Flower rota Offton - (December as in existing rota)
January 2nd 9th Mrs Susan Bolton
16th 23rd Mrs Janet Dickson
30th Mrs Sam Copping.
Flower Rota Flowton
No flowers during Advent
December 25th, 26th Mrs Turner and all help for Christmas
2005
January 2, 9 Mrs Brooks
January 16, 23 Mrs Ward
January 30, February 6 Mrs Carter
From
the registers
Welcome to:
Emma Rose Firman and Hannah Louise Firman, daughters of Elizabeth
and Neil of 4B Castle Lane, Offton, who were baptised at Offton Church
on October 17th.
May they grow in faith
Farewell to
Muriel Wright, aged 84 years, whose ashes were interred in Somersham
churchyard on 2nd November.
May
she rest in peace
Gospel Readings
for our Sunday Worship taken from the Revised Common Lectionary.
It is good to be sharing the reading of Scripture with Christians
- both Catholic and Protestant - across the world.
5th December Second
Sunday of Advent Matthew 3. 1-12
12th December
Third Sunday of Advent Matthew 11. 2-11
19th December Third Sunday of Advent Matthew 1. 18-end
25th December
Christmas Day John 1. 1-14
26th December
St Stephen Acts 7. 52-end
2nd January Christmas
2 / Epiphany Matthew 2. 1-12
9th January Baptism
of Christ Matthew 3. 13-end
16th January Second
Sunday of Epiphany John 1. 29-42
23rd January Third
Sunday of Epiphany Matthew 4. 12-23
30th January Fourth
Sunday of Epiphany John 2. 1-11
|
St
Mary's Church, Somersham
Christmas
Bazaar
on Saturday 4th December
from 2 to 4 pm
in Somersham Village Hall
 |
Visit
Father Christmas!
Games, White elephant
Cakes, Tombola, Crafts
Books, Raffle
Kiddies' Craft Corner
Refreshments
|
|
(10%
of profit to St. Elizabeth's Hospice.)
|
FLOWTON NEWS
Saturday December
4th 10.00am - 12 noon
Christmas Coffee
Morning and Sale in Flowton Church. The heating system is now
installed so we will be warm!
The Bring and Buy cake stall would welcome your contributions.
A date for
next year……
Flowton Fete - Sunday June 26th 2005
Then the next
year…..
Gardens Open and Flower Festival 17th / 18th June 2006
We hope that it may be possible to keep the church stewarded for Monday
19th as well.
Now for a theme………..
There will be a Flower Festival and Gardens Open get-together over
wine and coffee on Friday January 14th at 8.00pm in
the vestry. This will be when we can agree a theme, and will be a
chance to make sure we have some idea of what is happening and who
is doing what, exactly which gardens are open, etc- and the flower
arrangers can agree about where they want to make arrangements.
RNIB - many
thanks to everybody who contributed to the recent collection -
£90.63 was raised. Thank you all. Nick Carter
You are reminded
that the Mid Suffolk Tourist Information Centre at Wilkes Way,
Stowmarket (01449 676800) can help you not only to plan journeys,
holidays, obtain information on walks and timetables, book theatre
and show tickets, but also has available a selection of locally made
products suitable for gifts, and locally made produce to taste and
buy.
Best
wishes for a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year
to all members of the Parish Meeting
from
Gordon Watkins and Nick Carter.
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM on April 27th 2005
Somersham
& District Gardening Club
October's meeting
gave us a chance to explore the wild flowers and gardens of Britain
and Europe with a lively talk and slides by Mr Parfitt. His clear
presentation is always enjoyable and there's always something new
to see. I for one was fascinated by the art of "well-dressing"
(No, not advice from Trinny and Susanna but the ancient art of decorating
well heads with a collage of natural materials, flowers, leaves, berries
etc).
November's talk
by Barbara Segall on The Holly and the Ivy should have got us in the
mood for the festive season.
Next
Meeting:
13 December, Somersham Village Hall, 7.30 pm
Members'
Christmas Social and Quiz Evening
Guests
and new members always welcome
Somersham
Primary School
At the end of
November, FOSS treated the children to a "Victorian Christmas".
