The Village Edition, December 2024 by Keith Avis Printers Ltd

Andrew’s celebrates three decades in Hadleigh

Early mornings in Hadleigh are punctuated by the scent of freshly baked bread, pastries and pies drifting from the kitchen above Andrew’s butchers on the High Street. Turn up just after opening (8am) and the shop’s buttery, pu pastry sausage rolls will still be warm from the oven as sta prepare for another busy day greeting customers, many of whom have become regulars and friends.

The butchery is more than a business for owners Andrew and Claire. It’s a way of life, and they’re proud, Andrew says, to celebrate 30 years serving the Hadleigh community in 2024.

To mark the occasion the entire shop, you might have noticed, has been given a facelift. A fresh lick of paint adorns the outside, a new blind shades the double frontage from the sun, and inside cabinet doors, dressers and counters have all been updated. “It’s a much brighter look,” Andrew says, adding that he nds it hard to comprehend the business being three decades old. “People remind me that it is a milestone, what we’ve achieved. It’s certainly something to celebrate!” Continues p2

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BRITON’S BAR – Old-style Pub OPEN EVERY DAY 12 noon – 10.30 pm

Contact the White Hart Inn direct on: 07856 912107

BOXFORD VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING UP

Date 16th December from 7.00 pm

HOT CHOCOLATE & MULLED WINE BEING SERVED

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Butchery has been a part of Andrew’s life for as long as he can remember. He was born above his father’s butcher’s shop in Dagenham, and was regularly ushered in to help out at his family’s shop when the family moved to Billericay. By the time he was 16, he was working as a salesman at ondon’s world renowned Smith eld arket.

“My main passion was cars,” he admits, “but the meat industry was beckoning!”

At a time when high street retailers are feeling the squeeze, Andrew (who founded Andrew’s in 1 4, having moved to Su olk with his family) says there are a couple of secrets to his and the team’s ongoing successexcellent customer service underpinned by years of knowledge, and an absolute dedication to quality.

Andrew and Claire have surrounded themselves with long-serving sta as passionate about food as they are. Richard, the shop’s manager, has been with the business for 28 years. He shares Andrew’s vision, and has helped to train and upskill the rest of the team, some of whom joined the business straight out of school.

“They know our customers really well, and that’s so important,” Andrew explains. “They all bring something unique to the shop, and for them it’s a real pleasure to talk to people when they come in. To hear what’s going on with their families and their lives. It’s a small high street, but we’re a hub for local villages. Some people from those villages who come to see us potentially haven’t spoken to anyone that day until they come into town, and we’re always pleased to welcome them.”

Regarding quality, the majority of meat is supplied by a renowned wholesaler in orth Su olk, known within the local butchery trade for working with farms o ering a greater level of animal welfare - farms visited by Andrew and Claire over the years. Seasonal game is sourced from a supplier in North Essex who works with shoots across both Su olk and Essex.

Andrew’s o ers a full butchery range of traditional and modern cuts and products, all prepared on the premises from carcass by the highly skilled team. The extensive counter displays beautifully prepared products, many of which you won’t nd anywhere else.

“The farmers producing our meat are so passionate about the welfare of their animals,” Andrew continues. “When you meet them, you just know they’re looking after them, and they truly care, using the best feed, and bringing them in during winter with fresh straw and bedding. These animals are a part of their family lives. We have full con dence in what we are buying.”

A couple of things Andrew’s has become particularly noted for during its time on Hadleigh High Street (other than fresh meat) are its sausages and baked goods.

Sausages are made throughout the day, using only the best ingredients. There is no cutting corners. “Right from the beginning,” says Andrew, “we brought a recipe with us and it really lifted the shop. Thirty years ago, we couldn’t believe how many we were selling. Our original recipe is the most favourite with customers, but we also have one based on a Lincolnshire recipe with a bit more rubbed sage in the mi , and pork and leek those have a good, sweet avour.” In the colder months there are venison sausages. And in summer, Andrew’s has its own take on a merguez, marrying lamb with a range of warming spices. “People really do seem to love our sausages!”

As for the pies? They’re renowned as some of the best in the areathe steak, mushroom and ale pie ( rst made by Claire) having been recognised in prestigious industry awards. Today, chef Liam heads up the dedicated production kitchen, baking a huge amount of savouries, from the winner above, to chicken pies, pork pies, free-range Scotch eggs, pasties and quiches - all made with a great deal of care and attention to detail, using the shop’s meat, fresh herbs and vegetables. He’s up early baking o sourdough bread, organic white and wholemeal loaves and baguettes too, joined by fresh pastries on a Friday and Saturday.

Editor: Jason Holder 01473 823366 comnews@keithavis.co.uk

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

The Andrew’s pie range sits amongst a fantastic variety of sliced-ondemand deli meats and pates, and a premium cheese counter lled with well-kept British and continental varieties. And the cherry on the cake is the shop’s carefully chosen selection of ambient products, from artisanal curry sauces and stu ngs, to Cottage Delight preserves, and small batch crackers made in Wales by Cradoc’s.

“It’s such a pleasure to still be here doing this after 30 years,” Andrew smiles. “We wouldn’t have achieved this without the local community, and I’d like to thank all our customers and friends for their support. It’s fantastic!”

Andrew’s is still taking orders for Christmas. Pop in to chat with him or another member of the team, who’ll be delighted to help you make Christmas Day memorable this year.

• Free local delivery and at cost postage everywhere else

• Complimentary gift wrapping in our bespoke 100% recycled paper

• Corporate & personal gifting service –and not just books

• Byron & The Bard gift cheques

• Our AWEsome loyalty programme

• Signed &/or exclusive edition books

• Book sourcing & ordering (usually within 72 hours)

• Comfy seats and a loo!

“The year end brings no greater pleasure than the opportunity to express to you season’s greetings and good wishes. May your holidays and new year be filled with joy”.

Charles Dickens (1812 - 1870) les Dickens Charrl ear be and new y ye eetings M gr tunity expr oppor ings no gr earendbr The y ye “ les y”. ear jo our ay y yo s ’ ouseason ess to y yo e than eater pleasur

Thank you for supporting me in my rst month as part of the ung Bean team. It has been wonderful to meet such a friendly community. This month I will be attending Hadleigh market on Fridays to launch a few new products and make sure everyone is t and healthy for winter. We will be selling some wonderful books for those interested in furthering their health journey, covering a wide range of interests. We will launch some supplementary infusions, feverfew, turmeric, St ohns Wort, Elder ower, and valerian root to name a few. Buy them individually or mix your own recipe. Essential burning oils, superfoods and supplements will enrich the o ering.

We are also looking forward to the Christmas Fair on 7th December. I will be making some recipe boxes with all the ingredients prepared to make some of your favourite treats, that we have been handing out during November. I will also be partnering with an organic vegetable grower to create some exciting Vegan meals. If you don’t feel like cooking, you will be able to purchase the homemade frozen variety to pop in the freezer and make your Christmas easier.

Of course, come and see our stunning Christmas window, get your ra e tickets for our Christmas hamper and bring your children for the seasonal treasure hunt. We have lots of lovely gift ideas for Christmas and of course organic ingredients to make your banquet even more special.

Please follow us on facebook and Instagram @ mungbeanhadleigh for further information.

