The Village Edition, June 2023

Babergh Chairman presents £12,000 to Ipswich Blossom Appeal

During her term as Chairman, Cllr Grandon hosted a Charity Ball at the Royal Hospital School welcoming almost 200 guests and collected donations for her chosen charity through the Chairman’s ‘JustGiving’ page. These fundraising activities were well supported by residents across the district and Cllr Grandon presented a cheque for the value of £12,408 to The Blossom Appeal. The Blossom Appeal is a fundraising initiative led by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity to create a multi-million pound Breast Care Centre supporting patients and their families, providing a welcoming, modern and tranquil environment during a very difficult and often traumatic period.

Cllr Kathryn Grandon said: “I chose The Blossom Appeal in part to say thank you for the amazing work that the NHS does, but also to raise awareness of the incredible service Ipswich Hospital Breast Care Team offer to families across the county. I have first-hand experience of the fantastic care, kindness and expertise offered. They have been and are a real source of support, not just to the women and men facing breast cancer but their loved ones too”.

Sandra Gosney, Community Fundraising Manager for East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust said: “We were thrilled to be selected as the chosen charity for the Babergh District Council Chairman last year, our thanks to the Chairman and her supporters for this generous donation.”

For information, visit www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/appeal/blossom-appeal

The Gareth Meredith Memorial Walk

Alan and Beryl Meredith invite you to join them on the Gareth Meredith Memorial Walk on Sunday 16th July in memory of their late son who loved walking. The 5½ mile walk will start at Boxford Health Centre and end at its counterpart in Hadleigh. There is no signing up or joining fee but it is hoped that walkers will make a donation to the Hadleigh and Boxford Health Centre Charitable Trust instead. The collection is to show the family’s appreciation for the care and support the Practice gave Gareth during his many years of ill health. It is important to emphasise that this is not a competitive event but rather an opportunity to remember Gareth and or just enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the beautiful countryside between Boxford and Hadleigh. Families and well behaved dogs (on the lead) are most welcome. The route will be clearly marked. Walkers will be expected to make their own way to the Boxford Health Centre where parking is limited. Participants walk at their own risk and will be expected to respect the countryside along the way. Comfort facilities will be available at the Hadleigh Health Centre.

If you have any queries about the walk please contact Alan Meredith 01473 822 433 or alan.k.meredith@btinternet.com

The Suffolk Stitchers

We are a new group that meets every third Thursday 7.30 at Monks Eleigh Village Hall. We welcome both new and experienced stitchers and aim to promote the practice and study of patchwork, quilting and textile arts in Suffolk. We have a varied and exciting program of speakers over the next few months. In March we will welcome Pascale Michalski who makes contemporary quilts. Her quilts are painted on silk and beautifully quilted. She was awarded Edcellence in Machine Quilting at the Festival of Quilts. All welcome.

Contact Sue Sayer (Secretary) thesuffolkstitchers@gmail.com

Hadleigh Library News

17100 Community News Magazines are delivered to homes during the first week of each month in Lavenham, Kersey, Bildeston, Chelsworth, Boxford, Milden, Edwardstone, Groton, Whatfield, Monks Eleigh, Brent Eleigh, Elmsett, Hintlesham, Polstead, Newton Green, Raydon, Hitcham and other outlets in these areas.

We warmly welcome all your contributions of articles, letters, sports reports, events and photographs, just email or send to the address below and it will appear in the next issue.

Deadline for copy is the 18th of each and every month

Editor: Kelvin Avis 01473 823366 kelvin@keithavis.co.uk

To place an advert: Matt Barber 01473 823366 Mobile: 07799 313838 matt@keithavis.co.uk

On Saturday 22nd April, The Friends of Hadleigh Library held a very successful plant sale and despite an uncertain forecast, the weather was kind! We would like to thank everyone involved in organising the morning, those who donated plants and everyone who came along and supported the event so generously. New to the library is our jigsaw swap – pop in to borrow a jigsaw or swap for one you have already completed. Donations to the swap are also welcome. Do you like to Knit, or would you like to learn? Would you like to get together with others to form a community-led, friendly Knit and Natter group in the library? If you are interested, please pop in to fill in a form and speak to a member of staff for more details.

Our Summer Reading Challenge is fast approaching, and we need you! The Summer Reading Challenge is an annual promotion organised by The Reading Agency that takes place across the UK where children are challenged to read six books over the Summer. Volunteering is a vital part of the campaign as volunteers are needed to help sign up children in libraries, explain how the reading challenge works, spend time talking to them about the books they have read and handing out rewards and incentives at the end of the challenge. We are ideally looking for a commitment of 2-8 hours per week for up to 6 weeks over the summer holidays.

The deadline for this year's Summer Reading Challenge volunteer applications is Friday 16 June. For more information and to apply to volunteer please go to https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/about/jobsvolunteering/volunteer/summer-reading-challenge-volunteer

Hadleigh and Boxford Patient Participation Group (PPG)

To date over 1550, clinically vulnerable patients, 75 plussers and care home residents have received their Covid booster jabs. As ever, volunteers did sterling work in the car parks to prevent any mishaps and offer assistance to anyone who needed it. Sincere thanks to them for their time and patience during the two Saturday clinics in April and May.

Due to the Health Centre’s essential renovation work which should be completed soon, there is unavoidable disruption in the Practice car park. Apologies for any inconvenience incurred. In the meantime, please bear this in mind when coming for an appointment and, if possible, park elsewhere. If you do park in the Toppesfield Hall ‘public’ car park for a Doctor’s appointment or speedy visit to the Pharmacy remember you still need to display a parking ticket.

Plans are progressing for the installation of a mini art exhibition in the main waiting area. Work of senior High School students will be on display for all to see.

If you enjoy the great outdoors why not join a very special walking group at 10am on Sunday 16th July? This leisurely ramble is in memory of the late Gareth Meredith who loved walking. It will start at the Boxford Practice and, clear signage, will take walkers cross country for 5½ miles to their final destination; the Hadleigh Practice.Families and pets are most welcome but you do walk at your own risk. You will also be responsible for your own transport arrangements. Parking at the start is very limited. No fee to join the walk but a voluntary donation will be possible. All money collected will be used to buy an infrared vein finder for use in the newly created Phlebotomy Room within the Practice.

Finally, a big thank you to the dedicated team at the Practice who gave up their Saturdays to man the vac clinics so that those eligible could receive their booster locally and not have to travel miles to an unknown, unfamiliar centre.

PPG Chair: Jan Devey 01473 827 091 deveys@btinternet.com

www.hadleighhealth.co.uk

www.facebook.com/Hadleigh-Boxford-Group-Practice102959274690621/

www.hadleighhealth.co.uk/the-nhs-app

Lavenham Carpet Bowls Club

Hopefully everyone who watched the Coronation of King Charles the Third enjoyed the spectacle, one many of us may never see again. At the Carpet Bowls Club we had a pre Coronation Celebration Tea Break. Two of our members, baked cakes and we had strawberries and raspberries and cream, instead of our usual tea/coffee and biscuits. Unfortunately all the cake was eaten before I could take the accompanying picture! I cannot promise you cake every week, or strawberries and cream, but a warm welcome awaits you at our sessions at Lavenham Village Hall, 2pm on Wednesdays and 7pm on Thursday. First two sessions are free to try out Carpet Bowls, and of course our tea breaks.

