In Touch
™© ™©
with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 9 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2019
Bramford Minis at the National Tennis Centre, p4
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Recently I spent time with an friend who is caring for her elderly dad. Sarah is exhausted, sad, stressed and worried, worn out from sleeping on chairs next to her dad’s hospital bed. She talked about the ongoing struggle to get the support they both need, the ever-changing nature of her dad’s condition and her fears for the future, but also of the people she calls ‘Angels’ who she has encountered along this difficult journey.
NEWS More tea Vicar?
These ‘Angels’ are few in number, but they stand out because they are so remarkable. One she particularly remembers is Sam. He operates the overnight tea trolley in A&E at their local hospital. A&E is never a pleasant place to be, particularly so at 3am, but when Sam arrived, pushing his tea trolley quietly so as not to disturb or agitate patients, my friend was amazed by his smile and the gentle manner in which he approached people. She watched him make his away around the room and was astonished by the effect he had. People returned his smile, grateful to have a hot drink and to chat for a moment to someone who actually looked happy to be there. As he approached, my friend prepared herself to speak for her dad, but Sam spoke directly to him. He said: “I have a cup of tea for you and something tells me you’d like it with sugar.” Her dad hadn’t said a word for hours, but to Sarah’s surprise he replied and he and Sam had a brief chat. When Sam departed with a smile and a wave, Sarah’s dad continued to chat into the morning. This one brief encounter had lifted his spirits and for a short time Sarah and her dad chatted about all and sundry. For this Sarah will forever be grateful to the ‘Angel’ with the tea trolley. I share this story because it has had such an impact on me. I have never been, and will never be, an ‘Angel’. I try to be positive, I really do, but it doesn’t come to me naturally. If I had to push a tea trolley around A&E at 3am I’d be more likely to leave a trail of despair. I dread to think what my work colleagues might have to say! When I’m feeling sorry for myself I think of Sam and my friend’s tears as she recalled her all to brief encounter with him. January is a difficult month for many people for many different reasons. Do you have the capacity to be an ‘Angel’ in someone’s life for a brief moment? I hope I do!
InTouch
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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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.
We also publish In Touch with... •B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
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FEBRUARY DEADLINE 10 JANUARY 2019
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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Our Wreath Festival at St Mary’s Church, Bramford on December 1 and 2 was an outstanding event, well attended and enjoyed by all who visited. All who, either as an individual or representing their club or organisation, made these truly unique creations are to be not only thanked, but praised for their efforts. Even the Rev Jenny made one using tea bags!
WHAT A WEIGHT TO GO! Super slimmers in Bramford have lost a whopping 1.5 tonnes in weight – that’s the equivalent of a large family car! The Bramford members, who attend the group every week, follow Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan created by the organisation’s team of expert nutritionists. It encourages them to fill up on satisfying foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish, pulses and fruit and veg. Rachel Hawley-Thomas (pictured) has lost three stone to drop from a size 20 to a 12. She says: “Filling up on lots of satisfying foods means you’re never hungry so I’ve never felt as though I was on a diet. Before I joined Slimming World I thought losing weight meant going to the gym and counting calories. But now I know it’s about making healthier choices about food and becoming a bit more active. “Reaching this milestone as a group just proves the huge change that we’ve all made to our lives, some people who’ve lost big amounts of weight have probably even saved their lives. It’s brilliant to celebrate together as well because that’s how we’ve been losing weight – together. Every week we support and encourage each other and share tips and recipes, and on top of that we have a lot of fun. “The support and inspiration we get from Liz, our consultant, has also been integral to our success. Because she’s lost weight herself, she understands the ups and downs of slimming and can offer us help and advice based on her own experience, without her I don’t think we’d have achieved nearly as much.” Liz says: “I’m delighted that my members have lost weight so beautifully. It has made a big difference to their lives and to other family members; all of them are happier and healthier now. Slimming has never been more important. In Ipswich 61.2 per cent of adults as classified as overweight or obese and I just want to help even more people to make real changes for life – there’s no better job satisfaction than that!” Liz’s group is held at The Church Rooms in Bramford every Monday at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. For more information or to join call Liz on 07986 434667.
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NEWS Bramford Minis at The National Tennis Centre
NEW LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS Following their successful 2018 pantomime, The Little Mermaid, Bar-Clay Music Makers made a very generous financial donation to the Blakenham, Barham & Claydon Community First Responder Group. This donation has enabled the responder group to buy two Cardiac Science G5 defibrillators to replace those which have been in use since the group became active in 2006. One of the new defibrillators has recently been used by a responder when the East of England Ambulance Service’s Emergency Operation Centre asked them to attend a 999 call for a person in cardiac arrest.
