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HALSTEAD AND BADGERS MOUNT PARISH MAGAZINE St. Margaret's Church, Halstead Ministry Team: Rector: Rev’d. Tim Edwards The Rectory, Church Road, Halstead TN14 7HQ • Tel: (01959) 532133 Churchwarden: Mr Richard Hughes 7 The Old Manor, Halstead Place, Halstead, TN14 7BJ • Tel: (01959) 533649 60p Website: www.knockholtandhalsteadchurches.org July/August 2020

Transcript of Tel : 01959 534 032 Hancocks

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HALSTEAD AND BADGERS MOUNT

PARISH MAGAZINE

St. Margaret's Church, Halstead

Ministry Team:Rector:

Rev’d. Tim Edwards The Rectory, Church Road, Halstead TN14 7HQ • Tel: (01959) 532133 Churchwarden:

Mr Richard Hughes 7 The Old Manor, Halstead Place, Halstead, TN14 7BJ • Tel: (01959) 533649

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COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Restrictions for COVID-19 are changing rapidly. That means that it is unfortu-nately impossible to be certain at the point of writing what the situation will be when you come to be reading this.Please do, therefore, keep an eye on regular announcements on the Church website or Facebook page and in the Rector’s regular email updates (typically one a week). If you do not currently receive those and would like to, please get in touch with the Rectory at [email protected]

THE RECTOR WRITES JULY 2020

Thankfully, the overwhelming majority of people who contract Covid-19 survive. But it does forcefully remind us that we are much more frail and weak than we like to think. Writing seven hundred years before Jesus, the prophet Isaiah says:

‘All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures for ever.’ (Isaiah 40:6-8).

Isaiah’s words really resonate at this time. In more normal times we can sometimes manage to avoid facing up to our vulnerability, but this pandemic has forced us to recognise our weakness and

fragility.However, this does not have to lead us to de-spair or fear; rather it can be an opportunity to discover all over again God’s kindness, care, and constancy. In Peter’s first letter in the New Testament of our Bibles, he quotes this passage from Isaiah and says, ‘For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God’ (1 Peter 1:23). Peter contrasts our mortality with the eternal Word of God, which can bring us new – and eternal – life, if we will listen to it.

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We don’t need to be afraid of our frailty, for God and His word is a dependable foundation on which to build our lives and face eternity.‘We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree. And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.’ (Immortal, invisible, Walter C Smith).

Tim

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

Funerals: Our deepest sympathy to the families of:

Peter HINTON, whose ashes were interred at St Katharine, Knockholt on 6 June 2020Mary OHANIS, who was buried at St Margaret, Halstead on 10 June 2020.Ronnie BARNARD, who was buried at St Margaret, Halstead on 10 June 2020.Carole HINTON, whose funeral is due to take place on 18 June 2020 at Bluebell Cemetery, Halstead.

N.B. Tim is continuing to prepare people (via Zoom) for baptism (for them-selves/their children) and confirmation, and providing marriage prepara-tion sessions. If you would like to discuss a future baptism or marriage, please contact him on [email protected]

GIVING TO THE CHURCH

You can set up either regular or one-off giving to support the work of the church at knockholtandhalstead.churchsuite.co.uk/donate

THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – HALSTEAD BRANCH

Don’t put your bunting and flags away: VJ Day 75 Anniversary is Saturday 15th August.In May we commemorated the day the war in Europe finished (VE Day 75) However the war further afield continued for another three months, so there will be a programme of public

events from 14th to 16th August to mark this 75th anniversary (VJ Day 75) both of the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War.

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The Remembrance theme is Coming Home this year which reminds us that when you serve HOME means so much more and is therefore as applicable to veterans of the Second World War as it is to those currently serving. The end of the Second World War resulted in the demobilisation of approximately 3.8 million British men and nearly 400,000 women. All had to be reunited with their homes and families, some for the first time in many years and the rebuild-ing of the nation, communities and families.During the year, the Branch make visits to interesting places and social events, but The Poppy Appeal is our main means of support for the work of the Le-gion and we have a volunteer army of collectors who, whatever the weather, go out collecting. We are so grateful to them and sadly we learn that recently long serving Poppy Appeal collector, Ronnie Barnard, has died. Our thoughts are with Michael and family.

