The Village Edition, January 2024

The 1 Market Place, Hadleigh, Suffolk, IP7 5DN

Local Community News

January 2024

01473 372 222 thelettingdepartment.co.uk

Hadleigh Rugby Club - 2024 is our 40th Anniversary

Village Edition

A very Happy New Year to all! Hadleigh RFU Club has come a long way since it was established in 1984 and continues to have a thriving Mini, Youth and Senior teams. We would like to thank – past and present – all of our coaches, players, members, sponsors, volunteers, family and friends for helping the club achieve this milestone.

The club ended 2023 with a home win against Brightlingsea Rugby Club on Saturday 16 December, when Captain Harry Lloyd walked The Rams out. Hadleigh & Brightlingsea were level on points and it was set to be a great game but Hadleigh had their win by the narrow margin of 36-33.

Our membership continues to grow, but we are always looking for more players so if you fancy or are re-starting an old sport come along and visit us, training and fixtures details are listed on our website.

The club has various sponsorship packages available for businesses, so give us a call if you would like to support this local community club.

Calling all Girls! In July 2022, we offered a series of free coaching sessions in local schools to boost numbers in our Mini section. By October 2022, we recognised that girls in years 4–6 were put off coming to the club because the only opportunity was full contact rugby in mixed gender teams.

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LOCAL ESTATE AGENT

HIZZY PROPERTY wins the award as

Suffolk’s Residential Estate Agent of the Year 2023!

A spokesperson from the Business Awards UK said: “Hizzy Property’s expertise in the property market and commitment to exceptional client service have set a new standard in estate agency.”

Lee Sands, a partner for Hizzy Property has said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win such an accolade, it’s a true reflection of the hard work and dedication our team put in to win such a coveted award.

We have won a few awards, but this has to be up with the best.”

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Continued from front cover So in January 2023, a girls only training opportunity was initiated by our specialist coaches with the option of tag rugby one week and contact rugby the next. This proved very popular in getting more girls to the club and playing rugby in one form or another. We visited 10 primary schools and girls have joined the club by going straight into the mixed teams or trained in the girls’ team for a couple of sessions and then moved across to the mixed teams or stayed on with the girls only team.

We were recently invited to train with Tendering Tigresses at Mistley Rugby Club. Tendering Tigresses are a newly-formed group consisting of current mixed team players from Clacton, Mistley and Harwich. The aim is to form a new U12’s team for when the girls are too old to play in mixed teams. It was a fantastic opportunity for us, with seven Hadleigh girls getting their first experience of going to a different rugby club and training with a large group of girls.

We now have 25 girls across all ages in the Mini section and are looking forward to fulfilling some girls only fixtures in 2024. We are currently planning a training morning during February’s halfterm for new and current players and are particularly on the lookout for girls in year 6 who are keen to be part of a U12’s girls’ team next season (September, 2024).

If you would like more information about girls’ rugby at Hadleigh please email Sarah Bartholomew sarah.bartholomew@whatfield.suffolk.sch.uk Keep an eye out for events at www.hadleighrfc.rfu.club, on social media and local news.

Visit us at Hadleigh RFU Club, Layham Road Sports Ground, Layham Road, Hadleigh IP7 5NE or call us on 01473 823 231.

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Lavenham Library The future of libraries in Suffolk – Have your say Suffolk County Council have started their consultation and want to hear your views on Suffolk Libraries. We're encouraging everyone who visits our libraries or uses the library service to take part in this consultation and have their say!

Suffolk Libraries offer free books to borrow and provide community spaces to learn, socialise and take part in activities. You can access the online survey by visiting www.suffolk.gov.uk/LibraryConsultation Those who cannot access the consultation online can request a printed copy by calling 0345 603 1842 or visit the library where we have paper copies with self-addressed envelopes available. Please take the opportunity to express your views. It will only take a view minutes.

This survey is particularly important because Suffolk County Council’s contract with Suffolk Libraries comes to an end on 31st May 2025, with a new contract set to begin in June 2025. The council is seeking views from the public about what is important to them, ahead of awarding the new contract. The consultation is open until Friday 26 January 2024.

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Lavenham Library, Lavenham Village Hall, Church St, Lavenham CO10 9QT Tel No: 01787 247729 www.suffolklibraries.co.uk Email: lavenham.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk

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Local Community 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, Holton St Mary 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

Our contact details: Editor: Jason Holder 01473 823366 comnews@keithavis.co.uk To place an advert: Matt Barber 01473 823366 Mobile: 07799 313838 matt@keithavis.co.uk

www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk Community News Magazines are produced by Keith Avis Printers Ltd, 68 High Street, Hadleigh, Ipswich, Suffolk IP7 5EF

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Suffolk Libraries HMRC charity number XT34476

Monks Eleigh History Group Monks Eleigh History Group’s next will be held on Monday 8th January 2025 at Monks Eleigh Village Hall. The meeting will start at 7.30pm. Come along and listen to Michelle Mandry – who will be talking about The River Stour Navigation. Members admission is free, visitors are charged £3.00.

Monks Eleigh History Group meets on the first Monday of the month from October to March. New members are always welcome, if you are interested please email simonkelsall66@gmail.com.

Last Chance for Parents to Claim Free Tree Before January Applications for a popular free tree scheme for new parents who welcomed arrivals in 2023, will close on 10 January.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ Tree for Life scheme is open to all families in the districts who have or are welcoming a newborn, or newly adopted child, between 1 January and 31 December 2023.

The annual initiative offers parents the chance to mark their arrival by planting a tree.

Applications can be made via the councils’ websites at www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/w/tree-forlife or www.babergh.gov.uk/w/tree-for-life Parents who may have lost a child during the same period are also able to apply for a remembrance tree.

It aims to benefit families, communities and the environment by boosting tree coverage across the district. Having been running for several years, the scheme has seen the councils give out well over a thousand trees, with more than 200 families applying in 2022.

Also being open to those without a garden, a selection of the trees continue to be planted at key locations in the districts including Needham Lake, Shotley Golden Wood, Broom Hill in Hadleigh, Gallowsfield Wood in Haughley and Sproughton Millennium Green.

Sam Evans, who previously applied for a tree for her son Harrison, said: “It's a really special scheme, even if you don’t have space in your garden, you can plant it locally and visit your tree.

“Harrison is such an outdoorsy boy; he loves being outside. He’s always shown a real interest in the garden, in the plants and the trees. It’s lovely to have the tree in our garden as something sentimental for the family.

“As parents, we’re aware of the benefits trees bring, but being able to teach that to little ones with this hands-on experience, brings it all together.”

Each year, applicants are provided with expert help on picking their tree and how to care for it.

Cllr Daniel Potter, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Year on year, our Tree for Life scheme proves to be incredibly popular with new parents and it is a special way for both us and them to mark their little one’s arrival. If you are eligible this year, please do make sure you apply to claim your free tree. Not only does it help support our climate change and biodiversity ambitions, but also gives families a reason to spend time in the garden planting and nurturing their tree for years to come.”

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: “This scheme is our way of celebrating each new life in Mid Suffolk, while supporting our biodiversity by increasing local tree coverage for generations to come. I would encourage all new parents in the district to apply and join more than a thousand other families who are already enjoying their trees.”

All trees must be planted within the two districts. Applications are processed throughout the year, with eligible applicants invited to choose and collect their tree.

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An Ordinary Life?

I remember a time when my world was very small; my hair was plaited and my dress was hand-made of gingham. Everybody knew me. At least that was my perception growing up. I was a little superstar, dancing on the stage at the Town Hall from the age of three. Plus, my dad was Kenny Scarff, local butcher, and to my young mind he knew everyone in our small town and they knew him.

As I grew older, I realised how small my world view really was. I discovered that not everyone knew my dad. I was used to being praised at school for being one of the clever ones, but as I moved from Hadleigh High to sixth form at Great Cornard I became aware that I wasn’t always the smartest person in the room. Perhaps I was actually - ordinary.

My life continued in an ordinary fashion. I moved away to the North East of England, where nobody had heard of Hadleigh, some has no idea where Suffolk was and no-one knew my parentage. I forged my own life, got married and had two boys. Life wasn’t always rosy but we plodded on, like everyone else.

Until one November evening in 2010 when I came home to find my husband Andrew collapsed on the bedroom floor. Despite valiant efforts by the paramedics, he died that day of a heart attack. I was only 42 and our boys just 13 and 10.

Two weeks later, on what would have been Andrew’s forty ninth birthday I started my first blog called unravelling edges. I wrote to help me process my thoughts as I embarked on a far from ordinary journey. Unexpectedly I had become a widow and a single parent overnight. I was suddenly out of sync with my own generation. Widows are supposed to be old!

