Community, Parish Council & Village
Blame the PlantagenetsIf the Old Church mediaeval paintings are, as believed, around 700 years old, then we can blame the Plantagenets for its delayed reopening. Apparently, deciding how best to preserve them has become a bit of a headache which is delaying the internal redecoration. Accordingly, the Friends of St Mary’s have revised their event plans for 2020 as follows: Continue reading “Blame the Plantagenets for delays reopening Old Church”
Heathlands PTA Is BuzzingHeathlands PTA members are buzzing with ideas to help them raise funds for the school. If you want to get involved in any of them then let’s start with some key activities (more details will normally be put out nearer the time):
The kids have done their bit and designed T-Towels for Easter & Mothers’ Day – these will soon be available for sale for Continue reading “Heathlands PTA Is Buzzing”
First Aid Course – Save a Life!Heathlands PTA are running a First Aid Course on Monday 30th March 2020 between 7 pm – 10 pm. This course is ideal for parents, teachers, grandparents, friends and anyone else who wants to be able to look after someone in a life-threatening emergency, the course will also raise funds for the PTA.
The instructor will lead the course in a fun and practical manner and there will be refreshments available throughout. Subjects covered include: Continue reading “First Aid Course – save a life!”
Rise! is the topic of the World Day of Prayer this year as discussed in St Mary’s latest edition of their News Update. Other topics addressed include:
It also provides listings of services and contacts but first, “Rise! Take your mat & walk”. Continue reading “Rise! World Day of Prayer – St Mary’s News Update”
The first guided walk of the year at Hillhouse Wood takes place on Saturday 29th February when Steve Hallam leads the Winter Bird Walk 2020. Walkers should meet at the Old Church at 10 am (weather permitting), wearing
Continue reading “Winter Bird Walk 2020 – will you see a Waxwing?”
Coffee & Craft focus on our SeasThis wonderful picture (click for larger view), exhorting us to Save Our Seas was a product of the recent Methodist Coffee & Craft morning.
Last Monday 45 children descended on the Methodist Church Hall, together with 28 parents/grandparents, to enjoy coffee & crafts. There were six different craft tables to try out and coffee, tea, squash, cakes and biscuits were available, all for £2.50 per family.
On one table the children helped to paint and produce a large poster of the sea, featuring sea creatures and boats but also some of the rubbish that is blighting our seas.
We all know that despite Green Flag beaches, our seas are in a perilous state due to pollution. In the UK, the Marine Conservation Society is leading campaigns to clean our seas and establish sustainable fishing. You can find out much more about their campaigns at https://www.mcsuk.org/what-we-do/.
The next Coffee & Craft Morning is planned for the Easter Holidays on Monday, April 6th, from 10:30 to 12:00 in the Methodist Church Hall. All families with children from 0-11 are welcome, but children must bring an adult with them, sorry no unaccompanied children. Cost £2.50 per family. For further details phone Andrew (01206 242511).
Downton Abbey, the latest Film Club event on 29th February, picks up in 1927, about 18 months after the TV series ended. It starts with news of a Royal visit but complications set in with some family issues and a stranger in the village. The film retains most of the original cast including stars Michelle Dockery, Matthew Goode & Dame Maggie Smith. Enjoy the trailer & synopsis of the show below as well as some trivia. Skip the synopsis if you don’t want to know too much of what happens.
[Source: IMDB]
Taking place in the Orpen Hall, doors will open at 7 pm for showtime at 7:30 pm. Refreshments will be available.
The film is rated PG because of ‘mild’ examples of sex/nudity and drinking. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are £5 Adults and £3 Children, they are available in advance from
Saying “Yes to Life”This edition of St Mary’s News reports on a course focussed on environmental issues, tidying the churchyard, Rise! world day of prayer, 5Ts Lunch, and also provides listings of services and contacts but first, “Yes to Life”.
Environmental issues are at the forefront of everyone’s minds today. In our Lent Course for 2020 we will be taking a fresh look at Continue reading “Saying “Yes to Life” – St Mary’s News Update”
Archaeological Update on Fordham HallMembers of the Colchester Archaeological Trust will update the History Group on the Roman Excavations at Fordham Hall next month. John Mallison & Jonathan Oldham from the trust will visit the History Group on Wednesday 12th February to give a full update on progress at the dig.
This Fordham Dig Update talk will Continue reading “Archaeological Update on Fordham Hall”
Village Hall WeekIt’s “Village Halls Week” this week so what better timing to hold an open morning to launch our Online Booking System! The Village Hall Week campaign is an annual event organised by the ACRE Network. It celebrates rural community spaces and the people whose time and dedication keep them going. Continue reading “Village Hall Week – New Booking System”