Ely Hereward Rotary club have won the John Grant trophy - awarded by the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Rotary District - for the best international project.
The club has been supporting the Mansa Colley Bojang School in the Gambia since 2012. The school was founded in 2010 by a remarkable community leader called Mucki Bojang, in a part of the country where there was no education for primary school children.
The school has grown fast and now has six classrooms and 300 pupils.
The Hereward Rotary Club has supported the school since 2012, and its first project was to pay for the building and equipping of two classrooms and sending books for the school library.
During the year July 2015 to June 2106, the club raised money for further projects, and with the help of a Rotary District grant, equipped a chicken house for egg production and paid for 500 one day-old chicks, essential medicines and sufficient feed for their first year.
Within six months the chickens were producing 400 eggs a day, making them the fifth largest producer of eggs in the Gambia, and providing an income of £10 a day for the school.
Not only does the scheme generate income for the school - which receives no government money - but it also improves the nutrition of the children and their families, with some eggs being given away to the neediest children. The schoolchildren help run the unit and learn valuable skills in animal husbandry, business and teamwork.
The club also raised enough money to pay for much needed toilets for the nursery classes.
Club member Janet Porter received the trophy from the district governor in Ipswich last month, and the club is now planning other ways it can contribute to the development of the school and to help this poor communty educate its way out of poverty.
For more information visit Mansa Colley Bojang School on Facebook.
Chettisham
Parish Church
Morning prayer at St Michael & All Angels on Sunday was led by Michael Richer. The First Lesson was read by Margaret Haynes and the offertory was presented by Catherine Richer.
Next Sunday Holy Communion and Remembrance Service at 9.15am.
Cathedral services
Today (Thursday) 7:30am Morning Prayer, 8am Holy Communion, 12:10pm Holy Communion, 5:30pm Evening Prayer.
Tomorrow (Friday): 7:30am Morning Prayer, 8am Holy Communion, 5.30pm Evensong Lady Chapel, men’s voices.
Saturday: 7.30am Morning Prayer, 8am Holy Communion, 12:30pm Walsingham Cell Mass Lady Chapel; 5:30pm Evensong; 8pm Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius.
Sunday:8:15am Holy Communion, 10:30am Remembrance Service; midday Holy Communion; 4pm Evensong; 6.30pm ‘Saying Goodbye’ service.
Monday: 7.30am Morning Prayer; 8am Holy Communion; 5:30pm Evensong; 7.30pm Topping & Company Book Event - John Simpson.
Tuesday: 7:30am Morning Prayer, 8m Holy Communion; 5:30pm Evensong boys’ voices.
Wednesday: 7:30am Morning Prayer, 8am Holy Communion, 5:30pm Evenson girls’ voices.
Thursday (17): 7:30am Morning Prayer, 8am Holy Communion, 12:10pm Holy Communion; 5:30pm Evensong.
Ely Bahá’í Community
“Let them purify their sight and behold all humankind as leaves and blossoms and fruits of the tree of being. Let them at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration, thoughtful help.”
Junior Youth Programme for those aged 12 to 14 provides a fun and meaningful way to help them transition into adulthood and aims to help them bring about positive change in the world. Every Saturday 3pm to 4.30pm in Larkfields Resource Centre, High Barns.
Next event: Tuesday November 15 at 19:30 at Ely Museum, discussion on seeking knowledge. All welcome.
For information on other local events call/text 07746 761519 or email elybahais@gmail.com
St Peter’s Church
On Sunday November 13 (Remembrance Sunday), the celebrant and preacher at the 9am Sung Eucharist will be the Dean.
Ely Methodist Church
On Sunday morning the Rev Joanne Sherwood reminded us that saints are people who believe in Jesus Christ and that we are called to be saints and to show God’s love to others. Shoeboxes were received for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
In the evening the Rev Bernard Arnold led us in remembering loved ones and reflected on the eternal nature of love both human and divine Bible Study Group met during the week.
Today Thursday Lunch is served at 12.15pm; come and join us for good food and a warm welcome for just £5.
Sunday (13) – 10.30am Holy Communion for Remembrance Sunday – the Rev Robert Ely; 6.30pm worship led by the Rev Joanne Sherwood.
East Cambridgeshire Access Group AGM
Members of the public are invited to the East Cambridgeshire Access Group AGM to be held at Ely District Council offices on November 30 at 11am.
If you wish to attend or look to join the group please contact Mrs Vicki Holden via email at: vickielychapter@internet.com
We look forward to seeing you there.
Baptist chapel
This coming Sunday’s service (13) at 10.30am will be led by the church Pastor Tudor Parsons.
