St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
The history of
St Bernadette’s the first 50 years by Steve Grimes
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Foreword Monday 29th September 2014, a quiet night at home! The phone rings “Hello Steve, Fr John here” Me “Hi Father” Fr “I’m in a meeting discussing next year’s Golden Jubilee, and I thought it would be a good idea if you could/would write a history of the parish” Me “I hope you’re joking?” (rolling around in fits of laughter) Fr “No, you’re the obvious choice” Me “A dyslexic one-fingered typist, yes, I see where you’re coming from!” Fr ”Will you do it?” Me ”No promises, I will think about it” Fr ”Thanks Steve, I knew you wouldn’t let us down” And the rest so they say is history... Steve Grimes 19-12-2014 Shevington There are places I remember All my life though some have changed Some forever not for better Some have gone and some remain All these places have their moments With lovers and friends I still can recall Some are dead and some are living In my life I’ve loved them all. John Lennon 1965 3
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
February 1965 St Bernadette’s - Shevington Parish Priests Fr Frederick Ness 1965-1966 Fr Charles Brady 1966-1970 Fr Francis Harvey 1970-1975 Fr Joseph Dunn 1975-1985 Fr Dermot Casey 1985-1988 Fr Gerard Greaves 1988-1998 Fr Ian O’Shea 1998-2006 Fr Leo Cooper 2006 Fr John Hindley 2006 -
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• The British Prime Minister was Harold Wilson • The Beatles had recently performed live on stage at The Ritz Cinema Wigan. • The average house price in the UK was £3,660 • A gallon of petrol would cost you 5 shillings (25p). • The films to see were The Sound Of Music, Mary Poppins, Dr Zhivago, and Goldfinger. • The reigning Pope was Paul VI and for the Catholic community of Shevington, it was the beginning of something very special...
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
A History of St Bernadette’s
Opening of the new St Bernadette’s Chapel-Of-Ease at Shevington - March 1961 Pictured are the officiating Clergy at the opening of the new Chapel-Of-Ease, St Bernadette’s, Shevington, on Sunday, February 5th Left to right: Rev. W. Ormsby (Blessed Sacrament, Walton Vale); Rev. T. Cheetham, B.A. (St Joseph’s College); Rev. J. C. Gore (St Mary’s, Wigan); Rev. K. Mullen (Blessed Sacrament, Walton Vale); Rev. G. Malone, Ph.D. (St Marie’s, Standish); Rev. M. Moran (St Marie’s, Standish; Very Rev. R. Baybutt V.F. (St Jame’s, Orrell); Rev. V. Burrowes (Holy Cross, St Helen’s); Rev. J. O’Connor (St Joseph’s Wrightington)
It was Canon C. Campion the parish priest of St Marie’s (1928-59) who first suggested a new parish for Shevington. The growing population of Shevington and the arrival of the new M6 Motorway were the governing factors. In 1961 the building of St Bernadette’s was completed and became a chapel of ease served by the priests of St Marie’s Standish. On Sunday the 5th February 1961, the new chapel dedicated to St Bernadette was blessed and opened by the Rev Dr. G. S. Malone, parish priest of St Marie’s, before a congregation of over 260 parishioners. The blessing of the building was followed by evening Mass at 6.15 pm. In his address to the congregation, Dr. Malone thanked Mr H. Hilton and family, who had most kindly provided the site for the chapel, along with everyone who had so generously contributed towards the furnishings of the sanctuary and altar. He went on to explain the connection between Our Lady and St Bernadette, thus the title of the new church aptly expresses the link which binds it to the mother church of St Marie’s.
In the beginning
The following article is reproduced from an old copy of The Catholic Parish Magazine which describes the church when newly built.
‘It is a single storey building constructed of Canadian red Cedar wood, with very attractive vertical timbering. On entering one is surprised at the spaciousness of the building which will seat 300 persons comfortably.
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
One is impressed too, with the brightness of the place and the simple beauty of the interior decoration. At one end is the sanctuary, flanked on one side by the sacristy and on the other by the confessional. The altar is of simple design in natural light oak, and is surmounted by a pelmet, of the same material, from which hangs a curtain of red and gold brocade. This curtain forms the background for the altar and for the magnificent carved wood crucifix which hangs above the tabernacle. The candlesticks and the tabernacle are of modern design in brass. The floor of the sanctuary is covered by a bright and attractive red carpet. All these features combine to give the sanctuary an appearance of richness and beauty. The main hall is divided from the sanctuary by folding doors or screens which are pale blue in colour, and fold back like a concertina when the building is in use as a church.
Frank Stonehouse and Clare Farrell helping to clean up the Chapel of Ease following a parish dance
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The 60s & early 70s
The chapel was now built, regular week end masses were being served along with the occasional week day mass. The parishioners who once attended St Marie’s, and were involved in many fund raising events for the new chapel, had now to continue their good work. This was achieved by organizing many events in the new church hall, such as regular bingo sessions, sales of work, jumble sales and dances. We have to remember in those days we didn’t have the benches in church like we do today, they arrived much later. When these fund raising events were taking place the chairs were moved to one side, and the screen in front of the altar was pulled across to close off the sanctuary. One parishioner remembers a performance by a very funny professional comedian Harry Pemberton. Sadly Harry who lived locally is no longer with us, but apparently he had people rolling in the aisles with laughter, I would have loved to witness that, but I will not complain, after all we still have Fr Hindley!
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
In 1965 Archbishop Beck decided that St Bernadette’s should become a parish in its own right, and in February of that year Father Ness was appointed as the first parish priest. He held that position for approximately one year before moving to the Isle of Man. Fr Brady was to follow and it was he who in 1970, decided that a Catholic school was now needed in Shevington. On January 7th 1971 the first Catholic school was opened for the children of Shevington. Prior to the opening of the school, the children for a short time were actually educated in the church, the sanctuary had the large folding screen drawn across during lessons. In an extract taken from the Catholic Pictorial 16th March 1969, “It’s smashing!” was the comment of one 5 year old when asked what he thought of his new classroom. St Bernadette’s church hall was now being used during the week as an annexed to St Marie’s school Standish saving 36 children a daily 3 mile walk there and back until the first phase of their own school was ready.
Over the last 7 or 8 years the population of Shevington had rapidly increased due to its proximity to the M6 Motorway.
Father Brady
The weekly Bingo sessions fluctuated in popularity depending on the size of the accumulating jackpot. The bigger the jackpot the more people came to play, (resulting in increased church funds). On this particular evening the jackpot was at an all time high, when Fr Brady was spotted sat in the corner with head in hands. A rather concerned parishioner approached Father asking, “Are you O.K. Father?” “Of course I’m O.K” came the reply, ”I’ve just been praying to the Lord that the jackpot isn’t won tonight”.
