Vive La France!

Elmsett Pre-School
Stepping Stones and Elmsett Pre-school are run by a group of volunteers, and would like to thank the committee members who have worked to make them run smoothly in 2007 and those who have volunteered for 2008 (new committee members are still welcome!). The new pre-school committee was elected in May as follows:
Chair – Sarah Laflin
Vice-Chair – Claire Groves
Treasurer – Ally Leach
Secretary – Anna Reily
Fundraising – Victoria Gregory
Grant Funding – Liz Hitchcock
Admissions – Sarah Watkins
Stepping Stones – Michaela Kidd and Sarah Downs
We still have a vacancy for an additional member of the fundraising team which we urgently need to fill. If you would like more information or are interested in the role, please contact Sarah Laflin on 07979-496494. This term the children are learning about ‘Summer and The Sea’ through a range of planned and child-initiated activities covering all the Areas of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are busy learning about keeping safe in the sun, making Summer collages from materials collected on nature walks, writing postcards and sorting clothes into Seasons. Older children are enjoying looking at different alphabet books and choosing objects from the Magic box to learn about sounds and letters. We are looking forward to going to Alder Carr farm to ride on the tractor and trailer, and pick Summer fruit or vegetables, which we will be using to make some delicious Summer recipes to eat at snack time. Our travelling teddy Timothy Bear has been visiting the children at home, and the children or their parents have been writing about his adventures in a scrap book. The children are always excited about showing the scrap book or talking to the group when they bring Timothy back, and so far he has visited the beach, gone on a picnic, been to a birthday party and played in the children’s gardens.
If you would like to know more about our group please call Natalie Highand (playleader) 07789 723728.

Stepping Stones
Come and join our friendly parent and baby/toddler group on a Wednesday morning 9.15 – 11.00 at Elmsett Methodist Church. We have a range of toys and activities to suit young babies through to 3 year olds, plus a healthy snack for the children and tea/coffee for mum or dad. We welcome Elena and mum Ginette to the group (and baby Mackenzie too!).
Dates for your diary:
Wednesday 16 July – last session
Wednesday 13 August - Teddy Bears Picnic.
11.00-1.00 at Elmsett Village Hall. Bring your picnic, rug and don’t forget your teddy!


Whatfield News
WHATFIELD OPEN GARDENS AND LOCAL HISTORY SUNDAY
This event was greatly enjoyed by both villagers and visitors alike on a beautiful sunny Sunday. Many old friends were able to meet up again and enjoy visiting gardens, chatting with old friends over refreshments and raising over £1250 towards the refurbishment costs of the village hall. Our thanks must go to the organisers and workers who made such a success of the day.
VIOLET’S COFFEE MORNING As the title indicates this was held for many years in the garden of one of Whatfield’s oldest residents. This year because of rain it was held in the village hall. Nevertheless it was very well supported and raised £450 which goes towards the Christmas lunch and party held every year for the village’s over 60s.
CAMEO CLUB
The Cameo Club, which meets in the Salvation Army Hall joined with Hadleigh Salvation Army and enjoyed a very successful outing to Colchester and Clacton. On a warm and sunny day they sat in the castle gardens after enjoying their coffee and then went on to Clacton where they were able to sit by the sea and then later to be entertained to meal at the Clacton Salvation Army.
GARDENING CLUB
The recently formed gardening club is spending the summer months visiting each other’s gardens. This has the advantage of introducing the members to each other and also making us appreciate each other’s problems. We hope to develop this during the coming months with various other activities. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 7-30 and would welcome more members.
THE VILLAGE FETE JULY 5TH STARTING 12-30
Plans are well ahead for this highlight of the village year. There will be a 5 a side football competition which always attracts a good entry of nearby village teams. The Cornard Majorettes will be performing. There will be a children’s fancy dress, archery and the usual stalls. All this will be followed by a family dance. Tickets £5 per family. Teams interested in 5-a-side football ring Alan on 01473 828112. For stalls, car boot and dance tickets ring Janet on 01473 822589.
SALVATION ARMY
A big Thank you from the Whatfield Salvation Army goes to The Whatfield Players for their donation of the sum of £310 from their recent production. This will boost the fund for improvements to the meeting hall.