ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for November 26 – December 2 THURSDAY: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; 12.10 - Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Friday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; 4.30pm – King s School Scholars Admission

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for November 26 - December 2

THURSDAY: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 12.10 - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Friday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 4.30pm - King's School Scholars' Admission Service; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Saturday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evening Prayer.

Sunday: 8.15am - Holy Communion; 10.30am - Sung Eucharist; 12.15pm - Holy Baptism; 4pm - Evening Prayer; 6pm - Advent Procession.

Monday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 12.10pm - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong.

Tuesday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evensong; 9pm - Advent Compline.

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

St Mary's Church

SUNDAY: 9am - Holy Communion (traditional service) with preacher Jane Hulme; 10.30am - Family Communion (contemporary style) with preacher Jane Hulme; 6.30pm - Prayer Ministry training - all welcome.

INFO: www.elyparishchurch.net or call the church office on 01353 659550.

St Peter's Church

THE celebrant and preacher at the 9.15am Advent Sunday Sung Eucharist will be Canon Nigel Abbott. On December 1 the celebrant at the 10am Holy Communion will be Rev Peter Parker.

Methodist Church

STEWARDS welcomed the congregation on November 15 with prayers and notices.

The 10.30am service was led by Ian Weatherall and included hymns and prayers and readings from the Old and New Testaments. The church is involved with Operation Christmas Child and the congregation will be sending shoeboxes with gifts to refugee children. Offerings were taken, followed by the closing hymn.

The evening service, at 6.30pm, was led by Ken Brown.

Stewards welcomed the congregation on November 22 with prayers and notices. The 10.30am Holy Communion service was led by Rev Barbara Garwood. As it was Youth Sunday the young people of the congregation gave the readings. Offerings were taken.

The evening service at 6.30pm was led by Deacon Angleena Keizer. The organists were Pam Austin and Alan Bulley.

Thursday: noon-1.30pm - Shoppers' Lunch.

Friday: 4.30pm onwards - CTIE Living Nativity, St Cross Green.

Saturday: 10am - 3pm - Christmas Fayre with crafts, cakes, gifts, books and charity stalls. Refreshments and light lunches available.

Sunday: 10.30am - Service led by Katie Leonowicz; 6.30pm - Evening Service united at Haddenham.

The Olive Tree

AFRICA Sunday saw a large and joyful group of worshipers, many in colourful traditional African dress, gathered together to praise the Lord in many languages. The congregation heard news from related churches in Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, a children's story from Nigeria, and an address from a Ugandan, Billy Onen. The service was followed by a sumptuous meal, African style.

The church's annual Christmas Fair runs from Thursday to Sunday, offering a range of arts and crafts gifts, and foods, profits going to support the work of Jimmy's Nightshelter in Cambridge, and Send a Cow in Ethiopia.

Opening times: Thursday 5pm-8pm, Friday 10am-6pm (the Open Door Caf� will run as usual), Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday noon-4pm.

Sunday service will be at the usual time of 10.30am.

Friday: join with Ely's other churches in the Living Nativity on Palace Green, as part of the Christmas Lights Switch-On programme.

Women's Institute

90th Year Celebration Concert

ON November 17 the Isle of Ely Federation of Women's Institutes organised a concert at The Neale Wade Community College in March as part of the celebration of 90 years of WIs in The Federation.

CHETTISHAM

Parish Church

MORNING Prayer at St Michael and All Angels was led by Michael Richer. The organist was Margaret Haynes. The first lesson was read by Sue Thompson and the offertory was presented by Lee Howard.

Rev Alan Hulme baptised Lily-Mae Bailey, the daughter of Paul and Gemma Bailey, on Sunday afternoon.

This Sunday's Sung Eucharist will be held at 9.15am.

HADDENHAM

Baptist Chapel

THE service for CAP Sunday was taken by Rev Jim Mullin. David gave out the notices. The Home Groups will be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The offering was taken by Daniel and Gabrielle. Joy presented a Bible to George, now that he is 10 years-old. Jim prayed, followed by songs. Jonathan spoke about CAP Sunday. Jim prayed for those who are working for people in debt - either through the death of a partner, a divorce or loss of a job through no fault of their own. He read Bible reading Luke 4, 16 to 20. The theme for Jim's sermon was 'good news for the poor'. This Sunday, the service will be taken by Rev Jim Mullin.

Parish Council

THE Parish Council met on November 11.

Cllr Jo Fitzpatrick has resigned and the clerk will now set in motion the procedure to fill the vacancy.

The work continues to lay the electricity supply for Ansons and this is continuing to cause disruption in the village.

