Digital version of the February-March 2024 Stambourne Newsletter, the bi-monthly printed newsletter published and distributed by Stambourne Parish Council – No: 278
The latest Stambourne Newsletter is now available. Read all about the Parish Council, news from Stambourne Chapel and Stambourne Church, activities in Stambourne and more.
Stambourne newsletter February-March 2024
In this issue:
Stambourne newsletter February-March 2024
STAMBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL
The first meeting of 2024 took place on one of the coldest nights of the winter so far on Thursday, 18th January 2024 at 7.30pm at the Village Hall. We were pleased to welcome our County Councillor, Peter Schwier.
Pavilion
New fire safety laws require buildings such as halls which are available to hire, to have a fire risk assessment, this is underway for the Pavilion. A grant of £300 has been awarded from the District Council’s Councillors’ Community Grant and will be used towards buying 30 new chairs for the Pavilion. Thank you to Cllr van Dulken and Braintree District Council for this grant.
Highways
County Councillor Peter Schwier was able to update the Parish Council on Essex Highways’ work to repair the potholes and other highway issues across Essex. He also updated the Parish Council on the impact of Storm Henk and the winter gritting service.
Defibrillator
A recent incident meant that the new defibrillator at the Village Hall was accessed and removed. Fortunately, it did not need to be used and is now back in place, but this shows how important they can be. Thank you and well done to those quick-thinking individuals who sprang into action when needed.
Bonfire
If you were good enough to contribute material to our village bonfire, we apologise that you are not going to enjoy the experience of seeing it burn. You will remember that we were forced to cancel our November celebrations due to the difficulties of parking cars on the waterlogged field, however we planned to light the fire at a weekend when the weather was favourable, and anyone interested could gather around and enjoy the experience.
Unfortunately, this now is not an option as a misguided individual, for reasons that are difficult to fathom, took it upon themselves to light the fire without any notice. This action was completely without any permission from the Parish Council, and we regret the loss of an opportunity for us to get together for a pleasant social event.
Thank you for your ongoing support and we hope that you will continue to contribute material to our bonfire when we need it for bonfire celebrations later in the year. Please do not add any more material to the site now.
We are adding mesh reinforcement to the entrance of the parking area so that wet weather should not cause problems for future bonfire evenings.
Parish Council Meeting Dates 2024
• 14th March 2024
• 16th May 2024
• 18th July 2024
• 19th September 2024
• 21st November 2024
All are Thursdays at 7.30pm in the Village Hall unless shown otherwise.
More details may be found here »
Full minutes are available here: stambourne.com/parish-council.
Debbie Hilliard, Parish Clerk
debbiehilliard614@gmail.com, 01440 785 629
Stambourne newsletter February-March 2024
ST. PETER & ST. THOMAS BECKET PARISH CHURCH
Looking back to the end of last year
The Carol service was well attended and many thanks to those who decorated the Church, read lessons and helped with serving the refreshments and tidying up!
Rev. Caroline said her “goodbyes” at the Benefice Service on 31st December 2023 at Stambourne and again this was well supported by all 7 Churches in the Benefice. She was presented with a garden voucher which she said will be put to good use in her new house and garden.
We wish Caroline all the best in her new Parish.
Stambourne newsletter February-March 2024
SERVICES AT STAMBOURNE FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS
Date | Time | Service | |
---|---|---|---|
4th February | 9.30am | Morning Prayer | Malcolm Buckland |
11th February | 9.30am | Holy Communion | Rev. Justin Tomkins |
3rd March | 9.30am | Morning Prayer | TBC |
10th March | 9.30am | Holy Communion | Rev. Justin Tomkins |
31st March | 9.30am | EASTER SUNDAY | Services in the Benefice to be confirmed |
7th April | 9.30am | Morning Prayer | Malcolm Buckland |
14th April | 9.30am | Holy Communion | Rev. Justin Tomkins |
5th May | 9.30am | Morning Prayer | TBC |
12th May | 9.30am | Holy Communion | Rev. Justin Tomkins |
Stambourne newsletter February-March 2024
STAMBOURNE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
News from the Chapel
There are lots of challenges in life today whether they are those caused by the weather or the ones we see on the news of people doing bad things. One statement which struck me was when one of the Post Office investigators was asked whether he felt what he was doing was right and he answered that he was just doing his job.
