Events

Easter 2025

This year's Easter events included an uplifting Service at Paddy Geere House, Maundy Thursday Pastorate Reflection, a moving Good Friday Reflective Service, a Good Friday walk and celebrating the Joy of our Risen Christ on Easter Sunday.


Messy Easter: Success! The gateway to Jerusalem is almost complete	Blue sky, bracing Felixstowe sea air and great fellowship ensured that this year’s traditional Good Friday walk lived up to expectation. There were 36 walkers and one dog, a healthy turnout for a healthy walk.	Cancelled Sin: acted in complete silence by Adam, Gillian and Mikey this short Good Friday sketch was both powerful and moving.	Easter Sunday: Christ is Risen! Hallelujah!

February 2025: Young People Show That They Care by Sharing and Serving

After attending the first part of Morning Worship, a dedicated team of young people from CHAPS and the Girls’ Brigade stepped into action on 2 February launching the new Care and Share initiative. Gathering in the Sports Hall, they worked together to help prepare a delicious buffet for the congregation to enjoy after the Service. The event was repeated on 16 February. One congregation member shared, "It is truly uplifting to see these young people giving up their Sunday morning to serve others. For those who live alone, having a light snack prepared for them makes a world of difference." Beyond providing tasty refreshments, Care and Share has already become a cherished time of connection, bringing people of all ages together by creating in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Christmas 2024: Family Christmas Festival Service, Carols in the Open Air and Carols by Candlelight

CHAPS Pantomime: The Little Mermaid - 31 October to 2 November 2024

With colourful costumes, varying background scene changes, loads of laughter, and all the traditional, "He’s behind you"’ plus similar yells from the audience, this year’s panto lived up to the high standards of previous performances by CHAPS. Months of rehearsals and preparation paid off with outstanding performances, with the younger members deserving a special mention. They performed well and were completely unfazed by acting in front of the large audiences on each of the three nights. All profits from the three performances will go to MIND, the mental health charity.

Holiday at Home USA Style - Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 July 2024

This year’s holiday had all the popular ingredients. Home cooked food, games, activities including craft work and flower arranging and painting. Each day began with tea and coffee and time to chat followed by chair exercises to tune everyone up for the day’s activities.

Entertainment was provided by David Smith on the cinema organ, David Rees with a very popular sing along, high tech Bingo led by Mick Barnes, live music played by Lynn and Neil Morley and songs from Donny Dave that had some guests demonstrating their disco dancing skills. Each day was rounded off with tea and cake. Altogether it was a thoroughly enjoyable "holiday" made possible by the many helpers, catering team and those entertainers who gave freely of their time. Subsequent feedback from guests, showed without exception that they had a wonderful two days.

Clouds Part for Charities Barbecue - Saturday 6 July 2024

Unsettled weather threatened to turn our Annual Charities Barbecue into a damp affair. Rain delayed the planned morning erection of the Marque until just an hour before the 5 pm start time. Soon after the marque was erected the downpour started again. The barbecues were lit under the cover of a gazebo and our two chefs, Ian Bragg and Mike Hollingsworth, undeterred by the rain, set to work grilling the burgers and sausages while the salads and other dishes were prepared in Anita and Michael’s kitchen. Just minutes before the guests started to arrive, the clouds parted and out came the sunshine, and it stayed that way for the duration of what turned out to be a wonderful evening of fellowship. Our thanks go to Anita and Michael for once again opening up their garden, and also to those who provided such a wonderful selection of food. Particular thanks also to Vanessa Butt for once again organising the Tombola which boosted the proceeds for our Church Charities, Sound On, Riding for the Disabled and FIND.

Twinship Visit to Mussbach - May 2024

We bring back greetings to you all from our partner Church in Germany. Seventeen of us travelled to Mussbach in Germany on Friday afternoon 24th May. Thirteen by air from Stansted, two by train and two by car. Those of us who flew were greeted at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport by our hosts.

We had not been to Mussbach for 5 years as a group, since 2019 before the Covid lockdowns. In that time Mussbach has a new Pastor, Thomas Klein, who ministers to 3 Churches overall. David Rees stayed with him in Gimmeldingen (the neighbouring village) and it gave them the opportunity to get to know one another.