A group of 13 children from the LTA’s Tennis for Kids programme at Bramford Tennis Club received a unique opportunity to attend and play at the National Tennis Centre. Roehampton on Saturday, November 24. Tennis for Kids is the LTA’s flagship programme to introduce kids aged 5-11 to the sport of tennis. Sessions are delivered by specially-trained LTA Accredited Coaches and one such coach, Carl Douglas, who is head coach at both Bramford and Grundisburgh Tennis Clubs has successfully delivered 11 Tennis for Kids courses this year in our region, helping to introduce over 100 new kids to the sport.
With a countertop donation bucket, the staff and customers of Claydon Post Office raised £500. With this money, a training version of the G5 defibrillator has been purchased to enable the responder group’s members to practise their life-saving skills using the same model as they are now carrying in their medical aid kit bags. Claydon & Whitton Parish Council have also made donations to the responder group, which helps with the costs of procuring and maintaining their kit and clothing.
As a result of taking part, kids received a racket, t-shirt and set of balls, but more importantly the kids had lots of fun on the courses, meeting new friends and getting active on court. As a further benefit, Carl was also able to liaise with Sam Richardson and Joanna Horne from the LTA to organise a very special trip for the kids in his programme to the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton Upon arrival at the NTC, the kids were given an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the facilities including the high-tech gyms, hydrotherapy pool and the ice bath which was very chilly indeed! They also got to see the accommodation where players stay during warm up camps. While on the tour the kids were amazed to bump into some famous faces who were training at the NTC on the day including Johanna Konta (British Ladies No 1), Gael Monfils (French Men’s No 2) and Elina Svitolina (World No 4 and winner of the year end WTA Tour Finals). After a quick lunch, the kids then had two hours of fun games and competitions run by Carl on the indoor courts at the NTC. These were the same courts that players like Andy Murray and Jo Konta train on before major competitions so was an experience the kids will never forget and one that will hopefully inspire them for the future! Overall it was a great experience and the kids were real ambassadors for their club and the Tennis for Kids programme. Well done kids! See page 20 for more pictures.
Blakenham, Barham & Claydon Responder group received over 40 emergency medical emergency calls last year, attending patients who were unconscious or unresponsive or suffering from chest pains, breathing difficulties, allergic reactions and injuries sustained after falls and other medical ailments. On most occasions a Community First Responder was the first medically trained person to get to the scene. In the vital minutes before the arrival of an ambulance, they gave valuable care not only to the patient, but also to their families, and then provided assistance to the ambulance crews. Blakenham, Barham & Claydon First Responders are one of over 60 selffunded Community First Responder groups in Suffolk whose members give their time and effort voluntarily to directly help people in their community and to support the East of England Ambulance Service by attending medical emergencies in their local area. The support and encouragement received from all organisations and individuals is very much appreciated. The financial donations allow the responders to maintain their medical kit and equipment in good order and up to date. For further information about the East of England Ambulance Service’s Community First Responder Scheme, please visit: www.eastamb.nhs.uk/jointhe-team/community-first-responders Alternatively contact the Suffolk & South Cambridgeshire Community Collaboration Manager at: suffolkresponder@eastamb.nhs.uk For an informal chat about being a CFR please contact our group co-ordinator, Alan Seager: 07766 443400 Pictured left to right: Alan Seager (Responder), Vanessa Wingard and Alison Ruffles from Claydon Post Office, Linda Pullen and Vera Rogers from Bar-Clay Music Makers, Gail Cornish from Claydon & Whitton Paris Council and Dick Bound (Responder) / Photo courtesy of Geoff Rogers – Ideas into Print
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BRAMFORD & DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY
71-73 The Street, Bramford IP8 4DX. Tel: 01473 745198
Pip’s Tree Services Pruning, shaping and reductions. Felling and dismantling. Hedge cutting and stump grinding.
Contact me for a free quote or advice:
Sat 12th
SHOOT THE DRUMMER
Thurs 17th QUiz Sat 19th
DURANGO
4 PiEcE 50s/60s bAND
Wed 23rd KARAOKE
Thurs 24th biNGO Sat 26th 80s NiTE WiTH THE A TEAM
Philippa@pipstreeservices.co.uk
First 3 Wednesdays of the month Line Dancing. Come along and have a go. Every Sunday night Bingo at 8pm
07538 797 302
• Sunday lunches 12-3 pm • Thursday lunches 12-2pm • Bar meals Friday evenings •
All Aspects of tree work undertaken.
