Sudbury & Long Melford Community News, December 2022

Writing from the Rectory

My first experience of the Remembrance Day Parade Service was very moving. It so visibly and poignantly draws together such a broad section of people each united in the conviction that in serving others we find meaning for our own lives. By recalling the cost of conflict and giving thanks for the sacrifices of others we stand the best chance of avoiding unnecessary war in the future. I remain indebted to the team effort and camaraderie which enabled all the plans to proceed so smoothly; especially to the RBL, Parade Marshalls and Teresa Elford at the Town Council

I don’t know about you, but to me it seems that Christmas starts earlier and earlier every year! Here we are in early December and our Christmas Tree Festival is in full swing, the town’s Christmas lights have been turned on and the Christmas Market is already packed away. When once the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ referred to the days following Christmas Day up

until Epiphany and the celebration of the arrival of the Three Wise Men, our Christian calendars are now more closely aligned than ever before with the school terms. Thus, we tell the story of Christ made flesh and coming to dwell among us as December begins, and we celebrate it alongside our children and grandchildren that bit earlier.

St Gregory’s and All Saints’ churches have a range of services running throughout this month, so whether you fancy making a Christingle, singing by candlelight, or seeing Christmas Day in at our Midnight Mass… and more(!)… I hope to welcome you at some point. Please see our list of services within this publication for full details. It is wonderful to be able to come together again, after two difficult years through the pandemic, but there were also some great initiatives that sprang up in that time, which I am delighted that we can continue in 2023. The Suffolk diocese has teamed up again with Radio Suffolk to

organise ‘Carols on the Doorstep’ and I warmly invite you all to join in, singing along together from your doorsteps on 16th December from 6-7pm. Please visit 2022 Doorstep Carols Customisable sheet .docx (live. com) for a downloadable copy of the carol sheet. May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Revd Andrew Doarks

It is estimated that the ‘bank of mum and dad’ supported 49% of first-time buyer purchases in 2021, according to Savills. One of the most common ways in which parents help their children buy property is through gifting money towards their deposit.

When gifting money towards a child’s residential property purchase, there are several considerations that a parent or grandparent should be aware of.

What are the implications on the Giftor?

It is important to be aware that gifts of this nature can have an impact on future estate planning for the Giftor. There may be an impact on the Giftor’s Inheritance Tax liability and their Will may need to be updated. The recipient of a gifted deposit also needs to be aware that in the event the Giftor dies within 7 years of making a gift, Inheritance Tax may become payable on that sum if the Giftor’s estate attracts such tax.

At the beginning of the purchase process, it is strongly recommended that a Giftor (usually the parent) obtains independent legal advice before providing any contributions to ascertain their legal position. The firm acting for the purchaser (usually the child) cannot also provide advice to the Giftor as this would be a conflict of interest.

What is considered a gift or gifted deposit?

A gift is when a person, who is not a purchaser of the property in question, makes a monetary contribution towards the purchase price. This differs from a loan as a gift is non-repayable.

In most transactions, a 10% exchange deposit is usually required under the Standard Conditions of Sale (Fifth Edition) which will be incorporated into the contract. This 10% deposit on exchange is different to what is deemed to be your deposit by a mortgage lender as you can contribute more capital to a purchase than just 5 or 10% to enable you to have a lower Loan to Value for mortgage purposes. A gifted deposit does not necessarily need to be for the exchange deposit alone as it could be utilised for additional equity, or both.

Who can provide a gifted deposit?

Technically speaking, anyone could be a Giftor. However, in most instances a mortgage lender will not allow a gift from just anyone. Lenders tend to favour direct or step relatives such as parents.

What does a gift donor ? Giftor need to provide?

There are certain declarations that must be made by the Giftor. These declarations are especially crucial when a mortgage lender is involved in a transaction. The below points are typically what mortgage lenders require confirmation of:

• That the gift is non-repayable.

• That the Giftor will not occupy the property.

• That the Giftor has no reason to believe they will become insolvent.

• That the Giftor will not hold a charge over the property or bear any interest in it.

• That the gift will not prejudice the security of the mortgage company.

• That the acting conveyancer has carried out all appropriate checks on the Giftor, they are satisfied with the Giftor’s funding, and that the conveyancer is holding a cleared bankruptcy. search against the Giftor.

Get independent expert legal advice

To talk to a local lawyer about gifting money towards a residential property purchase, call Holmes & Hills Solicitors on 01787 275275, and ask to speak to a member of the expert Private Client Team.

Preparing to help your child buy their first home. What you need to know.

November has been a very busy month. We had the opening of Gainsborough House Museum and Galleries. The new building is a fantastic achievement and a work of art in itself. Well done to Mark and team for enhancing the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough. From 21st November 2022 to 26th February 2023 there is an exhibition of Flanders Art. Well worth a visit.

On 13th November we hosted the Remembrance Day Parade. Thank you to British Legion for organising this very important event and to Town staff and volunteers (we will remember them). Luckily, the weather was on our side A warm welcome to Oliver’s Plants in North Street Parade, Sudbury. This is a ‘pop up’ to begin wish but with your support will become more permanent. I wish you every success and hope you will continue after Christmas.

Sudbury Memory tree in aid of St. Nicholas Hospice - Taking pride ofplace in Sudbury’s Old Market Place the memory tree offers a chance to remember a lost loved one in a very special way for a suggested donation of £5 to support St. Nicholas Hospice Care. Your donation will be displayed on the tree over the Christmas period (all details on Town Council website)

Christmas Upcycled Tyre Trail and Light Display - Following the success of our upcycled Tyre Winter Wonderland last year the creations are back but this time you can discover the jolly characters on a trail around Sudbury. Great idea from Bradley Smith Christmas Tree Festival, Sudbury Rotary Club - This event takes place from Friday 2 December to Wednesday 7 December at St. Gregory’s Church, The Croft. Admission only £1 with under 12s free.

From 25 November Sudbury will have a beautiful Christmas Lights Display. Please come to Sudbury and enjoy what our lovely town has to offer. Sudbury Town Council Tourist Information and Heritage Centre, Goal Lane is one of the many ‘warm spaces’ in Sudbury. We also have a drop off or pick up food and toiletries point at the Town Hall Information Point. To donate or organise a collection please get in touch with Mel Edwards on 01787 372331 or email mel.edwards@sudburytowncouncil.co.uk. Pick up days are Monday to Wednesday. Great initiative Mel. For more information on Sudbury’s events over the Christmas period please visit Town Council website or pop in to our friendly Tourist Information Point in Goal Lane. Keep warm, keep safe. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas Ellen Murphy

Theatre Performance in St Mary’s Chilton

This is My Theatre performance of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is being performed at St Mary’s Church on the Chilton Industrial Estate near Sudbury. Its nearly Christmas and Maria receives an early gift of a beautiful wooden Nutcracker soldier. Little does Maria know that his wooden figure was once a real child and when the magic of Christmas is strongest, the Nutcracker comes to life. Can Maria help the Nutcracker to defeat the horrid Mouse King and break the curse. Join us in a journey to magical kingdoms with music, puppetry and characters that the whole family will love. The performance will take place on Thursday 8th December at 7pm with doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets are £15 for adults and £10 for under 16s. For more information and to book tickets: https://www.thisismytheatre.com/chilton

email: sandlmcommunitynews@printingforpleasure.co.uk

New clinic now open!

