ELY Ely Cathedral SERVICES for May 29 – June 4 THURSDAY: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; midday – Quiet Hour; 12.10 - Holy Communion; 5.30pm – Evening Prayer. Friday: 7.40am – Morning Prayer; 8am – Holy Communion; midday – Quiet Hour; 5.3

ELY

Ely Cathedral

SERVICES for May 29 - June 4

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

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

Saturday: 8.15am - Holy Communion; 12.10pm - Holy Communion; 5.30pm - Evening Prayer.

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.

City of Ely Flower Club

THE show meeting will be held on June 5, and competitors should set up from 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start. the venue is Needhams Hall, City of Ely Community College in Downham Road. There will be a talk by Rita Johnson on 'healing plants'. Visitors welcome to help judge the arrangements.

INFO: 01353 740404.

St Peter's Church

ON Sunday: the celebrant and preacher at the 9.15am Sung Eucharist will be the Rev Alan Partridge.

Wednesday: there will be a lunchtime service at 1pm and a Bible Study at St Peter's House at 7.30pm.

St Mary's Church

SUNDAY: Holy Communion with preacher Alan Partridge at 8am.

All-Age Family Service at 10.30am.

Holy Communion with preacher Alan Partridge at 6.30pm.

Methodist Church

SUNDAY morning service prayers were taken by the Stewards and the Rev Watts led the service with hymns and prayers. Readings were taken from the Old and New Testament. Just before the closing hymn, the Methodist Choir sang. The evening service was led by the Rev Bishop; the musicians were Pam Austin and Donald Monk.

Thursday: shopper's lunch - noon till 1pm.

Friday: Methodist Guild devotional evening with the Rev Sheila Macinally.

Sunday: morning service will be led by Duncan Palmer at 11am, and John King will lead the evening service at 6.30pm.

Countess Freechurch

THE youth anniversary service on Sunday morning was led by Paul Coghlan and the Sunday School young people under the heading of 'kid's aloud, kid's allowed'.

The service began with a time of praise and worship songs, accompanied by the musicians incorporating the recently formed youth band.

A drama sketch was performed by the J Team on the subject of 'feeding the five thousand.'. Prayers were offered up by the young people. The message was that the church is made up of people of all ages with various gifts who come together as a family unit.

After the service, a time of fellowship was held in the church hall when the families met for a bring-and-share lunch.

The start of the evening service was led by a worship session. Keith Walters gave the message. On Monday evening, young people from the churches in Ely went to a Hope 08 Gig at the City of Ely Community College.

The House Group met during the week for a time of study and prayer.

Sunday: The Rev Roger Davies will be the speaker at Sunday morning's service when a celebration of Holy Communion will take place.

Olive Tree Fellowship

SUNDAY morning's worship included an invitation to speak out and offer our thanks to our Lord - there were many expressions of thankfulness, bearing witness to the goodness of God. The Pastor spoke about the church's international vision and involvement: he was helped by Simon Payne, Tim Frost and Rob Bussard, who brought news of developments in the UK, France and the USA.

Sunday: worship 10.30am (including Holy Communion). The speaker will be the Pastor. Crèche and Sunday School will be provided. On Friday, from 10am until noon the Open Door Café will run at the church (in Silver Street), offering a welcoming setting in which to relax and enjoy refreshments and good company. All are welcome.

Rotary Club

ELY Rotary Club held its 19th annual cheese and wine lunch in the beautiful gardens of Sue Ryder Care at the Bishop's Palace - with a successful day promoting two charities. A water well in Zambia was the first objective, £700 being achieved to obtain a matching grant from Rotary Foundation in America to cover the total cost of £1400, and the second of £600 for a supply of Filtastraws, which this year will be placed in shelter boxes being shipped out to the current disaster areas.

The Filtastraws are an amazing invention being promoted by the Rotary Club of Brynmawr, in Wales, which allow people to place one end into contaminated water, sucking it up as with a normal straw, and filters it to make it safe to drink, through a series of filter systems comprising iodine, fine meshes and carbon filters. They last a year with average use, at a cost of £2.50 each.

The International Committee, under the chairmanship of Rotarian Marion Grant, were concerned about the weather forecast for several days beforehand, where rain was predicted for two days before Sunday and two days afterwards, but, as usual on this same day each year, it was dry and sunny, though a little cool at times.

More than 90 guests attended the event, which made an excellent day out, and included a raffle with 20 prizes, several of which were donated by local businesses, and the committee are grateful to The Boathouse restaurant, the Indian Garden restaurant, Twentypence Nursery, Tesco, Wilkinsons and Grooming Lovely of Wilburton, all of who kindly gave so generously.

The chairman also wishes to thank all those who were so helpful with their time, and who contributed so much to the success of the day.

HADDENHAM

Baptist Chapel

THE service on Sunday was taken by Puppet Power from Grimsby. Jim welcomed everyone and gave out the notices. Happy Birthday was sung to Bob, Gareth, Ian and Sarah. The theme for the service was 'hope for the world - puppet power, here today'. Pauline told of how she spoke to a lady who was depressed. They talked about prayer and changing her life. Jim read a Bible reading about Moses. Georgina and Phillip took up the offering. Daniel spoke about committing your life to Christ. The puppets sang songs by Lulu, Abba and Village People. The service ended with hymn versions of You Raise me Up by West Life and YMCA by Village People. The service closed with prayer. The service next Sunday will be a family service.