Lavenham Carpet Bowls Club

Here at the Carpet Bowls Club our members are looking forward to their Annual Christmas lunch on Wednesday 6th December, so no Bowls session that Wednesday, although the Thursday session will still be on. Due to a mix up unfortunately the Carpet Bowls Club can not use the hall on Wednesday 11th December, so again no Wednesday session, but the Thursday evening session will still be open. The Club will be playing up to and including Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th December. We then take a break and recommence on Wednesday 8th January.

Our members are pictured enjoying their tea co ee and chat break and we wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Great New Year. The New Year is just the time for trying new things, so why not make a New Year’s resolution to try Carpet Bowls and come along and join the group, rst two sessions are free. We meet on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm until 4.30pm, and/or Thursday evening at 7pm until 9.30pm at Lavenham Village hall. Marilyn Beatham

Clean – Green – Mung Bean

Polstead Art Group

On October 26 and 27, Polstead Art Group held their annual Exhibition of Art and Craft in the village hall.

A wonderful display of art in various mediums, alongside some beautiful colourful craftwork, gave our visitors plenty to admire as well as the opportunity to make purchases.

Tea and homemade cakes were available to enjoy and the ne weather encouraged a good ‘footfall’, making it another successful exhibition.

The group meets every Tuesday afternoon, 2 pm – 5 pm in the Village Hall and has expanded in recent years to include needle-crafters and knitters.

If you would like to give our group a try, just turn up on a Tuesday and enjoy a free taster session or call Stewart on 07570791716 for more information.

Doctor Franey’s Charity

Some years ago, Doctor Franey of Hadleigh founded a cottage hospital at Hadleigh and raised funds by public subscription to help maintain it. When the National Health Service was created, the hospital was closed, but its property and funds remained in private hands and the Charity Commission has used these assets to found a charity named after Doctor Franey.

The trustees of the Charity, who are all local persons, have power to give small one-o grants to people in need living in the parishes of Hadleigh, Aldham, ersey, Layham, Semer, Shelley and What eld, towards food, heating costs or for medical needs not covered elsewhere. The charity can also help those with debilitating conditions in need of some form of respite. However, in every case the trustees must be able to satisfy themselves that the people whom they bene t are needy as well as deserving.

People wishing to apply for help are asked to contact: Ellie Gibbs, Clerk to the Trustees by email elliegibbs2024@outlook. com or by telephone 01473 824745

Hadleigh Walkers

December’s walk on Saturday 14th is a circular one starting and ending in Hadleigh. We will leave Stonehouse Road car park at 0930 and proceed to Rands Fm, Potts Fm, Bower House Tye, Wicker Street Green, ersey Tye, ersey Church and return to Hadleigh via the onks Path and Toppes eld Bridge. The distance of the entire route is around 10 miles, and we should be back in Hadleigh around 1.30 pm. 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. Strong shoes or walking boots should be worn as the ground can be rough and muddy in any month. Everyone is welcome, including well-behaved dogs. Route maps can be requested from this web site. Walkers may be interested in the recently launched Wool Town Walk a circular route encompassing Sudbury, Clare, Lavenham, and Hadleigh. Brochures are available from St ary’s Church, Hadleigh Library and the Council O ces. Further information is also provided in our website below.

For further information about these walks go to www. hadleighwalkers.com or email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com

Orchard Barn News

Learning from the past how to build a greener future

Find out how to make a habitat to encourage biodiversity

S SUREFIXSUREFIX

If you have never visited Orchard Barn before, why not come and join us on Saturday 14th December between 10.30 and 12.30 to help us construct a habitat which will attract a diverse range of wildlife over the winter and beyond. We will be building deadwood screens in our old orchard from wood cut down on our site, which will provide hiding places and nesting habitats for all sorts of birds, small mammals and invertebrates, including hedgehogs looking for a place to hibernate over the winter. As it rots down, the nutrients are recycled back into the earth below, also providing food for insects and habitat for fungi. No experience is needed, just the ability to use secateurs or loppers. For those who wish to stay on afterwards, there will be a guided tour between 12.30 pm and 1.00 pm of our reinstated 1580s Longhouse, which has been constructed using traditional building methods and sustainable materials. You may even be inspired to build a deadwood screen in your own garden and be rewarded with the sight of hedgehogs, frogs, toads and newts using your newly created microhabitat

To nd out more about us and what we do, or to volunteer with us, take a look at our website http://www.orchardbarn.org.uk, call Sarah on 07766 054042 or email her at sarah.orchardbarn@gmail.com

rchard Barn, ingshall, Stowmarket, Su olk, IP1 earning from the past how to build a greener future

The Hadleigh Historian

Issue 5 ecember 0 anuary

Hadleigh Historian

The 15th year of The Hadleigh Historian begins with three completely di erent Hadleigh inhabitants of the past. Jane Richardson and Nigel Crisp, regular contributors on a variety of subjects concerning the history of the town, reveal the biographical details of a long-term resident of the alms houses and an unsung o cer of the local council, neither of whom were natives. Jane tells of Louisa Dickinson (1882-1982), who was supported in her widowhood by being homed in the Raven Alms Houses in Benton Street and then in the Pykenham Alms Houses in George Street. Nigel’s subject is Arthur Garman (1890-1980) who, as surveyor and sanitary inspector for Hadleigh Urban District Council, facilitated expansion of the town’s housing stock during the mid-20th century.

Having had ‘The man who died twice’ who was buried twice’, William Bunbury (1680-1748), whose funeral hatchment is featured on the magazine’s front cover. After forty years as a prominent London lawyer, William and his wife Sarah chose to spend his declining years living in a large house in Hadleigh arket Place, which she had inherited from an aunt. Not a strange choice you would think but the couple were, in our terms, millionaires at least twice over so had the nances to select a property anywhere in the country for their retirement. On the back cover are portraits of the couple in their younger days. This story is part of the project currently being undertaken by Hadleigh Local Studies Workshop, a group researching and writing life stories of Hadleigh residents memorialised in St ary’s Church.

If you missed the Old Hadleigh Picture Show Parts One and Two held this autumn, a taster now appears of places visited in Bridge Street, High Street and Benton Street through the Colin Bull collection of photographs. Look out for parts three and four of the show in Spring 2025 at the Ansell Centre.

Who better than Roger Kennell, expert on historical brickwork and Hadleigh’s Local History Recorder, to tell the story of the town’s mostmagni cent brick structure? In Hadleigh Deanery Tower through six centuries, the author tells us that the building materials were sourced locally and that highly-skilled bricklayers worked on the project. This is a reprint of the 2011 edition, which has been brought up-to- date to include present uses of the tower and the demise of the gigantic lime tree that stood by for 200 years. Roger is to be congratulated on this knowledgeable and well- researched text, which is illustrated with old pictures and ike Hodges beautiful colour photographs. Issue 85 is now available price £4 at Avis the Newsagent and The ldler Bookshop in Hadleigh High Street and at Hollow Trees Farm Shop in Semer.

one year subscription 6 issues and postage costs from Sue ndrews, 17 Manor oad, Bildeston, Ipswich, Su olk, IP7 7B 01 9 7 067 .

YOUR LOCAL HADLEIGH BUILDER

Home Visits - no stress!

