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CAPEL CAPERS
Volume 9 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2018
Image by Lucy Taylor Photography
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Babergh District Council Waste and Recycling
Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2018-2019
C
M
Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection
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Usual Collection
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CMY
every step of the way Ipswich - 01473 396 296
99-101 Penshurst Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8QB
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Monday 24th December Tuesday 25th December Wednesday 26th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Monday 31st December Tuesday 1st January Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January
Revised Collection Monday 24th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Saturday 29th December Monday 31st December Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Saturday 5th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January Saturday 12th January
Change
None 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later
There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 24th December and 4th January) Please refer to brown bin collection calendars available on: www.babergh.gov.uk for details. From Monday 14th January 2019 normal waste and recycling collections resume.
Waste Services: 0300 1234 000 (option 4) email: Recycling@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR The first of many articles about the project to raise a War Memorial in Capel St Mary was published in Capel Capers in May 2016. Capel St Mary War Memorial Trust had just been formed. The members are Gary Bunkell (chairman), Mike Woodward (treasurer), William Dimond (secretary), Griff Johns (researcher/writer), John Sturgeon (ex-teacher), Chris Streatfield (ex-Merchant Navy), David Thompson (editor Capel Times), Jon Bunkell (IT and marketing) and Jim Sporle (landscape gardening). That first piece stated “The memorial will be dedicated at 11am on November 11, 2018, 100 years to the minute from when the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War.” And so it was. Under blue skies on Sunday, November 11, up to 2,000 people gathered for the Dedication of the War Memorial and the Act of Remembrance. The Memorial stands proud in the centre of the village, inscribed with the 35 names of those who fell in the First and Second World Wars, and one more since. You’ll find Gary Bunkell’s report on page 4 and a selection of images by Lucy Taylor on the centre pages, but I have to express how much I admire and respect you all for what you have achieved. Every project needs dedicated leadership and Gary and his fellow trust members have worked tirelessly for over two years, but without continued support and the fundraising efforts of so many groups, individuals and businesses in and around Capel this monumental challenge may never have been realised. The trust’s second stated objective was to raise awareness of the ‘stories behind the events of the time and the local people involved’. This too was achieved and evident on the faces of those, of all ages, who gathered for the Dedication and Act of Remembrance and visited the exhibition from the War Memorial Trust, East Bergholt High School and local community groups in the community centre. Students and teachers at East Bergholt High School and Capel St Mary Primary School embraced the project with enthusiasm and have made a significant contribution to the campaign. Capel St Mary has always had a remarkable community quality, but on Sunday, 11 November 2018 you truly outdid yourselves. The moment when the first wreath was laid by the Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk Sir Michael Bunbury was particularly poignant, as was the calm, respectful manner in which students from East Bergholt High School read aloud the names of the Fallen. Did they know each other? Some shared the same surname so perhaps were brothers. Young men cut down in their prime who gave their lives for their country. For us. They shall not be forgotten.
NEWS CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AT ST MARY’S CHURCH Enjoy a hot bacon roll or a delicious cake with coffee or tea from 10am-noon on Saturday, December 8 in St Mary’s Hall and then take a look at the lovely goods on offer on the stalls in the church itself. Get into the Christmas spirit, meet your friends and have a chat; there’s no admission charge and the church is warm! We have a fantastic raffle where the first prize is a hamper of delightful goodies, Capel Allotment Association will be selling Christmas wreaths, plants, garden and bird supplies, there will be cakes and home-made preserves and lots, lots more. Hope to see you there!
ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Season’s greetings to all readers. Upcoming events include Wooley Pully Week from December 10-16 (wear your best festive jumper and donate £2 to the hospice) and the Christmas Dip at Felixstowe on December 25 at 10am, a fun way to start your day and importantly helps the hospice to care for their patients 365 days a year. For more information on these events contact the hospice fundraising department on 01473 723600 or visit: www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk I pass onto the hospice used stamps, mobile phones, smartphones and tablets which will be data cleansed (no chargers thank you), old British and foreign currency and inkjet cartridges. Please leave at 86 The Street or the recycling bin in the foyer at Capel Surgery. All proceeds are donated to the hospice.
The trust’s work continues with plans to install seating around the War Memorial. I’m sure this too will be achieved with your support.
Linda Morrison, Hospice Rep for Capel St Mary
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When you find after Christmas that you have no more room on those bookshelves to accommodate all those generous gifts, and you need to do a cull of the shelves, the Samaritan Bookshop will be pleased to receive your unwanted books. Collections can be arranged for larger amounts of books. To arrange a collection ring Janice on 01473 287727 and we will find a date and time to suit you. If, however, you are searching for a sequel, or looking for fresh inspiration visit the Aladdin’s Cave, otherwise known as the lower floor of the Samaritan’s Shop in Carr Street, Ipswich, where you’ll find a veritable treasure house of books on almost any subject.
VILLAGE LITTER PICK Capel St Mary Parish Council is thankful to all those who took part in the village litter pick on Saturday, November 10. A fantastic job was done by all and the village looked wonderful for the Dedication of the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Stratford St Mary Church CO7 6LS Launch Party Friday, December 14, 7.30pm / Tickets £5 Afternoon Tea Saturday, December 15, 2.30-5pm Enjoy beautifully decorated trees Sample the best of SSM’s bakers Join in with Carols Creative gifts also available
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NEWS A DAY TO REMEMBER: SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2018 Sunday 11 November 2018 dawned grey and wet, but this didn’t stop nearly 100 people assembling to witness the first event in Capel St Mary’s Day of Remembrance. At 6am Bill Dimond played Battle’s O’er on his pipes to mark the moment when the Armistice was signed 100 years ago. As soon as the skirl of the pipes ceased an army of volunteers set about the task of preparing the area for the main Dedication Service, erecting staging, sound systems, camera viewpoints, not to mention the necessary facilities to offer refreshments to all those attending. We had planned for up to 1,000 people and we were not disappointed. By 10.30am the rain had stopped and we enjoyed blue skies and sunshine throughout the rest of the morning. The Dedication Service was preceded by a parade from Capel Primary School to the War Memorial by Army Cadets from Hadleigh, Air Cadets from Ipswich and members of the Combined Cadet Force from Framlingham College. Many members of the Capel Scouting and Guiding Groups also took part in the parade. The Reverend (Ret’d Major) Mandy Reynolds, chaplain to the D Day veterans, led the service which included a significant contribution from students of East Bergholt High School. In addition to providing singers and musicians, Head Girl Laura Allison and Deputy Head Boy David Williams read the names of The Fallen. Mr Arthur Glazin played the Last Post and after a two-minute silence several wreaths were laid including one by Sir Michael Bunbury, Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, the senior military guest Air Vice-Marshal Simon Dougherty on behalf of the Armed Forces and Mr Walter Nixon, a local Second World War veteran on behalf of veterans. During the wreath laying an Apache helicopter from Wattisham made a low pass over the memorial in tribute and Mr Rod Caird of the Ipswich Piping Society played laments on the bagpipes. Following a reading by Air ViceMarshal Dougherty, prayers were said by members of the four churches represented in the village. Additional tributes were laid by members of the audience and then Sir Michael Bunbury gave an address. He explained that work will continue at
WHAT’S GOING ON in the village? Drop-in Clinic: At Dove Close on the first Wednesday of the month and Capel Library on the third Tuesday, 9.30–11.30am. Blood pressure, weight, health and medication advice, prayer if requested. No need to book and open to everyone so just pop along. Daphne’s Café – Dementia and Friends : Dementia Café for peple living with dementia, their family and friends at Capel library on the second the fourth Fridays of each month from 10am-noon. Come along for a cuppa and a chat. Suggested donation £1.
the memorial to install benches and flowerbeds. He congratulated the village on its community spirit and thanked all those who had worked hard to make the various elements of the project such a success. Following the service refreshments, including cakes made by local people, were offered by volunteers in the Methodist Church and marquees in the precinct. An exhibition featuring the work of East Bergholt High School, Capel Primary School, local youth and community groups was held in the Community Centre. The day’s events culminated in a beacon lighting ceremony in the play area, one of a thousand that were lit across the country. The flame was lit by Walter Nixon, our Second World War veteran assisted by his granddaughter Holly. The significance of the flame was the return of the light of peace after the country had spent four years in the darkness of war. The Union Flag was then lowered by Griff Johns to close the day’s events accompanied by pipe music from Bill Dimond. The ceremony was witnessed by a good crowd, some of whom had attended the early morning event and the dedication service as well. In the two and a half years since its formation the Capel St Mary War Memorial Trust’s achievements have been considerable. In addition to the main memorial, Ben’s Garden at the primary school has been refurbished. The village now has a valuable historical archive of research in the form of the four editions of Capel Times and students at East Bergholt High school have been supported in their First World War studies. As Sir Michael pointed out in his address, these projects are examples of what can be achieved when individuals come together with a common aim. Above all, this was about people, especially our young in helping them understand the lessons of history. It would be inappropriate to single out individuals so suffice to say that without the hard work of the committee and numerous other volunteers none of this would have been possible. My sincere thanks to all who worked so hard to make these projects such a success. Gary Bunkell, Chairman Capel St Mary War Memorial Trust
SURGERY TRANSPORT ROTA If when you make an appointment at our surgeries you need transport to get you there, ask the receptionists to book you transport through our scheme. We have a band of volunteers who can provide transport to Capel and East Bergholt Surgeries from Capel, Wenham, Bentley and Copdock. If you are a driver willing to join our band of volunteers, please contact Chris Yule on 310992 who will then explain how the scheme works in conjunction with the Patient Support Group.
