Parish Magazine Earls Colne & White Colne - The of - August 2021 - Colne Churches
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The
Parish Magazine
of
Earls Colne & White Colne
Photo by Doug McKenzie
.
August 2021
Dear Readers, As I write this letter the 19th July is just around the corner, the day that has labelled by many media outlets as ‘Freedom Day’. Since March last year many of our freedoms, that we took for granted, were taken away because of the pandemic, in a bid to keep people safer, and now, the legal restrictions are soon, in most part, to be removed. As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of the phrase, ‘Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should’. Through the Old and New Testaments the Bible is clear that God’s desire is that we love one another, that we care for each other, especially the vulnerable. There are many throughout the country, in our villages too, who are filled with anxiety and fear when they think about the Covid restrictions being lifted. I understand and share the longing for us to regain some sense of ‘normality’ when it comes to such things as social distancing and mask wearing, but we mustn’t ignore the anxiety and fear of the most vulnerable in our communities. We must make sure that we continue to show our love and care for one another, which we have done so well through the pandemic so far, and this may need us to continue to offer up some of our freedoms in the process. At this point I am uncertain what church will look like beyond the 19th July in relation to masks, singing, coffee, drop in’s, Messy Church, etc. We will explore ways in which we can return to some of these life-giving and faith-enriching activities within our church, but we will do so carefully, gradually and with love and consideration for those who are anxious at the thought. These continue to be uncertain and scary times for many. If this is how you feel please do contact us (contact details are printed in this magazine). We are here to listen, to help where we can and signpost you to other sources of support if we can’t. And we will ensure that there is a safe way for you to worship and both contribute to and receive from the life of our church family. With much prayer, www.colnechurches.com 3
On Saturday 26th June in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s
Bocking Reverend Sharon was ordained Priest, together with Reverends
Catherine and Elise, by Bishop Roger. It was a joyous and intimate
celebration, tinged with the sadness that, due to Covid restrictions each
were only able to have eight guests.
Photo by Doug McKenzie
Reverend Sharon’s journey began many years ago with an ever-growing
inner feeling that God was calling her to ordained ministry. This was
confirmed and encouraged by others and it is a privilege to see, even in
these last two years, how Sharon has blossomed in her calling.
God calls us to many and varied roles. In the Colnes we have an amazing
team of people, lay and ordained, who do all we can to share the love of
Christ in the life and worship of our community. If you have an inner
feeling of what God might be calling you to do, or if you want to explore
how to listen to God more clearly, or if you just want to find out more
about those questions of faith, Christianity and spirituality, then please
do get in touch.
Revd Mark
4 www.colnechurches.com
Sun 1st 10.00 am Earls Colne #
10.00 am Colne Engaine
10.30 am White Colne
3.00 pm EC Millennium
Green
Wed 4th 9.30 am Earls Colne
Sun 8th 10.00 am Earls Colne #
10.00 am Colne Engaine
Wed 11th 9.30 am Colne Engaine
Sun 15th 10.00 am Earls Colne #
10.00 am Colne Engaine
10.30 am White Colne
Wed 18th 9.30 am Earls Colne
Sun 22nd 10.00 am Earls Colne
10.00 am Colne Engaine
Wed 25th 9.30 am Earls Colne
Sun 29th 10.00 am tbc Halstead Team Service
# - streamed on Zoom and The Three Colnes Facebook Page
Morning Prayer - Mondays and Saturdays at 9.00 am on
The Three Colnes Facebook Page.
Would you, or would someone you know, like a
visit from a member of our pastoral care team?
The team members are:
Mrs. Beryl Amy 01787 223486
Mr. Terry Hawthorn 01787 223140
www.colnechurches.com 5
●
Many people can describe transcendent moments in nature where they
feel deeply connected to something bigger than themselves and Forest
Church is a way to explore that connection within our community.
Forest Church is a fresh expression
of church drawing on much older
traditions when sacred places and
practices were outside – but it is
also drawing on contemporary
research that highlights the
benefits of spending time with
nature in wild places.
Forest Church isn’t just normal
church happening outside, instead
it attempts to participate with
creation. And it isn’t just a
fellowship group doing an outside
activity: we aim to learn, worship,
meditate, pray and practice with
the trees, and with all creation.
Join us on Sunday 1st August, 3 pm
at Earls Colne Millennium Green.
You might want to bring a camping chair or picnic blanket and be
prepared for the whatever the weather might be.
So we can manage the event within any Covid regulations that may be in
place please let us know if you intend to come by emailing Helen
Sherfield – ecchurchwardens@gmail.com
Revd Mark
Most mobile phones and other devices will connect automatically to
the free Wi-Fi, but if not then look up settings and Wi-Fi and County
Broadband should be displayed. Click on and you should connect.
6 www.colnechurches.com
Can you sing or play an instrument
(even a shaker or tambourine)?
