A colour version of this newsletter is now available at www.stansfieldvillage.org.uk
Stansfield
No. 230
Denston
Stradishall
Newsletter of the Year
November 2011
Robin’s knocked for six!
Photo— Louise Sharp
See back page
THE QUEEN’S HEAD AT HAWKEDON Excellent wines and a full range of superb cask conditioned ales CAMRA’s choice as West Suffolk ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2006 Visit us soon to find out why
Delicious locally sourced food, all home cooked, served at these times: Wed - Fri
6pm6pm-9pm; Fri lunch 1212-2pm
Saturday
12pm12pm-2.30pm & 6.30pm -9pm
Sunday
12pm12pm-2.30pm & 6pm -9pm
The award winning 15th Century pub on your doorstep - 01284 789218
FUTURE EVENTS WHO’S WHO IN YOUR VILLAGE Stansfield parish council Chairman: Sarah DouglasPennant 01284 789412 sarah.dp@btinternet.com
& ANNOUNCEMENTS WHAT’S WHERE
If you wish to advertise in the Newsletter of the Year, have a news item published, or publicise a local event in the diary on this page please telephone Paul Rowlinson on 01440 821773 or email:
www.wickhambrooksurgery.co.uk Boyden Close, Nunnery Green, Wickhambrook. CB8 8XU
parish.pump@googlemail.com
Appointments, emergencies and general enquiries: 01440 820140 Dispensary: 01440 823801
stansfield-parish-council@btconnect.com
Stradishall parish council Chairman: Robert Deeks 01440 820022 stradishallparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk
www.stradishall.suffolk.gov.uk Denston meeting Chairman: Jeff Fellows 01440 820310 jfellows.crown@virgin.net County councillor
ADVERTISING RATES (for 12 months - 6 month rate in brackets)
Eighth of a page Quarter page Half page Full page
Clare police 01284 774100 Force HQ
Candlelit concert with supper
Peter Stevens Point Cottage, High Street, Cavendish. CO10 8AZ 01787 280284 07775 877000 (Stansfield and Denston) peter.stevens@stedsbc.gov.uk
The winners were omitted last month: 1st Ed Kerr, 2nd Sue Endersby, 3rd Julian Gardner and 4th Daphne Saunders.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Rod Taylor Lucie Riches Pat Whelan David Winch
£25 £15 £10 £5
Denston 100 Club 1st Anne Westwood 2nd Richard Bennett 3rd Derek Bailey
£20 £12 £8
Nov 3
Stansfield Village Lunch Village hall, 12.30pm
Nov 5
Breadmaking class Village hall, 9.45am
Nov 7
Denston Parish Meeting Village hall, 7pm
Nov 15
Suffolk walk Village hall, 11am
Nov 18
Reel Time “Made in Dagenham” 7pm
Nov 20
Denston Village Tea, 3pm
Nov 20
Stansfield Village Tea, 3.30pm, Village hall
Nov 30
Stansfield parish council 8pm
Dec 8
Stansfield Village Lunch Village hall, 12.30pm
Dec 18
Denston Carol Service 4.30pm
20 October - two sections Advanced 1. Mary and Richard Evans 69.38% 2. Rui Paes and Chris Hollingsworth 63.79% 3. Joan and Keith Jaggard 61.7
Tickets from 01284 789283 ST MARGARETS CHURCH
XMAS SUPPER AT THE SHOOTING LODGE, STRADISHALL A FOUR COURSE XMAS DINNER WILL BE SERVED
Stansfield 100 Club
Stradishall Parish Council
STANSFIELD BRIDGE CLUB DUPLICATE RESULTS
STANSFIELD CHURCH Fri 9th Dec 7:00 pm £13.50
Stradishall Church Draw 1st Heather Lean £35 £18 2nd B Stevens 3rd J Clinton £14 4th Chris Smith £10
Nov 1
01473 613500
Borough councillors
dorothy.whittaker@stedsbc.gov.uk
YOUR DIARY
The surgery is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
£75 (£40) £140 (£75) £225 (£120) £400 (£220)
Jane Midwood Butlers Hall, Wickhambrook, Newmarket CB8 8YB 01440 821428 07778 765007 jane.midwood@suffolk.gov.uk
Dorothy Whittaker 11 Windmill Rise, Hundon. CO10 8EQ 01440 786388 07813 444426 (Stradishall)
DATES FOR
Wickhambrook Surgery
TUESDAY 13TH DEC 7PM £12 .50 TICKETS FROM TINA 820954, ROBERT 820734
EVERYBODY WELCOME 2
Improvers 1. Rachael Hill and Mary Myatt 58.33% 2. Sarah Douglas-Pennant and Sally Carter 56.25% 3. Julie Cecil and Anne Scriven 56.25% 13 October 1. Steve Roswald and Judy Holt 69.10% 2. Chris Hollingsworth and Rui Paes 63.89% 3. Marcus Hopkins and Gerry Ford 60.76% 6 October 1. David Goodliffe and Richard Evans 72.22% 2. Bridget Smith and Sue Russell 64.58% 3. Denise and John Webb 61.46%
D
ear readers, I feel moved to write.
Not because I have anything in particular to say, but because of the abundance of space this month. I don't know what happened to the story supply, but were it not for a few good souls, there would have been lots of blank pages in the newsletter. “Take out some of the pages!”, I hear you cry. Well I would, were it not for the ads, for which we are grateful, of course - a newsletter full of adverts would not make for good reading. It's a mini nightmare for an editor. Perhaps I should have written to Carol Reay-Glover (p.13) regarding my problem? In spite of Carol having no
problems darkening her email inbox this month (which could be viewed as a good thing, admittedly), she has written a piece that I'm sure many will find helpful in these testing times of economic uncertainty. If you do have any matters troubling you, don't forget that you can always email her in strictest confidence, directly to the address listed at the top of her page. Another contributor who is keen to hear your comments is Paul Long. His Nature Notes (p.14) often stray from the welltrodden path into more exotic, sometimes even dangerous,
territory. This week sees him in Spain, tangling with the locals and armed only with a phrase book. In what might turn out to be his final column of the season Robin Sharp (p.11) offers some thoughts on being a cricketer in winter. Penned in longhand (so he tells me), it provides a welcome distraction from attempting to get the grass stains out of his whites in readiness for the next meeting of leather and willow. However he did it, I am very grateful for the contribution, as indeed I am for the submissions from all our contributors.
