Stambourne

In this issue:

• STAMBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL
• ST. PETER & ST. THOMAS BECKET PARISH CHURCH
• SERVICES AT STAMBOURNE FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS
• STAMBOURNE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
• WHAT’S ON AT THE CHAPEL
• STAMBOURNE LADIES GROUP
• STAMBOURNE ACTIVITIES
• OTHER ACTIVITIES

There have been a number of break-ins in the area recently. With this in mind it has been proposed that there should be a review of security for the Pavilion and car park – looking at lighting and CCTV. Thank you to Mr Hodges who has generously offered a donation and support with this.

Pavilion

The Pavilion will be closed for the winter.

There are a couple of minor maintenance items which will be carried out.

Budget 2025-26

It was at this meeting that the Parish Council must agree its budget for the next financial year. All figures have been

Thank you to Eve who, as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award community project, repaired and refurbished the fingerpost sign on Birdbrook corner. Well done Eve.

Most of our roads are in a reasonable order for the time of year. However, anyone can report any highways issues to Essex County Council on its website at essex.gov.uk and follow the links.

The speed of vehicles through the village has often been a cause for concern and is regularly discussed at the meetings.

The purchase of the speed sign has helped but still many drivers ignore the speed limits. The speed sign is moved regularly between three locations in Stambourne.

Thank you to Martyn Fall who moves the sign and recharges the batteries when needed.

It has been proposed to try and set up a Speed Watch Scheme. To get this underway ten volunteers are needed who would be prepared to undertake training and be part of the scheme.

If you are interested, please contact Wendy Anderson who has kindly offered to co-ordinate this: wendy.anderson1953@yahoo.co.uk.

Firstly thank you to everyone who took the trouble to give an opinion, whatever side of the debate you are on.

I did not respond to you all individually, but all responses were passed to and considered by the Parish Council. There was no overall majority—this was not a formal poll, but a garnering of opinion.

After much consideration, the Parish Council have agreed to open the Playing Field to dogs for a winter access TRIAL PERIOD ONLY until March 2025 when it will be reviewed at the March Parish Council meeting. This will be a winter access arrangement only taking into account those people who cited mobility issues when the footpaths are muddy. 

Here is the code of conduct expected of those who choose to use the Playing Field:

• Dogs must be under close control/on a lead at all times – there is livestock on two sides of the Playing Field where dogs are not permitted, and the surrounding hedge is not dog-proof.
• Dog owners are responsible for clearing up after their dogs.
• There will be no dog waste bin on the Playing Field during this trial period – please clear up after your dogs and it would be preferred if you would take your dog bags away with you and dispose of them in the dog bins in the village, or in your own bins. This will be reviewed in March.
• This is a winter arrangement only, in line with most beaches; and in the summer months it will be strictly no dogs. The footpaths during the summer months should be drier and accessible and gives those who would prefer a dog-free zone time on the Playing Field with no dogs present.
• The Parish Council is not responsible for any loss, damage or injury to any person or animal whilst on or using the Playing Field.

I hope that you will all respect this democratically made decision and respect the time zones for when dogs are and are not allowed on the Playing Field and work together to keep the Playing Field an asset for everyone in the village and wider community.

It is disappointing that I have to report that the conduct of a couple of members of the public present at the meeting was extremely unpleasant, particularly in how they spoke to Parish Councillors. They also did not respect the meeting process. The Parish Councillors are all volunteers who willingly give up their time for our village and do not deserve, nor should they be subjected to, this type of behaviour. Parish Council meetings are open to the public and you are welcome to attend but there is an expectation that people speak politely and respect the democratic process.

After the disappointment of having to cancel Bonfire Night in 2023 due to the weather, this year’s event was a huge success with possibly the highest turnout of people in many years. The weather was perfect and fireworks spectacular.

It is not possible to put on an event of this kind, which is led by members of the Parish Council, without a huge number of volunteers who come forward every year and give up their time to help, so here goes:

A huge thank you to everyone – teams of people managing the bonfire, the fireworks, in the kitchen, on the barbecue and managing the car parking and thank you to everyone in the village for your forbearance with the influx of traffic on our small roads.

Thank you also to Splinters for the use of their barbecue and the landowner who kindly allowed last minute overflow parking on the adjacent field.

Thank you to Mick Pyman who kindly did an additional verge cut, Michael for grass cutting ahead of bonfire night and Richard for cleaning the Pavilion afterwards.

All profits made are put back into the village. This event is run not just to raise funds but also to give families an affordable enjoyable evening.

There is also a brilliant video courtesy of Jude and Steve.

Parish Council Meeting Dates 2025
• 23rd January 2025
• 20th March 2025
• 22nd May 2025
• 17th July 2025
• 18th September 2025
• 20th November 2025

All are Thursdays at 7.30pm in the Village Hall unless shown otherwise.

More details may be found here »

Full minutes and agendas are available here: stambourne.com/parish-council.

Debbie Hilliard, Parish Clerk

clerk@stambournepc.org.uk, 01440 785 629

On 13th November 2024, the Churchwardens in the seven churches of our Benefice received the excellent and long awaited news from the Cabinet Office that The King had approved the appointment of The Reverend Justin Tomkins as Rector of the Hedingham and Upper Colne Benefice. Rev. Justin’s licensing will take place on Monday 13th January 2025 at St Peter’s Church in Sible Hedingham at 7.30pm.  ALL ARE WELCOME.

It is hoped that Tia Stickland will “look after” Stambourne Church but until the end of September 2025, when Tia completes all her training, she is unable to take Holy Communion services. With this in mind and the fact that Rev. Justin will have a lot more responsibility throughout the seven Churches, he has asked retired clergy and Tia what they are able to commit to from January 2025.