Now that we returning to our church
buildings for many of our services, we
are looking to put together a worship
band which will help lead the music
once a month in one of our three
churches across The Three Colnes.
If this interests you and you want to
find out more please contact Revd
Mark – colnesvicar@gmail.com /
01787 220347
a. stunted in growth, thin or meagre
b. said of formal, old-fashioned dress
c. wet, drizzly and misty
a. the dregs at the bottom of a bottle
b. the collection of mud on boots
c. impacted coal dust in a mine
a. the state of being intoxicated
b. squeamish or easily upset
C. being idle or good for nothing
*******************
c. to creep about in a sly way
a. a gleam of light
a. to be irritable or cross
www.colnechurches.com 7
Earls Colne Heritage Museum
A Shoemaker’s Diary
In 2016 a visitor to the Heritage Museum, John Walmsley, brought with him
a diary loaned by a friend in Halstead. The diary contains entries by Samuel
Lee, a shoemaker who lived and worked in Earls Colne during the middle
years of the 19th century. When the diary begins in 1851 the Lee family are
living opposite The Lion in a house with a workshop
(now the Colne Valley Butchers and the Graze
Delicatessen) which Samuel rebuilt in 1833. (Right)
As well as Samuel and his wife, Louisa, the household
includes their younger son, Barnard (9) and daughters
Sarah (14) and Frances (18). Their two elder daughters
have left home. Frances, whom Samuel affectionately
calls “Franny”, works with her father, stitching and
completing the shoes.
Samuel learnt his trade as a “Cordwainer” (the
traditional name for a shoemaker which he recorded
on his Census return) from his father, Robert. As well as supplying footwear
to customers in the village, Samuel built up a stock of items which he sold to
a wholesaler in London. Robert accompanied him on those sales trips and,
in 1853, they made a profit of £50 from the deal of which Robert took home
£40. It was after Robert’s death a year later at the age of 94 that Samuel’s
financial problems began because he felt obliged to pay his widowed mother
a “pension” out of his own pocket. The diary starts to list the sums which
Samuel or one of the children took to his mother, Ann, at Great Tey each
week. He was also expected to give his regular customers extended credit. In
1854 William Matthews, the prosperous seed grower who lived at Ashwells
in Park Lane,was allowed to build up a debt over a period of nine months for
items ranging from 7 old pence to sole a child’s shoe to 15 shillings for a pair
of “new button boots” for Mr Matthews himself.
Samuel was a member of the congregation at the Baptist Church, which he
calls “the Meeting House on the Green”. His own headstone is still in the old
graveyard behind the church building. When he needed loans to ease his
financial difficulties his main benefactor was William Tawell, the draper
who was an Elder of the Baptist Church. It was William’s son, James
Augustus, who donated the land for the Burrows Road cemetery in 1890.
8 www.colnechurches.com
The diary gives the impression that the Lees were a close-knit family.
After Sarah left home to join her elder sister, Mary, as a domestic servant
in London, Samuel kept in close touch with the girls, either by visits or by
letter. When Mary accompanied her employers on a trip to Europe, he
received letters from her posted in Germany and France. As the Colne
Valley Railway had not yet reached Earls Colne, a visit to his married
daughter, Louisa, meant a long walk to Sudbury, a ride back on the train
to Chappel, then another long walk home.
In October 1851 Samuel took his young
son, Barnard, to the Crystal Palace
exhibition (left) and tells us that, on
that one day, over a hundred thousand
people went through the turnstiles.
The diary also has occasional notes
about events in the village. Like his
neighbour, James Wenden, whose butcher’s shop was nearby, Samuel
was often asked to serve on the Inquest jury when the Coroner needed to
examine a case of sudden death, as the diary records in November 1853:
“A boy, John Maxey, was killed by the falling of a a chimney while
pulling down the Old House at Florries Farm, Great Tey. The inquest
was held at The Lion. The jury included James Wenden and myself.”
Postscript to the Diary
Manorial records show that Samuel Lee sold his workshop to William
Rawlinson, another shoemaker, in 1856 and further research by John
Walmsley has revealed that the family’s fortunes improved in the next
generation
The eldest son, James, having served an
apprenticeship in Colchester, set up business as
a grocer in Leighton Buzzard where he was living
with his wife, Emma, and their five children in
1881. He was successful enough to have his
portrait painted and, according to a list of the
next generations in the back of the diary, the
portrait (Right) was still owned by his grandson
in 1953.
James Lee’s portrait
David Brown
www.colnechurches.com 9Rev Ken Thom in Tiptree thanks all the kind donors of the last collection
of picture postcards he received from us recently. He raises thousands of
pounds by selling to dealers all round the world.
Now the collecting box is out again at the back of Earls.
Colne church, so please do save all the used and unused
cards that you can bear to part with for helping the MAF planes deliver
help and hope to so many isolated communities. They operate 1380 light
aircraft into more than 1,400 remote destinations.
