances to Syria centre with specialist services in Northants, then after her mar- Born in Ipswich, Val grew up charity, Samara’s Aid Appeal, and funding numerous grow- is scheduled to open by the end near Reading during a childhood riage, in Lowestoft, Ipswich then to help those internally ing initiatives that have of the year while we also work full of dogs, horses and often Norwich. displaced, bereaved, trauma- included much needed medical to our future goal for a large absent parents. Val married Bill Dodsworth and tised, impoverished, and care. hospital with even more She became pregnant at 19 in they worshipped together at Sur- homeless. With her dedicated “Two thirds of the hospitals advanced facilities.” an age when unmarried mothers rey Chapel in Norwich. Bill worked team she has voiced numerous were considered something to be for Rowntree’s in Norwich making in Syria have been destroyed, The overall need in Syria is pleas for funding and clothes. ashamed of and it was decided chocolate but sadly died in 1992. damaged or are largely dire and costly. Samara has that Val should give up the baby. Val started to take various Chris- Some contributions have come dysfunctional but our charity witnessed the shocking large- She went to live for the duration tian workers into her home and scale devastation and horrific of the pregnancy at a Christian the seeds of The House of atrocities done to humanity. organisation called The Mission of Genesis began to germinate in But the charity is responding Hope. her mind. by raising funding as a vital Val did indeed give up her Val continued work in probation booster for medical and farm- daughter, Ruth, but happily met and then in Norwich Prison as a ing projects and providing up with her 20 years later and chaplain and her guests at home support for orphans, disadvan- they have been in touch ever grew to four or five including one taged children, and widows, since. ex-prisoner – Richard - who first empowering and equipping It was at the Mission of Hope suggested setting up a charity to them to establish livelihoods. that Val discovered the Christian accommodate and support men The enlarging mission has faith which was to be the driving coming out of prison. meant stretching her hands of force for the rest of her life. Val bought a six-bedroom faith and raising her motiva- For a while she went back to house in Norwich and the vision tional voice to tell others of the being a stable girl and started started to take shape. Today there life-threatening plight of the attending Greyfriars Church in are four homes and 16 residents. Syrian people. Many have Reading. The work was never smooth been forced to flee their homes A turning point was answering running for long but Val persisted to escape violence, terrorism, an advertisement for a House- and she also found time to help persecution, and war while the keeper at The Mayflower Family launch Street Pastors in Norwich. lack of essentials means they Centre in Canning Town, East In 2015, Val was deservedly struggle to survive. London. made an MBE for her services to Her heart was first moved the homeless in Norwich. She was offered the job by Rev after the graphic newsreels If you would like to receive a David Sheppard, the leader of and reports of a rejected people Mayflower, an England cricketer free PDF or printed copy of Val’s on the margins of society who and later Bishop of Liverpool. book – Val Dodsworth a Reminis- had fled from IS. They lived “I loved the job and stayed cence, you should contact Val at Samara Levy, in under canvas amid freezing there for five years,” recalled Val. [email protected] or on war-torn Syria. temperatures and gun fire and Her next move was to Langley 07758 208470. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 7 ng Syria mission

Read Samara’s story

n Samara Levy’s autobiography: ’Rebuilding the Ruins: Re- sponding to God's Call to Serve Syria’ unveils the story of miraculous protection and provision and features the lives of those she has met during numerous visits and how communities are beginning to pick up the pieces and live side-by side despite the atrocities done to each other.

‘Rebuilding the Ruins’ (Hodder and Stoughton) is available from major book retailers including Waterstone, WH Smith, Eden and Amazon as well as at: www.samarasaidappeal.org

