In Touch News with Manningtree April 2019

In Touch

™© ™©

with Brantham, Lawford Manningtree & Mistley

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service

01206 230053

Volume 9 • Issue No. 6 • April 2019

orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk

The Wreck of the Bijou at Mistley by Jason Powell, see p3

Professional advice for all your property needs £995pcm

£275,000

Rent

Sale

£380,000 Sale

www.EssexCountryHomes.com

£1,200pcm Rent

t: 01206 589109 e: enquiries@ecvh.co.uk

direct .co.uk SKIP BAG 01255 585858 DON’T HAVE ENOUGH RUBBISH TO FILL A SKIP? OPTION 1:

TON

BAGS

£25

DELIVERED & COLLECTED FROM YOUR DOOR OPTION 2:

WE LIFT AND LOAD YOUR RUBBISH FOR YOU FOR A QUOTE, CALL, TEXT OR SEND A PHOTO /skipbagdirect

What we will collect: Hardcore • Soil • Plasterboard • Textiles • Wood • Cardboard Metal • Hedge cuttings • Green waste • All Building & DIY Waste Electrical & White Goods • Any General Household Items

No Job too Small - Same day Service - Call 7 Days Environment Agency APPROVED

YOUR LOCAL FRIENDLY COST EFFECTIVE SERVICE

CBDU132156

For a Quote: 01255 585858 / 07450 706766 skipbagdirect@gmail.com See what happens to your waste at: www.skipbagdirect.co.uk

2

In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I often write about how fortunate we are to live in a part of the world where ‘community’ is valued and where there are endless opportunities to engage with those who share our little part of the planet. Finding that special place to lay your roots and raise your children, where you know you will be greeted with a smile when you pop into the local (shop or pub) and share your day-today existence with neighbours you can call on in an emergency is something to treasure. If you’re lucky you may even have family close by. A recent trip home to Ireland to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday has reminded me how distant I have become from my extended family, inevitable when you move away. Events like weddings and significant birthdays have become treasured opportunities to catch-up, to meet new family members and to get to know others a little better.

And so it was on this occasion.

For possibly the first time ever, I had an opportunity to have a proper girly chat with my dad’s three sisters, a chat which started when they admired my dress.

Well in no time at all they were telling me about the way they dressed going to dances and balls when they were young. They howled with laughter as they told me about cycling six miles to dances at the Emerald Ballroom and back home again at 1am. They talked about the music, the dancing (proper dancing!), the way all the men lined up on one side and the women on the other… and the dresses. They’d all learned to make their own dresses but occasionally paid a local dressmaker to create something for a special occasion. The planning and effort they put into these events was extraordinary. Everyone had to get their hair properly done and in those days hair-dos were an architectural phenomenon. Hair pieces are not a new invention! They laughed in horror when they remembered having to sleep on their faces because their hair had so much lacquer in it!

I know it’s wasn’t all dressing up and dancing, but boy did they know how to party, and alcohol wasn’t mentioned once (which is probably why they remember every tiny detail). If you do have older family members in your life, or neighbours who would like nothing better than an opportunity to reminisce, don’t wait for an occasion. Put the kettle on and get to know someone a little bit better while you’re fortunate to have the opportunity.

InTouch

with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley

Published by:

Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Send editorial copy to: manningtree@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.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380

Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379

Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree, & Mistley is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with. . . ” series of magazines.

We also publish In Touch with...

•B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

In Touch with...

May DEADLINE 10 April 2019

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

NEWS MANNINGTREE ROTARY CLUB At the start of our new presidential year in July 2018 we made the decision to support the charity Against Breast Cancer by collecting unwanted bras on their behalf. We are now eight months into our collection and to-date we have managed to fill fourteen large black bin bags.

Our target when we started was to fill twenty bags, so with four months to go we call on you to help us meet our target. If you do have any unwanted bras you will find our collection box located in the entrance lobby of the Co-op in Manningtree. Thank you for your continued support.

Rotary Awareness Week in the Manningtree area

Rotarians were out in force over the weekend of February 23-24 to mark Rotary Awareness Week by collecting rubbish and cleaning road signs in Lawford, Manningtree and Mistley. Twenty bags of rubbish were collected and the club received many congratulations by passers-by for their efforts.

Last year purple crocuses were planted to highlight Polio awareness and these are now in full bloom around the area.

This year’s clean-up is in celebration of our 114 years as an organistion of Service Above Self.

Pictured left to right are David Perrott, Sue Clark, John Bishop, Steve Coiley, Colin Daines and Rob Sharratt.

BRANTHAM GARAGE SALE 2019 The amazing annual Brantham Garage Sale returns on Saturday, July 6 from 9am to 3om.

All profits will be shared between St Elizabeth Hospice and The Nepal Children’s Trust.

If you want to open your garage or have a stall, please book with May: 07508 430571 / mayawatling@hotmail.com Bargain hunters, please put the date in your diary!

COVER IMAGE: The Wreck of the Bijou at Mistley by Jason Powell The Bijou was built by R & W Paul at Ipswich in 1906 and was named Ena. Soon after this, she was renamed Gravelines II and registered in London because of a possible French connection. 1912 saw her back with the Ipswich fleet and because Paul’s now had another barge named Ena, it was decided to rename the barge Bijou.

On 8 June 1940, Bijou arrived at Mistley Essex with a cargo of maize and tied up at the quay. During a bombing raid on 3 July 1940, the quay side buildings were set on fire and Bijou was set adrift in an attempt to save her, but she was already on fire and drifted on to the mud opposite where she burnt out. Under a brilliant dawn sky Jason photographed the remains that are still visible today.

3

NEWS MANNINGTREE VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES MARKET

SAIL AND BEACH PARTY Saturday, May 4, 11am to 2.30pm on Manningtree Beach

Manningtree Vintage & Collectables Market is in its third year and is teaming up with Manningtree Emporium so buyers have an even greater selection to choose from.

The Vintage & Collectables Market, which is run by volunteers and staged and funded by Manningtree Business Chamber, has been a welcome boost to the town. In fact Mel Winning, who started the market, has received the Community Engagement Award from Manningtree Town Council. She moved from London to Manningtree five years ago. “I am so thrilled to get my award,” she said. “I have seen the difference the market has made to the town, together with Manningtree Emporium which hosts 40 dealers, Winyl, an exciting new wine bar where you can sample vegan wines and beers while you browse an amazing collection of new and vintage vinyl, and The Estuary Wine Bar, a hip new bar full of quirky reclaim that is bringing more young people into town.”

Market day is great fun, so bring the family, visit the cafes, pubs and restaurants, and bring your dog which could be the winner of The Star of the Market Competition.

All are welcome in magical Manningtree by the River Stour every first Saturday in the month from May 4 to September 7 from 9am to 3pm, with an extra market on Manningtree Regatta Day, Sunday, July 21.

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

Lawford Parish Council You can read council minutes on the parish council noticeboards and at: www.essexinfo.net/lawford-parish-council Minutes can be collected from the parish office by prior arrangement as the offices are not open to the public.

If you are aged eight to 16, join our Push the Boat Out for would-be sailors and have a go in a dinghy or a kayak or take a trip up the river for fee.

Compete as the best fancy dressed pirate to win a £40 voucher for a family meal at Lucca.

Beach games include a sandcastle building contest, Punch and Judy, face painting (sharks and mermaids) and music on the beach. There will be burgers, sausages, pancakes and ice creams for sale.

Sign up for a free My Blue Pass for a session on the water and free food and drink.

If you can commit to help our event, email hello@mybluepass.org.uk or make a £5 donation by texting MBP to 70085 to support our new water sports charity for young people.

Check us out at www.mybluepass,org.uk and pre-register at Facebook My Blue Pass Manningtree.

This event is brought to you by The Stour Blue Water Pass Trust in partnership with the RYA and sponsored by Concord Property, your local estate agent.

FREE PASSAGE ABOARD THE BLUE MERMAID Sail Training is a six day adventure on a traditional Thames Barge from Maldon to Mistley, departing dock on Monday, May 27. Free berths have been reserved for six Manningtree High School pupils and also for adult volunteers, teachers, parents or guardians to join the trip.