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For all food enquiries please contact Suzi Q on 07824830152
REGULAR DARTS, CRIB, KARAOKE, POOL AND SNOOKER NIGHTS DURING THE WEEK. MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE NOW. We have a snooker room, pretty outside seating area and hot drinks available at the bar – so come and join us for coffee or beer.
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: DECEMBER 2018 Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you and the Suffolk economy prosper in 2019 despite the challenge of whatever occurs on March 29. Locality Funds Your district councillors – John Whitehead, James Caston, Kevin Welsby and myself – all get a Locality Budget of around £6,000 to help community groups to deliver projects. I get a further similar sum from the county. If there are further things you want to do could you let us know before the end of January. Increase in insurance pay-outs Between 1 January and 16 October last year, Suffolk Highways have already paid out £67,819.07 for vehicle damage including costs and legal fees. This is a dramatic increase from the £26,004.63 for the whole of 2017. The number of claims has also more than doubled from 598 in 2017 to 1,265 in 2018. This shows the cost of not getting potholes fixed quickly and the problems that Suffolk residents suffer. The county must do better. Pension Fund The local government pension fund has performed well and is now worth almost £3,000m. It covers county and district staff, many academies and town and parish council staff and is now 92 to 97 percent funded. The level changes day to day as Brexit and other economic news drives the costs and share values up and down. It does have some funds in companies that produce fossil fuels and supply tobacco. It will look again at this around March to decide if it is proper. Is it reasonable to consider just the financial duty to the pensioners and their employers, or should the damage to the environment and people’s health count as well? The Incinerator As I type, Suffolk County Council is considering a further re-financing of the incinerator. Currently the money is borrowed by Suez as part of the contract that saw them finance, build and run the plant. The county can borrow through the Public Works Loan Board at a fixed rate lower that Suez can. So, there is a significant cost saving if SCC takes on a bit more of the risk of plant ownership. The SCC investment will increase by another £10.2m, and the council will own 28.4 per cent of the plant value in total. The net present value of the saving will be £5.1m. Scrutiny The top level view of the budget proposals for next year were scrutinised on November 22. The basic assumptions on income are:
The inflation assumptions are two per cent on wages or three per cent on purchased materials and services. The cost pressures in ACS include the ageing population and the increasing complexity of need. In CYP we are seeing increasing numbers of children with learning or behavioural difficulties. The Transformation Programmes are targeting considerable savings at £13m and, in addition, there will be a need for ‘tactical savings’. Tactical savings will total £11.2m and proposals include: • • • • • • • • • •
Phased removal of Citizens Advice Grant Staffing reduction (totalling £3m) across all directorates Reduce Housing Related Support and hostel beds Negotiate care pricing Stop displaying bus timetables at the roadside Reduce spend on sponsored bus services Reduce Suffolk Highways out-of-hours stand-by service and winter support fleet Stop road sign cleaning and only maintain mandatory road markings Turn more streetlights off overnight Cease accreditation of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme (the scheme will continue, however organisations will license themselves directly with the charity rather than through SCC)
• Council tax will be increased by 2.99 per cent and the Social Care Precept by one per cent. The council tax base will increase by one per cent.
The saving on the CAB grant is particularly difficult to understand. This is a charity that delivers high value at low cost as much advice is given by volunteers.
• No estimates have been made for the value of the chancellors’ recent announcements of extra funding.
I do have Twitter (@JohnFieldjd) and Facebook (fieldjd) accounts and my website is at: www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org
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NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH – GATHERING
BRAMFORD WI Hello everyone, it’s strange thinking about a new year when we have only just reached December! This is to remind you that our next meeting will be on Monday, January 14. It will be a talk entitled A Royal Year by Ken Stone. We will be at our usual venue, The Loraine Victory Hall, starting at 7.30pm. The competition is A Royal Souvenir; like me, you may have to tidy your cupboards to find something! Happy New Year to you all.
BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP Our speaker in January will be David Hedges who will be telling us about the tunnels at Arras. For those of you who haven’t heard about them, the people of Arras used old working tunnels for shelter and other things during the wars. The tunnels made a lot of difference to their lives in more ways than one. It’s going to be an interesting evening. The meeting will be on Thursday, January 17 in the Church Room starting at 7.30pm as usual. Non-members welcome, £3.
BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP We are back to normal for our two mornings this month, which will be on the second and fourth Tuesdays, January 8 and 22. Times and venue unchanged, 9.30am to noon in the Parish Room. Hope you’ve all had a lovely Christmas and New Year and are raring to go with crafts and Scrabble. Look forward to seeing you then.
We had a great afternoon for our December meeting. Sadly it was the last meeting in charge for our leaders of many years, Janet Read and Judy Kemish. They have done a fabulous job working hard to keep our ladies and gentlemen entertained and well looked after. We have three willing people who will make sure this happy club keeps going. If there is someone who feels they would like to come and help us please get in touch with Sue on 01473 462599 or Val on 01473 749686. Our January meeting will be as usual on the third Tuesday of the month and we welcome any new people who would like to come and see what we do. It’s a club for over-60s and we are happy and friendly and enjoy ourselves. If a lift is needed please call Val: 01473 749686
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50’s CLUB Open to anyone over-50 living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The building is fully accessible. The cost per meeting is £2 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and the raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. At our November meetings we had a visit from Wiltshire Farm Foods which was very interesting and included some very nice sampling! Sandra hosted a Call my Bluff afternoon for our last meeting of the year. This proved very entertaining. Do you know the meaning of ‘sestina’, ‘tussah’, ‘whydah’ or ‘nankeen’? Something to keep you occupied if you get bored! At the time of writing we had not yet been for our Christmas meal and when next I write Christmas and New Year celebrations will be well and truly over! We reconvene on January 9 (weather permitting) and will have a noisy afternoon with a beetle drive. 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
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, the club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) from 2-4pm. The building is fully accessible. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. If you prefer to bring your own project the charge is £1.50. We don’t meet in January but will start again on February 4. Our programme for 2019 is: February 4: New Year New Life March 4: Seaside April 1: Fact and Fantasy May 13: Village Life and Little Mice June 3: Summer Sewing July 1: A Bit of Bling August 5: Autumn’s Coming September 2: Take Heart October 7: Fabric Cards November 4: Christmas Cards with a Twist December 2: AGM Perhaps we may see you at our meetings? There is currently room for new members so please get in touch if you would like to join us. Although the club is all ladies at present, gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children.
Somersham Women’s Institute Happy New Year! Somersham WI has a fantastic year of meetings planned, including a birds of prey demo, a talk from Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses and Suffolk MIND, an ex-forensics expert, gardening and so much more. We are looking forward to continuing with some crafting throughout the year as well as supporting the national resolution ‘mental health matters’ in our communities. Our January meeting is on Monday 21, and guests are always welcome. We are a friendly bunch of ladies, and very welcoming. New membership starts in January; if you wish to join the subscription is £41 for the year which includes all your meetings and more. Pop on over to our website to have a look at all the information (link above). We welcome women of all ages andlook forward to seeing old friends and new in January. We continue to meet on the third Monday of the month. www.somershamwi.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/SomershamWI
Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
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NEWS BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet every Wednesday from January 9. Meetings are in the upstairs room of the Methodist Church in Bramford from 10am until noon. Membership, payable in September, is £1 per academic year, with a charge of £3 for each two-hour session. Broadband and refreshments are available. We have no fixed programme, but are here to help you to get the best out of your computer. Why not give us a try?
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB The club had a very successful and enjoyable 2018 with a variety of excellent speakers which included a talk on the art of willow weaving, geraniums, hanging baskets and garden design. We also had two very enjoyable evening visits out to different gardens. Hopefully 2019 will be just as successful. We have a full programme for the year starting on Monday, January 14 with a talk on the Isle of Wight by Chris Parfitt. Chris is an excellent speaker on many subjects. If you would care to join us, the meeting starts at 7.30pm in Offton and Willisham Village Hall. Members, guests and visitors will be made most welcome; please ring 01473 254941/830600.
The 24th Ipswich Scout Group is holding its monthly jumble sale on Saturday, January 5, 1-3pm at 24th Scout HQ, 330a Bramford Road, Ipswich (beside the railway bridge). Come and bag a bargain! Did you once belong to a youth organisation where you learnt various skills? If so you could be passing on those skills to the youth of today in your community. If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact Graham: 07943 895907 / gjlparker@btinternet.com
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS November saw us welcome the East Anglian Air Ambulance with their very enlightening talk on their role in the community and the extremely necessary service that they provide. While we all hope that we will never have to use their services, we know that they are there for us. We are at present organising our Christmas meeting and have arranged a meal at The Wild Man in January. Happy New Year to you all, Eunice
BRAMFORD COFFEE MORNING ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, January 12, 9am-12.30pm. All your favourite market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. 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
IPSWICH & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired gentlemen. We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com
The coffee morning will be held at the Methodist Church in The Street on Saturday, January 19 from 10-11am. Tea and coffee and a variety of cakes, savouries and preserves will be available for purchase. This is a good chance to get to know some of your fellow villagers, so please give it a try.