Letters to the Editor to the Editor

Please write to ason Holder

Dear Editor,

68 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5EF or email: comnews@keithavis.co.uk

any thanks to John Sones for their kind words about ‘The Old Hadleigh Picture Show’ in your last issue. I would also like to thank everyone who came along to the talks by local historian Sue Andrews at the Ansell Centre for making it such a great success. Everyone enjoyed Sue’s fascinating, illustrated talks on Hadleigh’s history, held on two evenings. Thanks again to Sue as, of course, we could not have held these talks without her enthusiasm and knowledge. Apologies to those we had to turn away on the night once we had sold out. We are planning to run another two talks in the series next year (with new material), so watch this space, and/or follow the King Guthrum Group on Facebook for updates.

Regards

Huw Roberts King Guthrum Group

Thank you to supporters

A Craft Fair held in October at What eld Village Hall raised £2800 for Success After Stroke. Sincere thanks to all my family, friends and the SAS community for helping before, during and after the event.

A big thank you to all the people who donated fantastic ra e prizes and to the many visitors on the day.

SAS o ers a range of therapies and activities for those who have su ered from a stroke.

The group meets twice a week at the Stevenson Centre in Cornard, Sudbury, further details on 07434 931 962.

The date for our next Craft Fair is Sunday 5th October 2025.

Mandy Squirrell

Monks Eleigh Whist Drive

Wednesday 11th December Whist Drive at onks Eleigh Village Hall, 7pm start. We play 18 hands of progressive whist with a break for refreshments. We hold a ‘bring a prize, win a prize’ ra e. Cost is £3

If your picture needs framing, contact me!

I’m a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, who themselves created the standards and guidelines for art framing together with picture printing. I continually work to these requirements.

Home or office visits are available.

Following discussions about your requirements, in situ you’ll see the various framing options.

Please contact me: 07769 858076 www.alb-framing.co.uk info@alb-framing.co.uk

Will Scrooge get it right?

Ebenezer Scrooge has lots of ideas. Some of them are good (though Bob Cratchit struggled to think of any) and some of them are, shall we say, without beating about the bush, downright wrong (and Bob could name plenty of those!).

Sitting by the hearth, enjoying the cold from a single lump of coal, Scrooge was in a particularly contemplative mood, thinking about the future, and what would happen to all his property when the time came, as it were, to become a spirit himself.

Feeling rather pleased with himself, he thought that there was no need to go to the trouble of making a will, as he would be buried with all his money. The money would be his for the rest of eternity! Dreaming about the size of hole that he would need, and with his mind drifting, he suddenly became aware of a presence next to him. Floating just above the ground was the spirit of r Gudgeon, come to give him some legal advice.

“That is not how it is, Ebenezer”, said the spirit of r Gudgeon. “If you don’t make a will, then the law will decide who receives your money and things when you become a spirit.” Scrooge jumped up at the thought that he may not be able to be buried with his money after all, thanked the spirt, and resolved to make a will in the New Year.

At Gudgeons Prentice we don’t, unfortunately, give advice on the size of hole that you will need to be buried in with all your money, but we do wish all of our clients and the people that we work with – past, present and yet to come – a Merry hristmas and a Happy ew ear.

ntroducing the What eld Ladies Club

We are writing to tell you about a new venture for the ladies of What eld and the surrounding areas. We are forming a club for local ladies, we will meet six times a year in February, April, June, August, October and December. The four winter meetings we will invite a speaker to come and in the two summer months we will go out and about to places of interest. We will normally meet on the third Thursday of the month and our venue for the winter meetings will be What eld Village Hall at 7.30pm. In the two summer months we will meet in the afternoons. A charge will be made for attending to cover the cost of the hall and the speakers expenses but other than that we are not looking to make a pro t. We do hope that this will be of interest to you. If you want further information then please contact either Kay itchell 01473 809194, Francis Williams 01473 823856 or Trish Whittle 07860946559. The club will start in February and we aim to have a years programme xed by the rst meeting. We look forward to seeing you at our rst meeting .

PLEASE NOTE: our inaugural meeting will now be held on the 27th February as Hadleigh Dramatic Society are performing next year’s panto in What eld Village Hall from the 20th to 22nd February.

Backs For The Future

www.backsforthefuture.co.uk

Brick Barn, Kersey Mill, Hadleigh IP7 6DP

Lucinda A. Salway DO Registered Osteopath

info@backsforthefuture.co.uk

Tel: 07818 420029

Bildeston Primary School

Learning and Growing Together Remembrance

It had been a busy week at Bildeston, leading up to Remembrance Sunday. We made some lovely remembrance crafts and other classes read remembrance poems in their lessons. We collected for the poppy appeal each morning before school.

any thanks to our Year 6 children in Kestrels that read the poems at the Bildeston Remembrance Service. Your words were very moving, and you read beautifully to a large crowd. Thank you to the sta in Kestrels for co-ordinating everything.

Two younger children laid our wreath, thank you to them as it is a daunting task.

It was lovely to see some familiar faces in the crowd. Parents, pupils, and sta members past and present. Finally, on onday we all took part in a minute’s silence in the school grounds as the sun shone.

PTFA Halloween Event

With thanks to our PTFA, our Halloween evening was a tremendous success. Potion making, pumpkin carving, games, and competitionseveryone had great fun!

S esign Technology

This term in Design & Technology our topic is ‘make do and mend’ and the children have been learning how to do di erent stitches. So far, the children have learnt and practised the running stitch, the web stitch, and the blanket stitch.

KS1 History Timelines

Robin class talked about the past. They discussed the term ‘decade’ and ordered signi cant events on a timeline. Robins were asked to speak to their family members to see what decade their family members were born in.

Kestrel

Class Science

In a recent Kestrel class Science lesson, the children looked at water resistance and conducting a fair test. Water Resistance is a force which acts to slow down or stop objects that are moving through liquid. Practical hands-on learning!

If you are considering Bildeston Primary as a school for your child, you are very welcome to visit. Applying for a reception class place for September 2025 is available online now at https://www.gov.uk/applyfor-primary-school-place and closes on 15 January 2025. Please phone the o ce on the number below if you would like to visit our school. We would love to meet you.

Bildeston Primary School Newberry Road, Bildeston, Ipswich, Su olk, IP7 7ES Telephone: 01 9 7 0 69

Website: www.bildeston.su olk.sch.uk

Hadleigh Orchestra Presents a Festive Feast of Christmas Music

Hadleigh Orchestra are once again bringing you a feast of Christmas music 4pm Sunday 8th December at St ary’s Church, Hadeigh. The programme includes your favourite carols, as well as classics including- Leroy Anderson, Sleigh Ride; Largo form Dvorak New World Symphony; Carillon from Bizet L’Arlesienne Suite and new composition, Frederick & Constance by local young composer, George Prosser. Admission is free and donations will go towards Crisis at Christmas. Do come along for an afternoon of festive cheer.

Hadleigh Hairloom Walk In Family Salon

Christmas Opening Hours:

Tuesday 24th December 9 am - 1 pm

Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th December CLOSED

Monday 30th December 10 am - 4 pm

Tuesday 31st December 10 am - 4 pm

Wednesday 1st January CLOSED

Thursday 2nd January 9 am - 8 pm

We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and to thank you for your support over the past year.

“Teamwork makes the dream work!”

We are taking orders for our famous Free Range Norfolk turkey and geese,

The best way to make your Christmas order is in store: receive tailor-made advice for your family's Christmas from one of our friendly and expert butchers. Come and visit us before we sell out!