To find out more email bluemermaidtothestour@gmail.com or visit: www.mybluepass.org.uk This opportunity is brought to you by The Stour Blue Water Pass Trust (delivering opportunities for young people to gain experience on the water) and Sea-Change (providing action centred learning and seamanship for young people).

CHARITY VACANCIES WITH MYBLUEPASS The Stour Blue Water Pass Trust charity is busy delivering its first year’s programme to provide opportunities for young people to gain experience on the water. We need more help to keep pace with demand for our sail training and the opportunities we are providing with our water based partners.

We need a new administrator to plan and deliver this season’s sessions with local schools and parents signed up to the project.

That means running our database and recording outcomes for the young people participating. We also need help with marketing, graphics, design and website management and our finances.

To start the process today email hello@mybluepass.org.uk or check us out at: www.mybluepass.org.uk My Blue Pass is the delivery arm of The Stour Blue Water Pass Trust charity.

4

In Touch online:

advertorial

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter.

A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy efficient. Why not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you have any failed

double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems.

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!!

If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118.

We will send out our highly

experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fix it. With years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year guarantee.

Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors.

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Andy Kerridge and he services the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas.

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

5

NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: APRIL 2019 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MCCRAW LOOKING FORWARD (TO IT) This will be my last report to Alton Ward as the new wards start on the very day of the election, May 2. I’ll continue to represent Alton Ward meantime so, should something come up, I can cover it for you.

The new ward structure sees Tattingstone in Orwell Ward and Stutton in Stour Ward, just labels but nice names. Your parishes should be served equally. It’s been a privilege to learn more about, to serve, Stutton and Tattingstone. I’ve really enjoyed the experience, learnt, made a few friends, had a few beers, and shared common experience with the excellent parish councils you have.

It’s where I come from. I’ll be an Independent candidate for the Brantham Ward, where I’ve lived, raised my family, worked, and the place I’ve loved.

Brantham will be facing massive planning pressures in the next few years.

Dealing with that has already occupied six years of my life.

My central point is what your future councillors will be facing in Babergh and in general. I’m working very hard here not to get too political. This is a report, not an election leaflet. I’ve always preferred analysis and information as a consistent approach.

The overwhelming factors in local government have been the austerity programmes and the effects of National Planning Policy. Councils have seen cuts in central government support of 35 to over 40 per cent (figures vary).

Take away a third of your income? How would you deal with that? Planning policy has presumed, in a ‘golden thread’, that councils are legally obliged to grant planning permissions in favour of a, poorly defined, sustainable development. That ‘double whammy’ explains the decision making that we’ve often hated.

Still analysing, what will they be dealing with? 2015 saw a General Election, raised turnout and the first majority administration in Babergh’s history.

With 31 out of 43 seats, and on board with the government approach, Conservatives were able to plan to consolidate their position. This was the oppositions ‘mushroom period’, kept in the dark and covered. But when the Conservatives started splintering, we asserted ourselves and could take a larger role within council decision making. The new members seem unlikely to face the initial situation. No General Election, high tide past and fewer members. 32 will have to do the work of 43. Some didn’t do that much anyway (like most organisations) but all will now represent more people and carry out the same internal functions. They’re going to have to work harder.

It’s never been tougher, with more responsibility, since 1974.

One improved aspect will be clear guidance on what to do. I had to write

FRIDAYS@THEHUB Next door to the Mogul, drop in between 10am and 12.30pm for free coffee, tea and biscuits, with toys for little ones to play with and community banking from 10am-noon.

Colchester Credit Union is a community bank run by volunteers for the people of Tendring and Colchester. It offers straight-forward banking services:

The last two years of 2015-19 have been, in my opinion, the better ones.

Babergh have looked forward, prepared, and updated our constitution again based on those two years of experience. We have Cabinet Government for at least three more years, so I’ve sought to ‘deal with it’, as has Derek Davis, the only opposition cabinet member. The new council must complete the Joint Local Plan, a possible merger with Mid Suffolk is still possible, serious deficits loom for two years and there are a host of issues you’d never have thought of. An insight into some of them might be in the Scrutiny Annual Report.

(The report is included in the papers for our final Council meeting on March 19, available online) I’ve asked for a separate online link as well. I’m honestly proud of the work that committee has done over the last two years.

THE VOTE That’s what I think your next councillors will face. Please vote for them because you think they’re the best candidate, who will do the work, who knows their community. Experience can be gained. We all started knowing only a little. I’ve worked with members from all political groups and I don’t subscribe to the cynicism of social media. It’s a tool which can be used sensibly, or destructively. All candidates deserve your respect. They’re going to have to work hard and none of them deserve abuse. Above all, resist the temptation to give up on it all. These matters matter. They affect you. Use your vote.

The blue Claud Butler will be in service again. I’ll be seeing a lot of you in Brantham shortly, and I may pop up elsewhere in April. The new Facebook group for Brantham will be ‘Alastair McCraw, Independent in Brantham’.

Invitations to Alton members will be sent. Thank you all for your attention and the opportunity.

Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)

BRANTHAM PARISH COUNCIL The next meeting of Brantham Parish Council will take place on April 3; come along to find out what your parish council is up to and to raise any questions/ concerns.

You can find out more about Brantham Parish Council at: www.brantham.onesuffolk.net The site includes copies of recent parish council meeting minutes, details of upcoming events and other items of local interest.

Saving: by standing order or cash (no amount is too small)

The parish council meets on the first Wednesday of every month (except August) in Brantham Village Hall at 7.30pm. The public are welcome to attend.

Withdrawals: by cheque, bank transfer or in cash (cash withdrawals over £50 need notice)

Brantham Parish Clerk: 07702 490212 / clerk@branthamparishcouncil.co.uk

Loans: at reasonable rates for regular savers Tendring District Council supports Colchester Credit Union (CCU) and pays the membership fee for new joiners. All CCU members can apply to volunteer for the Credit Union and gain useful work experience.

Regular saving, even a small amount, is prudent for every household, whether on a tight budget or comfortably off.

6

my own job description, developed since. There’s a cross party member development programme ready with extensive descriptions of all roles, initial training and future development. This existed before, but the commitment died out fairly quickly. I went to everything! 50% of the 2015 council were brand new. Some had done little preparation, not really expecting to be elected. There won’t be that much turnover this time, so hopefully more continuity. My own committee, Overview and Scrutiny, have, by now, met to look forward, scrutinise our own work and make recommendations to our successors.

www.facebook.com/BranthamParishCouncil PARISH CLERK SURGERIES Brantham Parish Clerk holds monthly ‘surgery’ sessions at Bake and Blossoms café so that parishioners and others can meet to ask questions, raise concerns or even just have a chat and a cake. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know your parish clerk and chat through all those local issues that have been bothering you! The dates of the next parish clerk surgeries are Tuesdays, April 2 and May 7, 11am-12.30pm.

In Touch online:

Quick & Easy way to upgrade your kitchen...

30 d s r an ur e v s lo O le co y st r 90 e ov

simply cover the worktops replace the doors and drawer fronts for a whole new look!

Special Limited Offer Hurry - Don’t miss out

*£500 appliance contribution when purchasing worktops and door replacements. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

£500 EXCLUSIVE LIMITED OFFER VOUCHER

*

Before

After

Worktops

Don’t just take our word for it

In a matter of hours

The top that fits on top

Granite Transformations were brilliant from start to finish and such nice staff, nothing was too much trouble. So happy with our new worktops - thank you so much. Sue - Colchester

Transforming your old kitchen does not have to be stressful, as we have the products and expertise to modernise it within just a few hours, by replacing the door & worktops - no mess.

With over 1 Million installations globally, our worktops are the market leaders in terms of styles and durability. Plus all our worktops come with an industry leading 10 Year Guarantee.

“

”

Appliance Contribution Voucher Code: APPLIANCE£500 Ipswich Showroom

For more information or to arrange a FREE No-Obligation Home Visit

Unit 3 Alstons Court, Leslie Road, Ipswich IP3 9PL

or visit: www.gt-ipswich.co.uk or visit: www.gt-colchester.co.uk

Hatfields Home Furnishings, Peartree Road, Colchester C03 0LA

Call Ipswich: 01473 851 360 | Call Colchester: 01206 807 347

Colchester Showroom

WE SPECIALISE IN DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS, CALL FOR YOUR FREE CHECK UP

Mr Misty ‘The Window Doctor’ is a family run business that prides itself in exceptional customer care.

