In Touch News with Capel – May 2017

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CAPEL CAPERS Volume 7 • Issue No. 6 • MAY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

I’m having guitar lessons at the moment. In fact it’s a family guitar lesson, though Jack seems to chit-chat most of the time which is more than a little annoying. I’m not naturally ‘musical’ and have no immediate plans to join a band, but decided to do this to give my brain a bit of a work-out. It’s proving to be a challenge. I spend so long trying to recall each chord I doubt if I’ll ever produce anything which resembles music, but it has been interesting to explore my mental back catalogue to find pieces I want to play (eventually).

DON’T SMOTHER OUR VILLAGE

Different types of music and different artists have accompanied me through various stages in my life. Johnny Cash was my first love, then Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, U2, The Stunning, The Pale, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Snow Patrol, Regina Spektor, Nick Cave, Ed Sheeran… and always Johnny Cash.

Parish Council Chair Chris Matthews said:

One song I go back to again and again is U2’s Stuck in a Moment. The following words have helped me through some difficult times: “And if the night runs over, And if the day won’t last, And if your way should falter, Along this stony pass, It’s just a moment, This time will pass” Another which reduces me to tears every time I play it, and I play it a lot, is Johnny Cash’s version of Hurt. His video is regarded as one of the saddest ever produced, but on their own the opening lyrics are, in my opinion, the most powerful description of loneliness I’ve ever encountered: “I hurt myself today, To see if I still feel, I focus on the pain, The only thing that’s real” Right now these lyrics make me sad for those who are alone with little or no prospect of human contact. The days may be longer and most of us are getting out and about, but not everyone. Spare a thought for those who are isolated through illness or age and consider what you might do to provide a distraction. In Save Myself, Ed Sheeran sings “...human beings are destined to radiate or drain…” Let’s try to radiate more than drain – and I promise to never, ever, ever play guitar in public.

In Touch with Capel St Mary

Issued by Capel St Mary Parish Council on Tuesday, April 18 Capel St Mary village with 1,200 homes and already overstretched services is fighting plans to smother it with a further 850 houses.

Planners are failing to take an overview of how hundreds of new homes will affect the village.

“Our Parish Plan and Housing Needs Survey shows that Capel can cope with 100 homes. These homes would need to be in clusters of 20 and be for young families or elderly residents who want to downsize into bungalows Instead, there are applications and proposals for 850 houses over three sites.

“Planners will consider each site separately as if the other two sites do not exist. No consideration will be given to the problems that 850 more houses will have on the already struggling doctors’ surgery, school, services, roads, parking and infrastructure.”

Babergh District Council planning officers have told the parish council that there could be presumption in favour of approval for 100 houses on one site and 150 houses on another site when the separate applications go before the planning committee this month or in early May. Only in the last 10 days has the parish council discovered that Highways England has drawn up outline plans for an improved slip road off the A12 to a new traffic island for access to a site for, first, 150 houses and then another 450. The traffic island would not allow vehicles to join the A12.

They would have to drive through the village to join or re-join the A12.

The parish council has produced a leaflet setting out plans by developers and planners and what residents can do to oppose them. The leaflet was circulated within the village over Easter weekend.

For further information, please contact:

Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

Parish Council Clerk Julie Lawes 01473 314103 / capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com

Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

Councillor David Thompson 01473 314185 / davidf.thompson@btinternet.com

Published by:

01473 400380

Send editorial copy to: capel@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

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Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.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 Capel St Mary is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL

VILLAGE LITTER PICK Saturday, May 6, 10am-noon Meeting on the Parish Green by the paper shop As part of the Spring Clean Suffolk Week hosted by Babergh District Council, Capel St Mary will be taking part in the village litter pick.

We are very grateful to those who have attended in previous years and it was clear to see what a difference was made by a few individuals.

This year we would love to see lots of residents taking part, even if just to clear the area by your own property. We will supply litter pickers, hi-vis jackets and bin bags.

BRING THE FAMILY AND SHOW YOUR COMMUNITY SPIRIT

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Free Admission

Garden Party Exhibition and entertainment to promote the campaign to build Capel’s War Memorial

The Orchard Players Songs which kept us going during the wars

Art for Fun Club War-themed paintings and drawings

The TRENCH What it was like in the Front Line

Tribute to the Fallen The Men and the War Memorial Monument

War vehicles Uniforms the Services wore

Bar with Pimm’s, sandwiches Raffle draw, quiz-winner presentation

At Tudor House, 1a The Street, Capel Sunday, 25 June from 2pm to 6pm 4

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NEWS CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL Report from the council meeting held on Monday, April 10 Present: Councillors Bishop, Bryant, Fenn, Harris, Hole, Matthews (chair), Rogers, Streatfield, Thomas, Thompson, White, District Councillors Carpendale and Swan, Julie Lawes (clerk) and 10 members of the public.

The following planning applications were recommended for approval to Babergh District Council: Village Green west of Capel News – Erection of War Memorial; 23 Winding Piece – Two storey rear extension; Wentworth House, 64 The Street – Single storey extension; 8 Winding Piece – Fence; 1 Chalkners – Two storey side extension.

Following a meeting with BDC regarding concerns over the closure of the council offices in Hadleigh we have been advised there will be central hubs within a seven mile radius of residents. Our nearest locations will be Bramford, Gt Wenham and Hadleigh.

The village litter pick is to take place Saturday, May 6. See page 3.

DEVELOPMENT IN CAPEL ST MARY Site meetings for the Hopkins and Persimmon developments took place on April 5 with councillors from the planning committee visiting both sites, Butchers Lane, Pound Lane, Brook Lane and the village centre. Both of these sites have been readvertised and comments can be made until April 25.

The vice chair and I met with Philip Isbell, Planning Lead for Growth and Sustainable Planning, to be told very clearly that BDC no longer has a five year land supply. This means that Paragraph 49 of the NPPF is the key document and ‘Presumption is in favour of sustainable development’, BDC policies have very little relevance and the results of the East Bergholt Judicial Review no longer apply. Also as the comments for both developments from infrastructure agencies, for example Highways and Anglian Water, do not indicate any problems therefore we could cope with 250 homes. However it would seem that the cumulative impact of the developments needs further research.

Scott Properties have been in communication with BDC and I am informed may hold a consultation with the parish council and community in April. Following talks with a representative from

Capel St Mary Parish Council will again be providing a floral display at the shopping precinct with flowers produced by the allotments association. This is managed by the sponsorship of local clubs and businesses. If you are interested in sponsoring this event at £35 please contact the clerk.

Julie Lawes, Clerk The next meeting of Capel St Mary Parish Council will be on Monday, May 8 in the library. There is an open session at each meeting when members of the public can air any problems.

The actual minutes of the meeting are available for viewing at the parish council office at 27a The Street, Capel St Mary, which is open from 10am-noon on Tuesdays and from 1-3pm on Fridays.

The parish clerk can be contacted on 01473 314103 during these times. An answer phone operates outside these hours and messages are picked up every day. Alternatively contact can be made by email: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com Highways England regarding slip roads on the southbound carriageway we were informed that there may be changes to the slip roads at ByPass Nurseries. The clerk asked for the plan and discovered not only the 150 properties that we were aware of by Scotts but a further 450 (not Scotts) giving a total of 600 homes on land near Red Lane.

As a result of the meeting with Philip Isbell it was decided at short notice to hold an Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 5. We apologise if you were not aware of this but thank the residents who did attend and the groups who forwarded our email.

It was decided to appoint a planning consultant to comment on the Persimmon and Hopkins Developments and to represent the parish council at planning committee. Planning Direct, Andrew Cann, has agreed to work with us.

We remain committed to being open and honest with residents and hope that by working together we can achieve the best possible outcome for our village. Please look at our noticeboards, website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

Chris Matthews, Chair Capel St Mary Parish Council

CAPEL PARISH NURSES: SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF CAPEL ST MARY The Stroke Association is aiming to turn May purple for stroke awareness. A stroke is when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, either because of a blood clot or a bleed.

When a stroke strikes, act FAST: F: Face – ask the person to smile, is it lopsided?

A: Arms – are they able to raise both their arms?

S: Speech – is it slurred?

T: Time – if you notice any of these signs then telephone 999 straight away.

The sooner someone gets medical attention if they are having a stroke then the better the outcome and recovery is. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ‘mini-stroke’ has similar signs to a stroke but gets better within 24 hours. However, it could still be a warning sign of a more serious stroke and so it should still be treated as an emergency, so telephone 999.

Do you know someone who has had a stroke that you think would benefit from some advice? If you do, then telephone Margaret, our parish occupational therapist.

Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and atrial fibrillation are more at risk, as are those who smoke, are overweight, lack exercise and whose alcohol consumption is excessive. Leading a healthy, active lifestyle will reduce the risk of you having a stroke. If you would like

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any help with any aspect of this then please contact either of us.

Great East Swim training I have started training for the Great East Swim. The first week I thought it was great. I managed to swim 64 lengths at Crown Pools, the equivalent of a mile, doing sedate breast-stroke without putting my head under water. I thought, yeah, I can do this. Then I tried swimming front crawl.

My word, that changed the game. I have been told that it’s easier to swim front crawl when swimming open water in a wetsuit. Currently I can manage about three quarters of a length before I lose the ability to breathe properly! I have also tried swimming breast-stroke putting my face under water – it was so much harder than my usual sedate swimming. This is definitely going to be a challenge for me. I am also considering entering the Great East Run in September which is a half marathon – would anyone like to join me and train with me? I currently don’t do any running so am starting from scratch.

Blessings, Caroline, your parish nurse Caroline: 07588 706869 / Caroline@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am-2.30pm Margaret: 07588 698284 / Margaret@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Monday and Wednesday, 9am-4pm www.CapelParishNurses.org.uk

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE – APRIL 2017 GP+ Service Suffolk GP Federation provides out-of-hours services on behalf of the majority of practices in Suffolk. It operates from a number of sites, the nearest to the practice being Stowmarket (Stow Health), Ipswich (Riverside) and Felixstowe (Felixstowe General Hospital). Typically, services are offered from 6.30 to 9pm during the week and through the day on Saturday and Sunday. Fifteen minute GP and nurse practitioner appointments are available but can only be booked by the practice or other healthcare organisations. At the time of booking, patients will need to provide their consent to share their medical notes with the clinician they see. This service is proving to be very popular as it relieves pressure on the practice on busy days and also provides patients with alternative options for addressing a medical problem.

You may be offered an appointment with GP+ or you can ask the receptionist for current availability.

Repeat Prescriptions Please note that it may take the practice up to 72 hours to process a repeat prescription. When issued they can be sent immediately to the patient’s nominated pharmacy but it may take up to 72 hours for the pharmacy to have your medication ready for collection, depending on workload and the availability of the items required. In the majority of cases your prescription will be processed and ready for collection much sooner, but please allow ample time by ensuring the practice receives repeat prescription slips a week in advance of when the items are required.

Nurse Practitioners I’m delighted to announce that we have an additional nurse practitioner joining the practice. June will be joining us at the end of April. She is an experienced nurse practitioner who also specialises in the treatment of diabetes. Our two nurse practitioners, June and Sarah, are able to address a wide range of medical conditions. On contacting the practice our reception team can advise patients whether it is appropriate for them to be seen a nurse practitioners or if they need to see a GP. Wheelchair The practice has wheelchairs available at both Capel and East Bergholt to assist patients with mobility problems getting in and out of the practice. Unfortunately, one of the chairs at East Bergholt has broken and is not repairable. If you have a wheelchair you no longer need, and it is not on loan from the NHS, the practice could make very good use of it.

Training Days A reminder that in 2017 the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, May 18 and Wednesday, June 7. On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP Annual General Meeting Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, June 1 at Capel Methodist Church in The Street. There will be light refreshments from 7pm and the meeting will start at 7.30pm. We’ll be reporting back about our activity in the last year and there will be an opportunity for you to talk to us on an individual basis about your experience with the practice.

We have invited a number of organisations to the event including : • ActivLives, which runs exercise classes for the over 50s • 4YP which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of 12-25 year olds in Suffolk • OneLife which provides stop smoking services, adult and child weight management and NHS health checks • Sue Ryder to talk about their new dementia service • Capel Parish Nursing Scheme • Everyone is invited and we look forward to seeing you.

Men’s Health Talk We enjoyed a fascinating evening listening to Professor Chris Booth, a retired consultant urologist. He said men were particularly bad at seeking medical help when there was a problem. Poor diet, excess weight, smoking, alcohol and poverty all contributed to lower life expectancy for men. He talked in particular about the need for a national screening

programme for prostate cancer. Early diagnosis has made a huge difference to survival rates in other European countries where they have routine screening. He also said that ‘plumbing problems’ can be a sign of cardiovascular disease. You can ask for a PSA test if you are between the age of 50 and 75.

Professor Booth’s charity is called CHAPS. It aims to raise awareness of health services directly targeted at men’s needs to enable them to take care of their own health and wellbeing. You’ll find more information at: www.chaps.uk.com Collection for Sat Shergill (former pharmacist at Capel St Mary) Thank you for your generous contributions to this collection and to Drayton Insurance (formerly Mallwood) for hosting the collection box.

The total in loose cash came to £305. We didn’t open any of the cards so there may well be extra money in those. Sat was delighted and very touched and will be writing to say thank you. He is now working with a practice in Wembley and this has cut his commuting time down considerably, allowing him to spend more time with his wife and young daughter.

Chair Kathy Pollard 01473 311834 / constablecountryppg@gmail.com

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NEWS CURRY NIGHT RAISES £1,400 A big thank you to everyone who attended the charity curry night at Capel Community Church which raised over £1,400 to go towards Treehouse Hospice running costs on James Dwerryhouse’s birthday.

It costs around £5,300 a day to run The Treehouse Hospice and the proceeds from this event go to fund the running of the hospice on 1 October 2017, which would have been James’ ninth birthday. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices support families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Their family-centred approach includes specialist nursing care, symptom management support, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies and counselling, all meeting the individual needs of the child, young person and whole family. www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk

SURGERY TRANSPORT If for any reason you are unable to get to the doctors for your appointment and need transport, remember to tell the receptionists and they will contact the scheme to ensure that you are picked up. We welcome any new volunteers especially in the outlying villages.

Contact Chris Yule: 01473 310992

DEMENTIA FRIENDS TALK Everybody is welcome to come and learn about the personal impact of living with dementia and how you can make a real difference to improving the day-to-day lives of people living with this condition.

Join us for a talk by Dementia Friends, hosted by Capel Parish Nurses at Capel St Mary Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 3 from 2-3pm.

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REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: APRIL 2017 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN New Website and Telephone Number Visitors can access the new Babergh website at: www.babergh.gov.uk The new site is mobile friendly so you can use it whether you are on a PC, tablet or smartphone. Over the coming months the features and functions of the site will continue to be developed introducing more services for which residents can pay online. Feedback on the site is welcomed, and can be completed on the site itself.

The new 0300 123 4000 telephone number for both councils went live on Wednesday, March 29. On dialling this number customers will be led through options designed to put them directly through to the most appropriate team.

New Repairs Service A new repairs service has been launched for council tenants across Babergh. The new service provides the housing maintenance service to all the council housing stock, dealing with day to day repairs, emergency services, empty property repairs and planned maintenance works for kitchens and bathrooms. Tenants can report a repair on the website, by phone using the new single point of contact telephone number – 0300 123 4000 – or by email: housingrepairs@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk In the past repairs were carried out by an in-house team at Mid-Suffolk and by an external contractor at Babergh. This new service within the councils is made up of the former Mid Suffolk Direct Labour Organisation and staff from Babergh District Council’s former external contractor Morrison Facilities Services. The service is managed by Justin WrightNewton, corporate manager for BMBS, along with a contract support manager, four team leaders, an admin team, more than 40 repairs staff and four apprentices.

East Anglia ONE ScottishPower Renewables, who are working on the East Anglia ONE (EA ONE) offshore windfarm, intend to commence construction works at the onshore substation at Bramford on May 1. These works will include vegetation clearance, the installation of temporary cabins, a temporary stone access road, permanent drainage, fencing and construction of a level platform for the substation and as such is deemed as ‘commencement’ under the Development Consent Order.

Recycling Centres A reminder that summer opening hours began at Suffolk Recycling Centres on Saturday, April 1. From April 1 to September 30 all sites are open from 9am-5pm every day, apart from Wednesdays when all sites are closed. They stay open late on Thursdays from May 1 to August 31 when all sites open until 7pm. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

10th ANNIVERSARY 2007-2017 Friday, July 21 – Brantham Leisure Centre Junior (14 years or under) race starts at 7pm Senior (15 years or over) race starts at 7.30pm Available facilities include changing rooms, showers and toilets, refreshments, first aid and free car parking. For the safety of competitors, cars for junior runners will only be allowed to exit the car park between 7.30 and 7.45pm or then only after the last senior runner has finished.

ONLINE REGISTRATION Visit www.runbritain.com/races and search for ‘Brantham’.

Any queries should be directed to Janet Webb (01206 398027) or Phil Wainwright (07721 591748).

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In view of the rules governing the period immediately preceding an election, the publication of the usual Babergh monthly report from one of the Mid Samford District Councillors will be deferred to next month.

