The Village Edition, May 2023

It’s the 2023 Hadleigh Show!

Saturday 20th May at

Holbecks Park

We hope the date is in your diaries – Saturday 20th May 2023 at the beautiful Holbecks Park in Hadleigh. The show is ready to go, exhibitor entries are in and preparing to wow the crowds with their skills on horseback, with cattle, sheep, donkeys and heavy horses all booked and looking to be an incredible display of the traditional elements of the agricultural world. Tradestands are full to capacity with something for everyone on the showground, food, clothes, gardening, shopping, local businesses and much more all there for everyone. We have so much going on with the hugely Shetland Pony Grand National, our brilliant machinery display, Norfolk and Suffolk Police Drugs Dogs, the Sheep Show and much more in the rings to entertain you.

Look out for a few surprises throughout the day, with a happy feel our main aim for the 2023 show, there will be music and action across the show ground with something for everyone. All of our stands are mapped to help young people looking for future careers look at their GCSE subjects and what businesses use them giving young people an idea of where their options are for their futures. Around the showground we have Stocks Fair back with us again, open on the Friday evening and Sunday of the show weekend, rural crafts, floral marquee, horticulture tent, education tent, art show and lots more including shopping and eating.

Tickets are available online only or via our outlets. We have allocated a maximum number of tickets that can be sold so please make sure you BUY EARLY – either via local outlets or via our website www.hadleighshow.co.uk

UNION JACK THEMED ITEMS

25th Anniversary for Boxford Open Gardens 2023

Now celebrating its 25th year, the villagers of Boxford and Edwardstone are welcoming all garden enthusiasts to visit a range of gardens in the Suffolk sunshine, from cottage courtyards, to manor houses with their acres of manicured green. All in aid of St Mary’s Church, visitors can also enjoy artists’ studios, cake stalls, cream teas, light lunches, and new this year, a children’s trail to keep little ones entertained.

New gardens are joining this summer, so there are around 20 to explore, all with a unique interpretation of that most English of pursuits. Japanese-inspired clipped lawns and bonsai, sit alongside modern barn conversions, and ancient Tudor cottages covered in roses and honeysuckle present an image of village life that the artist, Constable, would have recognized. Tickets are £6 and can be bought at St Mary’s Church in the centre of the village, or from the first garden you visit. Boxford itself is a classic Suffolk wool village, and one of the prettiest in a county where there is stiff competition. It is also rated by the Sunday Times, as one of the best places to live in England, so a great opportunity to judge for yourself.

St Mary’s Church is an important landmark at the centre of the local community that has served it for more than 800 years. However, looking after such an historic building is extremely expensive. Open Gardens is the main fundraiser for the Church – to support its work in the community – so come along and enjoy a perfect English day out. Bunting and all.

For further information, please contact tfoakes@hotmail.com

Sunday 4th June – 11am to 4pm (5pm for outlying gardens)

Tickets £6 – available on the day from St Mary’s Church or from all Open Gardens. All funds raised go directly to support St Mary’s Church, Boxford

Elmsett Community Indoor Market

Saturday May 13th 2023

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

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

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

Our contact details:

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

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

The next Community Indoor Market will be on Saturday 13th May in Elmsett Village Hall, from 10am - 2pm. This market has been created to support the village and local artisan traders and all monies raised from pitch fees, after expenses, will be donated to St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich. Please come and support your local community and artisan traders with a quality range of craft goods. There will also be a RECYCLE TABLE for items that you can’t put in your blue bin e.g. batteries, foil blister packs, ink cartridges and spectacles: and Jan’s Jams would be happy for you to return any empty jars to her too. Our new Community table will be a GROWING GREENER exchange table:bring along any excess seeds, seedlings, plantlets etc that you have. There’s always too many in a packet and I know I only use half of them! Please label everything clearly. The CRAFT “donate or exchange” table will also continue. All proceeds from these Community Tables will go to St Elizabeth Hospice, the chosen charity for this year.

In the summer/autumn this Community table will evolve into an “excess home grown fruit and vegetable table” – got a glut of courgettes/apples etc? Share them with your community and all monies will go to St Elizabeth Hospice. This month the refreshments will be provided by Wattisham Military Wives Choir. They support partners of service families through singing, friendship and lots of cake! New members with a link to the military are always welcome. They meet on a Tuesday evening, 7-9pm, at Wattisham Station church.

Hadleigh Healing Society

History will be made this month as the coronation of King Charles III takes place in Westminster Abbey, an occasion full of pomp and ceremony. There will be some of us that can remember the last coronation and for the majority of people this will be the first time they will witness history in the making. We all need something to lift our spirits because there has been so much unsettling news to contend with, strikes, rising prices, conflict and so it goes on. We all have been affected one way or another by what is going and not all of us cope very well. If you need someone to listen to you and share your concerns our healers are there for you. Please allow us to help you. Please telephone (answer machine) 01473 823282 or log onto www.hadleighhealingsociety.org or visit Hadleigh Healing Society Facebook page for an appointment.

We are holding one of our popular Clairvoyant Days on Saturday, 27th May between 10am – 4pm. There will be two mediums who can give a 20 minute private reading for £15. If you would an appointment please book early to avoid disappointment. Please telephone giving your name and telephone number clearly and we will get back to you.

Notes from the Beekeeper’s Diary

The honey bees’ year starts in spring, but with climate change it’s becoming more and more difficult to tell when spring ends and summer begin. This year February and March were marked with heavy rain, low temperatures and high winds, all of which prevented the bees from getting out and about. So they missed the early season nectar and pollen from crocus, aconites, mahonia and all the other late winter flowering plants and shrubs. Only now in early April are daytime temperatures struggling into double figures, but the milky white blackthorn blossom now cloaking the hedgerows tell us that warmer days are just around the corner.

Honey bees do not hibernate. In the autumn the number of bees in the colony will reduce from the summer population of over 60,000 to around 10,000, one of which will be the queen. The workers carry on managing their food stores and when it gets really cold form a cluster to maintain the body heat of the colony.

Nature always makes up for a late spring with a dramatic burst of activity, and we can expect the queen bees to begin laying again as soon as the workers are able to forage for pollen. When the colony gets into full swing the queen will be laying up to 2,000 eggs each day, each of which will emerge as a young adult bee after three weeks; and she has to because it is a race against time before the over-wintered workers are worn out.

Otherwise the colony will die, and sadly it is now becoming apparent that this year an unusually high proportion of colonies have failed to survive the winter. When the bees have rebuilt the colony to sufficient size, from mid April onward, they will prepare to swarm. Swarming is the only way that honey bees can create a new colony to replace losses. The queen leaves the nest with half the worker bees, leaving behind an embryo queen to mate and raise her own brood. The old queen and her retinue often form a cluster while scouts are sent out in search of a suitable nesting site. Swarming bees can be quite alarming, but in fact are quite docile.

Unfortunately the success rate of feral nests is very low but beekeepers can help the bees by collecting and re-hiving swarms. So if you suddenly find your alone and phone a local beekeeper to collect them. Or if you don’t have their number handy, just text or phone the Beekeeper on 07503 164823 and they will be taken to safety without charge.

PART TIME VACANCY

Few hours a week.

