‘Children are so honest and still my number one’
PENSIONER Beryl Barcroft has dedicated nearly seven decades to running her village Sunday school – and shows no signs of stopping.
The 83-year-old first attended Forsbrook Methodist Chapel after her family moved to the village when she was still a young child.
For the last 69 years she has led a group of children in prayers, singing and play every weekend – only taking a break recently when she battled cancer. Beryl currently has 11 youngsters regularly attending, compared to 100 at the Sunday school’s peak.
Her commitment to her role saw her recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours last week for services to Young People and the community in Forsbrook.
And she has now been nominated for a Moorlands Heroes award in the Special Recognition category.
Beryl said: “I have been going to the chapel at the Sunday school since I was six.
“Although we only have 11 children, it’s one of the biggest schools going.
“We keep the chapel going so we can still buy things for the children, so they can have a prize on Sundays.
“We have an annual service where the children sing and do recitations.
“To be put forward for the Queen’s birthday honours was a big shock – I don’t know who nominated me. It must be someone from the chapel.”
Beryl first moved to Forsbrook when she was six after her father, Alfred Barcroft, was stationed at Blythe Bridge railway.
Her mother, Alice Barcroft, set up the Ladies Fellowship, which she still attends.
Alongside her Sunday school role, Beryl worked as a full-time machinist for John Hammond’s in Longton where she was a supervisor for children and young people, teaching them how to sew.
She also volunteered with Homelink for 21 years where she helped out at a luncheon club washing dishes and serving dinner.
However, she has reluctantly cut back her hours due to health issues.
Beryl added: “I have always been very interested in children and young people – children are so honest – they may say things you don’t like, but there’s always a reason why. Therefore, children are my number one.
“I still like to go and help out at the Ladies Fellowship, but I have had to give a lot up because of my cancer.”
She added: “I am presently collecting shoeboxes to go to less fortunate children all over the world. We have collected 100 boxes.
“I love children and that they try to get then to see how lucky they are and to donate a toy to put in the shoe boxes to help those less fortunate.”