Rivenhall & Silver EndParish Magazine

June 2013 40p

Our Services this Month

2nd June 2013 1st Sunday after Trinity9.30 am St. Francis Holy Communion Rev. Paul Watkin11 am All Age Worship Rev. Paul Watkin

9th June 2013 2nd Sunday after Trinity9.30 am St. Francis Morning Prayer Rev. Paul Watkin11 am St. Marys HC with Sunday School Rev. Paul Watkin

16th June 2013 3rd Sunday after Trinity9.30 am St. Francis Holy Communion Rev. Paul Watkin11 am All Age Charity Eucharist Rev. Paul Watkin

23rd June 2013 4th Sunday after Trinity9.30 am St. Francis Morning Prayer Rev. Paul Watkin11 am St. Mary’s Holy Communion Rev. Paul Watkin3 p.m St Mary’s Churchyard Service Chelmsford SilverBand Rev Paul Watkin

30th June 2013 Feast of St Peter & St Paul11 am St Mary’s Joint Service Rev. Paul Watkin

Church ContactsPriest-in-Charge Rev. Paul Watkin 01376 583930

psgw100@aol.comChurchwarden Oliver Clarke 01376 514825Churchwarden Peter Hope 01376 502605Rivenhall Contact Carole McCarthy 01376 512781Silver End Contact Ruth Aitken 01376 583846Please hand articles for the magazine to Peter Hope or email to team.riv-se@hotmail.co.uk by 18th of the month.

Rivenhall Website www.stmarysrivenhall.co.ukSt Francis Silver End Website www.st-francis.org.uk/Rivenhall School www.rivenhallprimary.co.uk/

Church OpeningFor all those who would like to visit the church or show Friends round St Mary’s Church

Rivenhall is open from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m every Sunday from 5th May to 6th October

We (The editorial team) reserve the right to edit (i.e. cut, précis, alter, correct grammar orspelling) any item published and our decision is final

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Monthly musings from your parish priest.

“In the name of the the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”These words will probably be familiar to everyone reading this. But perhaps notonly because they are regularly said in church, but the acknowledgment of the

about in society as well. You will even find these words used within TV pro-

each service by saying this, and whilst doing so making the sign of the cross;and I firmly feel that this is simply the right way to commence our worship to-gether for at least three reasons. Firstly because we should remind ourselvesthat everything we doing in church is done for God and in his presence. Second-

–the very bedrock of our belief.

Now towards the end of last month, you may recall that we celebrated TrinitySunday; a wonderful occasion to remind ourselves to truly acknowledge andworship God as God is. However, this isn't something which we ought to thinkabout on this day alone, but throughout the year as a whole. Perhaps that's inpart way the Sundays leading towards Advent over the summer and autumn

But the presence of the Triune (3 in 1) God in our lives is far from somethingwhich we should keep to ourselves, quite the opposite in fact. At the very end

structed his disciples, now being sent out as apostles, to “Go and make disciples

Let's keep this in mind for a moment...

The 29th of this month is the feast day of two of the most important figureswithin the early church: St Peter and St Paul, and so the next day, on Sundaythe 30th we'll remember and celebrate their lives, and the example which theyleave us with today.

When Simon-Peter exclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus replied in saying

importantly for us, that he would be the rock upon which the church would be-18)

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As you may know, St Paul's coming to the understanding as to who Jesus iswas quite different. Saul as he was then known came from the Pharisee tradi-

professing faith in Jesus as the Son of God, that he might bring them boundback to Jerusalem – presumably to stand trial for blasphemy and for perver-

-2). But on the road toward Damascus, he had a life-

became known as Paul, and though he was never one of Jesus' twelve disci-

-

--eastern parts of the ancient world. Hence the

-out

And so back to the Holy Trinity. The two 'rocks' of St Peter and St Paul in theearly church leave us with a good example to follow. They listened to thevoice of God through Jesus in their own lives and went on to bring the goodnews of the love of God to the people whom they then encountered, guided

in today. So let's celebrate the lives of Peter and Paul by worshipping the tri-

share in a Rock Cake on the 30th too!

But let us finally consider the word 'apostle' itself; meaning tobe 'sent out'. Let us also allow God to lead us on, and send usout into this part of his world (or to whereever God may oneday take us) to bring the Good news of the love of God to thepeople whom we meet, throughout our daily lives as well.

Rev. Paul Watkin

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From the RegistersFunerals: Non

Baptisms:

28th April Mathew John Crawford12 May Chloe May Crawford & Charlie Blake19th May Devena Church, Jack Auistin, Alfred Nichol-son

Weddings:

13th April 2013 Simon David Maughan and Claire Taylor

Readings & Collects for June2nd June 2013 1st Sunday after Trinity1 Kings 8:22-23, 41-43Galatians 1:1-12Luke 7:1-10CollectGod of truth,help us to keep your law of loveand to walk in ways of wisdom,that we may find true lifein Jesus Christ your Son.

