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Volume 10 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m going to return to a previous subject this month because it’s constantly on my mind. Every time I drive, every time I walk down a busy street or stand in a queue, and very occasionally at home, I’m struck by how impatient we have become. Almost everyone (and I include myself here) is so terribly busy, we seem to live our lives at a rate of knots. It’s utterly exhausting, but also brings less attractive qualities – such as insensitivity and selfishness – to the fore. This morning I witnessed three incidents of poor behaviour – one by a driver outside my son’s school, the second at the Co-op where a terribly important person huffed and puffed in obvious annoyance behind a lady who was struggling to find the correct coins to pay for her coffee, and the third at a pedestrian crossing when not one but two drivers ignored the couple waiting to cross. Not major incidents I know, and I don’t intend to draw major conclusions based on one bad morning, but am I the only one who thinks we have become a little less caring of others in our day-to-day lives?
NEWS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR EDME Award-winning food ingredient company EDME has a new managing director. Mark Hodson was previously chief operating officer at Addo Food Group which produces chilled savoury products for Wall’s, Bowyers and Pork Farms. His extensive experience in the food industry includes strategic and operational roles with RF Brookes (suppliers to Marks & Spencer and Pizza Hut), Geest (now Bakkavor) and Unilever. He joins EDME at an exciting time. “The company has been using locally sourced raw materials to produce natural, wholesome ingredients for 135 years,” he says, “but it feels as though it’s just coming of age. Perhaps that’s because now, more than ever, people are crying out for nutritious, clean-label foods that taste good.”
Often it’s the little things which make the difference, a polite wave when a driver gives way, a smile and a thank-you to a shop assistant, holding a shop or office door open, being a little kinder to a driver who may be unfamiliar with the road or just not as quick to react…
The Essex-based company produces wholegrain flours, flakes and kibbles; sprouted grains and seed mixes for the food industry. EDME is most famous for its malted ingredients and was the first company in Britain to produce gluten-free flours at less than five parts per million.
My granddad was known to say, “Please and thank you will take you around the world”. It’s not entirely realistic, but the connotation is clear. Christmas can be a hectic time and the extra stress and expense may create additional frustrations when we’re out and about, but let’s resist the urge to snap back. What’s five minutes either way? You’ll get there in the end and do it without getting stressed or upsetting someone along the way.
“Our ingredients are perfectly placed for bakers and food manufacturers looking to add value to their products. They add nutritional value as well as enhancing flavour and texture,” says Mark. “You need only a small proportion of our finely milled flours to enrich the natural colours and appeal.”
Kindness is a quality we all need to embrace a little bit more and it’s entirely free to give. Perhaps my granddad wasn’t so far off the mark after all. And on that note, my colleagues and I here at Mansion House Publishing wish you and yours the very best for the Christmas Season and the New Year.
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.
“We can do more by working together with our customers – and by involving the whole supply chain,” he says. “Our group has over 250 farmers with longterm supply relationships working with us on quality grains, environmental schemes and sustained supply. Such initiatives ensure that we remain at the forefront of ingredient innovation – and our customers at the forefront of product innovation.” David Thompson, EDME’s chief executive, welcomes Mark to the firm: “Mark has significant experience in business transformation. This puts him in the ideal position to consolidate the good work done by the team, and to expand the company’s horizons through closer working relationships with – and support to – customers.”
In Touch Titles • S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall
LAWFORD TYE ACTION GROUP Lawford residents and friends celebrate the dismissal of a planning application by the inspector to build 110 houses off Grange Road, Lawford following a sixday appeal at the Lifehouse, Thorpe-le-Soken. The site has both significant historical importance, as does the whole area, and rare environmental evidence. Thanks to all who supported and promoted the appeals rejection.
We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Wed 4 December is the advertising and editorial deadline for the January edition
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NEWS COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH – OR IS IT TEA? After 12 years of organising and cooking for the annual Community Christmas Lunch, we have decided, reluctantly, that it is time to stop! Despite having a great team of helpers, some of whom have been with us for all of those 12 years, providing a traditional, home-cooked Christmas Lunch for sometimes as many as 90 people is a great deal of work for us, not only on the day, but both before and after the event. However, organising hospitality for the community is something very worthwhile and we know that many people very much appreciate and enjoy these events. So, on Tuesday 17 December we will hold a Community Christmas Tea with musical entertainment at Mistley Church Hall from 2-4.30pm as usual. We will have the usual Christmas Tea delights, such as homemade sausage rolls and sandwiches, jelly and ice-cream, and lots of cake! Tea or coffee, of course, and perhaps a tot of sherry! Places are more limited than with the lunch at a maximum of 50, so please ring us and book your tickets (£2.50) early: 01206 391918. Lastly, we want to thank all our helpers over the years, not least Saul Hunnaball of Paskells for transport and serving, all those who have supplied desserts or peeled vegetables, served and washed up, but most of all, we want to thank all of you for supporting us over all these years. Joy and John Baker St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, Mistley with Manningtree
TREE FOR LIFE FOR NEW ARRIVALS A new Tree for Life scheme means families across Babergh can join those in Mid Suffolk in claiming a free tree to mark the arrival of a child, enhancing biodiversity in the districts. The initiative, which has been running in neighbouring Mid Suffolk since 2018, offers parents with a new born or newly adopted child the chance to mark their arrival by planting a tree – benefiting families, communities and the environment by boosting the number of trees in the district. Open to families who have welcomed a new arrival between 1 January and 31 December 2019, the scheme is also available to parents who may have lost a child during the same period to apply for a memorial tree. Any Tree for Life must be planted within the two districts; a plant pot grown tree will also be available for those without access to a garden. Families in both Babergh and Mid Suffolk are now being encouraged to apply for this year’s trees, ahead of the 12 January 2020 deadline. Councillor Elisabeth Malvisi, Babergh District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to officially launch the Tree for Life scheme in Babergh. Across the world people are becoming more aware of the importance of leaving a healthy and richer environment for future generations. We recognise the importance of this too, and hope the initiative enables our new families to take the first step whilst marking their new arrival at the same time.” Families can apply for their tree at: www.babergh.gov.uk/tree-for-life Eligible applicants will be invited to choose and collect their tree at a tree giving event in early 2020, where they will be able to learn more about how to plant and maintain their tree.
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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.
CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Appointment System and GP+ Generally, feedback from patients on the new appointment system has been very positive. Many haven’t needed to visit the practice to resolve their medical issue, which has enabled our doctors to spend more time with patients who need to be seen in person. However, the practice has limited capacity and we need to make full use of other services available to us. GP+ is an out-of-hours service offering GP, Nurse Practitioner and Practice Nurse appointments during weekday evenings and at weekends. The service operates form Ipswich and Stowmarket and typically GP appointments are 15 minutes rather than the usual 10. Our receptionists can book appointments with GP+, which may be more convenient if you work during the day, and will help relieve pressure on our busy practice. Our doctors may also offer you an appointment with GP+ if they feel you need to be seen in person. Flu Vaccinations We held four flu clinics through September and October and vaccinated 2,035 over-65s and 448 under-65 eligible patients. This is a great achievement, but we need to vaccinate as many eligible patients as possible. We have plenty of appointments available so just ring the practice to book your vaccination. Please note we can only vaccinate patients we have sent a letter to. We are unable to vaccinate children who would normally be vaccinated via the school programme unless they have a health condition and we have sent them a letter. We also raised well over £1,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice at our flu clinics, so thank you all for your generosity. Training Days Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday 11 December and Thursday 6 February. On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy, but reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. Our phone lines will be closed for the afternoon. If you need medical assistance please contact 111. If your need is urgent then please dial 999 or attend your local A&E. Practice Manager Pete Keeble
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December Events 6th - Christmas Quiz 19th - Christmas Carols Check our social media and website for a list of events and Christmas specials!
