ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for February 25 – March 3 THURSDAY: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; 12.10 - Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Friday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Saturday: 7.40am – Mornin

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for February 25 - March 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday (4): 7.45pm - Son et Lumiere, the Sacred Space, narrated by Canon and Mrs Pritchard with music from the boys and men of Ely Cathedral Choir. Tickets �15 or �25 with supper, available from Ely Cathedral box office on 01353 660349.

St Mary's Church

SUNDAY: 9am - Holy Communion with preacher James Hickish; 10.30am - Family Communion with preacher Judy Kerridge.

INFO: www.elyparishchurch.net

St Peter's Church

FRIDAY: 7pm - Meditation on the Stations of the Cross led by Canon Chris Barber.

Sunday: 9.15am - Sung Eucharist with celebrant and preacher Canon Barber. Singing will be led by St Peter's Singers.

Tuesday: 10am - Holy Communion with celebrant Rev Brian Kerley.

Methodist Church

STEWARDS welcomed the congregation with prayers and notices at 10.30am on Sunday. The service was led by One Sound, a group of young people from all parts of the country. Five well known hymns were sung with solos from One Sound. First reading was taken from Psalm 92, second reading from Romans Chapter 10 8-3. Prayers were said, offerings were taken with One Sound, and the choir sang. After the closing hymn came the blessing.

Evening service at 6.30pm was led by the Rev Barbara Garwood. Organist was Christopher Polkinghorne.

Thursday: noon till 1pm - Shoppers' Lunch.

Friday: 7.30pm - church council.

Saturday: 10am - Coffee Morning for Fairtrade.

Sunday: 10.30am - Holy Communion with Rev Bernard Arnold; 6.30pm - Evening Service with Ian Weatherall. Musicians will be Donald Monk and Janice Weatherall.

New Connexions @ High Barns

(Free Church)

THE Youth Conference was meeting in Ely which meant extra visitors to Sunday's service. Keith Waters preached on Abraham. The Children's Club talked about how God helps us to do things which seem impossible, and they looked at the story of David and the giant Goliath. The pre-school group thanked God for giving us clothes to wear, and finished off by having some fun dressing up. There will not be lunch this week, but there'll be plenty of tea and biscuits as usual, as well as a warm welcome. The church meets on Sundays at St Mary's School Theatre, High Barns with a caf�-style service and for Children's Club.

INFO: Keith Waters on 01353 612158 or email fool@xalt.co.uk.

Countess Church

BRIAN Mitchell led family service on Sunday morning with the theme of love, and demonstrating Jesus' love to others. In the evening, the Rev Gordon Lowman continued our theme of thoughts about our core values.

Sunday: services are at 10.30am and 6.30pm. Messy Church - activities, worship and food - at 4pm. All are very welcome.

INFO: countessely.com

The Olive Tree

SUNDAY worship was joyful and included a prophetic word about God's love for us. The Pastor spoke on that very topic, looking at love as the Bible sees it and as we should live it.

Sunday service 10.30am including Holy Communion. The speaker will be the Pastor. Cr�che and Sunday School will be provided.

On Friday between 10am and noon the Open Door Caf� will offer a friendly setting in which to enjoy good company, freshly brewed tea and coffee, and home-made cakes.

Ely DFAS

ELY Decorative and Fine Arts Society held its 25th Annual General Meeting on February 18. President Sylvia Horwood-Smart welcomed everyone. The new committee was elected. In this Silver Anniversary year the committee has arranged a special event for members to celebrate the occasion - a literary lunch with a talk from the John Clare Society about the local poet's life and work combined with readings from his poetry. The president presented the retiring treasurer, Phil Parker, with an engraved silver platter to mark his impressive 25 years' service to the society, leaving Ely DFAS in a sound financial position.

Ely DFAS' new programme of events was given to members at this meeting: monthly lectures on a wide range of subjects by some renowned speakers, special interest days with three lectures that allow for a more in-depth study.

New members welcome.

INFO: elydfas.org.uk

Ely Youth Choir

A NEW out-of-school mixed voice choir for 13-18 year-olds is starting up in Ely, promoted and funded by Ely Choral Society, Ely's largest choir. The first rehearsal was held on Monday (22) at St Mary's Church Parish Rooms and will be held weekly thereafter. The first concert is scheduled for June 18 at Ely Cathedral.

