Saturday Hour of Prayer by Zoom
Our regular Saturday hour of prayer is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, 12th June from 9:00am. For joining details please contact Victoria at chrisandvicki1@ntlworld.com
Do join us even if you haven’t joined before. It’s a great time to pray for the issues that are on our own hearts and to pray for the wider world. We’d love to see you.
All hopes are set on June 21st to be the end of CoV restrictions. I hope and pray that it is, and we can begin to get back to something resembling normality.
Of course, this means that we will begin moving our services from virtual ones on the internet back to real services in our church buildings. This will not be a sudden shift; we recognise that some will still be anxious about being in the church building. But the prospect of real ‘live’ services where can be together, sing, share fellowship and even hug one another, is something most of us are looking forward to with eager anticipation.
So:
Do watch this space for more details as we emerge from our year of lockdown.
16th May, Seventh Sunday of Easter
This morning our morning service will be livestreamed from St Botolph’s Church building. Join us for a real live service!
Our monthly hour of prayer on a Saturday morning is scheduled for this week, 15th May. We meet on Zoom starting at 9am; we’d love to see you. Please contact Helen for joining details – Helen@stbots.church
10th May 2021, Sixth Sunday of Easter
2nd May 2021, 5th Sunday of Easter
Born the youngest of 3 siblings by 7 years, she was the joy of her mum’s heart and a relief from trying to control 2 boisterous sons. Named Sheila after her mother’s sister who died of organ failure at 16, but always known as Roisin, because her grandmother couldn’t cope with her name being the same as her deceased daughter. So Roisin she was, ever after.
Educated in the early years by the nuns in Lurgan Convent and St Michael’s Grammar school.
One of her favourite things at the time was Irish Dancing. From the age of 6 or 7 she went to the local hall come rain or hail for her Irish dancing class and represented her region nationally.
The sound of 15 – 20 little feet pounding the boards is a sound you can’t forget no matter how many aspirin you take.
Those first dance classes were probably the germination of her love for Irish Culture which prevailed through the years. She was proud of her Irish heritage as are her boys and was always calling Joe a Sasanach!
Dancing took a back seat as school, music and singing became the main focus of her attention. She was once set about by some rougher girls from her school because she was walking home from school with her violin over her shoulder. When she got home, her mother Etta, taught her how to hold her fists up and box, for the inevitable next time. When the next time came, she sent the 3 of them packing, after she had floored the first one with a well aimed uppercut!! She was a keen member of her school netball team and had good eye to hand coordination. Joe and her used to enjoy playing tennis, badminton and even squash though she wasn’t as keen, because he use to run into her!
Singing with the local choir, voice training, and performing at Scors Feis,s and Irish festivals across the length and breadth of Ireland occupied a lot of her
teenage years however she always managed to fit in an annual stay at the Gaeltacht in Donegal from the age of 13 until 18 learning Irish, this was something she really enjoyed and would not miss, eventually becoming a tutor in her final year. Spoken English was totally forbidden at all times! She also was a member of the Irish Debating Society which of course was in Irish and needless to say, her team usually won.
In 1979 she joined more than a million people to welcome Pope John Paul II to Drogheda in Ireland as one of the soloists who sang at the mass shaking his hand afterwards. She always treasured this memory, as she loved the big stage.
When she started having singing lessons with her mum’s cousin Gerry it was clear that she had a real talent and needed a crash course in music, as she had only played the violin and sung so far, so she did both her music O and A levels in a year each changing tack. In 1980 she was offered an unconditional place onto the AGSM singers course at the prestigious Guildhall School of music in London on a 4 year course, so impressed were they by her voice. At the end of her audition pieces, the panel were conversing in hushed tones, so Roisin thought that they needed a little more persuading and offered to sing them an Irish song which mesmerised them and totally sealed the deal. What they were discussing excitedly, was which one of them was going to have her as their pupil, not was she good enough to be accepted onto the coursel!!!
