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October 2023
Homersfield Parish Council
THANK YOU MICK
After 15 years of cutting the village green, Mick has earnt his retirement and a huge thank you from everyone.We are so grateful that Peter has agreed to take over this voluntary role.
BUS SHELTER REPAIR
Thank you to Ian and Lawrie for your hard work in repairing the bus shelter. It looks really good.
CHURCH WOOD
If you would like to help keep Church Wood in good order then please come along to one of the volunteer mornings on September 16th, October 14th and November 25th. No skills are required except a willingness to have a go at a task, which will be clearly explained by Mark. Bring some hand tools, if you have some, and wear gloves. We meet at the picnic table in the wood at 10.00am.
NEW BENCH IN CHURCH WOOD
You may well have noticed a beautiful new bench in Church Wood over-looking the valley. This has been kindly donated in memory of Gwendolyn Audrey Bryant by her family. Gwendolyn lived in a neighbouring village and loved to walk in the woods and look at the view.
VILLAGE LITTER PICK
If keeping the village litter free is something you can help with, then please come along to the village litter pick on Saturday 21st October. We meet on the Green at 10am where grabbers, bags and hi-vis tabards are provided. We usually spend one to two hours collecting litter and looking out for any hazardous waste that needs reporting.
DAFFODIL PLANTING
Judy Cloke (our Suffolk County Councillor) is kindly donating some daffodil bulbs to the village using her budget. They will be bulbs suitable for the ‘wild’
rather than the garden variety and will be planted around the village. If you are able to help on planting day, that would be fantastic. Keep an eye on the noticeboard or the website for the date.
Meeting Dates and Contact Information
Our next meetings are on Tuesday 26th September 2023 and Monday 6th November 2023 at 6pm in the Black Swan. Members of the public are welcome to attend and have the opportunity to raise any concerns/suggestions at the beginning of the meeting. All meeting dates/agendas etc can be found on the village notice board and on
the website http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/.
If you wish to contact the Parish Council, please phone or email our clerk, Sally Chapman, on 07774 734411 - Email: homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com. Please be aware that she is employed part time so you may need to leave a message.
Lucy Hammond
Homersfield Parish Council
August 2023
Homersfield Parish Council
In June a group under Mark cleared around all the newly planted trees in Church Woods. We also checked as we cut back the cleavers and nettles if each tree had survived the droughts. We found around thirty of the trees has died. The guards and stakes have been removed and stored for future planting. The plan is not to replace trees on the dry top of the woods. Planting on the slope has seemed more successful.
Thanks to Emma, Sally and Keith for all their cutting and weeding activities in and around Church Woods. Also all other volunteers making a difference to the village.
Homersfield Wood
On June 24th a group of six volunteers, led by Mark Timms, our Tree Warden, cut back Alexanders and Cleavers from the new trees that had been planted.
There are more volunteer days planned for Saturday mornings on September 16th, October 14th and November 25th, so please come along and help keep our wood in good order. No skills are required except a willingness to have a go at a task, which will be clearly explained by Mark. Bring some hand tools, if you have some, and wear gloves.
We meet at the picnic table in the wood at 10.00am.
If you would like to go on the email reminder list for wood working parties, then please email lucyhammondpc@gmail.com.
Phone Box Displays wanted
Would you like to put up a display in our phone box? It could be historical, geographical or perhaps nature related or something else? Please get in touch with Sally, our Parish Clerk, to put forward your idea. We would be glad to hear from you.
Daffodil Planting
Judy Cloke (our Suffolk County Councillor) is kindly donating some daffodil bulbs to the village using her budget. They will be bulbs suitable for the ‘wild’ rather than the garden variety and will be planted around the village. If you are able to help on planting day, that would be fantastic. Keep an eye on the noticeboard or the website or email lucyhammondpc@gmail.com to receive notification of planting day.
Meeting Dates and Contact Information
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 26th September 2023 at 6pm.
Meeting dates/agendas etc can be found on the village notice board and, on the website, http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/.
If you wish to contact the Parish Council, please phone or email our clerk, Sally Chapman, on 07774 734411 - Email: homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com. Please be aware that she is employed part time so you may need to leave a message.
Homersfield Parish Council
June 2023
Homersfield Parish Council
Homersfield Wood
On June 24 th a group of six volunteers, led by Mark Timms, our Tree Warden, cut back Alexanders and Cleavers from the new trees that had been planted. There are more volunteer days being planned for September, October and November, so please come along and help keep our wood in good order. No skills are required except a
willingness to have a go at a task, which will be clearly explained by Mark. Bring some hand tools if you have some and wear gloves.