INFO: Sylvia Bulley on (01353) 774733 or just go along to the Parish Rooms at St Mary's Church at 6pm on Thursdays or visit www.elychoralsociety.org

East Cambs Rambling Group

MORE walk leaders and a programme planning secretary required.

INFO: Chris Morris on 01353 723150.

CHETTISHAM

Parish Church

CELEBRANT and preacher at St Michael and All Angels on Sunday was the Rev Margaret Talbot. The first lesson was read by Michael Richer and the offertory was presented by Lee, Callum and Kelly Howard.

Sunday: Sung Eucharist will be held at 9.15am.

HADDENHAM

Baptist Chapel

DAVID gave out the notices. Home Groups will meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. There will be a prayer meeting on Monday evening at 7.30pm.

The service, led by Pauline Wilson, began with a hymn and prayers and continued with Bible readings. Prayers were said for the people of Madeira. After more songs, we heard Pauline's sermon 'the boy with epilepsy who was healed by faith in Jesus'. The service closed with two more hymns, a prayer and Grace. David thanked Pauline for conducting the Sunday morning service.

Parish Council

THE Parish Council met on February 10.

Local crime was discussed, along with conditions of the roads.

Emergency action had been taken to remove the broken roundabout and swing at Haddenham play area following the annual inspection report.

An additional youth leader is going in to help at the Haddenham Youth Club and it is hoped that the attendance numbers can be increased.

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on April 21 at 7.30pm at the Arkenstall Centre and a presentation will be given about the Community First Responder Scheme.

Following the receipt of a letter from Jane Howell of Hillrow regarding the proposed Ely market cuts it was agreed that a letter of complaint should be sent to Cllr Fred Brown at the district council advising that the parish council does not agree with the cuts. The letter will also ask what other options had been considered to avoid the necessity to cut the market stall service.

The next meeting will be held on March 10 at 7.30pm at the Arkenstall Village Centre, Station Road, Haddenham.

LITTLEPORT

St George's Church

ON Sunday the vicar presided and preached at the 8am Holy Communion and officiated at the 10am Family Service and Baptism when two children were received into the church. The preacher at the Family Service was Carol Swain.

Saturday: 9.30-noon - Coffee Morning at St George's.

Sunday: 8am - Holy Communion with the vicar; 10am Parish Eucharist with the vicar; 6.30pm - Evensong will be led by Carol Swain and the preacher will be Tony Murfitt.

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

Wednesday: 9.30am - Holy Communion; 7.30pm - Stations of the Cross.

Friday: 6pm - Junior Choir Practice; 7.30pm - Senior Choir Practice. No compline until after Easter.

All welcome.

The support for the Children's Society by the box holders and attendees at the Christingle Service amounted to more than �1,400. The amount raised for the Leprosy Mission in 2009 was almost �600. Thanks to all who helped.

INFO: The vicar on 01353 860207.

St John's Methodist Church

SUNDAY: 10.45am - Morning Service with Ian Weatherall; 6.30pm - Evening Service United at St George's Parish Church with preacher Tony Murfitt.

Saturday (March 6): 9am-11am - Coffee Morning.

Sunday (March 7): 10.45am - Morning Service with Duncan Palmer; 6.30pm - Evening Service with Holy Communion led by Rev June Mallabon.

All welcome at any services/events.

The Vine Community Church

LIVELY, friendly, non-denominational Christian church meeting at The Regal in Hempfield Road. All welcome.

Sunday services begin at 10.30am, but tea and coffee is served from 10.15am onwards. The cr�che is open from 10.15am and older children enjoy a separate meeting during the second half of the service. Afterwards, refreshments are served.

The congregation was introduced to 'The Seven Laws of Life' on Sunday and discussed the meaning of success. In the weeks leading up to Easter, the pastor will be giving a series of teaching addresses on this theme, taking one of the 'laws' each week, and these will be followed up in home groups in the following week. The first talk was entitled 'first things first' and on Sunday the theme will be 'count your blessings'.

There will be a tenpin bowling night on February 26 at the Lakenheath USAF base.

On March 13 the regular monthly Prayer Breakfast will take place, starting at 8.30am. All are welcome to join us at The Regal.

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

Littleport Ely and District Spiritualist (LEADS)

THERE will not be a service today, February 25. Normal service resumes on March 4 when mediums Cherry Smith and Richard Macdonald visit.

The 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

who would like to have healing but please arrive early as the healers are very busy and do not wish to disappoint those who are in need.