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
The first Nuptial Mass
The 1st March 1969 the church witnessed, possibly the first Nuptial Mass to be held at St Bernadette’s, that of David and Joyce Madden. I think I am safe in saying congratulations to a special couple from everyone in the parish. Dave told me that the date chosen, (St David’s Day) was done specifically so that the Bridegroom would always remember his Anniversary! The photographs show the church as it was then, with the Sacristy located to the left of the altar and the confessional and storage room to the right. The beautiful gold curtain behind the altar was bought especially for the wedding. Also on the photograph you can see Fr Brady, and the little altar boy (the back of his head is visible), Frankie Stonehouse, nephew of Miss G Hilton.
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Not wishing to embarrass Dave and Joyce, but from that day back in 1969,the amount of work they have put into (which continues today) the smooth running of the parish has been phenomenal, and that is not counting the many fund raising events they have been involved, with especially CAFOD. Well done to both of you!
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
St Bernadette’s School
Father Harvey with a group of First Communicants mid seventies
The school was opened January 7th 1971. The first head was Miss D. Ratcliffe with her teaching body consisting of Mrs Harris from St Marie’s, Mrs Harman, Miss B. Batho (now Mrs Grimes), Miss Mc Knight, Mrs Houghton and Mrs Oliver being the school secretary. Mr Brown became the first male teacher in 1973 and was promoted to Deputy Head in 1975. When the kitchen opened, the cook was Miss V Seed, the welfare staff were Mrs M. Hogarth, Mrs M. Hart and Mrs M. Heaton. Later Mrs V. McTigue became the cook and Mrs D. Lyon joined the welfare staff. The first school crossing patrol was Mrs M. Latham and the caretaker was Mrs B. Dooney. When the school opened there were just 114 pupils aged from 4yrs to 11yrs, with Joseph Quayle being the first name on the admissions register. The dinner and welfare staff moved from the church to the school with the children. However, as the hall was not included in the first building phase, lunches had to be eaten in the classrooms. Sadly in 1994 staff and children were to see the retirement of Miss Ratcliffe, after 24yrs dedicated service to the school. Alter boys standing in front of the folding screen during the early 1970’s. Where are these little angels now I wonder?
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Margaret Hogarth
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On 7th January 1970 I started work at St Bernadette’s School as a welfare lady. The school was held in the current church building. The altar could be isolated by closing the full width shutters and the kitchen was located in what is now the back room. The boys toilet was where Father’s room is now and Father’s room was to the left of the altar. I worked with Margaret Ashurst, Margaret Lee and Molly Almond. In order to raise money to build a new school building we held jumble sales twice a year. Involved in the organising of these were Sally Golding, Theresa Geoghegan, Dorothy McGrath, Veronica McTighe and myself. These were held in the church during the school breaks at October and it was necessary to move the kneelers and chairs to the sides of the room and bring additional tables up from the cellar. The jumbles were held on a Friday night and the sorting was done in the few days leading up to it. Items were sorted into ladies clothes, gents clothes, children’s clothes, toys, shoes/bags and bric-a-brac. The better quality items were often sold before the sale started as we were able to get a higher price that way.
My time at St Bernadette’s School By Margaret Ashurst
I started there in the seventies going from Miles Lane School after receiving a letter telling me to report to the head mistress Miss Ratcliffe. My job was to serve the children’s dinners, (which were sent from the Miles Lane kitchens) this was done from the teachers rest room, as there were only three classrooms and no kitchen. I worked with Margaret Lee and Molly Almond, and from the start I really enjoyed working there. Miss Ratcliffe found out I enjoyed singing and invited me into the classroom for the singing lessons where I would sit at the back and join in the songs with the actions too. Sometimes when the children were going to Church, because it was such a dangerous road and the teachers were busy, there wasn’t enough people to walk round with them, we ladies would volunteer to go after we had finished our work. We would also go to the
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
swimming baths at Hindley to aid undress and dress the small children. The new hall and kitchen was built not long after, Margaret Lee and myself got jobs to work the new kitchen with a new cook Vivienne Seed (Fletcher) and Molly Almond to work in the washing up part. I remember the day Barbara Grimes came to as a new teacher and we were introduced. She looked like one of the children with a long plait down her back, small and dainty. Miss Ratcliffe was such a talented person, I remember her at Christmas taking a large roll of white paper and making a picture of Mary and Joseph with the donkey on the wall in the hall and it was beautiful. The days coming up to the Christmas and summer holidays were very exciting times for the children and the last day before school broke up, they had their own concert, with songs, dances - you name it they had it, so to surprise everybody, we, the ladies of the kitchen and welfare ladies decided to join in and we dressed up as Morris dancers with our shakers and short skirts made out of crepe paper, I don’t know who was more surprised, the children or the teachers, but there was lots of laughter. I can honestly say it was a wonderful and happy school and I look back fondly at my time there.
St Bernadette’s School 25th anniversary celebrations (1996) from left to right: Margaret Barker, Peter Brown (Deputy Head, Ann Banks, Janet Cahill, Father Greaves, Bishop Rawsthorne, Liam O’Brien (Headmaster), Barbara Grimes, Margaret Quinn, Pat Draper and Jean Pennington
No prizes for anyone who recognizes this young teacher, taking a class for P.E in 1972
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
New Families New Ideas The arrival of the 70s and 80s also brought an influx of new young families with enthusiasm and ideas to complement the old. Various fund raising groups and organizations were founded. The Friends of St Bernadette’s, Catholic Women’s League, Brownie and Guide Packs became established, and annual Christmas Parties for Shevington’s Senior Citizens were all held in the school hall. In church Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Children’s Liturgy and music were introduced. It was a busy, happy time with positive results, and new friendships developed that are still in existence today. I remember returning home from work early one evening, with the sound of music from my house being heard half way down the street. When I opened the door I was greeted with a room full of women and Holly the guide dog all singing “Colours of Day”, (Holly belonged to Margaret Cox, our organists at that time) Now I’ve been to some strange parties,but this one really took the biscuit, (or was it Holly)? I was later informed that this was the beginning of music being included in the Mass. It must have been a howling success as the legacy of that evening is still with us every weekend. The Church at this time was also still in the process of change following the outcome of Vatican II, which closed in December 1969. For example Priests started to celebrate Mass in the language of the countries in which they lived. Also during the Mass the Priest now faced the congregation. Other changes included women to become Readers and Eucharistic Ministers, and also for the first time we had female Altar Servers. Two of our first young female Altar Servers were Helen Fisher and Linda Yeats, they both began to serve at the time of Fr Greaves’ ministry.
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Soon after Fr Greaves arrived at St Bernadette’s, the remodelling of the church began to take place, and the altar was then brought forward.
