Woodbridge Community News - February 2024

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Formerly Andrew Gilmour & Associates

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5 Ancient House Mews, Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DH

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Tel: 01986 874 305 That’s less than 93p+vat per week! should you have any queries regarding have any queries eht should troppusyou oWe t eu hope n07907 itnoyou c lliw will uocontinue y e715 poregarding h eW to support the 223 deliveriesg & in and around Woodbridge and deliveries and around Woodbridge and hcuot ni tein o business d esa elpand dnaplease ssenisu do b get in touch

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should you have any queries regarding week all the same locations. week toto all the same locations.

Did you know you can advertise in our online deliveries in and around Woodbridge and

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Next Issue - March Stay in touch Deadline Date: 14/02/2024 01502 725 837 edit@micropress.co.uk Publication Date: 23/02/2024 www.yourcommunitynews.co.uk

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2 - February 2024 - Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News

Transition Woodbridge

Stephen and the EcoWoodbridge game

EcoWoodbridge Our very own board game!

Another Genie-us Pantomime at Leiston Film Theatre! the Genie of the Lamp (Grace Clutterbuck) who pops up in purple and puts everything right for our heroes.

There were songs and dances aplenty, The Chloe Kinrade School of Dance, providing the colourful chorus dancers and it was lovely to have some live music with talented local musician Tom Horton accompanying the cast.

This is such an enthusiastic group who always put on a lively and popular show for the

local community, something that was highlighted in the interval when the three people in front of us buying refreshments bought tickets for next year!

So, don't miss the ball!

Cinderella for 2025 is already on sale, January 17th to 19th, times and prices vary. Find out more online at: www.leistonfilmtheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01728 830549 Georgy Jamieson www.suffolktheatre.co.uk

E.W. REVETT & SON

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Princess Jasmine (Sky Henson) make a cute couple as the romantic leads and Abanazar (Patrick Norman) is a convincing baddie who get the crowd booing well. In contrast The Genie of the Ring (Noleen Skudder) is a bright and bubbly narrator who got us all to cheer when she came on.

More comedy was provided

by Princess Jasmine's parents the Emperor (Marcus Ward), the Empress (Vici Hadfield) and PC Ping Pong (Mandy Baskett) and completing the cast was

question squares where you can test your knowledge by naming three seasonal vegetables or listing the places in town where you can drop off your used batteries. There are chance squares where you could be sent back or propelled forward through the streets to your dismay or delight.

If this is your thing, why not join us on Saturday afternoons from 2pm-4pm? There's still plenty to do to complete the game. Or, if you would rather just sit back and chill out with hot drinks and cake, enjoying the warm space and the company you are more than welcome.

The finished game will be appearing on our summertime stalls at fetes and events, and it might even find itself in a pub or two along the way. So catch up with us to test your knowledge and have fun!

Next to the Pod in Jetty Lane is the Vintage Litter Museum which is well worth a visit.

Find out more about our game making session by emailing: hello@transitionwoodbridge.org

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D.C. Patrick D.C. D.C.Patrick Patrick

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entertainment with this family panto. Packed with gags old and new this was a colourful, vibrant show, written and directed by the talented Wayne Burns who also led the comedy as Widow Twanky. Wayne is an experienced performer and this showed with his banter with the audience and presence on stage.

Another performer with great comic timing is Lauren Major as Wishee Washee who forms a fun partnership with Widow Twanky.

Aladdin (Toby Young) and

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The evil Abanazar knows of a magical lamp, containing a wish-granting Genie, which will make him the most powerful sorcerer in Pantoland. Laundry boy Aladdin is the only person who knows the cave where the lamp is buried, so when Abanazar tricks Aladdin to find it for him he thinks all his prayers have been answered, but things don't go exactly to plan.

It was lovely to see a full audience at Leiston Film Theatre enjoying a traditional afternoon's

Transition Woodbridge is grateful to the warm welcoming space scheme at the Pod on Jetty Lane. They have allocated Saturday afternoons to us but you can Google them to find the other times they are open in the week.

We are designing and making our very own board game there which is intended to educate people of all ages about matters ecological. It will encourage people to support local businesses who are going some way to improve their carbon footprint and to care about our town. Hopefully, it will also provide hours of fun!

Stephen has produced a small mock-up which shows the route through Woodbridge the game will take.

Throw a dice and proceed through the streets, meeting small businesses and enterprises along the way that can gain you some rewards. Take care not to land on a penalty square where you have been seen dropping litter as you will have to miss a turn whilst you clear up the area. There are

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For the complete A1 home selection service

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Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News - February 2024 - 3

Woodbridge Shufflers success at Suffolk Cross Country Championships January 7th saw 20 Seniors and 12 Juniors compete in the Suffolk Cross Country Championships held at Royal Hospital School, Holbrook.

The conditions were tough, with sleet, rain and a biting wind but the performances were not tainted by the weather.

A brilliant set of results: • Girls U13 3rd: Girls Junior team.

• Male V45 1st: Stu Haynes.

• Male V50 2nd: Tom Stewart.

• Male V65 2nd: Roger Ackerley.

• Female V50 3rd: Aimee McLachlan (pictured).

• Female V60 1st: Ruth Acworth (pictured).

For more information about taking part in other running events or if you want to improve your running, visit: www.woodbridgeshufflers.org

Activities at the Deben Yacht Club do not cease just because the sailing season is over.

The winter months are a time for renovation and renewal thanks to the stalwart efforts of the working party. The new year is also an opportunity to review and refresh. Our Club Captain, Robin Parsons, has put together an exciting programme of waterbased events for 2024 including beginners and improvers training courses, a women's sail training day, a flotilla for tenders and paddleboards, a mini weekend regatta as well as the usual dinghy racing. We hope that there will be something for everyone and now

is a good time to join the club to gain advantage of a full year's subscription. As club members, we enjoy everything the beautiful River Deben has to offer and are increasingly aware of the need also to care for the river. As part of our programme of winter talks, we have invited Professor Peter Hobbs to speak about the river ecosystem and sustainability and regenerative practices on February 15th. The club will also be organising monthly winter walks which will include lunch at a local hostelry.

To find out more about the club's winter activities, please visit: www.debenyachtclub.co.uk

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Deben Yacht Club news

Simply Stunning

Suffolk Wildlife Trust

The World Land Trust

important that we do not compete unfairly by taking on work which local repair businesses can do. For that reason, we don't take in white goods, bikes and lawn mowers.

But thank goodness there are still businesses who make their living from repairing stuff, and they need as much support as they can get. A project we have in hand is to compile a list of as many of them as we can find so that we can support their efforts as well.

Please get in touch if you are able to help us either compile this list or to add entries to the list.

It doesn't matter how you do it, but it's back to the old mantra: repair more, waste less, spend less.

For more information, please visit our website: www. suffolkrepairshed.org or email: hello@suffolkrepairshed.org.

reserves and wildlife corridors www.waveney-windows.co.uk requires considerable resources, and the Trust raises funds, both Call for a free design consultation on here and in those countries, through individual and business donors, to train and employ local B SHOWSITES: Bressingham Garden Centre, Diss • Homebase, Lowestoft Rangers. The Rangers engage with Dobbies Garden Centre, Woodbridge • Head Office, Norwich Road, Halesworth the neighbouring communities, working with schools and villages, involving them in the process.

