PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – 16th January 2014The first meeting of the parish council took place on a chilly Thursday, 16 January 2014

Christmas Lights competition – Our independent judge toured the parish shortly before Christmas and I am happy to say judged Mrs Allen of Church Road, Stambourne to be the winner. Congratulations and well done to Mrs Allen. It was a pleasure to see so many houses decorated and to such a high standard.

Pavilion – A company has inspected the pavilion which may require some treatment for woodworm. The full report is awaited.

Playing field – Mesh matting - There was some discussion about the different types of mesh available and its cost and the amount required. Some samples will be obtained to bring to the next meeting to decide which would be the most appropriate.
Investigations into replacing the village sign are continuing and more information should be available soon. You may have noticed that some new trees have been planted on the playing field in the top corner.

Highways – As ever problems with potholes continue, added to which they are now full of water! The parish council reports any to highways as soon as they are known. Please take care when driving and remember you can report any at www.essex.gov.uk/highways and follow the links.

Litter Pick - Jenny James will liaise with the local scouts regarding a possible litter pick.

Footpaths – There are some minor problems on the paths which will be reported. However the main concern is how slippery they are with the continuing wet weather so please take care when using them.

War Memorial – The application to the War Memorials Trust for grant funding towards the cost of renovation has been submitted. We will keep you advised of developments.

Precept – As you know each November the parish council has to decide what it needs to spend in the next financial year (2014/15). This amount is submitted to Braintree District Council and forms the parish element of your Council Tax. Braintree District Council also provide a grant towards costs and this is taken into account. The grant from Braintree District Council for the next financial year has been reduced and therefore Stambourne Parish Council has agreed its precept at £4,160 which is a small increase on last year.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 20 March 2014 at 7.30pm in the village hall.


Debbie Hilliard
Parish Clerk
Tel: 01440 785629
Email: Debbie.hilliard@duffields.co.uk


Full minutes and agendas are available on the Stambourne village website
www.Stambourne.com.

TOPPESFIELD COMMUNITY SHOP

Village Market
By the village for the village


Saturday
8th February

Toppesfield Village Hall
10.30-12.30

ST. PETER & ST. THOMAS BECKET PARISH CHURCHThere were three services in the Church over the Christmas period and all were well attended. The Carol Service on 22nd December had one of the largest congregations that we have ever had. There were about 120, including many children. The Stambourne Singers sang two unaccompanied carols and led us with singing the traditional carols. David Starr played the merry organ with his usual skill and panache. Two children, Holly and Ben Heywood, read the lessons movingly as well as the other seven readers. The Church, lit by candlelight and decorated with Oscar and Jane’s Christmas tree and Cath’s floral decorations, made a memorable setting for what was a happy and spiritual occasion in our nine hundred year old church.
We would like to thank the many people in the village who helped it all to go so well.

The new noticeboard to replace the previous one which had rotted beyond repair after many years of sturdy use, has been organised and put up by David Waller. We are all grateful for his help.

There will be Services at 9.30am on Sunday 9th February, 16th February and 23rd February. Please look at the Church notice board for Services in March, April and May.

Richard Day
Val Kerrison
Church Wardens



STAMBOURNE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Adrian BurrFrom the chapel

We never know where life is going to lead us do we?  There are always new twists and turns which shape our lives and how we live and where we go.  If only we could see round the corner and know what is coming next - that would be good, wouldn't it?  But perhaps not - who would want to know if the next thing that is to happen to us is  not something nice!

We are told in the Bible not to worry about tomorrow because there are enough worries about today (Matthew 6:34).   And I know a lot of people who would appreciate that as a truth...  There are so many worries about each day that we can get bogged down with them, and Jesus knew that too, so He said "cast your burdens on the Lord"...
Paul also said in Galatians 6:2  "Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ."

So, we can try and do everything in our own strength, worry about tomorrow and what it might bring, or we can stop worrying about tomorrow and give all that to God and then think about today's worries both for ourselves and those around us.