Hope Hub: A café aimed at people living with mental health issues and their family and friends. A relaxed café where you can play board games and cards, create arts and crafts, read books or fact sheets and chat over a cuppa and a snack. First Saturday of the month from 2-4pm in the coffee lounge at Capel Methodist Church. All welcome. You don’t need to be a part of the church to come along. No charge. Craft Group: A small and friendly group aimed at anyone who would like to make new friends and learn a craft at the same time. You don’t need to be arty – full instructions and teaching is given during each session. Home-made cake and tea/coffee. It’s £5 per session, but if money is an issue just let me know and we can subsidise it. First and third Friday of the month from 9.4511.45am at Caroline’s house in Roundridge Road; send me a message and I will give you the house number. Blessings, Capel Parish Nurses Team Caroline: 07588 706869 / Caroline@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Margaret: 07588 698284 / Margaret@CapelParishNurses.org.uk www.CapelParishNurses.org.uk
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DEATH CAFÉ The next Peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, January 6 in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook. We meet for an hour and a half from 10.30am. We are very grateful to The Compasses for allowing us to use their lounge where we were made very welcome in November with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins. For more information about the Death Café contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com
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NEWS CAPEL ST MARY VILLAGER OF THE YEAR 2018 The idea was born following a week of recuperation, during which I witnessed many offers of help and simple acts of kindness. It started me thinking; is thank you ever enough? The acts themselves were never for self-glory or for gain; people were just being kind. The meaning of the word ‘village’ – “a group of houses and associated buildings, larger than a hamlet and smaller than a town, situated in a rural area” – now doesn’t mean this to me. It is overtaken by the word ‘community’. Many, many people make a community and it’s what they do to build it that makes it what it is. I felt that there had to be a way to say thank you, but that the thank you itself would have a lasting impact. While in the shower it dawned on me; we have to award the kindness around us and the word ‘award’ stuck. This is when I decided to ask Capel St Mary, via the village noticeboard, if they thought a Villager of the Year award would be something they could get behind. I was astounded that it was an overriding yes, and work started on bringing this to life. Little did I know how this would build and grow as we went forward. I was so pleased that my best friend agreed to assist me in making the award come to life and we sat one evening in the community centre, discussing the meaning of the award and how we wanted it to work. From behind us a local businessman stated he thought it was a great idea and wanted to be part of it. Mr Nick Rich of Rich Interiors then became our first main sponsor. A few days later I received a message form the events co-ordinator of Bypass Nurseries asking if they could assist in any way, and our second main sponsor came onboard. For many weeks Sarah and I discussed the award and decided that the surprise element was important to us, but also the fact that we must respect people’s choice to be unidentified. We had to get it right from the off. We embarked on the nomination stage which allowed villagers to fill out a form detailing their nominated person and why they wanted to nominate them. Once all of these were collected we sat for a long time going through them. We had the privilege to read what people do for each other, selfless
acts of kindness, and we were overwhelmed with the response. We then found three nominees for the village to vote for: Mr Griff Johns, Mrs Sandra Bumphery and Mr Jon Bunkell. Following this we held a village vote at our annual Funday attended by 2,500 people. Our winner was clear and we are thrilled that we have awarded the very first Capel St Mary Villager of the Year award to Mr Jon Bunkell. Jon carries the village in his being every day. He is such a driving force behind many events and initiatives and is always willing to help in any way. I have seen him sacrifice so much of his free time to the village, and all carried out with much enthusiasm and drive. Following our village fireworks night on Saturday, November 3, we awarded the cup to Jon. The cup itself was important to us and had to carry meaning along with the ethos of the award. When the award first came to the attention of the village, one name kept being mentioned as he truly was ingrained in kindness towards others. The village and all he did was at the forefront of all he believed in, so we called it The Paddy Gough Memorial Cup in his honour. It was important that all those nominated received recognition of their efforts, so we delivered handwritten postcards to each nominee with excerpts of what people had said as a memento and a thank you for what they do/have done for others. We now have plans to make this an annual award and through the addition of more sponsors we can build a fund which we can use to assist the village as it grows. It is important that we work together to build a community, to attend events, to help one another. It is important to be part of village life, and its important above all to be kind, the driving force behind this project. Stephanie Bonfield
CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP Flu Vaccinations Members of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) have provided help with flu days for the third year running. This year has been more complicated with five different vaccines, including a separate one for the 65s and over. Add vaccinations for shingles and pneumonia for eligible patients, and it gets even more complicated! This year the practice was concerned about potential problems with the supply of vaccines for each session. A brand new supplier had been awarded the contract by NHS England and there were worries about having enough of each vaccine to meet demand. Unfortunately vaccines ran out for certain groups at the second flu day in East Bergholt. Many patients were understandably upset by this, but it was beyond the control of the practice. Missed Appointments In October there were 133 missed appointments, which equates to 22 hours of wasted clinical time. Most of these are blood tests and appointments with the practice nurse or doctors. Now that repeat text reminders can be sent to patients closer to the appointment date, hopefully the number of missed appointments will reduce. Getting an Appointment PPG members are currently monitoring the availability of appointments by ringing the surgery at set times during the day, Monday to Friday, from early morning to late afternoon. We are keeping a record and will discuss the results at our regular monthly meetings.
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Regular Blood Tests We know that there are still issues with getting appointments for blood tests at both surgeries. Please let us know if you are experiencing difficulties and we will take this up with the practice. Christmas and New Year The run up to Christmas is often very busy. As the weather turns colder and the coughs and colds start, you can, in the first instance, ask pharmacists for advice. Please also remember that the receptionists will do their very best to get an appointment for you, but they may need to offer alternative appointments with the GP+ service if it’s very busy. Also don’t forget that there is a volunteer driver service to take you to appointments at either of the two surgeries in Capel St. Mary and East Bergholt. Just ask the receptionist when you book your appointment. New Development in the Area We are frequently asked what plans are in place to accommodate additional patients from new housing. In the longer term the practice will need to review the facilities available at both surgeries in order to plan for the future of health care. It may be, for example, that practices will be asked to provide accommodation for outreach clinics for the merged Colchester and Ipswich hospitals. This issue will be kept under review by the practice and the PPG. Kathy Pollard, Chair Constable Country Patient Participation Group constablecountryppg@gmail.com / 01473 311384
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NEWS
REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: NOVEMBER 2018 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Question and Answer Sessions The council leader and deputy will be in Capel St Mary Library on Saturday, December 17 from 10am-noon to meet local residents. New Housing Strategy 2019-2024 Consultations Sitting alongside the emerging Local Plan – adoption of which could now be as far away as spring 2020 – are two new strategies for housing, one of which will try to reduce and prevent homelessness. They are joint documents with Mid Suffolk. The ‘vision’ is for residents to be able to live in affordable, high quality homes that enable people to build settled, safe and healthy lives in sustainable and thriving communities. There is a strong link between housing provision and the Joint Local Plan (JLP.) We don’t yet know which sites will be allocated or where, but it is likely that the A12 and A14 corridors will be significant targets. Babergh must now deliver 420 completed new homes per year, 73 of which should be ‘affordable’. Its best performance to date is well short of that, despite the thousands of permissions already granted. Government has changed its definition of affordable in its revised NPPF and now includes homes for purchase and tenures other than social rent. Between 2014 and 2036, there will also be a need for an additional 1,273 private rented homes and 1,125 households requiring sheltered housing (106 of them ‘enhanced’ sheltered). The population in our districts is expected to increase by 16,600 by 2036 (from 2018) with the number of jobs to rise by 10,090. By then, a third
of the population in this area will be over 65. Some residents worry that their present homes will not be suitable for them in ten years’ time. As the population ages, there will be different demands on services and facilities, especially housing, transport, medical and social care. Sixty-nine per cent of Babergh’s population live in rural areas. House prices remain high at 10 to 11 times the level of average wages, making parts of the district unaffordable for many to buy. This means an increased demand for affordable home options. The lack of affordable new homes for local people in villages causes out-migration of young people. The Housing Strategy therefore sets out nine key aims. In essence they are to ensure: provision of homes which are affordable for local people and the local economy; a wide and varied choice of good quality, sustainable homes of different sizes, types and tenures; prevention of homelessness and rough sleeping; a council which is an effective social landlord; homes in sustainable environments with jobs and community facilities, green space, transport links and infrastructure; best use is made of the private rented sector; communities are vibrant and well connected; residents are able to live healthily, safely and as independently as possible; strong relationships are built between the council, residents, developers and partners to deliver housing, infrastructure and services appropriately. The consultation closes on 7 December 2018. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk
BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Homes and Homelessness Reduction Strategy Consultation Launched Babergh and Mid Suffolk district councils have developed a draft Homes Strategy covering the period 2019-24. It lays out how the councils aim to increase the number of new homes being delivered in their districts. This strategy also aims to increase housing options for older households and those requiring accessible homes and to ensure the existing housing stock is fit for 21st century living. The councils have also worked together on a Homelessness Reduction Strategy, covering the same period, which aims to reduce homelessness in both districts and support the most vulnerable Babergh and Mid Suffolk residents in finding and sustaining a home. These draft documents, including priorities for action, have been developed with and informed by the views of a wide range of partners at consultation events held earlier this year. These have helped to shape and inform the priorities in the draft strategies, based on our understanding of local, current and future housing market challenges. Both strategies are now open for public consultation, which runs for six weeks, closing at noon on Friday, December 7. Information, including how to take part, is available at: www.babergh.gov.uk/housing/homes-strategy The strategies will be amended in light of the feedback received, before being taken to the Full Councils of both Babergh and Mid Suffolk in February 2019.
