It’s June and, in a couple of weeks, we’ll already be halfway through the year, past the longest day and starting the inexorable slide into winter
Astronomically, June, named after the Roman goddess of vitality and ‘luventas’ – youth – Juno, is the first month of summer. At the beginning of the month the planet Venus will be clearly visible in the morning sky, while the full moon on the 11th is called the Strawberry Moon because of its association with the seasonal proliferation of this eponymous fruit.
The third Sunday of June is traditionally Father’s Day and, fortuitously, that weekend Pebmarsh’s Kings Head is holding its Real Ale Festival (Page 14), when Dads dining on the Sunday will get a free pint!
Towards the end of the month, on June 24th , exactly six months before Christmas, the Church celebrates the birth of Christian martyr Saint John the Baptist, who is said to “prepare the way for Christ” as the hours of daylight decrease after midsummer.
At the moment, however, there are fortunately still two or three months of long, hopefully warm summer days to come, with opportunities to spend quality time in the garden or on the beach. In anticipation, we have started a new feature – The Reading Room (Page 16) – where you can find parishioner suggestions for some interesting summer reading.
Another new feature, which we’ll be running for the next few issues, is Local Myths and Legends, starting with the tale of a ‘dragon’ slayed by an Essex knight (Page 5). If you have favourite books to suggest, or would like to share stories of local myths and legends, we’d love to hear from you. Please send contributions to the Editorial address (Page 31).
Elsewhere in this issue, in addition to our usual Gardening and Nature Notes, there are reports on the progress of developing a community Mindfulness Garden (Page 6); a momentous change at Great Maplestead Parish Council (Page 7); a spectacular VE80 Celebration party (Page 11); the results of Little Maplestead’s well-attended Plant Sale to support the Round Church (Page 13) and advance information on the photography categories for September’s Autumn Show (Page 17).
As well as local advertising, your contributions – for example: news from your village and village hall, information about forthcoming events and activities, reports on Parish Council business, gardening and nature notes, past memories and so on – are all essential to keeping Parish News a vital community amenity, informing, entertaining and being a mutually beneficial resource for all those living and working in the four Parishes. So please – do send those contributions in!
Cover Picture: Starling Cooling Off by Toby Moakes
Letter from the Reverend Beverley Vincent
The Church is going to celebrate Pentecost this month, and it has got me thinking about birthdays. Not just the kind with cake and candles though I’m always up for that! but the birthday of the Church itself.
Pentecost is often called the Church’s birthday, and for good reason. It’s when the Holy Spirit came upon the first disciples in a dramatic, unforgettable way, and suddenly, everything changed.
Before that moment, the disciples were hiding, unsure of what to do next, they had seen the resurrected Jesus and now he had gone up to heaven. Then much to their surprise came the Holy Spirit like wind and fire and gave them the courage to step out, speak up, and share the good news of Jesus with the world.
That day, thousands believed and joined them, and what we now call the Church began to grow. Not a building, but a community alive, open, and full of energy.
That idea of the Church being born as a community really strikes a chord with me. I often think about the early days of our own churches how people came together, shared what they had, supported one another, and began building something lasting. Over the years, those communities have grown into what we have now: a church that laughs together, prays together, and looks out for each other.
Pentecost reminds us that the Church was never meant to be static. The Spirit is still moving, still stirring things up, still inviting us to be part of something new. So maybe this Pentecost, we could each ask: what might God be doing in me? In us? What would draw me into church? How then, do we build our churches into communities that grow and thrive, just like the early church?
Whatever this season holds for you, I hope you find joy in knowing that you’re part of your village community. Your Parish church is integral to that, and we would love to invite you to our services and events. If you haven’t been in a church for years or have never been, we will welcome you and look after you. And we often have cake, birthday or not!
Dementia News
There are dementia drop-in sessions planned at Halstead Town Council’s Queens Hall on the first Friday of every month 10.00am – 12.00 noon starting on 6th June. These will be attended by many bodies offering assistance to those with dementia and their carers, including: Adult Social Care, Essex Dementia Care, Home Instead, United in Kind, Crossroads Care and Fusion and Hearing Help. The sessions are being organized by Michelle Vagg, Social Prescriber at the Pump House surgery. Do let anyone who might be interested know.