With £10 OFF your first visit, it’s the ideal time to address your back pain, headaches, sports injuries and arthritic aches and pains. Osteopath, cranial osteopath, acupuncturist and medical herbalist Elaine Everitt and acupuncturist Steven Bennett have opened their new clinic, located at Pippettes Farm in Stone St., Boxford (opposite Simbo’s dog training).

Elaine and Steven’s use of osteopathy, cranial osteopathy, acupuncture, medicinal herbs and low power laser therapy can help a wide range of conditions that respond well to a natural and holistic approach. They offer treatments suitable for all ages; newborn to the elderly.

From musculo-skeletal problems to digestive disorders, fertility & menstrual issues, urinary complaints and skin conditions, their 35 years combined professional experience enables them to diagnose the condition and prescribe the correct course of treatment.

Long-term residents of Suffolk, Elaine and Steven currently run a very busy clinic in North London and are now keen to re-focus their work to Boxford, where they grow and prepare organic medicinal herbs for their clinics and Suffolk based skincare brand, Pippettes Farm.

Why not pay them a visit for a consultation or call to discuss how they can help?

For more information on their treatments and products call 07587 743850 or visit www.pippettes.co.uk elaineeveritt.com

This has been a very short term for us. The building works took away the first half, and the second half has raced by. We are closing on December 2nd, with only the lovely Carol Service to come on 3rd. That is when riders and their supporters from home join the Shelley team to celebrate the birth of that amazing human, Jesus. All the live ponies will be represented, and the Shetlands usually play a part in the tableau. Babs and I can listen in with ears forward. (Well, Babs has no ears, poor thing.)

The finishing touches to the extension should take place over the holidays. Feedback from all the workers is positive, the new space works well. They are all grateful to Lyn for overseeing the plans, and to our wonderful benefactor who made this possible. The committee is deciding about naming the space after him, but I’m not telling tales right now!

We had a great Christmas Hamper raffled in November but the winner won’t be announced before my copy has to be filed! I’ll tell you in January. There are so many good causes to be supported at this time of year that nobody can attend to them all. We at Shelley are so grateful for the help we do get, I’ll say a big thank you now on behalf of all the horses and their riders.

May this Christmas be a lovely one for you, even whilst you are struggling with war and recession induced constraints. We all send our kindest best wishes and hopes for peace, goodwill to all, and many blessings.

Website: www.shelleyrda.com Telephone: 01473 824172

Wardale Williams Opticians celebrating 75 years in Sudbury

Wardale Williams the Opticians opened in Sudbury in 1947, making it part of Sudbury’s high street for the past 75 years.

Practice Manager Amanda Skinner has been working for Wardale Williams for 34 years, starting right after leaving school as a trainee Dispensing Optician.

Amanda has lived in Sudbury for her whole life and has seen a lot of changes over time.

“When I first started at Wardale Williams, I was 17 years’ old, and a lot of people still wore NHS frames. It’s a far cry away from the fashionable glasses that we sell now”.

In fact, Wardale Williams opened the year before the National Health Service began in 1948.

Initially, the NHS made optical services free to everyone. However, the huge demand was unsustainable. In 1951, a charge of £1 was imposed for those over 16 years of age, as well as the cost of the frame. This is equivalent to approximately £37 today.

Even still, there was often an 18 month wait to get your glasses. The Ministry of Health was in charge of making NHS glasses. Their goal was to have the smallest range possible so they could get the best prices for mass production. In 1948, there was a very limited range of frames with small variations so that they would fit most face shapes. This range didn’t change for another 35 years!

The government was only concerned about function and not fashion. Ministerial notes from 1950 state, “we must be careful not to admit a ‘fashion’ element which might easily increase demand unnecessarily”.

In this mid-1970s, Wardale Williams moved into their current premises. At this time, 90% of people supplied with NHS frames were choosing the same frame - the plastic 524 model. This is the frame that became synonymous with the geeky character in films and TV, often with a plaster holding it together over the bridge.

Amanda notes that “this model is actually very similar to some of the most popular frames we sell now, such as MOSCOT and Tom Ford”.

The metal NHS frame, which cost extra, was favoured by John Lennon, who made it look cool in the sixties. His glasses became a big part of his image. There was a ban on opticians advertising as well as displaying prices, so most opticians had to keep their frames in drawers. At Wardale Williams, the dispensing room was very small and kept locked at all times. Opticians were also prevented from promoting alternative frames that were available in private practice.

It wasn’t until 1985 that opticians were finally allowed to advertise and price their glasses. In 1986, the NHS stopped producing their own glasses and a voucher system was introduced. That same year, over 1000 new opticians opened.

Not all independent opticians accept NHS patients. Wardale Williams does, and Amanda is clear on this point: “Having an eye test is such an important health check. Sight is the sense that people most fear losing, with two million people in the UK living with sight loss. Eye tests are not just to correct vision – they can also detect so many other health issues. Our Eye Smart campaign was set up after one of our patients, Ralph McMurray, was diagnosed with cancer following his first ever eye test. An eye test can also detect signs of diabetes and high blood pressure. “Being an NHS contractor means that we have the full resources of the NHS available to us. This includes extra training in standards ranging from cyber-security to health & safety, and support for staff. There are also extra layers of protection for the public. We are proud to be part of the NHS”.

Baber gh Lodge No. 8122

Meeting at the Masonic Centre in Sudbury on the fourth Wednesday in September, October, November, January, March and the third Wednesday in May Interested in joining Freemasonry? Please contact us at l8122babergh@gmail com Supporting our Local Community

ging But was the two ully ttler nce bility tch has Dom bat n he tful , Two d by one p

but a few. Your efforts ensure the charity continues to care for animals in need.

We hope to hold sales again in 2022, assuming no Covid restrictions prevent it. Please leave a message on our ansaphone or email if you would like to help at events. Applicants to help with animal care are also welcome if you can commit to one morning a week.

Councils’ commercial property arm continues to generate income

Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s commercial property company CIFCO made a £6.7m profit last year and generated £3.7m in net income for the councils to plough back into services, councillors heard this week.

Copies of Frank Payne’s book, “Here Today, Goon Tomorrow” are still available, an ideal Christmas present when combined with the next instalment of the Author’s biography, “Well Worth Waiting For”. Frank details his wartime childhood, National Service leading to his career as a Sports journalist. Phone 01206 263006 to order the two volumes for £10, all proceeds to SESAW.

This means that since CIFCO Capital Ltd was established jointly by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils in 2017, it has not only maintained its debt repayments in full but also generated net income last year of £1.7m for Mid Suffolk and £2m for Babergh, bringing the total net income received by the councils by the end of the last financial year to £9.25m.

We do not rehome animals over the Christmas period so we will be closed from 10th December to 10th January 2022 except for emergencies. One last big thank you to the Editor for giving us a voice. Season’s greetings to all our readers from my feline friend, Ollie and me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua.