We meet at the picnic table in the wood at 10.00am. Dates will be published on the noticeboard and on the Parish Council website http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/
If you would like to go on the email reminder list for wood working parties, then please email lucyhammondpc@gmail.com.
Phone Box Displays wanted
Would you like to put up a display in our phone box? It could be historical, geographical or perhaps nature related or something else? Please get in touch with Sally, our Parish Clerk, to put forward your idea. We would be glad to hear from you.
Daffodil Planting
Judy Cloke (our Suffolk County Councillor) is kindly donating some daffodil bulbs to the village using her budget. They will be bulbs suitable for the ‘wild’ rather than the garden variety and will be planted around the village. If you are able to help on planting day, that would be fantastic. Keep an eye on the noticeboard or the website or email lucyhammondpc@gmail.com to receive notification of planting day.
Meeting Dates and Contact Information
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 26th September 2023 at 6pm.
Meeting dates/agendas etc can be found on the village notice board and, on the website, http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/.
If you wish to contact the Parish Council, please phone or email our clerk, Sally Chapman, on 07774 734411 - Email: homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com. Please be aware that she is employed part time so you may need to leave a message.
Homersfield Parish Council
May 2023
The King's Coronation
A King's Coronation tea party was held for parishioners and guests at Homersfield Church. It was a friendly afternoon, with some good food, numerous cups of tea and they were lucky with the weather.
Well done the organisers from Homersfield PCC and Homersfield Parish Council.
Suffolk Walking Festival returns for 15th instalment
Tickets are on sale now for The Suffolk Walking Festival 2023 as it celebrates its 15th year.
This year’s festival boasts a 16-day programme and offers over 70 walks across 350 miles of Suffolk’s beautiful landscapes. With lots of weekend, evening and family walks. The programme has accessible, short, medium, long-distance walks, and more challenging walks – so there is something for everyone.
From learning about the ancient tradition of ‘Beating the Bounds’ to exploring the heart of The Brecks with its gorse-covered sandy chalk soils characterised by purple heathland, tall pines and rare wildlife, this year’s festival appeals to a wide range of individuals.
There is a range of shorter urban strolls, and for those looking to stretch their legs, several spectacular riverside walks and valley yomps. Also returning this year are ever the popular Walk n’ Water River trips with a boat in Sudbury; an exclusive walk with Sweep the sheepdog on Orford Ness; a twilight safari in an ancient woodland; and the intriguing stories of ancient smugglers and shipping routes on Dunwich Heath.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said:
“The Suffolk Walking Festival returns more diverse than ever in its 15th year since beginning, holding its title as one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the UK.
“We see the festival grow in popularity year after year, so don’t delay in grabbing your tickets for one or more of the exciting walks planned.
“The festival highlights some of Suffolk’s most beautiful locations so it’s a great way to explore, get active and meet others doing the same.”
The festival kicks off at Thornham Walks on Saturday 13 May with refreshments and 5 launch jaunts. It then runs every day until 28 May. Visit www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk for more details on the programme, to sign up to newsletters, and to buy tickets.
December-January 2022-23
October-November 2022
Welcome to Ian
We were pleased to welcome Ian Duffy to his first council meeting last month and very much look forward to working with him. There remains one vacancy on the Parish Council, so if you would like to help care for the village and its community then please get in touch with the Parish Clerk by emailing homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com.
Heritage Map on Phone-box
Do take a look (if you haven’t already) at the fabulous heritage map now displayed on the back of the phone-box on the Green. It was created by Alan Irvine and paid for with a grant from County Councillor Judy Cloke (East Suffolk Council).
Homersfield Community Wildlife Report
Some months ago, we were pleased to welcome Cathy Smith, a Community Wildlife Advisor from Suffolk Wildlife Trust to the Community Wood. We had invited her with the aim of understanding more about our wood and how to care for it. If you would like to read the very interesting report, click: Homersfield Community Wildlife Report 2022.
The Playing Field
The Homersfield Playing Field Charity trustees are doing their best to close the charity with the Charities Commission so that they can pass the administration back to the Parish Council, but it is proving more difficult than first thought. Fingers crossed all is resolved soon.
Village Litter Pick – Saturday 15th October 2022
Come along and help tidy up our village for the benefit of people and wildlife. We will be meeting on the Green at 10.00am and can provide grabbers, bags, hoops and high-vis for everyone to use. It is recommended that you wear gloves.
