In Touch
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Volume 10 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2020
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Have you noticed the days getting the teensiest bit longer? It’s barely perceptible but I’m sure the sky is a little bit brighter when I leave work than it was even a week ago. However, it can be a rather gloomy time of the year so this month I’ve set out to give you something to laugh at! I hope it works. The Funniest Joke of The Fringe award was introduced 12 years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe. The goal of finding the wittiest one-liners falls to an expert panel of 10 judges, comprising of the UK’s leading comedy critics. Last year’s winner was Swedish comedian Olaf Falafel. He took the title with the gag: “I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets” Ten jokes made the 2019 shortlist. My favourites were: “Someone stole my antidepressants. Whoever they are, I hope they’re happy” Richard Stott “A cowboy asked me if I could help him round up 18 cows. I said, ‘Yes, of course. That’s 20 cows’” Jake Lambert “A thesaurus is great. There’s no other word for it” Ross Smith “After learning six hours of basic semaphore, I was flagging” Richard Pulsford “To be or not to be a horse rider, that is Equestrian” Mark Simmons Here are a few others which made the shortlist over the years but failed to win: “I’m sure wherever my dad is; he’s looking down on us. He’s not dead, just very condescending.” Jack Whitehall “I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it the ‘brella’. But he hesitated” Andy Field “I’ll tell you what’s unnatural in the eyes of God. Contact lenses.” Zoe Lyons They say humour is subjective and I know (or have been told) mine is somewhat ‘dark’, but you can’t deny the beautiful simplicity of each of the jokes highlighted here, and the talents behind them. Oh just one more… “I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Ken Cheng
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In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & 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
NEWS MANNINGTREE ROTARY CLUB IS STILL COLLECTING In September 2019 we started collecting handbags and belts on behalf of the East Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH). After just three months of collecting, we have delivered 70 handbags and 55 belts to their Ipswich office but we still need more. If you are able to support our collection, you can find our collection box at Manningtree Co-op, and for those who have already supported us, thank you. Jo White is pictured receiving the bags and belts on behalf of EACH from Rotarian Roger Griffiths.
A SIGNIFICANT BIRTHDAY FOR TATTINGSTONE VILLAGE HALL 2020 will be a rather special year for our old and much loved Tattingstone Village Hall, which started life as a hut 100 years ago . This is an early mention of it written by the Rector of St Mary’s at the time: “At the close of the (Great) War, steps were taken to provide an Institute or Recreation Room for the parish; and an army hut was erected, and opened April 24th 1920.” My general belief is that, other than the tablet in St Mary’s and the wooden board over the door inside the village hall itself, both in memory of the fallen from the village in the First World War, it was chosen by the parish rather than a stone war memorial. Certainly a significant number of survivors returned to the village with injuries and disabilities likely to render them unable to return to their previous occupations, thus making the hut a very practical and useful choice for a gathering place for them and the whole community, as indeed it has been for 100 years and counting. I intend to research deeds and other archived sources to chart the history of the hall and the changes that have taken place through the decades. I’d love to hear from anyone who has memories of events and occasions, happy or sad, fun or serious. No douth there will be people in the surrounding villages and beyond who have a connection of one kind or another and will hopefully have something to add. So what are your favourite memories of Tattingstone Village Hall – recent or past? Obviously the further back the better, but every memory and photo is important. Were you there for the Blind Date fundraiser in the 1980s, one of the village socials in the 1940s or a children’s party in the 1930s? Then there are all the clubs, past and present – dropin, bowls, WI, Penpix, karate, playgroup and Little Signers as present day examples. What too about those from further back, not forgetting its use by the parish church and the school. Have you worked on the village hall – repairs, alterations, extensions for instance? The list goes on... This centenary will be a time to celebrate and we could certainly do with more fun! So with the village hall committee planning an event or two, I’d like you to dig out those photos. Cast your minds back and please get in touch. Tattingstone Village Recorder Jane Kirk 01473 328328 / 07974 455927 / tattingstonehistory@gmail.com
We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Monday 10 February is the advertising and editorial deadline for the March edition
www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree
This last Christmas, Manningtree Food Bank and its dedicated volunteers, backed by very generous giving and the support of Manningtree Co-op, gave food boxes to 92 families, which served 134 adults and 109 children, much needed help to those in need in our area.
