In Touch
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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 9 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I often write about how fortunate we are to live in a part of the world where ‘community’ is valued and where there are endless opportunities to engage with those who share our little part of the planet. Finding that special place to lay your roots and raise your children, where you know you will be greeted with a smile when you pop into the local (shop or pub) and share your day-today existence with neighbours you can call on in an emergency is something to treasure. If you’re lucky you may even have family close by. A recent trip home to Ireland to celebrate my dad’s 80th birthday has reminded me how distant I have become from my extended family, inevitable when you move away. Events like weddings and significant birthdays have become treasured opportunities to catch-up, to meet new family members and to get to know others a little better. And so it was on this occasion. For possibly the first time ever, I had an opportunity to have a proper girly chat with my dad’s three sisters, a chat which started when they admired my dress. Well in no time at all they were telling me about the way they dressed going to dances and balls when they were young. They howled with laughter as they told me about cycling six miles to dances at the Emerald Ballroom and back home again at 1am. They talked about the music, the dancing (proper dancing!), the way all the men lined up on one side and the women on the other… and the dresses. They’d all learned to make their own dresses but occasionally paid a local dressmaker to create something for a special occasion. The planning and effort they put into these events was extraordinary. Everyone had to get their hair properly done and in those days hair-dos were an architectural phenomenon. Hair pieces are not a new invention! They laughed in horror when they remembered having to sleep on their faces because their hair had so much lacquer in it! I know it wasn’t all dressing up and dancing, but boy did they know how to party, and alcohol wasn’t mentioned once (which is probably why they remember every tiny detail). If you do have older family members in your life, or neighbours who would like nothing better than an opportunity to reminisce, don’t wait for an occasion. Put the kettle on and get to know someone a little bit better while you’re fortunate to have the opportunity.
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NEWS
BRAMFORD FLOWER SHOW The 2019 Flower Show will take place on Saturday, July 6. The photograph competition (6” x 4”) for adults is Windswept and for ages 12 to 16 it’s a building in Bramford. Schedules should be out soon. I hope we have lots of entries. Good luck to everyone. Maureen Renton
BRAMFORD FUN DAY 2019 It’s time to look forward to the summer at last, and the most important date for your diary is Saturday, July 6! As always we are busy planning for another great community event to raise funds for St Mary’s Church, Bramford. If you would like to be involved, help on the day setting up or clearing away, running a stall, or having a stall of your own (fee £10) please get in touch. These events do not run themselves! We need volunteers to help in all aspects of the event, so please contact me and help us out. Put the date on your calendar now. We look forward to seeing you there. We also need donations for a bric-a-brac stall, raffle and tombola prizes, so if you have anything you are willing to donate please get in touch. Local collection may be possible but e would grateful for drop offs too. Caroline Wolton : 07919 993543 / Cags.wolton@btinternet.com
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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We also publish In Touch with... •B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
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© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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SATURDAY, MAY 11 As at early March, more than 50 vehicles have been booked and more than 30 stalls confirmed. Things are looking good. Lewis Anderson, the only skateboard coach in Suffolk, will be offering 30-minute one-to-one lessons at a discounted price of £10, plus group workshops at 1pm and 4pm for £5. You can also free skate on ramps outside these times for £5. Why not contact Lewis in advance and pre-book your lesson? Email contact@two-toedskateboarding.co.uk or visit: www.two-toedskateboards.co.uk How about doing a table-top sale to make some money from your unwanted items? CONTACTS If you are an organisation, individual or trader and would like to run your own stall, would like to be a Wheelie sponsor or would like to join the Wheelie team as a volunteer, contact Terry: 07733 226898 / wheelieenquiries@btinternet.com If you have a vehicle you would like to show off contact Andy: 07833 089148 / wheelievehiclebookings@aol.com All proceeds will go to our local charity for the maintenance of the village playing field. Facebook: Wheelie Fun Day
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NEWS BRAMFORD PARISH COUNCIL There’s unrest around Bramford at present, mostly due to the number, and content, of planning applications being submitted to the district council and the apparent failure of decision-makers to listen to residents’ concerns.
PALMERS BAKERY CELEBRATES 150 YEARS IN BUSINESS Palmers Bakery in Haughley is 150 years old this year! Six monarchs, five generations, 18 million loaves and 500 employees later (30 of whom between them have worked 1,000 years for the company), it’s a century and a half since William James Palmer took over the bakery in 1869. In that time we have seen the sun set on the British Empire, two world wars and the human race has put man upon the moon.
Many of these concerns are relevant and appropriate, but often expressed in ways that leave planning officers with little option but to discard in favour of professionally presented outline applications that cover ‘all the bases’. Parish councillors are obliged to support any comments on planning applications with reasoned argument, often having to refer to legislation and statutory documents when doing so, and would encourage anyone wishing to comment on current or future applications to do so in a similar manner. Paragraph 11 of The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), a 75page central government document determining country-wide housing development, states that district councils are obliged to approve planning applications on ‘the presumption of sustainable development’ where there are no relevant development planning policies or any policies are out-of-date, which links in with the ‘five year housing supply’ that you may have heard bandied about recently.
Today the medieval bakehouse sits on the picturesque village green in Haughley from where the craft bakers rise early to ‘bake your daily bread’. They use fresh local ingredients and bake in their famous vaulted ancient brick ovens. ‘Fired up’ each morning, these unique ovens never cool and bake the bread to a perfect crust.