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY BOB MORRISON AKA BOB THE PLOUGHMAN On Saturday, May 27 Love from Linda, Kevin, Paul, Stephen and all family and friends.

Keep on Rocking the night away!

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OUT & ABOUT CLASH AVOIDER

TEA AND CHAT

This diary has been introduced to help avoid date clashes in the village.

Every effort will made to keep this list up-to-date, but please be aware that sometimes dates may be cancelled, postponed or re-arranged at short notice. This diary is not intended to be an all-inclusive what’s on and will only highlight significant dates.

You are warmly invited for tea/coffee and cake at St Mary’s Hall (behind the church, opposite Pound Lane) on Monday, May 15, 2-4pm. We meet bi-monthly on the third Monday of the month. We are a friendly group and it’s a good chance to sit and relax and perhaps meet new friends. Refreshments just £1.50.

If you want to add an event please submit in the following format (date, event, venue and contact) to sharon@intouchnews.co.uk with Capel Event Diary in the subject line.

We hope to see you on the following dates: May 15, July 17, September 18 and November 20.

Saturday, May 6: Cake and Plant Sale and Coffee Morning at Capel Methodist Church, 10am-noon. Contact Sally: 07875 366120

For further details please contact Jean Yule: 310992

GARDEN OPEN FOR CHARITY

Saturday, May 6: Garden Party at Old Hadleigh, London Road, Capel St Mary in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, 2-5pm. Sponsored by Capel Community Church. Contact Frank: 01473 730101 Saturday, May 13: The Orchard Players Quiz Night at Capel Village Hall, 7.30pm Sunday May 21: Open Garden in aid of Age UK Suffolk at Windmill Cottage, Mill Hill, 2-5pm Saturday, June 10: Capel Fun Day Contact Sandra Bumphrey: 312114 / capelcommunitytrust@gmail.com

Sunday, May 21, 2-5pm Windmill Cottage, Mill Hill, Capel St Mary IP9 2JE Admission £3, children free (no dogs) Plants and books for sale, tea/coffee and homemade cakes

CAR BOOT SALE

Saturday, June 10: Capel Allotments Association’s We’ve Been Growing for 40 Years exhibition at Capel Fun Day

East Bergholt High School Sunday, May 21, 9.30am-noon Admission 50p

Saturday & Sunday, June 17 & 18 2017: Scarecrow Trail Weekend Contact Chris Terry: 01473 311102 Sunday, June 25: Garden Party at Tudor House, 1a The Street to raise funds for Capel War Memorial Monument.

Contact: davidf.thompson@btinternet.com / 01473 314185 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, July 6, 7 & 8: The Orchard Players Summer Show Time After Time at Capel Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Ticketline: 07754 175399 Saturday, July 29: Capel Allotments Association Summer BBQ

Refreshments available, free car park

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 September: Annual Flower & Produce Show Sunday, October 8: Capel Allotments Association Autumn Work-in, 9am-noon October 21: Nearly New Sale at Days Road Church, Capel Saturday, December 2: Christmas Coffee Morning at St Mary’s

CAPEL IRISH SET DANCE GROUP Capel Irish Set Dance Group meets at St Mary’s Church Hall on the third Sunday of every month (except August and the second Sunday in December) from 2-5.30pm.

We are a friendly group and it’s not necessary to have a partner. In fact you’re welcome to come along just to enjoy the music.

The remaining dates for 2107 are as follows: May 21, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 10.

Hille and Trevor Peartree, 01473 310146 Chris and Marjorie Haste, 01473 311615

BUMPER BOOK SALE Saturday, June 24 at Manningtree Methodist Church, South Street CO11 1BQ from 10am-4pm.

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The Friends of St Mary’s Registered Charity Number 286971

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY May sees the real start of lighter evenings and it makes you want to do different things. We have been inspired by the latest series of Masterchef and the sultry melt in the mouth dishes that the chefs have created.

Don’t have any inspiration? Check out some of the cookery books on offer, either on the shelf or on catalogue and give it a go. I’m sure that there is a Masterchef in you waiting to come out – be inspired!

NEW CLUB Capel Creators, a brick building club for all the family, comes to Capel Library on April 29, 10.30am-12.30pm. Budding builders of all ages are invited to come along and create a brick-based structure based on the theme for the month. For 50p per person you also get a cold drink and a biscuit. A prize will be given to the most imaginative creation. We have the bricks, you have the skills – let’s see what you can make. If you make whatever comes into your head, that’s great, free-play is also welcome.

Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Capel Creators will meet once a month. Look out for posters advertising the next date.

REGULAR CLUBS Baby Bounce will meet every Tuesday at 2pm, but not May 30 due to school half term. Come along to shake instruments and sing nursery rhymes. Open to all children aged 0-5 and their parents, grandparents and carers.

The library book group meets on Friday, May 19 at 2.30pm. Do come along and share the latest book. If you haven’t been before, the group is very friendly. You may wish to choose a book for the group to share; we are always looking for new titles to discuss.

Minecraft Club meets on Sundays, May 7 and 21, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

We kindly ask all borrowers to bring in their library card when they visit to enable us to issue books and to search online for new titles for reservation. Don’t forget that we sell stamps and book tokens of any denomination and accept good quality second hand books for sale.

ADVANCE NOTICE We shall once again be offering the children’s Summer Reading Scheme throughout the summer holidays. If you would like to volunteer, please speak with us and fill out the necessary forms. We very much appreciate all the help that our volunteers give us through this busy time of the year.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY The Community Cinema is going from strength to strength with pretty much full houses for our last films. In May we are showing Deepwater Horizon, based on the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and caused its director Peter Berg quite a few problems when BP would not collaborate with him. This all action film gained good reviews on its release. Book early to get a seat. It’s always on the third Tuesday of the month, doors open at 7pm.

One spin off from the Community Cinema has been an increase in the numbers joining both the friends and the 100 club. The prizes have been increased to £20, £10 and £7, and there will be bonus months when we offer more £20 prizes.

Together with volunteers, Jackie and her staff continue to offer new experiences for children. The Minecraft Club has been successfully relaunched and now there will also be a Lego club. If you have any Lego getting under your feet that you would like to donate, please let Jackie know. The Lego club meets for the first time on April 29 between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

If you want to know what the friends are up to, we now have a Facebook page; just look for Friends of Capel Library. Thanks to Trevor for setting this up, we’ve had lots of hits already.

Watch out for us too at the fun day early in June. We will have lots of books for you to browse in our distinctive gazebo.

The lucky winners this month are Steve Lodge £20, Ann Powell £10 and Lynda Ward £7.

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OUT & ABOUT TEA & COMPANY Monday, May 15 at Wenham View, Dove Close All welcome to come along from 2.30pm £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes Raffle Supported by The Capel Ladies

NEW ART CLASS IN CAPEL ST MARY If you are feeling inspired after watching the recent BBC Painting Challenge, you might be interested to know about the new Inspirational Art Class in Capel St Mary that is due to start on May 10, 2-4 pm in the Methodist Hall.

Sylvia Philpot is an intuitive art teacher who believes that everyone has creative ability, but that it is a case of inspiring students to take risks with colour, texture and composition to discover innovative ways of creating artistic outcomes.

Sylvia is currently studying for a BA(Hons) in Fine Art and is keen to share her knowledge with beginners as well as experienced artists who may be looking for help in discovering their hidden talents. She works on a 1:1 basis to help students explore new mediums and methods as well as nurturing individual skills.

THE ORCHARD PLAYERS The Orchard Players Summer Show is Time After Time, a tale of love set over the course of the 1970s and 1980s. A simple story told with classic, wellloved hits that will have audiences dancing and singing along!

Time After Time runs from July 6-8 at 7.30pm in Capel Village Hall.

Ticketline: 07933 292175 Quiz Night: Saturday, May 13 (see below)

By sharing her knowledge of traditional and contemporary artists, where relevant, students may be encouraged to think about different styles and techniques in relation to their own work.

“People often think art is some mysterious high flown concept but it really isn’t, it is a way of expressing our ideas and feelings about the world around us, so the options are unlimited. In the words of Marcel Duchamp ‘everyone can be an artist’ and that is exactly what I think,” says Sylvia. “ I am keen for my students to feel a sense of progress in their work and indeed pleasure in their success. We can’t all be Leonardo da Vinci, but we can have great fun trying!”

