In Touch with Bramford April 2020 by steve@intouchnews.co.uk

In Touch

™© ™©

with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 10 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2020

Some listed events may be cancelled following publication so please check before travelling

Image by Ellie Cook

In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events. There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful. We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months. Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward. There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app. Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory. We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP EDITOR: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe

Tuesday 7 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

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CEETECH EMPLOYEE WINS STUDENT AWARD Hayden Betteridge, a student at Suffolk New College, has won the 2019 student award from Ipswich and District Electrical Association (IDEA). IDEA has been in existence since 1933 and brings together the various sections of the electrical industry. Hayden is regarded as a conscientious and eager student and has achieved high grades. He is employed by Ceetech of Paper Mill Lane, Bramford. The managing director of the company, Kerry Briggs, is a previous recipient of the same award. IDEA Chairman Stewart McGinty is pictured congratulating Hayden, with Kerry Briggs MD of Ceetech on the right.

BRAMFORD COFFEE MORNING This month’s coffee morning will take place on Saturday 18 April in Cherryfields, Gippingstone Road, Bramford from 10am until approximately 11am. Tea, coffee and cakes will be on sale, as well as a selection of pickles and preserves being sold for charity. There is also a stall selling cards, calendars, etc. This is a great opportunity to meet and chat with fellow villagers in a pleasant and comfortable environment. Why not give it a try? We apologise for any inconvenience incurred by the cancellation of the coffee mornings in January and March, but this was unavoidable.

NEWS GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD Ipswich Transport Taskforce The taskforce to look at transport issues in Ipswich will be chaired by Dan Poulter and Tom Hunt. It is not yet clear which of us in Gipping Valley will be involved. Streetlights to change to LED The county will invest £9.8m to convert all streetlights to LED. They will be dimmable by up to 50 percent to allow light to be adjusted to match the traffic volume. LEDs are much more efficient than other sources giving around 100 lumens per watt and use 15-20 percent of the energy of incandescent lamps. Their output is also better directed.

BRAMFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL GROUND-BREAKING Construction work has started on the expansion of Bramford CEVC (Church of England Voluntary Controlled) Primary School due to the school being at full capacity. Suffolk County Council’s aim is to increase the number of permanent placements from 210 to 315 pupils. The project was awarded to local contractor Brooks and Wood Ltd and was driven by the anticipated housing developments in the area. The development will support the increase of population within the school’s catchment area and the expansion of the school will allow for an upsurge in admissions, resulting in a greater number of pupils receiving their chosen school preference: Bramford CEVC Primary School. Councillor John Field, who attended the celebration at the school, said: “I am really pleased to see the start of this project on site. It is great to recognise the local growing community and the expansion of Bramford Primary School is a welcoming addition to Bramford village.” Emma Burgess, executive headteacher at Bramford Primary School, said: “This is a very exciting time for our school and we are very much looking forward to seeing our school community grow. The new building, along with improvements to the existing space inside our Key Stage one block, will further enhance and improve our learning environment for all our pupils.” Major extension work was carried out at the school in 2010, which provided the primary school with a new dining hall and kitchen facility. In addition to the new standalone block, this project will increase parking facilities, as well provide internal remodelling of the existing Early Years building. With a construction value of £1.5m, David Garrard, an associate at Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd, said: “The fourclassroom standalone block will provide pupils with energy efficient classrooms with excellent natural light and ventilation. This will be a fantastic educational facility which will enhance the existing school accommodation.” Stuart Boardley, director at Brooks and Wood Ltd, said: “We are looking forward to delivering another successful project working alongside Concertus, Suffolk County Council and, of course, Emma Burgess and her team at Bramford Primary School. The expansion will provide further fantastic facilities for the next generation of young people to excel and we, as a local business are proud to be able to support that growth and development.” The project, designed by Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd, is expected to be completed by summer 2020 in preparation for the new academic year.