PCSO Clare Todd had visited the clerk to introduce the new PCSO Daniel Stewart.

A complaint had been received regarding cars parking on The Green and it was agreed that prevention measures would be discussed again after the electricity cabling work has been carried out in that area

The Arkenstall Centre hiring rates will increase with effect from January 1, 2010.

The Precept for 2010/11 was set at �57,400 and the Parish Council Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Assessment and Inventory of Equipment were all reviewed for the coming year.

The Ely Masterplan had been considered and it was agreed that a main comment should be submitted stating that the amount of proposed housing development contained within the plan would be disastrous for both Ely and the surrounding villages.

Mike Smith presented a suggestion to the parish council regarding upgrading the footpath/bridleway, which runs from Chewells Lane and along the outskirts of Fairchild's Meadows to meet Station Road just below The Berristead opposite the entrance to College Farm.

The council had considered the proposed Advisory Freight Map for HCVs and it was agreed that the following statement would be returned. "The council has very strong objections to HCVs using the A1123 through Haddenham as a strategic route from Stretham to St Ives and this is just not acceptable. The council also objects, in particular, to the unnecessary use of the A1421 when there is no reason for any HCV to use this road. The A1421 should be downgraded to a B road."

The next meeting will be held on December 9 at 7.30pm at the Arkenstall Village Centre, Station Road.

LITTLEPORT

St John's Methodist Church

SUNDAY: 10.45am - Morning Service with Keith Penn; 6.30pm - Evening Service united at Haddenham Methodist Church.

Saturday (5): 9-11.30am - Christmas Fair.

Sunday (6): 10.45am - Morning Service with Duncan Palmer; 6.30pm - Evening Service with Tony Murfitt.

All welcome to join in at any services and events.

Littleport Ely and District Spiritualist (LEADS)

THE weekly service is open to everyone and entry is free.

It is held at the village hall in Victoria Street on Thursdays unless stated in the newspaper or on the website.

Doors open at 6.30pm for healing which ends at 7.20pm. This is free to all. If requiring healing please arrive early as the Healers are very busy and do not wish to disappoint those who are in need.

The Divine Service begins at 7.30pm. This week medium Pauline Porter will take the service. The following week, December 3, medium Barbara Price will attend.

There is a raffle and a goodwill collection, all donations welcomed.

The evening is closed with tea/coffee and light refreshments for which there is no charge and all are welcome.

There are places available for Development and Healing Circles. An Awareness group is held the first Monday of the month with a small charge of �2.50. All are welcome.

INFO: www.mjgoodall.co.uk/lead-spirit.htm or contact Wendie on 01353 667300

The Vine Community Church

LIVELY, friendly, non-denominational Christian church meeting at the Regal in Hempfield Road.

All welcome at the Sunday services, which begin at 10.30am. Refreshments served from 10.15am onwards. Cr�che for the youngest children is open from 10.15am and older children enjoy a separate meeting during the second half of the service. Afterwards, please join us for refreshments and a chance to chat.

Sunday: a Family Service will led by the pastor.

A Tramps' Supper for men will take place on December 5. If you would like details, please ring Don Gee on the number below.

We are hoping to contribute a Christmas Scene to the Littleport Street Fayre on December 4. We need people to play the part of shepherds and wise men, and also singers. Contact Don for details.

Carol Service will be held on December 20 at the Regal at 3.30 pm.

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Appeal. A total of 38 shoe boxes were packed with an assortment of presents and taken to our local collection point, ready for distribution to children overseas who would otherwise receive nothing at Christmas.

INFO: Don Gee on 01353 864690 or 01353 860885 or www.thevinelittleport.org.uk

St George's Church

ON Sunday (feast of Christ the King) the vicar presided and preached at the 8am Holy Communion and the 10am Parish Eucharist. The 6.30pm Evensong was led by John Marshall and the preacher was the Rev Bernard Arnold.

Saturday: 10am to 2pm - St George's Christmas Fair. Free admission, tombola, prize draw and much more. Lunches available.

Sunday: the vicar will preside and preach at the 8am Holy Communion. She will also preside at the 10am Parish Eucharist when the sermon will be delivered by Carol Swain. At 6.30pm our Advent Carol Service with the choir will take place. Come and join in.

Tuesday: 7.30pm - Littleport Society Christmas Concert at St George's with Iain Harvey. An evening of musical enjoyment for all.

Friday, December 5: 6pm - Junior Choir; 7.30pm - Senior Choir; 9pm - Compline.