Suffolk Trade Centre Bury Road, Stradishall • Car sales • Repairs • Servicing
01 51 BMW 325 Ti SE Compact 3dr, Met Blue, Full BMW Service History, Half Leather Upholstery, Digital Climate A/C, Cruise Control, Reversing Sensors, £3695
OPENING TIMES Mon-Fri
8.30am-6.00pm
Saturday
9.00am-5.00pm
• MOTs
05 05 VW Golf 1.6 FSi SE 5dr, Met Coastal Blue, Full VW Service History, 6 Speed Gear Box, Climate Control A/C, Cruise Control, 16" Alloy Wheels, Radio/CD, £5995
OUR WEBSITE IS AT www.suffolktradecentreltd.co.uk or visit Suffolk Trade Centre LTD on your mobile. Text SUFFOLK to 65654 and we'll send you a link
01440 820994 3
But whilst I acknowledge their sterling work and support, I would still love to hear more from you. Please take some time to email me at parish.pump@gmail.com with your thoughts, be they short or not so short - stories, photos or anything else that you may have and are wondering if we might be interested. We will be. Somehow, the problem of trying to cram stuff in doesn't seem quite so bad. And if, like Robin, you prefer to compose your thoughts by putting pen to paper, possibly because you don’t feel the need to venture into cyberspace (whatever that is) you can send me a letter. Just address it to Paul Rowlinson, Denston CB8 8PP and I’m sure it will make it. And who knows, it might even make it into the newsletter? I’ll try my hardest. I may pull it together each month but it would be great to have you help fill these pages with the news that really matters in our community. Whoever you are, I hope that, like me, you will feel moved to write. Paul Rowlinson
Local rainfall figures Paul Long
2011
Assington Stansfield Green
mm
A.S. PEST CONTROL
September
01284 850 866 07795 362 711
Rod Taylor
Jay Gridley Hundon
Adrian Lee
Sam Slater
Stradishall Windolphs Farm
24.5
18
18
23
14.5
August
74
63.5
60
23
55.5
July
64
45
63
62
54.5
June
95.5
81.5
87.5
93
81
May
19
17
13
20
17.5
April
7
9.5
2.5
8
3.5
March
11
10
6
8
10.5
February
51½
-
-
28
33.5
January
92
77.5
72
68
63
Dec 2010
30
35.5
30
16
30
November
42.5
35
36
29
37.5
59
63
58
59
58
September
70.5
63.5
69
69
50
2010 total
669 (26.3inches)
590.5 (23.2)
645.5 (25.4)
-
552.5 (21.7)
2009 Total
737.5 (28.9 inches)
657 (25.8)
700 (27.5)
577.6 (22.7)
613 (24.1)
2008 Total
935
677
952.5
743.6
2007 Total
787
526
849
791
October
P PAIGE TECHNICAL SERVICES GAS
LPG
OIL
Plumbing & Heating Engineers All makes of boilers serviced and repaired Swimming pool boiler specialists All heating systems installed Bathrooms installed Power-flushes Landlord gas safety certificates No jobs too small All work carried out by qualified technicians For a no obligation quotation, please call:
07887 997648 / 07768 496622 E-mail: brian@boltwood.co.uk 4
PSC Computing Repairs to: • • • •
We also: • Upgrade systems • Remove viruses • Retrieve data where possible • Complete software rebuilds
Laptops Desktops Printers Networks
No fix - no fee
Tel: 01440 821367 e: psccomputing@googlemail.com New Cottage, Cloak Lane, Wickhambrook, CB8 8UJ
Stansfield village lunch
T
he dates for the next two Stansfield Village Lunches are THURSDAY 3rd NOVEMBER and THURSDAY 8th DECEMBER (both at 12.30pm in the Village Hall), so do make a note in your diary, and come along if you possibly can! The two-course lunch cooked by one of our excellent local volunteer cooks, is served in the Village Hall at the very reasonable cost of £3.50 per head. November's menu is beef and barley casserole with butternut squash loaf, cabbage with bacon, and spiced beetroot relish, followed by lemon and cardamom rice pudding, tea or coffee. December's menu will of course be seasonal Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding ,with all the trimmings! Let Sally Carter know on 01284 789350 or email sallymcarter@hotmail.com if you would like attend in November and/or December. You will be most welcome. SC
Return of the Stansfield Xmas shopping evening
Denston gets dancing
G
reat gifts for all the family from crafts to toys and from jewellery to gadgets will be on offer at the Stansfield Christmas shopping evening on Wednesday 30 November. With free parking, entrance and mince pies for shoppers and traders you will be able to shop until you drop and then enjoy mulled wine and supper. The shopping evening runs from 6.00pm to 8.45pm and a host of presents at competitive prices will be on sale including luxury toiletries and make up, handbags and accessories, Christmas cards, wrapping paper and decorations, ornaments for the garden and home, gourmet goodies, homewares and gifts for cooks, as well as home made cakes and preserves.
A popular feature of the event is the annual Christmas raffle with the star prize of a fantastic festive lunch - a 10lb fresh, local turkey from top butcher Mark Humphrey, plus four bottles of wine. Sue Long is running the village cake stall and would very much like donations of homemade cakes, cookies, preserves, sweets, Christmas puddings etc. If you can help please bring your contributions on the day or call Sue 01284 789539. ME
K T GRIDLEY
D
enston Harvest Supper in was attended by nearly forty people. After a wonderful supper of Coq au Vin or Cottage Pie, prepared by Sharon Wilkinson and Hilary Bradfield, everyone took to the floor for some country dancing. Everyone got into the swing of things, even if some of us did have two left feet! Many thanks to all the people that made the evening possible. We are already looking forward to next year. JF
GORDON
GENERAL BUILDER
T H E
* Plastering * Groundwork * Maintenance *
B A C K
M A N
* Loft Conversions * * Small works undertaken *
Has your horse stopped moving well? Is their performance slightly disappointing? Do you think they might benefit from spinal therapy?
