In Touch
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with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley Volume 10 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2020
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
I am utterly addicted to and obsessed by Leonard Cohen, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover a new album was to be released three years after his death. Thanks for the Dance has been arranged by Leonard’s son Adam and features various collaborators and previously unheard material. Every line is a masterpiece, all the more poignant because it was written and recorded when he was “Waiting for the miracle to come”. Death and dying have always been key themes of his work, but is it fair to refer to the man who said “The older I get, the surer I am that I’m not running the show” as ‘the grandfather of gloom’? I go to one or other of his albums for inspiration, comfort, reassurance, hope and even humour. Tonight Will Be Fine always makes me smile: Sometimes I find I get to thinking of the past. We swore to each other then that our love would surely last. You kept right on loving, I went on a fast, Now I am too thin and your love is too vast. And the ultimate love song must surely be If I Didn’t Have Your Love: If the sun would lose its light And we lived an endless night And there was nothing left That you could feel That’s how it would be My life would seem to me If I didn’t have your love To make it real I can’t imagine a world without music (it doesn’t have to be Leonard Cohen all the time), but for others it might be art or theatre, movies or even long walks in the countryside which provide the indefinable something which makes life better. Whatever it may be, I hope you find time and space to indulge in it this year. Maybe we can help you find it if hou haven’t already! And when you’re having a bad day… “Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.” Leonard Cohen
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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THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC Four local primary schools, singers and players presented two performaces of The Magic of Christmas Music to packed audiences at Mistley Parish Church on Wednesday 4 December. Carols and Christmas songs with audience participation filled the programme with enthusiastic applause for each school: Bradfield, Highfields (Lawford), Lawford St Mary and Mistley Norman Primary Schools. This wonderful start to Christmas has been produced every year for just over a quarter of a century and is organised by the Rotary Club of Manningtre Stour Valley.
STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY
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 We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Friday 10 January is the advertising and editorial deadline for the February edition
www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree
In a busy, local events programme, Stour Choral Society produced an afternoon of Christmas music, some say the best ever, at Mistley Parish Church. The performance was uplifting, moving and memorable as the choir sang Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Jonathon Abbott and Glyn Sweeting on trumpet and Ben Steinitz Timps and Stephen Smith’s fine organ accompaniment enhanced the drama of the text, capturing again the Christmas story. Mitesh Kahtri (tenor) and Gary Griffiths (bass) gave lively expression to the recitatives and arias. All this was excellently prepared and conducted by Susie Hyman, the choir’s musical director. The choir is to be complimented for taking on the challenge of this work and on giving such a memorable performance. Also in the programme was Ralph Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols, followed with carols by choir, soloists and members of the audience. This marks another milestone in the choirs’ 48 year history of local and international music making. Stour Choral Society will begin its new term on Monday 6 January with rehearsals for Handel’s Messiah. We meet at the Methodist Church Hall on South Street, Manningtree from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays in term time. If you love to sing and would like to join us please contact us at: secretary@stourchoralsociety.co.uk www.stourchoralsociety.co.uk / Facebook
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NEWS GANGES TRAINEES RETURN TO SHOTLEY GATE This is nothing unusual, but the HMS Ganges Association Museum was delighted to welcome a special group of ‘old boys’ back to the fold on Saturday 26 October. This group of former Ganges’ trainees had formed a branch in Beeston, Nottingham, but recently took the difficult decision to close the doors on their regular meetings, sadly due to dwindling numbers. The lads vowed to lay down their standard and donate it to the popular museum along with a generous cheque representing outstanding funds, for which the museum is very grateful. Their act is a poignant one, since the flag represents everything they hold dear. This includes shared memories of hard but happy times as the lads, who were 15 or 16 years old when they met, trained and made lifelong friendships, proudly serving in their careers with the Royal Navy on ships all over the world. Trustees at the museum arranged a special handover to receive the cheque and the standard from Division Chairman Gerry Taylor and treasurer Terry Abrams. A commemorative tot of renowned Pusser’s Rum and a small buffet was shared to mark the occasion. Visitors to the museum, now numbering 4-5,000 each year, will be able to view this and other standards. The £1,165.31 donation will enable the museum to purchase three bookcases to enhance the library, helping provide information for ‘old boys’ and their relatives to understand what life was really like on the naval base in Shotley. Chairman Roger Jones said: “We are very pleased and proud to accept the Beeston Division Standard into our collection along with the huge cheque and we look forward to welcoming visitors to view our growing library which is representative of life at the land-based Ganges Training School, attended by 160,000 trainees between 1905 and 1976.” The HMS Ganges Museum is open at weekends and on bank holidays from 11am to 5pm from Easter to October. To find out more, or to volunteer with us, please visit our website or follow our Facebook page. www.hmsgangesmuseum.com
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 Accessing Your Local Clinical Team Our new appointment system is working well, but I thought it would be useful to provide a few tips on how to get the most out of your local clinical team: • If you work and find it difficult to attend the practice during the day, our reception team can book 15-minute face to face evening and weekend GP appointments with GP+. Nurse appointments are also available. • Use your local pharmacy! Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice and over the counter medication for a wide range of ailments. If they feel you need to speak to a doctor, they will tell you. • Our reception team is experienced and well-trained. They cannot offer clinical advice, but they can advise on how best to get the treatment you need. For example, this may be self-referral to a physio or wellbeing service or signposting to one of a number of specialist health organisations such as Dementia Together, Travel Clinic, the Community Connector scheme, Sexual Health or Suffolk Mind. • You can request a same-day call-back from one of our doctors online from 7am. You will need to be registered for online services and can then book a call-back via our website or via the NHS App. • You can request a doctor to call you before or after 1pm. Unfortunately, the nature of primary care is that emergencies and unforeseen events often occur. These have a knock-on impact and may mean the doctor needs to phone at a different time, so please bear in with us. • If you are only available to take a call at a specific time (e.g. lunch break) then inform our reception team and they will let the doctor know. They will do their best to contact you at this time.