Cannon and Ball at Norwich Salvation Army Citadel in 2008. Photo by Ian Munday. Rock on Bobby Ball Christian comedian Bobby Ball, Bobby spoke very frankly about the kind of person he had become – a heavy drinker and who had countless audiences womaniser, who didn’t care about the hurt he across Norfolk rocking with was causing his wife and family. It was a vicar who first challenged him to think about the laughter, died at the end of claims of God on his life. October at the age of 76, after Bobby became a Christian and for about many children wore flip flops three years, the comedy duo didn’t speak to contracting Covid-19. in the snow. Soon afterwards each other and went their separate ways. she saw a picture of a baby Bobby finally persuaded a reluctant Tommy to who had been beheaded by IS. come to his grandchild’s christening. He felt Tearful, sleepless and aching n Part of classic comedy duo Cannon and welcome, and at home – and that was the she got down on her knees to Ball with friend Tommy Cannon, Bobby was on beginning of his own faith journey. pray, asking how she could TV sets across the country in the 1970s and After Bobby died in Blackpool Victoria Hos- help. 1980s with their popular variety series The pital on October 28, close friend, colleague “I wondered what I could do Cannon and Ball Show. and biographer Chris Gidney, told Premier as a stay-at-home mum with The duo regularly performed summer sea- Christian Radio that he saw a "phenomenal" young children with little to sons at the Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth transformation when Bobby became a Chris- give, but I mounted a collec- in the 1980s and 90s, and in 2008 they tian: "I mean if you've ever seen a change in tion, in obedience to God’s appeared at the Salvation Army Citadel in somebody, like a St Paul conversion, it was instructions, by asking mums Norwich as part of one of their Gospel tours - Bobby Ball. I mean absolutely phenomenal in in my son’s class for clothes, both performers were committed Christians. so many different ways, particularly in lifestyle. blankets and shoes. Bobby was born Robert Harper in 1944 and “Don't forget, Bob and Tom came from sim- “We can do nothing by our- met Tommy on a factory floor in Oldham ple working class backgrounds. Then sud- selves,” says Samara, who where both were welders and they became denly, literally overnight, they are top of the recalls stretching her faith to life-long friends. They went on to form a tree, earning more than anybody else in show fill one of the largest lorries singing duo called The Harper Brothers, business at that time and of course, it went to performing in local pubs and clubs, but soon available. Realising response their heads and they did everything that they turned to their comedy act. was insufficient, she says: “I wanted to do and in some ways, it was pretty After the long-running Saturday night ITV begged God’s mercy to meet devastating on their lives. show, Bobby also appeared in TV series’ in- "Bob was never ashamed of his faith in pub- the gaping shortfall to fill the God’s strong arm of delivery “I have learnt that Syria is cluding Last Of The Summer Wine, Heartbeat, lic because it has such an effect on him, a dra- vehicle’s 90 cubic metre capac- has continued for the one of the most complex and Mount Pleasant, Benidorm and Not Going matic effect in his lifestyle and his family. He ity that would cost £6,500 to challenges, dangers, and dangerous countries in the Out, and the duo appeared on I’m A was just like a stick of Blackpool rock - you transport it to our first destina- lessons that unfold. world with kidnappings, and Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005. break Bobby and the word Jesus runs all the tion in Iraq.” But the responsibility as attacks on health care. There Speaking at the Citadel in Norwich in 2008, way through the middle!” Within the next fortnight, founder and overseer of the are also fuel, electricity and the community responded with charity is daunting. Samara supply shortages and many church support and a school explains: Four years ago, IS things must be imported so minibus arrived with stacks of attacked and took control of there are continual challenges BRIGHT QUALITY PLUMBING boxes. “I had asked God: if he the area where our first mis- to see projects completed. could feed the 5,000 would he sion hospital was situated and “I have had to depend on the also multiply the giving. The where our frontline team on Lord to clearly see his regular No job too small result was that my ‘nets’ were the ground were working. breakthroughs, but it is impor- One year warranty on all work breaking!” “It was a desperate situation, tant to be immersed in Available weekends and evenings Those small beginnings ral- and their lives were in peril as, prayer.” Repairs and upgrades undertaken lied the nation as collections with IS, execution and impris- As the country copes with flooded in and now 109 more onment are all too prevalent, Covid-19, which threatens peo- Free estimates. No extra call-out charge lorries and containers have but fasting and prayer to seek ple’s income and livelihoods, Handyman services also available been sent overseas as an explo- God for his wisdom secured the charity teams are helping sive mission brings relief to their immediate exit route just to relieve the sick, the invalid Please phone Greg Bright hundreds of thousands. in time amid the IS rampage. and poorest of the poor. Home: 01603 479216 Mobile: 07814182940 8 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Autumn 2020 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS New CD whispers a message of hope against the odds

Professional Norfolk composer and producer Roger Mayor, has released a new double CD of music, words and hope, despite living with cancer for the past decade. Kevin Gotts reports.