Here be Dragons…
On a hillside above a small mere on a tributary of the River Stour – the boundary between Essex and Suffolk – is an enormous dragon, a winged beast with a long curling tail…
A geoglyph unique in the UK, the Wormingford Dragon celebrates a legendary event in the 1400s when a dragon-like beast appeared and killed a shepherd and devoured sheep on the outskirts of Bures. Myth has it that the beast was, in fact, a pet crocodile that had been gifted to Richard the Lionheart by Sultan Saladin I in the 13thC as a mark of respect for his prowess in battle during the Crusades in the Holy Land.
When Richard returned to England, he added the crocodile to an exotic animal menagerie in the Tower of London – set up in the 1200s, this housed a wide variety of animals, including lions, polar bears, African elephants, eagles, pumas, tigers and jackals, and only closed in 1835.
Sometime later, having grown in size and strength, the mature crocodile managed to smash its cage and make its escape, being last seen swimming down the River Thames. From there it eventually made its way the Stour and began its predations.
Bures villagers, having never seen a crocodile before, assumed it to be a dragon and attempted to pacify the beast using an apparently traditional and well-tested method, feeding it with local virgins. Being Essex, the supply of virgins quickly ran low and the sacrifices failed to make the creature go away. A local landowner, Sir Richard de Waldegrave, then assembled a posse of workmen armed with bows and arrows to rid the village of the menace but they were unable to kill it, as their arrows just bounced off its thick skin.
In desperation the villagers turned to Sir George Marney of Layer de la Haye, son of Eustice Earl of Boulogne, to help them. The good knight, rising to the occasion, tracked the beast to its lair in the mere close to the river and eventually killed it by running it through with his lance.
In a secluded spot on a bluff overlooking the mere is St Stephen’s Chapel, from where the dragon can best be viewed. The Chapel stands on the site where King Edmund was crowned king of the East Angles on Christmas Day 855.
Built in the second decade of the 13th Century, the present chapel was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cardinal of Rome, Stephen Langton on St Stephen’s Day 1218. Inside are three tombs of the de Vere family – one of the premier mediæval dynasties – those of the 5th, 8th and 11th Earls of Oxford. The latter fought at Agincourt and is interred there with his wife Alice.
Sources: Bures Online/The Avocado/Raking Light
The Mindfulness Garden is Growing
Work on Great Maplestead playing field’s Mindfulness Garden project continues apace.
Shrubs and fruit trees planted last year to provide for pollinators and, in future, fruit for parishioners to enjoy, are now growing well. Earlier this year a Willow Dome was created to provide shelter and a place for all, especially children, to enjoy – it is already sprouting and leafing-up well!
In April four planters were installed, along with a central bench – features predominantly funded by a grant from Braintree District Council.
At the end of April three groups of Year 5 pupils from St Giles’ School Gardening Club helped volunteers to fill the planters with a selection of beautiful plants, an activity that will help the pupils towards achieving their RHS Level 4 certificates.
The plants were largely sourced from Perrywood’s Garden Centre, who very kindly donated a £250 voucher towards the project. The selected plants are drought tolerant, attractive to insects and other pollinators but less attractive to deer and rabbits!
Ongoing care of the garden, using water from the recently installed adjacent tank, will be undertaken by volunteers and the Autumn Show committee – they all deserve a massive thankyou for their hard work.
It is hoped that as many people as possible will be able to enjoy this garden, as it grows, for many years to come.
Dorothy Weight
GMPC Parish Clerk Changes
Great Maplestead Parish Council’s long-standing Clerk, Ann Crisp, retired at the end of May and, in recognition of her invaluable contribution to the Council, a presentation of a bouquet, card and a commemorative inscribed vase was made during her final meeting as Clerk on 14th May.
Having taken over the role in 2010 from Karin Richards, Ann has decided that, after 15 years in the hot seat, she wants to spend more time enjoying life away from Council matters.