W e p r o m i s e e a s y s e r v i c e f r o m s t a r t t o fi n i s h .

DOES YOUR DOUBLE GLAZING STEAM UP? WE REPLACE JUST THE GLASS AND NOT THE FRAMES AT A FRACTION OFTHE COST FOR NEW WINDOWS PROBLEMS WE SOLVE ELIMINATE WINDOW CONDENSATION

SECONDARY GLAZING TO BLOCK OUT NOISE

BROKEN WINDOW PARTS

DOOR AND WINDOW LOCKS

BROKEN GLASS

FAULTY HINGES

FREE PHONE : 0800

25 45 111 FOR YOUR FREE CHECKUP

WWW.MRMISTY.CO.UK

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

7

8

In Touch online:

NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE New Appointment Cancellation Service If you need to cancel an appointment, you can now send us a text message.

This should help reduce the number of non-attended appointments and also provide a simple method for patients to let us know they need to cancel rather than wait in the telephone queue first thing in the morning. To cancel an appointment, simply send a message to 07562 618401 and include your name, date of birth and the date and time of the appointment you wish to cancel. Please note that this number can only be used for appointment cancellations.

Launch of eConsult Service I’m pleased to announce that we have launched a new service called eConsult which is available via: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk Our eConsult service enables you to request advice and treatment from our practice online, at any time of the day. You can also obtain self-help advice for hundreds of conditions.

You can access eConsult any time of the day and the system will ask you a number of questions regarding the nature of your problem. It may provide self-help advice, or direct you to a pharmacy if it’s a problem which can be addressed by a pharmacist. The system may also advise you to phone 111 or 999 if your responses suggest you require urgent attention.

If your problem is non-urgent and can be dealt with by the practice, we will receive a report which will be reviewed by one of our doctors. They will determine the most appropriate next step which may include a telephone or face-to-face appointment. You will be contacted by 6pm the following day with advice or to book an appointment if necessary.

We hope this new facility will further improve access to the services provided by our practice.

National GP Patient Survey Questionnaires Please complete and return your GP Patient Survey if you receive one.

Feedback is really important to us. We have been working hard over the last couple of years to improve the service we offer and patient feedback is vital in understanding the progress we have made and which areas we need to focus on.

Training Days Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, April 4; Wednesday, May 22; Thursday, June 20.

On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy, but reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending off-site training. Our phone lines will be closed for the afternoon. If you need medical assistance please contact 111. If your need is urgent then please dial 999 or attend your local A&E.

ARDLEIGH SURGERY It is with great sadness that we announce that Dr Bettle will be retiring on May 28. That will also be his last day of work. He will be sorely missed by both staff and patient. There is a comment book in reception for patients to write in their comment and wishes.

We will like to remind patients that if you are running late for an appointment please phone through and inform the surgery. If you are more than 15 minutes late for an appointment the clinician may not be able to see you.

From the Waiting Room It was overheard from the waiting room that we have been in the same premises for 40 years and that it’s about time the government relocate us to premises with abundant and accessible parking. We wish this was true, but unfortunately GPs are independent subcontractors to the NHS and therefore have to provide their own premises. Like any other small business we have to make a business plan and as the current climate is supportive of large super practices only we have not been successful. So for now we have to stay where we are.

From the Dispensary From the first of February 2019 the Falsified Medicine Directives Law comes into action. This law was brought it to help reduce fraud in NHS medicines management. In practice it means that if you order medications and they are dispensed and placed on the shelf it must be picked up within one week, otherwise it will have to be removed from the shelf and disposed of. In the past we were able to return the items to the stock cupboard and cancel the prescription. So please do pick up your medication once you have ordered it to avoid wastage.

JOIN THE WITCHFINDER TRAIL It’s the last chance to sign up for the 5k or 10k WitchFinder Trail to help support adults with learning disabilities at Acorn Village.

Suitable for all of the family (including fourlegged members), see some of the historic sites of Manningtree, talk to townsfolk of the bygone era and get an incredible medal, an infamous Edme Maltloaf and a free t-shirt if you raise over £50. With a BBQ and music at the end to celebrate your achievement this is set to be another great event.

Sign up at: www.witchfindertrail.uk If you are unable to walk or run, we would love you to line along the walls to cheer on the runners and walkers. The race starts at 10am so come and show your support by cheering them on along the route or join us at Acorn Village to celebrate their victory with them. Thank you for supporting adults with learning disabilities.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

NEW PROJECT FOR LOCAL CHARITY Engalynx, the Brantham based charity operating in Rwanda, has begun a new and ongoing project to feed malnourished infants in Rwimbogo Model Village. This village is one of a number of new villages being built by the government to rehouse some of the poorest people in the country.

This housing will replace the horrendous, leaking shacks these people are currently living in. The government is aiming for 70 per cent of Rwandans in rural areas to be living in newly built homes by the year 2020. By building these villages, the country’s scarce land resources will be used more efficiently – currently homes are built of any materials people can acquire and on any piece of land they can lay claim to. This will help the local authorities to bring aid more easily to those in greatest need, especially the survivors if the 1998 Genocide.

The villages are built in close proximity to existing schools, not that we would consider them close, but certainly they are within what is considered easy walking distance in Rwanda. This gives us the opportunity to feed these

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

young children who are lucky to have one meal of a few beans or potatoes each day, with most of them having days with no food at all.

Maralyn Bambridge, the charity’s founder, and Trustee Ruth Gurney visited the village with the director of the local authority in September 2018.

It was agreed that a feeding programme based in the local school would be sponsored by Engalynx, and it is now up and running. 119 children in the village between the ages of two and six are given a meal of porridge made from SOSOMA (Soya, Sorghum and Maize), sugar and water each day. The food is prepared and served in the school kitchen by the children’s mothers.

SOSOMA is a medically approved food with all the necessary vitamins that the children need.

This is a new and exciting pilot project which it is hoped to expand. It costs just £6 a month to feed each child during term time. Could you sponsor one child or even part sponsor by giving £3 per month? Full information from Maralyn Bambridge: 07799 474121 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com

9

OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM BOX OFFICE Film Night Wednesdays at Brantham Village Hall Doors open at 7, film starts at 7.30pm Wednesday, April 17: LADY BIRD (15) An American coming-of-age story about a high-school senior and her turbulent relationship with her mother.

Wednesday, May 15: THE CHILDREN ACT (12) As her marriage crumbles, a judge must decide a case involving a teenage boy who is refusing a blood transfusion on religious principle.

Starring Emma Thompson.

Tickets cost £5 in advance from Bakes and Blossoms café, £5.50 on the door, £3 for under-16s Refreshments available on the night Facebook.com/BranthamBoxOffice

MANNINGTREE LIBRARY Midweek readers meet in Manningtree library on the second Wednesday of every month at 10.45am and would welcome new members to their group. The books read are suggested by the members and have recently included Anne Tyler’s A Spool of Blue Thread and The Keeper of Lost Things

by Ruth Hogan. For more information please ring 0345 603 7628 and ask for Manningtree Library.

Free IT Support & Computer Coaching

MANIFEST THEATRE On Friday 5 and Saturday, April 6, The Manifest Theatre is hosting charity variety nights in aid of Mid & North Essex Mind with songs, music, sketches and comedy.

Here’s a word from Ben Maytham whose idea it was: “I am super excited to produce charity nights to raise as much money as possible for Mind which also showcase some fantastic local talent. I’m even directing, for the first time, a scene from a play I’ve written myself. I can’t wait! Every penny goes to Mind and having suffered with depression and anxiety myself, I know what a worthy charity this is.”

Tickets for members are just £7 plus an additional £2 annual membership fee for non-members. The box office is now open: www.manifesttheatre.co.uk / 07444 724271 Some material contains themes and language which may be deemed offensive.

MANIFEST MOVIES Friday, April 19: The Shape of Water Elisa is a mute, isolated woman who works as a cleaning lady in a hidden, highsecurity government laboratory in 1962 Baltimore. Her life changes forever when she discovers the lab’s classified secret – a mysterious, scaled creature from South America that lives in a water tank. As Elisa develops a unique bond with her new friend, she soon learns that its fate and very survival lies in the hands of a hostile government agent and a marine biologist.