n Roger has spent a lifetime devoted to Christian music, but believed that his recording days were over through serious illness. With encouragement from friends, and inspired by the sad loss of a friend, Roger has spent the last 10 months writing, recording and finally producing the Whispers CD launched this month, interspersed with frequent hospital visits for cancer treatment. The Dereham Community Fridge is run by Love “My aim all along has been to provide music that is Dereham and is based inside the Green Pastures enhanced by Bible readings and my own very brief per- Christian Centre. Pictured are centre managers sonal reflections, with an underscore of appropriate, Richard Shand and Iraina Humphry with Anita Clarke beautiful music of artistic merit, to give an uplifting expe- from Love Dereham. Picture by Love Dereham. rience of the presence of God,” explains Roger. He reflects that “hardly anyone speaks in whispers these days; we are so caught up in the bustle of every- day life. The Bible tells us on several occasions that God’s message to us is only heard in whispers and in the stillness. The fifteen tracks on this CD have names that most can relate to easily such as Whispers of Hope, Whispers of Encouragement, Whispers of a Deeper Love, Whispers that All Shall be Well....and many more.” Community fridges The piano is Roger’s instrument - he started playing at the age of five. He explains: “my natural instinct was to write the whole album for gentle piano, building on my past history recording many Christian instrumental al- bums. But then I thought of some of the remarkably tal- ented instrumentalists that I have recorded with these open across Norfolk last 30 years and decided that 'Whispers' would be greatly enhanced by having them join me on some tracks.” There has been a surge in the Given an added urgency by the Covid- over 100 community fridges running Roger said: “Whispers was created out of much physi- 19 lockdowns, the movement is around the UK and plenty more setting cal weakness. There were many weeks during the pro- growth of Community Fridges, particularly active in the north of the up. cess when I couldn’t walk unaided; I suffered severe often run by churches and county, where the Treehouse in Holt They offer free support to groups to set bouts of dizziness / vertigo and I could rarely get com- Christian groups across Norfolk have just opened their fridge, and the up their community fridge and provide a fortable at my desk and piano with excruciating lower District Council has just re-launched the comprehensive guide, design assets, back problems compounded by three secondary cancer with 14 up and running and popular Community Fridge in North health and safety templates and a free tumours.” several more in the pipeline. Walsham. fridge! They have created a ‘How To’ Almost ten years ago he began a battle to overcome A brand-new community fridge is set guide and template materials to take you Tony Rothe reports. Stage 4 prostate cancer, and reflects: “But I have yet to open in Stalham. Jane Skivington, through, step by step, the stages for set- again proved that St Paul was absolutely right: ‘I can do from Stalham Baptist Church, said: ting up a new Community Fridge. They all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ ‘His esearch suggests that a typical “Community fridges are becoming a pop- have also created the Community Fridge strength is made perfect in our weakness’.” UK household wastes £810 a year ular way of preventing good food from Network to connect all of the Community Roger is married to Penny and together they live in a by throwing away food and drink ending up in the bin. We are in the pro- Fridge projects across the UK and Ire- village some eight miles from Norwich with their two R which could have been eaten, and that £3 cess of setting one up in Stalham with land, so members can exchange advice beloved golden retrievers. Roger concludes: “As I look billion is wasted by food sectors. the help of North Norfolk District Coun- and support. back, I see the litter of a lifetime just fluttering in the Although there is a growing awareness cil. The idea is for local businesses, or Hubbub say “With each fridge sharing breeze, while the whispers of God in my soul remind me of food waste, there are not too many individuals, to be able to donate surplus up to four tonnes of food per month, the of what really matters in my life.” easy ways for people or businesses to get perishable food which is within its use collective impact of the Community The Whispers CD is available at www.rogermayor.uk food which is near its ‘use by’ date to by dates. This food is then made avail- Fridge Network is huge. Every year, 100 those who can use it. able for the general public to come and community fridges can redistribute 975 Community Fridges are communal help themselves. There are no criteria tonnes of food surplus (equivalent to 1.9 places where surplus food is shared required for having food from the fridge million meals!) benefitting over 77,000 between people in a community, by local as the idea is to prevent waste, but we people. businesses and individuals. Since the simply ask that you only take what you “What’s more important though, is the first community fridge was trialled in need. l'm excited about this as I feel it’s stories that we hear from the communi- 2016, at least 100 community fridges have something God called me to do.” ties. The fridge brings people together, it taken root across the UK, helping thou- The Sheringham Fridge is still at the addresses social isolation and provides sands connect to their neighbours, planning stage, as they are still seeking a people with the opportunity to access access nutritious food, save money and suitable venue for the fridge, in consulta- healthy food, try something new and reduce waste. tion with North Norfolk District Council. save money. A fridge is often so much Fourteen of these fridges already Co-ordinator Sadie Houghton said: “If more than a fridge. As well as introduc- operate in Norfolk, with locations at anyone runs a cafe or a community space ing you to new people and foods, Costessey, Dereham, Dussindale, Earl- locally, who would be interested in host- community fridges host all kinds of Roger Mayor, ham, Fakenham, Gorleston, Heartsease, ing the fridge, I would love to hear from activities such as cooking workshops, by Gracie Gill. Holt, North Walsham, South Lynn, them.” allotments, clothes swaps, you name it.” Swaffham, Thetford (2), Wayland, and Hubbub coordinates the world’s For more information, visit: www.nor- Wymondham. biggest Community Fridge Network with folkrecycles.com or www.hubbub.org.uk. Developing confident and caring children