Last week’s service included Holy Communion and the sermon subject was `Finding God` The service also included a reflection and celebration around Gwendolen Taylor’s life within the village and her total dedication to following Christ whilst at the Baptist Chapel.
We give thanks for her life. A life simply led, but nevertheless an example to many within the village, and beyond, of the happiness and security to be found by trusting in Christ.
This coming Sunday’s service will be dedicated as ‘Remembrance Sunday’ although two days adrift of the 11th of the 11th when the guns finally fell silent.
Little Thetford Baptist Chapel is affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain but operates as a standalone fellowship.
Monthly coffee mornings are the first and third Wednesday in the month commencing at 10am. Please do come along, open to all!
St George’s Church
Our service of Morning Praise was taken by the Rev Julia Chamberlin with a most meaningful, thoughtful sermon from Scott Eversman on ‘Resurrection.’
Tuesday 6pm to 7pm Informal hymn singing and band practice. Wednesday 9am to 11am POP IN for Coffee, cake, friendship, discussion and laughter; 3pm Messy Church for families with crafts, games and cake!
Thursday 6pm to 7.30pm Brigade meets for school age boys and girls. Our Remembrance tree in the Churchyard, all week, do take a nightlite from inside the Church and write any dedication on before hanging it on one of the trees. These will be switched on each night and be prayed for.
Next Sunday at 10.30am is our Remembrance Service, will be taken by the Rev Julia Chamberlin and Pastor Peter Cockerton and following the service we shall walk down to the Village Memorial for Wreath laying.
Heartbeat Health Walk
On Monday (31) 21 walkers joined leaders David Clarke, Chris Robertson, Liz Gwinnett and Laurie Budd for the three mile walk around Soham. With David leading and starting from St Andrew’s Church there walk on this occasion took them along Churchgate Street to Station Road, Gooseberry Arcade, West Drive Gardens, along Mereside, Heron Croft, Thorn Road, Julius Martin Lane, Berrycroft allotments, The Crarves, West Drive, West Drive Crescent, Station Road, Gardeners Lane, over the recreation grounds, Clay Street and High Street. Welcome refreshments were enjoyed at the A-Casa cafe following the walk.
Over 60s Club
On Friday (4) members met in the Comrades club and were welcomed by Ruth Ginn. Games of bingo were played with Diane Wheeling calling the numbers assisted by Sheila Knight and Jean Wells checking the cards. Members wishing to attend the college lunch and entertainment on Thursday December 8 to see Peggy Gibbon, to attend the Christmas lunch at The Brook on Friday December 16 to see Diane Wheeling. Refreshments were served and Sheila Knight organised the raffle. During the afternoon the gentlemen enjoyed games of dominoes in the adjoining room. The singing of the club hymn brought the meeting to a close.
Soham the Fen and Barway Women’s Institute
President Sheila Knight welcomed members and our guest, Fran Saltmarsh to the meeting, on Friday November 4. Jerusalem was sung accompanied at the piano by Audrey Hopwood. Secretary Yvonne Long read the minutes of the last meeting and these were signed as a true record. There were no matters arising. The correspondence was read through which included an invitation to Fordham WI Christmas party. Our Christmas meeting was discussed and members agreed to bring along items for a buffet supper. Entertainment for the evening will be with David Waters.
The second part of the meeting was an extra ordinary AGM. And was chaired by Fran Saltmarsh from the Cambridge Federation Office. After serving 22 years on the committee President Sheila Knight, secretary Yvonne Long, treasurer Jenny Langley and competition secretary Peggy Gibbon are standing down. They were all presented with flowers and chocolates in appreciation of there hard work over the many years.
Members were asked to volunteer to form a new committee, and there were five members interested. A vote was taken for a new president and Helen Fordham was elected. Other committee members will be Carol Weyman secretary, treasurer Sue Wingham with Rita Wood and Christine Woodward.
The new committee will officially take over from 2017. Sheila thanked Fran Saltmarsh for taking the meeting. Belated birthday greetings were sung to Edna Parsons who celebrated her 90th birthday in October.
A birthday cake had been made which Edna was invited to cut. This was then served with cups of tea or coffee. Sheila organised the raffle and members are thanked for donating prizes. The next meeting is on Friday December 2 at 7.30pm.
Community Baptist Church
We were pleased to welcome Rev Richard Lewis, Eastern Regional Minister, and his wife to our service on Sunday. He spoke on James 3 and about having wisdom in all things. The service was followed by a yummy lunch provided by members.
Today (Thursday) 9am to 11am Café Church; 9.30am to 11.30am Baby and Toddler Group. Sunday 3pm to 5pm Messy Church. Come and join in with this fun filled different way to worship for everyone!
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