And I suppose many get trapped into situations where they are just doing their job without really considering the consequences of it. I spent much of my working life visiting companies and have had people in very senior positions say that they are proud of something which to anyone outside the company looked very wrong.
We often make our own judgements don’t we? In work, in life, in relation to our neighbours, and even our own relations. But often we don’t know the history behind the situation and all that has happened. The Post Office investigator may have had some difficult relationships in his work life which led him “to keep his nose clean” and just get on with the job. In some instances we may be the people who are causing that. We may put people under pressure so that they will hide under some title just to keep things peaceful. So is there a way we can react? We are told in the Bible to seek justice. But whose justice? That of the courts? Of this land or of some other country? Is there an absolute justice? One that never fails? That can be relied on whatever the situation?
Well for believers we can say yes, but some would even question that. Why would a God allow such suffering and pain?
Well that’s a very difficult question to answer in one line of text. But we do have an answer and it is provided by God in the Word of God, the Bible, that has been around for thousands of years and has proven trustworthy and reliable in answering life’s difficult questions.
Only one way to find out… Enjoy a peruse if you can or come and ask…
Every blessing,
Adrian Burr, Minister
Stambourne newsletter February-March 2024
WHAT’S ON AT THE CHAPEL
Day | Activity |
---|---|
Sunday | Morning Services 10.45am. 1st Sunday of month includes Communion. We come together to share in our Sunday Service of worship. All are welcome! |
Tuesday | Coffee morning » 10am – 12pm. Coffee and chat in a “warm space”. Silver Link » 2pm – 4pm. Every other week. |
Wednesday | Wednesday Club 10am – 1pm Fitness class 2pm – 2.45pm. Gentle exercises for older people. |
Thursday | Coffee morning » 10am – 12pm. Coffee and chat in a “warm space”. Our heating system is very effective and we are a warm hearted bunch of people! Also on 3rd Thursday each month we have our Outings Group meeting, where everyone is invited to come for a cuppa and to share where they would like to visit in the next couple of months. We will then organise and order tickets (if necessary) and arrange transport for all who would like to go. If you haven’t any transport but would like to have a couple hours outing, then come along and find likeminded people who can share the experience with you! |
EVENTS for February, March and April 2024
Day | Activity |
---|---|
15th February | The Bodyguard 2pm. At Halstead Empire Dementia Cinema. We also take people to the dementia Friendly cinema in Halstead at 2pm on a Thursday. If you would like to come along let us know and we will arrange transport to get you there. |
24th February | Film Evening Doors open at 7pm, film starts at 7.30pm. The film is “The Perfect Wave” based on the true story of Ian McCormack (aka ‘The jellyfish Man’), starring Scott Eastwood (Clint Eastwood’s son), Rachel Hendrix (from ‘October Baby’), and Cheryl Ladd (who played Kris Munroe in the TV show ‘Charlie’s Angels’). This incredible faith-filled feature film is set to become a global Christian blockbuster with its all-star cast, breath taking cinematography and an out-of-this-world true story that has to be seen to be believed. We will start with Fish and Chips and then move on to watch the first part of the film. A break in the middle will allow us to enjoy an ice cream before watching to the end of the film. |
21st March | The Little Mermaid 2pm. At Halstead Empire Dementia Cinema. We also take people to the dementia Friendly cinema in Halstead at 2pm on a Thursday. If you would like to come along let us know and we will arrange transport to get you there. |
23rd March | 100th Birthday of Jean Dobell Starts at 2pm. We celebrate the 100th Birthday of Jean Dobell. |
29th March | Good Friday Service 4pm. This will be a time of Reflection and Prayer. |
31st March | Easter Sunday 10.45am. We celebrate our Risen Lord on Easter Sunday. |
16th April | Day at the seaside Stambourne Chapel Care Outings Group are organising a trip (open to anyone) to the The Hut in Felixstowe for a day at the seaside. If you would like to come along let us know and we will send through all the details. If enough people want to go we will be using a bus. The Hut is a warm building on the sea front where we can enjoy some time together and entertainment, or if the weather is good, walk along the prom and enjoy lunch together. |
April | Lambs at Boydells Farm in Wethersfield We will also be going to see the lambs at Boydells Farm in Wethersfield in April. We will let those interested know when that will be. |
December | Christmas Spectacular at Thursford Also if anyone is interested in a trip to the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford, please let us know so that we can establish whether we will be using a coach or cars. |
Stambourne Chapel Care
This voluntary organisation was set up to help people as they go through life changing situations. Our group of 8 volunteers currently serve around 40 people. The group is funded by grants and by donations as there is no charge for any of the things we do, although we are very grateful for the donations that many people make. If you would like to support this work by volunteering, or by donating please contact Jill.