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NEWS REPORT TO PARISH, BRANTHAM WARD: DECEMBER 2019 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw General Election, December 12 I’m sure you’ve heard enough about this already. On the off-chance that this sees publication in time, the deadline to register to vote is 26 November. It’s 5pm to apply for a postal ballot and 11.59pm to get on the register. Babergh handle the register and run the election process, so I can help you with any difficulty. Getting the ability to vote extended to the current franchise has taken hard work over several hundred years. It’s more valuable than many know, or maybe appreciate. But it’s your voice and your choice. As an Independent with no party affiliation, I will take no part in campaigning. I hope, however, that people will give some consideration to the attitude and commitment shown by candidates and parties to local government. As I write, no manifestos have been issued. The funding provided and the policies applied from Westminster directly affect all councils and thus you, right where you live. That should be no small thing to consider; although I appreciate there are other more prominent issues. During the election period, local councils cannot support the candidates and any campaigning for them, or even promote their activity in council. For that reason, we enter a sort of ‘purdah’ where any potentially politically based activity stops. Full council, cabinet, scrutiny and audit meetings are cancelled until it’s over. The same is true of some member briefings and policy consultations. Fortunately, normal statutory work can continue. Planning and licensing committees, deemed non-political, analysis of completed consultations like the Joint Local Plan and the day-to-day running of services are completely unaffected. That’s also true of member’s normal work in their wards, so contact me as usual. January and February are going to be ridiculously busy though!
A modified application for Brantham Place has been lodged. This is ‘live’ for public comment into December. I don’t comment much in public on applications until determination time, but can always be contacted to discuss any issues and considerations. I will say that some previous concerns have been addressed. It can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/y6yojfos What’s in a name? Officially, Babergh councillors are being given more time to consider changing the council name to South Suffolk (already on our badge). Arguments aside, I think it was wise to cancel the special meeting. A two-thirds majority would be needed, so eleven voting against could stop it. I can count to eleven, with the aid of a foot, so I doubt it would have passed. Any change is now unlikely before April 2021. And in other news The free swims scheme at Hadleigh and Sudbury will continue in future school holidays. The next period is December 20 to January 5. It’s been a great success with a high take-up. A Suffolk-wide campaign against fly tippers is planned this winter. People are being prosecuted, named, shamed and fined. If you see it, report it, please. Babergh have adopted a bio-diversity policy to include wildflower verges, corridors and maps showing our wildlife network. There are also free trees to be planted for each child born in the district. Spread the word. I’d like to draw attention to some of the projects being planned at Brantham Parish Council. I think you’ll find them positive and forward thinking. Please look for the reports or ask a councillor.
Planning… again By now I expect the Brooklands Farm application off Brantham Hill to have been to committee. I thought the village made some excellent points on this, as reported in the press. I hope to see those reflected in the officer recommendation. I’ll report on the result through the Facebook group and to parish council.
Finally, I’d like to wish everybody in the village an early Merry Christmas. I’ll be around, on some form of bike, in my efforts to support local business and to keep an ear to the ground. But you can always find me as below.
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
EVENTS AT MANNINGTREE LIBRARY
Hello everyone, Now that we officially in the winter months can we remind everyone to take a few minutes to check their vehicles to ensure all lights are working as well as tyres being correctly inflated with plenty of tread. Also carry a blanket, torch and emergency equipment in case of bad weather.
Basic Computer Coaching & IT support General hints and tips on using computers, iPads, tablets, smart phones and laptops. Tuesday from 10am and Thursday from 2.30pm. This is a free service run by our IT volunteers. Booking is essential.
Suffolk continues to experience fraud with members of the public being asked to send money or transfer money from bank accounts. Please remember your bank or police will never phone you and ask you for your full PIN or password, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PINS, cards or cheque books. Please report any fraud to: www.actionfraud.police.uk Suffolk Police are recruiting again at the moment. Do you fancy a job where every day is different? Walk a new path and join Suffolk Police as a constable. Please look at our website for further information. Finally, after 28 years PC Porter is retiring from Suffolk Constabulary. Your point of contact will continue to be PC Sarah George. PC Porter would just like to thank everyone for making her career a happy one. She has enjoyed her latest role at Hadleigh Police Station. If your group or club would like a police visit, please contact PC George to arrange. Perhaps you would like a personal safety talk or an informal chat over a coffee. Please email Sarah at: sarah.george2@suffolk.pnn.police.uk You can report non urgent crimes online via: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us You can also call the police on 101 to report crimes and other concerns that do not require an emergency response. In an emergency always call 999.
Alastair McCraw: 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alastair McCraw, Brantham Independent Councillor (Open Group)
Reading Group Midweek Readers meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 10.45am and would welcome new members. For more information please visit Manningtree Library. Adult Craft & Knitting Group Bring your projects along and meet fellow enthusiasts every Tuesday afternoon from 2-4pm. For further information contact Essex Libraries on 0345 603 7628 or visit: www.libraries.essex.gov.uk/events
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC Christmas starts for many with The Magic of Christmas Music in Mistley Parish Church on Wednesday 4 December at 1.45pm and 7pm. Four local primary schools – Bradfield, Lawford St Marys, Lawford Highfields and Mistley Norman – bring their music in song and instruments to share in a celebration of carols and Christmas songs.
Kindest regards,
Tickets are free and can be had from the local schools or 01026 395263 (to control numbers). There is ample street parking or in the Environmental Centre opposite.
PC Sarah George and PC Diane Porter
This event is organised by Manningtree Rotary Club.
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT
Are you looking for a new club to join? Do you see yourself as a performing arts enthusiast? Are you aged between 7 & 18? Junior BATS and Teen BATS are looking for actors and actresses. On a week leading to Christmas it really would assist, if Christmas puds and custard were on your list. On another week to Christmas it would really help our bin if you could give some ham in a tin. On a week approaching Christmas to help with season’s nosh some salmon would be great as it’s so posh! We’re getting near the time now for all the Christmas ‘bakes’ like fancy biscuits and lots of yummy cakes.
Come along to Brantham Village Hall every Friday where you will have the opportunity to learn to act, sing and write. All abilities welcome. Contact: BATS.JandT@gmail.com Junior Bats: 7-8.30pm every Friday (excluding school holidays), ages 7-11 years Teen Bats: 8.30-10pm every Friday (excluding school holidays), ages 11-18 years
In three weeks time what else is good, for it’s getting close, some tinned potatoes for the special roast. Exciting time, a special treat, for our Co-op box – what about some sweeties and some chocs? So now it’s nearly Christmas some crackers and some toys. To give some fun to little girls and boys. At this Christmas time we would like to thank you all for your generosity throughout the year. Your help has meant that we have helped individuals and families in 2019 and now we can make sure that they have a better Christmas because of your help. HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL The food bank can be visited each Tuesday between 10am and noon at Foundry Court, Colchester Road, Manningtree. If you feel that you need some support to get you through a bad time and that receiving food items and talking through things would help, please come along and see us. We also have a member from Peabodys on hand who can offer advice about benefits and housing. We may need a referral from your doctor, social worker or other support organisation, but it is possible to organise urgent food supplies for you by just talking to one of us at the food bank. If you are unable to come along on a Tuesday please telephone the food bank on 07870 967353 so they can see what they can do to help. Or visit: www.manningtreefoodbank.co.uk The food bank trustees and volunteers would like to thank the Co-op and, of course, a big thank-you to all you generous people for donating food which has helped so many families. Food can also be donated at Fiveways store in Manningtree and the Co-op in Brantham.
MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 10 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.
At the recent North Essex Theatre Guild Awards, BATS were honoured to receive the award for Best Costume for Off to Treasure Island. A very well done to all involved. Look out for our next production, Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, playing from February 16-22. www.batsonline.co.uk
CONSTABLE SINGERS Dove Close Community Housing, Capel: Friday 29 November, 7pm Christmas Songs Charity Bazaar, Constable Hall, East Bergholt: Sunday 1 December, 12.30pm Christmas Songs Bypass Nurseries, Capel Charity Evening: Friday 6 December, 6.30pm Christmas Songs Pensioners Lunch, Constable Hall, East Bergholt: Sunday 8 December, 2pm Christmas Songs The Grange, East Bergholt: Friday 20 December, 6.30pm Christmas Songs
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.
We welcome anyone to join us at our weekly sessions held at The Lambe School in East Bergholt on Thursday from 7pm (apart from the second Thursday when we rehearse at The Congregational Church). There’s no audition, the first session is free and the words are provided as we sing along to backing tracks once we’ve learnt the song. We sing for enjoyment!
To keep up-to-date with the group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk
For further information contact Mel: 01206 298628
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OUT & ABOUT THE ORCHARD PLAYERS 2020 PANTO Red Riding Hood, January 9-11 at Capel St Mary Community Centre Not many things can upset the villagers of Fermley on the Fiddle – that is except werewolves and politicians! This panto season, join us as we tell the story of the most famous Red Hood around. Can the Woodcutter outwit the Wolf? Will Red get to Granny in time? Or will the evil Baroness hoodwink them all? You’re in for a howling experience! Tickets (£8/£6) for performances on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 January at 7.30pm, and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 11 are now on sale. Box Office Number: 07793 820215
MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Nik Szymanek recently gave a fascinating talk on astrophotography, illustrated with amazing images of the moon, stars, planets and our milky way. It was interesting to learn how stars change and evolve, however the distances from earth were difficult to comprehend. Nik has travelled extensively in this field and some images were taken from observatories in the Canary Islands and Hawaii. He explained how he achieved his images through his observatory in his garden and gave tips on how we could try astrophotography with and without using a telescope. We had two competition evenings in October. The first, open colour prints, attracted 51 entries. Mark Rivers was awarded first and second place with The End is Nigh and Working the Land (pictured). Jill Sullivan was awarded third place for Daisy White. The second competition, open colour and black and white PDIs, attracted more than 70 very high standard entries, the winning images can be viewed online. On December 5 we have a programme change and now have a talk on macro digital photography by Roger Hance. Our Christmas social will be on December 12 Meetings are held on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays of the month between September and May at 7.30pm at the St Johns Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join us or may attend initially as a visitor. Please contact our secretary for details: 01206 393751 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
TEA & SUPPORT Tea and Support, the friendly, practical support group for those recently bereaved or left living alone, meets on the third Wednesday of each month, usually at Mistley Church Hall, New Road, Mistley (just opposite The Towers), between 2 and 4pm. Transport is available on request. We offer a friendly and safe place to spend time with others, to make new friends, or to get some practical support. Understanding that Sunday lunchtime is often difficult, some of our members meet at the Environmental Centre Cafe in New Road for a roast lunch on the first Sunday of each month. Our December lunch is on Wednesday 11. Please note that this is not the third Wednesday of the month and is just for T&S members and invited guests. For anyone left alone, life can become difficult and often lonely. Please come along and join us at Tea & Support or ring Joy or John Baker (01206 391918) or Sue Orriss (01206 395355) for further information. Programmes for 2020 will soon be available in St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church in Mistley, at St Lawrence Church in Bradfield or from Paskell’s of Manningtree.
STOUR VALLEY U3A We don’t hold a speaker meeting in December but instead a Christmas lunch and this year it’s being held on Wednesday 11 December at the Ipswich Best Western Hotel, Copdock IP8 3JD. This is always a very popular event so an early reservation is advised. On January 8 Chris Parfitt, a retired teacher, will enlighten us on The Mysteries of Easter Island. Chris will present an illustrated talk in which he will look at life on this remote island today and explore its unique history revolving mainly around the famous statues and some of the theories surrounding them. Tracy from the Giggly Pig Co will talk on The Life & Times of an Essex Bad Girl on Wednesday 12 February. Just how did she manage to change the direction of her life into being a pig farmer and successful sausage producer? 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. Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday 31 January.
Our speaker on December 4 is Simon Gallop with The Unknown Constable Country and we end the year with our popular annual Christmas quiz. It’s rumoured that there are some valuable prizes to be won on this occasion! We will not meet on January 1 so our first meeting of 2020 will be on Wednesday 15 January when fellow member Michael Hole will present a talk entitled First and Second World War Prisoner of War Camps. On February 5 Carole Wheatley will enlighten us on Internment in Guernsey during the Second World War and on February 19 Colin Hopper will present The Story of London Bridge. 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, 10 for 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202
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ESSEX POLICE CHOIR IN CONCERT Essex Police Choir will be performing at Manningtree Methodist Church on Saturday 7 December at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 and available from either Maggie on 07867 546484 or on the door on the night. A raffle for East Anglian Children’s Hospice will also be held on the night.
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OUT & ABOUT BENDALL’S FOUNDRY & LAWFORD IRON WORKS Parish and town councils do us a great service by using historic names as permanent reminders of the past. Foundry Court and Bendalls Court, on the border between Manningtree and Lawford, are two good examples of such connections. A foundry was first established sometime early in the 19th century by David (or Duffield) Bendall. This was before the coming of the railway and the foundry was on Dale Hall land in Lawford, on what is now Colchester Road but was then known as Lawford Hill. The parish was already noted for the first all-iron, swing plough invented and made by John Brand from Suffolk, who also designed deeper ploughs for four-six horses while living and working as a blacksmith in Lawford in around 1771. The Bendall family also came from Suffolk, a little village called Bredfield near Woodbridge, and had links with the inventor of the Suffolk swing plough, at one time renting land from him. This was the age of rapid industrialisation, particularly in the manufacture of new agricultural implements, up till then forged only by the local blacksmith. Strangely, one of the first items we know that was cast at the new foundry was covers for the mile stones that marked the local stretch of the London to Harwich turnpike road. These had been laid out early in the 18th century, but later improved by the bolting-on of the three sided white plates we can still see on a number of the stones, in particular the one in Manningtree Market. More were added or replaced later, but a number were cast in 1834 at the foundry and doubled up as adverts for them, with the family name built into the front side. However, the Lawford foundry was mainly making and selling agricultural implements, casting in both iron and brass and did well. By 1841 David Bendall had his younger brother Offwood (yes that is his first name) living and working with him at the site on Lawford Hill, along with their sister Hannah. The property was initially rented from Edward Norman, one of the main landowners at the time. David died in 1843 and was buried in St Marys Church Lawford. The business passed to his brother who married later the same year. He in turn started his own dynasty and it is his initial ‘O’ for Offwood that features on the later mile stone caps.
