In Touch
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with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham Volume 10 • Issue No. 3 • JANUARY 2020
Fabulous Frosty Mornings by Sheila Sawers
BRAMFORD & DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY
71-73 The Street, Bramford IP8 4DX. Tel: 01473 745198
Thurs 2nd QUIZ Sat 11th FIRST WEEKEND BACK Thurs 16th Sat 18th Wed 22nd Thurs 23rd Sat 25th Wed 29th Thurs 30th
WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM HEARTBEAT QUIZ
KEITH JAMES
STEPHANIE CARR BINGO
SUN OF ELVIS ANDY OTTLEY KARAOKE QUIZ
• Su
• Sunday lunches 12-3 pm • Thursday lunches 12-2pm • Bar meals Friday evenings • 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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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I am utterly addicted to and obsessed by Leonard Cohen, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover a new album was to be released three years after his death. Thanks for the Dance has been arranged by Leonard’s son Adam and features various collaborators and previously unheard material. Every line is a masterpiece, all the more poignant because it was written and recorded when he was “Waiting for the miracle to come”. Death and dying have always been key themes of his work, but is it fair to refer to the man who said “The older I get, the surer I am that I’m not running the show” as ‘the grandfather of gloom’?
NEWS FOR THE LOVE OF LOCAL MUSIC & MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
I go to one or other of his albums for inspiration, comfort, reassurance, hope and even humour. Tonight Will Be Fine always makes me smile: Sometimes I find I get to thinking of the past. We swore to each other then that our love would surely last. You kept right on loving, I went on a fast, Now I am too thin and your love is too vast. And the ultimate love song must surely be If I Didn’t Have Your Love: If the sun would lose its light And we lived an endless night And there was nothing left That you could feel That’s how it would be My life would seem to me If I didn’t have your love To make it real I can’t imagine a world without music (it doesn’t have to be Leonard Cohen all the time), but for others it might be art or theatre, movies or even long walks in the countryside which provide the indefinable something which makes life better. Whatever it may be, I hope you find time and space to indulge in it this year. Maybe we can help you find it if you haven’t already! And when you’re having a bad day… “Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.” Leonard Cohen
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In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Friday 10 January Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources
Please recycle.
is the advertising and editorial deadline for the February edition
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The chairman of Bramford and District Social Cub has reached the target he set himself of raising £50,000 for the UK’s leading cancer support charity. Roy Clover (76) held a jam session and band showcase at the club on Sunday 24 November. This was the last of his fundraising events this year in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Local fundraising manager Nicola Clark attended to celebrate Roy reaching his target and to thank him and all those that have supported his fundraising. Roy said: ‘’This was a very special event for me, not only celebrating reaching the £50,000 target, but another chance to meet up with all my old musician friends once again. Every year for the last 20, we have held a fundraising night for Macmillan at Bramford Social Club. This consisted of entertainment by a top local band for dancing and a massive draw and auction. Also, my family and friends help in any way they can to help raise money.” Nicola said: “Cancer is life-changing, but with the right support, life with cancer is still life and we help people live it. At Macmillan, we know how cancer can affect everything. Not just your health. We’re here to help people live life, no matter what, but we can’t do it without the amazing people who fundraise for us. “We are almost entirely funded by donations and simply cannot support the growing number of people who need us without help. We can’t thank Roy enough for his commitment to fundraising for the charity and inspiring so much support through his events each year. He has exceeded his target, now raising over £50,819 for the charity with more funds still coming in.” Pictured left to right are Tracie Heffer (club manager), Colin Sparrow (vice-chairman), Roy Clover (chairman), Gloria Clover and Nicola Clarke.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP Each year before Christmas volunteers make holly decorations which are sold in aid of St Mary’s Church, Bramford. A huge thank you to the six ladies who helped me to make more than 50 decorations that sold like hot cakes at the WI Bazaar. Also thanks to all our loyal customers. Another big thank you goes to those who generously donate holly and other greenery from their gardens, as without their donations we would be unable to make the decorations. Wendy McGinty
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NEWS
LORAINE VICTORY HALL, BRAMFORD BRAMFORD GUIDE & SCOUT HQ 100 CLUB Nearly 40 years ago Bramford Guides and Scouts took over the newly converted ‘Old School’ building in Bramford as their HQ and have met there ever since. Recently we have been busy fundraising to completely refurbish our kitchen and toilets and we are pleased to say that the kitchen has now been completed – and it looks fabulous. Thanks are due to the fundraising team led by Sarah, to The KBB Centre for overseeing and doing most of the work, to Suffolk County Councillor John Field for a generous grant from his locality budget which paid for the electrical work, and to all the parents and friends who have given their financial support to the project. Now we want to get the toilets done, including a disabled toilet, as soon as possible. To help with fundraising we have launched a 100 Club which will run for the twelve months of 2020. We have made a good start with members, but we need a few more, so if you would like to help us, here are the details: Numbers will be £2 a month, so £24 for the whole year (to be paid in full before January 15). There will be a draw at the end of every month; prizes will be £50 for first, £30 for second and £20 for third (subject to us selling 100 numbers), with the other 50 per cent of the monthly income going towards the project. If you are interested in buying a number or you have any queries, please email: sarah@kbbeastanglia.co.uk
The hall committee would like to wish all the hirers of the hall a Happy New Year. We are looking for a treasurer, so if you have a few hours a month to spare we would love to hear from you. All expenses will be paid. Please apply to the hall chairman, Barry Earthy on 01473 749033.
GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD Scrutiny We had a presentation of the county’s Transformation programmes and the basis for the budget on December 19 and will scrutinise the proposals on January 7. By then it will be difficult, if not impossible to make alterations. However, we must understand just which groups of people will benefit or suffer from the changes proposed and try to achieve improvements. Any benefit from the promises being made during the election period would not feed through for some time, but the officers are not expecting any substantial changes immediately. Should we leave the EU, budgets will probably, in time, be cut to match a reduced GDP but that is for another year. 2019/20 Budget Monitoring: Quarter Two We now expect the main county budget to be overspent by £0.2m at the year end and the dedicated schools grant budget by £6.3m, tiny percentages of the total. The main areas of budget pressure are still within Adult and Community Services, Children and Young People and Growth, Highways and Infrastructure. Civil parking enforcement across Suffolk The police are responsible for parking enforcement across Suffolk, except within Ipswich Borough Council. The police lack resources so legislation to allow all districts to be responsible for their own areas is with parliament. This is at last moving ahead and will be finished by end January. The MidSuffolk and Babergh area will be covered by West Suffolk and Ipswich Borough Councils. Rights of Way Improvement Plan Published Suffolk County Council has a new Rights of Way Improvement Plan. It focuses on managing and improving green access infrastructure, promoting green access and developing healthy and sustainable communities. Sustainable travel choices and the health benefits of walking and cycling are encouraged. A digital map of the county’s footpaths and bridleways will be created and a new system to prioritise maintenance of highly used routes. Review of School Transport Policy Confirmed Councillor Mary Evans has apologised to families affected by the new School Transport Policy and has confirmed that there will be a review. However, it is likely that this will only focus on the implementation of the new policy, rather than the inherent problems with the policy itself. There has been a large increase in transport appeals: 141 from 1 July to 18 October, compared to an average of just 21 for the same period in previous years. Over 70 per cent of these have been decided in favour of parents. MSDC Environment and Climate Change Working Group Our second meeting was on biodiversity and the need to preserve and enhance habitats if we are to get anywhere with halting the rapid decline in many species. We asked that planning policies in the new local plan be adjusted to ensure developers preserve and enhance habitat. Happy New Year! If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT Bramford Parish Council Bramford Parish Council would like to thank former chair Gareth Key for all his work over recent years (Gareth resigned from the council in November) and welcome in the new chair (still unconfirmed as I write). The council’s end-of-year accounts will soon be finalised in advance of the annual internal audit, where policies, procedures and general governance will be assessed, and potential recommendations made to ensure the council is working in the best interests of the community and that public funds are being managed appropriately.
FUN QUIZZES AT BRAMFORD CHURCH ROOM
Here’s hoping the long, drawn-out process to upgrade the council’s online cashbook system has been successfully completed to assist our clerk in completing the paperwork necessary for this important review.
Our next quiz evening is Thursday 2 January, starting at 7.30pm in Bramford Church Room, followed by Thursdays 6 February, 5 March and 2 April.
Here’s also hoping our new councillors are settling into their new roles and that the new year brings more interest in the couple of vacancies still available.
Individuals and pairs are always welcome, or come as a table of four. It’s still just £3 per person with food included.
Please contact the parish clerk, Diana Stroh, for further details: bramfordparishcouncil@btinternet.com
Please reserve your table in advance as the number of tables we can accommodate is limited. All enquiries to David Thompson: 07711 388377
BRAMFORD COFFEE MORNING The next coffee morning will be from 10-11am on Saturday 18 January in Cherryfields, Gippingstone Road, Bramford. Tea, coffee, cakes, cards and calendars will be on sale and there will be a variety of jams and pickles being sold for charity. This is a good chance to meet fellow villagers and to chat in a warm, friendly atmosphere, so why not join us?