Catholic Womens League CARING WITH LOVE
By Margaret Quinn It was in April 1985 when I received a call from Josie Siney, president of the Liverpool Archdiocesan Branch of the Catholic Women’s League, she asked if I could arrange for a group of ladies from the parish to meet with her to discuss the work of the CWL. I felt a little apprehensive as I wasn’t sure what the response would be. After a discussion with Father Dunn who at the Masses the following weekend invited any ladies who were interested to a meeting with Josie which would be held in church. I was amazed when forty ladies attended the meeting and Josie was delighted when by the end of the evening we were all keen to form a CWL in our parish with the blessing of Father Dunn. That was the beginning of many new friendships and introductions and an opportunity for ladies of all ages to regularly on Monday of each month in the school hall. We had to form a committee! A very kind lady called Irene Tennant (who was she I asked)? volunteered to be chair person. I had no intention of taking any kind of office so was surprised when I was asked to be treasurer and shocked when I agreed to take on the role. We had a super efficient secretary called Joyce Madden, again gently persuaded to do the job. The monthly meetings always started with Mass, Margaret Cox (a blind lady) playing the piano with Holly her dog by her side. Barbara Grimes joined our co-opted committee, she organised the music and Carol McPhail and Kath Gaskell helped organise events.
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
We had numerous interesting speakers, demonstrations and events • A Herbal Doctor • Teen Challenge Drug Abuse • Lancashire dialect poetry • Catholic Social Services • Lace making • Wood turning • Reflexology • Cookery demonstrations and many more. We also organised nights out • Chocolate making • A candle factory • Arrowsmith house • A brewery • Visits to the theatre We also enjoyed our retreats at Standish Convent and Don Orione However our main aim was our charity work raising money to support families in need and local charities. We had a lot of generous supporters who provided cakes and plants for our stalls on Carnival Day and other sales raising money for CAFOD, Wigan Hospice, Derian House and many more. The League was also active in our own parish. Some members regularly visited the sick and infirm and made and delivered Christmas hampers not only to our members but to other vulnerable people in Shevington. We provided a cake and party food for the First Holy Communion celebration. On one occasion Father Dunn announced that the Bishop was coming to the parish for Confirmation and could we provide refreshments for the candidates and their guests. The ladies rolled up their sleeves, buttered rolls for sandwiches, chopped salads, made quiche and baked cakes. A wonderful spread was provided. We also prepared supper for Father Dunn and
the Bishop. The tradition of the Confirmation buffet continued for many years. On one occasion we were complimented by Bishop Rawsthorne who said we were the Egon Ronays of the Archdiocese. The CWL functioned until the mid nineties with various ladies chairing the committee but as membership decreased it wasn’t financially viable to continue. However under the banner of ‘The Ladies Circle’ we still try to support local charities. We also continue to raise money for HCPT, we have sponsored over 40 children to visit Lourdes since 1985. The support from St Bernadette’s is immeasurable, it’s through the generosity of the school and parish that allows us to continue...Caring with love.
My time as the first Chair of the CWL By Irene Tennant
Having started as the first ever Chair of the newly inaugurated St Bernadette’s section of the Catholic Women’s League, I found myself on a steep learning curve. I was helped in this by attending monthly Branch meetings for the officers from all the sections in the Liverpool Archdiocese. Four years later, as I was finishing my term at St Bernadette’s, I was delighted and honoured to be invited by other section officers to follow Josie Siney as next Branch President. I now found myself arranging the Branch meetings, visiting the other sections and liaising with the National Committee and officers from the adjoining Diocese. Together, Josie and I paid the first ever visit of Liverpool Branch Officials to the Section in the Isle of Man. We were made very welcome and attended a special Mass and meeting arranged for us by the members. Other committee members and I also hosted and attended meetings in adjoining Branches. During one such meeting in Sheffield, we heard constant police and ambulance sirens. Driving home
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
across the Pennines, surrounded by cars returning to Liverpool, we were struck by the sombre demeanour of the football supporters. It was only when we got home that we heard about the horror that was Hillsborough. As Branch Officers we also attended the National A.G.M. which was held in a different area of the country each year. It was at these meetings that we found out about the work that members were doing nationwide, from establishing Credit Unions to help to distribute the E.U. Butter Mountain. ‘Justice and Peace’ was one of ours and we were also very advanced with our ideas on how to deal with the looming priest shortage! I enjoyed every minute of my time in the CWL and I would like to thank all past members for their friendship and support. I am sure they will join me in remembering in their prayers, those members who are no longer with us.
St Margaret Clitherow Patroness of the Catholic Women’s League Founded in 1906
She was born in York in 1556, she married John Clitherow a butcher in 1571 aged 51 and converted to Catholicism age 18 years old. She regularly held masses in her home in the Shambles in York. A house in the Shambles thought to have been her home is now called Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow. She was executed by being crushed to death on Good Friday 1586 for the crime of harbouring Roman Catholic priests. She was beatified in 1929 along with other martyrs of England and Wales by Pope Pius XI and canonised in 1970 by Pope Paul VI Her feast day is on August 30th
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Obituary to Fr Joseph Dunn
Joseph Dunn was born in Liverpool on 2nd March 1919. His early education was at St Sylvester’s School before studies for the priesthood at St Joseph’s College, Upholland and at the English College, Lisbon. He was ordained at St Joseph’s College, Upholland on 19th June 1943. Following ordination his first appointment was as Assistant Priest at St Luke’s, Whiston, later moving to St James, Bootle in September 1947 and the following year to Our Lady and St Bernard’s Parish, Liverpool. In 1959 he became Assistant Priest at St Benet’s, Netherton, but following a serious car accident in 1964 he was forced to take a lengthy period of sick leave. On his return to parish ministry in 1965 he served at St Bede’s, Widnes, moving in February 1966 to St Patrick’s, Southport. A year later he began six years of service as a missionary priest in Kenya, returning to Liverpool in July 1973 at St James, Bootle. He was appointed Parish Priest of St Bernadette’s, Shevington, Wigan in November 1975 where he served for the next ten years until his retirement through ill health in December 1985. Margaret Quinn has some memories of Fr Dunn’s time at St Bernadette’s He invited the ladies of the parish to meet with Josie Siney, President of the Liverpool Branch of the Catholic Women’s League, and thus was started a young and thriving section of the CWL, which still does great work in the parish today. Fr Dunn encouraged more and more parishioners to become ministers of the Eucharist and we still have a growing number of committed Eucharistic ministers. He also formed the first catechist group for parish Confirmation and then asked the ladies
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Fr Dunn is pictured together with members of the CWL. From left to right: Josie Siney, Marian Berry, Fr Dunn, Margaret McCarthy, Margaret Quinn and Irene Tennant.
Fr Dunn with pupils of St Bernadette’s School, former teacher, Michael Leach and retired Deputy Head Peter Brown.
of the newly formed CWL to provide a buffet supper for 22 confirmands and their families. The ladies met in school and made dozens of open sandwiches, salads and a fantastic selection of home-made cakes. On Confirmation Day, Fr Dunn called in to school to say that, after the bishop had met the families, they would be having a meeting and would need a light supper. As everyone was busy preparing the buffet, it had to be something instant, so off to Greenhalgh’s for a nice quiche.