During her time as both Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer, Ann has been instrumental in helping the Council to become more financially viable and secure, enabling it to obtain funding to deliver infrastructure improvements to footpaths, roads and, most recently, the village Playing Field’s major redevelopment, improving its amenity value for parishioners and visitors. Ann’s work, particularly in relation to transparency and governance, has resulted not only in the establishment of better lines of parishioner communication but also the accolade of the Council achieving the Essex Association of Local Council’s Foundation Award status, which it has maintained since 2015. This award demonstrates that the Council continues to meet a set of minimum governance standards, has policies in place that enables it to deliver effectively for the community and has put in place conditions for continued improvement. Of the 307 Parish and Town Councils in Essex, only 29 so far have reached Foundation Award level, so it is a noteworthy achievement.
With her extensive knowledge of local council working, Ann has helped each of her Chairmen negotiate the potential pitfalls of the position – and, in many instances, she has gone above and beyond the normal requirements of the job: compiling the application that won Great Maplestead its 2024 Essex Village of the Year accolade being a prime example.
The Council is really going to miss the benefits of Ann’s extensive experience, knowledge, guidance and general helpfulness but we are sure that, having relinquished the Clerk’s role – and especially after recently delivering a most memorable village VE80 party – she will, in future, be in even greater demand as Great Maplestead’s go-to social events organiser!
The Council’s new Clerk/RFO, Denise Ellison, will be in post from mid-June. Denise’s relevant experience and record of financial achievement make her an excellent fit for the role as the Council moves into a new era…
Steve Harris – Chairman Great Maplestead Parish Council
Things
to do
in June (and July and…)
Oh, What a Night!
As the evening of the 8th May approached, the bunting strung across the village buildings fluttered on the strengthening breeze. The air raid siren was wheeled into position, tables were set up ready to receive plates laden with food, and wine and beer supplies were made ready.
The air was thick with anticipation as the party goers applied the final flourishes to outfits, hair and make-up. Gradually, a line of people could be seen moving along the streets, men in uniforms and suits, ladies in dresses and overalls, all under the watchful but smiling gaze of the ARP Warden. A spectacle witnessed on V-E Day, 8th May 1945 in towns and villages across the country, almost certainly. A spectacle witnessed on V-E Day, 8th May 2025 in Great Maplestead, most definitely!
What a fantastic village event and a fitting way to both mark and celebrate the 80th anniversary. From 7.00pm the Village Hall began to fill with revellers – everyone had made a tremendous effort and looked resplendent in their outfits. Fish and chips arrived from the Hook of Halstead, queues formed at the bar and microphone stands stood ready, awaiting the talented vocalists.
Suddenly the wait was over and Fox, Wiggle & Sass took to the stage – a vintage vocal harmony trio who wowed us all with their gorgeous repertoire, a mixture of 1940’s classics and more modern vintage songs. Union flags were waved, people sang and danced, and the first set concluded to thunderous applause.
The village then joined with the nation: Pam Wheaton lit the beacon at 9.30pm and Keith Brownlie and Angela Purdy read beautifully delivered tributes, their poignant words, detailing the sacrifices made, drifting on the evening air. Following the singing of ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’ it was back into the Village Hall for the second set performed by the hugely talented singing trio. Everybody took to the dance floor, the party went into full swing, and the 1940’s were re-lived.
As the curtain came down on an outstanding evening, party poppers exploded, flags waved one last time, Fox, Wiggle & Sass took a group selfie and were then presented with gifts as a token of our appreciation for the outstanding entertainment they had provided. As well as those mentioned above, thanks must go to Martin Watson, Konrad Purdy and Joe Newton for setting up the beacon. Huge thanks also to the organising committee – all their hard work ensured that the evening was a tremendous success.
Lastly, in the words of a Mr Phillips from Essex on V-E Day 1945: “Revelry went on into the early hours, and no pub ran dry” Well, 80 years later, the Village Hall bar had run dry by the interval! Well done Great Maplestead!