Through my writing I discovered I didn’t really know or understand what grief was. Through the comments I received about my writing, I discovered I was stronger and more resilient that I thought. I re-discovered the importance of family, friends, faith, and the power of sharing my words. For many years I have wanted to turn my writing into a book, a book about grief but also about glitter. Everyone’s life is full of ups and downs. Most of us have ordinary lives with some extraordinary bits scattered throughout. You just have to search for the sparkle.

It’s been 13 years since Andrew died and so much has happened since then, including moving back to Hadleigh and being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

In the past year, I finally figured out how I wanted to write my book. My memoir in search of lost glitter is written in very short stories, most of them only 100 words long, because when you are grieving or going through tough times, you can’t always concentrate on a longer narrative. There are also images, drawn by my talented niece @OliviaRose_design. Who doesn’t love a book with pictures? in search of lost glitter will be published by Resolute Books in January 2024 and I am holding a book launch at Hadleigh Old School on Friday 12th January between 7-9pm. Some of you may have already been invited but It would be lovely to see old friends I may have lost touch with. If our paths have crossed and you would like to attend please send me a message at sarahnicholsonwriter@outlook.com and I will add you to the guest list.

Toni at The Little Ginger Bee in the High Street has kindly offered to stock my book, she may even have some signed copies. I will also be selling them at St Mary’s craft market on Friday 2nd February.

May 2024 be sprinkled with glitter and joy whatever life throws at you.

Sarah Nicholson

Creative Knitters Our knitting circle is growing. What started as a couple of home knitters, creating colourful blankets from the squares they had made, has now developed into a not-for-profit cottage industry with over twenty ladies beavering away, in the comfort of their own homes. The results are amazing, colourful and some with wonderful patterns and designs. That’s not to say the squares have had their day, far from it. They are still a welcome contribution either sewn together or loose. Phillipa Knight, the area representative, for the charity Project Linus UK was surprised and delighted when she recently collected over 90 blankets for the charity. The variety of sizes in the consignment was most welcome as requests come from care homes, hospitals, individuals, neo-natal units and special needs groups. A special thank you to all the knitters involved. Your efforts are very much appreciated. If you enjoy knitting why not join our happy band and support a worthwhile cause at the same time? For further details and a pattern, if you need one, please contact me Jan Devey 01473 827091 or email deveys@btinternet.com. Charity info https://projectlinusuk.org.uk/about-us/ Happy New Year everyone.

Active Suffolk celebrates many across Suffolk at their Active Suffolk Awards 2023 ceremony On Friday 17th November 2023, over 200 guests came together for The Active Suffolk Awards at Trinity Park, Ipswich.

As the effects of the pandemic have begun to lessen, it has been fantastic to see that people have become more comfortable getting active once again. Research has shown that activity levels Attendees of The Active Suffolk Awards in Suffolk have improved 2023 listening to a speech by Gareth Davies, significantly at both a Director of Active Suffolk. community and individual level, and we are thrilled that our event was able to offer us an opportunity to celebrate those local individuals, teams, communities, volunteers, professionals, and schools from across the county who have either achieved success or have contributed towards supporting the people of Suffolk to be more active.

Gareth Davies, Director of Active Suffolk said: “As always, the calibre of nominations received for the Active Suffolk Awards has surpassed any previous expectations we had. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has rightfully been recognised for their selfless efforts to support local people to be active and for those who also so richly deserved to have their achievements from across the county of Suffolk celebrated.

Our aim at Active Suffolk is to increase physical activity levels across Suffolk, not only to support our physical health but our mental wellbeing too and I believe there is no greater inspiration than those who show their commitment to this in the county. Their inspiration helps to share our message and demonstrate the power of physical activity."

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Bildeston Primary School Learning and Growing Together STEM Day at Old Buckenham Hall - Our Year 5 girls took part in this event and had the most amazing day. The aim of the day was to promote the STEM subjects by competing in Science, Maths and DT challenges. Don’t they look the little scientists!

Remembrance Sunday - KS2 children wrote some wonderful poems for Remembrance Sunday and five children had the opportunity to read their poems at the service held at the village square.

Tie Dying in Reception - Goldcrest Class got to model their tie dye tops in assembly to all of the older children.

Here they are all hanging up!

BBC Children in Need - We had a Pyjama Day and Bake Sale to raise money for children in need and thanks to everyone’s support we raised £301!

Sports Hall Athletics at Hadleigh High - A great event for our year 6 Children. The boys finished 2nd and girls in 3rd place. Thank you to Mrs Clarke for hosting us.

Christmas Jumper Day - Getting into the festive spirit, children and staff attended school wearing their Christmas jumpers and raised funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Christmas at Bildeston - Christmas was wonderful at Bildeston Primary. We had our Christingle Service at St Mary Magdalene Church. We sang Christmas songs, with prayers read by our Year 6 pupils and then the lighting of our Christingles. It was really lovely to see all of the candles lit. We also had our KS2 performance and our KS1 nativity. It was wonderful to see all of our parents in school to share these events with.

Our kitchen staff prepared Christmas lunch for all of the children and staff served them at their tables. They had crackers from our PTFA and they all made their own Christmas hats.

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

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Hadleigh Walkers Our walk on Saturday 13th January will start and end at the Market Square in Bildeston where parking is available. We will leave at 0930 and proceed to Bildeston Church, Kettlebaston, Preston St Mary, Grove Fm, Wagger Fm and back into Bildeston via the Church. We will finish the walk around 1330 even allowing for two refreshment breaks along the way. The walk is around 8.5 miles in length.

As usual, we aim to maintain a not-too-demanding 2.5 mph (4 km/hr) however remember that on the day any weather is possible so strong shoes or preferably walking boots should be worn as the ground will be muddy or rough in places. Everyone is welcome, including well-behaved dogs.

Also as usual, route maps can be requested from the website. As we are beginning a new year, everyone is reminded that we walk every month on the second Saturday.

For further information about these walks go to www.hadleighwalkers.com

Bildeston Carpet Bowls Club I just thought I would let you know that Bildeston Carpet Bowls Club will be continuing bowls matches and roll ups (practices) after Christmas, as follows: Tuesday 9th January Away match at Claydon Tuesday 16th January Roll up at Chamberlain Hall Monday 22nd January Away match at Burstall Tuesday 30th January Roll up at Chamberlain Hall, Bildeston.

Unfortunately on our open evening, nobody came. You don't know what you are missing. It is good fun and good excercise. SO WHY DON'T YOU MAKE A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION and come and join us. You will get a very warm welcome.

Please call Mike or Brenda on 01284 827688

So will your s? i th Just read customers!

To advertise Ring Matt Barber on 01473 823366 www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

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Ken’s SESAW News Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare Reg charity no 1124029

EVERYDAY DINING - NOT JUST FOR A CELEBRATION! Lunches – Monday to Saturday Two course lunch, glass of wine and coffee @ £32.50 per person Three course lunch, glass of wine and coffee @ £39.50 per person

Sunday Lunch Two course Lunch @ £31.50 per person Three course Lunch @ £38.50 per person Tea and coffee @ £3.75 per person

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Afternoon Teas A Traditional Afternoon Tea served with a selection of assorted sandwiches, homemade sausage roll, cakes and scones with clotted cream & preserve

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Have you made any resolutions as you hang the new calendar, flip through the seed catalogues and holiday brochures or search for evening classes? Maybe you want to turn over a new leaf, eat less, exercise more – or how about volunteering once a week?

A few hours of your time can make a huge difference to charitable organisations struggling to provide much needed support in the community. Charity shops, food banks, befriending services, hospitals need help, or if you happen to love animals, the rescued dogs, cats and rabbits at SESAW need you too.

Volunteering is a two-way street, your gift is more than compensated by the feelgood factor. Our human carers go home tired, sometimes dirty but happy to have spent time with the animals. They are happiest of all when they see people or families going home with their new pets.

If you would like to volunteer at SESAW, please contact me at: sesawken@gmail.com I’ll ask one of my humans to call you to discuss how we could help each other.

If you plan to share your life with a new pet, do visit SESAW. At the time of writing, we still have kittens in need of new homes. We are open by appointment only due to our annual winter shutdown so please email or leave a message on the answerphone and someone will get back to you.

Mum’s new diary is open on the desk, ready to take your calls but she’ll find her pen is missing. A nice, crunchy biro is too tempting to a little dog like me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua!

