I have no way of knowing how many people, 100 CLUB members or not, read the updates to the CLUB news but those who do so will have noticed a lack of updates during the last twelve months. As some readers may know, a number of issues including health and time pressures are the reason for this and I am having to reduce my workload dramatically.
One of the reductions is to to gradually pass on the reins of running the 100 CLUB Prize winners will have noticed that Kath Swan, as well as collecting some renewal subscriptions a few weeks ago, is now forwarding the congratulatory letters with the cheques. More changes will follow at appropriate times but I must stress that no changes will affect the way in which the CLUB will deal with the drawing of winning numbers or the forwarding of cheques to the winners.
At the time of writing this update to the 100 CLUB news, it is my pleasure to report that once again, members have responded to the subscription renewal request in a very supportive way. However, in these economically-challenging times, it will not be surprising to learn that the CLUB does not presently have a 100% membership so if anyone would like to buy one or more of the spare subscriptions, please let me know. There will, of course, be a reduction of £1 for each month that has already passed in the present year. SO, IF YOU PAY FOR A SUBSCRIPTION BEFORE 31st MARCH, IT WILL COST £10 AND THE NUMBER WILL BE IN THE MARCH DRAW!!!!
For the benefit of possible new CLUB members, the yearly (January to December) fee is £12. There is a Draw each month with a £20 first prize, a £10 second prize and a £5 third prize. After the December Draw, a second Draw is made for ONLY those numbers that have not been drawn in the previous twelve Draws.
The Parochial Church Council is very grateful for the continued support of the 100 CLUB and wishes Good Luck to members in the forthcoming Draws.
May I pass on my personal thanks to all past and present CLUB members for their support over the years since I introduced Stow Maries to the CLUB.
Every year at about this time, the Parochial Church Council is required to hold two public meetings with the second following immediately after the first.
The first is called the Annual Vestry Meeting and this year, the details are:-
Thursday March 30th. at 1900 in the church.
The purpose of this meeting is to elect two Churchwardens from the list of nominees. Any Resident can nominate a Churchwarden provided that the person has agreed to be nominated and meets certain conditions. These conditions and a Nomination Form can be obtained by contacting Brian Townsend on 828302. Completed Nomination forms must be returned to him by March 18th. 2023.
All present are entitled to vote in the election.
The second meeting is called the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. This meeting is open to all residents and although only PCC members are allowed to vote, the presence of residents is not only encouraged, but will be welcomed.
Stow Maries’ villagers, aerodrome volunteers, members of the local Air Cadets and others with a links to the building and its grounds, packed the pews of St Mary & St Margaret church on Sunday 18th December 2022 for a splendid Carol Service.
This was the first time in 3 years that an organised public event had been held in the church, following the theft of lead from the roof, Covid restrictions and the absence of an ordained person to hold services. Nevertheless, after the church bell had rung out to welcome them, it was thoroughly uplifting to see so many people enjoy singing familiar carols at the top of their voices and really starting to get into the Christmas spirit.
Talking of which, the participants were then invited into the Smythe Hall to partake of mince pies and gingerbread biscuits, washed down with some warm mulled wine – all provided by the Stow Aerodrome Volunteers.
A highlight of this social activity was drawing the winning ticket for a splendid hamper full of Xmas goodies which was being raffled off in aid of much needed church funds -see reference to theft of the roof lead! Luckily the winner was in the hall and was able to take his prize away. In the end the total raised was £352 and thanks go to all who donated products and bought raffle tickets.
The Stow Maries Fund Raising Group is pleased to announce the post-Covid return of its ever popular Quiz Night.
This year’s evening of fun, brain exercise and socialisation will take place in the Smythe Hall, Church Lane, Stow Maries, CM3 6SL at 7:30pm on Friday 11th November 2022.
Tables will be set out for Teams of up to 6 persons, at a cost of £10pp, which includes sausages & baked potato supper, but you will need to bring your own drinks and glasses.
If you can’t make up a full team, please ring Peter as below to express your interest and see if he can find spaces in incomplete teams.
Please ring Peter Taylor to reserve a table on 07958 662895 or 01621 828415
All proceeds from this event go to fund the upkeep of Stow Maries’ historic community buildings
After 3 years of enforced absence, the Stow Maries Fund Raising Group is planning to hold a Car Boot Sale on Sunday 11th September. The event opens for buyers at 9:30am and sellers will be charged £8 per car or £10 per van (or car and trailer).
Details of the event are shown on the attached poster Car Boot Sale 2022 and, weather permitting, we very much hope to see a record turnout – with all those items you’ve had to keep in store for the past 3 years!
STOW MARIES PARISH COUNCIL