Suit Student aged between 16 and 18.

To assist in maintaining trout fishing club lake and facilities. Open air work (we do have a Club hut and workshop).

Hours by arrangement.

Call Bill Frankham at the Work Place in Hintlesham (Close to George Inn) on 07900 237720 for interview.

THORR

Any Door • Any Size Any Colour • Any Time

Moving home in 2023?

What’s the risk of your transaction falling-through?

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

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

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

Reduce the risk of your transaction falling-through Those using Holmes & Hills Solicitors' conveyancing services benefit from a 22% higher successful completion rate compared to the national average. This means your transaction has an increased chance of successfully completing when Holmes & Hills is advising and representing you in your property transaction. Why do property transactions fall-through? Your transaction might fallthrough for a number of reasons, including your buyer finding another property; a surveyor identifying issues with the property; or a buyer’s solicitor identifying issues surrounding matters such as rights of way, covenants, lease terms, easements, overage, options or boundary issues.

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

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

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

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

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

2Rightmove data supplied on 13/02/2023.

Barry Nutt

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barry Nutt who passed away peacefully on 7th March 2023 aged 89. Well known and loved within the community for his music, trumpet playing, flamboyance and running the swing band at Hadleigh High School. We would like to invite Everyone to a Celebration of His Life on Friday 12th May 2023. Call Angie on 07751 317933 or 0208 969 1548 Or Chrissy on 07710 208543 or 01379 897110 for more information

Behind the scenes at Brett Gallery

Once the busy run up to Christmas is behind us, we anticipate the months leading to Spring to be quieter, giving time to reflect on the year past and plan for the one ahead. This is another enjoyable part of running the Gallery. So, what have we been doing?

Inevitably we have had to give a few exhibitors a rest for a while, to return another day maybe. New artists and makers have been introduced. With some 50 contributors from East Anglia we are limiting any external candidates to one guest per genre. One of these is a potter from near the North Kent marshes, with her beautiful, nature-inspired ceramics. Adding to our portfolio are a stunning photographer, two artists, one using linocut, the other focussing on the declining Suffolk Punch Horse. In addition, we have two new silversmiths and a limestone sculptor.

We have met all of our regular patrons to ensure that stock is refreshed, minimising any suggestion of stagnation. Some styles stand the test of time so we tend to retain those, still encouraging our contributors to adapt…different poses, varying expressions, alternative settings. We have several collectors. Exhibits have been moved around so that work can be viewed from different perspectives. We have been frequently adding posts on Social Media and our website, with its live shop, more extensively reflects the majority of what is available.

What are we aiming for? To provide good quality, affordable art supporting local talent, with East Anglia having many that fit that description. There is a distinct wildlife and natural theme. We have been told that some pieces simply make customers smile, which pleases us. All exhibits are displayed in a spacious, calming environment offering somewhere to escape and immerse oneself in other worlds.

Suzanne and John welcome you to join us on the Bridge Farm Barns complex at Monks Eleigh, where we present our unique showcase of local art, ceramics, woodturning, glass, photography, jewellery, homeware and sculptures. Our extensive card selection also reflects the standards of our exhibitors.

Exquisite * Distinctive * Local www.brettgallery.co.uk

Hadleigh Jeffing Queens

Many thanks go to The Hadleigh Thrift Shop for donating £200 to our ladies Run / Walk / Run group to train an England Athletics Leader in Running Fitness (LIRF). Our group has grown from 6 ladies starting out on the very first Beginners Course in October 2021 to now nearly 40 on our books. It’s a free social group that meets at 8.30 on Saturday mornings to Jeff, (run / walk / run) and is totally inclusive for women of all ages and fitness levels, promoting physical and mental well-being as well as being a great place to meet and have fun and laughter. Every four weeks we finish our Jeff with coffee and breakfast at the wonderful Fork Deli which is quite literally the icing on the cake.

We are grateful to Mrs Barbara Boyd and the Thrift Shop for recognising the benefits of Jeffing and how our group contributes to the health of women in the Hadleigh area. We are pleased to announce that Janine Edgar (above centre left) has just started her training to become a Run Leader funded by this donation.

For more information contact: Julia Bilotta at julia.bilotta@yahoo.co.uk

Roll on summer and a floaty dress!

Spring, is most certainly underway as the hedgerows and trees start to burst with their vivid green colours and the grass on my lawn is starting to look more lush! Roll on summer, eh? As the seasons change, so we at Corn Craft make our changes too. Our gorgeous summer clothes are now out in the gift shop, and I for one, can’t wait to foldaway the jumpers and put on a lovely floaty dress or a summer top. Ladies, if you haven’t visited us before, please do consider coming over to take a look at our clothes. We are currently stocking Lily & Me, Adini and Alice Collins, as well as some one size clothing from Goose Island. We also offer a fantastic range of accessories, including Italian leather handbags in an array of summer colours, which you can co-ordinate with your favourite outfit, or if you simply just fancy a pop of colour. We do love colour at Corn Craft, and our beautiful summer scarves are available in a variety of lengths and widths, and these too can brighten up an outfit. A new season, also means a few changes will be appearing on our tea room menu. Our popular homemade Scotch Egg & Cheddar Ploughman’s has now returned, and our chef is working on a couple of other tasty summer dishes, which I can’t wait for! Warmer days also mean ‘al fresco dining’ and our terrace is a lovely suntrap!

If you haven’t been to Corn Craft before, you may wonder if we are just a place with ‘crafts made out of corn’. Well, our heritage maybe in corn dollies, but today we are a beautiful gift shop and a homely tea room, nestled in the pretty village of Monks Eleigh. We’ve been trading for over 32 years and are based on the “Bridge Farm Barns” site where, there are six other wonderful independent businesses, making us a great destination for a trip out. Why not come on over and say hello - we’d love to see you.

www.corncraftgiftshop.com www.bridgefarmbarns.co.uk

Kersey Table Tennis Club

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

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

News from Hadleigh u3a

Are you recently retired and looking for something interesting to do with your newfound time? Hadleigh u3a membership is open to anyone no longer in full-time paid employment, both men and women. An opportunity to meet new people and make friends with similar interests to you? We have no restrictions, either religious or relating to your previous job, just a common interest in enjoying life outside home and daytime television!

For a taste of our activities, here are a few of our upcoming events and outings, all by coach unless otherwise stated and charged to our members at cost:

Beth Chatto's Garden on Thursday, May 11th A visit to this lovely garden in Elmstead Market, Essex. As well as the impressive garden there is a lovely shop and café.

Sandringham House on Thursday, June 15th A visit to the beloved Norfolk holiday home of the late Queen Elizabeth II, including entry to the house and garden.

Southwold + The Southwold Summer Theatre Our annual day at the seaside! The date and details of the theatre programme will be anounced shortly.

Theatre in the Forest at Sutton Hoo on Wednesday, August 9th - A Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare Red Rose Chain are putting on another of their award winning and riotously entertaining outdoor productions one of which was thoroughly enjoyed by a group from Hadleigh u3a last year. Oxburgh Hall on Thursday, September 21st We have joined up with Stour Valleyu3a for their trip to Oxburgh Hall.

