Parish Magazine April 2026• In praise of the natural world, page 3• Babies, Tots and Preschoolers Group, page 6• Church matters, page 7• Event 42’s fish and chip event, page 8• News round-up, page 10• Floodlight sponsors, page 10• Village Hall events, page 12• Hessett Church Preservation Society, page 16• Poets’Corner, page 18• Church services, back coverImage by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
2The Parish Churches ofRougham, Beytonwith Hessett and RushbrookeDetails of Church services are on the back cover.SuNdAy SERVICES,WEddINGS, BAPTISMS,FuNERAlS ANd ANy oTHER REquESTSRev’d Canon Julia Lall07543 824837 [email protected](Available Sundays to Thursdays)Rev’d Sarah Lock07510 114359 [email protected](Available Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday)Follow us on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/roughamchurchesVisit our website: https://rbhr.org.uk/rbhr/Beyton Church/vestry Peter Pitcher 01359 271997BENEFICE CHuRCH WARdENSBeyton with HessettTony Ciorra 07515 754203 [email protected] Pitcher 01359 271997 [email protected] Ruddock 01359 270731 [email protected] Church Richard Ball 01359 232088Bell Tower Captain Maurice Rose 01359 270298Beyton and Hessett Floodlights Debbie Marshall 01359 [email protected] Floodlights Di Ruddock 01359 270731 [email protected] Secretary Peter Rutt 01359 242464PCC Treasurer Jackie HowardChoir Ros Pitcher 01359 271997
A guest column this month from Rev’d Sarah LockDear Friends,As I sit here writing this noteI am looking out of mywindow at a beautiful, sunnyspring day – something thatmany of us have beenlooking forward to for a longwhile after the wet and dulldays of recent weeks. Itreminds me just how quicklythe seasons can change inthe world around us, andindeed in our own lives too.Already we areapproaching the month ofApril and it seems thatanother year is flying quicklyby.From my own perspectivethe past three years since I first moved into my role within the churchfamily, seem to have raced along and I am hopeful that later on thisyear I will reach the point when I will be able to be “signed off” as anAssociate Priest to continue to serve amongst you.All the different stages of my training seem very confusing but it hasbeen – and remains – a privilege to be able to work alongside Rev’dJulia and the rest of the team in whatever way I can.When I first started, I had little idea of exactly what would beinvolved and how many people I would come into contact with and itis the most wonderful part of the job to be able to share in your lives,3Let us be grateful forthe natural worldImage by DONGHWAN KIM from Pixabay
4The Parish Churches ofRougham, Beytonwith Hessett and RushbrookeDetails of Church services are on the back cover.If you have any Safeguarding concerns, please contactour Parish Safeguarding Officer Ann Ciorra 07732 715248.or Rev’d Julia Lall 07543 824837Policies and Diocesan contacts may be found atwww.cofesuffolk.org/safeguardingDetails of our church services for the month and contact detailscan also be found on the ‘A Church Near You’ websitewww.acny.org.ukThe Rougham, Beyton, Hessett and Rushbrooke churcheswebsite is at https://rbhr.org.uk/rbhr/If you have a prayer request or would like someone from the church tocall on you or would appreciate help in some practical way, pleasecontact Rev’d Julia, Rev’d Sarah or any of the church members listedabove. We would be pleased to pray for you and help in any way that wecan. Alternatively you can use one of the “prayer boxes” outside each ofour church buildings: simply write your prayer.MagazineThe editor of the Parish Magazine is Jonathan Wilson.Contact him at [email protected] deadline for contributions is the second Sunday of the monthfor the following month’s issue.The magazine is published monthly except fordecember & January and July & Augustwhich are joint editions.Advertising: Peter Pitcher 01359 [email protected]