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
EVENTS AT MANNINGTREE LIBRARY 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.
• If you miss a call from a doctor, they will try again. If you miss the call a second time, please phone the practice to confirm you still need to speak to a doctor. They will normally leave a voice or text message on both occasions. • You don’t need to ring us first thing in the morning, but don’t leave it too late in the day. Doctors will try to call all patients on their list by 5pm just in case they need to be seen in person. • Every day is different. Mondays are usually very busy and to ensure we operate safely we sometimes have to limit the number of patients our doctors speak to in one day, unless you have an urgent need which can’t wait. We start every day with no appointments booked, so if it’s busy one day and your need can wait, then try the following day.
Adult Craft & Knitting Group Bring your projects along and meet fellow enthusiasts every Tuesday afternoon from 2-4pm.
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. 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.
For further information contact Essex Libraries on 0345 603 7628 or visit: www.libraries.essex.gov.uk/events
Practice Manager Pete Keeble (see PPG update on p13)
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.
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello everyone, By the time you read this, the new year will be upon us, so I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe 2020. PC Diane Porter has now retired and I am continuing the role as Community Engagement Officer and Link Officer for Hadleigh and those Babergh and Mid Suffolk Villages that surround it. I will be assisted where needed by three Ipswich-based PSCOs who will help where they can. As I write in early December there has been a spate of overnight burglaries to outbuildings at properties in the areas of Aldham, Elmsett and Nedging. Please ensure your outbuildings are secure and items of value are not left on display. This has also been true of vehicles with tools on board, not only causing costly vehicle repairs but also loss of earning until tools can be replaced. 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 would be interested in this free service please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect Please remember that on these dark evenings, and with homes in darkness for longer, it’s more obvious when someone is not at home. Please consider PIR lighting outside your property which may alert a neighbour if you’re not home and someone enters within the perimeter of your property. Also consider leaving a light on, maybe on a timer. Again, please hide away those lovely presents which may have arrived into the house over Christmas. Always think ‘security’. You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us 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. Happy New Year once again, PC 287 Sarah George
INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE
Every Friday, The Lane in Manningtree / next to the Mogul Drop-in for all ages, from 10am-12.30pm • Take a break over a cup of tea or coffee • Enjoy friendly company and a chat • If you want a serious, more in-depth conversation, just ask one of the volunteers • Use the Credit Union for safe saving and accessing loans at reasonable rates • All conversations, whatever the issue – practical, about money matters or personal – will be treated in complete confidence
CREDIT UNION / 10AM-NOON A branch of Colchester Credit Union offers simple, ethical banking at TheHub at a time when the big banks are closing their doors. A Credit Union is a bit like an old-fashioned bank, and just as safe as all deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. • You can save, using cash, cheque, Standing Order or bank transfer • You can make withdrawals as cash, cheque or bank transfer (min two days’ notice for larger cash withdrawals) • A CHANGE card is available for card transactions • Regular savers can apply for loans at reasonable rates Tendring District Council supports Credit Unions and pays the £5 joining fee for anyone living or working in the district. All you need is £1 as a first deposit to start an account.
Sunday 23 February, 10am-noon East Bergholt High School
Anyone in our area can join, whether planning to use the loans facility or not. It’s a way of choosing ethical banking which supports our community. It is also a good way of saving regularly to managing household budgets, building up savings for specific projects, like holidays, school trips or for emergencies like a car repair or other unexpected bills.
Admission 50p / Free Car Park
Why not come in and have a chat? There is no better time to start saving than the beginning of a New Year! To find out more call Dagmar: 07891 963005
Refreshments available Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open at 9am to set up T: 07776 291445
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FRIDAYS@THEHUB
All services offered at The Hub are provided by local churches.
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Discover better hearing at our Open Week in Colchester
Visit us between 20th January – 24th January to explore new hearing care options and loads of great deals! At The Hearing Care Centre, we’re focused on providing the most effective hearing technology to each of our customers. During our 2020 Open Week, we’re joined by some of the hearing industry’s
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OUT & ABOUT MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY On November 14 we were treated to a brilliant evening of images and photography tips by two of our club members in the Ian and Tim Show. Two very differing styles of photography, ranging from patterns and landscapes to wildlife and aircraft, were illustrated with wonderful images and the opportunity to view the cameras, lenses and equipment used.