Look forward to seeing you there, Marilyn Beatham – Club Secretary

THORR DOORS

Moving home in 2023? What’s the risk of your transaction falling through?

It is probably more likely than you think but your choice of conveyancer can make all the difference.

Give yourself the best chance of a successful completion on your home purchase or sale by working in partnership with Holmes & Hills Solicitors. Benefit from our successful completion rate that is 22% higher than the national average reported by Rightmove1

What number of property transactions fall-through? Rightmove report that, on average across the country, approximately 30% of property transactions fall-through2. It is a much higher percentage than most buyers and sellers expect it to be.

Reduce the risk of your transaction falling-through Those using Holmes & Hills Solicitors' conveyancing services benefit from a 22% higher successful completion rate compared to the national average. This means your transaction has an increased chance of successfully completing when Holmes & Hills is advising and representing you in your property transaction.

Why do property transactions fall-through? Your transaction might fallthrough for a number of reasons, including your buyer finding another property; a surveyor identifying issues with the property; or a buyer’s solicitor identifying issues surrounding matters such as rights of way, covenants, lease terms, easements, overage, options or boundary issues.

Why is Holmes & Hills’ successful completion rate 22% higher? Holmes & Hills has a large team of 22 property lawyers dealing with second-hand, new-build and shared ownership property across the country. The size of the team means there is unlikely to be an issue the team hasn’t seen and resolved before. Proactively identifying and resolving problems means we can keep your transaction on course, reducing the risk of your property transaction falling through and securing you a successful completion.

Benefit from fixed fee packages As well as an increased chance of your transaction successfully completing, Holmes & Hills provides fixed-fee residential conveyancing quotes with no hidden charges. When you obtain conveyancing quotations from other law firms you may find charges for completing Stamp Duty Land Tax forms, dealing with lenders and leasehold fees. With Holmes & Hills, these items are included within our legal fee. We give you a simple, transparent, fixed-fee quotation.

Partner with Holmes & Hills to secure your transaction By working in partnership with our clients, local estate agents, mortgage brokers, and financial advisors, Holmes & Hills' residential property lawyers will ensure a smooth transaction, whilst protecting your legal interests.

Call Holmes & Hills Solicitors on 01787 275275 and ask to speak to Paige Hornabrook or email advice@holmes-hills.co.uk.

1Holmes & Hills' successful completion rate is calculated using sample data for 526 residential property transactions started between July 2022 to September 2022 and is compared to the national average successful completion rate of 70.3% (provided by Rightmove, 13/02/2023).

2Rightmove data supplied on 13/02/2023.

Elmsett and Aldham Eco Group

Elmsett and Aldham Eco Group will be running the refreshments at the Elmsett Community Indoor Market on Saturday June 10th. We are a community run group that has been running for the last 2 years with the aim of helping our community to be conscious supporters of the environment and biodiversity and to encourage ways that we can live more sustainably. To date we have held and run community events; talks promoting Bees and Gardening for Wildlife, Big Green Week Community walks, making bird fat balls and a Nature based Easter Egg hunt. We have also been working hard to secure sites for Rewilding around the village, working alongside the Parish and District council to do so in order to support the native wildlife we have within our Village. Our Aim: Sustainable Living, Supporting Biodiversity, Reducing our Impact.

Anyone fancy a lazy morning with a delicious breakfast?!

Whatever the time of year, who doesn’t enjoy having a lazy morning indulging in a scrumptious cooked breakfast! At our lovely tea room, Corn Craft, in Monks Eleigh, we have been cooking breakfasts for many years now. We have lots of fabulous comments on our food, and our breakfasts are enjoyed by many of our regular customers.

Everything is cooked fresh to order and we offer the traditional Full English, a Veggie Full English, Eggs Benedict, or Eggs Royale (my personal favourite!) plus pretty much anything on toast. We serve our breakfasts between 9.30am and 11am Tuesday to Sunday, and as a special offer for Hadleigh Community News readers, we are offering 20% off your total breakfast bill, including drinks, for the first ten bookings who mention this article. So, grab your diary and make a date to come and visit us for a lazy morning and a delicious, cooked breakfast!

Corn Craft Gift Shop & Tea Room, Monks Eleigh, IP7 7AY Tel: 01449 740456 www.corncraftgiftshop.com

Afternoon Teas

Come and join us at St. Mary’s Church, Raydon

Sunday 4th June, 3 –5 pm in aid of Church Fabric Fund

News from Lavenham Library

Half Term Event – Creative Interactive Workshop

On June 1st we had a visit from a professional musician and digital children’s book illustrator who presented a fun interactive workshop for children. They were able to discover how to write music for storybooks using a piano and learnt how to develop characters and illustrations using digital software. The library is fortunate to be able to offer these opportunities due to the fundraising endeavours of our very supportive Friends of Lavenham Library group.

Other regular events and activities:

Join us every Saturday 11am – 12pm for Lego club. A drop-in session for children of all ages.

Bring your tots and join us in the library for a fun session of active songs and rhymes for under 5s held every Thursday from 2pm-3pm during term time. The session involves 30 minutes of singing activities followed by half an hour of ‘Stay and Play’ where refreshments and chat can be enjoyed.

Top Time is our inclusive and sociable drop-in group for all adults. We hold fortnightly Tuesday meetings from 2.30-4.00pm. We provide a wide range of events and activities with a small donation for refreshments. Recent events have included: a talk on fostering and caring for hedgehogs; a film presentation on Suffolk Past 1913-1960; a talk and presentation on garden birds and a talk on the magical protection of buildings.

Contact Details

Lavenham Library, Lavenham Village Hall, Church St, Lavenham

Tel No: 01787 247729 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk

Email: lavenham.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

Hadleigh Women’s Institute

Sarah Thompson's talk in May did not disappoint - it was truly inspirational to hear the background to her writing the book about that fantastically brave delightful little boy Tony Hudgell who, to date since the age of 5 years (now 8 years old), has raised well over £1,000,000 for the hospital that has cared for him since he had both legs amputated when a baby due to unspeakable cruelty. Sarah still has some copies of the book and good quality cards. This month we look forward to welcoming Jo Hull from Benton End Flower Farm. Our AGM followed Sarah's talk which reflected a successful and busy year with an increase in membership. In recognition of her having been a founder member of our WI group we were pleased to announce that Joan Rudman has been granted Honorary Membership. She was accompanied by her son Jeff and daughter, the latter having also been a member in years past when she lived in Hadleigh.