9th June 2013 2nd Sunday after Trinity1 Kings 17:17-24Galatians 1:11-24Luke 7:11-17CollectFaithful Creator,whose mercy never fails:deepen our faithfulness to youand to your living Word,Jesus Christ our Lord.

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16th June 2013 3rd Sunday after Trinity2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15Galatians 2:15-21Luke 7:36-8:3CollectGod our saviour,look on this wounded worldin pity and in power;hold us fast to your promises of peacewon for us by your Son,our Saviour Jesus Christ.

23rd June 2013 4th Sunday after TrinityIsaiah 65:1-9Galatians 3:23-29Luke 8:26-39CollectGracious Father,by the obedience of Jesusyou brought salvation to our wayward world:draw us into harmony with your will,that we may find all things restored in him,our Saviour Jesus Christ.

30th June 2013 Feast of St Peter & St PaulActs 12: 1-112 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18Mathew 16: 13-19CollectAlmighty God,whose blessed apostles Peter and Paulglorified you in their death as in their life:grant that your Church,inspired by their teaching and example,and made one by your Spirit,may ever stand firm upon the one foundation,Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,who is alive and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.

The 50/50 ClubThe Churches in Rivenhall and Silver End are suffering financial diffi-culties and one way people could help is by recruiting new 50/50 club

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members or even taking out a second membership for a family mem-ber as a Christmas or Birthday gift. The prizes are £30 for first, £20 for2nd, and £10 for third prize and the draw is monthly. Annual member-ship is £12. If you would like to sign up or want further informationplease let me Peter Hope 01376 502605 or Oliver Clarke 01376 514825know. Many Thanks Peter

The 50-50 winners for April were:

1st Sue Ellen, 2nd Oliver Clarke, 3rd David Hope

St MARY’S CHURCH RIVENHALL 2013 SUMMER OPENING

The Church will be open every Sunday between 5 May and 6thOctober for visitors.

If you want to visit the church during the week the Church yardgang are there between 9 am and 12 noon on Wednesdays.

Note if you would like to help in the Church Yard on Wenesdaysgo along and I am sure they can find you a job.

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

NOTES OF THE RIVENHALL ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLYHELD ON TUESDAY 7th MAY 2013

In the Chair: Cllr. Abbott who welcomed everyone to the Assembly.

There were 21 persons present at the meeting, including Parish Coun-cillors, Nicola Beach (Chief Executive of BDC), PCSO Will Gladwell(Essex Police) and the Parish Clerk.

Minutes of the 2012 Parish Assembly – approved by the assemblyand then signed by the Chairman.

Chairman’s report - As a full report had previously been circulated toresidents within the parish in the Annual Report, the Chairman gave abrief resume and an updates regarding the following:

The response by ECC Highways to reported repairs required, andthe progress of the three projects referred to the Highways Panel.

The on-going negotiations with ECC regarding potential ownershipof Tarecroft Wood. This will be included for a full discussion at theJune meeting of the Parish Council. A show of hands by thosepresent indicated a clear majority support for the action being

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considered by the Parish Council to obtain the freehold. Identification of diseased trees to be communicated to the Par-

ish Council. Thanks to everyone who has assisted in maintaining the im-

pressive visual appearance of the parish, which enabled Riv-enhall to come first in its village class of the Essex Best KeptVillage Competition in 2012.

BDC Chief Executive - Nicola Beach gave a brief outline of the cur-rent BDC services and the financial restraints resulting from the re-duction in Government Grants. The new Localism Grant has been in-troduced for Parish Councils, although the amount may in future beeither reduced or increased depending on Government Grants toBDC. Nicola also made reference to the following: Community Rightsunder the Localism Act; the commencement of the building of thenew Witham Leisure Centre, The Boundary Commission consultationof the number of BDC Councillors, the improvement of Town Centres,the clean and green policy with regard to littering/fly tipping, fasterBroadband provision within rural areas, affordable housing and theimprovement to local play areas and Leisure Centres.

A number of matters were raised as questions from the meeting in-cluding the need for improvement of the local infrastructure withinthe Witham/Rivenhall area, particularly bearing in mind the proposednew development in the area of the Witham/Rivenhall boundary.

Essex Police - PCSO Gladwell outlined details of the local crime fig-ures, which indicate a slight reduction from the previous year. Healso highlighted the problems caused by the parking of vehicles atthe School in Church Road and confirmed that speed checks werealso being undertaken in other roads in the parish.

Final remarks - The Chairman indicated that, in regard to the park-ing in Church Road, progress was being made via the North EssexParking Partnership to introduce further school time parking re-strictions from the playing field entrance along to the Church.After these final remarks, and thanks to everyone who attended, theChairman closed the meeting at 7.30 pm.

RIVENHALL PARISH COUNCILNOTES OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD 7TH MAY(The meeting started early at 7.30pm due to the earlyclosure of the preceding Annual Parish Assembly)Present: Cllrs. Abbott (Chairman), Bills, Wright, Prime, Brailey,

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Turner and Clark.Also present: Parish Clerk and 6 members of the public.