Christmas at Andrew's since 1994 74 Hadleigh High Street | 01473 827720 shop@andrewshadleigh.co.uk

St Mary’s Renewal A Community Project

Key: RT Renewal Team DAC Diocesan Advisory Committee ast Night of the Proms: Feedback on this event seems to indicate that a good time was had by both the audience and performers alike. Delighted to report that the evening added a further £4,602.12 to the Renewal Fund. Thanks to all for supporting the event so generously and with great enthusiasm too. Festival of Remembrance: The Royal British Legion hosted this special occasion in St ary’s This was a tting venue for this community concert of Remembrance and to raise money for the 2024 Poppy Appeal. It was also an opportunity to display an 18-meter-long work of art depicting of oments of War from the rst world war right up to present-day con icts. This thought-provoking piece was created by two local artists Cris Coe and Hazel Bradshaw who were on hand to hear viewers’ reactions and record their wartime memories or personal stories. Visitors’ donations are destined to support the invaluable, often traumatic work of decins Sans Fronti res. The artists are now looking for other venues to exhibit the frieze but exceptionally long buildings like St ary’s, are not easy to nd.

Christmas Fair: Whilst this is not a church event, it is yet another example of the need for a large space in the heart of the town.

Pledges and o Fund Me Money: The total amount collected via generous pledges and donations currently stands at £80,123.16. This is an important contribution towards the new heating and lighting units or coronas. Sincere thanks to all who have given so generously. If you are able to add to this impressive sum, David Hoyle is the man to help you. See below for details.

Heritage ottery. The background paperwork is well in hand and will hopefully result in some much-needed nancial support for repairs and the ambitious renewal plans.

ive to o reen Initiative: The maximum has been raised so match funding accrued a total of £10,000 towards the Renewal initiative. Sound and oop System: These have been upgraded to improve the sound quality throughout the Church.

Regular atherings: Apart from the special one-o events, Caf Church o ers a warm welcome and a drink to all ages every Friday morning. Come for a chat and treat yourself to one of Andrew’s delicious breakfasts or a piece of Jan’s traditional bread pudding. There is an added attraction on the 1st Friday in every month when a variety of craft stalls appear laden with lots of attractive treasures. Relaxing lunchtime music recitals can be enjoyed on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Family Pop-Ups are a regular, popular happening but as times vary best check the colourful St ary’s Pop-Up Picnic ad elsewhere in this magazine.

We hope you will support St ary’s whenever you can. In addition to these welcoming community gatherings and the regular times for worship, the large audience for the service of Remembrance has adequately demonstrated the many uses for this wonderful space. Its much-needed repair and renewal will ensure these can successfully continue.

Happy Christmas and all the best for 0 5.

David Hoyle pledges davidhoyle1967@gmail.com. R

Emma Fleming vens o ce@stmaryshadleigh.co.uk 01 7 8 987

Church Website https://stmaryshadleigh.co.uk

Hadleigh and District News

What a wonderful display we had this month from David Wright. His title was “The Twelve days of Christmas” and as the picture shows he really depicted this in his arrangements. Apart from his great love of owers he also does sculptures of various animal, birds and owers, some of which he brought along for members to purchase. His other great love is being out on his bike, he likes to go out before dawn regularly doing 20 miles around his home in North Norfolk. It’s amazing the wildlife that he sees, including lots of deer and badgers. He really gave us a very interesting evening.

Next month for our Christmas meeting we have Jane and Janet with a title of “Into the Festive Season”. They always give us a fun evening so we welcome anyone that wishes to come along and join us. A festive drink and mince pies will be served. The meeting will be at the RC 10 December 7. 0 pm

Hadleigh Evening WI

At our evening meeting (3rd Tuesday) Edmund Nicholls gave a very interesting talk entitled ‘Ghosts of Ipswich and Su olk’ followed by our Annual eeting, our rst as part of South East Federation. aggie’s Amblers ( rst Wednesday) and Viv’s Lunch Bunch (2nd Thursday) linked up in November for lunch at the Bramford Cock following a walk around the outskirts of Bramford, to include the water meadows. The food was excellent and the chips the best ever tasted- just the right size and crispiness. There are no de nite dates for ambles in December and January but, depending on the weather, there may be ‘pop-ups’. Lunch Bunch will be giving December a miss but plan to return to the Belstead Brook Hotel on the 16th January. Bookworms (4th Thursday) are not meeting in December - there will be a new meeting venue in 2025. The book for the holiday period is “The Light we Carry” by ichelle Obama. November’s book ‘The Household’ was generally enjoyed. The meeting in December on the 17th will be our Christmas Party with lots of chat, games and quizzes.

We meet on the third Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Library Seminar Room. If you would like to join us, come for a ‘taster’ evening. Contact the secretary Glenn Abbassi on 07870 312409 or the president Sheila Webb on 01473 827554 and we will look out for you. We send good wishes to all residents in and around Hadleigh for Christmas and 2025.

Hadleigh Elderly Peoples Welfare Committee Christmas Voucher Scheme

The vouchers will be delivered during the next 7 to 10 days and will be valued at £12 per person.

To assist new recipients and, perhaps, remind regulars the following retailers will accept the vouchers: Coop Stores, QD Stores, Andrews Butchers, Fergusons Deli., Keith Avis, Little Ginger Bee Co., Sweet emories, East End Butchers, Yarn Workx

If any other retailers would like to accept the vouchers please contact David Stokes 01 7 8 7 6

Ellisons Solicitors Strengthens its Wills, Trusts and Probate Team in Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors has bolstered its Wills, Trusts and Probate team with the appointment of two experienced private client lawyers.

orna Denton Cardew joins as a Partner, bringing over 16 years’ experience in Private Client law. Specialising in Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills, and inheritance tax matters for blended families, Lorna’s focus is on providing clear, straightforward advice to clients.

aura Buller, a Chartered Legal Executive with a focus on Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Probate, also joins the team. Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and is keen to support the rm’s ongoing growth in Hadleigh, Ipswich and the surrounding area.

orna commented: “I’m thrilled to lead the Ipswich team at such a pivotal time and look forward to working closely with Laura and the rest of my new colleagues to enhance the services we o er our clients.”

Nicola Weldon, Partner and Head of Private Client, concluded: “This is an exciting time for our team as we continue to recruit across the region to meet demand. Lorna and Laura’s appointments re ect our commitment to delivering exceptional legal advice, and their experience will be key in further strengthening our Wills, Trusts, and Probate o ering across the region.”

The Ellisons’ Private Client Team in Ipswich is available to advise on all aspects of Wills, Trusts and Probate issues and are pleased to o er home visits for clients across the region.

Looking back on another extraordinary year, I started it as Defence inister in a Conservative Government, I nish it as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, with Labour in power – but throughout, it’s remained a huge privilege to be the P for South Su olk. I’m particularly proud to represent a constituency with a vast number of unsung heroes, who I believe should be honoured at this time of year, when it’s particularly important to remember those less fortunate than ourselves - and those who provide them with charitable support. That’s why for the second year running I’ve held my ‘Community Champion Awards’, this year hosted at the end of last month in Alpheton village hall, and saluting some brilliant nominees who have gone over and above to do their bit. This year we had so many super entries, and as ever it was almost impossible to pick a ‘winner’.

But I felt that John Lane from Sudbury was a particularly worthy case and is my 2024 Community Champion. In 2020 his local Parkinson’s group closed due to COVID, and several members passed away. So, he decided to start a new independent group to address the needs of prior members, dealing not just with all that associated bureaucracy, but delivering a new service that has been a real boost for those a ected. I take my hat o to him, and to all those in South Su olk who volunteer and contribute to their community.