If you would like to know more about the course ring Sylvia on 01473 310737 or email: sylviaphilpot@hotmail.co.uk

Charity Garden Party in support of:

Old Hadleigh, London Rd., Capel St Mary, IP9 2JJ th

Saturday 6 May 3pm to 6pm £3 entry including tea and cakes Free entry including drink and cake for accompanied children under 12 years Sponsored by Capel Community Church, pleased to be supporting Macmillan with all proceeds from the event Tickets available in advance from:

Mark & Amanda Firmin (01473 312216) capelcommunitychurch.org.uk

www.macmillan.org.uk

020 7840 7840

Registered Charity No: 261017

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In Touch online:

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CAPEL ST MARY & LITTLE WENHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IN THE VILLAGE HALL COMPLEX

BT SPORT Available on the Big Screen in the Vine Lounge!

FREE WI-FI In both Bars!

CARD PAYMENT SERVICE now available!

FREE TABLE TENNIS Subject to Hall availability!

The Member’s Draw takes place every Friday night in the Vine Lounge.

BIG CASH PRIZES The winning member must be present in the Village Hall Complex to win or have had a go on the FRIDAY NIGHT DRAW!

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“THE ULTIMATE LITTLE MIX TRIBUTE ACT” SATURDAY 6TH MAY DOORS OPEN AT 6.00PM In the Village Hall Tickets - Members £10.00 Non - Members £12.50 “BINGO” THURSDAY 18th May DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Vine Lounge Books £1 Or 6 Books £5 EYES DOWN 8.30pm “SHANE & THE KORRADOS” SATURDAY 27TH May DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Village Hall Rock ‘n’ Roll & Rockabilly Tickets - Members £5.00 Non - Members £7.50 “POOL TOURNAMENT & BBQ” SUNDAY 28th May - FROM 12 noon In the Family Bar Sign up at the Bar Over 16’s Only - £5.00 to enter “FUNDAY” SATURDAY 10th June 1pm-5pm At Capel Playing Field Lots to see including “NR Exotics Ltd” Plus local displays and much, much more!

FREE ADMISSION

To buy Tickets or book Quiz Teams, call in the Village Bar or ring Ruth - 07548130293 Tracy - 07917440459 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EVENTS MENTIONED ON THIS PAGE VISIT CAPEL VILLAGE BAR FACEBOOK PAGE OR THE WEBSITE

2017 Association Membership Membership renewal is due in January each year. The costs for 2017 are: Junior 16-17 £2.50, Single including Over 65’s £6, Family £10

www.capelcommunitytrust.org

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY MAY 2017 Tuesday 2 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Under 16s Ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/Private lessons Ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin Dance for Adults, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 3 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 4 BDC Elections, all day in the hall Capel Ladies, 7.30-10.30pm, library Friday 5 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall Saturday 6 Dog Training, 9.30-11.15am, hall Sunday 7 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 2-6pm, hall Monday 8 Parish Council Meeting, 7.30-10.30pm, library Tuesday 9 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5.30pm, hall Under 16s Ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/Private lessons Ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin Dance for Adults, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 10 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Flower Arranging, 6.30-10.30pm, library Thursday 11 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Women’s Institute, 7.30-10.30pm, library Friday 12 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall Saturday 13 Dog Training, 9.30-11.15am, hall Orchard Players Quiz, 7.30-11pm, hall Sunday 14 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Monday 15 Community Association Meeting, 8-10.30pm, library Tuesday 16 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, hall Under 16s Ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/Private lessons Ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin Dance for Adults, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 17 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 18 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Bingo, 7.30-10.30pm, Vine Lounge Friday 19 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall

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Saturday 20 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Sunday 21 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Tuesday 23 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, hall Under 16s Ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/Private lessons Ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin Dance for Adults, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 24 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 25 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Gardening Club, 7-10.30pm, library Friday 26 Leap Frog, 9am-1pm, hall Saturday 27 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Association Event 70’s Night, 7.30-11.30pm, hall Sunday 28 Pool Tournament, noon until late, family bar Tuesday 30 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, hall Under 16s Ballroom and Latin, 6-7pm, hall Courses/Private lessons Ballroom and Latin, 7-8pm, hall Ballroom and Latin Dance for Adults, 8-9pm, hall Wednesday 31 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall FUNCTION ROOMS FOR HIRE Are you organising a birthday, anniversary, wedding, engagement, christening, children’s party, celebration, social event, business meeting or just want a get together with family and friends? Why not book the village hall, Vine Lounge, library or stage? We can cater for parties between 20 and 200 people at very competitive rates. Rooms are available during the daytime or evenings.

Facilities include a fully licensed bar and a kitchen preparation area with prices starting from as little as £10 per hour for the library, £15 per hour for the hall and the Vine Lounge is £88 for an evening. All enquires to Mandy.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE If you would like to celebrate the life of someone you loved who has passed away, you can hire the Vine Lounge in the village hall complex most weekdays for just £75. All enquires to Mandy.

CONTACTS Village Bar: 01473 311766 Mandy Marshall (events and hiring): 01473 312026 / bookings@capel-trust.freeserve.co.uk ST MARY FUNCTION ROOMS SPECIAL OFFER FOR A TRIAL PERIOD Do you have a celebration coming up?

If you are a member of the community association you may be eligible for free room hire on an adult party in the hall or Vine Lounge. Terms and conditions apply.

For further details, please contact Mandy: 01473 312026

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AKENHAM CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, offices, windows, doors, staircases etc in any timber • Kitchen fitting service available on your own units • All interior and exterior carpentry • Competitive rates

NO VAT

Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com

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OUT & ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF ST MARYS CHURCH The Friends raise funds to preserve the fabric of Capel St Mary’s oldest building. Many of you support the events we organise such as The Scarecrow Trail and the Trees and Lights weekend.

We will be holding our AGM on Wednesday, May 10 at 7.30pm in the church. Anyone is welcome and we would love new committee members.

No need to be a member of the church, just have an interest in conserving this beautiful old building.

Please join us.

CAPEL LADIES CLUB Meal out at The Queen’s Head A change is as good as a rest they say, and for our March meal out the committee decided to book The Queen’s Head, Little Wenham. As it turned out it was a great decision! Mark and Patsy gave us a very warm welcome and had laid-out a hot, self-serve buffet in their spacious dining room, with choices of tasty dishes such as a chicken tagine, chicken tikka masala and a lamb casserole. There was rice, jacket potatoes, chunky chips and extra seasonal vegetables too. Desserts followed, including apple crumble and custard, chocolate fudge cake and fresh fruit salad with cream. The two dozen members who attended were all very happy with their meals, and there was a jolly atmosphere in cosy surroundings. We will definitely be returning to The Queen’s Head for second helpings at some point.

Knickers – What we Wear and Why with Liza Jones I’ve heard of some unusual collections in my time, but historical and vintage underwear must be one of the strangest. Liza Jones has a suitcase full of the most amazing garments worn by ladies through the ages, which we passed round to look at while she told us of their history.

The underwear market in the UK is a thriving business worth £1.6 billion a year, but it has not always been so. Women have not always worn underwear, but from the 15th century onwards began to take more interest in showing off their own body shape under clothing. They began wearing laced corsets which were stiffened with whalebone to keep their shape and provide support. Liza wanted to add one of these corsets to her collection but was unable to find one so made her own. Instead of using whalebone she stiffened each section using modern parcel ties and the result is a work of art.

Apart from this garment she has pantaloons, knickerbockers, a Victorian night-shirt and cap, a liberty bodice and a wonderful collection of vintage bras and underwear sets from more recent times. We were taken on a journey from busks to Madonna’s bullet bras, and from loin cloths to G-strings.

This was a fascinating and enlightening talk which was brought to life as we passed round the various items of clothing, many of which were hand-made and edged with delicate lace or broderie anglaise. Thank you Liza for a lively and interesting talk.

If you fancy joining us for more of the same, please ring Di Barker on 311870 or visit www.capelladies.com for more information. Coming up we have a chocolate-making evening and our summer social which is a horse-racing night with real little ponies!

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ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, May 13, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB Have you heard of Quiet Lanes? This was the topic for our April meeting.

There are 15 Quiet Lanes in Suffolk, none near Capel unfortunately! Quiet Lanes give priority to pedestrians, but cyclists, horses and cars are allowed on the lane. Perhaps you have seen one of the green signs with black figures? They are mostly found in rural areas and are intended to promote fitness and wellbeing by getting people to go out for daily exercise.

Jan Byrne will present an interesting talk on buildings around Hadleigh at our next meeting on May 8, followed in June with a walk around the town. We meet in the Methodist Church lounge at 7.30pm with refreshments afterwards.

Doreen Parker, 01473 311267

BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB In March we welcomed back The Bass Hicks who entertained us with a varied mix of music and songs. Members were encouraged to join in some of the well-known numbers on an enjoyable afternoon. The month concluded with our regular session of chair aerobics followed by cards and Scrabble.

In April, Janice Mutimer from the Blue Cross Centre gave us a very interesting and amusing talk on the educational aspects of involving children and adults in the care of animals. Members donated toys, tins of food, blankets and towels for use at the centre. This proved to be a very informative and thought provoking talk and was enjoyed by everyone.

