In Touch with Capel St Mary April 2020

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CAPEL CAPERS Volume 10 • Issue No. 5 • APRIL 2020

Capel St Mary Bowls Club, p21

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I take this opportunity to express our hope that you and your loved ones are getting the support you need in light of current events.

There are many new initiatives and support networks forming every day which we will help publicise for as long as necessary. We will use social and digital media to support those which haven’t made it into this edition as well as to provide updates about cancelled events and any other information which our readers and advertisers will find useful.

We know this magazine is a valued source of social, political and commercial information and we are working on plans to support our customers, partners and readers in the coming weeks and months.

Many businesses are adapting to this challenging environment by changing their offer or by offering additional services, such as home deliveries or take-away services. We all know how important it is to support our local economy by shopping local and employing the services of local tradespeople/businesses, but it has never been quite so important.

Our sales manager and his team are working with our customers to overcome likely challenges, sharing ideas and expertise which will enable them to communicate with you throughout this crisis and help secure their place in the market going forward.

There are numerous ways in which we and our group partners (Grapevine, Boswell Office Supplies and Colourplan Print) intend to communicate with readers and customers. Please join or like us on the following platforms so we can stay in touch: Instagram: mansionhousepublishing / grapevinelive Twitter: @InTouchEast / @grapevinelive Facebook: Mansion House Publishing / Grapevine Live www.keepingintouchwith.co.uk / www.GrapevineLive.co.uk And don’t forget to download the GrapevineLive app.

Grá go Deo, Sharon and the In Touch team

It’s still possible to do so and we’ll be helping our customers to maintain contact with you using all available mediums (print, digital and social) throughout this ever-evolving scenario. Every decision we are making right now is considered and measured to ensure we are able to continue to support our customers; after all, it is they who enable us to publish 19 magazines every month and we will be a critical source of local information, a vital link within and beyond local communities, until this becomes a distant memory.

We have responded day by day to event cancellations but as many more are likely to be cancelled or postponed, please do check before you travel. We shall announce additional cancellations as we receive them so do stay in contact between now and the next deadline. And as new initiatives take shape, please let us know so we can help spread the word.

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

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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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 Capers is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

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

CAPEL ST MARY NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN The public consultation ends on 18 April. If you haven’t yet responded please do so as your views are important to us.

The final chances to meet and talk it over with parish councillors are in the library between 10am and noon on 7 and 14 April and also at a drop-in meeting in the library on 15 April between 7.30 and 9.30pm.

Councillor Michael Hole

CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL VILLAGE LITTER PICK Saturday 18 April, 10am-noon Meeting on the Green by the Community Hub 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.

We will supply litter pickers, hi-vis jackets and bin bags.

Bring the family and join in!

Tuesday 7 April

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the May edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

This month’s cover image is of a bowls player in action during the singles final in 2019. The 2020 season starts in April and is suitable for players of all ages and abilities. Please ring Alastair on 01473 311377 if interested.

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NEWS DOG FOULING – BAG IT, BIN IT! Capel St Mary Parish Council is receiving an increased number of complaints about dog fouling within the village.

As well as being an eyesore and a nuisance, on most public land it is an offence under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 not to clear up after your dog. The district council has powers to issue on the spot Fixed Penalty Notices of £50, or to prosecute in the criminal courts, which could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Dog mess should be wrapped and disposed of in one of the many dog or litter bins in the village, or by placing it in your black wheelie bin.

To report issues of dog fouling go to: www.babergh.gov.uk/environment/dog-control/dog-fouling Or call Babergh District Council on 0300 123 4000 and speak to the environmental team.

APPEAL FOR NEW CLUB MEMBERS I write as a member of a well-established Capel club, the future of which I am keen to secure. We need to recruit new members and a volunteer to assist for a couple of hours every month.

Meetings take place once a month with occasional business meetings. The volunteer skills required include basic computer skills, book-keeping and associated secretarial tasks. You would be made very welcome in our little friendly team, chatting and socialising while setting the room up for members and tidying away after meetings. Who knows what you might discover!

The role would ideally suit a newcomer or young retiree to Capel who would quickly become part of the village family. Our village has grown and changed over the years, but our club is still needed. Don’t be a stranger in your own village; join us as a new member and help to keep this village alive and thriving. Please get in touch – we would love to meet you.

Many of us are in our senior years and we welcome new ideas and younger energy. We are open to suggestions; come along as a new member and let us know what you would like.

Our club meets in Capel Library at 7.45pm on the first Thursday of each month.

On 7 May our guest speaker is Wendy Smith, an ex-line judge at Wimbledon, and on 21 May we have planned a Flatford boat trip and Constable tour.

I appeal to you as a long standing member. I sit on the committee for Capel Ladies as acting and vice-chairman. Simply give me a call on 01473 311262.

What’s in it for you? Friendship, entertainment and fun. Let’s not see another club fade away.

I look forward to answering your call.

Linda Evans

HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF VOLUNTEERING? We are looking for adults (18+) who would like to help girls realise their full potential and share some unforgettable moments along the way to join our fantastic team of volunteers. We are especially looking for extra help in Holbrook and Brantham but would welcome help in all of our units.

There are many ways to volunteer with Girlguiding; it’s flexible and can be tailored to fit around your busy lifestyle. No matter how much or how little time you have, every hour counts.

We run Rainbows (5-7 years), Brownies (7-10 years), Guides (10-14 years) and Rangers (14-18 years).

If you are interested in volunteering with Girlguiding, please email our district commissioner for further help and information: baberghandsamford@gmail.com Or register your interest at: www.girlguiding.org.uk/Joinus

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WATT-A-LOTT CASTLE HOLIDAY CLUB Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 April Capel Methodist Church, The Street, Capel St Mary Registration at 9.45am – Collect at 12.30pm Reception to Year 6 / £2 per morning For more information visit: www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE: MARCH/APRIL 2020 Budget and Council tax increase Babergh’s Budget for 2020/21 has been set at £10.2M. Funding sources include: Earmarked Reserves – £615K; New Homes Bonus – £683K; S31 Grant – £1,107K (covers a variety of specific needs and local government responsibilities); Business Rates – £1,892K; Rural Services Delivery Grant – £227K; and, of course, Council Tax – £5,466K. Council voted to increase Babergh’s share of Council Tax by £5 a year, but once other precepts are added – county, police and parish – the overall increase in our bills will be higher. For example, the total annual charge for a Band D property in Capel St Mary will rise to £1,814.70. Babergh’s portion of this is £186.86, for the Police and Crime Commissioner it’s £222.75 and for the county it’s £1,343.61. The parish precept makes up the balance.