The aim is for the reserves to To advertise in Community News, call Kasey on 01502 725 801 become self-sufficient, both in growing their own regeneration plants, and by creating jobs, such as eco-tourism, for local people.

The Trust also works towards carbon balancing, by encouraging Blyth Road Industrial Blyth RoadEstate, Industrial Estate, businesses to offset their carbon Halesworth,Halesworth, IP19 8EN IP19 8EN Handmade Fence Panels (metric & im emissions in a meaningful way.

Dan spoke with energy and Manufacturers Manufacturers & Suppliers & Suppliers of Agricultural, of Agricultural, DomesticDomestic and Industrial and Industrial Fencing Fencing dedication, and we all came away Palisade Fencing Drive & Field Gate products to products both thetotrade both andtrade publicand covering Norfolk covering&Domestic Norfolk Suffolk & Suffolk with a deep appreciation of the Manufacturers & the Suppliers of public Agricultural, far-reaching conservation work Homegrown and Industrial Fencing products to both the trade and Pressure Treated Po of the WLT. public covering Norfolk & Suffolk Our next meeting is on Fencing Components: Fe Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Handmade Fence Handmade PanelsFence (metric Panels &Closeboard imperial (metricsizing) & imperial Trellis sizing) Trellis February 8th, at 7:30pm, in Gravel Boards and Rebat Southwold Arts Centre, IP18 IP19 8EN Palisade Fencing PalisadeDrive Fencing & FieldDrive GatesHalesworth, & Field Galvanised Gates Hardware Galvanised Hardware 6JP. Michael Strand will be talking about the Martlesham Wilds Homegrown Pressure Homegrown Treated Pressure PostsTreated and Gate Posts Posts and Gate Handtools Post &Posts Rail Cladd Blyth Road Industrial Estate, Nature Reserve. Admission is Closeboard Fencing Closeboard Components: Fencing Components: Feather Edge, Feather Cant Rails, Edge, Cant Rails, Halesworth, IP19 8ENSleepers & £4, including refreshments. Under C24 Grade Gravel BoardsGravel and Rebated Boards and Capping RebatedTimber Capping 25's free. All are welcome. For more information, please contact Handtools Handtools Post & Rail PostCladding & Rail Cladding Livestock Fencing Livestock Fencing Sheet Material: OSB & Plywood Pa us at: swtblythvalley@gmail.com C24 Grade Timber C24 GradeSleepers Timber & Decking Sleepers &Wire Decking Netting Wire Netting 166527

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Stove refurbishment

Cowl fitting

Smoke tests

Camera inspections

Certificates issued

Please call Ben on 07766 235607 www.thesuffolksweep.co.uk

info@goldstarfencingandgates.co.uk | www.goldstarfencinH

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Small things matter

The January meeting of the Blyth Valley and Southwold branch of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust welcomed Dan Bradbury, from the World Land Trust (WLT).

You may have noticed their office in Halesworth, but their work crosses the globe. Founded in 1989, its aim is to protect land threatened by loss of habitat, by buying areas vulnerable to destruction, 'real acres in real places'.

What made the Trust different then, and does to this day, is that they don't organise the conservation themselves as outsiders, but empower the local people to do so. The work started in Belize, Central America, where loss of tropical forest was becoming rampant. Partner organisations were set up, and the 'Buy an Acre' scheme proved so successful that it's still in use today.

The success of that first operation led to others across the world.

Habitat loss takes many forms, from logging, cattle ranching and agriculture, to mining and illegal poaching. Climate change is another major factor. Managing and protecting the growing

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info@goldstarfencingandgates.co.uk www.goldstarfencingandgates.co.uk 192224

Just this part was needed!

A couple of recent examples where a tiny failure has stopped the whole thing working properly.

The first is a very smart piece of hi-fi equipment where one of the cogs in the CD tray is broken.

In this case, no direct replacement was available so we drew and printed another one. Pennies spent saving hundreds of pounds.

In another case, a component on one of the circuit boards in a synthesizer had failed so rendering the thing unusable.

Because it was all held together with ordinary screws we could get into it to investigate. Even better, the circuit diagrams were available from the manufacturer.

We wish more were like that.

These two examples above would not have been commercially viable. But it's

• Windows • Porches • Conservatories • Cladding • Doors • Guardian Warm Roofs • Roofline • and more!

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Suffolk Repair Shed

4 - February 2024 - Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News

Woodbridge Town Council February's CEEC report On the carbon footprint topic, Woodbridge Town Council (WTC)'s Climate & Ecological Emergency Committee (CEEC) have been exploring for some months options around a creating town-based carbon audit. We have recently engaged a company to perform such an analysis on the town estate. We intend to create a base measure against which to assess our ongoing progress.

With glyphosate, we have taken a different approach, banning it's use for a year to see how we manage without it.

Our "Trees for the Avenue's" project is moving to fruition.

Warwick and Edwin Avenue residents were leafleted and the residents who responded will receive their chosen trees within the next couple of weeks. We, and they, are happy with outcomes from this and we intend to repeat next year. We've yet to decide which area of the town to focus upon so, if you'd like to volunteer your neighbourhood, get in touch?

The WTC ebike hire project, in partnership with 'virtue bikes' yielded a fairly sparse uptake, though there are reports that the mayor and consort were spotted cycling off into the deep countryside in the autumn.

Ebikes are still available from outside the shop. If you feel like taking up the adventure but are challenged by the novelty of using the smartphone booking system, just drop into virtue bikes for a friendly demo.

WTC continues to strive for more growing space. it's so challenging to manage our very limited number of allotments fairly. We know that quality, home grown food will become increasingly important as international supply chains begin to break down and southern hemisphere soils cease to function as an effective growing medium. We will need to learn how to bring genuine soil vitality back to whatever growing land

we can find. We're pressing hard for the levels of local government above us to make more allotment and community garden space available for us.

We are aware that we will need to manage our water supplies better. We have problems with excess run-off at this time of the year, and summers that will become increasingly arid into the future. We have a working party considering water storage options in our parks.

The book "Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as If People Mattered" is a collection of essays published in 1973 by German-born British economist E. F. Schumacher. Our small efforts, and those of all the villages and towns around us, are beautiful not only as a result of their summated outcomes, but also in the community building and neighbourliness they bring about through people working towards the common good.

Apologies if my opening paragraph brought about dismay or helplessness, I guess that's not an uncommon feeling when we allow ourselves to feel it. But neighbourliness is something that we can all contribute to, and I suspect that this will be a very valuable resource as we race towards our uncertain future.

Councillor Martin Wilks, CEEC councillorwilks@ woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

Essential tips for winter car care As winter settles in, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the challenging conditions that colder temperatures, icy roads, and inclement weather bring. Here are some essential tips to help you maintain your car and navigate safely through winter: Check your antifreeze levels: Ensure your vehicle's antifreeze levels are sufficient to prevent the engine coolant from freezing. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is typically recommended to keep the engine running smoothly in cold temperatures.

Inspect your battery: Cold weather can significantly impact your car's battery. Make sure it's in good condition by

checking the terminals for corrosion and ensuring a secure connection. Consider replacing an older battery to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Check your tyres: In our climate, you're unlikely to need to switch to winter tyres.