At the time of writing, that hasn't happened yet but we are looking
forward to it. It all sounds rather wonderful and will be the beginning
of lots of excitement for the children.
As you can imagine,
this is a very busy time of the year, but we are looking forward to
decorating the school so it looks lovely for all our visitors when
they come for the carol singing and for refreshments after the Christingle
service.
It's also probably
the nicest time of the year and we're always proud of the older children
who religiously keep the magic of Father Christmas alive for the younger
ones.
At the end of
this term Mrs. Svendsen will be handing over the reins of headship
to our new headteacher Mrs Hubbard. The staff would like to say a
huge thank you to Mrs. Svendsen for being a great boss in the last
two terms and also a warm welcome to Mrs. Hubbard, who we hope will
be very happy working with us.
Happy
Christmas to all the children
at Somersham School
hope you all have a great holiday!
F.O.S.S.
We hope everyone
who came to the photo session at school will be more than happy with
their photographs when they come. Hopefully you will have also found
something off the stocking filler stall.
In September we
had our A.G.M. and were really pleased with the turn out and response
for new members. We now have 17 committee members (including another
dad) which is the biggest cohort so far. This should be another turning
point for FOSS as we are sure to have more ideas coming through plus
the extra help.
Our social evening
this month is the carol singing around the Christmas tree. This is
going to be held on Thursday 9th Dec.in the school hall, start 7 p.m.
with refreshments afterwards. Anyone and everyone is invited to come
along and join in.
We are also be
inviting parents and guests back to the school for refreshments after
the Christingle service which is to be held on Dec. 16th. There will
be a raffle for a Christmas hamper, so we're looking forward to seeing
you all on those occasions.
------------
News Flash -----------
Reports
are coming through from Ernie to say the recording from the chat evening
are very good, so watch out for more news on that front early next
year.
Merry
Christmas
&
Happy New Year!
from
FOSS
and thank you for your support
|
|
FOSS
invite
you to join us around the
Christmas Tree
for some
Carol Singing
and afterwards for refreshments
in the school hall
Thursday 9th December
7 p.m.
If you would like a lift phone Jenny on 830623
|
|
|
Somersham
Primary School
invites you to their
Christingle Service
Thursday 16th December
in the Church
2 p.m. (for little brothers & sisters)
&
6 p.m.
and afterwards in the school hall for refreshments
(evening only)
|
IPSWICH APPEAL FOR ROMANIA
Ipswich Appeal
for Romania is arranging a number of indoor car boot sales at Great
Blakenham Village Hall on the following Sundays between 8am and 1pm.
December 5th, January 9th and 30th
February 13th, March 6th and 27th
April 10th, May 1st
So clear out
the attic, book a table and bring along those unwanted items - tables
only £5.
On the other hand you could turn up and browse! - hot food and drinks
will be available.
Big Band Night
'Horn Factory' (accomplished 18 piece band) will be returning
to Gt.Blakenham Village on January 29th 2005. Tickets £6. Bar
and Grand Raffle. So another great night is in store.
If you want to
book a table for an indoor car boot sale or reserve your ticket for
the big band night, please contact either Lee or Annamaria on Ipswich
833292 or e-mail leeevarthur@yahoo.co.uk.
CHURCH SERVICES in our 8 linked parishes
If you think there may be a mistake in the rota please contact your
Churchwarden.