District councils are the collecting agencies for all of these local taxes. They also collect non-domestic (i.e. business) rates (NDR), but they do not set the level. The Valuation Office Agency determines ‘the rateable value’ and the ‘multiplier’ is set by government. NDR apply to many properties that are not always for business use, e.g. beach huts, village halls, solar farms, doctors’ surgeries, schools and hospitals. Agricultural land and buildings are exempt, as are churches, sewers, parks and bee keeping. Examples of local RV are: Partridges, Hadleigh RV £120,000; Tesco at Copdock Mill RV £2.5M; Stoke by Nayland Golf Club RV £418,500. The ‘multiplier’ means that just under half of the RV is actually payable.

National award for council planners Planning officers for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have been recognised for technological advances as part of 21st century planning. The development management team, which looks after planning matters for both councils, won silver in the Best Use of Digital and Technology category at the annual iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2020.

The category recognises the innovative use of digital tools and technology in order to improve services for residents. Judges were impressed by how the team had streamlined the planning application process for residents across the districts, becoming one of the top performing authorities for timely planning decisions. The team has also introduced electronic case management and a mobile app in order to put vital information at the fingertips of officers and the public, with public searches leaping from 600,000 in 2017 to 1.3m in 2018. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

ARE YOU DYING TO BE HEARD? Death Café meetings happen at the Compasses Pub in Holbrook on Sundays from 10.30am to noon. We talk about anything to do with death or dying, with no agenda or speakers. We just meet to have an interesting chat in a space that is safe and where we listen to each other with compassion and without judgement.

We are not a support group, simply people comfortable talking about these matters and sharing with others our interest and experience. The Death Café movement is worldwide and was founded in the UK by Jon Underwood.

If you are interested in joining us, finding out more, being part of the conversation or just listening, out next get-togethers are on 3 May and 5 July.

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NEWS CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL Report from the meeting held on Monday 9 March Present were Councillors Bishop, Cowgill, Dimond, Harris, Hole, Matthews, O’Galligan, Pearson, Rogers (chairman), D Thompson, P Thompson, Weaver, County Councillor Jones, Julie Lawes (clerk) and three members of public.

Coronavirus The chairman advised the Capel St Mary Parish Council will be following the advice issued by NALC (National Association of Local Councils), the LGA (Local Government Association) and the NHS who are liaising with Public Health England to keep communities updated on the evolving situation with the outbreak of Coronavirus. If councils are advised to cancel meetings or public events for the safety of residents we will address this at the time.

The chairman reported the sad passing of Mitzi Tyler who was a very valued member of the parish council for many years. Mitzi played an active role in the community, assisting in the development of Dove Court and as the Suffolk Recorder for Capel St Mary.

The parish council recommended approval to Babergh District Council for planning application: 12 White Horse Road.

Representatives of Capel St Mary Parish Council attended the Babergh Planning Committee meeting at which the planning application for 100 dwellings on land off Little Tufts by Persimmon Homes was deferred, with the applicants being instructed to make improvements to their proposals.

Following the archaeological investigation on land off Little Tufts, planning enforcement at Babergh District Council has been contacted to ensure Butchers Lane is restored to its former condition.

Scott Properties continue to wait for the results of the consultation on the Draft Local Plan prior to submitting their application for 550 houses off Red Lane.

The village litter pick is to be held on 18 April, meeting at 10am by the Community Hub. All welcome.

Events are being planned to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day over the weekend of 8 May 2020. If you are interested in joining the working party organising these events, or have a local club or group who would be interested in taking part, please get in touch with the clerk of the council.

Julie Lawes

The next meeting of Capel St Mary Parish Council will be on Tuesday 14 April in the library.

There is an open session at each meeting when members of the public may speak. 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 on Tuesdays from 10am-noon and on Fridays from 1-3pm.

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 to: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com www.capelstmary.onesuffolk.net GET TO KNOW YOUR PARISH COUNCILLORS Councillor David Thompson Where were you born? Teversal, Nottinghamshire How long have you lived in the village? Fifteen years How long have you been a parish councillor? Five-anda-half years.

What made you want to become a parish councillor?

To work with others for the benefit of the village.

What do you like most about Capel St Mary? It’s a very friendly village with churches, a public house, a community centre, basic shops, a variety of clubs and groups and is an ideal location for visits/work in Ipswich, Colchester and Bury.

What changes, if any, would you like to see within the village? Press Suffolk County Council to mend our potholes, cut our vergers, clear and clean our road signs. A 20mph speed limit through the village centre, cold-call restrictions and visible policing.

What is/was your job? Newspaper journalist plus a few years in public affairs and interregnum senior appointments in local council communications.

What are your interests or hobbies? Public affairs, local, British and world history, the garden. I’ve just become Capel St Mary Volunteer Recorder.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Coronavirus Update The Coronavirus situation is changing daily. Please ensure you keep up to date with the situation nationally and locally and follow the latest advice from Public Health England at: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public Our top priority at the practice is to remain open. In order to do this, we are screening patients to ensure that no patient who has been to an affected area and has Coronavirus symptoms, comes to the practice.

Even a suspected case will result in the practice closing temporarily and having to deep clean the building before it can be reopened. If the patient subsequently tests positive, all those who were in proximity to the patient (e.g. other patients in the waiting room or staff who spoke to the patient) will need to be traced, isolated and tested.

It may seem that we are being over-cautious, but I hope patients can see that the impact of a patient attending the practice with suspected Coronavirus is not only disruptive, but will also prevent the practice from providing urgent health care to patients if we need to close.

Please therefore be ultra-cautious. Follow advice from Public Health England and if you believe you may be at risk of contracting Coronavirus,

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stay at home and contact 111 for advice. Don’t come to the surgery.

During this period we continue to offer as normal a service as possible.

Our telephone call back service means that many medical issues can be dealt with over the phone. Please also use our eConsult service for any non-urgent issues. You can send an eConsult request any time of the day and we will respond within 48 hours.

Thank you for your cooperation. Please see our website for latest advice and details of our eConsult service.

Training Days Please note that the practice will be closed for staff training from 1pm on Thursday 2 April, Wednesday 4 May and Wednesday 10 June. On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy but reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open.

Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. Our phone lines will be closed for the afternoon. If you need medical assistance please contact 111. If your need is urgent then please dial 999 or attend your local A&E. Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE

NOTES FROM THE CASE

I will once again be holding a tombola stall at Capel Funday on 6 June and would welcome donations of prizes such as toiletries, bottles of drink, tins of produce, chocolates and biscuits as well as chutneys and jams, which can be left at 86 The Street.

We are very much looking forward to a busy spring with lots going on.

Many thanks to all those generous people who donate loose change boxes which are passed on to the hospice. The money goes towards the tribute fund for my father who passed away in the hospice 23 years ago and in that time I have managed, with your help, to raise a grand total of £29,940, a figure which I know dad would have been proud of. This money is used to help provide exceptional care to the patients at the hospice.

