Community, Parish Council & Village
Lacking a village war memorial, some years ago The Local History Group compiled a list of those who died in WW1; the Friends of St Mary’s had this list copied by a Calligrapher and placed in the Old Church. It has become the Friends’ custom in recent years to gather in the Old Church to remember these fallen from the village; the bell would be rung and, Continue reading “Friends Group Pay Respects at Daniell & Sons Memorial”
Antiques Valuation ResultThe Friends of St. Mary’s Old Church were very pleased with the support from the village when over 60 attended their Antiques Valuation Day. Although no one went home clutching a newly discovered valuable antique, our visitors were pleased to hear Continue reading “Antiques Valuation Result”
St Mary’s Autumn 2017 Good News UpdateThis Autumn 2017 edition of Good News, St Mary’s Parish Magazine, is reproduced below (together with additional material from various notices), use the links to the stories & news items.
I am officially an ‘empty nester’ as Continue reading “St Mary’s Autumn 2017 Good News Update”
Friends of St Mary’s Antiques & Other UpdatesThe Friends have been busy lately and have news to share about the start of renovations work, their successful afternoon at the village fayre and a new initiative, an Antiques Valuation Day.
This is taking place on Saturday Continue reading “Friends of St Mary’s Antiques Roadshow?”
St Mary’s Update – 22nd September 2017St Mary’s Church update for 22nd September provides listings of services, bible readings and other events and news such as Family Fun Afternoon and vacancy for Families Worker.
Don’t forget, the church is now open on weekdays if you would like a quiet space to reflect or say a prayer for someone.
St Mary’s has been successful in applying for funds to appoint a part-time Families Worker (see below), and we need to contribute to the cost. Taking place on Saturday 30th September Continue reading “St Mary’s Update – 22nd September 2017”
St Mary’s Update – 4th September 2017St Mary’s Church update for 4th September provides listings of services, bible readings and other events and news such as Family Fun Afternoon, Recycling news and Families Worker.
Don’t forget, the church is now open on weekdays if you would like a quiet space to reflect or say a prayer for someone.
St Mary’s has been successful in applying for funds to appoint a part-time Families Worker (see below), and we need to contribute to the cost. Taking place on Saturday 30th September Continue reading “St Mary’s Update – 4th September 2017”
This Summer 2017 edition of Good News, St Mary’s Parish Magazine, is reproduced below (together with additional material from various notices), use the links to the stories & news items.
I have become more and more aware recently that the Christian faith is far more about having a relationship with God than it is about following a set of rules.
I used to feel that the Christian faith was a set of ideals Continue reading “St Mary’s Summer 2017 Good News Update”
Bats in the Belfry?As previously announced the £10,000 target for repair of the roof and the tower at the Old Church has been reached. Unfortunately work has not yet started as a bat survey indicated that the bats were still roosting in the church. Apparently the bats are late leaving this year because of the cold spring but should leave soon. The Churches Conservation Trust have given assurances that everything is in hand and should start work by September.
The Friends of the Old Church continue to fund raise for the ongoing maintenance of the church. In time they also hope to have electricity laid on and install lighting in the building. At present they rely on the generosity of the owners of Bergholt Hall for a limited electricity supply.
In this vein they would like to express their thanks to the Co-op and their customers who supported the Old Church with their tokens. This has resulted in a generous donation of £500 to kick start the next wave!
To find out more about the Allotments visit their webpage on this site. The Allotment Holders are continuing their donations to the Charity Table where you can buy fresh produce and help local charities. They are also keen to ensure that you are aware of their bonfires which are held several times a year to dispose of material that can not be recycled. Continue reading “Allotment Charity & Bonfire News Update”
Silver Sunday – Sunday 23rd July at 3pmFor the older members of our community. Particularly if you are elderly, living alone and have no family and/or friends living nearby, this could be for you. You are warmly invited to Afternoon Tea with folk in a similar situation to yourself. The tea will be in the Methodist Church Hall. If wanted, transport will pick you up from your home, bring you to the tea and return you home afterwards.
Please contact Judith Fletcher 241969 or Andrew Wilks 242511 if you, a neighbour or someone else you know, would like to come or need transport.
The invitation has been issued by the West Bergholt Methodist Church who have said:
There has been much publicity that the proportion of our population that are elderly is increasing. Also that there is a significant proportion of elderly people who live alone and can be lonely and become isolated. A charitable trust has set up “Silver Sunday” in trying to raise this issue and try to take steps to address it (www.silversunday.org.uk). We became aware of this and felt we as a Church would like to respond.
As a follow-up to the popular events we have already held this year we are holding another simple afternoon tea on Sunday July 23rd at 3.00pm and inviting folk to attend.
We recognise that it could be quite difficult to reach elderly, lonely isolated people and encourage them to come to such an event. We are contacting as many relevant organisations with contacts in the village as possible to seek support with this and are encouraging them to let us know of anyone they feel could be invited.
While it is likely that many of our target audience will not have access to the web it is possible that we might reach some this way or at least neighbours who may know someone to invite.
Coffee & Craft MorningsWest Bergholt Methodists are holding two of their popular Coffee and Craft mornings for young families this Summer. They take place on Monday July 31 and Monday August 14, both from 10.30 to 12.00. They promise fun activities for families for just £2.50 per family.
These will take place in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane, CO6 3EF. ALL ARE WELCOME but, sorry, we are unable to accept unaccompanied children.
For more details please contact Andrew Wilks on 242511.