In reports presented to Babergh District Council on Tuesday and Mid Suffolk District Council, councillors heard how the company’s accounts for 2021/22 showed a £10m increase in the value of the company’s portfolio of properties – with the portfolio valued at £94m.

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

The last financial year marks the first full year of trading for CIFCO since completing the acquisition phase of the portfolio, which is now comprised of 21 properties, based in the eastern region and beyond, and split across industrial, retail and office sectors, effectively balancing risk.

Despite fears that the pandemic would leave CIFCO exposed, the company cites rigorous risk management and a diverse portfolio for helping them weather the impact of Covid and collect a higher proportion of rent from their tenants than the industry average – with the company now realising £5.3m per annum in rental income and low void rates across the portfolio,

“The ongoing recovery from the Covid pandemic, has certainly brought challenges – and there’s no doubt this will continue with the current market uncertainty, but we continue to work with our tenants to ease any ongoing problems and this is reflected in strong quarterly rental recovery, well in excess of the market

“We have a robust portfolio and business plan in place that will see us continue to generate income for our shareholders, as well as identifying opportunities to improve the quality and sustainability of our properties –not only creating rental income growth but also working hard continually

Capital investment in the portfolio last year included a £460,000 refurbishment of units at an industrial estate in Harlow, with installation of solar panels to improve both the value of the asset and its sustainability,

Babergh District Council cabinet member for assets and investments, Cllr “CIFCO continues to generate money for the councils –providing steady and much needed income for the benefit of both councils

Councillors on Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s joint Overview and Scrutiny committee reviewing CIFCO’s performance and business plan back in June agreed unanimously that it was robust, with Babergh District Council approving next year’s plan by 15 votes for and 1 abstention, and Mid Suffolk District Council approving it by 16 votes for and 15 against. Minutes and recorded livestreams of all meetings are available on the

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Community fundraiser, Gemma said “We are looking forward to this fair so much we have some amazing stalls, food and music, and the atmosphere will be full of excitement as we look forward to Christmas.”

Showcasing small businesses from across the region, we have an exciting variety of high-quality, unique gifts, decorations, crafts, and festive foods to get you in the festive spirit at Trinity Park. The venue lends itself to a large well-ventilated undercover barn space to protect buyers and sellers from the potential Winter elements, it also provides a lovely Christmassy atmosphere.

Helen Rollason Cancer Charity provides support services across Essex; these include complementary therapies, counselling, and access to a range of support groups. There is no charge for the services we provide but for those who receive them they are invaluable:

“Helen Rollason Cancer Charity has helped me feel less stressed and I now have somewhere safe to go where I know I will be looked after, cared for and listened to. I would definitely recommend HRCC to others who are living

Rotary Club members eagerly awaited the visit of a former Rotary Scholar from New Zealand at their meeting on 14 November, expecting to hear more about his career since was last in the UK. However, with no sign of the expected guest, members passed the time exchanging up-dates on recent holidays and Rotary activities past and present. A frantic set of emails and text messages were being sent to establish the whereabouts of the speaker - had he got lost, had something gone wrong? Eventually a reply was received that the speaker had confused his destination and was visiting a Rotary Club in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada! “Fifty years in the Left-hand seat”, was the intriguing topic of Liz Jordan and Stanley Graham on 21 November. Liz and Stanley recounted some of their experiences as regular organisers of, and keen participants in, road rally events in the UK and overseas, some nearby around Clacton-on-Sea and others as far away as Barbados.

Members and their partners met for lunch at The Boathouse Restaurant on 29 November and a few days later were setting up for the Club’s Christmas Tree Festival held from 2nd to 7th December in St Gregory’s Church, Sudbury, with over 60 delicately lit and beautifully decorated trees, provided by local schools, clubs, private individuals and companies. This event is always a magical lead up to the festivities of the Christmas season, with funds being raised for Sudbury Rotary’s chosen local charities. The final event in the Rotary calendar for 2022 will be Christmas Lunch at Newton Green Golf Club on 19 December. The next Club meeting will be on Monday 9 January when Mayor of Sudbury, Ellen Murphy will be our guest speaker, and on 24 January the topic of member Glynn Jones will be “Only one day a week: what a job!”

Sudbury Rotary meets at Newton Green Golf Club on the first three Mondays of each month - with an optional lunch for those who wish to eat there. Visitors will always be welcome, but please do telephone 07341 290415 to let us know you will be coming along.

Rotarian Lesley Ford-Platt

What a cheek! Last month Ollie mocked me ‘writing’ our news for ten years when I claim to be eight? Well, the laugh is on him because he was older than me when he arrived in 2013! Our resident black cat was found nearly dead, came in after a week at the vet’s, broke out of a pet carrier and headed straight for the house. We get on alright really and he gives a different view of SESAW life which is still very busy. Only last week two lovely tabby cats came in when their owner sadly died. They have always been together and they are used to living with two big dogs. We also have Signe, a ten year old Eurasier spitz type of dog that was living in a car with her owner when they lost their home. She is used to having company all the time so needs a loving human companion, maybe with another dog.

At this the time of the year we express our appreciation for those who support the work of SESAW in many different ways. The list is endless but you know who you are and we send you a massive THANK YOU. That includes the shops and vets that host our food collection bins and Jason and his team for giving us a ‘voice’ to talk to you. As we all face the future during such a worrying time everyone at SESAW wishes you peace, good health and happiness, including me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua.

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

Now that’s something you don’t see ever y day Maisie, the spr inger and I were meeting the lovely people at Lush Cosmetics in Ipswich because they were donating profits from their Char ity Pot cream to SESAW Suddenly we saw a human striding through the precinct with a tall contraption strapping to his back Apparently it was the Google Ear th guy, mapping the precinct with a 360 camera And I thought he was there just to photograph me! Mind you, Maisie and I were soon the centre of attention again but I really didn’t know where to look when she rolled on her back for tummy tickles That dog is SO embarrassing! I should explain about Maisie She arr ived at SESAW one Chr istmas, in great pain, hardly able to walk Luckily our talented vet was able to correct a bir th defect on her legs She patiently endured a long recover y per iod, remaining calm as her dressings were changed and licking ever yone who cared for her Two years later our Spaniel enjoys life, goes for shor t walks and loves nothing better than a squeaky toy Our volunteers are looking forward to attending the Eight Ash Green Music Festival on 21st July and then it’s all systems go for our own Open Day and Fun Dog Show, 12 4 pm on Sunday 29th July at the Sanctuar y Lots to see, do and eat plus enter tainment from HUG the Hadleigh

day of

Ukulele Group! We are still in need of raffle prizes for this our happiest

Our meeting featured Anne Grimshaw, who treated our members and guests to a moving story ’Collision in the Clouds - who wore the Goggles’ which was uncovered by her meticulous detective work. It all started in 2016 in Landéville France when Anne was handed a pair of US Air Force World War II flying goggles which had been found in a field near the village of Mandrès-en-Barrois just 15 miles north. This piqued Annes’ interest, and she was determined to find out who had worn these goggles and what was their fate. Anne’s research began by narrowing down the timeframe by establishing this model of goggles was only used between 1943 and 1945 by US Airmen. Searching further she discovered that two allied B17 Flying Fortresses had collided in bad weather in the skies above Landéville. They had departed from their base at Mendlesham. Of the crew of 18, there was only one survivor, Robert Koppen. Anne traced Robert (Bob) who had been only 19 years old when he was in the crashed plane. The details of his survival were remarkable, and a testament to his bravery and skill. However, this alone was not enough to prove these were Bob’s goggles, but it was a 1 in 18 chance. Anne, though, was undeterred, and she continued her detective work. Through hard work, extensive research including at Duxford, and interviewing an eyewitness Anne was able to establish there was a high probability that the goggles did belong to Bob. So, where are the goggles now? Anne returned the goggles to Bob, and he donated them to The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in the USA. Bob’s story, and Anne’s painstaking detective work are featured under the label of the Robert A. Koppen Collection.

