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Volume 10 • Issue No. 1 • NOVEMBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
There’s an elderly gent I see almost every day walking very, very slowly from the local supermarket carrying the same small plastic bag. I say ‘gent’ because he’s always ‘properly’ dressed in a suit and tie. I like to think he would have worn a hat in his younger days. I wish he still did. His clothes may have seen better days, but there’s a curious dignity about him. He doesn’t appear to make any effort to engage with others, barely lifting his gaze from the path as he proceeds. Nobody stops to speak to him and, despite my curiosity, neither have I. I’ve smiled and mumbled good morning on one or two occasions, but he has never responded. It may be that he didn’t hear me, but it seems more deliberate than that, as if he’s either totally focused on the task in hand or is holding the world at arm’s length for some reason. If this is the case, and my instinct tells me it is, I respect his right to privacy. However, I have created a whole lifestory for him. I think of him as Robert. His wife Celia died several years ago and since then he has been brokenhearted and alone, locking out the world because the pain of her loss is his most precious possession. Celia is with him in everything he does, walking by his side each morning and straightening his tie before he leaves the house. I worry about him too. If I don’t see him for a day or two, I start to panic. I have no idea where he lives or if he has anyone to look out for him. Thankfully he always turns up, but one day he won’t and he’ll never know how much I miss seeing him. Isn’t it odd how strangers find their way into our hearts! Of course, many of us admire, even love movie stars, musicians and football players and look up to people we respect for one reason or another. We are often inspired by the actions of someone we may never meet, Greta Thunberg being a perfect example. It’s important, especially for children, to have role models but I don’t think we have to look very far to find them. Every older person is just someone who was born before us, done most things before us in fact. Everyone has a story. All we have to do is stop to listen. I’m going to make one more attempt with Robert. Perhaps you can find someone who deserves a moment of your time.
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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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 • Shotley, 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 • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall
GUYS AND DOLLS MACMILLAN FUNDRAISER Sue Dingwall, owner of Guys & Dolls 2 in Brantham, and her staff would like to say a huge thank-you to those who supported their coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The morning raised £166.15, a fantastic amount from a small, independent salon. “Your support means a lot for the charity,” says Sue, “but also to us as it’s a mark of the support our business receives and the community’s commitment to supporting local business.”
SPREAD SOME KINDNESS AND HELP TACKLE LONELINESS Are you interested in making a real difference in your local community without dedicating huge amounts of time? With one in four Essex residents often or always feeling lonely, United in Kind, a new county-wide movement which aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation, needs your support. By taking just a few minutes out of your day to take a neighbour’s bin out, chat to a stranger at a bus stop or make time to call in on someone who lives alone nearby, you can make a big difference to how connected that person feels in their community. Or if you have more time to spare, why not volunteer a couple of hours to help at one of the many community organisations, charities and groups who are already supporting Essex residents who feel lonely or isolated? It’s time to re-connect and make everyone feel part of a kinder community. To find out how you can get involved and to see what’s happening in your community, visit: www.unitedinkind.org.uk You can also share your stories of kindness and inspire others to follow your lead on social media using #UnitedInKind. Together we can tackle loneliness with kindness. Start today!
We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Sun 10 November is the advertising and editorial deadline for the December edition
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NEWS SPORTING MEMORIES GROUPS COME TO BABERGH
PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE SPACES FOR 469 NEW SUFFOLK SCOUTS Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and Suffolk Scouts are joining forces to find more adult volunteers in order to enable more young people to learn skills for life. CAS will offer an updated, easy to use website to help potential volunteers. Although we have many great teams in Suffolk already running everything from youth sections, finances, web masters, marketing, training courses and many more, to support our growth we need more volunteers. Many skills that you may have can apply to Scouting too – accountants to treasurers, teachers and trainers to leaders and construction workers to activity centre managers – or you may feel you want to put you hand to something new. Joining together with CAS enables Suffolk Scouts to reach a wider audience than existing parents and supporters, and aims to attract new volunteers to the movement. In the first move of its kind in Suffolk Scouting’s 112-year history, flexible volunteering is an option for those who want to help but cannot commit to every week. Volunteers gain valuable skills as well as the reward of seeing young people in their community gain the skills they need for life. Over 90 per cent of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting have helped them in their working or personal lives. Plus adults get to have fun and make new friends too! Mark Pearson, the new County Commissioner for Suffolk Scouts, says: “No matter who you are, we would love you to be part of Suffolk Scouting, joining a dedicated, positive team of individuals and made to feel part of the Scouting movement. It will change your life and the lives of many more young people in Suffolk.” Andy Simpson from CAS added: “Community Action Suffolk is very excited to be working in partnership with an organisation as well established as the Scouting Association. Together we can promote the flexible and diverse range of volunteering opportunities within the Scouts to businesses, community groups and individuals across the county. With the award winning training available to volunteers we see this as a real win-win volunteering opportunity.” To see what opportunities will suit your life, visit: www.volunteersuffolk.org.uk
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A new lottery funded project has launched in Babergh, bringing together older residents over their shared sporting memories. A range of partner organisations, volunteers and sports fans all came together in Sudbury Town Hall on Thursday 26 September to launch the new project, which will see Sporting Memory Groups meet in Glemsford, Lavenham, Long Melford and Sudbury. For details of when and where each session is to take place visit: www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/suffolk-clubs Funded by the National Lottery and Babergh District Council, the project is driven by positive and committed volunteers who love talking sport and supporting people in their area. Anyone interested in joining these volunteers can contact Phil Lown for more details: phil@sportingmemoriesnetwork.com These sessions will be open to all over 50s and are free of charge. The volunteer-led sessions help individuals explore and rekindle those favourite memories, including those living with dementia, depression or loneliness who connect with others via cherished sporting memories. Councillor Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Sport brings us all together and recalling memories is great for body and soul, whether over a pint or a cup of tea with friends or as an icebreaker for friends to be. We’ve seen some really wonderful projects fight rural isolation in Babergh, from the Rural Coffee Caravan to Together Tuesdays, and I’m delighted to welcome Sporting Memories to the area. We all have great sporting moments indelibly carved into our memories and using these to connect people is an outstanding idea that I am certain will create new groups and new friendships throughout our district.” Pictured left to right are Philip Lown – Partnership Programme Manager at Suffolk County Council, Councillor Adrian Osborne – Vice Chairman of Babergh District Council, Councillor Jack Owen – Deputy Mayor of Sudbury, Councillor Derek Davis – Babergh Cabinet Member for Communities.