Are you still with me? Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are currently reviewing their outof-date local policies and are therefore unable to show a five-year housing supply and developers know this, hence the number of applications currently being submitted for approval. Until the district council approves their new Joint Local Plan, hopefully in May this year, that’s the position we’re in folks! So it’s important we all do our bit to effectively express concerns over continued development in a suitable manner. Our clerk, Diana Stroh, can assist residents with how to prepare a response to planning applications, and can be contacted on: 01473 747433/ bramfordparishcouncil@btinternet.com You’ll find further details on the district council website: https://tinyurl.com/y6tzk8fh Another hot topic is speeding vehicles through the village. Police figures confirmed 157 drivers caught speeding through Bramford between June and November last year. With the help of Suffolk County Council, the Safety and Speed Management Team and Suffolk Highways, the parish council has purchased a mobile speed-indicator device and identified a number of sites where this sign can be situated to advise motorists of the need to slow down. This is not an enforcement measure at present, more for ‘educational’ purposes, although a compatible data recording system can provide general speeding figures, and local councillors hope this will encourage people to be more aware of their speed when behind the wheel in the Bramford area. Councillors would like to take this opportunity to thank County Councillor John Field for helping with funding for the new speed sign.
BRAMFORD PLAYING FIELD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The committee consists of a group of people who give up their time and energy to promote and upkeep the playing field. We are always looking for enthusiastic Bramford residents to join our endeavours! If you are interested, come to our AGM on Monday, April 15 at 7pm in the playing field pavilion. Our present project is the erection of new play equipment in the play area with the help of Mid Suffolk District Councillor Kevin Welsby and County Councillor John Field. Our main problem at this time is dog fouling around the football pitch. Please will all dog owners clear up after their pets? It would be a shame to ban dogs completely from our playing field.
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William James Palmer purchased the bakehouse and newsagents when it had already been running for over 100 years. He and his wife opened their shop door on August 3, 1869 with their best seller being sticky buns. He would then go round local villages delivering bread from a horse and cart, announcing his arrival with a blast on his trumpet! A fervent political campaigner, he lost his wife and daughter in 1885 when he brought back the smallpox virus from one expedition to London. His son, William E G Palmer, took over the business in 1903, expanding it by founding a mill and farm before buying their first van in 1918. After Williams’s death in 1968, his son Roy took over the business and steered it through the 1970s Bread Strikes which saw hundreds of customers queuing for bread. He is also well remembered for his bakery and village museum which raised thousands of pounds for local charities. In 1989 it was taken over by his son Kenneth Palmer and he was joined by his son Kieron. In 1978 they appeared in You & Me, a BBC children’s programme about the bakery. In this, their jubilee year, they have many events planned, not least a funday and village museum and fireworks for the village, but are also donating commemorative mugs to the children of Haughley School. A Haughley Bake Off is planned at the church festival, and they will be sponsoring Haughley Fete and Woolpit Steam Rally. Local MP, Jo Churchill, will be judging a Palmers Children’s Painting Competition and Palmers will also be unveiling a new public clock on the bakehouse to mark the event. In an era of mass produced products, Palmers believe in quality, service and tradition. They produce a wide range of bread and confectionery from white, wholemeal, multi-seed and granary breads to specialities such as spelt, olive, chia and even marmite bread. Their hot cross buns, mince pies and patisseries are legendary and they also are the largest stockist of Tiptree jams and marmalades in East Anglia. In addition they sell local produce such as free range eggs, teas, Suffolk honeys and takeaway sandwiches, hot food and drinks! Birthday cakes are a specialty, while in the summer they sell produce from their own orchards such as plums, pears, apples and walnuts. As well as their bakery at Haughley, then have shops in Stowmarket, Stanton, Woolpit and Ipswich as well as Freshfills of Claydon and Bretts Bakery in Needham Market and can be reached at: 01449 673286 / office@palmersbakery.co.uk Happy Birthday Palmers!
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: MARCH 2019 Opt-in for Funded School Transport: From September 2019 you will have to apply each year if your child is eligible for free school transport. You must opt-in: you will no longer be automatically signed up. There will no longer be empty places reserved for eligible children who don’t want them. New Mental Health Strategies for Suffolk: Since spring 2018, the Suffolk and Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Groups have been leading work to develop new mental health strategies for Suffolk. Not before time you might say. The strategies describe the vision for mental health and emotional wellbeing in an integrated physical, mental and social care system. There is a strong emphasis on prevention, wellbeing and expanding community and primary care mental health services. The next phase will focus on delivery plans, a programme of work and a timetable. SEND Inspection Revisit: Inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission returned to Suffolk in January to see how SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) services had progressed since their inspection in December 2016. Inspectors have acknowledged that some improvements have been made, but say children and young people relying on SEND services have not yet felt the benefit. They concluded that sufficient progress had been made regarding governance and leadership of the strategic planning and delivery of the 2014 national SEND reforms. However, improvement is still required in: • the poor timeliness, integration and quality of SEND statutory assessments and plans and the delivery of subsequent individual packages of support • the lack of understanding among parents and carers of the support available and the inadequate quality of the local offer, including access to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) • the lack of joint working to monitor, quality assure and maximise the effectiveness of work undertaken to improve outcomes for children Roads: I have reported the condition of the footway on Chapel Lane again to try to get some of the £6m extra government funding that must be spent by April. I received a promise that some of the footway will be improved now and the remainder is in the plan. Ipswich Northern Route: SCC have given the timescale for work on the feasibility of the Ipswich Northern Route and outlined the next steps in producing the Strategic Outline Business Case. The stage one study and report into possible highways options was completed in 2017.
