The Link Magazine

Thank you to everyone who donated toys and other gifts for the Toy Service. These were taken to the Women's refuge where they were gratefully received.

Those of you who have been in the church during Advent and Christmas will have seen the beautiful new crib set that has been knitted by a village resident. The figures have a lot of detail in them and must have taken a great deal of patience to complete. Very many thanks to the lady who so kindly made these for the church.

The Christmas Bazaar raised £425 for church funds. Many thanks to everyone who helped at and supported the event.

Answers to the Christmas quiz sheet will be in next month's Link.

Don't forget the Open Gardens Weekend in the village over the weekend of 9th and 10th July, with a "Somersham on Show" exhibition in the church. We are looking for any old photos or postcards of the village (and villagers). They will be copied so the owner can have them back again without the risk of any damage. There will be all the usual stalls, games and refreshments dotted through the village, a "best flower tub" competition and also opportunity to have your own garage or table-top sale. Please let Christine Jarrold or Pat Woolhouse know if you have any photos, and also if you are willing to open your garden or have a stall.

In December a hearing loop and PA system was installed in the church. After a few minor adjustments it seems to be working well and benefiting those who are rather hard of hearing. Thank you to all who have helped in fundraising for this.

At the beginning of 2004 the PCC pledged 10% of profit from the year's fundraising events should go to East Anglian Children's Hospices. A cheque for £200 was sent at the end of December. Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts through the year.

Golden Link

The Golden Link over 60's club members wish to thank very much all who gave and all who came to our Autumn / Christmas Fayre and spent so freely. We made the grand total of £326 for which we are most grateful.

Betty Game (Secretary)

Broadband Internet - confused, concerned -need help?

Suffolk Online is a community focused internet service provider managed by Suffolk ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), a registered charity with over 60 years of service to rural communities on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of all in Suffolk.

Now that BT has enabled your telephone exchange you may want to consider fast Broadband Internet access but are daunted by the array of different suppliers or are concerned about the risks associated with using the internet - viruses, etc.

Suffolk Online customers get the benefits of local support and advice from our helpful staff based in Suffolk but also the reliability and performance of Nildram who are widely regarded as one of the top three providers in the country. Any profits from the service are re-invested in local community projects.

Suffolk Online offers a choice of competitively priced Broadband and Dial-Up packages and in many instances there is no need to change your existing email address. Our Anytime dialup packages start at £8.75 per month whilst our Broadband packages start at £22.75 per month.

You can find out more online at: www.isp.suffolkonline.net or by calling the helpdesk on 01473 242505.

FRENCH CONNECTION
SOMERSHAM/CHALLAIN LA POTHERIE
VILLAGE LINK

SPRING VISITORS FROM CHALLAIN

Lots of correspondence has been taking place over the last few weeks between our village and Challain. Seasonal greetings were sent between the two villages over the Christmas and New Year period and news of activities taking place were exchanged. Apparently Père Noel visited the children of Challain at the Salle de Tilleuls, which those who have visited will remember, and the roads and the square by the church were decorated with lights and Christmas trees.

We are now looking forward to the spring and the visit of our French friends to Somersham. It looks likely that the visit will be in May and unconfirmed dates are 5-8 May. More news when the dates are finally confirmed, but we hope that as many of us as possible will be able to welcome the visitors when they arrive.

Having French guests in our village gives a wonderful opportunity to any students of the French language to practice their skills. You don't have to be hosts or involved in any other way, except to come along to one of the social events we will be organising, and meet with them then if you would like.

If you are interested in being a host to French visitors when they come, or in being involved with the activities taking place, then please contact one of the following:

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

Somersham Football Club

The 1st Team
Way back in November on the 6th Somersham travelled to Coplestonians to take on their 'A' team. The visitors were confidant of gaining all three points but started very sluggishly. Coplestonians were very much "up for it" and with some canny premiership style play from their aged centre half they won a penalty which was duly converted. Somersham upped their game and made numerous chances, most of them being supplied from an in form Dave Jousiffe, but all went begging. As all seemed lost the ball fell to Dave who lashed a fine equaliser from 20 yards. No further score came and Somersham had to settle for a very disappointing 1-1 draw.