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NEWS REPORT TO PARISH, BRANTHAM WARD: NOVEMBER 2019 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw Slough Road and all that As I said last month, the recovery of our five-year land supply position was useful in the recent decision to refuse planning permission for 65 houses here. The reasons for refusal were confirmed this week, w/c October 7. The decision can, of course, be appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and that’s why those reasons need to be as strong as possible, so Babergh can defend the decision with less fear of being overturned or even suffering financial penalties for making an ‘unreasonable decision’. With other major applications underway (Brooklands Farm, expected to be heard mid-November) or in preparation (Church Field, with a public exhibition mid-October) it might be useful to use this as an opportunity to go through some of the process involved in a single application like this one. Anybody can apply for planning permission for anything. The applicant can pay for professional advice before from Babergh or others. They can produce leaflets, engage with the community, the PC or hold exhibitions. Those can all produce actual changes in their plans, so don’t ignore them. When they are ready, the actual application is lodged and a planning fee is paid (it covers costs, that’s all). This is checked for validity and then published on our website. It is then ‘live’ and some timeframes are involved from then on. Public consultation, a minimum three weeks, starts. Immediate neighbours to the ‘red line’ site receive letters and public notices are posted at the site itself. The statutory consultees (Highways, Education, NHS, Libraries, parish councils affected, Fire Service, Flood Management, Ecological, Heritage, Water Companies, Environmental Agencies and a host of others) are all invited to comment. You, as a member of the public, anyone in fact, can comment in writing, by email or directly online. There is a shedload of information presented, all available online. (We’ve had marketing ‘bots’ attack our site, so it’s not always our fault when you can’t load the site or documents) In major, or ‘tricky’ applications your councillor or the committee can request a site visit, not to rehearse the decision, but only to see and ask questions of information. It’s very rigidly controlled to avoid pre-determination. From all this massive load of stuff, a report is prepared to bring the determination to a planning committee. One officer will take the lead, but they work in teams and are able to take advice. I often discuss cases and material considerations with officers, asking questions as I go. There’s a time limit to decide, so the report summarises the relevant policies that apply, the planning position, the various comments (these do not make the decision, but advise) made by consultees focussing on the most relevant and material. A presentation is also prepared with photographs, maps and other information. Financial and other agreements (Section 106 for Highways, NHS, Education, etc.) and conditions that will apply are also included, as these are all very relevant in making a decision. The report concludes with a recommendation from the planning dept/officer. It’s important to say, that they are all doing a professional job, according to their current understanding of planning law and policy, as are the consultees. The absurdities that we sometimes see on social media are just that, completely absurd! If you don’t believe me, walk in my shoes some time.
Members of the planning committee get the report to read beforehand, online access to check individual points, street view to look at the site from a roadside, site visits (sometimes on their own), the presentation and legal advice. We have a Planning Charter which describes our procedures in meetings and holds members to a standard of open mindedness in consideration of applications. Members also must be up to date in planning training, many having been involved in writing local policy. At the actual meeting, the presentation is given, questions are taken from members. Registered speakers may address the meeting for three minutes. The parish council, an objector, a supporter, the applicant/agent, the county council member on CC issues only, and the local ward member, who has five minutes. All can be questioned by the committee. The officers may be asked to comment at each stage. Legal advice is also on hand and can be brought in at any time. The debate and discussion then starts between members. At some point, a member may propose a motion to grant permission, to refuse, even to defer decision. They will be asked to supply reasons for that motion, although the exact wording can be defined later. A seconder is sought. Debate continues until it is clear that the vote should be taken. The motion must be determined before any other is considered. If defeated, other motions may be made until one is passed. The reason for the decision is normally defined at this point. For Slough Road, additional legal advice was sought by the committee to be returned to them at the later meeting we’ve just had. The main point I‘m making is that none of this is casual, hurried, cursory, biased (except by the law). None of it has been decided in advance, predetermined. There might be a balance of probability, but never a decision. It’s simply too important, with huge penalties for getting it wrong. Members make their decision to vote for honest reasons. You may not agree with them. Sometimes I don’t either, but I don’t doubt their sincerity. The current undoubted manifold faults in our planning system do not come from our planning departments, our districts or the planning committees who make the determination. They derive, almost completely, from National Planning Policy adopted in 2011 and revised to be worse in 2018. Everything else, Core Strategy, Joint Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans and the decisionmaking process itself rest on that. I say current faults because they can, and should, be changed. An opportunity to do so was missed in 2018. The ball was fumbled and some good proposed changes were quietly dropped. I hope this is of some help in clearing up misconceptions, often widely held. I’m always happy to discuss these matters, in Brantham and elsewhere. There was more – name change, Trees for Life, free swims for kids – but this, I think, matters more to you right now. The Blue Claud Butler has a puncture, so does the reserve, but I’ll be around and can always be contacted. Alastair McCraw: 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alastair McCraw, Brantham Independent Councillor (Open Group)
CHARITY CHRISTMAS MARKET & MAGICAL GROTTO 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
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The Charity Christmas Market & Magical Grotto returns to Acorn Village on Saturday 23 November, 10am to 4pm. Alongside all the stalls, there is also a ride on train, children’s rides, Mr & Mrs Christmas in the magical grotto, a BBQ, live music, flower displays, an amazing raffle, tombolas and more. We hope you can come for the day and help raise lots of vital funds for adults with learning disabilities.
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT ARDLEIGH SURGERY Flu Update Autumn has begun and we have already started to see a rise in viral illnesses and flu. If you missed recent flu clinics, don’t worry, there are still flu injections available for eligible patients. Please contact reception to book an appointment. Staff News This month we say goodbye to Ruth, our practice manager, who has been with us for the last 18 months. Ruth is returning to London to continue working as a practice manager. We wish her all the best in this next step. We will be welcoming our new practice manager in November. Dr Greenland has now fully qualified as a GP and has joined our team full time. A new GP registrar, Dr Faiza Murad, has also joined the team. Joy, our nurse practitioner, is undertaking a master’s course in complex pain at UCL and Fiona, our nurse, is expanding her knowledge in diabetes. Medication Shortages HRT medication has been in the news recently with medication shortages, but unfortunately it is not just this class of drug being affected by production issues. Please be patient with the GPs and dispensary team with medications which may need to be altered due to these issues. Text Messages We have a new text message system at the surgery called AccRx. This allows us to send you text messages and information about your appointments, medications or a short message. When you are next in the surgery, please check we have the correct contact details for you. Please be aware, you cannot text back to us.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH – OR IS IT TEA? After 12 years of organising and cooking for the annual Community Christmas Lunch, we have decided, reluctantly, that it is time to stop! Despite having a great team of helpers, some of whom have been with us for all of those 12 years, providing a traditional, home-cooked Christmas Lunch for sometimes as many as 90 people is a great deal of work for us, not only on the day, but both before and after the event. However, organising hospitality for the community is something very worthwhile and we know that many people very much appreciate and enjoy these events. So, on Tuesday, December 17 we will hold a Community Christmas Tea, with musical entertainment at Mistley Church Hall from 2-4.30pm as usual. We will have the usual Christmas Tea delights, such as home-made sausage rolls and sandwiches, jelly and ice-cream, and lots of cake! Tea or coffee, of course, and perhaps a tot of sherry! Places are more limited than with the lunch at a maximum of 50, so please ring us and book your tickets early. Tickets (£2.50) will be available from October 1 from 01206 391918. Lastly, we want to thank all our helpers over the years, not least Saul Hunnaball of Paskells for transport and serving, all those who have supplied desserts or peeled vegetables, served and washed up, but most of all, we want to thank all of you for supporting us over all these years. Joy and John Baker St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, Mistley with Manningtree
Antibiotic Prescribing Many winter coughs and sneezes are viral and do not need antibiotics. GPs and nurses only issue antibiotics when they feel it is clinically justified and not for ‘just in case’. Antibiotic resistance is a global issue so let’s help on a local level and work together to reduce antibiotic use this winter.
