ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for March 18 - 24 THURSDAY: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; 12.10pm - Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Friday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 12.10pm – Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evensong. Satu

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for March 18 - 24

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

Friday: 7.40am - Morning Prayer; 8am - Holy Communion; 12.10pm - 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 and Ministry of Healing; 4.00pm - 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 with Imposition of Ashes; 4pm - Evensong.

St Mary's Church

SUNDAY: 9am - Holy Communion with preacher Alan Hulme; 10.30am - Morning Service with preacher Alan Hulme.

INFO: www.elyparishchurch.net

St Peter's Church

SUNDAY: 9.15am - Sung Eucharist with celebrant and preacher Canon Laurie Blanchard.

Tuesday: 10am - Holy Communion with celebrant Canon Nigel Abbott.

Methodist Church

THE stewards welcomed the congregation on Sunday with notices and prayers. The 10.30am service was led by Terry Day. His sermon was Jesus Taking Care of Mary. Prayers, hymns and Bible readings then offerings were taken. The evening service, at 6.30pm, was led by Rev June Mallabon.

Thursday: noon-1.30pm - Shoppers' Lunch; 7.30pm - Music Group.

Friday: 7.30pm - Guild music from The tip with Rev Christopher Bishop.

Saturday: 7.3-pm - an evening with Charles Timberlake.

Sunday: 10.30am - Church Anniversary and Gift Day with Rev June Mallabon; 12.30pm - Church Lunch; 6.30pm - Songs of Praise with Rev Barbara Garwood. Tuesday: 10.30am - Coffee Club.

Countess Church

ON Mothering Sunday all ladies in the church received a primrose from the children who learnt about the background to the day. Rev Gordon Lowman spoke about the church as culturally relevant. In the evening he spoke from Revelation chapter 21.

The Countess Church, with the other Ely churches, is preparing to hold a meeting in April for the General Election candidates locally to answer questions and speak about their policies and positions. This will an open meeting and information will be available on the website countessely.co.uk.

New Connexions @ High Barns

(Free Church)

ON Sunday we talked about Jacob's struggle with God and how that struggle is relevant today. The children's groups thought about mums (as it was Mothering Sunday), making cards, flowers, and T-shirts with messages and pictures for their mums. They also handed out plants to all the women in the church. We meet each Sunday at St Mary's School Theatre, High Barns, with a caf�-style service and for the children's groups.

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

The Olive Tree

SUNDAY'S worship included Holy Communion. The Pastor drew parallels between the story of Samson and the story of this nation. A time of prayer for the nation and the coming election followed. Mothering Sunday was marked by the children giving each of our women a gift and a rose.

The speaker at Sunday's service at 10.30am will be Pastor Pat Brandon. 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. On Tuesday at 7.30 pm The Bridge will offer a time of fellowship, prayer, praise and Bible study. All are welcome at these events.

INFO: Pastor Pat on 01353 612316.

City of Ely Flower Club

THE demonstrator at the March meeting was Jenny Baker with the theme Mad About Plants. A vote of thanks was given by chairman Grace Bent.

The club hopes to organise a trip to the Harrogate Show on July 10 if sufficient members want to go. It is also planned to look around the garden of Tim Meakin of Outwell on June 3. Mr Meakin will be demonstrating at the club some time next year.

The next meeting will be on April 1 at 7.15pm when the demonstrator will be Lesley Beeton with the theme Not Fooling Around.

Girl Guides

THE Guides from Ely and Littleport celebrated Girl guiding UK's centenary year with a week-long trip to Switzerland. The four guides joined around 1,000 others from across the country for Guides Get Away to Switzerland. They took part in a number of activities including igloo building, a snowshoe hike, tobogganing and ice skating.

Ely Northwold WI

PRESIDENT Rosemary Green welcomed members to the meeting held at the Cathedral Centre on March 10. Birthday cards and gifts to Ann Williams, Pat Miles and Wendy Elliott. The speakers for the evening were Barbara Muskett and Liz Dunn from the charity Homestart. This is a family support organisation in which volunteers tackle any tasks which will help with the day to day running of the home and family. They were thanked by Lia Conder and given a donation to their charity.

After refreshments and birthday cake members played Dingbats Thanks to Wendy Barnes for organising the game. Forthcoming events include a visit to Buckingham Palace, Tolthorpe Hall and Try Golf at the En Par Course, Downham Road, Ely.

The next meeting will be on April 14 when the speaker will be Elizabeth Bradley with her talk 'From Carpets to Costumes'. The meeting starts at 7.15pm at the Cathedral Centre, Ely. Visitors welcome.

CHETTISHAM

Parish Church

THE family Mothering Sunday service at St Michael's and All Angels on Sunday was led by the Rev Margaret Talbot. The first lesson was read by David Norman and the offertory was presented by Lee, Lydia and Callum Howard. Posies of flowers were given to members of the congregation.