Contacts:
Adrian Burr, Minister, stambournechapelminister@gmail.com,
07983 656 166
Margaret Mead, Secretary & prayer request, margaretannmead@gmail.com,
07561 283 587
Jill Holmes, Project Lead & Stambourne Chapel Care, stambournechapelcare@gmail.com, 07883 423 528
Find us on Facebook: Stambourne Chapel or Stambourne Chapel Care
STAMBOURNE LADIES GROUP
Save these dates!
If you’d like to know more than please visit the Stambourne Ladies Group section or contact Lorna on 07980 922 636 or Zoe on 07740 723 057.
Welcome to 2024! »
Join the Stambourne Ladies for the first meet-up of 2024.
Welcome all to a New Year with the Stambourne Ladies Group! It’s membership time again—bring your purse and sign-up for another year with us, as we share our exciting plans for 2024. Catch up with your Gal-entines (Valentine’s Day is just around the corner after all) or make new friends. As usual, there will be chats, laughs and delicious food.
- Wednesday, 7th February 2024
- 7pm for 7.30pm
- Free for members; £5 for guests
- Stambourne Village Hall, Church Road, Stambourne CO9 4NP
- Contact Lorna on 07980 922 636 or Zoe on 07740 723 057 for more details
Easter crafty bakes »
Kindly run by our Zoe.
Today our very own baking queen Zoe will teach us how to get crafty in the kitchen in time for the upcoming Easter holidays. Yum! As usual, the evening will be a great opportunity to make new friends or meet up with old ones, over chats, laughs and delicious food.
- Wednesday, 13th March 2024
- 7pm for 7.30pm
- Free for members; £5 for guests
- Stambourne Village Hall, Church Road, Stambourne CO9 4NP
- Contact Lorna on 07980 922 636 or Zoe on 07740 723 057 for more details
You’re a poet and you didn’t know it! »
Are you a budding (or seasoned) poetess and fancy a bit of friendly competition? Join us tonight and enter our poetry writing contest! (Details will be published nearer the time.) If you don’t fancy writing your own piece, but have a favourite poem you would like to share with the group, bring that along and spread the word. And if poetry is just not up your alley, we’ve got you covered — come and enjoy the delightful company, lots of laughs and delicious food.
- Wednesday, 10th April 2024
- 7pm for 7.30pm
- Free for members; £5 for guests
- Stambourne Village Hall, Church Road, Stambourne CO9 4NP
- Contact Lorna on 07980 922 636 or Zoe on 07740 723 057 for more details
Talk: everything stops for tea
A talk about the history of tea and the tradition of afternoon tea, held by Eve Regelous. You can expect an informative and entertaining evening filled with chats, laughs and delicious afternoon tea themed food.
