In Touch
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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 7 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2017
Bramford Church by Caroline Wolton
March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA
• FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll, Auto Enrolment,VAT, Self Assessment, and full accounting service • Personable and professional tailored support • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies
Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR The oldest member of my family died just before Christmas. Kathleen, my great-aunt and surrogate ‘godfather’ since the death of her husband Jimmy when I was 15, died at the remarkable age of 97. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews (including my dad). Despite her age, Kathleen maintained an aura of quiet authority which I’ve always admired. She wasn’t scary or aloof, as often those we defer to can be, but somehow demanded respect from all who knew her. She always had time to chat, putting the kettle on before you’d even sat down. The fact that she was tall and had a very distinctive voice made her standout from the other women I knew as a child. I was never afraid of her, but I would never have wanted to be in her bad books either.
NEWS A HUGE THANK YOU A huge thanks to Diane and her team and all the people who worked in the church making over 60 holly wreaths, raising money for St Mary’s, Bramford. Thanks also to those who collected and donated holly and other materials, to those who helped behind the scenes and to all our customers. A magnificent £389 was raised. Wendy McGinty
Kathleen’s death has inspired me to do a little research into my family tree. I don’t plan to take it too seriously just yet, but just want to get the last couple of generations in place so I know who’s who. It has been fascinating. My dad helped with his side of the family and we did quite well, though he knows very little of his American cousins and nothing of all about their families. Most of my mum’s family still live in Ireland so that side of the tree is a bit more complete. They had big families back then. My dad had 15 aunts and uncles! One child, as I have, would have been a complete anomaly. And the same names came up again and again. I know my parents had intended to call me Elizabeth after my grandmother, but my dad decided he didn’t want my life to be as difficult as hers so broke with tradition and found a name which made its first appearance in the Burke family tree (to some astonishment) in 1969. Elizabeth is my second name. I now wish I knew more about the people who are my family, however distant, and also wonder how I will be perceived when my name is added to a family tree in years to come, perhaps by my great-grandniece. Mostly I wish I could spend time with my long-lost grandparents to talk about their lives. I have so many question. If you can do so, make the most of every opportunity to know those who can still share their lives with you. I also hope I’ll be doing The Times crossword every day when I’m 97, just as Kathleen did.
In Touch
with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham
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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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © 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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IN TOUCH WITH . . . • Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton
BRAMFORD CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL I would like to say a special thank you all my friends and to everyone who helped to make our festival the best ever. The church looked brilliant and we had amazing feedback. Local businesses including Bramford Post Office, the Co-op, Resolute Mortgages, Waterpark Cafe, Bramford Golf Club, Rachel from Rooted, Bramford WI, Bramford History Group, Bramford Craft and Chatter Group, the Royal British Legion, Bramford Primary School, Jane’s Hair, Shelley Riding for the Disabled, the Guides and the Scouts, Bramford Open Spaces, Christine Florist, River Hills Leisure Club, Lumberjacks and many families made displays. Thank you also to those who donated gifts for our raffle. Judith Paterson
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE Call 01473 353350 Here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.
IN TOUCH WITH . . .
MARCH DEADLINE 10 FEBRUARY 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS CHRISTMAS WISH COMES TRUE FOR MUM WHO LOST FOUR STONE After years of hiding from the camera, second time mum Liz Rogers has lost four stone and has taken her turn to shine. Like many others, Liz struggled to lose weight after the birth of her second child, as she explains: “At the end of our second pregnancy in 2015 I had gained around two and a half stone, which I had hoped would drop off quickly as it did after our first pregnancy, but when it didn’t I knew I needed to act quickly. I didn’t want my children to grow up struggling with food like I did. My health was really suffering too and I realised that if I didn’t address my weight I couldn’t enjoy being with them as I should, or worse still I wouldn’t be around to see them grow up.” A close friend had joined Slimming World the year before and had lost five stone to get to his target. Liz came across a local group within walking distance from her house and decided to go along. “It was the week before Christmas that I decided to walk through the doors of Slimming World and I don’t think I have ever felt so nervous in my life. I felt physically sick, but as I made it to the car park I told myself that I had to walk through the doors. As I plucked up the courage to walk through those doors I was immediately greeted with friendly smiles from the existing members and a warm welcome from Claire, my consultant, and the other members.”
Liz’s weight had always affected how she felt. “I wanted to cover up with cardigans and hide away from the camera which has meant missing so many new mummy and baby shots, but losing four stone has given me back the confidence I lacked and now I don’t shy away from the camera anymore.” Liz’s daughter recently turned one and they had booked a cake smash photo session. When the photographer suggested a family shot, Liz jumped at the chance. “I was absolutely thrilled with the photos when they arrived back. I can look at them with such a sense of pride for what I have achieved.” Liz has recently achieved her target and continues food optimising to keep her weight under control while teaching her children a healthy way of living. Liz has enjoyed the Slimming World food optimising plan so much she has become a new consultant and is opening a brand new group in Bramford, meeting at the Church Rooms at 7.30pm every Monday. For further details contact Liz: 07986 434667 / 01473 744220
“As Claire began to explain the plan she said that I should never feel hungry and no foods were banned. Food optimising meant that I could cook all of our favourite meals like chili con carne, shepherd’s pie and roast dinners, and eat them together as family. As the weeks went by I learnt how I never needed to miss out on anything and could still satisfy my sweet tooth with my favourite cakes and chocolate every day if I wanted. Having this freedom with a flexible plan made it so easy for me to follow.” The first few weeks were a real challenge with a birthday, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations to get through, but in just four weeks Liz achieved her half stone award. “I felt amazing. Keeping to the extra easy plan and food optimising 100% of the time I knew I could get this weight off.” Weekly group meetings really helped with her motivation, even on difficult weeks. Members supported each other and shared recipe ideas.
THANK YOU
Ken and Barbara would like to thank all the friends who donated vegetables and fruit to their stall in Duckamere, also their many customers. £423 was raised for Children’s Hospice making a grand total of £2,132.
BRAMFORD PARISH COUNCIL 2017 MEETING DATES
As one of your In Touch deliverers to the northern end of Paper Mill Lane, I was most kindly invited, via Distribution Manager Tree Martin, to visit Mansion House Publishing on September 27 last year. Mansion House staff were holding a Macmillan Coffee Week in support of Macmillan Cancer Support Group and I was pleased to make a contribution. Incidentally I was delighted £290 was raised. Upon arrival I was warmly welcomed by Janet in reception, and was almost immediately tucking into delicious homemade scones and coffee. After being fully refreshed, Tree most kindly took me on tour, visiting various sections of the works. All the staff were extremely courteous and most willing to explain their role in the production of our excellent monthly magazine.