At the Guildhall she of course met Joe who was on a post graduate singing course, being older, as she continually reminded him throughout their lives together, though they weren’t to become a couple until 1985 when they were both accepted onto the Opera Course at the Guildhall. They were both awarded BP scholarships, for which they had to give several concerts along with other musicians and actors. In the inevitable dissection after each concert that artists are wont to have, their love blossomed, in a lovely old London pub.
In 1985 she represented N Ireland at the Cardiff singer of the world on the BBC and was audience favourite. After the Guildhall Roisin was accepted onto the National Opera Studio and was ironically sponsored by Peter Stuyvesant, a well know cigarette manufacturer. Things were very different in those days!
Roisin and Joe both went to Wexford Festival opera in 1987 for a month for the most memorable, exhausting and rewarding time, both in two different operas driving over and staying on the beach at Rosslare. It was about this time that Joe asked Roisin to marry her, or as she reminds him, he asked her to become engaged! Roisin had a memory like an elephant which always came back at you if you stupidly strayed into an area with one of these vaulted memories! For example, missing Kieran’s birth because the midwife said it was a false alarm and would be days yet. Having committed to the concert in London, so it was too late to get a dep, to fill in, Roisin went back into hospital and popped out Kieran breaking her waters over my mother’s shoes, who had travelled up from Kent to take over from Susan Murdoch. That was always my mistake and not the midwife’s and was brought up whenever anyone mentioned the birth of a child!!
Roisin worked with Opera North, Welsh national Opera, Irish National Opera, Wexford Festival Opera as well as an enviable concert schedule and had work in the diary for English National Opera and Welsh when disaster struck as she had developed a nodule and she had to pull out of the Marriage of Figaro for Opera North & cancel all future performances with all companies. This was a devasting blow to her and we had just moved up to Isham, from London, so Roisin was a bit isolated and she didn’t drive at the time. She dusted herself off and worked as a waitress at the Olde Victoria, computer supply deliverer and for Mothercare to earn some money.
Joe & Roisin were married on May 28th1988 and Thomas came along on 11th October 1990 followed by Kieran on 13th February 1993. Joyous occasions for all the family, especially as they were the only males to continue the family name!!!
One of her church friends, Wendy, suggested she use her trained skills for an income, so she started teaching singing at home, then very quickly became the music teacher at Isham Primary and was invited to teach singing at Laxton Junior School in Oundle, (which we will call LJS from now on) thanks to Judy, where she very quickly built up an enviable stable of singing pupils of more than two days! She decided that teaching was for her, as she had all the gifts. She never had a problem controlling a class as you only tried crossing Mrs Cornwell once!! That went for the rest of us as well!!! Her debating skills meant that she could outthink and outsmart the smartest. She could also debate in Irish don’t forget, so had that sort of agile quick mind and logic!
She enrolled on a music course to make her AGSM into a BA at Kingston University which was a year’s course and went up and down the motorway in her beloved White Peugeot 205 after having dropped off the boys with the child minder, from where they went to Isham school each day. It was a frantic existence and of course Joe was NEVER THERE’!! This was always her little joke, that she had to bring up the boys alone, which was partly true as Joe had to travel to sing and often abroad. She had to be particularly organised and focused in those early days, but she was determined to do what she could for the family.
She graduated from Kingston with a First class honours degree and was applying for jobs when Sue Thomas, the head at LJS told her that she didn’t want to keep signing references for job interviews as she didn’t want to lose her and offered her a job at LJS. Roisin’s bargaining skills came into play as she wanted a full time job for stability for the family, which she eventually got becoming the music and drama teacher, eventually becoming the Director of Music and part of the senior leadership team, which was unusual for a music teacher.
Sue said of Roisin, “I want her on my side not against me!!” I know that feeling.