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/village 5A Sproughton 5B Sproughton 5C Bramford 5D Bramford 5E Great Blakenham 5F Great Blakenham 5G Baylham 5H Claydon 5I Claydon 5J Barham 5K Bramford
Location Church Lane Wild Man St Mary’s Close Paper Mill Lane Chequers Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Post Box Crown Edinburgh Gardens Bacon Road Packard Place
Time 9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-1055am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm
DATE: January 15
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 13A 13B 13C 13D 13E 13F 13G 13H 13I 13J 13K 13L 13M
Town/village Crowfield Coddenham Barham Creeting St Mary Creeting St Mary Creeting St Peter Earl Stonham Little Stonham Little Stonham Mickfield Church Stonham Aspal Pettaugh Henley
Location Lay by Haysel House Sorrel Horse Whissels Farm Village Hall The Lane Village Hall Church Magpie Inn Debenham Road Walnut Tree Meadow Old Bull Garage
Time 9.25-09.45am 9.55-10.50am 11-11.10am 11.20-11.30am 11.35-11.45am 11.55am-12.10pm 12.20-12.50pm 2-2.10pm 2.15-2.25pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm
DATE: January 25
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SUFFOLK PLANT HERITAGE EVENTS Saturday, January 26: All My Own Work – The Essex Garden of Lady Bing by Jan Michalak. Members free, guests £5. Saturday, February 23: Tales from a Norwegian Garden by Tommy Tonsberg. Members free, guests £5.
SOMERSHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL Mid-day Assistant – Lunchtimes
Saturday, March 23: Special Event Bulbs for all Seasons by Anna Pavord. Members £8, guests £15. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Isobel Ashton: 01284 754993
We require a midday dinner lady to work one hour or one hour and 20 minutes on one, two or three days per week at our friendly school. You will be part of a team of five ladies. This will include setting up the dinner hall, overseeing the children while eating their dinners and in their play outside.
Saturday, April 27: Looking Back at English Garden Daffodils by Sally Kington. Members free, guests £5.
First Aid training is desired, but not essential and courses can be arranged.
All talks are held in Stowupland Village Hall IP14 4BQ at 2.30pm.
BRAMFORD PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of another term. We have all been really busy at the pre-school. The children have been making Christmas cards and decorations and writing their letters to Father Christmas, as well as practising their songs for our Christmas Carol Concert, which was enjoyed by their families. The children performed their songs again to the residents of Cherryfields, when we visited a couple of weeks ago. The term finished, as always, with our Christmas Party. The children had lots of fun with dancing, party games and a visit from Father Christmas himself! We would like to thank everyone who supported our annual pamper and shopping event in November. The evening raised in excess of £400 for the pre-school. Our next fundraising event will be on April 23 when we will be hosting an evening with medium Ryan Gooding. Tickets go on sale in the New Year. Watch this space for further information. If you are interested in your child joining us or would just like further information, please contact us at: bramford.playgroup@btinternet.com / 01473 740782 We welcome enquiries, however far in advance. Our sessions are already filling up fast for the 2019/20 school year.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a really enjoyable Christmas. Thank you to all the children and parents who gave us Christmas cards and presents. The children’s Christmas Nativity was lovely, with excellent singing and Makaton signing. Thank you to all the parents who purchased their children’s lovely craft work. The Christmas party was also lots of fun, and a visit from Father Christmas with his presents for the children went down brilliantly. We are all looking forward to the start of the new spring term and to doing some winter craft. UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, February 7: We are holding a Ryan Gooding Psychic Night at Claydon & Barham Community Centre starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 each and available from Claydon Pre-school, the community centre or by calling 07914 994170. This fundraising event is open to everyone. As we are now open all year (except bank holidays and the Christmas period) we can take children up to five years old for additional sessions during the school holiday weeks, subject to availability. If you would like to book any days during the Holidays, please contact the administration dssistant for more details. We can take children who are entitled to 30 hours funding. Simply register at Childcare Choices to find out if you are eligible. 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
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If you are interested in one, two or three sessions please contact the school. If you can help in any way, I’m sure you would enjoy being part of our lovely school. If you would like a chat to clarify things, or just to pop into the school to see the school in action, please call Mrs Maguire: 01473 831251
