The Three Rivers Group of Parishes
Church of England - Diocese of Ely

Chippenham, Fordham, Isleham, Kennett, Snailwell

Year's Mind 

It has been the custom at Fordham to pray every week for those who have died during this week in previous years. We hope to extend this to all the parishes.  

Galaxy Big Band at Snailwell - July 17

This was a really super event, with many more attending this year, a great sound from the band, excellent weather, expert organisation, and a tremendous community response. Thanks to Maureen and all the team for all the hard work in making this event become an established and important part of the social calendar in Snailwell. And we raised a good sum for Church funds!

St Andrew's Isleham Gift Day - July 17

It was good to see so many in church supporting us. The church receives no subsidies from outside and has to take responsibility for maintenance and running costs. Thank you to all who gave so generously!

Chippenham Park Open Garden day

Many thanks to all who helped at Chippenham Park teas  during the Open Garden afternoon. Great cakes, super tea, brilliant barbeque and tremendous community spirit.

Fordham Gift Day

A good day with many contributing in all sorts of ways. We hope that the final total will help our improving financial circumstances. There are still some numbers left in the 100 club so please do ask Jane or Kate or Mike for an application form. Monthly prizes are £100, £50 and £25 so it’s well worth joining.

Mothers' Union Tea Party

The Three Rivers MU held a Victorian Tea Party – costume optional – at Chippenham Vicarage on Wednesday, May 19. 

A splendid warm and sunny spring afternoon witnessed a large crowd of members and supporters on Wednesday at the Vicarage garden in Chippenham for a fun afternoon of games, tea, cake and conversation. Many thanks to all.

Murder Mystery play

Thanks to all who took part in the Murder Mystery play at Fordham. A superb night. Brilliant acting, good fun and much fellowship. Thanks to the actors, and to Kate for pursuing the idea. And to the Inspector Clouseau, or was it Hercule Poirot, who made the final detection and uncovered the perpetrator!

Confirmation 

It was delight to have so many at our Confirmation Service at Chippenham, April 17, and to have Bishop David with us. We welcome all the newly Confirmed and received in our churches.

A Night at the Races at Kennett School 

The Race Night on Saturday April 17 went very well, thanks to all who contributed to its success in raising much needed funds there.

Fairtrade coffee morning

The combined total of coffee morning and collection at Fordham’s service on Sunday came to over £100 which I’m sure we will be sending to the Fairtrade Foundation.

Sales in February have been over £300 which is tremendous. Many thanks to Lydia and Jenny for their work at raising the profile of Fairtrade in the Fordham  Parish.

Mothers' Union February meeting

Fiona Maxwell, who organises the Three Rivers Car Scheme is our speaker on Thursday 18 February at 7:30pm in the Victoria Hall, Fordham. All those parishioners who would like to hear more about this venture (which is available to everyone male and female) is welcome to attend and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Mothers' Union Coffee Morning

The total raised for MU Overseas Funds at the Craft & Coffee Morning at the home of Judy Abbott on February 1 was £107. A big thank you to Judy and all who attended this event.

Swine flu

The advice about swine flu has now changed. It is recommended that we go back to our usual practice of the common cup, that means communion in both kinds. The practice of intinction is not recommended (dipping the wafer in the wine is discouraged because often fingers also make contact with the wine and the virus is spread more easily in that way). If you are in any doubt that your state of health would affect others then please do be sensitive about all this. If you are in any doubt or would like to discuss this further then please do be in touch.

New sermon series

We are at present preparing a sermon series on 'What do our beliefs really mean'? More details of this series will be available very soon.

Churchwardens' meeting

The Churchwardens met at the Vicarage in Chippenham on Tuesday January 5th. We reviewed the Christmas festival and the past year and looked forward to 2010 with its many opportunities and challenges. 

Grateful thanks to all our churchwardens who work so tirelessly as leaders in each congregation. Do please talk to them and to us about any issues which you would like to see aired among our churches.

We have used this passage from Paul’s letter at the start of our Churchwardens’ meeting and our PCC meetings this January. We have found this really helpful in our own discipleship and commend it to everyone. Do read verse 18 on your own and see why we stopped at 17.

"As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3.12-17

‘The Shack’

Following on from our successful discussion group on ‘The Shack’ in Fordham during November we shall be holding a further session at Isleham Social Centre on Monday 25 January at 7.30pm.

Bible study 2010

Bible Study will continue in January. Details very soon, in a new copy of Free Flow, our Three Rivers Group quarterly magazine.

