St Michael’s Church, Heighington has, for many years, had an initiative named Street Angels, its purpose being to have volunteers willing to create a link between those living in the parish and the church, particularly with residents who may be unfamiliar with the area. The aim is to have a designated church member responsible for each street in the parish who, over time, will get to know the people in their designated street and be recognised as the church contact for anyone needing assistance.
A few weeks ago, one of our ‘Angels’ approached a new neighbour who was clearly living alone. That person was Anne, (not her real name) a stranger to the area, and she was glad of the chat and asked about clubs and groups, especially art groups. The ‘Angel’ was able to provide details of a ladies social group and a contact number for someone who runs weekly sketch walks and in turn he gave information on an art group in Newton Aycliffe. Anne joined them all and went along the very next week to the sketch walk which happened to be in Heighington.
They had a lovely afternoon, but it soon became quite cold and as they were passing the church heading home, a member of the clergy invited them inside for a warming drink and a chat. Anne was made aware that a church coffee morning was coming up and a musical evening the following week. She attended both and found her ‘Angel’ at the coffee morning. Her words to the ‘Angel’ were ‘you have changed my life’. Those few words are worth a million to the Street Angels. Additional volunteers are needed especially for the ‘new estates’ and if you think you would be willing to share your local knowledge with residents, please ring Rev. Lissa 01325 312134.