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Strategic Property and Land Investment Fund At the council meeting in October, Babergh District Council members voted to establish a Strategic Property and Land Investment Fund of £3million to be funded from borrowing as required. This is to enable the council to act immediately when opportunities are available for strategic purchases. The allocation of this dedicated fund will provide the council with the opportunity to react and secure strategic properties and land within the district. The ability to act quickly with authority is particularly important when properties are sold by auction or by way of other restricted timescale methods such as best bids with a set completion date. For example, if a key piece of property within a regeneration area were to be listed for sale at auction, the council would need the ability to act quickly to acquire it. Failure to do so could result in a lengthy and costly compulsory purchase order process to enable the regeneration to come forward, or alternatively would result in the inability to deliver the proposed regeneration to the detriment of the wider community. Some other councils have also recently adopted this process and following benchmarking with similar councils, £3million was agreed as the most appropriate amount to allocate to this type of fund. A review will be carried out after the first year to measure the success of the fund and enable the funding allocation to be reviewed to ensure it is appropriate moving forward. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk
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NEWS CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL
NOTES FROM THE CASE
Report from the Capel St Mary Parish Council meeting held on Monday, November 12.
Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on
Present were Councillors Fenn, Handel, Harris, Hole, Kilby, Matthews, Powell, Rogers, Streatfield, Thomas, Thompson, Weaver, White, County Councillor Jones, District Councillor Carpendale, Julie Lawes (clerk) and five members of the public.
Winter is really upon us now, and if you haven’t been in the pub lately, just pop in and see how cosy it is. We will be open to welcome you right through the holiday, as follows:
The chair congratulated the War Memorial Committee on a truly outstanding service and display for the Dedication of the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday. This was exceptionally well organised.
Christmas Day: noon-2pm & 7-10pm
The following Planning Applications were recommended for approval to Babergh District Council: 19 Friars; 75 The Street; 13 White Horse Road; 14 Barnfield; 28 Elm Lane; Springhill, Pound Lane. Longcroft, Pound Lane was recommended for refusal.
New Year’s Day: noon-2pm
Please see separate article for development update. The Neighbourhood Planning questionnaires have now been delivered to each home for completion. Parish Council Clerk Julie Lawes The next meeting of Capel St Mary Parish Council will be on Monday, December 10 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 at: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com
Christmas Eve: 7-10.30pm Boxing Day: normal hours New Year’s Eve: 7pm-late Christmas Carols We will be gathering to sing carols in the pub on Sunday, December 23 from 5pm. Come along and start your Christmas in the traditional manner. Kitchen News Christmas meals will be prepared by Esther, our visiting chef, on Saturday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 12. See the website for details. Booking is essential. To give Jane, our hardworking mid-week lunchtime cook, a well-deserved break over the holiday period, please note that the kitchen will be closed from Monday, December 24 and will reopen for light lunches on Wednesday, January 9. Also, Esther’s Sunday lunches will be available every Sunday except December 30, but she will be back on Sunday, January 6. Events This month’s quiz will be on Saturday, December 29, starting at 8.30pm. A curry supper will be available for £9.50 from 6-8pm. Booking is essential.
www.capelstmary.onesuffolk.net
Our popular games evenings resume in January. The first will be on Saturday, January 12 from around 7.30pm. If you haven’t been to one, they’re very informal, with tables playing (for example) Mexican Train, Balderdash, Logo and many others. Do come and join in.
DEVELOPMENT IN CAPEL ST MARY
There will be no open mic in January as the first Tuesday falls on New Year’s Day. The next one will be on Tuesday, February 5.
Persimmon Homes are still working on the layout for the 100 houses off Longfield Road and are hopeful of submitting an application before Christmas. Outline Permission for 100 houses on this site was Approved by the Planning Committee in June.
Lastly, we would like to give a huge thank you to the team of 15 volunteers who turned up for our autumn garden tidy-up. They were rewarded with hot bacon rolls and coffee and enjoyed it so much they want to do it again in the spring!
Scott Properties are not expected to submit their application for 521 houses until May 2019, which will be after the new Local Plan has been available for consultation. It is expected that the development will be a Site Allocation in this document which may now have been delayed until January.
www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley
Chris Matthews, Chair Capel St Mary Parish Council
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 final date of the year is December 9. Hille and Trevor Peartree: 01473 310146 Chris and Marjorie Haste: 01473 311615 A very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year in 2019 to all our all village friends. We are again making a donation to charity in lieu of Christmas Cards. Hille and Trevor Peartree
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ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 8, 9am-12.30pm. Come and get those hard to find Christmas presents and hear the carol singers. Of course we will also have all your favourite market stalls; fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190. Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue. New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777
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By Bradford & Webster
10th - 12th Jan 2019 7:30 (& 2:30 12th only) Adults £8 Concessions £6 Capel Community Centre
Box Office 07793820215 Presented by The Orchard Players Script provided by NODA pantomimes
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY
FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY
December brings longer days and darker evenings so it’s the perfect time to cuddle up on the sofa with a good book, either with the children or alone. Indulge with a warming cup of tea or hot chocolate and lose yourself inside a good crime novel or thriller. There’s nothing better.
I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas again; the year seems to have flown past. I hope you are more organised than me, I haven’t even started my shopping yet! Although I have started our annual tasting to find the best mince pies. Even if I say it myself, aside from my mothers, I think my homemade ones are the best.