Doors and bar open at 7pm on film nights. Films 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.

Tuesday mornings from 10am and Thursday afternoons from 2.30pm; booking is essential.

• General hints and tips on using computers, iPads, tablets, mobile phones and laptops • Help accessing online services, online banking, setting up an email account, creating a CV and much more • Research your family history with free access to Ancestry and Findmypast Adult Craft and Knitting Club First Tuesday of the month, 2-4pm A casual group for everyone Bring along your own project Share ideas with other crafters Further information from Manningtree Library or from Essex Libraries at: 0345 603 7628

BANK HOLIDAY MARKET St Mary’s, East Bergholt Monday, May 27, 10am-12.30pm Morning Market Bargains and Lunches until 1.30pm 10% of profit to the Stand by Me charity

THE TECHNICAL REHEARSAL A Comedy by Alan Marshall Traditionally the technical rehearsal is the last chance for the cast to practise all their moves on a completely constructed set with spectacular lights and sounds, wearing stunning costumes before they have to perform at the dreaded dress rehearsal.

That’s the theory – in practice it’s frequently, if not always, a complete disaster. For this hapless group, things really couldn’t get worse. They have a set builder who can’t tell his left from his right, a hypochondriac Cinderella, a philandering Ugly Sister, a vengeful wife and a juvenile lead with a mid-life crisis.

This play is a hilarious fly-on-the-wall experience for the audience. It will be performed at the Constable Hall in East Bergholt by the East Bergholt Dramatic Society from Thursday 11 to Saturday, April 13. Tickets are £7 in advance from 01473 311553 or 07803 475750 or from The Fountain House Tearoom East Bergholt (£8 on the door if any left).

10

In Touch online:

A warm welcome guaranteed Bentley Road, Little Bromley, CO11 2PL www.thehaywain.co.uk | 01206 390004

BREAKFAST |LUNCH | DINNER | FUNCTION ROOM HIRE Enjoy a meal in front of our fire in the pub, in our private dining room or our large function room - Perfect for parties and corporate events

April Events…

Breakfast & Brunch

See our website for details

Saturdays and Sundays

12th - pub Quiz

Join us for coffee, breakfast waffles or a full English

26th - Pudding Night Every Friday - Flat iron Friday

Try our vegan breakfast!

2 Flat iron steaks and 2 house drinks £20.00

Open on Easter Monday

Open Wed - Fri - 12.00pm - 3.00pm - 6.00pm - 11.00pm Saturday - 9.30am - 11.00pm | Sunday - 9.30am - 6.00pm

10% off lunch menu - Wednesday - Saturday Just show this promotion when you arrive

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

11

12

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT DEATH CAFÉ The next peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, May 5 in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook. We meet for an hour and a half from 10.30am. We are very grateful to The Compasses for allowing us to use their lounge where we are made very welcome with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins.

For more information about the Death Café contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com

THE DEBBIE MILLAR SCHOOL OF DANCE

TRIANON MUSIC GROUP COMMUNITY CONCERT Saturday, May 11, 7.30pm at St Mary’s & St Michael’s Church, New Road, Mistley The Trianon Music Group is a non-professional symphony orchestra and choir, whose president is the choral composer and conductor John Rutter CBE. As well as major concerts throughout the year in venues such as Snape Maltings, smaller groups of singers and instrumentalists perform community concerts across the region in aid of charities with a local connection.

The concert on May 11 will include instrumental items such as Bach’s, Air on the G String, Holst’s St Paul’s Suite and Ragtime Dance by Scott Joplin, plus a variety of songs from George Butterworth to Rogers and Hammerstein.

Tickets at £10 each will be on sale from Monday, April 1.

Joy and John Baker: 01206 391918 / joylesleybaker@gmail.com Manningtree Benefice Church Office: 07436 398801 / info@manningtreebenefice.co.uk

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

The Debbie Millar School of Dance is once again presenting its annual show at the West Cliff Theatre in Clacton on Sea. This year’s show from the Lawford based dance school is entitled A Visit to the Musicals and, as the name suggests, features dance routines from a wide range of popular musicals from both stage and screen.

Students from 18 months old to 18 years will perform dances from a number of genre including classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern and disco freestyle with a touch of musical theatre as well. The adult classes will also be making their contribution.

As in previous years, the Debbie Millar School of Dance likes to support local charities out of the show proceeds with recent recipients including the East Anglian Children’s Hospice, the Children’s Ward at Colchester General Hospital and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

This year the chosen charity is Ipswich based Fresh Starts – New Beginnings which was set up to provide a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.

There are two performances of the show, Saturday, May 4 at 6pm and Sunday, May 5 at 2.30pm. Tickets available from the Box Office on 01255 433344 or via: www.westcliffclacton.co.uk

On February 14 we had a very informative talk

by Kenneth Payne on Photoshop Lightroom.

Even those of us who don’t do much post image processing were able to take something from this.

Our talk on February 28 was on underwater and other wildlife photography and was wonderfully illustrated with images ranging from close encounters with sharks to macro images of coral reef life and sea horses, a fantastic insight into a whole other world. There was no competition in February but our Facebook challenge subject was Wood and the winning image by Tim Stott is pictured.

FUTURE MEETINGS In April we have a talk entitled A Hole in my Bag by Don Thompson, and a competition on April 25 in which members are asked to show three images of the same subject. We are also taking part in the East Ipswich Camera Club Granville Foulger Trophy on April 16.

Meetings are held twice monthly on Thursday evenings (second and fourth of the month) at 7.30pm at the St Johns Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. A number of informal ‘Rookie Club’ evenings are also arranged where members can refresh their skills and share experiences.

New members are welcome to join us or may attend initially as visitors.

Please contact our secretary for details: 01206 393751 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

STOUR VALLEY LADIES PROBUS CLUB SPRING JUMBLE SALE Clear the Clutter – Bag a Bargain!

Saturday, April 6 from 2pm at Bentley Village Hall If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or telephone Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) who will arrange to collect it from you.

If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm with tea and coffee available.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

Stour Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at The Haywain, Bentley Road, Little Bromley at 10am on the first and third Thursday in each month.

The first meeting in the month includes lunch and the second is a coffee morning. At each meeting there is a general interest speaker.

The aim of our club is to encourage interest and fellowship among our members, all of whom are retired and have a lively and informed outlook on life.

New members are welcome and anyone interested in attending a coffee morning should contact our president, Jill Nicholls: 01206 393680

13

OUT & ABOUT TEA & SUPPORT IN 2019 Tea & Support, the friendly, practical support group for those recently bereaved or left living alone, meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Mistley Church Hall, New Road, Mistley (just opposite The Towers), between 2 and 4pm. Transport is available on request.

Some months we have a speaker, sometimes just a get-together with a game or entertainment, plus we normally have three outings a year in spring, summer and autumn – spring and autumn to a garden centre or somewhere similar for afternoon tea – and in summer to the coast for a fish and chip lunch. At our December meeting we gather with others from the local community for a traditional Christmas lunch.

We offer a warm 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.

On April 17 we will be arranging flowers for Easter with the help of Toni, our local florist.

On May 15 will have an outing to Little Horkesley Hall Gardens for afternoon tea (please ring to book your place).

On June 19 we will have a talk by John Minns of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

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 (01206 391918) or Sue Orriss (01206 395355) for further information. 2019 programmes can be found at St Mary’s and St Michael’s Church in Mistley, at St Lawrence Church in Bradfield and at Paskell’s of Manningtree.

Tea & Support is run by members of St Mary’s and St Michael’s Church, New Road, Mistley and supported by Paskells of Manningtree.

VILLAGE LINK Mark Reynolds will present a talk entitled My life as a Live Drawing Cartoonist Comedy Impressionist when we meet at 10am on April 10 in Tattingstone Village Hall.

The club aims are to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon. I would like to welcome back 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

ROTARY CLUB OF MANNINGTREE STOUR VALLEY The Rotary Club of Manningtree Stour Valley entertained a packed hall in Lawford on Saturday, March 9 with a radio style murder mystery play.

Written by Rotarian John Cox, The Naked Gardener was performed with a cast of nine Rotarians to raise funds for the eradication of Polio worldwide.