Election of Chairman

Proposed by Cllr. Bills, seconded by Cllr. Wright that Cllr. Ab-bott be re-elected as Chairman. This was agreed by a vote of 4in favour with 2 abstentions. Cllr. Abbott acceded and signed theChairman’s Acceptance of Office.

Election of Vice-Chairman

Proposed by Cllr. Wright, seconded by Cllr. Brailey that Cllr.Bills be re-elected as Vice-Chairman. This was agreed by a vote of4 in favour with 2 abstentions. Cllr. Bills acceded.

Public Forum

The Chairman was congratulated upon being elected as a Member ofEssex County Council.

To appoint Council representatives to outside bodies

The following nominations were unanimously agreed

RPFA – Cllr. BillsBALC – Cllr. PrimeEALC – Cllr. PrimeHighways Liaison – Cllr. AbbottTree Warden – Cllr. ClarkEmergency Contact – Cllr. WrightFootpath liaison including ECC P3 – Cllr. BraileyHenry Dixon Hall Charity – Cllr. ClarkEssex Police liaison – Cllr. BillsCommunity Speedwatch – Cllr. BillsPassenger Transport Liaison – Cllr. Prime

Matters for Discussion

Solar Farm planning application – Little Braxted Hall

Despite two requests being made by the Clerk to Maldon DistrictCouncil, no details have been made available other than those re-ported in the local press. An approach will be made to Witham TownCouncil, who have submitted comments to Maldon District Council,in an endeavour to obtain accurate information for consideration atthe June meeting.

Highway MaintenanceThere has been a temporary repair of the pothole in the centre of

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the zebra crossing in Church Road.

No date has been given for the resurfacing of Rickstones Road; theChairman will try to obtain a date from ECC.

The pump under the A12 on Henry Dixon Road has failed once againand the Highways Agency has promised an investigation with a viewto a possible new pump being installed.

The count down speed signs in Church Road are loose; ECC have been in-formed.

Maintenance

Damage/vandalism to the basketball court fencing and the playing field fencingare to be reported to both BDC and Essex Police.

The notice board at Rivenhall End requires attention to stop water ingress.

Additional wooden posts are required for the Village Green; it was unanimous-ly agreed that the sum of £300 be allocated for the purchase of 12 posts. Cllr.Clark will arrange a suitable supplier for the Clerk to issue an order.

The village sign on the Village Green requires urgent attention.

Planning ApplicationsThere were no new applications to consider.

Planning Results13/00255/FUL: Proposed internal and external alterations and part conversionof existing stabling into office use – Hoo Hall.Application granted by BDC.

Ongoing Planning IssuesLocal Development Framework

Landowner proposed additional site near the Old Rectory. It was unanimouslyagreed that this proposal be rejected for the following reasons:

In the Parish Appraisal (PA) carried out in 2003, 81% of residents were againstdevelopment of green wedge areas of which this site is one.In the PA question “Should that part of the John Ray Walk that passes throughthe parish be preserved against development” 97% were in favour of preserva-tion.For the PA question “Should Rectory Lane be preserved from development”87% voted ‘Yes’.In the Village Design Statement (VDS) approved as a Material Planning Consid-eration in 2005, the guidelines include that “Rectory Lane should be preservedin its current dimensions”.Both in the PA and VDS it is evidenced that parishioners wish to preserve an

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area of clear countryside between Witham and Rivenhall.

It is also clear from the PA that parishioners want any new developments of anysize to be “…within Rivenhall but not into Rivenhall”.

The Old Rectory parkland is currently designated as an area for preservation inthe emerging new Local Plan.

Rivenhall Parish Council objected strongly, alongside Witham Town Council, tothe proposal to develop housing up to Rectory Lane as part of the 300 newhomes off Forest Road. Although approved to be included in the new Local Plan,that site was moved back from Rectory Lane to avoid harming the lane.

If permission was to be given to build on any part of the Old Rectory site, it wouldopen the way for further applications in the area.

No development other than conversions of barns/existing buildings should beallowed on the site. This will protect an area of special rural character that doesnot exist elsewhere with the parish of Rivenhall and is part of John Ray Walk,safe for pedestrians and an oasis of peace and old world charm. It will also pre-serve a countryside wedge between Rivenhall and Witham.

The proposed site lies within 30 metres of the Old Rectory, which is a listed build-ing; development would have a serious detrimental effect on this property.

The cumulative effect of the proposal together with the already allocated ForestRoad development would worsen the existing overstretched infrastructure of thenorthern part of Witham.

Braintree District Local Highways Panel

All three Rivenhall projects continue to progress. The next Panel meeting will bein July.

Tarecroft Wood: Freehold Transfer

This matter was deferred until the June meeting so that any further public com-ments/representations might be fully discussed.

CorrespondenceThe next Passenger Transport Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 25th June atThe Courtauld Gallery, Braintree Town Hall. Cllr. Prime agreed to attend.

Following a request it was unanimously agreed that £30 be approved for sum-mer planting at Rivenhall End and £80 for bulbs for the parish generally.