At our second meeting in April, Judy gave us a musical afternoon on her accordion which again was most enjoyable.

The dates for our May meetings are as follows: May 2: Paper Sculpture Modelling with Colin Hopper May 16: Chair Aerobics, Cards and Scrabble May 30: Andy Malcolm from The Fisherman`s Mission All meetings start at 2.30pm in Bentley Village Hall and we hope to see you there.

Margaret Blackmore, secretary: 01473 310655

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OUT & ABOUT CRAFTERS UNLIMITED

NOTES FROM THE CASE

A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light-hearted atmosphere with refreshments, Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub Spring has well and truly sprung and our customers are already enjoying the sunshine in our garden which, thanks to our volunteers, is looking lovely. We’ve made good use of it with the Easter Egg Hunt and are about to do so again with our Best of British Beer from Thursday, April 27 to May Bank Holiday Monday. Martin, our tireless cellarman, has selected a range of the best beers from around the country – come and sample them, with the bonus of a barbecue and live music on Monday, May 1.

Monday, May 8: Talk and Demo of Folk Art by Heather Prince Monday, June 5: Flower Brooch (Debbie) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 71353

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our March meeting was postponed from the normal second Wednesday of the month to the third as a number of members and the committee wished to attend the funeral of a long standing member. With the hall unavailable on the third Wednesday, our thanks to Tattingstone Church authority for allowing us to hold the postponed meeting in the church, where Professor John Midwinter presented a talk titled Wolves, Dogs and Us. In his talk he explained how dogs evolved from wolves and how they consequently changed from potential predators to man’s best friend.

On Wednesday, May 10 Horry Parsons will present a talk titled The Building of Bury Tower. This will be followed by our AGM. The program for the next year has not yet been finalised but we hope to have it available at the May meeting. Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

NEW MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP Poetry Plus is the name of a new poetry group which will meet monthly at the Red Lion in South Street, Manningtree. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 7.30pm and subsequent meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month.

All those interested in poetry are invited to attend either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets.

There is no charge for admission.

To keep up to date with this new poetry group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

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Our gastronomic tour of the world continues with a Taste of Italy on May 20. Previous ‘Tastes of…’ have been a big successes so book early for this one.

Fathers’ Day is on Sunday, June 18 and we’ll be serving the usual Sunday lunch with a free pint for dads.

If you’ve eaten at The Case lately you’ll have noticed our menus have changed and new specials are appearing all the time. Come and try them! There’s also a children’s menu, so no excuse for not bringing the family. The Case is for everyone! If you prefer to eat at home, don’t forget you can pick up a takeaway. Come and have a pint while you wait for your fish and chips to be ready, or ring to order beforehand. Ask about a choice of meals on offer.

Our pub quizzes continue on the last Saturday of each month, and you can combine them with a curry (book in advance) or just turn up for the quiz. Food served till 8pm, quiz starts at 9pm. Winners get drinks tokens.

Did you know The Case also has a thriving book club? The next meeting is on April 26 at 7.30pm when the group will be discussing M.R James’ Collected Ghost Stories. All welcome.

One ghost we wouldn’t mind meeting is the gallant Mr Cooper, landlord of The Case in 1879. If not for him, a Mr Munnings, carrier of Bentley, would have met a nasty end. From the Ipswich Journal, 7 Jan 1879: ’Mr Munnings had been to a funeral as one of the bearers, and on his return home went to the well to draw a pail of water. Somehow he lost his balance and fell headfirst down the well, which is 30 feet deep. Mr Cooper, from The Case is Altered, came up at the time and rescued Mr Munnings from his cold and perilous position. On reaching terra firma he was found to have sustained no serious injury, and walked to Ipswich the next day.’ Insulated by beer consumed at the funeral, perhaps!

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

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BY Pop in store this spring to see our full poultry care range to keep your hens healthy and happy.

Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA 01473 731117 Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Now the clocks have sprung forward for spring, the weather is getting better, days are getting longer and people are spending more time enjoying the outdoors, we would ask that you remain vigilant to crime. Before you go out and leave your house or car, check those windows that you opened to allow the fresh air through the house, check that door that you left ajar and check those garden tools or toys that you left out. Have you made it easy for that chance criminal and left any insecure items as an open invitation for a chance burglar.

The reason we ask you to STOP, CHECK, LOCK, is that over recent weeks some of our smaller villages have been targets for thefts from sheds and other out buildings.

With this in mind, Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding Community Engagements in various villages throughout Babergh with the aim in offering crime prevention advice and reassurance.

We will be advertising these events on Twitter and Facebook and in parish magazines so look out for one near to you.

Last month we were in Shotley for several hours with our mobile police station at the village vall. Colleagues patrolled the village on foot and incorporated speed enforcement during the day. We spoke to local residents, listening and responding to their concerns and issues.

While I have this opportunity, I would like to give you all updates on recent crimes that have occurred in our area and the work that has been carried out: •

Operation Fireside: Burglaries around East Ipswich and Shotley. A detective inspector has been appointed to oversee this, two people arrested, one warrant executed for stolen goods and enquiries ongoing.

•

Burglaries in Bentley: One person given a 10 year prison sentence.

•

Holbrook Burglaries: One person on Court Bail until March 30.

•

Series of ram raids on February 8, including Hadleigh and Capel. One person has been arrested and is on bail, two others are being sought.

•

Anti-social behaviour in Hadleigh: Four young people have been dealt with and referred to the Youth Offending Service.

•

Pinewood Burglaries: One person on bail waiting for a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service.

As you can see, Suffolk Police in our area have been very busy dealing with incidents with positive outcomes.

I would encourage all readers to: Follow us on TWITTER @HadleighPolice Join up to POLICE CONNECT at: www.suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect Obtain statistics from: www.police.uk As always, Hadleigh SNT is at Hadleigh Police Station and can be contacted at: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: 999 Non-Emergency: 101 Until next time, PC1220 Garrod, Hadleigh SNT, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD

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STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, April 12, Amanda Richmond presented a talk titled Two Teachers Ascent of Everest. Amanda is a teacher, mountaineer, skier, traveller and bell ringer. She told of the ascent of Everest and the six years preparation, planning and hardships involved in tackling this formidable ascent.

On Wednesday, May 10, Emma Roodhouse, art curator of the Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service, will talk on Leonard Squirrel, known as the ‘grand old man’ of East Anglian painting. Emma’s talk will highlight his prolific career, concentrating on the artworks in the Ipswich Borough Council collection, including drawings, watercolours, etchings and pastels from 1912-1978.

On Wednesday, June 14, Alan Goldsmith from Stansted will present a talk titled Giving it Both Barrels, an amusing and light-hearted talk of his 50 years in the rock ‘n’ roll and entertainment business.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

It’s never too late to learn! Join the 361,477 members across 969 U3As throughout the UK today.

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB At our recent Annual General Meeting, Graeme Forsyth took up presidency of the club for the year, supported by Brian Rolfe as vice president, Paul Woodgate as the new secretary and Peter StanwayWilliams as treasurer.

On Wednesday, April 5, Julian Wong spoke about the good work undertaken by the charity Mary’s Meals and on Wednesday 19 Jim Lowe informed us of the work undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Society.

On Wednesday, May 3, Liz Bruce will tell us about the mission of The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service in the Second World War and two weeks later on Wednesday 17 Chris Parfitt’s presentation is titled The Arctic Circle Express. Tom Tyler returns on June 7 with a talk titled When Holidays Were Fun and on June 21 John Field will speak to us about the redevelopment of Ipswich Docks.

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at St John’s Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL ALLOTMENTS GUIDE TO GARDENING IN MAY

1977 to 2017: “We’ve been growing for 40 years” Clear weeds. Rotovate cleared areas. Scatter slug pellets. Rake in Growmore prior to sowing or planting. Kill weeds on paths, patios and drives. Set up the barbecue. Protect fruit and plants from bird attacks. Water plants thoroughly with an open ended watering can.

VEG PLOT Plant brassicas, potatoes and celery. Sow or plant runner beans to grow up 8’ canes set in two rows three feet apart, cross canes as low as three feet from the ground to allow the maximum number of beans to hang outwards and grow straight for easy picking and for the show bench. Tie in other canes at 45 degrees and through the cross over point to strengthen the structure. Sow salad crops, French beans, marrow, pumpkin, courgette, squashes, cucumbers, sweet corn, turnip, swede and carrots. Cover potatoes if frost is forecast or water early in the morning before the sun damages the frozen leaves. Sow fennel, basil and dill. Harvest broad beans, spouting broccoli, cauliflowers, radish, lettuce and asparagus. Thin seeds sown in April.