There are lots of new films to order from the catalogue so if you missed one at the cinema you can borrow it for one week. If it’s good you can watch it a couple of times, making it good value for money! Premier release films are £3, older titles £1. Do browse the catalogue for more information: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk We hold reservations for two weeks after receipt of acceptance on our hold trolley. If the title is not collected after this time the book will be forwarded onto the next person who has requested the title and the reservation dropped from your account. Please make sure your details are updated when moving house or you have updated your mobile phone or email address. Thank you. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Baby Bounce: Will meet on Tuesdays, December 4 and 11 and then take a break over the Christmas/New Year holiday period. Starts at 2pm with lots of shaking of the instruments and singing, progressing to finger rhymes. Open to all under-fives and their parents/carers, this activity is free of charge. Minecraft: Not meeting in December, re-starting on January 8. Capel Creators: Saturday, December 22, 10.30am-12.30pm. A small charge of 50p to cover refreshments is made. Suitable for all children; under-eights to be accompanied by an adult. Capel Library Book Group: The next meeting is in January. The library will be closed on December 25 and 26 and will re-open with normal opening hours on Thursday 27. Any returns may be posted in the letterbox in the wall and will be dealt with accordingly. We shall also be closed on Tuesday, January 1. Don’t forget that we sell books of first and second class stamps and book tokens of any denomination. We wish all borrowers and users of the library service a very Happy Christmas and Joyous New Year. Happy reading! 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 Contact: 01473 311699
Our last film of 2018 is Mama Mia – Here We Go Again on Tuesday, December 18 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets are now on sale at the library. We’re expecting this to be a very popular film, so make sure you get your tickets early and bring along your singing voices. Set five years after the events of Mama Mia (2208), but starting “in 1979 when young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University – leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with, but he’s also the man who breaks her heart. In the present day, Donna’s pregnant daughter, Sophie, dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother’s old friends and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi.” As we approach the year end, membership of the Friends Group will be due for renewal. In this respect we will be sending out reminders early in December and hope you will help to support us in our efforts to raise funds in order that we may continue to provide and improve facilities provided to the community at Capel Library. As in previous years the annual subscription remains at £1. To become a member you must simply be over 18 years of age and also be a member of Suffolk Libraries. As you can imagine, this time of year is really busy for everyone involved, so I would be grateful if you could renew or take out your new memberships as soon as possible in order that we may get them processed quickly. We are extremely lucky to have a library in the village and for all those who make use of it; you will know that it runs many events over and above just borrowing books. If you are reading this article and are not currently a member, please consider joining and making sure that we can continue to help the library provide ongoing facilities for the community (membership application forms are available from the library). Season’s Greetings, Trevor Stevenson
EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE East Bergholt High School Sunday, February 24, 10am-noon Admission 50p / Refreshments Available Free Car Park Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open 9am to set up ( 07776 291445
RAPUNZEL, THE PANTOMIME TEA & COMPANY AT DOVE CLOSE We hope to see you on Monday, December 10 for coffee, cake and chat. All welcome to come along from 2.30pm. £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes. Raffle. At our December get-together we will be joined by Capel Sing for Fun who will get us in the Christmas mood. This year the proceeds will be donated to FIND for Christmas. So come along, enjoy the cakes and the songs and help a good cause.
Presented by The Orchard Players As a baby, Rapunzel was stolen from her parents by the evil Witch Gothel and imprisoned in a tower. Will she ever escape and be reunited with her family? Will the spoilt, high-life living Prince ever discover his true self? Will King Geoffrey ever grow a backbone? Will Dame Trixie ever find her missing daughter? Get ‘tangled’ up in our pantomime adventure Running at Capel Community Centre from Thursday, January 10 to Saturday 12 with performances at 7.30pm each evening and at 2.30pm on Saturday 12 Box Office: 07793 820215
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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY, DECEMBER 2018 Saturday 1 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall
Sunday 16 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall
Sunday 2 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall
Monday 17 Association Meeting, 8-10.30pm, Library
Tuesday 4 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, Hall Ballroom Dance (private lessons), 6.15-8.15pm, Hall Ballroom (all levels), 8.15-9.15pm, Hall
Tuesday 18 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, Hall Ballroom Dance (private lessons), 6.15-8.15pm, Hall Ballroom (all levels), 8.15-9.15pm, Hall Community Cinema, 7.30-10.30pm, Library
Wednesday 5 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall
Wednesday 19 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall
Thursday 6 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall
Thursday 20 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Capel Ladies, 7.30-11pm, Vine Lounge
Friday 7 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall
Friday 21 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall
Saturday 8 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall
Saturday 22 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall
Sunday 9 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 2-6pm, Hall
Monday 24 Blood Donating, all day, Hall 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 enquiries to Mandy.
Monday 10 Parish Council Meeting, 7.30-10pm, Library Tuesday 11 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, Hall Ballroom Dance (private lessons), 6.15-8.15pm, Hall Ballroom (all levels), 8.15-9.15pm, Hall Bereavement Counselling, 6-8pm, Library
FUNCTION ROOMS FOR HIRE If you are organising a party, social event or 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 an hour for the library, £15 an hour for the hall and the Vine Lounge is £88 for an evening. All enquires to Mandy.
Wednesday 12 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Flower Arranging, 6.30-10.30pm, Library
CONTACTS Village Bar: 01473 311766
Thursday 13 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Women’s Institute, 7-10.30pm, Library Bingo, 7.30-11pm, Vine Lounge
Mandy Marshall (events and hiring): bookings@capelcommunitytrust.org / 01473 312026 FREE ROOM HIRE: SPECIAL OFFER FOR A TRIAL PERIOD
Friday 14 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dementia Café, 10am-noon, Library
Do you have a celebration coming up? If you are a member of Capel Community Association you may be eligible for free room hire for an adult party in the hall or Vine Lounge. For further details, please contact Mandy on 01473 312026. Terms and conditions do apply.
Saturday 15 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall Karaoke, 7.30-11.30pm, Vine Lounge
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. Saturday, December 8: St Mary’s Christmas Coffee Morning, 10am-noon
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Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 January: Rapunzel at Capel Community Centre. Contact: 07793 820215 Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23: Village Scarecrow Trail. Contact Jim Hill: 01473 311294 Saturday, March 2: Scout Jumble Sale 2-3.30pm. Contact Sandra: 07557 237501 Saturday, March 9: Nearly New Sale at Copdock Village Hall. Contact Lisa: 07745 520564 Saturday, October 5: Nearly New Sale at Copdock Village Hall. Contact Lisa: 07745 520564
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Images by Lucy Taylor Photography 17
OUT & ABOUT SING FOR FUN AT DOVE CLOSE CHRISTMAS BEGINS HERE WITH THE CAPEL SINGERS
In what has become an annual event, Sing for Fun, led by Jim Ross and Ian France, will be singing a great selection of Christmas songs and carols at Dove Close on Monday, December 10 at 2pm.
Make a note of the date in your diary. On Tuesday, December 11 at 7.30pm, The Capel Singers will be presenting their Annual Concert of Carols and Readings in St Mary’s Church.
Capel Ladies will be providing some very seasonal refreshments. Why not come along, join the Sing for Fun regulars and have an enjoyable afternoon getting into the Christmas spirit.
This event has been running now at Capel St Mary and Great Wenham for well over 30 years. This year the singers will be led by Jane Needle as Chris Yule joins the basses to have a good sing. The programme will tell the Christmas story through the carols, and the readings will reflect many aspects of Christmas, some humorous, some more thought-provoking.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE AT ACORN VILLAGE
There will be seasonal refreshments in the hall afterwards and a chance to catch up with friends old and new who have been coming to this event for years. Proceeds this year will go towards Ipswich Night Shelter as they try to find shelter and warmth for those sleeping rough on our streets.
CONSTABLE SINGERS Our Christmas music will be performed at Dove Close, Capel St Mary on Friday, November 30 at 7pm, at a charity event at Bypass Nurseries in Capel St Mary on Friday, December 7 at 5.30pm, the Christmas Bazaar in Constable Hall, East Bergholt on Sunday, December 9 between 11am and 4pm, and on Sunday, December 9 at The Cross Inn, Bromley at 6.30pm. We welcome new singers, especially sopranos, to join us; no audition, words provided, first session free. We sing to enjoy ourselves at Lambe School in East Bergholt each Thursday of the month from 7pm, apart from the second Thursday when we meet at the Congregational Hall in East Bergholt. We sing music from the musicals and various popular songs. We currently have members ages 16 to 80. For more information, contact Mel (01206 298628) or Yvonne (01206 298428).
VILLAGE LINK CLUB Wednesday, December 12, 10am at Tattingstone Village Hall: Life as a Tudor Housekeeper Instead of our usual raffle, please bring a small wrapped present if you would like to take part in our tombola. Also bring a small plate of food to share with tea/coffee after the talk. The club aims to bring communities together and we have over the years attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10amnoon. I would like to welcome back any former members and to see new members from all local villages, either as visitors or members in readiness for our 25th anniversary celebration in 2019.