With the colder months now upon us, I am conscious that many constituents could be particularly badly hit by loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance. That’s why in November I held a ‘South Su olk Seniors Fair’ in Capel St ary, highlighting the help and support that is available for older people this winter. If you want to nd out more, please go to my website: jamescartlidge.com/supportforconstituents

This part of the world is extra special at Christmas; I cannot think of anywhere better to be. However, whilst I was delighted that we left Government with in ation back on track and the cost-of-living crisis caused by the war in Ukraine starting to return to normal, for many, life is not exactly easy.

That is particularly true of small businesses, who have borne the brunt of recent tax increases. I never hide from the fact that when in power, we had to put up taxes – but we had a pandemic to pay for, and all that energy support when the war started. With the impact of new taxes on small businesses in mind, and the threat posed to pubs and the high street, I hope that we will all support local retailers this festive season. ay I wish you all a wonderful Christmas, and the very best for 2025.

Hadleigh Choral Society Christmas Concert

Ring in the season with Hadleigh Choral Society at our Celebration of Christmas, Saturday 14th December at 6:30 pm, St ary’s Church in Hadleigh. Entry is free, with a collection in aid of Su olk Lowland Search and Rescue. Join us for mulled wine and nibbles after the concert.

Youareinvitedtoour

TREEFESTIVAL

St.Mary’sChurch

Refreshments

SATSUNMON 212223 11am-2pm Sat21st-Sun29thDecember

Service of 9 carols and lessons SUN, 22nd Dec 6 pm

Everyone Welcome

Hadleigh And Boxford Patient Particpation Group (Ppg)

Out of Hours Doctor: Need a doctor when the Health Centre is closed, including weekend? Call 111 for advice and details of your nearest ‘out of hours’ duty doctor.

Covid Flu accines: A staggering total of 3300 Covid and 3600 u vaccine were given at our recent clinics. Sincere thanks to sta and volunteers who gave up their precious free time to ensure that all went smoothly so that such an impressive number of patients have some protection against Covid and ‘ u before the winter sets in.

RS accine: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. A single vaccine is now available for 75 to 79-yearolds and pregnant women to boost your natural protection against this disease. The take up has been good with patients continuing to receive the vaccine during surgery hours in December.

Boxford Closure: Now that the public consultation period has ended, the Practice is consolidating the feedback from that to present to the Integrated Car Board (ICB) for their consideration.

Call Back Option: any patients are still not aware of this very helpful, e cient return call option believing that they will lose their turn in the queue. Rest assured you do not as your call will be returned once it reaches your turn. Choose the ‘call back’ option and then hang up.

Non rgent Appointments: Avoid the early morning scramble by using Econsult. Available 24/7 and your requests will be dealt within 48 hours. This will also free up the line for more pressing appointment needs.

The NHS App: Did you know you can order your repeat prescription via the NHS app, view your medical records and much more via the NHS app? Do you have access to this very useful app? You will be surprised how much useful information can be found there. If you ever have reason to use a doctor outside Hadleigh they can immediately access your medical records; saving valuable time and a lot of stress.

Not sure how to use it? If you have a long-standing aversion to IT why not overcome your misgivings and give it a try in the peaceful surroundings of Hadleigh Library. On the rst Thursday of every month a representative from Babergh District Council is there to help the IT wary get online and develop their digital skills. Why wait? You are never too old to get to grips with an iPad, mobile or a computer. Next beginners’ session takes place in the Library on 5th December from 10 am to 1pm .

Repeat Prescriptions: At the Practice dispensary please allow threeworking days for these to be processed. Pharmacies outside the Practice have their own timetable.

Medicine Wastage: The statistics for medicine wastage are staggering. Across the UK unused medicine costs the NHS around £300 million every single year, with an estimated £110 million worth of medicine returned to pharmacies and a further £90 million worth of unused prescription medicines being stored in homes. We can all help to reduce these shocking gures e.g. check your stock of prescription drugs before re-ordering more, keep your repeat prescription up to date and stop ordering medicine you no longer take, before you leave the pharmacy check the contents of the bag and return unwanted items for re-use. If you wait until after you have left the premises their cost becomes part of the £110 million.

Free De b Training: De b training sessions were well supported with over 30 attendees . Our thanks to the Hadleigh Community First Responders for giving their time to share their knowledge and to the Leisure Centre for hosting the event.

olunteer Drivers: Jen Eastwood, coordinates a group of volunteer drivers who are willing to take patients, needing transport, to their doctor or hospital appointments. If you are a driver with a few hours to spare please contact Jen (details below) and support this invaluable service. Insurance issues are addressed when you sign up.

Art in Practice: The free-standing work has been returned to its creators at the Hadleigh High School. Our thanks to them for brightening the Practice waiting area for several weeks. Happily, patients and visitors can still enjoy the work of Hazel Bradshaw’s students.

Wishing Patients and Readers a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Both Practices: 01473 822 961

Out of Hours: 111 also online www.111.nhs.uk

NHS App: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app

Practice Dispensary: www.hadleighhealth.co.uk/opening-hours olunteers Drivers: jen.eastwood8@gmail.com

Coordinator: Jen Eastwood 01787 211 853

Website: www.hadleighhealth.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hadleigh-Boxford-Group-

PP Art Sales: deveys@btinternet.com

Chair: Jan Devey 01473 827 091 or7881 798999

Is it time to check your Will and make sure your a airs are in order?

The last thing that anyone wants to do is leave their loved ones with a mess to unravel when they die. aking a Will is just the rst step in ensuring that this is not the case.

We would recommend that you regularly review your Will, particularly if your personal or nancial situation has changed, to check that it still meets with your wishes.

These changes can include things like:-

Have you or a bene ciary recently got married or divorced?

Has your family welcomed in any additional children or grandchildren – do you need to appoint guardians?

Have you been lucky enough to win the lottery?

Have you received an inheritance?

Are the people you have chosen as executors still appropriate? It is also important to ensure that your Will continues to be as tax e cient as possible after any budgetary changes, such as the recent restrictions which are being introduced in relation to agricultural property relief and business property relief.

Well organised paperwork/ nancial records can help smooth the probate process with assets and liabilities being clearly identi able.

This, along with frank conversations surrounding your funeral wishes, can all ease the burden on your loved ones.

Something that is becoming more prevalent in today’s society, is the need to consider what happens with your digital assets once you have died. Things such as your social media presence and the photos saved in the cloud, all hold precious memories that your loved ones may wish to locate and preserve for future generations. Or it may be that you hold bitcoin that needs to be dealt with. While you can sometimes nominate who can memorialise your social media accounts, a clause in your Will authorising your executors to take control of them and any other digital assets can be invaluable.

At Ashtons Legal we can help you to review and, if necessary, update your Will. We can also provide advice on any other legal documents, including Lasting Powers of Attorney. We currently o er free and secure storage so that all your documents are in one place.

ouise Cardwell Partner, ifetime Planning

Email: ouise.cardwell@ashtonslegal.co.uk

Phone: 01 7 61 0

Ebony’s Blog Life at The

Shelley Centre

The winter months bring unpredictable weather which makes caring for our ponies challenging, but so far this winter has been kind to us. Bad weather means we can’t always use the horses for our therapeutic sessions, but that’s not a problem as we have Ebony, the mechanical horse, situated in a warm room out of the weather.