If you have heavy burdens to bear come and share with those who are happy to listen and share, and we will all feel a little less burdened, and then we can stop worrying about where life will lead and start feeling much lighter and much less worried and much more at peace with ourselves and those around us...
Jesus says Matthew 11:29 and 30  Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

Every blessing
Adrian Burr
Minister


Services for February and March:

Kevin Moore will be with us on the fourth Sunday for February and March.  He is an artist and sketcher extraordinary and has worked with us at Holiday Club and school.  He also runs chess clubs and art days at Assington Hall between Sudbury and Colchester for families and individuals who would just like a day learning about art.

Chapel Services and Events
2nd Feb Chris Stirling,
9th Feb Adrian Burr
16th Feb Brian Mead
23rd Feb Kevin Moore (from Face2Face charity and the artist and children's worker)
2nd March Mark Inman
9th March Adrian Burr - come and hear how people in Nauru do church!
16th March Adrian Burr
23rd March Kevin Moore
30th March John Cartledge

And finally, many thanks to those who helped and came to have their car washed on Saturday 25th January which raised over £70.
Events at Chapel:
Every Tuesday, 10-12 we are open for a cup of coffee and a chat...  Do pop in for a warm welcome!
8th February     Hymn Writers day, 9:--4pm bring packed lunch! Book at www.resoundworship.org
22nd March      Easter Craft Day, 10-12:30. Please book a 30minute slot for your chosen artistic activity at 01440 730211.
3-11th May      Two Rivers Mission Events all week!

SPECIAL DELIVERYOne lucky reader managed to snap this rather special delivery in Stambourne on Christmas Eve.

Stan the Postman delivering letters

STEEPLE BUMPSTEAD COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDER GROUP

Our group has been responding to 999 calls in Stambourne now for over 12 years, helping to save lives.   In fact, I think we attend as many calls in Stambourne and Cornish Hall End as we do our own village of Steeple Bumpstead.

We our group first went live, we did all our fundraising for equipment, including defibrillator, within Steeple and Helions Bumpstead.  However, as our defib is now 12 years old we need to replace it, so feel it is only fair if we widen our fundraising net to all those villages we cover when being called out.

Another problem we would like help with is finding the properties in Stambourne.

Most properties have a house name only.  This makes it very difficult to find, especially at night.  We have no idea what side or what end of a road the house might be so have to crawl along trying to spot house names in the dark.

A map of each road, listing house names on the back against a grid reference would be of immense help.  This could save lives as response time is imperative to all of our calls.  We get called to 'A' and Some 'B' category calls, not just cardiac arrests.  Over 97 categories! If one person or a group of people are willing to set this up that would be great.  I have asked one or two people already whom I met at your last election poll day, but nothing has been forthcoming yet.

If you would like to know more about our group we have just started up a page on Facebook called "Steeple Bumpstead Community First Responder Group EZ25" or you can email me or ring me on 01440 730712. Two members of our group are also trained as BHF HeartStart trainers where we go out and train people in basic life support - yet again in a voluntary capacity.

I look forward to hearing from you
Carole Jones caroleyjones@gmail.com
EZ25 CFR coordinator
East of England Ambulance Service

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY – A THANK YOU

On behalf of the children of Stambourne I would like to give a big thank you for the money given to put on the Christmas party.

As always we held it on the first Saturday in January after another hectic Christmas! We had 16 children attend aged from 1 to 10 years old and they were entertained once again by the excellent Paul Pleasant. All the children had a great time.

I would also like to say thank you to Charlotte Hilliard and Janine Playe for helping out on the day and also to the parents for bringing food and snacks.

If any of the village children did not receive an invite, I apologise and would be very grateful to hear from you to make sure you get one next year.

Thanks again!

