In touch news with manningtree – december 2017

In Touch

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with Brantham, Lawford Manningtree & Mistley

Volume 8 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile.

The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around.

I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now.

NEWS CHRISTMAS FAIR AT MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH Saturday, December 2 (not December 12 as published last month), in the church hall from 11am-3pm.

Admission is free. Homemade soup lunches and snacks available alongside stalls, tombola, gifts and raffle.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP NOW OPEN IN MANNINGTREE Cards for Good Causes has got the festive season under way in Manningtree with its pop-up charity Christmas card shop in Manningtree Library. The shop will raise thousands of pounds for local and national charities in the run up to Christmas with its wide selection of cards, as well as seasonal gifts and products.

Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects.

Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.

In Touch

with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley

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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary • Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton • Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Baylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • Ipswich East • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Needham Market & The Creetings • Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone • Burstall & Sproughton • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham • Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

Staffed by a team of local volunteers, the shop is part of a network of more than 300 temporary shops run by Cards for Good Causes, the UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation. It represents more than 250 charities including Cancer Research UK, Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and RNLI as well as a number of local charities such as East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Shoppers will be able to choose from hundreds of different Christmas card designs, as well as traditional Advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers.

Shop manager Ann Steggall says: “Buying charity Christmas cards is one of the simplest ways to support good causes this festive season and we stock one of the widest ranges of Christmas cards anywhere. What is more, a higher proportion of the proceeds go to the charity compared to buying charity Christmas cards through most high street retailers, meaning a greater contribution to their vital work. Come and find us in Manningtree Library and get your cards early.”

In the past 10 years, charities have received more than £40million from Cards for Good Causes, representing at least 70p in every pound, out of which the charities pay for the production and distribution of their Christmas cards and any VAT. For further information visit: www.cardsforcharity.co.uk

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JANUARY DEADLINE

1 DECEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS VOTES FOR SHELLEY CENTRE TO RECEIVE £25,000 FROM FREEMASONS The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding is to receive a £25,000 Community Award from the Freemasons following an unprecedented public vote.

The charity was one of six to be nominated by Freemasons in Suffolk, with local people voting to decide the level of their award. They were part of 178,801 people who voted across England and Wales.

The Community Awards are a major part of Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations. The Masonic Charitable Foundation is distributing three million pounds to 300 charities across the country, with the public vote deciding on the range of awards from £4,000 to £25,000.

Jan Derbyshire, chairman of The Shelley Centre said: “The grant of £25,000 which we have been awarded following the public vote is hugely important and we would like to express our heartfelt and grateful thanks to everybody who took the trouble to vote for us. This is an amazing amount of money which will make such a difference to our charity and enable the centre to get several much-needed maintenance projects underway so that we can continue to benefit the health of wellbeing of adults and children with disabilities through riding therapies. We are also very grateful to the Masonic Charitable Foundation for this opportunity and their generosity.”

The Masonic Charitable Foundation obtains all of its funding from Freemasons, their families and friends. It is estimated that half of Freemasonry’s total charitable expenditure of over £33m goes to charities that help people in communities across the country.

Neville Warnes, Provincial Grand Charity Steward in the Province of Suffolk said: “We are delighted so many people voted in Suffolk. The Shelley Centre was one of six charities nominated by local Freemasons and I know they will use their £25,000 grant to continue with their outstanding work.”

MANNINGTREE TOWN COUNCIL The minutes of Manningtree Town Council meetings are available on their website, on the two town noticeboards (one at the Co-op Fiveways store and one beside the library) and at the clerk's office by appointment: 01206 390285 www.manningtreetowncouncil.org.uk

LAWFORD PARISH COUNCIL You can read council minutes on the parish council noticeboards and at: www.essexinfo.net/lawford-parish-council Minutes can be collected from the parish office by prior arrangement as the offices are not open to the public.

MISTLEY PARISH COUNCIL The full unapproved minutes of the meetings are displayed at the noticeboards near the bus stop at Rigby Avenue and also outside Mistley Post Office in the High Street.

The approved minutes can be accessed online at: www.essexinfo.net/mistleypc/parish-council/meetings Dates of next meetings in the village hall at 7pm Planning Committee: Thursdays, December 14 and January 4 Council: Monday, December 11

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED SAND AND GRAVEL SITES Communities are being invited to have their say on proposed sand and gravel quarrying sites as part of a six-week consultation held by Suffolk County Council.

Suffolk County Council, as a minerals and waste planning authority, is required as part of the planning framework to make a provision for sand and gravel supplies, based largely on the average of sales over the previous 10 years, which is 1.158 million tonnes per year.

A total of 10 sites, outlined in the council’s minerals and waste local plan are sufficient to supply enough materials until the end of 2036 have been put forward: Barham, Barnham, Belstead, Cavenham, Layham, Tattingstone, Wangford, Wetherden, Wherstead and Worlington.

Belstead is the only completely new site proposed, and the other sites would be extensions of existing sites with planning permission.

Once the plan has been adopted by the county council as policy, quarrying companies will still need to submit a planning application to the county council to extract materials. Companies will also pay landowners to dig up the materials on their fields – before selling it to construction companies. This work is likely to create additional employment in the area.

Each site is considered in terms of its potential impacts upon the landscape, ecology, highways, cultural heritage and amenities in the area.

Once the site has had its sand and gravel quarried, the site can be restored by reshaping the land and covering with soils, which are stored during the extraction process. Then follows a five-year aftercare period to make sure the land is brought up to the required standard.

Only one site for waste development has been allocated, at Sizewell A, for the treatment and temporary storage of radioactive material removed as part of decommissioning from Sizewell and other decommissioning stations. Currently Sizewell A is already benefitting from exporting waste to Bradwell Nuclear Power Station in Essex for treatment and temporary storage. While there are no current proposals to share the facilities in Sizewell, it is considered sensible to have policies in place if such a proposal is put forward in future.

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “The proposal of these sites is required in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

All sites, other than Belstead, are extensions to existing sites with planning permission. Belstead has been proposed as it meets site selection criteria.

“I invite people to take part in the consultation and have their say online via the county council website or by email, over the phone or by letter.

Drop-in sessions are also taking place and further details can be found on the website.”

The consultation closes at 5pm on December 11. To find out more about the consultation and how you can have your say visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste There will also be several consultation events across the county where members of the public can learn more about the preferred sites, speak to members of the minerals and waste team and fill in the consultation survey. To find out more about these drop-in events, visit: www.suffolk.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste A paper copy of the survey can be requested by contacting 0345 603 1842 / smwlp@suffolk.gov.uk or you can take the survey over the phone by calling 0345 603 1842.

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: DECEMBER 2017 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw

MERGER Since I last wrote here, events have moved on a little. Babergh’s Cabinet (and Mid Suffolk’s) both provisionally endorsed an approach to a merger. The meeting was heavily attended by non-cabinet members and a lot of questions were asked, expressing significant reservations. In the following few days, a dozen members of the opposition groups (Independent, Liberal, Labour and Independent Conservatives) put their names to a ‘call-in’ of the decision to go to our Overview and Scrutiny Committee. I was a signatory to that request.

The call-in was validated as being within our constitution.

The Scrutiny Committee held a meeting at the earliest opportunity to discuss this. I should add that I am a member and vice-chairman of Scrutiny.

There’s no conflict in that, but you should know it’s part of this councillors’ function. A presentation by the lead members of the call-in was made, along with presentations from the cabinet and our chief executive. All were questioned extensively.

The result was that Scrutiny decided that the principles of decision making had been breached and referred the matter back to the cabinet with two key recommendations, first for better information and evidence and second for the cabinet to bring the matter to be debated by the full elected council.

That discussion will have taken place by now. The arguments on both sides can receive an open airing and I’m glad that the matter has been brought out in the press and to you, the public.