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello everyone, By the time you read this, the new year will be upon us, so I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe 2020. PC Diane Porter has now retired and I am continuing the role as Community Engagement Officer and Link Officer for Hadleigh and those Babergh and Mid Suffolk Villages that surround it. I will be assisted where needed by three Ipswich-based PSCOs who will help where they can. As I write in early December there has been a spate of overnight burglaries to outbuildings at properties in the areas of Aldham, Elmsett and Nedging. Please ensure your outbuildings are secure and items of value are not left on display. This has also been true of vehicles with tools on board, not only causing costly vehicle repairs but also loss of earning until tools can be replaced. A great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in your area is to sign up to Police Connect. This is a free messaging service which gives you the latest policing news for your area. This can be delivered by email, text or telephone. If you would be interested in this free service please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect Please remember that on these dark evenings, and with homes in darkness for longer, it’s more obvious when someone is not at home. Please consider PIR lighting outside your property which may alert a neighbour if you’re not home and someone enters within the perimeter of your property. Also consider leaving a light on, maybe on a timer. Again, please hide away those lovely presents which may have arrived into the house over Christmas. Always think ‘security’. You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us Call the police on 101 to report non-urgent crimes and concerns which do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency. Happy New Year once again, PC 287 Sarah George
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IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/village 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 5G 5H 5I 5J 5K
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 10.35-10.55am 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
2019: 14 January
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 Town/village 13A 13B 13C 13D 13E 13F 13G 13H 13I 13J 13K 13L 13M
Location
Crowfield Lay by Coddenham Haysel House Barham Sorrel Horse Creeting St Mary Whissels Farm Creeting St Mary Village Hall Creeting St Peter The Lane Earl Stonham Village Hall Little Stonham Church Little Stonham Magpie Inn Mickfield Church, Debenham Road Stonham Aspal, Walnut Tree Meadow Pettaugh Old Bull Henley 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 2.30-2.45pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm
2019: 24 January
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Now we have Christmas and the New Year behind us, we shall be thinking about our activities for 2020 and will inform you of these once they have been confirmed. Meanwhile we shall continue with our usual meetings with cards, tea and biscuits and bingo, and hope the weather is kind to us so we will not have to cancel any meetings.
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB
As requested, we start the New Year with Yesterday (12a) on January 26. Featuring music by The Beatles and with some scenes filmed in Suffolk, it should be a very good way to kick off 2020. The charity receiving funds raised from the cake sale will be Over The Rainbow Children’s Charity which supports families with children who are living with a serious illness or disability.
The club will meet from 10am to noon on Wednesdays 8, 15 and 29 January in the upstairs room at the Bramford Methodist Church. Please note there is no club meeting on January 22.
On February 23 we bring you Mrs Lowry & Son (PG) with Vanessa Redgrave and Timothy Spall, and on March 29 we will celebrate our first anniversary with Bohemian Rhapsody (12a), the story of the legendary British rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid. A warm welcome awaits you at Great Blakenham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham IP6 0NJ. Doors open at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. If you have any film suggestions, or if your charity wishes to run the cake sale to raise funds, get in touch via Facebook or contact Becky at: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com / 07852 472082
BRAMFORD WI
The cost is £3 per two-hour session, plus £1 membership per school year, payable from September. There’s no set programme, but the club is here to help you get the best out of your computer. We have a very fast internet connection and refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) are always available. Why not give us a try?
BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP Happy New Year to all. Our two mornings this month are Tuesdays 14 and 28. As usual we will be in the Parish Room from 9.30am to noon. Scrabblers and crafty people welcome.
A Happy New Year to you all! Our next meeting is on Monday 13 January at the Loraine Victory Hall at 7.30pm. This will be a Scottish themed evening. We will be letting our hair down and trying not to embarrass ourselves while curling. The competition is an unusual or rare white or silver item. This will be judged by us all.
ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING There’s no meeting of the gathering in January as the church hall is being decorated. See you all in February.
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB Open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 2-4pm. The £2 attendance fee includes the raffle and refreshments, and £1 extra when we have a game of bingo. We will reconvene on January 8, weather permitting of course, for a social afternoon. On January 22 Jean will be organising 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.