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Registered Charity No.1124029, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888, Email: info@sesaw.co.uk Website: www.sesaw.co.uk

Fuel Support Find out more about the support in your area Help to heat your home: • Prepayment meters – if you are unable to top up your prepayment meter, Citizens Advice can offer you advice and may be able to refer you for charitable support. You can also contact Warm Homes Healthy People Suffolk for support, advice and an in home survey from a Pre Pay Coordinator. Call 07769 365796 or email prepay@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.

• Local Welfare Assistance Scheme – This hardship grant offers payments up to £300 towards the cost of essentials, including energy. Visit the Suffolk County Council website for more information and to apply.

• Surviving Winter - offers help, such as fuel vouchers or support for alternative fuels like oil and LPG, to help you heat your home. Apply online via the Citizens Advice Ipswich website or call 01473 298634 to find out if you are eligible.

• Emergency Heating – if your home currently has no heating, Warm Homes Healthy People can provide free emergency heaters and help you find longer term support. Call 03456 037 686 or email whhp@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.

Subject to availability.

Bringing down your bills: • Warm Homes Healthy People Suffolk - offers free efficiency surveys and advice to help you use less energy. If you are a private tenant or homeowner, they can also tell you if you are eligible for energy efficiency grants. For more information visit www.warmhomessuffolk.org or call 03456 037 686.

• National Energy Action - runs a Warm and Safe Homes helpline which advises on ways to reduce energy use and improve efficiency. It also offers support to switch suppliers and advice if you get behind on payments. Call 0800 304 7159 or visit www.nea.org.uk .

Help for off-gas homes: • Oil loans - Eastern Savings and Loan Credit Union offer interest-free loans of £500 to help spread the upfront cost of oil and LPG. To become a member and apply visit www.eslcu.co.uk or call 03336 000690. Subject to a manual decision process, affordability and a credit check.

• Oil buying clubs – Bulk buying reduces the cost of your heating oil. Find out if your community has an oil buying club by visiting www.oil-club.co.uk, you can also check the Community Action Suffolk website for details of their scheme www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk or call 01603 881 888.

Dealing with energy debt: • Supplier grants - many energy suppliers have grants to reduce or clear debt if you meet their criteria. Speak to your energy supplier to see what help you can get.

• Citizens Advice - offers advice for energy, debt and more. They can support you to create a budget, negotiate with your supplier and boost your income.

• Benefit entitlement – payments such as Warm Homes Discount, Cold Weather Payments, and extra Winter Fuel Payments can add up to hundreds of pounds to help you pay your energy bills – but you’ll need to be claiming certain benefits to get them. Benefit checks can be done online at www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators, or by contacting your local Citizens Advice.

For more information visit www.babergh.gov.uk/energy-fuel-and-utilities for more resources to help you keep fuel and utility costs down. If you would like help to access the internet, or to use a computer, phone or tablet, you can contact Babergh’s Digital Skills team 0300 123 4 000, option 7, who can help you find support in your area.

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Xmas Pud & Chocolate Brain Fog??

We at The Arts Society Stour Valley (TASSV) have the remedy on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 11am at Long Melford Village Hall CO10 9QJ. We deliver a programme of enlightening illustrated cultural talks as well as Visits, Special Interest Days with lunch and an Arts Magazine – all at very reasonable cost. Coffee & new friends are an added benefit.

For further details contact info@TASstourvalley.org.uk quoting CN 30 or via our website www.TASstourvalley.org.uk WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY GENDER AND THE BODY – THE STORY OF THE NUDE This talk examines the treatment of the nude by museums & collectors which was in essence keeping them behind curtains. Raising the question “if this is art, how did it become so and why”?

www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

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Home holds a central place in everyone's life, but its suitability becomes particularly crucial for older or less abled individuals. The ability to enter and exit the house safely, navigate within, access essential facilities such as the bathroom, cook a meal, and reach the bed without risk all directly impact our dignity and overall well-being.

If you've started to recognise that some of these tasks are becoming challenging to perform safely, it's time to consider making improvements.

Unfortunately, many people find themselves unsure of where to begin, often burdened by concerns about the associated costs. However, financial assistance is available through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) for those with qualifying conditions so they can alter their homes to make life easier. A DFG is a means-tested grant that provides a maximum of £30,000 to make alterations to the home to help people remain independent and safe. This might include renovating a bathroom or kitchen to make it more accessible or converting a downstairs room to a wetroom or bedroom. To apply for a DFG, you can contact your local council or for additional information, visit www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants.

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We understand it can be daunting when considering making alterations to your home, which is why we guide our customers every step of the way. Our friendly home surveyors visit customers in their homes to truly understand their challenges and to provide customised solutions that fit within their budgets. Our Customer Service team are always on hand if you have any questions throughout the process and our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 'Excellent' rating on Trustpilot.

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Hadleigh Garden Club’s Christmas Quiz And Social Event WHAT A GREAT EVENING! This event was very well attended, and it would seem, thoroughly enjoyed by all. The quiz put together by Fiona and Nicola was a great success with some fun parts from a variety of questions, general knowledge, weird and funny music and then a feely section of recognising items in a sealed bag and lastly, of course, a few gardening questions.

The finger buffet was provided by the committee members with mulled wine, soft drinks and the usual tea and coffee after. A special thank you goes to the spouses of committee members who provide food for the buffet too.

The overall winner of the monthly competition, Kate Banks, was presented with the trophy by Maggie Miller acting Chairperson and Kate will hold this for a year.

The raffle was well supported and enjoyed by the winners, two lovely hampers were put together by Dave and Evie who have consistently provided a good raffle every month for which we thank them.

GARDEN CLUB 2024 WILL CHANGE TO THE THIRD MONDAY OF THE MONTH with Fay Jones, The Woodland Haberdasher talking on “Conifers and Pines”. The location is unchanged i.e. the Guild Room opposite St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm.

The competition is a photograph of your garden taken in 2023, the usual raffle and tea/coffee. £2 for Members and £4 for Guests.

For more information contact: hadleighgardenclub@gmail.com or Tel: Angie on 07946 744457

Lavenham Carpet Bowls Club I hope I am not too late to wish everyone a Happy New Year, as my husband and myself were fortunate to been cruising in The Canary Islands just before Christmas. Whilst we were enjoying some sunshine and it was raining in Lavenham, John G, our Club Captain was busy organising the finals of our inhouse Competitions. Martin Wheal once again was declared Singles champion! I think 3rd or 4th time, but not consecutively. Well done Martin.

And the day before our arrival home, two of the new carpets arrived. John and the guys soon had them down and we played on them! Still two carpets to come and the Carpet Bowls Club returned on 03 January eagerly awaiting their arrival.

The new Carpets may be challenging to get used to, so if you are thinking about trying Carpet Bowls at Lavenham Village Hall on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm or Thursday evening at 7pm, you might like to practice on the current Carpets first, while they are still in use.

Hadleigh Evening WI We are far from having the January blues. After a much enjoyed meal in The George in Hadleigh in December, the Lunch Bunch are planning to meet at Belstead Brook on Thursday 11th January where we previously enjoyed a very good lunch. The Amblers will be staying in Hadleigh on Wednesday the 3rd January where there is always an excellent choice of apres coffee and cake venues. Last month the group met at Corn Craft in Monks Eleigh.

Bookworms have read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Shaffer & Barrows and The Ladies at the Midnight Swimming Club by Faith Hogan over December and January, which they will discuss on Thursday 18th January. Book for February will be decided then.

We meet every third Tuesday in the Seminar Room above the Library at 7.30pm when we have a big variety of speakers and activities. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 16th January when Jill Mason will take us through Armchair Exercises.

If you would like to join us for a 'taster' contact either Glenn Abbassi the secretary on 07870 312409, or Sheila Webb the president on 01473 827554 and we will look out for you.

Our very best wishes to all for 2024.

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I have had several conversations in the last few weeks that have brought home how important it is that we all plan for the future. Whilst pensions can seem complicated, when you have the right advice, they can make a huge difference to your future financial security.

You may have accumulated a number of pensions and would like to understand what they all mean, or you may have it all completely under control but want to make sure you are not missing out on anything. Whatever is driving you to review your financial arrangements it is really important to get the right advice. Make sure you speak to someone who is qualified to give advice in this area, it is too important not to.

Pensions don’t have to be daunting, and many of us are due a tax cut at the start of 2024, maybe you could consider utilising some of that towards your retirement planning?

If you would benefit from a no obligation chat with a local financial adviser based in Hadleigh feel free to call us.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested. 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.

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The Partner Practice (Toucan Financial Services Ltd) is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/ products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the title ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. Tax relief is dependent on individual circumstances.