However, you'll not want to be driving on wet, icy and snowcovered road with tyres that have little tread left. Getting new tyres will provide better grip and can significantly improve your vehicle's performance during adverse weather conditions. Also keep an eye on tyre pressure, cold temperatures can cause a decrease in tyre pressure. Ensure your tyres are properly inflated to maintain optimal traction and

fuel efficiency.

Top-up windscreen washer fluid: Use a winter-grade windscreen washer fluid that won't freeze in colder temperatures. Keep the reservoir topped up to ensure clear visibility during your journeys.

Check lights and indicators: Ensure all lights and indicators are in working order. With shorter days and longer nights, proper visibility is crucial for your safety and the safety of other road users.

Invest in winter wiper blades: Consider replacing your regular wiper blades with winterspecific ones designed to handle snow and ice. These blades can significantly improve visibility during heavy precipitation.

Would you like to receive our activity sheets for pre-school-aged children?

At the moment, we are sending out free activity sheets by email/post on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month during term time, for the children to enjoy doing with their family/ carers, instead of meeting in St Michaels Church Centre, Martlesham Heath.

In January, we heard how three Wise Men followed the star and

visited Mary, Joseph and Jesus in Bethlehem. They gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and then returned to their homes.

If you have or look after a child/children of pre-school age and would like to receive our activity sheets, please give us a call on the telephone number below; we look forward to hearing from you.

Happy New Year to you all from Bright Stars.

If you would like further information, please contact Sonya and Maureen Burrows on: 01473 625196.

Slow down and increase following distance: Winter road conditions can be unpredictable. Reduce your speed and increase the following distance to allow for safe braking, especially on slippery surfaces.

Carry an Emergency Kit: Prepare for the unexpected by keeping an emergency kit in your car. This kit should include essentials such as a blanket, torch, first aid supplies, water and nonperishable snacks.

Plan your journeys: Before setting out, check weather forecasts and road conditions. Plan your routes in advance, allowing for potential delays due to weather-related issues.

Be aware of potholes: Wet and cold weather causes the emergence of the dreaded pothole. There are plenty on our roads and you will be aware of any that are on your regular routes.

Keep an eye on the road as hitting a pothole can cause significant damage to your vehicle.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure your vehicle is well-prepared to handle the challenges of winter. Stay safe on the roads and enjoy a worryfree winter behind the wheel.

Est: 1992

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I'm writing for the February issue on the day that we hear that 2023 was yet another 'hottest year on record', exceeding previous record-breaking years by an unanticipated, record breaking, margin.

We haven't exceeded the 1.5 degrees limit we were warned of, but we've hit 1.48, so won't need to wait until 2030 before beginning to experience what was meant by the tipping points we were warned of if we didn't halt the heating up by then. The annual COP28 public relations exercise has been and gone and mostly forgotten. Hosted this year by the Arab Emirates (in an impossible, fantasy, fossil fuelled, air-conditioned shopping centre straddling sea and desert) it was presided over by a fossil fuel corporation president. The global world stage is not the best place to look for good news. Nor is our disunited kingdom where we are going all out with 150 new licences to exploit our oil and gas reserves for the benefit of...?

No - It's good news within our own community. This home town, and our Deben estuary region. The citizen science project that has insisted, in a collaboration with Suffolk university, that Anglian Water become more accountable for the E. coli levels in the river, is now shifting towards monitoring riverfly populations as a bio-diversity marker for other pollutants.

Just before Christmas, you may have noticed The Deben Climate Centre pop-up in the shop vacated by Specsavers.

It was an impressive display and discussion space offering invaluable information for people intending to reduce their carbon footprint. Watch out for it, it may pop-up again in the thoroughfare, though it is looking for more permanent premises.

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Community News - February 2024 - 5

C J DUNLOP

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6 - February 2024 - Community News

TONY LING

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Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News - February 2024 - 7 203623

8 - February 2024 - Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News

Crafting your perfect Suffolk wedding From venues to local flair... A guide to creating unforgettable moments

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'off the peg' dress or a bespoke made-to-measure option you go for.

All this planning and effort deserves great photography.

Choose a photographer who is familiar with the area and can capture the beauty of your wedding day. Local photographers will also have a wealth of experience and will know the best places to take your wedding photos as they will most likely have worked at the venue or location you choose.

How are you going to get to the church or venue? Many taxi firms have luxury vehicles specifically for weddings or there are lots of specialist companies who provide a range of vehicles to suit your needs or personality.

From classic cars and vintage buses, to horse-drawn carriages and limousines... You really can have whatever you want!

Something that is always a nice touch is to consider choosing local products that reflect the character of the area when

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Planning a wedding in our part of the world can be a wonderful experience. With beautiful countryside, historic towns and villages, and stunning coastal views, Suffolk offers a wealth of picturesque venues and settings for your special day.

One of the first things to consider when planning your wedding is your venue. Whether you're looking for a grand country house, a charming village church, or a beachside location, there are plenty of options to choose from.

When it comes to choosing your wedding suppliers, it's always a good idea to use local suppliers where possible. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you'll also be able to tap into their local knowledge and expertise. For example, if you're looking for a florist, consider choosing one based in the area as they will know the best local blooms and how to create beautiful, seasonal arrangements.

With catering in mind, you will not be short of options here in Suffolk. Work with your caterer to create a menu that is tailored to your tastes and budget. For example, some caterers may specialise in traditional English fare, while others might offer a more contemporary, international menu.

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest decisions with any wedding is choosing your dress.

Make time to visit the local bridal shops, they will all offer something a little bit different and it's important to find the right dress and service whether it is an

looking at favours. For example, you could choose locally-made chocolates, or bottles of local wine as a thank you to your guests.

Last but not least, entertainment! This is a day of celebration and every wedding you have ever been to always ends with dancing! There are a huge array of bands or musicians who can provide a range of styles to suit your tastes. From traditional folk music to contemporary pop, there's something for everyone.

But this is your day and so make sure you pick what you want.

Finally, remember to enjoy the planning process and take it all in. This is a special time in your life, and it's important to make the most of it. Remember that things may not always go according to plan, but as long as you're surrounded by the people you love, your wedding day will be perfect. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to planning a memorable and beautiful wedding!

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Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News - February 2024 - 9

FEBRUARY 23RD MUSIC BINGO! Sizewell Sports & Social Club If you're looking for some post-Christmas fun, then make sure you're part of the Music Bingo event at Sizewell Sports and Social Club on February 23rd. Tickets are only £2.50 in advance (£3.50 on the door) and the event is being held to raise funds for Alde and Blyth Community (ABC) Radio.Limited tickets are now available from the Sizewell Sports and Social Club and online at: www.sizewellclub.co.uk FEBRUARY 24TH SINGING DAY WITH JOHN RUTTER Snape Maltings Concert Hall Singers from far and wide are invited to come and join living legend of the choral world, John Rutter, as he brings his hugely popular Singing Day to Snape Maltings Concert Hall. 10am. Duration: 6 hours. For more information, please visit the Britten Pears Arts website.