Come and join us at the Acorn Village Christmas Carol Service on Thursday, December 20 at 11am in the Oakroom at Acorn Village. Everyone is welcome to join the friendly and relaxed Carol Service. With music from the Sounds Alive Christian band, this is a service for all with a chance to reflect on the year and sing along to some well-known hymns and Christmas songs. We at Acorn Village would like to thank you for all of your support this year to help raise vital funds for adults with learning disabilities by supporting the charity shops, events, using the onsite coffee shop, buying pre-loved furniture, using the facilities in the creative craft centre, donating items or by financial donations. Acorn Village would not be the place it is today without you! Visit our website and social media pages for more events coming up. www.acornvillages.com
MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY On October 8 we enjoyed a very informative evening learning how to put our images to music and add sound effects with Keith Leedham FRPS, EFIAP, FIPF. Our first competition of the season on October 25 was Open Colour which attracted a good number of very high standard images, including Stinking Iris Seedpod by Ann Laverock (below) one of the winning entries. All the winning images can be viewed on our website. December meetings are a competition entitled Dereliction and Decay on December 6 and our Christmas social on December 13. Meetings are held twice monthly on the second and fourth Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at the St John’s Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. A number of informal rookie club evenings are also arranged where members can refresh their skills and share experiences. 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
Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club which meets on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms. Monday, December 3: Napkin Folding & Decorated Candle (Debbie) with Christmas Nibbles Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
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Fu ll, p a rt-tim e a n d s e s s io n a l c a re fo r c h ild re n a g e d 3 m o n th s to 11 ye a rs .
Fo re s t S c h o o l
Ofs te d Re g is te re d
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Fu n d in g Te le p h o n e : 01473 310767 Ag e 2, 3 a n d in fo @ro b in s c h ild c a re .c o .u k 4 ye a rs www.ro b in s c h ild c a re .c o .u k Th e S t r e e t , C a p e l S t Ma r y 30 Ho u rs Ip s w i c h , S u f f o l k Gra n t IP 9 2 E G Fu n d in g
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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LADIES CLUB
CAPEL ST MARY WI
Visit to M&Co On October 18, nineteen members of Capel Ladies set off to M&Co at Hadleigh for a Style Party Evening. We were welcomed with drinks and nibbles to sustain us through our shopping night. Kayleigh and her staff were so friendly and helpful, encouraging us to try on clothes we wouldn’t normally consider.
Our photo shows the WI Act of Remembrance Wreath, which was prepared in advance of the War Memorial Dedication Service on November 11. The wreath consists of 170 knitted, crocheted and felt poppies made by various WI ladies.
Lots of us tried on various outfits and got differing opinions from everyone as to whether or not they suited us! It was a lot of fun, and by the end of the evening many of us came away with purchases. I’m sure many of us will be sporting our new clothes at the next meeting. Afterwards some of us decided to move on to The George to end the evening with company and chat. We can recommend this if you want an evening choosing clothes with friends, as we all had a great time. Many thanks to all the staff at M&Co. Report by Di Barker Guy Fawkes by Barbara Faulkner
November 1 was Barbara Faulkner’s fourth visit to Capel Ladies Club to give us one of her many entertaining talks. This time, appropriately enough, it was all about Guy Fawkes.
We heard the back story of how Guy Fawkes, a converted Catholic, was disillusioned by the continuing persecution of Catholics by Protestants in England. Having unsuccessfully tried to raise a Catholic rebellion in his own country, he went to Spain to join the Catholic cause in wars against the Dutch Protestants. It was here he became an expert in using gunpowder, and when the plotters back in England formed their plan to blow up parliament they persuaded Guy to return and join their conspiracy. The rest is history and the story of how the plot was foiled and plotters arrested and later executed is well-known to us all. For years afterwards Gunpowder Treason Day was decreed a public holiday, with church services, the firing of cannons and celebrations. Fireworks were added in the 1650s, and effigies of Guy Fawkes, or sometimes of the current Pope, were burnt on bonfires. Anti-Catholic feeling persisted up until the midnineteenth century when laws about tolerance and freedom of worship were finally passed in England. However the customs around Guy Fawkes Night have persisted and are still very widely observed in our modern times. We all reminisced about our childhood Bonfire Nights with soup, sausages and sparklers, Catherine Wheels that refused to spin properly and modest boxes of fireworks for family displays, so different from the organised, more sophisticated (and probably safer) gatherings today! At the end of Barbara’s talk we all repeated the old rhyme, “Remember, Remember the fifth of November...” and let off party poppers en masse. A fun evening! Do join us for more of the same! Coming soon we look forward to our Christmas activities, with a shopping trip, a meal out and a festive social. For more information please ring Di Barker on 01473 311870 or visit: www.capelladies.com
ARDLEIGH WEA The 10-week spring course, The First World War by Roger Cooke, begins at Great Bromley Village Hall (Parsons Hill, Great Bromley CO7 7JA) on Thursday, January 17, 2.30-4pm. The course will explore the causes and course of the most bloody battlefield war in history. The course fee is £54.75 and you can book online at: http://wea-essex.org.uk Alternatively, just turn up for the first week and see if it is the course for you. For more details contact Jill Frostick: 01026 250263 / jill@frostick.net John Terry: 01206 397101 / john@terrys.org.uk
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STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Recently we were privileged to have Sally Chicken introduce The Regeneration of Shotley Pier. Sally is one of a committee focused upon bringing Suffolk’s only railway pier back to life and unfortunately were recently refused planning permission for their plans. Peter James talk about The Great Essex Earthquake and Jo Harrison’s talk entitled Going Underground were also much enjoyed by members. Our December meeting features Brantham’s famous quizmaster Paul Oliver presenting his now famous Christmas Quiz with a valuable prize for the winner! We hold our New Year Lunch at The popular Haywain on February 6 when our spouses and Probus widows join us for what will be an enjoyable event and a tasty meal. 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 at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202
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 S 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
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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY U3A Our meeting on November 14 featured Davis Simmonds, a National Trust speaker and volunteer, introducing The Coast of East Anglia. The East Anglian coast is full of contrasts and has much beauty, history and wildlife. His presentation focused on National Trust coastal properties in Essex and Suffolk. We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but hold our popular Christmas Lunch, this time at the Best Western Hotel in Copdock on Wednesday, December 5. This is always a very popular event so early booking is advised. On Wednesday, January 9 Sally Dearman will present Woman Can Fly. This is the story of one women’s journey from jumping out of a landing window, then out of planes, to becoming a civil pilot and the first women through the RAF’s fast-jet flying trains system. Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. 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. The next meeting is on Friday, December 28. 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. 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 in December.
OVER £1,000 OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS IN LOCAL CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW One local family run hearing care company has announced details of a charity Christmas Prize Draw, giving the local community the chance to win one of twelve prizes with a combined value of over £1,000. The Hearing Care Centre, which has 26 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk including one at Health By Design, Hadleigh, is holding its annual Christmas Draw in aid of deafness charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, with the winners being declared on Wednesday, December 19. The charity delivers expert training for Hearing Dogs which provides invaluable emotional support to their deaf recipient. New found owners gain confidence, independence and companionship.
CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION’S GUIDE TO GARDENING IN DECEMBER Season’s greetings to all our members and readers. ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. So if you live in or near Capel and fancy a go at ‘Growing Your Own’ please contact Dennis: site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk VEG PLOT: Continue winter digging. To order mushroom compost at £30 a bucket-load delivered to the Pound Lane site call 01473 310380. Sow or plant lettuce under cloches. Check brassicas for white fly and spray as necessary. Harvest sprouts and winter cabbage. Leeks and parsnips can be left in the ground until needed. FRUIT: Apply a winter tree wash to fruit trees and bushes. Plant trees and bushes with a dusting of bone meal. GREENHOUSE: Empty and wash down with Jeyes. Line with bubble plastic. Bring in all frost tender plants. Check for white fly. Sow carrots in a pot and main crop onions and leeks in trays on Boxing Day. FLOWERS: Tidy boarders and mulch. Wrap potted plants in fleece. LAWNS: Aerate badly drained areas. Mow with blades set high. Clean and overhaul equipment. Contact Steve Blake for repairs and service on 07813 814623 or TGC Garden Machinery Services, Tattingstone for repairs and service and new equipment at very competitive prices on 01473 327737. CARE: Stale fuel over four weeks old can damage carburettors and cause poor starting and engines to run rough. Use fuel additives to keep fuel fresh. ALLOTMENT NEWS We have a Christmas Stall at St Mary’s on Saturday, December 8 and hope to see you there for garden sundries, fresh wreaths, curly willow, bird food, Christmas lights and cyclamen. Give Sue a call if you would like to pre-order a £12 fresh wreath. THE HUT is now closed for the winter and will reopen Saturday, February 2. 2018 The long dry summer saw plot holders watering daily for a solid 10-week run. The AGM was well attended as were the two work-ins which included path repairs, the construction of a replacement bin to take the road plainings, fence repairs, hedge cutting, wildlife area maintenance and many other jobs to keep the site tidy. We had a stall at Capel FunDay, played some fun games and enjoyed some great food at the BBQ. Despite losing a number of entries in the fruit and veg classes due to the hot weather, entries for The Flower and Produce Show overall remained buoyant. We also had a promotional stall at Bentley Family Fun Day and a couple of ‘Games Days’ at The Case is Altered at Bentley which went down very well. We facilitated several group visits to our wildlife area and allotments for pond dipping, fruit and veg naming and tasting and hedgerow scavenging. We furthermore supported several other events and organisations by supplying tables and raffle prizes. All this in addition to maintaining and running the site, The Hut and the seed scheme. Our thanks to all our members for your continued support throughout 2018.