Our next meeting will not be until 16th February next year, but in the meantime, we will be keeping busy selling copies of the 50th Anniversary edition of Melford Memories. This wonderful book recounts the memories of Ernest Ambrose, who was born in the village in 1878. If you would like a copy, you can contact us, The Long Melford Heritage Trust who jointly funded this project or call into Breakout/Holy Trinity Church Shop. Priced at just £9.99, this redesigned version will make the perfect Christmas gift - no Long Melford home will be complete without one.

Email: lmhas1969@outlook.com Tel: 01787 375329 for more information

Christmas Traditions From the Past

We seem to have lost many of the traditions that were popular in the times past. So, cuddle up in the warm, drink a glass of mulled wine and read the way our ancestors celebrated Christmas.

We have quite a few theories as to the actual date of the birth of Jesus, this is just one of them: A third century AD Roman scholar called Hippolytus gave us this theory: He assumed Jesus was conceived in the spring equinox so was born nine months later on Christmas Day. However, there are many more different explanations. Far too many to mention.

The Nativity play is one of the oldest Christmastime traditions. It was first performed in Italy in A.D. 1223. In that year Francis of Assisi assembled a Nativity scene outside his Church. Each year this became more and more popular, and people would travel for miles to watch the re-enactment of the Christmas story. From this initial play the practice of performing Nativity Plays spread across Europe.

My most enjoyable one was when I was teaching in St Andrews Primary School in Blantyre, Malawi. We had a small collection of farm animals, so we included them in the scene, the children were all dressed in the usual way. Matron from the boarding school was not impressed with the borrowing of her tea towels for the shepherd’s head coverings! We enacted the play out in the open air in a very hot evening, it was in the dark as the sunset was usually at about 5.30. It was a memorable evening for pupils, parents, and teachers. We even had a real new-born baby instead of the usual doll.

Father Christmas would have been wearing a long green hooded cloak, as well a wreath made of holly, mistletoe, or ivy. His role was to make people happier during the cold dark winter months, and the coming of spring. The tradition of candy canes was started by a choirmaster in Germany in the 17th century. He gave the canes that were shaped like the shepherd’s staff to the children in his Church choir to help them get through the lengthy nativity services. The first legitimate mention of candy canes was in 1847 when a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgrard described decorating his Christmas tree with them. It is also said that with the shepherd’s hook it is easier to hang on the tree.

The legend behind the Poinsettia, comes from Mexico. A little girl called Lucinda tried to help her mother weave a blanket for the traditional Christmas procession in the Cathedral. Sadly, Lucinda tangles the wool, so it was not completed, and so she was reluctant to take part. A mysterious old woman tells her that “Any gift is beautiful, whatever you give, however humble, if given in love, is acceptable”. So, Lucinda gathered up some leaves into a bunch and as she placed them by the crib the top leaves transformed from green to red.

The colours red, gold and green have been used from early Christian times for the following reasons: Red to represent the blood of Jesus when he was crucified, Gold to represent the gift from the wise men and green to symbolise everlasting life.

Sue Ayres

News from The Christopher Centre

Welcome from Kathy and Linda, Centre Coordinators.

December is finally upon us! It’s a busy time of year for us all here at the Christopher Centre and a time we are thoroughly enjoying!

We have many festive activities going on, Christmas lunches, groups and meetings; the Centre has a really lovely buzzing atmosphere! We are now taking room bookings for 2023; contact us if you would like to visit with a view to hosting your group or event with us. We have four incredible spaces to offer including the Commonlands Room that can comfortably house 30 people and includes kitchen facilities, to the Suffolk Room which is ideal for one-to-one meetings.

Contact us via email: info@christophercentre.org.uk, telephone us on 01787 313914 or visit our website www.christophercentre.org.uk and follow the links to book online.

You can find us in Gainsborough Street opposite Gainsborough’s House. Why not come along one morning and say hello and have a look around?

Menopause Let’s Talk Support Group Launch.

We are pleased to report that our launch event was a huge success. We were so pleased to welcome so many of you! We introduced two of our future speakers, Sophia from Paper Kite Yoga and Deborah Thomas, who is very busy behind the scenes! We were happy to be able to offer goody bags for everyone, refreshments and a raffle.

We are currently filling the forthcoming dates with wonderful speakers; keep your eyes on our social media and look out for posters. Our December dates are Thursday 1st and 15th. Then restarting on Thursday 19th January.

Thank You:

To Sudbury Municipal charities for their generous donation.

To Councillor Ayres for their much-needed locality budget donation to our newly formed Menopause Support Group.

To Babergh District Council for the Winter Warmth Fund Grant.

To the Parochial Church Council at St Mary’s Church in Cavendish for their kind donation.

And as always, a HUGE thank you to our amazing Volunteers who keep the Centre running smoothly, running our reception, keeping the outside Courtyard area clear and maintenance.

Volunteers:

We are pleased to report we have had more interest in our volunteer positions but can never have enough, our volunteers are what keeps the Centre active!

We are always keen to welcome Volunteers who have skills they could offer the Centre; Gardening, Odd Jobs, Decorating, Reception Cover etc. Please contact Kathy or Linda at info@christophercentre.org.uk or telephone 01787 313914 for a chat.

Just a reminder of some of our regular groups and events. Otago, a chair based exercise programme designed to promote strength, balance and mobility is available every Tuesday from 12.45pm1.45pm. Contact Chris for more information on 07970 626978 or email christinehare@gmail.com

Sudbury Speakers Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month 7.00pm- 9.00pm. Meet new people and improve your speaking skills in a non-judgemental and supportive environment. The first two sessions are free, you can join in with as much or as little as you like. Contact Kevin at ssc.kn@outlook.com

Community singing every Tuesday 7.30p.m. All welcome to join in singing for fun.

Menopause – Let’s Talk Support Group. Every other Thursday at 7pm, next dates are December 1st and 15th, then January 19th.

Open House every Monday from 10 am. Enjoy home baked cakes and a cuppa in pleasant surroundings with good company. From 12 noon we have a homemade community lunch. All welcome. We also promote our own community activities particularly for individuals experiencing loneliness, isolation or mental health issues.

