Parish News - December 2023 & January 2024

PARISH NEWS Created by & for the Communities of Gestingthorpe, Great Maplestead, Little Maplestead & Pebmarsh

Credit: Heidi Page, Oak Farm, Pebmarsh.

December 2023 & January 2024 Page 1 of 44

Free

Parish News Announcement In 2024 Parish News will, for the first time, be published in colour, giving it more visual impact and greater readership appeal.

A re-structure of the magazine’s finances and review of next year’s commercial advertising rates has been carried out to reflect the increases in print and paper costs during 2023 and a new Advertising and Content Rate Card for 2024 has been issued to all our current and prospective advertisers.

As part of this review, we also considered the amount of ‘free’ event advertising that the magazine has historically been carrying and have decided to make the following minor changes: Village/Community Event Advertisements/Announcements In 2024 village fundraising events (e.g. walks/quizzes/jumble sales/craft fairs/concerts etc.) will be charged a nominal fee for a single insertion of either a ½-page or full-page display advert/announcement, published on request in the issue due the month prior to the event: Announcement Size

Black & White

Colour

½ page

£5

£10

Full Page

£10

£20

As previously, event organisers will need to provide fully-finished, in pro and print-ready artwork/copy, either in png, jpeg or pdf form, prior to the magazine copy deadline in question.

Non-fundraising village event announcements (e.g. the Autumn Show/ Christmas Tree lighting/ Foodbank/ Village Hall AGM etc.) will still be accepted and published on request, as displays or editorial entries, free-of-charge.

Personal Advertisements – a new feature Classified personal advertisements for residents of any of the four parishes can now be accepted, on a monthly basis, charged at 25p per-word. Non-residents’ advertisements will be charged at the same rate but will only be accepted if space permits.

Personal advertisements will not be repeated each month, unless a specific request is made to the Editor before the relevant deadline.

Flyers/Leaflets These can be inserted in all four parish magazines, at the Editor’s discretion: o to assist any parish residents setting up a new business. o where a failure to include a one-off advertisement or announcement in the normal way lies with the Editor. o to allow local groups/Parish Councils to distribute specific or topical information about matters of local interest or concern.

Flyers/Leaflets for inclusion should be supplied pre-printed in either A5 single-sheet or A4 folded 4-page leaflet form – a small donation to Parish News will be requested to cover insertion in all magazines. For flyers specific to just one Parish, arrangement should be made for inclusion with your own local distributor. If you would like a flyer designed, please contact the Editor to discuss what is required and the origination and printing costs for this service.

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Contacts for Parish News have altered, so please submit the relevant information to the appropriate representative in accordance with the deadlines set for each month: Advertising inc. Classifieds & Invoicing: Account Payments:

ann66harris@gmail.com jcstone29@hotmail.com

Article Submission Representatives: Gestingthorpe Nicola Coppen Helen Skerratt Little Maplestead Jenny Bishop Great Maplestead Ann Harris Pebmarsh Luke Brown

nicola.coppen@live.co.uk helenskerratt@gmail.com jennyarchitect@me.com ann66harris@gmail.com lhwbrown@hotmail.co.uk

Editor:

nicola.coppen@live.co.uk

Nicola Coppen

The only cost incurred for your Parish News Magazine is for printing.

This is paid for by our advertisers and those who make kind donations. The writing of and compilation of articles, sourcing advertisers, invoicing, creating each edition, compliance and proof-reading, email and physical distribution and anything else that is needed are enthusiastically completed by volunteers. So, to help them, we are bringing the deadlines for articles forward:

Tuesday Article

Advertising in Parish News

s

16 January for February 13 February for March 12 March for April 16 April for May 14 May for June 11 June for the July/August edition 13 August for September 17 September for October 15 October for November 12 November for the Dec/Jan Parish News is hand delivered through all doors in the 4 Parishes.

With thanks to Diligence (PM) Services Ltd for enabling us to formally publish Parish News on issue.com - the links will be available on our Social Media.

Just search for https://issuu.com/diligencepm

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Village contacts and information Reverend Beverley Vincent and the Churchwardens on page 31.

Village Emergency Telephone Service page 9; Neighbourhood Watch representatives page 31.

Local & National Authority Representatives page 31. Magazine copy see page 11.

