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St. Nicholas’ Church News Belonging – Believing - Becoming
December 2018 / January 2019
50p
Registered Charity Number 1158819 www.stnicholaschurchblundellsands.org
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Who’s Who in St. Nicholas’ Church
Vicar Rev’d Canon Janet Roberts [email protected]
924 3551
Curate Rev’d Ravi Sangra [email protected]
07958 783684
Curate Rev’d Keith Thornborough [email protected]
281 4459
Church Warden Church Warden
Derek Parkinson [email protected] Lesley Utley [email protected]
924 9031 931 1813
Deputy Church Wardens Glenda Cain Caroline Hailwood Stephen Bailey Stephen Green Stephen Chantler
474 0189 924 1714 924 4416 476 9885 920 3839
Musical Director Adult Church Choir
Mr Michael Foy [email protected]
281 2541
Youth Church Choir Welfare
Barbara Qualtrough [email protected]
932 9946
St. Nicholas’ Singers (Community Choir)
Michael Foy [email protected]
281 2541
PCC Secretary Gill Enstone [email protected]
PCC Treasurer Liz Sinker [email protected]
476 4211 07796 628901
Stewardship Recorder Paul Mainey Gift Aid Administrators Angela and John Rankin
[email protected] 474 5967
Safeguarding Officer Liz Sinker 476 4211
Hall bookings Liz Sinker 476 4211
Parish Administrator Diane Turner (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) [email protected]
352 8893
Parish Assistant Nicola Jeens (Wednesday) [email protected]
352 8893
St. Nicholas’ School Head www.st.nicholasprimary.org
Rebecca Woods
924 1204
Website Administrator www.stnicholasblundellsands.org
Joyce Batey [email protected]
929 3031
Facebook Admin Joyce Batey / Diane Turner [email protected] [email protected]
929 3031 352 8893
Magazine Distribution Brian Fairclough Grace Donnelly
932 0578 07710046524
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Vicar’s Viewpoint December 2018
‘Follow The Star’
Christmas is coming and for many, that brings mixed emotions.
Never mind all the commercialism, it’s all the disruption, the expense, the family expectations and a whole host of other things. Some people genuinely do relish all the festivities and decorations and love everything about Christmas, a Christmas with all the trimmings.
What makes the ‘perfect’ Christmas? Is there such a thing?
This Christmas, we are invited to follow the star and be with Jesus. At the heart of Christmas is Jesus, God’s Son, who came to let us know that we are truly, deeply, loved by God. Jesus was God’s surprise gift of joy, love and new life. He is the greatest present we can ever receive and share with others.
Whilst we may all have very different Christmases, there is only one Nativity Story and it wasn’t an easy time for Mary and Joseph.
The Church of England has produced a series of readings to help us through Christmas from 24th December, right through until 6th January. There is a theme, a picture, a reading, a reflection, a challenge and a prayer for each day. You can buy a book called ‘Follow The Star’ or go on the Church of England website and download all the readings
www.churchofengland.org/Christmas # Follow The Star Or why not come and join in one of our Christmas services and spend some time contemplating what lies at the heart of everything? Yours always seeking to follow the star,
Janet
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Bishop Paul’s Christmas Message 2018
In the dark, small hours of the night, the time when our sleep is most disturbed as sombre thoughts invade our minds, a child is born. No ordinary child. A child born to banish the darkness and shining a light of hope into all our hearts. On that night, fearful shepherds gathered around the child to worship him in wonder before going out to tell others. Shortly afterwards the child would be visited by wise people from the East, again worshipping him before heading off to share the news. And throughout his life Jesus would be encountered by many who reflected in wonder and then shared what they had seen. Was there a common thread? Of course. Everyone who encountered Jesus was transformed. Transformed in different ways. The shepherds found strength. The Eastern sages had their intellectual curiosity satisfied. The blind were given sight. The outcasts received friendship. The hungry fed. The poor given hope. They were transformed. How were they transformed? An encounter with Jesus transformed them. How do we know they were transformed? Because they stepped up and spoke about that transformation. In other words they had an inner journey of encounter and an outer journey of proclamation. Over the last year in the Diocese we have been developing our Rule of Life. I have been talking about both the inner and outer journey. The inner journey where we Pray, Read and Learn as we try to deepen our faith, and widen our understanding of what it means to know Jesus and to act as he did. The outer journey where we put that action into practice - we Tell, Serve and Give. In these ways we show what it is to be a disciple of Christ, part of a transforming movement that longs to make a bigger difference so that more people know Jesus and there is more justice in the world. Because the world is longing for that justice. From the massive political uncertainties and conflicts between nation states, to the fearful parent wondering how they will feed their child. We see darkness surrounding us, we have our own pressures, the fears and stresses of the world engulf us. In such a world we need hope.