Barbara Davenport Hon. Secretary

HALSTEAD READING GROUP

Our book for June was “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. Noting that the book is top of the best sellers list in the USA I started to read it won-dering what I was going to find but I was not disap-pointed. This book has much to offer no matter what your taste in reading. There are beautiful descriptions of nature and the Louisiana swamplands in which the novel is set and yet the story is certainly a page turner. There are plenty of interwoven themes in the tale; solitude and loss, exclusion from society and preju-dice yet this is balanced by the extraordinary inner strength of the main character Kya and the kindness of a few. Our ability to learn from nature was also examined throughout the novel and in the end gives a clue to the murderer. Unusually all the group enjoyed the novel. Were we influenced because we were under lockdown and enjoying being outside more than usual in the unseasonal heat? Perhaps but this is certainly a book worth looking at. One of the group remarked upon it’s poetic nature. The book is also available as an audio book which would be interesting.In a complete change of style in July we will be reading “Lady in Waiting: My extraordinary life in the Shadow of the Crown” by Anne Glenconner.During this time of social distancing we are still “meeting” on Zoom each

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month so if you fancy joining the group please contact Jean Peel on 01959 533180 or email [email protected]

Katy Simms

WILL WE RIDE AND STRIDE?

Every September the sponsored cycle or walk sponsorship event Ride and Stride raises funds for lo-cal churches and for the Friends of Kent Churches charity. Last year

£140,000 was raised and St Margaret’s received a very welcome £5000 for the repair of the church roof.This year’s event was set for Saturday 12 September, but, with the continuing lockdown restrictions, it is unclear if it will take place. If it does go ahead, we will put information on the church website and in the September magazine.

Martin Couchman

HALSTEAD WI

Halstead WI like many other associations are frus-trated by our present predicament, no large gath-erings and social meetings. The need to keep social distancing and limit our contacts to our household bubbles for all our safety is fully understood, nev-ertheless we will especially miss our arrangements for July Summer Supper and Art and Craft Fair.Halstead Village Hall is governed by their Insurance, as well as Government and Charity Commission guidance which is that all Village halls are closed until at least 18th July. The rules for the Village Hall will be reconsidered in line with government advice. So we need to keep to government advice and stay safe and alert.There is some bright news – in October and November we will have two extra monthly meetings; on Tuesday 20th October Paul Brown will come and play his guitar which was previously booked for our Summer Supper and on Tues-day 24th November William Shaw is coming to talk about crime fiction, as we were unable to have our June Meeting. These dates are in addition to our normal monthly meetings on the second Tuesday in the month, at 8pm in Hal-stead Village Hall. New members are always welcome, please call Val Dennett

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01959 533344 or myself Carole Sales 01959 535108 for further information.I really hope that we will be in a position to hold our Art and Craft Fair this Autumn and, as soon as I have a date, I will be notifying all stall holders.The WI Resolutions for this year will be discussed at the 2021 Annual General Meeting on 19th April in the Royal Albert Hall, which are “A call to increase potential stem cell donor registration” and “End modern day slavery”.The WI is utilising their website to keep members informed and access the monthly West Kent News Monthly Magazine information by registering and accessing “MyWI”So Meanwhile all keep safe, alert and in full fettle, at least we have had some rain. Best wishes.

Carole Sales Halstead WI

BADGERS MOUNT WI

I am pleased to report that as far as I am aware, none of our members or their families have been too affected by this dreadful and strange situa-tion that we have all been experiencing.Of course, we have missed a few meetings in-cluding our AGM and our Garden Meeting but we hope that in due course we shall be able to regroup and enjoy each other’s company and the varied programme of speakers and events that we have planned for the rest of the year.Thank goodness we live in such a lovely area to walk in and are in the main blessed with lovely gar-dens to enjoy, the beautiful weather was a godsend and hopefully it will return before too long and we shall be able to continue to benefit from this.In the meantime, we shall continue to knit, crochet, cook and garden – in short keep our bodies and minds busy and active.Wishing a peaceful and healthy summer to you all.

