As many residents will know, our church has only been open for services and visitors since last December due to a combination of several unfortunate events beyond the control of the Parochial Church Council.
However, when the roof became virtually leakproof, thanks to Matt Broxhall and Matt Cooper, a cleaning party was organised in early December to make the church interior as usable as possible so that a carol service could be held on the 18th.
Over sixty people were present for this welcome return to something like normality but due to the on-going absence of a priest, normal monthly church services are not possible at present.
The Church Council is anxious to provide whatever is possible under these difficult circumstances and so in recognition of the importance of Easter to many residents, the readings at the Stations of the Cross will take place as has been customary for a number of years until the enforced closure of the church.
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 5th. starting at 19:00 and will last for about 45 minutes.
Chris Dutfield (828806) will be pleased to hear from anyone, church-goers or not, who would like to take part in the twelve readings. A printed copy of a reading will be offered on going into church but can be declined.
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.
Maldon District Residents Need Photo ID To Vote At Elections On 4 May 2023
For the first time, residents in Maldon District will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections. Residents are being urged to make sure they are ready to vote in May by checking they have an accepted form of ID.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA, or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID.
Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance, said:
“Anyone voting at a polling station in England this May will need to show photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. It’s important that everyone understands what types of ID they can use, and how to apply for free ID if they need it. You can find information about the new requirement and what to expect at the polling station on the Electoral Commission’s website.”
Paul Dodson, Returning Officer at Maldon District Council, said:
“With elections taking place in Maldon District on 4 May 2023, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Maldon District Council’s electoral services team. If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the electoral services team on elections@maldon.gov.uk
Anyone who wants to have their say in the elections this May must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station, is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act which was passed last year and comes into effect for the first time this May.
Grants made available by Essex County Council to create safe spaces which are free to the Essex public this winter.
Community groups and Parish and Town Councils across Essex are being urged to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to help them provide warm and welcoming spaces for residents this winter.
Essex County Council (ECC) has today (Friday 21 October) launched its Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund.
The £100,000 fund offers grants of up to £1,000 so organisations can create new spaces or activities, or extend their existing services.
Open to charities, clubs or associations, community interest companies and parish councils, the fund has been designed to support safe spaces which are free to the Essex public this winter.
These spaces could offer residents things to do, advice, warmth or support for their physical and mental health.
Grants can be used by groups for things like equipment to run new activities, venue or catering costs, operational costs including utilities, and staff or volunteer expenditure.
Cllr Louise McKinlay, ECC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “We know people across the country are struggling at the moment and helping tackle the cost of living crisis is a key priority for Essex County Council.
“Our new Community Winter Warmth and Welcome Spaces Fund will provide funding to organisations, so they can better support those in need in their communities.
“This might be by opening up somewhere warm for people to go this winter or offering activities for them to enjoy inside a safe and welcoming space.
“We hope this fund will provide support for those most in need, but also bring communities closer together and help people feel connected with others in their area. I would urge groups across Essex to apply.”
Through the plan, ECC brings together partners, charities and organisations to tackle the issues residents are facing. It also maps the wider support being delivered across the county.
The Council’s approach is based on three pillars – Response, Resilience and Root causes, along with a six-point plan to support residents.
The plan will continue to evolve and will respond to the changing needs of people and communities in Essex.
STOW MARIES PARISH COUNCIL