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Bishop Paul’s Christmas message cont…
Some seek for hope in luxury, in the excessive commercialism of Christmas. Expensive presents, lavish parties, over-indulgence. Attempts to find release from the day to day. But as people of faith, we find hope in Jesus. In the precious Christmas gift who transformed the lives of those he encountered. Who can, and is, and will, and wants to transform you, and me. I pray for you, friends, that you seek hope in Jesus, I pray that you encounter that living and transforming Jesus - and I pray you tell others about that Jesus in word and action, this and every day.
“A taste of Christmas” festive afternoon tea
On Sunday 2nd December 2-4pm, come and enjoy some food and fellowship
together and experience A Taste of
Christmas!
Hand carved Turkey & Cranberry or Stuffing
sandwiches, Mature Cheddar Cheese
Sandwiches, individual ‘Taste of Christmas
Cakes’, Mince Pies, Shortbread, Tea or
Coffee. Plus a Sing-a-long of favourite
Festive Songs and Carols, raffle and bring &
buy. Admission by ticket £5.00 – available from Keith, Ravi or Janet.
Maghull Wind Orchestra
Please come and enjoy the Maghull Wind Orchestra (MWO) concert on Tuesday 4th December at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 each and available in advance from Janet,Ravi or Steve Bailey or on the door. Refreshments will be available during the interval. Proceeds towards the organ restoration.
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DECEMBER SERVICES
Sunday 2nd 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Eucharist
5pm: Soul Food
Wednesday 5th 10.15am: Eucharist in the church hall
Thursday 6th 9am: Morning prayer
Sunday 9th 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: All Age Toy Donation service
5pm: Toddler Church Nativity
Wednesday 12th 10.15am: Eucharist in the church hall
Thursday 13th 9am: Morning prayer
Sunday 16th 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Baptism service
5pm: Carol Service followed by mince pies and
mulled wine
Wednesday 19th 10.15am: Eucharist in the church hall
Thursday 20th 9am: Morning prayer
Friday 21st 9am: School end of term service
Sunday 23rd 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Eucharist
Monday 24th 4pm: Christingle
5pm: Christingle
11pm: Eucharist
NB no tickets are required for Christingle this year.
Tuesday 25th 9.30am: Eucharist
Sunday 30th 9.30am: Eucharist
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JANUARY SERVICES
Wednesday 2nd 10.15am Eucharist in the church hall
Thursday 3rd 9am: Morning prayer
Sunday 6th 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Eucharist with prayer ministry
Wednesday 9th 10.15am Eucharist in the church hall
Thursday 10th 9am: Morning prayer
Sunday 13th 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Eucharist
5pm: Toddler church
Wednesday 16th 10.15am Eucharist in the church hall
6.05pm: Church @ School
Thursday 17th 9am: Morning Prayer
Sunday 20th 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Parade and All Age Service
5pm: Soul Food in the church hall
Wednesday 23rd 10.15am: Eucharist in the church hall
Thursday 24th 9am: Morning prayer
Sunday 27th 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Eucharist: We welcome Revd Amanda
Bruce, Vicar of St Luke’s, as our preacher. Ravi
preaches at All Saints and St Joseph’s RC Church
5pm: Heart & Soul
Wednesday 30th 10.15am: Eucharist in church hall
Thursday 31st 9am: Morning Prayer
Feb 3rd 8.30am: Eucharist
10.30am: Eucharist with Prayer Ministry
5pm: Soul Food
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WHAT’S ON IN DECEMBER?