MARCH 2ND CRAFT FAIR St. Margaret's Church, Leiston Looking for that special Mother's Day or Easter gift? Then come along to a Craft Fair being held at St. Margaret's Church in Leiston on Saturday 2nd March (10am-2pm). The church will be filled with stalls selling a wide variety of hand-made goods and unique gifts.

There will also be a raffle for church funds and delicious home-made refreshments sold throughout the event. Admission is free and there's plenty of parking. We look forward to seeing you there!

MARCH 2ND CHARITY OPEN DAY Woodbridge Jewellery Workshop To celebrate our 10 year anniversary in Woodbridge Thoroughfare and Rick's 50 years of jewellery making, we're holding a Charity Open Day. As on our two previous Open Days, we have set Rick the challenge of making a piece of jewellery in just one day. He will be making a gold,platinum and diamond necklace, and everyone is invited to come to the workshop to watch Rick work. We will be encouraging as many people as possible to see our progress throughout the day. He will be starting at 9:30am and will have finished by 5pm.

It promises to be an entertaining day - quite a party. Suffolk choir Pop Chorus are performing twice, at 11:30am and 4:20pm and a local musician is providing a musical accompaniment throughout the day. For more information, read more about this on page 14.

MARCH 18TH ALDE VALLEY SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY GROUP 'READING THE ORIGINAL, HINTS FOR DECIPHERING OLD DOCUMENTS' BY JACKIE DEPELLE The Fromus Centre and via Zoom 'Reading the Original' Jackie Depelle imparts to us hints and tips for deciphering old documents. How difficult can it be to read a few lines on a census page or the details on a certificate? The answer is very! Then of course, there are Parish Registers, most recently in English, before we head back into Latin entries. Not forgetting Probate records, Parish Chest documents and Manorial documents that often present such a challenge. Let's take a look at the techniques we can employ, as well as the extensive help and guidance both in print and on online. Turning squiggles into words can be fun - honestly!

Jackie is a specialist family history tutor, guiding and motivating family history research for well over 20 years.

She will be talking to us over Zoom, but the venue remains the Fromus Centre, Saxmundham at 2:30pm on March 18th. Members as usual at £1. Visitors welcome at £3, including tea/coffee and biscuits. No need to book, just turn up. Good, free car-parking.

Paid-up members can also attend over Zoom by following the email sent earlier that day.

Have you got an

upcoming event you’d like to promote?

Advertise it in our Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge papers to reach an estimated 50,000 local people!

Call Kasey on

01502 725801

Banish winter blues with the sparkling U3A programme!

Many people find this the gloomiest time of the year, in every sense. Anyone who has time on their hands, having retired or being semi-retired, would find joining U3A a great way to fill their lives with fun and purpose.

There are more than 2,500 U3A East Suffolk members, people who have joined with a view to getting the most out of life. They are meeting up at lunch clubs, in walking groups, quizzing, practicing foreign languages, discussing arts and sciences and making new friends and memories and each month, there are four speaker meetings at venues in Kesgrave,

Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Saxmundham.

In February, members can hear about aviation at Martlesham, a career in police helicopters, the life of Benjamin Britten and learn about forensic biology.

In March, members can celebrate the lives of notable Suffolk women, find out about haunted pubs and ghosts or about Suffolk estuaries, and listen to a U3A ukulele band.

Full information is available on the U3A website: www.U3Aeastsuffolk.org.uk.

New members are welcome, with the expectation that they will contribute to the success

of the group. Membership is on an annual basis, costs less than £20 for a full year and gives members access to all the organisation's many activities.

For more information about U3A please see the website or call the secretary on 0300 123 3913.

Sunday 18th February

SNOWDROP DAY at Gable House, Redisham, Beccles, NR34 8NE Open for: The National Gardens Scheme 11am-4pm, Admission £5 Soup lunches, tea and cake Snowdrops, aconites crocus, cyclamen

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FEBRUARY 8TH MARTLESHAM WILDS NATURE RESERVE TALK Southwold Arts Centre In the next meeting of the Blyth Valley& Southwold branch of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Michael Strand will be talking about the Martlesham Wilds Nature Reserve. Admission is £4, including refreshments. Under 25's free. All are welcome. For more information, please contact us at: swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

FEBRUARY 18TH SNOWDROP DAY Gable House, Redisham, NR34 8NE Gable House, Redisham is open for The National Gardens Scheme from 11am-4pm on February 18th. Admission is £5 and there will be soup lunches, tea and cake. For more information, please call 01502 575298.

FEBRUARY 19TH ALDE VALLEY SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY GROUP 'FAMILY HISTORY FROM EDUCATION RECORDS' TALK The Fromus Centre and via Zoom Education was provided in the UK initially by the Christian Church, then by private benefactors, public charities, and after that by the government. Schools for boys and girls, and later for adults, were established in many villages and towns. Higher education has been available at universities since the 12th Century. The army and navy provided education for both military and associated civilian personnel and their families. Special schools for the disabled and particular employment sectors, and reformatories for wayward pupils, were opened in the 19th Century.

Dr. Colin Chapman is a life Vice President of the Family History Federation and Vice President of the Society of Genealogists. In the 1970s, in connection with his work on the introduction of early computers into schools, he created the Chapman Codes. These are a consistent shorthand means for genealogists to identify different counties.

In this lecture, Dr. Chapman demonstrates how education records may be used to embellish and extend your family history.

The talk takes place in person at the Fromus Centre, Street Farm Road, Saxmundham, IP17 1AL (behind the Library) and (for members only) on Zoom. The talk starts at 2:30pm. No need to book, just turn up. £1 for members, £3 for visitors, including tea/coffee/biscuits.

There is good, free car-parking.

For more information, please see: avsfhg.org.uk/news/view/135.

FEBRUARY 20TH ALDEBURGH FLOWER CLUB MEETING Aldeburgh Church Hall Our first meeting of the year will be held on February 20th at 2:30pm at Aldeburgh Church Hall with a demonstration by Sheila from Callenders Florist Framlingham entitled 'Spring has Sprung'.

Visitors always welcome for £7. Refreshment available and a raffle to win one of Sheila's designs. We will be running four beginners flower arranging sessions on consecutive Mondays starting on Monday February 26th at 2pm at Aldeburgh Church Hall, £40 for the session. For more details, please email Roger on: roger.woolnough1@ btinternet.com.

FEBRUARY 21ST 'THE SILK ROADS CITIES OF UZBEKISTAN' TALK St. John's Church, Harleston Harleston & District U3A welcomes you to our monthly talk, 'The Silk Roads Cities of Uzbekistan', on February 21st at 2pm in St John's Church, Harleston IP20 9AZ. It will be given by Pat Alker, based on her wide travels in that area, with lots of photos of the stunning architecture, and with reference to the current revival of the concept of linking Europe with the Far East, and (as she says) "with all places in between".

01502 575298

Have you got an

upcoming event you’d like to promote?

Advertise it in our Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge papers to reach an estimated 50,000 local people!

203550

Call Kasey on

169012

01502 725801

203531

10 - February 2024 - Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News

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BecBun & LFW 11 & Hales 19 Community News - February 2024

Alde & Blyth Community (ABC) Radio

News from Leiston & District Philatelic Society Eyes (and ears) down After a successful 2023 followed on April 24th by Kevin for Music Bingo! (culminating in the annual Christmas Social on December 13th, attended by the Chair of Leiston Town Council, Cllr.