Sunday: Sung Eucharist will be held at 9.15am.

HADDENHAM

Methodist Church

SUNDAY'S service was taken by Elaine Middleton from Wisbech. Her Mother's Day theme was supported with hymns played by Audrey Hopwood on the organ. Posies of spring flowers were distributed to all members of the congregation, having been made by Barbara Galley - a task which she has done for more than 20 years.

Saturday's coffee and cake morning attracted visitors and the winners of the quizzes were Eileen Deer (general knowledge) of Balsham and Margaret Did-dell (cryptic) of Ely. In the afternoon Elaine Francis and her team helped youngsters make Mother's Day presents which included flower arrangements and craft items.

Monday evening attracted singers from Sutton, Wilburton and Mepal as well as Hadnamites for the monthly Hymns from the Heart event organised by Peter Kirby from Godmanchester. The next get-together is planned for April 13.

Tuesday was the half-yearly Church Council meeting chaired by Rev Bernard Arnold of Ely. Future events discussed included the lunch in aid of Action for Children on April 17, the flower festival and stalls in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust on June 12 and a musical evening led by the Two J's on June 26.

Saturday: Lent Lunch in the hall, from noon, and the following Saturday lunch will be served at the Baptist Hall. Each year hundreds of pounds are raised for Christian Aid by the three Saturday lunches. A warm invitation is extended to one and all to these events.

Women's Institute

THE March meeting was taken by the vice-president, Shirley Billing, who welcomed the members and guest, Sally Anne Yates.

The speaker was Sylvia Human, from Stretham WI, who demonstrated how to create a quilted square using the method of Japanese Quilting. The members were all given a sample of material, and shown how to sew their Quilted Square. Sylvia judged the competition for the best-sewn square. This was won by Liz Fitzgerald.

Sue Morgan entered the national competition for home-made marmalade with her recipe which uses oranges from her own tree. There were hundreds of entries in the competition, which was held in Penrith, Cumbria. Sue was awarded 20 out of a possible 20 points for her marmalade, and was awarded a Gold Star.

The next meeting will be held on April 6. The speaker will be Paula McCloud who will demonstrate 'creative cake making'. The competition will be for four cup cakes.

The WI is having a stall at the Arkenstall Centre Table Top Sale on April 17. Plenty of bargains on offer. All proceeds from the WI's table sale will go to its charity this year, for pancreatic cancer, in memory of late member Eleanor Handley.

LITTLEPORT

St George's Church

ON Sunday, the vicar presided and preached at the 8am Holy Communion and the 10am Parish Eucharist, when the sermon was replaced by a Mothering Sunday presentation by the Sunday School children. After the service, the children distributed daffodils to the congregation. The 6.30pm evening service was held at St John's Methodist Church where John Marshall was the preacher.

Sunday: 8am - Holy Communion with the vicar; 10am - Family Service and baptism when the sermon will be delivered by Jane Harris.

Monday: 7.30pm - Stations of the Cross.

Tuesday: 1.45pm - Pram Service for pre-school toddlers.

Wednesday: 9.30am - Holy Communion.

Friday: 6pm - junior choir practice; 7.30pm - senior choir practice.

Sunday (28): 10am - Palm Sunday Eucharist; 6.30pm - music for Holy Week.

Everyone is welcome at any or all services.

INFO: The vicar on 01353 860207.

The Vine Community Church

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

Sunday services begin at 10.30am, but tea and coffee is served from 10.15am onwards. The 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, refreshments are served.

Sunday's morning service at 10.30am will see the pastor continuing a series of talks on the 'seven laws of life'.

Sunday: Part 5 of the series, 'cultivating the art of giving' will be the theme. The talks are followed up in home groups during the week.

Last Friday the ladies met for their Christmas Meal in a member's home. This event had to be postponed from December for various reasons. The 15 ladies enjoyed a chicken dinner and celebrated the 60th birthday of one of their number.

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

Salvation Army

THE funeral of Jean Olive Hitch was held on March 9 and conducted by Major Bram Holland. The service was followed by interment at Littleport Cemetery.

At 6pm on Tuesday the Salvation Army has singing practice until 7pm. If you like to sing please go along and join in.

If you would like to join us at any services or events you would be made very welcome at the City Road headquarters.

Littleport Ely and District Spiritualist (LEADS)

THE service is held at the village hall in Victoria Street on Thursdays. Doors open at 6.40pm for healing which ends at 7.20pm. This is free to all who would like to have healing.

The Divine Service begins at 7.30pm and this week's medium is Stacey Sheridan. There is a raffle for which donated prizes are gratefully accepted and a goodwill gesture collection. There is no charge for entry and we are open to everyone.