Last year MAF celebrated their 75th anniversary. I have books you may
borrow and their website is full of their amazing stories. Do look them up
if you can. maf-uk.org
Neville Bird
St. Andrew’s Church, Earls Colne
Lunchtime Recital
We are pleased to announce the return of our popular
Lunchtime Recitals ( ) on
Thursday 2nd September 2021 ● 1.00 - 1.30 pm
The recital will feature
Janet Banks ( ) and the Sokolowski Trio
who will play
Entry is free and refreshments will be served from 12.30 pm (Covid
restrictions permitting). There is a retiring collection. All are welcome.
For further details contact Liz Pottinger on 01376 561307.
Marmalade and Chutney Available!
Contact Beryl on 01787 223486, or have a word
with Helen Sherfield or Margaret Hill at Church. BERYL’S
MARMALADE
Proceeds to Earls Colne Church Funds.
10 www.colnechurches.comField opens 1.00 pm
FREE Admission
Fun Dog Show - 2.15 pm
Schedules available from:
Earls Colne Library, Fork’Andles, Ziel, Earls Colne Recreation Club.
www.fourcolneshorticulturalsociety.com
www.colnechurches.com 11August 1921
Earls Colne
New Church Laws
(From “The Times” June 18th 1921)
On Wednesday, the House of Lords accepted the Archbishop of
Canterbury's motion that the Parochial Church Council Measures should
be recommended for Royal Assent.
The Parochial Church Council Measure gives the laity certain legal rights
in the management of Church affairs in their parishes. There is no doubt
that wherever the incumbent and the council work harmoniously
progress in the efficiency of the Church will be marked. These are early
days, and time is needed before the new conditions affecting the Church
of England can be understood by the great mass of its members. Those
most anxious to promote its welfare and to extend its influence will
desire to enlist the interest of all classes and to induce them to make full
use of the powers offered to them. Failure here must produce failure
everywhere. The National Assembly's influence must gravely suffer if
there is no general interest in the Parochial Church Councils. If these
bodies lack vigour and do not enlist the active support of Churchmen and
women, we may expect that those who are ready to challenge the claim
of the Church of England to be the Church of the people will feel
themselves justified in coming to the conclusion that it is the National
Church in little more than name. New opportunities impose new
responsibilities. Churchmen must acknowledge that the present
Parliament has treated them with generous confidence, and they will not
be unmindful of the fact that failure now may result in a sterner
judgement by some future Parliament, less disposed to patience and
good will towards the Established Church.
Wakes Colne
Choir
On Friday, July 8th, the Church Choir paid a visit to
London travelling by Bus as far as Seven Kings and from
there to the City by the London G. O. Coy's Bus.
12 www.colnechurches.comSt. Paul's Cathedral was visited and dinner was taken in Oxford St. and a
tour of the Zoo was made during the afternoon.
Tea was served under the trees in Regents' Park where a very hearty vote
of thanks was accorded to the subscribers generally and in particular to
Mr. H. C. Percival whose handsome cheque had made such an outing
possible.
Seven Kings was reached via Tube and G. E. R. and the day concluded
with a most enjoyable Bus ride home which was reached about 10.30.
The party was accompanied by the Rector, Organist, Organ Blower, and
the Choir Master and Mrs. Fairs.
Colne Engaine
We hope in a few days to publish the arrangements that are being made
for a Sale and Garden Fete, at the Rectory in aid of the Church School.
It should be remembered that if we do not carry out the work required,
the cost will fall on the Rates, and we may look forward to paying
increased Rates. But the main thing is that it makes all the difference to
a Parish, whether the children receive clear and definite religious
instruction or not. But it concerns not the Parish only, but the whole
country. In days of unrest and uncertainty, the only safe way seems to
me, to return to the old and well tried rule, “Fear God and honour the
King.”
White Colne
August 7th - Name of Jesus
This commemoration was removed at the Reformation from the Second
Sunday after the Epiphany, but in Saxon times it was observed on the
Feast of the Circumcision. The special point which it sets before us is the
peculiar sanctity of that Name at which every knee should bow, and in
the power of which countless miracles have been wrought; a sanctity in
some respect analogous to that of the Sacred name of Jehovah, but
representing to us the love of the Saviour, “as well as the Majesty of his
Godhead.” (Blunts Annotated Book of Common Prayer.) I dare say
many of our readers may remember the old fashioned red cloth that
formerly covered the Communion Table, and invariably bore the initials
I. H. S. embroidered in the centre.
I. H. S. meaning in Greek the first three letters of the name of Jesus, or
the Latin Jesus the Saviour of Mankind.”