As the business grew they moved into larger adjoining premises and were for a while the largest employer in the area, particularly for those forced off the farms due to mechanisation. Alongside the business the family also expanded, with a son, Offwood (Junior), born in 1845. They clearly made money, bought land and built a number of their own properties close to the foundry, further up Lawford Hill. The work must have been dangerous, dirty and smoky. Alongside the Tannery a bit further down the hill, it must have been the smelly part of town. The firm made ‘Bendall’ ploughs, water carts, land rollers and hoop hoes for both local and wider markets as the new railways came in 1846. Offwood eventually took over the business from his father, who by 1874 had moved out to live in greater style further away from the factory in Lawford Place. By then he owned a lot of very profitable land as well as the business. They built a number of residential properties for the rest of the family who remained on Lawford Hill. Three remain: Fernbank was built with nice iron railings just above the foundry, eventually provided with tennis courts out the back; Hill House further up on the other side next to the railway; and later the Gables opposite Fernbank. By 1881 the foundry was employing 12 men and two boys and the road name is then changed to Colchester Road. Offwood (Jn) saw the business into the new century, known then as O Bendall and Son. During this time they cast iron columns needed for the new maltings in Mistley. After he died in 1907 it passed to his son Lewis Harvey Bendall, a mechanical engineer who lived in the Gables. Lewis didn’t have charge of the business for long, dying in 1912, though it did well financially during his time. Joshua Robert Markwell Fitch then bought the business from the family in 1913 for £1,400. He was the patentee of a ‘furrow spreader of improved design’. This tractor towed implement created furrows for planting seeds. He also made cast iron deck machinery for sailing barges, in particular winches, one of which can still be seen on board Victor. They continued to make the Bendall plough, an improved ‘Universal’ Water Cart and more structural work for Mistley Maltings, casting also in gun metal and bronze, exporting all over the world. In 1946 the Lawford Iron Works company was sold to Girdlestones of Woodbridge and managed by Peter Rigg, director. A wider range of articles was made, helped by air powered moulding machines used to press shapes into special sand from the different patterns. Making parts for pumps and work for the Colchester Lathe Company initially kept them busy. The Ironworks eventually closed in July 1971 and the buildings were demolished. Building work on what became Foundry Court, a jointly funded project between Essex County and Tendring District Councils, began in 1987 and the new facilities officially opened in April 1992. This originally provided 42 homes for older people at a cost of £2 million. Bendalls Court was built by the district Ccouncil on regenerated land on the other side of the road, likely at one time part of the family estate, whose name thereby lives on. Philip Cunningham – Manningtree Museum & Local History Group
FRIDAYS@THEHUB (next door to the Mogul restaurant)
COLCHESTER CREDIT UNION COLLECTION POINT
All-age drop-in every Friday from 10am-12.30pm A warm welcome for visitors of all ages with toys available for young children Enjoy a cup of for tea or coffee with biscuits And – above all – enjoy good company!
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Operates as part of Fridays@TheHub at a separate table to ensure confidentiality
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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. On November 6 we enjoyed a lively and interesting talk by writer, lecturer and broadcaster Daniel Snowman on the impact the Hitler emigres had on British artistic and cultural life. The last talk before our winter break is Pantomime: A Very British Treat by Giles Ramsay on December 4. Giles is an independent theatre director and producer. He combines academic analysis with hands-on experience to bring a unique insight to the world of the theatre. Our programme will resume on February 5 with a talk by Aliki Braine titled Same Old Same New. If any of these talks interest you and you would like to know more, please come and meet us. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2pm and last about an hour, with refreshments available from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have available space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 so please contact Wendy Robbins in advance to check if there is available space: 01394 823807 For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk
VILLAGE LINK Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11 December at 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall when Barbara Faulkner will present a humorous talk on The Man in Red. Our aim is to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon. I would like to welcome back former members and to see new members from all local villages, either as visitors or members. If you wish to take part in our Christmas tombola please bring a small wrapped present to include. Also bring a small plate of food to share with refreshments. Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262
MANNINGTREE FIT CLUB Open to anyone looking to lead a healthy active lifestyle. Every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm at Mistley Village Hall. Contact: Bridie 07403 316735 / Tanya 07920 76245 Follow us on Facebook at: Manningtree Fit Club
MANNINGTREE HIGH SCHOOL In October I was fortunate to take 12 students to Ipswich Crown Court to compete in the regional heats of the Bar Mock Trial competition. The students had spent many weeks preparing their roles as barristers, court clerks, ushers, witnesses and jurors. As part of this competition, students had to learn a vast amount of legal information and had to speak in front of a judge and staff and students from other local schools. All our students did us proud and should be extremely proud for putting themselves forward to speak at a public event such as this. They showed professionalism at all times and were polite, knowledgeable and confident in presenting their legal cases so a huge congratulations goes out to them. Every student received a certificate of completion from the Young Citizens Programme and can add this competition to their CVs, showing how they applied themselves to an extra-curricular activity and have experience in public speaking. Well done to all students involved. Miss Lucas
LAWFORD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Hannah Powell gave us a very interesting talk on Perrywoods Nurseries at our October meeting. Her grandparents had started growing a few plants for sale at their tiny bungalow and this gradually grew into a nursery named after the wood at the bottom of the garden. Later it was passed down to Hannah’s father and now Hannah and her two brothers are all involved with this huge enterprise. She explained their roles and how another nursery is taking shape at Sudbury. Perrywoods has won several awards for their plants and particularly the help they offer clients. The cafe is rather special too. We don’t have a meeting in December or January, but we will be starting up again on February 20. We hope you will join us then. Happy Christmas and New Year.
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Many residents of East Bergholt and the surrounding communities may not be aware that regular pickleball sessions are held throughout the week at East Bergholt Sports Centre and Hintlesham Community Hall. Pickleball was created in America in 1965 and is possibly best described as a mixture of tennis and badminton. It is hoped to expand local interest in the sport, therefore this is an invitation to anyone over 16 to come along and give it a go! As the club structure develops it is planned to introduce a junior section, thereby making the game available to all ages. Anyone interested should visit: www.southsuffolkpickleball.co.uk or www.facebook.com/groups/sspball Or contact: hello@southsuffolkpickleball.co.uk / 07747 618615
LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB Lawford Ladies Seeking New Players The ladies team at Lawford Football Club is looking for new players aged sixteen and over to join their team. Based at School Lane in Lawford, this friendly local woman’s football team is well established with a record of success. The team benefits from excellent facilities at School Lane, including a modern clubhouse and award winning pitches. Training on Thursday between 7-8pm is led by highly motivated FA qualified coaches. Matches are played on Sunday. If you’re interested in getting involved and joining a very friendly and welcoming bunch of players, please contact Si Collinson (07843 559218), Aaron Finch (07852 329404) or Lloyd Bellett: (shelley.bellett@btinternet.com).