In May the Lunch Bunch enjoyed meeting up at the Brewers Arms, the Bookworms read Keeper of Lost Things and will next be reading Dame Sheila Hancock's autobiography, and the Amblers had a great few hours in Arger Fen followed by refreshments at Assington's Country Kitchen. The three groups are getting together for a day out in Huntingfield to include a walk, lunch and talk in the parish church (last year Bookworms read The Huntingfield Paintress).

Did you have the opportunity to visit our stall in the What's About Hadleigh on the 27th May. If you think you might like to join, come along for a 'taster' evening. Contact either the Secretary Glenn Abbassi 07870 312409, or President Sheila Webb 01473 827554 and we will arrange to welcome you. We meet on the third Tuesday in the Library Seminar Room at 7.30pm. Next meeting is on the 20th June.

Fork now proud Sponsors of Hadleigh United FC U14s

As a small family business, we really value our Community and try to support when we can. When meeting the coach Marc Rose, being keen football fans ourselves, it took us all about 2 minutes to say yes to sponsoring the training kits for U14’s team.

The lovely response from the young players & the parents have already made it so very special for us all. The kits look fabulous too!

Thank you for letting us be a small part of Your journey next year and we wish you all every success.

Justin, Kairi, Millie, Tom, Sam & Harry @Fork

Cycling in Hadleigh something for everyone

Hadleigh Cycling Club has organised a range of activities for cyclists of all ages and abilities this summer.

On Tuesdays, our Junior Club meets at Hadleigh Community Primary at 18:30 to 19:30, with a monthly ride on the Railway Walk to help our young riders to build their confidence to ride in the ‘wild’. Our coaches will work with riders on specific skills and techniques to help them improve all the way through the season. We are also working closely with British Cycling’s Eastern Region Team to create more opportunities including additional coaching sessions at Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park on Saturdays (9.00 to 11.00), as well as support to try racing in several disciplines such as cyclocross, crit and track.

On Thursdays, we are running an adult road ride of about 25-30miles, departing from Hadleigh High School lay-by at 18.30. This is a ‘Rock-Up n Ride’ format to get more miles in for those who are training for events. The focus is on group riding at a faster pace.

On Fridays, there is an informal ladies' daytime group ride. For further details please contact us via the website. This ride is very popular and may split into two groups on occasion.

On Sundays: our Club Ride departs at 9.00 from The George Inn, High Street, Hadleigh. This ride is normally about 30 to 40 miles at a speed of approximately 15 mph, depending on the preferences of the ride leader and the capabilities of the group. Our rides are 'no-drop'. That means you won't be left behind (unless you choose to be), but the group may split into smaller groups of different speeds if that makes it easier to handle. Keep an eye out for the details from the ride leader nearer the time.

The rides and activities are weather dependant so, if in doubt, check our Facebook page @hadleighcyclingclub Twitter @HadleighCycling Instagram hadleighcc or www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk

Beekeeping Notes

No creature has been studied over the years more than the honeybee, and much received wisdom passed down from one generation to the next. In the fullness of time a lot of this socalled knowledge has turned out to be absolute twaddle, a prime example being the ancient belief in Begonia.

Begonia was respected as absolute truth before being rubbished many, many centuries later. Before rejecting what follows as some form of delayed April Fool’s joke, have a look at a tin of Tate and Lyle’s Golden Syrup. If you don’t have one in your kitchen cupboard you can always borrow one off the shelf next time you go shopping. On the side of the tin is a drawing of a dead lion surrounded by a cloud of insects, and the inscription “Out of the strong came forth sweetness”. For well over 60 years I scratched my head wondering what on earth that could possibly mean. Not no more since I took up beekeeping. The words come from the Old Testament Judges 14:14, dating from around 500 BCE, and refer to the long-held belief that bees were created from rotting animal flesh.

Over the centuries this story evolved into scientific fact until in Roman times no farmer would be without his agricultural manual kept handy on the bookshelf for guidance and advice. The recommended method of begonia was “to slaughter a good young bullock of two or three years……. then wait 6 weeks after which time a miraculous cloud of bees will pour forth, like a shower from summer clouds”. Of course, there was much more to it than that, but there’s no need to go into the gruesome and gory details for now. It was not until well into the 17th century that Willian Harvey (who two years earlier had discovered the circulation of the blood) cast doubt on the whole principle. So how could such a wild belief remained unchallenged for so many years? One possible explanation is that an altogether different insect, the drone-fly, does indeed lay its eggs on rotting carrion and closely resembles the colour and shape of the honeybee. Another lies in the attraction of a belief in resurrection and the eternal soul. We believe what we want to believe. Be that as it may by the end of the 17th century begonia was well and truly consigned to the dustbin of science. Honeybee colony losses have been unusually severe this year, with over 50% failing to make it through the winter. Spring was unusually wet and windy, and swarms reported a full four weeks later than in previous years, and smaller and fewer in number. So every swarm is important to help build up the numbers before winter sets in again. If you do come across a swarm of bees or one comes to rest in your garden, please phone a local bee - keeper to collect them (myself - Tony Rand on 07503 164823 or Rich & Trudi Wild on 01787 210 946). We will make sure they are safely collected and rehomed.

Friends of Lavenham Airfield

Lavenham Airfield Walk - Spend a few hours in the company of the ‘Gentlemen From Hell’ on Sunday, June 11th. A guided walk exploring the airfield and its history whilst occupied by the US 8th Air Force’s 487th Bomb Group (the 'Gentlemen From Hell') in WWII. 10 am to 1.30 pm. Adults £10. Under 16s £5. Limited places so booking essential. Tel: 01787 249939 or in person at Lavenham Information Point, 2 Lady Street. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 11am –2pm.

LAVENHAM’S HIDDEN GARDENS 2023

Sunday 4th June 2023 10.30 - 4.30

New Gardens, Old Favourites and a Gardener’s Market Teas, coffee and cakes available

Ticket Price £5 (children under 12 free) - Advanced tickets from Retail Therapy and Heeks; On the day all tickets will be sold in the HUB

The event raises funds divided between Lavenham Community Council, St Nicholas Hospice and Local Community Projects

PARKING IN LOWER MEADOW

Organised on behalf of Lavenham Community Council

Registered Charity No. 1106934

For more information contact Sue Heald 07972 907534 suelavenham@gmail.com

Receiving an Inheritance

Receiving an inheritance can stir a strange feeling of guilt, a sense of responsibility or even despair, as you may rather have your loved one back, than their money.

Whilst this can all be true, it can also represent an opportunity to secure your financial future.

One of the biggest considerations is making sure the newly acquired wealth is well managed. I know from my experience; many clients have felt a great sense of relief when we create a plan. They can see how a legacy can go on to provide for their later life needs or maybe even provide greater opportunities for their family.

There are potential tax breaks and options that are only available when receiving a legacy, so whilst it might be a tough time, it is essential you get good professional advice early in the process.

