What’s on in Wicken
WICKEN NOTES AND DIARY JUNE 2021
Hope you’re all feeling better as the vaccination programme continues to roll out and some of the restrictions we have endured for so long are relaxed. As I write this piece, the government still plans that the country moves to the next stage on 21 June, and remains optimistic that the measures it is taking to increase the vaccination rate among younger people in districts most affected by the ‘Indian variant’ will avoid the need to re-impose restrictions. We all need to play our part. Please continue to take care and stay safe and well.
CHURCH SERVICES
Our annual service at St Helens Saxon chapel at the Bonhunt had to be cancelled last year because of the pandemic. This year, it’s planned for 10.00 am on Sunday 30 May when many restrictions still apply - but we are holding it outside, next to the church, so we can have congregational singing !! – the first time during a service for over a year. It will be a joyous occasion and we pray for fine weather. Do join us if you can.
As explained in last month’s Benefice Bugle, services in church will follow the ‘normal’ pattern, and because it’s after 21 June, the monthly Breakfast Service will be held ‘face to face’ and this month will be at our own church in Wicken at 10.00 am on Sunday 27 June. The session starts with croissants, bacon and sausage ‘baps’ and drinks and is followed by a short service and discussion. All are welcome. Please come along.
Please see centre pages for detailed information about services throughout the benefice during the month. If you want to use the church for private prayer, please ring Anna (540610) or Richard (541522) so we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure everyone remains safe.
EASTER VIRTUAL BALLOON RACE
This innovative event raised £317 for our church in Wicken. We hope that all those involved had lots of fun and plan to run a similar event next year. Many thanks to all who bought balloons, and to Natalie in Berden who made all the arrangements.
GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES - DATES
HOORAY!! We’re beginning to process of ‘opening up’.
The first event will be an ‘End of Lockdown’ Afternoon Tea in the church garden from 2.30 pm on Saturday 3 July Other plans for later in the year include a quiz, our harvest supper and the Christmas Bazaar.
Jumble Sale – sadly we had to cancel last year’s Jumble Sale because of the pandemic, but this year’s is scheduled to take place from 2.00 pm on Saturday 11 September. Refreshments will be available. Please let Anna know on 540610 if you have any jumble.
Art Group are looking forward to resuming sessions in the Wicken Centre every Wednesday Morning from 10.00 am – 12 noon on Wednesday 23 June. Jill Turner writes ‘We are a friendly self-help group who practise mainly watercolour but also other mediums of art work. We normally offer refreshments but suggest individuals bring their own coffee if desired for the foreseeable future. If anyone wants more information or is interested to join, please give Jill Turner a ring on 01799 543680.
Wicken Ladies have an event planned at Wicken House – an ‘Un-birthday Party’ – Thursday evening 15 July in the garden at Wicken House with grateful thanks to Jane Matheron. More details to follow – or email Jenny Burgess on 
jennyburgess926@btinternet.com or Tanya Patience on tanyapatience@gmail.com.
Book Club – current plans are that meetings resume at the Centre at 7.30 pm on the last Thursday of the month after the usual summer break. The group normally meets monthly and has a very wide range of interest. If you would like to find out more about the group, please ring Joan Morgan on 01799 542558. New members are very welcome.
Carpet Bowls – the group hopes to resume meeting at the Centre alternate Tuesdays at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 29 June. New members are always very welcome. If you want more information, please ring Joan Morgan on 01799 542558.
Yoga and Pilates – we’re not sure yet when these activities will resume ‘face to face’ and will publish details as soon as more information is available.
100 CLUB
Many thanks to all who have already signed up for our 100 club. There’s still time to join the 2021 100 Club – £12 per person. It helps church and village funds especially at the moment when most other fund-raising options are not available. There will be £50 and £10 prizes, and the first draw will take place at the Tea Party on 3 July. More information from Anna on 540610.
ISSUES AND CONCERNS - In these difficult times, please phone Richard on 541522 or Anna on 540610 if you have any issues or concerns that you would like to discuss - and stay well!