LITTLE THETFORD

St George's Church

THE Sunday service was a Memorial, led by David Noble, and the congregation lit a candle each to remember loved ones. A meaningful service reflecting on God's promise to all who believe, that Jesus' death and resurrection gives us eternal life.

Sunday: (first in Advent) the service of Morning Praise at 9.30am will be taken by Rev Margaret Harper.

Tuesday: at 6pm there is a practice of hymns old and new at the church. All welcome.

Baptist Church

THE service on Sunday morning was conducted by Liz Herrington. The theme of the sermon was 'Jesus the shepherd king' . Prayers were said for the sick and for the people in Cumbria affected by the recent floods.

The Girls' Brigade held a sleepover at the chapel on Friday night in aid of Children in Need. They will be meeting on Friday at 6pm and invite any girls to join with them from 6pm to 7.30pm.

Sunday: service at 10.30am will be conducted by Peter Cockerton.

Tuesday: there will be a Coffee Morning in the Chapel at 10am in aid of the Friends of Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely.

SOHAM

Methodist Church

SUNDAY'S service at 10am was led by Rev Edwin Myers and included Holy Communion. There was no service at 5pm.

Friday: 10am - noon - Christmas Coffee Morning at Byways in Barcham Road. �1.50 including raffle ticket. Proceeds to Soham Methodist Church. Everyone welcome.

Sunday: 10am - service will be led by George Ginn.

CAROL Gilbey welcomed everyone to the final meeting of the Wives Group held at the Causeway Day Centre. The restoration of the Methodists' schoolroom has been completed and future meetings will be held there. Sincere thanks were extended to The Causeway for allowing the group to meet there during the closure of the schoolroom.

Carol welcomed Carol Chittock and her husband Tim to the meeting. Carol`s passion for hedgehogs was clearly demonstrated in her illustrated talk on hedgehogs. She had brought along a hedgehog house and demonstrated with a plastic basket and two bricks how to make a cat-proof hedgehog feeder. Leaflets were distributed on tips for hedgehog care and feeding. Carol thanked her on behalf of the members. Arlene King gave the epilogue, prayer and led the singing of the vespa. Ruth Ginn handed round the Methodists newsletters. Refreshments were served and the raffle organised.

The Christmas meeting will be on December 17 at 7.30pm

Heartbeat Health Walk

ON November 15, 32 walkers plus the two leaders David Clarke and Laurie Budd, took part in the walk of 3.8 miles around Soham. A stop was made at The Ship or Saucey Megabytes for refreshments.

Over 60's Club

MORE than 80 members and friends met in The Pavilion on November 20 for their Christmas dinner. Ruth Ginn welcomed everyone and said Grace. A five-course meal with wine was provided by John's caterers and his staff. Viv Hancock proposed a toast to the Over 60's Club.

A big raffle was held and members are thanked for donating the items which raised �200 for club funds. Following lunch the entertainment was provided by Graham and his girls who call themselves The Entertainers. They sang a selection of many well known songs and had many changes of costume. Graham was on keyboard and also brought much laughter with his monologues. Vera Seal thanked the group for a wonderful afternoon's entertainment. On November 27 members will be entertained by Vera Seal and her group of ladies.

WARDY HILL

Dominoes

THERE were three tables in play at the dominoes held on November 13 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: A Bell, J Hines, Mrs M Dewsbery, Mrs A Houghton, Mrs M White and B Copping. Highest halves: Miss M Murfitt and R Dewsbery; consolation: F Tall; draw: B Copping, Mrs A Houghton, A Bell and Mrs D Perrin.

Whist Drive

THERE were four tables in play at the whist drive held on November 16 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: N Synejko, Mrs P Jordan, Mrs E Sizer, F Tall, A Bell, Mrs M Dewsbery and Mrs D Perrin. Highest Halves: Miss G Canham and K Cornwell; Most Fives: R Saberton; consolation: B Copping; Draw: K Cornwell, Mrs N Bean, Mrs P Jordan and Mrs M Dewsbery.

WITCHFORD

St Andrew's Church

MEMBERS attended a united service at Holy Trinity Church, Haddenham on Sunday, with members from Wilburton and Wentworth.

A successful annual dinner was held on Saturday. The proceeds will go towards church heating.

Sunday: 10.30am - Holy Communion; 6pm - Evensong.

Village organisations are invited to enter a Christmas tree competition. Decorate a Christmas tree on Sunday (29) afternoon from 3pm-5pm in the church. The �25 prize will be donated to a charity of their choice. They will be judged on November 30 at 8pm after Holy Communion for St Andrew's Day at 7pm. The church will be open for viewing on November 30 from 10am-5pm and December 1 from 2pm -5pm.