www.colnechurches.com 13The Essex Church News Chelmsford Diocesan Conference The Diocesan Conference met at Colchester on July 1 and 2. The proceedings began with Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Church. The Conference then held its first session at the Moot Hall. The Bishop was supported by the Bishop of Colchester, the Bishop of Barking, his Chaplains and the new Proctors in Convocation. The Bishop in his opening address gave some interesting information about the diocese. The number of persons on the Electoral Rolls in the various parishes was 99,078 an increase of 3,553 on last year's figures. The number was one-sixth of the number of names on the Parliamentary Register. Thirty-seven parishes made no contribution to the Diocesan Board of Finance last year, and seven of these had never made a contribution to it. The Crusade week had been well taken up. The contributions were over £5,200, and 396 parishes took part in it. Nearly 100 laymen had given addresses in 150 churches on the Crusade Sunday. The Easter Communicants this year numbered 72,944, an increase of 5,516. The increase in sixteen deaneries made up a larger figure, but it was detracted from by a decrease in thirteen deaneries. The contributions from the diocese to missions overseas were double those in 1914, whereas in the whole country the increase had only been half as much again. The total amounted to £18,970, as compared with £13,000 in 1918. The Retreat House at Pleshey had been in great request, and 522 persons had attended Retreats during the year, as compared with 3,617 in 1919. Bomb as Church Memorial “This bomb is one of forty or more dropped on our parish by a German airship, September 12th 1915; yet no one injured, thank God!” The above inscription appears on a bomb which has been placed in the church at East Bergholt. Modern Bell-ringing Right up to about sixty years ago all our church bells were rung by hand, and that is true of the great majority of them to-day. But there is no doubt that more and more they will be automatically operated by machinery. Whereas in ordinary ringing one man is necessary to control each bell, by means of the carillon – as the automatic bell-ringing device is called – any person of average intelligence can ring them all. The 14 www.colnechurches.com
latest of these bell-ringers is operated by electricity. But hand-ringing is
still the most favoured method, and to both men and youths we owe
much, for modern change-ringing demands a great deal of metal and
physical energy. It was in the seventeenth century that real “change”
ringing came into vogue, and became exceedingly popular. Today it has
certainly reached a very high state of perfection. It may be of interest
here to note that, whereas a peal of five bells will allow but 120 changes,
from twelve bells 479,001,600 changes can be rung.
Liz Pottinger
We are delighted that St Andrew’s church has been awarded a lottery
grant to set up a new group specifically for new parents and their (non-
moving) babies.
Run by Caroline Smith, who works with parents for the National
Childbirth Trust, the group will meet once a week on Tuesday mornings
starting from September 14th.
It will be run as a drop-in, meaning new parents can come whenever they
feel ready and stay as long as they like. As well as the opportunity to meet
others, parents will be able to learn more about their babies, as there will
be a rolling programme of information sessions on topics such as sleep,
feeding and infant development.
Caroline has been working with parents and their babies for 12 years and
particularly wants to provide support for parents whose babies were
born during the pandemic:
“Covid parents are a unique group in that their babies were born
without the usual support available. We hope that we can create a
safe space specifically for them to share their experiences and learn
more about their new roles.”
Earls Colne Church could benefit from your online shopping!
www.easyfundraising.org.uk
See the Editorial page for further details.
www.colnechurches.com 15Thank You, Earls Colne! 16 www.colnechurches.com
St Andrew's Church Centre, Parsonage Street, Halstead. CO9 2LD
Mondays 10 to 2 (except Bank Holidays)
General Enquiries 01376 330694 E-mail info@braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk
https://braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk/
www.colnechurches.com 17The news that the court of appeal had quashed the convictions of dozens of sub-postmasters for theft, fraud and false accounting should be universally celebrated. The story is a well-documented saga of greed, lies and corruption on both a corporate and individual level and miscarriage of justice on a truly shocking scale. At its heart was the conspiracy between top management at the Post Office and their IT provider to play down major problems with a recently installed IT system. The system named Horizon had been designed by Fujitsu in order to facilitate the work in sub-post offices. Although its designers knew the system was faulty from the start, one of the most chilling aspects of this case was the ease with which questions about the system’s reliability could be suppressed or dismissed. Paula Vennells was chief executive at the time that sub-postmasters were being tried in court and she eventually walked away with handsome bonuses from her work at the Post Office and into lucrative directorships with other organisations. The result for hundreds of sub-postmasters was ‘lost livelihoods, broken relationships, ruined reputations, damaged mental health, stolen liberty and even deaths’. Having left behind such a trail of misery, one could be forgiven for asking whether her declaration that she was ‘truly sorry’ was ever going to be sufficient. One could argue that she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time; that she had accepted the job of Chief Executive, expecting to deploy her expertise in retailing, only to find herself involved in an area where she had none. The Private Eye report, quoted already, talked of ‘standing room only in the Post Office hall of shame’ and went on to list just how many of the Post Office’s management were implicated. Was it simply a case that she was one amongst many and had found herself locked into a corporate culture that was bigger than she was? Some years ago the Rector at the time at St. Leonard’s Lexden asked various people to address the congregation about the jobs they did and how they might have had in the course of their work to condone practices which were at odds with their faith. None of the accounts involved practices in any way comparable to those at the Post Office at the time of the Horizon scandal. In the industry he worked in one man admitted to practices which were certainly contrary to his Christian principles. He had little choice but to accept such practices if he wanted to keep his job, 18 www.colnechurches.com
and sought to make amends by good works in the community. I knew
that, had I been asked to talk, I would have had to own up to supplying
wine to people whom I knew to be drinking too much. At the time I could
not afford the loss of business.