Andrew Davies Walking Tour of Islington on Thursday, 5th October

Another of our annual trips for a guided walking tours of unexpected corners of London with this entertaining and well-informed guide. We also hold a monthly open meeting for all members with a wide variety of interesting and fascinating speakers. These are held on the second Monday of each month, apart from bank holidays. We have over 20 special interest groups, covering a huge diversity of subjects, something for everyone. For more details about these and everything else we do plus membership details please find us online by searching Hadleigh Suffolk u3a. We would love to see you. Come and join us.

Sue Witham , Chair Hadleigh u3a

The Gareth Meredith Memorial Walk

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

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

Carrier’s Restaurant

Wish you were a million miles from the hustle and bustle? Would you enjoy a breath of peace and tranquillity in our stunning environment? Well look no further. Come for a break from “the real world” to Hintlesham Hall’s magnificent restaurant, terraces and gardens. There are different dining options available to suit all….

The restaurant offers a menu full of options and flavour, perfect for any formal and informal occasion from birthday celebrations to family meals out. Our herb and vegetable garden, which is now in full swing once more, producing a mass of vegetables for the Kitchen including: Fine Beans, Broad Beans, Sugar Snaps, Heritage Carrots, Courgettes, Swiss Chard, Kohl Rabi, Cavolo Nero, Curly Kale, along with a variety of Salads, Herbs and Fruits appearing on our seasonal menus. Why not enjoy a cocktail or two in-front of the open fire in one of our lounges or outside on the terrace.

Hintlesham Hall, Ipswich, IP8 3NS. Tel: 01473 652334

www.hintleshamhall.com

Layham Community Orchard

It was great to see so many turn up for the initial planting of Layham Community Orchard last month.

The orchard has been made possible by the generous offer of use of the land by Glenda and Ed Hall, grants from the British Tree Council ,Woodland Trust ,donated trees from Teddy and Peter Goldby and of course the volunteers who turned out to do the graft particularly all our young friends.

More information about the orchard will be posted on Layham Community Orchard Facebook page and in the Community News.

Boudicca Border Morris News

Here is a date for your diary: Saturday 10th June from 11.00am. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, The second Annual Boudicca Day of Dance will literally be hitting the streets of Hadleigh. Come one come all to a spectacular feast of Dancing and Music preformed by Sides from The East of England and beyond. Expect… Music, Sticks!! Clogs!! Handkerchiefs!! More Music!! Plague Masks!! Mollys!! Even More Music!!

Every Side will perform a Show Dance. Thereafter we will all process past the Guildhall, Church and Deanery Tower. From 1230, the sides will disperse to perform at The King’s Head, The Cock and The George.

More Details to Follow in next Month’s Community News. We will also be performing by the Deanery Tower as part of the Coronation Celebrations on Sunday 7th May

H INTLESHAM H ALL SUFFOLK

CARRIER’S RESTAURANT

FINE DINING TO EVERYDAY DINING

Eat al fresco weather permitting and enjoy our wonderful gardens

Monday – Saturday

Two course lunch, glass of wine & coffee @ £31.50 per person

Three course lunch, glass of wine & coffee @ £38.50 per person

Sunday Lunch

Two course lunch @ £29.50 per person

Three course lunch @ £36.50 per person

Tea & Coffee £3.50

Book lunch or Dinner with us and receive a complimentary aperitif, quote Spring 23 (valid until 31st August 2023)

HINTLESHAM HALL

Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3NS

Reservations Tel: +44(0)1473 652334

www.hintleshamhall.com

Hadleigh Cricket Club

By the time you read this, the cricket season will (hopefully!) be well under way at HCC. The much anticipated opening weekend saw our league games cancelled after a deluge of rain left many grounds waterlogged - in fact in eight divisions of the Two Counties league, only five matches went ahead as scheduled. We didn’t let that dampen our spirits though, and welcomed a number of our valued club sponsors to the pavilion to showcase the new deck area and to toast the 2023 season. In the absence of cricket, we broadcast the Grand National, with a sweepstake adding to the atmosphere.

With the Sunday Academy team waiting until early May to get their league campaign underway, they travelled to Chantry Park, home of IES Cricket Club for a preseason friendly. With blue skies and warm sunshine, the game was played on their astroturf pitch, and it was wonderful to finally hear the sound of leather on willow after 7 long months.

The team put in some promising performances with both bat and ball, resulting in a win - Hadleigh Academy 221-6 v IES 165 all out.

Going forward, we have home games every Saturday afternoon and most Sundays (weather permitting!). Follow our socials to keep up to dateFacebook: Hadleigh CC Social, Instagram: Hadleigh Cricket Club and Twitter @HadCC_Suffolk. Printed fixture cards will be available from the pavilion very soon. You don’t need to be a member or purchase a ticket to come and enjoy a game of cricketsimply come along, perhaps bring a picnic, and enjoy a couple of cold drinks from the bar for a low-cost family afternoon! Corks Lane play area is just a few steps away should the children get restless, and dogs are welcome too!

Off the field, we have our Silent Disco coming up on Saturday 13th May. Our social events are open to all members of the local community, and we would love to welcome you to the pavilion to show you some of our renowned hospitality!

Hadleigh Choral Society

Members of the Hadleigh Choral Society will be on hand at the upcoming "What's About, Hadleigh?" fair at the Guild Hall on Saturday 27th May, from 10am-2pm. Entry is free to this event which will showcase Hadleigh clubs, groups and societies.

Why not stop by for a chat and get the scoop on why we love being choristers and how much richer our lives are for it. We'll tell you about our current rehearsals for the upcoming summer concert on 17th June, as well as the programme we are all excited about for the fall. New members are always welcome to join - we don't hold auditions but some knowledge of music and an ability to read music is definitely an advantage. For more information about the choral society, visit us at www.hadleighchoralsociety.org.uk or call 07886 416034. The Guild Hall is located at Market Place, Hadleigh, Suffolk - hope to see you there!

A flying start for Toucan

What an exciting start to the year we have had at Toucan Financial Services Limited.

We have been blown away by your response to our launch and offer of services. It has been wonderful to speak to so many of you that were keen to seek help, refer friends and family or offer your support and feedback. It fills us with pride that we constantly hear that our down to earth, friendly and uncomplicated way of talking is what you have found most useful.

We are really keen to help anyone who has any questions about their pension planning, investments or life assurance needs, so please do get in touch.

With Mental Health Awareness Week 15-21st May, we feel it is important to mention how stressful money matters can be. We often hear clients saying they find dealing with money so difficult, especially when it comes from an inheritance, as it is associated with someone who is no longer with us. It can be a burden, but it can also be a solution and with the right planning can help ensure future financial stability too. Please reach out if this resonates with you.

Toucan Financial Services is open to service the needs of our clients in the Suffolk / Essex borders. Feel free to call for a no obligation chat about how we might be able to help and support you and your family.

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.

Joel Runnels-Moss DipFA Director

07852 374908

01473 824986

Joel.Toucan@SJPP.co.uk

Visit our website at www.toucanfs.co.uk

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.