November 13th saw St Clements Hospital visit Somersham in a league encounter. As the previous week, the home side were buoyant as St Clements were propping up the table. Unfortunately the game mirrored the previous week's fixture with Somersham having by far the best chances, but not applying the killer touch and then conceding a poor goal. Final score 1-1, again a very disappointment result which could have dramatic effects on the final league placings.

The 20th November found Somersham away to Tattingstone United. Somersham were again creating good chances, but for the third week on the trot were failing to convert them. The introduction of Ross "The Chimp" Cater from the bench changed all that. He claimed and excellent poachers hat-trick, whilst "Diesel" Crick scored a 20-yarder, Dave Jousiffe cracked in a beauty and Kieran Cotterell scored one of the finest angled chips I've seen in a long long time. An excellent 6-1 final score and maybe now Somersham could continue scoring more freely in future weeks.

The last game of November was in the Primary Cup away to Bures. In age old Somersham tradition, navigation to these unfamiliar parts was carried out by the guess work and so we arrived later than planned. This didn't upset the lads who again began brightly against an extremely robust Bures side. Bures scored first after a lapse from four different Somersham players, but, after a sound rollicking from Quinny, Somersham equalised from an excellent free kick by "Diesel". Matty Whitton calmly dispatched a penalty kick soon after which was the final goal action of the game. Somersham were always the better side and the final score of 2-1 certainly flattered the home side.

4th December, Somersham were back at home to face Sizewell & Aldeburgh FC in the league. Somersham controlled the game throughout and ran out 3-0 winners, with Kieran scoring two and unfortunate not to get his hat-trick.

11th December meant the trip to the airport to trade blows with promotion rivals Walton Rangers. Walton had been banging in goals all season and not letting many in themselves, so a stiff test for the visitors was expected. There was also a slight feeling of concern in the dressing room as it was announced by manager Quinny Warner, that due to an incredible chain of events he was going to have to take the goalkeeping gloves for the afternoon. As expected Walton started the stronger, but soon the game developed into a midfield battle with neither team able to gain the advantage. That changed as Walton pressed and tried their luck from 25 yards. With keeper Quinny unsighted the ball sailed into the roof of the net. Somersham were by no means out of it and equalised through Kieran. The rest of the game was a tight affair with both teams adding a goal each to leave a final score of 2-2. Special mention to Dave "Crumpy" Crick for running the line in the second half, what a star!!

The final match of 2004 was in the league away to Elmswell. Somersham controlled the game, winning 2-0, with goals from Dave Jousiffe and wait for it…..Quinny Warner, playing for the second week in succession, this time at centre half.

At this point I would like to introduce our new correspondent James O'Neill who has kindly volunteered to furnish us all with reserve team reports. Here is his first offering.

The Reserves
The 13th of November saw the reserves take on the league leaders, St Clements Hospital Reserves, who are renowned for their goal scoring capabilities. Somersham did themselves proud by holding St Clements to a 0-0 draw, and were unlucky not to secure the three points after a few missed chances late in the game.

Somersham entertained Claydon 'A' on the 20th November, in an important local derby. This turned out to be a closely fought match, with Claydon having a goal disallowed in the first half for an offside decision and Somersham having numerous chances to take the lead. Somersham scored with virtually the last kick of the game, courtesy of a Claydon defender who headed home from close range and won the game for Somersham.

On the 27th Somersham made the journey to Whitton sports centre to take on Staffbank. This was a real 'six pointer' for the reserves and hopes were high for a Somersham victory. Without the reserves regular keeper, Steffo 'The Cat' Nielson stepped into the breach. Despite 'The Cat's' best efforts, it wasn't to be and Somersham ended up losing 4-1 after a very poor performance throughout the team.

The reserves put on a promising display on the 4th of December against AFC Homecare. Unfortunately Somersham again went behind due to a sloppy clearance. Dale Poole got Somersham back into the game with a flash of brilliance, but Homecare came on strong late in the second half and despite Somershams best efforts (including an inspired rugby tackle from Lee Beckley) Homecare came out 3-1 winners.

