The Link Magazine

Jake was one of them. He drove a white car. It seemed quite big when delivering to the crowded streets of London but not so big at the transport cafe. The van was old and slow but he had got used to that: did not like to be hassled.

One morning, he was driving in one of those road works that goes on for ages, with speed cameras and very few people working, when he got hassled. It was a 7.5 tonner driving right up his ... . He could see the driver in the mirror; number one haircut, tattoos, menacing. Jake fired off a random prayer asking God to save him from this road hog. To his amazement, an answer came back, no.

"What do you mean, no," retorted Jake, "normally there is no response at all, at best, yes, never no."

"The answer is still, no."

"Look God," Jake said, "you obviously don't know this bloke. I know where he lives: scruffy place, wrecked car, abandoned washing machine in the garden and his kids - well. He is certainly a person I do not want to be associated with."

"That is just the point," said God, "you expect me to show love and justice to you even at your worst, and anyway, his wife has already prayed to me asking if I could look after him. She has four children under six, no money and he is the only breadwinner."

Jake hardly needed to look in the mirror: his tormentor filled it; mouthing obscenities, sticking his finger up and yet Jake felt responsible for him, just for the moment. If that man went too fast he may loose his licence, and his job.

Jake drove at about 40, adjusting when near the cameras, did not want to appear too good. End of works in sight. Everyone speeds up. He passes Jake, flashing lights, horn, finger up. Jake did not care, for he had helped him and his family through that bit.

You shall love your neighbour, the good book says. Until now, he never knew what it really meant.

Thank you God." No answer. "Well what do you expect. " He muttered. "Things are back to normal."

He drove on, filled with heavenly thoughts, until an overdressed 4x4 cut him up. That really rattled Jake, he hit the horn, flashed the lights and started shouting and God, who had not really left him, smiled at man's fickle nature.

Ian Dickson

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From the Registers:

Congratulations to:

Sharon Wood and Shane Price who were married in Somersham church on December 7th 2002.

We wish them many happy years together

Farewell to:
Raymond C. 'Jim' Bowers who died aged 73 years, was buried in Offton churchyard during November 2002.
Also to
Leslie Mayhew who died aged 72 years, and whose funeral was on November 18th 2002 at Willisham church.

The ashes of Charles Alfred Johnson, late of Marshmoor Park, Offton, were interred in Bricett churchyard, beside those of his wife, on December 14th 2002.

The ashes of Mrs Hedi Johnson were interred in Somersham churchyard on January 4th 2003.

May they rest in peace

Mrs. Hedi Johnson

Christine and Brian would like to thank everyone in Somersham who knew and helped our mum, Mrs. Hedi Johnson over the years, especially, since Fred died.
Her funeral service was held in St. Mary's on 18th October and it was very comforting to both receive cards and messages and to see old friends at the service.
Mum's ashes will be laid to rest in Somersham churchyard in January.
Thank you again for all the support which enabled her to remain at home for as long as possible.

Bible Readings and Psalms for our Sunday Worship taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to be sharing the reading of Scripture with Christians - both Catholic and Protestant - across the world.

2nd February Gold or white
Hebrews 2. 14-end Luke 2.22-40 Psalm 24. [1-6] 7-end

9th February Green
1 Corinthians 9. 16-23 Mark 1. 29-39 Psalm 147. 1-12

16th February Green
1 Corinthians 9. 24-27 Mark 1. 40-45 Psalm 30

23rd February Green
Colossians 1.15-20 John 1. 1-14 Psalm 104. 26-37

****************
Mother's Union

It seems a long time ago now but all who shared our Christmas lunch in Flowton Vestry look back with the greatest of pleasure and gratitude to everyone who provided such an excellent meal. The catering team was masterminded by Mary Carter and ably assisted by friends locally who cooked meat, Yorkshire puddings or vegetables in their ovens at home and rushed them into the church to be served. Mary and Judy had prepared the tables beforehand and the vestry was warm and festive and everyone enjoyed an excellent meal and a lovely occasion together. The warmest of thanks to Mary and everyone who helped by cooking or serving or providing transport.

Our February meeting will be on Wednesday, the 12th at Gunn's Farm and transport will leave Somersham at the usual time.