That’s probably as much council procedural stuff as anybody ever wanted to read. You have my sympathy. Whether the council continue with telephone ‘polling/voting’ (with some public consultation) or consider a democratic referendum, as in 2011, will be something to watch.

MOVE Our move to Endeavour House continues in fits and starts. By the end of 2017, we should be in place. Meanwhile the council has hired an external consultant to explore the options for redevelopment of our former HQs at Hadleigh and Needham Market. I believe this has a budget of over £500,000 which makes me wonder about our (your) future financials.

PLANNING My opinions on an existing contradictory Local Plan might be well known, so I’ve supported the recent public consultation on the new Joint Local Plan (Joint Plan, and staff, but separate sovereign councils!). The walk-in session at Tattingstone was very well attended and I spent four hours talking with parish councillors and the public. All three parish councils have gone into the matter and the aim must be to avoid some of the mistakes previously made.

We are still governed, however, by the open ended National Planning Policy Framework (AKA the Developers Charter). This phase of the emerging plan consultation is over now. There will be another next spring. Watch this space.

REPORTS I carefully read other councillors reports in other editions of In Touch. I’m very grateful for this forum, but I know I do things differently. I tend to focus on the bigger issues, those with wider implications. The individual matters are often best dealt with by talking to the people groups or councils concerned.

If there is anything that you would like me to write about, please just contact me. Maybe one day things will be going so smoothly, I have nothing to write about. I can dream, can’t I? As ever, I can be contacted as below or waved at (I think they’re waving) on that old blue Claud Butler pushbike.

alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 / Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE

VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR Mistley Parish Council is seeking someone willing to play a part in representing the interests of the community and to improve the quality of life and the local environment.

An applicant must fulfil the following three criteria: 1.

Aged over 18 years on or after 10 November 2017.

2. Be a British subject, or a citizen of the Irish Republic or a citizen of a member state of the European Union and be: (i) a local government elector of the Parish; or (ii) who has, during the whole of the twelve months before, occupied land or other premises as owner or tenant in the Parish; or (iii) who has during the same period, resided in that area or within three miles thereof; or (iv) who has during the same period, had their principal or only place of work in that area.

3. Must not be subject to any disqualification from standing as a Councillor such as: holding any paid appointment with the Parish Council concerned; being an adjudged bankrupt; or having been convicted of certain offences or corrupt or illegal practices.

Application by letter before December 15, setting out your knowledge and understanding of local affairs and the local community, together with a summary of your experience and skills.

Please send to: Andrew Lee, Parish Clerk 52 Harwich Road, Mistley, Manningtree, Essex CO11 1LL / mistleypc@btinternet.com If you would like to discuss about what is involved, please contact Councillor Martin Rayner: 01206 391435

Annual Flu Clinics This year we held four flu clinics and generally this was a successful approach.

We were helped by members of the Patient Participation Group and had as many clinicians as possible available to vaccinate patients. Thank you to all patients who attended on one of the four days. These clinics are the most efficient way of vaccinating a large number of patients and the new arrangements enable us to keep the queues to a minimum.

At the time of writing we have vaccinated 2,389 adults and 261 children against flu, 141 adults against pneumonia and 233 adults against shingles.

We are also in the process of visiting all housebound patients to ensure they are vaccinated. This year is forecast to be a bad year for flu so if you have yet to be vaccinated, and have received a letter confirming you are eligible, please contact the surgery to arrange a vaccination with one of our nurses or health care assistant.

Over the four clinics we also collected for Inspire, a local charity supporting disadvantages children. We raised an incredible £1,044. On behalf of Inspire, thank you for your generosity. For more information about Inspire visit: www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk Syria Collections Dr Ayache is retiring at the end of December and has worked with charities since the conflict began to help Syrian refugees. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to take in donations of clothing and bedding. However, Dr Ayache would like to extend his sincere gratitude to all patients who have made a donation over the last few years. Your generosity has made a real difference.

Training days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday February 8. On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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NEWS ARDLEIGH SURGERY

FRIDAYS@THEHUB

As I write this article the run up to Christmas has well and truly begun. I have eaten my first mince pie (November 8) and already the Christmas ads are on the TV. In general practice Christmas coincides with one of the busiest times – with many colds, flu, viruses and tummy bugs circulating within the community. This is particularly unfortunate as it is a time when everyone wants to feel well – it is miserable to be ill when everyone else is enjoying themselves. There are a few simple steps you can take to do your best to remain fit and well.

Drop-in for all ages, every Friday from 10am-12.30pm with Manningtree Credit Union open from 10am-noon.

• Make sure you have enough medication for the bank holiday period.

• Check that you have stocked your medicine cupboard with over the counter medication such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and indigestion medicine such as Gaviscon.

• Try not to sit around eating and drinking all the time – tempting though it is.

Use some of the time to take some walks in the fresh air. We are fortunate to live surrounded by some beautiful and easily accessible countryside.

• Take advantage of all the vaccinations available – we are coming to the end of the flu vaccination period, but there are also pneumonia and shingles jabs available to eligible patients – please check with the surgery.

• Be particularly aware of good hygiene – keeping surfaces in the kitchen clean, cooking meat thoroughly and keeping cooked and uncooked food separately. Hand washing is always important, as it the proper disposal of used tissues!

Take a break over a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy friendly company and a chat. If you want a serious, more in-depth conversation, just ask one of the volunteers. All conversations, whatever the issue will be treated in complete confidence.

Manningtree Credit Union services at TheHub are part of the well-established Colchester Credit Union. A Credit Union is a bit like an old-fashioned bank. You can save as and when you want, as much or as little as you want, by cash, cheque, standing order or BACS. You can withdraw your money in the same ways, though larger cash withdrawals need a couple of days’ notice. Regular savers can apply for loans at reasonable rates.

Tendring District Council supports Credit Unions and pays the £3 joining fee for anyone living or working in the district. All you need is £1 as a first deposit to start an account. Anyone in our area can join, whether planning to use the loans facility or not. It is a way of choosing ethical banking which supports our community. It is also a good way to save regularly which is probably the best way of managing a household budget, building up savings for specific projects, like holidays, school trips or for emergencies like a car repair or other unexpected bills. Why not come in and have a chat?

To find out more about Fridays@theHub or the Credit Union, call Dagmar on 07891 963005.

Remember that although the surgery is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, dialling 111 will connect you to the out-of-hours service, from whom you can get advice. They can also arrange appointments at the out-of-hours centre. Accident and Emergency Departments at Ipswich and Colchester will also be open, but please use these only for emergencies.

All services offered at The Hub are provided by local churches.

Although you may have run out of time to lose weight or get fitter before Christmas, if you choose to make any of these things your New Year’s resolutions we can help you to achieve these goals including stopping smoking.

Lawford Surgery is actively seeking patients to join their Patient Participation Group.

We wish you a new Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Practice Manager Stephanie Durrant

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT DEMENTIA CAFÉ This is a new venture, supported by the Patient Participation Group of Riverside Health Practice, to be held on a monthly basis, offering a meeting place for those living with dementia and their carers.

We will provide a safe, friendly and secure meeting place, with refreshments, together with an opportunity to meet others in a similar position. As the café develops activities will be added, as will the possibility of specialist support from other organisations.

Meetings are held on the third Friday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Foundry Court, Colchester Road, Manningtree.

The next meeting is on: Friday, December 15 COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH Please note that the Community Christmas Lunch is on Wednesday, December 13 at St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, New Road, Mistley, to which those living with dementia and their carers are very welcome. Price £5 per person.

Contact: Joy Baker: 01206 391918

LAWFORD SURGERY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP (PPG) PPG and the practice work in partnership to contribute to the continuous improvement of services and quality of care and to foster improved communications between the practice and its patients.