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NEWS PRACTICAL ACTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT ‘Global warming’ and ‘climate emergency’ are the watchwords of 2020. They are terms which many more of us are realising actually relate to us and the way we live our lives. However, information about global warming and what we can do about it often seems overwhelming and distressing. Pictures of polar bears on dwindling ice shelves are difficult for most of us to relate to and ways to translate these sad images into practical action are uncertain and obscure. Last year a group of concerned local residents from the Manningtree area started meeting to talk about this. Sara Smith, a founder member of the group, says: “Talking helped us to articulate our concerns about climate change and the environment. It also helped us to start working together to see what we could do in our little corner of the world along the Stour Estuary.” Out of these meetings, PACE Manningtree was born. PACE stands for ‘Practical Action on Climate and the Environment’ and is now a community group exploring and carrying out activities locally to address the climate and ecological crisis. “We can’t do it alone,” says founder member Chris Bowden. “We need more members. We want to increase understanding about this topic and to help local residents to take simple but positive steps to protect our environment.” PACE Manningtree is supporting and facilitating the sharing of good ideas and information, as well as putting ideas into practice through a variety of local projects. PACE has members from East Bergholt, Dedham, Manningtree, Lawford and Brantham and is actively looking for more. To kick PACE off with a bang, it’s holding a free Climate Knees-Up at the Red Lion in Manningtree on Saturday 14 March with live music, locally produced food and the chance to connect with like-minded members of the local community. Sara encourages new members: “It doesn’t matter if you’re into preserving wildlife or growing food, if you have skills to share or would like to learn more, if you just want to shop more consciously or help others do the same – all you need is good intentions and to show up – we’ll do the rest together. We are creating a community to build our collective resilience to climate change.” PACE is an open group that meets every couple of weeks and welcomes anyone who wants to be involved. To join in the email discussion email chris@navigusplanning.co.uk or join our private Facebook group: PACE (Practical Actions for Climate and Environment) Manningtree
MISTLEY PARISH COUNCIL STATEMENT
PROPOSED COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE REVIEW A small group of local residents proposed a merger between three councils – Lawford Parish Council, Manningtree Town Council and Mistley Parish Council. However, having considered such a merger only a few months ago, Mistley Parish Council voted unanimously not to merge and has therefore issued the following statement to reiterate its position. “Mistley is a large village. Our village is unique and we wish to maintain and protect our identity, our cultural and historical heritage, which includes our Mistley Towers, two classical towers which were designed in 1776 and are now looked after by English Heritage. We have many listed buildings in our village and within the conservation area. We also have Furze Hill Wood and our many veteran oak trees, including the famous Old Knobbley. Our swans have been in Mistley since the 17th century and have made our village their home. Mistley Parish Council is opposed to its historic village been urbanised. “Any community governance review is meant to ensure that local governance is effective and convenient, and that it reflects the identities and interests of local communities. “The boundaries of most parishes make sense; they represent clear community or geographical boundaries. Mistley Parish Council feels that this is the case for Mistley and it is totally opposed to any mergers or changes involving Mistley. However, if Lawford Parish Council and Manningtree Town Council wish to merge, Mistley Parish Council has no issues with this.”
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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
CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Volunteer Transport Scheme Volunteer transport schemes exist to help patients when they need to attend the practice for appointments. These schemes are aimed at patients who have poor mobility, are unable to use public transport and don’t have a friend or relative available to help. Our reception team can provide details of these schemes. An increasing number of our patients need such assistance, but our transport schemes need more volunteer drivers. If you are interested then please provide your details to the practice to be passed on to the scheme coordinators who would be happy to discuss how the scheme operates. New Appointment System If you need to speak to a doctor about a medical problem, you will be placed on a call back list and the receptionist will inform you if the doctor will call you either before or after 1pm. Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstance and medical emergencies, the doctor may try to call you at a time other than specified, so it would be appreciated if patients can be as accommodating as possible. Once you have booked a call back appointment, please keep your phone with you or remain close to a phone until you have heard from the doctor. They will try the number provided twice, but if they are unable to get through then the patient may need to rebook a call back appointment. Training Days Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday 6 February and Wednesday 4 March. On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy but the practice reception will be closed. The 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
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 In addition to lots of additional information and news, the minutes of Mistley Parish Council meetings are available at: http://mistleyparishcouncil.co.uk
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01/09/2019 18:01
NEWS / OUT & ABOUT BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MCCRAW REPORT TO PARISH, BRANTHAM WARD: JANUARY 2020 End of Year and Forward Planning A happy New Year to all. 2019/20 has already seen some significant changes at Babergh. The combined CON/IND/LD administration is operating well so far, if not perfectly yet. It’s only been eight months but political tensions are much reduced. There are good relationships emerging with the new Green and Labour members and they play an important part within council. I expect that to continue. Independent members would always tend to support an inclusive, adult and pragmatic approach, but there must be compassion and understanding as well. That being said, we’re only human. Politics may rear its ugly head, but my principle is always to ‘make it work then make it work better’. This translates into a lot of policy, the means by which we make our decisions. At one level, that might become the Free Swims programme for those 16 and under. At another it will involve new contracts for waste collection, the Joint Local Plan or an overarching corporate strategy. That last one is the hardest to explain and can easily be misunderstood. Scrutiny has just been looking at what these things mean to the cabinet, district council, parish and town councils and, most of all, to the end user; you. Corporate Strategy and Outputs is a pretty daunting term but it’s not that sinister. As your council, we must have an overall plan. Ours start from a circle, with our very existence at the centre, and radiates outwards through our main areas of operation: communities, environment, economic growth, planning, housing, assets and investments and the finances that enable us to do all this. ‘Corporate Outputs’ (a truly ugly phrase) were recently examined by Scrutiny, and describe what we’d like to do in those areas. At the next level, the one that comes closer to everyday life in Babergh, are the policies and actions we decide to take, though not always completely in our control. Other factors may be involved, but we must have a direction. And yes, it can and will change sometimes. An astonishing number of those policies are already in place. It’s been notable that the administration has developed, or is developing, so many. I’ll pay tribute to the councillors and officers who do that work. You could ask why I’m telling you this. I’m not a cabinet member, though the Independent Group is obviously involved. I chair Overview and Scrutiny and we see nearly everything, a privledged positon requiring a sense of responsibility. More importantly, I’ve always believed that politicians of any stripe should be able to explain and inform about the difficult bits. Apologies for the philosophy and idealism. Citizens Advice Babergh & Mid Suffolk Scrutiny set up a Cross Authority Task and Finish Group last year. Four Suffolk authorities became involved; Babergh, Mid Suffolk, Ipswich and West Suffolk. We have just completed our report on The Value, Impact and Future Funding of Citizens Advice in Suffolk. It was an issue we had concerns over last year There’s been some press coverage and the report will be freely available by now. CA serves the county for a very small amount of money. In existence longer than the NHS or any of our councils, we concluded that they not only deserved financial support, but that it was in your interest, all the authorities’ interest and better value for money than any of us could achieve. The final report and recommendations should be easily found online, or you can contact me. Brantham As I become increasingly involved in Babergh, I never ignore home. It’s been quiet on the planning front since November but an application for housing at Church Field from Hopkins Homes can be expected shortly. They have been rather more proactive than we have seen before. Other unresolved applications are just that, unresolved. I remain in touch with all involved in The Factory areas as housing development is expected to actually start this year. The day to day issues are equally important, so contact me with your queries. Alastair McCraw: 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alastair McCraw, Brantham Independent Councillor (Open Group)
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FRIDAYS@THEHUB The Hub is at 1 The Lane, Manningtree (next to the Mogul) Every Friday 10am-12.30pm Free coffee, tea and biscuits There’s always company for a chat We welcome visitors of all ages, including little ones!