It is not hard to see why people would want to make amends, especially
in the most dire circumstances. The 16th Century composer Carlo
Gesualdo atoned for the murder of his wife and her lover by building a
monastery with a chapel. Myra Hindley sought remission of her sentence
on the grounds that she had become a Christian. Whilst one does not
doubt the redemptive power of such changes in people’s lives it was
pointed out that Myra Hindley was not in prison for what she was, but
for what she had done. The Rev. Paula Vennells is still an ordained priest
even if she has stepped down from her duties in the diocese of St. Alban’s.
The responsibility she has to bear for what happened on her watch may
not translate into an offence deserving of a prison sentence. By
withdrawing from all her positions both ecclesiastical and corporate she
may have retreated into a prison of her own making.
And, all along, a man in Palestine has been doodling in the sand. He is
not alone. He is surrounded by a crowd of angry people wanting justice.
Next to him is the subject of their anger, a woman accused of adultery.
The man stops doodling, stands up and utters the words that have
echoed down the centuries, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him
first cast a stone at her’.
Robin Greatorex.
From the Church Spider . . .
Hello,
Do you remember that, when I last wrote, I was worried that I hadn’t
heard from Maurice the Mole? He’s so difficult to reach because he lives
in a hole in the ground. Well - good news! I’ve managed to contact him,
and he’s ok. He’s still very anxious about coming out to see us church
animals, so Kooky, Magnifi-cat and I stand by the entrance to the hole
and shout down to him!
Do you know anyone who’s anxious about leaving their
home, especially now some of the Covid restrictions have
been lifted? Why not give them a call?
Keep spinning, Incy Wincy
www.colnechurches.com 19After this long and very challenging 16 months of Lockdown, could I give
sincere thanks to the Bell Ringers. Several people have said after the
weekend when we rang the bells at the Revd Sharon’s first Eucharist and
re-dedication of the war memorial, that it was ‘uplifting’ to hear the bells
ringing out again over the village.
Throughout the past year the ringers have been trying to keep in touch
with Zoom meetings combined with a virtual online ringing aid called
Ringing Room. Here ‘virtual’ bells can be assigned to individual ringers.
We have then been ringing sequences using one finger on the keyboard!
This has been a challenge in itself without the rhythm of pulling a rope
and just relying on a finger press and animated bell ropes moving on the
monitor! All the ringers have been so supportive despite finding the
Zoom method of ringing different and sometimes rather dull.
We will be ringing more over the coming months in church and would
encourage anyone aged from 9 to 90 to get in contact if they are
interested in learning to ring. We will also be increasing our fund raising
efforts towards raising money for the Bell Fund to have all eight bells
here at St Andrews completely refurbished, most of them having been in
the tower since 1869.
Come and join us either as a ringing member or as a fund raising helper.
Follow our activities on our Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/Earls-Colne-Bellringers-
102681731272679/
We hope to have a stall at the Four Colnes Horticultural Show on 21st
August at the Earls Colne Recreational Club, Halstead Road.
Thank you.
Trevor Beadle (Tower Captain)
01787223611
trevbeadle@gmx.com
Please mention Earls Colne & White Colne Parish Magazine
when replying to advertisements!
20 www.colnechurches.comWith the removal of most Covid 19 restrictions and as we start to spread
our wings a little, don’t get complacent with your home security.
Unfortunately there are those that will take advantage of this newfound
freedom to seek opportunities to commit crime.
Even if you are at home, home working or enjoying a ‘staycation’ still
consider your home security - for as it gets warmer, we get to see a rise
in the number of “Creeper Burglaries” where burglars take advantage of
open gates, windows and doors. An open or insecure garden gate will
provide the thief with access to the back of your home. Before going
out or turning in for the night don’t forget to check all doors
and windows - someone may have closed it, but did they lock it?
A few tips for keeping your home secure:
1. Don’t attract a thief with insecure pedal cycles or cars or
gates on display.
2. Keep side or rear gates, sheds and garages shut and
securely locked.
3. Doors - Leave any accessible external door open or insecure and
an opportunist thief could pop in - and anything lying around
would be gone. You may have only popped out, or down the end
of the garden or having a quick shower; it only takes a second for
a thief to steal. Don’t forget that with a PVCu multi-locking door
you may have lifted the handle but until you turn the key (or on
some doors a thumb turn on the inside) you have not locked all
of the locking bolts in place.