FEBRUARY CHURCH FLOWERS & CLEANING ROTA

Somersham

February 2, 9 Pat Woolhouse
February 16, 23 Judith Newman

Cleaning Team B

Flowton

February 2, 9 Mrs Fawcus
February 16, 23 Mrs Carter
March 2 Mrs Carter
Cleaning Mrs Fawcus

Offton

2, 9 February Mrs Sam Coping
16. 23 February Mrs Peta Whiting
2 March Mrs Janet Dickson
Cleaning Mrs Copping

Willisham

February 2, 9 Mrs Fisher
February 16, 23 Miss Taylor
March 2 Mrs Cage

Somersham Church Notes

The Christmas Bazaar at the end of November made over £460 profit - many thanks to all who helped, gave donations and supported the event.

The answers to the Christmas Quiz will be in March's Link magazine.

Thank you for all the gifts taken to the Toy service. These were taken to the Ipswich Women's Aid, who were very grateful for them.

The Flower Festival & Open Gardens Weekend 2003 will take place over the weekend of 5th and 6th July 2003, with a Cheese and Wine evening on the Friday. If you would be prepared to open your garden, or run a stall, game or refreshments in it, please let Pat Woolhouse know (831080).
We will also want helpers to decorate the Church - the theme is going to be "Bible stories"-please contact Christine Jarrold.
We hope to have some entertainment at the Cheese & Wine evening too - any volunteers??
We plan to have the church open from 10 till 6pm, the gardens open from 2 till 6 pm, and also to serve lunches.
The weekend will finish with a Songs of Praise at 7.30 pm in the church.
If you can help in any way to make this event a big success, please get in touch! contact details on the back of 'The Link'

Parish Council Precept

Every year the Parish Council must set their budget for the forthcoming Financial Year. This was done at our last meeting in January, and below is what the Parish Council decided:

Administration
Includes: Clerks Salary, Room Audit Costs, Insurance £1950

Council Property
Includes: Bus Shelter, bench and litter bin maintenance £580

Section 137
Used for donations for worthy organisations £500

Loan Repayment
Repayment of Loan for Village Hall £6517

Council Projects
Includes: Council Project Fund, Parish Promotion £1937

The total planned Parish spending is: £11484

Minus £1000 for Pond Restoration, which is already in reserves, and minus £200 estimated bank interest.

This gives us a budget of: £10284

This means that the Parish Council Precept for 2003/2004 will be £10284, which means that there has been NO increase from this year's precept (2002/2003).

The Precept requirements will now be sent to Mid Suffolk District Council, who will then add this to the Council Tax along with their charges, Suffolk County Council's and the Police Authority's charges.

Electoral Role

There has been a change to the Electoral Register, which now means that there are two registers.

The Full Register gives the names and addresses of all registered voters and is updated monthly. This register can be viewed by anyone, but cannot be copied.

The Edited Register allows registered voters to withdraw their name from it. This register is available for general sale, which means marketing companies and other organisations will be able to use it.

To remove your name from the Edited Register you can do one of two things:

Tick the box at the bottom of the next Electoral Register review from Mid Suffolk District Council, which says you do not wish to be on the Edited Register.

Contact Mid Suffolk District Council, Electoral Services, who will tell you how to take your name of the Edited Register.

More information on this can be found at Mid Suffolk District Council's offices, on The Electoral Commission's website: www.electoralcommission.org.uk or at the Parish Council's website.

Future Meetings

The next Parish Council meeting is to be held on Wednesday 5th March 2003, at 7.30pm in the Pavilion.

Andrew Mayhew
Clerk to the Council

Address: 21 Morgan Court, Claydon, IPSWICH, IP6 0AN
Tel No: 01473 834035
E-mail: clerk@somersham.suffolk.gov.uk
Web Site: www.somersham.suffolk.gov.uk

Somersham Parish Council Need You

Somersham Parish Council is a vital link between our community and local, regional and central government. Parish Councils are being consulted more and more on key issues that affect rural communities and they can influence the district and county authorities that provide our services.

Somersham Parish Council needs more residents to join the team of councillors. At the moment there are three vacancies. The time you spend at it can be very light, the minimum expected is to attend a bi-monthly meeting having considered the agenda in advance. For those who wish it, there is the opportunity to get involved in community projects.

There has probably never been a better time to get involved and to make a difference. If you would like to help please contact the Andrew Mayhew, the Clerk to the Council, who will be able to give you information about being a councillor and how to help the Parish in general.

Contact Details:

Andrew Mayhew
Clerk to the Council
21 Morgan Court
Old Ipswich Road
Claydon IPSWICH
IP6 0AN

Tel: 01473 834035
E-mail: clerk@somersham.suffolk.gov.uk

HADLEIGH CHORAL SOCIETY

Rehearsals for the Society's spring concert began at the beginning of January, in the Drama Hall, Hadleigh High School, Hadleigh from 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm.