February 20, March 20, April 10, Annual Parish Meeting April 24, Annual Council Meeting May 15, June 19, July 17, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18
I found it all most educational and interesting. The most terrifying area of the tour was the building housing the guillotine which shears the surplus edges of paper from the finished editions. It was here I was handed a copy hot off the press!
All meetings are held in the Parish Room on Ship Lane and commence at 7.30pm.
Perhaps 2017 will allow a re-visit for a similar charity. Incidentally, Sharon, that lovely kiss much added to the pleasure of the day!
Please note, there is no planned meeting for August.
Dennis R Page
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: JANUARY 2017 The Latest Budget Situation The local government settlement is now with us. It is essentially in line with the predictions although the county can now bring forward the social care ‘precept’ or council tax, making it 3% per year for the next two years rather 2% per year for three years. This precept yielded £5.4m in 2016-17 and will rise to £24m in 201920. An improved Better Care Fund of £0.9m in 2017-18, rising to £20.3 in 2019-20, will be diverted from the New Homes Bonus that district councils receive. These changes will help the county cope with a reduction in its Revenue Support Grant from £68.3m in 201617 to £16.3m in 2019-20. However, you can see the size of the cuts even before the increasing need is considered. The problems funding social care and the knock-on effect on the NHS that we all hear about continually will continue. This is a service where some grown-up discussions about funding are required. Highways Scrutiny of highways revealed much hope that the contract can be made to work, but not a lot of evidence that progress is being made. However, the backlog of schemes funded from councillors’ highways locality budgets is reducing quite significantly and the allocation of a budget to flooding issues is resulting in action. An issue at the end of Pest House Lane in Barham has been fixed. We were told that the Highway Maintenance Operational Plan (HMOP) was either ill-defined or not followed and it has been replaced with a more focused document. The plan to move away from reactive work to the less costly preventative maintenance work has led to the number of reactive repairs (pothole fixes, etc.) falling from 2,123 in July 2015 to 1,361 in July 2016. A trial of a ‘temporary closure 15-minute delay’ sign as an alternative to a full road closure was successful. In many instances, roads were not carrying traffic at the time work was to be done and traffic could be safely steered past the site without any delay. This process will be used widely with substantial savings in time spent on diversion routes and in cost to the county. The integration of the county and Kier highways teams continues and I hope improvement will accelerate. Overall, this contract has been a rather disastrous move from the in-house Suffolk County Council highways teams to Kier, but is now perhaps heading in the right direction. In a considerable list of recommendations, we insisted that communication with councillors, parish councils and communities should be improved.
Roads Mud covers some roads in Somersham and Great Blakenham. I am pressing for action, but as with the schemes for bollards and yellow lining the current turmoil in highways is causing delays. Park and Ride Changes planned for the Ipswich Park and Ride are dependent on a number of road improvements. The total estimate for these exceeded £2m, a sum the administration thought impossible to provide. The county will therefore transfer the service back to First who believe that it can be run as it is, without a subsidy but with buses at 15-minute intervals. As no other similar service runs without a subsidy, it will be interesting to see how long this continues. Planning-Kingfisher Drive At the planning meeting on January 11, we agreed to allow MSDC to convert 11 of the 23 affordable houses to shared ownership. They intended to offer these to local people for just one month before release on a wider market. This appeared ridiculously short: local people need time to react. I asked for an increase and three months was agreed. One good point was that the money from this development for the Zebra Crossing is still in place. With the first houses ready for occupation soon this could be released in the next couple of months. We may see the zebra in place by the summer. District Council Financial Forecasts The changes to the New Homes Bonus have been firmed up in local government settlement. This bonus gives a sum equivalent to the council tax to the district council for a number of years for each home built in the district. Where expansion is over 0.4% the reward will be paid for five years in 2017-18 then for four years. This will cost Mid Suffolk £450k in 2017-18 and £855k in 2018-19. This shows how important house building and the New Homes Bonus is to the district council. Executive or Cabinet Mid Suffolk and Babergh are to change from the current system where a cross party executive is in ultimate political control to a single party cabinet. This is a strange decision given the current problem where large numbers of people feel their opinions are never heard. If you have queries please call me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk www.john.field@suffolk.libdems.org
Dad always brought her roses, today was no different It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day
01473 232837
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of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
In December we hosted a small group of seven children. The girls came from the same school as the summer group, but the difference this time was that we invited children aged 12-14 years of age. These children are usually outside of the selection criteria and as such would not normally be included on the program. This was a very special trip for them. Not only was it their first time in the UK, but they also got to experience a British Christmas which is so very different from their own which takes place on January 7 where a child may receive a packet of sweets or, as western influences start to trickle through, a present as well. Despite not having the summer weather to rely on, the group were still able to enjoy a range of activities for the first two weeks of the visit and then spend the second two weeks enjoying family life over the Christmas period.
Firstly, welcome from all the Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team. Just to confirm that, although the police station is not open to the public, the SNT is still based at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD.
We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would appeal to anyone interested in supporting us get in touch now as we have already started preparations for the children’s visit. We are asking for donations of good quality second-hand clothing for the summer group for age range seven to 11 years. The children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing so both summer and winter clothes are appreciated. We do have a list of essential items that we would like to provide for them to take home; please get in touch and we will be happy to provide further details.
Lost mobile phone: report to the phone company and IMMOBILISE website: www.immobilise.com
For further information about our program or to donate clothes for the children please email or call me and I will be happy to provide further details CHOCOLATE BINGO IS BACK Saturday, March 25 at Needham Market Community Centre Adults £6, children under 10 half price. A great family night out with an Easter theme and lots and lots of chocolate. Please call for information. We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us, you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive.
Just a reminder when to call the police: Emergency: please dial 999 Non-emergency: please call 101. Road accidents: need to be reported to the police if unable to exchange details at the time of the incident within 24 hours. Burglary in progress: please phone 999 Theft or burglary has occurred: call Suffolk police on 101 Incident at school: please ask the school to deal with this Fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, noise nuisance and stray dogs: report to the local council Witness drug use and have information about drugs: telephone Suffolk police on 101 or crime stoppers on 0800 555111
Lost credit cards: report to the bank or company Fraud: contact Action Fraud on 03001 232040 You, the public, are our eyes and ears when we are not around, so please report anything suspicious. If you have ever been a victim of crime you will understand the importance of witnesses. Please phone 999 if you witness anything suspicious. If you are organising an event or work in the community and would like the police or PCSOs to attend, please contact us in plenty of time so we can arrange to attend: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Finally, an update about recent anti-social behaviour committed in the Hadleigh area by local youths. All youths have been interviewed at the police station under caution and as a result all youths have been placed on diversion courses and also assisting with community work as punishment for their behaviour. Thank you for working together with the police to make our area a safer and nicer place to live.