5the happy and sad parts, that come along for each of us from time totime, just like the seasons of the year.As another year speeds on by, it seems that only yesterday we werecelebrating Christmas and our churches were packed with peoplecoming along to the traditional family services that we all so enjoy.But I wonder if you have ever thought about Easter in the same way?For me, no matter what happens, Easter is the absolute best timeof the year.Without Easter (when we remember the death and resurrection ofJesus) we wouldn’t ever be remembering Christmas, because whywould any of us celebrate the birthday of an ordinary baby who wasborn more than 2,000 years ago if he wasn’t someone truly amazing?It is the joy of the Easter events that make us remember Him atChristmas and throughout the year! The joy of knowing that God lovesus whoever we are and wherever we are and He walks beside usthrough every season of our lives is so reassuring in this topsy-turvyworld.So as the seasons of the natural world continue to unfold aroundus and we welcome the longer, warmer days and move on throughspring let us each be grateful for all the natural beauty around us.Do feel free to come and join us at some of our Easter celebrationsin our churches; you will receive a very warm welcome to any of theservices listed in this magazine.With best wishes to you all, SarahNews from the ParishesIn loving Memory: Sheila Balaam, Ivan Osborne,Michael Seaman, Rougham;Rodney Scott, Beyton.Contact us if you would like to hold a wedding, baptism or funeralservice in one of our churches. We can also assist with funerals atthe Crematorium.PS Don’t forget to follow us on www.facebook.com/groups/roughamchurches and please take a look at our website:https://rbhr.org.uk/rbhr/
6Wednesday Warriors£2 Made for MEN!We meet EVERy WEdNESdAy from 10am-12 noon inthe SMALL MEETING ROOM at Rougham Sports Hall.Enjoy great company, light-hearted competitions,group activities and a refreshing cuppa!Just turn up… and be ready for anything!
7Services for Holy Week and EasterSunday 29th March, Palm SundayBenefice Holy Communion, Rougham, 10.30amfollowed by a Bring and Share lunch to celebrateJulia’s 70th Birthday. Donations towards the mission and ministryof our churches will be much appreciated.Monday 30th MarchHoly Week Worship, Hessett, 7pmTuesday 31st MarchHoly Week Worship, Rushbrooke, 7pmWednesday 1st AprilHoly Week Worship, Rougham, 7pmMaundy Thursday, 2nd AprilSupper and Holy Communion around the table, Beyton Vestry,6pm followed by a period of reflection in the church.Good Friday, 3rd AprilAn Hour at the Cross, Beyton, 2pmSunday 5th April, Easter SundayEarly Morning Service, Hessett, 6amFamily Service followed by Holy Communion, Hessett, 10.30amFamily Service followed by Holy Communion, Rougham, 10.30am
8Saturday 25th April at 7:00pmBring your own DrinkRegister your interest with the Village Hall:Email [email protected] Contact someone on the committeeFish & ChipsWith Quiz Night£11 perPersonPleaseBook your place
9
10Church floodlight sponsorsWe are delighted to have a sponsor for Rougham Church’sfloodlighting in April.‘In memory of Neville Farrow, a dearly loved and missed husband,father and grandad . Always in our thoughts.’If you would like to sponsor the lights at any of our churches (inmemory of a relative or friend or just to help with the costs) pleasecontact:RouGHAM: Di Ruddock 01359 270731 [email protected] and HESSETT: Debbie Marshall 01359 [email protected] psalterreturns to Abbeyafter 500 yearsThe Bury Psalter, a beautifullyilluminated book of Psalms whichdates from around 1400, and whichwas used at the ancient Abbey of StEdmund, will find a new home at StEdmundsbury Cathedral following theclosure of the Suffolk Archives site inBury St Edmunds. Its arrival wascelebrated with a special Evensongservice at the Cathedral in March.The Bury Psalter is a Latinmanuscript that includes the Psalms(150 religious songs from the OldTestament), a list of Saints, andhymns. It is one of only two booksfrom the vast medieval library of theAbbey of St Edmund known to remainin the town.After the Abbey of St Edmund wasdissolved in 1539 its possessionswere confiscated and given or sold toprivate owners. This included itsbooks. The Psalter came into thepossession of James Cobbes, and in1706 his grandson, James Harvey,gave it to King Edward VI GrammarSchool.