December
5th - Advent 2
|
Holy Communion
|
9.30am |
Willisham |
| Morning
Prayer |
10.00am |
Great
Bricett |
| Holy
Communion by extension |
11.15am |
Somersham |
| Holy
Communion |
11.15am |
Battisford |
| Evening
Prayer |
3.00pm |
Barking |
| Evening
Prayer (this month only) |
6.30pm |
Flowton |
December
12th - Advent 3
Holy
Communion by extension
|
8:00am |
Flowton
|
|
Toy and Crib Service |
10.00am |
Somersham
|
| Holy
Communion |
10.00am |
Bricett |
| Holy
Communion |
11.15am |
Barking
Tye |
| Family
Service |
11.15am |
Battisford |
| Carol
Service |
3.00pm |
Willisham |
| Evening
Prayer |
6.30pm |
Offton |
Saturday
December 18th
| Advent
workshop for children |
10.00am |
Offton |
December
19th Advent 4
| Holy
Communion (this month only) |
8.00am |
Flowton |
| Traditional
Carol Service |
10.00am |
Offton
|
| Carol
Service |
11.15am |
Battisford |
|
Carol Service
|
3.00pm |
Barking |
|
Carol Service |
6.00pm |
Ringshall |
| Carol
Service |
6.30pm |
Somersham |
Friday
December 24th Christmas Eve
| Traditional
Carol Service |
6.30pm |
Flowton |
| First
Communion of Christmas |
11.30pm |
Somersham
and Battisford
|
Saturday
December 25th Christmas Day
| Holy
Communion by extension |
8.00am |
Flowton |
| Family
Communion |
9.00am |
Willisham |
| Family
Communion |
10.00am |
Offton |
|
Holy Communion by extension |
10.00am |
Bricett |
|
Half-hour service of carols & readings |
10.00am |
Ringshall |
December
26th St Stephen/ Christmas 1
| Morning
Worship |
10.00am |
Flowton |
| Holy
Communion |
11.15am |
Barking |
January
2nd Second Sunday of Christmas
|
Holy Communion
|
9.30am |
Willisham |
| Morning
Prayer |
10.00am |
Great
Bricett |
| Holy
Communion |
11.15am |
Somersham |
| Morning
Prayer |
11.15am |
Battisford |
| Evening
Prayer |
3.00pm |
Barking |
| Holy
Communion |
6.30pm |
Flowton |
January
9th Baptism of Christ / Epiphany 1
Holy
Communion by extension
|
8:00am |
Flowton
|
|
Toy and Crib Service |
10.00am |
Somersham
|
| Holy
Communion |
10.00am |
Bricett |
| Holy
Communion |
11.15am |
Barking
Tye |
| Family
Service |
11.15am |
Battisford |
| Carol
Service |
3.00pm |
Willisham |
| Evening
Prayer |
6.30pm |
Offton |
January
16th Second Sunday of Epiphany
| Holy
Communion |
8.00am |
Somersham |
| Family
Service + communion by ext. |
10.00am |
Offton
|
| Family
Service |
10.00am |
Willisham |
| Holy
Communion |
11.15am |
Battisford |
|
Evening
Prayer
|
6.30pm |
Flowton |
January
23rd Third Sunday of Epiphany
| Holy
Communion |
9.30am |
Ringshall |
| Morning
Worship |
10.00am |
Flowton |
| Holy
Communion |
11.00am |
Offton |
| Holy
Communion by extension |
11.15am |
Barking |
| Evening
Prayer |
6.30pm |
Somersham |
January
30th Fourth Sunday of Epiphany
| Family
Communion |
10.00am |
Somersham |
From:
PC Kevin Shields
our
Community Beat Officer
Tel: 01473 613500
It's good to be
back. I say this having spent sometime on sick leave and, believe
it or not, I did miss being out and about the parishes. So back to
work and back to normal if such a state exists.
We always seem
to be approaching one event or another that presents a particular
problem or provides an opportunity for crime. Of course I am talking
about Christmas. What to buy for Aunty, who visits on Christmas Day,
or just how to pay for it.. But others don't worry about the last
one. They want you to pay for their Christmas and maybe provide the
presents ready wrapped.
Running up to
Christmas everyone and everywhere is busy including criminals - the
opportunist may snatch your handbag or purse from the top of your
shopping bag or trolley. The pickpocket may take your wallet carelessly
placed in an accessible pocket. A car full of newly bought presents
may end up under someone else's tree. Your credit card bill may suddenly
grow unexpectedly with goods you haven't bought.
Just a bit of thought can save a lot of heartache.
Credit card fraud
has been much in the news lately particularly Internet fraud. When
shopping on the net the same rules apply as anywhere else. You wouldn't
give your card details to 'Del' from Only Fools and Horse's so don't
pass them over the net to a company or person of whom you have never
heard. Make sure you have up to date virus and firewall protection
on your PC to prevent access by hackers wanting your details. Still
on the computer subject there have been several scam e-mails about
purporting to be from banks etc asking you to use a link to a website
and enter your security details for various reasons. DON'T -
the e-mail is most likely an attempt to obtain you details for fraud.