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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT BRANTHAM SCOUT & GUIDE GROUP The Rainbows have been completing lots of environment based activities, finding out about plastic waste, how to recycle properly and teamworking. They have been working on various Skills Builders from the new Girlguiding programme including finding out about themselves, where they fit in the community, how to be confident and how to be a good listener. They’ll be finishing off their term with a Christmas party, enrolling four new Rainbows and saying goodbye to two members who are moving up to Brownies. And finally, they’ll take part in an exciting nationwide Girlguiding screening of Frozen 2!
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC
The Beavers have been out doing their Cyclist Badge, playing conkers, learning first aid and also took part in a keep fit evening. Recently they went tobogganing at Ipswich Ski Slope. They have also been learning about Remembrance Sunday and why we have it, including learning the National Anthem. On the lead-up to Christmas they will be doing woodwork and also Christmas crafts. The last evening of the term will be a trip to Clip ‘n’ Climb in Ipswich for their Christmas party.
UPCOMING FIXTURES
The Cubs have been busy earning their Entertainer badge, going on a torch walk and creating Christmas crafts. They also took part in JOTA-JOTI, the world’s largest digital Scouting event. This educational event brings together more than two million Scouts every year from over 170 countries! As part of JOTI, the Cubs spoke with friends in Canada and also sent them a parcel. For the Cubs Christmas party this year they will also be attending Clip ‘n’ Climb. This term the Brownies have explored the world of Aladdin, visited Mexico in their day of the dead and dived into Bonfire Night’s Parliament Week. The girls have made sock snowmen, wax crayons and other crafts to keep and sell. Their Guiding Bazaar takes place on December 4. In the coming new year, they will be taking on new challenges and working on badges to benefit nature and climate change. The Guides have been up to lots of interesting activities too – a spooky escape room, some ‘no cook’ cooking, making reusable wraps, climbing and Parliament Week. Many of the unit members also took part in the Remembrance Day Service to honour the sacrifice of those involved in the two world wars and later conflicts. Fundraising for Project 2017, the new hut fund, is in full swing. Jess, our enthusiastic young leader, has come up with a range of fundraising events, a pre-Christmas quiz, Easter Egg Hunt, and a fun day next summer – keep July 4 free in your diary! She’s got a plan, made some bookings and knows how to go about it. What Jess needs now are a few more enthusiastic helpers to help make these events happen. If you can help, even in just a small way, contact Jess at: 1stbranthamsandg.fundraising@gmail.com
MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB The club is delighted that Clubmark status has been renewed. This is an important accreditation as it’s the universally acknowledged cross sport accreditation scheme for community sports clubs. It stands for higher standards of welfare, equity, coaching and management in community sports clubs, making sure the nation’s sports club infrastructure is safer, stronger and more successful. October 2019 100 Club Winners 1: Keith Garwood (22) £120 2: Amarjeet Mehmi (77) £60 3: Stuart Barwood (67) £50 For anyone new to the area, you will always be welcome at New Road, either as a player or spectator. For more information please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com The club runs three Saturday and two Sunday sides at men’s adult level. The 1st Team will play in the Two Counties Division One, the 2nd Team in Division 3 and the 3rd Team in either Division Eight or Nine, depending on the final structure of the league in 2020. So there is cricket available for all levels.
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The 1st Team have continued their high scoring form with one 7-0 and two 4-1 victories sandwiching an extra time exit in the Morrison Freight Cup. The Reserves have also been amongst the goals, scoring five in advancing to the next round of the Suffolk Senior Reserve Cup, seven in a victory and four on two occasions, one draw and one defeat, in the League. The A Team didn’t have any wins in October, but the young team have acquitted themselves well.
1st Team: Senior Division 23 Nov: Westerfield Utd (H) 30 Nov: Henley Athletic (A) 14 Dec: Achilles (H) 21 Dec: Trimley Red Devils (A) 28 Dec: Bourne Vale Utd (H) Reserves: League A 23 Nov: Haughley Utd Res (A) 30 Nov: AFC Kesgrave Res (H) 7 Dec: Old Newton Res (H) 14 Dec: Coplestonians Res (A) 21 Dec: Trimley Red Devils Res (H) A Team: League C 23 Nov: Hundon Res (A) 30 Nov: Wickham Market Res (A) 7 Dec: Leiston St Margarets Res (A) 21 Dec: Stowupland Falcons Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Sponsorship We would like to thank our sponsors for this season: Smy IT Specialists, JAK, Riverside Taxis Manningtree, Marquis, Bergholt Travel, G & C Timber & Joinery Ltd, Primus and Kitchen Worktops Online. If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Ladies and Juniors We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. Also ladies who would like to join are welcome. If you are interested please contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com Events The darts tournament will be held in January 2020. Keep an eye on our social media feeds for details. The FIFA tournament will be repeated and is open to all-comers so keep an eye out for the next one. This upcoming season is the 125th anniversary of the club, there will be special events to mark this momentous achievement. We want to get in touch with as many former players and officials as possible. Please let us have your details by contacting our secretary or on our Facebook page. Keep in touch for details, but keep Easter Sunday 2020 free. Follow us on: Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc Twitter: @EBUFC1 Steve Butcher (secretary): stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
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ON THE GRAPEVINE CHRISTMAS AT BLUE CROSS REHOMING CENTRE Christmas is a special day for the team at Blue Cross pet charity rehoming centre in Wherstead.