Wood Working Parties – Saturday 8th October 2022 and Saturday 26th November 2022
Please come and help maintain the lovely Homersfield Church Wood. No experience is necessary - please bring some gloves.
August-September 2022
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea
Thank you to Tony and Helen for allowing us to ‘take over’ the Black Swan garden to celebrate the jubilee. Around 40 people came (along with a life-size cut-out of the Queen herself) and enjoyed good company and some delicious food. Thank you to everyone who brought food and to those who helped put up the bunting to make our village look so celebratory. Sally outshone us with her baked goods and also organised a raffle in aid of the churchyard which raised £103. Lucy was kept busy at the tea urn with many people enjoying themselves so much they came back for a second cup. Debbie unveiled the jubilee plaque, which is on the village signpost, and the three children who attended were each presented with a jubilee mug. The bunting and invitations (designed by Sarah Gibson) were paid for by the Homersfield Poor Lands Charity – our thanks to the trustees. All in all, a lovely afternoon, where the rain held off and we relished the chance to socialise.
Oak Tree
The jubilee oak tree (given to us by East Suffolk Council), planted near to the Millennium sculpture, is flourishing and now has its plaque. Have a look, if you haven’t already.
The Playing Field
The administration of the playing field in the throes of being passed back from the Homersfield Playing Field charity to the Parish Council.
Village Litter Pick – Saturday 15th October 2022
Come along and help tidy up our village for the benefit of people and wildlife. We will be meeting on the Green at 10.00am and can provide grabbers, bags, hoops and high-vis for everyone to use. It is recommended that you wear gloves.
Meeting Dates and Councillors
Our next meeting is Tuesday 6th September 2022 at 6.00pm in the Black Swan.
Meeting dates/agendas etc can be found on the village notice board and, on the website, http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/.
If you would like to apply to be a councillor then please get in touch with the Parish Clerk by emailing homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com.
Homersfield Parish Council
June-July 2022
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea
Come to the village celebration for the Queen’s Jubilee on Sunday 5 th June 2022. Tony and Helen at the Black Swan have kindly lent the pub garden to the village from 4pm until 6pm (inside the pub if raining). The pub is closed to the public at this time. Come dressed in red, white and blue or maybe royal fancy dress, bring an empty mug to be filled with tea or coffee and enjoy a slice of cake or two. Pin the tail on the corgi, colour in the ‘Queen’, and have a go at a right royal quiz sheet. This is a free event with any costs being met by the village charity.
At 5pm the Jubilee plaque will be unveiled.
If you would like to help you can: -
- Bring some finger food for sharing (can be savoury as well as sweet, but must not need cutlery)
- Help put up the bunting in the Black Swan garden and on the Green (Wed 1 st June 10.00am)
- Help set up on the day (3.30pm)
Please get in touch with Lucy Hammond if you can bring food or are able to help on 01986 788600 email lucyhammond600@gmail.com
If you have friends or relatives with you on that day, they are very welcome too.
It would be wonderful if people could put bunting/flags outside their houses and turn Homersfield into a place of celebration.
Oak Tree
Mark, our tree warden, has planted the oak tree given to Homersfield by East Suffolk Council near the Millennium Sculpture. Have a look next time you are passing.
Meeting Dates and Councillors needed
Unfortunately, our meeting planned for the 3 rd May had to be postponed as one of our three councillors had covid (we need a quorum of three to vote on anything). It has been rescheduled for 25 th May with the following one on 5 th July. Our 2022 meeting dates/agendas etc can be found on the village notice board and, on the website,
http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/.
If you would like to apply to be a councillor then please get in touch with the Parish Clerk by emailing homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com.
Homersfield Parish Council
April-May 2022
PLAY AREA
We are hoping to be able to re-open the play area in the foreseeable future, but to do so, need help with maintenance and for volunteers to go on to a rota to complete the monthly safety checks (a form is provided and the first check will be done with a councillor). Please get in touch with Sally Chapman, Clerk to the Parish Council – email homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com if you can help in either capacity.
VILLAGE LITTER PICK – Saturday 5th March 2022
Thank you to the four people who kindly cleared much of the village of litter. Six bags were collected. Residents should also be grateful to those who collect litter whilst walking. The next ‘official’ litter pick will be in October. The more people who come, the bigger area we can clear. Snowdrops were waiving their heads amongst the bottles, cans and crisp packets - it is impossible to get into the mindset of those who think it is acceptable to litter.
THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE
East Suffolk Council have kindly given Homersfield an oak tree to commemorate this special occasion. In addition, there will be a plaque on the village sign. We are hoping to arrange a free tea and cake event on the afternoon on Sunday 5th June. More details of this will follow in the next magazine.
GUARDIAN OF THE PHONE BOX
We are still seeking someone to take care of the restored phone box, putting in information, which has been agreed by the council, about local fauna and flora/history etc. If you are interested, please get in touch with Sally Chapman, Clerk to the Parish Council – email: homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com.
Meeting Dates
Our 2022 meeting dates/agendas etc. can be found on the village notice board and on the website http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/
The next Parish Council meeting is on Tuesday 3rd May 2022 at 6pm in The Black Swan.
Raise a mug - St Mary’s Church, Homersfield is safe and sound at last!
Our much-loved church is being given a new lease of life. The roof and tower are being repaired. Our wonderful builders have been working through the ever-changing weather to ensure that we are on schedule. This could not have happened without the support of the local community and the generosity of grant funding.
We are grateful to all those who have supported us, whether through donations or attending one of our events – the most recent being our ‘Great Big Film and Music Sale’ held in Wortwell Core last Summer.
We are thankful for those funders who have made this possible, with our largest contribution coming from the Heritage Stimulus Fund, part of the Government’s Culture Recovery. It is administered by Historic England.
February-March 2022
HOMERSFIELD PARISH COUNCIL COUNCILLOR NEEDED
The need for a new parish councillor became even more apparent when we were unable to proceed with the January meeting because two of the four councillors were unable to attend which meant we did not have a quorum of three to vote. Please get in touch with Sally Chapman, Clerk to the Parish Council – email homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com if you would like to be considered as a parish councillor. No previous experience is needed - just a willingness to work as part of a team.
VILLAGE LITTER PICK – SATURDAY 5TH MARCH 2022
Come along and help tidy up our village for the benefit of people and wildlife. We will be meeting on the Green at 10.00am and we will provide grabbers, bags and hoops for everyone to use. If you have your own grabber, please bring it. It is recommended that you wear gloves and, if possible, a high-vis item of clothing (we do have some that can be borrowed).
HOMERSFIELD WOOD
Thank you to Mark and team for their continuing work in the community wood. How wonderful to see the newly planted trees. It would be great if more people would like to get involved. The dates for the next wood working parties are:
- Saturday January 22nd 2022 (10am-12pm)
- Saturday February 12th 2022 (10-12pm)
- Saturday March 12th 2022 (10-12pm)
VILLAGE BENCH
Tim and Albert have kindly installed the metal bench on the Green, which has been donated in memory of June. A small plaque will soon be fixed to it.
HOMERSFIELD VILLAGE GATEWAY ENTRANCE SIGN
The Police are aware and have investigated. It has been reported to the County Council in order to obtain a new sign.
MEETING DATES
Our 2022 meeting dates/agendas etc can be found on the village notice board and on the website: http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/ The next Parish Council meeting is on Tuesday 8th March, 6pm in The Black Swan.
ST MARY’S CHURCH, HOMERSFIELD CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
The Carol Service was, not surprisingly, a smaller affair than usual with around twenty people attending. We enjoyed listening to the Saints Choir and joining in with the carols. The church looked beautiful (our thanks to Sally, Emma, Debbie and Mary). Afterwards some of the congregation moved on to The Black Swan to sing some more carols in a new event for this year – ‘Carols and a Pint’. Thank you to Tony, Helen and staff for hosting us and to those unsuspecting customers who were persuaded to exercise their vocal chords. The Benefice Christmas day service was in St Mary’s this year, with around 18 people attending. Reverend Leon talked to us about the wonderful gift of Jesus in our lives. Our thanks to Ellie for playing the organ for us (drafted in as Gail was out of the country). Chocolates were munched on the way out as a stop gap between breakfast and Christmas lunch. Our evening prayer service on 2nd January reflected on 2021 and looked forward to plans for 2022. Leon included a prayer for the newly planted trees in the village wood to grow for the benefit of ourselves, our children and grandchildren.
APPLES
Thank you to everyone who took apples in exchange for a donation for the church roof and tower appeal from the stall outside Mill Cottage. £86.07 was raised and hopefully a lot of apple pies and crumbles enjoyed.
CHURCH WOOD
Work parties met in Church Wood in November and December. Our cheerful band of volunteers cleared two areas in preparation for tree planting and cut up and burnt a fallen oak branch. Just before Christmas we planted 50 trees supplied by the Suffolk Tree Warden Network. The mix included oak, hornbeam, wild cherry, crab apple and hazel - all trees that should grow well in the wood. Some mostly small dead sycamores have also been marked and these will be felled in the near future.