If this is something you may be interested in or would like further information then please contact: Lawford Surgery Reception, 2 Edgefield Avenue, Lawford, Essex CO11 2HD / 01206 392617

SING-ALONG A CHRISTMAS AT LAWFORD CHURCH Join us at Lawford Church on Saturday, December 9 from 3pm. Wear your Christmas jumpers and your Christmas hats and get into the Christmas spirit with us! There’ll be refreshments with lots of cake, and carols and fun for all the family. www.lawfordchurch.co.uk

Carols by Candlelight St Michael’s Brantham 18:30, Thursday 21 December Guest Appearance

Brantham Community Choir

All are welcome to our café – carers, those living with dementia and volunteers to join our team of helpers.

For more information contact: Ted Beckwith: 01255 870955 Ann Watson: 01206 397312 Joy Baker: 01206 391918

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OUT & ABOUT MANIFEST MOVIES

EVENTS AT ACORN VILLAGE

Films are shown on our big screen which fills the stage, high definition and cinema quality sound, comfortable theatre seating. The projectionist is Nigel Lister.

Thank you to everyone who supported Acorn’s Village’s Christmas Market on November 18. The Beauty & The Beast themed Winter Wonderland is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4.30pm until Saturday, December 16 with refreshments and craft stalls between 11am and 2.30pm on the final day.

Friday, December 15: Despicable Me 3 – The Minions are Coming!

Adults and accompanied children welcome. The mischievous Minions hope that Gru will return to a life of crime after the new boss of the AntiVillain League fires him. Instead, Gru decides to remain retired and travel to Freedonia to meet his long-lost twin brother for the first time. The reunited siblings soon find themselves in an uneasy alliance to take down the elusive Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child star who seeks revenge against the world.

Doors open at 7pm, bar available. Seating will commence from 7.30pm with the film starting at 7.45pm. Entrance will be by £5 ticket only on the night plus £2 for non-members (£2 annual membership). The bar will be available after the film showing until10.30pm

Our Acorn Actors are putting on a performance of The Happy Prince on Friday, December 8 and Saturday 9. Tickets are just £3. Please book by calling 01206 394124 (EXT 242).

After an interesting gift for Christmas? Why not have a look at what we have for sale on eBay (AcornVillageCharity) or visit our shops in Manningtree or onsite at Acorn Village. Proceeds from anything you buy will go towards helping adults with learning disabilities.

Thank you all for your support throughout the year.

Acorn Village Oak Room, Clacton Road, Manningtree CO11 2NJ

2 Oxford Road, Manningtree, Essex CO11 1BP / 01206 391309 For more information please visit: www.manifesttheatre.co.uk / Facebook / Twitter

CONSTABLE SINGERS CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME

MANIFEST THEATRE GROUP

Friday, December 1: Charity event at Capel Bypass Nurseries, 5.15pm

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Manifest Theatre Group.

Our Christmas social is on December 9 from 7.30pm with Christmas nibbles, quiz and music so some along and share in the seasonal fun. We would love to see you there and if you can’t make the social then we look forward to seeing you at our next production in the New Year.

A Bunch of Amateurs by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, directed by Nigel Rowe, plays from Tuesday, February 20 to Saturday 24. Keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford – only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard , but sleepy Suffolk village Stratford St John. This terrific comedy packed with killer comic dialogue has a great story, with plenty of twists and turns.

MANNINGTREE & MISTLEY WELCOME HOME & MEMORIAL FUND The Welcome Home Field in New Road, Mistley, was bought by public subscription as a memorial to commemorate the fallen in the two World Wars.

The Welcome Home & Memorial Fund Trust seeks a volunteer secretary to help with organising and attending meetings, taking minutes and dealing with correspondence.

For further information, please telephone the chairman, Mrs Lee Lay-Flurrie: 01206 393310 Applications of interest by résumé either by email to mistleypc@btinternet. com or by letter to Mr A Lee, 52 Harwich Road, Mistley, Essex CO11 1LL / 01206 395696

Saturday, December 9: East Bergholt, Congregational Church, 7pm Thursday, December 21: Hare and Hounds, East Bergholt, 7pm We will also be singing at Days Road, Capel on November 24 and Brantham Leisure Club on December 14, and at a charity event at Constable Hall on December 3.

Our concert in aid of MIND on October 28 was a great success. We raised approximately £600. Thank you to those who supported the event and to Fountain House Tea Room, Oranges and Lemons Cafe and Shop, Hare and Hounds Pub, Carriers Pub, Bypass Nurseries, Hearts Delight, Tesco and the Co-op for donating raffle prizes.

We rehearse each Thursday at Lambe School, East Bergholt and on the second Thursday of the month at The Congregational Church, East Bergholt at 7pm. No audition, no need to read music, words provided and the first session is free. Just come along and enjoy. For more details to join the choir, contact Mel (01206 298628) or Yvonne (01206 298428).

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY Coming soon: a diva, a gang lord, a detective and a stage full of dancing nuns...

After the recent success of Little Shop Of Horrors, here at BATS we’ve set ourselves another sensational challenge and we are excited to announce our next February production will be the musical spectacular Sister Act, a feelgood musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent!

Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Already our cast are busy warming up their vocals and learning all their moves, while the construction crew and wardrobe team are busy beavering away behind the scenes. It’s definitely another exciting year and it’s going to be another fabulous feel-good evening for our audiences, so don’t forget to get your tickets.

The production runs from Tuesday 13 to Saturday, February 17. Tickets (adults £8 / children £6) are on sale from December 1 from Bakes & Blossoms or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/branthamamateurtheatricalsociety Enquiry line: 07891 974844

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OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH – IMPORTANT INFORMATION Mistley Church Hall requires urgent maintenance, which may take several weeks to complete. While this is on-going the hall will remain out of use.

We have no wish to cancel the Community Christmas Lunch so are transferring the venue for this popular event a few yards up New Road to the church itself. All other details remain exactly the same.

Traditional Christmas Turkey (or vegetarion option), pudding or trifle, wine, coffee/tea and mints, following by carol singing, all for just £5 per person. Transport can be provided on request.

At the time of writing (in early November) we have 50 on our list and have a limit of 70 places.

For more details or to book your place, please contact Joy or John Baker: 01206 391918

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

TEA & SUPPORT Tea & Support is a friendship and self-help group, formed some four years ago for those who have been bereaved or are living alone. We meet on the third Wednesday afternoon of each month, from 2-4pm in the Church Hall, New Road, Mistley. These meetings usually consist of a talk or activity followed by an opportunity to chat over tea and home-made cake. Several times a year we have an outing to somewhere local for either lunch or afternoon tea.

As our numbers have increased we have needed to hire transport for these outings. To cover our costs we now ask our members for a donation of £1 each per meeting attended.

Wednesday, December 13: Community Christmas Lunch Please note that this lunch will now be held in St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, New Road, Mistley.

For further information please contact Joy or John Baker on 01206 391918 or for transport please call Paskell’s on 01206 396709.

The 2017/18 programme is now available from Paskell’s in Manningtree and in St Mary & St Michael’s and Bradfield Churches.

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our lecture on Wednesday, November 1, was German and Netherlandish Glass by Jane Gardiner, who really entertained us with this fascinating history.

The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 9, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. Enjoy carol singing while you get inspired for that last minute Christmas present.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier.

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

MANNINGTREE FREE FIT CLUB Open to anyone looking to lead a healthy active lifestyle Every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm at Mistley Village Hall, Shrubland Road, Mistley CO11 1HS. Contact: Bridie 07403 316735 / Tanya 07920 76245

Our next lecture on Wednesday, December 6, is The Art of the Joke by Susie Harries. Celebrating the Christmas season, we shall have mince pies and mulled wine before the lecture.

Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 12 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.

All those interested in poetry are invited to attend either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets.