This year to celebrate their 20th anniversary, The Hearing Care Centre have pledged to raise £20,000 for the charity, with many fundraising initiatives having taken place this year, including quiz nights, a pudding club and a huge drive to collect 20 pence pieces. The prize draw has received generous support from local businesses including Fred Olsen Travel, Theatre Royal Norwich, Archant and Coes Department Stores. On offer in the draw is a luxury break at The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a fivecourse tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant in London, a giant festive hamper, Hotel Chocolat goodies, travel vouchers and more. Tickets cost only £1 and can be purchased online at hearingcarecentre.co.uk/ prizedraw or in person via The Hearing Care Centre’s audiologists at their regular clinics throughout East Anglia.
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Finally, we hope you have had a productive year and are looking forward to the new season. We have already ordered our stock for The Hut, planned improvements for the site and we are in advanced stages of preparation for the show and BBQ. See you in 2019. For a more extensive version of this report visit: www.capelallotments.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB TOO EARLY FOR HOLLY Claire Muckleston from Bourne Garden Centre spoke to 18 members of Capel St Mary Garden Club in Capel Library on Thursday, October 20 about the challenges gardeners faced this year because of the unusual weather. Cold from January to March, a long hot summer and gardens still looking beautiful during the mild October with, for example, roses and geraniums still in bloom. In the amusing and entertaining talk, we learned that every plant sold at a nursery or garden centre has a passport so if there is any problem it can be traced to the source. This is especially important as plants are bought from all over the world. The passport system was introduced 25 years ago and the government ministry responsible inspects nurseries and garden centres once a year. Claire said that 14,000 packs of winter pansies delivered during the summer had started to flower. Another grower shared the secret of delaying the flowering without stopping the plants from growing: starve them of water until flowering is required. Earlier in the year, Claire had taken delivery of 10,000 basket plants. They were cocooned in bubble wrap and garden fleece and not one plant was lost. But the unusual weather caused a loss of 70 per cent of her daffodils. One plant with many varieties that loves the sun and drought conditions is salvia. One variety, Hot Lips, is a fabulous shrub that doesn’t mind dry conditions, is very hardy and doesn’t need trimming until spring. Hot Lips grows to about a metre and will flower for six months.
BENTLEY AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS This term has been poignant in so many ways, not least due to the events surrounding this landmark Remembrance Sunday. Children from both schools reflected on the sacrifices made by people in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts to protect our freedom and way of life. Poppy wreaths were laid at both the memorials and on the war grave at Bentley Church. We would like to thank most sincerely the representatives from the Royal British Legion and the War Veterans for joining us at such an important time of reflection. Colour and cake permeated through the schools this term; a celebration of diversity and equality culminated in a rather delicious Bake Off during AntiBullying Week. The incredible creations crafted by our families were entered into a competition run by Educate & Celebrate, an organisation we have done lots of work with to promote acceptance and positivity throughout our schools. The theme this year was Choose Respect and our families did us proud with their inventive designs. The cakes were raffled off after the event and money raised was donated to Children In Need.
Roses, however, need a lot of watering as they get stressed easily, creating, for example, blackspot. Prune and feed them in the spring, preferably with horse manure and then water, water, water throughout the growing season. Claire told us not to cut leaves off hellebores, a winter flowering plant of which a miniature variety has been bred which can be potted along with a new variety of trailing pansies which together look lovely in winter-flowering hanging pots and/or baskets. Don’t just plant flowers in borders, Claire said, as foliage is just as good as flowers. Coprosma, Pacific Night, in particular, produces wonderful purple foliage with shining leaves. On a final note, Claire said that today many people buy plants and bulbs with their eyes without knowing anything about them. They also want plants for small gardens so new varieties are being bred, such as Buzz, a small buddleia. It grows to just three feet. Rock Star has the same size flowers but on a smaller variety of buddleia. Plant breeders are creating smaller plants for smaller gardens. Claire ended her talk answering questions and then sold plants she brought to illustrate her light-hearted talk to club members. By Programme Secretary Penny Thompson Our first meeting of the New Year is on Thursday, January 24 when we have our annual Christmas lunch – this year at the Best Western Hotel, Copdock. All members, and a few others, have had the full details. Please make sure you reply by December 15 – whether or not you want to come. If you want to bring a friend they would be very welcome. We are always happy to welcome new members (£8 a year or £2.50 if you just want to come to a particular meeting as a visitor). Any queries, please let me know. Chairman Edwina Cox: 01473 311121
MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 11 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. To keep up-to-date please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk
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The children have been on some exciting trips and events this term including a trip to Ipswich School to take part in a very special Hollywood Jazz event; some of our pupils were even invited up on stage to join in with the musicians. Year 6 took part in the annual Forensic Science Day at East Bergholt High School and came back full of knowledge of DNA! The Halloween Disco at Bentley was a big success, raising over £100 for the Eco Council. With the money they have raised this year, they have bought a brand new, spacious chicken coop for our lovely feathered friends. The Eco Council also organised a walk to school that was so well supported that we are hoping to create a walking bus from the memorial to school every Wednesday morning as part of our Active Schools program. At the time of writing, we have a huge selection of clubs going on at the school in the run up to Christmas. Both schools are running their annual Christmas Cake Club and we are exceedingly grateful to the army of volunteers who make these clubs possible. The children’s designs are beautiful, colourful and imaginative and always a joy to see at the end. Bentley’s annual Secret Stocking Christmas Club is bigger and better than ever this year with what seems like an endless supply of chocolates being produced by the children! Lego Club at Copdock has been continuing this term; they have a different theme each week and a timed build. The children then vote on their favourite which gets entered into the national competition. This gets sent to www.kidswithbricks.com where it gets entered into a competition and parents get to and vote. We’re hoping to creep up the leaderboard! Up-coming events include our Christmas Fayres (3.15pm on Friday, November 30 at Bentley and 3.30pm on Friday, December 7 at Copdock), a trip for Adders and Foxes classes to see Goosebumps 2 at Empire Cinema and a trip for every child in the federation to see Cinderella at The New Wolsey Theatre in January. Finally, do come along and support our children as they perform at the annual Christmas Carol Performance at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary, on Friday, December 7. It is a lovely evening and a chance to get some inspiration for Christmas.
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SCHOOLS / ON THE GRAPEVINE
ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears In the Baby Bears room we are continuing to use our unique outdoor sleeping area. On colder days we have been snuggling up in our sleeping bags and cosy blankets. We have chosen to continue through the colder weather to help build up the Baby Bears immune systems and to release stress. We are lucky to naturally fall asleep to the sounds of children playing and the birds singing.
EBONY’S BLOG: Life at The Shelley Centre The race was cancelled! Not round the arena here at Shelley of course, but in Nayland Village Hall. Everyone was too busy on that Armistice weekend to be able to attend, so the wonderful fundraising committee had to pull the plug on the event. It’s a blow, but I think we’ll survive. The ponies still look well fed from what I can see. We have been able to welcome more volunteers to the team of helpers who commit to a session a week. It’s nice to see the newbies getting the hang of the job and being so much appreciated by our clients (and especially their carers). No two sessions are the same as our riders have to be matched to the available ponies, the standard of the other participants in each ride, their own personal timetables, and the number of volunteers present at any given time. I myself take two volunteers to look after me and my riders, as the picture of Matthew ‘in the saddle’ shows.
Through the next few weeks our older Bears will be focusing on baking while learning turn taking skills and developing their fine motor movements. Our younger Bears are learning to walk and control their own movements, so lots of time outdoors will be accessible to provide large spaces to develop their gross motor skills. Toddling Tigers The Tigers have started back at Forest School this term and have been exploring the wonderful autumnal season. They have made ‘leaf snakes’, found a frog, relaxed in the hammock, listened out for birds and used binoculars to try and find them! They have been learning new boundaries and responding to the sound of Debbie Duck’s whistle. The Tigers have also enjoyed talking about the colours of the leaves and covering Kimberley with them! The Tigers found hidden puppets and used them to create stories by giving them names and telling us what happens next. Gruffalos This month is flying away in a flurry of fireworks! We celebrated Bonfire Night with hotdogs around the campfire at Forest School. This led on to exploring the festival of Diwali. Diwali, The Festival of Lights, provides a great opportunity to explore different cultures and celebrations. We created Rangoli patterns and made lanterns and Diwali sweets too. The children asked lots of very thoughtful questions about the Diwali celebrations we watched on the computer. We are continuing to promote curiosity and intrigue in the room. Another area we have introduced is a self-service painting station. The children have access to the three prime colours which are in pump dispensers. They take a jam jar lid and put in the paint required and a re able to mix and experiment with the paint to creating the shades. They then select the size of paintbrush they wish to use and the paper of their choosing. This simple act of painting is promoting independence, a ‘can do’ attitude, problem solving and decision making, all before they even get creative with the paint! All these skills are valuable life skills that will hopefully be carried with them throughout their time as Gruffalos. As you read this we are excitedly preparing for Christmas and, of course, our nativity.