Parish Clerks Gt Maplestead Lt Maplestead Gestingthorpe Pebmarsh The Maplesteads The Maple Leaves WEA Autumn Show Gt Maplestead Task Force Village Hall Playing Field Mixed Ability Yoga Dance & Keep Fit Carpet Bowls Gestingthorpe Village Hall Village amenities Tower bell ringing Cricket Club Football Club Fun Fit Fab History Society Book Club Pebmarsh Village Hall Dog Training Card making Ladies Club

Ann Crisp Paula Sillett Kevin B Money Shelley Boydell

01787 460216 anncrisp@greatmaplesteadpc.co.uk 07975 571253 littlemaplesteadparishclerk@gmail.com 07810 781509 gestingthorpepc@gmail.com 07927 775989 pebmarshparishclerk@gmail.com

Angela Davis Jill Newton Carol Brownlie

01787 236007 angeladavis99@outlook.com 01787 463893 gilliannnewton4@gmail.com 01787 461527 carolbrownlie@gmail.com

Dave Pike Liz Newton Joe Newton Victoria Ashworth Judy Cowell Janice Chaplin

07885 788855 davepike@greatmaplesteadpc.co.uk 01787 461308 lizatlucking@hotmail.com 01787 461308 lizatlucking@hotmail.com 07751 911923 justinashworth@hotmail.co.uk 01376 561757 judy.cowell@btinternet.com 01787 469600 bobandjanicechaplin@btinternet.com

Steve Bagby Nick Duncan Valerie Fullman Chris Ponty

07840 367182 01787 313558 01787 462755 07494 883632

Nic Smith Gill Webb Penny Bagby

07908 445239 nicsmithpe@gmail.com 01787 581836 gillwebb880@gmail.com 07840 367172 pbagby1@gmail.com

Kelly Thompson 07919 897592 Pebmarshvillagehall@gmail.com Halstead Dog Club 01787 473154 halsteaddogclub@hotmail.co.uk Pauline Andow 01787 228790 Pauline Andow 01787 228790 Sandra Beaney 01787 222220 Carpet bowls Jim Crayston 01787 222241 jim@craystonfarms.co.uk Youth club Carol Parker 01787 269996 taximother@googlemail.com Baby Sensory Class Helen Whiting 07703 790273 braintree@babysensory.co.uk Footpaths Gt Maplestead Steve Harris 01787 462818 steveharris@greatmaplesteadpc.co.uk Lt Maplestead Geraldine Holloway 01787 476530 geraldineholloway2017@gmail.com Gestingthorpe Penny Bagby 07840 367172 pbagby1@gmail.com Pebmarsh Michael Sharp 07725 909986 michael@broomhills-farm.co.uk All villages Book Club Alison Cantor 01787 462537 acantor56@outlook.com Knitting group Carol Brownlie 01787 461527 carolbrownlie@gmail.com Handbell Ringing Margaret Crudgington 01787 476259 Benefice Choir Gill Peskett 01787 462786 gillpeskett43@gmail.com Scouts Stuart Carter 01787 461149 Guides Kathy Hoy 01787 280200 Molly’s Wood https://www.mollyswood.org/contact

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Otter’s Jotter!

THANK YOU! Following the plea last month, I have been overwhelmed with the ideas, support and commitment of our community in ensuring that the Parish News remains, as quoted by many of you as, a vital community amenity. Just as stated in the previous edition, we had a meeting on the 8 November 2023, we reviewed the Editorial Policy, Print Costs and Advertising Prices as well as discussed ways to further generate an income and ensure we have reserves in the bank for the long term.

The result of this is published as our Parish News Announcement, at the beginning of this edition.

My thanks goes to all those who have donated anonymously, those who have renewed their adverts, and all who given ideas, supported us and recommended us for grants or applied for them on our behalf, plus the new team around me which is just magnificent to be a part of!

We have a new Facebook Page, Parish News - The Maplesteads, Gestingthorpe & Pebmarsh.

With other Social Media outlets to follow. Bear with us as we get all these up and running! Of course, we know not everyone does social media, but do look at the Parish Council websites where we hope they will happily continue to post an online copy.

Within this edition, we have provided deadlines (now on a Tuesday), bank information & the news from your village. Feel free to send in your contribution. It would be lovely to see what the children of our villages get up to over Christmas and New Year!

Talking of which - you are going to see all the events leading up to the big day, including Christmas Parties, Carol Concerts, Church Services and so much more!

Thank you for reading and supporting your Parish News in all the many ways you do. Wishing the Parish News Team the very best for the Festive Season and all our readers, advertisers and contributors, Seasons Greetings. Merry Christmas to you and your families, wishing everyone a super 2024 when it arrives!.

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Letter from the Reverend Beverley Vincent I wonder if you have watched the news, or read the newspapers, and seen what’s going on in the Middle East or somewhere else in the world and felt an absence of hope. We can so easily feel despair when we see such intractable conflict and suffering. It’s said that the antidote to despair must be hope, it’s one of the most powerful and essential of human mindsets.

As we begin our journey through Advent this year with the prospect of Christmas fast approaching. I think we need to be reminded of the hope that God our Heavenly Father offers. If you are feeling an absence of hope, then the message of Christmas is very much for you this year. I don’t mean the sentimental one we see in Christmas adverts but the real message; Jesus being born into a dark world of political upheaval and uncertainty, a world of pain and loss. Jesus being born as a human being who would experience everything that we do, so that He can truly walk with us in whatever darkness we face. But most of all Jesus coming to earth as the light of the world, to win a victory over the things that hold us hostage and to shine His light and dispel the darkness. In that Christmas message we find the hope and joy.

For many, Christmas doesn’t feel as joyful as they would like.