The table looked lovely with a best Nottingham lace tablecloth, a mixed salad, a selection of sandwiches and the quiche, complemented with a bottle of Tony Tennant’s best red wine. The bishop was delighted with the whole evening. The CWL is still providing lovely buffets on Confirmation Day, and are well known in the Deanery as the Egon Ronay buffet providers. In retirement Fr Dunn lived in Tarleton, Preston. He died peacefully in the early hours of Friday 9th March 2001. May he rest in peace.
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Fr Dermot Casey
Fr Casey was born in Dublin on 6th September 1923. He was educated by the Christian Brothers Dublin, before studying for the priesthood at Mount St Joseph Abbey County Tipperary and Nunraw Abbey in Scotland. He was ordained at Nunraw on 26th May 1949. Fr Casey served at several parishes in and around Liverpool from 1954 – 1974. In April 1974 he undertook missionary work with the Consolata Fathers in Kenya. On returning in 1977, Father held a temporary appointment at St William’s Ince. He was then appointed as Parish Priest of Our Lady Mother of God in St Helens before moving to St Bernadette’s in 1985 and remained with us until his retirement in 1988. Following many weeks of illness,
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Fr Casey died peacefully in Lourdes Hospital, Liverpool on the morning of Thursday 18th April 2002.
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Fr Gerard Greaves 1988-1998 Fr Greaves had an immediate affect on the Parish, not only on the restructuring of the church, but in many other ways. He organised regular theatre trips that became a great success, he also wrote the Nativity Plays which the Children’s Liturgy group performed in church. It was he who suggested that the CAFOD Group should organize a Christmas Carol Service, which was very popular,and continued for a number of years. Now Father also had (as many of you will remember) a rather interesting dog going by the name of Beauty, which, by the way, was a definite contradiction of terms. Like Mary who had the little lamb it followed him to school one day, and Beauty not having many social graces promptly used the inside of the school as a toilet. From that day forward the staff were always on edge, especially when Beauty regularly visited the staff room, no one had the heart to “beg” Father not to bring his beloved dog to school.
St Bernadette’s pre -1990’s
Sadly in the early hours of the morning of 14 September 1998, after a short illness Fr Greaves passed away. His Requiem was held at his home parish of St Teresa’s Upholland, this being the only church locally that was large enough to hold the congregation. Several Priests con-celebrated at the altar, and the church was full, such was the popularity of this truly remarkable man. The Vigil Requiem, held at St Bernadette’s was much more personal, so that the parish could say its own farewell. Fr Greaves began his ministry as Parish Priest of St Bernadette’s in September, 1988. Having completed tens years service, he died at Wigan & Leigh Hospice (after a short illness) in the early hours of the morning of 14th September, 1998 the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. His long-cherished ambition to find a centre-piece for the rear wall of the `sanctuary remained unfilled. The San Damaino crucific from the Studio Demeta of Italy, which now hangs behind the Tabernacle, was purchased with funds raised after his death by his grieving parishioners. It is a testament to his deep interest in Iconography and a lasting memorial to their much loved Parish Priest.
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Let your light shine By Toni Oxton-Grant
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One of the ‘Let your light shine’ articles from the winter 2001 Grapevine was all about a very well known and well loved parishioner, Krystyna Pilkington. Krystyna has worked for three parish priests as Parish Administrator but also worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the parish for many years. Krystyna is of Polish origin, although she was born in England. Her grandparents, parents and brother all left Poland during the war in 1939. They were in the Urals for two years and then walked from the Urals across many countries, finally catching a train to Iran; arriving in England in 1946. Krystyna’s earliest role as a Parish volunteer was in 1987 and she was the Vice Chair of the ‘Friends of St Bernadette’s’ committee. Krystyna didn’t stop there, though, and over the years she led the Children’s Liturgy (for 10 years) she was responsible for the first ever production of the children’s Christmas play where she also worked with some close friends, Liz Alker, Margaret Hogarth and Teresa Stubbs, sewing all the costumes (well into many nights). Krystyna has been one of the ‘Holy Dusters’, has been a gardener, improving the grounds around St Bernadette’s with her friend Carol McPhail and was the Chair of the Catholic Women’s League for seven years. Krystyna was a teacher by profession and her talent was soon noticed by Father Greaves, as he asked her to produce the parish newsletter; it is through Krystyna’s efforts that ‘The Vine’ was born! Father Greaves was very astute as he recognised Krystyna’s skills and after both her children started school Father Greaves asked Krystyna to become parish administrator. Her roles were wide ranging; a secretary taking the minutes in meetings, producing documentation for various charities, producing the newsletter, answering the telephone and organising events such as the Confirmation candidates’ buffet. Krystyna worked with Father Greaves until his death and then continued in this role working with Father O’Shea. With new legislation the job grew to include the payroll, dealing with
health and safety issues and child protection requirements, book keeping, producing orders of service and rosters for all who contributed to the work of the Parish, organising the car boot sales and trips to the theatre as well as lots of fund raising. When I interviewed Krystyna it was clear she had really loved her job and at the same time she was still volunteering to do many other things, such as the barbecue and fireworks events, pilgrimages to Walsingham and Ladywell, retreats to Ampleforth. However, she told me the highlight had been working with three wonderful Priests, Father Greaves, Father Leo and Father O’Shea. Krystyna was also very clear that my other members of the Parish worked as hard as she did and she felt extremely lucky to be part of such a fantastic community. Krystyna has a strong belief in the importance of community and sharing our faith and her lasting memories are those of the camaraderie and laughter as people got on with the work required of them for the benefit of all of us in the family of St Bernadette’s. Krystyna continues to be a giving volunteer; she is still organising the car boot sales, the bingo nights, the over 60’s Christmas evening and the Christmas draw, stocking the repository and supporting wherever she can. Krystyna told me she couldn’t do all of this it she did not have such a deep faith, a love of God and a true belief in the Catholic ethos and way of life. Krystyna feels her voluntary work is her way of living her faith and she would not have it any other way. I think Krystyna is a role model and inspiration to us all. It is very easy to just arrive at Church and not consider how things happen; who buys the Christmas tree? Who sets up the Church for special events, like Easter Sunday or Christmas Day? Who does the flowers? Krystyna is the first one to say there are so many others who do just as she does, but in this article we are recognising her contribution which she has now been giving for twenty four years. Thank you Krystyna and thank you to all the volunteers who help make St Bernadette’s the wonderful parish it is.