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT OF TIME Christmas is a time of goodwill and giving back, so why not gift a little of your time over the festive season and put the magic back into someone’s Christmas this year? Many charities need a little extra help during the festivities and they rely on a legion of brilliant volunteers. There are many different ways that you can help and volunteering doesn’t always mean a long term commitment or lots of hours per month. WAYS YOU CAN VOLUNTEER Fundraising Fresh Start New Beginnings have Christmas collections taking place throughout December in Ipswich and need people who can give up an hour or more to help us bucket collect and pack bags for Christmas shoppers. Helping Out with Christmas Events Suffolk MIND has various roles available during November and December at their head office, Quay Place in Ipswich. These include event planners/administrators – helping out with Christmas preparations for the various events they are holding, Father Christmas – the name says it all, and Christmas Elfs – to help Santa in his grotto. Volunteer at a Food Bank Food banks provide an essential lifeline for families living in poverty all year round, but especially at Christmas. FareShare has a number of voluntary opportunities on Volunteer Suffolk, including volunteering in their warehouses and helping distribute food. Look out in your local supermarkets for donation points for food. Volunteer for a Local Good Cause There are so many small charities looking for reliable, friendly volunteers over Christmas and throughout the year. Search the Suffolk volunteering database at Volunteer Suffolk for the latest opportunities near you. If you can’t volunteer, you can still help by making a donation to a Suffolk charity. You can support the Surviving Winter Appeal. Everyone in Suffolk over the age of 65 receives a non-means tested Winter Fuel Payment, whether they need it or not. Suffolk Community Foundation simply ask that if you don’t need it, you donate it. With 310 excess winter deaths in Suffolk alone, the Surviving Winter Appeal is quite simply a life saver. There are many wonderful benefits of volunteering – and ways it can help achieve your new year’s resolutions. Did you know volunteering can lead to increased sociability, reduced loneliness and can get you out of the house? There are so many ways that you can make a difference and help a Suffolk charity or group. To find a role to suit you visit: www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk If you are a charity or voluntary group looking for volunteers you can post your opportunities on the website too. If you would like support around managing volunteers, please contact the volunteering team at Community Action Suffolk by emailing: volunteering@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk
The centre is closed to the public so the team get to spend the entire day with the cats and dogs on site – handing out presents that have been donated by members of the public to the pets, taking the dogs out on long walks and, of course, giving lots of fuss and treats to all. Over Christmas there are usually around 35 dogs and cats on site to care for. The team will feed them their breakfast, open presents and take the dogs out on a long dog walk in the nearby woods. Among those working this Christmas will be Animal Welfare Assistant Susie Winship. Susie has worked the last six Christmas Days at the centre on Bourne Hill. Susie, who lives in Suffolk with cats and dogs she fosters, said: “Many pets will be calling Blue Cross their home this Christmas so we are their family while they are with us. I love working at Blue Cross any day of the year but Christmas Day is especially wonderful. The cattery and kennels are all decorated and in the run-up to the big day we always get lots of presents dropped in for the animals from kind supporters. It’s a lovely way to spend Christmas Day, caring for beautiful cats, dogs and sometimes even kittens and it makes me happy to think they are all somewhere safe, warm and cared for on this special day.” Blue Cross also provides a pet bereavement support service, with support over phone or email even available on Christmas Day itself for those who are grieving the loss of a pet. For more details of the service visit: www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss Clare Williamson, Blue Cross Suffolk Centre Manager, who will also be working on Christmas Day, said: “We’re really grateful to those thinking about pets who may have lost their owners or been abandoned. The team here really get into the festive spirit and make sure all the pets are well fed and fussed but we couldn’t do our work without the great support we get from our community.” This Christmas Blue Cross is seeking donations to help its teams give moments that matter to pets this Christmas. To donate, text Moments to 70557 or visit: www.bluecross.org.uk/Christmas-news
MY CARE RECORD Joining up information to deliver better care Health and care organisations across Suffolk and north east Essex are signing up to a shared framework called My Care Record which will make it easier to deliver more effective joined-up care from January 2020. Many people assume that care records are automatically accessible between organisations such as GP practices and hospitals; however this is often not the case. Over time, the NHS has been investing in secure systems that allow information to be viewed between organisations for care. My Care Record provides an agreement to ensure that information is safe and only used by professionals directly involved in an individual’s care. For example, a hospital-based doctor or a community nurse could view information from an individual’s GP record. Benefits of joining up information across organisations include quicker diagnosis and treatment. My Care Record will also support the best use of clinical time, with less duplication of paperwork, allowing more time for direct patient contact. Health and care professionals may access records from different services to improve the overall care an individual receives. In some areas, anonymous information from care records may also be used to help to plan and design how to deliver better services for individuals and the local population as a whole. Individuals who do not wish for their information to be shared can contact the health and care professional working with them at the organisation that holds their record. For more information visit: www.mycarerecord.org.uk
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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com
10am 2.50pm
www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk
Saturday 7 2.30pm Blue Christmas (short) Carol Service, East Bergholt
RAMBLING RECTOR
OTB Brooklands Christingle at EBPS, East Bergholt PS
Follow the Star In the rush of Christmas we forget that the events we celebrate in two days took place over more than nine months. The Angel Gabriel visited both Mary and then Joseph. (On Christmas Eve we will be thinking more about Joseph as we complete our knitted nativity sets begun so many years ago with flocks of sheep). There was a pause while Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth who was already far advanced in her pregnancy. She was to be the mother of John the Baptist whose prophetic task was to “prepare the way of the Lord and make his paths straight”.
Sunday 8: Advent 2 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am EBYE Nativity Family Service, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham
As we know all too well, an election looms for months and when it comes, it affects everyone. Joseph and Mary were no different. They had to make a journey to register, no quick trip for them to the village hall to put their cross on a ballot paper. Rather a journey of 70 miles with Mary heavily pregnant. The inns were so full of people living politics, there was no room for this couple in the inn. No welcome in their own country except that offered by a kindly publican run off his feet. They belonged by heritage, but wern’t really accepted. “Where do you come from? You don’t really belong here.”
Sunday 15: Advent 3 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am BYE Nativity Family Service, Brantham 3pm Carols by Candlelight, East Bergholt
The shepherds saw the angels and heard the singing. The magi travelled immense distances with hope in their hearts as the star moved ahead of them. The lowly in society and the strangers, they saw, heard and followed. To them God revealed not only his glory but his Son as well. Life changing – that’s what Christmas should be. What will be different about this Christmas for you? Don’t slip into the political vacuum or become submerged in glitter, Christmas cards and sherry! Perhaps you are feeling too sad this Christmas to want to celebrate. The Blue Christmas Service at 2.30pm on 7 December might be just what you need, a quiet reflective service with some carols, readings and the lighting of candles. Christmas is political. It was then, and is now. We forget that Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus became migrants, forced to flee from a murderous tyrant who sought only power. It is very important that you vote. Ask yourself which party will most efficiently look after the orphan, the widow and the stranger. Which party will seek to lead us back into being a compassionate society that values the truth and respects the dignity of every person, where name calling and aggression are not the first option. Take some time to listen to God before you vote. You might be surprised by what you hear. The Rev Steph This year’s Big Christmas Card will support Ipswich Night Shelter and in collaboration with the Mothers’ Union we are asking for donations of travel sized toiletries instead of cash donations. You’ll find a container in the Lady Chapel of each church where you can place your donations. SERVICES IN DECEMBER Sunday 1: Advent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion (Healing), East Bergholt 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Monday 2 10.30am BYE Nativity Rehearsal, Brantham Wednesday 4 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Thursday 5 10am EBYE Nativity for parents, East Bergholt
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Monday 9 10.30am
BYE Nativity, Brantham
Friday 13 11.30am
Toddler Party, East Bergholt
Monday 16 9.30am High School Rehearsals all day, East Bergholt Tuesday 17 9.30am 6pm
High School Rehearsals all day, East Bergholt High School Carol Service, East Bergholt
Thursday 19 9.30am 2pm 6.30pm
EBPS Christmas Assembly, East Bergholt Brooklands Church Assembly, Brantham Carols by Candlelight, Brantham (see p25)
Saturday 21: Wedding 1pm Wedding of Matt Jay and Chloe McMasters, Brantham Sunday 22: Advent 4 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham December 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Christingle, Brantham 3pm Children’s Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 5pm Children’s Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 10pm Nearly Midnight Mass, East Bergholt 11.30pm Midnight Mass, Brantham December 25: Christmas Day 9.30am Christmas Communion, East Bergholt 9.30am Christmas Communion, Brantham December 29: Christmas 1 10am Benefice BCP Communion, East Bergholt Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday in East Bergholt at 8am and Choral Matins on the fourth Sunday, but not in August or December. Foodbank Collections St Mary’s and St Michael’s Churches are collecting tinned ham and salmon and Christmassy items such as mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas puddings (small and large), custard, chocolate biscuits, selection boxes for kiddies and boxes of chocolates for festive hampers for Manningtree Foodbank. There will be collection containers in both church porches until 15 December. Blue Christmas Service A quiet Christmas Service for those who are struggling at this time of year. Whether you are far from home, missing a loved one or dealing with personal difficulties, you are warmly invited to join us for this service of contemplation, gentle carols and prayer on Saturday 7 December at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt. Refreshments will be served after the service.