Somersham took on Woolverstone United at home on the 11th of December, and were again without their regular keeper. With 'the cat' unable to attend, Lee Beckley bravely volunteered! Somersham went behind very early on in the game due to a lack of concentration. Despite the early set back, Somersham looked the better side throughout and Scott Johnson came close to equalising in the first half. Somersham took control in the second half and looked certain to score when Dale Poole had an open goal, but the less said about that the better! The game ended a disappointing 1-0 to Woolverstone United.

See you on Saturday!!! DON'T FORGET YOUR PAINT!!!!!

Al Chester
Jim O'Neill

Spring Clean

There will be a spring clean of Somersham Village Hall on Saturday 19th February from 9am. All are welcome - the more who help the easier and quicker the task!

Somersham & District Community Association

The first of the bi-monthly regular meetings was held on 2nd December. It was agreed to try to organise these on the second Thursday of the month, the next one being in February. Representatives from a wide variety of village clubs were present. Friends of Somersham School are the newest recruits, nice to have them on board.

The Playing Field Enhancement scheme received planning permission at the end of November, with a minor objection on the floodlighting. If only this was the biggest problem. Funding is still the main issue and juggling the requirements of the various funding bodies is a nightmare and most want the funding matched. March/April is a critical time, as many of the applications will be decided then. Proposed play equipment has been based on a survey amongst the village school children. The new equipment at the school looks pretty good and the supplier may be approached for prices.

The additional piece of field, the so-called "Community Corner" has been discussed; just one of the ideas being a tennis court to meet the needs of a couple of young hopefuls aiming for the top. More details, including management/ownership and local access to the court are needed before any decisions are made. At this stage in the funding negotiations moving the goalposts may not be helpful, this corner was previously earmarked for Stage 2 of the enhancement.

Response to the plea for help with a summer fete has been very disappointing, in fact, non-existent! Even those directly approached have not been willing to help. Time is running out and Claire Cutler feels it's now too late to organise a proper fete, but some sort of May Day celebration might be viable. Even if it's not a full-scale fete, Claire will still need help. Don't waste the opportunity. It's not often someone volunteers to run a fete. Claire can be contacted on 01473 831806.

Complaints about unsociable use of the bottle bank were raised. This amenity serves many of us and brings in a bit of cash. Please use it sensibly, clinking bottles at 6.30am doesn't please the neighbours. The bottle-breaking problem will hopefully solved by changing the containers so that bottles cannot be removed.

Other subjects discussed were the storage of documents from the very early years of the Association; a suggestion that the Records Office might be a good home will be followed up. The Cycle Speedway Club reported an increase in membership and is aiming to increase the number of proper bikes (the thought of the riders on improper bikes is mind boggling!). Janet Hodge verified that the Parish Council couldn't buy on behalf of the C.A. in order that we can reclaim the VAT. Vatman will be asked to clarify the position of the C.A.

Offers of help, information on eligibility of membership etc. can be obtained from Mike Shelmerdine on 01473 831661 or e-mail: Mike@sable86.freeserve.co.uk

Nicky Heming
Communications Officer
Tel: 01473 831594

SOMERSHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Meetings
Wednesday 2nd February 2005 at 7.30pm in the Pavilion
Wednesday 2nd March 2005 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall

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Council Vacancy

Following the resignation of Nicky Heming, Somersham Parish Council currently has a vacancy for a Councillor. If you live in the parish, have an interest in protecting and improving the local environment and would like to become involved in the heart of the community, please contact the Clerk for more details. The Council would like to record its appreciation to Nicky for her 4 years of excellent service as a Parish Councillor.

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Bus Shelter

The bus shelter is now resplendent in a new coat of pink and blue paint, thanks to the efforts of a group of girls on a chilly December morning from the Somersham Baptist Church Youth Club. The project was a joint venture by the Youth Club and the Parish Council who are very grateful for the support of the Youth Club and in particular the 5 young ladies who gave up their Sunday morning to complete the work. It is hoped the Youth Club and the Parish Council can work together again in the future.

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Parish Precept 2005/2006

At its January meeting, the Parish Council set the Parish Precept for 2005/2006 at £11,000. The Precept has not been raised for several years and the Council has absorbed ever increasing prices during this time. The Council always seeks to achieve the best value for money, but this year felt that unless the Precept was raised the level of service would fall below the level it wished to provide for its electorate.