SJP Approved 17/4/2023

French’s Care Haven

Hello to our readers, I hope you have all been keeping well. Our dog walk went well, we had nice people, some lovely dogs and no rain, what more can we ask. Dog walkers had soft drinks and cake at the farm and their dogs had some treats, so happy faces all around. I am looking forward to our team organising another dog walk in the year. Our Charity will be attending and having a stall at What’s about Hadleigh on Saturday 27th May in The Guildhall, which will be showcasing Hadleighs clubs, groups and societies. We have some more dates for your diary: On the 3rd June we will have a stand at Monks Eleigh fete and Frenchs will have our wonderful Open Day and BBQ on 17th June, where you can come and meet our donkeys, horses and ponies and our therapy dog Lucy, plus have some food a drink and enjoy the lovely environment our rescue animals live in.

On the 23rd June at Boxford village hall we have a Psychic Medium Evening, there should be some laughter and tears with a medium from Essex spiritual centre. Doors open at 6pm, Tickets for the event are £10. There will be a bar and raffle plus the chance to purchase 5 min tarot and pendulum. All proceeds will be given to French’s Care Haven, so we hope you can join us for a fun evening out. Please call Sharon on: 07999051401 or email Sharon: frenchs.100club@gmail.com

Some of our volunteers take a lead role in thinking of, putting together and attending our fund raising events, which I thank them all for and of course so do the rescued animals in our care.

In June our 100 club will re-start with tickets £30 a number, raffle ticket or tickets that you buy will last for a year, where there will be a raffle draw once a month with 3 prizes drawn each time, first prize is £50, so come on let’s get you in our monthly draw, please contact Sharon for your raffle tickets. Here in a photo we have University students at the farm with Annie and a photo of cheeky Lucy, who loves to sneak away with the volunteer’s gloves. When the students have any spare Saturday mornings free, they come to us and do some volunteer work, which is always a great help and a nice break away from the Uni course work for the students.

I am still drawing a blank when it comes to local volunteer help, this is for general help in the care and management of the animals and their surroundings and we also need a man who will help us with ground, fencing and shelter maintenance.

I am saddened that no one has come forward, there are so many people out there who are semi-retired or retired, that surly have a couple of hours a week to spare to help such a worthy local Charity? Please contact me - Jann - if you can help. French’s is a charity on your doorstep, can you help, either with time, donations, or sponsorship. You are welcome to come along and meet our animals. Call me for an appointment. Jann on: 07747 755556 or email: jann.turner@hotmail.co.uk Website: Frenchs Care Haven.org.uk

BRENT ELEIGH, Nr. LAVENHAM, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK

Delightful Dual Registered Nursing and Residential Home offering care to 34 residents

All rooms are well appointed with en-suite facilities

Nurse Call System: Passenger Lifts: Various Public Rooms: High standard of 24 hour personal care.

Enquiries to: Matron: Mrs Judy Carne RGN, RMA

Proprietor: Mrs. E. P. Knight RGN, RM

Telephone 01787 247340 / 247495

www.laxfieldhouse.co.uk

Ernest Doe Power - Sudbury

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

Step Out in Style

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

People in the know choose Ernest Doe

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

There’s so much more in your local Country Store

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

Tel: 01787 375621 ernestdoepower.com

Junior Tennis coming to Hadleigh

Junior tennis coaching is coming to Hadleigh in May. Junior group sessions for various ages are a great way to give youngsters the basic skills and have fun at the same time. If you would like to know more contact Head Coach

Laura Bugg who is a Level 4 qualified fully LTA accredited tennis coach on 07713111612 or email Bugg.laura@outlook.com

Tennis Club members are gearing up for the summer season and looking forward to playing in the warmer weather and lighter evenings. The ladies have entered a team in the Ipswich and District Lawn Tennis League and will compete with other local clubs in division 5. Club play is on Tuesday evenings from 6.30 pm and Sunday mornings from 9.30 at the Layham Road Sports Ground. If you are interested in playing you are welcome to come and check us out at these sessions. For new members your first season is half price at the moment. For more information email hadleightennis@gmail.com or call 07483 222179

Help

A call for help for a rapidly deteriorating church and from those hoping to save it. If you have a background in publicity, marketing or fund raising don’t waste those valuable skills. Come join our dedicated team and help restore St Mary’s to a comfortable place of worship and a much needed, vibrant community hub. For more details come visit our stand at “What’s About Hadleigh” on 27th May in the Guildroom or contact: Jan Devey save.stmarys@ btinternet.com 07881 798999, 01473 827091.

Hadleigh & District Flower Club

Our April meeting was a little different to normal, as we had a floral demonstration by some of our committee members. This is always a fun evening and enjoyed by all. Their title was “Childhood Memories” and we heard lots of funny tales and stories from their childhoods. All the arrangements were very different in their designs and very beautiful. Their memories were from family farming, home baking and to holidays in Scotland, which were interpreted in their designs. Our next meeting will be Tuesday 9th May 2023 and our demonstration will be held by Daphne Grant from St. Albans entitled “Forgotten Treasures”, Hadleigh United Reformed Church, arrival 7pm for 7.30pm start.

We still have tickets available for our Spring Luncheon at Monks Eleigh village hall, 12pm for 12.30pm. There will be a fashion show, stalls, and a raffle. We will be giving a donation from the event to The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic riding, which is a great local cause. If you are interested in coming along and would like a ticket, they are £17.50 and include a drink on arrival, a two-course lunch and tea/coffee, then please call Jenny on 01473 822971/07786 721807. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Patio pots and hanging baskets are the simple, easy way to give your garden a lift in the summer months

A chance for artistic types to show off their flair, keen gardeners to create a spectacle (in a good way!) and beginners to learn the gardening ropes. Being on a small and low-cost scale they present the perfect opportunity to have a play around with plants; a chance to learn how different colours, growing habits and textures can work together, giving you skills you can then transfer when it comes to planting up your beds and borders.

They are also a bitesize way of getting to grips with the differing needs and strengths to be found in the plant kingdom.

For baskets in shadier spots, Begonias, Fuchsias, Petunias and Busy Lizzies are best. For pots in shade you can also consider Nicotianas, aka tobacco plants.

For lower maintenance, Pelargoniums – more commonly referred to as Geraniums – have low watering requirements, whilst Begonias and Fuchsias drop their old flowers, sparing the gardener any need to periodically snip them off.

Many summer seasonal plants are perfect for pollinators, including many Petunias, Verbenas, Diascia, Bidens, Lobelias and Marigolds, among others. For best results you need to strike the right balance between upright and mounding plants, and spreading and trailing plants.

If this still sounds too daunting, Bridge Farm Plants in Monks Eleigh offers a hanging basket and lightweight-pot planting service. Buy them readymade from the nursery - located on the Corn Craft site - or bring in your own for expert refilling.

If you have larger planters consider using a permanent centrepiece such as a shrub, evergreen perennial or patio rose and surrounding it with seasonal flowers. Herbs and alpines are also ideal for containers. Bridge Farm Plants has lists of suitable plants for pots on its website and as a handout at the nursery to help you get inspired.

Find out more at www.bridgefarmplants.co.uk or better yet visit the nursery, which is open every day including bank holidays, making sure you bring your voucher for a free Suffolk-grown patio plant!