We are all looking forward to our carol service in Shelley Church on December 8. With the yard full of riders and their families, and all the horses wearing tinsel in their head collars, it’s a very festive atmosphere before the procession sets off down the candle-lit lane to the church. Squidgey and Camilla are the lucky ones who lead the walk. I wonder whether there is room for them in the church at all! It can’t have been Shetlands who witnessed the birth of Christ in that stable long ago; donkeys more likely, and pigeons. We are having a bit of a battle with the latter and their friends the partridges, all of whom like to roost above the office door and do what birds will do all over the ground: something else to sweep up. We are about to take time off for the Christmas holidays so I shall have my door locked with Babs for my only company. Outside people will come and go as the live herd still needs to be exercised and fed. I hope none of you has to be alone on Christmas Day, and that everyone has a good holiday as this year comes to its close. With very best wishes to all my readers; see you in 2019. www.shelleyrda.com / 01473 824172
KENNY'S SESAW NEWS We would like to thank our volunteers for looking after the animals, buildings and garden, whatever the weather, and for organising sales and fairs. Also the unseen army of people who donate food or other items for the sanctuary and goods for our fundraising events. Last but not least, we thank the visitors who attend those events.
If you would like further information about Robin’s Childcare please contact us on 01473 310767 and we will be more than happy to help.
LAWFORD WEA: WILDLIFE HAVENS OF THE UK Discover a range of wildlife habitats, flora and fauna found in the UK, shown through seasoned slides, including landscapes, nature reserves, birds and insects. Explore cliff dwelling seabirds and plants of the south coast, orchids and butterflies of the Kent Downs, wildlife and nature reserves of the New Forest, East Anglia, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands and islands. Nine afternoon sessions (2.30-4pm) with tutor Alex Bass, starting on Monday, January 7 at Manningtree Methodist Hall, South Street, Manningtree CO11 1BQ. The course fee is £49.28; if you receive certain benefits you may be entitled to a free course. Book today: enrolonline.wea.org.uk / 0300 303 3464 / 01206 547405
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We always have animals awaiting new home, but some stay with us and are available for sponsorship. If you are looking for that elusive present to buy, what about choosing to sponsor one of us, either a one-off or a monthly donation to help with costs throughout the year. For more details visit www.sesaw.co.uk or leave a message on 01787 210888. Best wishes for health and happiness over the Festive Season from everyone at SESAW including Ollie (the Black) Cat and me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua! Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk
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SPORT CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB There was a good turnout for the funeral of club official Ian Powell on Thursday, November 8 at Seven Hills Crematorium. Ian had worked for almost 40 years behind the scenes for the club that he loved and will be missed by all that knew him. Ian passed away knowing that the First team were top of the Senior Division in the Suffolk and Ipswich League, going top on October 6 after a thrilling 4-3 win away to Claydon thanks to goals from Joe Bigmore, Anthony Jackson and a brace from Shaun Webb. The team recorded a 2-1 win at Benhall St Mary with goals from Danny Garrard and Daniel Page, and despite defeats against Felixstowe United (3-2) and East Bergholt (3-1) they remained top of the league. The Senior Cup game away to Leiston St Margarets was won 3-0 with goals from Kieran Lawler and a brace from Sean Gunn, with the side travelling to play Haverhill Borough from the Eastern Counties League in the next round. Our young Reserve side are having a mixed season, winning 1-0 against Coplestonians A before losing 4-3 against Cockfield with our scorers Daniel Hudson-Smith and a brace from Jack Reddington. They then lost 1-0 against Benhall St Mary after a close game. Our Sunday morning side beat Greshams 5-2 with Abdul Kaium scoring three of the goals, but lost 4-0 against Felixstowe Rangers, then 2-1 against Shotley with Stirling Mayes our scorer, while our Veteran side were beaten 4-0 at Bacton, but bounced back beating Coplestonians 3-0. BOB THE PLOUGHMAN
BRANTHAM FOOTBALL CLUB Brantham Athletic is a local football club which runs a senior section, junior section, Sunday and ladies teams. Our home ground is Brantham Leisure Centre, New Village, Brantham.
Walk run cycle THE ORWELL CHALLENGE – FUNDRAISING THE EASY WAY – Do you need to raise funds for a charity, good cause, sport’s club or youth organisation? The ready-made answer is the Orwell Challenge. Just enter and arrange your own sponsorship and Ipswich East Rotary Club will organise the event for you. The Orwell Challenge, previously known as the Orwell Walk, has been organised for the last 42 years by Ipswich East Rotary Club and has enabled £3million to be raised for local good causes. The next event will be held on Sunday 23 June 2019. Each entrant pays an entrance fee to take part in the event and then raises sponsorship for their charity or good cause. Entrants can book their place in the event by registering on the Ipswich East Rotary Club website. There is a discount for early registration. The annual event ranges over private land between Ipswich and Felixstowe which is not usually open to the public. The event has become known as the ‘Happy Walk’ because Rotarians go the extra mile to be welcoming and encouraging to all the entrants. You can walk between three and 25 miles, or run distances up to a full marathon. Rotary provides check points, toilets, ice cream vans, food stalls and a rescue service to ferry walkers and runners back to the start when difficulties occur. Sign up now to raise funds for your good cause: www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk
Since November’s issue the joint managers of the 1st team have moved on to pastures new and we now have a new management team in place with Ben Swann assisted by senior players Craig Hughes and Jack Sibbons. We wish them well in these roles. Congratulations to the club’s management for a seamless transition. On the field results have been very mixed for all three senior sides, but the performances have been good and it is hoped that results will start to improve. The 1st team at present sit in sixth place, but with games in hand. I will remind supporters that the 1st team have a home match on Boxing Day, kicking off at 11am at the leisure centre, WE hope to see you there. Forthcoming home matches will be publicised on the website and on Twitter. As soon as fixtures are received they will be published. There is also a thriving junior section with ages ranging from Under-7 to Under-16. Our Sunday teams play their matches on Sunday mornings at the leisure centre whilst our ladies team play on Sunday afternoons at the centre, The First team play their home matches at the leisure centre, kicking-off at 3pm on Saturdays and 7.45pm on weekday evenings. The A team plays at Raydon. The Under-18s play on weekday evenings, kicking-off at 7.45pm. Because of the league the 1st team and Under 18s play in, there is an entrance fee to watch these games. For the 1st team its £7 adults and £3 concessions and children under 16. For Under 18 games its £3 and £1. There is a friendly atmosphere at all the matches and there is always a friendly welcome to anyone attending a home match, so if you would like to see a good standard of football come and support your local team. The Centre Bar is open during all senior games and the kitchen during 1st Team and youth football on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Any young or old players wishing to join a friendly, exciting, fun football club should contact the club via the details below or email our football club secretary The leisure centre has an excellent private function room with its own selfcontained bar for hire out for a multitude of events. Just contact the centre on 01206 392506. www.branthamleisurecentre.com / Twitter: @branthamath
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CHURCH NEWS
The next Messy Church is on Saturday, December 8 at Capel Methodist Church from 3.30-5.30pm. Messy Church is a fun, new way of doing ‘church’ relevant to family life today. Our theme will be Waiting for Christmas so we will have an hour of craft activities related to the theme and there will be games and challenges suitable for all ages. This will be followed by a short celebration including some singing and a Bible story related to the theme, all very laid back. After that we share a meal together before you go home. 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, why not give us a try? You’ll have lots of fun. No need to book – just turn up. Hope to see lots of you there. For more information please contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / Maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com
CHRISTMAS ANGEL COMPETITION This year our competition is all about angels. We’re asking you to make and angel in any way you like. It can be 2D or 3D, any size, made of anything you can find and decorated as you like. There are plenty of ideas online if you’re stuck for what to do. Entry forms will be available from the school, the library or the Methodist Church from December 1 and instructions for entering your angels will be on the entry form. Watch out too for angels to appear near the Methodist Church in December for you to take home and hang on your Christmas trees.