Lawford Parish Council
Car Park We would be grateful if patients, where able, could please use the village car park opposite the church. The surgery only has three small spaces outside it which should be reserved for the needs of those who have very limited mobility, Blue Badge holders and ambulances. Thank you.
Minutes can be collected from the parish office by prior arrangement as the offices are not open to the public.
You can read council minutes on the parish council noticeboards and at: www.essexinfo.net/lawford-parish-council
Patient Participation Group Our Patient Participation Group (PPG) is seeking new members. If you are interested in joining we would welcome your help and support. Please contact the practice to pass on your contact details.
MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT FRANKENBERG PARTNERSHIP CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET FRIENDS OF ST LAWRENCE CHURCH BRADFIELD
Manningtree and District/Frankenberg Partnership Association invites everyone to enjoy a musical evening with supper on Saturday 9 November, 6.30 for 7pm at the Oak Room, Acorn Village Clacton Road, Mistley CO11 2NJ.
Saturday 30 November, 10am to 4pm Bradfield Community Centre CO11 2UU
Entertainment by The Columbines, three talented musicians singing and playing folk music including some German songs
Entrance £1 / under 16s free
Tickets are only £12.50 including nibbles on the tables when you arrive, a tasty supper of cold meats, cheese and salad, followed by dessert and, of course, great music!
Refreshments, Raffle and Tombola Christmas gifts, jewellery, handmade sewn goods, purses, cushions, ceramics, eco market stall, artwork, soaps, handmade cards, wood ware, bowls and knitwear for children and adults. Cheese and pies, preserves, church cakes and much more!
VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS £2 per child; story and age appropriate gift
There will be a raffle and we ask you to bring your own drinks, but glasses will be provided. If you haven’t been to a partnership event, do come along, support this community initiative of nearly 50 years and make new friends! To book to for more information, contact our secretary: 01255 870509 / 07891 963005 (call or text) / dagmargrafton@gmail.com Cheques payable to MDFPA
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OUT & ABOUT NEW AND FREE: EAST COAST COLLECTIVE Singing opportunity at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree A new a capella mixed choir/chorus called the East Coast Collective has started at the Red Lion in Manningtree on Mondays from 7.30-9.30pm. The sessions are currently free to attend and while you don’t need to be able to read music, the ability to hold a tune is pretty important. We will start with some basics and progress gradually and we hope to be able to perform eventually if members want to. There will be training and coaching on how to sing close harmony unaccompanied, which will undoubtedly help anyone who currently sings in any other context, but no previous choral experience is necessary. Please don’t think you’re not good enough. We need men and women of all ages and abilities, so why not give it a try? We would love to see you there and think you will find singing in a group like this very rewarding, just as we do. Ben, Andy, Brian & Keith
EVENTS AT MANNINGTREE LIBRARY Halloween Activities Visit us throughout half term to follow the pumpkin trail and enjoy other activities. Help us make a display with paper plate pumpkins you’ve created at home. Themed storytime on Friday 1 November at 11am. 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. For further information contact Essex Libraries on 0345 603 7628 or visit: www.libraries.essex.gov.uk/events
BOOK SALE AT MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH An end of year book sale is happening at Manningtree Methodist Church in South Street on Saturday 2 November between 10am and 3pm. Once again most hardbacks will be priced at £1 with paperbacks at 50p. All children’s books are 10p each. Crispy Bob and his bacon rolls will be available together with tea, coffee and a selection of cakes. A warm and friendly welcome awaits everyone as admission is free.
EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY Proudly presenting The Inaccurate Conception, a comedy by Richard Ahsam and Geoff Saunders. The school nativity play is usually everyone’s first brush with the theatre. This hilarious production in which seven-year-olds, teachers and parents alike are played by adults, follows a young primary teacher’s efforts – against the odds – to produce just such a play. Playing at the Constable Hall in East Bergholt from November 28-30 at 7.30pm. Tickets (£7) are available from The Fountain House Tearooms in East Bergholt and from 01473 311555 / 07803 475750.
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THE MANIFEST THEATRE Santa Goes on Holiday Tuesday 10-Saturday 14 December at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday Santa decides he needs a break after 500 years of working. Various popular and well-known characters are affected by this decision, as well as hundreds of children around the world who will not be having their usual Christmas. However, with fairy magic, songs and fun, and the audience making sure they boo the baddie, things could change and Christmas will be the same as ever. Tickets (£10/£8) can be booked via TicketSource, by calling 07444 724271 or by posting your order to Box Office, Manifest Theatre Group, 2 Oxford Road, Manningtree CO11 1BP. Spring Production Auditions for The Thrill of Love by Amanda Whittington, the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain, will take place on Friday 1 November at 7.30pm. The production dates are Tuesday 10 to Saturday 23 May 2020. The cast (ages are flexible and only a guideline): Ruth Ellis, a nightclub hostess in her 20s Jack Gale, a detective inspector in his 40s Sylvia Shaw, a nightclub manageress in her 30s Vickie Martin, a model and actress in her 20s Doris Judd, a charwoman in her 20s Please contact Ben Maytham, the director, if you are interested in a part or would like to get involved front of house or behind stage (everyone will get a warm welcome): benmaytham@outlook.com
MANIFEST MOVIES Friday 22 November: Stan & Olly in collaboration with Sons of Desert, our local Laurel & Hardy group. Doors and bar open at 7pm and the film will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are just £5 for Manifest Theatre members. Non-members pay an additional £2 annual theatre membership which entitles them to reduced prices on all Manifest productions during the year. Pay on the door.