The church is open each week (NB: not over Christmas week): Tuesday 10am – 12 Noon for Heritage tours Wednesday 9am – 10am for a cuppa and chat Thursday 2pm – 4pm for Heritage tours
Access to the church for quiet prayer is also available via the church office 9.30am – 12.30pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) and 9.30am – 11.30am (Wednesday)
Sat 1st 9am Walking group meet at church Sunday 2nd 2-4pm “A Taste of Christmas” festive afternoon tea
6pm Blundellsands Churches Together Advent Service at Eshe Road U.R.C.
7pm The Bridge Youth Group Mon 3rd 7.30-8.30pm Hush before the rush: Prayer time in church,
prepare for Christmas Tues 4th 7.30pm Maghull Wind Orchestra Concert Wed 5th 12 noon Heritage volunteers xmas event Sat 8th 9-12noon Men’s working party Tues 11th 3.10pm 3F4U children’s group Christmas party Wed 12th 10.15am Christmas lunch after Eucharist Sun 16th 5pm Carol service followed by mince pies and mulled wine
WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY?
The church is open each week Tuesday 10am – 12 Noon for Heritage tours Wednesday 9am – 10am for a cuppa and chat Thursday 2pm – 4pm for Heritage tours
Access to the church for quiet prayer is also available via the church office 9.30am – 12.30pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) and 9.30am – 11.30am (Wednesday)
Fri 4th 9.30am Standing Committee meet at the Vicarage Mon 7th 7.30pm Heart & Soul Planning meeting Tues 8th 9am New term starts at St Nicholas School Mon 14th 7.30pm Shared ministry team meets
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What’s on in January cont… Fri 25th – Sun 27th Capernwray students visit for the weekend Sat 26th 9am Men’s Working Party Tues 29th 7.30pm Deanery Seyod meets at St Luke’s, Crosby Thurs 31st 4.30pm St Nicholas School Governors meet
HERITAGE OPENING: The church continues to be open
every Tuesday morning from 10.00 am - 12 Noon and
Thursday afternoon 2.00pm – 4.00 pm. Our Heritage
Volunteers are available for tours. Group visits welcome by
pre-arrangement (NB not Christmas week).
Email: [email protected]
CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL
After Christmas we have begin the process of revising the Church Electoral Roll. We have to scrap our existing membership roll and everybody has to apply again to join. This happens about every 4 years. Being on the Electoral Roll is about being a member of St. Nicholas’ and saying that you’d like to support the life of the church. Ideally, if you are on the electoral roll, you will :
attend worship reasonably regularly
join our regular Giving Scheme so that we have money to run the building
and its activities
offer your time and talents to help in our varied church life
attend our annual meeting and vote for representatives to our church
council
Application forms will be available after Christmas, don’t forget to fill yours in!
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THANK YOU TO IRENE DAVIES Irene Davies has been our magazine editor for a few years now. She entered the role with great enthusiasm and has done a magnificent job. She has brought her own particular flair to the publication, cajoled us into producing articles and mastered the computer. It is something that she has really enjoyed doing. Sadly, Irene has decided for personal reasons that it is now time for her to stop editing and producing the magazine as she is moving on to new things. We would like to say a big Thank You to Irene for everything she has done and we wish her well in her new ventures.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, IRENE!
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Music in December
Before After
2nd December God rest ye merry Gentlemen Lloyd-webber
In Dulci Jubilo Walther
9th December Offetoire No 3
Guilmant
Vom Himmel Hoch Pachelbel
16th December
Carol Service
Choir carols In Dulci Jubilo Bach
23rd December Wachet Auf Bach
In Dulci Jubilo (2) Bach
24th December Chant du Roi Rene Guilmant
Vom Himmel Hoch Edmunson
25th December This is the truth Rawsthorne
In Dulci Jubilo Buxtehude
30th December Wachet Auf Peeters
Christmas Pastorlae Lemmens
Carols before the service
On Sunday 16th
December our choir will be
joined by members of our community choir
to provide some carol singing before the
service. It is a great opportunity to come
and sit, reflect, enjoy, and prepare for the
service. We will start singing at 4.30pm.