FinanceTo agree the final accounts for 2012/13 and for the Chairman to sign the AnnualReturnIt was unanimously agreed that the Chairman sign the Annual Return, which hethen did.

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To review the Clerk’s salary

It was agreed that the Clerk's salary be set at a new rate with effect from 1st April2013 in accordance with the latest NALC agreed pay scales.

Information exchange and items for the next agendaFootpath 59, previously notified as being overgrown has been trimmed back.Footpaths 7 and 8 being flooded have been reported to ECC.Rubbish left at the bottom end of the Playing Field has been cleared by theMaintenance Contractor.Bluebells are reported as blooming in the local woodlands.Dates of future meetingsTuesdays 4th June at Henry Dixon Hall and 2nd July at Rivenhall Village Hall, bothat 8pm.

Sky Notes June 2013The Summer Solstice this year takes place on June 21st just after 6amBST - an hour and a half after sunrise. At local noon on the 21st, theSun beams down from an altitude of nearly 62 degrees, as high in thesky as is possible from our latitude.The June Full Moon follows on the night of the 22nd/23rd, low down inthe Southern sky.Saturn remains well placed in the late evening sky, about 12 degreesto the left of the bright star Spica in Virgo. The waxing gibbous Moonwill pass about 5 degrees below the ringed planet on the night of the19th/20th.Venus may be glimpsed after Sunset low in the North West, joined formost of the month by Mercury. Both of the inner planets of the SolarSystem will be in Gemini, below the 2 lead stars of The Twins. Mercurywill be of similar brightness to the Twins, but Venus will be muchbrighter.June is usually the best month of the year for observing noctilucentclouds (NLC). These clouds are high atmosphere formations thought tobe composed of small ice-coated particles. They form at very high alti-tudes - around 82 km above sea level - and so are a quite separatephenomenon from normal weather. They are best seen from our lati-tude after sunset and before sunrise. The period from 10.30 pm to 11pm is a good time to look, towards the North West and in the twilightglow. The clouds take a variety of forms, more often silvery interwovenstreaks and waves.Sky Watcher

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The Raise the Roof AuctionOur auction which was held on April 27th in aid of the re-thatching ofSt. Francis church was a tremendous success, raising almost £2,800.It was a special treat to be invited to Eileen and John’s lovely home:the Old Rectory, for this fun occasion.Everyone enjoyed a delicious finger buffet provided by Christine andwe are extremely grateful to her for all her talented, hard work. As anaccompaniment to that, the wine bar was much appreciated.Appetites for the main event also were whet by a very interesting col-lectables stall and a raffle with great prizes. Alongside these a range ofRaise the Roof T-shirts was on display.These are still available and fantastic value for only £10.00 each.Anyone considering buying one might note that the slogan is both use-ful for advertising our cause and cool enough to be worn casually dur-ing the hot summer I am anticipating with confidence. Please see theorder forms at the back of St. Mary’s and St. Francis churches forchoice of slogans and colours if interested.All of this before the main event!Those of us too busy eating to examine the items for auction eventual-ly discovered a fabulous variety of lots to tempt us. These ranged fromsets of fine china to vintage whiskey.The auctioneer, Trevor Carnforth from Chalkwell Auctions, who kindlygave his time free of charge, entertained us with his witty expertisewhile Eileen added her own unique humour. Trevor has kindly offeredto hold an ‘Antiques Road Show’ so check your lofts for any previouslyunknown Caravaggios, Chippendale carver chairs or a hand writtenscore by Debussy.Like everyone else I’ve spoken to who managed to make it to the auc-tion, Tom and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Tom, who is now theproud owner of a signed Terry Wogan photograph, is currently proudlysporting a genuine tile from the Alien movie on his study wall. I amkeeping warm under my new intricately hand crafted throw whilstreading Inspector Morse novels.There are many people to thank for their particular hard work andnames immediately coming to mind are Trevor, Christine, Ann and Oli-ver, and Eileen and John Peter & Clare running the Bar. With any luckthey might be persuaded to make a repeat performance next spring.

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Riventots"Play & Stay" Parent and Toddler GroupRivenhall Village HallEvery Wednesday 9.45am - 11.30am£2 for first child £1 for extra tots

The ArkIt's Open House at Rivenhall Village HallSaturdays 2pm - 4pmCome along with friends for Tea, Coffee & Cake

Tel: 07538 599584 or email info@rivenhallark.co.uk

Bingo!Saturdays 7.30pm - 9.30pmRivenhall Village Hall, Entry 50pBring a friend for an evening of fun! Everyone WelcomeCall Jack on 01376 514255

Rivenhall Village Hall2nd & 4th Monday of the month7.30 -10pm Great for fitness and a good laugh too!Call Sue on 01206 303338

Rivenhall Carpet BowlsRivenhall Village HallEvery Thursday - 7.30pm – 10pmCome along for an evening of fun with this friendly club.