01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
Keep safe, PC 167 Diane PORTER
www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD
Link Chair Elizabeth Parker
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BRAMFORD ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Entertainment for February www.bramfordrblclub.co.uk Tel: (01473) 745198 or join us on Facebook
Sat 4 Thurs 9 Sat 11
Thurs 16 Sat 18 Weds 22 Thurs 23 Sat 25
JIMBOB JAZZ NIGHT ‘THE SAVOY JAZZ BAND’ VALENTINE DINNER DANCE 2 COURSE MEAL, MUSIC WITH THE HOUSESHAKERS
TICKETS ON SALE FROM CLUB NOW GUESTS WELCOME
QUIZ NIGHT CLASS ACT 4 PIECE R/R BAND KARAOKE BINGO SHOOT THE DRUMMER
Every Sunday night Bingo at 8pm
As well as a snooker room and pretty outside seating area we now have hot drinks available at the bar, so come and join us for coffee or beer.
www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
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NEWS SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP
A Community Shop for the local community, run by the local community The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm Saturdays: 8am-1pm A happy 2017 to all our customers and volunteers – we look forward to seeing everybody in the shop in the coming year. Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave of their time to keep the shop open over the Christmas and New Year period, your efforts were much appreciated. Our Christmas Hamper raffles were popular and we had two happy winners. Our Tea and Chat afternoons continue and we have two more to go in 2017: Wednesday, February 22 and Wednesday, March 29, 2-4pm. Come along for a hot drink, a piece of cake and a chance to meet up with others for a chat during the cold weather. Also going well is the Petrolheads afternoons when those with an interest in all things motor driven meet for a chat and a cup of tea and a biscuit on the first Wednesday of each month in the Coffee Corner, 2-4pm. So if this is your thing you will be very welcome by other likeminded people Volunteering in the shop is an excellent way to meet new people and learn new skills. It’s also an excellent way to gain work experience to put on CVs for anybody wishing to join the world of work or going forward with education. We always welcome new volunteers, so if you are recently moved to our locality, recently retired or have a bit of time on your hands and wish to get to know more people, our community shop is an excellent facility for providing a heart to the local community and a place to meet up with other people. Of course the main purpose of the shop is to provide our customers with good quality, reasonably priced produce. We aim to support local producers and to that end we offer an excellent range of fresh local produce, eggs, bread, pies and cakes, all produced within a very short distance from us. These goods can also be pre-ordered so that you can be sure that what you require is there. We also have frozen foods and a whole range of other household goods. Our other services are there for all to use, please come in and you will be greeted by our friendly volunteer staff. • Orders can be taken for regular or one-off meat, bread, cakes • The coffee corner is a good place for a relaxing chat • Find something new to read in the book exchange • A dry-cleaning service, at present it is collected by the cleaners on Tuesday mornings • We also promote reuse and recycling in the shop and are always happy to receive reusable plastic carrier bags and egg boxes • Newspapers and magazines can be ordered for collection at the shop • Delivery service for those with mobility problems So, not only a good place to shop and find local produce, meet up with people you haven’t seen in ages, but it also gives real heart to the local community. We look forward to seeing you there. MANAGEMENT TEAM Lucy Barrett, 831890; Terry Fordham, 831529; Jenny Hitchcock, 832060; Peter Jousiffe, 833577; Anne MacFadyen, 831288; Steve Woolhouse, 831080 www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) If you live in the area around the proposed SnOasis development in Great Blakenham, you may be aware that the developer, Onslow Suffolk, have put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. This is not a renewal of the original planning approval, which still stands, but is the detail of the following matters: design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. Full details can be found on the Mid Suffolk District Council website at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-andbuilding/planning/snoasis/ Claydon and Whitton, Barham, Great Blakenham, Somersham and Little Blakenham Parish Councils, along with Nettlestead and Baylham Parish Meetings have agreed to form the Snoasis Parish Alliance, a group to work together to consider the details of the SnOasis Reserved Matters and to exert more influence than we can as individual organisations. An invitation to join us has been sent to all the other Councils who are being consulted by Mid Suffolk District Council over Reserved Matters and we are expecting membership of the SPA to increase. Individual councils will still be making their own responses to Mid Suffolk District Council, but we believe that sharing both expertise and the workload will benefit both councils and residents. We are committed to working with Mid Suffolk District Council to obtain the information necessary for councils to be able to make informed and constructive comments. It is also intended that existing expertise amongst the councils will be used to analyse and comment on the vast amount of very detailed (and sometimes very technical) information that we are expecting the developer to provide. As more information still has to be provided by the developer it is anticipated that the process of commenting on Reserved Matters will continue for several months. The SPA has also set up a web page to inform residents of what is happening. It is hosted on the Great Blakenham Parish Council website: http://greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net/snoasis-parish-alliance/ For further information, please email Janet Gobey, the clerk to the SPA: snoasispa@icloud.com Steve Plume Chairman SnOasis Parish Alliance
EAST ANGLIA POTATO DAY Saturday, February 11, 9.30am-1.30pm, at Mid-Suffolk Showground Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal, nr Stowmarket IP14 6AT Potato Day is a gardening event with all our customers and volunteers being gardeners who grow spuds, be it on an allotment, smallholding, garden or in pots on the patio. As well as more than 80 varieties of seed potato available to buy per tuber, we also have onion sets and various stall-holders including Rougham Nurseries, King Seeds, master composters, chip tasting, seed swap, Hedgehog Rescue, tools, Suffolk Smallholders Association, bird boxes from Street Forge Workshops and advice from NSALG. For more details visit: www.eapd.btck.c.uk Previous visitors over the years will remember a very cold barn with canvas walls and a clinker floor, but recent building works have now transformed the barn into a solid building that has doubled in size with heating, carpet, space for a proper seating area for refreshments and the luxury of indoor toilets. 2017 will be the 22nd year and is a joint venture by members of three organic gardening groups: Suffolk Organic Gardeners, Norfolk Organic Group and Ipswich Organic Gardeners Group. Admission is £1.50. 11
OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON & BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Church Lane, Claydon IP6 0EG Santa visited with great success on his busy schedule and parents and children enjoyed the evening. The New Year’s Eve dance was well supported and all had a chance to shake themselves on the dance floor. Thank you to everyone who has supported the community centre; we look forward to your continuing involvement in 2017. FUTURE EVENTS Saturday, February 18: Valentine Celebrations with music supplied by Curt ‘n’ Rod, 7.30pm Saturday, February 25: Barham Athletic Race Night (see page 17) Wednesday, March 22: Pre-School Fundraiser (see page 10) Friday, April 7: Dan Poulter Surgery We have a wide and varied range of draft and bottled ales, ciders and lagers. Guinness and mild are also available and our premium lager, San Miguel, is now on tap. Pints of bitter start from just £2.50 and lager from just £2.90. The Community Café is proving to be extremely popular and their high teas are particularly worth indulging as a special treat. www.candbcc.com / 01473 831805 Facebook: Claydon Community Centre