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Isabel's Story On Thursday 22nd February 2018, Isabel Morison was diagnosed with a primary glioblastoma, a grade 4 and the most fast growing and aggressive form of brain cancer, considered incurable. Isabel, who is just 39, lives in Aughton, Ormskirk, with her husband Stuart and their two children, 9 year old Dylan and 6 year old Lucy. Isabel and Stuart have been married for 13 years and together since they were childhood sweethearts. She is a much loved and valued member of staff at Sacred Heart Catholic College in Crosby, having worked there for the last 16 years teaching music. On 7th March, Isabel had brain surgery, not the best birthday Stuart had ever had! The surgeon managed to remove most, but not all the tumour. It was then on 28th March she received the results of the operation and unfortunately was dealt with the devastating news that it was an aggressive glioblastoma. Isabel began a course of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy combined to target the cancerous cells which couldn’t be removed by surgery. At the beginning of May, Isabel was offered the chance to try a new pioneering treatment which is not currently available on the NHS, in conjunction with the treatment she was already receiving. Optune Trial is a non-invasive technique which uses electric fields, delivered via a set of adhesive patches worn like a skull cap. The treatment helps to prevent the tumour from growing or spreading quickly and is to be worn between 17-24 hours daily and applied to a completely shaved head. A couple of days before it was scheduled to begin, Isabel took control and bravely arranged for her hair to be shaved in preparation for the treatment which she donated to the Little Princess Trust, a charity for children who suffer hair loss from cancer or other illnesses. Isabel’s Battle The last 6 months have certainly proven to have been the most toughest of times for Isabel, as also in June she sadly lost her beloved mum after a lifetime of battling Multiple Sclerosis. But throughout, Isabel has shown nothing but bravery, positivity, optimism and such amazing courage. She inspires all who know her and you can’t help but be in awe of the amazing courageous lady that she is. Her life has been completely turned around and significantly different from the one she once knew. Despite everything, Isabel will fight this with everything she’s got to continue to be the best mum to Dylan and Lucy, and wife to Stuart and she intends to win this battle for her family. Unfortunately, glioblastoma is so aggressive and unpredictable and cancer treatments are
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Isabel’s battle cont…
limited in the UK. After extensive research Isabel and Stuart are considering a treatment called Immunotherapy which is known to be working successfully in treating some previously incurable cancers. Immunotherapy is a revolutionary treatment which works by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. But this treatment is only available privately and costs over £200,000. Fundraising However, the reality is that they need to raise as much money as possible, with limited time due to the prognosis of this condition. Both Isabel and Stuart are looking to use all of their savings together with funds raised by family and friends. We hope with the help of the local community and beyond we can achieve this and enable Isabel to receive the treatment she desperately requires. Recently Isabel has helped raised over £13,000 for Macmillan cancer charity through the help and support of her friends and colleagues from Sacred Heart college.
Thanks for taking the time to read Isabel’s story and for your support. (Search for Lets do this for Isabel on the gofundme wesite to donate)
If you would like to take part in the St. Nicholas’ Parish Giving Scheme, for regular giving, please see full details of the benefits at www.liverpoolanglican.org or talk to Janet or Ravi
Sunday Tea Rota for December
2nd Dec: Stephen & Rose Green 9th Dec: Carl & Sam Rooney 16th Dec: Helen Pennington & Laura Gear
23rd: Rhian Kilpatrick & Liz Jenkins 30th Dec: Maureen & Alf Fairclough
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Things to be thankful for this month ---------------------------------------------
Hello everybody, since my last article I have had many things to be thankful for!
