In this month's issue we interview Margaret Madeley, a long term member of St Matthew's with a fascinating story to tell.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and brought up in Leamore. At 19 I joined the Land Army and moved to Bridgnorth. After the War I became seriously ill. I moved to Arundel to convalesce. I was so taken with it that I became a nursing officer and stayed on. Then I married and gave up work until my son was 5. We moved back to Walsall. When my husband was promoted we had to move to Brighton, but we missed Walsall too much and soon came back! I love knitting and dressmaking, and especially gardening. I am also a Soroptimist.

What is your connection with St Matthew's?

When I was small I spent a lot of time with my grandma because mum was ill and dad was away with the army. Grandma lived in Chuckery and she used to take me to Evensong. We had a lot of family links and my parents were married at St Matthew's. These days it's changed a lot! There are a lot of younger people at Church Hill Praise and it's nice to see Children's Church developing, but it's sad that old and young go to different services.

And what does the Christian faith mean to you?

Christianity isn't just churchgoing! It's a way of life. When I had renal failure after the War I was expected to die but I just knew it wasn't my time yet. I knew God had more in store for me. I put myself in His hands and He restored me. Now I know God is always with me and I talk with Him every day.

What happened to you at our healing service?

My brother had just come out of hospital. One day he fell and couldn't get up. I tried to lift him, but it was too much. Suddenly my back went. Somehow I got him to the sitting room and called the alarm. But I was in great pain and it continued until the healing service. That day I was in so much pain I nearly didn't go! But I was supposed to be helping with the coffee so I felt I had to. I didn't want to bother anyone, so I just took my communion and went back to my pew - but I prayed really hard. When I got up to make the coffee at the end of the service, the pain had completely gone! And it hasn't come back since!