Springbank, Lower Street, Stansfield, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 8LP.
The Manse, High Street, Stansfield, Suffolk CO10 8LN e: gordon@gordonthebackman.com h: 01284 789572 www.gordonthebackman.com m: 07939208255
Tel: 01284 789309 Mobile: 07702 265425 Email: kevin.gridley@homecall.co.uk 5
6
Reel Time at Stansfield Village Hall presents:
Made in Dagenham Starring: Andrea Riseborough, Bob Hoskins, Sally Hawkins Based on a true story, Made in Dagenham portrays a decisive moment in that decade of upheaval, when the fight for equal rights and pay was led – unexpectedly – by ordinary working-class women with one foot in the kitchen, one foot on the factory floor, and ears glued to the pop coming over the radio and telly from far-off London (12 miles and a world away). It’s a vintage “girl power” tale. (Sony Pictures Classics)
18 November, doors open 7:00 for 7:30 start Tickets £4:00, licensed bar and snacks available
7
(2010)
J.R. HUMPHREY & SONS
Hudgies Hardware
YOUR LOCAL FAMILY BUTCHER
Trading since 1835 A Great Place to Shop for Calor Gas, Solid Fuels, Tools, Paint & DIY, Kitchenware, Henry Watson Pottery, Burghleighware etc
Always a fine selections of meats, cheeses, dairy products, poultry and smoked hams
3, High Street, Clare, Suffolk. CO10 8NY Telephone: 01787 278045
5, Market Hill, Clare, Suffolk. Telephone 01787-277294
Sports Massage Therapy
48 Abbot Road Bury St Edmunds IP33 3UB
Not just for keen sportspeople but for anyone suffering tired muscles, overwork, aches and pains, minor injuries, stress or back and neck problems
Telephone: 01284 723104 Mobile: 07943 991543
Jackie Chubb - 01284 789576 Call for more information or a leaflet. Fully qualified and insured
Personal Training Achieve your fitness and weight loss goals safely and enjoyably
Website: www.johnhalpinupholstery.co.uk Email: its.john@hotmail.co.uk
Nutrition/Fitness consultations Advice on diet and a healthy lifestyle
FORBES PET GROOMERS
Professional grooming for cats and dogs
based in Stradishall 07881 621809 Collection and delivery available by arrangement 8
Stansfield village teas
BCM FIREWOOD
B
eat off those winter blues and join us at the Village Hall for a cup of tea, piece of cake and a chat on the following dates at 3.30pm: Sunday 20th November 2011 Sunday 8th January 2012 Sunday 11th March 2012 There is no charge and internet facilities and support will also be available if required. Please contact Lucie on 01284 789020 if you need a lift.
QUALITY SEASONED LOGS AND KINDLING VARIOUS LOAD SIZES AVAILABLE ALSO SUPPLYING
NETS OF CHIMNEY LOGS SWEDISH CANDLES FIRE LIGHTERS
St Eds Rural South Safer Neighbourhood Team News
STOCK UP FOR WINTER NOW
The current priorities for the St Edmundsbury Rural South Safer Neighbourhood Team are To promote Neighbourhood Watch schemes across the Rural South SNT area To prevent and detect offences of heating oil and diesel theft throughout the Rural South area. As fuel prices are higher than ever before, we need to ensure we have taken steps to secure our properties, particularly if we have heating oil tanks. Simple steps to take are…
BEN MARTIN 01284 789058 07834859022
• Screen your tank with hedging or fences • Close and secure perimeter gates • Conceal any external pipework • Install Dusk to Dawn lighting • Regularly check your fuel levels • Consider installing a tank alarm/security device • Install lockable caps supported by a closed shackle padlock • Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme If you see a fuel tanker that is unmarked and you are suspicious do call 999 and police can check if it is legitimate. There have been two nighttime walk-in burglaries in the villages recently. On both occasions the doors had been left unlocked whilst the occupants were in bed. Please always lock up at bedtime and don’t give criminals the opportunity to commit crime. To contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team at Clare you can write to Clare Police Station, Eastfield Barn, Cavendish Road, Clare, Sudbury CO10 8PH Telephone 01473 613500 Email stedsruralsouth.snt@suffolk.pnn.uk PC 18 Trish Sinclair PC 704 Ruth Horton PCSO 3071 Ryan Wilson PCSO 3219 Kayla Packman 9
Book Club review new ‘Chick Lit’ and 1960’s classic
M
embers of Stansfield Book Club reviewed two very different books at their October meeting. Having obtained a free set of the recently published book ‘The Ugly Sister’ by Jane Fallon from a Suffolk Libraries initiative, they were asked to submit a review to the publishers. Members unanimously agreed that ‘The Ugly Sister’ was what would be described as ‘chick lit’, a fairly light read aimed at women, but were divided on whether they had enjoyed it or not. In complete contrast, club members also reviewed ‘A Kestrel for a Knave’ by Barry Hines. Many aspects of this 1960’s classic were discussed, including how it compared to the film of the story ‘Kes’. Members agreed that it was a delightful and moving book, deftly written. Sally Carter
What do you know about cancer? Some 3000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year in Suffolk - with 700 people dying from the disease. But learning to spot the signs and symptoms will give more people a chance of being treated. Now NHS Suffolk will work with its partners to increase the awareness of cancer warning signs since people in the most deprived areas of the county are least likely to be symptom aware. It is the leading cause of premature death, causing 38% of male and 50% of female premature death in the county, said Dr Peter Bradley, NHS Suffolk’s director of public health. “The public need to be more aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer. Getting an early diagnosis of cancer could literally be a matter of life or death. “Like other parts of the country, many people in Suffolk are diagnosed too late, which could lead to unnecessary and premature death," said Dr Bradley. “Cancer continues to contribute to the gap in life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas of Suffolk. A low awareness of symptoms can lead to delays in seeking treatment. “This is clearly illustrated by the fact that 80% of lung cancers and 49% of bowel cancers in Suffolk were diagnosed too late – yet due to the greater awareness of breast cancer, 87% of these were diagnosed early enough. “One of the best ways of reducing the risk of cancer is by making lifestyle improvements, including giving up smoking, taking some exercise and eating healthily. NHS Suffolk and its partners are working together to increase peoples’ awareness and prevent cancer."
