The funeral of Ted Parker took place at Chelmsford Crematorium on Monday March 31. Ted had reached the grand old age of 100 years and had enjoyed and celebrated his special birthday at Brewster House last autumn.

His working life was spent as a bus driver in London and he had a fund of stories to tell. He and his wife retired to Purleigh and became involved in village life, especially the Evergreen Club where he served on the committee.

In later years he became an enthusiastic member of Purleigh Bowls Club before moving into sheltered housing in Maldon, and then into Brewster house when he needed more care. He was a good friend to all who knew him, always making the best of things, and enjoying life as much as possible.

PURLEIGH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Headteacher Dawn Dack says there are still a few spaces in the reception Class for September 2008. All pupils who will be five in that academic year start in September. If you have not registered your child please contact the school office on 01621 828282.

The school has also requested any leftover vegetable or flower seedlings when thinning out your crops, these are for the children to grow on the school allotments.

MOBILE LIBRARY

The mobile library visits Purleigh today at New Hall today, New Hall 10.55-11.20am, Snows Corner 11.25-12noon, The Bell 12.05-12.15.

WI

Suzanne Gayuard is the speaker at the W.I. April meeting at 2.30pm on Thursday April 10. Suzanne was born in Grenada and has been exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show for her native island she has won many medals, at least six of the them gold. We should be assured of a very interesting afternoon. Visitors are welcomed.

PARISH COUNCIL

Purleigh Parish Council meets in the pavilion at 7.30pm on Friday April 11. Parishioners are welcomed and can speak to councillors regarding parish matters from 7.15pm before the meeting starts at 7.30pm.

GARDENERS' SHOW

Purleigh Gardeners' annual Spring Mini Show is being held at 8pm this evening in the village hall, visitors are welcomed.

For anyone making an entry in the show the hall will be open from 7.15pm.

BELL RINGING

On Friday April 11 Tower Captain, Edwin Parsons from Great Totham will lead an attempt to ring a Quarter Peal on Purleigh's six bells. If you are in the area do listen and wish them success and on Saturday April 12 there will be a teaching session in All Saints Church tower from 1.30pm - 3pm for new bell ringers learning the techniques of Campanology.

IRISES

The subject of the speaker's illustrated talk at Purleigh gardeners meeting on Wednesday March 26 was Growing Irises' and Barry Emerson, who is a National judge of Irises, gave us a colour-filled evening with slides of every kind of Iris, some very exotic indeed. Barry answered many queries from his audience and also talked to select Irises worthy of the Certificate of Merit.

The next meeting is brought forward to Wednesday April 9 and will incorporate the Club's Mini Spring Show. Schedules, which are available from Carol Smith on 01621 826988, have 14 classes including one for flower arrangers.

Chairman Lawrence Cooper encouraged members to enter and also reminded them of the joint meeting with Maldon & Heybridge Horticultural Society in Maldon Town Hall on Tuesday April 15 when Olive Baldwin and Thelma Wilson will talk about Warley Place and the Essex Wildlife Trust.

There are still a few seats available for the outing to Bury St Edmunds Town gardens and Park, plus Sulman Pelagonium and Wyken Hall Nursery, anyone interested should ring 828423.

Winners of the monthly competition were, Joyce Bowyer with a white camellia Silver Anniversary', then J. Davis with a spray of Chaenomoles (Japonica) and third Gill Rowsell with a Fritillaria meleagris.

RUMMAGE SALE

The next rummage sale in Purleigh village hall is on April 12 at noon, in aid of church funds. Contact 01621 850739.

CUCKOO TEAPOT

The Eastern Angles production of the Cuckoo Teapot will take place in Purleigh village hall on Thursday April 17 at 7.30pm.

Tickets £7.50 (£6.50) from 01621 850739.