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, usually at Mistley Church Hall, New Road, Mistley (just opposite The Towers). 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. We also support each other on special birthdays or anniversaries. The programme for 2020 will be available as soon as possible, but the first meeting, on Wednesday 15 January, will be a New Year celebration! Life can become difficult and often lonely for anyone left alone. Please come along and join us at Tea & Support or ring Sue Orriss (01206 395355) or Paskell’s (01206 396709) for further information. 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.
The open mono print competition on November 21 attracted a large number of high quality images and was judged by Gill Adams. The winner was Martyn Scurrell with Chapel of the 9 Altars (pictured). There are three meetings in January. On Thursday 9 we have a workshop entitled Thinking in Colour to see in Black and White with Alan Sarsby. On Thursday 23 we have a PDI competition, the subject of which is Patterns and Textures to be judged by Chrissie Hart. And on Thursday 30 we have a talk on Creative Expression by Roy Essery. 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
Tea & Support is run by members of St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, New Road, Mistley and supported by Paskells of Manningtree.
VILLAGE LINK Happy New Year to our members and visitors. The next meeting is on January 8 at 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall when Stephen Govier will present a talk on Suffolk Buildings – Architecture and Architects. The club aims 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. Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262
STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC STOUR VALLEY U3A
Jamal Alivev Cello Recital with Maria Tarasewicz on piano
Wednesday 8 January: The Mysteries of Easter Island Chris Parfitt, a retired teacher, will present an illustrated talk looking 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.
Sunday 26 January, 4pm at the Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt
Wednesday 12 February: The Life & Times of an Essex Bad Girl From prison to a successful brand by Tracy from the Giggly Pig Co and how she managed to change the direction of her life into being 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. 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. For further information please visit: www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk 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-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.
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Jamal Aliyev was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after cellists of his generation. In 2017 Jamal made his solo debut at the BBC Proms with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, won the Arts Club – Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award and released his debut CD, Russian Masters, with pianist Anna Fedorova. Jamal and Maria are often duo partners and she has an enviable international reputation. This concert is supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Programme Beethoven, 12 Variations on Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen Rachmaninov, Vocalise Popper, Elfentanz op 39 Popper, Hungarian Rhapsody op 68 (1894) Tchaikovsky, Pezzo Capriccioso op 62 Lutoslavski, Sacher Variation Franck, Sonata in A Tickets (£15, students £7.50, under-16s free) can be booked online or by contacting: svamtickets@btinternet.com / 01206 298426 / www.svam.org.uk
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OUT & ABOUT MANNINGTREE MUSEUM & LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
The speaker at our last meeting of the year was Bob Spray from Ipswich. Bob is a diver and an underwater photographer in the cold seas off East Anglia.
Our speaker on December 4 was Simon Gallop with The Unknown Constable Country and we end the year with our popular annual Christmas quiz.
Murky seas are good for wildlife, being full of food for underwater creatures. The murkiness comes from the huge areas of farmland in East Anglia which are washed into the North Sea by our many rivers. Bob is a marine recorder for Norfolk and concentrates on underwater inhabitants on a 20-mile wide reef off the shores of North Norfolk. Bob’s many pictures of the weird and strangely beautiful creatures he has recorded brought gasps of amazement from the audience. There were many questions from the audience afterwards.
We will not meet on January 1 and so our first meeting in the New Year will be on Wednesday 15 January when Michael Hole, one of our members, will talk to us about Second World War Prisoner of War Camps.
This being the last talk before Christmas a large buffet was produced for members and visitors. Ray Ablett’s celebrated punches helped the food go down.
On Wednesday 4 March Maureen Clarke will talk to us about The Plight of Street Orphans in India and we will hold our AGM on Wednesday 18 March.
Our next talk will be on January 29 when Terry Smith and Alix Green will reflect on 70 years of the NHS in the Local Area. Everybody welcome as usual with free entry for members and young people under-16, visitors £3. We meet at Manningtree Methodist Church Hall, 7.30 for 7.45pm. www.manningtree-museum.org.uk
MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP
Carole Wheatley will enlighten us on Internment in Guernsey during the Second World War on February 5 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
The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 14 January at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree. All those interested in poetry are invited to attend, either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets. There is no admission charge. To keep up-to-date with the group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk
Kitchen Makeovers
LAWFORD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
E A S T
Another year has flown by... Where has the time gone?
Fiona Edmond presented our last talk for 2019 and it was a brilliant evening. We heard how she and her family had created Green Island Garden in Ardleigh, from a sapling and scrub covered triangle, into the well-known visitor spot that it is today. We can only marvel at the work that has taken place. We finished our year with the usual seasonal nibbles and a Christmas themed raffle.
Everyone at Cherry Kitchen Makeovers hopes that you had a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Invitation We are pleased to invite you all to our Kitchen & New Bedroom showroom open day on the 11th January. There will be plenty of tea, cakes and of course bottles of bubbly for everyone to enjoy whilst looking at the new kitchen & bedroom ranges we have to offer. We are offering an extra 5% off our existing 25% sale on all furniture, to everyone who attends.