We referred to this side of Roisin as an “Athens” Roe I think you need to do an ‘Athens” I would say. On route to Skiathos we were told at Athens airport that the island hopper plane to Skiathos was full up and we would have to wait until the next day. We stayed the night in a hotel right next to the airport with planes going over all night. The next morning the hopper was apparently full again meaning we would have to wait yet another day to meet Jon & Jackie, which is when Roe’s righteous indignation took over and she verbally lashed the poor man behind the desk, telling him that we were being shoddily treated so that, brushing sweat from his brow and trembling slightly, he gave us two other people’s seats! The became therefore became now as an “Athens”
We were in Rome for Roisin’s 50, when we were told that our scheduled trip to the Vatican would not possible because the cardinals were present, which would have meant missing this most important part of the 3 day holiday. We were all distraught, but I gently whispered into Roisin’s ear, I think we need an Athens. She started off relatively quietly, but the Italians resisted and made excuses, they had not bargained for the power of her voice and force of her will, so they decided to give us a private tour of the Vatican as a result!!I There is a lesson there somewhere. Don’t cross Roisin being the obvious one!! There were other instances of course over the years.
She built up the music department into an unrecognisable force with a string project for all year 2s, so that no musical talent was ever missed. She had a knack for finding the right instrument for each pupil and always knew if a child had vocal talent, even suggesting that they went elsewhere if it was the best thing for them, but more of that from other people in a minute.
She staged, casted and directed the following memorable productions: Romeo & Juliet, in which Thomas was Romeo, Oliver, in which Kieran Starred as the Artful Dodger, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and Bugsy, to name a few with live orchestras and herself conducting. These were all stunning productions for children of primary school age.
She continued to work at LJS building on her achievements year on year, until she retired due to ill health in 2020 leaving a tall order for the next person to fill her shoes.
She was a fantastic mother to our boys always putting them first and was always there to listen to them when they needed to talk, which was often quite late in the wee hours!
She said, I wouldn’t miss that for the world as she had an intuition when things were not right. She was a very supportive and loving partner always listening quietly answering with wise suggestions on how to deal with tricky situations or people. I valued her opinion greatly.
She was my soul mate, the love of my life and had a character to balance mine which sometimes made other people slightly uncomfortable, our humour was quite edgy, but we were used to it and used to play act out scenarios. It goes without saying that there is a chasm in all our lives now, only helped by the wonderful memories and that she is now at peace.
She had many sayings, one of which was: Always walk a mile in someone else’s footsteps, so you can see where they are coming from without being judgmental.
If someone is being unreasonable, hold a mirror up, so that they can see how they are behaving.
‘Shift your carcass’ was another one, usually aimed at the dog or anyone in fact who dared to sit in her preferred seat which had the best view of the TV and was near the remote controls!
‘Joe, would you need to put another wee log on the fire’ was a take off of her Aunty Patsy in a strong Belfast accent, who came to stay one Christmas and had a bad cold.
A very common one, was if we were all running someone down, she would pretend to go along with it, then remark afterwards- It’s a good job that we are all perfect!
We all started saying that ourselves to self chastise after a while, before she has a chance to!
She always had her reading glasses in her hair, but could never find them! Have you seen my glasses, was the cry! She did have a lot of hair latterly.
She was a staunch supporter of the underdog, the underprivileged, the abused, the helpless and would not tolerate any form of cruelty, racism, homophobia, sexism, etc. She was way ahead of her time, which is why we have asked people for donations to the RSPCC, RSPCA & Water Aid. As she said, in the 50s signs used to be hung up in the window of B & Bs, saying ‘ No blacks , No Irish’! She also used to get very annoyed with us if we wasted water whilst we were brushing our teeth, as there is a water shortage on Africa! I did try arguing that one – But just the ONCE!
This story typifies Roisin.An old fashioned traveller once knocked on our door of about 55-60 years of age. He had obviously been on the road for years and was terribly polite, just asking for some water, but her wouldn’t come in.Roisin wouldn’t hear of it, but gave him the full Irish hospitality of a an Ulster fry, toast cups of tea and coffee, making him come in and sit on the sofa, against his wishes, though he insisted that he had newspaper underneath himself. She then sent him on his way with a clean set of clothes and a fur coat that belonged to my grandfather. Well she said, have you worn it in the last two years and is his need greater! I had to agree that it was after being faced with her logic and he went away protesting we had been too kind, laden with a pack up for lunch and tea. I hope he lasted a lot longer, but however long, he will have remembered her kindness and warmth, as we all do. She always put others before herself.
