Members of Holy Cross Church, Cottingham, spent a whole day filling a 40 foot container with furniture and goods donated by Hallgate School, Cottingham, Wyke Sixth Form College, St John’s School, Beverley, St Mary’s College, Hull and others.

Why? Well, a year ago, in conversation with Mrs Ann Hill, Head of Hallgate Infants School, she said that her new school would be refurbished and much of the old furniture and equipment would be thrown away. Fr Pat Day said we could possibly send it out to Sierra Leone to our twinned parish, Our Lady Star of the Sea, in a container. Holy Cross Church has had a relationship with Our Lady Star of the Sea, Juba, for 25 years now and in that time, we have helped to build a church, school and clinic. At present we are fundraising to build two extra much needed classrooms.

So, over the last year, we have filled every free space in our church, various garages and lofts with redundant text books, clothing, toys, computers, musical instruments and medical equipment, etc. Then, on 21st July, we arranged for a container, bought for the purpose, to be delivered to the school site. Unfortunately, the vehicle couldn’t access the site, so we were well stuck…. A phone call to local business Boards (Cottingham), problem solved; they had a secure free space we could use. Prayers do get answered and angels do exist. What a relief.

So around 40 parishioners of all ages mucked in and moved the stuff between sites and initially three packers started stuffing. Admittedly, it took all day and it was hard work. Various observers thought that we’d never get it all in, ‘Oh ye of little faith’. At 6.04 pm, we closed the doors and cleared the site. One parishioner thought it was more fun than a parish outing. How mad are we???

But the sense of achievement and pleasure at a job well done are without measure. We know that all of the donated goods will be received joyfully, and will make a huge difference to the quality and comfort of the children’s school.

Our grateful thanks go to Hallgate Infant and Junior School, Cottingham, Wyke Sixth Form College, St Mary’s College, St John’s School, Beverley and all the people who contributed goods. With thanks to Andy at WRS and especially to Boards (Cottingham) for saving the day.

Answer: with Love and Prayers.

Gwen O'Reilly

Holy Cross Church, Cottingham