Always access your bank using the web address the bank gave you. There
have also been reports of e-mails offering vast amounts of cash if
you let foreign national usually from one of the African states use
your bank account details to transfer money to the UK. You will certainly
notice a change in your bank account. IT WILL BE EMPTY.
Which brings us back to Christmas. Well, my account is always empty
then.
A brief overview
of local crime.
In October a series of large gates were stolen from farms and other
premises across several parishes. Ensure gate hinges are 'capped'
to prevent easy removal.
In Nettlestead a ride on mower was stolen during the day on 28th October.
In Barking on 14th October a builders site was entered and a laser
level stolen An outbuilding was targeted in Combs and power tools
including a chainsaw, petrol mower and skill saw were stolen on 25th
October, however three persons are on police bail for this.
In Somersham an insecure cycle was stolen from a garden during an
evening in October. It is a boys Promotive mountain cycle colour blue.
HAVE A HAPPY AND CRIME FREE CHRISTMAS
If I can help in any way please contact me on 01473 613500 (Force
Headquarters) if I am not on duty ask to leave a voicemail message
for Pc980 Shields. Please remember there are periods when I am rest
day for 4 days. If you require urgent action do not leave message,
speak to another officer.
My deputy should I be on leave or otherwise away for any length of
time will be Pc 839 Simon Mills, he is contactable on the same telephone
numbers as myself.
Thank
you
PC Kevin Shields
01473 383390 Stowmarket Police Station
01473 613500 Police Headquarters
To go to the Suffolk Police web site please click here
Somersham Baptist Church
A glance at my
bookshelves reflects a common human interest in people. Biographies
and autobiographies of Martin O'Neil, Steve Walsh, Alex Ferguson,
Bob Wilson, Michael J Fox, along with the more expected stories, for
a minister, of George Whitfield, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Charles
Wesley, William Carey, John Calvin, William Jay, John Huss, Thomas
Boston, and Oliver Cromwell. People are interesting; I always check
the back inside cover of the Radio Times to read the interview, the
current issue at the time of writing is with Anastacia.
We are interested in the events and convictions that form the character
of the people in the media and those who have shaped our history.
If we met them personally, would we like them, would they like us!
Even in the 21st century people continue to explore the nature of
God, the most interesting person of all. Where do you begin? Christmas
is about discovering more of God; the bible introduces us to Jesus
in the pages of the New Testament Gospels. The angel announces to
Joseph "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to
a son, and they will call him Immanuel - which means, 'God with us"
. Read of Jesus this Christmas, our God with us, would we like God,
would he like us? God certainly is interesting.
Christmas Meetings
Candlelight Carol Service Christmas Eve 6.30pm
Sunday 26th December, 10.00am Prayer Meeting, 10.45am Worship.
Regular Sunday Morning Programme
(You are welcome to join us for all or part of the meeting).
10.00-10.30 Prayer Meeting
10.45-11.15 Bible Study
11.30-12.00 Worship
12.00-12.30 Sermon (Communion 1st Sunday)
Children and Young People (During term time)
Wednesday Club 6.30-7.30pm For Primary School children.
14+ Friday's 8.00-9.30 Year 9 upwards.
Ladies Meeting
Women's Fellowship 2.30pm Friday 10th December.
Contacts;
Pastor Mark Newcombe 01473 831940 e-mail mark.newcombe@btinternet.com
Colin Low 01473 464833 or Edwin Mayhew on 01473 658100. Web site www.somersham.com
Offton
Church News
Christmas Events:
11th December
Mulled Wine and Carols: at 7.30pm in Village Hall - see details
elsewhere.
18th December
Advent Workshop: from 10 am - 11.00-ish in church. All young people
welcome.
19th December.
Traditional Carol Service by candlelight -10.00am
Christmas Day
Service: Family Communion - 10.00am
No service in
Offton Church on 26 th December.
2005
Events coming up
8th January
Rector's Plate Carpet Bowls in Needham Market - details elsewhere
15th January
Concert - in the church
9th February
- Ash Wednesday - Lenten Supper in Offton Church
24th February
Taize Service in Offton Church at 7.30
Events
passed:
All Hallows Party on Sunday 31st October 2004
Thirty children and seventeen adults attended the party. Pam would
like to say thank you to all the Mums and helpers who made this evening
such a success.
Somersham Ward Ipswich Hospital - Cancer Unit Support
Group
One thousand pounds
was raised in October at a Saturday Fayre fundraiser at Mount Pleasant
Farm. Pam Redman received a letter expressing thanks to all involved
from the Somersham Ward Support Treasurer D A Baker:
"Your donation will help us in our endeavours to provide extra
amenities and facilities for the patients on the Ward and in its Clinics.
Our present project is to help with the costs of setting up a mini
Path.Lab in Wolverstone Wing for blood testing purposes. The Group
is to provide the finance for the required equipment. The site will
enable staff to make diagnostic decisions much more quickly and will
be of enormous benefit in the treatment of patients in the cancer
unit."
|
An
Evening of Carols
with
Mulled Wine and Mince pies
Raffle
at 7.30 pm in
Offton
and Willisham Village Hall
Further
details from Silke Pinson-Roxburgh
Telephone: 01473 658213
|
|
|
Rector's
Plate
Carpet Bowls Competition
Community Centre
Needham Market
Saturday
8th January 2005
From
9.30 am- an all day event
Bowls,
raffle, tombola
refreshments and bar
Support
this fundraising event
in aid of
St Mary's Church Offton
Further details, offers of help
or contributions to the raffle or tombola
Call: Lucy Vignoles 01473 658480 or
Anne Chapman 01449 721181
|
Offton
& Willisham Village Hall Management Committee
A note for
your diaries:-
During 2005 we
plan to organise a series of fund raising events which we hope will
be supported by Offton, Willisham and surrounding villages.
Firstly on Saturday
February 12th we will be holding a Quiz and Supper Evening.
Then on Saturday
April 2nd an Auction of Promises and Cheese & Wine is being arranged.
Offers of promises will be much appreciated.
Further details will be announced in next month's Link.
OFFTON AND WILLISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
The Council gives
a warm welcome to our new District Councillor Robin Richardson, and
trusts that he will find his work on the Parishes' behalf interesting
and rewarding.
The Arts Council, in conjunction with the County and District Councils
is promoting 'Amplifier' which is a countrywide project to provide
opportunities for young people to make, promote, and discuss rock,
pop and dance music, through practical workshops. Sessions are held
in Needham Market and Stowmarket. You can find out more on www.amplifiersuffolk.co.uk,
or at Amplifier 01473 481025.
The Tourist Information office in Stowmarket 01449 676800 can help
you with holiday planning, timetables, theatre bookings, advertising
local events and other services.
Refuse collection
days for Christmas and New Year are put back by one day over Christmas
and New Year weeks commencing 27th December and 3rd January.
MSDC is launching a Key Card Scheme, which offers discounts
on a range of services to the over 60's, benefit claimants including
disability allowances and people in full time education. Examples
are 50% off leisure usage at MSDC facilities, 50% off photocopying
in libraries, and 25% off sound and vision loans. Application forms
will be available at the MSDC offices and Needham Market library in
School Street. The scheme is managed by Geoff Doggett on 01449 727114
with website www.onesuffolk
co uk.
Pip Sands Parish Clerk 01449 721173
SOMERSHAM
CARPET BOWLS CLUB
Continuing with
the Winter league into October our next match was away to Brantham,
so having won the first of the season we had high hopes for extending
the winning streak, but this was not to be. Brantham were found to
be on top form and took all the points although it was a close contest
with only 12 points between all 4 games
Bentley were our next opponents, and on their own mats - or could
it be it was their knowledge of the floorboards - but we were soon
given lessons on getting the woods close to the jack. Again three
out of the four matches were closely contested and we only lost by
a few shots but enough to go down 8 - 2.
Our next match
was against Tuddenham in the Joe Rice Cup, and they were formidable
opponents. Tuddenham are in the 1st Division and even though Somersham
had the advantage of playing on home mats and put in valiant efforts
to contest the match, we eventually succumbed to the better team on
the night and went down 6 - 2 and by 52 shots to 39.
October has been
a busy month for matches and the next league game away at Harkstead
quickly followed. This time Somersham soon came to grips with the
'run' of the carpets, and came out on top with a good win. This helped
to move us a little way up the league table.
More recently
another good match encounter - at home - was against Whatfield. Somersham
took advantage of some good bowling to register success by a narrow
majority taking the match on shots.
The final match
of the month was the return match (2nd. leg) in the Joe Rice Cup against
Tuddenham. The 1st. Division side with home advantage played with
confidence, and this time we were - without doubt - shown the way
home by the huge margin of 76 - 22 shots. It doesn't seem we are yet
quite ready for the 1st Division.
Winter League
(October results)
| Team |
Shots |
Points |
|
|
| Brantham |
44 - 32 |
10 - 0 |
Lost |
Away |
| Bentley |
44 - 32 |
8 - 2 |
Lost |
Away |
| Harkstead |
38 - 52 |
2 - 8 |
Won |
Away |
| Whatfield |
39 - 45 |
4 - 6 |
Won |
Home |
SOMERSHAM CSC
The Stars finished the season in incredible form - by winning a trio
of matches! The previous 3 had taken us 3 years, and this final flurry
saw us jump 2 places in the league.
We've never got it together when visiting Hethersett before but on
this occasion it was wet. The home side seemed demoralised with the
muddy conditions, but Somersham stayed focussed and some solid scoring
led to a deserved 83-91 win. A paid 18 from Peter Mittell was his
best score.
Next up was a visit from Eaton. The visitors had riders missing, but
having suffered this in the past ourselves, we were in no mood for
favours. Richard Williamson led the way with an impressive 5 ride
maximum as Stars won 94-77.
The hat-trick was completed with a great performance at Hawbush. Such
was our dominance we even coped with terrible luck - a puncture for
Pete Williamson, and lost chains for Andy Mittell and Barry Copping,
all while leading races. Somersham rode the large energy sapping track
well for a final score of 79-95.
And success on the individual front too. Gary Brown enjoyed the puddles
at Colchester to wrap up the South East Grand Prix, while Barry Copping
was runner-up. Meanwhile congratulations to Andrew Mittell, who was
selected for Young England at Newport. Unfortunately he crashed out
with an injured knee, but reports were highly complimentary.
Stars' junior team are progressing well after racing events at Ipswich
and Gt. Blakenham. Although well beaten, the improving speed and skill
is clear to see.
This was demonstrated in the Handicap Club Championship where Jordan
Chester-Flatt, with only a few months experience, won in impressive
style. He and Joseph Newton led the junior section so they raced against
the top seniors with up to a half lap head start. In the final, Jordan
got a good pace going and the chasing pack were unable to make much
impression.
That's it for
2004. We'll be back on track next March.
Somersham
Church Notes
Thank you to everyone
who helped with and supported the Trivia Quiz on 12th November. Special
thanks to Dave & Helen Thorne. The amount raised from the evening
will be in the next Link.
The Women's Refuge
was very grateful for all the gifts from the Harvest Festival service
and schoolchildren's visit to church. Thank you for all your contributions
and to Frances & Gordon Southgate foe delivering them.
The Christmas
Bazaar will be on Saturday 4th December from 2 - 4pm. All the
usual stalls and attractions. More details elsewhere in the Link.
Christmas quiz
sheets are now available from the usual outlets for £1.
Have fun puzzling over the answers - why not buy an extra one or two
to send on to friends or relatives who enjoy trivia? You have until
the end of January to get your answers in.
Don't forget the
Open Gardens Weekend in the village over the weekend of 9th
and 10th July, with a "Somersham on Show" exhibition in
the church. We are looking for any old photos or postcards of the
village (and villagers). They will be copied so the owner can have
them back again without the risk of any damage. There will be all
the usual stalls, games and refreshments dotted through the village,
a "best flower tub" competition and also opportunity to
have your own garage or table-top sale. Please let Christine Jarrold
or Pat Woolhouse know if you have any photos.
Many residents
of Somersham showed their appreciation for the prescriptions service
Michael & Christine Jarrold provided for many years by
contributing to a gift for them. Over £120 was collected, and
Michael & Christine were presented with vouchers for Galloway
Coach Travel and Roots & Shoots Garden Centre, along with a bouquet.