There is no admission charge.

To keep up-to-date with the group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01206 809761

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OUT & ABOUT MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Our open Colour Competition in late October was very well supported and judged in a helpfully positive way by Roger Winter. Among over 60 entries, 11 achieved top marks, and it was pleasing to see that new members Colin Crittenden and Ann and John Laverock had all submitted winning entries.

Among the regular top guns Ian Parker deserves a mention for gaining honours with all three of his pictures.

In a memorable November evening we were pleased to again welcome distinguished local photographer Roger Hance.

Roger took us through his varied portfolio featuring, landscape, wildlife, portrait and action photography. With characteristic modesty he explained how it was all done using state of the art equipment and editing techniques.

The Harness Maker shown here is an example of the mastery of digital technique that Roger has achieved. Five exposures are combined seamlessly to deal with this difficult lighting situation, yet still capture the authenticity and vivid detail as seen by visitors to the Blists Hill Victorian heritage site near Telford in Shropshire. A full portfolio can be seen at: www.rogerhancefrps.com FUTURE MEETINGS November 30: Weather to Photograph and What by Anne Miles FRPS December 14: Christmas Social Evening January 11: A colourful return visit by Barbie and Russell Lindsay Some supplementary training evenings are also being held, enabling members, particularly those new to digital photography, to discuss and learn about photo techniques and skills.

We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings until May 2018 at 7.30pm at the St John’s Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join (subscription £40) or may attend initially as a visitor (£3).

Please contact Margaret, our secretary, for details: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Manningtree and District Royal British Legion held its AGM in October. The branch can boast of having the youngest Standard Bearer in the region, a local lad called NJ who was sworn in at the meeting to take charge of the Branch Standard and to take care of it in the name of The Royal British Legion. NJ entered the County Standard Bearers competition held in Braintree a couple of weeks ago and was proud to be placed second in the youth standard bearer competition.

Jamie Robinson is both Manningtree and Clacton’s Chairman and Essex County Parade Marshal. He has the honour this year of assisting at both the Festival of Remembrance and the Remembrance Day Service at Whitehall in London, both in the presence of the Queen.

The Remembrance Day Service at Whitehall on Sunday, November 12 sees thousands of veterans parade through London representing their regiments, regimental associations and the RBL, many of them Second World War veterans and is again in the company of the Royal family.

Jamie said that it is a great honour to be asked and be able to represent Manningree branch and the county.

Kerry King, President of the Manningtree Branch, spoke at the AGM saying how lucky the branch was to have Jamie and his wife Sharon who tirelessly ensure that the Branch continues to thrive and develop.

The aim for next year will be to promote new membership and to highlight and bring people’s awareness to the legion’s welfare system as it provides much needed help for any ex-servicemen and their families. Only seven days service is required to meet the criteria for welfare help.

You don’t need to have been in the services to join the legion which meets at The Crown Hotel, in Manningtree High Street every second Tuesday in the month at 7.30pm. Please contact Jamie or Sharon Robinson on: 01206 970382 / 07922 714639 / jamierobinson61@ yahoo.com The local legion will have a stall at the Christmas Fayre in Manningtree on December 9. Why not have a chat with them and perhaps become a member?

JANET DRAKE LAUNCHES MIND BODY MOMENT TO TEACH YOGALATESTM From Monday, December 4, Mind Body Moment will teach YogalatesTM in a course like structure, starting with a oneto-one assessment followed by an introductory course (six 90-minute classes – max six clients). On completion the client can join any of the general sessions (four 90-minute classes – max 10 clients).

Despite life’s detour, Janet attended many forms of daily fitness including Aerobics, Step, Body Pump, Yoga and Pilates. More recently, Janet wanted to discover more about Yoga and Pilates and how to safely improve strength, core stability and all the other good things that these two disciplines provide.

This is how she found YogalatesTM.

Louise Solomon developed YogalatesTM over 20 years ago It is the original award winning exercise method integrating Pilates and Yoga, creating a system that develops core stability and strength, while enhancing stamina, flexibility and balance, and brings relaxation and wellbeing to mind and body, all with particular attention to safety, for all body types, during practice.

A year of continual study including an intensive two-week practicum, Janet completed the Solomon YogalatesTM Method Teachers Training (September 2017) at 60.

Janet Drake, the owner of Mind Body Moment, is ballet trained from eight years old, attending Elmhurst Ballet School between the ages 1118. After a short stint on the professional stage “life got in the way” of her dance teaching ambition until her 50s, when she started FunDancing (her dance fitness business).

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“The safety of YogalatesTM, the constant discovery about my mind and body as I work through the vast array of exercises, poses, meditations and breathing techniques, is giving me a stronger, leaner and healthier body and mind. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with others” For more information, class bookings and prepayments please visit www.mindbodymoment.co.uk or contact Janet at: 07506 350455 / janet@mindbodymoment.co.uk

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The Shop Shop Road Little Bromley Manningtree CO11 2PZ

Open to the public Mon - Fri 8.30 - 4.15 01206 396167 www.harlequin-uk.com

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, November 8, event organiser Eve Regelous, who worked closely with Harrods, gave a behind the scenes glimpse of day-to-day life in this world famous company, including its history.

We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but have our popular Christmas lunch at Constable Hall on Wednesday, December 6. This is always a popular event and so early booking is advised On Wednesday, January 10, we will be entertained by Ancestral Voices who will take us back to the festive season under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I using words, music and images, including instruments from the period. Many of today’s carols and Christmas traditions originate from the Medieval and Tudor eras. You will hear carols as you may have never heard them before!

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

It’s never too late to learn! Join the 361,477 members across 969 U3As throughout the UK today.

ROTARY CLUB MANNINGTREE STOUR VALLEY

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Ted Wheatley presented Overland to India on November 1 and Dennis and Ann Kell presented Wildlife in the Falklands on November 15. Both presentations were much appreciated by our members.

On December 6 Paul Oliver presents his popular Christmas quiz and at the final meeting of the year on December 20 Barbara Faulkner will tell us about The Man in Red. We don’t have a speaker meeting in January, but instead have our New Year Lunch for members, their spouses and Probus widows. This will take place on Wednesday, January 17 at The Haywain, Bentley Road, Little Bromley CO11 2PL. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Roger Fern presented a talk entitled A Year as Mayor of Ipswich at our November meeting. In this he showed some photos of the ceremonial articles the council owns and uses at mayoral functions. There are two maces, one of which precedes the mayor into the council chamber at council meetings and lays on the table before him/her throughout. There is also the mayor’s chain of office which is worn at all official functions. This contains a casting of the Ipswich coat of arms among other symbols and is quite heavy. Roger also showed photos of some of the events he has attended as mayor.

The Magic of Christmas Music Talented youngsters from local primary schools come together to perform Christmas carols and songs on Wednesday, December 6 at 1.45pm and again at 7pm in Mistley Parish Church.

Christmas messages and carols will be presented by two of our club members on December 13. There will also be a small Christmas buffet in lieu of biscuits with our coffee. Please bring a small plate of food to share. Instead of our usual raffle please also bring a small wrapped gift as a tombola item.

The main raffle this month will be a hamper with hopefully one or two secondary prizes.

Admission by (free) ticket only, collection for local charities. For details please contact: 01206 395263

Future talks: First Aid and AED The Legendary Dad’s Army, A History of Scarecrows, Pray Silence for ? and The History of Butley Priory.

Mayflower Cross Country Run and Walk 2018 Manningtree Rotary is delighted to announce the date for the 2018 Mayflower Cross Country Run and Walk. It will be on Sunday, May 27. Registration is now open at: www.eventrac.co.uk/listed-races/mayflower

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments, when there is time for a chat with other members, and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

The route follows the beautiful Essex Way from Harwich to Manningtree through 13 miles of lovely Essex countryside. For walkers wanting a shorter route there is an alternative finish at Wrabness. Rotary organiser David Willis said: “The option of the run was added for the first time this year, and the runners loved it, so it is back by popular demand. We hope last year’s runners will bring all their friends.”