The options assessment, commissioned in May 2018, is required to look at all viable transport and traffic mitigation options. It will confirm whether the road alignments published in 2017 are indeed the best solution for the county. Public consultation on the route details, alignment and junction options with the A14 and A12 will begin in summer 2019. The completed document will be shared with government, local MPs and the public in autumn 2019. SnOasis: The reserved matters for this much delayed project was at MSDC planning on March 13. They should have been delivered in October 2016. Notice of the formal appearance at planning to your councillors and the parish alliance was short, just a few days. Is this a great project for a world class winter sport complex in Suffolk or just a project going nowhere that blights our villages? 2019/20 Budget Agreed: Suffolk County Council’s 2019/20 budget was agreed on Thursday, February 14. This will see an increase in Council Tax of 3.99 per cent and savings across the council’s directorates totalling £10.1m. I am concerned by a number of the cuts, in particular: • Removal over two years of all grant funding from Citizens Advice • Reducing the amount spent on Housing Related Support for those at risk of homelessness (£0.45m) • Reduced funding for sponsored bus services (£0.34m) and elimination of roadside bus timetables (£0.1m) • Reduction in highways maintenance (£0.23m): no cleaning of road signs, maintenance of mandatory road markings only and less frequent weed treatments • Staffing reductions across all directorates (£2.968m) Reduction in 2018/19 Predicted Overspend: The latest budget monitoring report suggests the county’s 2018/19 budget will be overspent by £5.9m. This is a reduction since quarter two, when they predicted a £7.5m overspend. Although it is positive the overspend is reducing, I am concerned that the majority of these savings are due to ongoing staff vacancies, particularly in social work teams. Just who is not getting the service these people would provide and what are the unintended consequences? If you have any queries, please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808 or email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk My website has moved to: www.suffolklibdems.org/johnfield
SnOASIS PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) By the time you read this SnOasis Reserved Matters will have been considered by the BMSDC Planning Committee. Unfortunately our efforts to arrange a meeting with planning were unsuccessful and it’s disappointing that our efforts to engage were not taken up. The period of notice given of the meeting was 10 days, a very short period for members of the public, the local parish councils and meetings, the SPA, our district councillors and members of the planning committee to prepare for this crucial stage in the process. As I write, we don’t know what the outcome will be. You can be assured that everyone from the SPA has been working hard to prepare for the meeting. They have made the point over and over again that there is still too much detailed information missing from the proposals and too many questions that remain unanswered. We hope that the planning committee will realise this and act accordingly. However, no matter what the outcome of the meeting the SPA will continue to try and work with any developer involved with the site as
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well as with planning to protect the interests of residents and get the best possible outcomes for our community. Background In the autumn of 2016 Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no 4494/16. A number of local parish councils and meetings joined together to form the SnOasis Parish Alliance to work together to represent the residents of their communities, over 11,000 people, who will be affected by this development. The SPA member parishes are Baylham; Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. For further information please email Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT
Saturday, April 6 Loraine Victory Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford Doors open at 1.30pm
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP
Refreshments, bric-a-brac, books, puzzles and much more FREE ENTRY
The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY
OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm / Saturdays: 9am-1pm
Spring 2019 Shutdown The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility will undergo its first planned maintenance shutdown of the year between April 23 and May 16. These shutdowns take place twice a year for essential cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facility continues to run efficiently. During this shutdown, essential components of the boilers will be repaired or replaced, and maintenance will be carried out inside the furnaces. The maintenance of each of our two furnaces will be staggered, so that we can continue to accept waste throughout the shutdown period.
SHOP LOCAL, EAT LOCAL, SPEND LOCAL, ENJOY LOCAL AT SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP We’re all pleased to see Lucy back in the shop! Well done Lucy, and many thanks to all our volunteers who did extra hours to cover when she was away. During the winter the community shop has been happy to host Tea and Chat afternoons when it has been a pleasure to meet up with everybody. With the warmer weather these have now finished and the Coffee Caravan will be continuing its summer service once a month on the green at Brook Way. Petrolheads and Golden Link will continue through the summer. Pat, one of our customers, is now looking to start a new group in our Coffee Corner every other Tuesday between 1 and 3pm which she is calling Knit and Natter. She says: “If you can knit, crochet, or want to learn a new craft, or just have a natter, please come along to the next meeting on Tuesday, April 2.” She adds: “My aim is to get together to make squares that can be turned into knee blankets for care home residents.” She also welcomes donations of wool. This sounds a worthwhile project and if you think you would like to join her then please come along to the next meeting. Easter is celebrated this month and it’s possible to order cakes, pies, meat, and anything else to help celebrate. Lu’s mum has again very kindly provided us with her very popular spring chicks, which hide a surprise egg – so make sure to take some home for the family. With warmer weather anticipated in the coming months, our ice-cream cabinet is ready and waiting. As always, we aim to source produce locally, and to this end we have the freshest local eggs, vegetables, bread, cakes, pies and meats. Not only are locally produced foods delicious, they also save on travel miles, and we know all the producers personally and by name, not something that can be said for the larger shops and supermarkets. New volunteers are always welcome in the shop – even a couple of hours a month can make all the difference, and don’t forget that we would also very happy to see any students on holiday who might wish to gain a bit of work experience by volunteering. It’s the support of the local community, especially our customers, that sustains our shop for the benefit of all and who keep the shop open and there for us. It gives a heart to the local community. We look forward to seeing you. As always, our services include orders taken for regular or one-off meat, bread and cakes, Coffee Corner, the book exchange, a drycleaning service (collecting on Tuesday afternoons), newspapers and magazines and a delivery service for those with mobility problems. The shop gives real heart to the local community, long may it continue. Management Team Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288