POLSTEAD FILMS Presents EMPIRE OF LIGHT

Olivia Colman, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Micheal Ward

Friday 12th May at Polstead Village Hall

Doors open 7 pm

Poignant drama about love, life, and films set in an English coastal town in the early 1980s written and directed by Sam Mendes. Tickets £4.50. Reserve by emailing polsteadfilms@gmail.com or buy at Polstead Community Shop (along with their scrumptious cakes).

Hadleigh Garden Club

In April our speaker was Chris Wiley of Sow Successful. He is a young plantsman developing his own nursery and gave us an interesting talk on how he became interested in growing and cultivating different seeds. He now supplies big seed merchants and also sells his cut flowers to florists. The topic was mostly about his sweet peas..a bouquet of which was presented to the queen on what was to be her final visit to the Chelsea Flower Show. What a pleasure to have the sun at last..doesn’t it lift our mood. Everything is growing well with a promise of a fruitful summer. Due to the Coronation and bank holiday Monday our May meeting is once again a week later on 15 th May. Helen Chen will be giving us an insight into Asian Woodland Plants..so something exotic !

Do join us at 7.30 in the Guildhall. A relaxed evening with refreshments and a chat plus raffle. The competition is a vase of purple,blue and pink flowers. Happy gardening.

Little Hall, Lavenham

Little Hall’s connection to art and design goes back to 1924, when twin brothers Thomas and Robert Gayer-Anderson purchased Little Hall and set about its restoration to turn it into their family home. Once the work was completed, they then set about furnishing it. They had no specific style or period of interest, if they liked something, they bought it. The brothers were also great collectors of antiquities, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, and Little Hall became the place they stored many of these items. For example, in what is now known as the Panelled room, the twins had the lids of beautifully decorated 18th or 19th century Persian bridal boxes split in half and these were then used to decorate the panelled doors, behind which some of their collections of ancient artefacts were stored.

Thomas was also a practising artist and talented furniture maker, who was also skilled in the production of bronzes and cast masks and models. Robert wrote poetry and his home in Cairo, the Bait-al-Kretliya – a Mamluk house founded in 1631, was a place where many writers, artists and actors of the day would congregate. Thomas met many of these people during his visits to his brother and some came to visit them at Little Hall. Amongst these guests were the painters Glyn Philpot, his partner Vivian Forbes, Reginald Brill and his wife Rosalie.

The twins’ connection to art and design continued after their deaths when, in 1960, they bequeathed Little Hall to Surrey County Council for it to be run as an art hostel for students from the Richmond and Slade Schools of Art, under the wardenship of their friend Reginald Brill.

Little Hall’s legacy of art and design continues to this day, and we are pleased to announce that we will be holding an Artisan Market on Friday 26th May – Monday 29th May 2023

Stalls will include a blacksmith, a wood turner, a botanical artist, a basket maker and textile artists to name but a few. Entry to the house is free that weekend so, please come and browse the unique artisan items on sale and meet the people who make them whilst enjoying Little Hall and its garden as a beautiful backdrop.

For more information, please consult www.littlehall.org.uk

Owned by Suffolk Buildings Preservation Trust

Kersey Open Gardens

Saturday, 10 June 2023 11.00 am to 5.00 pm

Adults: £5 (cash only), Under 16s: Free Back at last a chance to see Kersey’s beautiful gardens

Refreshments available in the Village Hall throughout the day

Contact: kerseyprojects@gmail.com for any further details

Hadleigh and Boxford Patient Participation Group (PPG)

With the first quarter of the year behind us and the lighter nights fast approaching we should, hopefully, feel more like getting involved in various activities. Whether it be sociable or physical, both will contribute to your general well-being and subsequently your overall good health. The “What’s About Hadleigh” event in the town will provide a perfect opportunity to find a group that suits your needs and interests. The PPG will be there on Saturday 27th May from 10a.m to 2pm. in the Guildroom. We will be highlighting the many medical services which are available at the Practices (Hadleigh and Boxford) and also an easy peasy guide to booking appointments on line.

The ongoing internal renovations continue to cause some disruption in the Practice car park. As there is no gain without pain you can be sure it will be wonderful when it’s all over.

On Sunday 16th July, the group will be welcoming walkers at the end of their 5 ½ mile walk, from the Boxford Practice to the Hadleigh Health Centre, in memory of the late Gareth Meredith. Further details elsewhere in this magazine.

Many patients collect repeat prescriptions from one of the town’s Pharmacies but how many check the contents of their package on receipt? As this medication cannot be re-issued once it has left the premises, your vigilance will greatly help reduce the currently, horrendously high level of medicine waste.

Have you got the NHS App yet? If not, check out how useful it could be offering you access to a mass of information and services. See website details below. This month, Gavin Young, one of our PPG members, who is also gainfully employed by the Ambulance Service will be passing on his valuable first aid skills to local Primary School pupils in Year 6.

Hopefully, weather permitting, you will be able to enjoy the Coronation celebrations and the additional public holiday, in the great outdoors. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand on 27th May.

PPG Chair: Jan Devey 01473 827091 deveys@btinternet.com www.hadleighhealth.co.uk

www.facebook.com/Hadleigh-Boxford-Group-Practice NHS App: www.hadleighhealth.co.uk/the-nhs-app

Bildeston Primary School

Learning and Growing Together

Dinosaurs in Goldcrest Class Designing an island for dinosaurs in Goldcrest class. First, they made some physical features in their outside area then they put their ideas on paper. Whilst exploring their water tray, some frozen dinosaur eggs arrived!

Visit to the Lambing Sheds Goldcrest class had a fantastic time at the lambing sheds in Chelsworth, the children were very excited. Mr Gillies kindly provided his tractor and trailer to transport the children to and from the farm. They didn’t see any lambs being born but they did get to have cuddles with some lambs and even got to bottle fed them. They asked lots of great questions and the tractor ride was so much fun especially driving through the river

Rainforest KS1 have been learning about endangered orangutans from Sumatra and Borneo. They have been creating their own pop up rainforests to show the importance of their conservation. Children took their rainforests home with them to share their knowledge.

Recycling Assembly We welcomed a representative from Babergh District Council environmental department to our KS2 assembly. The children shared the knowledge they have already gained about recycling with Sue. They were shown a slide show about how and where waste is recycled in Suffolk and took part in an interactive activity sorting waste. Thank you to Suffolk Recycling

PTFA Easter Egg Hunt Our PTFA kindly organised an Easter Egg Hunt for all of the children at the end of term. They had to find clues hidden around the playground to be able to get to their Easter treat! The PTFA also held an Easter Hamper raffle which was won by Daniel and Zlata, well done to them both. We are sure they will enjoy their chocolate hamper treat kindly donated by Jim Lawrence of Hadleigh.

Thank you also goes to our PTFA for providing such great opportunities for the children.

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

Bildeston Primary School Newberry Road, Bildeston, Ipswich IP7 7ES

Telephone: 01449 740269

Website: www.bildeston.suffolk.sch.uk

Lavenham Carpet Bowls Club

The Carpet Bowls Club is still getting a good attendance on Wednesday afternoons, and at our recent A.G.M. It was agreed to keep session fees to £3. And currently one of our members, Ken has donated 2 boxes of chocolate biscuits for our Tea Breaks, what more could you ask for? Tea, coffee and biscuits are included in the session fee.