Colchester Credit Union is also open every Friday morning at The Hub from 10am-noon • A Community Bank for Savings & Loans • Supported by Tendring District Council • Keeps your money as safe as any high street bank • Loans are available to regular savers • £1 is enough to open an account All services at The Hub, all provided by local churches, are free For more info about the drop-in and Credit Union please call Dagmar on 07891 963005
ENGALYNX FEEDING PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO CHANGE LIVES To raise funds for the infant feeding programme run by Brantham-based charity Engalynx, founded in Manningtree in 1998, the U3A Singing for Fun choir provided an afternoon of entertainment at East Bergholt Congregational Church. The singers, led by Ted and Carole Wheatley, sang a variety of music ranging from folk songs to Christmas Carols. The newly formed U3A ukulele group joined in the fun with a festive interlude much enjoyed by the audience and singers alike. This event was organised by Ted and Carole, with the singers being wonderfully accompanied by Martin Huggett on the piano. At the end of the show, Maralyn Bambridge, founder of Engalynx, explained that 2019 was the first year that the children had enjoyed a set meal every day. These children are pupils at the Bihembe Nursery School in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. This appears to have been a great success and the charity is eagerly waiting the end of year report. The programme is very simple and easily controlled from the UK through the school and local authority. The mothers take the children to school and then prepare and serve the breakfast at 10am. The porridge that is served is a WHO approved mix of soybeans, sorghum and maize with sugar and served with bread. This encourages parents to bring the children to school and for the year starting January 2020, the number of children registered has increased by 20 percent. Maralyn is very happy to talk about her work in Rwanda over the last 21 years and can be reached on: 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com
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OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Welcome to the February edition of In Touch. With colder weather on its way, and the possibility of a snow flurry or two, making our cars safe is very important. We have all seen that person who clears a hole of ice on their windscreen to peer through before driving off, and many of us have followed a car with a foot of snow on their roof falling off and hitting our windscreen as they drive along. Consider the following before you drive: • Brush any snow from your car and use a sturdy scraper to clear all of your windows. • Keep washer fluid topped up.
CRAFT FAIR Saturday 8 February, 11am-3.30pm Manningtree Methodist Church, South Street CO11 1HP Entry is free, and there will be a raffle and refreshments. Contact Maggie: 07867 546484
• Check your lights are clean and working.
EVENTS AT MANNINGTREE LIBRARY
• Check your tyre tread depth. Failure to do this may lead to a fine if you are found to have inadequate tread remaining.
Love Your Library Day – Saturday 15 February
• In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely unless you absolutely have to make the journey. The what3words app Suffolk Police is now using Smart technology to help locate people in need. Known as what3words, it divides the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and allows the user to use a unique three word address. In some remote Suffolk countryside, where it’s difficult to pinpoint a correct location, the app is very useful. Suffolk is one of the first police forces to fully use this app and it’s proving invaluable. The app is free to download and use. For more information visit: https://what3words.com Police Connect A great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in your area is to sign up to Police Connect. This is a free messaging service which gives you the latest policing news for your area. This can be delivered by email, text or telephone. If you are interested in this free service please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us
Join us for a day of activities in the library. Essex Book Festival Laura Purcell, author of The Silent Companions and The Corset, will be discussing her latest book, Bone China, at Manningtree Library on Monday 16 March. Pick up a brochure for further details and booking information. 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. 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
Call the police on 101 to report non-urgent crimes and concerns which do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency Community Engagement Officer/Link Officer PC 287 Sarah George
DEATH CAFE STILL ALIVE AND KICKING! The Death Cafe met at the Compasses in Holbrook on Sunday 5 January and we had a lively discussion, with information and experiences shared around the subject of dying and death. Many find that this area of our lives, one that we will all face eventually, is often avoided in conversation because we don’t have enough information or understanding. In previous times people died at home and we grew up with dying and death as a normal part of our lives. Today our living mostly comes to an end in hospital or hospice and we seem to have ‘outsourced’ the process to the professionals, and yet it is one of our most significant and personal events.