Makers Market is on 3rd December from 10am until 2pm. Local makers, artists and crafters selling handmade products and produce. For more information and details of forthcoming Markets, contact Lia (liasconcia@ outlook.com) or Michelle(michelleranson@hotmail.co.uk)

Christmas Closure – The Centre and Community Depot will be closed from Friday 16th December until Monday 2nd January 2023. Wishing all our room hirers, room leaseholders, Trustees, Volunteers, Supporters and friends a happy and peaceful Christmas time, and we look forward to an exciting and prosperous 2023.

You can find us at 10, Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, CO10 2EU (Opposite Gainsborough’s House) 01787 313914

The Website is currently being updated, visit regularly for more information on the spaces and facilities we have available.

Opportunity for greater tenant engagement

Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils have approved a new tenant engagement strategy which will give tenants more opportunity to be involved in decisions about their homes.

The councils’ Tenant Engagement Strategy sets out how the councils will engage with its tenants, giving them the platform to share their views about what suits them best. This will give tenants an active role in the housing service they receive, letting them influence decisions that affect the council’s strategic housing priorities.

With the aim of increasing engagement and giving everyone a stronger sense of community, the strategy will ensure that everyone can hold the council to account as their landlord, and a place they are proud to call their home. It will also challenge the stereotypes and stigma often associated with being council or social housing tenant.

The Strategy will ensure that tenants are also offered the opportunity to influence and be involved in the development of housing-related strategic priorities, decisions about their home and the way the services are delivered, with the ability to hold the council accountable and scrutinise the councils’ performance, as a landlord.

The councils have also introduced several new surveys that will give tenants the opportunity to share their experience of the council as a landlord – allowing the councils to understand what we are doing well and what we can do to improve services for them.

Brighton-based researchers, Acuity have been appointed to carry out surveys on behalf of the councils with tenants who have received a service from Babergh or Mid Suffolk, via a telephone call, email or text.

Cllr Jan Osborne, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for Housing said: “It is essential that we have a better understanding of what our tenants need and the issues that are important to them. We need to ensure that we engage with them in a meaningful way, that offers a sense of place and gives them pride in their homes and neighbourhoods”.

Telephone and online surveys will be carried out with tenants on a monthly basis on tenants who have received or requested one of the councils’ key services, moving into one of our homes, reporting a repair or making an anti-social behaviour complaint.

There will also be an annual tenant satisfaction survey carried out in line with the governments new tenant satisfaction measures. The results of these surveys and any action plans associated with them will be published on the councils’ website for transparency and to allow our tenants to hold us to account on our performance in these areas.

email: sandlmcommunitynews@printingforpleasure.co.uk

My Wish: December

As we say goodbye to 2022, we would like to reflect on a challenging but often rewarding year as we continue to support the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. As you may know, our aim as your local NHS charity, is to enhance the care of you, if you are a patient, to support your loved ones and to support the staff who care for us.

With that in mind we will start back in January when we handed over timers to the Parkinson’s nurse. These timers ensure that patients get their medications exactly when needed as time is vital to ensure their symptoms do not suddenly flare up. Each ward, including Newmarket Community Hospital and Glastonbury Court, were given a Parkinson’s box with the timers and information.

February saw us give a T Roll to the stroke ward. These specialist positioning rolls enable patients with neurological conditions to be positioned to prevent loss of range of movement and to help them avoid pain.

73% of people think IF a couple have a joint bank account and one person can't make decisions for themselves, their partner can legally make decisions for them both. similarly, 72% of people think your next of kin always gets the final say in treatment decisions at hospital, if you can't make them yourself*. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Should your spouse/partner or parent become unable to manage their affairs themselves due to ill-health or injury, their individual bank accounts are likely to be effectively frozen and neither a partner nor next of kin will be able to deal with organisations on their behalf. For example, this would mean being unable to deal with financial institutions in respect of accounts and pensions, the Department for Work and Pensions, or utility companies. Similarly, a next of kin will not be able to make decisions regarding the health and welfare of a spouse/partner, parent or other relative, including where and what care should be provided, as well as what end of life care should be received, if any.

What is needed to be able to help?

March saw World Kidney Day and the renal staff receiving an ECG machine, thanks to local company Treatt plc.

To assist your spouse/partner, parent or other relative with affairs during their lifetime, or make certain decisions you will need to have been appointed as an Attorney. This means they will need to have made Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs).

April was about parents, in particular those that suddenly found themselves spending the night on the Rainbow ward. Comfort packs were introduced, containing things such as a toothbrush and paste, water, notepad and pen, tissues and wipes, and a bit of chocolate just to make that first night in hospital a little easier

Common reasons for needing to help

Often people need to assist with these matters because their spouse/partner, parent or relative has become unable to manage their affairs themselves. This may be due to physical or mental incapacity, perhaps due to illness or an accident.

What happens if LPAs are not in place?

May meant DVD players. These large screen DVD players have proved a hit across the hospital, and we have now provided several wards such as the stroke unit, the learning disability nurse, and the dementia team with one as well as having some in the charity office for all to borrow if their patients need it. Plus, an array of DVDs from Dad’s Army to David Attenborough for them to enjoy.

June allowed us to support the community with a donation meaning we could provide the paediatric speech and language team, based at St Helen’s House in Ipswich, with toys galore to aid their therapy sessions.

July saw us donating to both the paediatric day unit and the Rainbow ward. The day unit got a portable measuring stick to take to the patient’s bedside and the Rainbow got some wonderful fun chalk boards for their outside play area.

If you want to help your partner or parent with property, financial, health or welfare decisions and they do not have Powers of Attorney in place and were incapable of making them, you would need to make a costly application to the Court to obtain the necessary authority. The Court application takes several months and can be stressful and frustrating for those involved. Until the Court authorises your application you are unable to deal with the persons money or property, and will be unable to make decisions regarding their health and welfare.

August was about horses as we welcomed Godolphin and their champion retired racehorse, Papillon to Newmarket Community Hospital. You can see the video on our You Tube channel; it was an emotional day which is worth a watch. We hope to repeat this again next year.

What are the two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney? LPAs are important documents that allow someone to give people (often close relatives or friends) the authority to make certain decisions on their behalf. There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA – which allows an attorney to manage and deal with finances and property related matters (such as selling a home).

September not only saw us bring back our annual Soapbox Challenge, but we also gave some nebulisers to the community respiratory team. These nebulisers mean patients can be treated in their own homes, avoiding hospital admission, and so also freeing a much-needed beds.

• Health and Welfare LPA – which allows an attorney to make decisions regarding health and personal welfare. This type of LPA only comes into effect when a person no longer has the capacity to make such decisions themselves. Discuss Powers of Attorney for yourself, a partner or parent

October meant we supported our maternity unit with memory boxes for parents who sadly lose a baby. These boxes ensure all memories are captured and we hope they help at such a difficult time.

November was about caring for family members as we handed books over to the cancer unit. These books are aimed at children who have a relative that is undergoing cancer treatment. With such a hard subject to explain, especially to younger children, these books help open up the dialogue for a bigger conversation and to explain it in suitable terms.