CONTACT US ON
01206 615858 www.cherry-kitchens.co.uk
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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
®
S O U T H
MANNINGTREE FIT CLUB
There is no meeting in January, but hopefully while we rest, we can begin planning for 2020. This could be the year for all sorts of changes. Please put the meeting nights in your new diary – the third Thursday of the month starting in February.
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
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree
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Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness for sdultes (no partnering)
FunDancing Classes
Wed 10am Nayland Village Hall 7pm Boxford Village Hall
janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk Fun_Dancing
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Thu 10am 7pm
St Mary’s Church Capel St Mary
Fri
The Institute Stratford St Mary
10am
spaces are limited to reserve yours
Call Janet on 07506 350 455 FunDancing has been operating since October 2010
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OUT & ABOUT THE MANIFEST THEATRE The Manifest presents a themed murder mystery, Sherlock Holmes in The Seven Wooden Figurines, from Thursday 27 to Saturday 29 February at 7.30pm. Book your tickets now: 07444 724271 / www.manifesttheatre.co.uk Prior to Sir Cuthbert Worthington-Jones throwing an evening party to celebrate his new title and inheritance of The Manor, he has received seven small wooden figurines, one each week for seven weeks. However, in the eighth week, a few days before his celebratory party, the head of the seventh wooden figurine is severed from the body. Sir Cuthbert Worthington-Jones is worried that this could be a sign of evil intent and sends for Sherlock Holmes to help investigate the mystery. Come along and solve the mystery. Refreshments provided during the interval. The Manifest Theatre, 2 Oxford Road, Manningtree CO1 1BP
CONSTABLE COUNTRY PPG Community Connectors The Community Connectors vehicle will be at the East Bergholt surgery on Wednesday 15 January from 12.30-3.30pm, and outside Capel Community Centre on Wednesday 22 from 12.30-3.30pm. What do Community Connectors do? The Community Connectors offer up to five one-to-one sessions to help link people who may be socially isolated or have long term physical or mental health conditions with services that can help improve their lives. You can just pop in for an informal chat to find out more. Active Wellbeing Service You can pick up a card in either surgery if you would like to know more about becoming more active. Janet Lawrence can offer one-to-one sessions on Thursdays at East Bergholt surgery – or can make arrangements to see people at the library in Capel St Mary. You can pick up a self-referral card in either surgery or speak to a doctor or nurse to ask for a referral. New Appointment System We are aware that the new appointment system has had mixed reviews. Please let us know of any particular issues that you’ve had and we will discuss them at our regular meetings. Email us at: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Kathy Pollard: 01473 311384
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MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB The outcome of the AGM held on December 10 will be reported next month. Senior nets will be moving to Monday evenings and will begin on February 24 at RHS. Junior nets will begin on Valentine’s Day at Manningtree Sports Centre. November 2019 100 Club Winners 1: Graeme Butcher (79) £120 2: Simon Barlow (4) £60 3: Caroline Favell (31) £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
Geo. Paskell
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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.
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC A series of high scoring victories combined with just one defeat at league leaders Cranes, have seen the First Team rise to seventh in the Senior Division. The Reserves have been on an unbeaten run and are now moving upwards, albeit exiting the Senior Reserve Cup. The A Team are still battling away in the bottom half of the table and keeping their heads above water. UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division 28 Dec: Bourne Vale Utd (H) 4 Jan: Leiston St Margarets (A) 11 Jan: Bramford Utd (H) 18 Jan: Achilles (A) 25 Jan: Haughley Utd (H) Reserves: League A 4 Jan: Coplestonians Res (H) 11 Jan: Achilles Res (A) 18 Jan: AFC Kesgrave Res (A) 1 Feb : Bramford Utd Res (H) A Team: League C 4 Jan: Ransomes Sports Res (H) 25 Jan: Ransomes Sports Res (A) 1 Feb : Coplestonians A (A) We would like to thank our sponsors for this season: Smy IT Specialists, JAK Services Ground Care, 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. EVENTS The darts tournament will be held on January 18. Keep an eye on our social media feeds for more details and get in contact early if you want to take part in this annual event.
SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS Following a blistering 2019 that included a 5-star run at the Edinburgh Festival, a breathtaking live performance on BBC’s Blue Peter and performing on the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival, the record breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo returns to UK theatres with his sell-out family show, Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids. “Mesmerising!” ★★★★★ Primary Times “Staggering.” ★★★★★ Families Edinburgh Shlomo’s groundbreaking vocal skills gained him international recognition as a pioneering beatboxer, plus a Guinness World Record and the chance to work with famous musicians like Bjork, Ed Sheeran, Rudimental and Lily Allen. “Beatboxers can create the sound of an entire orchestra or rich electronic music – the drums, the instruments,the basslines and sound FX, all performed with just the voice,” says Shlomo. “In my kid’s show, I teach everyone how to become a superstar beatboxer.” “It’s an amazingly empowering way for people from all walks of life to express themselves,” he explains. “I love teaching people how simple it is to make vocal rhythms. I love to share my passion for music with the next generation of music makers and also to encourage people of all ages to find their voice and believe in themselves. The kids always get excited but the parents have just as much fun!” Join this sonic superhero at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on Sunday 16 February and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged one or 101! Book now at: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
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 replying to the secretary or on our Facebook page. Keep in touch for details but keep Easter Sunday 2020 free. LADIES & 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 contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com. Steve Butcher (Secretary): stevebutcher55@btinternet.com Facebook: Ease Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc / Twitter: @EBUFC1
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Credit Nathan Gallagher
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ON THE GRAPEVINE COULD YOU BOOST A YOUNG PERSON’S CHANCES?
QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Tom from Hadleigh asks: “My daughter gave birth to our first grandchild last June, and as his first birthday approaches, we thought that a good gift would be to open a Junior ISA for him. However, when we called into our local building society branch, they said we could not do that as only the parent can open a Junior ISA. What other options do we have to put a lump sum away for our grandchild?” This is something that regularly comes up when grandparents try to open a Junior ISA for a grandchild. Very few people realise that they are not able to open a Junior ISA for their grandchildren. Only a parent of the child can open a Junior ISA. However, once a Junior ISA has been set up by the child’s parents, grandparents can then make contributions into that ISA up to the annual limit, which is £4,260 per annum for the current tax year. Like the adult version, a Junior ISA can be a cash ISA or it can be a stocks and shares ISA. Like most financial advisers, I would suggest that you should opt for the stocks and shares ISA for young children as they have plenty of time before they can take over the fund at age 18 and stocks and shares will invariably do better than cash over the longer-term, particularly with the current all-time low interest rates paid on cash accounts. If the parents have not already set up a Junior ISA, a grandparent can open a bank or building society cash savings account for their grandchild as long as they have documentation, such as the child’s birth certificate. For grandparents, the big benefit of doing this is that no amount of interest earned on the money they contribute will be subject to tax. As long as the child has earnings of less than the personal allowance, a grandparent can fill out an R85 form to ensure that any interest is paid gross without tax being deducted. Effectively, this has the same effect as the cash being held in a Junior Cash ISA. However, you will still be at the mercy of those low interest rates on cash. Another alternative is a pension. It might seem strange to be thinking about pensions for a child who cannot even speak yet, but there are huge longerterm benefits for the child and tax advantages. Grandparents can invest into a personal pension for a child, up to a maximum of £3,600 gross per annum, and the child doesn’t need to have any income to justify that level of pension contributions. To achieve a contribution of £3,600 the grandparent would actually only need to pay in £2,880, as the extra money is added in the form of tax relief reclaimed from HMRC.
Emma’s story (fictional name, real story) Emma loved school. However, her studies were not going well and she struggled deeply with anxiety. This prevented her even considering the next step in continuing her learning. Emma was offered one-to-one time with a Seckford Springboard mentor. Too scared to attend her first meeting at all, and attending the second with a friend to speak on her behalf, she clearly had a lot to work through. But she was chatting away by the end of that second meeting and thereafter, all it took was a listening ear and an hour a week for about eight weeks to grow her confidence through conversation, building trust and being there. Emma is now employed and confidently maturing as an apprentice chef, all thanks to someone simply volunteering for a few hours to give a young person someone to talk to. Could you do that for a young person? Seckford Foundation’s mentoring programmes support young people in rural Suffolk with well-being and careers. By focussing on positives and skills, it boosts the young person’s confidence when seeking employment and resilience when dealing with personal challenges. These programmes follow a tried and tested structure which includes plenty of resources and support for mentors, together with a clear start and finish point for mentees. Are you a good listener? Due to the success of the mentoring programmes, Seckford Foundation is now recruiting volunteer mentors to join the team. It is a mutually rewarding programme for both mentor and mentee, often with tangible results being quickly achieved. No previous mentoring experience is needed as training and development is ongoing. All that’s needed is some life experience, a non-judgemental attitude, a good listening ear and a desire to make a positive difference to someone’s life. Both mentoring programmes are funded jointly by the Seckford Foundation, Prince’s Countryside Fund and the Salvation Army, and they are available to young people aged 25 and under to access for free. Could you be the difference a young person needs? To find out more, call 01394 615199 / 0783 1120873, email enquiries@ seckford-foundation.org.uk or visit: www.seckfordspringboard.org.uk/ can-we-help-you/mentoring The Seckford Foundation is a charity that promotes and supports the education and care of the young and the elderly. For more information visit: www.seckford-foundation.org.uk
By the time the child reaches age 55 (the earliest you can currently access a pension fund) there could be a significant sum sitting in their pension. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s comments and answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice on their own situation should contact Nick to arrange a no-obligation complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK LIBRARIES REWARDS VOLUNTEER CHAMPIONS Inspirational Volunteer Award: Chloe Peck, Capel St Mary Library An independent panel shortlisted several people for each award and selected the winners, with Suffolk Libraries receiving 68 nominations overall from staff and other volunteers. Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have an army of volunteers across the county covering a wide range of roles to support and enhance the library service. They support our staff, help us to raise money and organise events and are genuinely one of the chief reasons Suffolk Libraries has been so successful over the past few years. Although there are seven winners, I’d like to pay tribute to all those nominated and every single one of our volunteers across the county and their contribution to their communities.” The event was attended by around 220 people and compered by BBC Suffolk presenter Lesley Dolphin, herself a member of Felixstowe Library Friends group. Suffolk Libraries recently held its first ever People’s Champions Awards to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers for their vital contribution to the county’s library service. Thousands of people make a contribution to Suffolk Libraries in their own time, supporting staff in various different ways ranging from the many community or friends groups, running the home library service and helping with the summer reading challenge. Seven categories of award were presented as follows: Young Volunteer of Year: Emma Fakes at Thurston Library Dedicated Volunteer: Monica Ford, retired volunteer at Broomhill Library The People’s Choice Award (for staff who support volunteers): Mandy Grimwood, Manager of Gainsborough Library Volunteer Team Award: Kesgrave Library Community Group Innovation Award: Gemma Southwood at Kesgrave Library Exceptional Contribution Award: Charlotte Evans at Broomhill Library