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

The photograph shows last year’s start at the Harwich Low Lighthouse.

The Rotary Club of Manningtree Stour Valley is a friendly club of men and women who meet every Thursday night at The Crown Hotel, Manningtree.

Our members work together to support local and international charities and do hands-on local projects while enjoying the fellowship of friends in the club. We also enjoy social events throughout the Rotary year. If you wish to know more about the club, please contact David Willis: 01473 310076

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LAWFORD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Matthew Tanton-Brown provided a great evening of entertainment as well as information about herbs at our latest meeting.

His lively presentation is always appreciated and his sense of humour is contagious. Many tips were shared, especially about companion planting as several herbs are useful for this purpose, e.g. the smells of chives and basil help to protect other plants from pests.

We don’t meet in December or January, but remember to watch this space for dates in 2018. We meet on the third Thursday of the month from February to November at Ogilvie Hall, Lawford at 7.30pm.

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Planted baskets and arrangements

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Discover more about us at www.blenheimgardencentre.co.uk

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SCHOOLS / SPORTS BROOKLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL

MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB

I would like to take a little time to highlight the invaluable role our governing body plays in the life and direction of the school. Often unsung heroes, the role of the school governor can be demanding,but it is very rewarding and a great way to give back to your local community. Brooklands’ governors are responsible for working with the school to ensure that we deliver the best education we can for our children. It is their job to set the school’s aims and policies and for me to deliver. They also oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure money is well spent. You don’t have to have children at the school or have any specific qualifications to be a governor and if you are interested in finding out more about the role please get in touch with me or contact our Chair of Governors via the school office.

October 100 Club Winners 1: Paul Hutton (18) £105 2: John Manning (57) £50 3: Neil Grover (80)

Over the last few weeks Brooklands staff have been sharing their sporting interests with our children. From Alex Hoskings running the Great North Run to Charlie Goddard playing football for Brantham, our children are being inspired. We are lucky at Brooklands to have so many sporting role models.

Lily Loveday is a former county level badminton player. Over the coming weeks Lily will be training to become a coach with Badminton England, enabling her to coach our children.

Mistley CC is a community club with strong traditions. Please come along and give us a look sometime.

If you have a child starting school in September, you can now apply online at www.suffolk.gov.uk for a school place. Applications need to be made by January 15, 2018. If you would like to arrange a tour of the school please contact the school office.

Around 25% of all primary schools in the UK at the moment are struggling to recruit a single male teacher which shows how exceptionally fortunate Brooklands is to have Harry Legg, Charlie Goddard and Mike Waddell as key members of our teaching team. Alex Hosking also joins us this year as a teaching assistant. It is vitally important for our children that they benefit from positive role models and with the skills and talents our new staff brings to Brooklands, we are able to bring another dimension.

Recognising the importance of wellbeing and mental health from a young age, Brooklands will be working towards the Wellbeing Award for Schools.

How many of us embrace change and enjoy trying something new? Here at Brooklands we positively encourage our children to try new things. Trying new things often requires courage and forces us to grow and develop. Entire careers and life paths are carved out by us dipping our toes into the small ponds of new experience and discovering a love for something we had no idea would capture our imaginations and passion. All of our children this term will be trying new things from nature photography to abseiling, learning the clarinet to aeroball.

The ground has been ‘put to bed’, a key piece of work which is vital to maintain the quality of the playing surface.

Coming Up: End of season function New players are always welcome, please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB The club is running 15 sides, including 11 youth teams, this season, making it one of the largest in South Suffolk. Games featuring girls and boys are played at the playing field on Saturday and Sunday mornings under the watchful eyes of our qualified coaches.

Suffolk County FA run courses for coaches which include first aid training and issue what is known as a Level 1 Certificate for those who pass as well as a Children’s Welfare Certificate. All our coaches seem to enjoy teaching the youngsters.

At the other end of the scale is our Veteran side which features players over 35 years old. They recently beat Stowupland 7-0 with goals from John Chinnery (3), Matt Chinnery (2), Chris Stewart, and a 30-yard special from midfield dynamo Ross Dorward. December 10 sees them play Whitton United at home in the league cup.

Our Sunday morning team drew 3-3 with the Fat Cat Public House in the league cup, going out on penalties with the club’s oldest player, David Cubbins, now in his middle fifties, still showing the younger members how to do it, Meanwhile our Saturday Reserves lost 4-1 to Kesgrave Kestrels with Alex Parry getting our goal.

Our Saturday First Team have now been in the Senior Division of the Suffolk and Ipswich League for 20 years and won three games in October to move up to sixth in the league table. They beat Ransome Sports 4-1 with Nick Middlebrook scoring twice, Bramford United 2-1 thanks to a last minute winner from leading scorer Stephen Morrison and Haughley United 1-0 with Daniel Alderson getting the goal. Home games in December are Coplestonians on December 9 and Leiston St Margaret’s on December 23.

Our Year 4 children are enjoying learning to play the clarinet this year and many of your homes will be resounding to their enthusiastic practice. We are hoping in a few months time that they will be showing us their new skills in a special performance for parents.

Finally, a Happy Christmas to all our players, officials and supporters. Some people like new clothes or maybe some chocolates for Christmas, but I like to be different as I hope to have a replacement hip fitted by then which will be a great relief.

Headteacher Christine Davy

Bob The Ploughman

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Opening Times Mon – Thu 9am - 9:15pm Friday 9am - 8:30pm Sat – Sun 9am - 12:30pm

OUR STAND UP SUNBEDS Busybodys Fitness Limited are please to announce the arrival of our new vertical sun beds.

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COURSES Course valid for 6 months 60 minutes - £25.00 120 minutes- £45.00

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Unit 4b Causeway End, Station Road, Lawford, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2LH

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SPORTS / ON THE GRAPEVINE EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB RSPB FLATFORD The First Team had a much better month, unbeaten in the League with the WILDLIFE GARDEN only defeat a narrow one on penalties in the Suffolk Senior Cup at Bramford.

They ended the month with a victory over reigning champions Henley Athletic which should lift spirits considerably.

The Reserves got their show back on the road in October with three victories in four to take them up to fourth in the League A and back in contention.

The A Team have found life difficult and picked up only one point in the month as they search for a successful formula.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Nov 25: Ransomes Sports (A) Sat, Dec 2: Westerfield Utd (H) Sat, Dec 9: Crane Sports (A) Sat, Dec 16: Felixstowe Harpers Utd (H) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Dec 30: Capel Plough (H) Sat. Jan 6: Bob Coleman Cup R3 Reserves: League A Sat, Nov 25: Old Newton Res (H) Sat, Dec 9: Achilles Res (H) Sat, Dec 16: Bramford Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) A Team: League B Sat, Dec 2: Haughley Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 9: Coplestonians A (A) Sat, Dec 16: Trimley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Cedar Park Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Fixtures subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition to confirm.

Race Night: This will now be held in January. Details will be in the January edition.

We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background.

December in the Garden

It’s always a bit sad to see the final leaves falling from the trees at this time of year, but looking on the positive side, it does make it easier to spot and identify the birds. Why not place a bird book near your window, ready to look up any unusual visitors to your garden?

Blackcaps and gold crests, for example, are more frequently found in gardens and at feeders than they used to be, and as they dart around it’s not always easy to see them clearly enough to hold the memory while we to go away and look them up. Taking a quick photo makes identification even easier. It doesn’t have to be worthy of an award, just a quick NIgel Blake (rspb-images.com) snap will often be enough to provide the detail for you to match with a picture in a book or online. The RSPB website (www.rspb.org.uk) has an excellent bird identifier tool that allows you to narrow down your search according to specific features.