Schools

Mike and Kate visit all three primary schools, at Fordham, Isleham, & Kennett in our parish every week to lead worship and listen to the staff. If you would like to help us in this ministry, then please do talk to us. Please continue to pray for the head teachers, Governors, staff and pupils.

MU Social Action

Please help us to help others. A box will be placed in each church to collect used postcards and stamps for MU Social Action. Money raised is going to the Episcopal Church of Sudan. Please remember to keep your old stamps and cards!

Christmas services

Our Christmas services were a delight. Thanks to everyone who decorated our churches so magnificently, made glorious music, encouraged others to join us, prepared prayers, read lessons, cleaned the linen, rang the bells, moved chairs, staging and lights, and made sure everything was clean.

Christingle services

Christingle at Isleham, in December, is now focused on our primary school there. £283.70 was collected and sent to the Children’s Society. 

Kennett too has a Christingle service in December. In both villages the children come to church for this service. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, and to all those who made the Christingles.

Sundays@6 Rave in the Nave in the Styx

Following the success of last year’s ‘Sponsored Sleep-Over in Church’ for Children in Need St.Andrew’s, Isleham hosted another fundraising event on Sunday 15th December.  Their Rave in the Nave in the Styx, inspired by the huge annual event at Ely cathedral, raised over £400 and everyone involved had a great time.  

There were three bands; Unauthorised, comprising young people who attend Soham Village College; DOC, an established band of local 17/18 year olds; and The Running Mayfairs, who have played several times at The Junction in Cambridge, all gave their time and expenses for free.  

There were wiifit and playstation games, giant jenga, a tuck shop and brilliant disco courtesy of David Bedford.  Sylvia and Bob Allen kindly donated and manned the Bungee Run which proved very popular with the young, and not so young!  There were several behind the scenes benefactors to whom we are also very grateful.
 
We hope to make this an annual event and perhaps by holding it on a Friday night and relaxing the age limit we can attract more young people from around the area next year!

Autumn programme

Many thanks to everyone who led, contributed to and attended all the opportunities for learning about our faith and service in the world. Especially to Bridget and Nigel Cooper for their series on the topical issue about climate change.

A new programme for 2010, Lent and Easter will be published soon.

Three Rivers Mothers' Union branch

Our December meeting was on Monday 7 December at Fordham Victoria Hall. Several members enjoyed singing Carols. The Christmas refreshments afterwards were diet defying! Several members spoke of their reminiscences of Christmas. There were also readings and preparation for Christmas. Gaynor’s superb arrangement inspired us all.

Isleham Festival of Light - November 27-29 2009

The Isleham Festival of Light was celebrated over the weekend November 27-29 to mark the beginning of Advent. 

Harvest festival

We had a series of super services to celebrate the Harvest. All the churches looked magnificent, so thanks to all who spent time, energy and skill in decorating. Our Harvest Suppers too were joyful occasions. It was great to see Kennett’s monthly service so well supported and for their "fair and tombola" before the service there.

Completion of works at Isleham 

It is very good to see the work around the font at the back of Isleham church completed. We are hoping that redecoration in the church and the new screen and doors into the choir vestry can be completed soon; we are very light on funds to complete this work so if you would like to make a contribution please do speak with me or Kate. I think the screen may cost up to £2,500, similarly the decoration will cost around £2,500 plus VAT.

Mission action planning

Four of our five PCC’s have now completed initial discussion on Mission Action Planning. We will spread the word about our deliberations with everybody in the Churches in the next month, ready to submit our plans in November.

Harvest Suppers

It was an excellent idea to hold the "Fair" in Kennett Church in the afternoon before the Harvest celebrations. The separate Harvest Suppers in our churches have proved to be great times of fellowship; many thanks to all those who provided and prepared food so that we could all celebrate God’s goodness to us all.

Back to Church Sunday

It was good to see so many people in church last Sunday. It is so encouraging when we invite others to join us in worship and they respond to God’s call.

It would really help if we thought about this all the time, so please do think about inviting folk you know and perhaps even your neighbour to join us each week.

St Andrew's Isleham - Open weekend - August Bank Holiday 

A huge vote of thanks to all those who contributed in any way to make the bank holiday weekend at Isleham such a success. Up to this point over £1700 was raised though there may be more. It was good to, to welcome the cyclists from Mildenhall as usual and to renew old friendships.

The theme for this year’s event over August Bank Holiday weekend at St. Andrew’s was "Crafts & Collections". The display was open Saturday 29th August 29 – Monday 31st August 31, 10am–5pm. 

Isleham's new pavilion at the Social Centre

The new pavilion is looking absolutely splendid. It has been a real joy to see Graham and friends building next to the Social Centre. Thanks. Watch this and that space for further developments.