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Community Schemes

A representative of the East Anglian Ambulance Trust attended a recent Parish Council meeting to give information on their First Responder initiative. Assuming the EAAT are able to recruit sufficient volunteers, the Parish Council has decided to offer financial support to the scheme towards the purchase of the necessary kit. Councillors are also currently considering promoting other community schemes which will benefit parishioners, including the Good Neighbour scheme and the Rural Coffee Caravan.
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Janet Clarke
Clerk to the Council

Address: 7 Drury Road, Claydon, IPSWICH, IP6 0ED
Tel. No. 01473 830398 E-mail: janetinclaydon@aol.com,

From the registers
Congratulations to:
Elizabeth Rogers and Neville Cudmore who were married at Offton Church on December 11th 2004

May they grow in their love for each other

Farewell to:
Lewis and Sam (both aged 17 years), who died together in a car accident on November 10th 2004.
The funeral of Lewis James Pratt took place in Offton Church on November 19th, followed by burial in the churchyard.
The funeral of Samuel James Palmer took place at Ipswich Crematorium on November 22nd, followed by interment in Somersham churchyard.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and many friends.

Farewell to:
Leslie Maurice Hilt who died in Sidcup on November 15th 2004 aged 73 years. Formerly a resident of Willisham, his funeral took place in Kent, followed by a short memorial service in Willisham for his local friends and burial in the churchyard on November 30th.

Rest eternal grant unto them O Lord,
and may light perpetual shine upon them

Gospel Readings 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.

6th February Sunday next before Lent Matthew 17. 1-9

13th February First Sunday of Lent Matthew 4. 1-11

20th February Second Sunday of Lent John 3. 1-17

27th February Third Sunday of Lent John 4. 5-42

Hunters Creek Care Home,
London Road,
BOSTON, Lincs. PE21 7HB

MAISIE, JANE AND GIL would like to thank every one of my relatives and friends for the care and kindness shown to me during my long stays in hospital and St Edmunds Nursing Home. Also for my very caring visitors who gave their time, particularly Anna, Marion and Brian, Nina, Gwen, Joan, Olive, Mary, Margaret, Eddy and Dorothy, Christine and Michael, my MU friends and many more for their letter, phone messages and prayers.

I shall miss you all very much but will keep in touch when I have my telephone. I shall never forget you all and will love to see any of you if you are ever up this way. It is a lovely place and of course near to my loved ones. I am happily settling in and the staff are very friendly and helpful.

A very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year to you all and your families. God Bless you. I have so many happy memories of Somersham and I love you all.

Maisie Race

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 9th

This year we will begin Lent with a simple supper
on Ash Wednesday, at 7.30pm in Offton Church.

The simple veggie food will be free and we suggest that people donate to the collection for charity what they would have spent on their supper.

Contact Peta Whiting on 01449 677766 to book your place.

We have received details of a Lent course to be held in Bramford.

It is called "Better together?" and is a course on relationships in 5 parts:
¢ Family relationships
¢ Relationships within the church
¢ Relating to strangers
¢ Broken relationships
¢ Our relationship with God

Thursday mornings at October House, Vicarage Lane -
9.45 a.m. Coffee for 10.00 a.m. start
Thursday Feb 10th, not 17th, but continuing Feb24th,
March 3rd, and 10th

For something different to try in Lent -A Vegan pâté
1 packet of tofu (available in most supermarkets either refrigerated or long life found with the Chinese foods )
1 small packet of ground almonds
fresh chopped parsley and or chives
crushed clove of garlic
2 teaspoons of cider vinegar ( or lemon juice )
Put all ingredients in food processor and whiz until smooth and creamy.
Keep in a sealed plastic container in the fridge.
Enjoy as you would a Boursein cheese, with crackers, bread or as a topping on hot vegetables.

Flowton Church Notes

On behalf of the PCC and all who worship in Flowton Church, I should like to thank all those who clean the church, arrange the flowers, and keep the churchyard in good order. Some people are in more than one of the 'teams' and we are grateful to you all.