CONSTABLE SINGERS Ogilvie Hall, Lawford: Monday 28 October, 2-4pm Songs from The Musicals and Old Favourites The Grange, East Bergholt: Friday 8 November (evening) Songs from the Musicals Brantham Social Club: Thursday 14 November, 1-4pm Songs from the Musicals Dove Close Community Housing, Capel: Friday 29 November, 7pm Christmas Songs Charity Bazaar, Constable Hall, East Bergholt: Sunday 1 December, 12.30pm Christmas Songs Bypass Nurseries, Capel Charity Evening: Friday 6 December, 6.30pm Christmas Songs Pensioners Lunch, Constable Hall, East Bergholt: Sunday 8 December, 2pm Christmas Songs The Grange, East Bergholt: Friday 20 December, 6.30pm Christmas Songs We welcome anyone to join us at our weekly sessions held at The Lambe School in East Bergholt on Thursday from 7pm (apart from the second Thursday when we rehearse at The Congregational Church). There’s no audition, the first session is free and the words are provided as we sing along to backing tracks once we’ve learnt the song. We sing for enjoyment! For further information contact Mel: 01206 298628
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OUT & ABOUT STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY Stour Choral Society is busy rehearsing for its autumn concert which will be held on Saturday 30 November at 2.30pm at Mistley Parish Church CO11 1ER. We will be performing excerpts from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and the Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Vaughan Williams. There will also be some ‘audience participation’ carols. We welcome back soloists Mitesh Khatri (tenor) and Gary Griffiths (bass) and will be ably led by musical director Susie Hyman and accompanied by Stephen Smith, our organist, and Jonathan Abbott on trumpet. Please come and join us for a wonderful afternoon of music. Tickets are available from Howells Hardware Store on Manningtree High Street, 01206 392820, or society members.
STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Sun 10 Nov, 4pm at St Mary’s Church. East Bergholt: Trio con Brio Copenhagen Founded in Vienna in 1999 with the concept of pairs coming together, sisters Soo-Jin and Soo-Kyung and Jens Elvekjaer have since then been exploring the piano trio repertoire with freshness and curiosity, as well as with respect and reflection. They are now well established and regular visitors to East Bergholt, which is a great privilege for us! Sun 24 Nov, 5pm at the Assembly Rooms, Dedham: Miscarriages of Justice I have Known by William Clegg William Clegg QC has defended in over 100 murder and manslaughter cases, including some of the most notorious to come before the courts in recent years. He was called to the Bar in 1972 and has been Head of Chambers at 2 Bedford Row, specialising in criminal law for 25 years. He is the author of the bestselling book Under the Wig. For more details or to book tickets: 01206 298426 / svamtickets@btinternet.com / www.svam.org.uk
MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The first meeting of the new season was an opportunity for club members to show photographs taken within a 10-mile radius of Manningtree during the summer break. We were entertained with a wonderful array of images ranging from scenery to trees and insects and more. Our second meeting gave us an insight into what photography means to Frank and Harvey, our chair and vice-chair, with recollections of their early days of photography through to present day, illustrated with a selection of images and tips for presenting images for competitions. The Facebook challenge continues with a new theme every two weeks to keep us on our toes. The winning image (pictured) in the Sport challenge was taken by Tim Stott. This month’s meetings are a workshop on November 14 entitled Thinking in Colour to See in Black and White with Alan Sarsby and an open Mono Prints Competition on November 21. We are also taking part in the North Essex PDI Competition on November 28. 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
THE ORCHARD PLAYERS 2020 PANTO Rehearsals are now underway for Red Riding Hood, our 2020 panto which runs from Thursday 9-Saturday 11 January at Capel St Mary Community Centre. Tickets (£8/£6) for 7.30pm performances on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 January, and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday 11 are now on sale. Box Office Number: 07793 820215
MANNINGTREE ROTARY CLUB We are seeking your support once again.
TEA & SUPPORT IN 2019 Tea and Support, the friendly, practical support group for those recently bereaved or left living alone, meets on the third Wednesday of each month, usually at Mistley Church Hall, New Road, Mistley (just opposite The Towers), between 2 and 4pm. Transport is available on request. We offer a friendly and safe place to spend time with others, to make new friends, or to get some practical support. Understanding that Sunday lunchtime is often difficult, some of our members meet at the Environmental Centre Cafe in New Road for a roast lunch on the first Sunday of each month. The programme for the remainder of 2019 November 20 Outing to a Garden Centre December 11 December Lunch (note that this is not the third Wednesday of the month and is just for T&S members and invited guests. Please see a separate note on page 9. For anyone left alone, life can become difficult and often lonely. Please come along and join us at Tea & Support or ring Joy or John Baker on 01206 391918 or Sue Orriss on 01206 395355 for further information. Programmes for 2019 can be found 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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For the previous Rotary year you supported us as we collected bras for Against Breast Cancer. This year we are supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). After talks with the charity, they would like us to collect handbags and belts on their behalf, so if you have any unwanted handbags or belts please donate them to us. Once again we are being supported by the East of England Co-op so you will find our collection box in the entrance to the Manningtree store and Paul, the store manager, is pictured putting the first belt in the box. As part of our support for the environment we also have a collection box in the store for used/unwanted pens, felt tip pen and pencils and colouring pencils to be recycled. Following a Rotary initiative and enterprise on a series of ongoing mornings, members of Manningtree Rotary Club in cooperation with Mistley Parish Council have been clearing and cutting back the severely overgrown pathway on the south side of The Walls, Mistley. This has now grown from a small group to a large number of volunteers joining the project under the direction of ‘Clerk of Works’ Rotarian Steve Coiley which is attracting much acclaim.
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OUT & ABOUT HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY
BRANTHAM SCOUT & GUIDE GROUP
Mendelssohn’s much-loved masterpiece Elijah, one of the greatest oratorios in choral repertoire, will be performed by Hadleigh Choral Society on November 23 at 7pm at St Mary’s Church in Hadleigh (IP7 5DT). The choruses, arias and recitatives dramatically tell the story of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet, through various Biblical episodes which feature terrible drought and famine, miraculous rain, mortal resurrection, a contest between gods, a fiery chariot and horses, and ultimately ascension to heaven.
Before the summer term ended, the Rainbows participated in a county-wide event based on Elmer the Elephant. They played a game which involved squirting water like naughty elephants, made their own Elmer ears, planted a sunflower, made Elmer face masks, decorated ceramic tiles and listened to an Elmer story. They rounded off their summer term with a campfire and enjoyed toasting marshmallows to make S’mores while having a good sing-song!
Joining the choir will be professional soloists Elinor Rolfe Johnson (soprano), Siân Cameron (mezzo-soprano), Huw Ynyr (tenor) and Owain Browne (bass), as well as the Colchester Symphony Orchestra, all conducted by Christopher Phelps.
The Beavers are back after their summer break and have an action packed few months ahead of them. They will be enjoying tobogganing at Ipswich Ski Slope, a district trip to Thetford Forest and a sleepover. The Beavers will also be busy working towards their cyclist and first aid badges and finally, collecting conkers and keeping fit – phew!
Tickets are £15 (under-25s free) and available online, from The Idler bookshop in Hadleigh, from choir members or on the door. For more information: 01473 823791 / www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk
The Brownies have an eventful autumn term planned. They have already been busy with Whole New World Crafts and working towards their Whole New World Crafts badge. Other activities include ‘shop till you drop’, a sponsored cycle at Alton Water and Day of the Dead!
STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday 9 October, Jenny Gibbs presented An Englishwoman’s Life in Rural Turkey. Her stories capture a simple, serene, pastoral way of life in a Turkish mountain village unchanged for centuries. On November 13 Magistrate Graham Higgins will talk of Tales From The Bench. He will look at our legal heritage, particularly the part played by Suffolk. He will relate how the role of magistrates and local events have played a part in this history and will bring us up to date with an opportunity to decide how a defendant should be sentenced by briefly outlining a case. He will also include some of his unusual experiences on the bench. 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. We don’t hold a speaker meeting in December but instead enjoy a Christmas lunch which this year is on Wednesday 11 December at the Ipswich Best Western Hotel, Copdock IP8 3JD. This is always a very popular event so an early reservation is advised. On January 8 Chris Parfitt, a retired teacher, will enlighten us on The Mysteries of Easter Island in an illustrated talk in which he will look at life on this remote island and explore its unique history. Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday 29 November.
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Andy Malcolm will talk about the good work undertaken by The Fishermen’s Mission on November 6 and on November 20 Sara Waterston of local Hunnable Funeral Directors will talk on The Humourist Side of Funerals. Our speaker on December 4 is Simon Gallop with The Unknown Constable Country and we end the year with our popular annual Christmas quiz. It’s rumoured that there are some valuable prizes to be won on this occasion! We will not meet on January 1 so our first meeting in the New Year will be on Wednesday 15 January when fellow member Michael Hole will present a talk entitled First and Second World War Prisoner of War Camps. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB, 10 for 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202
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The Cubs finished their action packed summer term with a fire lighting session where they made use of the ‘buddy burners’ that had been made the previous week. S’mores were, of course, on the menu along with toast, jacket potatoes and beans. The Cubs also took part in the Ipswich Elmer hunt and had their annual family sandcastle competition at Walton on the Naze. Their last meeting of the term was spent playing on their water slide at Hallowtree farm. Please make sure you keep any unwanted clothes aside ready for the Scout & Guide Group clothing collection. Bags will be delivered around the first week of November and collected on the November 16. These collections help raise vital funds and the group is very grateful for donations. We are looking for adult helpers to assist unit leaders: Guides (Monday evenings) – Call Debbie on: 01206 299586 1st Brownies (Tuesday evenings) – E: 1stbranthambrownies@gmail.com Scouts (Friday evenings) – Call Charlie on: 01255 487252 No experience is necessary, just a willingness to help local young people enjoy the great range of activities and experiences that our units offer.
MANNINGTREE FIT CLUB Open to anyone looking to lead a healthy active lifestyle. Every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm at Mistley Village Hall. Contact: Bridie 07403 316735 / Tanya 07920 76245 Follow us on Facebook at: Manningtree Fit Club
MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 12 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree. All those interested in poetry are invited to attend, either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets. There is no admission charge. To keep up-to-date with the group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk
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Shop Road Little Bromley Manningtree CO11 2PZ
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OUT & ABOUT / SPORT VILLAGE LINK Our next meeting is on November 13 at 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall when Iestyn Edwards will present an amusing talk and act entitled My Tutu Went AWOL. Our aim is to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members, men and women of all ages, from many villages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am-noon. I would like to welcome back any former members and to see new members from all local villages at our meetings, either as visitors or members. Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262
EAST BERGHOLT FC We are pleased to announce Smy IT Specialists as shirt sponsor for all three of our adult men’s teams this season. The club is very grateful for this support. On the playing side, the 1st Team games have been high scoring with nine coming in a 7-2 home victory over Trimley Red Devils and eight in a 4 all draw away at Bildeston Rangers. These were either side of Suffolk Senior Cup exit at Cranes. The Reserves have still to register a victory, but have played only two games to date while the A Team have a loss, a draw and a win so far. Upcoming Fixtures
ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment. On October 2 we were pleased to welcome back Louise Scholfield who gave a fascinating and often intriguing talk about her archaeological adventures in Albania The guest speaker on November 6 will be Daniel Snowman. Daniel, a writer, lecturer and broadcaster on social and cultural history, will present The Hitler Emigres; Their Impact on British Artistic and Cultural Life. The guest speaker on December 4 will be Giles Ramsay and his subject is Pantomime: A Very British Treat. We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Meetings begin at 2.15pm 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
LAWFORD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The AGM has now taken place and the new committee is starting to get into their roles. We are thinking about 2020 very seriously and how we can encourage more people along to our monthly meetings and our annual shows.
1st Team – Senior Division 2 Nov: Leiston St Margarets (H) 9 Nov: Coplestonians (A) 16 Nov: Crane Sports (A) 23 Nov: Westerfield Utd (H) 30 Nov: Henley Athletic (A) Reserves – League A 26 Oct: Claydon Res (A) 2 Nov: Bramford Utd Res (A) 9 Nov: Old Newton Res (H) 16 Nov: Bacton Utd 89 (H) 23 Nov: Haughley Utd Res (A) 30 Nov: AFC Kesgrave Res (H) A Team – League C 26 Oct: Coplestonians A (H) 2 Nov: Sporting 87 A (A) 9 Nov: Henley Athletic Res (H) 16 Nov: Wenhaston Ud Res (H) 30 Nov: Wickham Market Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. Please refer to: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Sponsorship We would like to thank this season’s sponsors: Smy IT Specialists, JAK, Riverside Taxis Manningtree Marquis, Bergholt Travel, G & C Timber & Joinery Ltd, Primus and Kitchen Worktops Online. If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Ladies and Juniors We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. Also ladies who would like to join are welcome. If you are interested please contact David George at: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com
The final meeting for 2019 will take place on Thursday 21 November at 7.30pm in the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford. Our speaker will be Fiona Edmond from Green Island Garden at Ardleigh. No doubt many of you will have visited her beautiful garden, but if you want to find out more or to ask any questions, come along to the meeting. You will be very welcome.
Events This upcoming season is the 125th anniversary of the club and there will be special events to mark this momentous achievement.
CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB
The FIFA tournament will be repeated and is open to all-comers so keep an eye out for the next one.
Our talk on Tuesday 12 November at 7.30pm in Capel Methodist Church is by Alex Bass on the wildlife and landscape of the North Norfolk Coast. This promises to be a very good evening as the speaker is very knowledgeable, and a good photographer, so do come and join us. Visitors welcome.
It is also anticipated that the darts tournament will become a regular event and will be open to all, so look out for the next event to be held in January 2020.
In October we had an excellent presentation on the Isles of Scilly and its wildlife and flora by Chris Parfitt. It was a pity not many people came; they certainly missed an excellent evening. It was surprising to learn that there are 145 islands, of which 140 are inhabited. St Mary’s is the largest with a population of 1,500.
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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 detail, but keep Easter Sunday 2020 free.