Electricity for lighting cost £2.7m in 2019, 26 percent of the highways revenue budget and is increasing at eight percent per year. With dimming applied, there will be a return on investment within four years and carbon emissions will reduce by 60-80 percent. The council is hoping to begin the conversion work in autumn 2020 and expects the project to be completed within two years School transport policy implementation An internal review led by the chief fire officer of the implementation of its new school transport policy identified 19 failings. The report highlighted the following: • The policy was implemented at the same time as a new IT system which did not function as expected. • A staff restructure was undertaken during the policy roll out. • The number of staff was insufficient to cope with the increased workload caused by the new opt-in policy. • Although the budget had been increased to cope with the increased work, recruitment was late. • The policy was poorly communicated to parents and schools. • The application and appeals processes were too complex. • The wellbeing of parents and children suffered as a result of the poor implementation. The scrutiny committee has agreed to review the policy itself before the end of 2020 to remove the anomalies around siblings transported to different schools, villages where the nearest school changes as you traverse from one end to the other and the fact that school admissions are still based on catchment areas while transport is based on distance. Third Quarter Budget Forecast The forecast now shows an underspend of £3.4 million, a turnround on the last prediction of £0.2 million overspend. This reflects changes that occur as the end of year approaches and overestimates of likely spend are reduced. My concern is that the underspend frequently come from a failure to recruit and that limits the cost-reducing, long-term preventative work that can be undertaken. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) CIL is collected from developers when they build new properties in Mid Suffolk to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with housing growth. This month the district council helped fund two primary school extensions. £645,593 CIL and £442,956 from SCC went to Bramford Primary School for an expansion of 105 places. Building work has commenced and will be complete by September. Claydon Primary School received £499,421 of CIL to add to £1,489,805 of S106 contributions and £205,644 from Suffolk County Council for its recent extension. If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD PARISH COUNCIL

ST MARY’S COFFEE MORNING

As the evenings start to lengthen, our clerk is burning the midnight oil completing the parish council’s end-of-year accounts for the compulsory audit processes that scrutinise our policies and finances, to ensure compliance with national rules and regulations.

A coffee morning will take place at St Mary’s Church Room in Bramford on Saturday 25 April at 10am. It is a friendly morning and we will be serving bacon rolls and hot dogs, along with coffee, tea and squash and a selection of cakes and savouries.

Annual Parish Meeting The annual parish meeting on Monday 27 April gives local residents the opportunity to review the figures, along with various reports from committees and relevant groups. This year we’re offering refreshments from 7pm, with the meeting proper at 7.30pm. Get there early before the custard creams are all gone!

There will also be books and jigsaws for sale and we will have a raffle. Everyone welcome for refreshments and chat.

Our clerk is reliably informed that the leaflets for the annual flower show will be available from the beginning of April, plenty of time to get projects ready for the big day then! And, hopefully, you’ve noticed the requests for volunteers to join the parish council in looking at the prospects of a Neighbourhood Plan for the village. If you’d like further details contact our clerk: 01473 747433 / bramfordparishcouncil@btinternet.com

SOMERSHAM CHILDREN’S TENNIS RESTARTS Children’s tennis begins on Monday 20 April with ages 4-7 playing from 5-5.45pm and ages seven plus from 5.45-6.30pm. All welcome at £2.50 per session. Enquiries to Mrs Pearson on 01473 831436. The courts are in the back corner of Somersham Playing Field, Main Road, Lower Somersham, Ipswich IP8 4PD.

GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room every Monday from 2-4pm. The cost is £2 per week to include workshop materials, raffle prizes and refreshments. Our Forever Flowerz workshop in March involved decorating an MDF frame and a small plaque, incorporating flowers made from a kit as decoration. April 6 May 4 June 1

Birds, Butterflies and Flowers Have a go at Bargello Prick and Stitch for Men

BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP This month we will meet on Tuesdays 14 and 28 April from 9.30am-noon in the Parish Room. There’s no charge and anyone who is crafty or plays Scrabble is welcome.

BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP In April, Stephen Poulter will be time travelling, taking us on a tour of Suffolk from the 17th to the 20th century. No doubt there will be huge changes revealed in his talk. We will meet in the Church Room, starting at 7.30pm as usual on Thursday 16 April. After the meeting we will have our AGM. On Bank Holiday Friday 8 May we will be hosting an afternoon tea and exhibition in the Church Room to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Cakes will be served and there will be a raffle, all accompanied by music from the era.

BRAMFORD WI This next month is going to be an interesting one. As the second Monday comes on Easter Monday, it has been decided that we won’t meet that evening. We are hosting the Millbrook group at the Loraine Victory Hall on Wednesday 29 April. For catering purposes we need to know in advance if you plan to attend. The subject of the evening is When Buffalo Bill came to Suffolk. There is to be a Home for Tea gathering at the home of Beryl Sims on Tuesday 7 April, 10am-noon. All the WI information and magazines will be available.

