The title Reader conjures up a vision of someone standing up and reading from a book but there is more to it. I consider it a privilege to work with Revd. Karen and as well as being involved with the church services to be able to be part of the caring side of church. My home church is St. Andrew’s, Boothstown, but I have always been involved with St. Mary’s Church, Ellenbrook, more so since St. Andrew’s services have been reduced to one Sunday each month. I am one of the founder members of the Messy Church Team at St. Andrew’s which began 30th January 2009. I am part of the Lunch Club Team at St. Mary’s which reaches out to the community as well as church members. I am also a member of the Worship Team and the Healing Service (Prayer) Team. I enjoy being a member of the Ladies Circle at St. Mary’s and a supporter of Boothstown Village Hall. On the practical side I am a member of the Finance Team, the D.C.C. and P.C.C.
In 2013 I was asked by the then Warden of Readers, Revd. Chris Bracegirdle if I would consider becoming a Reader Chaplain for the Archdeaconry of Salford. There are two Chaplains for each Archdeaconry in the Manchester Diocese, one clergy and one lay. After due consideration I accepted. Chaplains are called to support those who feel they are being called to Reader Ministry as well as supporting Readers already in their Parish.
10 Questions with Sheila Radford
I worked….. for many years in Insurance, with fond memories of the Refuge Insurance building in Manchester. Later I moved into Child Care.
I am…. married to Dave, we have one son, a daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren, Isaac and Sophia Alice (Grandparents are allowed to say this.)
Hobbies….
Many years ago I used to own two horses and they took up a lot of time and money. Now when I have time I enjoy reading, gardening and doing crossword puzzles. I love flowers, birds, our visiting hedgehogs, in fact all wildlife.
If I had to eat the same meal every day for a week …. it would be sandwiches of smoked salmon and creamed cheese on brown bread with the crusts removed. This is because getting fish and chips from the Magpie Café in Whitby wouldn’t be feasible.
I drink……. tea, milk, no sugar thank you.
I also drink…….White wine preferably from Germany.
My favourite hymn….. could I have two please?...... One quiet one - Be Still for the Presence of the Lord and one rousing one - How Great Thou Art.
Church is……the people not the building.
What gives me hope…… seeing how kind and caring people are to each other in difficult times. Nature also gives me hope, seeing spring bulbs pushing their way through the soil and the buds on the trees bursting into leaf.
Finally, my favourite Bible verse………………Mark 5 v 36. “Do not be afraid, just believe.”