Margaret has mentioned to the cleaners that we have visitors from various countries - many arriving by bicycle. We now have available guides to the church in French, Dutch and German and we are grateful to Mesdames Bouteldja, Rondeboom and Pinson-Roxburgh for their hard work in making the translations which necessitated research into technical terms not encountered in general conversation. Thank you all. Mary Carter

Many of you will have given in to one of the charities involved in the appeals made following the December tsunami. During February there will be a retiring collection after the Flowton church services for Christian Aid, one of the charities giving aid and ongoing support in the affected areas. We hope to have envelopes available at the back of the church for anybody to use if they are not coming to a service but wish to contribute. They may be returned to Susan Skinner or Mary Carter. (If you are a tax payer please consider giving the details required for Gift Aid, which can enlarge your gift by 28%. Thank you)

Somersham and District Gardening Club

• We meet every second Monday of the month from 7.30 at
  Somersham Village Hall
• Each month a different speaker, event or visit
• Meet and discuss any gardening problems over refreshments
• Several visits a year organised.
  (See enclosed programme of events)
• Regular raffles
• Annual plant sale
• Membership: £5 p.a.
• Guests/visitors: £1 per meeting
• Visits: The cost is according to event.

Anyone who's not able to drive for whatever reason, and would like to join the S&DGC they can contact the Chair (Veronica Munson) for a list of members in their village who could give them a lift.

PROGRAMME FOR 2005

SOMERSHAM CARPET BOWLS CLUB

Christmas and the New Year have been and gone once again, and we at the Bowls Club hope each and everyone enjoyed the festive period in their own particular way.

With matches and games played in the last month of the old year, it is the chance to catch up on all outstanding matters for report before the holiday break and draw 2004 to conclusion.

One of the final matches before the rest period was against Tattingstone at home. This turned out to be a close encounter even though the shots were very much in favour of Somersham. Two of our four teams won decisively, with one drawn and one lost - hence the narrow points result.

Another good game was against Ringshall, the only time we come up against them is in a friendly match as they do not bowl in the same league as Somersham. A great game played on friendly terms with Somersham running out the winners.

Back in the league Burstall were our next opponents, with us playing on their home mats. A smashing match and very closely contested, but in the end Somersham had to succumb to the more consistent bowling by Burstall on this occasion.

Another good evening arranged with Sproughton Carpet Bowls Club took place in the Tithe Barn and - with everyone bowling as individuals in mixed teams - it again turned out to be an enjoyable fun night.
The final match before Christmas was against Shotley - Somersham at home - and with the match closely fought throughout, the score perhaps slightly belies the efforts of the home team as the shots indicate that the match was in fact closer than is reflected by the final points result tabled below.

The Christmas Pairs is another 'in club' event on the calendar - which we all look forward to - where club members pick a partner at random to play through 'knockout' rounds as a joint pairing. The lure of a small trophy to mark success put everyone in good competitive form; and holding excellent consistency throughout the evening to successfully see off all opposition, it was the turn of Susan Skinner and Rosemary Southgate to run out worthy winners of the 2004 Pairs.

The very last event of the club's year is party night, played with the usual woods … but with a difference! … involving the likes of what may loosely be described as target bowls; and also obstacles placed - either on top of or under the mats - so the players have to bowl the woods round or over them. Obviously a lot of luck is needed, small prizes are awarded and the outcome was that a good deal of fun was had by all.

Winter League (November /December results)

IPSWICH APPEAL FOR ROMANIA

Ipswich Appeal for Romania is arranging a number of indoor car boot sales at Great Blakenham Village Hall on the following Sundays between 8am and 1pm.

February 13th
March 6th and 27th
April 10th
May 1st
So clear out the attic, book a table and bring along those unwanted items - tables only £5.
On the other hand you could turn up and browse! - hot food and drinks will be available.

To book a table for a carboot sale please contact Lee or Ana-Maria on Ipswich 833292 or email leevrthur@yahoo.co.uk

CHURCH SERVICES in our 8 linked parishes

If you think there may be a mistake in the rota please contact your Churchwarden.

February 6th Sunday next before Lent

February 9th Ash Wednesday

February 13th First Sunday of Lent

February 20th Second Sunday of Lent

Thursday February 24th

February 27th Third Sunday of Lent

Another year begins as I write this and I hope you have all had a good start to it. Only another 200 or so shopping days to Christmas!