MEDICAL CANNABIS: WEEDING OUT THE FACTS An insight into drug trials in medicine and the facts behind the use of cannabis in medicine Professor Richard Appleton, Consultant and Professor in Paediatric Neurology, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the University of Liverpool Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm Parish Rooms, Stratford St Mary £8 ticket includes wine All proceeds to Stratford St Mary’s Church Fabric Fund Tickets are available on the door or in advance from Hall Farm Shop or Stratford St Mary Post Office (Vale Garage, Upper Street)
The Death Cafe movement is worldwide and was founded in the UK in 2011 by Jon Underwood. We meet every two months on Sunday mornings from 10.30am-noon in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook. Tea or coffee is served. There’s no agenda, no speakers, just us having an interesting chat. This is not a support group. We are comfortable talking about these matters and sharing with others our interest and experience.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ACORN VILLAGE
If you are interested in joining us, maybe just to see what we are about, to join the conversation or simply to listen, here are some dates for your diary: March 1, May 3 and July 5.
Do you have time to help your local charity? It’s a great way to make new friends, research potentially valuable items and ultimately help those in need by making the most out every donation that comes into Acorn Village.
For further information please contact Jane Gould: 01473 789777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com
If you have some spare time, please get in contact by emailing: supportus@acornvillages.com or find out more at: www.acornvillages.com
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OUT & ABOUT
STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Sunday 8 March at 4pm: Carducci String Quartet St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG / Tickets £15 Founded in 1997, this internationally renowned Anglo-Irish quartet based in the UK is known for being extremely versatile. They are holders of many awards and have performed everything from brand new quartets, classic works by Haydn, complete Shostakovich cycles and even partnered with folkrock icon Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. They also have their own annual festival in Gloucestershire and still manage to fit in a busy touring schedule in the UK and abroad. “high-octane playing balanced control with devil-may-care spontaneity” The Guardian Sunday 29 March at 4pm: Kammerphilharmonie Europa St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG / Tickets £15 Kammerphilharmonie Europa, or Chamber Orchestra Europe, is an orchestra of talented young musicians recruited from 18 European nations. Founded in Cologne, Germany in 2006 by Russian-born Leonid Tritus, it has achieved an outstanding artistic level and tours widely across Europe.
MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Our Christmas social was enjoyed by a good number of members and their partners. Once again we were entertained by certain club members with a variety of comedy and cultural turns and the annual quiz, with Dave posing some very interesting questions! Club activity has been a little quiet over the Christmas period so I have included a couple of quotes to inspire all you photographers out there. “Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything” – Aaron Siskind “The only photographer you should compare yourself to is the one you used to be” – Unknown
In this concert Kirill Gusarov (trumpet) and Michel Gershwin (violin) will showcase their talent in two diverse concertos and the nine-member ensemble will treat us to some well-loved repertoire.
On January 30 there is a talk on Creative Expression with Roy Essery. On February 13 we have a Landscape and Seascape print competition and on February 27 a Weather PDI competition.
Tickets can be booked online or by contacting: svamtickets@btinternet.com / 01206 298426
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.svam.org.uk
THE ORCHARD PLAYERS
www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk
Quiz Night Join us for our fundraising quiz night on Saturday 21 March. More details to follow – keep an eye out in the next edition, check out our Facebook page or pre-register your team now via: info@theorchardplayers.com
This month’s featured image is Glass Half Full by Jill Sullivan.
Summer Show 2020 – Musical of Dreams (July 2-4) Everyone has dreams, but for one young man his dreams may actually come true. Follow him through his tough times, his fun times and his simply magical times as he embarks on a musical adventure with all your favourite characters and songs. Will he find the courage and confidence to make dreams come true? Or will others force him to take a different path? All will be revealed in our musical of dreams! dream you dream alone is only a dream… a dream we dream together A becomes reality! Read through and auditions in February: Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details. New members always welcome. Join Us! Are you creative, good with young people, calm in a crisis, a bit of a techie, but not keen to get up on stage? We’re always looking for people to get involved behind the scenes in creating props and scenery, chaperoning the juniors, helping back stage and front-of house and working with the technical team on sound and lighting. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please get in touch via Facebook, or email us at: info@theorchardplayers.com
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TEA & SUPPORT IN 2020 Tea and Support, the friendly, practical support group for those recently bereaved or left living alone, meets from 2-4pm on the third Wednesday of each month at Mistley Church Hall, New Road, Mistley (just opposite The Towers). Transport is available on request to Paskells. We offer a friendly and safe place to spend time with others, make new friends or 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. We also support each other on special birthdays or anniversaries. The programme for 2020 will be available as soon as possible but this month’s meeting at 2pm on February 19 will be a musical miscellany. Life can become difficult and often lonely for anyone left alone. Please come along and join us at Tea & Support or ring Sue Orriss on 01206 395355 or Paskell’s on 01206 396709 for further information or a transport request. Programmes for 2020 will be available shortly in St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, New Road, Mistley, at St Lawrence Church, Bradfield or from Paskell’s of Manningtree.
