BOOKWORMS

We agreed that for the first two chapters we began to wonder why.

But the writer gradually draws you into the tight-knit circle of a group of eccentric Classics students at an elite New England college, (not at all likeable characters) who have committed murder - a fact which is unusually revealed by the narrator right at the beginning of the book.

The pace of the rest of the novel, which deals with how they get away with it, makes it a gripping page-turner full of tension.

The next book of the month is The Islamist by Ed Husain, and will be discussed on May 29 at the usual time of 8pm in the King's Head. Any real enthusiasts can pick up the book chosen for June 26 - A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon.

VILLAGE HALL TRUSTEES

The AGM of the Village Hall Trustees was held on April 28.

The Officers elected were Brian Main, chairman - unchanged.

Tony Hutson, treasurer who everyone agreed does a fantastic job working alongside the chairman.

Ann Main remains as Booking Secretary and also as Clerk to the Trustees. Three members of the public were elected namely Tony Hutson, Dick French and Bill Hiron, the latter yet to be clarified as he was unable to attend this meeting.

Regrettably, Cherie Archer felt she could no longer continue in the position of vice-chairman but thought she would be able to continue being a trustee as the representative of the pre-school.

Sylvia Chapman, who for many years has represented BADS wished to retire and it was agreed that she stay until the next meeting at least, by which time it was anticipated that BADS would have held their AGM and elected another representative.

The position of vice chair was not filled at the meeting but since then Sue Spiers, having been able to give the matter some thought, has agreed to take it on, on a trial basis.

The officers gave their year's reports and it was obvious that the village hall is being looked after remarkably well with very few vacancies in the bookings and of course a lot of work has been achieved with the addition of the veranda, disabled toilet, complete renovation of the ladies toilets, a new heating system, insulation in the pipe line, the fitting of a new door suitable to wheelchairs, new water heaters in both kitchens, and more.

CHARITY GARDEN OPEN DAYS

The first of these open garden days is on May 18 from 10 am to 6pm. The gardens are New House, Laburnum Cottage and the Old Mill House, all at Mill End. From experience the gardens are a delight to visit both in May and in June when they will be open again on June 1 in aid of the Red Cross.

The May openings are in aid of Farleigh Hospice. Admission is £3 with children free. At both openings with will be stalls, plant sales and refreshments.

TURN ON THE TAP

On Saturday May 10 there will be a four mile walk starting at 10am at St Thomas's church in aid of the organisation Turn on the Tap whose aim is to provide remote areas in Africa with water in every village.

Thousands of people throughout the country will do this walk for a mere registration fee of £2 (or sponsor a walker if you feel you cannot do the distance yourself).

Bradwell on Sea is no exception, so come along and join in.

Contact Doug or Kay on 01621- 776212.

WALK FOR LIFE

Another walker, Donna Carter, 776255, will be raising money through sponsorship for Farleigh hospice. This is a 15 mile walk from Heybridge to Chelmsford so contact Donna if you would like to support this cause.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK

The start of Christian Aid week in Bradwell will be on Sunday May 11 at the 10.30 service for all the church family. This will be followed by the annual austerity lunch (bread and cheese) in the Chapman Room from noon.

Tickets are available from the churchwardens. They are free but you are asked to make a donation in an envelope for the work of Christian Aid among the poorest people in the world.

CHURCH SERVICES

Sunday May 11, 10.30 St.Thomas's and the 6.30 evening service is Pentecost Evensong with the lighting of the Beacon at St Lawrence on the hill with the service in St Lawrence Church.

CROUCH WIS SPRING MEET

A total of 130 members of the Crouch Group of WI s met recently at Bradwell Village Hall for their annual meeting (organised by Bradwell-on-Sea WI).

The meeting was convened by Mrs Eileen Harrison with Mrs Hazel Ridgwell as chairman for the evening. Following the singing of Jerusalem each president reported on their own activities.

The guest speaker, Jennie Storr, entertained members with a highly amusing talk entitled "Why can't a man be more like a woman?"

Mrs Storr was thanked for her very entertaining talk by Maplin WI.

The competition, which was staged by Southminster WI, presented a kaleidoscopic display of baby clothes.

Southminster went on to win the competition for a baby's nightdress and St Lawrence Bay WI.

won the competition for a knitted baby's jacket, which won the rose bowl for the best in show. Over 60 nighties and 160 jackets will be donated to the Medical Missionaries charity for use in their projects in India.

Refreshments were prepared and served by Bradwell WI, and after a chance to talk with fellow members, the raffle, organised by Tillingham WI, was drawn.

St Lawrence Bay WI ran the literature stall on behalf of Mrs Ridgwell. At the end of the evening Jennie Storr and Hazel Ridgwell were each presented with baskets of flowers beautifully arranged by members of Burnham WI.