10
How to survive the long, long winter... Robin Sharp
limey, it’s November already. It is not a cricket month, in England at least: we are in the midst of the domestic ‘close season’. At this time of the year, days, weeks, months go clock-tick slow – and certainly much slower than during the cricket season that is all
demolition of the selfsame Indians in the test series here just a few short months ago. By and large, though, it’s a stressful and potentially exhausting pastime. You can, alternatively, read books about cricket or, if the cold turkey is really bad (and that’s addiction withdrawal, not the Christmas leftovers), he suggests reading Wisden, the cricketers
too cruelly brief. There are no matches on which to report for this Newsletter. So, how does one fill those long, cricket-less days of the winter months? There are some options, as renowned cricket-writer (and a player at Stansfield for the Captain Scott’s XI) Marcus Berkmann has recommended. You can, for instance, follow the fortunes of the England team abroad. This can be a pleasant diversion – England’s last tour downunder being particularly satisfying; not so the oneday side’s excursion to the sub-continent despite the
annual ‘bible’, from end-to -end. Well, reading books about your passion is a bit more like it. Not the same as playing the game of course, with all those summery sounds and smells, but a helpful remedy, especially if tucked up nicely in bed with a comforting hot toddy to hand – and a darn sight cosier than many of the days on which we actually take to the field. Maybe reading Wisden from cover to cover is a bit of an over-balance into the ‘sad’ realm. ‘Getting fit’ (another of his suggestions) may be
B
discounted without much further thought. Few Stansfield cricketers could realistically claim to be fit during the actual season; no point trying to make any efforts out of it. As far as ‘coaching and nets’ are concerned, it’s a bit of a close cousin to ‘getting fit’, but at least it might help improve performance in a season yet-to-come and does mean more active involvement than mere reading. Most of us tinker about with Mr Berkmann’s final suggestion: ‘repair/ cleaning/buying kit’. Of course, there are some who only disturb festering items in their kit bag at the same moment as the birdies are building their nests in the green days of spring. It is these folk who ponder on the restorative powers of Vanish (or neat bleach) on their
11
inappropriately-named ‘whites’. Others, maybe the more mature members of the cricketing fraternity, spend hours lovingly applying linseed oil to their willow, Blanco whitening to their pads and strengthening the gussets of their flannels. But there are other activities marooned cricketers can employ to fill the wintry hours. Already, for instance, I have been in earnest communication with opposite numbers from opposition teams, planning and negotiating the dates and venues for next summer’s fixtures. Games against Castle Hedingham, Suffolk CAMRA and Chippenham are very much on the cards. And, of course, you can always write about cricket. Fancy you not coming up with that one, Marcus!
FRESH FISH • SMOKED FISH • SHELL FISH • FRESH LOWESTOFT FISH DAILY • AVAILABLE FROM OUR VAN THURSDAY: THURSDAY Long Melford 2.30pm-5pm FRIDAY: Clare Market Square 8am-10am and Lavenham Market Square 11am-1pm SATURDAY: Willow Tree Farm Shop 9am-1pm
Telephone 01787 377768
Mobile 07971 811947 ROY CUTTS
D.G.S Plastering
Local window cleaner based in Clare Fully insured
Plastering, Rendering, Floor screeding, Tiling 01787 277083 (h) 07702 544588 (m)
Windows ● Gutters ● Cars Home: 01787 278218 Mobile: 07787 187633
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GROUNDWORKS • • • • • • • • • •
Demolition Site clearance All digger work Footings Oversite drainage Kerb laying Patio construction Driveways Block paving Decking
Matthew Walladge 01440 821194 or 07789 503704
• • • • • •
Local produce for local people:
Fencing Gates Pergola Landscaping Turfing Concrete base construction for sheds, stables, oil tanks • Erection of buildings sheds, out buildings, cart lodges Fully insured. References available.
• Suffolk cheeses • Free range eggs and ham
• Home made soups, sandwiches and baguettes plus a range of delicious coffees
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5pm
John Porter 01284 850171 or 07798 787748
1, HIGH STREET, CLARE 01787 278932
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A problem shared... CAROL REAY-GLOVER is a practising counsellor living locally who can offer advice on personal problems such as relationships, divorce, child issues, employment, depression - or general worries. E-mail her in complete confidence at carolreay1@hotmail.com
I
have not received any emails this month so thought I would write about a problem that is turning up in counselling surgeries at the moment; money worries or even unemployment. Our region is statistically one of the luckiest at the moment but many are experiencing difficult times. So many households depend on two incomes and the loss of a job by either party can really cause hardship. Even those in work are experiencing difficulty as household expenses rise and incomes do not follow suit. In my experience, these kind of troubles affect people in two main ways. The first is that our self-esteem is intimately bound up with our work. It has long been known that men can feel undermined as a person by work changes. We now see this in women too. People judge themselves very harshly even when, for example, a redundancy has clearly not been in any way their
own responsibility. Depression and sleep problems often stem from this basic sense of loss of self-worth. The second is that relationships suffer when times are hard and basic security feelings are threatened. Human beings take out their difficulties on the ones they love. It is just the way people work. And when each half of a couple is worried and anxious it can be hard to avoid tension. I think it’s as well to trace and name our feelings at times of trouble and try to understand what is going on. Security is a basic human need and when we lose our sense of security we can feel angry and frightened, for example. Sometimes just straightening out that this is what we are feeling can help us to face the difficulty in hand. When couples can share these feelings with one another and talk about them it really is a source of solace, no matter what the practical difficulty being faced.