Mark Timms, Homersfield Tree Warden
There are so many visible and invisible volunteers spending time doing job around Homersfield and the parish benefits from all these often unthanked hours of effort. I do want to elect a few to thank, for instance Tim and Albert for installing the metal bench around the chequers tree on the green. It looks so inviting and will be well used come spring & summer. Mick has kindly agreed to mow the green for another year. He has made the centre of the village look most attractive and the flowers are shown off to their best. The village sign which was knocked down in early November is back in position, which is great news. May 2022 be a better year for everyone’s health and wellbeing.
December 2021 - January 2022
Village Litter Pick
Ten willing volunteers met on the Green on 16th October and, using the grabbers, hoops and bags kindly supplied by East Suffolk Norse, cleared our roadsides and green spaces of litter. Fly-tipping of containers of cooking oil in the slip road were reported and removed by East Suffolk Council. Thank you to everyone who helped. The next village litter pick morning is on Saturday 5th March 2022. Please write it in your diary and come along.
Councillor needed
We are still one councillor short of our allocation of five parish councillors. We are a friendly, approachable group who would be glad to hear from someone who cares about the community and the future of our village. If you have skills to offer and can spare a little time then please get in touch with Sally Chapman, Clerk to the Parish Council – email homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com. Training for councillors is available.
Homersfield Wood
Since we last wrote there have been two wood working parties in September and October, with the next one on Saturday November 20th (10am-12pm). The October wood working party was well attended and it was brilliant working alongside others to maintain and enhance our woodland habitat. Mark Timms, our Tree Warden, has created a plan for us, for which we are most grateful. He has applied for some free trees (Oak, Hornbeam, Cherry and Crab Apple) through the Queen’s Green Canopy project and some free hazel plants to boost the shrub layer of the wood. Mark has surveyed the existing trees, noting which ones need to be pruned or cut down due to disease.
If you would like to get involved with helping in Homersfield Wood, please keep an eye on the notice board to see when working parties are happening.
Village benches
You will have noticed that the wooden bench which wound around one of the trees on the Green has magically moved to another tree in the wood beside the new churchyard. This ‘magic’ happened through the hard work of Tim and his team and we thank him. The bench is being replaced with a metal one, which has kindly been donated in memory of June.
Remembrance Wreath
By the time you read this, a new wreath will have been placed on the Green. A place, perhaps, to pause and remember.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
May we take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our 2022 meeting dates/agendas etc can be found on the village notice board and on the website http://homersfield.onesuffolk.net/parish-council/
October - November 2021
Homersfield's Phonebox before and after!
You may recall we were seeking a ‘Guardian of the Phone Box’ in last time’s magazine. It is not too late if you would like to apply. We are looking for someone to organise and display changing historical and conservation information. Please get in touch with Sally Chapman, Clerk to the Parish Council – email homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com if you would like more information or to register your interest.
HOMERSFIELD WOOD
We are very glad to welcome Mark Timms as our Tree Warden and look forward to working with him to help maintain and enhance our wood. Your help, if you can spare a little time, is needed too, so please come along to the wood working parties on:
-
Saturday 25th September 2021
-
Saturday 23rd October 2021
-
Saturday 20th November 2021
All sessions are 10am until midday.
NEWS FROM ST MARY’S CHURCH HOMERSFIELD - ROOF AND TOWER FUNDRAISING
We had a fantastic weekend at our Music and Film Sale in July. Thank you to everyone who donated, came along, bought stuff, ate cake and helped in all sorts of ways. £2800 was raised. Then Sally and Jo had a stall at Wortwell fete, which raised another £80.
Apples
If you need any apples, Lucy and Lawrie hope to be putting their crop ut in exchange for donations to the church, so please pass by Mill Cottage and help yourself.
Churchyard
By time you are reading this the old churchyard will have had its Autumn cut and volunteers will have raked up the cuttings to allow for new growth. If you would like to volunteer to help (and missed this one)
please get in touch with Jo, our Churchwarden, on 01986 788996 and she will let you know about the next one.
August - September 2021
HOMERSFIELD
Monday 28th June guided walk-in churchyard, Church Woods and area of Homersfield.
