Like a lot of people when I arrived in London in 1971 I was a bit lost, so very grateful when St Martins became a central point of contact. I first became involved with St Martin’s through the folk club. My Sister Liz Cox was a folk singer and we would trail round the folk clubs in North London. Many a Sunday night was spent watching Ron’s Liquid Light Show and listening and singing along with the various performers.
I then volunteered with the Sunday Soup kitchen run by Nancy and later volunteered at the Social Service Unit lead by the wonderful Norman Ingram Smith.
At the folk club I met John Quigley recently arrived from Scotland and we started dating and in those early months went on a trip to Chartres and Vezelay organised by the Rev Ron Swan, travelling in an ambulance called Sir Jasper!
John was involved in the Centre and was present at the opening event which the Duke of Edinburgh attended. John was also part of the musical ‘Alive ‘
St Martin’s was a focal part of our lives in the early 70’s and still holds a very special place in our hearts. We have shown our grandchildren the spot in the Crypt where we met! We still arrange to meet friends on the Steps of St Martins. John and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this September which wouldn’t be happening without our meeting at St Martin’s.
Congratulations St Martin’s on 300 years of being in the heart of London and serving the needy and welcoming all.
It all began in the Folk Club