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OUT & ABOUT INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE Sunday 23 February, 10am-noon East Bergholt High School
Admission 50p / Free Car Park Refreshments available Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open at 9am to set up T: 07776 291445
STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY SPRING CONCERT Stour Choral Society will perform Handel’s Messiah on Saturday 28 March at Mistley Parish Church at 2.30pm. Don’t miss this exciting event when the choir will perform under the baton of musical director Susie Hyman. Soloists will be Lindsay Gowers (soprano), Anna Maria Hyman (mezzo soprano), Mitesh Khatri, (tenor) and Peter Grevatt (bass) with the organist Stephen Smith, trumpeters Glyn Sweeting and Jonathan Abbott and timpanist Ben Steinitz. Tickets (£12) will be available from Howells Hardware Store, High Street, Manningtree, from choir members or on: 01206 619084
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Following on from last month’s talk on Prisoner of War Camps in the Second World War, Carole Wheatley will enlighten us on Internment in Guernsey during the Second World War on February 5. Two weeks later, on February 19, Colin Hopper will present The Story of London Bridge. On Wednesday 4 March, Maureen Clarke will talk to us about The Plight of Street Orphans in India and we will be holding our annual general meeting on Wednesday 18 March. 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 at 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 our president Dave Carman: 01255 880202
MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11 February 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. For more information please email: poetry.plus@gmx.com
STOUR VALLEY U3A Wednesday 12 February: The Life & Times of an Essex Bad Girl From prison to a successful brand by Tracy from the Giggly Pig Co, how she managed to change the direction of her life to become a pig farmer and successful sausage producer. Wednesday 11 March: Bees and Flowers Master beekeeper Jeremy Quinlan will talk on the contest between them to gain benefits from the relationship explained. Wednesday 8 April: Colchester Roman Circus & The Fenwick Treasure Philip Crummy, Director & Principal Archaeologist at Colchester Archaeological Trust, speaks about the two most interesting archaeological discoveries in Colchester in recent years. 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. Further information is available online. 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. While visitors are welcome to join us on a limited number of occasions, paying a donation each time, members are given priority due to limited capacity. Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am-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. For updates visit: www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT LAWFORD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY
The last event of 2019 was our Christmas meal at The Brantham Bull, a most enjoyable event with good food, great company and a nice way to end the year. There was no meeting in January but it has been a good opportunity to take stock of what we want to achieve in our gardens in 2020. What challenges will we face in the new decade with our climate changing?
We are delighted to confirm that our new season of talks will commence on Wednesday 5 February. Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. If any of the talks interest you and you would like to know more, please come and meet us. We are always happy to welcome new people.
Our first meeting of 2020 is on Thursday 20 February where Fiona Edmond from Green Island Gardens will return with her wealth of knowledge and experience. It’s sure to be inspiring for us all. It is also the night for annual subscriptions to be paid, still at the bargain price of £5.
The guest speaker on February 5 is Aliki Braine. Her talk is titled Same Old Same New. Aliki questions whether old masters help us understand modern works. Her resumé includes her role as associate director for the University of the Arts London. She regularly exhibits her photographic work internationally.
If you like gardens, flowers, plants, nature and wildlife, or just hearing interesting talks and demonstrations with friendly people, do come along and join us to see what we are about – no pressure to join. We start at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of the Month. We look forward to see you there. For further information contact Lisa Watsham: 01206 390245
The guest speaker on Wednesday 4 March is Shawn Kholucy. Shawn explores the driving force behind the architect and designer R R Ashbee in a talk entitled R R Ashbee – What Made Him Do It?. 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
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
LAWFORD CARPET BOWLS CLUB New members are welcome at Lawford Carpet Bowls Club. We meet at Ogilvie Hall in Wignall Street on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4.30pm and on Friday evenings from 7.30-9.30pm.
REMEMBER A LOVED ONE WITH A SNOWDROP St Helena Hospice has commissioned 1,500 commemorative snowdrop which have been hand-crafted in metal by the British Ironwork Centre. The snowdrops will create a display at the beautiful Beth Chatto Gardens from February 14-16. The hospice is giving people the chance to dedicate a snowdrop in memory of a loved one in return for a donation to support local hospice care. After the display your snowdrop is yours to keep or to give as a gift. This is not limited to just those who have used hospice services; anyone who wishes to remember and celebrate someone special is welcome to dedicate a snowdrop. The display will be open to the public from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 February, giving visitors the opportunity to reflect on the life and memories of a loved one. Visitors will also have the option to write a message for their loved one on remembrance boards which will be proudly displayed throughout the weekend at Beth Chatto Gardens. Following the display, the boards will be moved to St Helena Hospice’s Learning & Development Centre where people have the chance to view the boards again and share in a moment of reflection. Essex based solicitors Fisher Jones Greenwood is the headline sponsor for St Helena Hospice’s Snowdrops. The appeal is also being supported by sponsors Perrywood Sudbury and East of England Co-op Funeral Services. Snowdrops are available now for a suggested donation of £30 to St Helena Hospice, which could help a child dealing with the death of a parent to work with the children and families bereavement team to channel their feelings with activities such as decorating a flowerpot and planting their own snowdrops. St Helena Hospice’s snowdrops are very limited so to guarantee yours please visit: www.sthelena.org.uk/snowdrops.
