COLIN ELLA’S Memoirs of a Preacher

The highlight of our year at the Methodist Cliff College at Calver, Sheffield, was a few weeks out on trek. Teams were sent in all directions, most pulling a cart which served as a bookshop and pulpit for our open-air witness. We had no money or food, and would be dependent on the generosity of folk at the chapels we would visit.

Our team of eight young men set off harnessed to the cart. It was exhilarating as we strode through the magnificent scenery of the Peak District.

We would walk 15-20 miles each day. By midafternoon we reached Hasland, our first port of call.

We headed for the chapel to check the chances of a good night’s sleep. We slept on the floor, so there was always a scramble to secure the communion rail kneelers to lie on.

Sadly, we received little hospitality and no food or drink. We gave our testimonies prior to our leader giving the sermon. There were no conversions that night. We had trekked 15 miles, visited houses, held outdoor and indoor services and were hungry and exhausted. With the few pence earned selling leaflets, I sought out a shop and bought two loaves. This was our meal – bread and water.

Next morning, peckish, we hit the road again for an 18-mile stint to Alfreton. We made a fair pace to Clay Cross where the locals were amused, bewildered and amazed. Some threw coins which unfortunately we had to leave behind as we couldn’t unshackle ourselves from our harnesses to pick them up.

Towards 3 pm we were approaching Alfreton, and a pleasant surprise met us at the chapel this time. A bumper fish offering was laid out.

Next day we headed down to Loughborough before hauling our cart back north on a route through Nottinghamshire. We had been out over six weeks and returned to college feeling hugely rewarded.

I recall standing on the step of the trek cart to speak at Normantan when a heckler called out, “Why don’t tha get a proper job?” Despite this, I always enjoyed the open-air meeting rapport and had many a laugh.

Back at Cliff College there was a happy exchange of tales and happenings. There had been a pleasing number of converts.

Then it was time to take up office work, or a proper job, as my friend would have it.