MAMMOTH BOOK SALE Saturday, February 11, 11am-2pm St Mary’s Church Room, Ship Lane, Bramford Paperbacks 20p, hardbacks from 30p. Proceeds towards the upkeep of our historic church. Stewart McGinty, Friends of Bramford Church
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs by James Barry will be Needham Market Entertainment Company’s 20th pantomime. Join us at Needham Market Community Centre for this fun filled family community production on Friday, February 17 at 7.30pm or Saturday, February 18 at 1pm and 5pm. Tickets (adults £7 / senior and junior citizens £5) available at Elton House or from: 01449 723171
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 MIP/5A MIP/5B MIP/5C MIP/5D MIP/5E MIP/5F MIP/5G MIP/5H MIP/5I MIP/5J MIP/5K
Town/village Location Time Sproughton Church Lane 9.10-9.25am Sproughton Wild Man 9.30-9.45am Bramford St Mary’s Close 9.50-10.05am Bramford Paper Mill Lane 10.10-10.25am Great Blakenham, Chequers 10.35-1055am Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park, 11-11.15am Baylham Post Box 11.25-11.45am Claydon Crown 11.55am-1pm Claydon Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm Barham Bacon Road 2.25-3.50pm Bramford Packard Place 4-4.30pm
2017 DATES: February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 6, July 4, August 1, August 29, September 26, October 24, November 21, December 19
SPEND AN EVENING WITH THE POET AND PERFORMER HOLLIE MCNISH Hollie McNish will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Wednesday, February 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. In Nobody Told Me, published in 2016, Hollie writes about poetry and parenthood. Her poems are personal, touching and funny. They are brilliant to read, but hearing her perform them lends them a whole other dimension. If you want to hear how great she is there are clips of her performances on YouTube and you can check her out on: www. holliepoetry.com Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for members of Suffolk Book League and £8 for non-members. Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door or if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk Suffolk Book League, established in 1982, is a quite unique organisation which provides what is essentially a year-long literary festival. Further information about the league, including the benefits of membership, can be found at: www.sbl.org.uk
Henley Players Presents….
Junior Summer Show Friday 2nd Sat 3rd June 2017
henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com
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Stowe Veterinary Centre
Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre
Ipswich Veterinary Centre
The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery
The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery
54 Bury Road, Stowmarket
2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds
Scrivener Drive, Ipswich
Coddenham Road, Needham Market
Station Road, Elmswell
Tel: 01449 613 130
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OUT & ABOUT ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, February 11, 9am-12.30pm, just in time to get that vital St Valentine’s gift to show your partner you care. Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying. East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190. Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue. New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777
BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP This month our speaker, Neil Langridge, will be telling us about Arson in Suffolk. During the 19th century there was a lot of unrest among agricultural workers leading to haystacks being set alight so I’m sure this will form part of his talk. Were the ‘peasants’ in Bramford revolting? They certainly were in the 14th century! The meeting will be in the Church Room from 7.30pm as usual on Thursday, February 16. Visitors welcome, £3.
ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING Every third Tuesday in the month, 2.30-4pm, in the Church Room. Do come and join us; we will be very pleased to see you. If transport is required please contact Janet: 741331
ST MARY’S CHRISTMAS LUNCH BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD We met in Bramford Scout and Guide Hut on Monday, January 9, our first meeting of 2017. Despite the weather, the meeting was very well attended. It was our annual meeting, which saw us vote Pat in again as chairman. We are lucky to have her and wish her a good 2017. In her report for 2016 she gave thanks for support received during the year. After the business part of the proceedings we went into groups and played board games which members had brought along, some more complicated than others. Our meeting on February 6 will be a craft afternoon. Please bring scissors and sellotape, with a dispenser if you have one.
BRAMFORD WI Our next meeting will be on Monday, February 13 at the Loraine Victory Hall, beginning at 7.30pm. We will be learning about bell ringing in what should be a real dingdong evening. The competition will be A Homemade Bell.
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet upstairs at Bramford Methodist Church throughout February (Monday group 7.30-9.30pm, Wednesday group 10amnoon) except for February 13 and 15 when it’s closed for half term. Membership is £1 for the academic year and £2 per session. Broadband and refreshments provided.
BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP We have moved – we are now meeting in the Parish Room at the far end of the Guide and Scout HQ, but times and dates remain unchanged, i.e. the second and fourth Tuesday in the month, which in February will be 14 and 28, from 9.30am to noon. Hope to see you then. www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
It is with immense pleasure I write on behalf of all gathering friends to convey our most sincere thanks to Janet Read, our most dedicated organiser, and her wonderful team of helpers who worked incredibly hard in various ways to ensure all enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch complemented with crackers, mince pies and a warming tipple of sherry. After lunch we welcomed the children and accompanying teachers from Bramford Primary School Choir. Upon arrival they quickly assembled themselves into position and promptly commenced singing so beautifully a number of much love traditional Christmas carols. It was clearly evident by the expressions of concentration on the children’s faces, in-between maintaining a watchful eye on their musical director for direction, they were giving their all to impress. This goal was readily surpassed and richly rewarded with much hearty applause from the members who so greatly appreciated their presence. After singing, the children further entered the spirit of the party atmosphere by taking plates of food to the tables occupied by members who unfortunately have mobility issues. This was an excellent example of young and elderly interaction. As on a previous occasion the children behaved in a most impeccable manner, proving to be wonderful ambassadors for our village and their school. Very well done to them. Worthy credit is also due to the teachers for moulding together this most talented young group of pupils. The entertainment continued with Liz Rice reading monologues and gesticulating in a most professional theatrical manner. This was much enjoyed and loudly applauded, our sincere thanks to Liz. It was a delight to welcome Sue Rhodes back to the piano. She began playing stop/start for a game of pass the sweets, and then it was over to playing requested carols. As always these prove to be immensely popular, our most grateful thanks to Sue for so kindly fulfilling this role for which she deservedly received most warm applause. The grand finale was sung by Janet and her most dedicated team of helpers, with members responding with heavy applause in warm appreciation and gratitude for all their efforts on our behalf. Dennis R Page 15
OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS’ CLUB The final outing in 2016 to Christmas Matinee Nostalgia on December 12 was attended by eight club members plus three paying guests. Twelve members took up the option of a meal at the Wild Man in Sproughton. Although only a cast of five, the show was enjoyed by all present, although one member considered it a bit noisy. The two singers, Gemma Turner and Angie Diggens, were excellent, covering a wide range of numbers, and Neil Sands, who incidentally lives in Ipswich, provided the male vocals and the laughs. The company will be putting on another show this year. Twenty-two members and paying guests are expected to attend the 2017 New Year lunch at the Cock Inn, Bramford. John Bates