If you would like to any help or support, we are here to have a no-obligation chat regarding the options available to you and your family. See our website for more information or give us a call.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief is dependent on individual circumstances.

Joel Runnels-Moss DipFA Director

07852 374908

01473 824986

Joel.Toucan@SJPP.co.uk

Visit our website at www.toucanfs.co.uk

My mission, this month, is to find a home for two retired racing greyhounds that tower over me and have languished at SESAW for over a year.

Bodie and Mikey, aged five and four respectively could be separated but that would be a shame as they have always been together. They need an experienced home with no cats, two on-lead walks a day and a comfy sofa. If you have room in your heart and home for these beautiful creatures, please leave a phone message or email with your contact details.

If you, like me, are not an early riser, here are two events for you! We will be selling various items at a Boot Sale on the Football Ground in Long Melford, CO10 9JY, 2.30pm on 9th June. We will also have a stall and a Pets Corner at the Summer Fete on Leavenheath Village Green, CO6 4PY, 1pm of 17th June. Do pop in to say hello if you fancy a trip out.

More volunteers are still needed to look after the dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals until the right persons comes along. If you would like to help or are looking for a new pet to complete your family, please visit our website or call in to see our many rescued animals. We are open 10am to 1pm, Thursday to Sunday and look forward to seeing you. If you wait until lunchtime, you may even catch a glimpse of me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua!

Hadleigh Garden Club

Members enjoyed an informative talk by Helen Chen on Asian Woodland Plants. Helen has lived in China and had first hand experience of the diversity of Asian plants informing us there are over 35,000 species in China second only to Brazil.

Her passion is Bamboo for which she holds a satellite collection in the UK and also has the National Collection of Disporum, Disporosis and Prosartes for which she gave a fascinating and humorous account. Some of the talk was linked to plants that Helen had bought to sell, as seen in the photograph attached, which created lots of interest. Helen attends local Plant Fairs where you can see some of her rare collection. The monthly competition of a vase of pink, blue and mauve flowers was well supported with Kate Banks first, Lindsay Panton a close second and Fiona Quinn third.

Forthcoming Events: Members Summer Social 19th June. Why not join and be a guest at this lovely local garden. Annual membership £12. Contact Angie at wild123@talktalk.net or 07946 744457.

Next Meeting: Monday 10th July in the Guildhall at 7.30. A talk on Wild Flowers & Orchids by Roger Hance FRPS. The competition is ‘A single rose in a vase’ so why not come along and enter, enjoy our raffle and a cuppa and natter afterwards. Members £2 Visitors £4. Lets hope the weather improves and we can all enjoy our gardens.

Fundraising sale and Thank You event

Saturday 10th June - Ansell Centre 10am to 4pm

We will be selling a whole host of goods, including Celebrity signed Christmas Cards and memorabilia, to raise money for The Christmas Present Trust annual meal for anyone in Hadleigh and the surrounding villages who, for whatever reason, cannot be with family or friends on Christmas Day. We would also love to see any of our volunteers and donors from previous events so that we can say a proper thank you for all that you have done. If you feel that you can be part of a team to organise this year’s Christmas Day event, please come along and chat with us. We have been organising this ourselves for the last 8 years and cannot continue to do so. Without support, this year will have to be the last time this meal happens.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 10th Simon and Sarah Thompson

Lavenham Allotments Association

As a result of the development of the new houses on Norman Way an area nearby has been set aside for Allotments in Lavenham. The area is sufficient for eight full size allotments or can be assigned as sixteen half size allotments. We are seeking to find further land for more full sized allotments. The land is likely to be sublet to the Parish Council but Management of the allotments will be addressed by the Parish Council and options will include establishing an arms length an Allotments Association.

I am seeking to find a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary to manage the startup period. We will apply to Lavenham Parish Council and Babergh Council for startup funds. We will also make an up to date list of those who wish to have an allotment.

If you still wish to participate in Lavenham Allotments Association as an officer or as an Allotment Holder please let me know.

Frank Domoney 01787 249742, Mobile 07597 340011

Email: Frank.Domoney@amqcs.org

Kersey Open Gardens

Ernest Doe Power - Sudbury

Step Out in Style

People in the know choose Ernest Doe

Ernest Doe Power is the perfect partner to help create your perfect garden and to keep it looking glorious. Whether you are looking for electric, petrol or battery powered garden machinery, handheld tools, jet sprayers, compost and fertilisers, wheelbarrows or a new pair of wellies or gloves, our knowledgeable team can help you choose the products that are right for you. We are main dealers for all the leading brands including Stihl, Husqvarna, Hayter, Atco and Westwood and our expert servicing team are on hand to provide comprehensive repairs and servicing to extend the lifespan of your products and keep them in great working order.

We also stock a great range of outdoor and country clothing from brands such as Sea Salt, Crew, Hunter, Le Chameau and Barbour so you don’t have to compromise on style – just because you want to keep warm and dry. We have a network of 19 branches so even if we don't have something in stock, we can request an item from another store and have it available for you here in Sudbury, usually within a few days.

We have been serving customers in East Anglia since 1898 and, over that time, we have learned a great deal about what customers want and need in their Country Store. We have an amazing choice of household items, DIY and hardware, oil and lubricants, car cleaning items, electric fencing, buckets, spring cleaning products...we even sell pet food!

There’s so much more in your local Country Store

So why not drop in to our store on Cornard Road, Sudbury and take a look –we think you’ll be surprised at the great selection on offer…

Tel: 01787 375621 ernestdoepower.com

‘Rewilding’ is all the fashion right now but a nature-friendly garden can still be a beautiful garden

Bridge Farm Plants in Monks Eleigh is packed with plants that are perfect for pollinators, many with a helpful bee logo on their labels to help you spot them. The nursery also has handy lists of butterfly-friendly plants and of those that are beneficial for birds.

It can be easy to think only native wildflowers are good for wildlife but this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Many modern varieties have been bred to have long flowering periods: with many people having smaller gardens “flash-in-the-pan” blooms can feel like a waste of precious space, whereas new types might flower for months, providing much enjoyment for the gardener, and much more time for pollinators to gather pollen and nectar.

New varieties of Salvias, Nepetas, Echinaceas and Penstemon are among those worth considering.

Predatory insects such as ladybirds and lacewings are a huge help to gardeners, as they eat aphids and other “problematic” visitors, so are well worth planting for. Achilleas, aka yarrow, are one of their favourites. The native version is an off-white but Achilleas now come in a huge range of pastel tones. Much prettier to look at but still beneficial to wildlife. Helpful herbs include parsley, dill, mint and fennel.

Annuals can be a fabulous way to help wildlife and a low-cost way to brighten up your garden. Spot-plant in the vegetable patch, fill in the gaps in your flower borders, and enjoy them in a vase. Think Sunflowers, Ammis, Cosmos, Zinnias and more.

