Crossroads

It was the culmination of a hectic year-long campaign to raise the money and then build a new Crossroads, replacing the old building in Liverpool Road.

Vicar of St Luke's, the Rev David Trollope, was joined by Monsignor John Furnival from SS Peter and Paul's, in leading a short service of dedication, including prayer and song, in the courtyard of Crossroads.


Enjoying a cup of tea on the front row are the centre's two long-serving volunteers, with other guests at the Crossroads opening.

Then it was time to cut the ribbon to open the building. Present were clergy from the local churches involved, Crosby and Waterloo councillors, Crosby's MP Claire Curtis-Thomas, and other dignitaries, but the honour went to two of Crossroads unsung heroes.

The centre's two longest serving volunteers, Jean Fisher, from All Saints Church, and Vera Moonan, from SS Peter and Paul's, who have helped out at the café for 15 years, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening.

Chairman of the new Crossroads management committee, Peter Dobson, welcomed guests. He said: "This is a great day for Crosby, all the local churches, and the whole community who have supported us."

Then it was inside for everyone to enjoy some free celebratory cake and refreshments.

The Great Crosby Group of Churches had encouraged parishioners to support the fund-raising venture. Events and donations followed at St Luke's and All Saint's Anglican churches, St Helen's and SS Peter and Paul's Catholic churches, and Moor Lane Methodist church.

Well-wishers from the wider community also backed the initiative, which will provide a meeting place where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background or religion.

Some £150,000 was needed for the project - a target which has now been reached. Part of the funds will go to help people in great need in Hoima, Uganda, where a sister Crossroads Centre is being built based on the Crosby model. Fund-raising is continuing for a number of youth projects.

If you would like to help or contribute, call into one of the Crosby churches, Crossroads Centre itself, or phone 0151 931 3119. Donations can be sent to: Crossroads Project, 71 Liverpool Road, Crosby, L23 5SE.

Older Crossroads news can be found here.

this page was last modified on 3 October 2003