4. Windows - If you have unoccupied rooms that are accessible to
others from outside or off flat roofs make sure the windows are
closed. If you need ventilation in these rooms whilst at home at
least lock the larger window and only have the small window
open, even during the daytime. If you only have bigger opening
windows, consider a lockable window restrictor and a small
alarm sensor on the window to detect entry. Before going out or
‘turning in for the night’ lift the blinds or open the curtains and
www.colnechurches.com 21check windows and patio doors are closed. The sun may have
been on the TV when it was hot, and so the curtains were drawn
whilst the window was open.
5. If you have an intruder alarm activate it when going out and
activate the zone for any unoccupied areas whilst in.
6. Car keys - don’t take them to bed with you. Where possible
leave them in noisy drawer/location. Keep the keyless car fobs in
a “Faraday” bag.
7. If you do hear a suspicious noise in the house that you are not
happy with dial 999 and make a noise. Shout out - it could
cause any intruder to flee as they may not have known you were
home. Remember - your life is more important than your
property. If safe to do so, get a good description of the person/s
and if possible the car index number and direction of travel.
8. Make sure in case of fire that keys to windows and
doors are readily accessible to occupants at
all times but not in view of possible burglars.
For further crime prevention advice see:
www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ or
www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/ensure-
your-home-is-secure
Stephen Armson-Smith
Film Club
The Film Club will be meeting again for our next
thought-provoking and stimulating discussion. If you
like a bit of controversy, you’ll like this month’s choice
- details below. We'd love to see you, come share your
views!
● The Film - Monty Python’s Life of Brian
● The Discussion - Wednesday 11th August 2021 gather at 6.30
pm for a 7.00 pm start
● The Where - The Five Bells Colne Engaine
For more information or to book your place, contact Sharon Quilter at
colnescurate@gmail.com
22 www.colnechurches.comOur walk to Greenstead Green last month was blessed with fine weather after days of heavy showers. We stopped at the Hyacinth Tea Room in the Barn, where we were made very welcome and enjoyed tea, coffee, and cakes ‘to die for’. On our return journey, with full agreement from all, we extended the walk slightly, to continue across the meadows to Stone Bridge and then to the village and church via the Millennium Green. This enabled us to see the beautiful grasses in the valley below Bullocks Wood that were in full bloom. The pink clouds of Yorkshire Fog grass were abundant and living up to their name (although I think they were more like clouds than fog!). The taller ‘rush like’ grasses clearly identified where the wetter depressions were and the clearing through the centre of the wood appeared to have be taken over by dark-green ferns, while a deer was barking somewhere in the distance. The wet and warm weather we are having this summer has certainly led to a great deal of vigorous growth; but even the path I thought was likely to be blocked was just about passable with some ducking and diving, and the careful removal of brambles that were reaching out to catch hold of our clothes. This month’s walk has given me many headaches, I wanted to do part of my ‘Three Tributaries Walk’ which in total is around 12 miles long and includes walking alongside Bourne Brook, Colne Engaine Brook and the River Peb. Having covered most of the part by Bourne Brook last month I wanted to go out to Colne Engaine and Pebmarsh this month to follow the other two tributaries. But as a circular walk from Earls Colne it was impossible to get it much shorter than 8 miles, and effectively too long for a Saturday morning group walk. Having tried one last time to trim a little bit off, in failure we stopped on the way home for a bite to eat at the Five Bells and looking at the recorded route the solution suddenly became blindingly obvious – start and finish at Colne Engaine church – there is ample parking by the village hall and those that want can do the same as we did and stop for lunch at the pub. www.colnechurches.com 23
SO, TAKE NOTE: THIS MONTH’S WALK STARTS FROM COLNE ENGAINE CHURCH AT 09:30 ON SATURDAY August 14th. I hope that will be OK for everyone, but if you need a lift or are interested in car-sharing for the short journey across the valley please do let me know by Emailing echurchwardens@gmail.com or call/text 07734450221 You may be asking why a walk can be worth this effort – well for me it’s equal to (although very different from) the walk to Chappel; and one that I would select without hesitation to show the beauty of our surrounding countryside. An added experience at the moment is the opportunity to walk through three fields full of sweet corn (complete fields – not just tracts of cover for pheasant shooting) on our last walk these were lush green and already shoulder high; standing, perfectly spaced in straight rows like soldiers waiting for inspection. Starting from the church we walk up to the village green and take the footpath just to the left of the house at the top, coming out on to Brickhouse Road just after the bend. Turning left we follow the road for a short distance - although this is a quiet road take care, look and listen for traffic and ensure you are visible at all times. Just before Brick House farm we take the footpath to the right, then crossing the River Peb we turn left at a footpath cross-roads to follow the river up-stream. Continuing straight ahead across the other two footpaths that emanate from Brickhouse Road we finally reach Prestons lake at the dam, with the out-fall of the river to our left. There is a picturesque bridge at the top of the dam across the out-fall but it is often difficult to reach because of the flocks of geese on the dam wall waiting for an opportunity to catch some fish. Fishing rights here are held by CAPS and care should be taken not to disturb the water or the anglers, so please always keep dogs under control. The footpath runs parallel to the right-hand bank of the lake and initially offers good views of the water, but later is shielded by hedges and trees. Turning left at the top of the lake we pass through some areas of woodland and a new plantation, to emerge into our first field of sweet corn! We cross this field just a few rows of crop away from the mysteriously named ‘Marvel’s Garden’! At the gate we continue across another sweet corn field (don’t take the left fork here!) to arrive at the edge of some woodland, going ahead then 24 www.colnechurches.com
right we enter another field of the same crop. Eventually crossing a farm
track and following the field edge path opposite to reach the end of the
world . . . (or Worlds End farm).