The Choir will be performing Elgar's Music Makers and Alan Ridout's Canticle of Joy on Saturday 12th April at St Mary's Church, Hadleigh.

If your are interested in joining us please contact the Secretary, Peter Sankey (Tel: 01473 822872) for further details.

8888888888888888888888888888888888888888

Somersham W.I.

"Speaking with confidence" is just one of the workshops open to WI members to enable them to expand their horizons. We at the Somersham WI have lots of fun so why don't you come along as a Guest for £1.00 admission and see what we are all about. Our next Meeting will be held at 7:30pm Somersham Village Hall, February 3rd where our guest speaker is Jan Armitage - subject "Creative Memories"

Gillian Wilson (01473) 658782

SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

At the A.G.M. held on the 8th October, 2002, at The Barking Fox, no member came forward to fill the position of Secretary. The Chairman stated that he would inform all members in writing and call a meeting on 12th November 2002.

This meeting was unsuccessful and, therefore, the Chairman announced that, as of that date, the Branch would cease to exist. He would inform the Country Office accordingly.

All members would like to express sincere thanks to Mr & Mrs E Burroughes, who have worked endlessly for the Branch over the past twenty years. Many people in the area will miss this charitable organisation. Lance Corporal

SOMERSHAM BROWNIES

Our new term is now well under way, but for the first time since the Pack was started our numbers have dropped from twenty four, plus a long waiting list, to under half that number and no waiting list.

If this situation continues Somersham Brownies will no longer be viable and will have to close. If any girls aged between 7 and 10 years, from Somersham, or the surrounding villages, are interested in joining, please contact Frances Gilson on 01473 658387.

Golden Link Club

On behalf of the club members a very big thank you for your very kind response for help with our Autumn / Christmas Fayre - to all who gave draw prizes, gifts to sell and those who came on the day to support us. We have made £300 profit so far, there may be a little more to come.

We meet fortnightly beginning the New Year on January 14th at 2.30 pm. If there are people in Somersham and surrounding villages who would like to join us, we would be pleased to see you. No need to be of retirement age, just needing a cup of tea and a chat.

Also if anyone has any talents or hobbies, any exciting or disastrous
experiences, and would care to spend an hour with us sharing your funny or not so funny tales, we would appreciate your company.

Again thank you for all your kindness and a happy New Year.

Betty Game (Secretary)

Somersham Football Club

We're getting there - very slowly - but things are improving. We're not going to win any trophies or promotion this season, but there are definite improvements over the last two seasons. We have a reasonable number of players, mostly local youngsters who, if they keep together, should be reaping dividends in a season or two. Our results this season haven't been very good, but performances and commitment have improved and we ought to manage to keep our present status in divisions 3 and 6.
Just for the record during November and December the first team played 7 matches, winning one, drawing two and losing 4, and started off 2003 with a 0-2 defeat at home against Stowupland. The reserves have only played 5 matches, winning two, drawing one and losing two. Although not exceptional they do show a marked improvement on last season. We can only be optimistic for the future.

Forthcoming home matches for February are:

Feb. 1st Reserves v The Chequers
8th 1st Team v Albion Mills
15th No match scheduled
22nd 1st Team v Walsham le Willows 'A'

SPORT IN SOMERSHAM - REALISING THE DREAM

During the completion of our Community Action Plan the people of Somersham were asked their views on sports facilities and use of the playing field. The response encouraged the Community Association (who are responsible for the playing field) to set up a project team to look at what could be done.

The project team have established a wish list of facilities that could give sport (as well as play) in Somersham an enormous boost. In brief, the wish list involves enlarging the playing field by approximately 30% and adding an arena that has an all-weather playing surface. The enlarged playing field will make it possible for additional field sports and the arena would be an all-year round facility accommodating sports such as netball, basketball, hockey, roller hockey, volleyball etc etc.

Our playing field could become a tremendous benefit for both adults and children and save people having to travel to enjoy these facilities.
Whilst it seems an ambitious project, the advice so far received on potential funding indicates that it is perfectly possible providing it has the support of the community. Support cannot just be verbal; it means those that are interested in any of the potential sports as well as the current sports enjoyed on the playing field actually getting involved in making the dream a reality.

We know there are plenty of people in the village keen on sport and we need all those people to come forward. This appeal is aimed at young people and adults. Perhaps you are a parent and want to help your children access a sport more easily.