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Christine Sweeney’s contribution We moved from Broughton near Chester in March 1981. Leaving a very warm and friendly parish very similar to St Bernadette’s. We didn’t have a church but had the use of the local village hall which was called the Gladstone Memorial Hall and was our Church every Sunday. When we saw St Bernadette’s Church we warmed to it straight away. The family settled in well with a warm welcome from Church and school. Our two boys settled into St Bernadette’s school and our daughter into St Peter’s High school. When John went off to work I felt very lost! Our two sons volunteered my help in school with reading with Mr Brown’s class which progressed to sewing and craft work with the juniors, making clothes/cross stitch and basketwork, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed with the children giving me so much pleasure. 1981 We reopened St Bernadette’s Brownies with the help of Miss Ratcliffe, Father Dunne and Mrs D’Souza. We soon had a thriving pack of 24 Brownies and I was feeling a lot happier with our move to Shevington. 1984 I decided to become a Lollipop Lady to the dismay of my children who were slightly embarrassed to say the least. They said I wasn’t allowed to acknowledge them while I was in my uniform! But I settled well into the job and now 30 years later I am still enjoying every minute. 1985/86 John bought me a guitar for one of my special birthdays and I took up lessons at Shevington High School evening classes and now I enjoy playing with the church music group. 1990 As the Brownies progressed and some became too old to continue with the Brownies, Father Greaves suggested that we open a St Bernadette’s Guide Company and that also
thrived. I also became a dinner time assistant and still enjoy it today. 1991 Miss Ratcliffe asked Mrs D’Souza and would be interested in starting a St Bernadette’s playgroup using a school classroom. This was carried out until the summer when we were told the school needed the classroom for the next year intake. Father Greaves asked John if he had any way of acquiring a suitable 2nd hand portable building, as he was at the time working for ‘Rollalong’. It just so happened that he had access to a 60ft x 12ft office complex coming available from a site at Manchester Airport. John took Miss Ratcliffe, Father Greaves and Tony Tennant who was at that time on the school governing body to see the unit at Manchester. When seeing the unit they all agreed it was suitable for the progression of the St Bernadette’s playgroup. The Rollalong played its part until a purpose built nursery was incorporated within the school. Mrs D’Souza and I enjoyed those happy years till retirement from the playgroup in 2005. Both John & I still very much enjoy the St Bernadette’s community.
The Rollalong being delivered to the school
Christine Sweeney
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Children’s Liturgy
Although the Children’s Liturgy Group have been in existence since the late eighties, I must admit to not knowing much of what it’s all about. I have attended most of the children’s plays at Christmas, and the delight and happiness on the children’s faces when performing is there for all to see. Also the amount of work that goes into these performances by the leaders, helpers and parents deserves recognition. After speaking to past and present leaders of the group, I now realise how important it is and what a wonderful way of involving the children during the Mass. The Leaders attend courses at L.A.C.E. (Liverpool Archdiocesan Centre for Evangelisation.) Their skills are then introduced to the children during Sunday morning Mass at St Bernadette’s. The Children’s Liturgy Group have joint responsibility with the Parish Priest for the presentation of “The Word of God”. The Gospel of the day is read to the children, they are then encouraged to give their interpretation of what they think the reading is about, they are never corrected, but may be guided over perhaps difficult parts of the reading. Also the children enthusiastically partake in singing and signing a collection of songs,and are encouraged to understand the context of prayer, and are supported in learning fundamental prayers such as the Our Father, and the Hail Mary. All children under the age of 11 are welcome. The very young can bring an adult.
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
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Fr Ian O’Shea
T hank you, Father Ian, for serving us so well. H appy times and memories, so much that one could tell. A utumn fairs, bingo, walks, retreats and trips, N othing too much trouble, oh yes and CAFOD quizzes. K een to be involved, caring for each and all Y oung and old alike, babes and teens so tall. O vercoming barriers, gathering us in the fold, U nabashed, yet dignified, a man of God, behold. I n our loss others will gain, of that we know for sure A nd now we draw close to the end of your tenure N ostalgic in our thoughts, we bid farewell, adieu. Thank you, Father Ian, and may God always shine on you.
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Father O’Shea came to the parish as curate due to the illness of Father Greaves in the summer of 1998. Following the untimely death of Father Greaves he became parish priest in November 1998. The appointment of this very humble man proved to be most welcome amongst all parishioners. Father O’Shea organized several visits to Marian shrines, these included Ladywell, and Our Lady Of Walsingham. During his time at St Bernadette’s it became apparent how devoted he was to Our Lady. On one of these visits to Walsingham three of our lady parishioners took with them a picnic basket. Included with the sandwiches was a bottle of wine to be consumed whilst travelling on the coach. I will not mention the ladies concerned, but they were sat at the rear of the coach, with Father at the front. Now, every time a glass was about to be poured, Father at the same moment produced his Rosary beads and said “We will now say a decade of the Rosary”. Now I don’t know if this was Divine intervention, trying to save these unfortunate pilgrims from the evils of drink; or perhaps Father actually knew something (I must ask him sometime!). Margaret Quinn, Rachel Draper, and Barbara Grimes tell me that it was a really pleasant and uplifting pilgrimage... One of Father’s other passions was Rome. He made several visits to the Eternal City, and couldn’t hide his enthusiasm whenever asked about these visits. This may have encouraged him to study the Italian language, at which he became quite fluent. Father left our parish on Sunday 8th January 2006, and is currently the parish priest at St Joseph’s Anderton.
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
The crucifix of San Damiano It was in the Spring of 1206 that St Francis of Assisi knelt in prayer before the Italico Byzantine crucifix hanging above the altar in the ruined chapel of San Damiano, not far from his native city. He asked to know the Lord’s will and heard, in response, a voice coming from the cross which said, “Francis, rebuild my house.” It was the beginning of Francis’ mission not only to rebuild San Damiano but to revive Christ’s Church by the example of his holy life. Our crucifix in St Bernadette’s is a reproduction of the San Damiano cross, with the difference that the figure of Christ is carved rather than painted onto the flat wood as in the original. “It isn’t realistic” some would say, and of course they’re right. It wasn’t meant to be. The unknown painter used symbolism to present profound mysteries and wanted the faithful to discover the crucifix’s message in prayer and contemplation. There’s more here than meets the eye. The whole cross is edged with a border of stylised scallop shells, an ancient symbol of baptism, the sacrament by which all of us first came to meet Christ. At the foot of the cross are two mysterious figures, probably representing those approaching baptism, one of them possibly San Rufino, the patron saint of Assisi. The figure of Our Lord is triumphant rather than suffering. He has no crown of thorns, but instead a golden halo. His hands are extended and upturned, in a gesture of prayer and self-offering. On the cross-beam are six angels, three gathered around each of Our Lord’s hands, contemplating his wounds. The first letter of St Paul tells us “These things are the things angels long to look at.” From Christ’s right side flows blood and water. The prophet Ezekiel, several centuries before Our Lord, had a vision in which he saw a vast river flowing from the right side of the Temple in Jerusalem. Our Lord, referring to his own
body, said “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”. The message is clear. Christ is the new temple wherein God dwells. From him flows the never ending river of God’s love and grace. To Our Lord’s far right stands Our Lady, recalling Psalm 45. “On your right stands the Queen in gold of ophir.” She wears the white mantle of justice and the dark cloak of love, whilst her inner garment is purple/blue. The book of Exodus, chapter 26, describes how the Ark of the Covenant which was to contain the stone tablets of the Jewish Law, the focal point of their relationship with God, was to be lined with a purple /blue material. We read in Luke 1:42 how, when Our lady visited her cousin Elizabeth, the old woman greeted her with the words, “Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?” echoing the words of King David in 2 Samuel 6 when he welcomed the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem: “Who am I that the Ark of the Lord should come to me?”The moment Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child in her womb, St John the Baptist, leapt for joy, as David had danced before the approaching Ark. Our Lady is the new Ark of the Covenant. Man’s relationship with God will, from now on, not be through observance of the law written on stone, but through faith in the son she bears in her womb. For those nine months she was the tabernacle of the Most High. Next to Our Lady is St John the Evangelist and, on the other side, first Mary Magdalene, then Mary the mother of James. Next to them is the figure of the court official whose son is cured by Our Lord in John 4:46 - 54. His son is also there, peering over his father’s shoulder, and both men are looking intently at Jesus on the cross. The heads of all the figures are level with our Lord’s heart and their bodies are touching.