Lesley Scollay
01440 785 731
07889 745 180



WHAT’S ON LOCALLY

Hedingham Castle
Sundays throughout February and March Snowdrop Sunday 11.00 to 4.00 Normal entry pricing
http://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/


Saffron Walden 'Emporium'
18th February. Upstairs in the Town Hall. Crafts, Collectables, Antiques etc., etc. You never know what you might find!! Telephone to book a stall 01763 837171. Free entry

Kentwell Hall, Long Melford
Fri 14 February - Valentine's Night
A romantic evening in 1920s style. * Reception drink on arrival * Three course Valentine's supper * Dancing * Dress Code: 1920s glamour Tickets £52 per person - pay bar available
http://www.kentwell.co.uk/events

The Sooty Show
Wed 19 Feb, 11am & 2.30pm
The Apex, Bury St. Edmunds
Izzy Wizzy Lets get busy - It's The Sooty Show! Direct from Citv, Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nations favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV Partner Richard Cadell
£12 (£10 conc) £38 family

Sunday 23rd February 2014
9:00 AM - ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES FAIR, CLARE
The largest Antiques & Collectables Fair in Clare, offering a wide selection of wares. Early/trade entry £2 (9am to 10am)£1 entry 10am to 4pm. Light refreshments available
www.markethillantiques.co.uk


Stamps for sale at Saffron Walden Town Hall
Sat 8 Mar 2014  09:30 to 12:00  
In aid of Parish Church Music and Maintenance funds.
Committee Room, rear of Saffron Walden Town Hall.

Andrew Motion: The Customs House at Saffron Hall
Fri 21 Mar 2014 19:30
www.saffronhall.com


SPRINGTIME WILD WEST QUIZ





For those of you who enjoyed the Halloween Quiz and for those of you who couldn’t make it. We are organising a Springtime Wild West Quiz.


It will be held on 1st March at the village hall, starting at 7.30pm. Ticket price is £7.50 which will include a 2 course meal.


Bring your own drinks and please dress appropriately y’all!

Tickets can be bought from Cath (01440 785 678) or Joyce and will also be available on the door







FOOTPATHS
A map of footpaths, bridleways and byways is available on the Stambourne website, www.stambourne.com, in the Maps section




















STIRLING BOMBER CRASH

On the 20th April 1941, a Stirling Bomber crash-landed on the decoy airfield sited near the playing field in Stambourne. The airfield was designed to draw attention away from Ridgewell airfield which was used by the US 381st Bombardment group during the war, mostly B-17s.

If anyone has any further information on the crash, please email me, me@stephenplatt.com, and I will pass it on to someone who is researching it and creating a computer-based model of its crash-landing.

TOUR DE FRANCE Monday 7th July 2014




The best cyclists in the world will be pedalling through parts of Uttlesford, Braintree, Chelmsford and Epping Forest this year following confirmation of the 2014 Tour de France route.
 
Le Tour  will be coming to Essex on Monday 7th July 2014 for the third stage in the three-week race. The full route announcement was made at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. The first two stages will take place in Yorkshire, beginning in Leeds on Saturday 5 July.
 
The third stage of Le Tour starts from Cambridge and then moves on to Essex before heading to London to finish on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

The closest it will get to Stambourne is Finchingfield, as shown in the map below:





DIARY DATES

FEBRUARY
Wednesday 5th, Mobile Library, Chapel End Way, 16:35, Village Hall 16:55
Saturday 8th, Village Market, Toppesfield
Saturday 8th, Hymn Writers day, The Chapel, 9:--4pm bring packed lunch! Book at www.resoundworship.org
Wednesday 19th, Mobile Library, Chapel End Way, 16:35, Village Hall 16:55

MARCH
Saturday 1st, Springtime Wild West Quiz, Village Hall, 7:30pm
Wednesday 5th, Mobile Library, Chapel End Way, 16:35, Village Hall 16:55
Wednesday 19th, Mobile Library, Chapel End Way, 16:35, Village Hall 16:55
Saturday 22nd, Easter Craft Day, 10-12:30. The Chapel. Please book a 30minute slot for your chosen artistic activity at 01440 730211.

Items for the next Newsletter by 17th March Steve Platt Tel : 01440 785638 or Mobile : 07767 357016 Email : me@stephenplatt.com