Please get involved by contacting any of the following:

Terry Fordham - Tel 831529 Mike Shelmerdine - Tel 831661
Steve Woolhouse - Tel 831080 Richard Fordham - Tel 830602
And / Or
Come and discuss the possibilities at a meeting in the Pavilion on Thursday 13 February 2003 at 7.30pm.

REMEMBER - NO SUPPORT NO DREAM!

FRENCH CONNECTION

SOMERSHAM / CHALLAIN LA POTHERIE

VILLAGE LINK

**************

New Year Greetings have been received from the people of Challain la Potherie to the people of Somersham. Bonne Année et Bonne Santé we are wished.

Their news also continues with the promise of a visit during the first week of May 2003. At present the idea is that they will arrive here on Thursday evening, having taken a trip around London on the way to Somersham. Visit Cambridge, Ipswich or Norwich on the Friday. Spend Saturday with their Somersham hosts and then return home on the Sunday. We will await further confirmation that this is a definite date, but it looks promising.

Following our last two very successful exchanges we look forward very much to receiving our French guests. Anyone wishing to be a host, or wishing to participate in the visit in any way, is warmly invited to contact one of the following:

Gill Fordham: 831529; David Haughton: 831511; Janet Hodge: 832296;
Pat Woolhouse: 831080

F.O.S.S.

The SCHOOL CHRISTINGLE at St Mary's Church, Somersham on 13 December was a very enjoyable evening for children and parents alike. A Collection was taken in Church which raised £74.31 in aid of The Children's Society.

CAROL SINGING around the Village on 16 December -
approximately thirty of us, including children, parents, Church choir members and last, but not least, Helen, who accompanied us on her violin, took part in this really fun festive event. We raised a further £78.00 for The Children's Society.

F.O.S.S. would like to thank all the people who donated so generously to these two events and we hope that you enjoyed them as much as we did. A total of £152.31 has been sent to The Children's Society.

COMING UP SOON -

There will be a fuller report next month on F.O.S.S.'s activities.

Somersham Baptist Church

My Valentine

Under the apple tree I roused you;
There your mother conceived you,
There she who was in labour gave you birth.
Place me like a seal over your heart,
Like a seal on your arm;
For love is as strong as death,
Its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
Like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
Rivers cannot wash it away.
If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love
It would be utterly scorned.*

Viewers of 'Eastenders' may recognise the bold lines of the love poem as those sent to Sonia by Dot Cotton to comfort her at the funeral of her partner Jamie.
Love is the great comfort and joy of our lives, we all benefit by being loved and loving in return. Valentines Day reminds us of the need to express love. Poems place upon our stammering tongues borrowed words that communicate the love we feel, but before you rush out to buy a selection of Love Poems for your hearts desire, look into the bible. There in middle of the book is a love song, 'Song of Solomon' that explores the pleasure of married love. There are sections of the poem that might well fall foul of the Link's censor! (Who is that, Mark? Ed.) I'm sure you will find descriptions fitting for the man (Ch 5 verse 10-16) or woman (Chapter 4) of your life.
Amazingly the bible employs this most intimate of human relationships to illustrate the relationship between a Jesus and his Church, check Ephesians Ch5 verse 31+32.

Valentines Day is a challenge for lovers to rise to, but it also serves to challenge the nature of our relationship to God, is it a true relationship of love?

* Song of Solomon Ch 8 verses 5b-7.

Preaching (Communion 1st Sunday)
*Junior Church for School Years 1-6.

Ladies Meetings
Women's Fellowship 2.30 pm Friday 14th February.
Friends and Neighbours, 7.45pm Monday 17th February

.
Men's Meeting
Fantasy League Transfer Night
7.45pm Monday 10th February

Children and Young People (Held during term time)
Yr. 1-6, Wednesday Club 6.30pm.
Yr. 9 on, 14+ Friday 8.00pm.

Christianity Explained:
Six sessions, which deal with Jesus, Salvation and becoming a Christian, to find out more contact Mark.
Somersham Baptist Church,
Chapel Lane, Somersham, IP8 4QE

Contacts;
Pastor Mark Newcombe 01473 831940 e-mail mark.newcombe@btinternet.com
Colin Low 01473 464833 or Edwin Mayhew on 01473 658100. Web site www.somersham.com

NEWSLETTER FOR THE LINK FROM PC KEVIN SHIELDS

Hello, The first thing to notice is that the name at the end of this article has changed. Diane Porter your previous Community Police Officer has moved on to other things and I am sure you all wish her well. I am PC Kevin Shields and will hopefully be your CPO for some time to come. To introduce myself I have
served in the Suffolk Constabulary for 27 years always in the west of the County. Some of you may have seen me around during previous service at Needham Market & Hadleigh when I patrolled most of the area for which I am now CPO. Anyone seeing me out on patrol is welcome to stop me and have a chat about any concerns they may have. I won't promise to always be able to help but I will try.