On the 2nd November I had a stroke, a very strange and frightening experience,
I could not speak, my right hand and arm were paralysed, my right leg was weak and wobbly, the right side of my face was distorted, and my pupils were enlarged.
The first thing I am thankful for is that Brian and Stephanie were with me, they got me to Aintree Hospital within 40 minutes of it happening. Secondly the amazing NHS , I was immediately assessed and a myriad of people began to treat me, I went through triage, specialist stroke nurse, all sorts of cognitive tests, normal bloods and observations, an ECG , a brain scan , more cognitive tests, another ECG , more bloods and observations, then a doctor told me that the brain scan revealed that thankfully I had not had a bleed on the brain, but there was evidence of a previous stroke!
I was then given a very large tablet to swallow, and released to go home with a prescription for this new drug, and a very thankful heart. All this had been happening in a very busy A and E department on a Friday night, the staff were amazing, so helpful and reassuring as I was very frightened , could not speak coherently just sounds, I was staggering about etc. and I was confused and bewildered by all of it.
Throughout all this in my mind I was calling upon my dear Lord Jesus to hear my prayer, to look after Brian and Stephanie and my wee grandchildren, as I could not speak and reassure them, but that whatever happened I gave myself into His love and care.
Five days later I went to the Medical Assessment and Stroke Treatment centre at Aintree Hospital , more tests, two ECG's , ultrasound scans of my Carotid arteries which thankfully were clear, and I am now waiting to be fitted with a 24 hour ECG heart monitor.
Now here I am three weeks later, overwhelmingly thankful that I can talk, my face has returned to normal, my arm is working, my hand is allowing me to type this article today, and I can walk with the support of a stick. I am very tired, and frustrated at times when I cannot do things. I have been told I must rest, and recover my strength, but some things are coming back, my hand was able to hold a hook and crochet, and my singing voice is back much to my delight.
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I am hoping to be able to come to church on the 2nd December with Brian , which God willing will be our 46th Wedding Anniversary, to give thanks in God's house for all the years and Blessings we have shared.
On the 4th November I picked my bible up and it fell open at 2nd Kings chapter 20 and verse 5 jumped out at me..." I have heard your prayer and I have seen your tears ;I will heal you ".
I want to thank everyone for all the lovely cards, beautiful flowers, the love and affection that has been showered upon me, but most of all for the circle of continuous prayer that has surrounded me.
As I finish this very different article ,I wish all of you a Happy , and Blessed Christmas , remember to be thankful for all that you have , count your many blessings, hug all your loved ones, remember the lonely, the homeless, those who are sick , or grieving, in need of a listening ear or a hug, and be thankful...
God Bless Shirley Fairclough
OUR LOCAL FOODBANK - Can you help? In our area we have the Waterloo Foodbank, (part of the Trussel Trust charity) located in St. George’s Road, which helps families in need in the local area by providing food, toiletries small treats etc. Sadly, there is an increasing need for families to rely on this charity and in turn, the Foodbank relies almost entirely on donations from the public. Here at St. Nicholas’, we have adopted the Foodbank as our chosen charity for Harvest for the past few years and this has been a great success. For a long while, we have had a box at the back of church for donations. Please could you help by making regular donations, particularly items on the list of stock that is running low. *All food items should be in packaging of secure and good condition. Please be practical (not peaches in brandy, pickled artichokes etc) and should be within the 3 - 6months of expiry date. The baked beans and soup mountain is still growing, so hold off on these items please.
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Foodbank cont… There is also an increasing need for toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary products, soap, deodorant etc. It’s always nice to offer just a simple bar of chocolate as a small treat. In addition to this, animals are in need too. For some people, their pet is the only family member they have, so pet food is always in demand too. Please look out for:
A more prominent donation station at back of church
Regular updates from the Foodbank
A list of the ‘in real need of’ … items
One off donation appeals, such as the recent stationery appeal. Thanks to your generosity, a great number of children have been able to start back at school term stocked with a full pencil case.