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Peter Maddison will present a talk on Suffolk butterflies when we meet on Monday, February 13 at 7.30pm. All our meetings are held in Offton and Willisham Village Hall. For further information or directions please contact: 01473 2549421 / 01473 830600 Happy New Year, Christine Barrell, secretary
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
SOMERSHAM WOMEN’S INSTITUTE We are getting 2017 off to a great start with a card making session with Sandra Burgess. Our programme for the year is planned out with speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds and various activities throughout. As a new group we are also learning about how the WI can influence national policy by voting on the resolutions for the national AGM in June, whether it’s alleviating loneliness, maternal mental health services or women’s welfare. Somersham WI will also be holding a jumble sale around Easter time so do look out for the posters and information about that in next month’s magazine. We meet on a regular basis on the second Monday of the month with the next few meetings being February 13, March 13 and April 10, all at 7.30pm in Somersham Village Hall. This year sees the start of the new membership year where we are welcoming back our fledgling members from 2016 and any new members who wish to join us. Don’t forget you can try out a session for only £3. If you want to find out more contact Sarah Judge (01473 658742) or Terrie Goad (07766 168191), or email the secretary at: somersham.wi.sec@gmail.com www.facebook.com/somershamWI Twitter: @somersham_wi
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB Great Blakenham Over 50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham, but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room on Stowmarket Road in Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House. There is a parking area at the rear and the building is fully accessible and has disabled facilities within. Our programme for 2017 is still being worked on, but we will meet on February 8 and 22 (weather permitting). New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690 16
We would like to introduce you to our newly appointed Student Leadership Team. Nick Borrett – Head Boy Favourite Book: The Harry Potter series of books by JK Rowling Favourite Film: Deadpool Favourite School Subject: All the science subjects because I find them very interesting and demanding. Hobbies: Sports (I swim competitively for Stowmarket) and going to the cinema. Career Aspiration: I would like to become a doctor. Grace Linford-Wood – Head Girl Favourite Book: My favourite book is Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling. I enjoy this book because I find it gripping and intense. Favourite Film: Insurgent from the Divergent series of films. Favourite School Subject: My favourite subjects include maths and science because I like to challenge myself. Hobbies: My hobbies include athletics (I train for a local club), cross country and ballet. Career Aspiration: I would like to work in medicine. James Shipp – Deputy Head Boy Favourite Book: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It’s a real page turner as it contains action and suspense throughout. Favourite Film: Doctor Strange Favourite School Subject: Computing – I love to be able to create something from scratch because it gives you the freedom to be able to make it exactly how you want it to be. Hobbies: Rugby, tennis, golf, computing and playing the guitar. Career Aspiration: I would like to program useful apps/software for big companies like BT. Emma Fraser-Mills – Deputy Head Girl Favourite Book: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. It’s one of the most intriguing books I’ve ever read. Favourite Film: The Notebook Favourite School Subject: Chemistry – it’s very interesting. Hobbies: Dance – mainly ballet. Career Aspiration: To work in a medical science area like pharmacology. In Touch online:
SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Well the term is already off to a flying start and the children are having a great time. We are all waiting for the warmer weather to arrive now. There are lots of exciting things coming up for the children to take part in and lots of items to create and take home. We also have an evening with Ryan Gooding Psychic Medium on Wednesday, March 22, starting at 7.30pm at Claydon and Barham Community Centre. Tickets can be purchased from Claydon Pre-school, the community centre or by calling/texting: 07856 845163 The pre-school is open Monday to Friday from 9am-3.30pm during term time. Children can start from the age of two until they go to reception. Session fees are £9.60 and we offer a lunch club (noon12.30pm) for £1.60. We are happy to accept childcare vouchers and we offer two year funded places for any eligible children. If you would like more information regarding any of the above events or just to find out more about Claydon Pre-school, please contact the administrator, Lisa Read: admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers and a Happy New Year to you all. A new year often brings changes to the old order, a new dawning and a fresh start, a chance to throw out the old and bring in the new. In the last fixture before the Christmas break, Nick and Graham were beaten by Adam and Matt (Graham’s sons) in the local derby. This changing of the Old Guard has been on the cards for a while, and the young pretenders new tactic of swapping their dads’ Sanatogen tonic wine for Ribena (other brands are available) would have had an effect on Graham’s stamina, meaning that he would have run out of steam just after bending down to tie up his trainer laces. Similarly, Nick was struggling for fitness following an unfortunate accident on his exercise bike when the stabilisers fell off the back wheel. However, Matt and Adam fully deserved their victory and even graciously praised their opponents play, saying that they had to get out of their deckchairs a couple of times during rallies so it was quite hard fought! The other news from the winter sides is not as surprising (there is no news – nothing surprising there then). The floodlit side have had mixed fortunes, winning and losing in equal measure, and have been relatively lucky with the winter weather so far, though January and February are usually marked by more usual conditions (anyone who has seen The Revenant might, if you look very carefully, see our players in the very far distance when they watch the blizzard scene with the buffalo herd – it was shot on location at Felixstowe in February). The winter leagues should, if on schedule, be completing in March so it gives all participants a chance to get the chilblains and frostbite healed nicely in readiness for the deluges that accompany the summer season kicking off in May(ish). This year we are hoping for the support of the RNLI as they were so helpful with rescuing some of our players stranded on the courts amid rising floodwater following the customary cloudburst that marked the opening home fixture last year. JOKE OF THE MONTH In a small village in Scotland, Sandy is on his deathbed and his wife Jean is anxiously by his side. “Can I get you anything Sandy?” asks Jean tenderly. “Aye, could I have a wee bit o’ yon boiled ham over there?” wheezes Sandy. Jean shakes her head and says: “Oh Sandy, I’m sorry I can’t, you know that ham is there for the funeral supper!” More guff next month. Mick Russ www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
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SPORT BRAMFORD UNITED Belated Happy New Year Greetings. Since my last round up of matches we finished off 2016 with a run of three back-to-back wins for the First Team. December 3 saw Leiston-StMargarets make the long trip to The Acton which saw them having an unhappy trip back home as we overcame them 4-0. On December 10 we made a short trip to Bourne Park, Ipswich to face Ipswich Athletic on a very damp, misty afternoon which saw us run out winning 5-2 to give us our second ‘double’ of the season. Our last match of 2016 saw us entertain Westerfield who we beat 6-0 earlier in the season. A much improved Westerfield side made us battle hard for a 1-0 victory.