Lesley Hill), members are looking forward to an exciting programme of monthly meetings in 2024.

On January 24th, members showed several displays from their own collections covering a wide selection of different countries' philatelic history.

An afternoon meeting is planned for February 28th, when members will be invited to submit up to 10 sheets of stamps on any subject for a members competition.

Reverting to evening meetings, on March 27th, there will be a talk and exhibition of 'Local Posts and New Zealand' given

by Ed Hitchings, and this will be

May, who will talk about 'Suffolk Postal History' and illustrate his talk with examples from his collection.

May 22nd will be the Society's Annual General Meeting followed by a one sheet competition, and the season will conclude on June 26th with a display and talk on 'The stamps and postal history of British Forces in Egypt, 19321951', given by Mick Carter.

Society meetings will recommence in September 2024 after the Summer break. All meetings are held in the Leiston United Church Hall, Leiston High Street.

For further information about the meetings or about the Society, please email the Secretary: andy.soutar@btinternet.com or the Vice Chairman: alanmartin42@btinternet.com

If you're looking for some postChristmas fun, then make sure you're part of the Music Bingo event at Sizewell Sports and Social Club on February 23rd.

Tickets are only £2.50 in advance (£3.50 on the door) and the event is being held to raise funds for Alde and Blyth Community (ABC) Radio, who have recently completed a major refurbishment of their new premises and are now hoping to introduce an outside broadcast service.

Music Bingo is a fun and exciting take on the classic game of Bingo, with songs replacing the numbers on a Bingo card. The host plays music and if you have that song listed on your card, you tick it off. The same rules apply as regular bingo, get a line, call

Bingo!

Bingo cards cost only £1 per game on the night and there are some great prizes to be won.

Limited tickets are now available from the Sizewell Sports and Social Club and online at: www.sizewellclub.co.uk ABC Radio was founded in April 2021, serving the 'coastal corridor' between Orford and Southwold and currently broadcasts every weekend from 4:30pm on a Friday until midnight on a Sunday, with plans to extend into weekday evenings from Easter 2024. You can find ABC Radio online at: www.abcradio. co.uk, via the ABC Radio app and by asking Alexa to "play ABC Radio". The varied programme schedule is available on the station's website.

Thomas Comber Griffith

Members' Stories III: Skeleton in my Cupboard, and DNA Surprises In December, the Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group held the third of our occasional series of Members' Stories events.

Maggie Strutt shared the story of 'A skeleton in her cupboard', and Jane Evans gave us helpful clarification of the usefulness of DNA profiling, using her researches for members Sheila and Peter Bush as an example. 30 members and one visiting nonmember attended in person at the Fromus Centre in Saxmundham, and around 10 members attended over Zoom.

'I found a skeleton in my family cupboard' by Maggie Strutt Maggie started by warning the audience that she was passing on facts that may upset some people, and was making no moral judgment. She then recounted the history of her great-grandfather, Henry Thomas Griffith (pictured above), a Norfolk country parson.

He was the only son, with eight sisters, of Thomas (also a cleric) and Charlotte, who were first cousins. Aged 23 in 1852, Henry was already Curate at St Stephens in Hull. Then in 1856, he and his wife Ann Elizabeth Bryan (daughter of a Hull mariner and his wife, who was (at least, in 1871) a charwoman) moved to Norfolk, where all their eight children were born. The eldest, Thomas Comber Griffith (pictured above) was, according to family records, adopted. The youngest, Charlotte, was to become Maggie's grandmother.

Within a tiny area of Norfolk (Hanworth, Sustead, North

Walsham and Felmingham) Henry progressed over four decades from lowly curate to rector, for 16 years, of Smallburgh, where he died in 1897. He had turned blind for his last few years, the peculiar blindness which results from inbreeding (with three firstcousin marriages in his ancestry, including his own parents) so he learnt the Lesson, Epistle and Gospel by heart, every Saturday, and recited them from memory on Sunday. In the early 1870s, son Thomas and his younger brother Wandy had gone out to Brazil, some years later to be joined by their sisters Emma and Charlotte, where the latter married Arthur Bell in Pernambuco (now called Recife) in 1899. So Maggie's father, his brothers and their cousins were all born in Brazil, which Maggie visited in 2008 for her family researches.

To return to Henry and Ann, family records suggest Maggie's great-grandparents married in 1855, but the marriage certificate is dated May 1856, with Henry aged 27 and Ann 16. However, her birth certificate shows her as only 15, quite legal, as it was only in 1929 that the minimum age of legal marriage in the UK was raised to 16 (from 12 for girls and 14 for boys), but still much younger than Henry. Normally, couples marry in the bride's parish, especially where Henry was also the curate, but they did so in Selby, 40 miles away and then, only two months later, he resigned his curacy in Hull to move, without promotion, to Hanworth. Maggie then discovered that Thomas, the

Can't get to church anymore?

We can help you stay connected For health or mobility reasons, some people struggle to get to church. During winter months, some people find they can't cope with the cold in some of our churches. Other people can't get to church because they are working or caring for a family member.

Blyth Valley Churches offer several ways you can continue to worship with us.

Online worship: Our Sunday morning services and our Wednesday midweek Holy Communion services can be watched online on YouTube: www.youtube. com/@halesworthparish. There

are regular services most days of the week.

• Monday and Sunday evenings at 9:30pm there is a night prayer / Compline on the Blyth Valley Churches Facebook page (blythvalleychurchessuffolk).

• Tuesdays to Saturdays, there is morning and evening prayer from St. Mary's Church, Halesworth in person, or you can join via Zoom.

8am: Morning Prayer Zoom Meeting ID: 883 5778 9092 Passcode: 607673 6pm: Evening Prayer Zoom Meeting ID: 850 0997 6304 Passcode: 825686

Café Church via Zoom: Enjoy friendship and support with our regular online congregation every Tuesday at 10am. The service is simple and reflective. Contact Rev Alison to be added to our contact list: alisonalder@hotmail.co.uk Holy Communion at home and home visits: A member of our Ministry Team or Pastoral Ministry Group can bring Holy Communion or visit someone on a regular basis, for a chat or prayers. Please contact Rev Alison for more details on: 01502 478855 or 07584 416277.

Financial focus on...

Hobbies and "Side-Hustles"

Alde Valley Suffolk Family History Group

Henry Thomas Griffith

Blyth Valley Churches

so-believed "adopted" eldest son, was in fact born to Ann and Henry in September 1856, just four and a half months after their marriage, and on the day after Ann's 16th birthday.

Maggie ended by saying that it's been suggested that maybe Henry exploited or abused Ann, or that they were pressurised by family to get married to avoid scandal, all supposition, we'll never know, but she'd like to think they did so for love, something that didn't always happen in Victorian times.

(We cannot judge the past against the standards, conventions and laws of today.

Also, maybe just one rash act at Christmastime should not mark a person for life, and Henry certainly "did the right thing" by Ann, when he could have paid her off and hidden behind his higher 'rank' or assumed respectability.

Also, they were together many years raising a large family, and respected enough for Henry to gain promotions within his little corner of Norfolk.)