SJP Approved 14/12/2023

www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

11

Advice Column: Winter Fuel Bills

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“

I am a single parent with two kids, and I’m really worried about how I’ll afford to pay my energy bills when I have to start putting the heating and lights on more now winter is here. At the moment I just about have enough money to cover my bills but there is nothing left over. The thought of getting into debt keeps me awake at night but the idea of my children being cold and possibly unwell as a result is just unbearable. What can I do?”

You are not alone - a record number of people came to Citizens Advice with energy debt in the first four months of 2023 (32,400) - a 112% increase on the same period in 2020 (15,200). There are things you can do to feel in control when it comes to your energy bills.

There are some simple tips to help save money on your energy bills. They won’t cover all the extra costs, but they can make a difference: Ŏ Check your thermostat: A room temperature between 18°C and 21°C is ideal for most people. Try turning your thermostat down by one degree within this range – it could save you around £115 a year. If a medical condition means you need a warmer home, ask your GP what room temperature you should aim for. Ŏ Keep the heat in: Check your home for any gaps in the doors, windows and floors. Blocking any holes where you could get a draught could save you around £30 a year. It is important to allow for some ventilation as without it mould and damp can form. Ŏ Turn off anything you’re not using: Turning your appliances, like TVs and washing machines, off instead of leaving them on standby could save around £60 a year. Turning off lights when you’re not using them – even if it’s just off for a few seconds - could save around £25 a year.

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Ŏ Consider using LED lightbulbs, which cost less to run. Ŏ Watch your water usage: Cutting your shower time by just one minute can make a difference. If everyone in a four-person household with a water meter did this, they could save around £75 a year.

If you’re struggling to afford your energy bills, you might be able to get support from the government or your energy supplier. The first step is to contact your supplier to find out what they can offer. You may be eligible for benefits including the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments or the Household Support Fund, find out more about these on our website. For more information visit the Citizens Advice website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk or call Sudbury and South Suffolk Citizens Advice on 01787 321400 and leave a message and someone will call you back when available. We will attempt three times to call you back, so please expect a call from a withheld number.

Alternatively, contact us via email at advice@sudburycab.org.uk or by using the contact facility on our website, https://www.sudburycab.org.uk/contact We are providing advice by telephone and email Monday – Thursday, 10am – 3pm.

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Telephone Community News on 01473 823366

s

Reserve your seat online at www.leavenheath.org.uk or phone Marion on 01206 263301 to book your tickets Refreshments, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea will be available before the film and also available during the interval along with ice creams.

Proceeds towards LVB Capital Project Fund (Charity no 262816)

Hadleigh and Boxford Patient Participation Group (PPG) New Year Hours: Closed 1st January 2024. Re-open 2nd January Out of Hours Doctor: If you need a doctor when the Health Centre is closed, including weekends, call 111 for advice and details of your nearest ‘out of hours’ duty doctor.

Queries: Please call after 10am if you have a query and do not need to book an appointment.

Keep or Cancel. If you are unable to keep an appointment you can now easily cancel by choosing option 5 when you call the practice. You do not have to sit through all the options either; once you are connected press 5. Hopefully, this will reduce the high number of ‘no shows’.

East Suffolk Alliance Award: Congratulations are in order as the practice’s Care Homes Team recently received an award for their outstanding collaborative work in the town’s many care homes. Special recognition was given to their innovative approach in helping residents, family members and carers understand all aspects of end-of-life care.

Well done and well-deserved ladies.

E Consult: Available 24/7 whereby requests will be triaged by the reception team.

Updating Contact Details: Are your contact details up to date? This can be done by completing the form on the Practice website via Contact Us then non-medical enquiry or via the NHS app. Please be sure you only use your own primary contact number.

Help with IT issues: Babergh District Council are holding monthly drop-ins, in Hadleigh Library, to help people get online and develop their digital skills.

The Digital Skills team are here to answer any questions you may have and to help you learn the basics of using computers, phones and tablets. Sessions take place on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to 1pm. No need to book. The next session is on 4th January. You could then make full use of the helpful information on the practice and NHS websites.

Art Display: The delightful wildlife photos are still in place for you to enjoy in the waiting area.

Marathon Team: Dr Croot, Dr Dickenson, Kate Brett and Laura Pearson will be participating in the 2024 London Marathon. Apart from the gruelling training programme beforehand they also have to raise a considerable amount of money for their two chosen charities; Hospice UK and Crohn’s and Colitis UK. If you wish to support their noble efforts search ‘Team Hadleigh’ on Just Giving or scan the QR code. Good luck ladies.

Best wishes for an eventful, healthy New Year PPG:- Chair Jan Devey 01473 827091 PPG Email:- deveys@btinternet.com Both Practices:- 01473 822 961 Out of Hours:- 111 Cancel Appointment:- 01473 822 961 option 5 Website:- www.hadleighhealth.co.uk Facebook:- www.facebook.com/Hadleigh-Boxford-Group-Practice102959274690621/ IT Help for beginners:- www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/whats-on/ digital-skills-with-babergh-district-council/ Marathon Donation:- Just Giving search ‘Team Hadleigh’

FRUIT, ORNAMENTAL AND GARDEN TREES HEDGING – NATIVE AND EVERGREEN Prices starting from £23 10% OFF ALL FRUIT TREES on presentation of this advert.

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visitingfootpractitioners I CALLUSES I CORNS I NAILS CLIPPED I INGROWN I VERRUCAS I ETC for your home visit phone 01473 822902 or Sally A. Mowles MCFHP MAFHP 07923 266940 Gary J. Mowles MCFHP MAFHP 07803 401042 Registered member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

HADLEIGH DENTAL SURGERY

01473 823092 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

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17/19 High Street, Hadleigh P. J. B. Wilson BDS, LDS, RCS G. SINGH BDS (Hons) MSc & ASSOCIATES www.hadleighdental.co.uk

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Children’s Appointments Available www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

13

News from Whatfield CEVCP School

Franklyn Nevard Associates Architecture and Interior Design

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

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

We had a visit from Ofsted in September and I am very pleased to share with you that we received a “Good” rating in all areas.

There were many positive comments in the report but there are four of which we are particularly proud.

“The school is a calm and caring place for them to learn and make friends.

Friendships blossom amidst wide open spaces to play” “Pupils learn an interesting curriculum from skilled teachers” “The school is rightly proud of the work it does to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and their families” “Everyone in this school is polite and respectful” If you would like to read the full report it is available online at: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/124718 We hope that parents, carers and members of the community who came to join us for our nativity performance of Shine Star Shine enjoyed seeing our KS1 children perform and our KS2 assist with narrating and singing. They all did so well and we are extremely proud. We would like to wish all our families and the community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A special mention to Mr Plumbly and Mr Waspe for all their continued hard work with the allotment over the years which has provided our children with some fantastic experiences of outdoor learning. Unfortunately, we will no longer be having the allotment but we do hope to have something within school that provides a sensory garden for the children to enjoy.

A brief roundup of what our children have been engaged in this half term: Acorn class have been enjoying forest school sessions each Friday this half term and on one of our sessions we made bird feeders. We also made salt dough Christmas decoration that we sold at our Christmas Fayre!

Sapling class have also joined in with festive baking and made gingerbread men.

Oak Class took part in U11 athletics at Hadleigh High School at the beginning of the month. The children had great results in the individual track races and showed some fabulous skills in the field events. All sport stars came back buzzing, having had an awesome morning!

All the children had a walk to the Christmas tree in village and hung homemade decorations.

If you would like to have a tour of the school please contact us on 01473 833309 or admin@whatfield.suffolk.sch.uk.

“Growing & Learning Together”

Ansell Centre Charity Memories Café We are looking for a cook to provide a simple two-course meal for 30-35 people every Thursday at the Ansell Centre. This position carries the current ‘living wage’. The successful applicant will be a valuable member of a friendly team supporting vulnerable people, and those living with dementia in our community.

If you are interested or would like to find out more, please send an email to: wheeze4god@talktalk.net or call: 01473 824049 Closing date: January 27th 2024

World-class Jazz for<nigh<ly a< S<oke-by-/ayland Ho<el CO6 4PZ Doors open 7.30 pm; Music 8.00 pm; -nds 10.30 pm approx.

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John Etheridge’s Blue Spirits Trio John -<heridge – "ui<ars; Pe<e Whi<<aker – Hammond Organ; "eorge Double – Drums

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Some Kinda Wonderful present The Music of Stevie Wonder /oel McCalla – Vocals; Derek /ash – Saxes; /eil ngilley – Keyboards; tim Cansfield - "ui<ar; Jona<han /oyce – Bass; /ic France – Drums

14

Telephone Community News on 01473 823366

A Big Thank You…….