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

INFO:

our web site: www.mjgoodall.co.uk/lead-spirit.htm or 01353 667300

Email: wendieperryx1@btinternet.com

Women's Institute

AT the meeting held on March 11, Wynn Law was welcomed back after a stay in hospital and celebrating her 90th birthday. Members were advised of forthcoming events and invitations to neighbouring WIs. These included invitations to Witchford and Ely Northwold WI; outings to Buckingham Palace, theatre trip to see Dads Army and Ten Pin bowling. They were also advised of a day out later in the year visiting Long Melford and a demonstration making of chocolate truffles followed by cream tea.

Tickets are also selling well for the barn dance being held on March 23.

The speaker for the evening was Claire Lister with her assistant Natasha. She explained about her work in acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how the procedures worked. She was thanked by Daphne Armstrong-Tait.

After refreshments Maureen Fresco entertained the group. There were 11 entries in the competition for a decorated hard boiled egg.

At April's meeting T Johnson will be showing slides of his queen of climbers and the competition will be a flower from you garden.

LITTLE THETFORD

St George's Church

THE congregation was joined by the worshipers from the Baptist Chapel for United Mothering Sunday service led by Rev Margaret Harper, with the theme 'God loves us all'. Music was provided by the band.

On Tuesday at 6pm there will be informal hymn singing at the church. All welcome.

Sunday's service of Holy Communion at 9.30am will be taken by the Rev Margaret Harper.

SOHAM

Methodist Church

LAST Saturday, after a gap of 18 months due to the refurbishment and renovation work, a Songs of Praise evening was held. More than 120 people filled the church and participated in hymns chosen by seven people. Ivan Cox led the programme, Sharon Byrne was the soloist and Jim Ames the organist. The event raised �500 for church funds. The next Songs of Praise is on November 6 at 7pm.

Sunday's service at 10am was led by the Rev Bernard Arnold with Holy Communion. Rev Edwin Myers led worship at 5pm.

Sunday: the service will be led by Ian Weatherall at 10am. No service at 5pm.

Tonight (Thursday) Wives Group meets at Berrycroft Methodist Hall at 7.30pm. This month there is an Easter cake decorating demonstration. All ladies are welcome.

Lent Lunches will held tomorrow (Friday) at Berrycroft Methodist Hall, 12.15pm for 12.30pm.

The next Prayer Meeting with Holy Communion is on March 24 at 10.30am in the vestibule at Berrycroft Methodist Church.

Ann and Sarah's next coffee morning at Byways, Barcham Road is on March 16 from 10am till noon.

A coffee morning is being held at Berrycroft Methodist Hall on March 27 by the Flower and Friendship Group, from 10am till noon. All welcome at these services and events.

Heartbeat Health Walk

LIZ Gwinnett was the leader for the 37 walkers who took part in the three-mile walk around Soham on March 8. Refreshments were available at The Ship or Saucey Megabytes after the walk.

Phoenix Club

THE meeting took place in the coffee room in Keith Leonard House on March 10. Jannice Kinnear welcomed everyone and introduced Alan Maskell. He gave an illustrated talk on the life and stories of Beatrix Potter. Jannice thanked him on behalf of everyone. A collection was made in aid of Alan's chosen charity, The Blue Cross. Refreshments were served and there was a raffle.

The next meeting is on April 14 at 9.45am.

Over 60's Club

DIANE Wheeling welcomed everyone to the meeting in the Pavilion on March 12. The speaker for the afternoon was Vernon Place whose talk was called Exposures of a Camera Man, people and photography. Everyone enjoyed his amusing anecdotes of his experiences when out with his camera. Diane thanked him on behalf of everyone and gave him a donation for his chosen charity, ALTA.

There are still few seats for the outing to the musical at Greenwich on June 2. Refreshments were served and there was a raffle. The meeting closed with the singing of the club hymn.

WARDY HILL

Dominoes

THERE were three tables in play at the dominoes held on March 5 in the social club when Mrs A Houghton was MC. Winners were: Mrs O Newell, Miss G Canham, Mrs A Houghton, Mrs J Crown, B Copping and Mrs D Perrin. Highest halves: Mrs P Martin and A Bell; Consolation: Mrs M Coulson; Draw: Miss G Canham, Mrs P Martin, B Copping and Mrs O Newell.

THERE were four tables in play at the dominoes held on March 12 in the social club when Mrs M Dewsbery was MC. Winners were: R Dewsbery, F Tall, Mrs M White,

Mrs A Houghton, Mrs P Martin, Mrs M Coulson and Miss M Murfitt. Highest halves: Mrs J Hardiment and Mrs M Dewsbery; Consolation: Mrs D Perrin; Draw: Mrs M White, Mrs O Newell, Mrs P Martin and J Hines.