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Moseley Chimes
February 2008
For some years I have enjoyed spending Christmas with friends in Cambridge. People often ask if I’ve ever managed to get a ticket to the world famous Carol Service, held in the chapel at Kings College — sadly I have not. However I did nearly attend a Carol Service in a chapel that is also becoming famous and is better known as Jimmy’s. I’d finished some last minute Christmas shopping and was making my way home when I noticed that a Carol Service was advertised. Laden as I was with plastic shopping bags I made my way into the building. On entering I was given a warm welcome by a man who asked my name and then guided me towards what I assumed to be the chapel. Instead I found myself seated at a table with others, all apparently waiting for food. At this point I began to suspect that carrying several bags and possibly appearing somewhat dishevelled I might have given the impression that I was looking for more than just singing a few carols. I declined their kind invitation explaining that I did not have time to stay. On Christmas Eve I joined my friend to listen to the Kings College Carol Service on the radio, and told her about my experience at the Zion Chapel and learned how it had come to be known as Jimmy’s.
It is named in memory of Jim Dilley, who spent much of his life sleeping rough or in one of Cambridge’s temporary shelters. In the last few years of his life Jim slept under the Mll Motorway Bridge at Junction 13. In the winter of 1993 he learned that he had lung cancer. Following his death in 1994 his ashes were subsequently scattered at his old home — under that motorway bridge. His story inspired a small group of people to establish a permanent night shelter in Cambridge. Plans were drawn up and in May 2005 the Council gave permission for the shelter to be established in the basement of the Zion Baptist Church on East Road. The Night Shelter opened its doors to its first guests in November 2005, so providing Cambridge’s first year-round shelter in time for Christmas. The shelter attracted volunteers from the wider church community, students from the University and others who’d heard or read about Jimmy’s in the media. Since that time over 3,000 people have received help and guidance in a safe and secure environment. Sitting in the warmth of my friend’s cosy sitting room I reflected on how easy it can be for someone to fall out of the secure network of family and friends. Without money or a place to live — where would I go? I remember seeing the bag lady, carrying all her possessions in plastic bags, sleeping rough in doorways and attending the General Hospital to get cleaned up before returning to the streets. I pray that I will never fall, but if I should I thank God for places like St Basil’s in Birmingham and Jimmy’s in Cambridge.