There will be an increased amount of contractors on site during this period, but there should be no impact on the local community. If you have any concerns about the upcoming shutdown period, please contact us via the details provided below. Tours of the Facility We are unable to host tours of the facility during the shutdown period due to the works on site. Therefore our next series of open day will be on June 3 at 2pm, July 19 at 10am and August 6 at 6pm. These open days are available to anyone interested in the facility, from the age of seven and up. There are a total of 20 spaces available on each date. To reserve a space contact us at: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
MEET UP MONDAYS Many pubs in our region are providing a service to enable people to get together and have a natter with tea, coffee and biscuits free of charge. The Bramford Cock is among those places and its conservatory is made available from 3-5pm every Monday. Three weeks ago there were seven of us, but we were told the conservatory would be used for people attending a wake the following week. However, we were invited to use the piano lounge. Disappointedly I was the only one to turn up. I did wait for half an hour in case others, possibly newcomers, arrived. None did. I put it down to the fact that people didn’t want to be where a wake was being held. This week after I went again and the conservatory was set up with tea, coffee and biscuits for us to help ourselves. Again I was the only one attending. I helped myself to a cuppa and stayed for half an hour just in case. I really hope our community makes use of this generous service. In Bramford there are many elderly people, many of whom live alone and could benefit from a chance to be in company and perhaps make new friends. If it’s because some people don’t like to enter a pub alone, they don’t need to go into the bar as the conservatory can be accessed via the rear entrance, which is also better for people in wheelchairs as there are no stairs to negotiate. I will continue to attend for the time being in the hope that numbers build up. To find other pubs taking part visit: www.MeetUpMondays.org.uk Don’t be on your own, Eileen Key
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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB
We had a very informative and interesting talk by the East Anglian Air Ambulance at our March meeting. On April 1 we have a speaker from Bishops and Miller Auctioneers. Please bring a small item for valuation.
As the lighter nights are now with us and our thoughts are turning to the garden, we have arranged an outing to Bypass Nurseries in Capel on May 22. Afternoon tea will be served and then a chance to look for plants.
We meet from 2-4pm on the first Monday each month at Bramford Guide and Scout HQ. Visitors are very welcome.
Before then we have our AGM on April 17 with lunch at the Chequers beforehand.
ST MARYS CHURCH GATHERING We are a very friendly group who meet on the third Tuesday of each month. This month’s meeting is 2.30-4pm on April 16 at St Mary’s Church Room, Ship Lane, Bramford when we will have a speaker from Ipswich Hospital Radio. Please come and visit us if you would like to chat, enjoy light refreshments, do a quiz, listen to a speaker or play bingo or various other games.
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50’S CLUB Open to anyone over-50 living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The building is fully accessible. The cost per meeting is £2 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and the raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. For our February meetings we had a brief history of the origins of Valentine’s Day and a social afternoon with some quizzes, one of which (identifying counties from a map of Europe) proved quite difficult Forthcoming Programme April 10: Spring Raffle and Bring-and-Buy April 24: Celebrating the Queen’s Reign May 8: Games Afternoon May 22: Social Afternoon with Brenda June 12: TBC June 26: TBC July 10: Social Afternoon with Sandra July 24: Summer Party New members are always welcome so if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
BRAMFORD WI Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday, April 8 at The Loraine Victory Hall when we will have a very interesting talk about malt. I’m sure that Andy Janes from Muntons Malt will convert us all to using it. We may even get to taste food made with it. The competition is A Favourite Old Recipe. Please save your jumble for the jumble sale on April 6.
Eunice
The 24th Ipswich Scout Group is holding its monthly jumble sale on Saturday, April 6, 1-3pm at 24th Scout HQ, 330a Bramford Road, Ipswich (beside the railway bridge). Come and bag a bargain.
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, the club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) from 2-4pm. The building is fully accessible. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. Alternatively you may wish to bring your own project and enjoy our company and make new friends. Members take it in turns to make the tea. In the March workshop titled Seaside, we concentrated on using up fabric oddments in different ways. Our project was to use pieces to make beach huts which when sewn together could be made into zipped pouchs or cushions, added as a feature on a shopping bag or curtains, or made into a picture. Photos to follow next month. We were also pleased to welcome Julie Hickey from Henley and Sarah Mitchell from Claydon to join the club. 2019 PROGRAMME April 1: Fact and Fantasy May 13: Village Life and Little Mice June 3: Summer Sewing July 1: A Bit of Bling August 5: Autumn’s Coming September 2: Take Heart October 7 : Fabric Cards November 4: Christmas Cards with a Twist December 2: AGM There is currently room for new members so please get in touch if you would like to join us. Although the club is all ladies at present, gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
ERIC JOHN MUNSON 15.10.46 - 1.1.19
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB
A big thank you to everyone who attended the celebration of Eric’s life and for all the very kind letters, cards and donations.
As a result of the Easter Holidays, the club will only meet on Wednesdays, April 3 and 24. Membership is £1 per school year, payable in September, plus £3 for each two-hour session.
The total donation in Eric’s memory was £905, of which £602.50 went to Cancer Research UK and £302.50 to St Mary’s Church Mendlesham.
The club meets from 10am until noon in the upstairs room at the rear of the Methodist Church in Bramford. Ultra+ broadband and refreshments are available. There is no set programme, but we are here to help you to get the best out of your computer. Why not give us a try?