The awards were presented by Freddie Gathorne-Hardy, CEO of Christie’s Care; County Councillor Paul West; David Sheepshanks CBE, former chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club; Sylvia Knights, Suffolk Libraries Board Member and member of Bungay Library Friends Group; Bruce Leeke, CEO Suffolk Libraries; Jenni Carberry, Enterprise and Business Development Manager at the University of Suffolk and Corrina Hanley, Volunteer Manager at Suffolk Mind. Suffolk Libraries has 1,170 volunteers including friends group members and offered 4,771 days of volunteering or work experience last year. Winner of the Dedicated Volunteer Award, Monica Ford, recently retired after an amazing 32 years of being a Home Library Service Volunteer at Broomhill Library. Speaking of her time volunteering she said: “I learned to be a bit more tolerant and understanding of people. It’s been enjoyable and I would recommend it, it’s just a nice thing to do.” Volunteer awards have formed part of Suffolk Libraries’ AGM for the past few years, but this is the first year a special celebration event has taken place.
SUFFOLK-BASED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CHARITY SET FOR NEW YEAR’S RELAUNCH Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre was formed over 35 years ago as the Suffolk Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre to provide oxygen therapy and support to those living with the disease. Since then, the charity has grown to support people living with many other conditions and now undertakes more than 3,000 therapy sessions per year. OPEN WEEK In the last year, the charity has made a number of alterations to its existing building which has allowed it to start developing a complementary therapy service and provided us with the room for power-assisted exercise chairs. In February 2020 the centre is launching these new services and invites health professionals and the public to visit the centre during the open week: Monday 3 (10.30am-2pm & 3-6pm) to Thursday 6 (Tue-Thu 10.30am-2.30pm) February. Centre Manager Victoria Barber is keen for as many people as possible to come along and see for themselves the good work that the charity does: “We’re always happy for people to pay us a visit, but this is a good chance for people to come along and enjoy a cuppa and have a chat, meet some of our members, volunteers, staff and trustees and learn about oxygen therapy. It will also be an opportunity to try our power assisted exercise chairs and learn more about the other therapies on offer.” For more information in advance contact Victoria at: 01473 830359 / victoria@suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk
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Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre (SOTC) receives no state funding and relies entirely on donations, legacies and fundraisers to function, with any fundraising put towards service development and improvement. The public self-refer for therapy at the centre, which is staffed by fully trained operators and supported by a team of willing volunteers. Victoria is clear that the charity has capacity to help more people: “This launch will raise the profile of this wonderful charity and we hope that local businesses and organisations will want to help us to reach more people living with long term and chronic disease and life limiting conditions. We have many events coming up in 2020 such as a Race Night on 3 April at Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club, Open Gardens in May and a James Bond Ball at Ufford Park on 10 October. “We hope local businesses may wish to support us with these in addition to corporate sponsorship, being chosen as charity of the year and match funding to name a few.” The charity’s longer term goal is to fundraise for a new centre, including the purchase of its own oxygen generation facilities, which will bring long term cost efficiencies by reducing both ongoing costs of oxygen delivery and the carbon footprint, thus protecting its future as a sustainable charity. The charity is in the early stages with its appointed architect, but early indication is that it will take approximately 10 years from now to fund this in its entirety. For more about the centre, visit: www.suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk
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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 In the Gospel according to St Luke (Ch. 2 v 20) we read that: “The Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” As many folk may well know, I am an avid steam railway enthusiast and preservationist. On the rare occasions when a steam-hauled excursion uses our local line, I join the crowds lining the platforms at Colchester North Station, not only to view the train, but to take the golden opportunity to speak to folk about the power and purpose of God’s love and of the mighty purpose of the Gospel of redeeming love. As that ‘giant of steam’ silently, and with a sense of majesty, power and authority glides into the platform, I see in those fleeting moments before it leaves, the fulfilment of those words in Luke’s Gospel that those shepherds spoke so long ago. On a recent visit, I spoke to the driver who was looking intently ahead from the cab. “Is everything OK?”, I asked. “Yes,” he said, “I’m just waiting for the road”. I knew exactly what he meant as he looked earnestly at the signal gantry ahead. Suddenly, the signal changed to green and with a deafening blast on the whistle and clouds of smoke from the chimney, the visit was over. Why? Because the driver “got the road” and I could “tell the story” because of what I had seen and had been told. That vital message to the shepherds is one that we must pay attention to today, and we can only prove it to be true when, like the locomotive driver, we look for and get the road that by faith can bring us into the realms of God’s saving grace and salvation. For details of our services and regular activities, home and hospital visits and free transport, give us a call today. Pastor Frank King: 01206 272064 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk
