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

Pavilion

It is good to see the Pavilion being used through the summer.

Since the refurbishment it has become increasingly popular to use for events. If you would like to book the Pavilion, please contact me with the date. We ask for a minimum donation of £20 to use the Pavilion and all proceeds are put back into maintaining it.

Playing Field

It continues to be well used, particularly through the summer holiday. Thank you to Michael Turner for continuing to cut the grass and keeping it tidy.

Highways

We are aware of areas where the tarmac has lifted, probably due to the hot weather. Any highways issues can be reported to Essex County Council on essex.gov.uk/highways and follow the links.

Footpaths

Thank you to those of you who regularly use the footpaths and keep me advised of any problems. If you do come across an issue, please let me know, any photos you can take are always helpful.

Parish Council Meeting Dates 2022
• 22nd September 2022
• 23rd November 2022 (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

Earlier this year I went on a pilgrimage, known as St Cuthbert’s Way, which stretches from Melrose Abbey in Scotland to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

It was a beautiful, challenging, inspiring 66 miles through some of the most beautiful countryside and sea I have ever seen.

As great as that physical experience was, however, it was not as significant as the mental and emotional journey I was making at the same time. Time and space to reflect on my life, the past, the present and the future. I am of a certain age that plans for retirement are fast approaching, and I have certainly lived ‘most’ of my life already. Made choices, good and bad, had experiences, good and bad, and met hundreds of people that have shaped me (all good, obviously).

It seems like a good time for a review – not exactly out of Covid-times but learning a new way of socialising, working, having fun and being a priestly presence in the community. It seems like we are all rather unsettled. We are tentative in making plans, and it’s not just Covid, it’s everything!

The economy, NHS queues, lack of political leadership, holiday travel chaos and everything else. The media is full of ‘woke’ and ‘cancelled’ and ‘gender’ issues – where can we find solid ground? Meaningful life? Learn to appreciate life and each other?

For me, the answer is easy as I am a firm believer in certain everlasting foundations – love, hope, faith (but the greatest of these is love) and my foundation is based on the Bible, but especially the relationship I have with Jesus. I do believe many people would like to get away from all the nonsense in the media and start a journey to find Truth. Is that you? Wouldn’t that be more interesting than the latest Netflix fantasy? Real life is so much more interesting and challenging than watching others live it on a screen. In the Bible, Jesus says:

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 – what do you think that means? Living life to the full?

This autumn I am planning to run a few sessions talking about truth, justice, identity and relationships. If you are interested then let me know and come and share the conversation.  No charge, no commitment, no previous knowledge or experience – just questions answered and  stories shared. Let me know if you would like to come and we will look for a regular time and day that suits most people.

Blessings,

Rev. Liz Paxton, Rector

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

Our August newsletter featured dark clouds gathering in the distance and sometimes we can feel that is what is happening.

Keep praying for the light to burst through not that life becomes easier for us, but that the burden is lifted from those who are currently under heavy pressure, financially, under persecution, through war, through the difficulties of the effects of climate change, be that famine, fire or flood. Most in our country, though we may face changed circumstances, may have resources sufficient to last a while, but for everyone there comes a time when we have nowhere to turn to, and often that is the time we turn to prayer, whether we know who we pray to or not.

We’re back — save these dates!

If you’d like to know more than please visit the Stambourne Ladies Group section or contact Vicky on 07908 099 904 or Lorna on 07980 922 636.

Life and Death in a Victorian Gaol »

• 10th August 2022 – 7pm for 7.30pm at The Village Hall
• Open to all. £3 for non-members

Buffet provided courtesy of SLG.

Reminiscences of a Stansted Customs Officer »

• 14th September 2022 – 7pm for 7.30pm at The Village Hall
• Open to all. £3 for non-members

Buffet provided courtesy of SLG.

Knit & Natter Club »

• Every other Thursday — 5pm – 7pm. We are trying out different venues — get in touch to find out where we’ll be meeting next. More info »
• Get crafty with knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, quilting and more!
• Bring along your projects, share ideas and tips, get inspired or just come for a chat. Everyone welcome!

Village Hall available for hire »

Hiring Fees, including heating and electricity:

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

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

Stained glass class »

Stained glass class: a fantastic workshop to create your very own stained glass honeycomb!

• Saturday, 13th August 2022
• 10am – 3pm: 5 hours of tuition
• All materials and designs provided
• Teas and snacks included
• £50 per person

BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Ring 07707 507 880 to book your place!