11Come Together Café ServiceCome together to find out how and why church is still relevant in ourlives – young, old and everything in between!Join us for an All-Age Service to hear what the Bible has to say for ustoday.Come just as you areALL ARE WELCOME- Meet from 9.30am for drinks and breakfast snacks- Worship begins at 10.00am- All ages welcome. - Craft activities for children available throughout - We will donate part of the collection to a charity of ourchoice.Our next service is Sunday 19th April, 2026St Mary’s Church, RoughamIP30 9JJThe Bury Psalter will be displayedin the Cathedral’s Treasury, which isopen Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm,and Sunday, 12.30pm-3pm.The Very Rev’d Joe Hawes, Deanof St Edmundsbury, said: “We arethrilled that the Bury Psalter has founda new home at the Cathedral. Withthe Abbey of St Edmund, Rebornproject bringing the history of theAbbey into focus and looking at theinterpretation of its story, having thiswonderful book that began life here isa tangible link to our past. We can’twait to share the Psalter with ourvisitors.”Alan Jary, Comptroller of The KingEdward V1 Grammar SchoolFoundation Trust, said: “King EdwardFoundation Trustees are delighted togift this historical item to theCathedral. Once part of daily servicesin the Great Abbey, it has been lockedaway securely for far too long; unseenand known of only to a few, it will nowbe seen and admired by many.”Fund backs homelesscharity’s work withrough sleepersBury Drop In has been awardedfunding from West Suffolk Council’sThriving Communities Fund 2026-27to support its project: From Crisis toStability: A Lifeline in West Suffolk.Following West Suffolk Council’sapproval of £267,000 in communityfunding, Bury Drop In has secured thelargest allocation of £17,500, tostrengthen its support for peopleexperiencing, or at risk of,homelessness. The Council received83 applications, and 38 were selectedto receive support.Ally Gill, marketing andcommunications manager, said: “Overthe past year, demand for our serviceshas risen sharply, with more roughsleepers and sofa surfers seeking oursupport. We’re thrilled to receive thisfunding and the backing of the WestSuffolk Council.”
12HESSETT & BEyToN VIllAGE HAllWeekly on Thursdays Tea, Chat & Cake2.30-4pm All welcome!Tuesday 21 April Hessett & Beyton Village HallAnnual General Meeting7pm–8pm All welcome!Please do come along to hear about how we aremaking the most of the facilities at our Village Hall.Saturday 25 April Event 42 – Fish & Chips + quiz£11 per person7pm-9pm am All welcome!Please book your place in advance so we knowhow many portions to order.The charity runs twice-weeklysessions in Bury St Edmunds,providing nutritious meals alongsideone-to-one support and signposting ina safe and welcoming space. Guestsreceive help with housing, mental andphysical health, and emergencyprovisions.“This funding allows us to reachpeople at their point of need,” saidgeneral manager Sabine Dornbush.“The funding enables us to providelong-time support to homeless andvulnerably housed people in the localcommunity. In January, three of ourguests were able to move on fromhomelessness into independenttenancies.\"Bury Drop In works closely withWest Suffolk Council’s Rough SleeperService and is supported by partneragencies including NHS HealthOutreach, Jobcentre Plus, theSamaritans and Suffolk Sexual HealthServices, who attend sessions toprovide face to face advice. Visit thewebsite if you would like to getinvolved: www.burydropin.orgWork set to reviveBeyton’s GreenBeyton parishioners will be pleased tolearn that a solution to the grass onThe Green being in such poor repairis on the horizon.A combination of the seeminglyendless rain on top of various work bycontractors for Open Reach,CityFibre, Anglian Water plus othershas damaged verges and in placeswashed away the grass at the edge ofThe Green, particularly along the oneway road.