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This indicates their new-found unity, in Christ. They have small mouths but large eyes, because, like all contemplatives, they prefer to gaze on Christ rather than speak.
A few days ago I was speaking to the hugely talented, enigmatic, quiet and reserved Margaret Jennings. I asked would she give me a quick summary of her life in our parish. For the next 40 days and 40 nights, battling the elements, no food or water, very little sleep I listened, and I listened..... This is a very condensed account by the lovely Margaret. We moved into Shevington in October 1978, our daughter Ruth was approaching her first birthday, I was delighted to find both school, and church were within walking distance. Arriving in the parish, we were made so welcome, and I was soon to be involved in sacramental preparation with Tony Quinn, Kevin Doyle, and Paul Rigbye. I always attended Sunday morning Mass and enjoyed singing the hymns accompanied by our organist Margaret Cox, with Holly her guide dog forever by her side. Father Dunn was the Parish Priest, and I asked Above his head is the ‘Titulus Cruis’ reading in an if would he like music at the evening Mass, to abbreviated Latin form: Jesus of Nazareth, King which he agreed, and that was the start of my of the Jews. At the very top of the crucifix, Christ playing trendy hymns from a book called ‘Songs ascends in glory to heaven and is welcomed by of the Spirit’. the heavenly court. In his hands he bears his cross, now become a golden royal sceptre; and A few years later, following a charity concert at the hand of the Father can be seen, extended in the Parish rooms, Christine Sweeney learned to play the guitar and joined me playing at the blessing towards his conquering Son. weekend Mass. We were later accompanied These are just some of the interpretations of by Ruth and Adele on clarinet, Karen Philip the symbolism of the crucifix of San Damiano. and Katrina Doyle on flutes and then later When you’re at prayer in church, no doubt you’ll by Andrea and Maria Pilkington, (a veritable discover others for yourself. orchestra). Mass times changed, new slots were allotted and on special celebrations or occasions In a letter to artists, Pope John Paul has said: we joined forces with Barbara. We all got on “True art has a close affinity with the world so well and supported each other when of faith. Art remains a bridge to religious experience. It rises above everything and gives reinforcements were needed, (Barbara, well she us the appeal and the joy and the attraction of is a legend!!). The great thing about the band was we did our mystery.” best, we had no illusions about being good, just felt very privileged to do it, and at the same At 0ur Lady’s feet is a small figure dressed in the garb of a Roman soldier, while on the opposite side is a temple guard. Both the civil and religious authorities conspired to put 0ur Lord to death; and, almost hidden by 0ur Lord’s left leg, is the cockerel which crew after Peter had denied him three times, a poignant reminder of the complicity even of Christ’s friends, ourselves included. Our Lord’s loin cloth is edged in gold, which strikes us as rather an extravagant flight of fancy on the part of the artist; but then we remember that the book of Exodus tells us that Aaron’s priestly garment was edged with gold. Christ is not only the lamb of Sacrifice. He is also the priest who offers the sacrifice. You will notice that 0ur Lord’s neck is quite thick. In iconography this indicates that he is in the very act of breathing forth the Holy Spirit.
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Songs of Praise at St Bernadette’s
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
time enjoyed ourselves. Later Maureen Darbyshire and Vicky Hayes came along which was great! We now get support from Claire Cropper and Brenda Levy when they can fit it in and are not multi-tasking. Little did we think that 30 years later we would still be playing, but more than just “Songs of the Spirit”. In Father Casey’s time, we were joined by a 6th form student from St John Rigby College, Carmel Foy. She was great, playing the flute, and she brought along other young people from the college to take part. We all met regularly at my house, working really hard with the music. It was an exciting time, I just loved the new boost to our Band. (Our Christmas Eve Midnight Masses were especially good). Carmel went to work for the music service in Wigan after teaching for several years at St Teresa’s. Gale, one of the crazy guitarists from St John Rigby, later joined an order of nuns in Rome.
Later, around 1993, Mary, Gary, and the Hill family, arrived at St Bernadette’s. The impact was immediate. Gary has now written our own Mass setting to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. The Band now comprises of Mary (flute) Christine, Emma and myself (guitars). We are so lucky to have such generous and talented parishioners. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our unofficial ‘choir’ who really step up to the cause when needed. If anyone is interested in playing an instrument at Mass with us, you will be welcomed with open arms. Please come along and say ‘Hello’. Remember carry on singing, and continue to support us in our music making. Thanks Margaret, I’m just going to put my feet up and take a paracetamol. Only joking of course. What a remarkable lady, whose enthusiasm and inspiration is a credit not only to herself, but to the whole parish. Thank you.
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CAFOD
St Bernadette’s CAFOD group held their first meeting on 11th October 1994. The founder members were Fr Greaves, Eddie Corless (secretary) Margaret Gordon (treasurer) Tony Quinn, Kevin Doyle, Katrina Doyle, Sheila Foster and David and Joyce Madden. Over the past twenty years St Bernadette’s parishioners have responded magnificently to requests for help from all around the world: 1. Short term aid which is emergency relief, including emergency food, medicines, clothes, blankets etc. This may be given for example in cases of floods, earthquakes and droughts. 2. Long term aid such as training in health care, education, increasing the food production, supplying clean water and vaccinating against diseases. Wherever and whenever there is an appeal, our parishioners are amazing. The total raised from October 1994 - November 2014 is £90,760. Thank you all for your generosity and continued support. The CAFOD Group Top Left: Once again centre stage a young Margaret Jennings supporting her new and trendy bouffant look, whilst bouncing with health and vigour, circa mid Eighties. Middle : The start of one of CAFOD’s annual sponsored 12 mile walks. This began at Fleetwood, with the finish outside the Blackpool Pleasure Beach, (notice Fr O’Shea kneeling at the centre of the group). Right: CAFOD walk 2008 - photo by Ken Draper
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Walking in the rain By Ken Draper
Are we not ready to start yet?