You are all very kind.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
Much love from Linda Munson
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB The gardening club will next meet on Monday, April 8 at 7.30pm in Offton and Willisham Village Hall when Sonja Burrows will be talking on Drought Gardening. This should be a very informative evening, especially if we have another hot, dry spell this summer. Refreshments are available together with a prize draw. New members and visitors will be made welcome. For further information please call: 01473 254941/830600
BRAMFORD COFFEE MORNING The next coffee morning is on Saturday, April 20 in Cherryfields, Gippingstone Road, Bramford from 10-11am. Tea, coffee and cakes are on sale, together with a wide variety of pickles and preserves. We will also have greetings cards a stall selling. It’s a very good way to meet and chat with fellow villagers in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Why not join us?
BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP This month we meet on Tuesdays, April 9 and 23 in the Parish Room from 9.30am to noon as usual. Crafty people or Scrabblers are welcome, we just ask for £2 per person to help pay for room hire.
BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP April is when we have our annual meeting, but before that Janette Robinson is going to tell us about the burial crisis in London. Recent underground work has revealed several large burial sites in the city. In view of the squalid conditions in some areas causing the rapid spread of disease, it must have been an enormous problem finding space to bury those who died. No doubt Janette will tell us all about what happened in her talk. The meeting is on Thursday, April 11 at 7.30pm in the Church Room as usual. Visitors are welcome, £3.
SOMERSHAM WI We have thoroughly enjoyed our start to the year having had some great speakers. Our speaker in February was Jason from Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses, who came with samples for us to try. There wasn’t much left by the end! What an interesting story he had about eventually getting into the cheese business. Our next meeting on April 15 is on beekeeping, where we will be joined by Alan Seager, a local beekeeper. For those of you who like to look ahead, in May we are joined by Brian Heard who spent 40 years in the forensic and firearm services. If these interest you and you aren’t a member, you can still come as a guest for £4. Look out for our cake and craft stall at the Wheelie Fun Day in May. You can imagine how good the WI cakes are! www.somershamwi.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/SomershamWI
BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS BMM’s production of Rapunzel in January proved a great success, with enthusiastic audiences at each of the six performances. So thank you to everyone who came along; we really appreciate all the support you give the group. We are already thinking about January 2020. Suggestions for our next panto will be considered at the AGM on Wednesday, May 1 at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Do come along if you would like to find out more about Bar-Clay Music Makers and our future plans – it should be a lively meeting! For more details email Vera Rogers: vera.rogers1@btinternet.com
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Thank you to Miss Way from Henley Primary School for visiting us and sharing useful and early phonic ideas with us. From this we have been looking at letters and sounds, encouraging the children to learn these in a fun and ageappropriate way. We are also preparing for Easter, cooking Easter nest cakes and creating crafts as well as our traditional egg hunt in the garden. April brings us to the end of spring term and when we return we look forward to new children joining us.
COULD YOU HELP A LOCAL CHARITY? Suffolk Family Carers is based on Hill View Business Park in Old Ipswich Road, Claydon. We provide information, advice, guidance and support for anyone who is caring for a friend, family member or neighbour. The person that they are caring for may be ill, have a disability, a mental health issue or be elderly and frail. How can you help? We have various volunteer roles available including admin and telephone support. You can even volunteer from your own home! What do we offer? Training and support for your volunteer role, out-of-pocket expenses, the opportunity to meet new people, and to make a real difference to the lives of family carers. Who do I contact? If you are interested or you would like to find out more, please contact us at: 01473 835450 / volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org
We are a small, rural and friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on high levels of staff to children ratios and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children. All staff are highly trained and continue with regular training to build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely together to ensure we work in partnership. We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers. Session places are currently available. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children plus two and three-year-old funded. We are open in term time only from 9am to 3pm. We have a well-supported Facebook page that provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am3pm) or email Bridget Wyatt, our manager, at: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget and the team
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BRAMFORD & DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB
HOW LONG IS A PIECE OF STRING? When meeting new clients and taking on claims for personal injury, one of the first questions that we are often asked as personal injury practitioners is “how long will my case take to settle?”
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71-73 The Street, Bramford IP8 4DX. Tel: 01473 745198
Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer. It tends to be case specific and is dependent upon a number of factors:
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• What further evidence is required before we can submit a claim for personal injury and loss on your behalf to the person who we deem to be at fault.
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• Whether responsibility for your accident or illness is accepted at an early stage by the person at fault or whether further evidence is required before a decision can be made as to whether the claim can be pursued.
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• What the extent of your injuries are.
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• Whether you require further treatment to assist in your recovery. If this is the case then it depends on when we are able to obtain a final medical report detailing the extent of your injuries and loss. • What further evidence we will then need to calculate the financial losses that flow from the injuries or illness that you have suffered, and when we can obtain the information required.
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Once the above information has been gathered, then your case can either proceed to a settlement, normally by way of negotiation with the person at fault (or more likely their insurer.) Or if fault has not been admitted and we are still of the view that the case should be brought against the person who we deem to be at fault, then at a court hearing.
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Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are settled without proceeding to court, but the process can take a matter of months or longer depending on the circumstances of the specific case.
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REGULAR DARTS, CRIB, KARAOKE, POOL AND SNOOKER NIGHTS DURING THE WEEK. MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW. We have a snooker room, pretty outside seating area and hot drinks available at the bar – so come and join us for coffee or beer.