There is always something to be done to prevent and reduce the opportunity for crime whatever the time of year. Those of you who are keen gardeners will be looking out the tools and preparing for the new season. A few of you will find the tools are no longer there! Every year towards spring garden sheds become a target. Tools are easily sold on boot sales and markets. Make yours un-saleable by marking them with your postcode and house name or number. The best is method is engraving but paint will have a good deterrent effect. But while I'm on the subject how many of you have marked those expensive Christmas presents or photographed the jewellery bought for you?
If you haven't got a property marker, call at the Police Station or speak to your neighbourhood watch coordinator to get one.

I know I go on about property marking but it is a good deterrent and gives you a chance of having property returned if lost or stolen which you otherwise would not have.

What been happening over the last couple of months?
Thankfully not too much which is the way it should be the Somersham area has suffered several accidents over the past few months and I offer my condolences to those who have suffered as a result.
Despite this I still receive reports of drivers travelling at excess speed both through the village and on minor roads around it. Speed checks have been made in the area and Road Policing Officers will give the matter their attention. (Formally our Traffic Unit)

Gates were a topic one of my previous articles including the theft of the gates from the Barking Fox Public House these have now been recovered and replaced and enquiries continue regarding those responsible.
Due to there being no January magazine things may seem a little old but I still like to keep you all informed about crime.

In Ringshall a quantity of tools were stolen from a garden shed in early December. Also in December a reindeer, yes a reindeer, was stolen from the garden of a premises in Willisham it was recovered damaged nearby by the local papergirl (many thanks to her). Yes it was a model.

In Somersham two ladders were stolen from a building site in Church Lane in mid December one was recovered in Mill Lane, Somersham. Both were identifiable by the builders.

An unusual crime has occurred in Battisford where over a long period a large amount of heating oil has been stolen from a domestic tank. Up to £2000 value.

Theft from motor vehicles and thefts of Diesel fuel continue to be a problem in the Bramford and Claydon areas. Be aware and ensure your vehicles do not become a target by taking security measures if needed and ensuring you use locks and alarms where fitted.

If you know anything about any of the above incidents please contact me, Pc 980 Kevin Shields or my deputy, Pc1242 Matt Nickson. Telephone 01473 613500 Please leave a message on the voicemail if I am not on duty.
E-mail kevin.shields@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or matthew.nickson@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

Thank you
PC Kevin Shields
01473 383390 Stowmarket Police Station
01473 613500 Police Headquarters

To go to the Suffolk Police web site please click here

Somersham Baptist Church

Regular Meetings
Sundays (You are welcome to join us for all or part of the meeting).
10.00am Prayer
10.30am Coffee break
10.45am Bible Study; Junior Church for school yrs 1-6
11.15am Coffee break
11.30am Worship
12.00pm-12.30pm Sermon (Communion 1st Sunday)

Ladies Meetings
Women's Fellowship 2.30pm Friday 11th February.
Friends and Neighbours 7.45pm Monday 21st 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

Offton Church News

Adult Pottery session:….

With thanks to everyone who supported and took part in the pottery workshops at Offton, a total of £55.65 was raised for church funds.

Show your talent in Offton

Talent is one thing of which Offton is not short. Unlike most other villages of its size though, Offton has a tried and tested method of showing off its talented residents.

The Festival of Talents takes place each year at the Church and, under the stewardship of Paul Chapman has grown in strength and stature. This year Scott Dolling is aiming to emulate Paul's success and include as many talented villagers as possible.

In addition to the usual mix of singers, musicians, poets and orators, other home grown talents are being encouraged to be showcased in May. So if you live in Offton and have a particular talent, contact Scott. In particular he is interested to hear from anyone who would like to display home made art, crafts and other ideas.

The Festival of Talents will take place on Sunday 8 May at St Mary's Church.

Scott can be contacted on 01473 658733

Magical Musical Moments

Building work in Offton church means that no concerts can be arranged for a number of weeks. Watch this space for future announcements.

Smoke free busking nights.

The Offton Limeburners is well known for its Sunday night busking sessions but from February there will be a smoke free session too. From 8pm on the first Wednesday of every month starting in February, local musicians and session goers are welcome to come and join in or just listen in a smoke-free environment.
Scott Dolling