Linda Morrison, Hospice Rep for Capel St Mary

This month sees the start of a new charity for The Case to support and our final event for FIND, who we have been fundraising for since our fifth anniversary last April. Along with our traditional Easter Egg Hunt and a children’s Easter Bonnet Competition on Bank Holiday Monday 13 April, we will be holding a Super Savoury Snacks event. We know that Bentley has a sweet tooth but we’re sure that many of you also like savoury bakes so do come along and support our last event for FIND. There will also be a hamper raffle, some baby Easter chicks and a guess the sweets in the jar competition. All events will be between noon and 3pm.

Of course, we still have all our usual monthly events. Open Mic Night will be on Tuesday 7 April. As always, the PA is provided. The music starts around 8pm. For more details contact Dave on 07885 963882.

Our April Quiz Night in will be on Saturday 25. The quiz starts at 8.30pm.

Come along and test your wits against this month’s quizmaster. As always, teams can be up to six members and entry is £2 per person. All profits from this and the raffle will go to IES Samaritans.

METABOLIC SYNDROME

If you would like to help at any of these events or to volunteer in any role at The Case, please ask at the bar or contact the chair at: savethecase.bentley@gmail.com

Metabolic syndrome is the term given to people who have a combination of three or more of the following:

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley

• Waist circumference of 94cm or more for men or 80cm or more for women

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• Elevate triglyceride level (above 2.3) • Low HDL levels, the good cholesterol (less than one) • Consistently elevated blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or more (either number) • Insulin resistance – where you cannot control your own sugar levels (linked to type 2 diabetes) Why does this matter? Having metabolic syndrome puts you at higher risk of heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular complications. The high triglycerides and low HDL combination leads to plaque build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis) which partially blocks the vessels. If the vessel becomes completely blocked, a heart attack or stroke will occur (depending on where in the artery it is).

People do not always notice that their blood pressure is elevated so I would really encourage everyone 40 years and older to get your blood pressure checked if you haven’t in the last few years. We run two drop-in clinics a month that you are welcome to come to: first Wednesday of the month at Dove Close from 9.30-11.30amd and the third Tuesday of the month at the library (same times).

Blessings, Caroline Caroline: 07588 706869 / Caroline@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Margaret: 07588 698284 / Margaret@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Rozy: Rozy@CapelParishNurses.org.uk www.CapelParishNurses.org.uk

BOOK SALE AT MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH Saturday 6 June from 10am till 3pm

Entries are coming in fast now so make sure to book your place for this year’s Mayflower Trail Run & Walk on Sunday 17 May. Starting at The Harwich Low Lighthouse at 8.45am, the course follows the Essex Way over 13.1 miles of stunning scenery, finishing at Mistley Rugby Club who will be putting on a BBQ for entrants and their supporters. Start your day off with a free transfer on the Mayflower Line from Manningtree to Harwich Courtesy of Greater Anglia. A mini bus will be available to transfer entrants to Manningtree Station or Manningtree town centre from the finish line.

Our bag drop team will ensure bags are transferred to the finish line safely. Regular water stations will be provided and entrants will receive the 2020 Mayflower medal. Registration is from 8.45am with runners starting at 9.30am and walkers at 9.35am.

Enter at: www.eventrac.co.uk/listed-races/mayflower If you want to raise money for your own charity or good cause enter now to take part over this enjoyable and challenging course.

The Mayflower Trail Run & Walk is brought to you by Rotary Manningtree and supported by Greater Anglia and The East of England Co-op.

BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS A market takes place in Belstead Village Hall from 9.30am-12.30pm on the first Saturday of every month from March till December to raise vital funds to support the upkeep of the village hall.

With an extensive range of tables, a raffle and refreshments, the market is the perfect place to meet with friends for a chat over a cuppa and a piece of cake while supporting this essential local amenity. You can also support our chosen charity at a table laden with homemade goodies for sale.

If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk Belstead Village Hall, Grove Hill, Belstead IP8 3LU

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OUT & ABOUT SUMMER JUMBLE SALE

ANYTHING EQUESTRIAN SALE Sunday 26 April

Clear the clutter – Bag a bargain Saturday 23 May from 2pm at Bentley Village Hall

10am-noon at Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall London Road, Copdock IP8 3JN Pre-booked tables £7.50 per seller (large table provided and added floor space) Tables on the day £10 (we guarantee how many spaces will be left) For more info or to book a table, please message Lisa on 07745 520564

If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or telephone Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) to arrange collection.

If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm and tea/ coffee will also be available. We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.

THE 2020 SUFFOLK WALKING FESTIVAL Have you ever crafted in the wild, enjoyed baking over a campfire or foraged for a cream tea? If not, then this year’s Suffolk Walking Festival is for you!

PLANT & CAKE SALE AND COFFEE MORNING Saturday 16 May, 10am-noon at Capel Methodist Church Summer bedding plants, perennials, vegetable plants and lots more In aid of New Dawn India and the street children of Maduri

CLASH AVOIDER 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.

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.

The 13th Suffolk Walking Festival launches on Saturday 9 May with over 120 guided walks and countryside events over three weeks across the county.

This year also sees plenty of brand new events including Castle on the Hill celebrating Ed Sheeran’s favourite castle, a fun photography scavenger hunt in Orford and a spooky day head hunting in Ipswich.

The event finishes at the end of half-term week with plenty of family-friendly activities. Here are just a few events to whet your appetite.

A sell-out every year is Walk n’ Water, a short walk and boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury with a free hot drink at the end. RSPB Minsmere is one of the most special places in Suffolk, famous around the world for its wildlife. Surprising Spring Wildlife shows off the site, introducing you to some of its iconic species. Another icon of Suffolk is Orford Ness and Walk with a Shepherd and a Sheepdog is a guided walk by Kite, the sheepdog who manages the island’s very own herd of sheep. It’s a very fun walk and a joy to watch Kite in action.

Campfire Make and Bake at Thornham Walks brushes up your whittling skills before making damper bread over an open fire in the woods. Family Wild Crafts at Brandon Country Park lets you get crafty in the woods as you collect natural materials such as sticks, leaves and rushes to make, and then keep, your creations. And The Nasty Normans at Clare Country Park is a fun take on the history of the Norman Conquests with an actor narrating the story as you’ve never heard before!

The festival kicks off at Clare Country Park on Saturday 9 May and runs for three weeks until 31 May. See the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk

Community Cinema at Capel Library: Always on the third Tuesday of the month. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm screening.

