Rivertown United Reformed Church

At the retirement service held for Mrs Flo Buckell at Shotton Baptist Church recently, many memories were recalled. One related by Mrs Buckell concerned her childhood when she was about five years old. She had three brothers and learnt how to play football, cricket, etc.! but her favourite "game" was playing churches. She would follow an order of service, just as she had seen it done in their local chapel.

Complaining to her mother that her brothers wouldn’t join in this game with her, the boys were told that they should share some time with their sister and take part. Having organised them to sit in a row, and having sung a hymn, she then told her brothers that they would pray. She offered up a prayer, and when sheopened her eyes, her brothers had disappeared from sight and were playing their own games outside! (Did this show the power of prayer in a different way?) It obviously didn’t discourage her from becoming the pastor of Shotton Baptist Church in later life, for which many people were thankful. They certainly filled the building and it was a joyous occasion.

Another anecdote was given by someone who had known Mrs. Buckell from childhood, and frequently visited with his parents. Hearing her refer to the fact that she used to play football with her brothers, he recalled a day as a young boy, when his grandmother asked him to make a notice about someone who was coming to preach, and that someone was Mrs. Flo Buckell, a member of the Baptist Women’s League. He said, “I knew she must have been a footballer, because she was a member of the Baptist Women’s League.”!! In his boy’s mind, any mention of the word “league” must have something to do with football!!

Over the years, Mrs. Buckell was a good friend to Rivertown, always willing to come and preach which was a blessing to us. We’re sure she will enjoy her well-earned retirement, but knowing her, she won’t be sitting with her feet up!

May she be richly blessed in all she does.