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL It gives me great pleasure to share with you the events, activities and news in school, particularly as the month of December is always full of festivities and celebrations. At the end of November a group of language students visited the province of Seville in Spain to take part in a week long exchange trip. Students took part in organised group activities during the day, staying with their host families each evening and over the weekend. This was a fantastic opportunity, allowing students to soak up the culture, practise the language and experience the wider world, developing key life skills. We look forward to the return exchange when the Spanish students visit us in March. Families, friends, governors, teachers and students were treated to a festive evening of music on December 11, at the school’s Countdown to Christmas concert. The evening featured over 20 separate performances involving more than 60 students across all year groups. With vocal and instrumental solo and ensemble pieces interspersed with traditional carols and an opportunity to warm up with some hot chocolate and mince pies, it was a lovely evening. The dedication, commitment and hard work from students and staff was certainly evident and my thanks and congratulations go to all involved. Once again students surpassed expectations for the eighth year running and created an amazing range of Christmas hampers which were donated to a local charity, The Chapman Centre, part of IHAG (Ipswich Housing Action Group) who provide relief for people in the community suffering from extreme financial poverty or homelessness. I am always impressed with the special effort our students make and would like to thank parents and carers for their help and contributions from home. Year 11 students took part in their annual Learning about Work Day. Local employers and business leaders joined us to teach students key skills when applying for jobs/apprenticeships. Activities on the day (and leading up to the event) included CV preparation, writing letters and mock interviews. The feedback from our guests was very positive with comments about their maturity, commitment and the way they conducted themselves throughout the day. Sincere thanks to all our guests for giving up your valuable time to support with this event. Our former Year 11 students who left us in the summer returned to Claydon High School on the penultimate week of term for a presentation evening where they were awarded with their GCSE certificates and special subject achievement awards, recognising individual commitment and progress. It was really lovely to spend the evening with them and to hear about how they are getting on in this next phase of their lives. We are all extremely proud of all aspects of their success and achievement and wish them all the very best for whatever the future brings. 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 Monday, January 22. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders to book a place: 01473 836110 Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor
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Sport BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB
CLAYDON FC
New Year’s Resolution We hope that you all had a fantastic Christmas break and are looking forward to an exciting 2019. The club’s tennis programme continues all year round so if you have set yourself a New Year’s resolution to get fit in 2019 why not come along and try your hand at tennis? We are a friendly and welcoming group so don’t be shy; come along and see us and kick start your new fun filled fitness programme.
Fencing Work Starts at Blue Circle Work to secure the Blue Circle pitches and training ground has now started with the fencing being erected over the next few weeks. This work will ensure the security of the site and protect us from vandalism and unwanted visitors and, in addition, provide additional protection for those using the site during the week or on game day at the weekend. Look out for progress updates over the next few weeks on Facebook and Twitter!
Bramford Minis at The National Tennis Centre
Clubhouse Renovations Started The second phase of club house renovations has started. The changing rooms, shower and toilet facilities, as well as a number of storage areas, are being completely removed and reinstated to provide more modern facilities for use by all the teams at the club. We play around six games every weekend at the ground and the home and, once the works are completed, away teams will have facilities that are up to the expectations of the modern era. In addition, the new facilities will provide cleaner and more accessible toilets for the hundreds of site visitors on match day. This work is being made possible by a grant from Viridor Credits which the executive committee, club, players and parents are very grateful to for their continued support. Mixbrow Donate Portacabin
Mixbrow, a local construction company, have generously donated a large portacabin to the club which will be turned into new changing facilities over the next few months. As the club has expanded, with the additional senior team added this season, we are in need of further changing and shower facilities and this will provide them to the senior and junior teams at the club. All at the club would like to thank Darren Webb and all at Mixbrow for the support.