One of our most popular garden birds, the robin, can be easily identified by sight by most people. But it’s also easy to pick out by sound at this time of year. Male robins are already marking out their territories for next breeding season and they stake their claims by singing out loudly and strongly. They’re loath to share their patch and can often be seen challenging rivals by standing tall, raising their heads to fully show off their red breasts and physically driving them away.

If you don’t already have one, now would be a good time to set up a feeding station in your garden. The birds will really appreciate your help, especially as the weather turns colder. Feeders need to be cleaned regularly to help to prevent the spread of diseases and a source of clean drinking water will also be useful. The RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch will come round again towards the end of January, and by then you could have an established clientele to report on when you spend your hour watching and counting.

EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village.

Please come along and give us a look sometime.

The last of our Green Christmas Weekends, to coincide with the National Trust’s Victorian Christmas events, is over December 2 and 3 from 10.30am to 3.30pm each day. So if you read this before then, do come along and join us. Our family activities will include preparing for a ‘Green Christmas’ with simple decorations and seasonal bird feeders, and our amazing volunteers will be running a craft and cake stall – very popular last year! We’ll also be toasting marshmallows and we’re hopeful that the green Mother Christmas will be calling in too, so why not have a relaxing visit to beautiful Flatford and come and join us? For full details of activities and future events visit: www. rspb.org.uk/flatford

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

RSPB Visitor Experience Officer Sharon Barker

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

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CHURCH NEWS MANNINGTREE BENEFICE An all-age Anglican Church meeting in St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield, and St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley The music is playing. The decorations are going up. The plans are made for food and fun. The presents are (mostly) purchased. Some of them are wrapped. The nights have drawn in and the air is chilly. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas (and if you can read that last line without singing it in your head, you’re doing better than I am).

Before I write anything else, let me say this one, really quite important, thing: may I and the team here wish you a joyful and wonderful Christmas time.

Christmas is such a cosy familiar time for most of us. It’s a time of family and friendship, of playtime and presents, of rest and relaxation and of lovely food and (possibly) a drink or two. It’s a great time of the year. And we know the Christmas story too: that God came to be among us, being born in a stable to lowly parents, and to begin a life of love and goodness which would change the world.

And that’s the thing. In all the warm familiarity of this season, we can easily forget how unexpected the Christ story really is. This event, which we celebrate every year, turned the world inside out and history upside down. Emmanuel. God is with us. God came to dwell among us, became human to walk with us, and lived and breathed as a person inside the universe he’d created. This is spectacular, life-changing stuff.

God doesn’t sit in a remote location issuing commands. He hasn’t set the world in motion and then left us to it. He’s not some unapproachable authority figure. No: he is revealed in Jesus. When we see this infant, this child who grew up to walk among the downtrodden and outcast, who offered healing and forgiveness freely, who, ultimately, died so that all of us could have freedom from the things which trap us: this Jesus shows us God. Emmanuel. God with us.

Sunday, December 17 10.30am: Family Service at Bradfield 10.30am: Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Mistley 4pm: Carol Service at Bradfield 6pm: Carols by Candlelight at Mistley Friday, December 22 4pm: Family Christingle at Bradfield Sunday, December 24: Christmas Eve 8am: Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Mistley 10.30am: Crib Service at Bradfield 10.30am: Morning Prayer at Mistley 3pm: Crib Service at Mistley 11pm: Christmas Communion at Mistley Monday, December 25: Christmas Day 9am: Traditional Christmas Communion at Bradfield 10.30am: Family Christmas Celebration at Mistley Sunday, December 31: New Year’s Eve 10.30am: Joint Family Service with Communion at Bradfield *Treasure Seekers is our children’s programme for ages 3+ All services are at St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley (CO11 1ER) or St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield (CO11 2US) unless otherwise stated.

CONTACT INFORMATION

This is the greatest gift of all. In Jesus, we can come home to God. We are all part of the story. We are all welcome in his house this Christmas time.

Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Dom Turner 01206 391218 / dom@manningtreebenefice.co.uk

Have a very happy Christmas, and may you know the blessing of God.

Associate Minister: The Rev John Brien 01206 397549 / brienfamily@btinternet.com

The Rev Dom Turner SERVICES FOR DECEMBER Sunday, December 3: Advent Sunday 10.30am: Joint Worship with Communion and Treasure Seekers* at Mistley with toy collection 6pm: Joint Advent Carol Service at Bradfield

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Sunday, December 10 10.30am: Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Bradfield 10.30am: Family Worship with Treasure Seekers at Mistley 6pm: Evening Prayer at Mistley

Curate: The Rev Claire Scargill 01206 395417 / revclairescargill@gmail.com Church Office: Available at least 10am-1pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 07436 398801 / info@manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.facebook.com/ManningtreeBenefice

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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659

Un-denominational / meeting at the Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2E (unless otherwise stated)

LOVING GOD – LIVING LIFE We wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Please come and join us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We have a service for everyone and you can be sure of a warm welcome.

Services for December

Sunday Services: 3pm Saturday, December 2 at Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street: Café/Oasis Christmas Party and free buffet lunch, 10.30am-3.30pm. Tea or coffee on arrival and various stalls, everyone welcome. Lunch must be pre-booked: 01206 272064) Sunday, December 10: Special All-Age Advent Carol Service

Sunday, December 3 8am No Service at Lawford 9.15am Benefice Service at Gt Bromley 10.30am No Service at Lawford Sunday, December 10 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Family Service 3pm Cyclist & Ramblers Carol Service Sunday, December 17 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion 6.30pm Carol Service Sunday, December 24: Christmas Eve 8am Holy Communion BCP Noon Crib Service 4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion Monday, December 25: Christmas Day 10.30am Family Communion Sunday, December 31 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am No service at Lawford 10.30am Benefice Service at Gt Bromley

Wednesday, December 13: Minibus Fellowship Outing to Braintree and Freeport. To book, call as above or: 01206 512994 Friday, December 15: Link Line Monthly Prayer Meeting, 10am at the Irwell Suite (Venture Centre) Monday, December 18: Minibus Fellowship Christmas Shopping Trip (choice of stores). To book: 01206 272064 Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): No Sunday Service Next service: Sunday, January 7 – New Year All-Age Service For pastoral visits, and further information contact: 01206 272064 / 01255 714544 We warmly welcome people of all ages.

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus COME AND JOIN US IN OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP – EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Sing-along a Christmas: Saturday, December 9, 3-5pm at Lawford Church Regular Groups House Groups: Daytime and evening Lunch Club: First Tuesday of the month Solo Club: Third Monday of the month Pastoral Care: Upon request Art Club: Fortnightly on Thursday evenings Handbells: Every Monday Ladies in Friendship Together: Fourth Monday of the month Edward Bear: Parents, grandparents, carers with babies and toddlers, Monday mornings from 9.30am in term time Messy Church: Every half term, parents and children together Choir: Friday Practice Sunday School and Extreme: Sunday mornings during service

Hear the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, with our lively worship and service. Refreshments served afterwards.

Every Sunday morning at 11am in The Ivell Suite at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE. If you or someone you know needs prayer for anything, please contact us.

David and Rosie Rhule 07787 572977 / 01206 397533 info@thekeytolove ministries.co.uk www.thekeytoloveministries.co.uk

Details from the rectory (01206 392659) or at: www.lawfordchurch.co.uk Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness

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CHURCH NEWS MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH South Street, Manningtree CO11 2JB Minister: The Rev Tom Osborne, 01206 396654 Sunday Services at 10.15am; we welcome visiting and outside preachers Holy Communion Services: Please check date and times on the noticeboard outside the church

Combined Carol Service Celebrate Christmas at our Combined Carol Service on Sunday, December 17 at 3pm, followed with light refreshments.