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD

With the recent influx of new members we are at capacity with 25 members so I cannot currently accommodate anyone else. However, I will happily place your name on a waiting list if you are interested in joining.

We will meet in the Guide and Scout Headquarters, Ship Lane, on Monday 6 April at 2pm when Mick Lowe will tell us all about protecting our properties from fire.

For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

If you would like to hear more about fire safety, or just wish to enjoy our company, you are very welcome to come along.

BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB

BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS

The club will meet from 10am to noon on Wednesdays 22 and 29 April in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church. This is a late start to the month due to Easter school holidays.

BMM’s production of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood in January was a great success, with sell-out audiences at each of the six performances. Thank you to everyone who came along; we really appreciate all the support you give the group.

The cost is £3 per two-hour session, plus £1 membership per school year, payable from September. There’s no set programme but the club is here to help you get the best out of your computer. We have a very fast internet connection and refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) are always available. Why not give us a try?

We are now thinking about January 2021. Suggestions for our next panto will be considered at the AGM on Wednesday 22 April at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Do come along if you would like to find out more about our future plans – your views are welcome. For more details email Vera Rogers: vera.rogers1@btinternet.com

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Friday 3rd – Thursday 9th April ONWARD (U)

Fri 3rd: 4.30, Sat 4th: 1.00, Sun 5th: 4.30 Mon 6th – Thurs 9th: 1.00

MISBEHAVIOUR (12A)

Fri 3rd – Mon 6th: 7.00, Thurs 9th: 7.00

MILITARY WIVES (12A) Sat 4th: 4.00, Mon 6th: 4.00 Thurs 9th: 4.00

The Regal is now closed for our £3.6m redevelopment project and is planned to re-open in December 2020. So we’re taking the Regal on the Road to the John Peel Centre. We had planned to launch with No Time to Die…So we’ve made new plans!

Launch Day: Thursday 2nd April 1917 (15) Thurs 2nd: 2.00

EMMA (U)

Thurs 2nd: 7.45

We will only show 5 minutes of adverts before films screened at Regal on the Road

Temporary Box Office

Stowmarket Town Council, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, IP14 1EZ Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday: 11am-2pm

01449 612825

Regal on the Road is at the John Peel Centre, Church Walk, IP14 1ET

www.regalstowmarket.co.uk

06/04/2019

MY SPY (12A)

Fri 10th – Thurs 16th: 7.00

No films from 17th to 26th April to allow for the staging of Half a Sixpence

Monday 27th – Thursday 30th April MILITARY WIVES (12A) Mon 27th & Tues 28th: 1.00 Wed 29th: 7.15, Thurs 30th: 1.00 Wed 29th: 1.00 & 4.00 IMPORTANT

PARASITE (15)

Fri 10th – Thurs 16th: 1.45 & 4.15

EMMA (U)

Thurs 2nd: 5.00

IPSWICH MR MISTY.pdf

Friday 10th – Thursday 16th April TROLLS WORLD TOUR (U)

The above programme may be subject to late change in response to any directives issued by the government after this magazine went to print.

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* 1 x free adult per paying child, additional adults £2.50.

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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA

ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING

April brings Downton Abbey (PG) and I can’t wait to see this one and all those beautiful costumes. The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England will unleash scandal, romance and intrigue that will leave the future of Downton hanging in the balance. Hopefully it will live up to its 94 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes film review website.

Our next gathering is on Tuesday 21 April at St Mary’s Church Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford. We meet at 2.30pm. It is a fun and friendly afternoon where we have refreshments, chatter and games, or sometimes a speaker. This month it will be a games afternoon. We finish at 4pm. You are very welcome to join us.

Thank you to all 27 of you who came along in February. With your kind donations for cakes we managed to raise £30 for Suffolk Artlink.

SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

If you would like to help support the cinema by donating raffle prizes, baking cakes, displaying a poster, helping set up and clear the chairs, or maybe your company would like to sponsor us, we would love to hear from you. It’s useful to have an idea of numbers in advance so let us know via Facebook or email if you plan to attend. While we can get more chairs out we would hate to run out of cake! Facebook: Greatblakenhamcinema / E: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com

Claire Muckleston from Bourne Garden Centre will be our guest speaker on Monday 6 April. We meet at Offton and Willisham Village Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to come along, we would be pleased to see you. For further information please call 01473 254941/830600. Christine Barrell

SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB We have now arranged our schedule for the year and will report on visits each month. We will hold our AGM on 15 April with a meal at the Chestnuts before.