The annual CAFOD sponsored walk had arrived again. Following a week of lovely weather. We all anticipated a sunny 11 mile stroll down the promenade from Fleetwood to Blackpool. However, the 6th of June arrived, cold and wet. On the coach spirits were kept up by the constant chatter and Fr John took the blame for the miserable conditions. When the walks first started Fr O’Shea, when asked to pray for fine weather, had said that his prayers would be answered if he had been good that week or poor if he hadn’t. So you can imagine the comments Fr John had to put up with. But cunning as ever, because it had been so hot the week before and would have been uncomfortable for walking, he had prayed for cooler weather. His prayers had been answered to the extreme, so he must have been exceptionally good during the week! We arrived in Fleetwood, having been delayed in queues to a car boot sale, and after the customary photo shoot and toilet break (20p to use them) 36 of us set off with heads down and hoods up. Only brief stops were made until lunch time, but then the rain stopped and it became a little warmer. The sun threatened to come out but never actually made it. We trudged on along the Blackpool
All that way and now the pub is closed
Prom, strangely quiet and subdued considering that we were in the month of June. But with the Big One in our sights, and the promise of a shandy or stronger drink at the end of the walk, we all made good progress Finally, around 2 o’clock we arrived for a welcome drink at the Star Gate pub, at the end of our journey. You can imagine the comments when we found it closed. Disappointment was an understatement! So some of us went back to the café next door. Yes, you’ve guessed it, closed as well. Some did manage to get a cup of dishwater from the pizza parlour, but really that was just an excuse to visit the toilet, it certainly wasn’t the quality of the coffee. The more intrepid went back towards town and found a more suitable place. However we all made it back for ten to three so that we could have the customary raffle towards the cost of the coach. We made £106, so it was very worthwhile. It was then back on the coach and home again just in time for a shower and a cup of tea before struggling on aching legs to evening Mass. But we’ll all be there again next year for another enjoyable day - if Fr John has been good of course!
Look what I’ve won Mum!
It’s another winner
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St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Fr Leo Copper
Fr Leo served as our Parish Priest for only a short time, January 2006-August 2006. I doubt anyone who was lucky enough to have met this jovial man would ever forget him. He had a heart of gold, and a very special rapport with the children. I have spoken recently with different people about our time with Father Leo, and the first reaction of everyone is to smile. Father Leo had his own unique, if slightly unorthodox, style of preaching. I remember on several occasions he would step down from the altar, microphone in hand, then proceed to walk amongst the congregation to deliver the homily, unusual but very effective, especially with the children. Opposite you can see a photograph of Father Leo with fellow Confirmation Catechists Kevin Doyle, Tony Quinn, and Stephen Lee (or is it the darts and dominoes team?).
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At this moment in time Fr Leo is the Parish Priest of St Mary’s and St Columba’s in the Isle of Man. The photograph shows the enrolment of altar servers into the guild of St Stephen on 11th May 2014 in St Columba’s Church.
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Holy Dusters Announcement By Doreen Almond
After over twenty years of being involved with cleaning and helping at St Bernadette’s in many different ways, Margaret Hogarth announced at the beginning of July to Father John and her holy duster colleagues that she would be retiring. We never ran short of supplies needed for cleaning because Margaret knows where to get a bargain and she was always ‘on top of things’ as they say. We will have to learn now! MMH, as we also know her, will be missed by us all. We hope that she will not completely forsake us - maybe she will join us for a cup of tea sometime. We are sure that she won’t be lonely because she can now spend a bit more time with her grandson. We all wish Margaret the very best of good health.
Behind the scenes with Pauline Taberner
Pauline has been an integral part of our parish since 1963. Although she attended Mass every week, and always offered a helping hand, Pauline felt her time was taken up due to work and family commitments. Following her retirement however, her involvement in parish activities has been immense. She says it was Margaret Hogarth who suggested helping the team of dedicated cleaners (i.e. The Holy Dusters) and that was the beginning of the many tasks Pauline is now involved with.
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When speaking about St Bernadette’s, she refers to her ‘Parish Family’ and it plays a large part in her life. Some of the duties Pauline performs are Eucharistic Minister, Reader, Flower Arranger and holy duster, to name but a few. Pauline now has a very active social life with the many friends she has made over the years. She regularly arranges meals out, weekends away, and holidays with her best friend Val Gordon. Val and Pauline, constantly give their time to various charities, particularly ‘Butterflies’ and ‘The Brick’. Pauline is a very humble person and says she feels privileged to be able to help in any small way. I feel it is the parish who are privileged to have both yourself and Val working on behalf of our community.
The Mighty Quinns...
Tony and Margaret, I feel as though we’ve been close friends for all our lives,(some days even longer). My wife Barbara and Margaret met when they both attended St Patrick’s Primary school in Wigan way back in the 1950s, (sorry girls). They couldn’t have possibly known then that their paths would again cross, and they would spend thirty years working along side each other in the Reception Class at St Bernadette’s. Tony and Margaret were married in 1972 and moved into the parish in 1974. Almost immediately, they became involved with parish activities and offered their services in any area. Later Tony, along with Terry Graham, were among the first Eucharistic Ministers and Tony today continues to organize the rotas for the Eucharistic Ministers and Readers. Margaret became a founder member of The Catholic Women’s League and had a huge input in its growth and success within the
St Marie’s Flower Festival 2009 30
This is a photograph (taken by Vera Johnson) of the display by our flower arrangers, which included Pauline and Val.
This is a photograph of Tony and Margaret Quinn on the day of her retirement Mass and celebration in school 11th july 2014
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
parish. I can’t think of any fund raising or charity work that hasn’t benefited from the input of Tony and Margaret Quinn. I will not embarrass these two anymore apart from... Has anyone else noticed how the passing years can be kind to some,yet not so to others? Take the Quinns for example, one half of this marriage has started to go a little thin on top, yet amazingly hair around the ears and nose appears to be getting quite bushy, lines on the face are very apparent, and the teeth are a little loose. And yet the other half manages to retain a youthful and unblemished complexion, eyes that sparkle, and a smile that can still light up any room...What is Tony’s secret?
Yesterday and Tomorrow During a conversation with Father John about
the Golden Jubilee celebrations he asked me “what do you think may happen over the next 50 years in the parish, and what would you like to see happen?” What interesting questions, that I couldn’t answer immediately, but questions that I couldn’t get out of my head for quite a few days later. My answer to the first question, for what it’s worth is, unless more young people get involved with the running of the parish then I seriously fear for the future. Then I thought do we need a meeting to discuss this, and the answer to the second question then hit me. No we don’t need a meeting, we being the same we that have been attending meetings for the last 40 years or more, and I think doing a tremendous job along the way. The next half century should be placed in the very capable hands of our younger parishioners, with the help and input from the older end if and wherever needed. The success the parish has had I think, is because, (which I wrote about earlier) many people in the 1970s were then new to the parish, and wanted to be involved in its development.