Book a tour www.muddy-puddles.org

Coming soon 10 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS

Open Christmas set to go-ahead John was first Norfolk

n Every year, Norwich Open Christmas provides food and company for people who would otherwise be on their own, and this year is no exception, although it will look a master beekeeper little different. The traditional sit-down hot meal cannot be staged because pandemic restrictions Norfolk’s first-ever mean the safety of the volume of guests and master beekeeper volunteers usually involved cannot be guar- Norfolk master beekeeper John anteed. If compliant with government restric- is also a master of Everett. Picture by Kevin Gotts. tions at the time, the event will take place on publishing as the December 25 outside ‘The Halls’ in Norwich under marquees, providing a drop-in style treasurer of a successful soup kitchen meal from 12 noon to 2pm. church magazine for Carol Lunney, Trustee of Norwich Open Christmas said: “We want people to know we several South Norfolk are here for them...if guests call by, expect- villages. Kevin Gotts ing the usual Christmas event, we will be

there for them, albeit in pared back form. It's reports. very important for Norwich Open Christmas to do something this year, not only for our he art of bee-keeping can guests but also for our volunteers. Norwich be traced back for many Open Christmas is a big part of all our lives.” thousands of years, In addition, gifts of non-perishable food T including references in the and festive items will be delivered to guests Bible and in the Egyptian pyra- who are unable to attend. Organisers have mids. Retired science teacher already contacted previous guests who John Everett, from Rockland St normally receive a lift to the venue, and the Mary, is one if its modern-day take-up for this has been good. practitioners and lays claim to Norwich Open Christmas wouldn’t happen being Norfolk’s first-ever Mas- without the generous support of local people, ter Beekeeper, recognised by the groups and businesses. British Beekeepers Association, Carol said: “The council and charities after passing no fewer than 13 across Norwich have been very supportive of practical and theory exams back each other this year. We all want to make in 2009. sure that people don't fall through the John met future wife Ruth in cracks.” Uganda in 1969 where they were norwichopenchristmas.org.uk both teaching science. After

returning to the UK in 1975, they mids, and in the Bible John’s neighbours are paid to they gather nectar and pollen,” Toys and tins for moved to Rockland St Mary, references are made to the grow crops and weeds compete explains John. “We are not where they have a small sweetness of honey and honey- with crops, so are destroyed by totally dependent on honey bees orchard and breed honey bees, comb and the venom of herbicides. The lack of food as solitary bees and bumble bees vulnerable children sell beekeeping equipment and swarming bees. sources also affects other wild do a lot of pollinating.” run beginner’s beekeeping “Bees rarely sting when animals like many of the John is also busy as treasurer courses. At present they have 30 swarming but swarms in flight smaller birds, he says. of the “Eleven Says” church hives in three sites at home or sound ferocious,” explained “This year, some of the city magazine, of which his wife n The Salvation Army’s Toys & Tins Appeal nearby. John. beekeepers have been much Ruth is editor. It is given free to across Norfolk has seen a 37 per cent in- John says he keeps bees “Bees are a group of insects more successful than country about 2300 homes in the eleven crease in referrals for vulnerable children because he enjoys the hobby: that feed entirely on plants. beekeepers,” says John, as there parishes of the Bramerton from social services, schools and support “This is beneficial to the envi- Their source of protein, used is a much bigger variety of Group of churches. groups with more expected before ronment, as bees help pollinate mainly for growth, is pollen, the plants in urban and city The recipe that works for the Christmas. some flowering plants, honey male sex cells of plants. Nectar, gardens. magazine is 40% local business In 2019, The Salvation Army initially re- sales helps pay for the hobby a sugary solution to attract John was invited to help bee- adverts that pay for the maga- ceived requests to help 2,261 children. This and lots of beekeepers come to insects, is their main source of keepers in Uganda in 2010 and zine, and the remaining 60% as year, the initial figure is 3,106, a 37 per cent their shop for equipment, advice energy-giving carbohydrates. says: “Beekeeping in Africa a mixture of church news and increase. and a chat. During Covid-19 “One of the biggest disadvan- needs to be cheap to establish village news. Organisers are concerned that they will not some of the chats have lasted a tages of beekeeping surrounded but honey can be a useful John said: “It relies on lots of have enough presents to meet demand and long time!” by arable farms is the lack of dietary addition as well as a folk who are willing to deliver are calling on the public to donate online. Unfortunately, with social wild plants. Bees need a succes- source of income. Candles made the magazines at no cost. It Major Barry Willson, coordinator of the distancing the beginner’s sion of flowers through the out of beeswax gave the local helps tell the community about county-wide appeal, said: “We are deter- courses have not run in 2020. mined to bring the hope and joy of Christmas spring, summer and autumn to people a source of light as most what Christians believe and “Beekeeping has been prac- feed their colonies and make country homes did not have what the local church is doing. to families in need across Norfolk. tised for very many thousands “We’ve already packed more than 1,400 a surplus of honey/food for electricity.” The village news, events and of years. There are stories of the winter when they cannot “All foraging bees acciden- school articles encourage folk to food boxes but now, as our attention turns to honey being found in the pyra- the presents, our shelves are worryingly forage,” said John. tally pollinate flowers when read the magazine.” empty and the number of children coming to us is increasing. “We need the help of the great Norfolk public to ensure children don’t miss out on a present to open on Christmas Day.” Those wishing to support the appeal should visit the Toys & Tins Appeal webpage for further information and links to a JustGiv- ing page and Amazon Wish List: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/toysandtins. NEWS www.networknorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 11 Andrew’s life in real Golden Triangle