FLOWERS Move spring bulbs to a temporary site and feed with Growmore or Blood, Fish & Bone. Sow hardy annuals and bi-annuals. Tie in sweet peas. Cut back flowered heathers and mulch with peat. Plant up containers with summer bedding. Stake tall herbaceous plants.

Mulch borders with chipped bark.

ASSOCIATION NEWS THE HUT THE HUT is open for members from 10am-noon on Saturdays and Sundays throughout May and June (members only £5 per annum). Runner, dwarf French, climbing French and sweet corn plants available.

MEMBERS BBQ: Saturday, July 29

LAWNS Mow weekly. Apply a liquid or granular lawn treatment. All horticultural items are only available to our members from a range of quality products provided to meet basic gardening needs.

SSALG Stand at The Suffolk Show We are again growing plants for the stand at the Suffolk Show to fill an L shaped raised bed at the end of May. Our thanks to Kings Seeds for providing the seeds for this project.

FRUIT Spray fruit trees affected by mildew, scab, aphids or codling moth caterpillars, black fly and red spider mites. When fruit has set apply a nitrogen feed and water in dry spells. Put straw around strawberries.

The Photography Trophy Subjects for 2017: Picture to Depict Life in Suffolk in the 21st Century; A Great British Holiday; Transport Through Time; Bird Life’ Photo of your Choice. All photographs to be colour, minimum size 150x100mm / 6” x 4” and maximum size 190 x 130mm / 7.5” x 5”, mounted and taken within the last 18 months.

GREENHOUSE Ventilate, provide shade and increase humidity. Sow melons, cucumber and sweet corn. Prick out half-hardy annuals. Feed established plants weekly with liquid feed. Pinch out tips of fuchsias

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after two pairs of leaves and hardy annuals after four. Control insect pests. Plant tomato, cucumber, pepper melons and aubergine plants.

Feed weekly when fruits begin to swell with tomato feed.

For a more extensive version of this report visit: www.capelallotments.co.uk

In Touch online:

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27

So Much More Than a Dance Class Any Age & Ability Very Welcome No Partners Required

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle to Dance Fitness Fun

CLUB-NIGHT ESSENTIALS

"Strictly" style Dance-a-cise

Bingo Flyers: £2.80 per book Bingo 10 page: £25.50 per pack Pub/Football Cards: 20p each

The Street Capel St Mary every Thursday 10am & 7pm spaces are limited to reserve yours

14-20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP

St Mary's Church Hall

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

classes also in: - Brantham - East Bergholt - Hadleigh - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary

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F.A.O - Club Secretaries:

Prices ex-VAT - collect from Reception:

01473 400379 sales@colourplan.co.uk

janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS BENTLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Coffee Morning and Plant Sale Saturday, May 20, from 10am Bentley Village Hall Come and enjoy a slice of cake with either tea or coffee Raffle

CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB

SUFFOLK BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Recently bereaved or suffering a delayed reaction to loss? Are you in need of help and support?

Why not join a small focused group of five-10 sharing bereavement issues?

Groups are led by an experienced facilitator creating a warm, safe environment in which to explore the many aspects of loss.

Groups are free and open to Suffolk residents able to attend the Hadleigh (afternoon) or Capel St Mary (evening) venues.

For more details or to reserve a place contact Patrick or Margaret: sbsg246@gmail.com / 01206 299832 www.suffolkbereavement.org.uk

CAPEL ST MARY PRIMARY SCHOOL

On March 23 we held our spring show in the library with 20 exhibitors showing nearly 150 entries. The library was quite crowded as usual and the winners of the various sections were Louise Evans (Flowers and Pot Plants), Linda Evans (Flower Arranging), Frances Ball and Jean Goyder (Cookery), Eddie Cox (Club Daffodil), Doreen Parker and Brenda Heath (Handicraft) and Charles Heath (Photography).

Our next meeting is on May 25 when members of the War Memorial Committee will be giving a talk.

ANNUAL PLANT SALE On Saturday, May 6 we are holding our annual plant sale from 9.3011.30am near the bus stop outside the village hall. The Methodist Church has as plant sale on the same day at roughly the same time and they also have refreshments!

We are always happy to welcome new members (£8 a year or £2.50 if you want to just come to a particular meeting as a visitor). Any queries, please let me know.

The highlight of the spring term had to be Unit 2’s Amazing Adventures of Super Stan, a magnificent tale of derring-do.

Stanley was a staggering no-hoper who lived in Megaville and seemed to make so many mistakes. It turned out that when the Candy King tried to take over the world Stanley was actually a superhero and with his friends was able to save the day.

The children were amazing having to learn so many lines, dances, songs, solos and pun after pun after pun. They looked fantastic too, with great costumes adding to the whole special event. The parents and family who came to the two evening performances were really impressed with how well the children had done and enjoyed a great evening of laughs!

Next term it will be the turn of Unit 3 to put on a production. I wonder what it will be.

Chairman Edwina Cox, 01473 311121

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SCHOOLS ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears As the days grow longer we have taken advantage of the warmer evenings and enjoyed dancing in our cosy garden. Through the daytime sunshine, the Baby Bears have been outside exploring and have helped to plant many seeds. Some have already sprouted and we are excited to watch them grow. Our water trays have been happily splashed in and we have added lots of different items which the Baby Bears love to investigate. We have also been trying to hop like the Easter bunny, giggling as we watch each other jumping about.

COPDOCK & BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Toddling Tigers We have been very busy with Easter crafts and have made so many things including Easter bunny headbands, painted chicks and bunnies and an Easter bunny collage. We have been colouring, baked bunny biscuits, made nest cakes and even found time to make and eat our own mini egg cupcakes! We are also very excited and looking forward to our planned water week and animal week both coming soon.

Gruffalos The Gruffalos had a busy month preparing for Mother’s Day. They each made a lovely flower card using painted hands to create the petals. We also had a busy week of colour mixing, experimenting with the prime colours and mixing with hands and paint brushes. Spring has been of great interest to the Gruffalos when playing outside. We have been looking at and listening to the birds, been on flower hunts and watched the frogs in the pond. Our preposition play was amazing; we explored what we know about behind, onto, in front, inside and beside.

If you would like information about Robin’s Childcare please contact Vicki on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook.

The whole of Key Stage 1 across the entire federation spent a day in Colchester visiting the synagogue and eating lunch in the park before touring the natural history museum.

We finished the spring term with Easter Bonnet parades at each school with many pupils sporting some fantastically creative headwear in return for some Easter treats.

To round off this year’s swimming lessons at the end of last term, we had an inter-federation gala at First Strokes. Photos and a report of the event can be found on the news pages of the school website.

Head pupil update Children have now met with our Community Police Officer, Denise Ford, and will be monitoring speed and parking at both school sites after Easter. The children have designed a leaflet promoting safe parking and asking for parent support to keep everyone safe.

Head pupils are doing a fantastic job and show a commitment to improving school life for everyone within our community. Well done!

Last term the focus of the after school club was cross country in preparation for events such as the one hosted by RHS at the end of March which saw 30 children from Years 4, 5 and 6 across the federation participating. Clubs last term also included writing, cooking and SATS math’s revision. This term we’ll be concentrating on dance and tennis.

The summer term launched with a Mad Science workshop, followed by the annual Farm & Country Fair at Trinity Park. Pupils from Years 3 and 4 at Bentley enjoyed learning about different aspects of farming and stroking some of the animals. Copdock Woodpeckers headed to Braintree for a look at the Stone Age to Iron Age exhibit at the museum and KS1 across the federation visited Orford Castle.

During this time, Year 6 will work hard towards their Spelling Bee competition at East Bergholt High.

At Copdock Primary we have a vacancy for a midday supervisor. If you are interested in the role please contact the school office for further information: 01473 730337 The schools are collecting Sainsbury’s vouchers to help fund sports and cooking equipment. If you are wondering what to do with any you receive, please pop them in our post box or send them into the office. Please encourage friends and relatives to share their vouchers with the schools too. Thank you.

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SPORT CAPEL ST MARY BOWLS CLUB

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

By the time you read this our green and facilities will be up and running and we will have played our first matches. Let’s all look forward to a great season, with lots of sunny weather. On the social front, we had another successful quiz night. Eighteen members and guests faced up to the challenge on Saturday, March 25. It was a very good event, enjoyed by all. The winning team was Alistair and Karen Montgomerie with Paul and Jackie Woolener but by a margin of just three points. Thanks as always to Tony and Liz Gulliver for hosting and providing delicious snacks, and to Pam Peers who took on the difficult task of arranging the quiz this year.

Well done everyone.