Karen Lagarde Badgers Mount WI

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FREE NATIONAL PHONELINE BRINGING WORSHIP & PRAYER

Government figures show that 2.5 million people aged 75 and above have never used the internet. And so, to help them, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, recently launched a free national phoneline to bring worship and prayer into the homes of those without access to the internet.

Daily Hope, which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England.

ONE IN TWENTY STARTS PRAYING

Is the nation turning to God in prayer? Well, not quite yet, but recent research from Tearfund has shown that prayer is more common than many would think, with just under half (44%) of UK adults saying that they pray, and one in twenty (5%) saying they have started praying during the lockdown. In addition, a quarter (24%) of UK adults say they have watched or listened to a religious service since lockdown, 5% of whom say they have never been to church before. Some churches are seeing double, sometimes triple, the number of people watching their Sunday meetings online that would normally attend in person.I am struck by Augustine’s prayer, ‘You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you’. Could it be that as the noise and busyness of normal life have subsided, restlessness has started to surface and, faced with new fears and uncertainties, hearts have started to turn to God?Let this research give you a new courage to offer to pray for people you know who are struggling, or invite them to watch an online service. And let’s also turn our prayers and actions beyond our immediate horizons to remember that we are part of a global community.

Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans,

and a former communications director for the CofE.

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MEDDLESOME MEDIA

Isn’t hindsight wonderful In self-righteousness they bask These media types and “experts” Taking government to task.

They repeat the same old questions Why couldn’t we foresee The need to get more test kits And stockpile PPE.

Surely they must realise That as the bubble burst Demand outstripped supply And the Germans got there first!

Instead of using influence To provide some helpful spin They look for easy victims To put the media boot in.

Now that things are easing And R is less than one They pour doubt on every effort To get some progress done.

When will these people realise That negativity and bleat Is really helping no one To get us on our feet

So come on press and TV Stop being so circumspect And who knows you might even Win back our lost respect

C. Ovid (19)

A MESSAGE FROM THE ROSE & CROWN, HALSTEAD

As all local pubs closed down in March due to government guidelines we have tried to still be involved in the local community. We have kept our kitchen open

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during the lunchtime session for takeaways and also more importantly home deliveries. We plan to continue this until the time is right to re-open again…..hopefully in the near future. Our menu offers a range of light bites to normal meals along with desserts and also a kiddies menu. This is open to all but our aim was to try and help the elderly and people unable to get out to the shops as transport and other mat-ters have reduced the ability to go out as we all have been used to in the past. By now our menu should have been delivered to your door but if you do re-quire a home delivery or a pick-up from the pub please do call me on 01959 533 120. Our aim is to deliver your order between midday and 2pm and it’s free of charge. It comes with heating instructions and the food is packaged in hygienic containers. If you have any questions, I will be more than happy to chat to you. We hope by the time you read this that better news about the permanent opening of all pubs will be known so watch this space!

Tony & Jack Goode

THE FRYING SQUAD

By popular demand the travelling chippy has now booked visits at Halstead Village Hall for every Sat-urday in June & July from 4pm until 8.30pm. Please feel free to forward this noti-fication out to anybody who you feel may want to know. As before you can pre-order by sending an email to

[email protected] giving them your name, food details and how you wish to pay. Please ensure you receive a confirmation of your order which needs to be in by midday on the Saturday. Also, you are obviously more than welcome just to turn up and order.