If you find your garden has gotten a little wilder than you would like, Bridge Farm Plants can help you avoid buying expensive lunches for unwelcome visitors. Head to the ‘Advice’ section of the nursery’s website for lists of deerproof, rabbit-proof and slug-proof plants, or ask for a handout when you visit. Find out more at www.bridgefarmplants.co.uk or better yet visit the nursery on the Corn Craft site, which is open every day, making sure you bring your voucher for a free Suffolk-grown annual plant!

ELMSETT PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMER FETE

and FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Games - Raffle - Tombola - Stalls - Live Entertainment

BBQ - Bouncy Castle - Ice Cream - Sweets

Saturday 17th June 2023

Hadleigh Walkers

Our June walk on Saturday 10th will again start and end in Hadleigh. We will leave Stonehouse Road car park at 0930 and proceed via Lower Layham, Shelley, Sodom & Gomorrah, Holton St Mary, Lt Wenham, Binney’s Wood, Woodlands and back along the Railway Walk into Hadleigh. The distance of the entire route is around 12 miles, and we should be back in Hadleigh around 1400. We will have two short refreshment stops along the way. As usual, we aim to average a not-too-demanding 2.5 mph (4 km/hr) and walkers need to be able to maintain this pace. Any kind of weather is possible so strong shoes or preferably walking boots should be worn as the ground may be muddy or rough in places. Everyone is welcome, including well behaved dogs. Route maps can be requested from this web site. For further information about these walks go to www.hadleighwalkers.com or email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com

Kersey Table Tennis Club

We are a small and friendly club and welcome players of all abilities. The purpose of the club is social and recreational. We do not play competition. We operate from Kersey village hall on Thursday evenings between 7:30pm and 9:00pm. Our fees are: Adults £2.50 for one hour or £3.00 for the full session, Juniors (under 18) £2.00 irrespective of duration.

Contact: Adrian Blyth 01473 827805 (amblyth1@gmail.com)

POLSTEAD FILMS Presents THE FABELMANS

Stephen Spielberg’s beguiling ode to cinema

Friday 16th June at Polstead Village Hall

Doors open 7 pm

Tickets £4.50. Reserve by emailing polsteadfilms@gmail.com or buy at Polstead Community Shop

There are new political landscapes for

both Mid Suffolk District Council and Babergh District Council following the local elections

In Mid Suffolk, 34 councillors have been elected, with 24 seats for The Green Party, six seats for Local Conservatives, and four for the Liberal Democrats. In Babergh, 32 councillors were elected, with 10 seats for The Green Party, nine seats going to Independents, seven to Local Conservatives, five to Liberal Democrats, and one to the Labour and Co-operative Party. Results can be seen in full by ward on our website, including town and parish election results across the districts.

The turnout for yesterday’s election in Mid Suffolk, was 30,855, representing 37% of the electorate. In Babergh, it was 25,588 – or 35%.

Ensuring the smooth running of the local elections is a massive logistical operation for the district councils. Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ shared workforce were responsible for: running 184 polling stations across the districts.; a 500-strong army of polling station staff, counters, and election team members working around the clock; processing more than 1,200 individual nominations, with 167 contested seats across our districts, towns, and parishes; managing, verifying and counting 56,443 in-person ballot papers, postal and proxy votes.

Returning officer and chief executive of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, Arthur Charvonia said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved behind the scenes in making sure voters have been able to have their say over who they want to see representing them on their local councils. “Ensuring local democracy is one of our key responsibilities – and one that we take extremely seriously. To us, every vote matters. “After months of preparation, the results are now in, and our teams are now looking forward to working with our newly elected councillors to deliver the best possible quality of life for our residents, businesses and communities.”

These elections were also the first locally since The Elections Act 2022 introduced a requirement for voters to show photographic ID before being issued with a ballot paper in polling stations. All necessary data around the impact of the new legislation will be submitted to the Secretary of State and Electoral Commission.

Flowton in Flower 17-18 June 2023

The tiny Suffolk village of Flowton - in the middle of nowhere but only a short distance from Hadleigh and Ipswich - is opening its gardens and holding a colourful flower festival for the first time in four years. There will be nine very different gardens to visit, and Flowton's wonderful 13th century church will host a spectacular flower festival themed around ‘Our church, our community.’ There will also be amazing displays of military vehicles and vintage tractors around the village, and a local history exhibition. Visitors will be able to see the church’s extraordinary new weathervane featuring a mother and baby elephant. This was donated by a local resident who, as a child of the Raj inthe 1920s, had a baby elephant called Daisy. It also remembers a travelling circus that overwintered in Flowton in the 1920s, whose elephant took a daily walk round the village!

Refreshments, lunches and cream teas will be available throughout the weekend at St Mary’s Church. Proceeds will go to help maintain St Mary's Church, Flowton, and to FIND (Families in Need), the local Ipswich food and furniture bank which provides crucial support to many local families and individuals in need. The flower festival and church will be open from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June. Gardens will be open from 12.00 to 5.00 both days.

Flowton (IP8 4LG; what3words: florists.bottom.arrow) is signposted from the B1113 near Bramford to the west of Ipswich, and from the A1071 (Ipswich, Hintlesham, Hadleigh)

French’s Care Haven

Hello to our readers, I hope you have all been keeping well. French’s Care Haven Open Day And Bbq Sat 17th June. 12pm – 4pm Come and meet us all, the horses, ponies, donkeys and Lucy our beautiful loving and welcoming therapy dog. FCH @ Mannings Farm Barn, CO10 5EU. Our open days are enjoyed by all who come, so put the date in your diary and have a nice afternoon out.

We also have a Charity Event Evening at Boxford village hall on 23rd June doors open at 6pm The Essex Spiritual Centre will be holding an evening of Clairvoyance. For bookings call Sharon on: 07999051401 or email Sharon: Frenchs.100club@gmail.com

Franklyn Nevard Associates

Architecture and Interior Design

Thurland, Sulleys Hill, Lower Raydon, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5QQ

There will be a bar and raffle plus the chance to purchase 5 min tarot and pendulum. All proceeds will be given to French’s Care Haven, so we hope you can join us for a fun evening out. There are always opportunities to learn about animal care and management and be involved in work practice by doing work experience with us, or The Duke of Edinburgh awards. We have been working with students for many years now with success on both sides. If you are interested then please speak to you school or collage and contact us for further help going forward. In June our 100 club will re-start with tickets £30 a number, raffle ticket or tickets that you buy will last for a year, where there will be a raffle draw once a month with 3 prizes drawn each time, first prize is £50, so come on let’s get you in our monthly draw, please contact Sharon for your raffle tickets. Our photos this month are Frankie and Minstrel playing with their ball. It is something donkeys love to do, so our donkeys have lots of different types of balls and toys for them to have some fun with. If you would like to sponsor one of our donkeys then please contact me for a visit or the forms needed, your help towards their care would be very much appreciated. We all enjoy watching them play when we are at the farm. The black and white picture of Frankie was taken by one of our helpers Daren, who is great with his camera.