It is worth remembering that as personal injury practitioners, we are here to guide you through the personal injury claims process, and to assist you through to the conclusion of your claim as quickly as possible. This includes obtaining appropriate treatment for you where necessary to aid your recovery. If you would like any advice or assistance arising out of an accident or incident and would like to pursue a personal injury claim, please contact our Louise Plant: 01473 232121 / lplant@prettys.co.uk
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09/05/2018 16:33
SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
THE FRIENDS OF SOMERSHAM SCHOOL
Spring is now upon us and it’s good to see so many students taking advantage of lunchtime and after-school clubs, as well as the many trips, visits and activities on offer. One of the key messages we give our young people is to take opportunities that arise, so I was delighted to see so many students, especially Year 7, wanting to be involved in the forthcoming school production of We Will Rock You. As preparations and rehearsals take place there is a building sense of excitement, so please keep July 9 or 10 free and do come along!
FOSS enjoyed a busy March, starting with our popular Chocolate Bingo and finishing with our brand new Casino Night, and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along and supported both these events. We had a great time and hope you all did too.
Our most able mathematicians in Year 10 took part in a Maths Feast at Kesgrave High School on March 6, where they competed in teams of four against eight other schools in the county. Our A team were outstanding, winning all four rounds and subsequently crowned overall winners of the competition. The B team walked away with a joint runner-up certificate for scoring highly in all of the rounds. We are incredibly proud of their achievements. On March 7, a group of Year 8 students took part in the BBC’s annual School Report Day. Students spent the day planning, researching and interviewing staff and students, before writing articles which are featured on a dedicated online news website. Every single article was written from scratch to a 2pm deadline, which was a tough challenge. The enthusiasm, dedication and commitment shown by all students was very impressive. Please visit the ‘News’ section of our website to read reports produced on the day: www.claydonhigh.co.uk On Monday, March 25, the art department held an exhibition featuring work from our students alongside work by students at our feeder primary schools. Students and parents/carers were invited along to view the colourful work on display, which included some ‘ragged’ hedgehogs on hessian boards from Year 3 students at Claydon Primary School and mixed media volcanoes from Bramford Primary. Elsewhere in school, the PE department has been busy with rock climbing sessions, a hockey tournament, trampolining competitions and a trip to watch the Junior Indoor Rowing Championships at the Olympic Park. In English, we have had a Book Mastermind Competition and a visit to the Globe Theatre to watch Romeo and Juliet. A group of Year 8 and 9 students took part in the Magistrate’s Court Mock Bar Trial on Saturday, March 9. The competition involved a team of students taking on the roles of magistrates, lawyers, witnesses and court staff to prepare a specially written case. The schools competed against each other at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court. Time is flying by and we are nearly into the Easter holidays with only one more term left in this academic year! Our Year 11 students are revising hard for the final stage of their journey at Claydon High School. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Tuesday, April 30. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place. Headteacher Maéve Taylor
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB Our last draw took place on February 28 when the winners were: 1: Steven Bean (16) 2: Emma Cummings (4) 3: James Johnson (26) £26 was donated to the pre-school thanks to your support. Half of all money given for the 100 Club goes to the pre-school and the other half is paid out in winnings. Membership is just £1 a month. You don’t need to have a child at the pre-school to be a member. Membership forms are available from the office or by email. Thank you to all those lovely people who continue to support us. We are very grateful.
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Looking ahead, this month we will be producing an Easter trail for children to do during the holidays. Available for £1 each, the trail sheet will lead you around the village of Somersham, searching for some hidden hoppy friends. Everyone who completes the trail will receive an Easter reward, as well as being entered into a draw to win our star prize. Look out for our flyers and posters with further information and check out our Facebook page for all the details. Next month we are repeating our popular Murder Mystery evening. Join us on Friday, May 10 at Somersham Village Hall for The Somersham Hall Murder, a Red House Radio Production written by Tom Hitchcock. Hear the story unfold, interrogate the suspects and use your detective skills to gather the evidence and help solve the case. Tickets are just £15, which includes a fish and chip supper. There will also be the usual bar, homemade cake and a raffle. Date for your diaries – the annual Somersham School Fete will take place on Saturday, July 13 on the school playing field. We hope to see lots of you there for our big summer celebration! For more information and to keep up-to-date with all our events, please follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fossnet
FUNDING BOOST FOR CLAYDON FC Claydon Football Club is celebrating a £16,305.00 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust for the replacement of their ground maintenance equipment. The funding will allow the club to replace the current dilapidated machinery. Along with this grant the club has also been awarded £10,000.00 from the Football Foundation towards the new machinery. The equipment currently being used is, in the case of the main mower, over 20 years old and it is becoming increasingly hard to obtain spares and costly to maintain. The club was established in 1964 and currently provides football facilities for approximately 200 players ranging in age from Under 7s to over 65 years. Training takes place each weekday and matches, parties and events take place on the weekend. Tony Adams, Claydon FC Groundsman, commented: “The new machinery will dramatically improve the quality of the pitches we can deliver at the start of the season and, in addition, we will be able to maintain them to a higher level as we move through the season. On top of this, our reduced overheads in maintenance and spares for the old equipment can be made use of elsewhere in the club. I would like to personally thank SUEZ and the Football Foundation on behalf of the club for this tremendous support.” Marek Gordon, Chairman of SUEZ Communities Trust, added: “SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding awards through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.4 billion. We were delighted to offer funding to Claydon Football Club.” Changing Rooms Update The changing rooms at Claydon FC have undergone a full refurbishment over the last few months and this is almost complete. In addition to revamped changing rooms, new shower facilities and storage, the club has had new toilets and baby changing facilities installed. The work was made possible by generous funding from Virador and Mid Suffolk via a community grant. Perimeter Fencing Update The new perimeter fencing is now completed, securing the site and making it a safer environment for children on match and training days. In addition, the club have been donated a large screen TV and CCTV equipment which is now installed to further aid security and safety on site. Thank you to the U17 parent for the TV and the club coach for the CCTV equipment.