We are all part of communities – friends and neighbours. So take stock of those around us, notice who might be suffering and lend a friendly ear. We are all programmed to deal with the good and the bad that life throws at us all. This is a difficult economic time and help can take a practical form but also just being supportive is often a large part of what is needed. Take care,
Carol
Recipe for idiot husbands: - a real autumn treat Here is a recipe for a husband whose wife has gone off to do boring things like attending parish meetings of one sort or another, or playing bridge and leaving him to cook his own supper. It has the twin advantages of being incredibly simple and using up those huge over ripe tomatoes which we all end up with at the end of the season! Take 2 slices of toast (or more if you’re hungry) – no need to butter them. Cut the tomatoes into thick slices (about an inch thick). Put them on the toast using a bit of artistic licence to make them fit. Sprinkle them liberally with pepper and salt and squirt a few cloves of garlic over them straight from the garlic press. Cover them with butter sliced off the end of the slab – as much as you like. If you are feeling clever, you can grate some cheese on them, but it’s not necessary. Pour yourself a glass of wine (you have earned it) and put them under the grill until the edges of the tomatoes begin to blacken and the garlic is looking crispy. Pour yourself another glass of wine and enjoy! Dee-licous! Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan – that’s where the best bits are, especially if you have used cheese, but they will need another glass of wine to fully appreciate them – quick before she gets home!
£9.99!
For full information on Events Menus & Offers visit
Repeat as necessary.
www.thethreetunspub.com info@thethreetunspub
or email
Paul Long 13
They are, quite understandably, visibly moved by their sense of achievement
NATURE NOTES Paul Long
I
f you drive around northern Spain at this time of year you will be conscious of the pilgrims. The nearer to Santiago de Compostela you get, the more you will see – often on their own, usually in small groups of two or three and occasionally a dozen or so. They are on their way to pay homage to St James the apostle whose remains, it is alleged, lie in a tomb in the crypt under the altar of the Cathedral, which rises impressively above the Praza do Obradoiro, surrounded by many other ancient and beautiful buildings. According to legend, St James was responsible for bringing Christianity to Spain. Although martyred in Palestine around AD45, it was said that, before his death, he had visited Spain to bring the Gospel to her
Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela
people. After he died, his body was brought to Galacia on a ship led by angels - and then lost. A bit careless, you might think. It was conveniently rediscovered in 814 by a hermit who claimed to have been guided to the saint’s tomb by a shower of stars. (compostela means ”field of stars”) Was this a miracle, or was Max Clifford alive and well in the IXth Century? Either way, the bishop declared that it was a miracle and the Asturian king Alphonso II turned up to have a church erected above the holy remains. Pilgrims then came flocking – half a million a year in the middle ages. It is now the third most popular medieval Christian pilgrimage goal after Rome and Jerusalem. The autumn is a good time to pilgrimage in Spain – the heat of the summer is past and the bitter winter weather has yet to arrive. If you visit the Praza do Obradoiro you will see them arriving all the time. Most have been on the trail for many weeks, even months, and they are, quite understandably, visibly moved by their sense of achievement. Their initial speechlessness is quickly replaced by an obvious sense of euphoria and their first port of call is, of course, the Cathedral to which the most devout proceed bare-footed. There are a number of different pilgrim routes that converge on Santiago and the most popular is called ‘El Camino Frances’; starting at the Roncesvalles pass in the heart of the Pyrenees this classic trail traverses Northern Spain for more than 400 miles, taking in superb scenery and cultural gems along the way before reaching Santiago itself. Richard Powell, of Poslingford, is on his way there as I write and has planned to spend five weeks on the road. With its huge twin Baroque towers soaring over the square, the Cathedral is a majestic
sight, well befitting one of the greatest shrines in Christendom. The entrance, the Pórtico da Gloria, is a gallery of ancient stonemasons artwork all on its own. Through it, the interior is the same as that which met pilgrims in medieval times. Hanging in the centre is the botafumeiro, a giant silver censor, the world’s greatest dispenser of incense which requires eight monks to swing it across the church on important occasions. A lot of incense is required, bearing in mind that the place is full of pilgrims who have been on the road for several weeks! We don’t speak Spanish of course. We find that using simple English with a few appropriate signs, we can get through to even the thickest continentals. When all else fails, we show them the phrase book (making sure that we have the right one as the French books don’t work very well in Spain) and point to the requisite phrase – that usually works. It is no use reading it out to them because most don’t seem able to understand their own language. The road system in Spain is wonderful – mile after mile of almost empty motorways with massive viaducts gliding high across valley after valley and tunnels going through any inconvenient mountains. It’s far too good for the Spanish. Each one is a civil engineering masterpiece, but it is small wonder that Spain’s credit rating has just been reduced. One cannot help wondering how much British taxpayers’ money went into them. Nor can one help wondering what a medieval pilgrim would have made of them!
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Give your garden a last ‘haircut’ and tidy up, and put it to bed for the winter. YOUR GARDEN Richard Theobald
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ovember is the time when one gardening year ends and another begins. Cold snaps can happen without warning so check that vulnerable plants and outdoor pots are well protected from the cold, wet and wind. If you haven’t done so already, give your garden a last ‘haircut’ and tidy up, and put it to bed for the winter. Digging Complete digging empty areas of your vegetable garden before the ground gets any wetter. Add organic matter to build up a good layer of topsoil. Fork over the soil in flower beds. Lawns Try not to let leaves lie on the grass for long. Scarify your lawn to remove moss or dead grass by pulling your wire rake in all directions – up and down, crosswide and
diagonally. If the grass continues growing, keep mowing, but with the blades high. Complete any turfing projects this month. Trees and shrubs This is the start of the bare-root planting season, and the best time to move shrubs or roses that are in the wrong place. Plant immediately and don’t let the roots dry out. Herbaceous plants As you tidy the beds, now is a good time to divide early-flowering herbaceous plants such as primulas, phlox, astranatias and hardy geraniums. After a few years, the centre of the clump can be almost dead, with poor new growth around the edges. Other herbaceous perennials can become congested and stop doing so well. Lift and divide into manageable chunks, discarding the bits with no sign of growth. When replanting, prepare the soil with good compost. Never fold roots. Trim them if necessary. The ‘new’ plants should grow strongly again in the Spring. Dahlias and gladioli Lifted dahlias and gladioli should be dried and then stored in wooden boxes in a frostfree place. Cover them with multi-purpose compost. Bulbs Set tulip bulbs in November, and any remaining crocus or narcissi bulbs.