Most of the people found new friendships, and at the same time contributed to new ideas. We also involved ourselves in the establised organised groups and events with plenty of advice from our peers, (our average age could only have been late twenties to early thirties). I know there are young people who are involved, and enjoying what they do, we just need more. I must say it’s only my thoughts and perhaps a little controversial, but we are lucky to have this beautiful and welcoming small church, in which we can worship, pray and celebrate the Sacrements. But is this enough? Maybe, if possible, the younger people could organise their own meetings, discuss what they would like to see happening in the parish, maybe a better social life, different events, it doesn’t have to be money making. Make the church part of their lives, enjoy their church, look after their church, look after each other. My thoughts and my thoughts only, maybe worth dicussing with Father. P.S. If you organize a night out don’t forget me.
Hambantota Within our parish we are blessed with an
abundance of people who willingly give their time and effort to help those who are less fortunate. Rod and Angela Price have taken helping people to a new level. On 26 December 2004 Sri Lanka was hit by a massive Tsunami. We can all remember the horrific scenes that were shown on television. Appeals went out for money, medical help, clothing, food, anything that may assist this grief stricken country. Angela and Rod, having already booked a holiday to Australia, wondered if they could help in any way. Rod being a maintenance engineer and Angela a retired nurse thought their skills may be useful. After many enquiries, it was decided that on their way to Australia they would stay in Sri Lanka for three weeks. They travelled to the
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Market Square, Hambantota Clock stopped at 9.20am 26th December 2004
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village of Hambantota. Angela tried to explain to me the total devastation that met them. The people that survived and whose families were destroyed, also now found themselves homeless, with most people using cardboard boxes for shelter. Immediately they both set to work, Rod working on a new system that would eventually provide the village with clean running water, and Angela using all her medical skills and comfort, especially with the children. The weeks soon passed and they continued to a well deserved holiday in Australia. Whilst on holiday, they couldn’t forget what they had witnessed. It was decided to cut their holiday short, head back to Hambantota and continue with the work that was desperately needed. Ten years later the couple are still continuing their incredible work, and go back as often as possible. Sadly, I find myself incapable of putting into words all that this amazing couple have achieved and, who knows, one day a book may be written, and only then will we come to realise the dedication, love and support Angela and Rod have given to these poor and unfortunate people. Angela and Rod have asked me to thank the parishioners of St Bernadette’s for their continued support. Rod, Angela, it’s the parishioners who should be thanking you.
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Standing on the shoulders of giants This phrase, taken from the edge of a £2 coin (and incidentally the title of an Oasis album) sums up how I feel about the 50th anniversary of St Bernadette’s. Though I’m sure the people involved in founding the parish in 1965 wouldn’t see it that way, they were giants, because it’s thanks to their vision, and the committment of so many others over 50 years that we are able to celebrate this anniversary. Those people 50 years ago saw a need and decided to respond to it. Probably many of the smaller stories of the founding of the parish, the identities of the people involved, have been lost in the mists of time (though I’m very grateful to Steve Grimes for all his hard work, commitment and dedication in writing this history of the first 50 years of St Bernadette’s). I’m sure they will be rewarded in heaven. Equally, I’m sure the best way we can thank those people from 50 years ago is to ensure that St Bernadette’s is still thriving, moving forward, building on the work they began. I think we would agree that, from the outside, St Bernadette’s is modest. Unprepossessing is the word I like to use! I’m told that the building was designed with a useful life of 25 years. But the modesty of the outside belies what is inside, and the personality of the people who shape the parish, who come to worship God there. I know St Bernadette’s has been home to many of the special events in your lives. Many baptisms, weddings and funerals have taken place within its walls and it’s impossible to know for how many people St Bernadette’s holds a special place in their hearts. St Bernadette’s holds a special place in my heart too. It’s the first parish where I was parish priest, where I discovered that a role that seemed simple when I wasn’t doing it, turned out to be much more complicated in practice. I pay tribute to the priests who have served the parish over the years. I’m sure we could be described as a diverse bunch, but hopefully our different personalities have helped to develop different aspects of St Bernadette’s.
We wouldn’t de doing justice to the founding fathers and mothers of the parish, at this time of celebration and reflection, if we didn’t also look to the future. I would like to see the commitment and willingness to help that was demonstrated over the past 50 years is to remain a part of the life of St Bernadette’s. Rooted in our faith, which demands self-sacrifice for the sake of others, in imitation of our Saviour who sacrificed himself for us, it’s our responsibility to build on the work they began, 50 years ago.
and finally...
I visited Shevington in July 1971. My girlfriend had just completed her education at St Paul’s Teacher Training College in Rugby and had been offered a teaching position at St Bernadette’s. The school was described as a new and modern ‘Open Plan’ school. I remember walking around the outside of the school, peering through the windows and listening to the excitement to my beautiful girlfriend’s voice, she couldn’t wait for the new term to start. It seems just like yesterday with her long, flowing hair reaching down over her shoulders, wearing a mini skirt and Greek sandals. Things didn’t work out, so I married Barbara instead (only joking, ‘ouch’ , only joking). We were married the following year, October 1972, never thinking that Barbara would spend the next thirty six wonderful years teaching at this little school. We actually moved to Shevington in 1975 and make no excuses for feeling proud of being part of this unique parish and its history. If I had to choose one favourite and uplifting moment, it would have to be at Easter 2009, when myself, Barbara, Tony and Margaret Quinn went to help with the children in Lourdes. Margaret Jennings, who over the years made several trips, tried to explain what a very special place Lourdes is, and how much the children enjoy their holiday.
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We actually met the Manchester group at the hotel in which we were all staying. After being presented with funny hats, polo shirts and t shirts, (these to be worn at all times by children and helpers to help distinguish from other groups) we were then introduced to the children. From day one it was all about them enjoying themselves, singing, laughing, games, no one is excluded. One trip included donkey rides around a village in the snow capped mountains overlooking Lourdes, every child had a ride, some with assistance from helpers. One evening we had a fancy dress party and we will never forget the laughter and the smiles that lasted all night. Attending Mass in Lourdes and listening to all the children joining in and singing the hymns was very special. The finale at the end of the week was witnessing and participating with thousands of children from all around the world in a candle lit procession passing the Grotto of Our Lady, all singing Immaculate Mary. It was impossible not to feel spiritually uplifted or moved, it was a sight that will stay with us for the rest of our lives, and for me that is the miracle (and the history) of St Bernadette. Steve Grimes.
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
St Bernadette’s 1965 - 2015
Thank you to everyone who has contributed their memories, articles and photographs. Thank you to Father John for his continued faith and encouragement. A special thank you to Miss Gertrude Hilton for inviting me into her home, where we reminisced and spoke of times gone by...a wonderful lady with wonderful memories.
Following in the footsteps of Bernadette