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB
GIPPING VALLEY BOWLS CLUB
Hopefully, by the time you read this spring will most definitely have sprung and we will be basking in sunshine and looking forward to the start of the outdoor bowling season. While some of our less hardy wildlife, and some bowlers as well no doubt, have been hibernating, Ray Ruffles and the green team at Sproughton Bowls Club have, as always, been hard at work making sure that the green will be in prime condition. This winter has seen the bank on the school side of the green completely reworked with the uneven grass having been dug out and replaced with slabs and shingle. This should allow for some extra seating space at busy times. Once again, Albert Southgate will have prepared the borders around the clubhouse so we can expect a colourful display for the summer. The clubhouse itself hasn’t escaped either, the kitchen has had a top to bottom deep clean and, along with the rest of the building, a new coat of paint. Thanks to Mike Burch and many volunteers for their hard work. Come along on to our social evening on March 29 from 7pm to see the results of all of the hard work. Chairman David Taylor will be providing some food and the evening will also include a quiz. There will also be a raffle so please bring a prize if you are able. Tickets will be £2 to help cover the cost of food. Please let David or any committee member know if you are able to attend. On the playing side, our opening drive takes place on April 14, and the Club Blocks competition on April 14. This will be followed by two friendly fixtures, away to Copdock on April 23 and away to East Bergholt on April 25. League fixtures start the following Monday for some teams, so join in and get some much needed match practice. Like most clubs, we are always looking to increase our membership and to this end we will be holding a taster session for anyone who may be interested in having a go at lawn bowls. This will be held between 10am and noon on Sunday, April 14. All are welcome and the only equipment required will be flat shoes – everything else will be provided. You will also be welcome to stay for a chat and have a drink while you watch the Club Blocks competition which starts at noon. For more information about our club, contacts and how to find us please visit: www.sproughtonbowlsclub.com
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB We held our AGM at the end of March and have some big plans for the 2019 season. We will be looking to retain our brilliant introductory membership offers and are also introducing an online clubwear store with branded club kit. So now you can play tennis and look very cool at the same time! Tennis4Kids: The LTA’s flagship programme for kids aged 4-11 is coming back from May 2019. From just £25 (plus postage and packing) your child will get six weeks coaching, a racket, a personalised t-shirt and a pack of mini-tennis balls. Places are limited; contact Carl quickly to express interest. Social Tennis: Starting from late April, we will be introducing regular club social tennis afternoons on Saturdays from 2-4pm. Come and join us for a hit and maybe a drink afterwards in the pavilion.
Gipping Valley Bowls Club in Gt Blakenham is looking for new members of all ages to join the club and be part of this popular sport with over 100 clubs in Suffolk alone. It’s great gentle exercise in the fresh air, and a wonderful social group where you can make new friends and enjoy refreshments after the game. The club is hosting a free Taster Day on Saturday, April 27 from 10am to 3pm. Come and have a try, loan equipment available. Meet the members and check out our facilities. You can just turn up on the day but if you want more information in advance contact Terry Griffith: 01473 749116 / Terryg5@talktalk.net The entrance is signposted off B1113 Bramford Road opposite Chapel Lane IP6 0LB. We look forward to seeing you for a game!
SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Choose Life! Central to the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus. But did it really happen? Jesus revealed his destiny to his doubting disciples many times during his ministry. He was bound for arrest, suffering, death and resurrection. Jesus fully expected to be raised from the dead on the third day. His disciples didn’t expect it. They were truly doubting-disciples who needed to see Jesus so many times to be convinced he had risen. That brings credibility to the reports of the resurrection that circulated in the early church. The persistent claim by the disciples that Jesus had been raised was the cause of their persecution and led to their own executions. John might well have been the only disciple to die naturally in old age. Belief in the remarkable resurrection of Jesus would certainly explain the rapid growth of the Christian faith in such a hostile political and religious environment. Resurrection is what the Christian faith has to offer. Resurrection to eternal life. Jesus provides forgiveness for sin by his complete sacrifice upon the cross. Jesus gifts his followers with his Holy Spirit to live like him and for him. This world has no answer to death. But Jesus conquered death and instead of an eternity of death, gives an eternity of life. This Easter choose life. Choose Jesus. EASTER AT THE CHAPEL Good Friday: An hour-long walk leaving the chapel car park at 10.30am and finishing with hot cross buns. Sunday, April 21: Easter Family Worship at 11am. Everyone is welcome. You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship:
Road to Wimbledon: Saturday, May 4 at 2pm: Fun singles tournament for kids 14 and under with the winner going on to represent the club at regional finals and possibly going all the way to Wimbledon!
Sunday 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion on the first Sunday) 11.30am-12.30pm: Worship Service
Mini Tennis: Mini Tennis RED (ages 5-7) and Mini Tennis Orange (ages 8-11) squads will return to the club after the Easter break and are a great way for kids to continue to build their tennis skills after Tennis4Kids.
Refreshments are served between meetings, come when you can and leave when you want.