She loved Art & Poetry & literature as well as music and was a member of a few book clubs along the way. Highlights for Roisin were visiting Rome, Florence and Venice and viewing all the art there. She often would become tearful when viewing these works of art, especially at depictions of Christ.To balance this out, she was an avid viewer of East Enders and Coronation Street, to my chagrin!
I have left others to flesh out her music contributions to the church and the music department that she built at LJS.
I have so many memories of Roisin, so I have picked a few poignant ones to share.
I met Roisin over 20 years ago, when I was teaching the violin a few hours a week at the old LJS site. We gelled from the start and we became a rock solid team when the school moved to the current LJS site. At the point of moving to the new school, Roisin created a full time post for me and she built her Music Department which is diverse, strong and outstanding. Her talent as a teacher was undisputed. She was well read, clever and wise. I remember one tricky situation, when a pupil was struggling to behave appropriately. Roisin dug deep and started conversing in the child’s mother tongue Russian – a linguistic gift from her days singing in different languages. The pupil very quickly responded positively to her and in a way I have never witnessed before. Other pupils reaped rewards and incredible results from her guidance and endless enthusiasm and support. There were no limits set.
Roisin was often the first port of call for many of her colleagues. She had a very wise head on her shoulders for someone relatively young. She always made time for anyone who wished to chat or offload any troubles – she was non judgemental and provided a safe place to talk. I remember the ‘music corner’ in the staff room, so called as her team always gathered there. The laughter and merriment was legendary! Roisin’s sense of humour and quick wit left staff in stitches quite regularly! She always sat in the same chair in the corner, looking out into the staff room. That was Roisin’s chair, which will look lonely now.
Roisin and I became good friends as well as colleagues. During the summer months we would often try different hostelries for a meal and ‘libation’. As she would say, we were ‘ladies that lunched’ and that tradition was kept until a couple of years ago.
Roisin was a fabulous chef. She thought nothing of catering for large gatherings and with Joe positioned at the BBQ – there were some memorable feasts in the garden at Isham.
As a friend, Roisin helped me through major life changing decisions. She helped me up a very steep mountain and guided me safely down the other side. I will never forget her kindness. We both went through good times and bad but remained close, even though latterly we were not as regularly in touch as before. It came as a devastating blow to learn that she had passed away this month.
I will miss you, Bird.
I first met Roisin in August 2002 when I started working at Laxton Junior School. That first term I had the privilege to work with her on, what turned out to be, the first of no less than 18 Christmas-themed plays working with our youngest children. There was never a dull moment, as we worked as a team to enable the cast of 5 and 6 year olds to perform their lines, as well as choreograph movements and dances. We shared many a sideways glance, as there were inevitably live outtakes and moments of hilarity as things went wrong or not quite as planned! Particular memories are of mice that undressed and sheep that fell off the stage… It was during these plays that Roisin would listen to the cast singing and coach promising singers to sing solos. My own children were amongst these soloists and they, like so many others, flourished in her care. Other families speak of their surprise when they were approached and told that their children should have singing lessons, several going on to become choristers at Peterborough Cathedral and King’s, Cambridge. One mother has commented that this changed the course of their lives and gave the whole family experiences that have been enriching in so many ways.
Roisin was a truly inspirational teacher, colleague and friend. Her listening ear was recognised, and used, by both adults and children, and valued enormously by all who had the great fortune to spend time with her. Without fail, she would offer wise and insightful advice to all who sought her counsel. There are many adjectives that we could employ to describe her many qualities but kind is right at the top of the list. Roisin’s impact on music at LJS has left a lasting legacy. More than once, I have had a tear whilst listening to the exquisite harmonies being produced in Oundle School’s Chapel by an LJS choir that had been taught and led by Roisin; it is important to remember that the children in those choirs were never older than 11 years of age – a tremendous achievement. Countless children have Roisin to thank for starting them on their musical journeys, with encouragement and care; her patience with the children was outstanding and they loved her for it. There are, of course, many memories – Noye’s Fludde, performances at retirement dinners (including a memorable cat duet with Joe), concerts, house music competitions, staff choir sessions and much laughter. She lit up the staff room and, for those of us who remain at LJS, one particular corner of the staff room will forever be remembered as ‘the music corner’. I am thankful for the time that I had with this incredible woman and shall cherish the memories.