French’s is a charity on your doorstep, can you help, either with time, donations, or sponsorship. You are welcome to come along and meet our animals.

Call me for an appointment. Jann on: 07747 755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk

Website: Frenchs Care Haven.org.uk

Winston’s Wheels Disabled Dog Charity Reg No 1191322

Are holding a Summer Fair on Saturday 1st July between 10am and 2pm at Whatfield Village Hall, Rectory Lane, IP7 6QU PLANTS, PET GOODS, GLASSWARE, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, KIDS BOOKS, JEWELLERY & MUCH MORE Refreshments & Tombola Free entrance & parking

New Build / Extensions and Alterations / Feasibility Studies / Planning Building Regulations and Tender Specifications

Contact Franklyn

tel: 01473 372 382 Mobile: 07515 351 894

email: franklyn@franklynnevard.co.uk

Web: www.franklynnevard.co.uk

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Latest News from Chamberlin Hall

Chamberlin Hall is a local community hall situated just off the main high street in Bildeston. The Hall is a large venue and offers lots of facilities and services open to the public and available to hire for business or pleasure.

Two things we’d like to report this month… Firstly, we’re very excited to have made a big step forward with our Improvements Programme by installing Solar Panels at the Hall. This has been a big project and has been a considerable investment but one which will make the Hall more energy efficient and sustainable. We have been lucky enough to have had a lot of support in making this happen so thanks need to be given to the many organisations that gave us advice and financial support – Groundwork East for providing us with a really useful energy report that helped us identify where we can make improvements, EPC Improvements who have designed and installed the solar system for us and our funders – Suffolk’s Greenest County, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, Cllr. Robert Lindsay’s locality budget, The Henry Morphew Trust, Heathpatch, Cabin Brewery, TMJ Interiors and The Bildeston Bugle – lots of people to thank for their support in making this happen. We’re now a pretty green building! If any other community groups are considering this we’d be more than happy to share our experiences and can recommend the support and advice provided by local authority grant teams.

•Jewellery repairs and restorations

•Bespoke design service

•Diamond and precious stone specialists

•Goldsmith’s workshop on the premises

98-99 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9PZ www.jonathanlambert.co.uk • T: 01787 881 181

REGULAR EVENTS,

MONDAYS Miss Lesley Dance Classes

CH Badminton Club

WEDNESDAYS CH Open Mic Night (Bar & Food) 7:30pm

FRIDAYS Pilates CH Social Night (Bar & Food) 7pm

Secondly… It’s nearly Beer Festival season! On 14th, 15th and 16th of July we will be hosting our annual beer festival at the Hall. We will have a good range of traditional and local beers, ciders and our normal bar catering for all other beverages should ale not be your thing! We will have live music every day – including Back Tracking, the Band of Mold, The Larks and some of our elite buskers. We’ll also have catering vans on site courtesy of Suffolk Event Catering. Our site has a kid’s playground and plenty of parking so this is a family friendly event. So – if you fancy finding out more or joining in with any of our events, please come and see us or check out our website where you can always find out what is going on.

www.chamberlinhall.org

Hadleigh Orchestra

Hadleigh orchestra is excited to be performing our summer concert at St Mary's Church, Hadleigh, 7pm Sunday June 11th. The programme will include Vaughan Williams English Folksong Suite, Lalo Cello Concerto in D Minor with local cellist Rebecca Welham as solist, and the well known Beethoven 5th Symphony. Why not come along for a great evening's entertainment.

Chamberlin Hall in Bildeston is a large village hall with fantastic facilities for clubs, classes, meetings, events and parties (including wi-fi, parking and licensed bar).

We host a lot of events for our local community and the facility is available to hire.

To find out more visit chamberlinhall.org

CLUBS & CLASSESUPCOMING

TUESDAYS Line Dancing Zumba

Carpet Bowls

THURSDAYS Zumba

Whistle & Wag Dog Training

MONTHLY CH Quiz Ladies Club

EVENTS

JUNE

25th –Bowls Social Evening

JULY

1st – Miss Lesley’s Dance Show

14th/15th/16th –Chamberlin Hall Beer Festival

29th –Chamberlin Hall Annual General Meeting

AUGUST

13th August –Summer Family Disco

FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...

28th October –Halloween Family Disco

24th & 25th November –Chamberlin Hall

Winter Beer Festival

BESPOKE JEWELLERS & GOLDSMITHS

CHAMBERLIN CLOSE, BILDESTON, SUFFOLK, IP7 7EZ Tel: 07716 921514

Ebony’s Blog Life at The Shelley Centre

Well so much is happening outside my door I hardly know where to begin! This is the month when our riders enter competitions and hope to walk off with silver cups and colourful rosettes. We have the outside expert Mary Thornley coming to watch entrants and judge their skills, for which we are extremely grateful. Good luck everyone!

Hadleigh Cemetery Natural Burials

Pictured are two hopefuls, from our Friday rides, practicing on Indy and Bryn. The Coronation bunting has come down, the people who turned up to work here on the Coronation Monday have left the place looking immaculate, the cake bakers are exhausted after the Hadleigh Show and everyone is enjoying a little warmth at long last.

Concern about the environment, as well as other factors such as a love of nature and the outdoors, are leading more people to consider natural burials. There is nothing new about natural burial, far from it, as returning a body directly to the earth has been done since time immemorial.

Hadleigh Town Council are therefore pleased to announce that the natural burial meadow at their cemetery on Friars Road, Hadleigh, Suffolk is open for those who wish to have a more environmentally friendly or natural burial choice. There is now also the availability to scatter loved ones’ ashes in the new Rose Garden and another new addition is our Tree of Life (right) where memorial leaves can be added. With this being newly installed, we must bear with growth of shrubs and bushes on the Rose Garden and natural meadow as they will take some time to fully flourish.

I wanted to show off my rider Leslie who is bravely and determinedly getting back into fitness after an horrendous accident. The physio I can give and the added work she does herself all helps to get her back into the sport she loves. Go girl!

We have said goodbye to two of the herd and are looking to fill their hooves. We need big animals like me so we can help more adults and our ever growing-tallerteenagers to get fit and happy riding with us. So please keep thinking of suitable candidates for us, they would truly enjoy the good life here!

www.shelleyrda.com 01473 824172 shelleyrda@gmail.com

Boudicca Border Morris News

For more detailed information about the cemetery and for pricing, please see our website www.hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk or contact us by email on admin@hadleightowncouncil.gov.uk or telephone 01473 823884.

The absolute recent for Boudicca was our Coronation Dance Out on Sunday 7th May. We met in the Market Place and processed through to the Deanery Tower. With the Boudicca Border Big Band on fine form, we danced our hearts out for a large, appreciative audience. Even the Weather Gods smiled on us. Our next event in Hadleigh is the DAY OF DANCE on Saturday 10th June. Eight local and varied dance Sides will descend on the town from 11.00am. We will start in the Market Place with each side performing a “Show Dance”. All with then March around St Mary’s Church Yard before dispersing to dance sites around the town. From 12.00pm, there will be dancing at The King’s Head, The Cock and The George. The day will end with all the musicians sharing some tunes in the car park of The George. Hope to see you there.