'DNA Surprises'

by Jane Evans Without notes, but with some excellently clear and explanatory visual material, Jane gave a jargon-free exposé of DNA profiling applied to family history research. First of all, she outlined why the technique is used, and why people might want to take a DNA test, including: • You may have hit a brick wall in your family tree.

• Trying to find an unknown ancestor.

• You can use DNA evidence to back up your tree research.

• Ethnicity can provide insight into your ancestral origins.

• You may be able to help others find their family.

You can choose whether to allow your samples to participate in research, including the gathering of statistics, which subsequently helps the service providers estimate how closely related potential relatives might be (such as second, third, fourth cousins, etc). As half of each of the father's and mother's DNA is passed to the child, the genes it receives are similar to cutting from a deck of cards, though some DNA may not be passed down at all.

Peter was expecting Essex and the South-West to feature in his ethnicity results, perhaps some Scottish and maybe a bit of Italian?

Sheila was expecting her ethnicity to be largely based in Essex, and so it proved, but the surprise to her was that there were also traces from "Germanic Europe".

However, 6% of the UK population carries Viking DNA, only a little less than the 10% in Sweden. A useful book on this subject is titled 'The River Kings' by bioarchaeologist Cat Jarman.

The databank of DNA results is ever growing, and Peter already has over 23,000 DNA matches!

The Family History Federation have produced a four-page guide which you can download here: www.familyhistoryfederation. com/resources-dna

To ensure "side hustles" pay income tax correctly, HMRC announced that they are obtaining information from online selling platforms like eBay. This immediately caused a nine-fold increase in online searches for "eBay tax" and similar.

Firstly, let's put things in perspective - the rules have not changed.

If you are an infrequent user of a car boot or an online auction site in order to sell off personal items that you no longer want, you are not trading and have nothing to fear from HMRC. (You should take separate capital gains tax advice if your selling high value items, e.g: paintings or furniture).

Complexities arise where you may have a partially or selffunding hobby. If you purchase a box of figurines purely to obtain one model for your collection before reselling the others, you may be recycling your collection in order to improve it. Instead, if you purchased the job lot knowing the value of the whole but without

knowing the existence of the rarity, then that is a trade.

Anytime you purchase an item (even a single item) to resell somewhere else at a higher price that is a trade.

To simplify having to declare occasional sundry trading activities, HMRC allow you an annual £1,000 trading allowance. The allowance is given automatically. If your turnover is under £1,000, you need not tell HMRC or include it on your Tax Return, although if you do file a Return annually for other reasons, a "white-space note" may be prudent. The trading allowance is also available against more traditional sources of selfemployment.

If your turnover exceeds £1,000, you do have to tell HMRC, although the trading allowance may then be used as an alternative to declaring your actual trading expenses. You can also choose not to claim the trading allowance. The trading allowance cannot be used to create or augment a tax loss.

VAT, however, is a different issue. Whilst the VAT turnover registration threshold is currently £85,000, if you are already VAT registered, you need to charge VAT on any income or goods sold through your "side-hustle" as well, irrespective of claiming the £1,000 allowance.

Hope this helps!

For further information, please contact Robin Beadle (pictured) via email: robin.beadle@ensors. co.uk.

Disclaimer: Specialist advice should always be sought prior to taking any action on matters discussed in this article.

Woodbridge Cruising Club Woodbridge Cruising Club members are looking forward to the start of the sailing season, and are preparing boats for the first cruise.

On-shore activities are continuing apace, with the Burn's Night supper a highlight.

Wednesday suppers are a convivial evening, with delicious home-cooked food and the chance to socialise, and the fortnightly Thursday walks are enjoyed by members and dogs, and finish with a welcome meal at a local pub. The ultimate walk of 2023

was a stroll around Sutton Heath Sandlings and a meal at the Plough, and the New Year's Day walk was a gentle stroll around Woodbridge, and finishing with homemade soup at the clubhouse on a perfect sunny winter's day.

Future Sunday talks include a talk by Felixstowe Coast Patrol.

If you want to brush up on your navigation skills or need the DAC Radio Licence, Woodbridge Cruising Club operates courses open to the general public in spring 2024. The RYA Day Skipper course runs February

weekends, and the DSC radio course is March. It is a legal requirement in order to operate a DSC radio, you need the current course and not the old style VHF. Although the official cruising season is over this year, the club still has a thriving spring social scene. If you have a genuine interest in sailing and the sea, have a look at our programme of maritime related events on our website: www. woodbridgecruisingclub.org.

New members are always welcome.

February 2024 - BecBun & LFW 12 & Hales 20 Community News

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Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News - February 2024 - 13

Places & Faces Magazine

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singer/songwriter Phil Jackson on February 4th at 3pm. After that, on March 17th at 3pm, renowned artist Claudia Myatt will be showing the Southern Ocean Sketchbooks which she created on her epic voyages in 2019 and 2021.

Tickets available on Eventbrite: www.eventbrite. com/o/woodbridge-riversidetrust-67116559063 Book Sale: Our next Massive Book Sale is scheduled for February 9th to 11th in the Longshed. Here you'll find a great variety of fascinating books, many with a maritime/ historical theme.

The Longshed Youth Group: New for 2024, the Riverside Trust is offering a programme of three free workshops for young people aged 12-15, taking place on the following Saturday mornings: February 24th, March 9th and March 23rd. These sessions will be led by Claudia Myatt who will teach participants how to draw the basic elements of Anglo-Saxon knotwork and patterns and use them to create their own colourful designs. The sessions are offered on a firstcome/first-served basis (and will include one adult to accompany each teenager). To register for all three, please email: admin@ woodbridgeriversidetrust.org.

Further Youth Group activities will take place later in the year.

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a pre-booked tour. Here, you'll see some rather special varieties including Galanthus nivalis 'Anglesey Abbey' which is a snowdrop that was discovered at and named after Anglesey Abbey. Its green v-shape mark on the tips of the inner petals are what gives this single snowdrop its recognisable features and it often flowers around the middle of January. Tours are free, but a £5 donation would be gratefully received, which will go towards the care of the gardens at Anglesey Abbey. Normal admission to Anglesey Abbey applies.

Wimpole Estate Cambridgeshire Wimpole boasts a large collection of snowdrops too, along with aconites throughout the Pleasure Grounds. Why not brighten up a winter's day with a walk to see them? Normal admission applies.

Ickworth Estate Suffolk Snowdrop Walk, February 9th and 16th. Take a crisp winter walk through Ickworth to discover carpets of snowdrops along Geraldine's walk, as well as The Albana Walk and Trim Trail.

There are two main varieties that you can see at Ickworth Estate: Galanthus nivalis, which is the most common of all the snowdrops, flowering from lateJanuary and growing to around 7cm to 15cm tall. Galanthus elwesii is larger than the nivalis and flowers slightly later, these snowdrops originate from Turkey and grow to around 20cm to 25cm tall. The pretty white flowers are complemented by the golden glow of aconites scattered throughout. Join the Head Gardener for a guided walk to find out more about Ickworth's snowdrop collection. Pre-booking recommended. Guided tour is £7.

Normal admission applies.

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£5. Normal admission applies.

Blickling Estate Norfolk The parkland at Blickling looks different in winter, with striking shapes and silhouettes creating magical landscapes in every direction. Enjoy a wander around the Dell and in our magical winter garden, tucked away behind the Orangery, as the snowdrops, hellebores and early daffodils begin to appear.