Coffee MorningRivenhall Village HallEvery Friday 9am – 12 noonTea, Coffee, Cake and a chat with friends

Table TennisRivenhall Village Hall 2nd & 4th Monday of the Month 2pm – 4.30pm, Entry £3Membership of Witham and Braintree U3A required £15 pavisit the Witham and BraintreeGerry Gunton 01621 819682 or email guntongerry@aol.com or visit the tabletennis page on the village hall website www.rivenhallvillagehall.co.uk

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Backpacking - September 1987 - John MacraeHaving now decently equipped myself with good walkingequipment it was time for Wainwright’s Coast to Coast. With fourcolleagues I set off by train for Carlisle where a bed-and breakfastwas booked for the night. Early the following morning theCumbrian coastal train took me to St Bees from where I headedEast with the Irish Sea behind me and my trusty compass andWainwright guide in hand. The walk crosses three National Parks- the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North YorkshireMoors. All went well and at my first lunch-time stop at Cleater Iate heartily on delicious local pasties, but all afternoon the raincame down in stair-rods (the only rain I encountered), so it waswith some relief that I reached my B&B in Ennerdale (even thoughit was rather dark and cold).I awoke the next day to fabulous weather and I decided to takethe tough High Stile Alternative route, finally meeting up with myfriends at the rather swanky Scafell Hotel - a night of well-earnedluxury . . . and much red wine! Following overnight stops inPatterdale and Shap it was then into the Dales to a lovely 16thcentury manor farm in Muker.The long single-day stroll after Richmond was somewhatuninspiring but it ended with the sight of the North YorkshireMoors rising majestically before me. Over three further days Itraversed the rolling heather moors, crossing the steam railway atGlaisdale. On the final day under a beating sun I saw my firstglimpse of the sparkling North Sea - nearly there now. About twohours later my walk was completed and I entered, almost sadly,the delightful Robin Hoods Bay where I had a few refreshing beersand an excellent fish meal with my comrades, then a very goodnight’s sleep: mission accomplished and much enjoyed!It took me 11 days to complete my first Coast to Coast traverseand I averaged about 18 miles each day: now some 25 years latermy daily mileages are generally less but my love of hill walkingremains strong. At the time of this walk I was bed-and-breakfasting and it was to be a further three years before Istarted my really wild walks, pulling a full pack with tent, sleepingbag, karrimat, food and cooking equipment into very remote,beautiful and inspiring locations. New horizons, new countries andnew continents were yet to be experienced.

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RIVENHALL GARDENING CLUB

The monthly meeting was held in Rivenhall village hall on Tuesday 14thMay 2013, when Chairman Mrs. Pat Clark welcomed members andguests. A reminder was given for the Plant Sale on the 18th and plantsand cakes to sell were requested.

Dudley Chignall made a welcome return as our speaker and anenjoyable evening was spent viewing his wonderful photographs andlistening to his informative and amusing commentary on his and hiswife's `Journey to Paradise' on the mountainous and very beautifulsouth island of New Zealand.

COMPETITION RESULTS

Horticultural ( succulent pot plant)1st Don Scott 2nd Pat Clark 3rd Maurice Bacon

Domestic ( apple pie )1st Pat Clark 2nd Karen Hopegood 3rd Shirley Bacon

Flower of the Month1st Don Scott 2nd Shirley Bacon 3rd Maurice Bacon

The next Club meeting will be on Tuesday 11th June, 7.30pm inRivenhall village hall. Our speaker will be Natalie Smith from LittleBromley who farms rare breed sheep and sells the wool from theirorganically treated fleeces. I understand that she will have some woolfor sale on the evening. The competitions will be: Horticultural — anyvegetable. Domestic — Banana Loaf to given recipe. Flower of theMonth. Entrance is £1 to include refreshment. All visitors are welcomeand if you would like to become a member the annual subscription is£5. For further details contact the secretary on 01376 512781.

Why Criminals Won’t TOW the Line.The Braintree and Uttlesford districts have suffered a rise in caravan thefts, andthe criminals are becoming quite brazen. One theft was foiled by an alert resident,who saw two men attempting to steal his neighbour’s caravan in broad daylight,on a busy main road!Even caravan storage facilities have not been immune, with thieves exploiting anyweaknesses they can find in the site’s security.Quite often, well established security measures such as wheel clamps and hitchlocks are being quickly removed, which is very disconcerting for the contentiousowner, who believes they have taken reasonable steps to protect their caravan.Don’t be put off though; you should still use such devices.

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Try these top-tips:1. Remove your rear light bulbs – The majority of caravans are stolen overnight

and the police will always stop an unlit vehicle at night.2. Reverse the van up to a wall, tree or other substantial structure and invest in

a parking post, (£80) or a hooped barrier that can be fixed over the A-frame.(£100 to £200)

3. Consider fitting a tracker.4. Caravans manufactured since 1992 have a 17-digit registration number

(CRiS) etched on the chassis and windows. Write it in hidden places within thecaravan. (Most E.U. caravans do not use this number and are more at risk oftheft.)