It was also suggested that we change our Thursday evening start time to 7pm instead of 7.30pm, as this might increase attendance. The earlier finish time at 9.30pm, would also enable members to get home earlier. This was agreed with the Village Hall and has been put into action. So our sessions at Lavenham Village Hall are Wednesday 2pm until 4.30pm and Thursday evening 7pm until 9.30pm. First two sessions are still free and new members are always welcome. Look forward to seeing you there.

Marilyn Beatham – Club Secretary

Fantastic start for young cyclists

Hadleigh Cycling Club’s GoRide Race Day on 14th April was attended by 40 young riders, aged 4 - 13. Some riders even travelled from Earls Colne and Bury St. Edmunds. The coaching team ran sessions across several ability groups in the morning to help the children to improve on core cycling techniques, followed by an afternoon of mini races. The young riders left with smiles on their faces, British Cycling goodies, some even walked away with medals for their racing! “We were truly delighted to have so many kids joining us for our season kickoff event. The Go-Ride Race Day was the catalyst to restart properly after the pandemic, it helps the club to re-engage the youngsters in our community, with opportunities to get started with their cycling journey as well as a channel into the sport.”, says Benson, the club’s secretary and coach. “We founded the club back in 2012 as a London Games legacy project to provide coaching opportunities for youngsters in our little market town and neighbouring villages. We’ve had 100s of youngsters through our regular coaching sessions and events over the years with handfuls of them competing across the cycling disciplines including MTB XC, Cyclocross, TT, Track, Road/Crit. Some of them have won regional titles, competed at National level events, as well as joining semi-professional teams”.

Crockatt Garage supported the Go-Ride Day by equipping young riders with a special edition of HCC t-shirts. Simon and David Foster, owners of Crockatt Garage, are keen cyclists and they have been great sponsors for a long time, providing support vehicles for annual Gayford Flyer sportive. Simon and David established their business back in 2011 at Seager Court in Hadleigh. They have over 50 years of experience in the industry between them, having worked in all aspects of the trade at several dealerships.

The HCC Junior Club is running weekly Tuesday at Hadleigh Community Primary School, between 18:30-19:30 from 18th April to the end of the Summer. To find out more go to the Club’s website.

The Club runs a social ride on Sundays usually starting at 9.00am from The George and there is a café stop. Currently, we’re also running regular rides on Fridays (women). The rides are weather dependant so, if in doubt, check our Facebook page @hadleighcyclingclub Twitter @HadleighCycling Instagram hadleighcc or www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk.

Hadleigh Walkers

Our walk on Saturday 13th May is a circular one starting and ending in Hintlesham. We will meet at the Hintlesham Community Centre on Timperley’s Road and depart at 0930. The route will proceed from the churchyard, through the golf course to Mill Fm, Hintlesham Park, Cottage Fm, Great Wood, Duke Street, Orchard Lea, Langlands Barn, Coles Green, Washbrook Church, Buckle’s Bridge and back into Hintlesham

The entire route is around 9 miles of fairly easy going and we should be back in Hintlesham around 1330. We will have two brief refreshment stops along the way. As usual, we aim to average a not-too-demanding 2.5 mph (4 km/hr) and walkers need to be able to maintain this pace. Any kind of weather is possible so strong shoes or preferably walking boots should be worn as the ground may be muddy or rough in places. Everyone is welcome, including well behaved dogs. Route maps can be requested from the web site. For further information about these walks go to www.hadleighwalkers.com or email us at hadleighwalkers@gmail.com

D o m e s t i c & C Co m m e r c i a l P l u m b i n g & H e a t i n g

G a s & L P G I n s ta l l a t i o n s , S e r v i c e & R e p a i r

O i l I n s ta l l a t i o n s , S e r v i c e & R e p a i r

R e n ewa b l e E n e r g i e s

Mob: 0 7 7 1 7 1 7 7 1 9 0

Mob: 0 7 7 1 7 1 7 7 1 9 0

Tel: 0 1 4 7 3 8 2 9 6 4 4

Tel: 0 1 4 7 3 8 2 9 6 4 4

Web: w w w g j wa t t s a n d s o n c o m

Web: w w w g j wa t t s a n d s o n c o m

Email: r i c h a r d @ g j wa t t s a n d s o n c o m

Email: r i c h a r d @ g j wa t t s a n d s o n . c o m

R e n ewa b l e E n e r g i e s -

Ground S Source H Heat P Pumps • Air S Source H Heat P Pumps

Biomass • Solar T Thermal • Solar P PV• Underfloor H Heating

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 tel: 01473 372 382 Mobile: 07515 351 894 email: franklyn@franklynnevard.co.uk

Web: www.franklynnevard.co.uk

ESTABLISHED IN 1982

CO10 9PZ

01787 881 181

Latest News from Chamberlin Hall

Chamberlin Hall is a local community hall situated just off the main high street in Bildeston. The Hall is a large venue and offers lots of facilities and services open to the public and available to hire for business or pleasure. This month has seen us gearing up for Spring and getting organised for the year ahead. We’re just recovering from our Easter Family Disco – those toddlers know how to party!! We’ve also had the Karaoke out and a big turn out for the bingo – one of our quieter activities!

We’re continuing with our improvement programme and have a series of volunteer days in the diary to get some DIY done around that site – we’re very lucky to have some very helpful and handy volunteers who help us keep the place in good working order! The Bowls Club have been really busy getting the club and green ready for the new season – this year we are welcoming several new members and practice has started in earnest – we wish the club good luck in all their upcoming games – they certainly look the part in their new kit! We’re looking forward to working in partnership with Bildeston’s Sports Pavilion and B-Natural community teams to host a King’s Coronation Party –Picnic at the Pavilion – on Sunday 7th May at the sports field in Bildeston –we’re planning a chilled afternoon with live music, dog show, bar and BBQ and some crafting activities for the kids and much more – fingers crossed the weather will be fine by then!

Looking further ahead, preparations for our annual beer festival which will take placed on 14th, 15th and 16th July are well underway and the beer and cider menu is taking great shape! So – if you fancy finding out more or joining in with any of our events, please come and see us or check out our website where you can always find out what is going on and if you have any ideas on events or activities you’d like to see at Chamberlin Hall – please let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

www.chamberlinhall.org

The Suffolk Stitchers

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

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

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

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

To find out more visit chamberlinhall.org

REGULAR EVENTS, CLUBS & CLASSESUPCOMING EVENTS

MONDAYS

Miss Lesley Dance Classes

CH Badminton Club

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

FRIDAYS Pilates

CH Social Night (Bar & Food) 7pm

TUESDAYS Line Dancing Zumba

Carpet Bowls

THURSDAYS Zumba

Whistle & Wag Dog Training

MONTHLY CH Bingo

CH Quiz Ladies Club

ALWAYS ON...

CH Indoor Bowls Club • CH Snooker Club

MAY

7th –Bildeston Coronation Party (on the Sports Field)

13th –CH Bingo

JUNE

10th –CH Bingo

17th –Charity Fundraiser (St Elizabeth’s Hospice) Cut it, Colour it, Wax it –with disco

JULY

8th – CH Bingo

14th/15th/16th July –Chamberlin Hall Beer Festival, Bildeston

29th –Chamberlin Hall Annual General Meeting

FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY...