There is a raffle and a goodwill collection, all donations welcomed. The evening is closed with tea/coffee and light refreshments again for which there is no charge and all are welcome.

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

LITTLE THETFORD

St George's Church

THE service of Holy Communion was led by the Rev Margaret Harper with sermon from Tony Harper on Jesus' temptations.

Sunday: at 9.30am the service of Morning Praise will be taken by the Rev Margaret Harper.

On Tuesday evening there will be informal hymn singing at church at 6pm followed by meeting of the Friends of St George's at 7.15pm.

Baptist Church

SUNDAY: 10.30am - Morning service will be led by the Rev Glyn Jones.

Tuesday: 10am - coffee morning. All welcome, donations go to Friends of Princess of Wales Hospital.

Wednesday: 10am - coffee morning donations for Save the Children.

Friday: 6pm - Girls Brigade.

Womens World Day of Prayer on March 5 with speaker Diane Bright. Contact Rene Cockerton for more information on 01353 649493

If you can help, or have a gift that would help us move forward as a village church we would like to hear from you.

INFO: Tudor Parsons on 01353 648082.

SOHAM

Heartbeat Health Walk

ON February 15, 43 walkers plus the three leaders met at the church for the weekly walk. Liz Gwinnett was the leader with David Clarke and Laurie Budd at the back. The walkers enjoyed a walk of three miles around Soham.

Methodist Church

SUNDAY'S service at 10am was led by Georgina Newell. Sunday services will be led by Keith Penn at 10am and by Rev Edwin Myers at 5pm.

The Coffee Morning held on the last Friday of each month takes place tomorrow at Byways, Barcham Road from 10am - noon. Then you can join the Lent Lunches which begin tomorrow (Friday) at Berrycroft Methodist Hall from 12.15 for 12.30pm.

A Tea Dance is being held on March 6 at Berrycroft Methodist Hall from 2pm- 4.30pm. Admission is �2.50 including tea and refreshments. There will be a prize draw. Proceeds to Soham Methodist Church.

On March 13, a Songs of Praise with C & A (Ivan Cox & Jim Ames) will be held. Proceeds for Church Funds.

Wives Group

MEMBERS of the Wives Group met on February 18 and were welcomed by Carol Gilbey who gave out the notices and also read a letter from Joy Ames. The speaker for the evening was Barrie Hawkins, co-founder and chairman of GSD Homefinders, a voluntary association that rescues and rehomes German Shepherd dogs. Carol thanked him on behalf of everyone. Ruth Ginn gave the epilogue and a prayer and members joined in for the singing of the vespa. Refreshments were served and there was a raffle. The speaker at the next meeting on March 18 will be Ruth Sindall with Easter cake decorating.

Over 60's Club

MEMBERS of the club met in the Pavilion on February 19 and were welcomed by Ruth Ginn. A quiz consisting of 10 different categories and 100 questions was organised by Ruth and Diane. The winners were members on table five. Refreshments were served and there was a raffle to boost the club funds. The meeting closed with the club hymn accompanied at the piano by Myrtle Fordham

Soham Staploe Club

THE club welcomed its first new member of the new year when president Peter Holmes inducted Alan Chilcott into the club. Alan and his wife, Vivienne, moved to Soham recently with their daughter and son. Alan is involved with property management and is rapidly making friends in the club and the town.

Pic cap: Alan Chilcott, left, is congratulated by president Peter Holmes.

WITCHFORD

Witchford Voices

THIS new community-based choir already has 40 members and the first rehearsal was held recently. The choir hopes to be performing at this year's Witchford Village Festival in the summer and is looking into performing a Christmas Concert. The choir's mid-term aim is to also take part in music festivals.

Witchford Voices is not directly affiliated with any other group. Whilst based in Witchford and with all rehearsals within Witchford, it will not exclusively be for Witchford residents. To take part in the choir you must be 16 or over and be prepared to have lots of fun.

Naomi D'Cunha will act as the musical director and will be responsible for all musical matters. Keith Gallois will act as the choir manager, administering the group and securing performance dates.

The choir has no funding at present and will need to pay for rehearsal venues and so on. With this in mind, an annual subscription of �10 will run from January 1 to January 1 the following year.

So wherever you sing at the moment or even if you haven't sung before but fancy giving it a go, join the new choir. Rehearsals are at 7.30pm Monday evenings at Witchford Baptist Church.

INFO: Keith Gallois 01353 666082/ 07979 803956 or k.gallois@btinternet.com