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SPORT LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC
Congratulations to the reserves who have successfully progressed to the quarter-finals of the Essex Junior Cup following wins over favourites Witham U23, Eastside and Arsleford Reserves. The quarter-final will be on January 25 at School Lane against Clacton Reserves. Manager Jay Welham has signed in excess of 20 players and continues to build the team. This season nine of the U18s have played for the Reserves, three of whom have progressed through to the first team.
The First Team continued their high scoring form with two five goal victories to take them to fifth in the Senior Division table going into 2020. In their only fixture in December, the Reserves exited the Travel Plus Tours Cup at Old Newton. The A Team also lost the only fixture played last month.
Club officials had the wool pulled over their eyes after being caught unprepared for a recent pitch invasion. Play was interrupted during two games while managers and coaches tried to shepherd the culprits away, last seen disappearing down the footpath towards Wignall Street. A club spokesman warned that this type of behaviour would not be tolerated and that, inevitably, repeat offenders would be baaed! Congratulations to the ladies team and those who support them behind the scenes on achieving FA Charter Status. Club chairman John Duchars said: “This means that all sections of the club have charter status, an achievement that we can be truly proud of.” Manager Si Collinson added: “I am delighted that we have achieved charter status and look forward to the ladies becoming even more integrated with the rest of the club.” Former Lawford lads Secretary Bob Wheatly has shared images of teams from the 1960s. Bob was secretary from 1956 to 1964 and then vicechairman and chairman. In 1968 he was elected vicechairman of the Colchester and East Essex League before serving as chairman, president and now patron. Bob’s father-in-law Bob Broom was one of the founders of the Lads. The images that Bob has shared, clearly the work of a talented photographer, can be found online at: www.lawfordfc.co.uk
MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB The AGM was held on December 10. Andy Birch retired after nearly 30 years as treasurer. The club is very grateful to Andy for his dedication. Myles Churchill is taking over the role. The club was pleased to approve life memberships for Bruce Gladwin and Geoff Cullum.
The club held a social Vets game against near neighbours Capel over the Christmas period, which was played at Flatford Lane due to the excessive rain. A very enjoyable event saw the Bergholt Old Boys run out 5-1 victors, but the result was not really the most important aspect of the afternoon. FIXTURES 1st Team Senior Division 1 Feb: Benhall St Mary (H) 8 Feb: Capel Plough (H) 15 Feb: Old Newton Utd (A) 22 Feb: Henley Athletic (H) 29 Feb: Bildeston Rangers (H) Reserves: League A 25 Jan: Trimley Red Devils Res (H) 8 Feb: Sporting 87 Res (A) 15 Feb: Haughley Utd Res (H): 29 Feb: Claydon Res (A) A Team: League C 25 Jan: Ransomes Sports Res (A) 1 Feb: Coplestonians A (A) 8 Feb: Stowupland Falcons Res (A) 15 Feb: Wickham Market Res (H) 22 Feb: Henley Athletic Res (A) Fixtures subject to change; to confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 EVENTS The FIFA tournament will be repeated and is open to all-comers so keep an eye out for the next one. This season marks the 125th anniversary of the club and 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 the secretary or on our Facebook page. And keep Easter Sunday 2020 free! We are looking for new teams, ladies, boys and girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. If you are interested please contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc Twitter: @EBUFC1
Senior Nets will be moving to a Monday evening and will begin on February 24 at RHS. Junior Nets will begin on Valentine’s Day at Manningtree Sports Centre. December 2019 100 Club Winners 1: Bruce & Pauline Gladwin (72) £120 2: Callum O’Connell (78) £60 3: Dave Kemsley (65) £50 The club runs three Saturday sides and two Sunday sides at men’s adult level. The first eleven will play in the Two Counties Division One, the second team in Division 3 and the third 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 of player. 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
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A warm welcome guaranteed Bentley Road, Little Bromley, CO11 2PL www.thehaywain.co.uk | 01206 390004
BREAKFAST |LUNCH | DINNER | FUNCTION ROOM HIRE Enjoy a meal in front of our fire in the pub, in our private dining room or our large function room Events
Breakfast & Brunch Saturdays and Sundays 9.30am - 12.00pm
8th February - Pudding Night 14th February - Valentine’s Day
Winter Warmer Wednesday
21st February - Pub Quiz
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CHURCH NEWS MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH SOUTH STREET, MANNINGTREE CO11 2JB
BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES
Minister: The Rev Tom Osborne, 01206 396654 Services in February at 10.15am
I’ve just returned from a conference on transformational leadership. We began by each sharing three ‘wow’ moments, moments in our lives when we felt fully alive.