Our horses live outside all year round but have shelters in their elds and wear warm rugs to keep them cosy and dry. The rugs also help to reduce the amount of mud we have to brush o before riding sessions, as they all like to roll in the muddiest patch in their elds!

The therapy we provide has bene tted around 160 people in the last year, amounting to over 2700 rides over the three terms we operate. Our clients vary in age from six upwards and come to us with a range of challenges – both physical and mental, including those recovering from accidents or with long-term degenerative diseases. The physical bene ts derived from riding, whether the horses or Ebony, include improved balance, strength, motor co-ordination and general improved health. But riding and interacting with the horses, other clients and volunteers, provides much more – a sense of well being, improved self con dence and emotional control. The di erence that riding and being with the horses makes is amazing and often lifechanging. We witness little miracles every day as our clients take new steps forward. Our mission is to improve lives, one ride at a time. In the words of Becca (pictured on Ebony), who has been with us for many years, “I recommend riding to anyone because it gently exercises the whole body, strengthens the cores and improves posture. And being around horses has a calming e ect which helps with mental health.” Across the UK over 25,000 people of all ages and abilities ride or carriage drive with one of the 500 RDA groups, and there are similar groups right across world. At every group, our coaches are trained and quali ed to deliver the best possible experience, based on our clients’ needs, ambition or therapeutic goals. As well as our amazing riders, coaches and stable manager, the Shelley Centre is blessed with many dedicated and hard-working volunteers. They help with the RDA sessions; look after the ponies during the holidays and weekends; undertake general admin and maintenance tasks around the yard and raise funds to keep the Centre going. If you’d like to join this fantastic and friendly team, why not give the Centre a call and come up and meet us and see how you can help. And of course, you can always help by supporting our fund raising activities or giving us a donation. Please see our website for details.

Wishing all our friends and supporters a very Happy Christmas ! Website: www.shelleyrda.com Facebook: Shelley RDA Centre Telephone: 01 7 8 17

Lavenham Library Newsletter

FRIENDS OF A ENHAM IBRAR CHRISTMAS RAFF E

WIN a bonanza of Christmas goodies in our fundraising

RAFF E. A Christmas hamper full of treats, a Christmas stocking made by our creatively, crafty Jo lled with gifts to bring a smile to your little ones faces! AND other festive fancies!

TICKETS are available in the library for £1 and the draw will take place on Friday 1 December. So don’t delay and buy yours today!

avenham iterary Festival

The library was very pleased to host author signings for another successful festival. Our fundraising Friends Group supported the festival by providing refreshments and with such generous donations the group raised over £1,000!

avenham ibrary would like to thank our customers

for their support and we wish you all a very MERR CHRISTMAS

Our patron, Tracy Borman OBE

We started as a single surgery practice and having recently extended into the nextdoor property, we now have a modern three surgery practice, including a downstairs surgery for anyone with mobility issues. Due to our expansion we no longer have to turn anyone away and are accepting new private patients.

We have four dentists, Konstantina, ary, arina and Samantha and two hygienists Kerry and Deborah along with our fabulous nurses and reception sta

We will be welcoming a new team member, dentist Samantha Brown, who has over 20 years experience in dentistry and is a very exciting addition to our team here at Lavenham.

We pride ourselves on our customer service and we understand that a visit to the dentist can be a daunting prospect especially for nervous patients.

We do our best to put you at ease from the moment you step through the door to the moment you leave. Our friendly sta are always happy to help, nothing is too much trouble. Please take a look at the 5 Star reviews on our webpage.

We have various payment options.

Our monthly budget scheme which includes 6 monthly check-ups, cleaning and x-rays plus a 20% discount on general treatment (this

does not include Implants, Invisalign or facial aesthetics) for £18.00 per month

Pay as you go option

0% nance 6-, 10 or 12-month options

We o er a wide range of treatments including.

Facial Aesthetics

Implants

Invisalign clear aligners

Composite bonding Root canal treatment

Crowns and bridges

General dentistry

If you have questions or wish to book an appointment, please do give our friendly reception sta a call on 01787 247058 and they will be happy to help, or visit our website www.lavenhamdental.com

We look forward to welcoming you to our practice.

Becky Marshall, Practice Manager, Lavenham Dental Practice Ltd

Bildeston History on Screen

Anotherillustrated talk by Sue Andrews with images from Sue’s own archive.

Anothertour around Bildeston: from the gallows to the garage.

Saturday,1st February 2025 10.30am

Chamberlin Hall, Bildeston

Free entry(donations welcome)

Talk followed by light refreshments.

The Men’s Shed is a Cool Joint

While there is no limit to the activities that can be done at a en’s Shed, at Hadleigh, our workshop is speci cally geared for woodworking and joinery, making it a wonderful space for woodworking enthusiasts.

Joinery is the craft of connecting pieces of wood to build structures and furniture, combining skill, creativity, and precision. The choice of joint depends on the application. Some joints are relatively easy to make, while others are more complex and require greater attention. Whichever you choose, the satisfaction of crafting a strong and aesthetically pleasing joint is unmatched, especially when it ts perfectly.

Here are ten types of joints:

Butt oint – The simplest joint, where two pieces of wood are joined end-to-end or at a right angle.

Dado oint – A groove is cut into one piece of wood to accept another piece.

Dovetail oint – Interlocking wedge-shaped tails and pins t tightly together.

Mortise and Tenon oint – A protruding “tenon” ts into a matching “mortise” hole.

Miter oint – Two pieces are cut at an angle (typically 45°) and joined. ap oint – Two pieces overlap and are fastened together.

Biscuit oint – A biscuit-shaped piece of wood is inserted into matching slots in the wood.

Pocket Hole oint – Angled holes are drilled to accept screws that join two pieces of wood.

Box oint – Interlocking square ngers create a strong joint.

Tongue and roove oint – A tongue on one piece ts into a groove on the other.

If you would like to learn more and maybe try your hand at some joinery, please come on down —just walk in!

We’re at the Black Swan Yard on Benton Street ( on 6-9 pm, Wed 9 am -1 pm & 6-9 pm, Fri 9 am-1 pm).

If you need more information or have any questions, feel free to email us for further details at hadleighmensshed@gmail.com.

“What

Polstead Village Hall

Regular Activities and Hire

Polstead Village Hall has a range of regular clubs and activities at speci c times from onday to Friday. At all other times, the hall is available for private bookings. There is a small room for hire, as well as the main hall with its curtained stage and an adjacent, well-equipped kitchen. Please note that the hall now has WiFi.

Anyone interested in hiring any of the Hall’s facilities should contact the Bookings Secretary ( rs Sue Townsend) Tel – 01787 828570 or access the Hall’s website https://polstead.onesu olk.net/welcome-to-polstead

If you think you might like to join in any of the regular weekday activities, please contact the relevant organisers (phone numbers below), even if it is just to make further enquiries.