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Stanton were our first visitors of 2017 on Monday, January 2. We had beat them 4-0 earlier in the season, but they too had improved somewhat as again we had to battle hard for our 2-1 victory. Saturday, January 7 saw us bow out of the Bob Coleman Cup where we were sounded beaten 4-0 by a rampant Achilles Team winning 4-0 (this gave them a tally of 28 goals they had scored in three matches). Although we held them 0-0 at half time, they took an early second half lead and despite having a man sent off, they still managed to score three more goals. The Reserves had two wins in December beating Capel Plough Res 4-0 and Stowupland Falcons 2-1 which at the time of these notes saw them in third spot in the league. The Bramford United 100 Club has now been increased to two prizes: 1st £100, 2nd £25. December winners were Julie (No 36) £100, Dale Munson (No 9) £25. For up-to-date fixtures visit: www.pitchero.com/clubs/bramfordunitedfc Brammie
SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB For an outdoor club, winter is generally a time for relaxing and looking forward to warmer, drier and lighter evenings. However there are two groups of people for whom we can add other activities. Firstly, the hard work that continues on and around the green and clubhouse to ensure that everything is in perfect shape for the start of the new season – as ever we salute their efforts. Secondly, Joy Mackie’s team of indoor bowlers who play friendly matches at various indoor clubs around East Anglia. Following the first match at Ipswich Indoor Bowls Club (reported in the previous edition of In Touch), the team moved on to Colchester where an epic battle ensued after the traditional pre-match Christmas dinner. Six rinks of Triples competed over 18 ends which at the half way point saw Sproughton holding a one shot lead. Unfortunately the break for tea and biscuits didn’t do us any favours and after a tense second half Colchester had edged to a two shot victory. We can take heart from this result though as last year the fixture ended with Colchester winning by four shots, so we are heading in the right direction! Many thanks to everyone connected with Colchester Indoor Bowls Club for their hospitality. UPCOMING DIARY DATES February 4: Indoor friendly at Mid-Suffolk Bowls Club (Stowmarket) February 10: 2017 subs night February 18: Indoor friendly at Sole Bay Bowls Club (Southwold) To find out more about our club please visit www.sproughtonbowlsclub. com or email sproughtonbowlsclub@outlook.com 18
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE CLAYDON FC Coming through the Christmas period and into the New Year it has been a bit of a landmark year for Claydon Football Club. The club has secured the lease on Blue Circle, though we have yet to sign the contract. This has enabled us to refurbish the main pavilion and we can now provide after-match refreshments on Saturday afternoons. Under the terms of the lease the club will receive funding for improvements around the perimeter of the ground and car park area with further opportunity to complete phase 2 of the pavilion, changing rooms and showers. The ground is ‘Senior Status’ compliant owing to the work and investment we put in when the men’s team was promoted in 2014. When we do get to senior football the club is ready to face the SIL top flight again. December was the first year anniversary of the Claydon FC Café serving refreshments to the youth and senior games at Blue Circle on Saturdays. We have received numerous compliments from away supporters who now enjoy bacon rolls and hot drinks on Saturday mornings and afternoons. The new senior coaching team has settled in and are now officially past their ‘honeymoon’ period which has seen the First team at the top end of the table for most of it. The Reserves are beginning to shape up after an ‘all new’ start with practically all new players. However, it’s early days yet and we are very conscious of maintaining the momentum so no complacency here. The executive team have again been very busy with the day-to-day machinations, but also with the provision of extra-curricular activities for young players and running the Christmas draw. Our thanks go out to all those who have helped the club with any event thus far. Players and parents, look out for the Claydon FC Race Night at the Community Centre on March 18. The pitches are still looking great and again this is down to the relentless hard work of our groundsman and the support he receives. The club will once again enter the Groundsman of the Year competition, this year run by Suffolk FA. Any club in this day and age requires support through sponsorship and we are privileged to have the senior squad’s kit sponsored by Haxley & Ruffles and Coggins Transport respectively, along with tracksuit tops and polo shirts from our very own First team coach’s company Care to Educate. This applies to youth teams especially and I offer my personal thanks to sponsors, coaches, assistants, volunteers, parents and, of course, players of Claydon FC. We are hopeful of completing the very long saga of the lease and funding for Blue Circle, but it does seem that it will continue for a while as yet. The public sector machinations in this instance has been, to say the very least, exasperating! In amongst all of this we have the lease for Barham Picnic Site with the continuing objective of converting it into football pitches. Claydon FC is a big ‘junior’ club and even with all the voluntary support it receives there is always something else we can do, such as the conversion project at Barham Picnic Site. Unfortunately the club had a setback a couple of years ago and it continue to be in ‘mothballs’ while we work through our priorities in other areas. However, the club remains committed to getting football down there and it is certainly required as we are over capacity at Blue Circle.
DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK It seems hard to believe that Christmas and New Year are already behind us, but with all the planning, shopping and cooking, and the huge anticipation leading up to the big day itself, it’s no wonder that many of us succumb to the post-Christmas blues as things seem to settle back down into normal day to day life. I certainly enjoyed making the most of my time here in Suffolk without the pressures of the daily routine over the Christmas and New Year period and I’m sure most of us have eaten and drunk more than usual as we relaxed and enjoyed catching up with friends and family. Only recently new figures were announced confirming that a staggering eight in every 10 adults aged between 40 and 60 in England are overweight, drink too much alcohol or get too little exercise. So what better time to get motivated and kick start a healthier New Year than by getting out in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and enjoying all that is on offer right here on our doorsteps. At this time of year, with magazine and television advertisements encouraging us to make commitments which many will struggle to maintain, it’s all too easy to be lured into costly gym memberships and expensive holidays or leisure activities, but walking is something which we can all enjoy with minimum or no cost involved, no specialist equipment required and the opportunity to meet new and likeminded people. Walking isn’t competitive, yet it brings with it a raft of recognised health benefits, not to mention being affordable and accessible to all. Simple things can quickly add up – taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking instead of hopping in the car for short journeys. I’m lucky that I have two dogs to exercise and they don’t let me forget that I need to get outdoors into the fresh air every day, but for many, it’s easy to become complacent and to not make the effort. Walking to fulfil the recommendations of 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise every week can make a huge difference – it’s estimated that it could save up to 37,000 lives every year and could also lead to almost 300,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes. Aside from the physical benefits, walking brings with it a whole range of other benefits. We feel more connected to our natural environment – for families with young children perhaps a competition for them to spot wildlife tracks or collect 10 different types of leaves might turn what they deem to be a dull activity in something far more engaging. When experiencing times of stress or anxiety, walking can help us to clear our heads and regain some order in our busy lives. It’s the perfect tonic for a busy and hectic lifestyle, helping to fight depression and reduce anxiety and boosting our mood and psychological wellbeing. Suffolk lends itself perfectly to walking, with plenty of easy terrain, but also more challenging routes for those who are more able. For year round information on walking, there is a huge range of information at: www.discoversuffolk.org.uk
ASK FIONA – HERE TO HELP As someone who has been a mother, a wife and a divorcee I would like to answer your questions about any sort of problems you have, believing that a problem shared is a problem halved. Email me at: fionaleaclarke@outlook.com
Tim, Claydon FC Chairman www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
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ON THE GRAPEVINE ENTER THE PLAYFUL WORLD OF CASSON & FRIENDS AND DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THEATRE By Alicia Clarke
QUESTIONS ON CASH With Nick Plumb This month, I have responded to two questions from In Touch readers that landed in my email in-basket over the Christmas period. Alan from Ipswich asks: “I have just started receiving my state pension and a company pension of £14,000 a year from the old GEC scheme. The state pension is paid to me gross with no tax deducted, but my GEC pension has income tax deducted and is paid to me net of that tax. Why is there a difference, and should I be paying tax at all?” Yes, you will pay a certain amount of tax on both pensions, as your total pension income is above your annual personal income tax allowance of £11,000, which is what you are allowed to earn before income tax is deducted at basic rate (currently 20%). Pension income (from state or private pensions) is classed as ‘earned’ income and is therefore taxable above £11,000 a year.