KENT HEIGHTS FLOWER CLUB

Another month has gone by and we are still in lockdown. It seems unlikely that we will be able to meet before September as our July and August meetings have been cancelled, but there is still plenty we can consider to help with our flower arranging. Arranging flowers whether at home, in church or for a special event is very satisfying and enjoyable. Flowers cut fresh from the garden or bought at the

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supermarket or Florists are plentiful and relatively cheap with a huge choice all year round. It is always good to have some greenery to set off the flowers and even better when one can pick the greenery in one’s own garden. There are lots of shrubs that are suitable and because they are picked regularly don’t grow too big! Very often the Demonstrators at our meetings say they have grown the greenery in their own garden or have picked it in a friends – with their permission! In the winter I’m always glad to have laurel, as it is a strong firm leaf that can be sprayed if required at Christmas, b u t stands well in oasis and gives a good backdrop to the flow-ers. There is also a spotted laurel which goes well with any yellow, or red flow-ers as does yellow privet. Holly, yew and ivy are good in any arrangements in the winter season as is the much despised leylandii, but it can be cut short and used with great success as a filler. During summer we should all be looking for seed heads and grasses that can be dried and used later in the year. My favour-ite shrub is pittosporum which comes in different shades of green and bronze.The best idea right now is to take a “socially distanced” walk around one of our local garden centres and give yourself a treat – choose a new shrub for your garden. Don’t forget bay, or herbs can all be grown in tubs or pots if you don’t have much space.The Autumn show of the Halstead Horticultural society is booked to take place on Saturday 5th September when there are 3 Flower Arranging classes. Why not think about entering one or all of the classes:

1. “There’ll always be an England” - very relevant idea with VE Day and VJ Day!

2. “Anything Goes” – think of a colour, think of a theme and enjoy!

3. “Keep the Home fires Burning” – a petite arrangement which is again very apt for this year.

More details can be found in the Horticultural Schedule available in the village shop and we will send out a members’ email again with more details before September.Meanwhile, enjoy your country walks and the abundance of wild flowers and greenery all around the village, which is looking so colourful at the moment.

Jean Peel Kent Heights Flower Club

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HALSTEAD & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

With the continuing disruption to our social lives caused by Covid 19 our Summer Show which was

scheduled for 25 June is unfortunately another casualty. Our trip to Beth Chatto Gardens, arranged for 1 July, is also off. We were planning a two centre visit, Beth Chatto Gardens with Furze-lea Garden on the way back. Sadly, Furzelea

is completely closed and Beth Chatto, whilst re-cently re-opened in skeleton form, has little in the

way of operable facilities so we have taken the deci-sion to postpone until next year.

Looking further ahead, our next event on 5 September is the Autumn Show. Currently, that is looking more promising as it is hoped that by then restric-tions will have eased sufficiently to enable us to stage a reasonable resemblance of the real thing. Naturally, we’ll keep you informed as the situation unfolds.At the Walled Garden we have been sieving and bottling comfrey juice, not a job for the faint hearted as the smell is pretty unpleasant but plants thrive on the stuff, well diluted with water. For those who don’t know, comfrey is a plant of the borage family. The plant is strong growing and withstands being cut almost to the ground. The stalks and leaves thus obtained are put into a plastic dustbin with a lid and topped up with water. After a couple of months the resultant mixture can be sieved, the stalks put on the compost heap and the liquid transferred to containers.On the home front, I have been fighting a rear-guard action with a pair of blackbirds who are hell-bent on digging up any newly potted up seedlings that I put out on my garden tables to harden off prior to planting out. Interestingly, it is the female who is the main instigator of these calculated attacks with Mr Blackbird, a henpecked accomplice, playing look-out. Various Heath Robin-son contraptions comprising assorted ironwork and chicken wire have been erected over the plants but the blighters were still getting through. Finally, realising that they were flying upward (helicopter style) from beneath through a gap between the tables, a further strategically placed piece of chicken wire has finally put paid to their raids! Oh, the joys of gardening!Green fingers to you all.