Take care when crossing the road at this point. Here we follow the path
across the field opposite – this is sometimes difficult to see but was just
visible on our last visit – if in doubt walk towards the edge of the higher
hedge/woodland, slightly to your right, where the path exits onto the road.
We then follow the road to the left and look for the footpath on the left
that enters the woodland over a wooden bridge. At the end of the
woodland, we follow the field edge path to the right and exit onto a lane
at Rook Trees farm. Turning right we follow the lane down hill and take
the footpath to the left at the bottom of the valley as we reach Colne
Engaine brook.
We will follow the field edge path (often very wet) and enter some
woodland with the brook on our right. As we leave the woodland we cross
another lane and continue on the field edge path opposite to enter some
woodland again (déjà-vu!). We continue to follow the path with the
brook now on our left and with much steeper banks in places.
Finally, we exit on to Brook Street in Colne Engaine and turn left to
follow the road back to the church. The total distance is a little over five
and a half miles of varied countryside walking, through woodland, fields,
and along waterside paths. If you need some refreshment after the walk
the Five Bells is just a few steps further on . . .
We look forward to seeing you on one of our walks soon. Stay safe and
enjoy your Walk-Abouts.
Christopher Walker
Erratum: In the description of the June walk to Aldercar wood the path
to the right at the end of the mill stream is a farm/animal track and not
a footpath. The route taken on the walk was to pass the mill on the road
and take the footpath, signed to the left, just after the buildings. Follow
this path to cross a stile/gate on the right and then the left-hand field
edge, passing some impressive oak trees in the hedge. Cross a stile into
the next field and then another ahead and to your left to re-join the path
by crossing the stile to the right, that leads down between the houses, to
Lawshalls Hill. My apologies for not being able to correct this error
before printing.
www.colnechurches.com 25Boys and Girls - Get ready for the
Summer Reading Challenge 2021 -
Wild World Heroes!
To get involved, you need to read library books over
the summer and collect stickers to complete your special
Wild World Heroes poster.
From 10th July to 31st August
Join any time over the summer and read as many books as
you like! It’s fun and FREE to take part.
Find out more from Earls Colne Library.
Library open: Tuesday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm;
Friday 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm; Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
St. Andrew’s Book Club
Book Club . . . meets Film Club!
At our next meeting - Tuesday 10th August at 2.00 pm at Mervyn’s
house (8 Coggeshall Road, Earls Colne). - we will be discussing Hidden
Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. Did you see the film version for last
month’s Film Club ? Which did you prefer? Will reading the book
encourage you to watch the film?
If you’d like to know more about Book Club, please have a word with me.
Margaret Hill
THE
KEVIN JOLLEY QUAKER MEETING HOUSE
HOUSE, LOFT, SHED & GARAGE EARLS COLNE
CLEARANCE is available for hire.
Fully licensed waste carrier A warm and friendly venue for leisure
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE and educational groups, tea parties,
Painting, Decorating, Repairs etc. children's parties and alcohol free
events.
Tel: 01787 469355 £10.00 per hour
Mobile: 07798 785559 Please call 01787 222993 for details.
26 www.colnechurches.comEDITORIAL NOTE
Articles for the Parish Magazine from individuals or village organisations are
always welcome!
● Copy may be emailed to:
ecparishmag@hotmail.co.uk or delivered to: 11 Morleys Road, Earls Colne
● Copy deadline:
4th of each month
● To subscribe to the Magazine, please contact:
Sue de Berry (tel: 01787 222804)
● To advertise in the Magazine, please contact:
Mervyn Rudkins (tel: 01787 222882 or email mervynrudkins@gmail.com)
Advertisements in the Parish Magazine
• Our Magazine goes out to over 300 homes in the area •
The fees for 2021 (for 12 copies) are:
Earls Colne/White Colne: From Outside Area:
£ £
½ Page 120.00 130.00
¼ Page 60.00 65.00
⅛ Page 30.00 32.50
● Please send your new copy to:
Mervyn Rudkins, 8 Coggeshall Road, Earls Colne, Colchester. CO6 2JP
or email to mervynrudkins@gmail.com
● Please make cheques payable to: Earls Colne PCC.