Saturday 16 May, 10am-noon: Cake & Plant Sale & Coffee Morning at Capel Methodist Church. Contact Sally: 07875 366120 NOTE NEW DATES Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 July: Village Scarecrow Trail. Contact Jim Hill: 07951 411720 / jimhill1@live.co.uk Saturday 19 September, 10am-noon: Health & Wellbeing Fair at Capel Methodist Church. Contact: alyson.ellis@gmail.com Saturday 5 December: St Mary’s Christmas Coffee Morning

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9TH TO 31ST MAY THE SUFFOLK

WALKING

FESTIVAL 2020

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

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Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness for sdultes (no partnering)

FunDancing Classes

Wed 10am Nayland Village Hall 7pm Boxford Village Hall

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

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Thu 10am 7pm

St Mary’s Church Capel St Mary

Fri

The Institute Stratford St Mary

10am

spaces are limited to reserve yours

Call Janet on 07506 350 455 FunDancing has been operating since October 2010

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OUT & ABOUT DOVE CLOSE SOCIAL EVENING Friday 24 April, 7-9pm Enjoy an evening with Constable Country Choir

CAPEL LIBRARY Do you struggle to know what to buy people? We are now offering cinema gift vouchers, as well as record/CD and book tokens.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SUFFOLK BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT (SBS) ‘Easing loss through group support’ Recently bereaved or experiencing a delayed reaction?

Are you in need of help and support?

Why not join a small group 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 held in Hadleigh (afternoon) and Capel St Mary (evening) and are free to Suffolk residents For more details or to reserve a place contact Patrick or Margaret: sbsg246@gmail.com / 07469 201337 / 01206 299832 www.suffolkbereavement.org.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday 6 April: Mosaic Coaster (Committee) Monday 4 May: Watercolour Picture with Debbie and Jill We meet at Wherstead Village Hall at 7.30pm and new members are always welcome.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

Tot Rock: Nursery rhymes and storytime for the under-fives every Thursday from 9.30-10.15am.

Capel Creators: Saturday 25 April, 10.30am-12.30pm for children and adults of any age. Come along and see what fantastic Lego models you can build! £1 charge includes a drink and a biscuit. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Drawing Club: Sunday 26 April, 10.30am-12.30pm. Bring your own pad and favourite drawing pen/pencil. £1 charge which includes refreshments.

All ages welcome. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Minecraft: Sunday 5 and 19 April, 10.30am-12.30pm. Children of all ages welcome but those under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your tablet or phone equipped with Minecraft Pocket Edition or Minecraft Windows 10 Edition. Try to remember to charge your device beforehand!

Journalling Club: Run by Capel Parish Nurses every second and fourth Friday from 6.15-7.15pm. Free of charge. Make your own journal for diary keeping.

Basic resources provided. All ages welcome; under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Capel Library Book Group: Friday 17 April. This adult group meets on the third Friday of each month in the library from 2.30pm. Come along, pick up the book they are currently reading and join in.

Don’t forget we sell stamps and a great selection of books, which are ideal for taking on holiday.

OPENING TIMES Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm & 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Tel: 01473 311699

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 2020 are April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, 20 September, 18 October, 15 November and 13 December.

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

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY, APRIL 2020 Wednesday 1 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall

Sunday 19 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall

Thursday 2 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall Capel Ladies, 7.30-10.30pm, Library

Monday 20 Blood Donation, 10.30am-8.45pm, Hall Capel Community Association Meeting, 8pm, Library

Friday 3 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Saturday 4 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall Sunday 5 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall Monday 6 Dancing, 2-10pm, Hall Tuesday 7 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-4pm, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall; children’s ballroom and Latin beginners’ class from 5.30-6.30pm Wednesday 8 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Flower Arranging, 7-10pm, Library Thursday 9 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall Capel WI, 7.30pm, Library Friday 10 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall

Wednesday 22 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Thursday 23 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall Friday 24 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Saturday 25 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall Karaoke Evening, 7pm, Vine Lounge Sunday 26 Trampoline Club, 10am-noon, Hall Monday 27 Dementia Café, 2-4pm, Library Ballroom and Latin Dancing, 2-10pm, Hall Capel Community Trust Meeting, 7.30pm, Library

Saturday 11 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall

Tuesday 28 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-4pm, Hall Dancing – see Tuesday 7 Bereavement Counselling, 6.30-8.30pm, Library

Sunday 12 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall

Wednesday 29 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall

Monday 13 Dementia Café, 2-4pm, Library Dancing, 2-10pm, Hall Parish Council Meeting, 7.30-10pm, Library

Thursday 30 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall

Tuesday 14 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-4pm, Hall Bereavement Counselling, 6.30-8.30pm, Library Dancing – see Tuesday 7 Wednesday 15 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Neighbourhood Planning Meeting, 7.30pm, Library Thursday 16 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall Bingo, 7.30pm, Vine Lounge Friday 17 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Saturday 18 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall

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Tuesday 21 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-4pm, Hall Dancing – see Tuesday 7 Community Cinema, 7.30pm, Library

CONTACT NUMBERS Village Bar: 01473 311766 Events and Hiring: Carolyn Love 07732 025676 / bookings@capelcommunitytrust.org 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 community centre, Vine Lounge, Library or stage where we can offer rooms for 20-200 people at very competitive rates? Rooms are available during the daytime hours. Facilities include: a fully licensed bar, kitchen, tables and chairs with prices starting from as little as £12 per hour for the Library and £17 per hour for the Hall. The Vine Lounge is £90 for an evening. All enquires to Carolyn.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE Do you want to celebrate the life of someone you loved who has passed away? You can hire the Vine Lounge in the community centre most days of the week for just £75. For more information please contact Carolyn.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Alan from Diss is concerned about his role as a trustee. He writes: “My father left a significant sum of money in trust for the benefit of my son, who will inherit in four years time at age 21. My uncle, who was joint trustee with my aunt, died last year and I was appointed as a replacement trustee. I am concerned that the money is invested in shares. Do we have the right to cash these in and invest the money elsewhere?”

As a trustee, you have a difficult and often thankless role. Although you don’t own the trust assets, you have to look after them as if they were your own.

The Trustee Act 2000 requires that trustees show due care and diligence in the management of trust assets. When dealing with large sums of cash, it is essential that trustees take professional advice on investing the money. The traditional approach of just slapping everything into a portfolio of stocks and shares is not really an acceptable investment strategy.

Tax efficiency is a very important consideration for trustees. The dividends produced from stocks and shares held in a trust fund attract income tax at the trustee rate, which is currently 45 percent. There are much more tax efficient investments available for trust money, such as single premium investment bonds. These are particularly trust-friendly investments where regular withdrawals of the capital can be taken within certain limits to produce an ‘income’ for the beneficiaries without any immediate payment of tax. If you ignore these investments in favour of less tax efficient options, you must be able to show good reasons why.

EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE The wettest February on record has made even us, up here on the hillside, miserable. The field gates are churned up to destruction and the poor horses look totally fed up. Our mum, Lyn, has had the devil of a job keeping their spirits up. Of course I’ve had plenty of extra work too, which I thoroughly enjoy: any rained off rides come indoors to learn about stable management and visit me for a short session improving their strength and balance on my big black back.