A dozen people assembled in the churchyard, hosted by the PCC and led by Mark Timms, to look at various plants and any creatures that turned up. The first things were lady’s bedstraw (previously used to fill a mattress) along the paths and then the ant-lions along the edge of a garden. Everyone had the opportunity to listen to bird song, including the piercing cry of the oyster catcher circling around the lakes, get a name for the species and see plants like the wych elm in the woods. A male kestrel was watched sitting on top of a telegraph pole with its grey tail (smaller than the female). Asked about the peculiar smell in the woods, Mark explained that if it smelt of rotten meat it was the “stinkhorn” (Phallus impudicus) fungus. There was a small patch of hare’s foot clover on the roadside and more importantly an earth star fungus was visible with its pepper potholes in the middle on the round top - this is where the spores are dispersed. Besides a grey heron and for some listening to the reed warbler and reed bunting there was a sighting of the albino robin which has been around for a few weeks.
Thanks to Mark for leading such an interesting walk and the variety of sightings.
Sarah (booking clerk)
HOMERSFIELD PARISH COUNCIL
WANTED – Guardian of the Phone Box
A volunteer is sought to become the first ‘Guardian’ of Homersfield’s former Telephone Kiosk.
After many years, thanks to a grant, our iconic phone box is undergoing a refurbishment. The traditional red kiosk plays a significant part in our national heritage. The local community of Homersfield chose to retain this kiosk a long time ago, therefore ensuring it can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Our aims for the refurbished phone box are:
1) Village History: To display varied historical information and images, outlining various pointers of interest in Homersfield and surrounding area.
2) Conservation: To have (changeable) pictures/notes of local flora and fauna displays according to the seasons. List of local walks. Spotters guide to birds and trees in Homersfield Wood and local area.
Homersfield sees many visitors passing through its village. If you are interested in taking on this voluntary role, then please contact Sally Chapman, Clerk to Homersfield Parish Council.
Email homersfieldparishcouncil@gmail.com. Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you.
HOMERSFIELD WOOD
Please come and help in the wood on Saturday 25th September 2021 from 10am until 12.00pm. Everyone is welcome – whether skilled or unskilled – there will be a task for you.
VILLAGE LITTER PICK
Date for your diary – Saturday 16th October 2021. Please come and help make our village litter free. Meet 10.00am on the green.
HOMERSFIELD BRIDGE
For some time vehicles have been parking and offloading on our historic ‘listed’ Bridge. Only cyclists and pedestrians have the ‘right of way’ across the bridge. Three posts have been missing for years so Homersfield Parish Council is investigating the possibility of obtaining a ‘grant‘ to replace them. I am pleased to say that the Highways Dept. have loaned us a “No Parking on the Bridge” sign to deter vehicles from Homersfield side cross-
ing the bridge. Mr Phillip Kidner very kindly offered and delivered an oil drum filled with concrete to act as a back stop for the sign, to prevent someone thinking about either removing the sign or driving over it will now think twice about doing so! Thank you, Phillip.
Angela. HPC Chair
ST MARY’S CHURCH, HOMERSFIELD – WINNER SCOOPS £258.50
We were excited to present the holder of number 17 in the 59 club with winnings of £258.50. They were even more excited to receive it. It would be good if there were more members. All current members pay by standing order, but if that is not ‘your thing’ then we are now accepting annual subscriptions. It costs £60 a year (£5 a month) with cheques payable to Homersfield Church.
If you would like to become part of ‘the club’ and have the excitement of a possible win along with the nice feeling of contributing towards the church and churchyard being insured and maintained, we would very
much like to hear from you.
Please contact Tom Holdridge - tel: 01986 788169 or email: tomholdridge.th@gmail.com to arrange.
Lucy Hammond
Secretary of Homersfield Parochial Church Council
June - July 2021
HOMERSFIELD SPRING CLEAN
By chance listening to Saturday’s edition of Farming Today’s Weekly slot I heard of the plan for a Spring Equinox, Spring Clean across Britain.
So I contacted a few Homersfield folk and had three teams; me out on Sunday 21st March and others doing it on weekdays soon after. Bags and bags were collected, mostly rubbish and some glass bottles, tins and other bits we could recycle. It made a huge difference straight afterwards and I want to thank Debbie and Ray, Lucy and Lawrie for their sterling efforts tackling the layby off Flixton Road (always lots of rubbish dumped) and Back Lane a place where people chuck waste out of their vehicles. Sadly, the amount of local littering during Lockdown periods
seems to be intense and almost daily, including masks, rubber gloves, wet wipes and nasty things that should never be dumped.