2023 saw Hadleigh Physiotherapy celebrate 10 years since opening their doors at 111 George Street in Hadleigh and 20 years of being in private practice.

To celebrate, Directors Will and Lottie Dykes hosted a Charity Dinner and Dance back in September last year, welcoming over 200 clients, family, and friends to join them at Trinity Park to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. The evening consisted of a raffle and auction, with plenty of dancing and merriment along the way.

Through the amazing support of many local businesses and clients, kindly donating raffle, and auction prizes, an incredible £11,333.05 was raised. This amount will fund three emergency missions by the Air Ambulance and represents a tiny percentage of the massive £18million required to run the service annually.

Will and Lottie recently had the privilege of being invited along to meet with the team at their base in Norwich for a cheque presentation. They got to tour the state of the art building and understand the enormity of running this amazing service which has helped, and continues to help, so many of our local community.

A huge thank you to all those who have supported Hadleigh Physiotherapy over the years and best wishes for 2024.

Hadleigh Choral Society We are so grateful to all who came to the Hadleigh Choral Society's 'Celebration of Christmas' concert in support of EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices). We managed to raise £440 while enjoying sublime music and delicious mulled wine! Now we're back in rehearsal mode for our Spring programme featuring Haydn's “The Seasons”, to be sung in German. This sweeping oratorio will be performed by the choir along with the Colchester Symphony Orchestra and professional soloists, and promises to be a memorable event. Rehearsals start 9th January at the Ansell Centre in Hadleigh, and we meet every Tuesday at 7:30pm. New members are always welcome, why not stop by and get a taste of what we do.

For more information visit our website www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk

TOOL HIRE

Reserve Mermaids Wanted Are you a warm water person? Prefer not to prance around a public pool in your cossie?

Not an Olympian swimmer? Happy to swim now and again rather than every week?

Then you may be interested in becoming a reserve for a small friendly group of Mermaids on a Tuesday and or a Thursday at Lett’s Pool, near Hadleigh. For further details of times and cost of these private sessions please contact me, Jan Devey:01473 827 091 or deveys@btinternet.com.

To view the pool visit www.lettsswim.com.

POLSTEAD FILMS Presents

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Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson star in this true-life heartwarmer about the 89-year-old second world war Royal Navy veteran Bernard Jordan, who, in 2014, jauntily sneaked out of his seaside care home on a secret mission to get aboard a cross-channel ferry and attend the 70th anniversary celebrations of the D-day landings in Normandy

Friday 12th January at Polstead Village Hall Doors open 7 pm Tickets £4.50. Reserve by emailing polsteadfilms@gmail.com or buy at Polstead Community Shop All proceeds in aid of Polstead Village Hall Charity No. 304933

WE NOW OFFER A RANGE OF SMALL TOOLS FOR HIRE Local delivery and collection service available l Turf Cutters

l Vacuum Slab Lifters

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For more information and a full list of tools please visit our website www.emmittplant.co.uk

www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

15

Lots To Do in 2024

HEAT

The new year presents us with an opportunity to reflect and consider what is in store for the year ahead. Our Annual Review at the end of November last year was an opportunity for us to take stock on all of HEAT’s ongoing projects and share our exciting proposals for 2024. Becoming a Community Interest Company is one of our first steps which will enable us to make bigger changes and give members more of a voice. We will be setting up a Hadleigh Nappy Library where people will be able to seek advice and borrow kits if wanting to switch to reusables.

We also have two new major projects; Firstly, our Net Zero Campaign aims to support and involve the community in a carbon related change and generating energy at scale.

And secondly, our Water Meadows Project to work with landowners to build habitat banks, improve wildlife and create nature based solutions to flooding along the Brett Valley. 2023 was an unprecedented year for seeing the worldwide affects of climate change, including in our very own town. We can’t shy away from these worrying times but we can use them to motivate us to make changes and HEAT are committed to continue supporting our community and give hope that change can and is happening. But we can’t do it without you.

We are looking for people in Hadleigh who want to be part of the change in our future at this critical time. If you are interested please visit our website www.hadleighheat.org or contact hadleigh.heat@hotmail.com or join our Facebook group HEAT ECO Hadleigh. And if you want to express your thoughts and feelings about climate change, please consider attending our next climate cafe on 20th of January from 2-4pm at the Baptist Community Room on George Street. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support.

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Telephone Community News on 01473 823366

2023 saw the arrival of the Hadleigh Men’s Shed here in the town.

It all started with a bunch of chaps coming together to discuss the possibilities and it quickly snowballed into reality. When we first got together we were not exactly sure how things would pan out, but we did know a bit about the ‘Men’s Shed’ concept.

It all started in Australia, but quickly spread all over the world.

The idea is simple; you create an environment, usually a workshop, where men can come together to make stuff. Although to be honest the making is really just an excuse to get the men together. Once aprons are donned and the activities started, the chatting begins. This is often followed by brew, or two!

So in its simplest form the Men’s Shed is friendship group that helps to combat loneliness and helps to improve mental health.

We spent most of the year kitting out and improving our ’shed’, which has been a great group activity and had helped to bring us all together.

We finished the year on a high when we received a visit from the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington DL, who surprised us by presenting us with an award. The High Sheriff of Suffolk’s certificate of gratitude and recognition in appreciation for the hard work and outstanding service that has enhanced the life of the community. As you can imagine, we were all delighted.

As we start 2024 our journey continues and so if there is anyone out there who wants to come along then please do, you will get a very warm welcome.

For more info please email us at hadleighmensshed@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

A new painting for St Mary’s Church, Raydon On Sunday 26th November, during Morning Service, His Honour John Devaux, representing Suffolk’s Lord Lieutenant, unveiled a painting of the Royal Arms of King Charles III in St Mary’s Church Raydon. The painting takes a place on the bare west wall of the church where once there had been a gallery. David Truzzi Franconi was the artist who carried out the commission, made possible by a grant from the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.

Parking Back on the Agenda for Babergh as it Seeks to Balance Books ‘An increasingly difficult challenge’ – parking is back on the agenda for Babergh District Council, as it seeks to balance the books, support its high streets, and put the brakes on climate change.

Subsidising the councils’ current three-hour free parking in its car parks in villages and towns including Sudbury, Hadleigh and Lavenham, cost the council approximately £425K this year, with the cost set to increase further next year. With the council facing a budget gap of at least £1.5m next year, it says it can no longer afford the subsidy if it is to continue delivering other essential services for its residents and communities.

A paper is now expected to go to Babergh cabinet in January recommending a targeted consultation with affected towns and parishes to develop options for changes to parking tariffs next year.

Babergh leader Cllr David Busby said: “Like all local authorities, we are facing tough financial decisions for the year ahead and find ourselves facing an increasingly difficult challenge.

“We need to balance our books; we need to support our high streets and town centre businesses by encouraging trade; and we need to encourage more sustainable travel in order reduce congestion in our towns, improve air quality and tackle climate change.

“Thankfully, these things are not mutually exclusive. By introducing a revised tariff that includes short-term charges that are as low as possible compared to other authorities, we can continue to attract visitors to our towns and by working together with our towns and parishes, ensure shoppers and workers have access to the right spaces in the right places – increasing space turnover and offering more sustainable travel options, particularly for those simply ‘popping in’ to the high street.”

The new tariff would remove the burden of subsiding current ‘free’ parking to taxpayers, including non-motorists, as well as helping to balance the budget and generating income ringfenced for reinvestment into parking and sustainable travel options for the district.

“This will allow us to invest in our car parks to create a positive first and last impression of towns and villages for visitors, as well as being in a position to do more to promote and encourage sustainable travel,” Cllr Busby added.

The introduction of short-term parking charges was initially agreed in February 2021, with implementation initially delayed until January 2022, and then further postponed following a cabinet reshuffle, before this year’s local election and the inauguration of the new administration.

A new joint parking strategy for both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils has been agreed since, in September 2022, based on feedback from residents, town and parish councils as well as other community groups and partners. As part of the strategy consultation, some 58% of respondents said they supported, or strongly supported the introduction of flexible parking tariffs, particularly if regularly benchmarked to reflect the economy of the local area.

The charges would only apply to council-run car parks, with existing on-street parking remaining unchanged and blue badge holders still able to park in the council’s car parks for free. Babergh District Council also continues to work with Suffolk County Council, as the highways authority, to prioritise blue badge parking for anyone who is mobility impaired next to main amenities within its town and village centres.

