Stambourne

In this issue:

• STAMBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL
• ST. PETER & ST. THOMAS BECKET PARISH CHURCH
• SERVICES AT STAMBOURNE FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS
• RECTOR’S RAMBLINGS
• STAMBOURNE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
• WHAT’S ON AT THE CHAPEL
• STAMBOURNE LADIES GROUP
• STAMBOURNE ACTIVITIES
• OTHER ACTIVITIES

Elections

Parish and Council elections will take place on Thursday, 4th May 2023. This year you will need photo ID when you vote. Full details can be found on the Braintree District Council website or phone the Elections team on 01376 552 525 or email elections@braintree.gov.uk if you have questions. Alternatively, visit electoralcommission.org.uk.

Pavilion

The Stambourne Pavilion is now open for the summer. If you would like to book it please use the contact form.

Highways

As you are no doubt aware, there are many potholes on roads in and around the area. These can be reported in to Essex County Council.

A big thank you to all of our Stambourne Wombles who have been back out litter picking around our village in recent weeks. What you do is much appreciated – thank you!

Defibrillator

As mentioned here previously, the Parish Council is arranging for a defibrillator to be put on the Village Hall in Church Road. This will be installed in April and there will be a training session and information event taking place. Full details to follow.

Coronation

Sadly we have not had enough volunteers come forward to be able to arrange an event to celebrate the Coronation.

Parish Council Meeting Dates 2023
• 18th May 2023 (APA and AGM)
• 20th July 2023
• 21st September 2023
• 22nd November 2023 (Wednesday)

All are Thursdays at 7.30pm in the Village Hall unless shown otherwise.

More details may be found here »

Full minutes are available on the village website: stambourne.com/parish-council.

Debbie Hilliard, Parish Clerk

debbiehilliard614@gmail.com, 01440 785 629

It was so nice to see a full Church for the funeral of Thelma Argent. She was a lovely lady who was liked by so many. Our thoughts & prayers are with Ronnie & the family as they grieve their loss.

As I mentioned in the last newsletter Rev. Liz is retiring and a “leaving” service is being held on 30th April at Sible Hedingham Church at 11am.

If you plan to attend please let me know (contact details below) as numbers are required for the refreshments after the service.

All seven Churches in the benefice are involved so it would be nice to see a full Church to thank Liz for all her hard work in the benefice and at Stambourne.

Whilst we wait for details of a new Rector, our two services a month will continue so please do come along and support those leading the service on the 1st and 2nd Sunday of each month.

Many of you will now be aware that this Rector is indeed, rambling on to pastures new.

My last Sunday Service will be at St Peter and St Thomas on Easter Sunday at 9.30am. As well as celebrating the resurrection we can plan for a glorious future just as the disciples did when they knew that Jesus was alive. They didn’t know the plans that God had in store for them, but God blessed them at Pentecost and the Christian church was born.

After almost 10 years in the Hedinghams and over 5 since the benefice included Stambourne, (and approaching a big birthday) Rev. Liz is retiring. Retiring from priestly ministry is not quite the same as retiring from a secular job, as you never lose your identity as a priest, but it does mean retiring from the responsibility of these parishes. I have some trepidation as to what retirement will mean for me, but I also have a good sense that God’s timing is perfect.

We are all facing a great time of change; we are moving on, and the church in Stambourne is moving into a vacancy. Let me remind you that the God we follow is faithful – he kept his word in raising his Son to new life and he will remain faithful to us. Jesus will lead you. He will not desert you. Jesus said, “I will not leave you orphaned… the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:18,26).

As well as sending you the Holy Spirit, God will also send you an amazing new Rector who will lead you on the next stage of your journey.

Thank you for all we have learnt together over these last few years. Thank you for those spiritual mountain top moments you have given me; I hope I have given you some too. I’m sorry when I haven’t been all you hoped I would be – please continue to pray for my husband Garry and myself as we will certainly be praying for you.

Let us pray…

“O God, the well of life, make us bright with wisdom, that we may be enlightened with the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Blessings,

Rev. Liz Paxton, Rector

The Benefice of the Hedinghams and Upper Colne
revlizpaxton@gmail.com
07932 160 594 or 01787 277 270

If you have questions just pop along to your local warm hub at Stambourne Chapel on any of the times we are open. Keep warm and safe.

Every blessing,

Adrian Burr, Minister

Stambourne Ladies Group Meet-up »

On Wednesday, 12th April (7pm for 7:30pm start) there will be a talk by Essex County Fire Service followed by the usual chat, yummy food etc.

• 12th April 2023 at Stambourne Village Hall, Church Road, Stambourne CO9 4NP
• From 7pm onwards
• Contact Lorna on 07980 922 636 or Zoe on 07740 723 057 for more details

Knit & Natter Club »

• Every other Thursday at The Green Man, 3 Church Lane, Toppesfield CO9 4DR
• 5pm – 7pm
• Get crafty with knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, quilting and more!
• Bring along your projects, share ideas and tips, get inspired or just come for a chat. Everyone welcome!
• You don’t need to be a member of the Stambourne Ladies Group to join us
• Contact Anna on 07944 696 527 for more details

And if you can’t knit/won’t knit? That’s fine! Just come for a natter and to meet friends (or make new ones). Whatever your levels of craftiness, join in!
More info »

Village Hall available for hire »

Hiring Fees, including heating and electricity:

• For residents: £8 per hour
• For non-residents: £10 per hour

This includes heating and a kitchen.

There is also a table tennis table and carpet bowls is available.

To hire the Stambourne Village Hall, contact Rosemary Horton on 01440 785 339. More info »

Don’t forget you can use the Village Hall for your celebrations or clubs, parties or get togethers.

If it’s not used there is a risk of this great amenity being lost.

Voting in England from 4th May 2023

From 4th May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in elections.

Accepted forms of photo ID:

There are many accepted forms of Photo ID, such as:

• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Bus Pass and other types of travel passes
• Proof of Age – PASS card

There is a complete list on electoralcommission.org.uk or you can call 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID:

You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

For more details, check electoralcommission.org.uk or you can call 0800 328 0280.