Watched by a crowd of 290 spectators, the Saturday First team lost the Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final 2-0 against Achilles FC in a game played under floodlights at Needham Market on Friday, March 31. An even first half saw both teams miss chances before our opponents scored twice during the second half to go through to the final to be played at Portman Road later this season. So no new cups in the trophy room this season with the side having seven league games remaining and their last two league games seeing them lose 2-1 to Grundisburgh with Gary Collins getting our goal before they drew 2-2 with Haughley United thanks to goals from Miles Donovan and Shaun Webb. The last home league game should be on April 29 against Stanton.

Join us for a free afternoon of bowling Have you ever thought of playing bowls, but like the majority of people tend to think of it as an old person’s game? This is far from the truth and to prove it, we would like to invite you to come along for a free afternoon of bowling on either Saturday 13 or Sunday 14 May. Several members will be present and only too pleased to give you some advice and an insight to our club and how it is run. So, you have nothing to lose and you could enjoy yourself.

Can’t make it but want to know more? Contact club secretary Les Bryant (311717) for a chat or a no obligation information pack. We are a thriving club but always welcome new members, young or not so young.

IMPORTANT DATES May 2 Kites I&D Two Woods League at Mendlesham May 3 I&D Triples: Kites Home vs. Kirton and Falkenham /

Kestrels at Sproughton May 4 Kestrels I&D Two Woods League Home vs. Bramford May 6 Grunbaum Trophy May 8 Samford League: Kites Home vs. Suffolk Police /

Kestrels at Delta May 20 Boxford Friendly (Away) June 17 President’s Day / Burman Bowl Jack High

SPROUGHTON TENNIS CLUB May promises to be a busy month at Sproughton Tennis Club. Our regular Thursday afternoon junior coaching sessions continue and adult club nights are on Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm. We are also trialling an open club session on Friday mornings at 10am.

We are holding an Open Day on Sunday, May 14 from 2pm. This is part of the LTA Great British Tennis Weekend and is your opportunity to play for free for the afternoon. Between 2 and 4pm we are expecting families to come along while between 4 and 6pm, it’s the turn of over 14s and adults to play.

We hope to see people of all ages, not only juniors. So, if you have played tennis in the past or just want to try something new, dig out that racket and come along. If you don’t have a racket, come along anyway and we will find you one to play with. We’re hoping for fine weather and there may even be prizes available.

For further details visit: www.sproughtontennis.co.uk/gbtw We are also holding free coaching lessons for juniors new to tennis between the ages of five and eight as part of the LTA Tennis For Kids initiative. These will be held on Saturday mornings beginning May 20 for six weeks. There are two courses: 9.15-10.15am and 10.30-11.30am.

The numbers available for these sessions are strictly limited, so you must pre-book. Please see our website for details: www.sproughtontennis.co.uk/tennisforkids The club can be found at The Playing Fields in Church Lane, Sproughton IP8 3AX.

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Our Reserves are bottom of their league despite a recent 3-0 win over Bacton United with Nick Tigges grabbing a hat trick, followed by a 3-2 defeat against Coplestonians with goals from Alex Parry and Harry Taylor.

The team are looking for a manager for next season so if interested please contact a club member.

Our Sunday side beat Claydon 2-1 thanks to a brace of goals from Curtis Fleming, then beat Bourne Vale 3-2 with a hat trick from Abdul Kaium.

Meanwhile our Veteran team lost 2-1 to Coplestonians before beating Suffolk Punch in the league cup 2-1 with goals from Wayne Pannell and an own goal.

The season should finish on May 13 when all those connected with running the club can have a well-earned break before training starts in July.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB With the weather being kind this season there were only a couple of fixtures through March for the First Team. A win and a draw kept them in a midtable position. They have continued to find penalties difficult to convert, but skipper Ben Bibby did score in a penalty shootout when he deservedly was selected for the SIL representative team alongside teammate Gary Hammond. Two wins and two defeats for the Reserves have maintained third place in League A. The semi-final of the Goals of Ipswich Cup, where they meet Benhall St Mary Reserves, is now approaching quickly.

There have been lots of goals in the A Team’s games. It looks as if it will go to the wire as the team looks to maintain their League B status.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team / Senior Division Sat, April 29: Leiston St Margarets (A) Sat, May 6: Stanton (A) Reserves / League A Sat, April 29: Coplestonians Res (H) A Team / League B Sat, April 29: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm, please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition: http://fulltime.thefa. com/Index.do?league=4358069 We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee member, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays all offer potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

Steve Butcher, stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST CHURCH LOOK AT YOURSELF AND LAUGH! I find myself in Cornwall the weekend before Easter on a few days break, normally reserved for after Easter. The weather is amazing. I spent the first five years of my life in Cornwall. My wife’s family roots are here and we have met up with her cousins and other friends who are still in the area, some of whom we haven’t seen in over 25 years. We are staying in a friend’s flat overlooking the River Fal Estuary and I always love looking through other people’s bookshelves. I spotted eight Bill Bryson books, whom my son had recommended but I hadn’t got around to reading. I’m loving it.

His observations of people and in particular the British, makes you want to laugh. I was warned not to read the book in public “for fear of emitting loud snorts”!

The evening after meeting our cousins, I read a chapter that described several of the things we had done that very day in catching up 25 years and I laughed! Bill, who is from the USA, has spent most of his adult life in the UK, and can get us to look at our lives and laugh at the quirky things we sometime do, me included!

I think we sometimes take ourselves and life too seriously. Jesus came that we might have life and life in all its fullness. He went to a wedding party and was far from a party pooper. He was accused of mixing with the wrong crowd and of not taking the disciplines of the faith seriously!

In our Bible reading on the day we met with our cousins, it suggested “going with the flow”, connecting with people and “learning the unforced rhythms of grace”. Today’s mantra is often “busy, busy, busy” and we miss living life with people.

I love my job, I have quite a bit of flexibility and every day is different. Those I work with, I sometimes frustrate, because I haven’t done all the admin work expected of me, or done things in a timely way because I have gone with the flow and met with someone and given them time. Others, I might have unintentionally hurt, either because of being “busy, busy, busy” or another person came into the flow of my life and someone else was overlooked.

I don’t always get the balance right. Come to think of it, I’m meant to be on holiday; the rest of the day is my wife’s and daughter’s in the beautiful Cornish countryside!

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 MAY SERVICES Sunday 7 10.30am Sunday 14 10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 21 10.30am Sunday 28 10.30am

7.30pm

Worship with Mr Terry Tennens Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Mr Chris Jowett Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at St Mary’s

MESSY CHURCH: SATURDAY, JUNE 3 The next Messy Church is on Saturday, June 3 at Capel Methodist Church, this time from 9.30-11.30am. For a change we are starting with breakfast (maybe bacon butties). Then there will be the usual craft activities and games, but you will then be free to do what you like for the rest of the day in the lovely sunny weather.

What is Messy church, I hear you ask? Well it’s a fun, new way of doing church relevant to families today. We will have a short celebration including some singing and a Bible story/drama related to the theme for the day, followed by an hour of crafts. The theme on June 3 is Into the Lion’s Den. It’s all free but donations are gratefully received. Who can come? All age families. Kids, you must bring at least one adult. If you haven’t been before, talk to someone who has and I’m sure they’ll tell you it’s great and you must come. No need to book just turn up. Hope to see lots of you there.

Maggie and Sue Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com

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CHRISTIANS in Capel The members of all the churches foster a closer fellowship and understanding between the respective Christian communities in Capel St Mary. They endeavour to co-ordinate common interests and where practical share common resources to meet specific needs.

For times and details of Sunday services, Alpha and Home/Life Groups, please contact one of the following: The Parish Church, St Mary the Virgin The Rev Canon Jim Pendorf The Rectory, Days Road, Capel 01473 312225 / 07973 265037 The Catholic Church Father Christopher Smith, St Mark’s Church 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich 01473 684963 Capel Community Church David Owen, 18 Bushey Close, Capel www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk 01473 310454 / 07752 921135 The Methodist Church The Rev Andrew Sankey 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 INTER-CHURCH MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES The following church groups welcome new members: TREKKERS For ages 7-11, meets on Thursdays at the Methodist Church from 3.45 to 5.15pm during school term time. Contact Margaret Sankey: 01473 311178 YOUTH GROUP Junction Club: Fridays at the Methodist Church, 7-9pm for School Years 7-9​. Contact Jill Sharp: 01473 311546 Life Group: Wednesdays at the Methodist Church, 7.30-9pm. Contact Caitlan Mower: 07465 414870 PARENTS AND TODDLERS • Tuesday – 9-11.30am, Capel Community Church, Days Road Contact Margaret Beard: 01473 311219 • Wednesday – 9-11.30am, Busy Bees, Methodist Church Contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 • Wednesday – 10am-noon, Twins & Multiples Group at CCC Contact Chris Matthews: 01473 311368 SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCH CLUBS • First Monday, Capel Community Church, 01473 311368 • Third Tuesday, St Mary’s Church Hall, 01473 310596 • Last Thursday, Methodist Church, 01473 310635 NETWORK FELLOWSHIP Third Tuesday, from 2.30pm, Methodist Church. Anyone welcome to come to the meeting. Contact Judy Steward, 01473 310799 BEACON COFFEE SHOP EVERY TUESDAY 9am-12.30pm, in the Vine Lounge, Capel Village Hall AEROBICS AT CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH Fridays from 10.45-11.45am, Young at Heart (slower paced).

Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 PILATES • Tuesdays – 7 and 8.10pm, Capel Methodist Church • Fridays – 9.30am, Capel Methodist Church Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 R.O.M.E.O. Lunch for Men at The Harvest Moon, Capel First Thursday, 12.30pm. Book with Peter Ellis: 01473 310096

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CHURCH NEWS THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH May is Mary’s month, but why? The practice of dedicating the month of May to Our Lady was popularised especially by the Rosary Encyclicals of Leo XIII – beginning in 1883 and concluding in 1889. The May devotion to Our Lady in its present form originated at Rome where Father Latomia of the Roman College of the Society of Jesus, to counteract infidelity and immorality among the students, made a vow at the end of the 18th century to devote the month of May to Mary. From Rome the practice spread and thence to nearly every Roman Catholic Church of the Latin rite. This practice is the oldest instance of a devotion extending over an entire month Mary Month – Why May? Some have pointed to the fact that, in classic western culture (both Greek and Roman), May was recognised as the season of the beginning of new life. In the Greek world, May was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and associated with fecundity. Roman culture linked the month of May to Flora, the goddess of bloom and blossoms – this led to the custom of ludi florals (or floral games) which took place at the very end of April as a preparation for entering into the month of May. It seems that this ancient tradition of connecting May with new life and fecundity led to a realisation that May is very much the month of motherhood – this may be the reason why Mother’s Day is celebrated during May not only in my country, the United States, but also in many countries and cultures of both the East and the West. In the month of May, the winter comes to an end and the spring season begins (this was the official beginning of spring in Roman culture). This new beginning and new birth is a testimony to the motherhood of Mother Earth.

This connection between motherhood and May led Christians eventually to adopt May as Mary Month. May is the Month of Our Lady precisely as the Mother of God. So wrote the priest-poet Fr Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ, in his Marian classic The May Magnificat (1878).

May is Mary’s month, and I Muse at that and wonder why Her feasts follow reason, Dated due to season— Candlemas, Lady Day; But the Lady Month, May, Why fasten that upon her, With a feasting in her honour?

Is it only its being brighter Than the most are must delight her?

Is it opportunest And flowers finds soonest?

Ask of her, the mighty mother: Her reply puts this other Question: What is Spring?— Growth in every thing— Flesh and fleece, fur and feather, Grass and greenworld all together; Star-eyed strawberry-breasted Throstle above her nested Cluster of bugle blue eggs thin Forms and warms the life within; And bird and blossom swell In sod or sheath or shell.

All things rising, all things sizing Mary sees, sympathising With that world of good, Nature’s motherhood.

Their magnifying of each its kind With delight calls to mind How she did in her stored Magnify the Lord.

Well but there was more than this: Spring’s universal bliss Much, had much to say To offering Mary May. When drop-of-blood-and-foam-dapple Bloom lights the orchard-apple And thicket and thorp are merry With silver-surfed cherry And azuring-over greybell makes Wood banks and brakes wash wet like lakes And magic cuckoocall Caps, clears, and clinches all— This ecstasy all through mothering earth Tells Mary her mirth till Christ’s birth To remember and exultation In God who was her salvation.

With spring now in full bloom, we can all celebrate new life through Mary, the Queen of Heaven. As always I write with every good wish and for God’s continued blessings on you and your loved ones throughout this bright and pleasant month, as ever.

GARDEN GLORY May sees the start of garden party season, if there is such a thing! And for good reason, as an English garden can look so beautiful as spring prepares to usher in summer. Although I have no first-hand experience, I guess one of the most beautiful and carefully tended gardens in our land, has to be on the estate of the Queen’s principal residence.

But at this time of year, it is not just Elizabeth II who gets to enjoy the spring beauty as the first of three royal garden parties will be hosted by our monarch at Buckingham Palace in May. These annual events, held in the grounds of this iconic venue, are by invitation only. But who gets to go?

It is, as I understand it, a way of recognising and rewarding public service.

Those who are nominated to receive an invitation to the most select of all garden parties, are individuals who have contributed, perhaps through tireless charitable work or other acts of kindness and service, to our society.

So clearly a generous heart can have its rewards. Perhaps, for a very select few, it results in an opportunity to hang out with the Queen in her

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back yard. For many however, it seems to go completely unnoticed. But is it really overlooked? The Bible seems to suggest otherwise. Proverbs 11:25 states that ‘A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.’ and Jesus himself said ‘Let your charitable acts be done in secret, as your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’

So you may not make it to the palace for tea with the Queen this May, but generosity is never missed by God. And for those of us not invited to the palace, we have our own opportunity to attend a local garden party on Saturday, May 6. This charity event, held in the beautiful grounds of the home of Dr Frank Wells (Old Hadleigh, London Road, Capel) is to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and everyone is invited.

So whether it’s attending a charity garden party or a secret donation to a good cause, let’s make generosity a priority this spring!

Mark Firmin, Capel Community Church For details of the charity garden party phone 01473 312216 or see page 16.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE Summer at last and we are in full swing.

I love having my door hooked back so that I can see what’s going on outside. I think my riders like it too. Piles of shed horse hair refuse to be swept up neatly and annoy Lyn, who likes our yard to look spotless. She has been springcleaning recently and tidying the stores, so it’s not a gypsy encampment you can see in the photo, only Lyn on the warpath.

WALK TOWARDS A CURE FOR PARKINSON’S IN SUFFOLK

My room houses little Babs of course and the hoist, three sets of mounting steps, a day bed, disco lighting and some interesting toys, but we keep it pretty tidy. It will soon be full of cakes when kind people bring in their baking ready for Hadleigh Show on May 20 where The Shelley Centre has a stand selling wonderful plants and, hopefully, masses of cakes for visitors to buy. Do come and support us; all the money raised will help keep me (and my live friends) in the manner to which we are accustomed!

Talking of keeping us going, we were very pleased to welcome Alan Fosker of Brett Valley Lodge who came to present us with a fat cheque just before Easter. Alan came to watch me in action too, so he gets a big vote of approval from me, and our thanks for his personal sponsorship of two races on the race night in April.

On May 6 some of our riders will be joining us for an Own a Pony day.

Watch this space for photos in my next blog. Until then thank you for your company and enjoy yourselves! www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

THE SUFFOLK

WALKING FESTIVAL

2017

13TH MAY

TO 4TH JUNE

Over 100 amazing walks throughout Suffolk.

People in Suffolk are being asked to pick up the pace against Parkinson’s this year at Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall on Sunday, July 9, one of a series of walk events to be held across the UK for Parkinson’s UK during 2017.

Walk for Parkinson’s offers the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in a fun and active day out, while helping the charity step ever closer to a cure.

There are a range of distances on offer to suit everyone, with a 1.5 mile, 3.5 mile and 5.5 mile walk to choose from.

It is the first time the charity has hosted a Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Previous walks in the region have seen more than 200 local people take part, so the charity hopes to involve even more walkers with the new and exciting venue.

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finishers medal.

The charity is hoping to raise over £400,000 from the 32 events, so suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50.

All money raised from Walk for Parkinson’s – Glemham Hall will help Parkinson’s UK’s work to provide support and information for people affected by Parkinson’s and to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure.

As well as walkers, the charity is on the lookout for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.

www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk 34

To find out more and to sign up to walk or volunteer contact: 0207 963 9367 / fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall

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Woodlands Business Park, Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington, Colchester, Essex (Viewing by appointment only)

Why choose Cherry?

Avoid the upheaval and expense of replacing your cabinets Revitalise your kitchen from a simple door change to a complete makeover Huge choice of worktops from Laminate to Granite and Quartz Retain your existing cabinets - avoid waste, save money and help the environment Average installation time only 2 to 3 days less mess, less fuss, half the cost!

Comprehensive guarantee on all furniture fittings and appliances Range of quality luxury flooring available Full replacement kitchen service also available Rubbish removed from site

5 STAR RATED

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Call now for your FREE brochure or FREE no-obligation survey & quotation -

01206 615 858 01206 932 466 0800 633 5337 www.cherry-kitchens.co.uk