Ole Johan Stokke, 79, has been the custodian of the Scandinavian Seamen's Church on Park Lane for 15 years after moving from Ålesund, Norway, to Merseyside. He spoke to the ECHO ahead of England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway on July 11.
A New Life After Loss
Stokke took the job after his wife died and he retired from his role as a care home manager. His sister, Mette Anne Royden, who has lived in Wirral since the late 1960s, suggested he apply. He arrived with two suitcases, making the 1,600-mile journey from Scandinavia to Liverpool.
Finding Home in Liverpool
Despite a nomadic lifestyle, Stokke found it easy to settle. He said: "For me it was easy to settle in because I have a little bit of family here and I want to see myself as a pretty flexible person." He has since remarried and enjoys welcoming Scandinavian visitors to the church. "The contract was one year and now I've been here 15 years. It's a lifestyle," he added.
Deep-Rooted Connections
Stokke noted the historic ties between Norway and Liverpool, dating back to Viking conquests in the 10th century. During World War II, the Norwegian government-in-exile placed over 1,000 vessels at the Allies' disposal, and thousands of Norwegian sailors stayed in Liverpool. "The connection with Liverpool is better than any other city in England because of the second World War and the merchant fleet," he said.
Cultural Observations
Stokke struggles with the Liverpool accent, saying: "For me, it is difficult to understand what people say. Especially the ladies when they talk so bloody fast." He also finds it strange that people eat and drink while walking. "In Norway, we sit on the bench. Don't walk around. That is very strange for me. I can't get over it," he said.
World Cup Hopes
Stokke is enjoying the World Cup and hopes Norway can beat England. He recalled Norway's 2-0 win over England in 1994 that knocked England out of World Cup qualification. "Norwegians always want to beat England because England seems to have some big self-confidence they are the best in the world," he said. He added: "If Norway win, they could win the whole thing."