The evening included a fish and chip supper and raised £1,150 which will be multiplied by the Bill Gates Foundation into a total of £3,450 for Polio eradication. The club is now receiving bookings in the area for repeat performances.

STOUR VALLEY U3A On April 10 Mark Mitchels will talk to us on The Genius of Charles Dickens.

Dickens rose to become a great novelist by sheer talent and determination.

He worked a self-imposed schedule that never relaxed and in the end he probably brought about his early death. But the novels survive to be rediscovered by each generation. What sort of man was he? His genius is astonishing and this talk uses biography and extracts from his books to re-create the man and his achievements.

Our speaker on May 8 is Dr Helen Geake, National Finds Adviser, Portable Antiquities Scheme. She will talk about local finds recorded by PAS and explain what to do if you find an historic artefact while gardening, beachcombing or walking the dog. This talk look at how archaeologists reconstruct items and will include details of local finds.

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, April 26.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

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.

ORWELL DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY Our talks throughout the year cover a broad spectrum of art and are delivered within a relaxed and welcoming environment.

On March 6 Chris Garibaldi’s talk on The Fine and Decorative Arts of Horse Racing opened our eyes to the history of art relating to the Sport of Kings and was entertaining from the start through to the finishing post.

We next meet on Wednesday, April 3 when the guest speaker will be Simon Inglis. Simon is a writer and historian, a regular contributor to radio and television who specialises in the architecture and heritage of sport and recreation. His talk has the interesting title, Beer and Skittles. On May 1 our visiting lecturer will be Leslie Primo with a talk entitled The Cult of the South Pacific from Cook to Gauguin.

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

14

In Touch online:

LESS MESS LESS FUSS

THE ULTIMATE KITCHEN MAKEOVER

THE

HALF PRICE

The most cost effective way to transform your kitchen

OF A NEW KITCHEN

SPRING OFFER

£350 OFF ANY APPLIANCE

OR

FREE FLOORING (Limited period only, terms and conditions apply)

BEAUTIFUL FITTED BEDROOM FURNITURE Perfectly fitted to your personality!

Revitalise your kitchen from a simple door change to a complete makeover

New

SLIDING DOOR RANGE

Retain your existing cabinets - avoid waste, save money and help the environment

Brand new collection of Glass splashbacks and a superb range of quality luxury flooring Average installation time only 2 to 3 days less mess, less fuss, half the cost!

Choose from Laminate, Minerva Granite and Quartz worktops

Full replacement kitchen service & home office furniture also available

Comprehensive guarantee on all furniture fittings and appliances

Rubbish removed from site

® B1027 B1029

Kitchen Makeovers

® Kitchen Makeovers S O U T H

E A S T

S O U T H

E A S T

Woodlands Business Park

CHERRY KITCHENS SHOWROOM Woodlands Business Park, Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington, Colchester, Essex CO7 8JD (Viewing by appointment only)

Join us on facebook

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE BROCHURE OR FREE NO-OBLIGATION SURVEY & QUOTATION

01206 615858 01206 932466 0800 633 5337

www.cherry-kitchens.co.uk 15

HOW LONG IS A PIECE OF STRING? When meeting new clients and taking on claims for personal injury, one of the first questions that we are often asked as personal injury practitioners is “how long will my case take to settle?”

Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer. It tends to be case specific and is dependent upon a number of factors: • What further evidence is required before we can submit a claim for personal injury and loss on your behalf to the person who we deem to be at fault.

• Whether responsibility for your accident or illness is accepted at an early stage by the person at fault or whether further evidence is required before a decision can be made as to whether the claim can be pursued.

• What the extent of your injuries are.

• Whether you require further treatment to assist in your recovery. If this is the case then it depends on when we are able to obtain a final medical report detailing the extent of your injuries and loss.

• What further evidence we will then need to calculate the financial losses that flow from the injuries or illness that you have suffered, and when we can obtain the information required.

Once the above information has been gathered, then your case can either proceed to a settlement, normally by way of negotiation with the person at fault (or more likely their insurer.) Or if fault has not been admitted and we are still of the view that the case should be brought against the person who we deem to be at fault, then at a court hearing.

Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are settled without proceeding to court, but the process can take a matter of months or longer depending on the circumstances of the specific case.

It is worth remembering that as personal injury practitioners, we are here to guide you through the personal injury claims process, and to assist you through to the conclusion of your claim as quickly as possible. This includes obtaining appropriate treatment for you where necessary to aid your recovery.

If you would like any advice or assistance arising out of an accident or incident and would like to pursue a personal injury claim, please contact our Louise Plant: 01473 232121 / lplant@prettys.co.uk

Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad.

You will receive professional dedicated support throughout every part of your claim to help you recover the damages that you deserve.

Contact us

www.prettys.co.uk

01473 232121 enquiry@prettys.co.uk

16

In Touch online: PR534 Personal Injury Advert (InTouch) v3.indd 2

09/05/2018 16:33

OUT & ABOUT / schools STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Brian Wills presented a lecture of particular local interest on Wednesday, March 6 when he spoke about Constable and his Paintings, and we held our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 20.

On April 3 Chris Parfitt will introduce us to Bhutan, Land of The Thunder Dragon and David Ablewhite will return to present The Horrible Hanoverians on April 17. On May 1 Francis Boardman will present Son of a Gun – Woman in Nelson’s Navy and on May 15 Bill Roberts will recall Memoirs of An Armed Protection Officer.

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 at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

BRANTHAM GIRL GUIDING & SCOUTING UNITS Over the last couple of months there has been a fantastic range of activities undertaken by the various Brantham Girl Guiding & Scouting Units. The Rainbows have been celebrating festivals from other cultures, including Burns Night, Australia Day, Chinese New Year, Saint David’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and the Holi Hindu Festival when they will try their hand at Mehindi. Some of the Rainbows also took part in an exclusive Girlguiding cinema screening of Mary Poppins Returns where hundreds of Girlguiding members took over several screens. The Rainbows meet on Monday evenings during term time and are running at full capacity until after Easter 2020. However, it’s never too early to get your daughter on the waiting list which you can do at: https://go.girlguiding.org.uk/join-us/join-as-member The Beaver Scouts have been busy learning about different cultures and learning the Green Cross Code which they put this into practice during a walk in the dark through Lawford. They have also been busy taking part in YouShape month and have earned their YouShape badges. As part of the Scouts YouShape programme they got to chose some of their activities and enjoyed a guided tour of Ipswich Town Football Club and swimming at Crown Pools. Over the coming months there will be a visit from the RNLI and the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Girls or boys can join Beavers from age six to eight, but there is also a waiting list so register your child’s name as early as possible. Meetings take place on Monday evenings at the Scout Hut in Factory Lane from 5.45-6.45pm. For further details please contact Lin Dally: 01255 871059 The Cub Scouts have been enjoying a fantastic range of activities too, completing their gardener badge and learning about healthy eating and the importance of keeping fit. The Cubs have also had an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of different cultures and recently visited a Gurdwara.

Other activities have included box fort building, fire lighting and cooking, taking part in a panto sleepover and an evening of tobogganing.

During the recent half term holidays the Scouts held a fundraising event with a difference – caving in Brantham! The Scout & Guide Group hut hosted a network of tunnels all built from cardboard boxes and children were invited to navigate their way through. Money raised from the event is being put towards Project 2000 to raise funds for a new headquarters for the group. The current hut was built in 1948 as a temporary base and is in urgent need of replacing. A huge amount of effort has gone into this endeavour and a staggering £20,000 has been raised to date.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP Enjoy walking, meeting new people? Then why not come along to walks organised by the Dedham Footpath Group.

We walk four to five miles on the first Sunday morning of each month from various locations. Our April walk will be on Sunday, April 7 at 10.30am. Meet at the free public car park on the A137 immediately opposite Ardleigh Church.

The group welcomes all walkers and those with well-behaved dogs, kept on leads at all times, are welcome to join us. For more information email: DedhamFG@gmail.com

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 9 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 please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

LAWFORD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The February meeting on beekeeping, the activities inside the hives and how the honey is produced was very informative. Bees are amazing creatures that we ordinary folk know so little about, so it does us all good to find out more about their vital role in the garden and fields. I have heard good comments about the lovely taste of the honey that Mr Honeyman sold on the night.