Meeting at Old St Michael’s School on Trinity Road, Manningtree I wonder if you really know what’s in the Bible? Have you ever really looked? Lots of people think they know, but many have never actually opened a Bible, or spent any time at all reading it or getting to grips with it. Maybe you know that the Bible is the most printed book of all time, translated into the most languages, most copies sold, probably the most studied for that matter, but I’ve no idea how you could measure that! Don’t you think you ought to know what’s in it? Even if it is just to honestly say you looked and didn’t like what you found. Did you know that there are many people around the world who live their whole lives guided by this book? Don’t you think you should at least check to see if we are sensible or stupid? So we are offering you that chance in 2020. Join us at Trinity every Sunday evening at 5pm as we Open the Bible. You would be welcome to just sit and listen, but we will be taking time to question what we read and discuss; you won’t have to join in with anything you don’t want to but we do sing, pray and usually have a drink and a piece of cake too! It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been to church for a while, or ever before; we will do everything we can to make you welcome. Services last between 60 and 90 minutes. For information on these and all our other activities please call 01206 393745 or visit: www.trinity-manningtree.org.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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CHURCH NEWS BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES An all-age Anglican Church, meeting in St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, and St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley I once got onto a train with my bicycle. I stored it in the guard’s van, then sat down. I didn’t know the train would spit in two, separating me from the bike! I’m writing this before Christmas, and before the election. Our country is split in two. However things go, one thing is sure: we need to be reunited. Jesus removed the division between people and God which was caused by us going our own way. I believe that he can heal the divisions in our communities too. This year, let’s pray ‘your Kingdom come, your will be done’. The Rev Dom Turner SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2020 Sunday 5 January 10.30am Contemporary Communion with *Treasure Seekers at Bradfield 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Mistley 6pm Traditional Evening Prayer at Bradfield Sunday 12 January 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Bradfield 10.30am Contemporary Worship with *Treasure Seekers at Mistley 6pm Traditional Evening Prayer at Mistley Sunday 19 January 10.30am Contemporary All-Age Christingle Service at Bradfield 10.30am Traditional Holy Communion (CW) at Mistley Sunday 26 January 8am Traditional Holy Communion (BCP) at Mistley 10.30am Traditional Morning Prayer at Bradfield 10.30am Contemporary Café Service with *Treasure Seekers at Mistley *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 Rector: The Rev Dom Turner: 01206 391218 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.manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.facebook.com/ManningtreeBenefice
Hope for 20/20 What will 2020 be like? At the time of writing, I have no idea what the political situation will be like when this is distributed. We will have had an election, but many commentators are saying it’s too unpredictable to call at this stage. All I know for certain is that some will be really pleased and others may be devastated. There will be some new members of parliament and some shattered because they lost. Writing the year ‘2020’, my mind turns to ‘20/20 Vision’. I’ve never researched the meaning before, but as I expected, it’s normal visual clarity/sharpness, seeing at 20 feet with the right degree of sharpness. My vision for the year 2020 is unclear, but for the long term I do have hope. We’ve just celebrated Christmas, the story of a baby born in Bethlehem, in an occupied country, the family seeking asylum in Egypt for two years because his life was threatened. One of the unusual gifts given to baby Jesus was myrrh, an ointment to embalm dead bodies. Thirty-three years later Jesus was anointed with an expensive perfume, a week before he was hung on a cross dying. From the cross he spoke words of forgiveness to those who had done the deed. When the women came with myrrh to anoint his dead body in the tomb, he was not there and a young man said, “He is risen”. Last summer I visited the garden tomb in Jerusalem where perhaps Jesus’s body was laid after he was crucified. One evening, a choir and ensemble gave an open-air performance of Handel’s Messiah. They sang “I know that my redeemer lives” in the very place where Jesus was raised 2,000 years earlier. The apostle Peter, who was there on that day, wrote: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Peter was to live through difficult times in occupied territory, he was persecuted. The resurrection of Jesus bought a living hope that death is not the end, but there is something glorious beyond for those who have learned to trust in Jesus as Saviour. Whatever the outcome of the election, God calls us to live at peace with one another – hurtful language, arrogance and lies should have no place in our lives. We can disagree with one another; we can be passionate for our cause but we need to live with respect for others. Please pray for those elected that they may be people of integrity and working for the common good. Pray also for those not elected that they may find other ways of serving their communities. The words Jesus spoke from the cross are offered to all of us – our sins are forgiven. As we start the year 2020, may we have clear 20/20 vision of the hope set before us by Jesus and the difference our individual lives can make to peace in our communities. 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 5
11am
Communion with Rev Ian Gardner
Sunday 12 11am