5. Consider putting the CRiS number or your postcode, on the roof.6. Fit an alarm.7. Use a good quality hitch lock, or a steel tow-ball post set in concrete.8. Fit lockable wheel nuts or wheel clamps to the wheels.9. If storing a caravan try to use a Cassoa Gold facility for peace of mind http://www.cassoa.co.uk/Caravan_Storage_Home.aspx .10. Look out for each other's caravans off and on site and report anything suspi-cious. Call Crimestoppers if you wish to remain anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

St. Francis ChurchSilver End Saturday

20th July 2013 7.30 p.m.Harp Recital

By Kirsten SmithTickets £8

Inc Strawberries & Cream and a Glass of WineIN AID OF ST FRANCIS

RAISE THE ROOF APPEALAll enquiries to Clare Hope 01376 502605

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A Day at a Wedding by Margaret Martin

In April we had a wonderful day at our son’s wedding and thosewho know me will not be surprised to hear that I took over 200photos!I decided I would like to make up a wedding photo book for ourmuch loved new daughter-in-law. I took a lot of time choosingwhich photos to include and eventually went to boots to pro-duce the album. I thought it would be quite difficult but itturned out to be far more complex than I had anticipated andafter about 2 hours of struggle—I’m not very computer smart—I managed to over run, by mistake my chance to check mysubmission. When two weeks later I collected the album I wascross to find there were some mistakes . I fretted about thisand then thought in spite of the cost I would have another go.So today, I returned to Boots and on the way I said a littleprayer a sort of “please God help me to concentrate and tomake this album as good as it can be and then I sought ofthought to myself “if I’m able to do the album correctly thistime, I’ll be so thankful that I’ll be really happy all day.This time I not only made sure I checked the position of thephoto’s carefully but also asked a member of staff to checkagain with me. I’m sure this one will be fine. After all my effort,I went to buy a coffee and cake. Just as I’d taken my tray offthe counter a man bumped into my back hard so that the trayfell from my grip and the coffee soaked my T-Shirt and Skirt. Itwasn’t hot enough but it was uncomfortable and embarrassingBut then I remembered the postscript to my prayer and I had adelightful fancy that God was fondly laughing at me!

Recipe for June by Ann Clarke(who seems to be dreaming of the Isle of Arran)

In a break from my mothers cook book, this month a recipefrom Norway.These biscuit were a hit with the guests at our Fjord evening.Norwegian Holiday cookies (makes 36)

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1 cup butter2 eggs, separated½ cup soft brown sugar

2 cups flourSome jam1lb walnuts crushed (this is rather a lot, and can be replaced byoats if nuts are a problem)

Combine butter, egg yolks and brown sugar in a mixerAdd flour gradually. You should have a ball of dough. Now, thenorwegian recipe states:‘Form 1 in balls’? so I cut the ball of dough in half, then eachhalf in half, and broke each quarter into 9 pieces and rolled theminto balls.Whisk the egg whites gently with a fork, then dip each ball firstin the egg yolk, then into the walnuts. It is a bit messy. Placeon an ungreased baking sheet. (I put mine on greaseproof pa-per.Using the wrong end of a wooden spoon make a hollow in thecentre of each ball. Wiggle the spoon about so that you can fillthe hole with jam.Bake at gas 4, 180 degrees for 20 mins.

Caption CompetitionWe are holding a caption competition and will publish the best

results so put your thinking capson for this picture.

Could be a speech bubble

Please give your entries to Peter Hopeor Ann Clarke or e-mail topeter.hope@speedybroadband.co.uk

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Dandelions (Taraxcum officinale )I have never seen such a crop of dandelions as there is this year.Maybe it was the wet summer of 2012 that encouraged their ger-mination.Dandelions are native to Europe, and can be found in fields, mead-ows, roadsides and wasteland, in fact anywhere there is a nitro-gen rich soil.Their name "officinale" indicates it is a herb used in medicine. Thename dandelion is a corruption of the French "dens de lion " lion'steeth. The leaves are rich in vitamins B and C, and can be used ina wild food salad. The juice of the leaves and stems are said toremove warts! The roots can be dried, roasted and ground tomake a caffeine-free coffee substitute. ( sounds ghastly ! ) but itwas used in France in the war.As children we loved to pick the fluffy seed heads and blow say-ing, one o'clock, two o'clock, and pretend to tell the time. An-other use was to flavour the fizzy drink " dandelion and bur-dock "Most gardeners think they are an awful weed with long tap roots,which are difficult to dig up. They may look colourful on theroadside but not in my garden.

Have you heard the cuckoo yet?The cuckoo comes in April,He sings his song in May.In the middle of June he changes his tune,In July he flies away

Every country child knows this little rhyme. The call of the cuckooin May is a real sign that summer has arrived. The little wild flow-er, Cardamine pratense ,( common name, cuckoo flower) is now inflower in my garden. It is such a pretty, delicate flower with pinky/lavender flowers. It always flowers in time to welcome the cuckoo.

The cuckoo is a strange bird in many ways. They spend the winterin sub-Saharan Africa, They then under take the long journeynorth through Spain and France ( the French call him coucou) ,until they arrive in the country of their birth in April.