13th August –Summer Family Disco

BESPOKE JEWELLERS & GOLDSMITHS

Ken’s SESAW News

Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare Reg charity no 1124029

Kenneth is strutting around, full of doggy indignation, having heard about the Public holiday in honour of King Charles. Now he wants to know when Chihuahuas will be celebrated! He is already treated like royalty around here, Tanya had to feed him by hand when he went off his food the other day. He needs to get outside and say hello to the visitors because we are open again. The work on improvements is ongoing but the old place is certainly looking better and we had a good response to a recent appeal for new volunteers.

More helpers are needed to look after all the animals awaiting homes, including Pearl, a delightful little cat about fifteen months old. She is loving and affectionate with people but frightened of other cats after living on the streets of London as a kitten so would make an ideal indoor cat. Pearl is now spayed, microchipped and ready to become a companion for someone with plenty of time and love to give her the home she deserves. We have many other cats, some rabbits and lots of dogs waiting for the right person to come along. If you are looking for a new pet to complete your family, please visit our website or call in to see our many rescued animals. We are open 10am to 1pm, Thursday to Sunday and look forward to seeing you. You may even catch a glimpse of Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua or me, Ollie (the Black) Cat.

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

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

Hadleigh Art Club

We meet from 2.00 until 4.00 pm on Tuesday afternoons during term time in the Seminar Room above the Library. For those who ask, we try to give advice, guidance and constructive criticism but there is no 'teacher'. We all do art because we enjoy it, not necessarily because we are good at it, we all have pieces that turn out well and others that don't, so please don't worry about your ability, just come along and join in, we're a friendly group. We charge £2 per session to the cover cost of room hire and tea/coffee. You only pay for the sessions you attend and the first one is free so you are welcome to drop in and see us on a Tuesday afternoon.

Annual membership is £5 and is due in May. We have a list of weekly topics and these are only suggestions for anyone who wants ideas on what to do. Some people will be working on one of the topics (not always the current week’s) while others will be working on their own subject. Feel free to do whatever you want.

Programme for May 2023

02/05/2023 Clouds workshop - led by Hazel Bradshaw

09/05/2023 AGM & Workshop follow-up to use what we have learnt.

16/05/2023 Boats under sail - working or leisure craft

23/05/2023 Gardens

30/05/2023 Horses - standing, grazing or galloping

LAVENHAM’S HIDDEN GARDENS 2023

Sunday 4th June 2023 10.30 - 4.30

New Gardens, Old Favourites and a Gardener’s Market

Teas, coffee and cakes available

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

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

PARKING IN LOWER MEADOW

Organised on behalf of Lavenham Community Council

Registered Charity No. 1106934

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

Ebony’s Blog Life at The Shelley Centre

Hello dear supporters! I hear all our helpers buzzing with Coronation news and ideas. What a weekend you will all have. The Shelley Centre is joining in with Volunteering Monday. The day marks the King's lifetime of public service and encourage others to try volunteering for themselves.

The aim of the day is ‘to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend’. Hmph. You don’t have to make it a lasting visit to us here but do please come along in your scruffiest clothes and get stuck in! There will be many jobs to do to help us out and we shall be most grateful to have your company.

At least the horses at the centre won’t be working. Spare a thought for the horses who must pull the Coronation Coach for the newly crowned Charles III, the Windsor Greys. (They're so called because they used to be kept at Windsor in Victorian times, where they drew the private carriages of the Royal Family.) Windsor Greys are at least 16.1 hands (1.65m) high at the withers and are chosen for their steady temperament and stamina. We could do with a couple here, for some of our adult riders on our long waiting list.

The huge coach is seven metres long, 3.6 metres tall, weighs four tonnes, and needs eight horses to draw it. It is so heavy the horses can only walk, and apparently it is very uncomfortable to travel in. Leather straps support the coach instead of springs and it undulates like a ship in rough seas. Hope the King and Queen Consort don’t get seasick on their big day.

Here at the Centre we are saying a fond farewell to Alfie. Not a Windsor Grey but a lovely grey Connemara who has been here for the last nine years. He has medical issues that prevent him from working; a kind retirement home must be found. Alfie was able to carry the older children and some of our lighter adults, he will be missed. Guess I shall be taking on some of his riders until another live horse can be found to replace him.

Don’t forget to visit our stall at the Hadleigh show on May 20th and have a great half term at the end of the month. What a lot of holidays we shall have before my next blog. Hope you enjoy them all and behave yourselves too!

www.shelleyrda.com

01473 824172 shelleyrda@gmail.com

Sponsored walk

On the evening of the 20th May I will be joining literally hundreds of others, 800+ as I write, who will be walking to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice which improves life for people living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. Their work is centred on an individual's needs, providing specialist support whenever and wherever it is needed - at home, in the community, or at the hospice. Every year free care is given to over 3,000 patients and their families. Annually it costs around £12.9 million to provide these services and run the organisation, with the charity raising 70% of funds via revenue streams and the generosity of the community through support of its retail shops and fundraising activities.

The walk starts from Ipswich Town FC and can be 5 or 10 miles. I would be very grateful if you would please sponsor me for the 10 mile option by visiting St Elizabeth Hospice Enthuse giving page. My name can be found by entering it on the Search facility . There is also a sponsorship form in the St Elizabeth Hospice Hadleigh Charity Shop, 98 High St. Many thanks for supporting such a worthwhile cause.

Glenn Abbassi

OPEN DAY

SATURDAY 13th MAY 10am - 1 pm

BULLOCKY FEN, LAYHAM IP7 5FB

Tackle provided, no licence required.

A day out for all the family to come and have a go at the sport of fishing in the beautiful surroundings of Bullocky Fen. Light refreshments will be provided and the whole event is free.

or visit our website: www.hadleighangling.co.uk

Lavenham Sinfonia

The second of three concerts performed by the Lavenham Sinfonia will be on Sunday June 25th, 2023, starting at 19:00 hrs. Each concert this season is being led by a series of guest conductors who will bring some exciting interpretations of both familiar works, and some less well known.

The season opened on Sunday 23rd April 2022 with the conductor Vincente Chavarria leading a varied programme that included some well-known and favourite pieces by Ravel and Haydn as well as the lesser-known Concierto del Sur (Guitar Concerto) by the Mexican composer Manuel Ponce beautifully played by Francisco Corria.

For the second concert the Orchestra is conducted by Suzanne Dexter-Mills and opens with Cimarosa’s sparkling overture to “The Secret Marriage” first performed In Vienna at the Burgtheater the opera was a great success and the influence of Mozart (who had died 2 months earlier) is clear. It will be followed by the Cello Concerto No.1 by the ever popular Cello Concerto in C by Joseph Haydn. The concerto was composed between 1861 and 1865 for the principal cellist of the Esterhazy Orchestra Joseph Weigel. The concerto was lost and not re-discovered until 1961 since then it has become a staple part of the Cello repertoire. The Concerto is in 3 movements Moderato, Adagio and Allego Molto, the soloist in June is the cellist, Thomas Isaac.