Perhaps you are facing a first Christmas without someone you love because they have died or have gone away. Perhaps you or someone you love are facing illness or a personal crisis. Perhaps you are lonely or just worn out with the stress in life. Take heart, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Hope is seeing the light beyond the darkness.

The light is coming. Come the 21st December the days will start getting longer and we will start to see the return of the sun. This Christmas and New Year I pray for the light of God to shine brightly into each of your lives. As we meet in church each week during advent, we will be praying for the hope of the Christ child to stir our hearts and remind us that we are not alone. We draw strength from knowing that, but we must also take responsibility for our part in making our community a more hope filled place.

Every Blessing for Christmas and New Year

Reverend Beverley Page 6 of 44

Help make a real difference for people in need this Christmas You can do so by building up your own Food Bank Box during the first 10 days of December, putting a selection of items into it each day It’s hard for many people to make contributions this year – that’s why most of the items listed are small. If making up a whole Food Bank Box is just too much, why not join together with friends, neighbours or work colleagues?

Food Bank Box Selection Items – December 2023

Please put a few items in your box each day during the first 10 days of December (remember, long use-by dates please and no fresh food – except Christmas cake and Christmas puddings, which are not date-sensitive)

1

2

3

4

5

Stuffing Mix Crisps (6-pack) Pasta Sauce

Cranberry Sauce Chocolate Bars Pot Noodles

Tinned Potatoes Long Life Fruit Juice (1L) Jam

Instant Mash Long Life Milk (1L) Fruit Squash

Christmas Cake (small) Packet Soups Biscuits

6

7

8

9

10

Christmas Pudding (small) Tinned Fruit Tinned Tomatoes

Custard Tinned Rice Pudding Tea Bags

Nuts/nibbles Tinned Spaghetti Washing-up Liquid

Christmas chocolates Tinned Cold Meat Deodorant

(40 if poss)

Chocolate Biscuits Tinned Hot Meat Nappies (Size 3 and 6)

Please deliver your Food Bank Selection Boxes to either: Dorothy Weight, 1 Stone Cottages, Church Street or Ann Harris, The Forge, Lucking Street by Sunday 10th December so they can be taken to Halstead Food Bank on Monday 11th December

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Hedingham HedinghamHeritage Heritage Society Society Thursday 14th December – note the changed date

A Christmas Carol

An Evening Recital of the Classic Dickens Tale by Anthony Roberts, Arts Director of the Colchester Arts Centre.

Do come along and join us for this Dickensian evening with some music, mince pies, mulled wine and festive cheer. £5 per person – All welcome.

7.15pm for 7.30pm : Castle Memorial Hall Thursday 28th December

Christmas Walk in the surrounding countryside Meet 10.30am : Castle Hedingham Memorial Hall Thursday 4th January 2024

AGM followed by: Badgers

An illustrated talk on the fascinating lives of this unmistakable member of our local fauna.

All Welcome – and our new programme will be available.

7.30pm : Castle Hedingham Memorial Hall

Join us for 2024 Annual Membership price unchanged – Adults £15, Children free.

For all walks and talks: Members free, non-members £5 Everybody Welcome Contact information: Rob Worley 01787 460 664; Trudi Cullum 01787 462 889; Peter Bayes 01787 469 953 Website: www.hedinghamheritage.org.uk E-Mail: hedinghamheritage@gmail.com Page 8 of 44

Nature Notes

Nature Notes

While writing last month’s Nature Notes, Storm Babet was hammering the country and rain was falling steadily here in Essex. It eased in the afternoon and the sun came out weakly, so I checked the rain gauge and was amazed to see we had had 66mm in the previous 24 hours. This is more than 10% of the average annual rainfall for our county – quite remarkable!

The total rainfall for October was 130mm and, as I write, we have already had 46mm for November. I start my yearly records on July 1st and we are on 312mm so far, as of 15th November. I hardly need to mention we have subsequently had two more named storms, Ciaran and Debi…

So, a soggy autumn, best personified by a large, healthy frog found under a pile of raked leaves. I have seen frogs in the garden before but never had spawn in my pond. While common newts do breed, I have never seen one of these out of the pond – they spend the autumn and winter away from water, hidden from sight.

November is the month that the winter visiting birds from Scandinavia and points north start to arrive in numbers, most notably for us fieldfares and redwings. I have already seen a few of the former but redwings have eluded me so far.

Another, less well known, visitor is the brambling (pictured) – a member of the finch family. I did see one of these, but I was in Cambridge at the time, although they do occur on our patch and are often seen on bird feeders. Of course, the most obvious winter arrivals are the huge numbers of Brent geese, but you have to visit the river estuaries to see them. My favourite spot for this is Heybridge Basin on the Blackwater near Maldon, but the mud flats around Mersea Island and Fingringhoe Wick are just as good.

