If you shop online, you too could help us raise money at no extra cost to yourself. Simply sign up to easyfundraising and list St Mary's East Bergholt as your chosen charity and they will do the rest!<br>Sign <a></a>up today!! <a href="https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stmarysbergholt/?fbclid=IwAR2H5w4mGUE8zrCI2xM775T1GuKbyhj5f0kiukupm5bQLdwKVWgo84Gc6k8">https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stmarysbergholt/</a>easyfundraising partners with over 7,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice. It won't cost you any extra. The cost is covered by the brand. Brands pay easyfundraising a commission because when you start your shop from the easyfundraising website or app, they can see easyfundraising sent you to them. If you make a purchase, a commission is generated, and easyfundraising turns that into a donation - magic!
If you thought John Constable was the only famous son of East Bergholt - think again! Come and hear about a local village boy - Isaac Allerton - who left Suffolk and ended up on the Mayflower and became an influential figure in American commerce and early constitution. One of his direct descendants was Franklin D Roosevelt - and two others, Lisa Pennington and Lea Filsom, will be telling us his fascinating story, alongside Lisa'a husband, David Furlow, an eminent American local historian. They are currently writing Isaac's biography. If you are interested in finding out more about this cosmopolitan and controversial Pilgrim colonist, then put 15th December in your diary - at 6pm at the Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt, (where almost certainly Isaac would have been educated over 500 years ago!)
Donations are being collected in the church porch of non-perishable food items for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances for whatever reason. Times are difficult for many people at the moment so this is a way to support those in need in our community. "GIVE WHAT YOU CAN - TAKE WHAT YOU NEED"
WHEN DID YOU LAST GO INTO ST. MARY’S CHURCH?At one of the services over Christmas perhaps? Or for a family christening, friend’s wedding or funeral? Whenever it was and for whatever occasion, we trust you marvelled at the wonderful Grade 1 listed building that stands at the heart of our village and attracts so many visitors and tourists. How lucky are we to have such a beautiful church? Unfortunately such buildings need regular maintenance. In recent years we have had to repair the ruined Tower to stop flints falling onto the public path. Now we have an even bigger project – a major roof refurbishment to stop the increasing leaks which in turn are attracting death watch beetle in our roof timbers! Some of the roof has been there for over 200 years so it doesn’t ‘owe’ us anything, however the project costs are estimated to be in the region of £750K, so you can imagine that we will need help from the local community and beyond!WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!We are approaching local village businesses, groups and organisations to come to a meeting at the church on Thursday 13th February. Refreshments will be served from 19:00 and the meeting will begin at 19:30. The idea for the meeting is to explain the project; get feedback from the village about future uses for the church and ideas for fundraising; ensure that the project is inclusive for everyone to be involved.If you think the church, as a building as well as a place of worship, is an integral part of our village please do support this meeting by sending along someone from your business, organisation or group to make your thoughts and feelings known, and to be part of the important project to restore the roof for future generations.Please can you RSVP by emailing Fiona (fiona.trott13@gmail.com) or Liz (liz.digby@btopenworld.com) to let us know if you are able to come (for catering purposes) and if you are not able to attend on the night but are willing and interested to be involved with the project.
