Rochford House continues its valuable work

On behalf of the trustees and staff of Rochford House, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to Christmas collections at St Mary's Church. The £1500 raised enables us to continue with:

• opening four afternoons and evenings a week
• outreach work on the streets of Woodbridge
• trips to the theatre
• visits from Suffolk’s Drug and Alcohol Team

The young people of our town benefit enormously from the work carried out at Rochford House. They are supported through difficulties with school, finding a job, relationships and health matters. It is essential that there is somewhere safe for young people to go where they know they will have friendly support from someone who has the skills to guide them to make wise choices and decisions about their lives.

~ Christine Laverock
Chair, Rochford Trust

Fairtrade comes to the cat walk

Who’s to say the clergy can’t have street cred? St Mary’s Assistant Curate Paul Hambling (pictured) was among local clergy strutting their stuff at a recent Fairtrade clothes show, which was held at the Woodbridge Methodist Church. The show featured collections from a wide range of charitable and commercial suppliers, and marked Woodbridge’s new status as a Fairtrade town. Budgens, Oxfam, Co-op stores and St Mary’s Shop are among local retailers selling Fairtrade products.

Walk of witness

Churches Together will hold a Good Friday Walk of Witness, which starts at 1030 with a short service at Woodbridge Methodist Church. The route takes in much of central Woodbridge, with pauses for rest and prayer, and finishes at St Andrew’s Church, Melton. Transport will be available to get people back to St Mary’s for the Three Hours’ Devotion.

Further information from Julie Mansfield (384370)