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CHURCH NEWS BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES Meeting at Old St Michael’s School on Trinity Road, Manningtree Tradition or Truth? Christmas is full of traditions, some of them fun and some of them downright weird. The UK website ‘holidayextras.co.uk’, lists their top 10 alternative ideas for Christmas including naked saunas in Finland in memory of the ancestors and ‘Bad Santa’ in Austria “in search of badly-behaved children”. But my favourite is the Ukraine’s tradition of decorating their trees with imitations of the spider’s web, shimmering with dew. The tradition goes back to a folktale about a poor widow who couldn’t afford other decorations and the house spiders took pity on the family and spun beautiful webs all over the tree. In other cultures, the spider’s web is a sign of neglect, of something that has been left to rot or is past usefulness, broken, dead. Something that in our lives is often picked up and taken outside, the spider, becomes in this tradition the provider of beauty and joy. And that is like the truth behind the Christmas story. A baby, a little boy, born to an unmarried mother and who society considered an outcast, yet He was born to be King. However, the truth about this baby is just amazing. The evidence of history is overwhelming in explaining that this baby was promised a long time before; had been watched for and expected by the Jewish people, He was their Messiah. Many had lived lives in anticipation of God sending Him to the world; for some it had become tradition, but for others it was a real live faith, a powerful hope. Many live in faith today and for them it is the truth of Christmas that is far more important that the traditions. Yes, we will still sing carols and give presents; and get some too we hope! We will probably share a big meal together and listen to our favourite music and watch some TV. But for many of us the most important tradition we have is reading the truth! We will open our Bibles and spend some time studying the eyewitness accounts of that baby. We will investigate carefully. We will expect to hear God Himself remind us of something we have forgotten and teach us something new. This year we are looking at the account of Jesus’ birth written by Luke and we expect to hear Mary’s song of joy as she visits her relative Elizabeth; we will hear about the smelly shepherds and their angelic visitors and we will read again the accounts of those who met Jesus and whose lives were changed. So what about you? Will this Christmas be just another traipsing through the old traditions? Maybe you’ve realised they don’t really offer anything and you’re planning to change some of them to see if you can have a better Christmas. There is one cast-iron guaranteed way to really enjoy Christmas this year and that is to get at the truth. Join us any Sunday in Advent at Trinity and share the joy and wonder as we read again the history, the truth of this event we celebrate. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been to church for a while, or ever before, as we will do everything we can to make you welcome. Indeed our 5pm evening service is just for you! On December 1 we take our evening service, Advent Carols, into the Ironside Walk Ballroom at the earlier time of 4.30pm. On December 22 we have a Family Nativity (10.30am) and Carols by Candlelight (5pm). Services last between 60 and 90 minutes and refreshments follow. www.trinity-manningtree.org.uk / 01206 393745
Seeing for Myself Have you ever been told something and passed the information on to others and then discovered it was untrue? It can be a bit embarrassing and we may protest, “Well that’s what I was told”. We may even go so far as to name the person who told us. A girl bought up in the centre of England far from the coast, was walking with her boyfriend’s family near the sea. There was a lot of stringy seaweed and he told her that there must be a string factory around the headland and what she was seeing was the offcuts thrown in the sea. At first she believed him and enquired more, expressing disgust that a factory could discharge its waste into the sea. Before she had a chance to go to the shoreline and examine the ‘string’ herself, she realised that it was a joke that she had fallen for. I grew up in a Christian household. I was told the stories of Jesus, I went to Sunday School and loved my Sunday School teacher. I loved the stories and many people around me believed the stories. A few knocks to my simple faith came and I began to wonder whether it was a joke, stories just made up. My brother told me about a group of young people meeting in the Potteries which had grown from four to 150 young people in four years. I went along and for these young people the stories were vividly true – not just in the historic case of in Jesus’s time, but God was speaking to them personally. A girl younger than me got up at the end of the meeting and said anyone can come and meet Jesus. I realised then that I knew lots about Jesus, but I didn’t ‘know’ Jesus. Like I know a lot about the Queen, but I don’t know her, and she doesn’t know me. That evening, I ‘came’ to Jesus, discovered he knew my name and everything about me – including the wrong things I had done, and despite that, he still loved me and I could talk with him. Two thousand years ago on the hillside outside Bethlehem shepherds were told of the birth of a baby, born to be the Saviour. It could have been a joke, a fantastic laser light display with sound effects, but they said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see if it’s true for ourselves”. They hurried off and found the baby and all the detail was exactly as they had been told. As they returned to their sheep, they told everyone what they had heard and seen. I still love introducing people to Jesus. I would love for to see for yourself. You can’t rely on my faith, Jesus knows you and he wants you to know him. Jesus came into our world 2,000 years ago in the flesh, now he comes by his Spirit and you can know him. Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary, Ipswich IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 BRANTHAM METHODIST Rev Ian Gardner, Minister at Brantham Methodist 34 Medway Road, Ipswich IP3 0QH ian.gardner@methodist.org.uk / 01473 411507 Sunday 1
11am
Communion with Rev Ian Gardner
Sunday 8
2.30pm Christmas Songs of Praise
Sunday 15
11am
Worship with Mr William Glasse
Sunday 22
11am
Worship with Dr Liz Cope
Sunday 29
11am
Worship with Mr Roger Fern
AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 1
10.30am Worship with Mr Victor Jack 6.30pm Prayer
Sunday 8
10.30am Worship with Mr Tom Boswell
Sunday 15
10.30am All-age Christmas Celebration 6.30pm Carol Service with Rev Andrew Sankey
Sunday 22 10.30am Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey 4-5pm Cakes and Carols – for all ages Christmas Day 9.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 29
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10.30am Worship with Mr Roger Hulford
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Happy Christmas from your local churches
Please see the back pages for services and events at your local churches, with everything from traditional-style carol services, to family-friendly crib services. If you’d like to know more about the good news of Christmas, please talk to someone in your local church, or go to www.speaklife.org.uk/HeCameDown On behalf of Churches Together in the Manningtree District Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Lawford, Essex - 1133132
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD Vicar: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659 Services for December Sunday 1 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 8 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Family Service 3pm Cyclist & Ramblers Carol Service Sunday 15 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 22 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Family Carols 6.30pm Carol Service Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 Noon Crib Service 4pm Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 10.30am Family Communion Sunday 29 10.30am
Benefice Service at Lawford
SOME OF OUR REGULAR GROUPS Art Club: Fortnightly on Thursday afternoons
An all-age Anglican Church, meeting in St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, and St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley SERVICES & EVENTS FOR DECEMBER 2019 Sunday 1 December 10.30am Contemporary Communion with Treasure Seekers at Bradfield 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Mistley 6pm Traditional Advent Sunday Evening Prayer at Bradfield Sunday 8 December 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Bradfield 10.30am Contemporary Worship with Treasure Seekers at Mistley 6pm Traditional Evening Prayer at Mistley Sunday 15 December 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Mistley 10.30am Contemporary All-Age ‘Scratch Nativity’ Service at Bradfield 4pm Traditional Carol Service at Bradfield Sunday 22 December 8am Traditional Holy Communion (BCP) at Mistley 10.30am Traditional Morning Prayer at Bradfield No 10.30am service at Mistley 6pm Traditional Carols by Candlelight at Mistley Christmas Eve 11am All-Age Christmas Singalong at Bradfield 3pm All-Age Crib Service at Mistley 11.30pm Midnight Christmas Communion at Mistley
Coffee & Cake: Fourth Tuesday of the month
Christmas Day 10am Traditional Christmas Communion at Bradfield 10am Contemporary All-Age Christmas Celebration at Mistley
Edward Bear: Parents, grandparents, carers with babies and toddlers, Monday mornings from 9.30am in term time
Sunday 29 December 10.30am Joint Service at Mistley
Handbells: Every Monday
Treasure Seekers is our children’s programme for ages 3+
House Groups: Daytime and evening
All services are at St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley (CO11 1ER) or St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield (CO11 2US) unless otherwise stated.