SOMERSHAM WI Happy New Year! Somersham WI has a lot to look forward to in 2020 after a successful 2019. Our annual programme is looking exciting with speakers including a Wimbledon line judge, some wrapping inspiration and some local experts. All of these are arranged and coordinated by our rather fabulous speaker secretary, Jenny King. The programme can be found on our Facebook page and website. Our members are the backbone of our WI. While we appreciate our existing members, we would love to expand our membership, so do get in touch or come along if you’re interested in what we get up to. We like to be a little more informal than the traditional perception. Our president for 2020 is Hilary Bridger. She has led our WI successfully for a couple of years now and we look forward to supporting her once again throughout the year. Annual membership is just £43, but you can come to our meetings as a visitor for just £4 three times a year. We look forward to welcoming you to our meetings in the future. Get in touch via Facebook or email us at: somersham.wi.sec@gmail.com www.somershamwi.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/SomershamWI
Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB
BRAMFORD LOCAL HISTORY GROUP
Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room every Monday from 2-4pm. The cost is £2 per week to include workshop materials, raffle prizes and refreshments.
As I write, the build-up to Christmas has only just started, but as you read it Christmas will be just a memory and we’ll be looking forward to the new year. This month’s meeting is on Thursday 23 January in the Church Room at 7.30pm as usual. The speaker will be our ex-vicar, Jenny Seggar. She hasn’t yet given me the subject of her talk, but I’m sure it will be entertaining whatever it is!
In November we made Christmas Tree banners as our contribution to the tree festival in the church and had our last meeting and AGM on December 2. The club will reconvene on February 3 and our programme for 2020 is: February 3 March 2 April 6 May 4 June 1 July 6 August 3 September 7 October 5 November 2 December 7
A Little Light Reading Forever Flowerz Birds, Butterflies and Flowers Have a go at Bargello Prick and Stitch for Men The Vintage Look Sewing/Paper Mash-Up Wobble Wobble Christmas Tableware Christmas Card Medley AGM
For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
The River Gipping Trust has now applied for full planning permission for a new footbridge across the River Gipping just upstream of Baylham. With approved planning permission, the trust can apply for funding to pay for the bridge. This new bridge, which will sit on top of existing 230-year-old brick abutments, will restore the footpath at Baylham to its original position along the river’s towpath. The primary objective is to improve the walking experience of those that use the Gipping Way. Through most of November the current footpath, alongside the railway line, was underwater and not passable without Wellington boots. The new path over the bridge will not be so susceptible to flooding. Our volunteer workforce meets up every Wednesday at 9am, normally at Pipps Ford or Baylham, and we welcome new volunteers and members (a work party of volunteers is pictured cleaning up at Baylham). Further details can be found online where you can download a membership application form. Full membership is just £10 per year. Restoration Manager Ian Petchey restoration@rivergippingtrust.org.uk www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk / Facebook: The River Gipping Trust
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You may have heard that our newest group publication is now available. We have reprinted the original booklet by The Rev Munday about Bramford Manor in 1251 in a more attractive and more easily readable version with added notes of explanation. We’ve even found a couple of errors in the original – pat on the back in order I think! These will be available to buy at meetings for £2, or will also be available in the church. Happy New Year to all our members!
SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB The club has had another successful year with a varied programme going from conservatory plants and drought gardening to the unknown Constable Country. We also had a very good plant sale in May and two outdoor visits in May and July. The new year starts with a visit from the popular Chris Parfitt who will be giving an illustrated talk on Five Gardens of Cornwall. This will take place in Offton and Willisham Village Hall on Monday 13 January at 7.30pm. New members are welcome. For further information please call: 01473 254941/830600
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Join us on the last Wednesday every month (excluding July & August) for a three-course lunch followed by an interesting speaker and a prize raffle. On the second Wednesday we meet for coffee and a chat. In July and August, and at Christmas, our wives, partners and friends are invited to join us. They also accompany us to theatres, shows, musicals and trips to places of interest in East Anglia and beyond. Why not come and meet other gentlemen, all retired or semi-retired and from a wide range of careers, interests and backgrounds? Our objective is to provide fellowship for members and their families. Prospective new members are always welcome and there is no requirement to have belonged to any other organisation previously. If you wish to join us, as a guest initially, or require further details, please contact our secretary, Malcolm Kemp: 07711 689130 / secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com