Barrie Blundell

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HALSTEAD NURSERY

We re-opened our doors on 1st June and welcomed back 18 of our chil-dren. They are split into 2 “bubbles” in accordance with the Government’s guidance to minimalise the risk of any infection spreading. It has meant that children cannot attend for as many sessions/hours as they were before

lockdown. Hopefully as the term wears on and the R rate hopefully continues to fall we will be able to expand our bubbles to include more children. It’s been wonderful to see toys strewn all over the floor, finding glue and paint everywhere and above all, listening to the chatter and laughter of the children as they play. The nursery has come alive again! Sadly, like everyone else’s celebrations, all of our plans for an end of term party for all of the children and a graduation for those going off to big school in September have had to be put on hold for the time being. ‘On hold’ are the key words, as we will make sure of a celebration with everyone at some point in time. It seems a little strange The children and staff have weeded and tidied the garden in the first weeks back and we now have vegetable beds with spinach, aubergine, tomato and pepper plants thanks to generous donations from local residents who shared their “spare” plants with us. The children are watering them daily and checking for anything they can pick. Our strawberries are coming along nicely too and the temptation to pick them before they are ripe is almost too much for some little fingers to bear but hopefully we will get to see some red ones one day! Lockdown was a time for reflection and evaluation for many and one of our staff members did just that and has decided that it is time to hang up her nurs-ery apron and enjoy more time at home with her family. We are, therefore, recruiting for someone to join our small team as follows:

PART TIME LEVEL 3 EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER

TUESDAY & THURSDAY 8.40am to 3.15 pm

TERM TIME ONLYIf you would be interested in knowing more about the role or would like an application form please do get in touch with me via 07950 681846 or by emailing [email protected] The closing date for applications is Monday, 6th July 2020 and interviews will be held shortly after.

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Lastly, we do have one or two spaces remaining for children aged 2 plus for September onwards. Please get in touch via the above details if you would be interested in a space for your child.

Tracey McCartney Manager

HALSTEAD OPEN GARDENS

Don’t panic, we are not looking for residents willing to share their lovely gar-dens with the world just yet!The reason we are writing is to let you know that Open Gardens will take place in June 2022 and not next year as planned due to the knock-on effect of everything being delayed or cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.Open Gardens usually takes place in alternate years and is perfectly timed so that the school and nursery are not trying to prepare Knockholt carnival floats etc and host the gardens event in the same year! As the carnival has moved forward to 2021, it means that Open Gardens has to move to 2022.The good news is that this means there are 24 months ahead for gardeners to perfect their green spaces and to volunteer to open their garden to visitors, helping us to raise funds for local charities. As you relax with a glass of wine after a hard day’s weeding and planting please do give some thought to joining in the fun and sharing your garden in June 2022.Look out for our advert for volunteers in the June 2021 edition of the parish magazine!

Leslie Hawkins Head Teacher, Halstead Community Primary School

MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS ON OUR CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny. - Ravi Zacharias

God can do wonders with a broken heart if you give Him all the pieces. - Victor Alfsen

Most of our comforts grow up between our crosses. - Edward Young

Loneliness is the first thing which God’s eye nam’d not good. - John Milton

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or view my menus on the Food Club page at: www.emmas-table.co.uk

!The Food Club is designed to give you great food ready to go at a

fair price. !

We look forward to serving our community !

Emma Daniells !!!

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Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade Him to move things our way, but an exercise by which we are enabled by His spirit to move things His way.

- AnonDuring the war, the rose window in the great Rheims Cathedral was shattered into bits by an indirect hit. The parishioners lovingly got down onto their hands and knees to gather together all the tiny pieces of broken glass. When the war was over, they hired the most skilled workmen available to rebuild it, piece by piece, from the gathered fragments. Today’s rose window in Rheims is more beautiful than it ever was. So, God can take our broken lives and reshape them as we pray, ‘Lord, please forgive my mistakes of this day.’

- Reuben YoungdahlMore than other idols, personal success and achievement lead to a sense that we ourselves are god, that our security and value rest in our own wisdom, strength and performance…. The false sense of security comes from deifying our achievement and expecting it to keep us safe from the troubles of life in a way that only God can… Idolatry is not just a failure to obey God, it is a set-ting of the whole heart on something besides God…. Jesus must become more beautiful to your imagination, more attractive to your heart, than your idol.

- Timothy KellerWe forget that we do not inherit the earth from our parents, but we borrow it from our children. This world is not ours to despoil and destroy. It is the gift of God, and through its fecundity and beauty, is one of the chief ways in which God speaks to all nations.