On Sunday morning, we all met for Worship in the Church (die Protestantische Johanneskirche, Mussbach). Lots of people to greet and hug. A very special time in all respects. The two Ministers led the service, and we shared Communion together. Following the service, we met in the Gemeindehaus, which is their Church Hall, and which is a relatively short walk away. Yet more people with whom to reconnect and share a lovely lunch.

Our programme was not too hectic, and most of us did not travel too far. It was good to spend time together, catching up on where we had left off. It amazed those of us who had been there from the beginning of the twinship, 42 years in all, (it began in 1982), that we did things this year that we had not done before. Such as an alcohol-free wine tasting - Sonja and Jochen have developed a very successful business and have a shop in the middle of Mussbach. We spent a joyous afternoon tasting their wines, with a musical theme. Following the tasting of each type of wine there was a song, which Jochen and Walter led.

We visited the palace in Mannheim and had the opportunity to walk around the centre of the city. A highlight for many of us was the trip to Germersheim and a guided tour of the fortress there with a very good lunch afterwards. The last day before we travelled home was a free day with our hosts. Some travelled further afield and some of us stayed in or close to Mussbach or enjoyed a barbecue and meeting all the family. Our weather was pretty good, although there had been a fair chance of rain, we saw dark clouds pass us by and the rain came mainly at night. The dullest day was the day we left, which reflected our mood at the prospect of leaving.

We were in Mussbach for 7 days overall and before leaving we gathered for a short service and our fond farewells. We have developed close bonds with our host families over the years and it is always sad to say goodbye. We just hope that we will see each other in a year’s time in Ipswich, although as some of the original participants age leave taking becomes rather more poignant. On a personal level I would like to thank the Mussbach Steering Group for all the hard work they put into the planning of an excellent visit. For me especially, reaching the outskirts of Mussbach as we arrive, at the beginning of a visit, is like coming home. I call it my “zweiten Heimat” (my second home), as after 42 years of visits both on adult visits and as a youth leader with youth exchanges for 15 years), it does seem very much like that.

Heather Barnes

Church Anniversary Celebrations - 12 May 2024

We celebrated our 67th Church Anniversary with Café Style Worship. The anniversary cake was cut by the youngest and oldest members of the congregation - 4 year old Eleanor Griffiths and 92 year old Ray Beales.

Christmas 2023

CHAPS Pantomime: The Wizard of Oz - 26 to 28 October 2023

Many thanks to everyone who came along to this year's pantomime - it was a sellout every night - and over £2000 was raised through the ticket sales, raffle, tuck shop and donations.

Holiday at Home - Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 July 2023

This year’s Holiday at Home theme was Germany. Each day started with with coffee and chat. Activities included chair exercises, a sing-along, painting German scenes, flower arranging, "Octoberfest" abd entertainment from a Ukulele group.

Charities Barbecue - Saturday 8 July 2023

Our annual Charities Barbecue was held on what turned out to be the last truly warm day of summer. Raising £310 for our two Church charities, Family First and Suffolk Refugee Support, the warmth of the evening was matched by the warmth of the Fellowship. And it was a feast. The burgers and bangers perfectly cooked over the charcoal by Ian Bragg and Martin Combes was supplemented by a variety of dishes freely donated by so many people. There are so many people to thank; to Anita and Michael, for allowing us to hold it in their lovely garden, to Vanessa for organising the raffle and for each of those who provided the various dishes.

Mussbach Visit - Wednesday 7 to Tuesday 12 June 2023

After 38 years the twinship between Castle Hill and Mussbach is still thriving. It was so good to welcome back our German friends to Castle Hill after a halt in our yearly exchange visits due to Covid. Next year a group from Castle Hill will visit Mussbach.

Coronation and Church Anniversary Afternoon Tea - Monday 8 May 2023

Many thanks to those who organised and ran the wonderful afternoon tea to mark the King's Coronation. It was a lovely event and very well catered for!

Good Friday Walk - Friday 7 April 2023

Forty walkers - and four dogs - joined our Annual Good Friday Walk, held this year at Felixstowe. Walking just over 5 km from organisers Mark and Fiona Ward’s beach hut to Felixstowe Ferry and back the group enjoyed light refreshments by the sea to cap a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of fellowship and gentle exercise.

Holiday Club - Wednesday 5 April 2023

Few children would have left this year’s one-day Holiday Club without an understanding of the Easter story. Told in a new and interactive way the story was structured on different coloured beans, taking the story from Good Friday through to the Resurrection. There were videos, Easter eggs and activities that included making Easter gardens. Feedback from participants was a great big thumbs up!