I hear we are now in Lent, preparing for the most important festival of Easter.

It doesn’t mean much to me, but I understand that humans are supposed to exercise some self-control during these 40 days! Ha, does that mean less cake at snack time? Hope not, how about everyone who reads this doing a bit more of something, like my friend Hazel? She held a pancake party on Shrove Tuesday and raising £77 for The Shelley Centre. Thank you so much. Although Hazel lives in Bury St Edmunds, she visits us regularly and has just completed 50 years as a RDA volunteer.

We’ve had more support from Essex University in the form of seven volunteers coming here on their charity day. Lyn found the most horrible jobs for them to do, such as clearing out the rubbish from beside the manure heap and washing the tarpaulin. We hope you enjoyed yourselves!

You also have a responsibility to meet regularly to review the trust and to take professional guidance on the management of any assets. If it is a discretionary trust, you should be able to demonstrate that you have exercised your discretion in making decisions and that you regularly review those decisions.

Examples might be how the income from the trust is distributed and who receives it. Minutes of all the trustee meetings should be kept in writing.

Generally speaking, unless you have experience and professional qualifications, DIY investment management is not a good idea. Unless the trust assets are being actively managed by a financial adviser or discretionary fund manager, you may not be able to demonstrate that they are being professionally managed. That could again leave you open to allegations of negligence or even breach of trust. In this case, the beneficiary is your son, so it is unlikely that this will happen, but you should still take care and make sure you are protected.

I would recommend that you and your aunt should seek the advice of an Independent Financial Adviser, who has experience of advising trustees and management of trustee investments. He or she could review the current investment arrangements and offer some guidance on re-investment and ongoing management of the trust assets within more tax efficient investment wrappers.

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 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.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

How can we be thinking about the start of summer already? I know I’m a lot younger than most of our volunteers, but even I find the time passing too quickly for comfort. There are two significant events for us in May; Hadleigh Show, at which you can visit our stand and buy plants and cakes galore, and a charity walk here on Sunday 3 May. We hope you will join us for a morning walk of 6.5 miles in our beautiful Brett Valley; children and well-behaved dogs welcome. To spare people having to chase sponsorship, this year it’s a pay as you arrive event. You’ll be given an easy map to follow and the way will be marked with our little yellow flags. Being the Shelley Centre, there will be refreshments!

My one photo of two of the ponies enjoying a moment of sunshine is intended to cheer us all up. Look at that blue sky! I wish you many more. www.shelleyrda.com / 01473 824172

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OUT & ABOUT

BOSWELL OFFICE SUPPLIES: WE KNOW OUR BUSINESS – AND YOURS In a global marketplace, isn’t it good to know there’s a local supplier with a long history which has not only survived in an increasingly competitive industry, but has secured its place as a preferred supplier based on quality of service and value for money.

Boswell Office Supplies has a long history and still operates out of Ipswich as part of Mansion House Group. Led by Jon Emerson (pictured left), the current team of four has nigh on 100 years of industry insight and knowledge which customers can access.

“Knowledge is everything in this industry,” explains Jon. “Because we know our product range intimately we can quickly identify what our customers need and provide solutions when a specific need exists.

For example, we don’t just deliver office furniture – we can put it together too!”

In fact the very term ‘office supplies’ is somewhat inadequate to describe what Boswell can offer. Of course they provide every variation of every office product you can envision, from paperclips to chairs, but the product range has expanded in recent years to include furniture, shredders, print consumables, first aid kits, arts and crafts supplies, clothing, computer software, cleaning materials and equipment, even catering supplies.

If it’s something you need in your office, village hall, community centre, sports club or school, you’ll probably find it at Bowell Office Supplies.

“We relish the opportunity to find the best products for customers,” says Jon who runs the office with Mark (pictured right). “Not many people understand our passion for office products. In fact we talk in code a lot of the time, using reference numbers we’ve stored in our memories over many years. ”

Jon and Mark are always available to take calls but more and more customers order online, a simple process once an account has been set up. It’s easy to find specific products on the website where special offers are regularly highlighted.

As part of Mansion House Group, which also includes Mansion House Publishing, Colourplan Print and Musical Marketing, Boswell can provide a range of additional add-on services including a full print service, advertising in any one of several regular publications and a range of online/social media marketing options.

“We are stronger and more competitive as a group,” explains Jon. “Many of our customers come to us for a mix of products or services, knowing we have their best interests at heart but also because it’s easier, quicker and cheaper to deal with a single supplier. Many Colourplan Print customers have become Boswell customers and vice versa. Trust is key to our success and the fact that Andy, our main delivery driver, and Nick, our field sales operative, are well-liked and knowledgeable doesn’t hurt either.”

So whether you need a regular supply of essential products, clothing or office furniture for new staff, first aid kits for staff on the move or any one of the thousands of products Jon and this team can source on your behalf, check out the website or give the office a call if you have a specific enquiry.

“Buy locally, use our local knowledge and get your office supplies delivered right into your office or school,” says Jon. “We are good at what we do because we love what we do. For us it’s personal and that’s why so many of our customers have been with us for many years. We look forward to working with you too.” www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 / officesupplies@boswell.co.uk

CAPEL LADIES CLUB the character Madame Galina Prima Ballerina and has even entertained troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In mid-February a small group of Capel Ladies gathered at Zaynab, our local Indian restaurant, for an evening meal. It was a very enjoyable occasion with delicious food and friendly service. For some it was the first time to try Indian food but I’m sure it won’t be the last!

Our March meeting encapsulated both a visit to the ballet and the opera, with some comedy thrown in! This was thanks to an extraordinary performance by Iestyn (pronounced Yes-tin) Edwards, a stage and TV writer/ performer, and also a published poet and journalist. He has found fame as

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Adorned in a white tutu, tights and pink satin ballet shoes, Iestyn made his entrance with a graceful ballet display ending in a pirouette and graceful curtsy to the sound of enthusiastic applause. He astonished us further by singing two or three songs, a couple to some recorded piano accompaniment and one totally unaccompanied in an operatic style. We were amazed by the power and depth of his singing voice, but he is Guildhall trained and knows his stuff.

Coming up we have a visit to the Ed Sheeran exhibition, an Easter fun evening, a trip to see an owl flying display at Stonham Barns and a talk by an ex-Wimbledon line judge. How’s that for variety? Come and join us! For more information visit: www.capelladies.com Sue Woolgar

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK CLUB

STOUR VALLEY U3A 30TH ANNIVERSARY

The next meeting is in Tattingstone Village Hall on Wednesday 8 April at 10am when Keith Lovell will present a talk on Essex town and village signs.

