It was most interesting recently to meet Kris Radlet,the Rural transport and Access Advisor of the R.C.C.E. (Rural Community Council of Essex), who visited the shop which is held in St Thomas's on Wednesday mornings between 9.30 and 11 a.m.

Kris came to talk about progressing the shop and to discuss the pros and cons of running a community post office. This village has suffered greatly from the loss of our village stores and post office and to try and make up in small part, the church has been running a community shop selling a variety of locally produced vegetables in season, eggs and home made preserves as well as Fair Trade Goods, which include dried fruits, various cookies, nuts etc., plus a selection of greetings cards. Those running the shop are aware that the current stock may not be meeting the needs of locals and so it was decided, under the guidance of Kris, that a brief questionnaire be sent to every household in the village asking them their awareness and interest in using this facility, the sort of goods they would be interested in purchasing, preferable hours of opening and most importantly, their willingness to take a share for the odd hour, in running such a shop.

This questionnaire will reach you before Christmas and it would be greatly appreciated if you would all spend just a couple of minutes completing it and returning it.

Please note that a change already decided upon, is for the shop to open on Monday mornings from January 7, from 10.30 to 12.30. You will still be able to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat with your friends which has become a feature since its opening.

BOOKWORMS BOOK CLUB

The book chosen for the first meeting in the New Year, is Brethren' by Robyn Young.

The club will meet as usual at the King's Head on Thursday January 17 at 8 o'clock. It may not be too late for you to put this book on your present list for Christmas!

CHURCH SERVICES

Sunday December 23 at 6.30pm at St Peter's Chapel, by candle light, you are invited to join in the nine lessons and carols in this ancient building. In the morning of the 23rd at St Thomas's Holy Communion will be celebrated at 10.30.

The Wednesday communion service at St Peter's at 8 am continues as normal.

A VISIT TO ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

A coach party from Tillingham and some of the outlying villages, enjoyed a visit to this magnificent cathedral on Sunday December 2 for the Advent Procession and service.

Tillingham is part of the benefice of St Paul's and always has seats reserved for their party very close to the front. The music and the choir was inspiring and as one could expect, the organisation and presentation was impeccable.

It was a privilege to be included in this experience and those who attended from Bradwell would like to thank the organisers for making the trip possible.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

This years Poppy Appeal has raised a record breaking figure of £4217.20, an increase of £800 on last year. The area covered includes Bradwell, St Lawrence, Southminster, Steeple and Tillingham.

The organiser wishes to thank all those involved in this magnificent achievement.

BRADWELL ON SEA PARISH COUNCIL

Please be advised that Bradwell on Sea Parish Council adopted 12 (2) to the Local Authorities (Model Code of Conduct) Order 2007, which allows Councillors the right to speak as members of the public regarding items they have declared an interest in, Monday, November 19 2007.

This document may be viewed by members of the public during opening hours of the council's offices (Mondays, 10am to 2pm) with prior agreement. Please contact 01621 776736 for an appointment.

The Parish Council also adopted The National Association of Local Council's suggestion of including the public discussion time as part of the meeting and minuting any comments accordingly, Monday, November 19, 2007.