13 - – – – – – – – – – Now following a meeting withSuffolk County Council Highways,Beyton Parish Council is able upaddress the situation.The parish council administers TheGreen on behalf of villagers, followingpurchase in November 2023.Parish Council Chairman GrahamJones said: 'We've been approachedby many villagers concerned by thepoor state of The Green. So I'mdelighted to confirm that we are nowable to take action to restore matters.'Suffolk Highways confirmed thatthey are responsible for maintainingthe land 50cm from the end of theroad tarmac.Armed with this knowledge, Beytoncouncillors can institute a process of:• Returfing land lost to mud and rainalong the one-way stretch;• Marking the land with stakes andstring; ahead of• Installing small posts, mirroring thewooden stakes that already protectthe Thurston Road side of The Green.No timetable for work has beenscheduled yet though the PC will keepvillagers informed of progress.A regal walkRob led a nice four-and-a-half milewalk yesterday around Kings Forestfinishing at the West Stow cafe forlunch and a chat, writes Sally Spicer.It was a bit of a grey day but at leaststayed dry. The next walk will be onSaturday 2 May. Time and place to bearranged but hopefully it will be easierto find somewhere mud free by then
14KNIT AND NATTER!Come and see us at Knit and Natter in Beyton Church Vestry, from 10am to noon, on the first Monday and the thirdThursday of each month:• Monday 13 April (no meetings on 6 April – aBank Holiday – or Thursday 16 April.) • Monday 4 May • Thursday 21 May • Monday 1 June • Thursday 18 JuneWe are a friendly, welcoming and supportive group!Do come along, bring any yarn project, or simplycome for a chat.For more information, please contact Debbie on01359 271314 or 07548 990988SALE TRAILSaturday 9 MAyTo raise funds forHessett Church Preservation SocietyPlease email [email protected] 31 March if you would like a stall.Suggested donation: £10 per stall
15Gipping Press are proudto print this publicationTel: 01449 721599Email: [email protected] • PRINT • LARGE FORMATMAILING • PROMOTIONAL GIFTS • SCANNINGallhomes.uk.comREADY, SET,Selling your home doesn’t have to bedifÀcult —it’s about highlighting location,lifestyle, and comfort. We know whattoday’s buyers are looking for, and we’llposition your property to stand out in theright market, right where it matters most. SOLD!01359 234444 - [email protected]
16Hessett Church needs you!Please become a member ofHessett ChurchPreservation SocietyFor a small annual amount, you will helpto raise funds to protect this historic building.Membership forms in the church or [email protected]
17THURSDAYSTea,Chat&CakeAt Hessett Hessett & Hessett & B Hessett & Be Hessett & Bey Hessett & Beyt Hessett & Beyto Hessett & Beyton Hessett & BeytonVillage H illage Ha illage Hal illage Hall illage Hall2.30 to 4 .30 to 4. 30 to 4.30pmAll are W ll are We ll are Wel ll are Welcome ll are Welc ll are Welco ll are Welcom ll are WelcomeCome and borrowor swap books!Adult and children’s books are availablein St Mary’s Church,RoughamWe have a great selection of fiction to suitmost tastes.For those who wouldlike to stay to read,there is acomfortable seating area.Donations of‘nearly new’books(FICTION ONLY please)are most welcome.Village Hall Event 42 Future DatesSave The Date25th April 7-9pm Fish & Chips + Quiz 6th June 7-9pm meal event TBA18th July 10-12 Brunch CaféArranged by Happy Hessett and Brilliant Beyton Village HallEmail [email protected]
Poets’ CornerWilliam Wordsworth (1770-1850)It was an April morning: fresh and clearThe Rivulet, delighting in its strength,Ran with a young man's speed; and yet the voiceOf waters which the winter had suppliedWas softened down into a vernal tone.The spirit of enjoyment and desire,And hopes and wishes, from all living thingsWent circling, like a multitude of sounds.The budding groves seemed eager to urge onThe steps of June; as if their various huesWere only hindrances that stood betweenThem and their object: but, meanwhile, prevailedSuch an entire contentment in the airThat every naked ash, and tardy treeYet leafless, showed as if the countenanceWith which it looked on this delightful dayWere native to the summer.