Former Norfolk ndrew and his wife, Shona, moved to Dereham in 1990, Pictured right is quarry manager when he managed a quarry A Andrew Goodman near Downham Market and started Andrew one at Easton, behind the Royal and, below, a Thai Goodman now Norfolk Showground. woman who has The couple had recently become been helped by works in the Christians and joined the local Angli- the AIDS ministry. can church, St Nicholas. Andrew Golden Triangle sometimes preached in the churches – not the one in at Gressenhall and Dereham, and later the couple were baptised at Norwich but Dereham Christian Fellowship and the original in developed close links with Christian care home Eckling Grange. Thailand – a Shona was just finishing her PhD in chemistry, and the couple went to region infamous a Christian festival called Spring as the world’s Harvest looking for a new direction in life. While there they expressed an largest producer interest in working in an overseas mission – being particularly moved of heroin. by the spiritual poverty in Asia. They Eldred Willey went on to attend an OMF missions conference in 1992 and heard a Thai found out why. person speak about their life which sparked the couple’s interest. “I became aware of the lawlessness among the Shan people and started praying for them,” said Andrew. “But I got scared, as the Golden Triangle where they live is the second biggest opium-producing area in the world, and the biggest producer of metham- phetamines. But reading through the struck by what Nehemiah said: Golden Triangle in it.” though they have become more Bible book of Nehemiah I was very ‘Remember God who is great and The couple moved out to Thailand receptive through radio broadcasts awesome, and fight.’ in 1995, when their eldest daughter and through Shan Christians finding (4:14) At the next Sophie was two-and-a-half years old. bridges to the Lord from their conference worship They spent two years learning Thai Buddhist beliefs.” session, the song and then a further two years learning But life has not been easy for the was about building the Shan language. family, explained Andrew: “Like the kingdom out of “Our work now has four foci,” said people everywhere we’ve had some living stones, which Andrew, “Walking with Shan leaders issues. Our youngest son Isaac has meant a lot to me as in mutual encouragement, radio suffered from chronic fatigue for four a quarry manager. broadcasting, producing micro-SD years, and Shona had a stroke from “Over the week- cards with the Shan Bible to go in which she still has some balance end I had doubts mobile phones, and running an AIDS issues. A Thai woman we know was about the whole care programme. We help children very inspired by the way she’s kept thing, but when I with education, because the parents going.” went in to work on have often died, and the grandpar- OMF prayer groups in Dereham, Monday the weigh- ents need assistance. Cromer and Heacham support the bridge manager “The Shan are still very much an couple and they would be happy to brought out a copy unreached people. Twelve years ago hear from anyone else who is also of the Daily Tele- there were 150 Shan Christians in interested in doing so. graph, which had a Thailand and today there are 1,400. You can contact Andrew Goodman picture of the They are a strongly Buddhist group, on [email protected]