Choir: Friday Practise
Ladies in Friendship Together: Fourth Monday of the month Messy Church: Every half term, parents and children together Pastoral Care: Upon request
CONTACT INFORMATION Rector: The Rev Dom Turner 01206 391218 / 07934 717535 / dom@manningtreebenefice.co.uk
Solo Club: Third Wednesday of the month
Associate Minister: The Rev John Brien 01206 397549 / brienfamily@btinternet.com
Support in Loss: Second Tuesday of the month Sunday School and Extreme: Sunday mornings during service
Associate Minister: The Rev Claire Scargill 01206 395417 / revclairescargill@gmail.com
Details from the rectory (01206 392659) or at: www.lawfordchurch.co.uk
Church Office: Normally available at least 10am-1pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays / 07436 398801 / info@manningtreebenefice.co.uk
LOVING GOD – LIVING LIFE
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CHURCH NEWS
HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Fr Paul Vincent, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 / www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR DECEMBER
The weekly newsletter, with all the parish mass times, is displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door of the church.
Sunday 1 1st Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 3 9.30am 10am
CATHOLIC COMMENTARY Coincidental with this issue of In Touch, we begin the Season of Advent, the period of preparation for Christmas. The preparations are intended to be spiritual as well as material and often include a penitential service, or for some, individual confession. The Nativity of Christ is followed in early January by the Epiphany (the coming of the Magi-the three Kings-to acknowledge and worship him) and the Baptism. Eastern Orthodox Christians tend to make more of these two feasts than do Western Christians and see the celebrations, taken together, as but one revelation of God incarnate in Jesus Christ.
Morning Prayer Mass
Sunday 8 2nd Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 10 9.20am 10am
Eucharistic Adoration Mass
Sunday 15 9am
3rd Sunday of Advent Mass
Bishop Alan Hopes installed Fr Paul Vincent as our parish priest on Sunday 6 October. Fr Paul has now been joined in Ipswich by his fellow Carmelite priest, Fr Benny, with the prospect of a third member arriving from India next year. In the Catholic Church each religious order has a distinctive charism, the spirit of contemplation in the case of the Carmelites. Of course action has to follow prayer, but a model of Christian community is significant in itself. The Carmelite charism can also be followed by lay people in their own lives, in the family, in their work or professions.
Tuesday 17 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 22 9am 11am
4th Sunday of Advent Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ
EVENTS AND DIARY DATES The 100 Club draw took place on November 17 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £166 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 15 December at Holy Family, Brantham. 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 at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk
Tuesday 24 Christmas Eve: The Nativity of The Lord 5.30pm Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 8pm Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB Wednesday 25, Christmas Day 9am Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB 11am Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ Sunday 29 9am
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Mass
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 to noon. We are raising funds for the new carpet in the Parish Room and all are very welcome to join us. The next coffee morning is on Thursday 30 January.
Tuesday 31 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass
MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH South Street, Manningtree CO11 2JB
Minister: The Rev Tom Osborne, 01206 396654
Manningtree & District Chess Club, 7.30pm
Museum & History Group (bi-monthly), 7.30pm SERVICES IN DECEMBER Friday: Zumba, 10-11am Sunday 1, 10.15am: Rev Tom Osborne with Holy Communion Sunday 8, 10.15am: Mrs Maggie Woods Church Bookings: David Shearmur, 01206 395263 Sunday 15: No Morning Worship 3pm Carol Service followed with refreshments FORTHCOMING EVENTS Sunday 22, 10.15am: Rev Crawford Logan Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm: Wednesday 25, 10.30am: Christmas Day Family Worship Essex Police Choir Concert in Manningtree Methodist Church Sunday 29, 10.15am: Rev Chris Preece Tickets £6 from church members or on the door – Sunday 5 January, 10.15am: Annual Covenant Service, Rev Tom Osborne don’t miss this great evening. WELCOME WEDNESDAY The church has had many well-attended fundraising events. In mid-October Wednesday 4, 1.45pm: Magic of Christmas Music at Mistley Parish Church the Autumn Sale raised £685.57 and the Bumper Book Sale at the end of Wednesday 11, 2.30pm: Christmas Party October raised £783.75 for church funds. Wednesday 8 January, 2.30pm: New Year Customs around The World ALSO MEETING ON OUR PREMISES Monday Workers Education Association, nine lectures in autumn and spring, 2.30pm Stour Choral Society (starts on Sept 9), 7.30pm Tuesday: Women’s Guild, 7.15pm Wednesday Gentle Fitness Class, 9.15am Art Painting Group, 10am-noon
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The church also supports much needed charities, including the Manningtree Food Bank, East Anglia Children’s Hospices and Christmas Shoe Boxes for the Samaritan’s Purse. We also have collecting boxes for All We Can (the Methodist charity for work overseas and at home) and Action for Children. Shoe Boxes ready for dispatch for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child are pictured awaiting collection at Manningtree Methodist Church.
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CHURCH NEWS LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational – Evangelical, meeting in Lawford at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street CO11 2JG (unless otherwise stated) Saturdays (second in month) sees our popular Cafe/Oasis Coffee Morning from 9.30-11.45am. This is followed by our Divine Worship Service which is conducted by our pastor with supporting ministry. No meeting in December. Our Cafe/Oasis event on 12 October was blessed with a large attendance in spite of the rain. It was a joy to welcome newcomers, and some who had travelled from a distance. Fridays (third in month) at The Venture Centre on Bromley Road is our monthly Meeting Point for Bible Study, fellowship, praise and news/mission up-dates, 10am-noon. This month we meet on 18 December. For New Year services and events please see the special leaflet or visit: www.linklinecmnortheastessex.co.uk We warmly welcome people of all ages. To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
NEWS Our pastoral visitation programme continues to be a source of comfort, fellowship and assurance as we maintain our contacts with folk at home or in hospital. Our coach holiday to Eastbourne in September proved to be a time of much blessing. We welcomed newcomers from the Tendring district. The services of King’s Coaches and accompanying trained stewards all contributed to a very happy event. For pastoral visits and further information on our work and witness, please contact us at: 01206 272064 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk
KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus John 3:16 For God so loved the world he gave his only son. That if we believed in him he gives us life. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. If you need to talk to someone about any needs please contact us and we will do all we can to help. ALPHA! Course A non-denominational church teaching the love of Jesus’s Gospel. Sunday Service: 11am-12.30pm The Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE Contact David: 07787 572977 / davidrhule@icloud.com www.keytoloveministries.com
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 Wednesday at 9.45am in St Mary and St Michael’s, preceded by Morning Prayer 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.
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