To talk to a local lawyer about Lasting Powers of Attorney and to find out whether you or a loved one should have them, call Holmes & Hills Solicitors on 01787 275275 email advice@holmes-hills.co.uk and ask to speak to a member of our Private Client Department. *OPG, 'Your Voice. Your Decision' campaign www.holmes-hills.co.uk

December. Our final aim for the year is to provide each patient with a gift on Christmas Day. Once again, we have launched our Virtual Christmas Gift appeal which allows the wards to hand out a gift to every patient. It’s hard enough being in hospital over the festive period but we hope that these gifts will show patients that the community care and are thinking of them.

Derek Cranston

Derek passed peacefully away in Ipswich Hospital on Tuesday 28th June, after a thirty hour stay. Derek who was 86 years old had lost his mobility and had been bed ridden for the last year of his life. He will be sadly missed.

Carole Cranston

You can donate a gift at https://visufund.com/wishchristmas Thank you for reading a small round up of our year. As you can see, we cover a huge range of care across all ages. If you want to find out more or you would like to fundraise for us in 2023, then please head over to www. mywishcharity.co.uk. We would love to hear from you.

Make sure you can help your partner or a parent, should they need assistance

Last year I fell for a scam when I was doing my Christmas shopping. The scam was clever. I thought I was getting a good deal but didn’t realise I was being scammed until it was too late. How can I avoid the same thing happening again this year?

Scammers’ tactics become more sophisticated every year, making scams tricky to recognise, but there are things you can look out for.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. For example, tickets to an event that are much cheaper than they’re being sold elsewhere, or a holiday that’s a lot less than you’d expect to pay.

Be wary of people contacting you out of the blue on social media sites or via text and email offering an item for sale or deal on something. Do your research. If you’re buying from a website you haven’t used before, spend a few minutes researching it. A good place to start is finding a website’s terms and conditions. You should also look up the company’s address, this can normally be found in the website’s ‘contact us’ section and should have a street name, not just a post office box. If it’s a registered UK company, you can check its details on the Companies House website. Check to see what people have said about the company. It’s worth looking at different review websites to see other people’s feedback – don’t rely on reviews the company has put on its own website.

Scammers will often ask you to pay in an unusual way, or very quickly. For example, you’re asked to send money through a transfer service like MoneyGram or Western Union or pay via vouchers.

Remember never give away your personal information like a password or PIN and never click on or download anything you don’t trust.

To find out about scams across the country, you can sign up to the Trading Standards email alert on their website.

If you’ve been scammed, there are organisations you should report the scam to. If you’ve transferred money in the last 24 hours, speak to your bank and the police. You should also contact the police if the scammer is in your area, or you feel unsafe. You can also report the scam to Citizens Advice and Action Fraud, telephone 0300 123 2040.

Don’t feel embarrassed about reporting a scam – scammers are clever, and it can happen to anyone. Reporting a scam helps track down and stop scammers, helping to prevent it from happening to others too.

For information and advice on this or anything else, visit www. citizensadvice.org.uk or call Sudbury and District 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.

Sudbury Ramblers

Wednesday 7th December Sudbury, 10:30am 6.25 miles Kingfisher CP, CO102SS Clive 07535689779

Wednesday 14th December Lavenham, 10:30am 5.5 miles CP by Cock Horse, CO109SA Linda 01787370291

Thursday 20th December Finchingfield, 10:30am 5 miles Parking around the green, CM74JS Lesley 01787280392

Wednesday 29th December The Maplesteads, 10:30am 5.5 miles Spencers Farm CP, CO92PX Steve 01787279325

Sunday 1st January Sudbury, 11am (TBC) 4 miles Quay Lane CP, CO102AN Keith 07798561721

Thursday 19th January Ipswich, 10:30am 3 miles Park & Ride CP, IP83TQ Barbara

Tuesday 23rd January London, 3 miles Sudbury Station CO102RD 9:15 for 9:33 Train Peter 01787468536

Details of all our walks can be found by searching www.sudburyramblers.org.uk

Please contact the walk leader if you have not walked with our group before.

Hello from Sudbury Library,

going on here in the library. All our usual groups and activities continue as normal; we have Timeout Tuesday, which is an adult social group, on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm. This includes our Toptime Book Group which meets on the first Tuesday of each month. The second Tuesday will incorporate our new Bereavement Support Group. On Wednesdays we have a Shared Reading Group. Wordplay storytelling, songs, and rhymes, is for our smallest customers on a Thursday morning at 10.30am. Play sessions follow immediately afterwards till midday. Open Space drop ins are informal meetings for anybody interested in mental health and wellbeing. This group meets on a Thursday at 2.15pm. We have Storytime sessions for children on Saturday mornings from 10.30am. Lego club is on Saturday afternoons at 2.30pm. (50p per child). Our monthly Children’s Book Group will meet on Saturday 10th December at 11am. We have free activities on our Sunday Fundays.

Special events include Community Carols on Saturday 3rd December at 11am, (come along and join in; everyone welcome), The Christopher Choir will be singing on Sunday 11th December at 2pm and the Stour Wind Decet will be performing at 7.30pm on Wednesday 14th December. These events are all free to enter with donations accepted for refreshments. Please ask the library staff for any further information. We will also be taking part in the annual Christmas Tree Festival in St. Gregory’s Church from Friday 2nd December to Wednesday 7th December. Do come along and have a look!

We still have activity packs for sale at £2.00 each; call in to see what is available.

Our opening hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays and we can offer browsing, printing, photocopying, scanning to e-mail and use of our computers.

We can be found in the usual places: - www.suffolklibraries.co.uk or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Do not forget, our colleagues at Babergh Customer Access Point are here on Mondays and Thursdays for face-to-face advice and you can call to make an appointment on 0300 1234000.

Their e-mail address is customer.services@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk We look forward to seeing you soon, Andrea and everyone at the library.

Looking for an extra stocking filler?

50 Year Service Award

Richard Kemp

Born in Long Melford in 1943 and now aged 76, Richard Kemp has been continuously involved and supported his local club in many roles.

From an early age Richard played for his village school football team who were closely involved with Long Melford FC. From the age of 18 (1961) onwards till he was 28 years Richard played regularly for Long Melford Reserves.

From the age of 19 to 22 he was Honorary Secretary of Long Melford Football Supporters Club, and from the age of 32 until the present time he has been the Honorary President of the club, a position he still holds with great pride.

During the 1990s alongside others Richard managed the club’s Under-16/ Under-18 teams.

From around 1986 until now he also held the role of club reporter of games. Richard has served the Club in a variety of other roles, including barman, tea-maker, groundsman, cleaner, laundry person and painter. His wife Blanche since 1965 has also joined him in helping in various roles. Richard said: “I feel distinctly honoured to receive this award because there are a lot of unsung heroes in local football and without them it would not thrive.