Christmas Day Family Service: Led by Rev Tom Osborne, 10.30am

Bible Study: First Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm in the Committee Room with Holy Communion at 2.30pm on the fourth Wednesday. Activities with tea and coffee on the second and third Wednesdays.

Treasurer: Mr Gordon King Church Bookings: David Shearmur, 01206 395263 ALSO MEETING ON OUR PREMISES Monday • Workers Education Association, lectures in autumn and spring, 2.30pm • Stour Choral Society (Sept-June), 7.30pm Tuesday: Women’s Guild, 7.15pm Wednesday • Gentle Fitness Class, 9.15am • Art Painting Group, 10am-noon • Manningtree & District Chess Club, 7.30pm • Museum & History Group (bi-monthly), 7.30pm Christmas Bazaar and Sale At Manningtree Methodist Church on Saturday, December 2, 11am-3pm.

Stalls include gifts and crafts, preserves, cakes, games and homemade soup lunches. Admission free.

Members of Manningtree Methodist Church along with members of the community filled shoeboxes ready for collection as part of Operation Christmas Child, bringing a little happiness to deprived youngsters throughout the world.

A packed hall enjoyed the second visit of Edinburgh Woollen Mills when church members and friends volunteered as models.

Following the show we had an opportunity to purchase from racks of clothes and generous discounts and light refreshments added to the evening. All made a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event. Profits from the evening were divided among local charities.

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 2017 Sunday 3: 1st Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 5 9.30am Morning Prayer 10a Mass Sunday 10: 2nd Sunday of Advent 9am

Mass Tuesday 12 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 17: 3rd Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 19 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 24: 4th Sunday of Advent 9am Mass 5.30pm Mass at St Mark’s, Ipswich 8pm Mass at Holy Family Monday 25: Christmas Day 9am Holy Family 11am St Mark’s, Ipswich Tuesday 26 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

Catholic Commentary With Christmas coming up it seems right to speak about peace (both inner and external to ourselves) which is the real message of Christmas; about God coming to us as saviour and redeemer. Given the sorry state of things as so often reflected by news and comment, can the Christian narrative, especially the nativity, still have meaning? Have words like ‘salvation’ and ‘redemption’ lost their power? No! By any simple stretch of the imagination we know that salvation is part of the fulfilment that we all want; and likewise redemption – where outside help is needed when things have gone wrong.

The celebration of Christmas is preceded by the period the church calls Advent when Christ’s coming is anticipated and made ready for especially in the hearts of those who see the need for salvation and redemption in their own lives.

Redecoration of the church was carried in October by Mr D Joyce, one of the local decorators, the result being greatly to the approval of everybody at Holy Family.

Events & Diary Date The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, November 26 when three lucky winners shared a record £150. The next draw takes place on Sunday, December 17. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds to decorate the church and all are very welcome to join us. The next coffee morning is on Thursday, December 28.

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk Thursday, November 30 9.30am Discover Advent in the Church East Bergholt Sunday, December 3: Advent 8am BCP Communion East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion and blessing of Stephne van der Toorn’s Anniversary East Bergholt 4pm Family@Church East Bergholt Monday 4 10.30am BYE Nativity Rehearsal

Brantham

Tuesday 5 11am Young Wives Advent Carols

East Bergholt

Thursday 7 9am Christingle at EBPS 10am EBYE Nativity

East Bergholt East Bergholt

Friday 8

11am Toddlers Christmas Party

East Bergholt

Sunday 10: Advent 2 8am BCP Communion East Bergholt 10am EBYE Nativity Family Service East Bergholt 11am Communion and baptism of George and Evelyn Game Brantham Monday 11 10.30am BYE Nativity

Brantham

Tuesday 12 6.30pm EB High School Carol Service

East Bergholt

Wednesday 13 2pm WI Carol Service

East Bergholt

Sunday 17: Advent 3 8am BCP Communion 11am BYE Nativity Family Service 3pm Carols by Candlelight

East Bergholt Brantham East Bergholt

Monday 18 2pm Brooklands Christmas Assembly

Brantham

Tuesday 19 9.30am EBPS Christmas Church Assembly

East Bergholt

Thursday 21 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight

Brantham

Sunday 24: Christmas Eve 8am BCP Communion 3pm Christingle 3pm Children’s Candlelight Service 5pm Children’s Candlelight Service 11pm Midnight Mass (note earlier time) 11.30pm Midnight Mass

East Bergholt Brantham East Bergholt East Bergholt East Bergholt Brantham

Monday 25: Christmas Day 9.30am Communion in both churches Sunday 31: Christmas 1 10am BCP Communion (Said Service), East Bergholt

A birthday gift one year enabled us to go to a posh hotel and spend one night.

It was the beginning of November and the dining room was swaying to the sound of Christmas carols. I pitied the staff who would surely crack after the 522nd time of hearing Jingle Bells. This enforced jollity can grate. What if you don’t feel like celebrating? What if you won’t be with lots of jovial family around a laden table? What if the chair opposite you is empty this year?

What if your debts are such that your turkey is a tin of baked beans from the foodbank? What if you struggle to smile at all because the pain in your legs is all consuming? What is Christmas then if not an irrelevance?

Thankfully, I have had time to look carefully at the faces of those I love because I can no longer see them. Remembering faces and names used to be my strong point, now Petunia becomes Humphrey and Uncertainty. Some things I see, but they are not what I thought they were, and not where I thought they were. I walk into things and don’t greet people because I don’t know they’re there. I feel vulnerable all the time, and dependent.

What is there to celebrate in this life of mine that has become filled with darkness? Christmas won’t change the darkness for me, no matter how many times we light a Christingle. Light blinds me further, confusing what little sight I have.

Ah, but wait a moment. The night I was told by that consultant with the bedside manner of a warthog that I was going blind, the Psalm set for Evening Prayer was Psalm 18 and I read vs 28-29: “You O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” I understood this to mean that he would be with me even in the darkest of places.

Thank you God, I thought. You are speaking to me. And he has kept his promise. He has been with me down the years of operations and disappointments, frustration and embarrassment. I walked into a barrier in the London underground. I knew it was there, but it was there sooner than I thought! Bystanders assumed I was drunk. That was when I finally admitted I needed a cane. My sense of humour has remained intact. It is no bad thing to be vulnerable. It gives others the confidence to share their failures. It is not the end of the world to be dependent. It gives people the opportunity to perform random acts of kindness.

Since Coco the guide dog came into my life my confidence in moving about has increased. She never forgets a place. At the Retreat Centre she led me down the long corridor and unerringly stopped at our bedroom door. When we were considering a major change in our life I said to God “I feel like I am walking in the dark” and he replied in the words of Isaiah 50:10: “Let him who walks in the dark and has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.” And I do and I have. With Coco’s help I have learnt even more of what it means to trust God. After all, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). I take the harness and lead in my left hand, and feel the movement as she confidently guides me along the street, avoiding illegally parked cars and lurking wheelie bins. All I need to do is listen to the guidance of the harness and follow. We have a relationship. That’s what God asks of us too. Listen and follow. He opens the eyes of our heart as our relationship with him develops.

We don’t need to see the Christmas lights. God is with us. Always. Even when we can’t see him. That’s the message of the incarnation. The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.

A Blessed Christmas to you all.

The Rev Steph

Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral Matins 2018 is on January 21 and thereafter on the fourth Sundays but not in March or August. This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

DAMAGE TO CHURCHES Please help protect our beautiful churches by reporting any suspicious activity to the police. Dial 999. There has been a spate of lead theft and criminal damage in the Diocese and locally.