Once you've finished exploring, warm up with a steaming cup of coffee, a hot chocolate, or a bowl of soup at one of our cafés.

Normal admission applies for entry into the House and Garden.

Peckover House & Garden Cambridgeshire Throughout February and into early March, Peckover House will be opening the garden gates earlier this year, so more people can enjoy their beautiful snowdrop display. Come along, take in the sights and smells of the garden in winter and enjoy a sneak peek at the first signs of the changing season ahead.

Open at weekends from February 3rd. Entry to the gardens at Peckover is free.

Anglesey Abbey Cambridgeshire Pre-book The Specialist Collection Tours, Monday to Friday, and every Sunday from January 29th to February 29th.

Anglesey Abbey has one of the finest snowdrop collections in the country, with 400 varieties of these delicate white flowers, many of which are rare. Take in their beauty amongst a collection of classical statues and wander through the Winter Garden, also in its prime at this time of year. You can also enjoy a closer look at the specialist snowdrop collection, when you join one of the National Trust's knowledgeable garden team on

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Beautiful drifts of white snowdrops are one of the great pleasures of visiting National Trust gardens at the end of winter. Despite the cold, snowdrops can be found thriving in pastures, woods, gardens and orchards across the UK in January and February. Their white petals and green leaves brighten the winter months and signal warmer weather is on the horizon.

But how much do you know about these dainty little flowers? There are more than 2,500 varieties of snowdrop and its Greek name 'Galanthus', translates as the 'milk flower'.

They first became fashionable in the Victorian era, but no one knows for sure when they were first introduced to the UK. They're also incredibly clever, as they contain a natural antifreeze.

When temperatures reach 10ᵒC and above, the outer petals open-up revealing the nectar inside.

When the temperature drops, the petals close. This is perfect for bumblebees, which come out of hibernation when the temperature rises above 10ᵒC and rely on these early flowers as a vital nectar source.

Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a snowdrop walk: Oxburgh Estate Norfolk Snowdrop Guided Tours, Gardener led: Every Sunday and Monday in February. Late winter and early spring at Oxburgh Estate is a natural wonder. Thousands of snowdrops and winter aconites put on a memorable display each year in the Wilderness, My Lady's Wood and on the North Terrace.

The plants are allowed to selfseed, creating a beautiful, natural scene. To find out more about Oxburgh's snowdrop collection, book your place on a snowdrop tour with a National Trust gardener. Suggested donation of

to overload the pan. Patience is key here, setting the beef to one side on a plate when ready.

- In the same pan, add the onions and celery. Cook until the onions are beginning to soften and then add the leeks.

- Cook for a further 5 minutes and then pour in the whisky. Give the mixture a good stir and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

- Next add the browned beef, swede, carrots, potatoes, thyme sprigs and bay leaves, stir together and then pour over the beef stock, season well and simmer for 1 hour with the lid on.

- Check the vegetables to see if they are cooked and continue to cook uncovered if you want to reduce the liquid further and make a thicker sauce.

- When ready, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves and serve hot.

117567 09123864

Celebrate snowdrop season with the National Trust

As featured in Places & Faces Magazine. To subscribe to Places&Faces (THE luxury lifestyle magazine for Norfolk & Suffolk) delivered straight to your door, visit their website: www.placesandfaces.co.uk Ingredients: • 2 leeks, sliced.

• 1 onion sliced.

• 1 celery stick, sliced.

• 500g diced braising beef.

• 1 litre beef stock.

• 500g swede, peeled and cut into chunky dice.

• 300g potatoes, diced.

• 2 carrots.

• 3 thyme sprigs.

• 2 bay leaves.

• 60ml whisky.

Method: - Heat a little oil in a sturdy pan with a lid.

- Add the beef in batches to brown and seal the meat. Be careful not

A big thank you to all who participated, organised and helped to fund, the great Yuletide Event which Woodbridge Riverside Trust held in late December.

Celebrations began with Santa and his deputies rowing up the river to moor at Town Quay. Sae Wylfing led the way accompanied by the two St. Ayles skiffs from Woodbridge Coastal Rowing Club. There were then a huge number of activities for families to enjoy among the beautiful Christmas trees and lights on Whisstock's Place. The Gallery in the Longshed held demonstrations of traditional crafts while a range of performers delighted the crowds outside where food and drink were enjoyed by many.

Special thanks are due to all individuals and organisations who generously gave funding and sponsorship for the event and all of those who opened their premises for the occasion plus the people who offered their services free, including the behind-the-scenes helpers.

Looking forward: After opening over Christmas and New Year, the Riverside Trust had a break from January 3rd to 13th, for interior decorating to take place, re-opening on January 14th with a talk from Chris Turland on Canal Boats and Canal Art. Our next talk will on Creative Song Writing by well-known

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The National Trust

14 - February 2024 - Leiston, Framlingham & Woodbridge Community News

0th Ha p p y 1 ! sary Anniver

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many people as possible to see our progress throughout the day. He will be starting at 9:30am and will have finished by 5pm. It promises to be an entertaining day, quite a party. Suffolk choir Pop Chorus are performing twice, at 11:30am and 4:20pm and a local musician is providing a musical accompaniment throughout the day.

As well as creating a beautiful necklace, we are hoping to raise £2,000 for charity. For just a £10 donation, you can enter the draw to win the necklace. You can enter as many times as you like, each £10 donation will count as one entry. Go to our fundraising page by scanning the QR code here with

Focus on... Melton

Just outside Woodbridge, Melton is a small village situated on the River Deben and known for its picturesque views and rich history. The village is home to a variety of historic buildings and landmarks, including the 14th century St. Andrew's Church and the 18th century Melton Hall.

Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions is the River Deben, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The Deben is also home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, kingfishers, and herons. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the river with a picnic and pair of binoculars and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Melton is also home to a number of local businesses and shops with something for everyone. But, if you are looking for something a little

more active you can explore the local countryside by taking a hike or bike ride through the nearby woods and fields. The village is also known for its strong sense of community, with regular events and activities taking place throughout the year. These include a village fete and the ever popular Melton Car Boot.

For those looking to explore further afield, Melton is a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with the nearby towns of Woodbridge and Aldeburgh both offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. If you are looking for a bit more hustle and bustle then the bright lights of Ipswich are just down the road. Additionally, the nearby coast is perfect for beachcombing, windsurfing, sailing and stretching your legs with your furry friend!

Sunset along the bank of the River Deben with Melton Boatyard in the background

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your phone or visiting: giving. fightbladdercancer.co.uk/pf/ woodbridgejewelleryworkshop, alternatively, you can donate in person in the workshop.

For every £10 donation, you'll be allocated one ticket for the draw. At 5pm, the draw will take place and we will contact the lucky winner. All money raised will go to Fight Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer affects over 20,000 people each year, but has only had it's own dedicated charity since 2014. Rick and Maggie turned to them for help and advice after Maggie's shock diagnosis five years ago.

The necklace will be valued over £1,000 but could be yours for just £10. It will be totally unique, completely handmade and has been designed by Maggie exclusively for the occasion.

So come and celebrate with us - and help raise vital funds for charity.