Roisin was instrumental with the development of the brass department and my job of today. Introducing brass to the Key Stage 2 is one my passions and from the moment I visited Roisin in LJS, some fourteen years ago, Roisin supported me fully with this endeavour – the brass in our community is now firmly on the map! All musical events Roisin produced throughout the academic year at LJS were so expertly put together – top draw and proud to be part of! She was an amazing character, full of life, kind hearted and totally magical with all the pupils. My working with Roisin was just a joy with so many fond memories, not just a colleague but a thoughtful and caring friend who I will miss terribly.
When I think of Roisin, I smile and three things come to mind – loyalty, support and fun.On the first day I started working at LJS, Roisin took me under her wing, scooped me up from my lonely office and took me to lunch, where we chatted and laughed. This routine continued for over 17 years. In my darkest hour, Roisin was the first person I called. She supported me and my family, whilst going through a tough time herself.
She was always there when I needed her. I miss her.
I’m sure everyone will be singing Roisin’s praises as an inspirational teacher and an efficient and forward-thinking Head of Music at Laxton. She was also very supportive to the visiting music teachers and was always available for a chat if any problems arose. Roisin worked for several years on the Kettering Eisteddfod Committee, setting songs for the vocal classes, booking adjudicators and scheduling the sessions. She was always a pleasure to work with and she could be totally relied upon to do the required tasks efficiently and without fuss. All this said, I felt her greatest strength was her powerful personality and tremendous sense of humour and fun. I first met Roisin about 25 years ago when she came to me for piano lessons. She worked diligently and was soon ready to sit an exam. The exams were held in my home so the examiner rang me up to make arrangements for his visit. He had rather a croaky voice and mentioned that he would have to go to a hospital appointment beforehand. He also had various dietary needs which I had to be aware of when giving him drinks and lunch. I told Roisin about him and we both agreed that we were obviously going to get the usual ‘old codger’ as an examiner.
However, on the morning of the exam I answered the door to the examiner, only to find that he was in fact a rather stunningly attractive black gentleman! Various pupils went in and out and did their exams then about mid morning Roisin arrived. I should probably have mentioned the examiner but I didn’t so she went in and did her exam. When she came out she looked a bit stunned so I said. “How did it go Roisin?” All she said was, “He’s GORRRRRGEOUS!”, in her wonderful Irish accent. Needless to say, Roisin got a Distinction and went from strength to strength!
With love from Diana x
I feel privileged to have been asked to say a few words about Roisin and the part she played in the life of this church over many years.
Wasn’t it lovely as we sat before the start of this service listening to her singing?. Before speaking about the part she played in the music ministry here, I must mention my earliest recollection of her beautiful voice. It was listening to her singing George Gershwin’s “Summertime” at the Stahl Theatre in Oundle in the late 1980’s not long after she and Joe came to live in this area. It was a breath-taking performance and one that will live with me forever.
Roisin joined the staff at Laxton Junior School in Oundle and early in her time there, as an introduction to the school and parents, she sang that song at an assembly during which the youngest pupils near the front, unused to hearing her sing, were so startled on hearing the first note she sang that they clapped their hands over their ears to protect themselves from the pure but incredible sound she made! Those of you who know the song will remember how high that first note is! She certainly had a very powerful voice and used it to very good effect, both in singing and speaking as well as in laughing and fun which she managed quite easily. Whatever she did, she brought her sense of humour to the occasion.