Follow us on: Facebook: Ease Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc Twitter: @EBUFC1 Steve Butcher (Secretary): stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
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SPORT LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB This year is the 70th anniversary of Lawford Lads, which combined with Lawford Junior in 2015 to become Lawford Football Club. Founded in August 1949, the Lads played their first match on 7 October 1949. Lads was included in the name as most players were under 18. To mark this anniversary, we have added a pictorial history of past teams to the website. Unfortunately, many of the images are untitled. If you can identify any of these please contact us at: lawfordfc@gmail.com We would also like to add further images, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s. Searching for photographs, it was discovered that Lawford Football Club as it’s known today is the second club to bear that name. The original club, founded in 1935, played at Lawford Home Park behind the Kings Arms public house. The club was disbanded in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War.
Lawford’s First Team competes in the Premier Division of the Essex & Suffolk League, while the club also fields Reserves and Ladies teams. The youth and junior sections are thriving with 11 teams from U7s to U18s (pictured). Training for U6s started in October. The club benefits from excellent facilities at School Lane, including its modern clubhouse and awarding winning pitches. Becoming one club, combining the Lads, Lawford Ladies and Lawford Juniors, has been a fantastic success. According to chairman John Duchars: “It was a huge step forward and symbolic of a commitment to promote football at the highest level we are able to, working together across all sections.” Pre-season fitness training brought together players from the First Team, Reserves and U18s, while U18 players often feature in the match day squads for the First and Reserve teams. www.lawfordfc.co.uk/past-teams
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MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB The season concluded with the awards evening following the final league game of the season. The winners were as follows: Clubman of the Year: Andy Birch 1st XI Player of the Year Award: Matt Bibby 2nd XI Player of the Year: Stuart Barwood 3rd XI Player of the Year: Harry Fifield Batsman of the Year: George Hutton Division C Player of the Year: George Hutton NECL Player of the Year: Charlie Hawthorn Young Cricketer of the Year: Charlie Hawthorn Bowler of the Year: Paul Garwood Club Captain’s Award: Andrew Butcher Gary Marr Contribution to Cricket Award: Cameron Rose Tony Vincent Cup for U15 Cricketer of the Year: Will Bailey Major Pullinger Award: Alex Ashworth Terrier Cricketer of the Year: Alex White Girls Cricketer of the Year: Elise Liddell Kwik Cricketer of the Year: Sean Bibby U13 Cricketer of the Year: Zak White The ladies capped another fine season with an invitation to Essex County Ground at Chelmsford on September 17 to be part of the Club to County 2019 celebration walk of honour for winning the Beaumont Seymour League. This took place during the tea interval where the Essex men were taking on Surrey on their way to winning the County Championship. They were the only woman’s team to take part; an amazing experience and occasion. Performances of Note 2nd XI Paul Garwood, 5-55 v Felixstowe & Cor Robin Mills, 80 not out v Felixstowe & Cor Coming Up Colder weather, darker nights, a short England tour to New Zealand. September 2019 100 Club Winners 1: Peter Spencer (56) £120 2: Josh Jackson (87) £60 3: Christine Goff (24) £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
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Fresh hope
HEARING HEALTH O PE N DA Y
Trudy Bassett (39) of Colchester became a client of The Hearing Care Centre only recently, in July, but is already reporting dramatic Trudy Bassett results with her new Phonak Marvel aids. She chain. I booked an appointment, reflects on her journey back but there was no way for me to to hearing: test them and they weren’t cheap, ‘I was about 16 or 17 when I first noticed I wasn’t hearing so well,’ says Trudy. ‘But it wasn’t till I had my first child at 28 and, worried I wouldn’t hear him cry, that I booked a test where I was shocked to discover how bad my hearing actually was. I was given an NHS hearing aid but – wow the noise of everyday life was so loud. I persevered, but it was too much to wear all the time and I eventually stopped. Then I had my second son at 32 and my hearing really become a problem.’ Trudy has hereditary otosclerosis and her mother was one of the first in the UK to have a successful operation for the condition. After much deliberation and, aware of the risks, Trudy had a stapedectomy in her right ear in 2016. ‘My operation was not a success. During surgery, a bone broke and could not be repaired. I cried my eyes out and was sofa bound for four weeks. I could hardly walk and when I did, I felt like I was on a boat. Eventually I healed, but the hearing in my right ear is virtually non-existent. I was again fitted with NHS aids, but couldn’t get on with the right one so didn’t wear it. The hearing centre at the hospital tried to do their best, but couldn’t offer me the quality of hearing I really needed. ‘I’d seen an advert on tv for hearing aids at a large national
so I came away disappointed. I then looked up ‘hearing centres in Colchester’ on Google, and The Hearing Care Centre came up. I booked an appointment with Richard Lusher-Seaman, taking along my partner, James. ‘Richard did a hearing test and gave me a pair of aids to test out on a walk into town. It was amazing! We walked through the high street and I could hear people talking in the shops and what James was saying when on my right. I also suffer with tinnitus and that had gone. I ordered the hearing aids that day. Richard set the aids up to my phone, along with the app to help me control volume - all while being supplied with coffee and biscuits by the lovely ladies on the desk. ‘We went home and I could hear the birds sing and the cars go past outside. These things sound silly, but when you haven't heard them in 10+ years it’s pretty amazing! I could hear my little boy in the next room, chatting to himself, and rain on the window.’ Trudy is still having follow ups for various adjustments and to find the best size of in-ear domes. But she says ‘It’s not a problem for Richard and the staff. They genuinely are a lovely team and I can’t thank them enough for their time and helping me find my hearing again.’
At its upcoming Open Day in Manningtree on 14 November, the Centre will be demonstrating the very latest hearing solutions from Phonak and other manufacturers. Book your free consultation on Freephone 0800 092 6641 or www.skeelshearing.co.uk 20
14 November, Manningtree By appointment only at The Hearing Care Centre, Foundry Court Community Centre, Colchester Road, Manningtree CO11 1EJ
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Your local audiologist Debbie Lawrence RHAD FSHAA
‘‘I felt I could not be in better hands.’ Mr P. Gard, Colchester
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP OPENS IN MANNINGTREE The festive season gets under way in Manningtree when the Cards for Good Causes pop-up charity Christmas card shop opens in Manningtree Library. Buying Christmas cards through Cards for Good Causes is the best way to get access to the widest selection of Christmas cards available, as well as a fantastic range of seasonal gifts and products, while supporting a range of national and local charities. Staffed by a team of local volunteers, the Manningtree pop-up shop is part of a network of more than 300 temporary shops run by Cards for Good Causes, the UK’s largest multi-charity Christmas card organisation.