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Vegetables Continue digging up carrots and parsnips as you need them, and start harvesting leeks and sprouts. Cut down any remaining spinach plants so that they will come up again next year. Spinach is wonderfully resistant and hardy. Plant garlic now for use next June, and pop in some winter lettuce. Net Spring cabbage and brassicas.
Unwanted wildlife Keep on the lookout for snails and mice, and take action if necessary. Pigeons will go for winter brassicas and you may want to keep them netted. The other problem is squirrels. They are becoming quite prolific and they love feasting on bulbs, especially tulips. If you have tulip bulbs in pots or tubs, it’s a good idea to cover them with wire netting. Enjoy your garden! Richard Theobald
ON THE LAND Chris Hollingsworth
I
n the end harvest worked out well for all of us, although August was one of the wettest months of the year and there was the usual panic about harvesting in wet conditions. I know of a number of farmers who harvested their wheat at 25% moisture, incurred huge drying charges only to find after they had finished the weather predictably changed into a long dry spell! Oil Seed Rape produced record yields this year ,the winter Wheat and Winter Barley yields although down a little on average did very well considering how dry it was last summer. No one has any idea what the future weather will bring, some believe the climate is changing and the weather pattern we have had this summer will come around more often. Certainly over
the last 30 years in East Anglia the summers have been wetter than average so perhaps in the future this may change. Certainly on our soil type we need not worry too much if it does. The dry weather has allowed us to completed most of our land work and drill the winter rape and cereals in very good conditions. Assuming we have some more rain soon then we will have established some good high yielding crops for next harvest. I think the big change you will all notice this spring is the amount of Oil seed Rape being grown in the area. So if you suffer from allergies caused by the dreaded yellow flower then avoid West Suffolk this May! In the meantime we are all enjoying this late spell of fine hot weather before winter arrives!
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From field to fork... and glass! with Louise Mackrill & Jeff Fellows Look to France…
“Both my recipes this month are colourful, warming and aroma*c, bringing some comfort to our homes now the nights are drawing in and the temperatures are lowering.” Louise
Pheasant breasts with spiced port & cranberry sauce packs a punch here but you could use red wine or leave it out altogether if you prefer. Serve on a bed of flavoured mash – celeriac works well.
1. Toss the pheasant breasts in seasoned flour and fry in sunflower oil un l browned on both sides. Remove from pan.
Ingredients
T
his month finds the shoo ng season well under way so it really would be remiss of me not to include my favourite pheasant recipe here. This is very easy and will impress family and friends whilst lovely warming spicy aromas wa+ around the kitchen. The port
2. Add the spices to the pan oil s rring for a couple of minutes, adding the onions, cover and cook gently for 15 minutes.
8 pheasant breasts A li"le seasoned flour 3 tbsp sunflower oil ½ teasp ground coriander ½ teasp ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 2lb red onions cut into wedges 1 tablespoon redcurrant jelly 1 jar cranberry sauce 3 tablespoons port 5 fl oz chicken stock salt & ground black pepper
3. S r in the redcurrant jelly, cranberry sauce, port, stock & season. Pour all into a large casserole and place the pheasant breasts on top. 4. Transfer to oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes.
Red cabbage and chestnut chutney
A
ll in season right now, red cabbage, chestnuts and apples cooked slowly with aroma c spices. With Christmas just around the corner this colourful, tangy, sweet chutney adds zing to a wide variety of cold meats or pork pie.
500 g red cabbage, finely sliced 300 g apples, peeled, cored & chopped 250 g chestnuts, cooked, peeled & halved 3 garlic cloves, peeled and diced 1 tsp red chilli powder 1 tsp turmeric 17
As always with game birds we should endeavour to drink the very best wines we can afford. Unfortunately, they keep increasing in price. In the latest edi on of my annual French wine bible there are very few Grand Cru's for sale under €100. As recently as '02 I bought some in Burgundy for €40, and these are nowhere ready for drinking. So we have to look elsewhere for a so+, silky medium bodied red wine to accompany Louise's dish. Right bank Bordeaux wines of St.Emilion or Pomerol, with a large dollop of Merlot would work. Cabernet Franc wines from the Loire would do as well. If Burgundy is your thing then the lowest priced bo2le I have found is Tesco's Pinot Noir at £6.79. But the wine to go for is a Cahors (east of Bordeaux) from Chateau de Gaudou Cuvee Tradi on '08 /'09.This a domaine founded in 1733 and the wine is made from Malbec, Merlot and Tannat grapes. Buy two bo2les for £6.49 each from Majes c, where six bo2les is the minimum. A friend has just returned from Portugal and brought me a bo2le of the local wine he drinks out there, at €1.40/bo2le. In the UK we pay £1.81 bo2le duty. Perhaps we could do with a referendum on wine du es?
Jeff 1 tsp ground cinnamon 250 g brown sugar 400 ml red wine vinegar 1. Bung everything into a large heavy based pan and slowly bring to the boil. 2. Reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour un l thickened, s rring every now and then. 3. Transfer to warm dry sterilized jars and seal with air ght lids. 4. Label and leave a week or so to mature in a cool dark place.