Sunday 2: Rev Tom Osborne with Holy Communion Sunday 9: Mrs Maddy Whittle Sunday 16: TBC Sunday 23: Mrs Ann Beeton Wednesday 26: 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Service, Rev Derek Lang Welcome Wednesdays: Bible Study on the first Wednesday at 2.30pm, Holy Communion at 2.30pm on the third Wednesday and activities with tea and coffee on the second and fourth Wednesdays. ALSO MEETING ON OUR PREMISES Monday Workers Education Association, nine lectures in autumn and spring, 2.30pm Stour Choral Society (Sept to June), 7.30pm Tuesday: Women’s Guild, 7pm Wednesday Gentle Fitness Class, 9.30am Art Painting Group, 10am-noon Manningtree & District Chess Club, 7.30pm Museum & History Group (bi-monthly), 7.30pm Manningtree Town Council meet on the third Thursday of every month at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated. Friday: Zumba, 10-11am Church Bookings: David Shearmur, 01206 395263 OTHER EVENTS Saturday 8 February, 11am-3.30pm: Craft Fair with lots of different crafts on display, Fairtrade goods, raffle and refreshments. For details contact: 01206 393114
There was someone at the conference I hadn’t seen for 28 years. Neither of us recognised each other or knew in advance the other would be there. My wife and I had been friends with her family for two years when we lived in the same town. She was just eight years old when we left, but we did keep in touch with her parents and some 14 years later her mother wrote and asked if her daughter, who wanted to travel, could visit us in Zimbabwe. She spent four weeks with us in a busy household, sharing a bedroom with our eldest daughter. She and I visited several of the 123 churches that I shared pastoral care of with two other ministers. She saw the work of the Family AIDS Caring Trust which I had set up and witnessed the contrast between rich and poor and the vibrant worship in the rural villages. We ensured she was shown some of the great sights Zimbabwe has to offer. In a breakout group at the conference, she shared the story of this visit as one of her ‘wow’ moments. I wasn’t in that group, but she came to find me when she heard my name (her name had changed – she had married and has children). She reminded me of so many details about that trip that I had totally forgotten. For her it had been a life changing trip. We had no idea that it had made such an impact on her life. We often don’t know the impact of our lives on other people. Driving home, I listened to an audiobook that my son had lent me, where bosses had thought they were appreciating the staff working for them but the reality was that the staff felt oppressed by the numerous demands placed upon them and the short deadlines imposed. The boss had been insensitive. Having had an affirmation, I recognise that I too can be insensitive and can leave a negative impact on people’s lives. Our words and attitudes can hurt or build up others. I pray may my life bless others. Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Rev Ian Gardner, Minister at Brantham Methodist 34 Medway Road, Ipswich IP3 0QH ian.gardner@methodist.org.uk / 01473 411507 Sunday 2
11am
Communion with Rev Ian Gardner
Sunday 9
11am
Worship with Mr Harry Chicken
Sunday 16
11am
Sunday 23 11am
Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Worship with Mr Mike Castle
AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister
A very enjoyable evening was held at Manningtree Methodist Church on Saturday 7 December when the church welcomed Essex Police Choir with a performance of seasonal choral music and community carols and some very accomplishes piano interludes. The evening raised £381 for church funds and £128 for East Anglian Children’s Hospices through the raffle. Many thanks to all who supported and organised this event.
Sunday 2
10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Docherty 6.30pm Prayer
Sunday 9
10.30am Worship with Mr Richard Spencer
Sunday 16
10.30am Worship with Rev Pauline Bailey 7pm Contemporary Worship with Jim Ross
Saturday 22 3.30pm Sunday 23
Messy Church
10.30am Worship and Communion with
Rev Andrew Sankey
United Prayer at Capel Community Church
6.30pm
David Shearmur
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CHURCH NEWS
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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 RAMBLING RECTOR I have been considering what we should study during Lent, that special time of personal and community preparation for the celebration of the resurrection at Easter. Over my post-Christmas break I have been watching television (not something I normally do unless it’s Wimbledon). There have been some excellent documentaries on nature and the detrimental impact we are having on the world around us and on animal life. It isn’t just David Attenborough who is noting these things. Currently Australia is burning and stories of tragedy and heroism abound. I have begun to explore what changes we need to make to use less plastic and generally to care for the world that we will be handing on to our grandchildren. I have been so fortunate to see elephants happily browsing in the bushveld and rhinos nursing their calves. Will my grandchildren be as fortunate as I was? What changes can you make, that will make a difference for good in our world? Rev Steph SERVICES IN FEBRUARY Sunday 2: Candlemas 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion with Procession, Brantham 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Wednesday 5 9.30am BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt Sunday 9: Third before Lent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Family Service, Brantham
An all-age Anglican Church, meeting in St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, and St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley Lots of us make New Year’s resolutions, even though changing is hard. The temptation to stay the same, and the difficulty of changing, are things which drive us to fail. The great news is that God loves us as we are. He doesn’t need us to change. He loves us so much that he wants what’s best for each of us. Through him, and his power in us, we can change. My prayer is that you might know the love, acceptance, and power of God, and that, in the year ahead, your life might be changed by encountering him. Rev Dom Turner SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2020 Sunday 2 February 10.30am Contemporary Communion with Treasure Seekers* at Bradfield 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Mistley 6pm Traditional Evening Prayer at Bradfield Sunday 9 February 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Bradfield 10.30am Contemporary Worship with Treasure Seekers at Mistley 6pm Traditional Evening Prayer at Mistley Sunday 16 February 10.30am Contemporary All-Age Service at Bradfield 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Mistley Sunday 23 February 8am Traditional Holy Communion (BCP) at Mistley 10.30am Traditional Morning Prayer at Bradfield 10.30am Contemporary Café Service with Treasure Seekers at Mistley Wednesday 26 February – The Beginning of Lent 7.30pm Traditional Ash Wednesday Service of Holy 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
Sunday 16: Second before Lent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Informal Service, Brantham 3pm Baptism of Jude Mayne, Brantham
Rector: The Rev Dom Turner: 01206 391218
Sunday 23: Sunday next before Lent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Choral Matins (Healing) , East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham
www.manningtreebenefice.co.uk
Wednesday 26: Ash Wednesday 9.30am Imposition of Ashes and Communion, East Bergholt 7.30pm Imposition of Ashes and Communion, Brantham Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday in East Bergholt at 8am and Choral Matins on the fourth Sunday.