Let’s make it a date, next Spring equinox to have even more teams out cleaning our verges and footpaths and open spaces. The more people who get involved, the bigger the impact. We will all be able to appreciate
the improved environment even if that state is temporary. Thanks again to Michael for cutting the village green. It sets off the centre beautifully. Let’s hope the future of the playing field can be resolved soon and the site tidied up and reopened for families to use.
Sarah
HOMERSFIELD VILLAGE CHARITIES
Some residents may already be aware that there are three small charities in Homersfield established for the relief of those in need in the parish. These are as follows:
Homersfield Parish Land Trust
Established for the relief of any resident of Homersfield in need and for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the village.
William Adair (Homersfield) Charity and Poors Land Charity
Established to provide relief for any resident of Homersfield in need.
If anyone should feel that either they or someone they know may be able to benefit from a grant from one of these charities, please feel free to approach one of the trustees – Tim Savile, Debbie Bird or Tom Holdridge
(Parish Land Trust and William Adair charities) or Lucy Hammond, Jo Westgate or Tom Holdridge (Poors Land Charity).
All approaches will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Great Big Film and Music Sale – in aid of St Mary’s Church, Homersfield (Roof and Tower Appeal)
Sat 24th & Sun 25th July 2021, 10.00am – 3.00pm
We have been so grateful for the response to our appeal for CDs/DVDs and Vinyls – people have been generous indeed. Pricing the vinyls has been a real learning curve. Prices varying hugely on demand, condition and press-
ing. Donors can stipulate an amount above which records will be returned. Of course, it is only our research and not guaranteed. The venue for the sale is going to be Wortwell Community Centre to allow for better parking, toilet facilities and more shelter in the event of rain for both people and items for sale. There will be a bric-a-brac stall and tea and cake.
If anyone would like to donate bric-a-brac, please hold on to it until the week of the sale and it can then be delivered or collected. We already have a vintage record player and a 1950’s dollhouse in need of a makeover. If anyone can donate a cake, that would also be most appreciated. And if you have any more unwanted lurking DVDs, CDs or vinyls, please do get in touch.
Finally – PLEASE COME ALONG ON ONE OF THE DAYS – even just for a cup of tea/piece of cake/chat.
Homersfield Parochial Church Council, Homersfield Community Project
Email lawriehammond1@gmail.com or lucyhammond600@gmail.com
Mill Cottage, Homersfield or telephone 01986 788600
OUTDOORS
Saturday 8th May a notice on the green announcing an outside service at Homersfield church starting at 5pm was read by me and as Sunday was supposed to be a dry, sunny day, I walked up following someone else looking determined to attend too. We were greeted by Jo and then chatted in the churchyard till the vicar and others arrived bearing a mobile organ and stand and music. It felt like watching a theatrical production. Some of us brought a stool or chair or even a small table out of the church to perch on. The vicar opened the service saying: ‘with the woods surrounding us and a lake and river with its meadows’, we would process and contemplate the trees and other features at about 9 places.
It was a beautiful calm evening, the light dappling through the trees. We all really looked at the tall oak trees admiring their strength and beauty and long life. We even threw a stone to rid ourselves of troubles and give
them away. I am not a practising Christian so some of the messages were quite religious. But I enjoyed the time and peacefulness and calm of the group and the time to look and think. It was a brilliant end to the week-
end bringing tranquillity and centredness.
The end amused me when Jo produced a poo bag for the collection and hung it on the back of a chair in the churchyard! Someone checked that it was indeed a clean one!
The next outdoor service will be in Sunday 13th June at 5pm at St James.
All welcome and it was a truly enjoyable outdoor celebration.
Guided walk in Homersfield Wood – Monday June 28th 2021 6pm-7pm
There are a few places left to join this free guided walk led by Mark Timms. Mark will be spotting and sharing information on both fauna and flora. The event is open to everyone in the Saints and beyond.
To reserve your place please phone Mark on 01986 788905 or email sarahday7@hotmail.com and wait for confirmation.
Please bring binoculars if you have some and wear suitable footwear/clothing. The walk will begin at St Mary’s Church, Homersfield and parking will be available (access from St Cross road).
Homersfield Parish Council have a vacancy for a councillor please APPLY To CLERK
Sally Chapman 01379 855486,
email homersfieldparishcouncil@ gmail.com
April-May 2021
Homersfield Annual Meetings of Parishioners of St Cross and Homersfield
This meeting will be held on Zoom on Monday 12th April at 7.30pm. If any parishioners would like to attend, please get in touch with the Secretary, Lucy Hammond, by emailing lucyhammond600@gmail.com and
you will be advised of the meeting admittance code.