A speaker meeting took place on Wednesday 11 March when master beekeeper Jeremy Quinlan talked about the contest between bees and flowers to gain benefit from the relationship.

Our aim is to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon. Former and new members are welcome, either as visitors or members.

Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB On Wednesday 4 March Maureen Clarke spoke about the plight of street orphans in India and we held our annual general meeting on Wednesday 18 March.

Francis Sparrow will speak about the Black Death on April 1 and on April 15 Mike Rines will tell us why the English language is under attack. On May 6 David Lilley will introduce the Mitford sisters and Chris Parfitt will take us on a circuit of Central India on May 20. Norman Jacobs will tell us of Clown Bertram, Clacton’s greatest ever entertainer on Wednesday 3 June and two weeks later on June 17 Sheila Harrison will introduce us to The Diary of a Norfolk Parson.

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 Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB, 10 for 10.30am. For further details please contact our president Dave Carman: 01255 880202

Events and diary dates • Monster Walk on 3 June as part of U3A National Volunteer Day • 30th birthday party on 5 August at Constable Hall, East Bergholt Interest Groups •

•

•

Our three and five mile walking groups set off each month to keep fit using footpaths. A 10 mile walking group is coming soon.

Members of our European travel group are going to Dubrovnik, Puglia and India during the next 12 months.

The very popular garden visits group has organised coach outings to many parts of the eastern region over the summer months.

There are 40 learning and activity groups for members to join.

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. Our members are drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon, & Stratford St Mary. We have 400 members with room for more and membership is only £12 per annum. Contact our membership secretary, Val Pretty, via the website.

Coffee Grinders meet from 10am-noon on the last Friday of each month at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. For updates visit the website. www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 14 April at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.

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 admission charge.

For more information please email: poetry.plus@gmx.com

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY We had two competitions in February, the first being a Landscape and Seascape print competition judged by Colin Westgate. This was well supported with a good number of wonderful images, one of which (Dark Descending

by Richard Woollven) is shown here. Our PDI Weather competition on 27 February also attracted a large number of entries of which a good number were stormy scenes in line with our recent weather pattern. This was judged

by Tony Bramley.

April looks to be a busy month with a Close-Ups PDI competition on 9 April, the East Ipswich Camera Club Granville Foulger Trophy on 21 April, a talk

by Liz Huxley on Wildlife of the Tendring Peninsula on 23 April and a talk entitled Ten Thousand Miles of Ocean with Sarah Kelman on 30 April.

Meetings are held on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays of the month between September and May at 7.30pm at the St Johns Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join us or may attend initially as a visitor. Please contact our secretary for details: 01206 393751 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

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SOUTH SUFFOLK WILDLIFE GROUP Wednesday 22 April, 7.30pm: A Walk Around Suffolk, Lowestoft to Lowestoft by Pam Evans Meeting at Capel Methodist Church; adults £3, children free.

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB Our next meeting will be a talk on the millennium of Bury St Edmunds Abbey and Gardens by Martyn Taylor on Tuesday 14 April.

In March our talk was on fire disasters in East Anglia. Stuart Bowell told us of the lamentable fire in Bury St Edmunds in 1608. The estimated cost of the damage caused was £60,000. At £40,000, Southwold recorded the second highest cost to fire with Bungay and Beccles coming third at £20,000.

All these fires occurred in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when houses were mostly thatch roofs with greater risk of fire.

We meet in Capel Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome to join us as guests or members. Refreshments are served after the talk Doreen Parker: 01473 311267

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SPORT CAPEL ST MARY BOWLS CLUB The new season is fast approaching and we are looking forward to welcoming several new members to the club following the endeavours of a small team led by Carol Warrington. We had a stand at St Mary’s Church Christmas Fair where 18 people showed real interest in having a go at outdoor bowls. Each of them can expect a follow-up call to maintain their interest. You may also have seen us in the Co-op and library during March.

CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own, please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk GUIDE TO GARDENING IN APRIL Kill weeds on paths, patios and drives. Control slugs. Water plants thoroughly with an open ended watering can.

In January we visited Harwich indoor bowls for our annual pre-season friendly. Unfortunately, they fielded a strong team, resulting in an overall loss. However, it was a good social event and several members then had a meal at the Harwich Tower Hotel to lick their wounds.

The Veg Plot Rake in a general feed prior to sowing or planting. Use fleece as frost protection or to warm the soil. Plant seed potatoes and cover shoots with soil if frost is forecast. Plant onion sets, salad crops, leeks, peas, winter cabbage, cauliflower, purple-sprouting and spring heading broccoli and broad beans.

Remove rhubarb flowers and pick asparagus. Sow herbs. Thin seeds sown in March. Lift and divide chives and take mint cuttings.

Our green will be having its annual clean-up on 5 April, after which it will be open for play on Tuesday 7 April, subject to the weather being kind to us. If you are passing please come in through the gate and talk to us. All you need to have a go are some flat soled shoes without a heel. We can provide some bowls to use.

Fruit Plant strawberries. Spray fruit trees with a fungicide and an insecticide if infected with mildew, apple scab, aphids or codling moth. Check for caterpillars, black fly and red spider mites. Protect buds with fleece. Feed blueberries with an ericaceous feed or Iron Sulphate.

For our latest news visit: www.capelstmarybowls.onesuffolk.net

Greenhouse Minimise heating costs by lining with bubble plastic. Sow French and runner beans, tomatoes, melons, cucumber and sweetcorn. Protect seedlings from damping off and foot rot by treating with copper mixture. Prick out half-hardy annuals. Feed geraniums, fuchsias and established plants with a liquid feed.

Support plants with split canes. Control insect pests. Plant tomatoes. Sow peas in a length of guttering filled with compost and slide into shallow trench when plants are 1.5” high. Sow broad beans in plugs and stand outside when 1.5” high for a week or so and then plant out. Sow a few seeds in plug strips of spring onions and beetroot, do not thin out. Sow a few seeds in plug strips of lettuce, thin to one plant. Repeat fortnightly. Plant outside when large enough. Sow dwarf French and climbing beans into a grow bag to pick beans a month early then discard when the plants get mildew.

Flowers Remove dead flower heads of daffodils and feed with Growmore. Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials. Prune and feed established roses.

Sow hardy annuals. Plant sweet peas. Cut back heather’s that have finished flowering and mulch with peat.

Lawns Premix grass seed with John Innis seed and spread on worn areas. Aerate with a wire rake. Cut grass with the blades set high. Apply a feed, selective weed killer and lawn sand to control moss or spray with an iron sulphate solution or use a weed, feed and moss killer.

Contact Steve Blake for repairs and service (07813 814623), or TGC Garden Machinery Services, Tattingstone for repairs and service and new equipment at very competitive prices (01473 327737).

ALLOTMENT NEWS The Hut: Open to members from 10am-noon on Saturdays to end of October and Sundays throughout April, May and June.