BRAMFORD ART GROUP

We have invited the children from Jigsaw to join us on 27 May. They visited us in February and we hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.

We are currently looking for more people to join our group which meets every Wednesday from 9.30am to noon in Loraine Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford.

We meet every Wednesday from 2-4pm and new members are welcome.

For further information contact Ann Woolnough: 01473 743794

BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES: WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS – AND YOURS In a global marketplace isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money. Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access. “Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists. For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!” In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies. If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies. “We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ”

Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted. As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options. “We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.” So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry. “Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

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9TH TO 31ST MAY THE SUFFOLK

WALKING

FESTIVAL 2020

OVER 120WALKS AND EVENTS www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS IPSWICH FLOWER CLUB

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB

We would like to invite you to our meeting on Monday 6 April when Lee Berrill will present a demonstration entitled What a Wonderful World. The meeting starts at 2pm at St Augustine’s Church Hall on Bucklesham Road. The cost for visitors is £5 which includes tea and biscuits. You will be warmly welcomed if you just turn up, or for more information please contact Janet on 01473 415749.

Open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 2-4pm. The £2 attendance fee includes the raffle and refreshments, and £1 extra when we have a game of bingo.

The flower club meets on the second Monday afternoon of the month. We also have six Friday afternoon workshops during the year which are suitable for all standards.

THE 2020 SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL Have you ever crafted in the wild, enjoyed baking over a campfire or foraged for a cream tea? If not, then this year’s Suffolk Walking Festival is for you! The 13 Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday 9 May with over 120 guided walks and countryside events over three weeks across the county. This year also sees plenty of brand new events including Castle on the Hill celebrating Ed Sheeran’s favourite castle, a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford and a spooky day head hunting in Ipswich. th

The event finishes at the end of half-term week withplenty of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few events to whet your appetite. A sell-out every year is Walk n’ Water, a short walk and boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury with a free hot drink at the end. RSPB Minsmere is one of the most special places in Suffolk, famous around the world for its wildlife. Surprising Spring Wildlife shows off the site, introducing you to some of its iconic species. Another icon of Suffolk is Orford Ness and Walk with a Shepherd and a Sheepdog is a guided walk by Kite, the sheepdog who manages the island’s very own herd of sheep. It’s a very fun walk and a joy to watch Kite in action. Campfire Make and Bake at Thornham Walks brushes up your whittling skills before making damper bread over an open fire in the woods. Family Wild Crafts at Brandon Country Park lets you get crafty in the woods as you collect natural materials such as sticks, leaves and rushes to make, and then keep, your creations. And The Nasty Normans at Clare Country Park is a fun take on the history of the Norman Conquests with an actor narrating the story as you’ve never heard before! The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 9 May and runs for three weeks until 31 May. See the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

We had a very enjoyable visit at one of our February meetings from a volunteer of the National Trust who gave a presentation about Ickworth and the nearby village of Horringer during the First World War. A lot of research had been undertaken by a group of volunteers and they were able to piece together things like the number of indoor and outdoor staff who had been employed on the estate and the difference it made when they went to France. It proved a most interesting afternoon. Our meetings in April are: April 8: An Easter themed afternoon including a yellow raffle April 22: A social afternoon 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

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB Our February 100 Club draw took place on 2 March. The winners were: 1: Brian Amass (46)

2: Pat Gibson (13

3: Steven Bean (16)

Thanks to your support, £18.50 was donated to the pre-school. 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.

CLAYDON HIGH 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. Experiencing live theatre is vital in the study of drama and a key component for those students who go on to study it at GCSE as it aids their understanding of a wide variety of skills and performance styles. We have three theatre trips planned, including Year 10 and 11 English students visiting the Globe to see Macbeth. This will be a valuable addition to students’ studies in their English lessons too as it will coincide with our Year 11 curriculum. We have had three maths competition events this month as well as a visit by students from the Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria Alixar on the return leg of our Spanish exchange programme. We will update you further with the results of these activities in the next edition. 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. As we move towards lighter evenings, please note that the path which runs between Claydon High School and Claydon Primary School is not a public right of way and is only to be used by students and parents/carers at specific times of the day. No part of the school site should be accessed by local members of the community at any point during the week or over weekends. In particular, when Gipping Valley Archery Club use the site on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, ‘no access’ signs are posted but I have been advised that these have been ignored and I need to stress the need to follow all of the signage on the school site. 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 5 May. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, to book a place: 01473 836110 Headteacher Maéve Taylor

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL

BRAMFORD PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP

I can’t believe that we approaching the end of the spring term already, but we are all really grateful to have the lighter nights to look forward to. We have enjoyed seeing all the lovely costumes that the children wore for our World Book Day dress-up week. We will also be holding a Stay and Play week for parents/carers to come in and spend an hour playing with their child.