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With our spring being so late this year , will they be late in arriving?Will their favourite food (hairy caterpillars ) have developed? Willtheir host birds(wren, dunnock, pied wagtail and robin have builttheir nests?) If they have been listening to our weather forecasts,they may have decided not to come!

Who could blame them!But I am sure she will lay her eggs in some poor unsuspecting bird'snest and leave the rearing of the enormous offspring to others. Solisten out for their call, early in the morning in May. While they areenjoying a carefree life another bird is doing all the hard work. Whata crafty birds they are! Their poor offspring will have to find its ownway to Africa, isn't Nature wonderful.

Treehugger

PERSONAL REFLECTIONSOF ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS’CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD -

RIVENHALL by Kath Lewis Part 2

The Bell, which unfortunately has not been used for several years hasrecently been repaired thanks to fund raising and contributions -but atthe time of writing this, there are ‘Bats in the Belfry’ so we await theirmove! We look forward to when it can be rung once again for Serviceswhich we hope will be later this year. (See end)

The Organ in St Mary’s contains some parts that were originally in theOrgan at St George’s Chapel at Windsor. Keith Coleman has beenOrganist for over 46 years. He is also the Choir Master of a keen Choirof about 14 members both ladies and men, (I am proud to say at thistime I am still a member)

A few years ago the Church Choir was joined by Braintree Male Voiceand their Conductor to make a CD and this contains some items writ-ten by Keith. He has also written the Holy Communion setting which isused both in the Parish Church and St Francis’, Silver End for services.All are very appreciative of his hard work. Apart from all the voluntarywork he does for the Parish, Keith is also in demand as a Piano Accom-panist by many local people for Concerts and also for an ’Old Peoples’Home in Colchester - not giving his age away but he is senior to someof the Residents of the Home!

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The Churchyard - this is kept looking beautiful and is lovingly caredfor by a hardworking band of volunteers. These workers are owed agreat debt of gratitude for all their hard work , they keep the Church-yard looking tidy with all the grass mown and the grass surrounds ofthe graves kept tidy – it is a place of peace. Several benches, whichmostly have been donated In Memory of loved ones, are placed at van-tage points in the Churchyard where one can sit and reflect and viewthe lovely local countryside. A friend related to me that one day shewent to put some flowers on her husband’s grave and her cat was sit-ting on it! (Food for thought?)Deservedly, the folk who work in the Churchyard have won Awards for’Best Kept Churchyard’ and with some of the money from an Award aBird Table was purchased which adds to the peaceful atmosphere.“The Churchyard Gang” as they are known, were recently interviewedand photographed by the Essex Chronicle. The oldest member is a ladyin her 80’s who still digs her own garden, has a Greenhouse and pro-vides vegetables and flowers many of which are sold at various Churchfunctions to ‘swell’ Church Funds.Several years ago Stewart White of BBC Look East visited the Churchas some Roman bricks and tiles had been found in the Churchyard andI remember that he took some specimens back to Norwich and gave toSusie Fowler-Watt that evening on the Programme.On another occasion the BBC Look East visited was when some very oldhuman remains were being exhumed which were to be analysed forSmallpox. I was helping to arrange the Church flowers on that day,and, being inquisitive, I went down to have a look at the proceedings –and immediately I had a microphone ‘thrust’ in my face and was askeda question by Kim Riley, I was so flustered, unfortunately I cannot re-member what the conversation consisted of! I know I was on the pro-gramme that evening looking most untidy!! These remains were even-tually returned to the Church and were given another Christian Burialby the Bishop.I hope some of the above may be of interest to the Reader althoughvery many of you will be well aware of some or all of the items I haverecorded above - if that is the case ‘Sorry’!NB: The Bell was eventually repaired, paid for by various contribu-tions, but mostly due to the hard work of two parishioners organisingevents in memory of their son who was killed in an accident. His fathernow rings the Bell each Sunday.

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End to End Nature CareAt the time of writing the main thought on everyone's mind is the con-tinued absence of much in the way of spring weather, with overcastskies and below-average temperatures made yet colder by the breeze.As was touched upon last month, how this affects the course of eventsin the natural world can be very interesting.

In our field excursions of late we have found that some things haveappeared just about on time whereas others are late and some arespeeding away in an effort to catch up. For example, the thousands ofgreen-winged orchids at Oxley Meadow were displaying as expectedwhen we visited (a very impressive sight), as were the early purpleorchids in Rivenhall Thicks. although both species were possibly a littleshorter than at similar times in past. Bird life now seems just about onschedule in terms of migrants and nesting, but will the various foodsupplies required be available in time, particularly the insects re-quired by many species? This may affect the success of first broods ordelay their fledging and so restrict breeding pairs to the number ofbroods they can raise this year.The herpetofauna survey in the churchyard has recommenced and it ishoped that some impact of the hibernaculum installed last year maybe detected, although again the weather may have the final say. Thistime it may be a result of the harsh winter on survival rates in adults,while the relatively dry conditions of the last week or two are alreadyhaving apparent effects on what is found under the survey felts.Coming up in June we have a mixed bag of botany, aquatic inverte-brates and ants (!) plus whatever else we stumble across on our sum-mer amblings. Details are below, but for more info contact Simon on01621 810141 or visit www.e2e.silverend.org.