It represents more than 250 charities including Cancer Research UK, Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Alzheimer’s Society and RNLI as well as a number of local charities such as East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and Lupus UK. Shoppers will be able to choose from hundreds of different Christmas card designs, as well as traditional advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper, gift tags, napkins and stocking fillers. This is a particularly significant year for Cards for Good Causes as they mark their 60th birthday. Over the last six decades, charities have received in excess of £100 million from Cards for Good Causes, with the tireless support of thousands of volunteers across the country. For further information visit: www.cardsforcharity.co.uk
BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES An Outer Veneer Under the showroom lights, it looked a wonderful piece of furniture. I was taken in. I imagined it was solid wood, built to last. Within the year, a thin layer of veneer started to come away and soon cracked to expose chipboard beneath. In time other bits peeled away and it was looking a tatty bit of furniture which needed to be replaced.
the court case of the four policemen – one of whom has made confession to the court). Amos says; “let justice cascade down like a mighty river, and righteousness like an inexhaustible stream.” The promise of our honesty before God, a stream of righteous acts flowing through our lives to bless others. Acts, not from the outer veneer of superficial rituals, but from a solid foundation of a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sometime people can be the same. We superficially look the part, but after a few knocks and bruises, we are a mess. I’ve just read about a case from a different continent where four policemen have been charged with the kidnap and murder of three Christian workers who were working to support poor people suffering from injustice. The four policemen had the outer respectability of a police uniform, but underneath were murderers.
Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216
There have been cases in this country where what seem like respectable people, serving in the community or church, yet in the dark side of their lives, committing bad and sometimes criminal acts. We can all think of examples in many walks of life where politicians, social workers, teachers, church leaders, doctors and so forth have been caught doing something wicked, bringing their profession into disrepute. It’s not new: 2,650 years ago a prophet called Amos spoke to the religious people of his day about the hollowness of the rituals they went through. They may offer their worship and their sacrifices, but God sees through their pretence – the outer veneer, he knows what is at the heart of these people. We all to some extent or other, put on masks to cover the real self, to cope in a world with the pressures to conform. But there is one place, which is open to all, where we can go and be totally open and honest, admitting our shallowness, our veneer, our failures. That place can be anywhere and everywhere – it’s a place to talk with God who knows everything about you without you saying a word, and he loves you, despite the worst things you might have done. If you are honest with him, you will know a peace that the world cannot give. If there is criminal wrongdoing, justice may need to be done (as we hope for
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AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Minister: The Rev Ian Gardner 34 Medway Road, Ipswich IP3 0QH ian.gardner@methodist.org.uk / 01473 411507 Sunday 3
11am
Communion with Rev Ian Gardner
Sunday 10
10.45am
Remembrance Sunday at St Michael’s
Sunday 17
11am
Worship with Mr Roger Fern
Sunday 24
11am
Worship with Mr David Welbourn
AT CAPEL METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 3
10.30am 6.30pm
Worship with Mr Simon Scott Prayer
Sunday 10
9.45am 6.30pm
Remembrance Service with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey
Sunday 17
10.30am
Worship with Mr Stephen Walker
Sunday 24
10.30am 6.30pm
Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at Capel Community Church
Saturday 30 3.30pm
Messy Church
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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com
long ago, to remember them especially in a simple service at St Michael’s, Brantham at 3.30pm on Saturday 2 November.
www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk
There will be three ways for remembering. A bowl will be placed at the back of both St Mary’s and St Michael’s from Saturday 19 October and removed on Saturday 2 November. Please write the names of those you remember before God on the paper provided and place the paper in the bowl. The names of those for whom we have conducted services in the last year will be read out from our records so you don’t need to write these down unless you wish to. During the All Souls’ Service at St Michael’s, Brantham the bowl with all the names will be brought up and placed gently on the altar at the beginning of the service. These names will not be read out; they will be silently offered to God.
RAMBLING RECTOR By the time you read this the service celebrating Guide Dogs for the Blind will have taken place at St Mary’s in East Bergholt. The more time I spend with Coco, the more I am in awe of her skills. We visited our local garden centre last week. After a delicious cup of coffee and a slice of cake, Coco and I browsed round the shop while Dearly Beloved headed outside to the tree section. Once we had exhausted the shop, we went outside to join him. It’s a large area and since I can’t see my hand in front of my face, I quickly realised that this was going to be a challenge. Needles and haystacks came to mind. “Where is he?” I asked Coco. She put her nose to the ground briefly and then led me round the perimeter path across to the other side where we found DB happily imbibing liquid amber.
Secondly, there will be an opportunity to light a candle during the service. A lit candle is a symbol both of God’s presence with us and of our prayers offered to him.
She is a constant reminder to me that all I need to do is trust her and she will lead me where I need to go.
Thirdly, the names of those on our records who have died during the last year will be read aloud.
Rev Steph
Please accept this invitation to the All Souls’ Service, a special time of remembering. You don’t need to reply to this invitation, and anyone who wishes to come is most welcome on the day. We are praying for you.
SERVICES IN NOVEMBER Saturday 2 All Souls’ 3.30pm All Souls’, Brantham Sunday 3 All Saints’ Day 8pm BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt 2.30pm Blessing of the Marriage of Jon William Tyler and Jade Langdown, Brantham 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Wednesday 6 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday 10 8am 10am 10.45am
Remembrance Day BCP Communion, East Bergholt Remembrance, East Bergholt Remembrance, Brantham
Sunday 17 8am 10am 11am
2nd Sunday before Advent BCP Communion, East Bergholt Communion, East Bergholt Family Service, Brantham
Sunday 24 8am 10am 11am
Christ the King BCP Communion, East Bergholt Choral Matins, East Bergholt Communion (Healing), Brantham
Do remember that parking at St Michael’s is difficult as we have no parking area, so allow plenty of time to be able to park calmly and walk to the church. Rev Steph First Aid Training Michael Mann, a registered and qualified instructor with Nuco Training Ltd, will deliver a one-off six-hour training session at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt from 2pm on November 16. Cost £30. Anyone interested please contact Liz Digby on 01473 312281 to book or for further details. Foodbank Collections St Mary’s and St Michael’s churches are collecting tinned ham, tinned salmon and Christmassy items such as mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas puddings (small and large), custard, chocolate biscuits, selection boxes for kiddies and boxes of chocolates for festive hampers for the Manningtree Foodbank. There will be collection containers in both church porches from November 20 until December 15.
Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday in East Bergholt at 8am and Choral Matins on the fourth Sunday, but not in August or December. INVITATION TO A SERVICE OF MEMORIES At the beginning of November, the church celebrates All Saints’ and the next day All Souls’, the commemoration of the Faithful Departed. There will be an opportunity for anyone who has lost someone they love either recently or
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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 Celebrate Christmas at The Haywain Enjoy a meal in front of our fire in the pub, in our private dining room or our large function room Perfect for Christmas parties!
Flat Iron Friday
Breakfast & Brunch Saturdays and Sundays
Two flat iron steaks and two house drinks - £20
Join us for coffee, breakfast waffles or a full English
Check our social media and website for a list of events
Try our vegan breakfast!