- Wednesday, 8th May 2024
- 7pm for 7.30pm
- Free for members; £5 for guests
- Stambourne Village Hall, Church Road, Stambourne CO9 4NP
- Contact Lorna on 07980 922 636 or Zoe on 07740 723 057 for more details
Stambourne newsletter February-March 2024
STAMBOURNE ACTIVITIES
Here’s hoping you all had a good Christmas and New Year.
We had a very good evening at our Christmas Quiz night and we would like to thanks Fiona and Tony Bailey for volunteering to organise the quiz and Zoe for cooking the excellent chillies.
A thank you also to Oscar Pickess for donating the Christmas trees.
Coral also held one of her Craft Markets in January and it went well. She will do another one later in the year.
Our next committee meeting will be held on Thursday, 11th April at 5pm. This will be our A.G.M. All are very welcome as well as anyone who would like to join the Village Hall Committee.
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 »
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Knit & Natter Club »
- Every Thursday
- 5pm – 7pm
- The Green Man, 3 Church Lane, Toppesfield CO9 4DR
- THE Stambourne Knitting group: 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!
- 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 »
Library services »
We know we can sign up to borrow hard copies of books from Essex Libraries. In Stambourne we are lucky to also have the Mobile Library which visits the Village Hall on Wednesday, every three weeks, between 10.05am and 10.35am.
Remember you can also borrow eBooks and audio books remotely. Visit Essex Libraries to find out more.
However, the Library offers many other services. They are not just about borrowing books, they also run a lot of activity sessions. There are many weekly sessions for children with additional activities in the school holidays. Many sessions are free, although you’ll often need to book.
In addition there are also sessions for adults, some centred around books and reading and others on wellbeing. For example there is a weekly walking group which meets at Sible Hedingham Library. Again, check the library’s website or ask at the Mobile Library for information.
Note: If it’s more convenient you can join Suffolk Libraries (for example Haverhill or Clare) who also have a wide and varied activity programme.
Ridgewell Airfield Memorial Museum »
The Ridgewell Airfield Memorial Museum willl be open the second Sunday of the month from 10th March 2024 until October. Free admission.
rafcamuseum.co.uk
Oaker Hill, Great Yeldham CO9 4RG
Recycling calendar »
Stambourne Newsletter
Ideas and contributions for the next newsletter to Karen Crago at kcrago@btinternet.com or the post box at Tagley Farm by Friday, 22nd March 2024.
Thank you.
Download the Stambourne Newsletter as PDF
This document is now available for download by clicking the link below:
Buy us a coffee! ☕
For over 15 years the Stambourne website has been entirely funded by one single person. Now we are asking for a small token donation, to keep things running smoothly. If you find value in our website and in what it offers, consider buying us a virtual coffee ☕
Use the button below to make a contribution, however small, to the upkeep and running costs. We would be immensely grateful for the support. Thank you! And cheers!
Click here for other ways to support the Stambourne website »
Latest issues
- Stambourne Newsletter: August / September 2024Digital version of the August-September 2024 Stambourne Newsletter, the bi-monthly printed newsletter published and distributed… Read more: Stambourne Newsletter: August / September 2024
- Stambourne Newsletter: June / July 2024Digital version of the June-July 2024 Stambourne Newsletter, the bi-monthly printed newsletter published and distributed… Read more: Stambourne Newsletter: June / July 2024
- Stambourne Newsletter: April / May 2024Digital version of the April-May 2024 Stambourne Newsletter, the bi-monthly printed newsletter published and distributed… Read more: Stambourne Newsletter: April / May 2024
- Stambourne Newsletter: February / March 2024Digital version of the February-March 2024 Stambourne Newsletter, the bi-monthly printed newsletter published and distributed… Read more: Stambourne Newsletter: February / March 2024
- Stambourne Newsletter: December 2023 / January 2024Digital version of the December 2023-January 2024 Stambourne Newsletter, the bi-monthly printed newsletter published and… Read more: Stambourne Newsletter: December 2023 / January 2024