Words: Martin Crisp. Pictures: Steve Harris/Fox, Wiggle & Sass
Little Maplestead Notices
Round Church Plant Sale
Our Annual Plant Sale, held on Saturday May 10th , was a huge success, raising over £2,300 for the Round Church. The weather was perfect: queues started at 9.30 and when the gates opened at 10.00 the crowds flooded in and things were manic for a couple of hours. As well as buying plenty of plants, people enjoyed a coffee or tea and a wide selection of cakes whilst sitting out in the beautiful surroundings. Sausage rolls, cheese straws and meat pies generously donated by our lovely ladies were also on offer, at very reasonable prices.
I would like to thank everyone involved for working so hard to make this fun event happen – we all pull together and it is a wonderful community occasion. We are hoping that others will join in taking part next year, growing plants or making cakes – your support for our church is invaluable.
Plants left over from the sale went on the Community Plant Stall at St Giles’ Church, where people could pick up something for their garden and also leave a donation for the Round Church in a box. Many thanks to Churchwarden Denise for allowing us to do that, working together for the benefit of all.
Jane Stone
The Reading Room
With the lazy, hazy days of summer fast approaching, the following are some recommendations from people around the parishes for books to enjoy while whiling away relaxing hours in the garden or on the beach:
I AM PILGRIM: Terry Hayes
Pilgrim is the codename for a man who doesn’t exist, who must return from obscurity. Because he is he only man who can uncover a flawless plot to commit an appalling crime against humanity. An utterly compulsive read.
THE DCI RYAN MYSTERIES: LJ Ross. Book One: Holy Island
When he is forced to take sabbatical leave from his police duties, Detective Chief Inspector Ryan seeks sanctuary on Holy Island. A few days before Christmas his peace is shattered and he is thrust back into the murky world of murder when a young woman is found dead amongst the ancient ruins of the nearby Priory. There are 13 further books in this series, each one combining romance and danger set within strong, believable story lines – each one is a cracking read.
And topically, since we have just seen the 80th Anniversary of V-E Day, here are two books – one fiction, one non-fiction – with WWII themes:
THE ROSE CODE: Kate Quinn
For anyone who has been to Bletchley Park this is a really fascinating story based on actual life at this code-breaking centre. It follows three girls from hugely different backgrounds who get jobs at Bletchley Park and have to sign the Official Secrets Act to work there. The research that the author has done is excellent and has made me want to visit Bletchley Park once again. This book is an excellent read and I enjoyed it very much.
ARNHEM: Antony Beevor
Of all the battles of WWII, the Battle for the Bridges in 1944 was very significant. Operation Market Garden was an ambitious plan to end the war early by capturing the bridges leading to the lower Rhine and into Germany, isolating German forces and cutting off their supply lines. The book details the thinking behind this bold initiative and describes how and why it failed.
The cost of its failure was horrendous, mostly for the Dutch who risked everything to help the Allied Forces. German reprisals on the Dutch people were cruel and lasted until the end of the war.
This book, written in Beevor’s inimitable and gripping narrative style, is much more than just about a single dramatic battle – it looks into and examines the very heart of war.
Please send your recommendations for next month’s Reading Room to the Editorial address on Page 31
A Couple of Artistic Appeals…
Pebmarsh Art Group is looking for new members!
We are a friendly bunch who meet on Thursdays in Pebmarsh Village Hall, 11.00 am-3.00pm. We are untutored but invite visiting tutors every couple of months to offer us new techniques and ideas.
Our members work in a wide range of materials and are always happy to help out with advice if required. We have many art books and magazines to borrow and also a wide range of photos for inspiration should you run out of ideas for your next masterpiece.
We also stage a weekend art exhibition every two years which is always very well attended and a chance to exhibit your artwork.
If you would like to give it a go please contact Sue. Tel: 01787 460 359 or e-mail: sue.colin@gmail.com You will be made very welcome.
Nature Notes
The first Cuckoo of the spring always brings a thrill. The last week in April was when I heard mine as I got up in the morning. It was calling loud and clear and, after dressing quickly and getting outside, I determined it was somewhere over the back fence in the surrounding farmland. I never saw it, but you don’t really need to see a bird that is so easy to identify by its call. When seen flying they can easily be mistaken for a falcon with pointy wings, long tail and rapid flight. They are always mobbed by small birds, who recognise them for the threat they pose.
