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An
Interview with...
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It started with a crash and
it ended with a crash. From the 11th
of September 2001 to the financial crisis of today, the ‘Noughties’ have seen
massive changes to how we live our lives. But these two depressing bookends
are not the only stories we have to tell about the last 10 years. As the
decade draws to a close, we spoke to Helen Briggs, Sarah Williams and Jane
and John Henson about the highs and lows of ‘their Noughties’. For you, what has been the most
significant event of the decade? Jane and John: Retirement
– John for four years and Jane for nine months. It is great to have the
freedom to do things that you choose and have time to do the things that you
really want. Helen:
The arrival of the Williams family at St James has featured very
significantly in my life as Church Warden as well as in my personal life and
my walk as a Christian. What has been the high point of the
last ten years? Sarah: The Spice Girls reunion concert of 2008. It was the best night of my life.
I like to think me and Posh Spice had a connection. I also became a Christian
in 2006. Helen:
Becoming a long awaited granny to Phoebe Erin Fothergill in May 2008. Jane and John:
Having the opportunity to visit Hong Kong and Barcelona, and attend two
amazing traditional weddings – one Iranian and one Greek! Also, having a home
which is really our own. What or who has been the greatest
loss of the past 10 years? Jane and John:
Jonathan Bailey, who was previously the Bishop of Derby. He had been our
close friend of 46 years. Also Jane losing two brothers – one through cancer
and one who, due to dementia, is no longer the great person that he has been. Sarah: I
lost my Uncle Steve. It was a horrible time but it brought my family closer
together. What has been your proudest moment
of the past 10 years? Sarah: In
2000 I did come third in a talent competition and although I have tried to
suppress the memory, I did actually attempt Irish dancing to the B*witched’
song ‘C’est La Vie’. I was 8 then and
slightly more rotund than I am now. Jane and John:
Having three grandchildren, provided by our foster daughter. Helen: Two actually. Both my
daughters getting married and giving me two of my happiest days and two
lovely sons in law. That’s all I’ve ever really wanted for them. If you could change one thing about
the last decade, what would it be? Sarah: My
Uncle Steve would be alive and kicking. Jane
and John: I wish the world had woken up to
doing something about climate change much earlier, and also worked on
relations with the Muslim world. Helen:
I try to trust that all that has happened to me, good or not so good, will
work out for the best in the long term. How will this decade be remembered? Jane and John:
As the decade of 9/11 and everything that flowed from it. Sarah: The
decade that reality TV took over. Helen:
This decade has seen wonderful highs and troughs of real sadness. All this
has been survived because of the love of Jesus and my family and friends. I
will never forget that. Interviewed
by Rob Williams
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