This church of St. Botolph’s has had a very strong musical tradition throughout the 70 years I have worshipped here, and Roisin helped to maintain that tradition not only by singing here at Sunday worship but also in the various concerts and special services we enjoyed singing and playing for over many years, not only here but in other local churches and other venues. She also helped lead and train a junior choir here and, for four years from 2004 she was our main choral director. Also during this time she encouraged the band led singers at the 9.15am services and, after the service helped run JAM sessions for instrumentalists. I remember her times of leadership as being great times of fun and laughter, but also a time when those who made up the choir in those days were able to learn some of the finer points of choral singing. For a time choir practice was held in her home in Isham and I can remember her getting our 6.30 service choir members to practice singing scales, something that was new to many of us, before we settled down to looking at the music for the coming Sunday. That we happily sang those scales was, in no small part down to Roisin’s method of teaching which involved plenty of laughter – and her own loud infectious laugh will again be a lasting memory for me.
She introduced us to songs that we wouldn’t ordinarily have looked at – I remember her coaching us in singing some of Margaret Rizza’s contemplative worship music from her Fountain of Life chants which was very well received on the occasions when we gave performances of some of the items.
Roisin was a singer first and foremost but increasingly during her time here she became a very competent keyboard player. In a church offering music at three services a Sunday, we often needed those improving skills and are grateful that she obliged so willingly.
But the lasting memory will be of the fun and laughter we enjoyed when in her company. On one occasion we staged a small scale concert here where one of the items was My Grandfather’s Clock. After the initial piano introduction there was an almighty crash as Roisin slammed open the main door and shouted “Come on Grandpa, they’re waiting for you” or words to that effect, in her loud Irish brogue, as she coerced the Grandfather into the building and to his position on the dais where he proceeded to turn the song into a comedy item, admirably aided and abetted by Roisin.
But, enough from me, there are other remembrances to follow of someone who in many ways was larger than life, but someone who knew the Lord as her Saviour and was only too willing to use her undoubted gifts in helping to make our worship here more beautiful and honouring to God.
My wife, Carol and I feel blessed to have known Roisin, and her memory will live on in our hearts. May she rest in peace.
One of Roisin’s passions was cooking, something at which she excelled. She was a warm and welcoming hostess who could concoct a tasty meal from fridge left overs in minutes, produce a four-course meal for large dinner parties without fuss and her Christmas table was legendary. It probably comes as no surprise to hear that, instead of reading the usual novel or latest paperback when she went to bed, she took menu cards and cookery books so she could fall asleep dreaming up creative dishes
She willingly participated in Joe’s passion, enjoying riding pillion on his motorbike all over the country and abroad. These trips, though lengthy, were considerably more comfortable than the occasion of a journey to Norfolk, when, at five months pregnant with Tom she endured the 105 miles of travel in the pouring rain, sitting in a side car which she shared with the beloved family dog Wilbur, who was not a small terrier as you might imagine but a large black Labrador!
Roisin’s motorcycling days finally ceased when, whilst stationary at the ferry port, the balance of the bike was lost and she finished up on the Tarmac, flattened by 275 kg of motorcycle. She was uninjured but Joes ears were ringing for several days.
Roisin was vibrant and very feisty.! If you overstepped the mark in any way, child or adult, you could become the uncomfortable recipient of THE LOOK accompanied by two words – “EXCUSE ME”!
This became a family joke but nevertheless, it did not reduce the impact and most people who knew her will agree that, to coin a phrase, you did not “mess with” Roisin.
Her professional musical talent, warmth and presence enabled her to bring the best out of other peoples voices!! She gave the best hugs with sincere and generous Irish hospitality A special person who was always willing to listen and care for others before herself. Always up for a challenge, coaching non-performers to perform like pros, for charity concert. Viva Shekhinah!!
She makes a mean G&T
Saved a lady’s embarrassment who was dressed in a nurse’s uniform, from an excited man dressed in a kilt at an infamous New Year’s eve party!!!
I first met Jo and Roisin about 35 years ago at a Billy Graham follow up meeting at St Botolph’s church and we have been friends ever since. They just slotted into our family and we into theirs. Ro particularly would spend hours with Joy and DG (Jem’s parents) after choir practice on a Friday going over all the week’s events. We had our children together and would meet regularly for Bible Study, prayer meetings, walks etc. We had many happy holidays together in Dover and Cyprus. She had a very strong unwavering faith and helped many as they made their way through painful and difficult times.
She had the most lovely welcoming smile and had a fantastic sense of humour and we would laugh a lot and also cry together.