Pending approval of the proposed approach at Babergh cabinet meeting on Tuesday 9 January, officers will meet with town and parish councils to discuss local options early in the New Year, ahead of a further report going back to cabinet in April. Meanwhile, councillors on the Overview and Scrutiny committee will also consider the proposed approach alongside wider draft budget proposals in the New Year.

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17

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St Mary’s Renewal A Community Project Vestry Renewal:- Work is complete in time for the special open day on 19th January. From 10am to 4pm visitors will be able to view the amazing transformation which has taken place, over many months, by skilled artisans and craftsmen. Their painstaking restoration work has resulted in an impressive, functional storage space for important Church items. The generosity of the Friends of St Mary’s enabled the vital work to be carried out.

Heating and Lighting:- If St Mary’s is to be comfortable 24/7 for both worshippers and community use, the knotty problem of adequately heating and lighting the cavernous space has to be addressed. After a great deal of research, the Renewal Team (RT) has found an affordable solution to ensure that the church is a comfortable venue all the year round. 14 beautiful chandeliers will adequately meet the challenge. These attractive units can be used collectively or separately as the need arises.

Pledges:- Now that the total cost of the purchase and installation of the chandeliers is known, the RT will be pulling out all the stops to engage the community in its fund-raising efforts. At this stage, as each light costs £5,620, we are looking for generous sponsors within the community to ‘pledge’ money to pay for all or part of a light. Pledge Forms and Gift Aid Declarations are available on the Vestry Open Day in St Mary’s on 19th January or from davidhoyle1967@gmail.com. Your pledges are vital. They will not only pay for the chandeliers but also pave the way to larger, national funding opportunities.

In Loving Memory:- Many of you will be familiar with the humorous cartoons and verse created by the late Bryan Haylock of Idler Bookshop and Untapped Writers fame. Happily, a compilation of some of his work is now available in a new book ‘What Ho!’ This can be purchased for £5 from the Idler and Avis Newsagents. Jane will donate the profits to the Friends of St Mary’s. Don’t miss the opportunity to remember Bryan’s unique work in this delightful publication in his memory and support the church’s renewal initiative at the same time.

Café Church, Pop-Up Lunchtimes and Craft Fairs:- Making full use of this wonderful community space will safeguard its future. If you are looking for something to do in the middle of the week why not join the pop-up lunchtime gatherings from 2pm to 5.30pm every second and fourth Wednesday of the month? These are becoming increasingly popular with young and old alike. If a mid-week visit doesn’t suit your diary you could try the Café Church on Friday mornings. Attendance is growing at these convivial gatherings and there is the added attraction of Andrew’s famous mouthwatering all-day breakfast and delicious bacon butties. Local creative talent is on display at a monthly Craft Fair on every first Friday. All activities are in addition to the quieter times for worship and prayer. The RT look forward to the day when the church will provide a welcoming, comfortable facility for all who walk through its doors.

Please do come along and support the many varied events and activities at the church. These are open to all members of the community. Alone or with family and friends you can be sure of a warm welcome. Wishing you all the best for the coming year when we hope you will visit St Mary’s.

EILEEN STARLING Remembering our wonderful mother, lost seven years ago, but always in our minds.

Steve & Julie

TEL: 01473 823584 • MOB 07885 941615 49 Benton Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 5AR 18

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www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

19

Hadleigh Society Sarah Doig, an independent historical researcher and author, will be giving a talk Celebrating Suffolk Women, to the Hadleigh Society on 7th February. It’s pot-pourri of tales about the county’s famous and less well-known women, all of whom achieved great things in their chosen field.

Sarah explores the fascinating lives of Suffolk’s suffragettes – such as Sophia Duleep Singh – dips into the life of Norah Lofts who, for her writing, drew inspiration from the county’s rich history. She also tells the stories of the Elizabethan surgeon and herbalist, Catherine Tollemache, the amazing ‘Human Arrow’, Pansy Chinery, and many more of Suffolk’s heroines.

8pm, Wednesday 7th February at Hadleigh Guildroom (churchyard entrance). Visitors £3, Members free.

Hadleigh United F.C. Community Programme

HUFC Community Programme continues to grow and develop for our Under 6s and 7s on Saturday mornings. The Under 7s have recently participated in a 4 v 4 festival held at Hadleigh United Football Club. The boys and girls played numerous games against Ipswich Valley Rangers, Kirton Kestrels, East Bergholt, Bury Town, Achilles, Match Day, Coplestonians and Saxmundham.

Lots of fun was had by everyone involved. The Community Programme restarts again in March for children in school years one and two.

If your child is interested in attending, please email Gavin Peters: Strikersltd@aol.com

Happy New Year (and yes, it’s Panto Season!)

We’ve had a great festive season at Chamberlin Hall and enjoyed hosting lots of Christmas events – we have the bowls club Christmas Casino Night, the over 60’s Christmas meal with entertainment from the Three Chordettes, Waites Carol Service and several Christmas parties, discos and New Years’ eve party! And then we had a week off to recover!

We’ve got exciting plans for the year ahead and will soon be sharing the line up of events for 2024, along with a new kitchen menu – so more of that to come. But before we get to that, the big event in January is our annual Panto which is put on by the Chamberlin Hall Amateur Dramatic Society – this is a firm favourite in the community every year. The drama group have been preparing for a few months mow – the stage is being built and the kids are practising their dance numbers – so we’re getting ready for what is always an entertaining weekend. The Bar will be open and the raffle is being prepared.

This year’s production is Robin Hood - Rebel without a clue! Robin of Loxley arrives back in Nottingham to find that the evil Sheriff has stolen his castle and is taxing the local people beyond their means. Robin soon becomes a wanted criminal and ends up joining a band of outlaws who live in Sherwood Forest. Unfortunately, Robin isn’t the sharpest arrow in the quiver and things soon take a turn for the worst.

Another cracking pantomime for all the family with great music, superb costumes and the funniest script in Nottingham!

The Panto is showing on Friday 24th Jan (7pm) and Saturday 25th Jan (2pm and 7pm). You can get tickets by scanning the QR code on the poster or contacting Chamberlin Hall. So if you fancy a bit of seasonal fun and frolics – get a ticket and come along and enjoy the entertainment.

If you fancy finding out more about this (or any of our other events), please come and see us or check out our website where you can always find out what is going on you can visit our website www.chamberlinhall.org or follow us on www.facebook.com/chamberlinhallbildeston Chamberlin Hall, Chamberlin Close, Bildeston, IP7 7EZ 20

Telephone Community News on 01473 823366

Make 2024 the year you help support the community who need to use our wonderful NHS Who are My WiSH? A new year always seems like a good opportunity for us to just explain, to those who don’t know, who My WiSH Charity are, and what we do.

We are your local NHS charity, supporting the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. This includes West Suffolk Hospital and Newmarket Hospital as well as the community services provided in both health centres and peoples homes across Suffolk.

We don’t provide the things the NHS provides but the enhancements, the cherry on the top of the cake to enhance the care of patients and also to support the amazing NHS staff who care for us all. This includes all ages and aspect of health care from the emergency department to the eye treatment unit, the cancer unit to the neonatal unit.

Activity co-ordinator to enhance care Ward G4 mainly focuses on our elderly patients with many experiencing confusion and delirium during their stay. These patients need extra attention and some stimulation while in hospital and that’s our aim for 2024.

We are currently fundraising for an Activity Co-ordinator for the ward. This role will enhance the patient experience by providing a staff member who is employed to specifically interact with patients to help engage them, lift their mood, and help avoid isolation, loneliness and lack of social interaction.

This may seem crazy when the hospital ward is so busy, but the nursing staff are so busy with their patient care that being able to sit with the patient and play a game is just impossible. Our activity co-ordinator will also be on hand to encourage social mealtimes and to interact with family and carers.

We think this is a fantastic addition to the ward which will make such a difference to patients, their loved ones and to the staff who we know will benefit from seeing their patients enjoying themselves with this new staff member.

Dates for your diary Skydive - Saturday 15th June A skydive is on many people’s bucket list so make 2024 the year you tick this amazing challenge off. You can raise money for the area you are passionate about or help us support the whole Trust. & SON L TD My WISH Charity Soapbox Challenge Saturday 31st August Have you ever watched our annual soapbox challenge and wanted to take part? Now’s the time DomesticPlumbing & Plumbing && Heating Domestic & Commercial & Heating Domestic &Commercial Commercial Plumbing Heating as we open up the team slots for 2024. It’s £100 to enter a team and it’s the craziest day you will have Gas & Installations, Service && Repair Gas & LPG Installations, Service & Repair Gas & LPG LPG Installations, Service Repair all year!