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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Tom from Hadleigh asks: “My daughter gave birth to our first grandchild last June, and as his first birthday approaches, we thought that a good gift would be to open a Junior ISA for him. However, when we called into our local building society branch, they said we could not do that as only the parent can open a Junior ISA. What other options do we have to put a lump sum away for our grandchild?” This is something that regularly comes up when grandparents try to open a Junior ISA for a grandchild. Very few people realise that they are not able to open a Junior ISA for their grandchildren. Only a parent of the child can open a Junior ISA. However, once a Junior ISA has been set up by the child’s parents, grandparents can then make contributions into that ISA up to the annual limit, which is £4,260 per annum for the current tax year. Like the adult version, a Junior ISA can be a cash ISA or it can be a stocks and shares ISA. Like most financial advisers, I would suggest that you should opt for the stocks and shares ISA for young children as they have plenty of time before they can take over the fund at age 18 and stocks and shares will invariably do better than cash over the longer-term, particularly with the current all-time low interest rates paid on cash accounts. If the parents have not already set up a Junior ISA, a grandparent can open a bank or building society cash savings account for their grandchild as long as they have documentation, such as the child’s birth certificate. For grandparents, the big benefit of doing this is that no amount of interest earned on the money they contribute will be subject to tax. As long as the child has earnings of less than the personal allowance, a grandparent can fill
out an R85 form to ensure that any interest is paid gross without tax being deducted. Effectively, this has the same effect as the cash being held in a Junior Cash ISA. However, you will still be at the mercy of those low interest rates on cash. Another alternative is a pension. It might seem strange to be thinking about pensions for a child who cannot even speak yet, but there are huge longerterm benefits for the child and tax advantages. Grandparents can invest into a personal pension for a child, up to a maximum of £3,600 gross per annum, and the child doesn’t need to have any income to justify that level of pension contributions. To achieve a contribution of £3,600 the grandparent would actually only need to pay in £2,880, as the extra money is added in the form of tax relief reclaimed from HMRC. By the time the child reaches age 55 (the earliest you can currently access a pension fund) there could be a significant sum sitting in their pension. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s comments and answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice on their own situation should contact Nick to arrange a no-obligation complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
SUFFOLK-BASED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CHARITY SET FOR NEW YEAR’S ReLAUNCH Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre was formed over 35 years ago as the Suffolk Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre to provide oxygen therapy and support to those living with the disease. Since then, the charity has grown to support people living with many other conditions and now undertakes more than 3,000 therapy sessions per year. OPEN WEEK In the last year, the charity has made a number of alterations to its existing building which has allowed it to start developing a complementary therapy service and provided us with the room for power-assisted exercise chairs. In February 2020 the centre is launching these new services and invites health professionals and the public to visit the centre during the open week: Monday 3 (10.30am-2pm & 3-6pm) to Thursday 6 (Tue-Thu 10.30am-2.30pm) February. Centre Manager Victoria Barber is keen for as many people as possible to come along and see for themselves the good work that the charity does: “We’re always happy for people to pay us a visit, but this is a good chance for people to come along and enjoy a cuppa and have a chat, meet some of our members, volunteers, staff and trustees and learn about oxygen therapy. It will also be an opportunity to try our power assisted exercise chairs and learn more about the other therapies on offer.” For more information in advance contact Victoria at: 01473 830359 / victoria@suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk
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Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre (SOTC) receives no state funding and relies entirely on donations, legacies and fundraisers to function, with any fundraising put towards service development and improvement. The public self-refer for therapy at the centre, which is staffed by fully trained operators and supported by a team of willing volunteers. Victoria is clear that the charity has capacity to help more people: “This launch will raise the profile of this wonderful charity and we hope that local businesses and organisations will want to help us to reach more people living with long term and chronic disease and life limiting conditions. We have many events coming up in 2020 such as a Race Night on 3 April at Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club, Open Gardens in May and a James Bond Ball at Ufford Park on 10 October. “We hope local businesses may wish to support us with these in addition to corporate sponsorship, being chosen as charity of the year and match funding to name a few.” The charity’s longer term goal is to fundraise for a new centre, including the purchase of its own oxygen generation facilities, which will bring long term cost efficiencies by reducing both ongoing costs of oxygen delivery and the carbon footprint, thus protecting its future as a sustainable charity. The charity is in the early stages with its appointed architect, but early indication is that it will take approximately 10 years from now to fund this in its entirety. For more about the centre, visit: www.suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE SUFFOLK LIBRARIES REWARDS VOLUNTEER CHAMPIONS
SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS Following a blistering 2019 that included a 5-star run at the Edinburgh Festival, a breathtaking live performance on BBC’s Blue Peter and performing on the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival, the record breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo returns to UK theatres with his sell-out family show, Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids. Shlomo’s groundbreaking vocal skills gained him international recognition as a pioneering beatboxer, plus a Guinness World Record and the chance to work with famous musicians like Bjork, Ed Sheeran, Rudimental and Lily Allen.