Castle Hill receives an Eco Bronze Award - March 2023

Len Green, on behalf of the Church, receives the Eco Church Bronze Award from Jeremy Flack, the Synod Green Advocate, before they jointly cut the cake prepared for the event by Ann Watson

WONDERFUL WORLD: Air Be Aware It's Everywhere! - February 2023

Exploring the wonderful world that God has made for us. Several young people certainly appeared to enjoy the session on ‘Air’ held on 16th February. The children had a lot of fun carrying out various experiments and challenges with of course accompanying tasty snacks!

Remembrance Sunday - Sunday 13 November 2022

Members of our Girls’ Brigade took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade held in Christchurch Park. They are pictured above with programmes that they distributed to members of the public who attended the event.

50 Years of the United Reformed Church Celebrations - Saturday 15 October 2022

Fun, fellowship, dancing and music made Castle Hill’s URC Jubilee party an evening to remember. All ages and abilities took to the dance floor and Adam and Gillian displayed their musical ability with a medley of inspiring and frequently amusing songs. A ploughman's platter followed before the Jubilee cake, baked by Ann Watson, was cut by Barbara McGlinchey and Elaine Thomas.

Ordination and Induction of Adam Earle - Sunday 24 July 2022

In addition to the Mayor of Ipswich, Adam was welcomed by representatives of the Salvation Army, St Mary and St Botolph Church, the Methodist Church and Revd Lythan Nevard Moderator of the Eastern Synod who presented Adam with his Certificate of Ordination.

Tiny Tots Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration - Thursday 16 June 2022

Amongst all the other wonderful celebrations to mark the Queen’s remarkable 70 year reign, Tiny Tots held a party attended by 24 families. We decorated the rooms with bunting and balloons, dressed in red white and blue, made crowns, iced jubilee cakes, and the children took away a home made ‘flag’ to wave.

Jubilation - Friday 20 May and Saturday 21 May 2022

CHAPS presented a fun variety show to celebrate the Queen's 70 year reign in aid of Headway.

65th Anniversary Celebration Afternoon Tea - Sunday May 8 2022

Good Friday Walk - Friday 15 April 2022

After a two-year break due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the traditional Good Friday afternoon walk returned. Arranged by Mark and Fiona Ward the two-mile stroll by the sea at Felixstowe was enjoyed by a good turn out of Church members and friends. Elsewhere, the weather was sunny and warm but an on-shore breeze shrouded Felixstowe in a damp mist. That did not affect the enjoyment expressed by those taking part who were so happy to be together as a fellowship in the fresh air after such a long break.

April 2021

Return of Live Worship with Live Streaming

Church Roof Repairs March 2021

The Church now has a new roof and top windows

Church Roof Repairs February 2021

Work on the high level windows in the Church has been completed and the scaffolding is coming down paving the way for the Church to be thoroughly cleaned and tidied in readiness for whenever Live Worship recommences.

Church Roof Repairs starting August 2020

February 2020: CHAPS Pantomime - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Now called CHAPS, Castle Hill’s Amateur Players have been putting on panto’s for over 30 years. Since the production of Aladdin in 1988 by the then 18 plus group they haven't missed a year, except for in 2017 when they put on a variety show instead of a panto. Playing to audiences that must total around 9,000 over this time, their performances have never failed to delight.

This years panto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was outstanding and ended with the entire audience on its feet rocking to the ‘Baby Shark’ dance. In fact audience participation in traditional panto style ‘its behind you’, ‘O yes he has’ etc was a reflection of the engaging standard of performance. Particularly encouraging this year was the number of young people taking part and the standard of choreography although the old favourites were there. Members who took part as young performers 30 years ago are now appearing alongside their adult children such as Pete Rodger who has performed in almost every production. This year’s cast included four parents appearing on stage with their children including the mother and son who made up the front and back end of the Panto horse! A word has to be said about the costumes, scenery and props. For an amateur production these are exceptional and almost entirely produced in-house (literally - the backdrops were painted spread out on the Church floor and many props constructed on the stage). The stunning changes to scenery really brought the stage to life. The costumes were mostly hand-made in-house by Eileen Fisher and Emma Wilding. So much talent!

Busy Fingers - Knitting For Children in Uganda

The ducklings pictured here, knitted in a single session by members of the Busy Fingers Group, will be taken out at Easter for children in North Kigezi, Uganda.