Three Rivers Mothers' Union AGM

This years’ AGM was held at Fordham Victoria Hall on Tuesday September 8. We all had a super time many thanks to Helen and all the committee for their hard work during the year. It was lovely to hear the Bottisham Handbell Ringers once again.

Mothers' Union outing to Elvedon Farm Shop

We had a lovely time at Elvedon Farm Shop on August 13. Thanks to Helen for organising and to those who drove us there and back.

Fundraising

The Fete and Gala and Feast and Gift Day season is now over. Over £7000 has been raised in our five parishes over the past six weeks. A fantastic effort from all concerned, so thank you.

Sundays@6

Details from Rev. Kate (01638-723960) or Rev. Mike (01638-721616).

Funds raised for hospice

This year Doreen held a Tea/Coffee and Cake Morning at Withers Place Community Room on Wed. July 29 at 11 am, in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice. Over £200 was raised for this great cause. Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way.

Group Institution & Eucharist: Pentecost

Many thanks to all who made it such a moving occasion. It was good to have representatives from each of the five parishes and from our schools to be with us sharing their music and singing.  

Fordham Flower Festival 

It was a great success, with many contributions from groups around the village. The church looked stunning, the concerts on Friday and Saturday were a joy, and we raised a good sum of money too. Many thanks to Nell Willits and her team.  

Annual Vestry Meetings

The election of Church Wardens took place on Sunday, April 19, after the main service in each church. All were re-elected except Judy Abbot at Fordham, where Jenny Bowen was elected. 

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

The Annual Parochial Church meeting was held last Wednesday, April 22.

It was good to see so many from all our churches present. There are significant challenges for the year ahead, and it was good to hear those articulated, and for us all to work together. Thanks.  

The Road to Emmaus

The Rev’d Tim Alban-Jones, Vicar of Soham and Wicken, composed this new piece last year, and it was performed in Soham Church with the Deanery Choir there.

This year it was performed again, this time in Chippenham Church, at 6.30 last week. Many thanks to Tim for composing and allowing us to sing it again, Peter Scott for accompanying, Peter North for conducting & Terry Cross for preparing the choir. It was good to see so many friends from the churches around the Deanery.

Lent lunches

Many thanks to all who have prepared, organised and supported the Lent lunches.  So far over £200 has been raised for the work of the Mothers’ Union Overseas commitments.

Quiet Day at Fordham Abbey

Saturday 7 March 7, 10am–3pm; by kind permission of Jane & John Lewin-Smith.

It was very good to have Bishop Simon with us yesterday to lead us in Lenten Reflections. Thanks to all who came.

Shrove Tuesday…

...was a lovely day.

There were pancake races at Isleham School in the morning and all classes had an uproarious time in the school hall. There was also an opportunity to learn about why we have pancakes and what Lent actually means. 

Then at Fordham at the Congregational Church and in partnership with the Parish Church over 60 children turned up for games, pancake racing, prayers and more learning about Lent. Many thanks to John Byrne and Kate for organising the Fordham event. 

Later in the afternoon there was pancake racing in the drive at Chippenham Park with prizes of chocolate for everyone in a pre-Lenten feast before our fast which started on Ash Wednesday. 

Fordham Parish Church of St Peter & St Mary Magdalene & Fordham Congregational Church

It was good to worship with the Congregational Church on Wednesday morning, on January 21, and to share in reflection on reconciliation. Thanks to Kate and Pastor John who led the service.

Three Rivers Group Mothers' Union

Our first meeting in 2009 was held on Thursday January 22 at 7:30pm in St Andrew's Social Centre (opposite the church) In Isleham. 

Our speaker was a member of our Ministry Team, Rev’d Sandie Barton, and the title of her talk was "Love the ones you’re with". 

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25 this year. The theme is "Reconcile your people." 

The Congregational Church in Fordham and the Parish Church worship together in the evening when there is a fifth Sunday of the month, alternating between both church buildings. 

The three churches in Isleham meet together for worship on Good Friday, and again, the venue rotates around all three churches. In 2009 the service will be at Pound Lane.

The Rev'd Nigel Cooper

The Rev’d Nigel Cooper, Chaplain at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, has been assisting in the Three Rivers Group, mainly at Isleham, but sometimes in the other churches too, since he and Bridget arrived here some years ago. 

Mounting pressures of work mean that Nigel will be leaving the Group, but will continue to live in Isleham. 

A great thank you, to Nigel and to Bridget for all they do.