There is a song that I have been listening to with the words “Remember my stories, remember my songs, sweet traces of gold.” I won’t forget you Roisin and the light you brought. I will see you again.
Roisin’s whole face smiled – the perfect match to your own cheeky boy look Joe. Growing into adulthood together was so much fun, first dogs, then children but always laughter and the occasional difference of opinions. Remember when that card game Scruples came out and you decided to answer honestly? It did take a while for Roisin’s smile to reappear that evening! She packed so much emotion into too short a life. May her jaunty smile and energy continue to shine down on your family and the rest of us, your friends.
” we had a very happy holiday in Skiathos in the 80’s which included many vigorous conversations over dinners on all sorts of subjects. I recall a moment of disagreement with Roisin which prompted a risky response on my part suggesting that her view reflected her sheltered Catholic upbringing….. this did not go down well and I fully deserved the retsina soaking that followed!”
” I remember how beautifully Roe sang at our wedding in 89. It was not long after she had problems with her voice which ultimately curtailed her professional career. I remember thinking there was no evidence of this as she produced a really powerful and moving performance ”
We will miss her.
Rosin was a real force of nature – so very talented, full of love, laughter, compassion and a wicked sense of humour! She was devoted to her family, her faith and her music and she shared these loves unselfishly. She touched many people’s lives with her generous nature and was a strength to many during difficult times. She truly was an incredible woman.
We will miss you, your love and friendship dreadfully and are thankful for all the happy times and memories we shared along the way.
Sleep tight dear friend xx
Roisin was a true force to be reckoned with, a heroic woman with the kindest heart and the best advice. She would quite often pause her beloved TV programmes in order to offer her full attention to any issues faced by others, she would always look out for others and there would never be a missed “how has your day been”, she would sit and actively listen, leant forward with intent eyes and compete silence… then she would offer a plethora of wisdom and knowledge. She would always have every minute for everyone else, no matter what!
How could I possibly begin to sum up what my mum means to me, words will never do it justice. Impeccable Irish wit, sense of humour and a heart of the purest gold.
The most caring person. So kind and selfless. She never took time for herself to heal. And not just my mother but a true friend. I will miss you always and think of you when I have Joey , he loves you so so much
The best mum and nanna xx
On many occasions I used to come back from school, knowing I had got in trouble early on in the week, waiting for the letter to come through from the school. I would rip up the letter and throw it in the bin. Even after all of my efforts to hide the fact that I had been in trouble, mum would somewhere know and say, have you got anything to tell me, how was school and I would reply yea fine mum. She would then ask me again have you got anything to tell me, from my nervous face she already knew I was in trouble and I let it all out, blaming the teachers blaming other classmate, she was just brilliant and I will miss her for ever, even when I was in trouble at school she was still gentle and understanding. I love you mum.
I always felt that Roisin was sent for me in many ways, that’s what my Grandpa used to say anyway and we both believed it. I knew her for several years before we actually went out because ours was a relationship that started as a friendship because we were both with other people at the time. I have been privileged to share my life with her. We went to college together, courted down at Kingsdown, sang many concerts together, went on motorbike trips to Spain, France and Ireland, until only very recently, as my sister mentioned! She gave me two lovely boys who have never been any trouble! – and enjoyed many family holiday with my sister and family. We shared many of the same passions together apart from music, good food, pubs, cycle rides, walks on the cliffs, swimming in the sea, the music and fellowship at church and shared many lovely holidays together often with other people. I feel blessed to have had her as my partner because she was my other half – my soul mate. For her I am glad that she will not suffer any more torment or pain. We know where she has gone and I hope to join her some day. She enriched our lives massively.
Thank you xx
April 25th, Fourth Sunday of Easter
Hello everyone, I hope you are all enjoying the gorgeous sunshine 
. Our Saturday hour of prayer will take place on Zoom this coming Saturday, 24th April, starting at 9:00am. We would love to see you whether you’ve been umpteen times before or not at all. For Zoom joining details please email Helen at Helen@stbots.church
April 18th, 3rd Sunday of Easter