CAR TREASURE HUNTSunday 11th August 2.00 p.m

Start from Rivenhall Hall Farm adj St Mary’s Church£9.00 per Car

In Aid of St Mary’s Building and Appeals Committee

For More Information Contact:Martin Andrews 07952 708220

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Silver End Heritage SocietyMembers and guests enjoyed a visit to Frinton- on- Sea, an opportunityto compare architectural styles of the early 20th Century.The Grade 2* listed, Arts and Crafts house ‘The Homestead’ designed byarchitect designer, CFA Voysey, was viewed in 2nd Avenue along withother fine houses of a similar period.Following a leisurely lunch, a guided walking tour through Oliver Hills’Frinton Park Estate was ably lead by Rachel Baldwin, Chairman of Frinton& Walton Heritage Trust. During the walk members had an opportunity tovisit the pristine interiors of three of the houses, two of which are listed.Refreshments at the Heritage Museum rounded off the entertaining andinformative tour.

End to End Nature Care June Program5 June Silver End Wildflower Count (formerly the Common PlantSurvey). Meet in the Western Arms car park. Bring plant ID guides.12 June Bassett's Wood, Little Baddow, particularly to look at the ants.Meet in Toft's Chase, there is some verge parking near the bridlewayentrance on the bend at TL791084.19 June Freshwater dipping in the River Brain at Faulkbourne. Meet atHole Farm, off Cressing Road (under the small railway bridge -TL803187). Bring nets, wellies, etc.26 June Walk along the River Chelmer from Ulting. Meet at Hoe Millbridge (TL808082).

The Aumbry at St Mary’s

We now have a new Aumbry given in Bill Baker'smemory, installed 23 May, and to be dedicatedTrinity Sunday 2013. for those who wonder whatthis is the dictionary definition is . a recessedcupboard in the wall of a church near the altar, usedto store sacred vessels, etc It will enable Rev. Paulto maintain a supply of consecrated bread and winefor use with home communions and for occasionswhen we do not have an ordained priest but want tohold a communion service.

Organisations in RivenhallClerk to Parish Council Keith Taylor 516975Email parishclerk@rivenhallparishcouncil.net meets every first TuesdayAge Concern (Witham area) Margaret Prime 514255End to End Nature Care Simon Taylor 01621 810141Gardening Club Carole McCarthy 512781Meets on 2nd Tuesday at 7.30pm in Village HallCarpet Bowls Mick Marshall 512836Meets every Thursday at 7.30pm in Village HallPlaying Fields Association Stephanie Bills 07594 648117FacilitiesHire of Village Hall Stephanie Bills 07594 648117Hire of Henry Dixon Hall Dot Taylor 571551Mobile Library 12th 28th June Beech Road 4.10 to 4.30. p.m.Oak Stores is open Mon to Fri 6.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.Sat & 7.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. SunThe proprietors are Sam and Kirsty Norman 618659

It is planned to have the Post Office re-opened as soon as possible

Organisations in Silver EndClerk to Parish Council Mrs B. M. Temple 618464Email parishclerk@silverendparishcouncil.gov.ukBowls Club Roy Howard 583222Children’s Centre Jane Carey 587960Neighbourhood Police PC Simon Hull 07974 457258Congregational Church Sharon Gray 583913First Responders Mel Gymer 585535Friendship Club Ruth Aitkin 583846Silver End Gad Abouts Denise Sullens Smith 583055Gardening Club Cynthia Wright 583485Guiding Group Sam Hutchings 07977 418192Neighbourhood Watch Judy Hill 07896 975839Scouting Group Denise Sullens Smith 583055St Mary’s Church (R.C.) Vivian Phillips 583598Tennis Club Jason Cairns 584581Workers Educational Assoc. Brian Gillion 583706Luncheon Club Helen Thomson 583255Doctors Surgery 583387Silver End Heritage Society Jackier Nesbitt 585702Post Office in Co-op - please note that it closes at LunchtimeLibrary: Tues & Thurs - 2pm to 6pm Saturday 9am to 1pm

30th June 2013 Joint Service of Com-memoration at St Mary’s Church

Rivenhall 11.00 a.m.The Feast of St Peter & St Paul

Come and Enjoy a special service toCelebrate two of the most important Apostles of

the Christian ChurchAfter the Service Tea with Rock Cakes and other good

things will be served

Hear the Word of St Peter and Believe:Mathew 16 Vs 13-19Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked hisdisciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said,“Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah orone of the prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peterreplied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For fleshand blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.and I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keysof the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall bebound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be lost in heav-en.”

(Now you know where all the “St Peter at the Gates” Jokes come from)

Churchyard Service 3 p.m.23rd June 2013

A Service of remembrance for those we have lost.

Accompanied by the:

Chelmsford Silver BandRev. Paul Watkin will lead the service which will

take place in Rivenhall Churchyard