As temperatures drop (and we have already had one frost) the birds become more reliant on feeders. It is important to keep these clean to avoid disease being transmitted and now is a good time to start the winter feeding regime with a good scrub of your feeders. Keep a note of the visitors you get; you’ll be surprised at the variety and overall numbers. Twenty different species is not uncommon in our rural location. And do look up bramblings to make sure you don’t miss one, should it favour you with a visit.

Patch Patroller

Village Emergency Telephone Services (VETS) VETS provide support when a defibrillator is required although the first action must be a 999 call. The telephone numbers of the VETS are: Little Maplestead: 01787 852252 Page 9 of 44

Gestingthorpe: 01787 852850

Gardening Corner

Gardening Corner

As this is an article covering 2 months, I thought it would be a good idea to have a plant of the month for a) December and b) January!

A favourite shrub in December has to be holly, in particular Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentia Marginata’, the silver leaf holly. It is recommended to plant these colourful plants in pairs to allow cross pollination.

In January, look out for the first sign of snowdrops peeping through the soil. There are, in fact, over 20 species of – to use the correct name – ‘Galanthus’ and it is surprising how they differ in height and colour formation; a really attractive green and white flower, it portends the first sign of spring.

If you can finish your winter digging in December, the January frosts will break down the ‘clods’ of earth, leaving a friable soil to work with later in the year. If you prefer a no-dig policy, weed the vegetable plot and top up the ground with at least 2 inches of homemade or bought compost.

Reduce bush roses by a half – this will stop wind rock in winter storms. Prune them by making a slanting cut, enabling any water to run off. Prune any crossing, dead or damaged leaders from climbing roses then tie them in so they are secure.

Plant any bulbs – it’s not too late! – ensuring you dig a hole as deep again as the bulb itself.

Now is the time to empty and clean out water butts, getting rid of the detritus that has accumulated in the bottom of the barrel. With the amount of rain we are having this winter your butts will soon fill again.

Make the most of a dry day to rake accumulated leaves from the lawn. This will lessen the impact that a soggy mass of leaves will have on the lawn and stop the grass going yellow.

A number of general-purpose stores have reasonably priced seeds on offer at this time of year and we all like a bargain!

I always leave a clean container of water on the ground for wild birds and the odd hedgehog to drink from – nature needs our help at times.

To conclude, a peaceful Christmas and New Year to you all.

The Arborist.

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Noise is a nuisance…

Excessive noise can be the cause of many disagreements and arguments among neighbours, rows which can often be avoided by being forewarned and made aware of potential situations that could cause annoyance, like having a party or letting off fireworks, say, to celebrate and welcome in 2024.

There are a number of ways of forewarning neighbours – posting the date and at what time the party or firework display will be taking place on both the local WhatsApp and Facebook groups, for example. This will give those who use social media time to arrange to either be somewhere else or to make suitable arrangements as necessary, particularly for their animals.

It can also be helpful to set a time limit for the ‘noisy’ element of the party or fireworks display so as to give people some idea of when it might all be over.

Of course, not everyone is on social media so it is also worth putting a note through the letterbox of the more immediate neighbours, warning them of the time and duration of the party or fireworks display, to ensure as many people as possible are made aware.

Unfortunately, most of the reasons for noise disputes are simply inconsideration – not appreciating, say, the effect that music and loud voices at a party, or a celebration fireworks display, can have on people living nearby.

Noise pollution is classed as a statutory nuisance and, under the provisions of the Noise Act 1996 and other associated legislation, Braintree District Council (not the Parish Council) has a mandatory obligation to deal with noise deemed to be a nuisance. However, if a neighbour’s noise has caused, or is causing annoyance, an informal, quiet chat with them in the first instance about any concerns is the preferable way to try and sort things out.

If the problem cannot be resolved by discussion, or the neighbour is unwilling to compromise, more information about what action to take can be found at: https://www.braintree.gov.uk/info/200250/environmental_health/221/noise

The copy deadline for the February 2024 magazine is Tuesday 16 January 2024 We need to know who, what, where and when …………….

Submit your copy early to guarantee inclusion. Email me or our village reps.

Copy Gestingthorpe Gt Maplestead Little Maplestead Pebmarsh

Nic Coppen Steve Harris Jenny Bishop Luke Brown

07743 816725 01787 462818 07906 083999 07919 375341

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nicola.coppen@live.co.uk (Editor) steve198harris@gmail.com pmeditor@icloud.com lhwbrown@hotmail.co.uk

Stour Valley Singers

Donations / Payments to Parish News

Present

“NOT QUITE CHRISTMAS” BURES COMMUNITY CENTRE

SATURDAY 2ND DECEMBER AT 6PM TICKETS £15

Please reference payment with: advert name, invoice number or state ‘donation’.

PLEASE NOTE: DONATIONS ARE ANONYMOUS UNLESS YOU REQUEST A PUBLIC THANKS TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE MAGAZINE.