Sunday 19 April: Spring Work-in from 8.30am and AGM at noon.

Site Visits: If any groups would like to visit the site and the wildlife area, May and June are a particularly good time. Please contact Philippa Brandon at: info@capelallotments.co.uk For a more extensive version of this report visit: www.capelallotments.co.uk

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Our green is located on the playing field with access across the field or via a footpath opposite the Zaynab Indian restaurant beside the garden centre.

Or contact us by email at: bowlsclubcapel@gmail.com Events on our calendar 5 April: Green Clean-up 26 April: Opening Drive for Members (please come and watch) Jack High

IPSWICH 102 – 40,000 LISTENERS CAN’T BE WRONG Local commercial radio has changed significantly in recent years. National networks have emerged and programmes are beamed in from afar on what were previously local frequencies, but Ipswich is bucking the trend.

ON ON DAB ONLINE FM

+ ON YOUR

SMART

SPEAKER FM • DAB • IPSWICH102RADIO.COM

When in summer 2018 the regulator (OFCOM) awarded the local Ipswich licence to Ipswich 102 (to take over from the existing operator) work started within days to create the local radio station Ipswich deserved.

Paul Morris (formerly of SGR, Heart and Town) was appointed station manager and began to assemble a team of presenters, journalists and commercial staff, along with finding a suitable location to base a radio station. Inside two months Ipswich 102 had launched programmes on DAB digital radio and then in October they also began broadcasting on FM. The vision behind Ipswich 102 is simple – great music and information for the community, from the community and with the community. All programmes are broadcast from Ipswich, with a mix of new and experienced staff. Indeed two legends from the days of Radio Orwell – Nigel Rennie and Patrick Eade (pictured) – present Solid Gold Sunday on the station every weekend.

Ipswich 102 supports local organisations and charities, working with St Elizabeth Hospice, Inspire Suffolk and Fresh Start, New Beginnings in their first year, and in 2020 you’ll see them at the Midnight Walk, Ipswich Music Day and many other local events.

Reaction from listeners and advertisers has been overwhelmingly positive and with nearly 40,000 people tuning in every week Ipswich 102 is proving that proper local radio is still liked and much loved in Suffolk.

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SPORT / SCHOOLS CAPEL ST MARY PRIMARY SCHOOL EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC The bad weather that hit us in February has started to cause some problems with fixtures, with the whole programme being postponed on February 15. In the games that were played, the 1st Team continued their impressive form and remain unbeaten in 2020. By so doing they have maintained fourth place in the SIL Senior Division. The Reserves lost the only match they played in February while the A Team gained a point at Henley Athletic Reserves in their battle for survival in Intermediate B.

The second half of the spring term has started off with a bang!

On Thursday 5 March we celebrated World Book Day by asking the children to dress a potato as their favourite book character. As you can see from the pictures, the children had a wonderful time dressing and painting their potatoes. A prize was awarded for the best potato in each class.

This season marks the 125th anniversary of the club and on Saturday 12 April (Easter Sunday) we have a special event to mark this momentous achievement. There will be a day of football with matches featuring past and present Bergholt teams as well as ladies and juniors. There will also be a BBQ, bar, raffle and auction.

FIXTURES 1 Team: Senior Division 28 March: Coplestonians (H) 4 April: Claydon (A) 11 April: Capel Plough (A) 12 April: 125 Year Celebration Day 15 April: Bildeston Rangers (H) 18 April: Haughley Utd (A) 21 April: Old Newton Utd (A) 28 April: Haughley Utd (H) st

Reserves: League A 4 April: Cockfield Utd Res (A) 8 April: Claydon Res (A) 12 April: 125 Year Celebration Day 18 April: Bacton Utd 89 Res (H) 25 April: Coplestonians Res (A) 9 May: Old Newton Res (A) A Team: League C 28 March: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) 4 April: Capel Plough Res (H) 12 April: 125 Year Celebration Day 25 April: Ransomes Sports Res (H) 9 May: Wickham Market Res (H) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm please visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc / Twitter: @EBUFC1

CAPEL CHEETAHS 5 MILE RACE AND FUN RUN Sunday 21 June at Capel St Mary Playing Field The Fun Run starts at 9.45am; on the day entries only.

Entries close at 9.20am. Up to age 14, £3 entry.

The Capel 5 starts at 10.30am, online entries only.

Ages 15+; affiliated £11, unaffiliated £14.

For information and online entry details visit: www.capelcheetahs.co.uk or www.runbritain.com

The children swapped classes and enjoyed sharing their books with either younger or older children. We also hosted a second hand book sale which was greatly enjoyed, with many children adding to their libraries. I would like to thank our fantastic PFA committee who helped to organise these events.

The children in Unit Three (at the time of writing) are really looking forward to their residential trip to Bawdsey Manor in the middle of March. They will be doing a range of different activities and I’m sure that they will have a fantastic time. Year Five will also be enjoying an activities week where they will develop a range of different skills to prepare them for Year Six. We are looking forward to the annual production by Unit Two which is planned at the end of the present half term. Beautiful singing and wonderful acting is already brightening my day as the rehearsals progress.

Headteacher Sean Cornish

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS Our schools need you! Both schools are doing a project on the Second World War and we would love to hear from local residents who have memories of what it was like in Bentley and Copdock, particularly if they remember children being evacuated to this area from London. Please get in touch if you can help us. Thank you.

Looking at our local area continues at Bentley Primary with an additional project on the design and geography of the village of Bentley and the surrounding area. We will be making a 3D model of Bentley and are keen to see any maps or photos villagers may have of how the village looked in previous years and how it has changed. We will then be holding an exhibition in the school hall on Friday 24 April and would love members of the local community to come along from 1.30pm. We look forward to welcoming you.

Congratulations to the teams of children across both schools who proudly represented us at the recent cross country competition held at Royal Hospital School, and the spelling bee held at East Bergholt High School. The children worked extremely hard and put in a great deal of effort. Well done all.

Finally, as Easter approaches, our thoughts turn to the Resurrection and the importance of this event in Christianity. We wish you and your families all a peaceful and joyful Easter.

“Know that I am with you always,” Matthew 28:20 Bentley CEVC Primary School: 01473 310253 / admin@bentley.suffolk.sch.uk Copdock Primary School: 01473 730337 / admin@copdock.suffolk.sch.uk

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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS ROBIN’S NEWS

CHRISTIANS IN CAPEL

Baby Bears We invited parents and carers to come into the baby room on World Book Day to play and read with their children, chat to each other and the room leader and enjoy a picnic tea together. It was a lovely opportunity for parents to see their children at nursery and to observe the routine and interactions within the room. We hope to offer more sessions like this as it really strengthens the bond between home and nursery.

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.