Great British Tennis Weekend: A free tennis open day taking place towards the end of May 2019. Come along and meet our coach, have a go against the ball machine or just meet other tennis minded people. Exclusive membership offers available on the day with adult starting from just £25 a year and juniors from just £10 a year. Contact Carl for more information: carl.douglas@talk21.com / 07553 966380 www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub
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Weekdays at the Chapel Lunch and Listen: Thursday, April 4 at noon Friends and Neighbours: Monday, April 15, 7.45pm CONTACTS Mark Newcombe, Pastor: 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER
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CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 Please feel free to contact either of us with any queries. Baptisms, marriages and funerals by arrangement with the minister, who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound. Sunday 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every third Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. plus free leaflet to take home. 4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea provided and a children’s activity (see diary for theme). Come and go as you please. This is not a service but our minister usually joins us. (Held once a month; please check diary) Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday) Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month) *followed by tea/coffee DIARY FOR APRIL Please see noticeboard for dates, time and venue for the Lent Course Thursday 4: 3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 7: 10.30am Morning Worship, Mrs A Holmes Tuesday 9: 2pm Network/MWiB. Ken Snow: Ten Pound a Mile Sunday 14, Palm Sunday: 10.30am Morning Worship & Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw Monday 15: 2pm Bible Study Monday 15: 7.30pm Evening Prayer for Holy Week (approx. 30/40mins) Tuesday 16: 7.30pm Evening Service for Holy Week at St Mary’s Wednesday 17: 7.30pm Evening Prayer for Holy Week (approx. 30/40 mins) Thursday 18, Maundy Thursday: 7.30pm Celebration of Communion to commemorate the Last Supper at St Mary’s Friday 19, Good Friday: 10am Procession of Witness and Meditation Starting at St Mary’s and proceeding to the Methodist Church, pausing outside the Co-op to sing hymns. Saturday 20: 10am Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 21, Easter Sunday: 10.30am Morning Worship, Mrs M Watsham Tuesday 23: 2pm Network/MWiB, Daphne Elliss Sunday 28: 10.30am Morning Worship, Mr B Nichols Sunday 28: 4-6pm Families@4, Rev D Grimshaw. Theme: A Bible Story
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 747819 / revjseggar@outlook.com www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford SERVICES IN APRIL Sunday, April 7: The Fifth Sunday of Lent 10am Holy Communion, Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer, Baylham Sunday, April 14: Palm Sunday 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm 5pm Service, Bramford Monday, April 15 7.30pm Evening Service, Methodist Church Tuesday, April 16 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room 7.30pm Evening Service, Bramford Wednesday, April 17 9.30am Communion, Bramford Vicarage 7.30pm Evening Service, Methodist Church Thursday, April 18: Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Communion, St Mary’s Bramford To commemorate the Last Supper. During this service the altars will be stripped in preparation for Good Friday and we will end with a short prayer vigil. Friday, April 19: Good Friday 10am Procession of Witness and Meditation starting at St Mary’s, Bramford Saturday, April 20: Easter Eve 5pm Easter Fire Service, Baylham Sunday, April 21: Easter Sunday 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Little Blakenham 10am Easter Sunday Service, Methodist Church Wednesday, April 24 9.30am Communion, Bramford Vicarage Saturday, April 27 10am Coffee Morning, Church Room Sunday, April 28: Easter 2 8am Communion, Bramford 10am 4th Sunday Service, Bramford Please check porch notices for any changes. Dear Friends, This month sees The Rev Jenny’s return. I am sure she will be invigorated and ready for the challenges ahead. I hope, like me, you are looking forward to her return. However, after three years being churchwarden, I will be standing down from the role which has given me a degree of satisfaction and a sense of achievement, being involved with such mundane jobs as the installation of a new roof alarm, revamping the heating and the sound system. Wendy and I have been involved with fundraising for about 20 years and family needs demand we have a break. We are not leaving the area, or the church. Wendy’s ancestors have been worshiping here for generations and
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we don’t intend to stop. Any knowledge we have learnt will not be lost and we will be available to pass on and advise on pragmatic ways of coping with the intricacies of the diocese and other problems that may arise. My thanks to all who have helped me in the past, and especially to Ken who has taken on the role of magazine coordinator. My best regards to you all, Stewart PARISH REGISTERS Baptisms February 17: Dylan Peter James Singleton, Bramford May he grow in grace and the knowledge of God. Funerals February 18: Colin Devereux, Bramford February 19: Janet Priscilla Lana Garrett, Bramford February 20: Harold Benjamin Good, Bramford We extend our sympathy and prayers to their families Cleaning Rota: S & W McGinty Flower Rota: April 7 & 14 – Lent; 21 & 28 – Easter Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church February 26: In memory of Milly (Nee Drane) Milly passed away on February 26 in Ohio at the age of 93. She was the last survivor of the 14 children of Emma and Earnest Drane of Bramford. March 2: In memory of Graham Jones on his birthday April: In memory of Peggy and Tom Wardley, much loved parents of Diane Curran April 12: In memory of Tim Curran April 15: In memory of Hazel Gibson on her birthday If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week. LECTIONARY Bible readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, across the world. April 7: The Fifth Sunday of Lent - Purple Isaiah 43.16-21 Philippians 3.4b-14
John 12.1-8
April 14: Palm Sunday - Red Isaiah 50.4-9a Philippians 2.5-11
Luke 22.14 – 23.56 or Luke 23.1-49
April 21: Easter Sunday - Gold Isaiah 65.17-25 1 Corinthians 15.19-26 John 20.1-18 or Acts 10.34-43 or Acts 10.34-43 or Luke 24.1-12 April 28: Easter 2 - White Acts 5.27-32 Revelation 1.4-8
John 20.19-31
FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT The Sunday school teacher had been telling the children about the apostles, their names and something for which each of them was famous. She then asked them to choose an apostle and to draw a picture of him. One boy drew a picture of a man standing in front of a row of cars. Confused, the teacher asked the boy which apostle had drawn. “It’s Matthew,” replied the boy. “And the cars?” asked the teacher. “You said that Matthew was a collector of taxis,” explained the boy. Just in case you didn’t know, Matthew was a collector of taxes!
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