Thank you in advance OUR CHOIRS:
Do you have a singing voice? Come and join one of the choirs and raise your voice. Tenors and basses particularly welcome. Both choirs are non-audition and all are welcome. Why not join us and bring a friend?
St Nicholas’ Church Choir:
Email: [email protected]
The church choir sings every Sunday at the 10.30am service
Rehearsal every Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm for Youth Choir
Rehearsal every Thursday 7.15pm - 8.30pm for Adult Choir
The St. Nicholas’ Singers - Community Choir:
The community choir sing at special services to augment the church choir and also perform concerts at local churches and other venues. Email [email protected]
Rehearsal every Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.00pm in the church hall.
@stnicholassingersblundellsands HAVE YOU LIKED OUR SINGERS FB PAGE?
@stnicholaschurchblundellsands HAVE YOU LIKED OUR CHURCH FB PAGE?
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Church Groups
Junior Sparks Sparks Plus
Ravi [email protected]
07958 783684
JUICE (Join Us In Christ’s Environment)
Helen Pennington [email protected]
07963 000053
3F4U Julie Dray [email protected]
924 4073
The Bridge Youth Club Nikki and Colin Wilson [email protected]
286 7911
Card Making Class Jan Warren [email protected]
9241287
Flower Team Co-ordinator Laura Gear 07748 597571
Men’s Working Party Steve Bailey Stephen Green
924 4416 476 9885
Hall User Groups’ Contacts
Apple of my Eye Children`s cookery Michaela Wright 07984 153798
Weight Watchers: Carol Cleland 07496 036910
Adventure Babies Catherine 07837 69981
WEA French class Paul Thompson 243 5340
Greek School Demetra Gavriel 07805972846
Baby Sensory Katie Rose-Vickers 07414673251
Friday Fun for Tots Playgroup Jenny Campbell 07815947950
Baby Ballet Jennifer Berrett 07980521267
NCT playgroup Anna Smith 07974 227740
Jets Linzi 07815 431332
Caterpillar Music Emma Gerrard 07884 073049
Constituency Surgeries Cllr Dan Lewis 07731 721637
Uniformed Groups
Rainbows Liz Sinker 476 4211 07796 628901
Brownies Gemma Silcock-Stevenson [email protected]
Guides Lindsay Martin [email protected]
07534 958925
Beaver Scouts Andy Davidson [email protected]
07900 582094
Cub Scouts Andy Davidson [email protected]
07900 582094
Any News?
Articles can be sent to the church office at [email protected] or posted into the box at the back of church. Please note – deadline for article: 3rd Sunday of the month preceding publication.
Editor: Diane Turner (December/ January edition) [email protected]
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HALLS FOR HIRE
Contact: Liz Sinker, Hall Bookings
Administrator 0151 476 4211 or 07796628901
Main hall: This hall seats over 100 people and
includes stage area Small Hall: Seats up to 40 people
This Advertising space is
available for businesses in the
Blundellsands locality!
Do you know someone who might like to advertise their business, or has a business next to yours?
Contact Editor to have your Ad
included each month for a small annual charge of £20 per year for
10 copies
Slimming World
Here at St. Nicholas’ Primary school Nicholas Road, Blundellsands
Every Saturday at 8.30am And 10.30am
Do you want to lose weight without ever feeling hungry?
Join us for a cuppa and find out how For more details:
Phone Vicki on 07909 614123
Crosby Tool Hire
For all your equipment needs
Sales, service, repair & hire of
all tools & gardening
Equipment
Floor sanders & carpet cleaners
Weekend deals!
We stock and deliver all sizes of
Calor gas
0151 281 9832
Kynaston – Electrical
151 Liverpool Road Crosby
Tel: 928 6721/1469
Electrical repairs and
Rewiring – free estimates NIC – EIC registered
McCallum & Tritton Funeral Directors
46 Mersey View, Waterloo L22 6QB
Tel: 0151 931 2002
Cohen’s Chemist Providing all your cosmetic
Requirements
17 Bridge Road
Blundellsands
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