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CHURCH NEWS THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH As we start the last month of 2018 and darkness covers the land, churches begin a new liturgical year starting on Sunday, December 2, known as Advent Sunday. Many of those going to church will see an Advent wreath, a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. On that wreath, four or five candles are typically arranged. During the season of Advent, one (purple) candle is lit each Sunday as a part of Advent services. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Lighting of an Advent wreath is a custom that began in 16th century Germany among Lutherans and Catholics. In Western Christianity, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, or the Sunday which falls closest to November 30, and lasts through Christmas Eve, or December 24. Catholic tradition states that the four candles, representing the four weeks of Advent, each stand for one thousand years, to total the 4,000 years from the time of Adam and Eve until the birth of the Saviour. Prophecy Candle On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the Prophecy Candle in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ: ‘Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.’ (Isaiah 7:14, NIV) This first candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Capel Community Church invites you to join us for a:
Candlelit Christmas Service 4.30pm on Sunday 23rd December Capel Community Church, Days Road
An informal Christmas celebration including: ❖ Traditional carols and modern Christmas songs ❖ A drama sketch ❖ Seasonal Bible readings ❖ And more! Afterwards there’ll also be plenty of time to chat over a glass of mulled wine or cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee with a mince pie or slice of cake. Further details from: David & Rachel Owen (01473) 310454 www.CapelCommunityChurch.org.uk Charitable Incorporated Organisation – No. 1162194
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Bethlehem Candle On the second Sunday of Advent, December 9, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents love. Some traditions call this the ‘Bethlehem Candle’, symbolising Christ’s manger: ‘This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ (Luke 2:12, NIV) Shepherds’ Candle On the third Sunday of Advent, December 16, the pink, or rosecoloured candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the ‘Shepherds’ Candle’, and it represents joy: ‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them: ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’ (Luke 2:8-11, NIV) Angels’ Candle The fourth and last purple candle, often called the ‘Angels’ Candle’, represents peace and is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent. ‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”’ (Luke 2:13–14, NIV) Christ Candle On Christmas Eve, the white centre candle is lit. This candle is called the ‘Christ Candle’ and represents the life of Christ that has come into the world. The colour white represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Saviour. Those who receive Christ as Saviour are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow: ‘Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.’ (Isaiah 1:18, NIV) My prayer is that you may all enjoy your pre-Christmas preparations, including carols in the precinct at 7pm on Christmas Eve. God’s blessing to you and yours now and through 2019.
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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST BE PREPARED These two words have been etched in my life from the days I was in the Scouting movement. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement, was asked the inevitable question: “Prepared for what?”. His response: “Why, for any old thing!”. He wrote: “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.” Every week I work to deadlines – the most public is that on a Sunday morning I’ve got to stand up and preach to one of my congregations. I can’t tell them to come back tomorrow when I’m ready. Preparation includes studying the Bible passage, reading around the subject and praying through the message. I was caught out once when I went to work in Zimbabwe. My family and I have travelled overnight and attended an English speaking service where we warmly welcomed as new missionaries. As I was going to be working in rural areas among the Shona people, I slipped into an afternoon service to experience their worship and observe. When they found out I was a minister I was invited to preach. I wasn’t due to preach for several weeks (language school was my first assignment), and I can’t remember what I preached, but I know I was unprepared. I learnt then that I must always be prepared to share a word from the Lord with people. So many of my days don’t turn out exactly as scheduled. God surprises me with a person I meet, I have an interruption through a phone call or message that requires a visit, someone shares something of significance. I need to be ready to respond and discover God appointments. For years the people of Israel had been told that Christ was coming and to look forward to his coming. Prophecies told the place of his birth, that he would be a descendent of King David, the manner of his birth and much more. Yet when the moment arrived many failed to see it. The people thought they knew how God would work and were unprepared for anything else. It’s as though they had put God in a box. But God cannot be confined to a box. We should live our lives with a sense of expectancy. God is at work in many ways, constantly able to surprise us. Are we ready and willing to be surprised, are we ready to meet him in the lives of people we know. I’m sure most of us will prepare for Christmas with presents, food and drinks. We could easily miss the greatest gift God has prepared for us, a relationship with his Son Jesus Christ, after whom this festival is named. The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 DECEMBER SERVICES Home Groups and prayer meetings on various days and times.
THE MAGIC AND REALITY OF CHRISTMAS – balancing fantasy, fake news and facts How often do we hear people use expressions like, ‘to be honest with you’, ‘the fact of the matter is’, ‘no word of a lie’, ‘I kid you not’ and ‘the truth is’? These phrases are usually used to make the listener aware that what follows is going to be factual and reliable. Why do we frequently speak this way? Perhaps because we live in a world where finding the truth can be a challenge. In the last couple of years we’ve seen the terms ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative truth’ used by politicians as they also grapple with this issue, trying to convince us all that their version of events is the correct one, whilst seeking to expose what they believe to be falsehoods. But it’s not just words that can be true or false. The airbrush techniques of photo editing software and the computer technology of CGI used by the movie industry, mean that both still images and video footage can be manipulated so that it becomes almost impossible to discern what is actually real. Video gaming has also moved into a whole new dimension with the advent of virtual reality (VR) enabling players to be transported into other worlds to physically interact with mythical characters. So the divide between what is actually real and the fake, virtual or alternative versions of truth can be difficult to determine. And so I guess it’s no wonder that nailing the truth can be taxing for the best of us. But perhaps Christmas, more than any other festival or season, brings an astonishing blurring of truth and fantasy. On the one hand we have tales of toy production facilities at the North Pole staffed by elves, a sleigh laden with presents for the world’s children, a team of flying reindeers using shiny nose navigation technology and all this coordinated by a large bearded man in a red suit! Contrasted with a factual account, dating back over 2,000 years in the Middle East, of a pregnant teenager with her husband-to-be seeking accommodation in an unfamiliar town. This then, the first chapter of the true life story of Jesus, God’s son, who arrived to change the destiny of mankind. Jesus was born in challenging circumstances and grew to fulfil God’s plan to bring us hope, peace and security by enabling the restoration of our relationship with God. The nativity story isn’t fake news or alternative truth, and for Joseph and Mary it wasn’t virtual reality. The truth that we can celebrate is that God, in his amazing love for mankind, broke into human history by sending his son to activate a wonderful rescue plan for all humanity.
Sunday 2
10.30am 6.30pm
Worship with Stephen Walker Prayer
Saturday 8
3.30pm
Messy Church
Sunday 9
10.30am
Worship with Tom Boswell
Sunday 16
10.30am 6.30pm
All-Age Worship – The story of Christmas Carol Service with Rev Sankey
Sunday 23
10.30am
Worship and Communion with Rev Sankey
Christmas Eve
7pm
Carols in the Precinct for All
Mark Firmin, Capel Community Church
Christmas Day
9.30am
Worship with Rev Sankey
www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk
Sunday 30
10.30am
Worship with Chris Jowett
www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers
So let’s seek to enjoy the ‘magic’ of Christmas while remaining connected to the truth behind the festivities! Jesus said, ‘You will know the truth and the truth will set you free’. May you know The Truth this Christmas!
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CHURCH NEWS
HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB
Parish Priest: Fr Peter Raj 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR DECEMBER Sunday 2 First Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 4 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 9 9am
Second Sunday of Advent Mass
Tuesday 11 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 16 Third Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 18 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Monday 24 Christmas Eve 5.30pm Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 8pm Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB Tuesday 25 Christmas Day 9am Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB 11am Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ Sunday 30 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 9am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door. Catholic Commentary Probably many of us are already thinking about and preparing for Christmas, some with eager anticipation, others with a little dread. The church season of Advent beginning on Sunday, December 2 anticipates Christmas by getting us in the mind to reflect on the incarnation which together with Christ’s death and resurrection is the basic premise of Christianity; this is God’s amazing love and action for humanity and the
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world. Fully explored; Christianity is a grand narrative that gives meaning to existence and guidelines for life. On the basis that each person is known and loved by God, a high value is placed on the dignity of every individual and from this comes the modern emphasis on rights. But the individual does not exist apart from others; he/she is a member of a nation and a family and much of Jewish/ Christian teaching is directed at social life, how people can and should live together in peace. If we are looking for a slogan for Christmas we can do no better than to use the traditional one: peace on earth and goodwill to all. Happy Christmas to all readers of this page in In Touch. Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, November 18 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £156 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, December 23 at Holy Family, