Ely Cathedral SERVICES for February 5 - 11 Thursday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; midday – Quiet Hour; 12.10pm – Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Friday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; midday – Quiet Hour; 5.30pm – Ev

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for February 5 - 11

Thursday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; midday - Quiet Hour; 12.10pm - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Friday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; midday - Quiet Hour; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Saturday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; midday - Quiet Hour; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Sunday: 8.15am - Holy Communion; 10.30am - Sung Eucharist; 4pm - Evensong.

Monday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; midday - Quiet Hour; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Tuesday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; midday - Quiet Hour; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Wednesday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; midday - Quiet Hour; 5.30pm - Evensong.

St Mary's Church

SERVICES for February 8:

8am - Holy Communion with preacher Alan Hulme; 10.30am - Family Communion with preacher Alan Hulme; 6.30pm - Evening Prayer with preacher John Marshall.

St Peter's Church

ON Sunday the celebrant and preacher at the 9.15 am Sung Eucharist will be the Rev Reg Macklin.

Wednesday: there will be a lunchtime service at 1pm, followed by a bring-and-share lunch at St Peter's House.

City of Ely Flower Club

THE first meeting of the new year will be held tonight (February 5) at the City of Ely Community College in Downham Road at 7pm for a 7.15pm start. The demonstrator will be Lesley Beeton from Peterborough, with the theme 'it's my pleasure'. Free to members; visitors charged �3.50. Details from Grace Bent on 01353 661457.

Isle of Ely Philatelic Society

THE society's meeting today (February 5) will be a talk and display by J Shaw on 'the year of the Three Kings, part 2'. The society meets in the library of the City of Ely Community College, starting promptly at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to attend any of the meetings.

INFO: Chris on 01354 659358.

Ely Hereward Rotary Club

The Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge provided the speakers at last week's meeting of the Rotary Club of Ely Hereward.

Lucy Day and Pat Dalrymple talked about the hospice's ethos, which is 'helping make the unbearable bearable' - and how they raise the funds they need to do this invaluable work because very little of it is funded by the NHS.

INFO: visit www.arch.org.uk or call 01223 723115.

For more information on the Rotary Club of Ely Hereward, visit http://www.rotaryclubely-hereward.org/ or ring Frank Connolly on 01353 740867 (evenings).

Countess Freechurch

IT was lovely to have a nearly full church on Sunday morning for our service, which included the dedication of Benjamin Booth aged six months welcoming him into the church family. Our minister the Rev Gordon Lowman continued to speak on passages from the Book of 1 Timothy, this week focusing on the message that all can be brought into the family of Christ who died to take away our sins. In the evening service the message was from Psalm 27

Sunday: the Rev Michael Griffin from the Leprosy Mission will lead our morning service at 10.30am. We provide a cr�che for babies and an active and engaging Sunday School for all other children, and young people, and all are very welcome,

Ely Rotary Club

THE latest induction into the Rotary Club of Ely is retired Methodist Superintendent Bernard Arnold, who retired recently to Ely with his wife Ruth. Bernard is a native of Norfolk, and during the 40 years of his ministry has worked in Jamaica - his first church - and America, Chelmsford and Colchester.

For several years he was a member of the Rotary Club of Godalming, Surrey, and so is not new to the worldwide organisation.

Details of the Ely Rotary Club can be found on the website: www.elyrotary.co.uk where forthcoming events are also posted, the next being the Big Band Night on February 20. Tickets from Wade's Opticians in Ely High Street, and Burrows Bookshop.

The Olive Tree

SUNDAY'S morning worship included a stirring message from Tim Frost, elder in the church.

Sunday: service at 10.30am. (including Holy Communion). The speaker will be the pastor. Cr�che and Sunday School will be provided.

A warm and welcoming setting awaits you at the Open Door Caf� from 10am till noon on Friday. Come and enjoy refreshments and good company. All are welcome at these events.

New Connexions @ High Barns

(Free Church)

FOLK from New Connexions enjoyed a social time bowling on Saturday, with some surprising winners. On Sunday, 'Jesus as healer' was our topic. Adults enjoyed their usual mixture of worship, discussion, short talk and coffee. In Children's Club we thought about Jesus healing our inside (sin) first, as he did with the lame man, and enjoyed re-enacting the story to the rest of the church.

Sunday: 'Mr Miracle Maker' will be our topic, continuing our theme on the life of Jesus.

Do feel free to come along for a friendly welcome at one of our services or Children's Club for about an hour. We meet on Sundays at 10.30am at The Theatre, St Mary's School. Call or email Keith Waters on 01353 612158 / fool@xalt.co.uk for more information.

HADDENHAM

WI

THE president welcomed members to the meeting.

The speaker for the evening was Marian Tholborn, who spoke about 'Hearing Dogs for the Deaf' Marion brought her dog Coley to the meeting. Her talk was very interesting and informative; she explained to the members what a huge difference having Coley made to her life.

Margaret Johnson won the competition for the best dog ornament.

Parish Council

THE parish council met on January 21. Minutes of the last meeting and accounts to be authorised were agreed and signed. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Julie Parr, Cllr Peter Goddard, District Cllr Ian Allen and County Cllr Bill Hunt.

A member of the public raised his concerns regarding flooding in Dun Lane, which has worsened since the development of the new housing estate backing onto it. The clerk will report this to the planning department and ask them to investigate.

A number of vehicles have been targeted and by thieves and fuel has been stole from businesses and residential properties. A police surgery was held in Aldreth during December. Late night police patrols had picked up two incidents of cannabis use. A surgery was held in Camping Close.

A meeting was held in Cottenham on January 22 with the county council representatives to discuss the gravel and mineral lorries.

There is now a hotline number (01353 665555) where members of the public can register their complaints about the waste and recycling collection service.

All vacant allotment plots and half plots have now been allocated to new tenants. It was agreed that due to the current high demand for allotments, a policy would be put in place with immediate effect to address the applications, which can only be accepted from residents of Haddenham and Aldreth.

The final claim for the Fairchild's Meadows Heritage Lottery Fund grant had been submitted. A meeting will be held with the Wildlife Trust on February 17 to discuss what can be done about irresponsible dog owners using the meadows.

The draft lease for the Closed Landfill Site in Station Road has been received and was accepted by the parish council to be processed for signature. A working party will be formed at the February meeting to carry forward the work to develop the area.

Cllr Robert Norman advised that the clearing and levelling of the drove from Hillrow to St Georges Farm had started.

The next Litter Pick event will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 2pm till 4pm, starting at The Pavilion.

The straw burning plant at Sutton has now submitted its planning application and it is expected this will come before the parish council for consideration at the next meeting on February 11.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at 7.30pm at the Arkenstall Village Centre.

LITTLEPORT

St George's Church

ON Sunday (Candlemas) the vicar presided and preached at the 8am Holy communion and the 10am Parish Eucharist. The first Sunday Praise at 6.30pm was led by Mavis Blackmore.

Saturday: the Men's Breakfast Club in the Parish Room at 9am.

The vicar will preside and preach at the 8am Holy Communion. She will preside at the 10am Parish Eucharist when the sermon will be delivered by Carol Swain. The vicar will also preach at the 6.30pm evening service at St John's Methodist Church.

Monday: Daily Prayer - 12.30pm.

Tuesday: Daily Prayer - 12.30pm; Pram Service at 1.45pm for pre-school toddlers.

Wednesday: Morning Prayer at 8.30am. Holy Communion at 9.30am.

Thursday: Daily Prayer at 9am.

Friday: Choir Practice at 7.30pm. Compline at 9pm.

The Vine Community Church

WE are a lively non-denominational Christian church meeting at the Regal on Hempfield Road in Littleport.

Sunday: service will be at 10:30am with contemporary music worship and the sermon by pastor Don Gee. Youth and children's Sunday School is also provided during the sermon and our cr�che is now open for the little ones throughout the service. After the service, we welcome you to stay for coffee, tea, and fellowship. The fourth of five sessions of our after Alpha course 'challenging lifestyle' is on February 11 at 7:30pm. It will cover such topics as 'finding the secret of happiness', 'how to change the world around you', 'how to handle anger', and 'how to approach sex in the 21st Century. This is a six-week course and is open to all, whether you attend Alpha or not. Next week, small groups will be meeting for fellowship and encourage one another in their designated homes.

The AGM will be held on February 22 and will be preceded by a bring-and-share lunch at The Regal.

INFO: For further information, contact pastor Don Gee at 01353 860885 or 01638 780457 or visit us at www.thevinelittleport.org.uk

St John's Methodist Church

THE Rev June Mallabon led the morning service on Sunday. Janice Weatherall read the lesson and Peter Kirby was the pianist. The Rev Bernard Arnold led the evening service and Pat Hodson was the pianist. On February 7, there will be a coffee morning in the schoolroom, from 9am-11am.

Next Sunday, Paul Cobley will lead the morning service at 10.45am and the evening service will be led by Tony Murfitt.

All welcome to join in with any services or events.

LITTLE DOWNHAM

St Leonard's Church

SUNDAY was a traditional service of Communion and during the All-age Worship, Summer Barrows was baptised.

Sunday: there is a service of Parish Communion with Sunday Club for the children at 11am where the speaker will be Richard Dean. At 4.30pm in the Community Rooms is Messy Church, where the theme this month is 'the lost sheep'. Craft, drama, puppets, informal worship and tea for all ages. Our under-5s group, Jellytots, is on Tuesday afternoon from 1.30pm till 3pm and Friday, from 10am till 11.30am, in the Community Rooms.

LITTLE THETFORD

St George's Church

MORNING Praise on Sunday was conducted by David Noble, who based his message from Ephesians reminding us that the church is not the building but the people. Lessons were read by Pat Morrison and Alan Hampton. Intercessory prayers were led by Martin Kenward. The organist was Peter Cockerton.

Sunday: as we unite with our friends at the Baptist Church at 9.45am for a United Family Service.

Baptist Church

THE service on Sunday was conducted by Brian Mills who spoke on the supremacy of Christ. Peter Cockerton was the organist. Gwen Taylor was offertory steward. Coffee and chat was held on Tuesday morning. The Girls' Brigade meet on Friday at 6pm.

Sunday: the United Family Service and Girls' Brigade Parade will be at 9.45am and will be conducted by the Rev Glyn Jones.

SOHAM

Over 60s Club

THE Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on January 23 when Ruth Ginn welcomed members. Chairman Vera Seal thanked everyone involved in the running of the club. Vice-chairman Ruth Ginn gave her report on the year's activities. Treasurer Peggy Gibbon went through the financial report which showed a healthy balance. Secretary Diane Wheeling gave her report. The annual subs would go up to �2 from 2010 and also the fees for dinners and outings. Peggy Gibbon would continue to organise the holidays but these would be entirely separate from the Over-60's Club. The committee all agreed to continue for another year and Betty Lanagan joined the committee. Refreshments were served and Vera organised the raffle. Peggy collected fees and gave out the tickets for the dinner on February 14, at noon. The meeting closed with the club hymn.

The club was entertained by 'Shani', a troupe of Egyptian Dancers, on January 30. The group, led by Caroline Lerrigo, performed a number of solo and group dances. It was an exceptionally interesting and entertaining afternoon. The ladies of the troupe collect money for Save the Children fund, so club members were happy to donate generously to this worthy cause.

Wives' Group

L GILBEY welcomed members to the meeting of the Wives' Group on January 21. Carol gave out the notices. An outing to Scotsdales has been arranged for March 19, leaving Soham at 5.15pm. A dinner in June and a tea dance at the Pavilion on March 7. The refurbishment of the school room should start in February so future meetings will be held at The Causeway day centre on February 18 at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Malcolm Crowe. Carol welcomed Victor Plumb from the Gideons who gave an informative talk on the work of the Gideon movement which has been delivering Bibles to hospitals, hotels, residential and nursing homes for many years all over the world. Victor brought his talk to a close with the epilogue. Members joined in the singing of the Vespa. Refreshments were served and Carol organised the raffle. Members were reminded that the next meeting will be at The Causeway and if anyone needs transport, let her know.

Heartbeat Health Walk

THIRTY-ONE walkers met at the Church on January 19 for the weekly walk. Led by Liz Gwinnett, with David Clarke and Laurie Budd at the back, they enjoyed a walk of about two and a half miles. A stop for refreshments was made at saucy megabites or The Ship.

Soham The Fen and Barway WI

THE first of the meetings for 2009 take place at Keith Leonard House on February 6 at 7.30pm. A variety of speakers have been booked for the year ahead - health, holidays and humour to name but a few. New members would be given a warm welcome or perhaps come as a guest and give us a try. The speaker at the meeting on February 6 is Geoff Evans with an illustrated talk on the islands of Scotland. The exhibition is 'a holiday souvenir'.

STRETHAM

St James' Church

ON Sunday, there was a service of Morning Praise led by David Middleton.

Sunday: there is a service of Parish Communion with Sunday Club for the children led by the Rev Pauline Scott.

Monday: Little Bears from 10am till 11.30am.

Tuesday: Coffee-at-the-Lion', the local History Group, meets with speaker in the Red Lion pub at 10.30am.

WARDY HILL

Dominoes

THERE were three tables in play at the dominoes held on January 23 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: Mrs M Dewsbery, Mrs M White, B Copping, Mrs J Hardiment, Mrs D Perrin and R Dewsbery. Highest Halves: Mrs A Houghton and Miss M Murfitt; Consolation: Mrs L Dewsbery; Draw: F Tall, B Copping, A Reed and Miss M Murfitt.

Whist Drive

THERE were four tables in play at the whist drive held on January 26 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: Mrs D Perrin, Mrs H Sturman, Mrs E Sizer, Mrs M Dewsbery, A Bell, K Cornwell and N Synejko. Highest Halves: Mrs L Dewsbery and R Saberton; Most Sevens: F Tall; Consolation: Mrs B Synejko; Draw: N Bean, F Tall, Mrs E Sizer and Mrs L Dewsbery.

WITCHFORD

St Andrew's Church

THE Rev led the All Age Candlemas service on Sunday. On Sunday, there will be no service at Witchford but a combined service for four churches at Wentworth at 10.30am led by the Bishop of Huntingdon. There will be a Toddler Praise service at 2pm on February 4. Holy Communion on Tuesday at 10am.