Suffolk Libraries recently held its first ever People’s Champions Awards to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers for their vital contribution to the county’s library service. Thousands of people make a contribution to Suffolk Libraries in their own time, supporting staff in various different ways ranging from the many community or friends groups, running the home library service and helping with the summer reading challenge. Seven categories of award were presented as follows: Young Volunteer of Year: Emma Fakes at Thurston Library Dedicated Volunteer: Monica Ford, retired volunteer at Broomhill Library The People’s Choice Award (for staff who support volunteers): Mandy Grimwood, Manager of Gainsborough Library
“Beatboxers can create the sound of an entire orchestra or rich electronic music – the drums, the instruments,the basslines and sound FX, all performed with just the voice,” says Shlomo. “In my kid’s show, I teach everyone how to become a superstar beatboxer.” “It’s an amazingly empowering way for people from all walks of life to express themselves,” he explains. “I love teaching people how simple it is to make vocal rhythms. I love to share my passion for music with the next generation of music makers and also to encourage people of all ages to find their voice and believe in themselves. The kids always get excited but the parents have just as much fun!” Join this sonic superhero at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on Sunday 16 February and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged one or 101! Book now at: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Volunteer Team Award: Kesgrave Library Community Group Innovation Award: Gemma Southwood at Kesgrave Library Exceptional Contribution Award: Charlotte Evans at Broomhill Library Inspirational Volunteer Award: Chloe Peck, Capel St Mary Library An independent panel shortlisted several people for each award and selected the winners, with Suffolk Libraries receiving 68 nominations overall from staff and other volunteers. Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have an army of volunteers across the county covering a wide range of roles to support and enhance the library service. They support our staff, help us to raise money and organise events and are genuinely one of the chief reasons Suffolk Libraries has been so successful over the past few years. Although there are seven winners, I’d like to pay tribute to all those nominated and every single one of our volunteers across the county and their contribution to their communities.” The event was attended by around 220 people and compered by BBC Suffolk presenter Lesley Dolphin, herself a member of Felixstowe Library Friends group. The awards were presented by Freddie Gathorne-Hardy, CEO of Christie’s Care; County Councillor Paul West; David Sheepshanks CBE, former chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club; Sylvia Knights, Suffolk Libraries Board Member and member of Bungay Library Friends Group; Bruce Leeke, CEO Suffolk Libraries; Jenni Carberry, Enterprise and Business Development Manager at the University of Suffolk and Corrina Hanley, Volunteer Manager at Suffolk Mind. Suffolk Libraries has 1,170 volunteers including friends group members and offered 4,771 days of volunteering or work experience last year. Winner of the Dedicated Volunteer Award, Monica Ford, recently retired after an amazing 32 years of being a Home Library Service Volunteer at Broomhill Library. Speaking of her time volunteering she said: “I learned to be a bit more tolerant and understanding of people. It’s been enjoyable and I would recommend it, it’s just a nice thing to do.” Volunteer awards have formed part of Suffolk Libraries’ AGM for the past few years, but this is the first year a special celebration event has taken place.
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COULD YOU BOOST A YOUNG PERSON’S CHANCES? Emma’s story (fictional name, real story) Emma loved school. However, her studies were not going well and she struggled deeply with anxiety. This prevented her even considering the next step in continuing her learning. Emma was offered one-to-one time with a Seckford Springboard mentor. Too scared to attend her first meeting at all, and attending the second with a friend to speak on her behalf, she clearly had a lot to work through. But she was chatting away by the end of that second meeting and thereafter, all it took was a listening ear and an hour a week for about eight weeks to grow her confidence through conversation, building trust and being there. Emma is now employed and confidently maturing as an apprentice chef, all thanks to someone simply volunteering for a few hours to give a young person someone to talk to. Could you do that for a young person? Seckford Foundation’s mentoring programmes support young people in rural Suffolk with well-being and careers. By focussing on positives and skills, it boosts the young person’s confidence when seeking employment and resilience when dealing with personal challenges. These programmes follow a tried and tested structure which includes plenty of resources and support for mentors, together with a clear start and finish point for mentees. Are you a good listener? Due to the success of the mentoring programmes, Seckford Foundation is now recruiting volunteer mentors to join the team. It is a mutually rewarding programme for both mentor and mentee, often with tangible results being quickly achieved. No previous mentoring experience is needed as training and development is ongoing. All that’s needed is some life experience, a nonjudgemental attitude, a good listening ear and a desire to make a positive difference to someone’s life. Both mentoring programmes are funded jointly by the Seckford Foundation, Prince’s Countryside Fund and the Salvation Army, and they are available to young people aged 25 and under to access for free. To find out more, call 01394 615199 / 0783 1120873, email enquiries@seckford-foundation.org.uk or visit: www.seckfordspringboard.org.uk/can-we-help-you/mentoring