CAFE l TEA ROOM CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP Open Tues - Sat Shop 10-4pm. Cafe 10-3pm Shop 01603 619731 Cafe 01603 766978 www.norwichcrc.co.uk St Michael-at-Plea Church, Redwell St, Norwich, NR2 4SN 12 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Winter 2020/21 www.networknorfolk.co.uk NEWS Priest’s praise for staff after five-week hospital Covid battle

A Catholic priest who it is spiritual ‘critical care’ to help someone facing spent more than five Fr Michael Stack. death know that their sins weeks in critical care Picture by Con are absolved so that they at the Queen Eliza- McHugh. can be at ease with God. It also matters that while the beth Hospital in King’s medical staff are Lynn, due to Covid- frequently having to work very hard and fast to get 19, has praised the everything done, efforts of doctors and chaplains make sure that there is as much time as it nurses, as well as two takes, not just for spiritual church ministers, for care in the strict sense, but helping him to pull in the broader sense of helping the patient to feel through. Keith Morris like a whole person, not reports. just a medical case.” On Easter Sunday, Bap- tist hospital chaplain Rev Lee Gilbert received a call from critical care nurses asking him to say some prayers for a Catholic priest who was under their care. Lee used Facetime with the nurses holding an iPad near to Fr Michael. “Whilst I had no idea as to whether Fr Michael could hear me or not, I knew that God could hear me and afterwards I spoke to Fr Michael’s sister and r Michael Stack from Coven- ingham and Coventry working in told her what I had done try “died” twice and was on a critical care wards, was planning to and I believe it gave her a great deal F ventilator for three weeks and stay with his sister in Dereham. of comfort when she herself could in critical care for five weeks before Within a short time of arriving in not come into the hospital. Subse- he miraculously pulled through, Norfolk he had developed a bad quently Fr Michael got slowly better astonishing the medical team with cough and started hallucinating. He and as he was coming out of his his recovery. was admitted by ambulance to hos- induced coma, I was asked again by He is full of praise for the doctors pital. the staff to say some prayers and as and nurses – but he also drew “I was on a ventilator for 21 days I was praying (again via Facetime) I strength from being visited and and 36 days in critical care,” said Fr saw a little smile on his face. Again I prayed for by Catholic priest Fr Michael. “I don’t remember much had no knowledge as to whether he Gordon Adam and Baptist hospital because I was completely medicated heard those prayers or not. chaplain Rev Lee Gilbert. – a blessing in disguise. “Slowly but surely Fr Michael’s Fr Michael himself has spent 25 “When the priest came in, to give health improved and he was trans- years as a hospital chaplain so me the sacrament of anointing, it ferred to a ward where I could go knows the vital role chaplains can was quite strange because I had and have a face-to-face conversation play for many patients. been independent for so long – but and we reflected together on his As the author of a book entitled we all need other people. The knowl- journey through Covid-19 and Lord When Did We See You Sick, edge of having the sacrament helped through the hospital. about the healing power of prayer- me, I felt better. It strengthens my “Covid-19 was horrible in many ful companionship with the sick and faith to know that we are part of the respects for chaplaincy and for the dying, Fr Michael feels the experi- healing process of Jesus Christ.” staff on Critical Care and the wider ence has only strengthened his Fr Michael had a tracheostomy to NHS, especially at the height of the faith. help his breathing and he had to first wave,” said Rev Lee. “ But Prayers were said around the learn to walk again after his 10-week meeting Fr Michael, both through world for him as he lay unconscious hospital stay. Facetime and face-to-face was one of with the most severe form of the Fr Gordon Adam, Assistant Priest my own highlights of the year.” virus in the Queen Elizabeth Hospi- at King's Lynn Catholic Parish, saw Fr Michael is now back on form – tal. Fr Michael at least twice and minis- still with his sense of humour intact He fell ill at the start of a short tered the sacraments to him. He – and he has already been back to break from his role at Christ the said: “In hospital during the pan- visit the critical care ward at Queen King in Coventry where he had demic, especially with routine Elizabeth’s where he met other sur- been supporting the parish and visiting in the hospital being pro- vivors. He is also working on a new deanery in his semi-retirement. hibited, the work of chaplains to edition of his book and adding a The 69-year-old, who during his help people practice their faith chapter about his own experience. church career was hospital chaplain while experiencing serious health at four high profile hospitals in problems becomes more important n Article extracts from The Sower Nuneaton, Wolverhampton, Birm- than ever. In the most extreme cases magazine