Under the direction of Tim Casson, Casson & Friends is an exciting dance theatre company that creates engaging interactive performances with a focus on collaboration, interaction and joy. Night at the Theatre will be at the Jerwood DanceHouse on Saturday, February 4 and promises to be a fantastic introduction to dance and theatre for young people, with just a hint of audience participation. Night at the Theatre combines a mixture of dance theatre, audiodescription and imaginative storytelling. When three friends become trapped in an abandoned theatre, little do they know that they will soon become the stars of their own show… Perfect for those who love an adventure, Night at the Theatre will be an immersive dance theatre experience where you can let your imagination go wild. The company works with a diverse range of collaborators from filmmakers and musicians to computer programmers and psychologists, but most often collaborates with the public, inviting them to engage with dance and performance in exciting and accessible ways. With a passion for bringing dance to people in new and unusual contexts, Casson & Friends’ work to date has been presented in a range of settings including shopping centres, libraries, hotels, pubs, offices and football stadiums. The company has also presented its work across the UK and internationally including at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Glastonbury Festival, Brighton Digital Festival, bOing International Family Festival, The Lyon Biennale and Downtown Dance Festival in New York. “Casson has created a hybrid story that has the wit of the physical and the playfulness of the imagination, a brand of theatre that comes from the heart as well as the head,” Nicholas Minns, writingaboutdance.com on Night at the Theatre Discover the magic of theatre at DanceEast with Casson & Friends on Saturday, February 4, a perfect weekend treat for the whole family. The Jerwood DanceHouse is family friendly, completely accessible and has been awarded the Family Arts Standards. There is plenty of parking nearby, a family friendly café with toys and books, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks for all ages, space for pushchairs, a lift to all floors and accessible toilets with baby-change facilities. Performances at 1.30pm and 4.30pm. To book (£10, £7 concessions, £30 family ticket) call 01473 295230 or visit: www.danceeast.co.uk 20
Although your state pension is paid to you gross, this does not mean that you don’t pay tax on it. The tax is actually collected by an adjustment to your tax code. Check your last notice of coding, and you will see that your tax code is different to when you were working. The pension system would not be able to cope with working out everyone’s individual income tax, so they leave the tax to HMRC, who alter your tax code to compensate. The GEC pension is taxed at source, and tax is deducted by the company pension administrators before the pension is paid to you. However, it is important to check that you have been put on the correct tax code as I have seen many examples of people paying too much tax on their company pensions over the years. Peter from Needham Market asks: “I am the director of a limited company employing 12 members of staff. I would like to introduce a free life insurance scheme that pays out a lump sum to the staff member’s family if they died. What is the best way to do this through the company?” A ‘death in service’ scheme for a group of employees is usually arranged as a Group Life Insurance scheme, which falls under the ‘tax approved’ rules that also apply to group pension schemes. Such schemes offer various tax advantages for you as the employer and for your employees. The premiums the company pays are tax-deductible as a business expense and the premiums are not treated as a ‘benefit in kind’ for your employees, so they will not suffer a tax charge on them. Any Lump-sum death benefit paid on the death of an employee would be paid free of income tax and, if it is paid out under a discretionary trust, it will not normally be liable for inheritance tax when paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased staff member. Nick Plumb is an independent financial adviser and practice principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk. The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
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ON THE GRAPEVINE 20 YEARS AFLOAT AND SAILING ON This year the East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) will celebrate 20 years of providing sailing opportunities on the River Orwell for disabled East Anglians and their carers. To deliver those opportunities, EAST owns and maintains a fleet of keelboats and two support boats. Last season, the EAST keelboats took to the water in more than 100 sessions, more than in any previous season. And this coming 21st season looks likely to be just as busy as the demand continues to grow. EAST also provides two weekend cruises and a week-long cruise where visually impaired sailors from all over the country live aboard a yacht and get a hands-on sailing experience with convivial, communal social evenings. The yachts are privately owned and this cruising in company programme depends entirely on the generosity of their owner/skippers. The joy that this brings to our ‘customers’ is clear from the feedback. Here are just a couple of examples. “You know how much we appreciate you and your marvellous team of volunteers, however I just have to thank you all once again for being so accommodating and delivering another fantastic session. Do not underestimate the difference you all made to those families yesterday. The families were absolutely buzzing afterwards and want to continue to access your services.” Email from St Elizabeth Hospice “I am registered blind and was given the opportunity last Friday, May 20 to go for a taster sail with EAST. I love sailing, but for various reasons, have not done so for over 25 years. I was therefore delighted to have been given this opportunity and cannot thank your charity enough for arranging the day. Ian and Barbara made us so welcome and let Katy and myself steer the yacht the whole time it was under sail. I cannot thank them enough for their hospitality, for sharing their knowledge and for all the fun we shared together. It was truly a wonderful day and the weather was on our side too. “Although I’m visually impaired and have a brain tumour, I also do lots of voluntary work and care for my 90-year-old father, so it was marvellous to have a day to myself and go sailing with such a friendly group of people. I hope I can come again sometime in the future.” Email from Graham Thompson
RARE CHANCE TO SEE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE The Rous family and Bruisyard Hall events team are hosting a Wedding Open Day on Sunday, February 26, 11am-4pm. Having undergone a top to bottom luxurious refurbishment in 2012, this open day is the only available weekend to view the hall for at least four months. The Wedding Open Day at Bruisyard Hall is free to attend and there’s no need to book ahead. It gives couples the chance to tour the 14th century hall and barn that can host up to 140 guests for a ceremony and wedding breakfast. The event provides a great opportunity to sample some canapés as well as free Prosecco for the first 50 guests through the door. Everyone will get a goodie bag to take away with them. The weddings team, led by Serena Beddoes, will be on hand to check availability, talk through catering options and answer any questions that may arise. There will also be some special offers running exclusively at the open day. Guests will also have the opportunity to speak to a number of Bruisyard Hall’s trusted suppliers including: Dreamwave Events, Dominic Whiten, Gainsborough Quartet, Akexpressions Photography, Moat Farm Flowers, Kitty’s Cakes, Natasha Hurley Photography and Helen Newman. Bruisyard Hall Weddings and Events Manager Serena Beddoes explains: “Luxury, tranquillity and comfort are woven together to make Bruisyard Hall an idyllic countryside wedding venue. The tricky part is finding a weekend when it’s not booked to show people around. That’s why our Wedding Open Day really is an opportunity not to be missed. The team and I are looking forward to welcoming couples and their families to the Hall and Barn. Once they see the beauty of Bruisyard and feel the warmth of the buildings and the team, we’re sure we’ll win their hearts.” Robert Rous, owner of Bruisyard Hall, added: “The special thing about a wedding at Bruisyard is that it becomes your home away from home for the duration of your stay. We provide privacy, comfort and independence. This, and the fact that it is a family business with the whole team working to ensure that the occasion is really special for each person, makes Bruisyard Hall a sound choice for couples looking for a stunning wedding experience from start to finish.” Bruisyard Hall is a magnificent 14th century stately home turned exclusive use country house. The stunning building and its barn are set in 700 acres of beautiful parkland and forest in the Suffolk countryside. Not far from Framlingham with easy access from the A12, Bruisyard Hall and Barn have been lovingly refurbished to a very high standard throughout. The hall can accommodate up to 24 people in its 12 bedrooms – perfect for the bridal party. And with over 45 rooms, including a games room and attic bar, there’s no chance of getting under each other’s feet. For more information please visit www.bruisyardhall.com or contact Serena Beddoes on 01728 639 000.