If you do not use the internet and wish to bring something to our attention, please phone 01986 788600. Now is also the time of year when you can be added to the Church Electoral roll.
Tower and Roof repairs
We are pleased to say that we have been successful with two grant applications. We have been awarded £3900 from the All Churches Trust and £9000 from the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust. There is still a long way
to go to reach our total of £112,313. Two more grant applications have been made and we continue with our fund raising.
Grand Music and Film Sale
New dates for your diary are the weekend of July 24th and 25th for the sale. If you have any DVDs, CDs or Vinyl’s that you are able to donate they can still be dropped off at Mill Cottage, Homersfield or we can collect them (telephone: 01986 788600 or email: lawrie.hammond1@gmail.com)
We have also got a growing collection of bric-a-brac so there will be a bric-a-brac stall. If you are able to donate any, please hold on to it for the time being and it can then be dropped off or collected in the week beginning 19th July.
59 Club
Two more people have recently joined the 59 club which is brilliant. This regular source of income, as well as being a bit of fun for those who take part, makes such a difference to the church. It costs £5 a month. Just to
give you some idea of costs of keeping a Grade 2* building going (without even thinking about repair), the annual insurance is over £900. If you would like a form, please get in touch with Tom Holdridge on 07593 982621.
A kindness A couple of weeks back there was a knock at the door and a lady handed over an envelope. She said it was her birthday and that she loved to visit Homersfield Church so wanted to give a donation. Inside the envelope was £25.
As always, if you have suggestions or want to help with the church or churchyard, please get in touch with one of us. Homersfield Parochial Church Council
(Revd Leon, Jo Westgate, Tom Holdridge, Lucy Hammond and Sally Rembrance)
Homersfield Churchyard Vacancy
The PCC are seeking to recruit someone to cut and strim the new churchyard, cut the paths through the old churchyard and keep the gravel paths and parking area clear of weeds. A small hourly rate will be paid and expenses (such as petrol) covered. Please register your interest by contacting the Churchwarden, Jo Westgate, on 01986 788996 or by emailing jowestgate2@gmail.com.
The daffodils in Church Wood are beginning to open reluctantly with cold wind and some frosty mornings though the snowdrops seem to last for ages and still look lovely especially the large leaved and petaled ones in the churchyard. Our environment is so precious to us all during lockdown and people are visiting their local open spaces more frequently and this results in more litter so a plea to people to take wrappers and tins etc. home to bin there and make sure we leave places as beautiful as we can for others to enjoy. The woodpeckers are drumming most days which is a delightful sound. Enjoy Spring and lets hope the frosts will soon cease and allow the trees to burst open their buds.
Many thanks to Michael for his first mowing of the green. It looks wonderful and shows off the daffodils beautifully.
Sarah Day
Homersfield Wood Guided Walk – Flora and Fauna – Monday June 28th 2021
There will be a guided walk, kindly led by Mark Timms on Monday June 28th 2021. It will begin at the church at 6pm and end at 7pm. Mark will be spotting and sharing information on both fauna and flora. The event is free, but because numbers are limited, please reserve your place by phoning Mark on 01986 788905 or emailing sarahday7@hotmail.com and waiting for confirmation. Please bring binoculars if you have some.
This event is open to everyone in the Saints and beyond.
February- March 2021
Homersfield - Comfort and Joy Christmas Carols
It was brilliant that so many people from the village and some from further afield came to sing carols around the village on December 22nd.
Reverend Leon started with a rousing welcome and opening prayer and then we alternated carols and readings. The torches supplied by Gail lit the procession from outside the Black Swan to the Green, along to Barnfield, up Church Lane and to the particularly beautifully lit Square before returning to outside the Black Swan. It was good when people came out of their houses to sing with us or just to listen. Everyone was very sensible maintaining their distance and grouping only in bubbles. The Saints Benefice had a gift bag for every family full of goodies.
Thank you to Reverend Leon and everyone who came and sung and to those who put a little something in the collection tin.
A very different ‘Carol Service’ – a light in a very dark year.
St Mary’s PCC
In these unfamiliar times with the escalation of the pandemic and the current President in the White House (in January 21) and events on 6th Jan at Capitol Hill, Washington, we are likely to be feeling deep uncertainty with democracy and fairness threatened. It must be time to heed the scientists and health professionals and act like we have the Covid 19 virus and keep away from each other. This doesn’t mean that we should not be compassionate and empathetic and keep a sense of community spirit alive in our villages. It is more important than ever to be considerate and look at things from others perspective.
This should help us to get along for as long as Lockdown persists.
Sarah