I am convinced that this kind of ministry has a place in our regular pattern of worship
RECTOR’S VIEW Stephen Abbott The Healing Ministry My personal involvement with the healing ministry goes back to my ordination. I would like to hear from people as to whether or not they might appreciate the introduction of a regular healing ministry service into the life of the benefice. The service would take place in the context of the Eucharist and there would be the opportunity, for those who wish it, to receive the laying on of hands and anointing with Holy Oil. In addition there would also be prayers for healing and wholeness, a short address or meditation, and perhaps specially chosen readings. One possibility might be to make this a regular Sunday morning service on fifth Sundays. It is important to understand the nature of Christian healing. It is not an alternative to conventional medicine, but rather works in partnership with it. Christian healing is about being made whole – becoming confident and rounded people, growing in God’s image. It is about resolving inner conflicts and fears; taking away guilt and hardness of heart; and bringing us mature peacefulness and strength to accept God’s will, whatever that may be. The healing ministry is a Sacrament in which we encounter Christ the healer in a personal,
sometimes powerful, way. Sometimes God does choose to restore people physically. More usually He heals us by enabling us to accept ourselves; to trust Him; to restore our relationship with Him and with others; and to help us relax in His presence - both here and hereafter. This kind of ministry is now high on the agenda of the Church of England and features prominently in the Common Worship services material. It is, in short, mainstream worship in the Church of England. I am convinced that this kind of ministry has a place in our regular pattern of worship and will enrich our benefice life and the provision of a fuller Christian ministry here. It is important, however, that people are properly prepared for this ministry and know what to expect and what not to expect. If there is interest in this, I would propose to talk and preach about it further, before it is introduced to the Benefice. Do, please, feel free to talk with me, or ask any questions which you may have, or let me know your thoughts and observations. * November 13th is Remembrance Sunday, when we remember those who lost their lives in war. The scale of suffering and loss of
human life is so great that it is difficult for us to comprehend. We must remember, however, that those numbers are made up of individuals – someone’s father, or husband, or son. We remember them not so as to glorify war but to remember those who gave their all in the cause of peace and in the struggle for a better world, free from discrimination, prejudice and oppression. We honour their memories by continuing to work, in our own day, for a better society. The Benefice joins together for a service at St. Peters Church, Ousden at 10.00am. Then we are invited to gather for the Churches Together united Act of Remembrance at Wickhambrook War Memorial at 12.00 noon. * If you, or someone you know, might be interested in preparing for Confirmation in 2012 please contact me by the end of December. There is no need to make a firm commitment at this stage, but it would be helpful to know who is interested in exploring the possibility. * You can read the latest news around the Benefice and in the wider Church on the Benefice blogspot. Please go to the following: http:// bansfieldbenefice.blogspot.com/ This can also be accessed from the Benefice Website home page : http:// www.bansfieldbenefice.org.uk/ With thanks and every blessing,
Stephen
From the Gospel Hall Denston
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message is of a far greater application, that of “Whoso commiteth sin is the servant of sin” St uring the past weeks, many will have John chapter 8 verse 34 and this is a servitude to being set free from the power of sin and Satan. been surprised to hear of the alleged case The prophecy of the Coming Christ on Isaiah which all men are subject. We are all under that of slavery in our own country. Whilst not in the bondage and no one can break the habits of chapter 61 verse 1 was of One who would same category of former slavery which bought lying, ill temper, dishonesty etc in their own and sold human beings in the same way as cattle, “proclaim liberty to the captive” and when He yet substantially it amounted to the same thing. came some 500 years later His Words were these strength, let alone the power of deeper addictions. These unfortunate and vulnerable people, St John chapter 8 verse 36 “if the Son shall make you free ye shall be free indeed” but He was not We need to be made free from sin’s power in often enslaved by their own addictions, fell under speaking of physical freedom but freedom of the our lives and only Jesus Christ has the power to the control of these unscrupulous people who soul. Most do not recognise that they are in fact set us free from sin’s power and its eternal controlled and manipulated their lives. All rightconsequences. The Lord Jesus’ death on the minded persons will naturally deplore this ‘captives’ like song-birds reared in captivity which do not resent their cages so we are Cross has made possible both our forgiveness exploitation of human weakness for financial gain and feel sad that it should be seen again in unaware that we are, for all that, bound by sins and deliverance from sin’s guilt and bondage. and habits we can in no way overcome. Charles Wesley in his hymn wrote these words: our land. While the patriotic song says “Britons never, never shall be slaves”, yet the fact remains The Bible speaks of men as “being taken He breaks the power of cancelled sin / He sets the captive of the devil at his will”. 2 Timothy prisoner free / His blood can make the foulest clean / that multitudes are in fact slaves to their habits, His blood availed for me. slaves to their sins, for so-called ‘freedom’ if it is chapter 2 verse 36 and the Lord Jesus said Every sincere believer in Jesus can use merely outward has little meaning if GOD SENT HIS SON INTO these words and know that freedom we are slaves to our inner passions and THE WORLD... and peace of conscience before a Holy desires. Come and hear more, each Sunday. God. No longer slaves, but set free One of the recurring themes of the 3.30pm October to April; 6.30pm from guilty fear, this is the liberty Bible is that of giving liberty, of setting May to September. free from bondage and though it was everyone needs and everyone may ‘THE FATHER SENT THE SON to be the an actual physical freedom gained SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD’ 1 John 4 14 have by faith in this wonderful Saviour Jesus Christ. from the slavery of Egypt by the Anyone needing transport ring EWH Israelites in the first place, yet the Edward Honeyball 01440 820300 Gospel Hall, Denston
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Church services in November SUNDAY 6th Third Sunday before Advent - G
St. Nicholas DENSTON
All Saints STANSFIELD
St. Margaret STRADISHALL
All Saints WICKHAMBROOK
St. Margaret COWLINGE
St. Mary LIDGATE
11.00am HC BCP Rector [SL ]
9.30am Matins BCP John Dennis [SD]
11.00am Matins BCP John Dennis [SD ]
9.30am HC CW Rector [DO ]
9.30am Matins BCP Fiona Evans [SL]
9.30am Matins BCP Ann Jones [KI ]
Thursday 10th
St. Peter OUSDEN
10.00am HC
10.00am Benefice HC CW (Order 2) with Act of Remembrance Rector [SL ]
SUNDAY 13th Remembrance Sunday - G
10.45am Matins BCP Fiona Evans [SL ]
SUNDAY 20th Christ the King R
11.00am HC CW Rector [SD]
3.00pm Evensong BCP Rector [EH ]
9.30am Family Service Paul Bevan [DO]
11.00am HC ext BCP Philip Draycott [ ?]