Acct Name: Bank: Sort Code: Acct No:

To include High Tea & Drinks FROM - SVS 07713259312 OR ROSES GENERAL STORE

Parish News Lloyds Bank 30-13-68 00357906

Please Email the Advertising Coordinator if you would like to advertise or submit classifieds: ann66harris@gmail.com

PROFIT SHARED WITH THE BAPTIST CHURCH APPEAL RAFFLE

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From the OF Gardens of Easton Lodge NEWS FROM THE GARDENS EASTON LODGE News for December 2023 It is difficult to judge our biggest achievements, this year. The Gardens have looked wonderful throughout, from the snowdrops in February, through daffodils, bluebells and tulips to wonderful perennial borders, including the prize winning dahlias. Our volunteers have produced and sold fantastic quantities of fruit, veg and jams and jellies. And one of our volunteers has presented the history of the Gardens to a record number of local history and gardening groups. We have all worked really hard and made great friendships in the process.

In December we will be quietly getting on with winter jobs, when the weather permits. Leaf clearance and bulb and small shrub planting should be finished; but we are likely still to be planting one or two young trees. Excitingly the trees will include two new ones to the Gardens: a Ginkgo, which becomes a stunning tree, with distinctive leaves and lovely autumnal colour; and a Cercidiphyllum, also known as a katsura, which has heart shaped leaves and apparently has a slight smell of caramel when its leaves fall in the autumn!

In the warm, we will be looking at what vegetable seeds to grow; and working to arrange completion of the path, so that it runs right from the car park and to sort out our plans for repaving the Italian Garden. The latter is a longer-term project, so is not likely to be in place for a while yet.

We wish you all a happy Christmas and happy plan making for your gardens in 2024! If you are interested in arranging a talk about the history of the Gardens and the work of the Trust, please contact us through our email enquiries@eastonlodge.co.uk or our phone message line: 01371 870979.

Jill Goldsmith November 2023

Page 14 of 44

Professional Pest Control Great Maplestead

Fast and Reliable Service Fully Qualified BPCA - NPTC Established for 26 years Treatments Guaranteed Our Services cover a whole range of pests including Wasps - Hornets - Ants - Fleas Rats - Mice - Moles Contact Paul on 01787 462939 - Mobile 07715 421463

Page 15 of 44

The Retreat Short Stay Self Catering Accommodation

Jean Cooper 01787 473 737 07754 692 778

Email: info@theretreatselfcatering.co.uk Web: www.theretreatselfcatering.co.uk Motts Garden, School Road, Little Maplestead, Halstead, Essex, CO9 2RY

Since 2014, we’ve been producing award-winning wines from our farm here in East Anglia, farmland which our family has been working for over 100 years.

We pride ourselves on bringing you quality wines, each a product of caring and crafting at every stage.

We tend our vines and pick the grapes by hand.

The result is limited release wines of the highest standard – which keeps our ever-growing family of English wine lovers very happy.

AWARD WINNING WINE ACCOMMODATION

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Please visit www.tuffonhall.co.uk to book or to purchase from our online shop.

Tuffon Hall Vineyard, Graves Hall Rd, Sible Hedingham, CO9 3LL

Page 16 of 44

Tel: 01787 229151 Mob: 07818 636203

The copy deadline for the July/Au Submit your copy early to guara Copy Editor Gestingthorpe Gt Maplestead Little Maplestead Pebmarsh

Page 17 of 44

Nic Coppen Andy Craig Ann Harris Jenny Bishop Luke Brown

07 07 01 07 07

Page 18 of 44

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Standard & Bespoke Memorials Renovations Kitchens & Bathrooms Carving – Signs Courses in Letter Cutting and Carving Unit 4 Stour Valley Business Centre, Brundon Lane, Sudbury, CO10 7GB

T: 01787371570

E: info@neilluxton.co.uk

www.luxstone.co.uk

Page 19 of 44

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Professional Chimney Sweep Wood Burners, Open Fires, Stoves, Boilers, Inglenook, Multi Fuel Fully insured, certificates issued

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Page 21 of 44

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Contact us to book your personal tour of our wonderful school.

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Page 25 of 44

Pebmarsh ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH – Church Warden’s Report With Christmas suddenly rushing towards us, I’m getting that seasonal feeling of not enough time and too much to organise.

Our bats are finally settling down and the fly problem lessening as the cold nights arrive. Unfortunately, our first attempt at monitoring them has proved to be unfruitful. Perhaps another project for next year as we have signed up with the other churches to a scheme called ‘Eco Church’.

Both Remembrance Services were well attended with 60 people on Saturday including two children from the Pebmarsh youth club, laying a wreath and reading the names. It was so good to see the younger generations taking part.

Sunday’s service at Little Maplestead was equally well supported with a similar number of people.

Our church wall is nearing completion and will be wrapped up for the winter to hopefully keep the frost from damaging it. This will mean we will be looking at our next repair project with the financial help from the Friends of Pebmarsh Church. We have identified the south parapet wall needing attention and some work on the porch.

We have been very lucky to have had Peter and Tony Minter from Bulmer Brick and Tile to visit at our invitation. They not only make handmade bricks for restoration but consult on many important listed buildings throughout the country and have supplied brick around the world.