Lavenham Sinfonia

The Summer Concert performed by the Lavenham Sinfonia will be held on Sunday June 25th, 2023, starting at 19:00 hrs. Similar to, the April concert this performance is being led by another guest conductor.

For the second concert the Orchestra is conducted by Suzanne Dexter-Mills and opens with Cimarosa’s sparkling overture to “The Secret Marriage”. The first performed was in Vienna at the Burgtheater and the opera was a great success - the influence of Mozart (who had died 2 months earlier) is clear. It will be followed by the ever popular Cello Concerto in C by Joseph Haydn. This concerto has hugely increased in popularity making it into the Classic FM Hall of Fame this year. The concerto was composed between 1761 and 1765 for the principal cellist of the Esterhazy Orchestra Joseph Weigel. The concerto was lost and not re-discovered until 1961 since then it has become a staple part of the Cello repertoire. The Concerto is in 3 movements Moderato, Adagio and Allego Molto, the soloist in June is the cellist, Thomas Isaac.

The concert concludes with the immensely popular Symphony No.3 “Eroica” by Beethoven. This is one of the best known of the composers nine symphonies. At its first performance in Vienna April1805 it shocked the audience with its revolutionary sound. Put simply, the symphony is a groundbreaking musical masterpiece that forever changed the landscape of western classical music. It is accepted as the transition between the old classical era of Mozart and Haydn and the new romantic era to come. Beethoven composed a work that was as legendary and revolutionary as the person to whom it was initially dedicated Napoleon Bonaparte. It is often said that there are not enough superlatives in existence to do justice to the extraordinary innovation and sheer musical genius that has seen this symphony listed as the best of its kind ever written. This is one performance not to be missed. The Symphony is in four movements.

The final two concerts of the season will take place on the 17th September with works by Brahms and Prokofiev including the former’s Symphony No.2 and the Tragic Overture. The season will conclude with a special memorial concert for Phyllis Urch a generous benefactor on November 5th at 15:00. This concert will be held in the Village Hall.

Please do reserve the date for the concert which I am sure will reflect the warmth of the long summer evenings as the Summer Solstice will have passed just 4 days earlier.

The concert starts at 19:00 in Lavenham Church and tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/lavenham-sinfonia. Do come and join us!

Encounter with God in Memory of Joyce

On Tuesday July 18th, in the Deanery Gardens, we will be holding a reflective event in memory of our dear friend Joyce Willis who died last year. Joyce was a founding member of the ‘Encounter’ team, a small group of people who offered a space for prayer, silent reflection, fellowship and learning to all in Hadleigh. Encounter became a very special part of the worship lives of many and Joyce was at the heart of it.

If you knew and miss Joyce, if you worked with or for her, or were helped by her kindness and wisdom in any way, do please join us.

We will be in the Deanery Gardens 2pm – 3.30pm on July 18th. You do not have to be part of worship, you are welcome to meet with us all and enjoy a time of peace followed by a cream tea in the Ansell Centre. For more information and to let us know you will be part of this special time, please contact:

Stella Scanlon: stella3232@btinternet.com 01473 823477

Anita Rosbrook: a.rosbrook@icloud.com 01473 810057

Karen Harman: kharmanasms@btinternet.com 01473 824765

Bildeston Primary School

Learning and Growing Together

Victorians

This term, KS1 are learning about the Victorians and they learned about all the games that the children would have played at that time. The children enjoyed having a go at playing marbles, hopscotch and making their own puppet show.

School Farm & Country Fair

Kingfisher class had an amazing time seeing lots of different things at the School Farm & Country Fair last month. From learning about crops and farming, how farriers make horseshoes, and having a go at how far they could spread their own fertiliser!

They explored the livestock area and the composting area, learning about what items can be composted and what can’t. Lots of baby animals including piglets, calves, and baby goats, even how sausages are made!

Hola! Mexico

Kestrel class marked the beginning of their Hola Mexico! topic with a visit from Mexicolore. They had a wonderful time learning about the Maya and the Aztecs. They took part in activities including playing drums, dressing up and joining in a celebration procession.

Sports Update

Our KS2 girls entered a tag rugby competition held at Inspire Suffolk. They had an amazing time and really got stuck into the game after a tentative start! Well done girls!!

Some great results at the Cross-Country Event. The children competed well in very mucky conditions. Shout out to Charlie who came 13th in the year 4 boys’ category and to Sophia and Isla who came 20th & 21st respectively in the Year 4 girls’ category!

Kings Coronation Celebrations

The children really enjoyed our afternoon tea and crown parade for the King's Coronation celebrations. Thank you to all parents for helping the children - everyone looked amazing! The KS1 children enjoyed writing speeches about what they would promise if they were King or Queen!

If you are considering Bildeston Primary as a school for your child, we would welcome a visit. Please phone the office on the number below. We would love to meet you.

Bildeston Primary School Newberry Road, Bildeston, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 7ESTelephone: 01449 740269 www.bildeston.suffolk.sch.uk

Hadleigh Thrift Shop

We all gathered at Hadleigh Football Club to celebrate the 90th birthday of Barbara Boyd. She was completely overwhelmed by all the cards, flowers and chocolate etc. Many thanks to all who helped to make it such a memorable occasion, in particular, Joan Rampling, and her wonderful team who put it all together. Thanks also to the Football Club and Barbara’s daughter Abigail who sang so beautifully.

SUMMER FAYRE

St Mary’s Church, Kersey

Saturday 17th June 10 am - 4 pm

Vintage clothes - Doggie treats - Melts

Glass art - Handcrafts - and much more Tombola, Refreshments, Raffle

Local golfers are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support

Local golfers Matt Bray, Jim Lambert & Andy Lambert are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support in Stoke by Nayland on Wednesday 21st June. T2GRN are assembling to take on the Longest Day Golf Challenge at Stoke by Nayland golf club & resort to raise vital money for people with cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support provides physical, financial and emotional support for people living with cancer. By playing 72 holes and walking between 15 & 20 miles in one day, this band of golfing legends will help Macmillan continue to be right there when they’re needed most. Speaking before the event, the team said: ‘We’re really excited about taking on this year’s Longest Day Golf Challenge. It’s great to get a group of pals together, play some golf and raise money for Macmillan to help people living with cancer at the same time. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far and is helping to make it a success.