I am therefore reporting that as from January 2025 Stambourne Church service times will be as follows:

• 1st Sunday of the month:
9.30am – MORNING PRAYER

• 3rd Sunday of the month:
11am – HOLY COMMUNION

There will NO longer be a service on 2nd Sunday & the new 3rd Sunday time is 11am.

This will take a little bit of adjusting too not just for the regular congregation but also for me! So please bear with us and until names are confirmed I will only be listing service dates and times.

Val Kerrison, Churchwarden

valeriekerrison@outlook.com, 01440 785 752 or 07879 816 362

Stambourne Congregational Church has begun its re-launch. We now have a new kitchen that should comply with all current regulations. Next year we are looking at resuming the many community events  that have been absent of late. Film shows, games nights, and of course Bible Studies. If you have an idea for a community event you would like us to hold, please let us know.

We have a coffee morning every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm where you would be most welcome.

In November 2024 we were able to make two deliveries of aid to the Ukraine charity – Felsted Aid for Deprived Children (UK Aid). There were boxes of dried food, sleeping bags, tents, blankets, sanitary products, nappies, medical aids, clothing and more.

If you can donate anything like this, please speak to a member of the Church.

We also made a £1000 donation to the orphanage in India run by Pastor John. We continue to send a regular amount several times a year. Finally the charity Open Doors which helps persecuted Christians worldwide will soon receive a donation. These charities, along with Macmillan and occasionally others, are all part of our regular support here at Stambourne.

As Christmas approaches we see our houses both inside and often outside beginning to look like something from a fairy tale. Lights, tinsel and of course the Christmas tree. Shops begin to get busy as people begin buying extra food, presents and decorations. You may also notice that the standard of driving declines as many become focused on Christmas preparations.

It is all too easy to get caught up in all this frenzy and lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas. Soon we will all be ready for Christmas but what is it that we get ready for?

Is it the family get together, or the food, or maybe the presents. It is most likely that for most of the population Christ will “not get a look in”. We are reminded of the Jews 2000 years ago. They were ready for the Messiah but not for Jesus.

If you are reading this, don’t fall into that same trap and fail to recognise the true Christmas meaning. So as you prepare for Christmas don’t forget to prepare for Jesus. He is the reason for the season.

God bless,

Brian Mead

Talk: Christmas decorations »

On Wednesday 13th November 2024, the group had a talk and demonstration of Christmas Wreath Making by Deb Hart which was not only informative but a lot of fun!! Plus one lucky member won the finished article – see if you can spot it around the village!

• Wednesday, 13th November 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.

Christmas Meal 2024 »

Join the Stambourne Ladies Group for our annual Christmas meal and celebrate the upcoming holiday season with us! BOOKING ESSENTIAL

• Wednesday, 9th October 2024
• 7pm for 7.30pm
• Cost: please contact us
• The White Hart, Poole Street, Great Yeldham CO9 4HJ

Contact Lorna on 07980 922 636 or Zoe on 07740 723 057 for more details.

Welcome to 2025! »

The Committee wish all members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to welcoming existing and new members to the first meeting in 2025. Guests are welcome.

• Wednesday, 12th February 2025
• 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.

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 or by email at: rosihorton1@gmail.com for more details.

Halloween Quiz Night »

A big thanks to everyone who came to the quiz and who bought Grande Draw Tickets. Everyone had a good time.

Thanks also to Zoe for her lovely chilli and to Fiona and Tony for very good quiz questions.

Winter Market in Stambourne »

• Saturday, 15th February 2025
• 10.30am – 1.30pm
• Stambourne Village Hall, Church Road, Stambourne CO9 4NP
• FREE ADMISSION!

Contact Coral Fordham on 07876 553 332 for more details.

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 »

NOTICE OF MAKING OF AN ORDER
HIGHWAYS ACT 1980
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
PUBLIC PATH DIVERSION ORDER 2024
FOOTPATH 24 STAMBOURNE

The above order made on 24 October 2024 under section 119 of the Highways Act 1980, as shown on the order maps will divert a part length of Footpath 24 Stambourne of unknown width shown by a bold continuous line on the order map commencing from a point located on a path between property boundaries running in a south easterly direction across a garden and through a paddock for a distance of 179 metres to a point located approximately 21 metres from the south west corner of the field running in a north easterly direction within a paddock for a final distance of 21 metres to a point at a field boundary where it continues unaffected, to an alternative route of variable width being between 1.8 and 2 metres in width shown by a bold broken line on the order map commencing at the aforementioned start point running in a generally south easterly direction alongside a paddock for a total distance of 180 metres to the aforementioned end point where it continues unaffected.

Copies of the order and order map can be requested to be posted or viewed by emailing publicpathorders@essexhighways.org to arrange a suitable time to inspect the documents quoting the Order title. Documents can be made available for inspection 8.30am-4.30pm Mon-Fri at Essex County Council, County Hall, E block main reception, Market Road, Chelmsford if so required following the current social distancing restrictions. Copies of the order and order map
are available on Essex Highways website at: https://www.essexhighways.org/public-path-notices and have also been sent to Braintree District Council and Stambourne Parish Council.

Any representations about or objections to the order may be sent in writing to Public Path Orders, Definitive Map Service, Essex County Council, Seax House, 2nd Floor, Victoria Road South, Chelmsford CM1 1QH not later than 12 December 2024. Please state the grounds on which they are made.

If no such representations or objections are duly made, or if any so made are withdrawn, Essex County Council may confirm the Order as an unopposed order. If the Order is sent to the Secretary of State for the Environment for confirmation any representations or objections which have not been withdrawn will be sent together with the Order. Any such representation or objections will be taken into account by the Council with the result that they may be made available to the public under the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

Dated 14 November 2024