At the end of 2018 we were delighted to be invited to take a number of our mini tennis junior players to the National Tennis Centre at Roehamptom. The kids had a behind-the-scenes tour at the LTA’s leading tennis training facility and even got to see Johanna Konta who was practising on the court right next to us! The kids and parents had a fantastic day. (See page 4) We also continue to run our mini tennis squads, but are hoping to relocate to an indoor venue at Great Blakenham Village Hall on Tuesday evenings for the remainder of the winter period. For more information about junior coaching get in touch with Carl. Fast4 and Cardio Tennis Our Tennis Tuesdays ladies’ group (6.30pm every Tuesday) are now taking part in a friendly league based on Fast4 Tennis rules where the sets are shorter, there are no lets and no advantages, so the pace of the game is much faster. Our cardio group (7pm on Thursday) also goes from strength to strength so if you love fitness workouts where you can burn up to 600 calories per session why not come along and give it a go. Contact coach Carl for further details. To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub Teams: grahamcbramford@btinternet.com / 07981 842517 Coaching enquiries: carl.douglas@talk21.com / 07553 966380
www.keepingintouchwith.com/bramford
Aviva Communities Trust The club has been awarded a community Trust award from Aviva which is being used to part fund the new changing rooms being created using the portacabin. Work on this project will start in the new year and is being undertaken by volunteers at the club, if you think you can help and would like to volunteer please contact us at: events@claydon-fc.co.uk
CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB Feeling full and ever so slightly guilty about the amount you have eaten over the festive season? Why not get back into badminton right on your doorstep here at Claydon High School. Claydon & District Badminton Club is a social badminton club which meets on Monday nights from 7-9pm during school term time in Claydon High School Sports Hall. Although we are a popular club we have some space and you would be very welcome. If you fancy a game you can have a free taster session. Come along to meet us and have a few games at the Sports Hall on any Monday night during school term – our season started in September and we’ll have a short break over Christmas, but start again in January. For more information visit our website www.claydonbadminton@wordpress.com or get in touch with C&DBC chairman Dik Langan: 01473 831692 / claydonbadminton@dnacomputing.co.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START Home-Start met Lauren and her family shortly after their new baby was diagnosed with brain damage. Lauren and her husband were completely overwhelmed with the emotional and practical demands of caring for a baby suffering with multiple seizures and being unsettled day and night, while also trying to juggle the needs of their other children. Life was turned upside down for the family with hospital appointments, admissions and the worry of an unknown future. Their Health Visitor referred them to Home-Start Suffolk, who introduced them to Ruth, a trained HomeStart volunteer. Ruth visits Lauren and the children once a week, providing support when Lauren’s husband works late. Having Ruth there to share the load enables all of the children to get vital one-on -ne attention: reading, playing or doing school work. Mum or Ruth cook dinner and they all sit together while Ruth holds or sings to the baby. Lauren’s evenings are less chaotic and easier to manage with Ruth’s help. Lauren says she felt “immediately at ease” with Ruth and found it easy to talk to her when she was having a difficult week. Although the family’s situation is the same, her visits have allowed the family time to adjust and explore what ongoing support is needed and available to them.
COULD YOU BE A YOUNG SHADOW TRUSTEE? Community Action Suffolk has launched an appeal to identify a new Young Shadow Trustee who will have a pivotal post in contributing to how the organisation is run, and how it portrays the county’s youth contingent. It’s the first time CAS has chosen to include a dedicated Young Shadow Trustee on their board, and comes as part of the organisation’s desire to reflect more diversity. A Suffolk-based programme to support young trustees has been in place since last year, led by CAS, and now sees a total of 10 younger persons in place with the region’s charities. Charities in Suffolk with an existing Young Shadow Trustee include the University of Suffolk Students’ Union, Suffolk Mind, Suffolk Artlink and St Elizabeth Hospice. The person for the newly created Community Action Suffolk role will need to be between 18 and 25, and will be prepared to offer around four hours per month. They will not be able to vote in their position, but will develop leadership skills, increased knowledge in business and finance, and will receive training and mentoring. Meetings are mainly held in Ipswich and travel expenses should be covered.
Home-Start in Suffolk has family support volunteering opportunities all across Suffolk. Although we value parenting experience, you don’t have to have children or grandchildren of your own to help. You just need a little time and a willingness to make a difference. By joining our team, you will receive accredited training, ongoing support and friendship. Our volunteers support a family on a weekly basis for between two and four hours.
Janet Perry, Youth Volunteering Development Officer for Community Action Suffolk, said: “Since Community Action Suffolk has been leading the Suffolk Young Trustee Programme in the county, we’ve received such great feedback from charities about the benefits of having a clear youth perspective as part of their team.”
If you think you could give some of your time to support a Suffolk family, please contact Fiona on 01473 621104. By giving the gift of time, you will help to change the lives of families in Suffolk.
