Belchamp Walter News - Oct 2022
ST. MARY THE VIRGIN, BELCHAMP WALTER - Monika Shepherd
It was with deep sadness that we heard the news of the Queen's death on
8th September. Our thoughts and prayers go the Royal family. The church has been open daily for those wishing to say a prayer,
reflect quietly, light a candle or sign the book of condolence with a personal message.
Our new rota of services started on 4th September. The Bishop of Colchester (Bishop Roger) led our service. Bishop Roger has a
marvellous speaking and singing voice and his sermon was expressive, enlightening and powerful. The Bishop very ably led our
hymns and we readily joined in, singing with gusto. Coffee, tea and a scrummy apple cake over chat completed the service. Thank you, Bishop and hope to see you again soon. 5 members of the Belchamp Walter Parochial Church Council (PCC) then moved on to the Half Moon in Belchamp St. Paul to meet the Ovington Churchwardens, Rev'd Gill and husband, and Rev'd Claire for lunch. A great Sunday all round.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 2nd October - As our curate, Kate Sale is being priested on 1st October, we are holding our service as a celebratory one for Rev'd Kate. This will be a holy communion service in which we also hope to celebrate harvest. After the service we will decamp to the Village Hall for a celebration lunch in Kate's honour and to celebrate harvest. You are all very welcome! Please let us know if you'd like to join the lunch for catering purposes (ring Monika 01787 378347).
Once again, we will gratefully receive your donations for the Sudbury Storehouse at this Harvest Time. Please bring your donations to the church on Saturday 1st October or phone 01787 378347 if you would like to drop off
with me. I will publish a list of items needed on Facebook, or please ring me for further details. Thank you
Saturday October 8th:- we are privileged to host the Abbot Consort of Voices at 7.30pm. An evening of music from the 16th to 20th centuries, directed by Martin Bagnall. We hope you will come to support this special event and enjoy wine and nibbles in the interval. Admission is free and there will be a retiring collection at the end of the concert - all funds raised will be used for repair and refurbishment projects planned for the church. The list is extensive, and your generosity will help us complete the projects.
MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
Anne Doman reports On Saturday September 10th, Belchamp Walter held its annual Macmillan Coffee Morning. This year we were up against significant challenges and difficult circumstances. Primarily the very sad loss of the Queen, only 2 days before the event, plus the knock-on effect of the cost-of-living crisis, and disappointing weather. Despite attendance being noticeably down, those who did come along were in no hurry to leave and were given an enjoyable time with a choice of first-class cakes and bakes. The hall grounds housed stalls offering a selection of activities (including guess the number of balloons in the Morris Minor) and plants and crafts to buy, as well as a takeaway service of the delicious refreshments.
A two-minute silence was observed at midday out of respect to her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, giving everyone the chance to pause and reflect for a few moments on the changes and challenges ahead.
Once again, our supporters didn't disappoint and despite all the hurdles, we managed to raise an amazing sum of £1200.00 (rounded up by an anonymous and generous donor) which we feel sure Macmillan will be delighted with, as are we. We would like to thank all those who attended, generously donated and supported this event. Anne always says that the Macmillan Coffee Morning is a team effort, which it is, however it wouldn't be nearly as successful without her excellent captaincy, so I am sure the team won't mind me singling her out with a special mention and thanks. DIARY DATE:
Film Night Belchamp Walter Film Night returns. On Friday 7th October at 7pm we shall be showing Downton - The New Era at the Village Hall. Come and see our village on the big screen. £10 per person, including food. If you would like to attend, please book in advance with Peter Scott scott1e@hotmail.com.
From the Parish Council The Parish Council has purchased a large number of daffodils to be planted around the village verges. If you could spare some time planting a few bulbs and making our village beautiful please contact Jan on clerk@belchampwalterpc.uk.
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