--Up the brookI roamed in the confusion of my heart,Alive to all things and forgetting all.At length I to a sudden turning cameIn this continuous glen, where down a rockThe Stream, so ardent in its course before,Sent forth such sallies of glad sound, that allWhich I till then had heard, appeared the voiceOf common pleasure: beast and bird, the lamb,The shepherd's dog, the linnet and the thrushVied with this waterfall, and made a song,Which, while I listened, seemed like the wild growthOr like some natural produce of the air,That could not cease to be. Green leaves were here;But 'twas the foliage of the rocks--the birch,The yew, the holly, and the bright green thorn,With hanging islands of resplendent furze:18It was an April morning:fresh and clear
19And, on a summit, distant a short space,By any who should look beyond the dell,A single mountain-cottage might be seen.I gazed and gazed, and to myself I said,'Our thoughts at least are ours; and this wild nook,My EMMA, I will dedicate to thee.'----Soon did the spot become my other home,My dwelling, and my out-of-doors abode.And, of the Shepherds who have seen me there,To whom I sometimes in our idle talkHave told this fancy, two or three, perhaps,Years after we are gone and in our graves,When they have cause to speak of this wild place,May call it by the name of EMMA'S DELL.A well-worn storyDorothy Parker (1893-1967)In April, in April,My one love came along,And I ran the slope of my high hillTo follow a thread of song.His eyes were hard as porphyryWith looking on cruel lands;His voice went slipping over meLike terrible silver hands.Together we trod the secret laneAnd walked the muttering town.I wore my heart like a wet, red stainOn the breast of a velvet gown.In April, in April,My love went whistling by,And I stumbled here to my high hillAlong the way of a lie.Now what should I do in this placeBut sit and count the chimes,And splash cold water on my faceAnd spoil a page with rhymes?Always marryan April girlOgden Nash (1902-1971)Praise the spells and bless the charms,I found April in my arms.April golden, April cloudy,Gracious, cruel, tender, rowdy;April soft in flowered languor,April cold with sudden anger,Ever changing, ever true –I love April, I love you.AprilSara Teasdale (1884-1933)The roofs are shining from the rain.The sparrows tritter as they fly,And with a windy April graceThe little clouds go by.Yet the back-yards are bare and brownWith only one unchanging tree–I could not be so sure of SpringSave that it sings in me.
20All aspects of decorating undertaken to the highestof standards• Domestic & commercialpainting• Refurbishments• Hand painted kitchensContact us for a FREE estimate & advice:M: 07785 945 363 • T: 01359 270257 • E: [email protected] INSURED• Interior & exteriorpainting• Dust-free sanding• Qualified decoratorsEST. OVER 20 YEARSCoffee & CompanyA community-run initiative to help bring people togetherCoffee & Company is now firmly established atSt Mary’s Church, Rougham.Why not drop in?oonJoin us everyTuesday at 10am for:• Simple homemade tea, filter coffee and cake • Companionship• A change of environment • No charge but donations appreciated!Make new friends or meet up with old chumsin a warm,safe and friendly placeImage courtesy chevanon on Feepk
21THuRSToN EVENING WIMembers and visitors are welcome to ourmeetings on the first Thursday of the month(usually!), 7.30pm at Cavendish Hall, Thurston.2nd April Bystanders can be Lifesavers CPR Training, Paul Doe14th May Annual Meeting, Resolutions (and cake!)June 4th All Things Hedgehog, Lynda BrignallFor more information, please contact Lesley Styanon 07854 156572. You are most welcome to join us! BEyToN CoFFEE MoRNINGSThe second Thursday of the month isthe date for these informal get-togethers.The next event will beTHuRSdAy 9 APRIl10am-noon in Beyton VestryAs usual there will be the opportunityto chat to friends over coffee.
22All are welcome to ourTHURSDAY CAFETea, Cake & ChatHessett & BeytonVillage Hall 2.30-4pmEVERY WEEK!