Mike to learn how to train curates

Mike is on a course on Monday and Tuesday at Pleshey Abbey learning about how to train curates, in preparation for Jenny Gage who will join us after her ordination in June this year.

The Neighbourhood Panel

The Neighbourhood Panel, a most effective forum bringing together Councillors, the police and the public meets at Soham Village College, Wednesday 7 – 9. All are welcome to attend.

Climate change

On Friday 5th December, Richard Howitt, one of the MEP’s for the East of England, came to Isleham to receive Christian Aid campaign cards from some members of the Three Rivers Group congregations. The cards were calling on the European Union, meeting at the time, to formulate its policy on climate change, to vote for a cut of 40% in carbon emissions by 2020, and to help pay for poorer countries to develop clean energy. The vote was unfavourable, so the campaign goes on.

The next day, the Three Rivers Group Christian Aid Co-ordinator, Bridget Newns Cooper, took the cause to London and went on the Global Day of Action against climate change. There will be an even more important march next December, 2009, when world leaders meet in Copenhagen to decided on the successor to the Kyoto treaty, so put the date in your diary now and join Bridget and many others in this worth while cause. Thanks Bridget for taking the lead for us on this issue.

Snailwell Christmas Fayre

Many thanks to Maureen and so many others who made this annual event such a success. To date over £1298 has been raised. A real boost at this time of year.

Currently we are hoping to install a new glass and oak door on the porch in memory of Judge Waddilove, Lesley Harrison and Phil Cole and the west windows will also be repaired. We have received a grant of £1500 towards this work!

Kennett St Nicholas Supper and Quiz

A thank you this time to Betty and Diane and their helpers who produced such a super supper last Saturday and to Diane and Robin for the great quiz. Over £470 also raised. Thanks.

Isleham Festival of Light - November 28-30

The Isleham Festival of Light was celebrated over the weekend November 28-30 to mark the beginning of Advent. 

The event raised over £1440, a stunning effort in these interesting times. A huge thank you to all who prepared "trees", made refreshments, sold produce, and staffed the church. This year we also gave all visitors a prayer to take away. Sunday’s Service was also a joyful occasion. Thanks.

Year Planner

We will shortly be issuing a "year planner" which will give details of meetings and group activities throughout the year.

Fordham Christmas Fayre

It was wonderful to have the Fayre in church this year. There is much more space and it is grand to have so many people joining us in our beautiful building. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this event a real service to the community.

Fordham Church Preservation Trust

A great concert from Soham Comrades Band on Saturday November 16, thanks to all who contributed. Thanks to Roger Palmer for all his hard work to make this such a success.

Kennet Church

Many thanks to everybody who turned up to help the "Autumn Clean" at St. Nicholas on Wednesday last. We can now find things in the vestry and you can move about in the tower.

Fordham

You may well notice improved lighting in the chancel. Many of the old lamps were broken so they have been replaced. It certainly makes a huge difference. Many thanks to Roger, who has overseen this project and to Jesus College, our Patron, for providing the necessary funds.

Chippenham

Many thanks to all who came for the "Autumn Cleaning" inside and outside the church.

Notice boards

We are currently working on renewing our notice boards. There will be a new notice board at Isleham in a tasteful blue. The notice board at Fordham will be removed shortly and renovated with up to date information. We are also having some large banners made advertising regular annual services

The Three Rivers Community Car Scheme

The launch date for the Three Rivers Community Car Scheme is set for October 1st this year. 

Public transport in many of our five villages is fairly limited, so we have set this scheme up as a service to our five villages. 

People who do not have access to, or regular use of, a car or public transport can phone and ask for assistance. The coordinator will find a driver for the journey and make detailed arrangements with the person asking for help. There will be a charge of 25p per mile to be paid to the driver. The County Council has provided a mobile phone for this service, publicity and other information about the scheme, and will top up the driver’s cost by a further 14p a mile.

More publicity and details will be published soon. If you would like to volunteer your services as a driver then please do be in touch with Mike on 721616. CRB checks and appropriate help with motor insurance will also be available for drivers.

Kennett and Fordham are fairly well served by public transport but Chippenham, Isleham and Snailwell are not. We hope that the scheme will provide a useful facility for many who currently feel "trapped" in their villages.

Mike reports that he is delighted to announce that Jenny has accepted his offer of the post of Assistant Curate in The Three Rivers Benefice. Jenny, who lives with her husband Andrew in Ely, is currently training for ordination with ERMC (Eastern Region Ministry Course) and she will be ordained in June 2009, after which she will join us for her Curacy. It is important to remember that such a new post is a training experience. Jenny will be with us on Sundays and possibly one other day a week and will join us as a full member of the Ministry Team.