Moving on to events of the past couple of months.

Flowton - Sometime during the first week of December a resident had the locks smashed of a shed but in this case nothing was taken.
Somersham - on 2nd January two mobile phones were stolen from a pick up truck in the main street. This was at about 9.30am. Were you about did you see anyone around the truck?
Willisham - just before Christmas the front number plate of a Toyota Landcruiser was stolen overnight in North Acres.

If you have any information regarding the above crimes please contact me on 01284 774341 ( voicemail ) or 01473 613500

That is all the reported crime in the area but I also receive complaints of a non crime nature. This month I would ask you all to keep your dogs under control and ensure thay cannot run loose. Your dog could a serious accident or injury if not properly looked after.

As we enter the new year we have had our first spell of snow and ice for some time. it would appear that many drivers have forgotten how to deal with it. Please ensure that ALL your car windows and mirrors are clear before you drive off. Even if you are only going a short distance it's far enough to have or cause an accident. There have been too many cars about with half cleared windows and you can receive a fine. Also on the same subject don't leave the car unattended on the road or drive with the engine running to thaw it out. On the road it's an offence and on road and drive you run the risk of it being stolen.

Duties permitting I will be visiting parish council, neighbourhood watch, schools, youth clubs and anywhere else I may be invited. I hope to see many of you in due course.
Kevin Shields

To go to the Suffolk Police web site please click here

Are you interested?

Silke Pinson Roxburgh is planning to do a talk on the history of St Mary's Church Offton on Saturday 16 April in the evening. She would like to know if you are interested in coming along - venue to be confirmed later. Do call her to let her know if you would like to attend: Telephone 01473 658213

FLOWTON NEWS

Date for your diary:

We are planning to hold a fete in Flowton churchyard on Sunday June 29th between 2pm and 4pm. Later, at 6.30pm there will be a service of Songs of Praise in the church.

There is also a whisper about another 'musical, and more, evening' -so watch this space!

The Christmas Coffee Morning raised over £220, if I remember correctly - so thank you very much to everybody who helped and supported a very friendly event.

Thank you also to those who contributed goods to be taken to Ipswich Women's Refuge -they were much appreciated.
Thanks also to everybody who helped to make the church look so inviting for the Christmas services and those who provided refreshments and cleared up after the Carol Service.

Patchwork and Quilting

Patchwork and quilting classes will continue in Flowton's warm Church Vestry during the Spring. If you are interested please contact Mary Carter on 01473 658522 for more details.

Offton Church News

Greetings for the year 2003.
Our thanks to all who helped over the Christmas period with the decorating and cleaning of the church. It really did look beautiful for all our services and the star shone from the tower brighter than ever.
As you probably already know, Jan Dickson is now arranging the flower and cleaning rota. Thank you for your co-operation and help to me during the years that I have been at the helm. With my best wishes to you all.
Anne Chapman

Carol Service
For the first time in many years the Carol Service in Offton was held in the morning. There were doubts in some minds that this would not work but we had a full church for a beautiful traditional service in a candle-lit church. After the service people stayed for a glass of wine and a mince pie. It was a very good morning.
At the services on Christmas Day the figures of Mary and Joseph that had been journeying around the parish during Advent were brought into Church. Then on Sunday 5th January the Wise Men and their camels arrived during the Epiphany Play which was splendidly enacted by a cast from Offton and the surrounding parishes under the guidance of Pam Redman. The very splendid camel amused us all!

Mulled Wine and Carols
It was a happy thought of Colin and Silke Pinson Roxburgh to revive the evening of Mulled Wine and Carols. With the help of Melanie and Oliver the took on board to organise the event providing us with refreshment while we all san g carols of our choice. The Hall looked inviting and warm with its festive arrangements. Musical accompaniment was provided by Paul, Mary, Pam and Joy and we discovered one or two new soloists! In all a very happy evening - thank you. (May be Colin and Silke will do the same this year? Watch this space!)