Turns out his surname is ‘Meade’, not Honeyman as I wrote last month!

April 18 is the next meeting when Deb Hart will be showing us hanging basket weaving. Do come along if you can; you will be most welcome.

The Spring Show on Saturday, April 6 should provide plenty of interest with plants, flowers, handicrafts and, of course, refreshments and a plant stall.

Doors open at 2pm and the prizes should be given out about 4.15pm. Entries for the show must be in by Wednesday, April 3.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who came to the brilliant fundraising quiz night.

A great evening and a fun way to raise the cash needed to keep the society going. Special thanks to the quizmaster, Richard Pilkington and his glamorous assistant Tracy.

MANNINGTREE HIGH SCHOOL Year 7 students have been challenged to generate and develop ideas to improve the environment for themselves and their local communities.

Working in small groups, students have chosen projects that they care deeply about and feel will make a difference.

One group wanted to help slow traffic down along Colchester Road and so came up with the idea of using wooden police officers on the pavement, drawing inspiration from the idea of a scarecrow but modelled on a police officer in hi-vis gear. Another project was entitled Plastic Prevention as the students wanted to decrease plastic use in MHS through encouraging the use of recyclable cups. A third group displayed wooden hedgehog houses that they thought might help slow the decline in hedgehog population. All groups gave confident and well-prepared presentations.

The students shared their ideas and plans with a number of guest visitors for their opinions and feedback. Councillors Carlo Guglielmi and Nigel Stock and Mayor Ruth Stocks sat on panels alongside Mrs Finney-Hewitson, Chair of Governors at MHS and representatives from local business and charities. The students hoped their presentations would lead to sponsorship to turn some of their ideas into reality.

17

SPORT CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB Several seasons ago the club started a team for players over the ripe old age of 35 years, known as the Veterans. They play their games on Sunday afternoons every three weeks or so.

Our Veteran squad consists of players who are not fit enough to play in the competitive Saturday leagues, but aren’t quite ready to take up the game of bowls! Recent results saw the team move up to second place in their league after beating Old Times 3-2 before reaching the semi-final of the Suffolk County Cup after a 4-3 victory over Hoxne thanks to goals from Wayne Pannell, Ross Dorward and a brace from midfield general Patrick Tynan.

Our Sunday morning side lost 3-2 to Great Blakenham with Charlie Read scoring both goals, before winning 4-0 against Felixstowe Rangers Reserves thanks to goals from Joe Bigmore, Dan Pasque and a brace for Stirling Mayes.

Bigmore has been playing well in midfield while Kieran Tynan has put in some solid performances at centre back.

Our young Saturday Reserve side drew 0-0 with Kirton Reserves before beating Kesgrave Reserves 4-3 which included a brace of goals from Charlie Read, then beat Wickham Market 2-1 thanks to a well taken goal from Harry Taylor and an own goal. Bill Butcher has done well in defence alongside Oliver Miller with Harry Golding putting in some good performances in midfield.

Finally, not a good February for our Saturday 1st Team who lost three consecutive games against Claydon (5-0), Bourne Vale United (3-2) and Achilles (2-1). Skipper Shaun Webb is the leading scorer with 12 goals with the side now in eighth place in the senior league with five games left to play.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB Men’s Cricket & Ladies Cricket Pre-season nets got under way for both juniors and seniors. This is an important aspect of preparation for the new season.

Coming Up Our winter training continues as follows.

• Juniors at Manningtree Sports Centre, 7.30-8.30pm • Seniors at Royal Hospital School, 8-15-9.30pm For more information contact us. We hope the weather will be kind when we move outdoors.

The new season starts in earnest on Easter Saturday and we are looking forward to an enjoyable summer..

UPCOMING FIXTURES SATURDAY CRICKET 1st Team / Two Counties Div 1 Sat, Apr 20: Witham (A) Sat, Apr 27: Coggeshall (H) 2nd Team / Two Counties Div 3 Sat, Apr 20: Abberton (H) Sat, Apr 27: Long Melford (A) 3rd Team / Two Counties Div 9 East Sat, Apr 27: Copdock & OIs III (H) SUNDAY AND MIDWEEK CRICKET Two Counties Sunday League Sun, Apr 21: Abberton (H) Sun, Apr 28: Ardleigh (A) January 2019 100 Club Winners 1: Graeme Butcher (79) £115 2: Tim Hills (33) £55 3: John Stuck (20) £50 New players are always welcome. For more information please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com

18

BRANTHAM BOWLS CLUB Brantham Bowls Club will be holding an open day drive at 2pm on Saturday, April 20. All are welcome, in trainers or flat shoes.

In addition we will be providing workshops every Saturday morning from 10am to noon throughout the season. New as well as existing bowlers are welcome with refreshments laid on. We look forward to seeing you.

Tony Singleton, 01206 397339

LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB This year marks the 70th anniversary of Lawford Lads and the 40th anniversary of Lawford Junior. The two clubs came together in 2015 to form one club, Lawford FC. Can you help us celebrate? We are hoping to build a pictorial history of the club over the decades to mark these anniversaries. Do you have any photographs, perhaps in family albums or tucked away in a box somewhere that could play a part in telling the history of the club? We are looking for images from both the near and more distant past to use on our website and newsletter. Any images you lend will be returned within a few days and if you know of others who might be able to help please pass on the message. Please contact the club by email: lawfordfc@gmail.com

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC After suffering defeat in the first game of February, the 1st Team scored emphatic victories over two teams below them in the league to move to a solid mid-table position, giving optimism that they can finish the season in style.

The Reserves won all three games in February to move up to seventh in League A, but they are still some way off the top two.

One draw and one defeat in February did not improve the A team’s position, but a victory over high flying Kesgrave in the first game in March put them right back in the mix. The team are now only three points behind the second placed team, with games in hand.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team Senior Division Sat, April 6: Capel Plough (A) Sat, April 20: Coplestonians (H) Sat, April 27: Claydon (A) Reserves League A Sat, Mar 30: Mendlesham Res (H) Sat, April 6: Achilles Res (A) Sat, April 13: Old Newton Res (A) Sat, April 27: Trimley Red Devils (A) A Team League C Sat, April 13: Framlingham Town A (A) To confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Sponsorship We will be looking for new kits for all three teams for next season. This is a great opportunity to support a local organisation and publicise your venture.

There are a number of options available and anyone interested is invited to make contact with the secretary in the first instance.

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. If you are interested please contact David George at: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com Events It is anticipated that the darts tournament will become a regular event and will be open to all, so darts players, keep an eye for the next event.

Secretary Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

19

CALL US FOR A FREE QUOTE TODAY

All building works undertaken Based in Capel St Mary Email: t.l.banks.builders@gmail.com

07739 330432

20

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish Priest: Fr Peter Raj 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR APRIL Sunday 7 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 9 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 14 Palm Sunday of The Passion of The Lord 9am Mass Tuesday 16 Tuesday of Holy Week 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Thursday 18 Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St Mark’s, Ipswich Friday 19 3pm

Good Friday Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at St Mark’s, Ipswich

Saturday 20 Holy Saturday 8.30pm Easter Vigil & First Mass of Easter at St Mark’s, Ipswich Sunday 2 9am 11am

Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Family Mass at St Mark’s, Ipswich

Tuesday 23 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 28 2nd Sunday of Easter 9am Mass Tuesday 30 St George Patron of England 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door.

Catholic Commentary In a recent homily the Pope preached: “Blessed is the word with which Jesus begins his preaching in St Matthew’s Gospel. And it is the refrain

he repeats, as if to fix in our hearts, more than anything, an essential message: if you are with Jesus, if you love to listen to his word as the disciples of that time did, if you try to live out this word every day, then you are blessed. Not you will be blessed, but you are blessed; this is the first truth we know about the Christian life. It is not simply a list of external prescriptions to fulfil or a set of teachings to know. The Christian life, first and foremost, is not this; rather, it is the knowledge that, in Jesus, we are the Father’s beloved children. The Christian life means living out the joy of this blessedness, wanting to live life as a love story, the story of God’s faithful love, he who never abandons us and wishes to be in communion with us always. This is the reason for our joy, a joy that no one in the world and no circumstance in our lives can take from us. It is a joy that gives peace also in the midst of pain, a joy that already makes us participate in that eternal happiness which awaits us.”