With great excitement, we as Wardens can report that they not only agreed with our opinions on the work required, but also dated the porch as being slightly older than previously thought with a specific date of 1431. They identified the oldest section of the church as part of the tower being Saxon, so AD 800 to 900 (previously considered to be entirely 14th Century!). There are also possible links to St Gregory’s church in Sudbury. Hopefully this is the first bit of historical information that Peter has discovered in relation to our church that we didn’t know and there will be more to follow and a possible talk in the future.

The school will be holding their nativity performances at the church this year and the end of term Carol concert and making decorations for the tree. Our team of volunteers will be decorating ready for this and the churches annual Carol Concert with the Long Melford Silver band on the 17th December at 4 pm.

Hopefully by now many of you will have seen our posters and have marked it in your diaries.

Page 26 of 44

We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year and thank you for your continued support.

Dates for your diaries: 17th December 2023 at 4pm Carol Concert - Pebmarsh Church 24th December Carol Service at 10pm - Pebmarsh Church Sarah Burgess

PEBMARSH VILLAGE HALL On the 11th November 2023 members of the Pebmarsh Village Hall Management Committee attended the Pebmarsh War Memorial to remember and thank all those, past and present, for their service and sacrifice.

Our remembrance wreath was laid along side others to commemorate the unwavering and enduring admiration for all those that gave so much, that we may enjoy our freedom.

Lest we forget.

Perry Pebmarsh Village Hall Management Committee

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The Nott Family Trust wish to extend both seasonal & new year greetings to all, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARDS AVAILABLE 1st October onwards High quality full colour gloss finish with white envelopes To support Friends of Pebmarsh Church - Reg. Charity # 1184947 Pack of 10 - A5 size (8.3 x 5.8 Inches)

We would also like to thank Nicola Coppen & all the team who make the Parish News possible, especially Luke Brown & those that deliver the news magazine, rain or shine, in & around Pebmarsh.

Only £5.00 per pack of TEN inc. envelopes.

Thank you all.

The Greeting inside says -

Perry The Nott Family Trust

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New Year Available in Pebmarsh from John Flack, Keepers Cottage, The Street 269182.

PEBMARSH VILLAGE HALL EVENTS Mondays Tuesdays

***NEW*** Wednesday Thursday

Fridays

Dog Training Club Pilates & Yoga

1715 – 2100

Ladies Club

1300 – 1500

Community Outreach Post Office Pizza on the Green Adult Dance Exercise Class “Move Me” Exercise Class Art Group

1400 – 1600

Youth Club

1830 – 2030

Life Drawing Art Club Dog Training

1000 – 1200

Sue Burgess 07443 537569 Every other week Carol Parker Glynis Hughes

1900 – 2130

Wendy Beard

0945 - 1030

1500 – 2000 1900 – 2000 0915 – 1000 1100 – 1600

Wendy Beard 07305 195560 Jade Gooding https://pilatesandyogawithjade.com/ Every 2nd Tuesday in the Hall Sandra Beaney Every Tuesday in the Committee Room Every 3rd Tuesday in the village hall car park Kim Richardson dance.kimrichardson@gmail.com jennyjenkins247@gmail.com

For any further information on any of our club activities or to book the hall for an event / party please contact Kelly Thompson by emailing pebmarshvillagehall@gmail.com or calling 07919897592

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HEIDI’S NATURE CORNER FROM OAK FARM, PEBMARSH For as long as I can remember we’ve had Badgers on the farm.

Occasionally I would see one out in daylight but only a fleeting glimpse as they were quick to disappear back underground if they heard anything.

My trail cams gave me the chance to see what they got up to after dark and also allowed me to see when the new cubs ventured above ground for the first time. The cubs are like excitable puppies; chasing each other; jumping all over the adults; pulling their tails; being very bouncy; and full of fun they would suddenly disappear falling back down the holes while playing.

This summer the badgers could be persuaded out of their sett, while it was still light enough to take photos, by sprinkling peanuts around. They are noisy eaters, so I hear them munching away before I see their heads appear.

It’s the first year I’ve been able to see and photograph the cubs above ground while sitting in my hide, at one point I had 5 out infront of me enjoying the peanuts along with 2 or 3 of the adults, it was quite a sight. When the weather is hot for a prolonged period, we put out tubs of water for them which they seem to welcome, even trying to climb in one of the tubs for a dip which was quite amusing to watch, they also seem happy to share with the foxes.