This term the children have been looking at the importance of reading. We continued this with World Book Day when the children and teachers came to school in their pyjamas and told each other about their favourite bedtime stories. We read a few of these while having some quiet time with a lovely hot chocolate.

The children are all very excited about our planned trip to Easton Farm Park on Thursday 7 May. They will have the opportunity to travel by coach and have lots of things to do and animals to see while they are there. Thank you to everyone who supported our Chocolate Bingo Night in February, and especially to Claydon & Barham Community Centre for donating free use of the hall. We raised just over £580 which will be used to help revamp our garden. Easter Eggstravaganza – Thursday 2 April from 3pm Everyone is welcome with free admission. There will be some stalls, an Easter Hunt, refreshments, songs and the pre-school children will be doing their homemade bonnet parade. Come along if you can, we would love to see you. Don’t forget to book spaces for the Easter and summer holidays. From the Easter holidays we will be able to take children until the end of Year 1 for school holidays so book your spaces now, subject to availability. If you would like to book any days during the holidays, please contact the administration assistant for more details. We can take children who are entitled to 30 hours funding. Simply register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible. You must receive your code the term before you want to use the hours. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Our annual fundraising quiz and curry night sold out and we raised a fantastic £1,400. This money provides a trip to Jimmy’s Farm as well as new resources. Stay and Play was well supported once again, providing a great opportunity for parents and carers to see their child learning through play. We are busy enhancing our outside area by providing lots of ‘loose parts’ to encourage imagination and creativity. We have also planted seeds in the garden, been on egg hunts, had cooking and craft activities and visited the local church to learn about Easter. We currently have limited afternoon spaces available. Applications for September can be downloaded from our website and must be filled in as soon as possible to ensure you get the sessions you require. Please feel welcome to visit us at Henley Community Centre during opening hours so you can see the children play. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children; these codes need to be in place the term before they are needed. The pre-school is registered with Tax-Free Childcare (for every £8 a parent pays into their childcare service account, they will pay in £2). Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only from 9am-3pm. We have a well-supported Facebook page where you will find lots of additional information and see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 07979 468467 during session time (9am3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget, Sarah and Kerry

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This year the children made some beautiful hanging hearts and cards for Mothers’ Day. We have also explored Easter and spoke about the change of season into spring. We even had a visit from a very special bunny who helped us find some eggs in the garden. We received lots of positive feedback from parents regarding our February half term holiday club. The children (and staff) had lots of fun, exploring the village, visiting the shops, cooking and much more. Applications are now being taken for the 2020/21 school year and space is already limited. Our session times are as follows: breakfast club 8-9am; morning session 9am-noon, lunch club noon-12.30pm; afternoon session 12.30-3.30pm; after school club 3.30-4.30pm. Holiday club is available in February, May and October half terms and selected weeks during the summer holidays. Our holiday club is also open to the Reception class at Bramford Primary. We have a few spaces still available for May half term and summer. If you are interested in your child joining us, or would like further information, please contact us at: bramfordplaygroup@btinternet.com / 01473 740782

SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH The Resurrection – A sure and certain hope! To find a modern story with a happy ending is quite a challenge nowadays, though it is the most popular no matter what the critics say. But is ‘living happily ever after’ just a fantasy and unrealistic? Or is there any ground for hope? Time passes quickly and so does life, whether our life is one of happiness, sorrow or pain, death is certain. The most significant life of all began with joy at his birth, but with warnings of pain to follow ahead. Jesus’ life, although a full and faithful one, ends in betrayal, torture and public execution. And just like all the best stories it has a final twist – victory snatched from the jaws of defeat. Jesus rises from the dead. A happy ending that promises many happy endings! The apostle Paul talks about the resurrection of Jesus as an historical fact, verified by more than 500 eye-witnesses, including his disciples. If we belong to Jesus we will rise like him. Belonging to him by faith. His life, death and resurrection are the source of our hope. By the way, the story with the happy ending is found in the Bible in 1 Corinthians Chapter 15. You are welcome to join us in our following and worship of Jesus. EASTER 2020 Thursday 9 April: Maundy Thursday Communion at 7.45pm Friday 10 April: Good Friday Chapel Walk, leaving the chapel at 10am Sunday 12 April: Easter Worship at 11.30am REGULAR MEETINGS Sundays 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion first Sunday) 11.30am-12.30pm: Worship Service Refreshments are served between meetings; come when you can and leave when you want. WEEKDAYS AT THE CHAPEL Lunch and Listen: Noon on Thursday 2 April Friends and Neighbours: 7.45pm on Monday 20 April Pastor Mark Newcombe 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 / m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk

CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH

SERVICES AT ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM

At the Heart of Community

Dear Friends, We wish you all a Happy Easter. It is, after all, the most important time in the church year and a series of events without which the Christian religion would almost certainly not exist. It is a time of joy and celebration, but also a time of sadness and mystery.

Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com 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 second Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (first and third Sundays in term time; see noticeboard). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. 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 (once a month; please check diary). Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and the second Tuesday from May-September)

Was it that just a few days after Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem he was to suffer what must be one of the cruellest and most painful forms of execution ever devised? Why did a man who did only good have to suffer so much? We cannot even imagine the effect that these events must have had on those close to him. It is not surprising, therefore, that the accounts of witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection are confused and contradictory. People who are in a state of shock and distress do not make good witnesses, however, the fact that 2,000 years later, millions of people around the world believe that Jesus rose from the dead and are proud to call themselves Christians is a testament to the fact that something mysterious, wonderful and world changing really did happen all those years ago. Let us celebrate anew the message of hope given us by the Easter story. Jim SERVICES IN APRIL Sunday 5 April: Palm Sunday 10am Holy Communion, Bramford 5pm 5 O’clock Service, Church Room 6pm Evening Prayer, Baylham Tuesday 7 April 7.30pm Evening Service, Methodist Chapel

Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only)

Thursday 9 April: Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Communion for Maundy Thursday, Bramford including stripping of altars and vigil

7.30pm: Prayers for Healing (second Wednesday). Contact Ms R Palmer: 01473 831117

Friday 10 April: Good Friday 10.30am Good Friday Service, Methodist Chapel

Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday)

Sunday 12 April: Easter Sunday 10am Group Communion Service, Bramford 10am Celebration of Easter, Nettlestead

Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields (third Saturday)

Tuesday 14 April 11am Communion by Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre

*followed by tea/coffee

Sunday 19 April: Second Sunday of Easter 8am Communion, Bramford 10am Communion, Baylham

APRIL 2020 Wednesday 1, 7.30pm: Lent Meeting, Rev D Grimshaw (tea/coffee from 7pm) Thursday 2, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 5, 10.30am: Palm Sunday Worship, Rev Y Haye Wednesday 8: Prayers for Healing (see above) Sunday 12, 10am (PLEASE NOTE TIME): Easter Day Worship / Holy Communion, Rev D Grimshaw Tuesday 14, 2pm: Network/MWiB; Easter Celebration Saturday 18, 10-11am: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 19, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr P Walker Monday 20, 2pm: Bible Study Sunday 26: 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs C Almond 4-6pm: Families@4, Rev D Grimshaw Tuesday 28, 2pm: Network/MWiB; Powerpoint presentation on Tools With a Mission by Colin Westren EXTRA UNITED SERVICES FOR HOLY WEEK Tuesday 7, 7.30pm: Evening Service (approx. 30/40 mins.) Thursday 9, 7.30pm: Maundy Thursday Service at St Mary’s Friday 10, 10.30am: Service for Good Friday

Tuesday 21 April 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room Saturday 25 April 10am Coffee Morning, Church Room Sunday 26 April: Third Sunday of Easter 8am Communion, Bramford 10am Fourth Sunday Service, Bramford Please check porch notices for any changes. PARISH REGISTERS Funerals 18 February: Dorothy May Plant, Bramford Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church 12 April: In loving memory of Tim Curran 15 April: In loving memory of Hazel Gibson on her birthday In loving memory of Bill Barrett In loving memory of Karon Barkell-Barrett If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 for each dedication Cleaning Rota: J Sillett

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