Christmas 2019

The Christmas Story	Lunch Club Christmas Meal	Tiny Tots Christmas Party

Ipswich and East Pastorate Away Day at Otley Hall: a time of fellowship, worship, reflection and learning

Twenty two people from Castle Hill, St Johns and Saxmundham gathered at Otley Hall for an enjoyable Away Day. Led by the Rev Janet Tollington who led us on a journey through the Old Testament. Janet was so informative and thought-provoking and her delivery was excellent and easy to listen to. We also had time to relax and to chat together and as the sun shone for us we were able to stroll in the Otley Hall grounds. Many thanks to those who organised the day and invited Janet to speak.

Girls' Brigade at Summer 2019

Our 2019 camp was at Hallowtree Activity Centre where we enjoyed lots of activities - Go Karting, Two Tyre Ravine, Crate Stacking, Archery, Gymnastics Centre and a campfire where we baked bread and toasted marshmallows! We were very lucky with the sunny weather and also to be joined by Pam who led our devotions for the camp and we had a visit from David on the Friday. We are very grateful to Ros for coming along and for all the hard work she has put into planning, designing and making a new banner for Girls' Brigade.

Please see our noticeboard in the sports hall for lots more photos!

Visit to our Mussbach Friends - May 2019

Pulling Together In A Roman Galley	Daily devotions outside Rastatt Palace

Girls' Brigade Sporting Success

At the Girls' Brigade District Sports competition, our girls were winners of the Senior section and our Company came second overall. Congratulations!

Induction of Revd David Rees - Saturday 29 September 2018

The service was held at St John's URC and was a wonderful opportunity for members of the four Churches to chat together and meet David

Pam's Farewell

Farewell Tea

Tiny Tots

On 19 October the Tiny Tots held a party to thank Pam for all the love and support that she has given to the group during her time at Castle Hill but it was a party tinged with sadness as we were saying goodbye! Ann Watson made a beautiful cake, which we shared along with other party food. We presented Pam with a voucher and a pair of little earrings called "Go Fly A Kite" (they are kite shaped!) which we thought just perfect from our group. Our craft activity was making kites and one of the children made one especially for Pam to remember us by.

Harvest Weekend: Harvest Festival and Scarecrow and Flower Festival With Art exhibition - 30 September and 1 October 2017

Thank you to all the Church organisations and individuals who entered into the spirit of our Scarecrow, Flower and Art Festival by producing such professional displays. We have so much talent within our Church community!

60th Anniversary Celebrations - 15 to 18 June 2017

Over the weekend of the 15 to 18 June, as part of our 60th Anniversary Celebrations we were privileged to host members of the Gospel Choir "Christcendo" from our twinned Church in Mussbach. After arriving in the UK on the Thursday they visited Windsor before meeting their hosts in the evening. Friday was spent in Cambridge finishing with a visit to King's College for Evensong. Saturday was spent with the hosts and they then joined us for Strawberry Tea in the afternoon. There then followed a wonderful and inspiring Concert of their music. Sunday the Choir joined us for morning worship and after a lunch at the Church they returned to Germany. Many thanks to all the hosts, Mussbach Committee and helpers in the kitchen for making this all possible.

60th Anniversary Celebrations - 7 May 2017

On Sunday 7 May we had a happy day of thanksgiving for Life and Worship for 60 years at the Church. Thank you to everyone who took part in any way; the lovely service led by Pam with input by Arnd and sermon by Richard Mortimer, the food, the memorabilia and the quizzes (some of the baby photos wouldn’t be recognised by their own mothers!). Pam spoke about all being members of one body, and it certainly felt like that.

Castle Hill 60th Anniversary Celebrations: Reunion of 20th Ipswich Boys' Brigade - 1 April 2017

Over 75 people gathered to chat, look at various forms of memorabilia, eat and generally enjoy seeing so many ‘lads’ from the past.

As one old boy wrote after the event:

Thank you for your efforts and thorough planning yesterday. I thought that the event and the different ways to interact (quiz, photos, memorabilia, rogues gallery) were brilliant and memories really flooded back.

However, those things alone weren't it alone: it was the spirit of the BB which I felt underpinned it all - "Sure and Steadfast" - the teachings from scripture (hope, forgiveness, peace, kindness, self-control, respect) which tend towards Christian manliness, and the challenge to all to follow Christ's example.