23Caring is at the heart ofeverything that we doFornham House offers high standards of residential and dementiacare,wheredignity is respected,talentsandinterestsareencouraged,and where life is lived to its fullest potential.Our brand new dementia-friendly extension offers 17 ensuite roomssurrounded by scenic gardens.Call us on 01206 646646 or visit healthcarehomes.co.ukFornham House, Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 1SR
24
25COUNSELLING Sue ScaseMA Reg MBACP Accred Individual and Couples Counsellingfor a wide range of issues i e anxiety, depression, relationships, loss,abuse, bereavement, anger – & more. T:01449 737180 M: 07764661681 Email: [email protected] Registered Counsellor/Psychotherapist COUNSELLING Sue ScaseMBPsS; MA; MBACP (Snr. Accred)Individual Counselling offered for a widerange of issues – anxiety, depression,stress, relationships, bereavement andmuch more.Tel: 01359 244163 07764661681Email: [email protected]. ASIIP Clinical Supervision;>ABHD8>:IN7JGNst:9BJC9HWatching movies on that small boxin the corner of your room? Why not enjoy classic films andmodern favourites on our BIG SCREEN at The Hunter Club in Bury St Edmunds where we show adozen films a year?Annual membership costs just £40(Our next season is Families & Dynasties)Email us for more [email protected] or visit www.burystedmundsfilmsociety.co.uk;>ABHD8>:IN7JGNst:9BJC9HBE For the filmsyouhaveloved ...andthefilmsyouwill love
- - - 26To help you with:Fears/phobias, anxiety/panic attacks/nerves, lowself-esteem/depression/low confidence, stop smoking,unwanted habits, weight managementand much more...Further details: www.heatherfletcherhypnotherapy.co.ukHeather Fletcher Qualified Hypnotherapist(Cert.Hyp.CS) (Accred); BA (Hons) Bus. ManTel: 07377 676385 K.G.CONTRACTORS -
Plumbing & PropertyMaintenance P P P P P P P P P ELITE F ELITE FE ELITE FEN ELITE FENC ELITE FENCI ELITE FENCIN ELITE FENCING ELITE FENCING ELITE FENCING & ELITE FENCING & ELITE FENCING & L ELITE FENCING & LA ELITE FENCING & LAN ELITE FENCING & LAND ELITE FENCING & LANDS ELITE FENCING & LANDSC ELITE FENCING & LANDSCA ELITE FENCING & LANDSCAP ELITE FENCING & LANDSCAPI ELITE FENCING & LANDSCAPIN ELITE FENCING & LANDSCAPING ELITE FENCING & LANDSCAPING. ELITE FENCING & LANDSCAPING. LITE FENCING & LANDSCAPING. - - – 27
28Rougham Sports HallLarge Hall, with an option of recently added “Small Room”, for up to 20 peopleIdeal for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements etcRegular club events. Basic kitchen, with microwave and fridgeProfessionally cleaned weekly. Large free car parkBOOKING ENQUIRIES: [email protected](Reduced rates for Rougham residents)
2907703 256356 07553 622039
30
31KILN DRIED FIREWOODLocally sourced hardwood timber from siteswith felling licences to ensure sustainability.All logs are Kiln dried on site, ‘Ready to Burn’certiȴed with a moisture content of below 20%,to ensure clean and e cient burning.01284 788794 • [email protected] • gaddbrothers.co.ukWood Farm, Brand Road, Great Barton IP31 2NYTREE WORK &ARBORICULTURAL SERVICESQualiȴed and insured professionals undertakingall aspects of tree work, from dismantling maturedangerous trees to pruning and planting.
Services in APRIlSLive Worship Online: Thursdays at 7pmhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/roughamchurchesPlease join us at any of our services. We welcome everyone to join us inworship or just enjoy the peace and serenity of our historic churches.Sunday 5th April, Easter SundayEarly Morning Service, Hessett, 6amFamily Service followed by Holy Communion,Hessett, 10.30amFamily Service followed by Holy Communion,Rougham, 10.30amSunday 12th AprilBenefice Holy Communion,Beyton 10.30amSunday 19th AprilSaid Holy Communion,Beyton 8.30amCome Together Café-style service,Rougham 9.30amThursday 23rd AprilReflective Holy Communion,Rougham, 10amSunday 26th AprilBenefice Celebration Holy Communionand Annual Meeting,Beyton 10.30am