- Andrew DotchinLord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff, and nudge me when I’ve said enough!

- AnonChristianity can be condensed to four words: admit, submit, commit, transmit.

- Bishop Samuel Wilberforce.Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to McDon-ald’s makes you a hamburger.

- AnonA coincidence is when God performs a miracle and decides to remain anonymous.

- AnonHere are two things I have learned: There is a God. And I’m not Him.

- Anon

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Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you’re beyond the need of God’s grace.

- AnonScience can add years to your life, but only Christ can add life to your years.

- AnonThe Christian’s chief occupational hazards are depression and discouragement.

- J StottUntil you are free to die, you are not free to live.

- Anon

HALSTEAD MONDAY SENIORS CLUB

Good morning to you all. Well golly, it seems an age since we’ve got together and the world seems to have changed somewhat since then doesn’t it? Last month I sent you a little photo of my Peony tree and a small poem but this time not a lot has happened, so I am just sending each one of you my love and a hug. I expect like you the time is being spent reading, gardening, sewing, chatting on the phone, planning for the future and generally keeping happy. Time is passing and restrictions are gradually being lifted, it is for our benefit and oh boy!! We will come back together with a BANG. Keep fit says I, who is now wider than I am tall. Love you all.

Jackie Johnson and the Seniors Club of Halstead

NOW WE’RE BACK AT ST KATHARINE’S SCHOOL

On 1st June, in line with government guidelines, three year groups were in-vited to return to school. Now more children are enjoying being back at St Katharine’s, here are two accounts from our year 6 children, on what it’s really like to be back.

‘It feels just as safe at school as it does being at home‘Last week we did all the work that the people at home had to do – no more, no less.At school this week we have been outside a lot and our teachers have made all of the work fun and interactive. We have been doing lessons in Maths, English and all other major subjects- our topic at the moment is Mayan civilisation. We have also enjoyed PE most days and I especially enjoyed playing round-

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ers. In art we have been learning about Mayan art work and in class we have created some similar pieces using oil pastels.In science I have a feeling that our class teacher Mr Freeman will do a fun experiment using rockets, which I am looking forward to. Also in computing we

have been doing some fun coding which will be published on purple mash so everyone can see!Some people may think it’s dangerous at school because of the pandemic, but from my point of view, it feels just as safe at school as it does being at home. We sometimes have our lunch out on the field to keep us even safer.

Freddie Tiley, Year 6. ‘It has been fun...’During lockdown, I realised I had forgotten some of the things I had learnt at school and was a bit lonely, but I was able to text some of my friends. Some of it was fun and I did go on some great walks with my Mum and Dad. I did all the work I was given by my teachers and used Purple mash and Expresso.Now we are back at school, there are just 9 of us in year 6 at the moment and we have been doing our maths and literacy every morning and then one other lesson in either science or topic. We are basically still doing the same online work as our classmates who haven’t returned. We know 2 more of our classmates are returning to school next week, hopefully a few more will follow.After lunch we have been spending lots of time outside doing art/ sport/ drumming and rounders. It has been fun – especially as we’re not getting any homework at the moment! On the first day, we brought all the stuff we needed into school and hung it on a peg. At the end of the day, we only take our lunch box and water bottle home- nothing else, because we might accidentally bring bugs in from home and don’t want to spread any germs.Our day starts at 9.15 now – to avoid bumping into the other classes arriving at school at earlier times. We sit at our own desk, away from each other and keep our own laptop/ book and stationery on our desk. Before we enter the

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class, we wash our hands thoroughly and every time we leave the class we use the hand sanitizer from a wall dispenser.This is not the ideal way to spend your last term at Primary school. Before the COVID19 pandemic, we had so many fun year 6 treats to look forward to including go-kart racing, a theatre trip to see Matilda at the West End, the special leavers service at Rochester Cathedral, Safety in Action day, Sports day and of course our end of year production of ‘Lion King’ – but now sadly, they are not possible. However, we all agree how lucky we were to have already done our amazing residential trip to ‘Hilltop’ last October – we know many schools had theirs planned for this summer term, so won’t get that amazing opportunity.Finally, our new finish time is 3.15pm – again to avoid other children – that’s 5 minutes earlier than it used to be – another thing to make us smile! Have a lovely summer everyone and keep safe.