Just imagine . . . Earls Colne Church
benefiting from your online shopping!
Huge numbers of online shops such as Amazon, Viking and insurance companies will
donate a percentage of your total shopping bill to your chosen charity.
All you need to do is access your online shops through a designated website who will
donate the percentage to St Andrew’s Church, Earls Colne.
What next?
1. Go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk
2. Register as a user selecting Church of St Andrew,
Earls Colne as your chosen charity
3. Find your chosen retailer in the listings
4. Start shopping, knowing you are benefiting the Church.
Remember to add the site to your favourites and don’t forget to use it!
5. Please tell others . . .
www.colnechurches.com 27The Halstead Area Team Ministry
(The Parishes of Halstead, Greenstead Green, Gosfield, Earls Colne, White Colne,
Colne Engaine, Pebmarsh, Gestingthorpe. Great Maplestead and Little Maplestead)
Team Rector:
The Revd Katie de Bourcier halsteadrector@gmail.com
01787 478471
Team Vicars:
The Revd Mark Payne colnesvicar@gmail.com
01787 220347
The Revd Beverley Vincent khvicar@gmail.com
07944 200132
Associate Priest:
The Revd Rose Braisby 01245 361927
Priest:
The Revd Hugh Mothersole 01787 222211
Team Curates:
The Revd Sharon Quilter colnescurate@gmail.com
The Revd Joanne Parrott halsteadcuratejop@gmail.com
To find out more about the Halstead Area Team Ministry,
visit the Team website: www.halsteadchurches.co.uk
Worship Through Your Phone
Available 24 hours a day
BCP Holy Communion with Revd Rose: 01376 317669
(less than 1p per minute).
28 www.colnechurches.comChurches of St. Andrew, Earls Colne & White Colne
Who’s Who 2021
Team Vicar:
The Revd Mark Payne colnesvicar@gmail.com 01787 220347
Team Curate:
The Revd Sharon Quilter colnescurate@gmail.com
Priest:
The Revd Hugh Mothersole 01787 222211
Churchwardens:
Mr. Ray Wood ecchurchwardens@gmail.com 01787 224140
Ms. Helen Sherfield ecchurchwardens@gmail.com 01787 222526
Mr. Christopher Chamberlain 01787 222200
PCC Secretaries:
Ms. Caroline Smith standrewearlscolne@gmail.com
Mrs. Jacquie Church
PCC Treasurers:
Mrs. Helen Brooks ecpcctreasurer@gmail.com
Mrs. Sally Scobie 01787 227915
Parish Magazine:
Mrs. Sue de Berry 01787 222804
Mrs. Juanita White-Thomson 01787 222403
Mrs. Margaret Hill 01787 223843
Mr. Mervyn Rudkins 01787 222882
Church Choir (Earls Colne):
Mr. Bret Johnson 01787 227988
Bell Ringers (Earls Colne):
Mr. Trevor Beadle trevbeadle@gmx.com 01787 223611
Sunday School (Earls Colne):
Ms. Helen Sherfield 01787 222526
Church Cleaning (Earls Colne):
Mr. Brian Hayward 01787 222706
Seekers and Bible Study Notes:
Mrs. Ann Norris 01787 222015
www.colnechurches.com 29ANGLICAN SOCIETY FOR THE
WELFARE OF ANIMALS
Membership £20 per annum /3 magazines per. annum
��Made to order for any occasion. Web-site sermons, book reviews, prayers, services etc
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Please call me for a quote on www.aswa.org.uk
. Tel: 01252 843093 or E-mail: AngSocWelAnimals@aol.com
Gardening & General
Would you like to place
Maintenance Services an advert in this space?
Phone Mervyn Rudkins on
01787 222882
or email
8 High Street, Earls Colne mervynrudkins@gmail.com
Mobile: 07464 315278
Email: philbritten@sky.com See the Editorial page
Follow us on Facebook and instagram for details of our prices.
30 www.colnechurches.comEDWARD PRESTON GRSM, ARCM, Dip Ed.
PIANIST & TEACHER
All age groups taught – currently from 4 to 84 years old.
Piano as well as Music Theory Grades 1-8, GCSE,
'AS' & 'A' Music and Diploma Level
(01787) 829843 or 07805310486
edwardgpreston@outlook.com
Call or email to make an initial enquiry/ preliminary meeting.
�� All Interior and Exterior Work Undertaken
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Contact: Jeff Macdonald
Tel: 07778 031505 - 01787 224674
Email: jmacinteriors@aol.com
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Would you like to place
an advert in this space?
Contact Mervyn Rudkins on
01787 222882 or email
mervynrudkins@gmail.com
See the Editorial page for
details of our prices.You can also read