Somersham
Football Club
The much anticipated
away fixture of the local derby against Claydon took place on 9th
October. Somersham were able to field a fairly full strength side
and hopes were high of improving on last seasons 1-1 draw in the corresponding
fixture. Both teams started brightly and Somersham slightly edged
it with better quality chances, but were unable to make any of them
count. Claydon took the lead and with their robust and committed approach
went on to win the game 3-0. This was a very disappointing result
for Somersham, who were just not as hungry as their opposition and
lacked any bite to their tackling.
It was a different story back at Somersham where the Reserves entertained
Albion Mills Reserves. A fine display ended with Somersham winning
3-1 with Dale Poole again getting on the score sheet.
16th October and
Somersham were at home to Bacton United 89, from the Division above
us, in the Omnico Cup. After the previous week, Somersham were "up
for it", and surprised Bacton who initially seemed to think it
would be a walk over. Somersham took the game to Bacton and only in
the final minutes were Bacton able to seal their victory with a goal
to make it 4-2. Somersham certainly deserved something from the game
and, but for one or two dodgy away team linesman's decisions, may
have held on for the victory.
Meanwhile the Reserves were in action at Dennington United Reserves
in Division 6. Another excellent performance saw them make the long
journey home with a 2-0 victory in the bank. Dale Poole got his weekly
goal and the other came from S. Johnson.
23rd October was
the first of three back to back away trips for the first team. They
travelled to Ixworth to take on Walsham Le Willows in the league.
On a difficult surface Somersham worked hard and came away with a
deserved three points. Damo 'Diesel' Crick scored one and Dan English
got the other with a fine finish in the box.
The reserves were at home to Bacton United 89 Reserves in the league,
a game I was able to attend and one which was splendid entertainment.
Somersham had the better of the play throughout the match and ran
out 2-0 winners again. Somersham played some very good football at
times and showed great patience as there first goal did take a while
to come. Ross Cater scored for the first time since his return from
the States, with an exquisite first touch to slide the ball under
the advancing keeper.
30th October meant
the long trek "out Haverhill way" for the first team to
take on Grampian Reserves, from the Cambridgeshire league, in the
Primary Cup. Somersham gave a superb performance controlling the game
from start to finish, aside from a 10 minute spell in the second half,
to win the match 2-0. Kieran Cotterell and Dan English got the goals,
both fine efforts, and for the first time in a long time, no single
player stood out, as all eleven were first class. Grampian, who were
a capable side, soon lost interest in playing football and tried to
bully their way to victory. Somersham were having none of this business
and controlled the game so well that Grampian never really got a chance
to get into the game.
The Reserves travelled to Trimley to take on their Red Devils. After
the last three results the reserves were hopeful of another victory,
but it wasn't to be. They battled extremely hard and played some more
sound football, but ended up losing 3-2.
6th November saw
the First team play their final away game in a three match sequence.
It was time to take on Coplestonians 'A' again. The home fixture had
produced a 3-0 victory, but Somersham were aware that Cops' would
be no push over. The game started well and Somersham could have been
ahead inside 3 minutes, but Cops' soon got into the game and their
wily old centre half soon won the most dubious of penalties for them.
This was converted to see Somersham 1-0 down at half-time. The second
half saw a better performance from the lads and after some very good
football, Dave Jousiffe was in the right place to coolly smack home
the equaliser from 20 yards. A lot of pressure was applied by Somersham
after this but several chances went begging leaving the result 1-1.
The manager, players and supporters were all very disappointed afterwards
as it was clearly a case of 2 points dropped, rather than 1 point
gained.
The Reserves were at home to BT Trimley 'A' in the league. Despite
overwhelming superiority they were unable to make the breakthrough
and ended the game all square at 0-0. All concerned felt the same
disappointment as the first team and felt they too had dropped 2 points.
However, after an indifferent start to the season, they have improved
superbly under manager 'Dingily' Del Ottaway and if they continue
with similar performances to those seen recently they will surely
be pressing for promotion in April.