EAST relies totally on its volunteers both on and off the water (nobody gets paid). There’s not much sailing right now in the depths of winter, but there is still plenty of maintenance work to be done getting ready for the start of the new season. If you can sail or would like to learn, have a yacht or can help with admin, catering or maintenance and want to take part in this rewarding work, please get in touch. The East Anglian Sailing Trust is based at EAST Waterside Community Centre at Suffolk Yacht Harbour in Levington and it is a Royal Yachting Association (Sailability) Centre of Excellence. Contact EAST via www.east-anglian-sailing-trust.org.uk or phone 0333 088 3278. www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
Photo by James Davidson 21
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 748914 / stmarybramford@aol.com Assistant Curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250 www.stmarybramford.co.uk Please check porch notices for any changes. Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service SERVICES IN FEBRUARY Thursday 2 3pm United Service
Cherryfields
Sunday 5 10am
Fourth before Lent Parish Communion with Prayer for Healing
Bramford
6pm
Evening Prayer
Baylham
Sunday 12 8am
Third before Lent Holy Communion
Bramford
10am
Parish Communion
Nettlestead
5pm
Five o’clock Service
Bramford
Tuesday 14 11am
Communion Baylham Care Centre with Reserved Sacrament
Sunday 19 10am
Second before Lent Parish Communion Bramford
10am
Parish Communion
Baylham
opportunities to explore their spirituality in small groups. I am happy to look at putting together small groups for prayer or Bible Study and discussion, so please let me know if that is something you are interested in. Blessings Jenny Church events This month we will be having a book sale on Saturday, February 11 and, of course, our coffee morning will be on Saturday, February 25. How clean is our church? We are looking for volunteers to help with cleaning of the church. No experience needed! Those stalwarts who have for years shared the cleaning duties are getting fewer. We need to boost their numbers – the more people involved the less often your turn will come. If you can spare some time please contact Stewart: 01473 462231 Cleaning Rota: Mrs Bardwell Flower Rota: February 4 – J Paterson, 11 and 18 – D Heasley Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church January 17: In memory of Philip Stewart January 22: In memory of Maria Whight on her birthday February 22: In memory of Douglas Brown If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week. Bible readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It’s good to share the reading of scripture with Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, across the world.
Tuesday 21 2.30pm The Gathering
Church Room
Saturday 25 10am-Noon Coffee Morning
February 5 Isaiah 58: 1-9a (9b-12)
Church Room
Sunday 26 8am
Sunday before Lent Holy Communion
February 12 Deut 30:15-end
Bramford
10am
Family Worship
Bramford
Dear friends At the beginning of February it seems a long time since Christmas, but as I write we still have our Christmas decorations up and are trying to ignore the last Christmas chocolates. I am also starting to plan services for the year and look at new projects that we can become involved in as a church and community. After several years’ discussion at Little Blakenham, we have taken the decision, with the agreement and support of the bishop, to suspend our regular legal services and re-designate the church as a ‘festival church’. We hope that this will be a really positive move as the monthly services in the church have not been well attended for many years. Instead we will hold four or five specially planned ‘festival’ services each year alongside other events. This gives us the freedom to explore and have some fun, so watch this space! At Bramford we are putting some more unusual services in with our standard weekly communion. Our 5pm service has proved really popular with families. It’s great fun with storytelling, crafts, songs and time to socialise. Come along and give it a look. We are also hoping to relaunch our fourth Sunday 10am service this month to provide a link with the 5pm service. We hope that it will provide a crossover between the two, being held in the church and appealing to all ages. Again come along and give us a try. Church in your community is really changing. We have our traditional services, but we are also keen to try new things and provide worship for anyone who wishes to explore their spiritual side. With a view to this, several people have mentioned to me that they would like more regular 22
February 19 Gen 1:1-23
February 2 Exodus 24:12-end
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor 2:1-12(23-END)
Green Matt 5: 13-20
Third Sunday before Lent 1 Cor 3: 1-9
Purple Matt 5: 21-37
Second Sunday before Lent Romans 8:18-25
Purple Matt 6: 25-34
Sunday before Lent 2 Peter 1:16-end
Purple/Green Matt 17: 1-9
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH Minister: The Rev D Grimshaw, 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Church Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 Sunday Worship: 10.30am February 5: The Rev C Jowett February 12: The Rev T Brookes (Holy Communion) February 19: The Rev D Grimshaw February 26: Mr R Theobald The Computer Club meets each Monday evening from 7.30-9.30pm and Wednesday morning from 10am-noon during term. February 2: United Service at Cherryfields, 3pm February 14: Guest speaker The Rev J Fennel, 2pm February 18: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields, 10-11am February 19: Families@4, a very informal social get-together, 4-6pm. Come and go as you please, with tea provided. All welcome. February 28: Guest speaker Mr Tyler, River Gipping Trust, 2pm
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