We will be teeing off at 4.30am, playing 36 holes followed by a quick 1 hour break to resume the next 36 holes. If all goes well, we’re hoping to be finished up by 8pm!’ To support T2GRN please visit the Longest Day Golf Challenge website or scan the QR code below & search for T2GRN to donate. To find out more about the Longest Day Golf Challenge, please visit longestdaygolf.macmillan.org.uk

For more information about the event, please contact: Matt Bray mattbray18@aol.com

Monks Eleigh has a Winner

John Naylor 75, successfully completed his first marathon on Sunday 14 May in Leeds. He reports “It was a challenging 26.2 miles but I made it! Very tiring but satisfying”. John was running in the event to support the effort organised to raise money for the Rob Burrow Centre dedicated to investigating and searching for a cure for motor neurone disease. Rob Burrow has motor neurone disease so was pushed in his chair for the distance of the marathon. It was moving to watch this fine athlete being carried over the finishing line by his friend and fellow team mate. The response to the appeal for funds started by Rob Burrow has been outstanding and Monks Eleigh resident, John Naylor, has raised a very decent sum to add to the total.

John is grateful for all the local support with his challenge. If you would like to donate towards this centre, dedicated to tackling motor neurone disease and help those affected by the disease and their families contact details are: John Naylor Just Giving page and follow the instructions or patriciaderry13@yahoo.com who will help.

Hadleigh Hares Athletics Club

April was Marathon month with Brighton, Manchester and London being run by some of our members.

To start, Adam Chamberlin ran Brighton Marathon on 2 April. What started as a flippant comment about signing up back in 2022, suddenly became a reality. Adam hadn’t been running for very long and originally started to keep his wife company in her training for races.

Back to the Marathon and Adam had lots of questions running through his mind as he pounded the streets. Why was he here? When will the pain end?

He kept his mantra in mind, “Continuous Forward Momentun” no matter what happened, he knew he had to keep going forward, one step at a time. He didn’t have a goal he had committed to, but secretly would have loved to finish in under 4 hours.

As he ran past the bleak industrial units, which within the last few miles had been replaced by Brighton sea front, came the huge crowds, who motivated him to the finish. The crowds got louder and his pace got quicker and by the time he could see the finish line, he was buzzing with energy. His final sprint, that may have looked more like a fast hobble, got him across the finish line with a time of 03:52:28!

Two weeks later, on the 16 April, four runners lined up in various starting waves to run the Manchester Marathon, two of whom were tackling this distance for the first time.

The conditions were near perfect – a light breeze, overcast skies and no rain. Katrina Rigby set off and she was followed in subsequent waves by Vicky Tapp, Samantha Tapp and Geraldine Suckling. The weather remained kind with only a light shower as the runners progressed around a mostly flat and well supported course. The crowd support was superb and all runners were grateful for the encouragement. The sugary treats being handed out around the course were well received and helped push the runners towards the finish. All of the Hares finished the course in great times, with 3 achieving marathon personal bests. It was an unforgettable day and a race we would all recommend to other runners considering racing at this distance. And finally to TCS London Marathon on 23 April. The Club had Steve Hunt, Rachel Bodsworth, Kevin Carpenter, Aden Bell and Joel Bamsey running. For Joel it was his first time participating and Steve had won the Club ballot, having last run his last London Marathon in 2011 and this being his 12th time running!

2011-11Renault

1983Mercedes

1998Jaguar

2014-14Volkswagen

CLASSIC CARS

COMING SOON

Whilst waiting in the start pen Steve felt good and well prepared, having put in many training miles with his son Stuart. His wave started in the rain and his legs kept going at a pace that he felt would get him round in under 4 hours. 12 years since his last race the crowds were louder and bigger and kept him going as well as his family who were there to support him. The miles ticked by, steady and sometimes uncomfortable, but the training paid off and he didn’t hit the dreaded wall and finished in a time of 3 hours 55 minutes. Much to his amazement a minute quicker than in 2011! Joel, Rachel finished in under 4 hours, Aden just under 3 hours and Kevin dead on 3 hours.

A huge well done to our runners who after all the training have run so well at their respective Marathons.

If you would like to join a friendly and supportive running club you can find out all about us and how to join at www.hadleigh-hares.co.uk

875101

Farm Shops

Hollowtrees.............................01449 741247

Funeral / Grave Services

R. Gwinnell.............................01473 824440

W. A. Deacon..........................01787 248282

Garage Doors

Garolla....................................01473 396164

Garden Machinery Repair

W. J. Green.............................01473 823839

Garden Services

4 Life Landscapes...................01473 828117

Stacey’s Felt Roofing

Specialist with 40yrs experience

Grass To Glass........................01473 828269

Bridge Farm Plants.................01449 740502

RAM Landscapes....................07377 709781

Gary Newman Gardener..........07707 167428

Ernest Doe Power...................01787 375621

Hair and Beauty

Hadleigh Hairloom..................01473 822191

Ashleigh Hair Studio...............07921 509413

Danielle Butcher......................07890 186065

Health and Fitness

Hadleigh Boxford Practice......01473 822961

Hadleigh Dental Surgery.........01473 823092

Sally Mowles Foot Health Care.01473 822902

Hadleigh Physiotherapy..........01473 810185

Equlibrium Therapy.................07903 722746

Body & Mind As One.............07506 350 455

Sarah Jones Emotional Support..07702 454491

Kinetic Health..........................01473 806240

Boss Body Fitness....................0745 457221

Mer Mummies Aqua Classes..07436 604523

House Moving / Removals

Todds Removals.....................01787 377489

I.T. and Computer Services

Home Computer Services.......01473 829552

Vulcan Computer Services......07711 904439

Hadleigh Computing...............01473 487407

Laundry Services

Press Gang.............................01473 558448

Music Lessons

Jason Frederick.......................07772 692295

Newsagents

Keith Avis................................01473 823131

Nursing & Care Services

Laxfield House.........01787 247340 / 247495

Waterfield House....................01473 944654

Opticians

Dunstone Optometry..............01473 823755

Painting & Decorating

Simon Farthing.......................07823 333451

CPH Property Services...........07717 059370

•Flat Roofing including re-decking

Pest Control

Lister Countryside Services....07919 287656

Picture Framing

ALB Framing...........................07769 858076

Printers

Keith Avis Printers..................01473 823366

Pubs, Restaurants, Food & Drink

The Cock Inn Hadleigh............01473 941049

Royal Bengal...........................01473 823744

Kings Head Hadleigh...............01473 805794

Corncraft.................................01449 740456

Security

Abacus....................................01473 824601

Septic Tank Emptying

A.K. Services..........................01473 822694

Skip / Waste Removal

G. Leeks Skip Hire..................01473 824256

ATS Skip Hire..........................01787 275354

Box Rubbish Removal............07876 032828

Solicitors / Wills

Holmes & Hills........................01787 275275

Gotelee....................................01473 822102

Sports & Hobbies

Snowys Bait & Tackle..............07766 140624

Storage

Elmsett Storshops..................01473 822162

Surveyors

MS Surveys............................01473 249020

Taxi

Beaumont Cars.......................01473 855111 5 Star Cars..............................01473 875435

Water Softeners

Patmore..................................01473 713600

Wills

The Will Business...................01206 263420

Window Cleaner

C&D Services..........................01473 828626