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The Reverend Beverley Vincent The Rectory Church Street Great Maplestead Halstead, CO9 2RG

khvicar@gmail.com

07944 200132 01787 460273

The Churchwardens serving our Benefice are Great Maplestead Paula Sillett 07975 571253 sillett92@gmail.com Denise O’Connell 07795 170048 niciedenise@gmail.com Little Maplestead Gestingthorpe

Alice Nolda Peter Nice

01787 469688 01787 460126 peter.427nice@btinternet.com

Pebmarsh

Jim Crayston Sarah Burgess

07957 870340 jim@craystonfarms.co.uk 01787 269092 sarahburgess@btinternet.com

Local & National Authority Representatives Essex County Council Councillor Peter Schwier - cllr.peter.schwier@essex.gov.uk Braintree District Council www.braintree.gov.uk Great and Little Maplestead Councillor Peter Schwier - cllr.pschwier@braintree.gov.uk Gestingthorpe Councillor David Holland - cllr.dholland@braintree.gov.uk Pebmarsh Councillor George Courtauld- cllr.gcourtauld@braintree.gov.uk Councillor Gabrielle Spray - cllr.gspray@braintree.gov.uk Westminster - James Cleverly MP - james.cleverly.mp@parliament.uk

Neighbourhood Watch representatives Gestingthorpe Great Maplestead Little Maplestead

Helen Skerratt Ian Johnson Bill Piper Page 31 of 44

01787 237297 01787 461109 01787 473933

Points to Ponder…

Points to Ponder •

A new shop called Moderation has just opened in Halstead – do they have everything in there?

•

Can acupuncture cure pins and needles?

•

Is it true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, or is it one of Granny's myths?

•

Binary: is it all or nothing?

•

The sentence "Are you as bored as I am?" can be read backwards and still makes sense.

•

Never underestimate the power of punctuation: There's a maypole dancer.

Theresa May, pole dancer.

•

Would someone with a PhD in palindromes be known as Dr Awkward?

•

Does the arachnophobia helpline have a website?

•

If the Laws of Physics applied to Social Media would every action have an immediate and totally overblown reaction?

•

If George is 68 and his girlfriend is 22 how much money does George have?

•

Were Adam & Eve the first people not to read the Apple Terms and Conditions?

•

Is a Dell a computer that can sing?

•

Is a prison officer who paints portraits of the inmates a con-artist?

•

If Cher had an identical twin, would they be Cher and Cher alike?

•

If you rip a hole in a net, there are actually fewer holes in it than there were before.

•

If you replace "W" with "T" in "What, Where and When", you get the answer to each of the questions.

•

Should dynamite have a sell by date in case it goes off?

•

If you type "missing medieval servant" into Google does it come up "page not found"?

•

Is gross indecency 144 times worse than ordinary indecency?

•

You have to question the modus operandi of people who use Latin for no reason.

•

Roman Numerals...what are they good IV?

•

If poison expires, is it more poisonous or is it no longer poisonous?

•

Which letter is silent in the word "scent" – the S or the C? And finally:

•

If you put "er" on the end of the word short, it becomes both shorter and longer.

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The Maplesteads

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Great Maplestead

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Reader Reply: Nature Notes October 2023 I have to question their description of cormorant fishing in China, suggesting it is it not cruel for the birds!

The restriction of their throats is unpleasant not 'gentle'. Humans generally aren't gentle with animals. And being kept on a string all day and forced to fish and having it take away is not fun for them, as it would not be for us. Also, how are they kept when not in use?

It doesn't seem cruel, it is cruel.

It is not a normal life for them, but one of solitary abuse.

Catching these poor creatures from the wild and taking them from their natural, social environment to live a solitary, caged life when not in use must be wrong.

To say they probably get a sardine or two for their trouble is just!

The problem is people excuse these things and go on holiday to see them, so I need to show the suffering involved . Some are beaten and in very poor condition, kept tied up until tourists arrive.

I have two articles to this effect.

Many thanks, JB, by email

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Reader Reflection from Nature Notes Oct ‘23 Remembrance Sunday Benefice Service Maplestead

at

Little

The congregations of the four parishes of Gestingthorpe, Great Maplestead, Little Maplestead and Pebmarsh gathered together to mark Remembrance Sunday at Little Maplestead this year.

The weather was bright and a little chilly and we were overwhelmed by the numbers who came to the service to mark those who had given their lives in the service of their country.

The service was really moving, with traditional hymns accompanied by our organist Margaret, the bugle played superbly by Martyn and a very thoughtprovoking talk from Rev. Beverley. Wreaths were laid from each parish and the names of the fallen read aloud.

Many of the congregation stayed afterwards to enjoy tea or coffee.

The collection for the Royal British Legion raised over £347.

Little Maplestead Round Church cordially invites you, your friends and family to our Candlelit Christmas Carol Service Tuesday 19th December 2023

Mulled Wine & Mince Pies from 7pm Service to follow at 7.30pm

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Little Maplestead

CHILDREN WANTED!!

We need lots of help to make sure the Nativity figures arrive in the right order to build our Nativity Scene!

Come to the Crib Service at the Round Church Little Maplestead Sunday 24th December at 4pm.

Christmas Day Holy Communion with Carols Little Maplestead 10.30am All Welcome

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Gestingthorpe ‘Gathering’Gestingthorpe Coffee Mornings.

The leaves are still holding onto the trees (despite the recent strong winds). I can’t remember this having happened so late into the season in earlier years.