Associate Minister: The Rev John Brien: 01206 397549 Associate Minister: The Rev Claire Scargill: 01206 395417 Church Office: Normally available at least 10am-1pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays / 07436 398801 / info@manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.facebook.com/ManningtreeBenefice
Mind Body Moment
Each weekly 90-min workshop style class teaches wellbeing methods including combinations of: • Breathing & Centring • Yogalates™, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga & Somatics • Relaxation & Meditation Max of 8 class members per class Pre-booking & payment is required
Come to Choral Matins, one of the glories of the Anglican Church, and be ministered to in word and song by our choir. Sunday 23 February, 10am at St Mary’s, East Bergholt
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Mon(pm) & Tues (am) in Raydon (IP7)
for more information
www.mindbodymoment.co.uk 07506 350 455 - janet@mindbodymoment.co.uk
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CHURCH NEWS
HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB
Parish Priest: Fr Paul Vincent OCD Assistant Priest: Fr Bineesh Elenjikkal OCD 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2020 Sunday 2 The Presentation of The Lord 9am Mass Tuesday 4 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 9 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 11 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 16 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 18 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 23 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 25 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Wednesday 26 Ash Wednesday 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door. Catholic Commentary This year St Michaels Parish Church hosted the annual service for Christian Unity on Sunday 26 January. The theme was They Showed
Unusual Kindness from a line in the Acts of the Apostles. The materials were prepared by the Christian Churches of Malta and Gozo who mark the Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul on February 10 and give thanks for the arrival of the Christian faith in those islands. The service was well attended and greatly appreciated. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference is supporting the rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary, on behalf of every Catholic on 25 March 2020, the Feast of the Annunciation. Each cathedral is to include a suitable service of rededication as a commitment to renewed evangelisation. Hopefully we will be joined by many others at these services. The initiative is being promoted by the rector of the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. England has been called the Dowry of Mary since the 11th century. The title means that she acts in a special way as the nation’s protectress. If ever prayers were needed for our country then now is the time. Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday 26 January at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £166 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 23 February. 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 Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for our centenary celebration on 15 August 2020. All are very welcome to join us; the next event is on Thursday 27 February. The Sick & Homebound A new Catholic Chaplain is yet to be appointed and in the meantime Fr Alan Hodgson (01473 728115), assisted by Deacon Clive Brooks (01206 396319), will provide cover. Please be aware that for reasons of patient confidentiality, the current practice in the NHS is not to inform the chaplains of any Catholics who are admitted to hospital. So unless you or your relatives inform the chaplain of your hospital stay yourselves, you will not be visited by a priest or any other member of the chaplaincy team. Please let Fr Paul know of anyone who is ill at home or housebound, so that they may receive appropriate pastoral care.
ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD Vicar: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659
Choir: Friday Practise
SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY
Coffee & Cake: Fourth Tuesday of the month
Sunday 2
8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion
Edward Bear: Parents, grandparents, carers with babies and toddlers, Monday mornings from 9.30am in term time
Sunday 9
8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Family Service
Handbells: Every Monday House Groups: Daytime and evening
Sunday 16 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion 6.30pm Café Church
Ladies in Friendship Together: Fourth Monday of the month
Sunday 23 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Morning Worship
Pastoral Care: Upon request
Wednesday 26: Ash Wednesday 7.30pm Holy Communion
Support in Loss: Second Tuesday of the month Sunday School and Extreme: Sunday mornings during service
SOME OF OUR REGULAR GROUPS
Details from the rectory (01206 392659) or at: www.lawfordchurch.co.uk
Art Club: Fortnightly on Thursday afternoons
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Messy Church: Every half term, parents and children together Solo Club: Third Wednesday of the month
LOVING GOD – LIVING LIFE
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CHURCH NEWS LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational/meeting at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford CO1 2JG and the Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford CO1 2JE Pastor Frank King: 01206 272064 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk Warmest greetings to all our friends in the Manningtree area Over recent days the word ‘new’ has been very much on my mind. Maybe it’s because the recent election has produced a new government intent upon putting legislation in place to the extent that we will all be affected in one way or another. One thing is certain; we all have the opportunity to seek, find and prove what measures of benefit and sound purpose are to be found that are of good report and proven value. From a Christian standpoint, we equally have the same opportunity to make known the benefits and blessings by way of what God has given to us. 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
We are certainly living in momentous and challenging times but I am convinced that much of what is going on around us is foretold in the scriptures, that we are living in the end times and that we can expect the imminent second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. We take heart and are given peace by way of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 5 vv 16 - 18) where we read "If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation". While this age of grace lasts, God can, by way of his gift of salvation, prepare us for whatever comes along. It is imperative that we seek and find that full and free salvation while the days of grace last. We warmly invite you to join us. Kind regards, Frank For details of services/activities visit: www.linklinecmnortheastessex.co.uk Contact our office for all pastoral matters, Christian literature and details of our supportive transport services.
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. 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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