Henny Fete and Duck Race

BRENT ELEIGH, Nr. LAVENHAM, SUDBURY, SUFFOLK

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

Saturday 28th July 2018, 12:00 4:00pm at the Henny Swan All the usual games and stalls: Children’s games and for the Adults Coconut Shy, Bowling for the Pig etc on the banks of the River Stour As well as the annual Duck Race we have Shire Horses on display and a fun Dog Show Entrance Free

“I really love the club and still enjoy my time with Long Melford. I have been a vociferous supporter over the years, but I have never used swear words. “I may be old-fashioned, but it appalls me to hear some of the language directed at referees these days, especially when there are families with children watching.”

Pat’s Days Owt

Here we are again, the last time for this year. Where did the rest go? I cannot keep up these days. The days are getting quicker, and I am getting older, - and slower!!!, but still looking forward to the Christmas shows now(my favourite). All the decorations and lights are awesome, especially when you come away from the show at Thursfordyour first words are “wow” - there are just so many lights. By the time you get this we will have seen the Co-op juniors Christmas show too. That brings us into a new year. I hope there is something to catch your eye.

2023

Jan 18 Lunch at The Owl, Loughton Feb 8 Brick Lane Adult Pantomime Goldilocks and the 3 bare bears. Good clean fun and much laughter,warning VERY FEW tickets left. March 27 - 31 5 day holiday at Weston Super Mare April 19, Winchester May 17 Brighton. There are more outings available - just get a copy from the Tourist Information in Gaol Lane, or contact me PAT BENNETT on 01787 310982 or 07887 868259 or 22patron24@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you, and end this information by wishing you all a very happy christmas, and healthy and happy new year and hope to see you on the coach soon... ta ta Ta ta for now.

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

Our November meeting saw the launch of the 50th Anniversary Edition of Melford Memories by Ernest Ambrose. This wonderful book has been given a new lease of life and is already proving popular at Breakout, the main stockists in the village.

Thirty-two members were treated to a talk by Sarah Doig, Beyond Hatches, Matches and Dispatches – which detailed the weird and wonderful pieces of information one can find in the Parish Registers. These records, provide a wealth of information when researching family history, although Sarah revealed another side to thems. The clergy or clerks that recorded the information, may have thought that they could record their own views safely in these records, as many parishioners were not able to read and it is in these notes that we find the curious, weird and sometimes unpleasant thoughts of those recorders.

We now take our Christmas break and will next meet on Thursday 16th February 2023, 7.30pm at the Old School Community Centre for our traditional ‘Members Night’ where offers of talks are eagerly awaited from membership.

Richard Kemp (right) receives The FA 50-Year Service Award from Suffolk FA Chief Executive Richard Neal at Long Melford FC.

The Hadleigh Society

Nick Shimwell and Jack Cresswell will outline how the nature reserve, Sudbury Common Lands – which have never been ploughed – are managed sympathetically to the environment. Rushes and sedges grow in the pastures along with a variety of wild flowers while numerous species of native grasses support grazing cattle. In addition, ditches and ponds provide habitat for a range of wildlife and insects. The challenge is to retain the ancient farming traditions in the face of changing agricultural practices and increasing human pressures.

Tuesday 6 December 2022 Hadleigh Guildroom (churchyard entrance) 8.00 pm. Visitors £3, members free

DIARY DATES DECEMBER

December 2022

Thurs 1st December

BINGO

2pm – 4pm

Sudbury Town Hall, Old Market Place, CO10 1TL

Thurs 1st to Sat 24th Dec

Graham Cooper Exit. No Exit. 11am to 4pm

Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre 3 Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, CO10 0GW

Thurs 1st & Fri 2nd December (every Thurs & Fri)

The Christopher Centre C’art (Cake and Art Art & Craft group but not an art class. 10am – 12pm, £3, all welcome

The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 313914

Thurs 1st December

Folk Music Night with The King Driscolls

6.30pm to 11pm Tickets required Hedingham Castle, Bayley St, Hedingham, CO9 3DJ Tel: 01787 460261, email: mail@ hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Thurs 1st to 26th Feb

Painting Flanders Exhibition Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 372958 Email: mail@gainsborough.org

Thurs 1st to 26th Feb

Ignatius Sancho: A Portrait Exhibition Gainsborough’s House, 46 Gainsborough Street, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 372958 Email: mail@gainsborough.org

Thurs 1st (every Thurs) December

Grow Your Community Sudbury & Gt Cornard 9.30am to 12pm at Belle Vue Park, Sudbury & sometimes at other sites. Tel: 07899994107, e: activgardens@ haideestephens.com

Fri 2nd to Weds 7th December Christmas Tree Festival Fri to Tues - 10am to 4pm Weds 10am to 3pm £1 admission, under 12s free All proceeds to good causes in the community chosen by Sudbury Rotary Club St. Gregory’s Church, The Croft, Sudbury

Fri 2nd

Long Melford Heritage Trust ‘Military, Murder & Mystery’ Talk by lead archaeologist Kenneth Dodd 7pm, adults: £3.50, children £1.50 Long Melford Village Hall

Fri 2nd December

Cardy & Coke

7.30pm, Tickets required The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

Sat 3rd December

Dickensian Christmas Tour Guided Tour 11am – 12.30pm

Starting at Sudbury TIC

Booking your tickets: Tel: 01787 372331 (Option 1) Or in person at Sud Tourist Info, Town Hall, CO10 1TL www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk

Sat 3rd Christmas Market

1pm to 4pm

All welcome, free admission Middleton Church, CO10 7LN

Sat 3rd

Sudbury Choral Society

Community Carols

11am, free Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Sat 3rd December

Alan Bonner: The Way Old Friends Do (with band)

7.30pm, Tickets required The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

Sat 3rd, Sun 4th & Sat 10th December

Santa’s Stour Boat Rides

Join Santa, Mrs Claus and he merry elves for a festive family river cruise and trats in Mrs Claus’s Tea Room. 4 sessions per day - £12.50 per person Pre-booking required, Tel: 01787 313199 (weekdays only) www.riverstourtrust.org

Sat 3rd to 24th December

Mini Prints Exhibition 11am to 4pm Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre 3 Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, CO10 0GW

Sat 3rd to 24th December

Christmas Printworks Exhibition 2022 11am to 4pm

Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre 3 Cornard Mills, Mill Tye, Great Cornard, CO10 0GW

Sat 3rd

A Prelude to Christmas Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir

With special guests – Spectrum Ladies Choir

7.30pm, tickets £10

All Saints Church, Church St, Sudbury, CO10 2BN Tel: 01787 580753 www. suffolkconstabularymalevoicechoir. co.uk

Sun 4th December

Jason’s Acoustic Events

2.30pm – 8.30pm

The Brewery Tap, 21 East St, Sudbury, CO10 2TP

Mon 5th December (every Monday)

The Christopher Centre

Open House 10am to 2pm

Support & a friendly listening ear for those that need it.

10am – 12pm hot drinks & refreshments

12-1.45pm homemade hot lunches All welcome, no charge

The Christopher Centre, 10 Gainsborough St, CO10 2EU Tel: 01787 313914

Mon 5th December

NT Live: Jack Absolute Flies Again! 7pm, Tickets required

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

Tues 6th December

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Tues 6th December

The Quay Book Club 7.30pm-9.30pm in the bar

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury www.quaysudbury.com

Weds 7th December

The Quay Chess Club 7.30pm.