A call from a neighbour recently alerted me to the possibility of Mandarin Ducks on a local farm pond. These birds do show up from time to time, but I have only seen them following heavy rain –either on flooded fields or on the Colne at Hulls Mill when it is in flood.
I decided to check it out and there was nothing immediately apparent, but a more careful examination revealed first a female and then a male and possibly a second male. They were very wary and moved out of sight as soon as they detected me, which makes me think they may be breeding there. This would be a first in our patch that I know of. They breed in holes in trees and the pond in question is bordered at the back by tall trees, so it is a real possibility.
After our chilly spell at the end of April and into May, the weather has turned fine and warm. Sunning myself at the bottom of the garden on one of these days, I spotted a small blue butterfly, which I assumed to be a Common Blue. I decided to check and quickly discovered I would have to think again – the Common Blue is not on the wing until the very end of May and the only Blue flying earlier is the Holly Blue.
The Holly Blue is so named as it lays its eggs on the flower buds of holly in the spring. However, there are two broods during the year and the second (summer) brood lay their eggs almost exclusively on ivy. This pattern is not seen for any other British butterfly. It is different also in being a butterfly that prefers a mix of trees and shrubs, rather than grassland, and therefore is more likely than a Common Blue to be in your garden – especially in April or early May!
Patch Patroller
Hiring, Eating and Reading
Gestingthorpe Grill
The next Gestingthorpe Grill will be in the Village Hall courtyard will be on Saturday 14th June, 9.45 to 10.45am. £3.50 for a Bacon Roll, Tea or Coffee. Cash Only.
Gestingthorpe Book Club
The Gestingthorpe Book Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 3rd June at 7.30pm.
Please note: our new meeting place is in the snug at our lovely village pub, The Pheasant.
This month’s book is The Tenant by Freida McFadden. If you would like to join us, please contact Penny –e-mail: pbagby1@gmail.com or telephone: 07840 367 172 for more information.
Gestingthorpe Goings-on
Gestingthorpe Village Hall AGM 2025
The Village Hall Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 7.30pm in Gestingthorpe Village Hall
All villagers in the parish of Gestingthorpe are invited to the AGM to hear what we have done in the last 12 months and what we have planned for this year. Please come along and have your say in the running of your village hall.
If you would like to join the committee or nominate someone for a position, please e-mail gestingthorpevillagehall@gmail.com. All those voted onto the committee are asked to attend the committee meeting that will immediately follow on from the AGM.
Gestingthorpe Village Hall Coffee Morning & Book Exchange Fortnightly on Fridays from 10.00am to 12 noon
Please join your friends and neighbours in the Village Hall for tea, coffee, cake and a chat. Tea or coffee and cake £3.00 (cash only) Bring a book to swap with one from our library or buy a book for £1. Our bookcase is located next to the big window in the small hall. There are a large range of books and genres to choose from.
The next Coffee Mornings and Book Exchange will be on 6th & 20th June and 4th & 18th July
All funds raised go towards the running & maintenance of the Village Hall.
Gardening Corner
High summer is now upon us, with warm days and warmer nights giving ideal growing conditions.
In the vegetable garden early potatoes should be nearly ready: scrape away the soil from the base of the potato haulm to check on the size of the tubers. Runner beans and French beans need to be checked regularly as the beans tend to ‘hide’ under the foliage. Keep an eye on courgettes and marrows –the slugs will make a meal of these plants and their fruits, especially when first planted out. I am assured beer traps work in helping catch these molluscs.
My plant of the month is one which gives a superb backdrop at the rear of a mixed shrub border.
‘Crambie cordifolia’ or sea kale is a member of the brassica family, with a froth of white flowers. It makes a real statement during the summer months.
This is an ideal time of year to visit plant sales; some have already been and gone but a local sale, be it an organised village one or an individual selling plants at the end of their driveway, is an affordable way of stocking a garden and you can often come across unusual specimens.