Nevertheless it’s a good time to call into our village hall to join us and enjoy our coffee mornings. We would love to see you and guarantee a warm welcome, lovely home baked cakes accompanied by a glass of squash or a cup of tea.

We will hold one coffee morning during December and will then be taking a break through the latter part of December and be back to greet you all in 2024.

Our coffee mornings during the next three months will be; December : just the one on Friday 8th.

January : on the Fridays of 5th and 19th.

February : on the Fridays of 2nd and 16th.

Our coffee mornings continue to be a great place for villagers and friends to have a fortnightly ‘catch up’ over a coffee and cake. Funds raised at our coffee mornings go towards the upkeep and running of our village hall.

If you haven’t yet been to a coffee morning; please come along. If you are in Gestingthorpe and you don’t want to walk along the roads please give Chris or Rose a call on 01787 462763 who would be happy to give you a lift to the village hall.

In the meantime, the coffee morning team wish you all a very enjoyable Christmas, send you our very best wishes for 2024 and hope you all have safe and uneventful journeys.

Gestingthorpe First Tuesday Book Club & Book Exchange

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Gestingthorpe (Cont.)

You, Your Families & Friends are invited to St. Mary the Virgin, Gestingthorpe

Carols by Candlelight

with the Halstead Exaltation! Choir

Weds 13 December 2023 Mulled Wines & Mince Pies from 6.30pm Carols & Readings at 7pm

preceded by St Mary’s Handbell Ringers ALL ARE MOST WELCOME. There will be a retiring collection.

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More Gestingthorpe

Christmas Fun Day & Craft Fayre The Village Christmas Fun day & Craft Fayre was held on Saturday 18 November in the Village Hall. The hall was festively decorated and despite the horrible weather, the event was very well attended by both villagers of Gestingthorpe and from the surrounding area.

The crafts for sale were all locally made, and sellers all reported good business.

The Artful Dabber was kept busy with face painting and the children’s craft table was a hive of activity with lots of glue, paint and glitter used in the production of Christmas cards and decorations. Thanks Nic & Steph for all your hard work and for also running the Lucky Dip even with gluey fingers.

Mick, Roger & Mike braved the rain and manned the Sausage Sizzle throughout the day and had a complete sell out of sausages. Rose, Helen, Lindsay & Nicola in the kitchen did a roaring trade serving cakes, sausage rolls and mince pies as well as steaming glasses/cups of mulled wine, teas, and coffees.

Although still recovering from her hip op, Dawn spread herself around looking after the sale of the Cake Queens’ Recipe Book, The Cake stall and Guess the Weight of the Christmas Cake competition which was won by Jo Bright of Little Yeldham. Jo’s guess of 5lb 7oz was closest to the actual weight of 5lb 5.6ozs.

The highlight of the day for me though was the lovely performance by the Belchamp Singers. Their repertoire of joyful songs was lovely and had everyone swaying and singing along. Thank you to Monika and the rest of the singers.

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Thank you to everyone else who just pitched in and helped out when it all got very busy and with the big clean up at the end of the day.

Will we do it again next year? I’m sure we can all be persuaded if you twist our collective arms just a little bit…….

Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2024 from the Management Committee of Gestingthorpe Village Hall.

Penny Bagby

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King’s Head Pebmarsh, Upcoming Events We hope you will be interested in the events planned at the King’s Head over the next few months. Ryan, Cathy, and their team plan to offer something for everyone in the community and they look forward to welcoming you.

2 December: Christmas Market Come along and browse our wide range of stalls from local producers.

7 December: Quiz Night These ever-popular evenings continue on a monthly basis with a break over the Christmas period.

23 December: Christmas Sing Along Christmas Opening Hours and Menus Opening times over the Christmas holiday period are published on the website.

Delicious Christmas menus now published and bookings open.

Advertisers, Village Reps, Article Providers, Steering Committee, Lead Distributours, Readers, Village Distributors, Families & Friends

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas Time

As always you can find out about events at the King’s Head via: www.kingsheadpebmarsh.co.uk or by following the pub on Facebook @kingsheadpebmarsh or Instagram @kingshead_Pebmarsh.

My special thanks to: Ann & Steve, Beverley, Jane & Bruce, Jo & to Andy C, Bill & Jane P, Liz N, Luke B & Mary B.

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Thank you all making Parish News a valued Community Service for us all. Nic xx

Church Services around our Parishes

7th

9.30am 9.30am 11.00am 3.30pm

Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Plough Sunday Service

Great Maplestead Gestingthorpe Little Maplestead Hunts Hall Farm

14th

9.30am 10.30am 11.00am

Holy Communion Café Church Holy Communion

Pebmarsh Great Maplestead Gestingthorpe

21st

10.00am

Benefice Holy Communion

Gestingthorpe

Wed 24th

10.00am

BCP Holy Communion

Gestingthorpe

28th

9.30am 9.30am 11.00am 4.00pm

Holy Communion Morning Prayer Morning Worship Compline

Great Maplestead Little Maplestead Pebmarsh Gestingthorpe

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