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: Andrew Last: 07394517613 www.sudburychessclub.weebly.com

Weds 7th (every Weds)

Youth Support Services Drop-In Aged 15 to 18 & not in education employment or training? Get advice on your options from the YSS Team. 1 to 4pm

Phoenix Family Hub (near OSA), Tudor Road, CO10 1NP Tel Jacob: 07526203856 or 01787 315900

Weds 7th December

Sudbury Ramblers

Sudbury, 10:30am 6.25 miles Kingfisher CP, CO10 2SS Tel: Clive 07535689779

Weds 7th December (every Wed)

Lavenham Guided Walk

Meet - foyer of The Swan Hotel, Lavenham 2pm, £5 – no pre-booking req. Email: info@guideeast.co.uk Weds 7th December

Ghost Stories for Christmas Don’t Go Into the Cellar Productions 7.30pm, Tickets required

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

Thurs 8th December

Kettle & Fish 9.45am to 1.45pm Every Thurs except the first of each month

Suffolk Road Church, CO10 1UN Tel Ruth Ridge: ruthkridge@gmail.com or tel: 01787 204364

Fri 9th December

That 80s Christmas Rock Show! 7.30pm, Tickets required

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

Fri 9th

Babergh Youth Employment Services

With Youth Support Services

Next Steps Support

10am to 1pm, for 16 – 24 year olds, CVs + applications, interview skills Job, apprenticeship + course search West Suffolk College, Cornard Road,

Kindly supplied by Sudbury Town Council

Sudbury, CO10 2XA

More info: colin.fordham@wsc.ac.uk or cally.boardman@suffolk.gov.uk

Fri 9th December

Murder Mystery Evening: Murder in a Winter Wonderland 7pm to 11.55pm Tickets required Hedingham Castle, Bayley St, Hedingham, CO9 3DJ

Tel: 01787 460261, email: mail@ hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Sat 10th

Quay Christmas Craft Sale

Lots of beautiful crafts made by local people 11am to 3pm

The Jetty, Quay Lane, Sudbury

Sat 10th ‘Merrie Olde Christmas’ With Chanter’s Jigge 7pm, tickets £10. Tickets tel Dave: 01787 372352, e: dave-afc@supanet.com Or buy from Sudbury Tourist Info or at the door

All Saints’ Church, Church St, Sudbury

Sat 10th December

ROH Season: The Nutcracker 7pm, Tickets required The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

Sat 10th & Sun 11th

A Joyful Dickensian Christmas 10am to 5pm Tickets required Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9BA Tel: 01787 310207, email: enquiries@ kentwell.co.uk

Sat 10th December (every Saturday)

Lavenham Guided Walk Meet - foyer of The Swan Hotel, Lavenham 2pm, £5 – no pre-booking req. Email: info@guideeast.co.uk

Sun 11th December (every Sunday)

Lavenham Guided Walk Meet - foyer of The Swan Hotel, Lavenham 11am, £5 – no pre-booking req. Email: info@guideeast.co.uk

Sun 11th

The Christopher Singers 2pm, free Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Tues 13th December

Health Walks – Clare Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Weds 14th

Stour Wind Decet 7.30pm, free Performing a selection of music with ten instruments. Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury

Weds 14th December

The Quay Chess Club 7.30pm. The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: Andrew Last: 07394517613

www.sudburychessclub.weebly.com

Weds 14th December

Sudbury Ramblers Lavenham, 10:30am 5.5 miles

CP by Cock Horse, CO10 9SA Tel: Linda 01787 370291

Weds 14th December

Suffolk Carers Natter 10am to 12pm

Suffolk Carers Matter Painters Café at The Angel, 43 Friars St, Sudbury, CO10 2AG

Weds 14th December

Busy Bees Toddler Adventures 10am to 11.30am

Child £3, accompanying adult free Exploration, creative play and crafts for toddlers

Daws Hall Nature Reserve, Henny Road, Lamarsh, CO8 5EX Tel: 01787 269766 www.dawshallnature.co.uk

Fri 16th

Sudbury Farmers Market 9.30am-2pm Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EH www.suffolkmarketevents.co.uk

Fri 16th to Sat 24th December

Puss in Boots

Sudbury Dramatic Society Various times, Tickets required The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

Fri 16th

A Great Night of 50’s R & R 50s Rock & Roll dance night with DJ Pete the Feet £5 – 8pm to 10.30pm Tel Pete: 07974201878 The Stevenson Centre, Stevenson Approach, CO10 0WD

Sat 17th December

Step Into the Sudbury Story Guided Tour 11am – 12.30pm Starting at Sudbury TIC Booking your tickets: Tel: 01787 372331 (Option 1) Or in person at Sud Tourist Info, Town Hall, CO10 1TL www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk

Sat 17th December

Christmas Concert

Long Melford Silver Band Tickets required from Sudbury Tourist Info

Long Melford Village Hall, CO10 9JQ

Sat 17th December

Jack & The Beanstalk 6pm to 8pm

Tickets required Hedingham Castle, Bayley St, Hedingham, CO9 3DJ

Tel: 01787 460261, email: mail@ hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Sat 17th & Sun 18th

A Joyful Dickensian Christmas 10am to 5pm Tickets required Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9BA

Tel: 01787 310207, email: enquiries@ kentwell.co.uk

Sun 18th December Lavenham Farmers Market

10am-1.30pm

Outside Lavenham Village Hall, CO10 9QT

www.suffolkmarketevents.co.uk

Thurs 20th December

Sudbury Ramblers

Finchingfield, 10:30am 5 miles

Parking around the green, CM7 4JS Tel: Lesley 01787 280392

Tues 20th December

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Weds 21st December

The Quay Play Readers 7.30pm, Geoff Kisby Room

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury

Weds 21st December

The Quay Chess Club 7.30pm.

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury

Tel: Andrew Last: 07394517613 www.sudburychessclub.weebly.com

Sun 25th December

There is Room at our Inn

So Come One, Come All for a Community Christmas Traditional or vegetarian Christmas lunch

Transport can be arranged Singles, couples and families welcome.

Doors open at 12.30pm

Masonic Hall, North Street, Sudbury Tel: 01787 311558, e: bishopteresa78@ gmail.com

Tues 27th December

Health Walks – Clare

Every Tuesday 10.15am for 10.30am Meet at Clare Country Park car park. CO10 8NW

Weds 28th December

The Quay Chess Club 7.30pm.

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury

Tel: Andrew Last: 07394517613 www.sudburychessclub.weebly.com

Weds 29th December

Sudbury Ramblers

The Maplesteads, 10:30am 5.5 miles

Spencers Farm CP, CO9 2PX Tel: Steve 01787 279325

Fri 30th to Sat 31st December

The McDougalls & The Christmas Magic Castle

The McDougalls Theatre Company 11am & 1pm, Tickets required

The Quay Theatre, Quay Lane, Sudbury

Tel: 01787 374745 www.quaysudbury.com

email: sandlmcommunitynews@printingforpleasure.co.uk