9.30am HC CW Rector [SL]
10.00am HC (St. Barnabas)
Thursday 24th
SUNDAY 27th ADVENT SUNDAY- P
10.00am Benefice HC CW Rector [SD ]
(CW Year B begins)
HC = Holy Communion CW = Common Worship Service Book BCP = Book of Common Prayer SOP = Songs of Praise [Organist's initials]
David F Pettitt (Eng)
WHO’S WHO AT YOUR CHURCH
NEW & USED
RECTOR The Rev’d Stephen Abbott
DENSTON LIDGATE OUSDEN STANSFIELD STRADISHALL WICKHAMBROOK
Mrs Josie Wreathall Vacant Mr Derek Bailey Mrs Rosemary Macaire Mrs Janet Mitson Vacant Mrs Lavinia Robinson Mr James Utting Vacant Vacant Mr Robert Helliwell Mr Robert Clinton Dr Paul Bevan Vacant
01440 783286
OPENING HOURS
01440 821276 01440 820432 01638 500587
8.00am to 5pm MONDAY TO SATURDAY
CALOR GAS STOCKIST - GAS FIRES
01638 500040 01638 500316
Children have fun learning through play at
Happy Days Childcare
01440 820095 01440 820734 01440 821313
1, Lancaster Way, Stradishall. CB8 9YD Open 7.30am to 6pm - flexible hours available
BANSFIELD BENEFICE MINISTRY TEAM READER ELDER
Dr Philip Draycott (Wickhambrook) Dr Paul Bevan (Wickhambrook) Mr John Dennis (Stansfield) Mrs Fiona Evans (Denston) Mrs Ann Jones (Wickhambrook)
SERVICED & SHARPENED
LAWNMOWERS + STRIMMERS CHAINSAWS + HEDGECUTTERS RIDE-ON-TRACTORS
01440 820288
CHURCHWARDENS COWLINGE
Moat Farm Hargrave Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Tel 01284 850409
01440 820328 01440 821313 01284 789275 01440 820172 01440 820403
Breakfast and after school, including transport to and from Wickhambrook School. Child care vouchers accepted
Playgroup sessions: 9.15am to 11.45am & 1pm to 3.30pm Lunchtime:12 to 1pm
Tel: Caroline Priestley on 01440 820027 or e: caroline@suffolkchildcare.co.uk
The Bansfield Benefice web address is www.bansfieldbenefice.org.uk and a contact email address is contact@bansfieldbenefice.org.uk. Or visit the benefice blog at http://bansfieldbenefice.blogspot.com
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Gone for six!
T
hanks to the generosity of supporters, Stansfield CC recently took delivery of another SIX shiny new balls, under the Tesco Schools & Clubs Sports Voucher Scheme. In all, 1220 vouchers were collected. Club Hon Sec/Treasurer Robin Sharp said, “Once again, our supporters have come up trumps by saving their Tesco vouchers for us and now we’re another 6 balls to the good for 2012. It’s a useful and valuable contribution to the Club – the first six of the next season!” Robin (more cricket on p.11)
Ron’s lighting up again...
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he Compasses will be lighting a 30 foot tree at 7pm on Friday 2 December. Ron and Jacque invite you for mulled wine and festive cheer.
Suffolk walks
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he next walk will be on Tuesday 15 November. Stansfield circular walk over gentle valleys and hills. Meet at 11.00am. Park outside The Compasses pub. Post code:
01284 723332
CO10 8LN / Map Ref: TL783517. Walk alongside fields and copses, crossing the River Glem, through the churchyard, past a windmill tower, views over Hawkedon, back along part of the Bury-Clare walk. 3.7 miles, taking 100 minutes. Grade 5. Led by Phil Gryce. For more info on the Suffolk Health walks go to www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk.
people if they have any old white sheets we can use and it would be a great help if people could save their Christmas ribbons for edging.' Delia will be working on the bunting at the newly formed knit and natter group – and if you want to come along and help please join us in the Green Room, Stansfield Village Hall on the first Tuesday of the month from 2pm-4pm.
Jubilee bunting
Village hall success
Stansfield will celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in style next June with festive bunting. It is hoped to feature every home in the village. In recent years Stansfield Fete has hit the headlines with novelty bunting put together by Delia Berridge, using knickers, plastic bags and old CDs. The idea for 2012 is to make bunting depicting all the homes and landmarks in the village by using iron transfers to set photographs onto fabric. The transfer sheets cost 50p - £1.00 each but the parish council has already offered a grant towards the project and is investigating the best price for the transfers. Delia says, 'We want to keep costs down so we are asking
Stansfield Village Hall made more than £3,500 from hall hire fees over the past year - a ten fold increase over the past five years. Since the start of the £100,000 refurbishment, new groups and clubs have started. Current regular users of the hall are the Tuesday morning toddler group, Tuesday evening Zumba class, Thursday evening bridge club and Saturday morning dog training sessions. The hall is also used by Reel Time the new cinema club, the village lunch club, the knit and natter group and reading groups, as well as the cricket club. If you want to join one of these groups you will find the details on the village hall noticeboard and on the website.
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If you would like to start a regular group –we are especially looking for a Pilates teacher – please contact hall chairman – Mary Evans 01284 789546 or Secretary Caroline Fardell 789498.
Breadmaking classes Artisan baker Mark Proctor is running a series of master classes at Stansfield village hall starting on Saturday November 5 with a half day session on baking bread. The course is hands-on with students learning about flour and how to knead and shape bread under the guidance of Mark, who runs the Friendly Loaf stall on Bury St Edmunds market. Students are asked to arrive at 9.45 for a prompt 10 am start and the course will end at 3pm. Places are limited. The fee is only £17.50 a head and includes the flours you will use, tea and coffee throughout the day and a lunch of delicious home made soup – and freshly baked bread! To book your place or find out more please call Mary Evans 01284 789546 amary.evans@btinternet.com To find out more about Mark see www.thefriendlyloaf.co.uk.