Plus we will be launching a new event in early 2024 Oil Installations, Service Installations, Service & Repair so do follow us on social media so you don’t miss a chance toOil have lots of fun Oil Installations, Service&&Repair Repair while supporting your local hospital charity.

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Hadleigh Hares Road Races 2023

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Hadleigh Hares Athletic Club once again hosted the annual road races on 19th November. This year the Turners Blinds and Shutters 10 mile, the John Chisnall 5 mile and the Plant Parts 2k Junior Fun Run were sold out well in advance making for a really busy race day. In contrast to the heavy rain of the previous week, the day was dry, bright and relatively warm with a moderate breeze to keep the runners cool.

First off at 10 o’clock was the junior race, once again kindly sponsored by Plant Parts Ltd of Crockatt Road, Hadleigh. The two kilometre course took the runners aged between four and sixteen along the riverside walk and onto the muddy tracks beyond. Nobody seemed to mind the mud, though, and everyone came back happy for a well deserved medal. Special thanks to Plant Parts director, Richard Finch, who once again came down to present the prizes. This year, the senior races were started by guest speaker Tawanda Chiwira, the double Olympic Zimbabwean 400m runner. We were delighted that he agreed to come and give some sage words of encouragement to the athletes, award the trophies and man the microphone welcoming the athletes back to the finish line.

The ten mile event, once again sponsored by Turners Blinds and Shutters, has a reputation as being a challenging run with some tough hills and often imperfect road conditions. It remains, however, a popular fixture in the running calendar, attracting some top level athletes. This year’s races were won by Patrick Hannah of Cambridge Tri Club in a time of 55:04, and Kate Creak of Colchester Harriers in 1:05:00.

For the Hares, Brendon Mayer finished in 1:10:25, Joel Bamsey in 1:22:01, Nikki Vince in 1:22:04 second in her age category, Belinda Godbold in 1:24:27 winning her age category, Elaine Turner in 1:24:58, Niel Holloway in 1:28:55, and Fiona Manthorpe in 1:37:44.

The John Chisnall 5 Mile race is no less challenging, using, as it does, many of the same roads as the ten mile course. There is, though the added bonus of a long and steep hill right at the start which can take the unprepared by surprise. The course, however, must have suited the male winner as Oliver Hitchcock of Bury St Edmunds Pacers set a new course record with a phenomenal 26:11, or to put it another way a pace of 5:13 per mile.

The female winner was Cath Jeffrey, another Bury St Edmunds Pacer who came in at 32:45. For the first time we were able to present a trophy for the first non-binary finisher. Well done to our own Ella Bodsworth who finished with a time of 53:13. Other Hares taking part were Crystal Murray, finishing in 40:09 third in her age group, Nathalie Hooper in 40:25 winning her age group, Ian Bodsworth in 55:01, Julia Bilotta in 57:57 second in her age group, and Tracey Squirrell in 58:02.

As a club, the Hares would particularly like to thank, Tawanda for his time and enthusiasm, the local businesses who contributed various excellent spot prizes, Hadleigh United FC for letting us use their facilities again this year, and the residents of Hadleigh and the surrounding area for their patience and understanding. Thank you.

We are planning next year’s event for 24th November so keep the date. 2024 will be the club’s 40th anniversary year, so we are hoping to make it better than ever!

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Tel: 01473 810088 • Fax: 01473 810055 Email: sales@plumbmateltd.co.uk www.plumbmateltd.co.uk 22

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Hadleigh Amateur Dramatic Society It's nearly time for us to tread the boards again and perform our 2024 pantomime of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’. With lots of new faces within the cast this year, we cannot wait to fill our audience and show you how great they all are. Will Jack be able to save the farm? Will Dame Darleen be able to save Jack? And what will we find up that beanstalk... Make sure you grab your tickets to find out! We cannot wait to see everyone real soon.

We will be returning to Elmsett Village Hall within the February half term; Thursday 22nd - Saturday 24th February.

Tickets are on sale NOW from Keith Avis in Hadleigh, Elmsett Village Shop or visiting our BRAND NEW https://hadsinfo.wixsite.com/hads. This years tickets are priced as follows... Adults: £11, Over 65s: £9 and Under 16s £7.

Mulled Wine and a Gingerbread Man Free mulled wine, a gingerbread man and bargain prices all contributed to a convivial atmosphere inside The Thrift Shop during the recent seasonal street market. Given the sub-zero temperatures outside, the mulled wine was exceptionally well received. This was reflected in the generous donations of over £80 from imbibers. Thanks to the generosity of manager, Adam Ormston, at Huws Gray/Buildbase, master carpenter, Paul Dutton, was able to create a Christmas tree for the shop window and a wooden faceless gingerbread man for customers to peer through for their selfies.

A large jute coffee sack, courtesy of Jo at Paddy and Scotts, was also a welcome addition to one of the shop’s festive window displays. A big thank you to our regular shoppers and the many newcomers who visited the shop that day, spent their money and made it such an enjoyable, lively occasion. The volunteers who manned the shop also deserve a round of applause for lasting the day when it wasn’t much warmer inside than out. The record takings will enable owner, Barbara Boyd, to continue sponsoring many local worthwhile causes like the Christmas Present Trust, and Shelley Riding for the Disabled, to name just a few.

Wishing all our customers a happy, healthy New Year when we hope to see you again.

JD

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Ebony’s Blog Life at The Shelley Centre Servicing - Repairs - Diagnostics - Air Conditioning - Tyres

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The last term has gone so quickly with lots of our riders doing really well on the new horses – that’s when the weather has allowed them to ride outside. We’ve seen torrential rain, winds and then frost! When riding in the arena isn’t possible I’m in constant use, being tucked up in a lovely warm, dry room. As a reminder, or for those new to my blog, I’m Ebony, a mechanical simulator. I give important therapy and confidence to our riders when riding my real-life friends is not possible.

Before the term ended our helpers enjoyed three fun events. Firstly, our Bingo Night, kindly hosted by Hadliegh Football Club, which raised around £800 for the centre. Then it was the Helpers’ Christmas Supper and Quiz, at which our Chairman, Jan Derbyshire, presented gifts to Lyn Bensusan our retiring Stable Manager (photo attached). Lyn has been at the centre for as long as anyone can remember, and long before I arrived. She will be missed but has been replaced by Abi, who is doing a wonderful job of keeping my friends fit, happy and willing to do their important job of helping our riders.

Our third event before the end of term was the Christmas Carol Service. This was held in the stable yard which is all decorated with lights, trees and tinsel. All my horsey friends come into their stables, and are blessed by Father Jo during the service. Some of our riders dress up for the nativity scene and others hold candles for the horses. It’s a magical time – it was just a pity the weather wasn’t a bit better!

The holidays see our horsey volunteers working hard to keep the ponies fed and exercised. Unlike me, my friends need looking after every day, even on Christmas Day. We always space for more helpers and would love to welcome even more fresh faces at the centre. Please contact us if you would like to know more – you don’t have to be horsey, just willing to learn and kind. You can find out more at www.shelleyrda.com.

Website: www.shelleyrda.com Telephone: 01473 824172

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It was great to have many members and guests joining us at the AGM and Christmas Dinner. The Committee is largely unchanged with almost everyone happy to continue to support the club through their existing roles and we welcome the addition of Claire and James to the committee as the new Social Secretary and Parent Rep. Ciaran has also officially taken on the role as Young Rider Rep. Congratulations go to Denny who won the Junior Club Person Award this year in what we considered as a tightly contested year – Well done Denny!

The Club has commented on the Hadleigh Neighbourhood Plan consultation. It proposed that Hadleigh Town Council consider the Healthy Streets approach to assessing the High Street. Details can be found at: https://www.healthystreets.com/ Healthy Streets believe that “every decision we make about our built environment, however small, is an opportunity to deliver better places for people to live in and thereby improve their health”.

Whilst as a Club we promote cycling, we recognise that Hadleigh would be better place to live if the High Street was easy to cross for pedestrians and it didn’t carry such a large volume of traffic making it feel unsafe and noisy.

In addition, we pressed for more effort to link the current and future out-oftown housing developments to the rest of the town. 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom houses at Weavers Meadow, near the bypass, advertise “a range of amenities close to hand” with a car symbol. The website then lists all the towns out of Hadleigh you can travel to by car, with one passing reference to “good local bus services(!)”. No mention of walking or cycling to the town centre or schools. Is it conceivable that a new resident could walk or cycle a mile rather than jump in a car?