In the fruit garden, start to pick gooseberries, pull rhubarb and keep an eye open for the first strawberries. Blackcurrants should be ripening ready for picking in July. Apart from rhubarb, if you can, grow soft fruit/cane fruit in a cage. Otherwise cover over the bush with horticultural fleece or old net curtains or else the garden birds will enjoy a feast before you!
A feature in a garden is a well-placed bench. This piece of garden furniture can be a place to sit for five minutes and catch the eye as you enter an area. Benches come in a variety of materials: wood, stone, metal or recycled plastic are the most commonly available. Wooden seats will need to be stored in a shed or garage during the winter.
Keep watering hanging baskets, tubs and containers; it is also worth feeding bedding plants every three to four weeks – whatever compost you use, an additional liquid feed will keep plants looking healthy. Lastly, dead-heading annuals stops them making seed heads and helps promote the formation of new flowers.
Enjoy your plot.
The Arborist
Forthcoming Local Activities
Hedingham Heritage Society
Our summer months’ programme includes some tales of metal detecting and ancient finds, followed by stories of Viking Raiders, a Battle of the Flags, World War bombings, nuclear shelters and more.
Thursday 5th June
Thursday 3rd July
‘The Detectorist – a lifetime of finds and small things remembered’ . Darren Clarke, a lifelong detectorist and local historian, will be giving a fascinating illustrated talk and showing us some of the interesting finds he has made during his detecting career.
7.30pm – Castle Hedingham Memorial Hall
‘Battlefield Essex’. Andrew Summers, a local historian, author and public speaker, will be exploring conflicts in Essex over a 2,000year time frame. It’s not all blood and gore: there were some violent battles but many didn’t involve a loss of life yet were still fought with great passion and belief.
7.30pm – Castle Hedingham Memorial Hall
Do join our local and natural history society. Annual Membership for 2025 remains at £15.
Members come free to all walks and talks : Non-Members - £5. Everybody is Welcome. Contacts: Rob: 01787 460 664 : Trudi: 01787 462 889 : Mark: 07906 472 636 E-mail: hedinghamheritage@gmail.com or visit www.hedinghamheritage.org.uk
Churchwarden’s Report
St Giles’ – Great Maplestead
Over the last couple of months I hope you’ve all been able to take a little stroll through the churchyard and have enjoyed seeing the primroses, daffodils and the bluebells while they lasted. The ‘meadow’ area is now in bloom, as are the footpath verges – they are a great haven for bees and butterflies, which is all what being an Eco-church is about.
The Community Payback team have now visited three times and the work they do is proving to be invaluable in assisting Tony Hume to keep the churchyard neat and tidy. Last month they cleared some of the overgrown graves (left)in the older part of the churchyard. They also started work on clearing space intended for a small gravel barrier around the church to prevent weeds (right) instead of using chemicals. However, there were concerns about the use of gravel encouraging damp and subsequently the architect who did our Quinquennial inspection has said NO to gravel or pebbles – he was pleased to say that what is there now is perfect!
The community plant share stand has seen some lovely contributions over the last few months – they don’t stay there very long before they are snapped up!
Most recently some remaining plants from Little Maplestead Round Church’s Plant Sale, for which there is a donation box, have been added to the stand. Thank you to everyone who shares.
We have lately had a report done by a qualified arborist on the condition of the trees in the churchyard – we believe the last report was done in the late 1990s, so an inspection was well overdue; we are now awaiting the survey results.
Enjoy the sunshine everyone!
Denise O’Connell St Giles’ Churchwarden
Parish News Information
Advertising/Announcements/Articles
The 2025 Parish News Business Advertising Rates for the year (10 issues, pro-rated as applicable) and for monthly single issue advertisements and fundraising event announcements are shown below, along with the Copy/Artwork Deadline dates for the next five issues of Parish News:
Contacts:
Articles
Please submit these by e-mail, preferably as a Word document attachment with separate images:
½ page: 150-160 words + images
Full page: 400-420 words + images
The Parish Representatives, to whom articles and event announcement submissions should be sent, are listed on the Inside Front Cover.