The concert concludes with the immensely popular Symphony No.3 “Eroica” by Beethoven. This is one of the best known of the composers nine symphonies. At its first performance in Vienna April 1805 it broke boundaries previously familiar to concert goers of the time. It was almost twice the length of the average symphony as well as offering complex harmonies and very memorable melodies. It is accepted as the transition between the old classical era of Mozart and Haydn and the new romantic era to come. The Symphony is in four movements.

The final concerts of the season will take place on the 17th September with works by Brahms and Prokofiev including the former’s Symphony No.2 and the Tragic Overture. The season will conclude with a special memorial concert for Phyllis Urch a generous benefactor on November 5th at 15:00. This concert will be held in the Village Hall. Please do reserve the date for the concert which I am sure will reflect the warmth of the long summer evenings as the Summer Solstice will have passed just 4 days earlier.

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

Running for Life

Most of us over seventy would find it easier to miss that bus than run for it. Here is a story which is interesting to share as the spring weather breaks through and we get out and about. Our Monks Eleigh first time marathon man, John Naylor, aged 76, having suffered a serious heart attack and with two full replacement knees, is in the final preparatory stages for participating in his very first Marathon. The run is part of the huge effort to raise sufficient funds to create a centre to research into Motor Neurone Disease, speed up the process of diagnosis, search for a cure for victims of this cruel disease as well as providing support for families and carers.

Rob Burrow OBE has Motor Neurone Disease, and this fine rugby playing sportsman has been at the centre of raising funds. The marathon is happening in Leeds on 14 May 2023, but on hearing of Rob Burrow’s diagnosis, the Monks Eleigh runner began to plan and prepare for this event well over a year ago.

Most things in life are possible with a bit of planning. So John began by reading two books on Marathon Running and then based his programme of training on a plan most suited to his age, experience, and ability.

Appropriate nutrition, good hydration and sustained motivation are three key corner stones that are woven through the preparation and John’s wife Patti has systematically and successfully supported these elements of the long training regime. She has cooked pasta, delivered protein-rich dishes in every way imaginable and ensured he has a regular intake of appropriate food types. It is quite a process even if you have been a keen walker and climber as John has been for most of his adult life.  Over a quiet drink in the Swan Inn , Monks Eleigh, the other day John discussed with me the ways he has approached this challenge. He has received good advice from the gym at Kersey Mill, and been provided with a structured weekly programme of gym-based activities to aid his preparation.

There will be 11,000 people taking part in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. If each manages to match John’s astonishing funding total which currently stands at £4,500 then The Rob Burrow Research Centre will be well on its way to becoming a reality. When this happens, Rob Burrow, fine rugby player, dedicated family man and sufferer from Motor Neurone Disease, will be forever remembered not as a victim or loser, but a winner in the end.

Monks Eleigh has responded magnificently, organising a sell-out ‘Marathon Quiz’ and raising £1,000.00 for the cause. So, if the Spring weather takes you out and about and you see John running, please give our Marathon Man a wave and wish him all the best for 14th May.

If you want to make a contribution to John’s fundraising Google: “John Naylor Just Giving” and follow the onscreen instructions or, if you want to donate in another way, email patriciaderry13@yahoo.com

Hadleigh Hares Athletics Club

March 19th saw two very different Half Marathons being run by club members. Firstly, the Robert Tomlinson Half Marathon in Stowmarket and the Muskita Limassol Half Marathon in Cyprus!

Surprisingly, for Stowmarket, is was a perfect day for a race, dry and still after a night of rain. Our Club was represented by 14 Seniors running the Half Marathon, 2 Juniors running the 1.5 mile race and 2 more running the Fun Run. The Half Marathon course is not the easiest and 'gently' undulates through the Suffolk countryside. With it being a local race, it proves to be a very social race and the Stowmarket Striders always provide plenty of cake at the finish. With the race also being part of the County Road Championships, everyone ran strong and lots of PBs were gained .A huge congratulations to Belinda Godbold who not only came first in her age group, but also won a trophy for the County Road Championships!

Well done to the juniors Annanise Bell, Elissia Bell and Laila McNeil who were also prize winners in their respective races.

Katrina Rigby headed off to Cyprus to run her half marathon and in her own words, this is her account of the day:

Sunday morning I was rudely awoken at 5:15am (3:15UK time!) ready for an early breakfast and to catch the race transfer bus at 6:15am. A short ride and thankfully no rain today, I was at the bag drop. After a few poses on the pier in the sunshine I made my way to the start of the Muskita Limassol Half Marathon. I buddied up close to the 2 hour pacer in the hope he could get me round, which was now turning into a very warm and sunny race.

I started strong and running with the pacer was keeping me in check, however the sun was beating down and it was beginning to get a bit hot. I kept my cool and manged to get to the turnaround point in good time, I was on for my sub two hours! Thankfully at this point a grey cloud descended, but unfortunately accompanied with a head wind. I had to dig deep to keep my pace and thankfully a small decline certainly helped.

The last three miles were tough and with the finish hard to spot with the numerous sponsor’s arches, it was a long finishing straight. Thankfully I could finally see the timing clock and I had only a few seconds to spare to finish in under 2 hours. Finally crossing the line at 1:59:45 with the pacer close behind I was ecstatic, I'd done what I’d set out to do. I was very happy and celebrated with a post-race beer, non-alcoholic of course!

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

Jazz at Monks Eleigh Village Hall

The Wendy Kirkland Trio with Roger Beaujolais

A swinging mix of keyboard, guitar and vibes

Saturday, 27th May 2023

Doors and bar open: 7.00 pm – free nibbles

Show starts: 7.30 pm

Tickets: £20.00 available from: sarah@sarahbennettjazz.com or 0771 821 5775

Also available on the door (cash please!) Raffle + ample parking!

Proceeds to the Monks Eleigh Community Shop

741247

Funeral / Grave Services

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

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

Garage Doors Garolla....................................01473 396164

Garden Machinery Repair

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

Garden Services

4 Life Landscapes...................01473 828117 Grass To Glass........................01473 828269

Tomlinson Groundcare............01449 736060

MHM Landscapes...................07428 106387

Stacey’s Felt Roofing

Specialist

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

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

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

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

Hair and Beauty

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

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

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

Health and Fitness

Hadleigh Boxford Practice......01473 822961

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

Sally Mowles Foot Health Care.01473 822902

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

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

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

Sarah Jones Emotional Support..07702 454491

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

House Moving / Removals

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

I.T. and Computer Services

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

Vulcan Computer Services......07711 904439

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

Laundry Services

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

Happy Home Co Ironing.........07710 493325

Newsagents

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

Nursing & Care Services

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

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

Opticians

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

Painting & Decorating

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

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

Pest Control

Lister Countryside Services....07919 287656

Picture Framing

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

Printers

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

Pubs, Restaurants, Food & Drink

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

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

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

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

Security

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

Septic Tank Emptying

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

Skip / Waste Removal

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

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

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

Solicitors / Wills

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

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

Legal Comfort.........................01473 552876

Sports & Hobbies

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

Storage

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

Surveyors

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

Taxi

Beaumont Cars.......................01473 855111

5 Star Cars..............................01473 875435

A&L Private Hire.....................07506 806059

Water Softeners

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

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

Window Cleaner

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