Parish Council

THE annual meeting of the parish council was held on May 14.

Cllr Ken Bowcock announced his intention to stand down as chairman and said he did not wish to be put up for re-election. Cllr Nick Tindall thanked Cllr Bowcock, on behalf of the other members, for his many years of strong leadership, which had been carried out with the utmost integrity.

Cllr Julie Parr was elected chairman and Cllr Tindall as vice-chairman.

Cllr Bowcock should continue to look after certain matters in the parish such as grass cutting and liaison with the county council.

Notification had been received of the intention to remove BT payphones from Aldreth High Street, Hillrow, Station Road and Cherry Orchard as they are not being used enough to cover their running costs or are falling victim to vandalism. The parish council accepted that their removal is a sensible solution and instructed the clerk to ask for the redundant boxes to be donated to the village.

PCSO Sam Johnson is concentrating his efforts on the recreation field to target anti-social behaviour in response to this being highlighted as a priority at the recent Neighbourhood Panel Meeting. Cambs Police Rural Community Action Team now has two officers trained as wildlife crime officers. Both officers can be contacted on 0845 456 456 4 or email on RCAT@cambs.pnn.police.uk.

The Parish Paths Maps have been printed and will shortly be available for a suggested donation of £1 from various outlets in the village.

A Neighbourhood Panel meeting had been held on April 28 when an update of progress since the last meeting was given and two new priorities set; anti-social behaviour at Haddenham Recreation Field and fly tipping in Witchford. Information was given on a new item of equipment for catching speeding vehicles and this machine is available for villages to purchase at a cost of £3000. The clerk was instructed to contact the police to ask if it would be possible to borrow the machine to try before making a final decision to purchase one. Brian Smith of the county council was also in attendance to discuss the problem of HGVs going through the villages.

Cllr Bill Hunt had advised that the Mereham petition had gone over 10,000 signatures.

Blossoms and Bygones had been a great success again and thanks were extended to the Arkenstall committee for all their hard work and effort, which makes the day possible.

The slide show hosted by Haddenham Library had been a success with 65 people in the audience. The chairman had attended the Annual Library Access Point meeting where there was positive feedback and further suggestions to enhance libraries in the area. A coffee morning will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 10am, in the Arkenstall Centre.

The annual report for 2007/08 was agreed and will be available from June 1, from the clerk and Haddenham Library.

Following representation from Cllr Ian Allen and Chris Prescott regarding the Ely Masterplan. A letter will be sent to the district council expressing dissatisfaction at not being consulted in accordance with the district council's Statement of Community Involvement and reminding the council of its duty to act in accordance with the democratic process. In his absence, Cllr Bill Hunt had stressed that the Masterplan is purely a starting point and nothing has been finally decided and that he also has some strong concerns regarding certain issues in the plan.

LITTLEPORT

St George's Church

ON Sunday the vicar presided and preached at the 8am Holy Communion and the 10am Parish Eucharist at which John Marshall was the preacher. The 6.30pm Evensong was led by Carol Swain and the Rev June Mallabon from St John's preached.

Thursday-Saturday: Arts and Crafts Fair at the church with demonstrations and refreshments. Everyone welcome.

Sunday: The vicar will preside and preach at the 8am Holy Communion and the 10am Parish Eucharist. The First Sunday Praise is at 6.30pm, and will be led by the puppets.

Monday: Mother's Union meeting in the Parish Room at 7.15pm.

Tuesday: Pram Service for all pre-school toddlers and their parents/carers at 1.45pm.

Wednesday: Holy Communion at 9.30am.

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

Advance Notice. Saturday July 12: Summer Fair at St George's.

LEADS.

LITTLEPORT, Ely and District Spiritualists would like to say 'thank you' to medium Judy Moule for the physic drawings and messages she delivered during our service last week. Unfortunately, Alan Albiston was unable to attend with Judy as planned but a huge 'thank you' to Barbara Price and her daughter Tina who had arrived to take part as visitors to the church for the evening for stepping in, taking Alan's part of the service and working with Judy.

Once again, new faces joined us, receiving messages from loved ones with indisputable evidence, proving life is eternal. Thank you for joining us and for having an open mind.

Meetings are held on Thursdays at the village hall in Main Street.

Doors open at 6.35pm for spiritual healing, which begins at 6.40pm through to 7.20pm.

Divine service at 7.30pm and this week we have guest medium, Eileen Barton.

The following week, June 5, our guest mediums will be, Sue Tagholme and Mark Dowler.

A raffle is held at the end of the service followed by light refreshments. Raffle donations gratefully accepted.

INFO: Wendie on 01353 667300.

www.mjgoodall.co.uk/lead-spirit.htm

The Vine Community Church

WE are a lively non-denominational church which meets at The Regal on Hempfield Road in Littleport.

Sunday : service is at 10:30am with contemporary music worship and the sermon by pastor Don Gee. This week will be a communion service.

Youth and children's Sunday School are provided during the sermon.

After the service, there is coffee, tea, and fellowship.

Small groups will be meeting this week in their dedicated homes.

INFO: contact Pastor Don Gee on 01353 860885 or 01638 780457 or visit us at www.thevinelittleport.org.uk

LITTLE THETFORD

Baptist Chapel.

OUR evening service was conducted by Malcolm Franklin. Next Sunday, the service will be led by Aubrey Jacobs. On Tuesday, June 3 at 10am there will be a coffee morning in the Chapel in aid of Friends of the Princess of Wales Hospital in Ely.

St George's Church.

THE preacher for our service of Morning Praise was Scott Eversman who gave a very thought provoking sermon on Christianity and the media with regard to how the church and followers are perceived and our response.

Sunday: Holy Communion service at 9.30am will be taken by Rt Rev Peter Dawes.

Both congregations continue in prayer for healing for Peter and Rene Cockerton and Margaret Digweed.

SOHAM

Womens Institute Group Meeting

ON May 19, members of the Soham, Chippenham, Fordham and Isleham institutes got together in the Pavilion for the annual group meeting. The hosts this year were Chippenham with Fordham providing the entertainment. President for Chippenham, Ginette Hawes, welcomed members and guests from WI group office to the meeting. Group convenor, Shirley Bavister, read the minutes of the last meeting and gave the financial report. This was followed by the yearly reports from the secretaries of each of the WIs. Ginette was pleased to introduce the speaker for the evening Jackie Tevlin who gave an amusing and interesting account of the 'life and times of Joyce Grenfell'. Ginnette gave the vote of thanks. Refreshments were served by the Chippenham ladies and there was also a raffle. The exhibition was a pretty cup and saucer. To bring the meeting to a close, the Fordham ladies provided excellent entertainment.

Heartbeat Health Walk

ON May 19, 36 walkers enjoyed a walk of 2.6miles, led by Liz Gwinnett with Laurie Budd at the back.

On Bank Holiday Monday, 13 walkers met at the church, and led by Liz Gwinnett enjoyed a walk of 2.5 miles around Soham ending at Megabytes for refreshments.

Methodists News

ON May 21, Arlene King welcomed members to the meeting of the Wives Group. Arlene gave out the announcements reminding members of meal out on June 18, and a menu was available to select a meal. On June 21, Workers Playtime will take place in the schoolroom. Tickets are £5 and include a meal. Arlene was pleased to welcome the Ely Town Crier Avril Hayter-Smith who was accompanied by her husband Graham. Avril gave an excellent illustrated talk called 'it's my shout'. Arlene thanked her on behalf of everyone and this was followed by the epilogue. Refreshments were served and there was also a raffle.

Over-60's Club

ON May 23, Diane Wheeling welcomed everyone to the meeting. One minute's silence was observed in memory of Doris Jacklyn. Peggy Gibbon gave out the announcements. The speaker for the afternoon was Alan Maskell from the Blue Cross who gave an illustrated talk on the 'life and works of Beatrix Potter'.

Ruth Ginn thanked Alan on behalf of everyone. A collection was made in memory of Doris Jacklyn to be donated to the Keith Leonard Social Fund. The ladies served refreshments and Vera Seal organised the raffle. The meeting closed with the singing of the club hymn.

Methodist Church

ALAN Mason led our morning worship on Sunday. In the afternoon, we joined the other churches in Soham for the annual carnival service at The Pavilion on the recreation ground.

Friday: Ann and Sarah Willett are holding one of their At Home Coffee Mornings at Byways in Barcham Road, Soham. Coffee/tea and scones and cakes will be available. Raffle tickets £1. All welcome.

Sunday: morning worship at 10.30am will be led by George Ginn, and Keith Penn will lead our evening worship at 6.30pm.

Tuesday: Midweek Worship at 7.30pm led by our minister, the Rev Edwin Myers.

Wednesday: Prayer Meeting at 10.30am will be led by our minister.

STRETHAM

Over-60's Club

MEMBERS enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon watching films of china brought by Ian Kippox. Tea and biscuits were served by Daphne Ellwood, Dorothy Perry and Louise Lewin. Birthday greetings were sung for Beryl Logan, Shirley Goode and Dick Phillips.

Rhubarb and cabbages were brought in by Dick Phillips. These were sold, with proceeds going to club funds.

The meeting closed with the Club hymn.

WITCHFORD

St Andrew's Church

CAROL Taylor, lay minister, led the Communion by Extension service on Sunday morning, and evensong. Next Sunday, there will be a Family Service at 10.30am. On Tuesdays there is Holy Communion at 10.30am and Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 10am. The Sunday School meets at 10.30am every Sunday during the school term except when there is a family service. On Fridays, the Baby Café meets at 9.30am in St Andrew's Hall.

Baptist Church

THE Rev Tricia Troughton led the worship on Sunday.

Sunday: Carol Durose will take the service at 10.30am. Holy Communion will be taken during the service.