Open Wed - Fri - 12.00pm - 3.00pm - 6.00pm - 11.00pm Saturday - 9.30am - 11.00pm | Sunday - 9.30am - 6.00pm
www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree
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Planning For Your Retirement
Swallow Financial Planning and Thompson Smith and Puxon Solicitors would like to invite you to join them for coffee and cake on Thursday 21st November 2019 10.30am -12.30pm at The Mistley Thorn, High St, Mistley, CO11 1HE
There will be short presentations on:
Free to attend, everyone welcome!
• ‘How long will my money last in retirement?’ Joshua Lamb, Swallow Financial Planning
• Wills and Estate Planning, and Lasting Powers of Attorney Aileen Hirst and Robert Ashworth, Thompson Smith and Puxon
There will be time for questions, along with coffee and cake served. Numbers are limited, so please book early to secure your place.
To reserve your place contact Joshua Lamb: josh@swallow.financial - 01473 384858 24
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659 Meeting at Old St Michael’s School on Trinity Road, Manningtree REMEMBERING As a child I was fascinated by Tchaikovsky’s Festival Overture, perhaps because it was one of the few LPs I had access too, but possible also because of the canon fire and the fact ir commemorated a great battle – the successful Russian defence of Moscow against Napoleon and his ‘Grande Armee’. For some reason I have always connected it with fireworks and in America it is often played on July 4 in their patriotic celebration of independence. We have our own fireworks celebration that remembers an older but not dissimilar anniversary. There was a plot to destroy the parliament of 1605 and barrels of gunpowder had been placed for that very reason in a cellar under Westminster Palace. Tipped off, the authorities found Fawkes guarding the powder and many lives were spared. The aggressors did not have their way. Protestants have always believed that God overrules all things and we understand that on this occasion He overruled to preserve a true faith in this country rather than anything else. We have our own fireworks event on Saturday 2 November, and will be joining with the nation as we remember the sacrifice of our soldiers on Remembrance Sunday. Our current studies in the Biblical Book of Daniel proclaim the same truth, God is in control, nothing happens that is not known to Him, He is never surprised or caught off guard. His plans may be hard to understand, indeed we are getting used to hearing Daniel record that he was terrified by what God shared with him. However, knowing just a little bit of God’s plan is comforting when the tough times come and prepares us to act well, even when all around us are struggling. In the evenings we are looking through Matthew’s eyes at the Lord Jesus, a great introduction to what it means to be a Christian. In 1812, a group of people were planning to build a school building for the benefit of the community in Manningtree. It was completed in 1814. Since then Old St Michael’s School building, as it is now known, has served the community and still does today. Come and join us any Sunday (10.30am and 5pm) and hear a small portion of God’s truth shared for your benefit, or for these special occasions: Saturday 2: Fireworks (not at church building)
Services for November 2019 Sunday 3
8am 10.30am
Holy Communion BCP Family Service
Sunday 10 8am 10.30am 10.50am
Holy Communion BCP At the War Memorial At Church
Sunday 17 8am 10.30am
Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion
Sunday 24 8am 10.30am
Holy Communion BCP 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
Sunday 3: The Easy Way Back into Church, 5pm Sunday 10: Remembrance, 10.30am 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; indeed the evening service is just for you. Our services last between 60 and 90 minutes and refreshments follow. For information on these and all our other activities call 01206 393745 or visit: www.trinity-manningtree.org.uk
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.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree
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 Running since 18 September, 7pm at the Venture Centre 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
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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
prayed: “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour”. Before reciting the Angelus, Pope Francis reflected on the two verbs in that prayer: to rejoice and to magnify.
SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER
“We rejoice when something so beautiful happens that it is not enough to rejoice inside, in the soul, but we want to express happiness with the whole body. Mary rejoices because of God, she teaches us to rejoice in God, because He does great things.”
Sunday 3 31 Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass st
Tuesday 5 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 10 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday12 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 17 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 19 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass
“To magnify means to exalt a reality for its greatness, for its beauty,” continued Pope Francis. “Mary proclaims the greatness of the Lord. She shows us that if we want our life to be happy, God must be placed first, because He alone is great.” He warned of getting lost in the pettiness of life, chasing after things of little importance, “prejudices, grudges, rivalries, envy and superfluous material goods”. Mary, on the other hand, invites us to “look upward at the ‘great things’ the Lord has accomplished in her”. “Let us be attracted by true beauty,” the Pope concluded, “let us not be drawn in by the petty things in life, but let us choose the greatness of Heaven”. Pope Francis concluded by praying that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Gate of Heaven, may help us daily to fix our gaze with confidence and joy “on the place where our true home lies”.
The weekly newsletter, with all the parish mass times, is displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door of the church.
EVENTS AND DIARY DATES The 100 Club draw took place on October13 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £165 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 24 November. 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
CATHOLIC COMMENTARY Pope Francis invites us to “look upwards” because, thanks to Mary’s assumption, “Heaven is open and we need no longer be afraid”. In St Luke’s Gospel, the Evangelist recorded the words of Our Lady as she
Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for the new carpet in the Parish Room and all are very welcome to join us.
Sunday 24 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of The Universe 9am Mass Tuesday 26 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass
MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH A very enjoyable folk evening was held in the Methodist Church Hall at the end of September when 13 performers entertained with songs and varied instruments including spoons, ukulele, guitars and harmonica.
Minister: The Rev Tom Osborne, 01206 396654 Sunday Services at 10.15am November 3: Rev John Allison with Holy Communion November 10: Remembrance Sunday Service – Rev Crawford Logan November 17: Michael Topple from Colchester November 24: At Ardleigh (10.45am) Rev Tom Osborne Welcome Wednesday at 2.30pm – followed with refreshments November 6: Bible Study November 13: Fair Trade November 20: Holy Communion November 27: Carpet Bowling ALSO MEETING ON OUR PREMISES Monday Workers Education Association, nine lectures in autumn and spring, 2.30pm Stour Choral Society, 7.30pm Tuesday: Women’s Guild, 7.15pm
The evening raised £200 through the raffle for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. FORTHCOMING EVENTS Bumper Book Sale: Saturday 2 November, 10am-3pm (see p10) CHRISTIAN AID QUIZ Friday 8 November, 7pm. Tickets £5, teams of six. Raffle. Bring your own (alcohol-free) refreshments. To book contact Maggie: 07867 546484 / maggie1woods@googlemail.com
Wednesday Gentle Fitness Class, 9.15am Art Painting Group, 10am-noon Manningtree & District Chess Club, 7.30pm Museum & History Group (bi-monthly), 7.30pm
Essex Police Choir Saturday 7 December, 7.30pm. Tickets £7 inc. light refreshments. Raffle. Contact Maggie to book: 07867 546484 / maggie1woods@googlemail.com
Friday: Zumba, 10-11am
Church Bookings: David Shearmur, 01206 395263
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