Cara Joseph-Murray, Year 6.

THE QUEUE

While waiting in a long queue early one morning for the supermarket to open for us ‘seniors’, I was surprised to see a young man saunter along and try to cut in at the front of the queue. A furious old lady waved her cane at him, and he quickly backed away. A moment later, the young man tried again. He managed to dodge the old lady, but then two old men started shouting at him. Again, the young man backed away.But he wasn’t giving up, and soon the young man approached the queue for the third time. By now, all of us pensioners were ready for him, an angry wall of opposition. The young man stood there for a moment, and then shrugged his shoulders. “If you people won’t let me unlock the door, none of you will ever get in to shop.”

AND FINALLY

Please ensure all articles for the September magazine, whether it’ll be online again or back to the printed format, are sent to [email protected] no later than 15th August. All emails will be acknowledged. Many thanks.

Michelle Hughes and Martin Couchman (Editors)

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PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS NEED PEOPLE by Benjamin Zephaniah

People need people. To walk to To talk to

To cry & reply on.

People will always need people. To love & to miss To hug & to kiss.

It’s useful to have other people – To whom to moan If your all alone.

It’s so hard to share When no one is there.

There’s not much to do When there’s no one but you.

People will always need people. To please To tease

To put you at your ease.

People will always need people. To make life appealing

To give life some meaning

It’s useful to have other people. If you need a change

To whom will you turn. If you need a lesson

From whom will you learn. If you need to play

You’ll know when I say

People will always need people. As girlfriends As boyfriends From Bombay

To Ostend.

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People will always need people – To have friendly fights with And share tasty bites with.

It’s useful to have other people.

People live in families Gangs, posses and packs.

It seems we need company Before we can relax.

So stop making enemies And let’s face the facts.

People will always need people. Yes

People will always need people.

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The Cock Inn HalsteadCome in & be Social in your Local

Dog friendly • Cyclist Corner

Good beer, Ciders & fine Ales & Wines

Country atmosphere • Good Company

Family style Dining, Freshly prepared food daily

For more info:[email protected]

01959 443286Follow us on

Gardening Jon For a neat and tidy garden

All general garden maintenance

Regular or one off jobs Spring/Autumn Tidy Ups

Lawn cutting, hedge cutting, weeding, planting Hanging baskets and pots

Patio cleaning

Tel 01959 532404 or 07798 832462

Your local gardener offering a reliable service.

Page 27: Tel : 01959 534 032 Hancocks

The Cock Inn HalsteadCome in & be Social in your Local

Dog friendly • Cyclist Corner

Good beer, Ciders & fine Ales & Wines

Country atmosphere • Good Company

Family style Dining, Freshly prepared food daily

For more info:[email protected]

01959 443286Follow us on

Need a new kitchen, someone you can trust?Our philosophy is customer satisfaction every time.

Chelsfield based family business with over 20 years experienceComplete service from design to installation

Fitting by qualified craftsmenKitchens designed to suit you and your budget

We can do as little or as much as you want, after all it’s your kitchen!

No hard sell just good old fashioned service and value for moneyFree advice and estimates, references and portfolio available

Robin Design Bespoke Kitchen SolutionsTel: 0800 085 857 or 07736 707811

Need a new kitchen, someone you can trust?Our philosophy is customer satisfaction every time.

Chelsfield based family business with over 20 years experienceComplete service from design to installation

Fitting by qualified craftsmenKitchens designed to suit you and your budget

We can do as little or as much as you want, after all it’s your kitchen!

No hard sell just good old fashioned service and value for moneyFree advice and estimates, references and portfolio available

Robin Design Bespoke Kitchen SolutionsTel: 0800 085 857 or 07736 707811

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Contact Andrew & Michele Bashford On:01959 532 832 or 07958583678

Or Visit The Showroom At:Warren Court, Halstead

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