Toddling Tigers Tigers have been very active, pretending to be pirates and digging for treasure using spoons and other utensils and searching for treasure on the field. We also experienced snow for the first time at Forest School; we loved running through it and trying to catch the snow on our tongues. The Tigers have also been practising their fine motor skills to peel their own snack. It has been lovely to hear them talking about how it feels and smells.

Gruffalos March has been an exciting time of change. The children have been noticing the changes as spring is starting to appear and we have reflected this within their environment.

We have added spring provocations and invitations to learning through books, spring flowers and branches of blossom to name a few.

We had a wonderful time on World Book Day. The children brought in a favourite book from home. It was lovely to watch and hear the children talking so excitedly about their books with their friends. We use books as inspiration for the invitations to learning that we set up and felt strongly that the focus of our World Book Day celebrations should be about books rather than dressing up. The children responded to this as we hoped they would and were inspired by the books to become explorers, artists, illustrators and chefs. Imaginations truly inspired by the wonder of a story.

Forest School How do children learn about the weather if they don’t have the opportunity to feel it or see it from beyond the window? At Forest School we firmly believe that children need to have hands-on learning experiences to understand what weather terms truly mean. We allow time to actually experience these terms so that when they hear the words, or come to read and write then, they have an understanding of what they mean.

The weather itself provides such a wide vocabulary; glistening, blustery and showery are just some of the words children hear in stories but what do they mean? What do snowflakes look like or taste like? What patterns and shapes can be found when Jack Frost visits? What is windy and how can we measure the wind speed? Why does the sun come out to play so we can play hide-andseek with our shadows or make rainbows to learn from?

No matter the weather outside, we make the most of the learning opportunities the weather gives us. We wrap up well and go outside to ‘play’ and we always have a weather song to sing.

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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 For all church matters during the interregnum, please contact churchwarden Mel Sutcliffe 01473 310967 / melandjudith@btinternet.com The Catholic Church Father Peter Raj 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 GROUPS AT THE METHODIST CHURCH Life Group: Wednesdays, 7.30-9pm / Year 10+ Junior Life Group: Thursdays 7-8.30pm / Years 7-9 Junction Club: Fridays, 7-9pm for School Years 7-9 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 310583 • Last Thursday, Methodist Church, 01473 310635 NETWORK FELLOWSHIP Third Tuesday, from 2.30pm, Methodist Church. Anyone welcome to attend.

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 10.50-11.50am, Young at Heart (slower paced).

Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 PILATES • Tuesdays – 7pm and 8.10pm, Capel Methodist Church • Fridays – 8.30am and 9.40am, Capel Methodist Church Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 R.O.M.E.O. Lunch for Men at Wenham View, Dove Close off Days Road Third Thursday at 12.15pm. Book with Peter Ellis: 01473 310096. /Also Coffee Drop-in from 10am on the first Wednesday at Dove Close.

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH

CAPEL COMMUNITY CHURCH

A Good Perspective I was recently given a new cardigan. I wanted to thank the sender who lived away so I got my wife to take a photo of me wearing it. I was disappointed with the first photo – it was a chunky cardigan which made me look a bit fat, and the angle of the photo gave me a big head! The second photo was better (but far from flattering) and went with a thank you note.

Searching, searching!

I remember going into a house of mirrors and seeing myself and others through distorting mirrors. Some making you short and fat, others tall and thin and with kinks in the mirrors, lots of other distortions. These days you don’t need to go to a house of mirrors as there are multiple mobile apps which create the same effect. It can be a lot of fun, but it can also be destructive of relationships if we send some images to people who have low self-image. They already feel unattractive and sometimes worthless. They don’t need that message reinforced by distorted images. In contrast others have an inflated image of themselves that their ego is in danger of bursting.

“Have you seen my keys? I’m late for work!” I holler upstairs to my wife as I frantically check the pockets of every jacket hanging in the hall. I’m sure most of us can identify with this scenario.

Apparently, I’m not alone in my searching for lost items. Various surveys suggest that on average we spend around two and a half days every year looking for stuff. That could equate to about half a year of your life just searching! And top of the list of items misplaced, you’ve guessed it, the TV remote.

But in our nation at this time of uncertainty, concern or even fear, perhaps many of us have lost some more precious commodities such as peace, joy and a sense of security. How can we find these again? Well, Jesus seemed to point us towards an answer when he simply said: “Seek and you will find!”

(Matthew 7:7)

Often we are unaware of the difference between the illusion of our image in our minds and the reality of how others see us. In my landlady’s house when I was a student, she had mirrors above the fireplace in the lounge and dining room, there were mirrors in the hallways and bathroom and the bedrooms had wardrobes with full length mirrors. You couldn’t get away from images of yourself. Because we don’t have that number of mirrors, I was slightly shocked by the unflattering photo image of me.

At Easter we celebrate the recovery of the most valuable of lost items. Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection made a way for the reestablishment of our lost relationship with God, our loving Heavenly Father!

I believe God wants us to have a good perspective on ourselves, not an inflated view nor a devalued view. God wants us to know we are created in his image, he loves us as we are, we are a work in progress, not yet perfect.

He wants us to be open to be transformed by his love and his grace and to value other people, also created in his image, whether they recognise it or not. Each of us is valued, none of us are perfect and all are redeemable. Don’t build yourself up, don’t do yourself down. Be the child of God that you are, beautiful for God.

Now, while I really don’t like wasting time searching for my keys, there are some things that are just fun to look for. So, as we celebrate Easter this year at Capel Community Church, we are searching just for the sheer enjoyment of it at our Easter Saturday breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt (see page 16).

Once we come back to Him we can immediately find those somewhat illusive resources of peace, security and joy. And perhaps now, more than at any other time in recent history, these can seem like discovering buried treasure!

So why not give up looking for your mobile, keys or TV remote and join us to search for chocolate – much more fun!

Mark Firmin

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary Ipswich IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 APRIL 2020 Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 5 10.30am

6.30pm Friday 10 9.30am

10.15am Sunday 12 8am

10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 19 10.30am Saturday 25 3.30pm Sunday 26 10.30am

7.30pm

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Palm Sunday Worship with Mr Rod Stone Prayer Good Friday United Witness at the cross on the green Reflective Service Easter Day Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Easter Sunday Worship with Rev Keith Ponsford Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Dr Liz Cope Messy Church Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at Capel Community Church

All families our welcome to the next Messy Church at Capel St Mary Methodist Church on Saturday 25 April from 3.30-5.30pm.

Our theme will be Good News to Share. This will be a fun time for all with a mixture of games and challenges along with some creative craft and family sharing time, And, of course, food (hot meal provided). It’s all free but donations are gratefully received.

For more information please contact Carolyn Love: 01473 311490 / c.a.love@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com Maggie Boswell: Maggie3@btinternet.com www.messychurch.org.uk

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