RAMBLING RECTOR Have you noticed how Christmas comes earlier each year? Garden centres have been displaying fairy lights, sparkling tinsel and dashing Santas since October. No time now for the thoughtful season of Advent, where believers examine their lives in the light of Scripture and prepare for the coming of the King. He has to come quickly or we won’t be ready to eat our Easter eggs!

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST MICHAEL’S BRANTHAM St Michael’s Carols by Candlelight is on Thursday, December 21 at 6.30pm. We are delighted that Brantham Community Choir will be taking part. Christmas Eve Christingle in aid of the Children’s Society is at 3pm and Midnight Mass will be at 11.30pm as usual. The only service on Christmas Day is a shortened communion at 9.30am.

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CHURCH NEWS

Meeting at Old St Michael’s School on Trinity Road, Manningtree ADVENT TRADITIONS What are yours and do you know where they come from?

It is 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his theses to the door in Wittenburg and inadvertently started the Reformation. But did you know that many of our Christmas traditions were begun in the days of the Reformation and the churches that grew out of it?

For instance, if you have a Christmas Wreath on your door, as many do, that is a tradition that originally dates to the Lutheran church.

The circle of evergreens represents eternal life, the four lights or additional decoration originally matched the church season but the third one was always different. The third Sunday is set apart for rejoicing. Advent preparations usually included fasting, but the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, was different. This was a celebration because the promised Messiah is coming. If your wreath has a centre piece then that originally would have been the fifth candle, the Christ Candle, lit at Christmas to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World.

Luther himself was really worried about ‘St Nick’ getting all the glory and distracting people from the real meaning of Christmas, so he began the tradition of celebrating the Christkindt or Christ Child.

To celebrate Jesus Christ, and to help the children understand the real meaning of Christmas, Luther gave them gifts. He wanted them to understand that the greatest gift God has ever given is His Son, Jesus Christ the Light of the World who brings eternal life.

If you would like to understand more, you would be very welcome at any of our Sunday services or the extra ones over Christmas.

We meet every Sunday for lively worship and fantastic fellowship at 10.30am and again in the evening at 6.30pm. Services last between 60 and 90 minutes and refreshments follow the morning service.

KEY NOTES FOR DECEMBER Mondays 4 & 11: Monday Madness!

• 4.30-6pm: KOGS (KS 1 & 2) • 6.30-8pm: BRiaN Reloaded (ages 11-18) Contact Ruth Cross: 395808 Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday w/b Dec 10: Home Groups, Bible Study & Prayer Tuesdays 5 & 19, 7pm: Prayer Meeting Tuesday, December 5, 3pm: Meeting Place – If I’d Known You Were Coming Christmas Cake decorating with Ruth Cross CHRISTMAS SERVICES December 3 Advent Carols at Ironside Walk, 4pm December 17 Family Nativity, 10.30am

Candlelit Carols (Nine Lessons), 6.30pm December 24 Café Style Family Worship, 10.30am

Christmas Eve Communion, 11.15pm December 25 Christmas Day Family Celebration, 10.30am December 31 Songs of Praise, 6.30pm For the latest information on these or any of our activities call Pastor Gaius on 01206 393745 or visit: www.trinity-manningtree.org.uk

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES

CATHOLIC MASSES Saturday at 6.30pm, St Mary & St Michael’s (Anglican) Church, Mistley Sunday at 8.50am in St Mary’s (Anglican) Church, Ardleigh

COMMUNICATION We love receiving Christmas letters and cards, particularly from people in former places where we have lived, or from friends we have made all over the world. Several people send ‘round robins’ – a letter with family and personal news of things the family have been doing, including births, new relationships, work and study. It’s a catch up on the news often of the last 12 months. These days it’s a slow way of communicating – I could put everyone on a social media account and I could update my status, give information and news and as soon as it’s posted everyone on my contact list can know. But it is still great to have a year’s short digest of our friends’ activities.

Wednesday at 9.45am in St Mary and St Michael’s, preceded by Morning Prayer

Another way of communicating is by visiting family and friends, again an activity often increased around Christmas time. This was what God did 2,000 years ago. What could be more meaningful than the birth of a baby, growing into boyhood and manhood, sharing love and compassion, knowing loneliness and hatred, suffering pain and agony and in the end, death?

CALENDAR LAUNCHED IN AID OF DEAFNESS CHARITY

Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Ardleigh is served by the Parish of St John Payne, Greenstead, Colchester.

The Parish Priest is Father Jon Ravensdale: 01206 870460 / sjpchurch@btinternet.com.

Also resident in the parish are Father Michael Rear (01206 392695) and Father Mathias Odigbo.

Martin Luther (who initiated the reformation in Europe 500 years ago) wrote: “He ate, drank, slept, walked: was weary, sorrowful, rejoicing; he wept and laughed; he knew hunger and thirst and sweat; he talked, he worked, he prayed… so that there was no difference between him and other people, save only this, that he was God and had no sin”.

God communicated with us through a person, Jesus. In the New Testament we have a short digest of those three years of active ministry that I go back to time and time again to grow in my understanding of him and of God, because Jesus shows me what God is like. God’s communication is not just historic, this ‘round robin’ is the Bible. More than that, he is open for instant messaging, I can talk with him, sharing my concerns, hopes and fears and discover a variety of ways in which he answers prayer, sometimes “yes”, sometimes “no”, sometimes “wait”, sometimes an opportunity I had not been expecting presents itself. If you want this instant messaging with God, try it for yourself or get in touch with me and I’ll help you to connect.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Brantham & Capel Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 DECEMBER SERVICES AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday 3 2.30pm Sunday 10 11am Sunday 17 11am Sunday 24 11am Sunday 31 11am

Carols with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Mr Bryan Nichols Worship with Mrs Ruth Loggie No Service Worship arranged locally

CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 3 10.30am Worship with Jim Ross 6.30pm Prayer Sunday 10 10.30am Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham 6.30pm Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 17 10.30am Worship – Christmas All-age Celebration 6.30pm Carol Service Sunday 24 10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

7pm Christmas Eve Carols, Shopping Precinct Monday 24 9.30am Christmas Day Worship with

Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 31 10.30am Worship with Rev Chris Jowett

The winners of a local photography competition, raising awareness about untreated hearing loss, have been rewarded with their photos being featured in 2018 charity calendar.

The Sounds of Suffolk competition, created by family run hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre in association with Archant Suffolk, has helped encourage those struggling with hearing loss to seek help, as well as highlighting some of the incredible sounds that can be found in and around our county.

During a prize giving presentation organised at the company’s headquarters on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, the calendar was officially unveiled, along with a series of greeting cards which are both to be sold in the run up to Christmas.

Competition winner James Stannard and second place runner up Stephen Squirrell attended the presentation, along with Brian Platt and his hearing dog Elton.

Karen Finch, The Hearing Care Centre’s managing director said: “We were incredibly touched by how many people entered the competition and told us just how much they would miss their favourite sounds if they couldn’t hear.

Producing this stunning calendar and beautiful cards will hopefully prolong the message of seeking help if you are struggling with your hearing.”

All sales from the calendar and cards will be donated to the company’s chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Hearing dogs not only help deaf people by alerting them to sounds they would otherwise miss, but they also give a deaf person a newfound sense of independence and confidence with their loyal companion and true friend at their side.

The Sounds of Suffolk calendar and greeting cards can be purchased for £4.99 and £3.50 respectively from The Hearing Care Centre’s website or from their premises on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich. www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/shop

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A FESTIVE FEAST OF FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

The

christmas

show The Variety Spectacular

BER

DECEM

2017

STARRING

ADAM DAYE

Wednesday 20th Dec - 7pm Thursday 21st Dec - 2pm & 6pm Friday 22nd Dec - 2pm & 6pm Saturday 23rd Dec - 2pm & 7pm

Choose your own seats via:

westcliffclacton.co.uk Or Call our Box Office:

01255 43 33 44