The Club runs a social ride on Sundays usually starting at 9am from The George and there is a café stop. The rides are weather dependent - if in doubt, check our Facebook page @hadleighcyclingclub X/Twitter @HadleighCycling Instagram hadleighcc or www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk

Hadleigh Hares November is a busy month for the Club. Firstly hosting our 2k, 5 and 10 mile in Hadleigh. The 5 and 10 mile race have a reputation for being rather hilly and thankfully after a day of rain on Saturday, the clouds cleared and we had the perfect conditions for the race.

Months of preparation by our fabulous Race Directors, Deb and Andrew Stewart, led to a race sell out.

The 2k Junior race kicked the morning off with over 80 runners taking part, including 15 of our own juniors. Some very speedy times were recorded and everyone finished with one of our amazing new medals.

Meanwhile, the runners of the 5 and 10 mile congregated in the football club carpark to hear some words of wisdom spoken by Zimbabwean Olympian, Tawanda Chiwira. Feeling inspired, runners made their way up to the start in Holbecks Lane eagerly awaiting the start gun. It was a fast start as the final results attested. Flying over the finish of the 5 miles was Oliver Hitchcock of St Edmunds Pacers, who flew in with a time of 00:26:11!

Followed by Dominic Hazell-Evans and our own John Scaife. First lady across the line was Cath Jeffrey, also from St Edmunds Pacers, with a time of 00:32:45, followed by Lottie Hitchcock and Katy Deny.

Congratulations to Hares runner Nathalie Hooper who ran the 5 mile and came first in her age category and Belinda Godbold in the 10 mile who also came first in her age category. A huge thank you to everyone who helped beforehand and, on the day, to make this event so enjoyable.

The following weekend was the Club’s End of Season Celebration at Kersey Mill. Whilst enjoying a very tasty dinner, awards were presented to Club members for a whole host of achievements. This included Triathlon, Cross Country Runner, Marathon Runner and Coaches Award. This year we had a new award, the Special Achievement Award which was presented to Claire Jacobs for her amazing record breaking running in 2023. She had achieved many personal bests and smashed many of our club records.

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

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In Memory of Bryan Haylock Bryan, who died last January, was well known as the owner of the Idler Bookshop and as a talented artist. He also wrote humorous verse and prose often based on items from newspapers. For 16 years he was a member of the Untapped Writers Group who presented their work once a year at the Headgate Theatre in Colchester. His friends have collected some of his writings and cartoons into a book called "What ho!". It is on sale at The Idler, priced at £5 and the profits will go to the Friends of St. Mary's Church.

This is a short piece from the book:The Street Musician 'Do you play by ear?' he asked. As I strummed my lyre alfresco.

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As you can see, we all enjoyed a lovely pre-Christmas Sunday morning club session of tennis followed by coffee and home made mince pies. The weather was kind to us and the sun shone brightly. Hadleigh Tennis Club meets every Sunday from 9.30 throughout the year. Why not blow away those post Christmas blues - come along and join us in January for some fun and exercise.

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Building Community at Orchard Barn What a year 2023 has been here at Orchard Barn! Our project to reinstate the 1580s Long House to use as an education space has been our main focus, and thanks to our wonderful volunteers, the walls are now complete and we aim to finish the roof this Winter.

Would you like to join our friendly community of volunteers? The New Year is traditionally a time to look forward to new achievements and experiences, so why not do something different and volunteer with us? You will: • Make new friends both from this area and further afield • Learn new skills using traditional green woodworking tools • Contribute to a worthwhile project • Benefit from working outside in the open air • Spend time in a beautiful, tranquil environment full of wildlife • Become part of a community of friendly people • Feel the satisfaction of making a difference We need volunteers to help make the wooden roof tiles (shingles) for our Long House, and also to help maintain our site – no experience is necessary! Working parties are held 9 am – 4 pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 am – 3.30 pm on Saturdays.

To find 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.

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Specialist with 40yrs experience

Have your company listed for £6.25 + VAT per month (Minimum insertion 4 months) and reach 10,000 local homes and businesses

• Guttering, Fascias, Soffits and Bargeboards uPVC • Pitched Roof & Chimney Repairs

For more information call Matt on 01473 823366 Carpets / Flooring

Garden Services

• Flat Roofing including re-decking

Call Brian today for a free quote

Mobile: 07860 775509

A.J. Carpets ............................01473 822240

Birds Farm Trees.....................07958 174618

Architect

Amber Flooring .......................07425 895903

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

Pubs, Restaurants, Food & Drink

Franklyn Nevard......................01473 372382

Car Sales, Servicing,

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

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

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

Repairs & Valet

Hair and Beauty

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

Art Gallery

Ainger Holbrow.......................01473 823286

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

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

Brett Gallery............................01449 741553

Complete Car Services............01473 828991

Health and Fitness

The Angel Lavenham ..............01787 247388

Accountants / Financial Services Thompson Financial Consulting ...01473 828973 Walter Wright..........................01473 822143 Suffolk Tax Accountants .........01473 657000

Paul Wilding ...........................01473 827272 Crockatt Garage ......................01473 824342 Invicta Garage.........................01473 823172 Chimney Sweep / Fireplace Services TL Chimneys...........................07733 420611

Toucan Financial .....................07852 374908

Clothes

Bathrooms, Plumbing and Heating

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

Hadleigh Boxford Practice ......01473 822961

Renewable Energy

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

Enviroplanet............................01473 599127

Sally Mowles Foot Health Care .01473 822902

Energy on Tap .........................07780 975787

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

Security

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

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

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

Septic Tank Emptying

Stacey Rayner Foot Health......07847 851752

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

Gallagher ................................01473 828806

Doors and Windows

Plumbmate .............................01473 810088

Andy Grimsey .........................01473 823584

House Moving / Removals

Skip / Waste Removal

Roundhouse Plumbing ...........07939 082630

Tim Allen Windows .................01473 827086

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

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

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

Surefix ....................................01473 827004

I.T. and Computer Services

GJ Watts .................................01473 829644

Thorr Doors ............................07872 903135

Vulcan Computer Services......07711 904439

A&B Glass...............................01787 880099

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

Driveways and Surfacing

Laundry Services

Lakesdide Surfacing ...............01787 869974

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

Electrical Goods and Supplies

Newsagents

MSL Plumbing........................07979 288844 CJ Plumbing & Heating...........01473 822775 AHM Installations ...................01473 206918 Buddha Plumbing & Heating...07710 081745

Solicitors / Wills

Hicks TV & Audio Solutions....07968 686035

Blinds for windows & conservatories

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

Electricians

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

Nursing & Care Services

S Cowle Electrical ...................01473 823179

Turners Blinds.........................01473 610830

Estate Agents

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

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

Butchers

Chapman Stickels ...................01473 372372

Andrews Butchers...................01473 827720

Hizzy .......................................01473 875101

Builders / Property Maintenance

The Letting Department ..........01473 372222

C.A. Builders ...........................01473 824404 Simon Farthing .......................07823 333451 Grass To Glass........................01473 828269 Conor Styles Carpentry...........07710 502657

Farm Shops Hollowtrees.............................01449 741247

Laxfield House .........01787 247340 / 247495 Waterfield House ....................01473 944654 Opticians Dunstone Optometry ..............01473 823755

Holmes & Hills........................01787 275275 Sports & Hobbies Snowys Bait & Tackle..............07766 140624 Storage Elmsett Storshops ..................01473 822162 Taxi Elite Cars.................................07884 976014 5 Star Cars..............................01473 875435 Beaumont Cars .......................01473 855111 A&L Private Hire .....................07891 392749 Tool & Plant Hire

Painting & Decorating Simon Farthing .......................07823 333451 CPH Property Services ...........07717 059370

Emmitt Plant ...........................01449 741315 Travel Agents Travel Stop...............................01473828728

Funeral / Grave Services

Pest Control

East Coast Cremations............07747 114396

Lister Countryside Services ....07919 287656

Water Softeners

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

Picture Framing

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

AK Smith Plastering................07808 027116

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

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

Wills

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

Viv Dawson - Civil Celebrant....07761239718

Blue Magpie Framing ..............01787 583751

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

Cards, Gifts, Stationery

Garden Machinery Repair

Printing & Publishing

Window Cleaner

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

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

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

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

M S L Plumbing and Heating Mark Carey Plumbing & Heating Engineer General Plumbing including Bathrooms, Showers, Radiators, Toilets and Taps No job too small Friendly, reliable service Over 15 years experience

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

The Local Community News

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

Just read this?

So will your customers!

To advertise Ring Matt on 01473 823366

www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk www.hadleighcommunitynews.co.uk

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