Monday: Chair Exercise Class, pm. Tel: 07860 824747

Table Tennis, 6.30 – 8.30 pm. Tel: 07470 635600

Tuesday: Art & Crafts Club, 2– 5 pm. Tel: 07570 791716 Gardening Club, Regular monthly meetings.Tel: 01787 211130

Wednesday: W.I. 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10.30 am. Tel: 07485 07434. Zumba with Luis Camacho, 6 – 6.45 pm. Tel: 07791 496767 Carpet Bowls Club,7 pm. Tel: 07969 983554

Thursday: Body ovement, 10 – 11 am. Tel: 07860 824747

Parish Council eeting, 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30 pm

Friday: Co ee Caravan, 3rd Friday of the month from 10 – noon. Tel: 07969 983554. Film Night, onthly lm evenings. Tel: 07939 223587

Saturday: Bingo, onthly Bingo evenings. Tel: 07969 983554

Additional December events

Polstead WI Party

On Wednesday 18th December from 10.30am in Polstead Village Hall we are having our Christmas Party. We are having a Reindeer Drive, with prizes, a childhood photo quiz and excellent seasonal refreshments. Visitors most welcome at £4 per person. To book please telephone 07485 074341.

Rural Co ee Caravan

The caravan will be visiting on Friday 20th December from 10 am to 12 noon. Garry brings along lots of information. If you have problems lling in forms or are struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Garry on 07584 422480. We look forward to seeing you for co ee, cake and lots of conversation.

Hadleigh U3a

Our next monthly meeting will be on onday 9 December, 2.30pm at the United Reformed Church in Hadleigh. This month we have Ian Assington with a talk entitled, ‘Shanty Su olk’.

If you are retired or semi-retired and would like to know more about the u3a and the events we run please feel free to come along to the talk, pick up some information and meet us all. Or contact us through our website at https://u3asites.org.uk/hadleigh-su olk/home

EN O C T RE, COFFEE FRIENDS

n the rd Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m at ong Melford illage Hall CO10 9 opp The Bull Hotel WEDNESDA 11 December

THE CHRISTMAS STOR FROM ONDON’S NATIONA A ER

The National Gallery houses the most beautiful paintings depicting the Christmas story with the earliest dating from before the Reformation. By choosing images from the 13th century up to the mid 1600s, one can see how Western Art developed in Italy and the Netherlands. Among others, some of the most tender & moving interpretations of the Christmas theme were painted by Rembrandt. Contact: info@tasstourvalley.org.uk quoting CN or simply click the QR code which will take you direct to our website www. tasstourvalley.org.uk

Franklyn Nevard Associates

Architecture and Interior Design

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

Contact Franklyn

Mobile: 07515 351 894

Email: franklyn@franklynnevard.co.uk

Web: www.franklynnevard.co.uk

ESTABLISHED IN 1982

Phoenix Brass Band

ANNUAL

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

COME AND JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT

St Mary’s Church, Raydon Saturday 7 December @ 7.30pm £15 per ticket Supper and wine included

Tickets available from Margaret (01473 311164) or Ann (01473 311548)

The Lavenham Writers’ Group has just published their ﬁrst booklet.

With over 60 pages, PATCHWORD is full of stories and poems written by the seven members.

Priced at only £4.00, it is an ideal Christmas or birthday present -it is also easy to send via Royal Mail.

Copies can be purchased from June on 07875562404 or from Tim – tcrose@btinternet.com

Telephone & request a brochure or book a free demonstration

Hadleigh Rugby Club’s Christmas Message

I would like to wish everyone involved in Hadleigh RFC a very Happy Christmas.

2024 has been a very busy year both on and o the pitch. Thank you to the coaches, players, sponsors, supporters and volunteers for everything you have done. Each of you is part of the club’s success. We look forward to an excellent 2025 and erry Christmas to all.

Kevin Parker, Chair

Find us on Facebook or visit https://hadleighrfc.rfu.club. Come and visit us at Hadleigh RFC, Layham Road Sports Ground, Layham Road, Hadleigh IP7 5NE

Hadleigh Garden Club

At our October meeting unfortunately the speaker failed to turn up which is a very rare event thankfully. The evening was saved so a big thank you to both members and especially to members Sue ordey who undertook a gardener’s question and answer session with audience participation and Dave de-Negri our past Chairman stepped in to give a talk on compost making. Overall it was a more social and interactive evening which made a change from more formal evenings.

The Competition winner of ‘three apples on a plate’ was Caroline Bilsby pictured.

Our next meeting will be on onday 16th December at 7.30 pm in the Guild Room opposite St. ary’s Church. Christmas Quiz and Social Evening with nger bu et provided. This is a very popular fun evening so why not join us. There will not be a competition – however the presentation to the Annual Aggregate Winner of the competition will be made. Also our special Christmas Ra e.

Members per meeting and visitors are welcome for a fee of per meeting. For more information contact: Hadleighgardenclub@ gmail.com or Tel: Angie on 079 6 7 57

Bildeston Carpet Bowls Club

Well so far we are having a good season as we are top of the league! Although in the new year year we have some tough games to play. We only have one match in December and three in January, which I will list below as I won’t be writing an article in the January issue.

Tues. December Hitcham Home

Tues 1 anuary O ton Home

Tuesday 1 anuary Polstead Home

Tuesday 8 anuary T Blakenham Home

Don’t forget you are welcome to join us on Tuesday evenings when we are not playing a match, although you are very welcome to come along and watch to get some idea of what Carpet Bowls is all about. Tea co ee, biscuits and chat included. So if you are interested please call ike or Brenda on 01284 827688

POLSTEAD FILMS FAMILY

MATINEE

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS

Saturday 8 December at Polstead Village Hall - Doors open 2.30 pm U Cert - 97min

Voiced by James McAvoy as Arthur, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton When Father Christmas’s gawky son Arthur learns that, owing to a technical malfunction, a little girl’s Christmas present has been misplaced, he sets out on a mission to deliver it before it’s too late.

Tickets: Adults £3, Under 12s £1.50 - To reserve, or if you have

Light refreshments, tea, coffee, soft drinks, biscuits, sweets, cakes will be available All proceeds in aid of Polstead Village Hall Charity No. 304933

coming to Cavendish 21st December 2024 2.00pm - 5.30 pm at Cavendish Memorial Hall, C010 8AD

contact@constructionone.co.uk 01473 807 754 Victoria House, Market Place, Hadleigh

Tickets £12.50 Tickets from: Jacqui Scott-Burgin 07555 518299 Annette Williamott 01787 282817 Beer, Wine, Soft drinks, Snacks, Raffle available during performance CASH ONLY

French’s Care Haven

Hello to our readers, I hope as always you have all been keeping well.

CHECK

Another year quickly goes by and for us as a charity in need of nancial help, I am keeping everything crossed for 2025 to be a more secure year for our rescue and I am hoping that 2025 will bring new sponsors in to support us.

Hasn’t it been crazy with the dark richness of the ever growing grass we have had this year, still mowing our lawns in the middle of November, crazy! It looks lovely but for the horses and ponies who su er from laminitis it is tough, as they still have to be limited with their time on the grass, because of the sugar intake. As we see Diabetes going up in people, it is also going up in the equine world at an alarming rate. One of our photos is Annie a beautiful girl who su ers with laminitis, she is lucky to have a large manage that she can go in which is next to her double shelter that she shares with her friend Coco. The other photo is of me, with to the left Otis a rescue puppy that Sharon a main team member owns and my Lucy on the right who is our Therapy dog, beautiful Lucy has been working with vulnerable people for the last 9 plus years. We are hoping that in the future Otis will become part of our Therapy team, who work with people that need help with their mental health. Lucy is giving Otis training and showing him the ropes on how to be a perfect companion up the farm.

Thank you to Boxford Friendship Group for selling some items and making a small donation, I hope to speak to one of their members Alison again soon. Thank you to Jane a lady who donated some bales of hay to us, thanks goes to Brian who collected it with the help of Chloe and Sharon.