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, March 24 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £159 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, April 28. 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 online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the parish room and all are very welcome to join us. The next event will be on Thursday, April 25.

Supporting our Local Hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

The Sick & Homebound Fr Jeremiah Matthias is the Ipswich Hospital Chaplain and he can be contacted on 07951 066607. Please let him know as soon as possible if a friend or relative has been admitted. Please let Fr Peter know of anyone who is ill at home or homebound, so that they can receive appropriate pastoral care.

All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services; it’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome.

Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

CATHOLIC MASSES Saturday at 6.30pm, St Mary & St Michael’s (Anglican) Church, Mistley

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 Information and support for people who are curious, concerned about or living with dementia, their carers, and health and social care professionals in Suffolk.

email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

Mon to Fri: 9am - 6pm / Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am - 4pm

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

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.

21

CHURCH NEWS MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH South Street, Manningtree CO11 2JB

Minister: The Rev Tom Osborne, 01206 396654

BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM

Sunday & Easter Services at 10.15am (unless otherwise stated)

Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com

April 7: Mr Gordon Doyle from Clacton

www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk

April 14: Mrs Anne Scott from Clacton

SERVICES IN APRIL

April 18: Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Tenebrae Service led by Revs Tom Osborne & Alec Potter

Wednesday 3 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt

April 19: Good Friday Walk of Witness (am) from Mistley to Manningtree Co-op 3pm Service led by Rev Tom Osborne

Sunday 7: Fifth Sunday of Lent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt

April 21: Easter Day 9am Service led by Rev Tom Osborne April 28: Rev Tom Osborne Lent Meetings – Following Jesus, led by Rev Dom Turner Wednesdays, April 3 & 10 at 10.30am in the Church Hall Welcome Wednesdays at 2.30pm April 3: Bible Study April 10: Passion Plays April 17: Easter Carols (in the church) ALSO MEETING ON OUR PREMISES Monday Workers Education Association, nine lectures in autumn and spring, 2.30pm Stour Choral Society (Sept-June), 7.30pm Tuesday: Women’s Guild, 7.15pm Wednesday Gentle Fitness Class, 9.15am Art Painting Group, 10am-noon Manningtree & District Chess Club, 7.30pm Museum & History Group (bi-monthly), 7.30pm Church Bookings: David Shearmur, 01206 395263 Church Treasurer: John Holmes, 01206 393114 OUTREACH ACTIVITIES Saturday, April 6 at 7pm: Suffolk Constabulary Police Choir and Spectrum Ladies choir in a concert of popular music in the Methodist Church. Tickets are £8 (including light refreshments and a raffle) in aid of All We Can, the Methodist International Aid Charity. Tickets are available from 07867 546484 and from church members.

47th Easter Art Exhibition & Sale Good Friday, April 19 (2-5pm); Saturday 20 (10am-5pm); Sunday 21 (2-5pm); Monday 22 (10am-4pm). Local/regional artists with a wide variety of subjects and media. Refreshments & stalls. Enquiries: 01206 298635/391145

Sunday 14: Palm Sunday 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt No 10am Service at East Bergholt 11am Informal Service, Brantham 3pm Musical Meditation, East Bergholt Wednesday 17 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Thursday 18: Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Informal Re-enactment of the Last Supper, Brantham Friday 19: Good Friday 10am Family Service, Brantham 2pm At the Cross, East Bergholt Saturday 20: Easter Saturday 7.30pm Easter Vigil and lighting of the fire, Brantham Sunday 21: Easter Day 8am BCP Easter Communion, East Bergholt 10am Easter Communion, East Bergholt 11am Easter Communion, Brantham Sunday 28: Second Sunday of Easter 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion, Brantham Wednesday, May 1 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, May 5: Third Sunday of Easter 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt There is a BCP Communion every Sunday in East Bergholt at 8am. Choral Matins is on the fourth Sunday in East Bergholt.

A MEDITATION IN WORDS AND MUSIC TO MARK HOLY WEEK St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Palm Sunday, April 14 at 3pm The Passion according to St Matthew and music by various composers including Bach/Gounod, Rossini/Jenkins and Wilby/Malotte

The performing players, singers and dancers at the Folk Night held in the Methodist Church Hall in March, a very successful evening with donations supporting the East Anglia Children’s Hospice.

22

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

23

24

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES “For the truth of God’s Word and the Light of the Gospel” Un-denominational/meeting at Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford CO11 2JE (unless otherwise stated) Our Worship Services are held on the second Saturday monthly (except in May when it’s the first Saturday) in addition to other events.

Saturday, April 13 From 9.30am: Cafe/Oasis Coffee Morning & Sales Event 11.15: Praise & Worship Service & Ministries Up-date Transport is available from Colchester & Manningtree District Thursday, April 18: Community Support, Great Horkesley Friendship Club Friday, April 19: Annual Good Friday Assembly at the Ogilvie Hall 2.15pm: Praise & Thanksgiving Service followed by Fellowship Tea Saturday, April 21: Christian Supportive Outreach 3pm: Songs of Praise at Fingringhoe Methodist Chapel Wednesday, April 24: Link Line Fellowship Tours Programme Visit to Beth Chatto Gardens. To book call 07812 582754.

Ministries News We continue to extend news of our ministries over a wide area, and maintain a programme of hospital and care home visitation. Our Church & Home Christian Resources Unit has also been a means of support to groups and fellowships within the area. This ministry is freely available and we welcome your enquiries.

Our new All-Age Community Outreach Meeting Point offers warm fellowship, new friends, news updates, coffee, chat, information, prayer and praise on the third Friday each month at the Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford from 10am to noon.

Free transport is available for all our services and activities.

Services, news and prayer support: 01206 272064 Special Pastoral Measures (inc. hospital transport/visits): 01206 272064 Mini Bus Fellowship Tours: 07812 582754 Group Catering Services: 07812 582754 Soldiers & Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association: 01255 504050

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus COME AND WORSHIP THE LORD JESUS WITH US – ALL ARE WELCOME Hear the teaching of our saviour and King, lively praise and worship every Sunday at 11am at the Ivell Suite at The Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 1AH. Do you need someone to listen or in need of prayer?

Please contact David and Rosie: 01206 615228 / 07787 572977 info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.keytoloveministries.com

Meeting at Old St Michael’s School on Trinity Road, Manningtree Certain about Uncertainty?

It seems like the only thing that we can be certain about at the moment is uncertainty. All the news reports contain is speculation about what May or May not happen (pun intended!). Even the weather can’t make its mind up, the daffodils and crocuses have sprung up and now the wind and frost are killing them off again.

What we need is a healthy dose of something absolutely unchangeable, something rock solid. Something that over the last 2,000 years has remained a constant… Easter!

Easter is an unchangeable truth in this rather uncertain world. Oh I admit that how we celebrate Easter has changed. Nowadays many people just consider it to be a long bank holiday weekend, while for some it’s an excuse to buy loads of chocolate. But chocolate, bunnies and holidays are not the unchangeable truth of Easter. The thing that is unchanging about Easter, and worth remembering, is that a human being, a man who was called Jesus of Nazareth, came back from the dead. This was not a near death experience, He was properly dead, killed by an execution squad of soldiers who were very good at their job and killed three on that day.

We have a number of eyewitness accounts of this death and there is no doubt in the Biblical and extra-Biblical accounts, that this Jesus was put to death by the Romans and that three days later He was alive again. His opponents who wanted Him dead were unable to produce a body even though they had secured the tomb in which He was buried with seals and soldiers. His followers all believed He had risen and many of them were put to death for believing that and telling others about it. They choose to die rather than deny that Jesus rose again. Think about it! And that is the truth, the unchanging truth that we can cling to in this uncertain world.

Jesus said very clearly that He had come from God, our Creator in Heaven in order that we could one day, when this life is done, join Him and Father God in Heaven whatever our background, whatever we have done, whoever we are, whether we are certain about much or uncertain about much. From the Cross on which He died Jesus said to a dying man next to Him, “today you will be with me in Paradise”. With absolute certainty He saw beyond that day, beyond death to the eternal life that follows. Wouldn’t you like to be that certain about live and death and what follows?