If you are interested in this or other young trustee placements contact Janet Perry at: janet.perry@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM The family will still be staying at the vicarage, but I will be away for quite a proportion of the time for a mixture of retreat and holiday. I hope to come back refreshed and renewed, with some new ideas! So be warned!
Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 747819 / revjseggar@outlook.com www.stmarybramford.co.uk
In the meantime, keep a close eye on In Touch not only for service schedules, but also for details of the Lent course.
Please check porch notices for any changes. SERVICES IN JANUARY
Blessings to you all, The Rev Jenny Seggar
Sunday, January 6: Epiphany 10am Parish Communion, Bramford
TWO BIG THANK YOUS
Sunday, January 13: Baptism of Christ 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm Five o’clock Service, Bramford Tuesday, January 15 Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Wednesday, January 16 7.30pm Healing Service, Methodist Church Sunday, January 20: Epiphany 2 9am Parish Communion, Bramford 11am Parish Communion, Baylham
Also, thanks must go to all those who made wreaths for our ‘alternate’ Wreath Festival. The weekend proved to be very popular with many ingenious ideas covering a wide range of subjects. We are really happy with your help in making this a successful event. Stewart & Wendy Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church
Tuesday, January 22 2pm
We would like to thank all the ladies who gave up their time to make wreaths and tributes for us to sell. We are pleased to say that we managed to raise over £300, though the final figure is not available yet.
December: In memory of Terry Rampling
The Gathering, Church Room
January: In memory of Terry Rampling
Saturday, January 26 10am-noon Coffee Morning, Church Room
January: In memory of Hilda and Jock Brady, much loved parents of Patricia Brady
Sunday, January 27: Epiphany 3 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Christingle Service, Bramford
January: In memory of Joyce and Ronnie Goodall, much loved parents of Susan Goodall January: In memory of Marg and Bub Hayes, much loved parents of Jane Maria Whight on her birthday
Dear Friends, I hope you have managed to have a good Christmas. As I write it is the beginning of December, and we have just had a wonderful Christmas Bazaar and wreath exhibition in the church. It really helped to get us into the Christmas spirit, and, as always, we saw many of you on the afternoon of the bazaar. I would like to thank all of those who organised it, and who made the wonderful wreaths which adorned the church. It was amazing how inventive everybody was; we had wreathes made out of everything from recycled plastic bags to wool!
If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week.
January 6 Epiphany Isa. 60: 1-6 Eph. 3: 1-12
Gold or White Matt. 2: 1-12
As we start a new year I am taking 12 weeks study leave and so will be back just before Easter. While I am away services will continue and we will still be able to help out with funerals, weddings and baptisms. Any enquiries about these services will need to be made to the Rev Diane Williams, our rural dean, (01449 720316). For general church enquiries you can continue to contact the churchwardens in our four parishes who will point you in the right direction.
January 13 Isa. 43: 1-7
White or Gold Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22
LECTIONARY 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.
Baptism of Christ Acts 8: 14-17
January 20 Epiphany 2 Isa. 62: 1-5 1 Cor. 12: 1-11
White John 2: 1-11
January 27 Epiphany 3 Neh. 8:1-3,65-6,8-10 H1Cor 12: 12-31a
White or Gold Luke 4:L 14-21
SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship: Sunday 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion on the 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: Thursday, February 7 at noon Friends and Neighbours: Monday,January 21, 7.45pm CONTACTS Mark Newcombe, Pastor 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100
WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER
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CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 Please feel free to contact either of us with any queries. Baptisms, marriages and funerals by arrangement with the minister, who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound. Sunday 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every third Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. plus free leaflet to take home.
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea and a children’s activity; come and go as you please (once a month – please check diary). Not a service but our minister usually joins us. Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) 7.30-8.30pm: Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing (second Wednesday) Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday) Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month *followed by tea/coffee DIARY FOR JANUARY Thursday 3
3pm United Service at Cherryfields
Sunday 6
10.30am Morning Worship
Tuesday 8
2pm Nigel Howard, Bramford Water Meadows (BOS)
Sunday 13
10.30am Morning Worship, Mr B Nichols
Saturday 19 10am Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church Sunday 20
10.30am Annual Covenant Service Morning Worship with Holy Communion, Rev D Grimshaw
Monday 21
2pm Bible Study
Tuesday 22
2pm Mrs Alyson Ellis
Sunday 27
10.30am Morning Worship, Mrs C Almond 4-6pm Families@4, Rev D Grimshaw Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
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