Wooler and Chatton minister Jason Askew tell it how it was....
23rd-25th September was the sixth time that Linda and I have gathered some helpers to take a group of children to the hostel at North Sunderland. We started in 2000 with eight children, which grew to fifteen the following year and twenty-sixish for three years. This year we had four reply slips in by the deadline date, which was two weeks before we go.
Our usual cook unfortunately had to pull out due to work commitments and Jackie also had work commitments that would keep her away on Friday and some of Saturday. Oh yes and we were also informed that the boys who were coming would have to get back to Wooler for their football matches on the Saturday morning. I was on the verge of calling the whole thing off!
However, we decided not to panic. With a week to go we were up to ten boys and my mum and dad agreed to come and help with the cooking and pot-washing. Five days to go and Jackie had talked Tango (Michael) a local fireman, into helping us out (CRB checked n’all) and we now had twelve boys coming.
Four days to go Linda, Jackie, Tango and I had a meeting, partly to plan the weekend and partly to allay Tango’s fears about going away with the ‘God-squad’ for the weekend!
By Thursday evening we were up to thirteen boys and one girl. Friday morning my Dad and I did the trolley-dash (twice round Kwikis.) To make it easier I based the shopping list on having twenty kids and when we got home we were up to thirteen boys and four girls! Amanda and little Andrew would also join us for Saturday evening. The list was complete, we were on our way.
By 7pm all had arrived. After a safety talk and room allocations we had our usual torch-lit walk through the fields to the beach and back (about 3miles – just to tire them out a little!) We returned to Burger and Chips before settling down to an episode of the Simpsons. Having sold his soul Bart tries desperately to get it back, in the end turning to God in prayer his prayers are answered through the goodness of his sister Lisa. Mt 22:37 gave us insight into what God really wants us to do with our soul. We concluded by singing “God’s people aren’t super brave, super heroes!” and a prayer.
Hot Chocolate, biscuits and bed for 10.30pm. Lights out at 11pm. At 1am the leaders went to bed. I gave all rooms a ‘final warning’ before settling down in the room next to the largest dorm, containing eight boys. At 2am, I gave them the ‘final, final warning’ and dropped off to sleep. At 3am I was awoken by the loud laughter of the boys next door (I was not a happy bunny) and gave them a ‘woe betide the next person to speak!’ I returned to my slumber.
At 5am they were still at it (a record by all accounts) I marched into the room and pointed to the boy on the top-bunk and said “you out!” It is hard being a minister’s son but Zach took it pretty well and it was enough to send the rest to sleep. 6.30am, I am in the kitchen cooking sausages, eggy-bread and beans for twenty. 7.30am I roused the children from their rest for breakfast (that’ll teach em!) 9am five went to football, the rest of us walked down to the beach for roumders, sandcastles and paddling.
After lunch we went into Seahouses, looked around the Life-boat station before spending the afternoon with Billy Shiel around the Farne Islands. This was a spur of the moment idea, encouraged by a group discount. It was brilliant, some children had never been on a boat before, some were a little queasy, everyone enjoyed it.
Back at the hostel, dad had the barbecue going and at 6pm we settled down to a film of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. My task during the film was to ensure that everyone of the sleepy eyes stayed open (we didn’t want them refreshed for bedtime!)
An explanation of the story, a rendition of “Jesus never, never, never, turned anyone away” and prayers before drinks and bed at 8.45pm. Lights out at 9pm – not a sound was heard until 7.50am Sunday morning. (peace perfect peace).
After breakfast, it was off to church, where we shared communion and witnessed two teenagers were being baptised – great joy! Our children (few of whom go to church) were so well behaved and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A game of football was followed by a lovely roast dinner (thanks mum and dad!) before we embarked on our final trek down to the beach (this brought our mileage to about 10-12 miles for the weekend –tired legs!). Here we met up with some parents for more sandcastles, rounders and swimming in the North Sea in late September (Brrrr!!! Fortunately no-one turned blue this year!)
By 4pm everyone had gone home, I had paid Jane Wood (Vicar and Warden) for the use of the hostel. Linda, the boys and I got into the car for the journey home. I looked into Linda’s tired eyes and smiled, “I’ve paid Jane the deposit and booked us in for the same weekend next year . . . Darling!” I think she smiled.
None of this would be possible without the willingness of the helpers, who give up their time and energy free of charge (indeed they have to pay for the privilege!). Also thanks to the Hood Fund (a Synod-managed fund) which has supported this venture for the past 3 years with grants from £500-£250.
If this is being church, children singing God’s praises, staying awake for eternity, out on the sea with an ex-fisherman, . . . if this is ministry and mission, sun, sea and sacrament . . . then count me in!
Jason
PS Tango enjoyed it so much he is coming back next year!