Well you can. Come and join us and learn how over this Easter. Our strapline for 2019 is Transfixed, Transformed, Transforming. And we would love you to join us and be: Transfixed by God who sent Jesus Christ His Son to open up a certain future.

Transformed by Jesus Christ into people who have a certain future.

Transforming as we work together, with God, to build certain futures for others.

Want to be a part? Over Easter there are special services and events or you can come and join us at any of our regular Sunday services.

Pastor Gaius Phillingham Special Events (full details on the website) Meeting Place at 3pm on April 2, Maundy Thursday Communion, Good Friday Praise, Easter Day Sunrise Sing & Stroll followed by Breakfast.

You’ll receive a warm welcome at all our services, the singing and prayers will be passionate and we love to talk about our Saviour Jesus. We meet at 10am for prayer and our morning service begins at 10.30am. If you haven’t been to church in a while then our 5pm Service is less formal and just for you. Services last between 60 and 90 minutes and refreshments follow.

For information on all our other activities please visit: www.trinity-manningtree.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

25

Church News BRANTHAM & CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES PLANNING FOR – PART 2 Last month I shared a little of my life story, which included planning for retirement. Thank you for a number of encouraging comments I have received.

My current invitation to serve the churches in this area is until August 2020, but I am hoping that might be extended when the review of my appointment comes up this summer. So although I am planning for retirement it might be another three-and-a-half years away so I still have some more monthly articles to write!

I commit to making sure it is written down, and I will update at regular intervals during my retirement as new songs become inspirational.

I am happy to sit down with individuals and families (whether you go to church or not) to talk through the options available to you and make a long term plan for your life. Forty years ago, before I went to work in Zimbabwe, my mission organisation insisted that I wrote a will and make a plan if for some reason I didn’t come home. It’s never too early to make plans, but we can leave it too late and never do it!

I seem to have had a run of funerals to officiate at recently. It is a privilege to come alongside families when a loved one is dying or has already died.

The circumstances of the death, the faith of the deceased and the family relationships are all very different. There are some families where the deceased has made very clear requests about their funeral arrangements.

Sometimes this is a formal funeral plan, which has been paid for in advance and the funeral company keeps details on file. Others are where the person has chosen the songs, hymns, music and readings, place and method and left the details with the family. It is even better when they have talked it through with their family so that it doesn’t come as a shock.

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216

It is good to plan for your funeral. It takes away the uncertainty for relatives that they are doing what you wanted. There are so many uncertainties in life, but one thing is certain, we will all die (unless the Lord returns first) so why not plan what you want. And why not make a commitment to Jesus and invite him to make that difference in your life now and for the future. That’s not just planning for the short term, but for an eternity.

For those who are Christian, the funeral service is a celebration of their lives and affirmation that although the deceased was never perfect, he/she is with the Lord in heaven. I cannot tell you what heaven is like, beyond saying it is a place of peace, beauty and love – it is where Jesus is. Jesus was raised from death and we will be celebrating that fact in churches on Easter Sunday, April 21. Funeral services where the future hope is proclaimed give strength and hope to the grieving relatives. At a funeral I conducted we believe the deceased made a commitment to the Lord shortly before he died and so the funeral service affirmed he was with Jesus.

I must do as I preach. I have sometime said in services, ‘that’s a hymn I want at my funeral’, but I haven’t written them all down. By the time this is printed

ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAWFORD LOVING GOD – LIVING LIFE SERVICES FOR APRIL Sunday 7 8am Holy Communion BCP 9am Prayer Breakfast 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 14 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Family Service

AT BRANTHAM METHODIST The Rev Ian Gardner, Minister at Brantham Methodist Church 34 Medway Road, Ipswich IP3 0QH ian.gardner@methodist.org.uk / 01473 411507 Sunday 7

11am

Worship and Communion with Rev Ian Gardner

Sunday 14

11am

Palm Sunday Worship with Mrs Maggie Finbow

Sunday 21

10.30am Easter Sunday Worship with Mr Martin Ellis

Sunday 28

11pm

Worship with Mrs Carole Almond

AT CAPEL METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 7

10.30am Worship with Mr Andy Jelfs 6.30pm Prayer

Sunday 14

10.30am Palm Sunday Worship with Mr Simon Mattholie

Friday 19 9.30am Good Friday March of Witness from Capel

Community Church

11am

Good Friday Service

Sunday 21 10.30am Easter Sunday Worship & Communion with

Rev Sankey Saturday 27 3.30pm Messy Church Sunday 28

10.30am Worship with Mr John Gillett 7.30pm United Prayer

Sunday 28 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Morning Worship SOME OF OUR REGULAR GROUPS Art Club: Fortnightly on Thursday afternoons Choir: Friday Practise Coffee & Cake: Fourth Tuesday of the month Edward Bear: Parents, grandparents, carers with babies and toddlers, Monday mornings from 9.30am in term time Handbells: Every Monday House Groups: Daytime and evening

Thursday 18: Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Holy Communion

Ladies in Friendship Together: Fourth Monday of the month

Friday 19: Good Friday 2pm An Hour at the Cross

Pastoral Care: Upon request

Sunday 21: Easter Sunday 6am Sunrise Service 8am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Family Communion

Support in Loss: Second Tuesday of the month

Messy Church: Every half term, parents and children together Solo Club: Third Wednesday of the month Sunday School and Extreme: Sunday mornings during service Details from 01206 392659 / www.lawfordchurch.co.uk Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Simon Heron, 01206 392659

26

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS

Welcome to Manningtree Benefice, an all-age Anglican Church, meeting in St Lawrence Church, Bradfield, and St Mary & St Michael’s Church, Mistley I’ve been through a few weeks of busyness recently, and I keep looking at my diary and thinking ‘next week I’ll slow down’, but it hasn’t happened yet! The trouble is that busyness breeds busyness – the more we have to do, the less time there is to do it. Sometimes it seems there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

We only get 24, and if you take away time for sleeping, eating, washing and going to the loo, there’s about 14 left. If you work, that’s another eight, so that leaves you six. Housework, shopping and necessary stuff like that probably takes a couple more, so you’ve got four left for the things you want to do. That’s not much.

To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

We’re all busy with jobs, families and other commitments. There’s not much space for anything else. But the Bible commands us to take one day of rest a week – just relaxing into the rest that God wants us to take. So here’s a challenge: how can we find space to do this? What do we need to stop in order to rest?

Revd Dom Turner SERVICES FOR APRIL 2019 Sunday, April 7 10.30am Joint Worship with Communion & Treasure Seekers* at Mistley

including Benefice Annual Meetings 6pm Evening Prayer at Bradfield Sunday, April 14: Palm Sunday 10.30am Holy Communion (Common Worship) at Bradfield 10.30am Family Worship with Treasure Seekers* at Mistley 6pm Evening Prayer at Mistley Thursday, April 18: Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Communion Service at Bradfield Friday, April 19: Good Friday 10am Walk of Witness from Mistley Towers (details TBC) 2pm Good Friday Service at Bradfield Sunday, April 21: Easter Sunday 5.40am Sunrise Service on Bradfield Beach (details TBC) 10.30am Easter Communion at Mistley 10.30am Easter Family Celebration with Communion and

Treasure Seekers* at Bradfield Sunday, April 28 8am Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at Mistley 10.30am Café Church with Treasure Seekers* at Mistley No service at Bradfield due to Rally *Treasure Seekers is our children’s programme for ages 3+ Contact Information Rector: The Rev Dom Turner 01206 391218 / 07934 717535 dom@manningtreebenefice.co.uk Associate Minister: The Rev John Brien 01206 397549 / brienfamily@btinternet.com Associate Minister: The Rev Claire Scargill 01206 395417 / revclairescargill@gmail.com Church Office: Normally available at least 10am-1pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays / 07436 398801 / info@manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.manningtreebenefice.co.uk www.facebook.com/ManningtreeBenefice

www.keepingintouchwith.com/manningtree

27

Are you egg or house hunting this Easter?

Spring is a perfect time to put your house on the market. Warmer weather, flowering spring bulbs and the promise of a long chocolate ďŹ lled weekend will put potential buyers in a great mood.

And with fees starting as low as ÂŁ540, you should have plenty left for lots of Easter eggs. Check out our website for details.

Mistley 01206 393213 Wivenhoe 01206 825403 concordproperty.co.uk