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SCHOOLS BRAMFORD PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP The second half of the autumn term always flies past so quickly! Since the October half term break we have looked at lots of different topics including Halloween, Firework Night, Diwali and, of course, Christmas. The pre-school is looking very festive, decorated with lots of craft made by the children. In November the children dressed in yellow and made some scrummy cakes and biscuits which we sold at our bake sale. This raised just under £40 for Children in Need. The children have worked hard practising their Christmas songs ready for our nativity. This was performed to our parents and to the residents of Cherryfields when we visited them at the beginning of the month. Finally, we would like to thank everyone that supported our Christmas shopping and pamper evening at the end of November – it was a great success. The event helped raise just short of £500 for the pre-school. New Opening Hours We are now open from 9am-3.30pm and during selected school holidays. Breakfast (8-9am) and after school clubs (3.30-4.30pm) are also available. Our holiday club is also open to Bramford Primary Reception class. We accept all government funding and tax-free childcare. We have limited availability for the remainder of this school year. Applications are now being taken for 2020/21 school year. If you are interested in your child joining us or would like further information please contact us at: bramfordplaygroup@btinternet.com / 01473 740782 We would like to wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Our Annual Quiz and Curry Night is on Friday 7 February. Tickets, which are £10, are now on sale and include curry and a dessert. This is a very popular event so be sure to get your ticket early by calling 07770 417080. Happy New Year to everyone. We welcome everyone back on Tuesday 7 January, ready to start the spring term. We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on the high ratio of staff to children, providing maximum care and learning for the children. All our staff are highly trained and continue regular training to build their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely together to ensure we work in partnership. We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers. We currently have limited morning spaces available, but afternoon sessions are available. We accept eligible 30 hour funded children. These codes need to be in place the term before they are needed. Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only from 9am-3pm. We have a well-supported Facebook page that provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 07979 468467 during session time (9am-3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget, Sarah and Kerry
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SCHOOLS / SPORT 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. Our former Year 11 students who left us in the summer, returned to Claydon High School on Tuesday 3 December for a presentation evening where they were awarded with their GCSE certificates and special subject achievement awards, recognising individual commitment and progress. 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. Families, friends, governors, teachers and students were treated to a festive evening of music on December 17 at the school’s Christmas Concert. The evening featured a fusion of musical theatre alongside some more traditional performances and involved more than 40 students across all year groups. 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 ninth 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. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Tuesday 28 January. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders on 01473 836110 to book a place. Headteacher Maéve Taylor
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Happy New Year to you all from everyone at Claydon Pre-school. Thank you to all the children and parents who gave us Christmas cards and presents. We hope that all the children had a lovely break and got lots of lovely things for Christmas.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB Our November 100 Club draw took place on 26 November. The winners were: 1: Jo Bean (11) 2: Karin Nash (28) 3: Jade Prentice (33) Thanks to your support there was a donation of £21 to the pre-school. Half of all money given for the 100 Club goes to the pre-school and the other half is paid out in winnings. Membership is £1 a month. You don’t need to have a child at the pre-school to be a member. Membership forms are available from the office or by email. Thank you to all those lovely people who continue to support us. We are very grateful.
CLAYDON & 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 here on your doorstep 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. As we have to pay for use of the hall, our fees are ever so slightly higher than if you booked a court for four people at a local sports centre, but you don’t have to find three other people to play with and you get to play with a mixture of talents (each game a different group). As variety is the spice of life, come and spice up your life. This term starts again on Monday 13 January so please do come along to meet us and have a few games, not just that night but any Monday night during school term. For more information contact C&DBC chairman Dik Langan – 01473 831692 / claydonbadders@gmail.com – or visit: www.claydonbadminton@wordpress.com
We are all looking forward to the start of the new spring term and to doing some winter craft. At the time of writing the children are all working hard learning their songs and Makaton ready to show off at our Christmas Nativity on Monday 16 December at Barham Church. We will also be having our Christmas party at Claydon & Barham Community Centre on Saturday 21 December. Fingers crossed Father Christmas will pop along – despite his busy schedule! As we are now open all year (except bank holidays and the Christmas period) and 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 days during the holidays, please contact the administration assistant for more details. We can take children who are entitled to 30 hours funding. Simply register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact our administration assistant, Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648
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LADIES & GIRLS BADMINTON NIGHTS Stowmarket Badminton Club’s ladies and girl’s only sessions will continue in the new year at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre on Tuesday evenings from 8-9pm. If you fancy a new challenge for 2020, or just want to get back into badminton, why not dust off your racket, lace up your trainers and join us for some casual informal fun sessions? Rackets will be provided and we have courts available to allow you to refine your skills, or just have some fun in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. For further information please contact Mary Hughes: 01359 240811
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CHURCH NEWS SOMERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH What’s the best gift God could give you?