I would like to thank Essex Spiritual Centre for coming to Boxford, every one that attended the Fleece for the event enjoyed themselves, plus the lady who runs it and spoke on the night, gave us a nice donation.

I would also like to give a big thank you to John in Sudbury area, who is a kind elder who called me and sent a donation that paid for a month of bowl feeds for the animals. For all our readers Please consider making a personal donation to us if you can, your help will keep us going and would be very much appreciated by our team and of course our dear rescued animals, my contact details are at the bottom of this page.

If you would like any information about becoming part of our small team and helping care for our lovely horses and donkeys. Plus all donations are welcome with open arms and much gratitude.

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.

ann on: 077 7755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk

Website: Frenchs Care Haven.org.uk

Racing Across the Globe

Hadleigh Hares Conquer Triathlons, Trails, and Cross Country

There have been a variety of races that our members have been participating in this month.

Sam Theobald was lucky enough to take part in the World Triathlon Age Group Championships in Torremolinos. Athletes from all over the world come to compete in this tough race comprising of a swim, ride and run. Sam’s age group consisted of 65 athletes who started the event with a sea swim which was pretty choppy and ended up being longer than normal. She came out the water in 5th position and after a run up the beach, had her transition onto the bike course. It wasn’t long before she had to transition to running shoes and after a at out and back course she nished 12th in her age group.

This did earn her a place in the mixed relay race 3 days later. The noise and support from the crowds jeed her and her team on with them nishing an amazing 5th place. What a wonderful experience and a fantastic event.

The same weekend in October Lucy Jay and Adam Chamberlin were tackling the undulating course of The averick Jurassic with Lucy running the 50k and Adam the 100k. Unfortunately, they did not have the good fortune of sunny weather as Sam did in Spain. The night before the race they were woken by rainfall that Lucy described as a ‘monsoon’!

On the race route they had to contend with ooded footpaths that passed as rivers and at one point Adam found himself waist deep in water. Of course there was plenty of mud too and they did well to stay upright.

Lucy found the conditions energy sapping and sadly, missed her cuto at a checkpoint. Adam completed in a time of 15hrs and 4 minutes. This is a beautiful and challenging course, but very di cult to train for in a relatively at Su olk.

eanwhile in Cambridgeshire, Sam and Vicky Tapp were lapping the famous Duxford useum runway in the Duxford Dash. They both did brilliantly in the 5k with Vicky crossing the line in 1st place and Sam 1st in her age category.

November brings the beginning of the cross country season and this year the club is in the Su olk Winter League. This is new for us so lots of new venues. To kick o we had a full team running Framlingham. We were spoilt with perfect conditions and a stunning location with the castle being the backdrop as we ran round elds, along footpaths and up and down the very steep moat! Aden Bell made easy work of it coming in 14th overall. November was a very busy racing day with our runners taking part in three di erent races. Firstly, the local Scenic 7 which runs through quiet lanes from Stowmarket. Well done to Ryan cneill, Nathalie Hooper, Belinda Godbold and Joel Ramsey. Jo Sargent was in Essex running the Wix 5 mile road race and Sam and Vicky Tapp ran the Remembrance Run in Brightlingsea.

A huge congratulations to all our members who took part in these fantastic events.

If you would like to join a friendly and supportive running club as a member or a coach you can nd out all about us and how to join at www.hadleigh hares.co.uk

We offer clean, secure, easy access storage from £50/month and workshop options from £75-£400/month

● Access all hours ● 24 hour CCTV & Security Barrier

● Flood Lighting ● Parking available adjacent to unit www.elmsettstorshops.co.uk Gate Farm, Elmsett Tel: 01473 822162 M: 07767 290 469

Commercial • Industrial • Domestic • Agricultural Design • Installation • Testing Your local Part P Approved Contractor Established over 40 years ELECTRICAL LTD

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Franklyn Nevard 07515 351894

One Group ............... 01473 807754

Accountants / Financial Services

Thompson Financial Consulting 01473 828973

Walter Wright 01473 822143

Su olk Ta ccountants...01473 657000

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Gallagher 01473 828806

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Roundhouse Plumbing 07939 082630

Spear .................... 07775 690158

GJ Watts 01473 829644

MSL Plumbing 07979 288844

CJ Plumbing eating 01473 822775

M nstallations 01473 206918

uddha Plumbing eating.07710 081745

ndre Pipe 07766 311575

Blinds for windows conservatories

Ventanilla Blinds .......... 01787 313677

Caribbean Blinds ........ 0344 800 1947

Builders / Property Maintenance

MMS Plastering 07767 211336

C. . Builders 01473 824404

Simon Farthing 07823 333451 One Group 01473 807754

nglia Lime 01787 313974

Butchers

ndre s Butcher 01473 827720

Carpentry

Dick Bushell .............. 07717 474672

Cards, ifts, Stationery eith vis Ne sagents 01473 823131

Carpets / Flooring

.J. Carpets 01473 822240

Your local business DIRECTORY

Car Sales, Servicing, Repairs alet

inger olbro 01473 823286

Complete Car Services....01473 828991

Crockatt Garage 01473 824342

nvicta Garage 01473 823172

Chimney Sweep / Fireplace Services

TL Chimneys 07733 420611

Clements Chimney S eep .07810 616837

Clothes

ZOR Boutique ............ 07969 525859

Marst gri................ 01473 455205

Computer Repair IT Support

ome Computer Services..01473 829552

Doors and Windows

ndy Grimsey.............01473 823584

Tim llen Windo s........ 01473 827086

Sure 01473 827004

B Glass 01787 880099

Electrical oods and Supplies

icks TV udio Solutions07968 686035

Electricians

S Co le lectrical 01473 823179

Estate Agents

Frost Partners...........01473 823456

Chapman Stickels 01473 372372

i y.................... 01473 875101

The Letting Department...01473 372222

Farm Shops

ollo trees.............. 01449 741247

Funeral / rave Services

R. G innell 01473 824440

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

arden Machinery / Repairs

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

Marst gri................ 01473 455205

Steve Blake 07813814623

Radiators,

Tel: Mark 07979 288844 info@mslplumbing.co.uk

arden Services

4 Life Landscapes 01473 828117

The Landscaper 07737 272341

Green Star Gardening 07939 226117

Hair and Beauty

adleigh airloom ........ 01473 822191

lice Capriotti 07517 874342

Health and Fitness

adleigh Bo ford Practice .01473 822961

adleigh Dental Surgery..01473 823092

Sally Mo les Foot ealth Care 01473 822902

adleigh Physiotherapy...01473 810185

Body Mind s One...... 07506 350 455

inetic ealth 01473 806240

Backs For The Future 07818 420029

Mung Bean ............... 01473 829998

Lavenham Dental Practice .01787 247058

House Moving / Removals

Todds Removals 01787 377489

aundry Services

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

ocksmiths

Key Locksmith Services...01206 431440

Newsagents

Keith vis Ne sagents....01473 823131

Nursing Care Services

La eld ouse...01787 247340 / 247495

City On ill Care ....... 0330 1335 492

Green Rose Care 01269 850150

Opticians

Dunstone Optometry 01473 823755

Painting Decorating

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

W Painting Sealing....07856 833104

Paste Paper Paint 07429 612344

Pest Control

Lister Countryside Services07919 287656