Worship with Mr Paul Walker
Sunday 19 11am
Worship with Mr Bryan Nichols at East Bergholt Congregational Church
Sunday 26 2.30pm United Service AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 5
10.30am Worship with Mr Matthew Forsyth 6.30pm Prayer
Sunday 12 10.30am Worship with Mr Guy Fairweather
6.30pm Worship with Mrs Sue France
Sunday 19 10.30am Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Saturday 25 3.30pm Messy Church Sunday 26 10.30am Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm United Service at St Mary’s
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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
ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD Vicar: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659 SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2020 Sunday 5 January 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 12 January 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Family Service Sunday 19 January 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion 6.30pm Café Church Sunday 26 January 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Morning Worship SOME OF OUR REGULAR GROUPS Art Club: Fortnightly on Thursday afternoons Choir: Friday Practise Coffee & Cake: Fourth Tuesday of the month Edward Bear: Parents, grandparents, carers with babies and toddlers, Monday mornings from 9.30am in term time Handbells: Every Monday House Groups: Daytime and evening Ladies in Friendship Together: Fourth Monday of the month Messy Church: Every half term, parents and children together Pastoral Care: Upon request Solo Club: Third Wednesday of the month Support in Loss: Second Tuesday of the month Sunday School and Extreme: Sunday mornings during service Details from the rectory (01206 392659) or at: www.lawfordchurch.co.uk LOVING GOD – LIVING LIFE
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I trust that you have had a peaceful Christmas and that the New Year will good for all of us. St Michael’s Brantham will be closed for three weeks from January 6 for work to be done in the nave and chancel. We are doing away with some of the different levels, putting in a new carpet and the lights in the chancel have been replaced. At the end of January we will be blessing the work that has been done. The Garden of Remembrance in the lower churchyard will come into use in 2020. The current ashes area will be closed except for completion of double plots. The Garden of Remembrance will be within a wooden fence, and plaques approved by the PCC commemorating the deceased will be able to be fixed to it. Ashes will go directly to ground (no caskets or containers) and there will be a place outside the garden where flowers may be placed. This will ensure that burials will be able to continue for a very long time even after our small churchyard is full. The Rev Steph SERVICES IN JANUARY Sunday 5 Epiphany 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion (Healing), Brantham 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Sunday 12 Epiphany 1 8am BCP Communion 10am Benefice Communion (Healing), East Bergholt Saturday 18: Week of Prayers for Christian Unity Begins Sunday 19 Epiphany 2 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt Sunday 26 Epiphany 3 8am BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt 10am Choral Matins, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham 2.30pm Ecumenical Service, Brantham Methodist Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday in East Bergholt at 8am and Choral Matins on the fourth Sunday.
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CHURCH NEWS
HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB
Parish Priest: Fr Paul Vincent 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2020 Wednesday 1 Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 5 The Epiphany of The Lord, Solemnity 9am Mass Tuesday 7 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass
1) Live and let live 2) Be giving of yourself to others 3) Proceed calmly in life 4) A healthy sense of leisure 5) Sundays should be holidays 6) Create dignified jobs for young people 7) Respect and take care of nature 8) Stop being negative 9) Don’t try to convert somebody, respect others’ beliefs 10) Work for peace Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday 22 December at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £166 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 26 January. 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
Sunday 12 Baptism of The Lord 9am Mass Tuesday 14 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 19 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass
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 and the next event will be on Thursday 30 January.
Tuesday 21 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 2 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass
The Sick & Homebound A new Catholic Chaplain is yet to be appointed so in the meantime, please contact Fr Alan Hodgson (01473 728115).
Tuesday 28 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door. Catholic Commentary Many people make resolutions at the start of a New Year and it can be difficult to consider what they should be. So a review of Pope Francis’ Top 10 Secrets To Happiness can provide many ideas:
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, 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.
MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH South Street, Manningtree CO11 2JB
Minister: The Rev Tom Osborne, 01206 396654 SERVICES IN JANUARY January 5, 10.15am: Annual Covenant Service led by Rev Tom Osborne January 12, 10.15am: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge January 19 10.15am: Mr David Bavister 6pm: Taize Service – Churches Together in Manningtree, Rev Tom Osborne January 26, 10.15am: To be arranged Welcome Wednesday: Resumes on Wednesday 8 January at 2.30pm ALSO MEETING ON OUR PREMISES
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 will 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
Monday Workers Education Association, nine lectures in autumn and spring, 2.30pm Stour Choral Society (Sept to June), 7.30pm
Saturday 8 February, 11am-3.30pm: The church is holding a Craft Fair with lots of different crafts on display, Fairtrade goods and refreshments. Contact 01206 393114 for details.
Tuesday: Women’s Guild, 7pm
Easter Weekend: Annual Art Sale
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