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 Please feel free to contact either of us with any queries. Baptisms, marriages and funerals by arrangement with the minister, who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound. Sunday 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every second Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (first and third Sundays, term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc.
For the start of 2020 we have a series on Thursday evenings that, with the help of a superbly shot video and discussion questions, explores what we are really living for. It moves on to discover that, in Jesus, God meets our deepest desire for happiness. The best gift he could give us is himself. There are seven Life Explored videos in the course. We are meeting at the chapel from January 9. You are welcome to join us for a simple hot meal at 7pm followed by the video at 7.45pm to finish by 8.45pm. Do come along and try it out. You are welcome to join our regular meetings of worship and fellowship: Sundays 10-10.30am: Prayer and Share 10.45-11.15am: Bible Study (Communion first Sunday) 11.30am-12.30pm: Worship Service Refreshments are served between meetings; come when you can and leave when you want. Weekdays at the Chapel Life Explored: see above Friends and Neighbours: 7.45pm on Monday 20 January Lunch and Listen: Thursday 6 February Pastor Mark Newcombe: 01473 831940 / 07958 830103 m.newcombe940@btinternet.com Edwin Mayhew: 01473 658100 Baptist Chapel, Chapel Lane, Somersham IP8 4QE Facebook: somershambaptistchurchsuffolk WORSHIPPING AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER
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4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea provided and a children’s activity (see diary for theme). Come and go as you please. This is not a service but our minister usually joins us (once a month; please check diary). Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and the second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday) Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month) *followed by tea/coffee JANUARY 2020 Thursday 2, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 5, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Rev Y Haye Wednesday 8: Prayers for Healing at 27 Ship Lane Sunday 12, 10.30am: Morning Worship Tuesday 14, 2pm: Network/MWiB Thoughts for the New Year by Mrs Alyson Ellis Saturday 18, 10-11am: Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 19, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs G Theobald Monday 20, 2pm: Bible Study Sunday 26, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr C Westren Sunday 26, 4-6pm: Families@4, Rev D Grimshaw Tuesday 28, 2pm: Network/MWiB, The Stowmarket Strummers
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, BRAMFORD Dear Friends, We hope you enjoyed your Christmas and didn’t eat and drink too much. We won’t go into what is ‘too much’, but if you’ve over-indulged, January is the time when many people resolve to be ‘better’. It could be a diet to look slimmer for the summer, or deciding to exercise more. You might want to think about coming to see what our Christingle Service is like. This is one of our annual highlights and we invite the uniformed organisations to join us. It’s always been a popular service for children and their parents, and if you haven’t been to one before, it involves an orange, a ribbon, a candle and sweets. And all the children get to take one home. We won’t tell you any more just now as we don’t want to spoil the surprise. It will be at 10am on 26 January. 2020 also brings a change to the monthly Prayers for Healing Service. This used to be at the Methodist Church, but from now on it will now be at 27 Ship Lane. 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
If you use the Church Room, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s also going to look better this year as it’s going to be redecorated in January. Unfortunately, the January meeting of The Gathering won’t be able to take place as the decorator will be in there. We’re sorry, but it will be worth it. That’s all our news for now. We wish you a great New Year. St Mary’s PCC CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 2020 St Mary the Virgin Bramford, St Mary Nettlestead, St Mary the Virgin Little Blakenham, St Peter Baylham Wednesday Morning Prayer: 10am, Venue will be as announced Sunday 5 January: Christmas 2 10am Communion Bramford Wednesday 8 January 7.30pm Healing Service
27 Ship Lane
Sunday 12 January: Baptism of Christ 8am Communion Bramford 10am Communion Nettlestead 5pm 5 o’Clock Service Church Room Sunday 19 January: Epiphany 2 8am Said Communion Bramford 10am Communion Baylham
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Tuesday 21 January 11am Communion by Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Saturday 25 January 10am Coffee Morning
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Sunday 26 January: Epiphany 3 9am Parish Communion Bramford 10am Christingle Service Bramford Please check porch notices for any changes.
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Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church December 6: In loving memory of Stanley Welham on the 50th anniversary of his death In memory of Jim Thacker over the Festive Season January 13: In memory of Bernard Purbrick on his 10th anniversary January 22: In memory of Maria Whight on her birthday If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 for each dedication. For an announcement to be in the correct issue of In Touch, please request dedications before the first of the preceding month, for example to commemorate an event on 28 February, we need to know before 1 January. Requests to floodlight the spire received after the first of the preceding month will be in the earliest possible issue of In Touch. www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford
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