A special mention
goes to Dazza Luck who played his last game for Somersham for the
foreseeable future, due to a new job. All at Somersham wish him the
best and hope he will be in a position to join us again in the not
too distant future. His legendary ability of distant thought in the
dressing room will be sorely missed.
Finally, on behalf
of all at Somersham Football Club I wish you all a Merry Christmas
and fantastic New Year…..maybe I'll get some paint in my stocking!!!!
See you on
Saturday!!! DON'T FORGET YOUR PAINT!!!!!
Al Chester
SOMERSHAM
PARISH COUNCIL
December 2004
Parish Council
Meetings
Wednesday 1st
December 2004 at 7.30pm in the Pavilion.
2005 schedule of meetings to be arranged.
*********************
Bus Shelter
The joint project
between Somersham Baptist Church Youth Club and the Parish Council
to repaint the bus shelter is now underway. A group from the Youth
Club are going to clean up the bus shelter by repainting it in colours
of their choice. Youth Club members suggested this project as the
facility they wanted to refurbish and the Parish Council is delighted
to be able to assist by supporting and co-ordinating the work. The
Parish Council would like to record its appreciation of the good work
of the Youth Club and its support of the community and its facilities.
*********************
Mid Suffolk Key Card Scheme
This new initiative
is aimed to help those in Mid Suffolk on low incomes. by the provision
of special discounts on a range of services available in the area.
Those eligible include over 60s, benefit claimants including disability
allowances, and people in full time education. The discounts include
50% off photocopying in Suffolk libraries, 50% off leisure centre
usage at MSDC leisure facilities and 10% off West Suffolk college
courses. Further details are available from the Suffolk Key Project
Officer at Mid Suffolk - Geoff Doggett, telephone 01449 727114.
*********************
Amplifier
Amplifier, a countywide
3-year project was launched on the 14th October. The aims are to develop
a project that provides a wide range of opportunities for young people
aged between 11 to 24 to actively engage with the making, promotion,
development and discussion of rock, pop, dance and club music and
to develop an infrastructure of skilled people, appropriate places
and equipment that will enable the creation and development of music
available to young people in Suffolk. Posters and leaflets will be
displayed on community facilities giving details of workshop sessions
in Mid Suffolk.
Janet Clarke
Clerk to the Council
Address: 7 Drury
Road, Claydon, IPSWICH, IP6 0ED
Tel. No. 01473 830398
E-mail:janetinclaydon@aol.com
Somersham Baptist Church
A glance at my
book shelves reflects a common human interest in people. Biographies
and autobiographies of Martin O'Neil, Steve Walsh, Alex Ferguson,
Bob Wilson, Michael J Fox, along with the more expected stories, for
a minister, of George Whitfield, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Charles
Wesley, William Carey, John Calvin, William Jay, John Huss, Thomas
Boston, and Oliver Cromwell. People are interesting; I always check
the back inside cover of the Radio Times to read the interview, the
current issue at the time of writing is with Anastacia.
We are interested in the events and convictions that form the character
of the people in the media and those who have shaped our history.
If we met them personally, would we like them, would they like us!
Even in 21st c people continue to explore the nature of God, the most
interesting person of all. Where do you begin? Christmas is about
discovering more of God; the bible introduces us to Jesus in the pages
of the New Testament Gospels. The angel announces to Joseph "The
virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will
call him Immanuel - which means, 'God with us" . Read of Jesus
this Christmas, our God with us, would we like God, would he like
us? God certainly is interesting.
Christmas Meetings
Candlelight Carol Service Christmas Eve 6.30pm
Sunday 26th December, 10.00am Prayer Meeting, 10.45am Worship.
Regular Sunday Morning Programme (You are welcome to join us for all
or part of the meeting).
10.00-10.30 Prayer Meeting
10.45-11.15 Bible Study
11.30-12.00 Worship
12.00-12.30 Sermon (Communion 1st Sunday)
Children and Young
People (During term time)
Wednesday Club 6.30-7.30pm For Primary School children.
14+ Friday's 8.00-9.30 Year 9 upwards.
Ladies Meeting
Women's Fellowship 2.30pm Friday 10th December.
Contacts: Mark
Newcombe (Pastor) 01473 831940 mark.newcombe@btinternet.com
Edwin Mayhew 01473 658100.