A huge thanks to everybody who made all our Harvest Festivals such joyful occasions. Our Harvest Suppers have been great as well. Next year we will have five not four!

Fordham & Quy Deanery is growing. As from September this year, the Cheveley and Raddesley Groups will be joining us. Two benefices, but ten churches in all, with Clergy and Lay Ministers too. There was a celebration Songs of Praise at Wood Ditton on  September 7 at 4 pm.

St Andrew's Isleham Flower Festival 
Saturday through Monday, August 23-25

The church was open each day from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with refreshments available at the Social Centre. There was a Festival Songs of Praise on Sunday evening at 6.30pm August 24.

View a slideshow of pictures from the Flower festival..

Mothers’ Union Trip to Anglesey Abbey - July 23

An excellent day at Anglesey Abbey for the Mothers’ Union with super weather.

Wine & Wonderings! - July 17

The last session of Wine & Wonderings was on Thursday. An interesting session, with many questions to ponder and reflect upon. We will be looking to future opportunities to be together and discuss matters of faith and action.

Community Car Scheme

The meeting last Monday saw Fiona Maxwell elected as Chairman of the group. The launch will be in October this year, and to date there has been great support from individuals and Parish Councils.

St Peter's Day

Many thanks to all who contributed to a great service at Fordham and especial thanks to all who made the barbeque possible afterward.

Deanery Enlargement

As from 1st September 2008 the Cheveley and Raddesley Groups of parishes are joining Fordham and Quy Deanery

Fordham Gift Day - June 28

Many thanks to all who contributed to a lovely day.

It was especially good to have Peter North with us in the afternoon leading our singers.

Music in the Park- June 14

Thanks to all who made this such a memorable occasion. The rain held off (mostly) the music was superb and the atmosphere wonderful. A good sum will have been raised for the restoration fund at Chippenham.

Shrubland's Fete at Fordham - June 7

In spite of the weather, and in great spirit, St Peter’s held their Summer Fete last Saturday. Over £780 was raised, especially pleasing in the circumstances. Many thanks to all who contributed and especially to Roger and Rosemary Palmer for hosting this event again.

Picnic in the Park at Kennet - June 8

A lovely afternoon, with warm weather this year. The Newmarket Band played for us, a tree was planted in memory of a previous Secretary of the Kennet and Kentford Playing Field Association, and there was even a prize for the Teddy Bear. Many thanks to Diane and Darren and so many others who worked so hard. And we had hymns and prayers too.

Prayer Diary 

Jan and James Broad have compiled a Prayer Diary for the Group. This is has beenll be sent to everyone on the Electoral Roll of each church. Please continue to pray for all the churches and our five villages. Thanks.

Ely District Bell Striking Competition

Congratulations to Isleham on their success in the Novice Class at the recent competition. The team comprised Ruth Ogden, Richard May, James Wilkes, Ryan Wilding, Sean Edwards and Nick Carver.

Withers Place, Fordham

The "Day Centre" provides a superb facility – with weekly luncheons, cooked and served by volunteers from the church and village. We lead a service there every month too. Talk to Mike or Kate for more details.

Trainee Reader

Philip Allison, who is in training to be a reader in our neighbouring diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich, will be on placement in The Three Rivers Group during May and June. This is part of his training programme. 

He will be based at St. Andrew’s at Isleham for Sunday worship and will assist in intercessions, reading, chalice assistant and preaching. 

Please welcome him as a temporary member of our team.

Churchwardens elected April 6 2008

Chippenham: Nicola Heather, Paul Donohue.

Fordham: Roger Palmer, Judy Abbott.

Isleham: Nick Carver, Rob Savage. Deputy - Janice Pope.

Kennett: Mary Deary, Keith Mobbs.

Snailwell: Maureen Howes, Muriel Hood.

Annual Church Meeting

The Annual Meetings for all five churches were held together on Wednesday 16 April in Isleham School (courtesy of Headteacher Mrs N Bramley.) 

The meeting accepted accounts, reports, elected Sidesmen, PCC members, Deanery Synod Reps, and looked forward to the coming year. 

It was a good meeting with 55 present from all churches. 

Thanks for your contributions.

Three Rivers Youth Group

Kate has organized a programme of activities for the next three months for our young people aged 12 or over. 

We have created a new page on the web site for more information.

Prayer requests

Please pray this week for the Buildings Groups in all our churches. In some villages, it has been the custom to pray for specific streets each week. We are expecting to include that here for us all soon.