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This March we shall be celebrating 10 successful years in The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge.

A greater achievement than that though...

It will be 50 years since Rick started making beautiful pieces of jewellery at Asprey in Bond Street.

To celebrate, we're holding a Charity Open Day on Saturday 2nd March. As on our two previous Open Days, we have set Rick the challenge of making a piece of jewellery in just one day. He will be making a gold, platinum and diamond necklace, and everyone is invited to come to the workshop to watch Rick work. We will be encouraging as

manager@burnessparishrooms.org 38 The Street, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PW

Woodbridge Community News - February 2024 - 15 203361

Deben Flower Club The next meeting will be held on February 13th at 7:30pm in the Church Hall, Church Lane, Kirton, IP10 0PU. The evening will take the form of a demonstration by club members. This will be an informal event with members and visitors having the opportunity to ask questions of those producing the arrangements. Tea and coffee will be available and there will also be a raffle of the flower arrangements and sale of unwanted Christmas gifts.

Visitors are always assured of a warm welcome. Please phone 07910 463158 or email: wa@ sandlings.co.uk if you'd like

further information. Visitors: £6.

February flower arranging tip: Now is the season for arranging spring flowers. Most spring flowers (Snowdrops, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Tulips etc) are not happy arranged in floral foam, so now is the time to practice using other forms of support for your flowers, pin holders, bare twigs, or flower tape firmly attached to the top of your container should give these delicate flowers all the support they need. Keep the water clean and your flowers will last longer than those arranged in floral foam.

Update from Woodbridge Camera Club A good pollinator plant for February flowering is Pussy Willow (Salix Caprea)

Preparing your garden for spring February can be one of the coldest months of the year, even though it is full of the promise of spring with shoots of bulbs pushing through and song birds being heard.

There's still plenty to do in the garden now in preparations for the months ahead. Winter maintenance continues and there is gentle pruning and cutting back of shrubs and hedges to do. Make sure when cutting back that you don't disturb wildlife that will still be hibernating.

If you want to know what to do with your pruning trimmings, then one simple solution is to create a 'twiggery'... A twiggery is a habitat tucked away in a quiet spot at the end of the garden or allotment or under a hedge. Cut prunings into lengths of one to two metres and make a low pile in a shady place.

Small mammals will use this and hedgehogs may even nest there.

Birds that don't mind nesting close to the ground such as Blackbirds and Dunnocks may also use it as a nest site.

You can also think about giving a bird a home during National Nest Box Week, which runs from February 14th to 21st, by simply putting up a bird nest box in your garden. As our gardens and parklands become tidier, natural nest sites are rapidly disappearing.

Caring for our feathered friends by feeding, providing water and putting up nest boxes, to give them a safe space to raise chicks, has never been more important. You can find out where to put up a nest box and which kind to put up at: www.nestboxweek.com.

Attracting insects into your garden for birds and to pollinate plants is also important. A good pollinator plant for February flowering is Pussy Willow (Salix Caprea). This native deciduous

tree prefers deep soils that don't dry out and has broader leaves than most willows. In late winter, it produces furry catkins that not only contain nectar but also accessible pollen that turns the male catkins from silvery-grey to bright yellow and attracts big queen bumblebees and several species of solitary bees.

In addition to stocking your garden with wildlife friendly plants, other top jobs for gardeners this month include: • Prepare vegetable seed beds, and sow some vegetables under cover. Knowing which vegetables to sow where, when and how means you can maintain constant supplies throughout the season.

• Chit potato tubers. It's important with earlies, and a good idea with maincrops, to 'chit' the seed potatoes before planting. This means allowing them to start

sprouting shoots.

• Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches. Most top fruit and soft fruit are very hardy but once they start growing in spring, flowers and buds are especially vulnerable to frost and may need protection to crop well.

Here's what the experts say: "This month there are signs of the approaching spring, with bulbs appearing and wildlife waking up as light levels and temperatures increase. There's plenty to do indoors this month to prepare for the season ahead. Outdoors, as the garden comes to life again, it's time to prune shrubs and climbers, such as Wisteria as well as evergreen hedges."

- RHS "February can be a very mixed month weather-wise, from sunshine warm enough to take your coat off, to snow or heavy freezing rain. On good

days, take time to get out in to the garden to work and look around.

If the ground isn't too frozen or waterlogged, you can dig the soil over, or turn any compost that you have. Tidy up any debris on beds and the lawn, if it isn't too wet or frozen to walk on. Get organised and start sourcing the seeds and compost that you are going to need for the coming months."

- Sarah Raven "The shortest month of the year, February marks the final month of the winter season and heralds the dawning of spring. It can also start to feel noticeably lighter each day which is always a boost after shorter daylight hours. This extra light makes heading for walks to spot wildlife such as beautiful waxwing birds or common spawning frogs a little easier, as nature stirs after its winter hibernation."

- BBC Countryfile

The Club Christmas meal at The Red Lion, Woodbridge was excellent, although seating was a little snug, we all had a great time.

Our first meeting of the new year was as guests to East Ipswich Camera Club's Zoom meeting.

An illustrated talk by Peter Benson titled 'Photography on the Darkside, London Nights'.

We experienced great images of our capital at night. We now look forward to our own meeting for 2024.

In February, we have a Zoom

presentation by Kevin Pigney titled 'How to improve your digital photography'. Our meeting in the Quay Church Hall on February 20th is a print competition titled 'My family and other animals'.

We are expecting a good entry of family portraits and pets.

March brings a talk to the Quay by local photographers Barbie and Russel Lindsay titled 'The Exhibitionists'. Their creative work is second to none.

Lots of good things coming up this year, full details on: www. woodbridgecameraclub.co.uk

Martlesham Brass

Making music fun in East Anglia Martlesham Brass would like to thank all those who contributed to our carolling collections over the Christmas period. In total we raised almost £500, which will be shared amongst our nominated charities, which this year were: British Heart Foundation, Parkinson's, Ipswich & East Suffolk Branch & Brave Futures (Fresh Start - New Beginnings).

Our main band will be performing in a concert of Film Music on February 10th

at 7pm in St. Michael's Church Centre, Martlesham Heath.

Tickets cost £5 each (primaryschool-aged children free), and can be purchased by calling 07544 962205, visiting: www. martleshambrass.co.uk or on the door.

If you'd like to learn to play a brass instrument, or if you already play and would be interested in joining us, please email: join@martleshambrass. co.uk. We currently have spaces available in our beginners band.

News from Deben Rotary December was, once again, a busy month for the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Deben.

The festive season began early for us when, on November 30th, Santa's sleigh was in the Thoroughfare as part of the switching on of the Christmas lights event.

On December 7th, we held our Carol Concert at Woodbridge School. This was the first time for four years that, due to the pandemic, the concert has taken place. Over 90 people enjoyed the traditional mix of carols and

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readings with the Martlesham Brass Band and Woodbridge School Choir on their usual fine form.

On December 8th, Santa's sleigh was out on the first of it's rounds as well as being in the Thoroughfare on Saturday 9th. In total, the sleigh raised in excess of £1,700, which will enable the club to continue to support our usual mix of local, national and international charities. Our thanks go to the people of Woodbridge and Martlesham for their generous support in these difficult times.

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