Harry Thorne -
Harry I am sorry I credited your brother Sam with cycling for the SHCT on September 14th. It should have of course been you. Thank you for your contribution that day. AC

Rector's Plate

This was held on January 4th in the Community Centre at Needham Market and attracted 72 pairs for the carpet bowling competition. Arranged by David Schofield and Jane with all the proceeds going to Offton Church Fabric Fund the beautiful trophy (The Rector's Plate) was won this year by Stan Aldous and Roy Lonsborough. The standard of play was, as always, very high and the competition keen. During the day refreshments were served from 9 am to 5 pm (including mouth watering bacon butties and leek and potato soup) there was a separate Target Bowls competition, a raffle, tombola and various other attractions to enjoy if you could take your eye off the bowling. The wonderful sum of £ 1363 has been received from David.

Thank you David and Jane for masterminding this, also a thank you to all your helpers. We know that you are already planning for 2004 - in fact I believe the hall is already booked!
Dates for 2003

There will be further details of all these planned events in later issues.

Church Extension Update and Thanks.

Most of you will have seen that work has started on the new kitchen, loo and disabled access at the church. Completion is expected by early April, subject of course to the inevitable weather.

Everyone in the village should have received a letter from the Offton PCC in November asking for pledges and many of you have already generously responded with your pledges and gifts of support. To date our Treasurer, Paul Chapman, reports we have raised £9,035 which, with the appropriate Gift Aid tax reclaimed, makes a total of £11,476. Our target is £15,200 and we are almost there!

Thank you, a big thank you, to everyone who has contributed to improving the facilities at the church for the use of all the village. For further information, a pledge form or to see the site plans do contact me or a member of the PCC. Lucy Vignoles

Offton and Willisham Parish Council

The Christmas dinner for the Senior Citizens was again a happy event. The Council is very grateful to Pam Redman and her helpers for making it possible. Not only did she organise the meal itself but also the musical play "The Very Hopeless Camel" which was most cleverly produced. I enjoyed participating, apparently I made a very unpleasant Herod!

Sadly WPC Diane Porter our Community Police Officer is taking on a new post. She has served us very conscientiously and we will miss her. So now we welcome PC Kevin Shields who is to succeed her.

The review of the Local Plan being undertaken by MSDC gives regard to applications for extensions to the Settlement Boundary in order to accommodate new housing. An application has been received to enlarge the boundary to the East of the road through Willisham, extending from the Poultry houses and Bonnywood Farm to approximately Tammella in Fiske Pightle.

Mick and Margie have been stalwarts at the Limeburners for many years and we wish them well now that they have retired. We are lucky to have Bob Hicks as the new landlord because I know him well, and can guarantee that he will do a first class job and make us all very welcome.

Parish Council elections are scheduled to take place on May 1st. I would ask parishioners to give thought to whether they would like to become a Councillor, in the knowledge that a more formal invitation will appear neared the time.

Pip Sands Parish Clerk 01449 721173

WILLISHAM CHURCH NOTES

Church Annual Meetings

These take place in Willisham Church on Wednesday 26th March at 7.00 pm, and included in the business of the meetings will be the election of the Parochial Church Council. If you would like to be involved in the running of Willisham Church by serving on the PCC, please contact Frances Gilson for further details.

Evening Walk

Following the success of last year's walk, John Minns will be leading a similar event on Saturday the 24th May. Full details will appear in later issues of The Link, but please book this date in your diary now. John Minns can be contacted on 01473 658352.

Coffee Morning

This year's coffee morning will take place at 9 North Acres on Saturday the 31st May. Full details later.

CHURCH SERVICES in our 8 linked parishes
Please be aware that service times and Sundays have changed -please check with a Churchwarden if you think that a mistake has been made in this listing.

February 2nd Presentation of Christ in the Temple -Candlemas

February 9th Fourth Sunday before Lent

February 16th Third Sunday before Lent - Education Sunday

February 23rd Second Sunday before Lent

March 2nd Sunday next before Lent - Probable services:

Wednesday March 5th Ash Wednesday

Look next month for details of services in the Deanery.

Church Electoral Rolls

The annual revision of the Church Electoral Rolls is about to take place in preparation for the Annual PCC Meetings. This is the small revision when the names of the deceased or those who have moved to other areas are taken off the roll and those who feel they wish to take a fuller role in the Church may complete the application form to be entered on the Roll.

If you are interested, please look on the notice board of your church for full details of how to apply, or speak to your PCC Secretary .

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew
their strength. They will soar on wings
like eagles; they will run and not grow
weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40.31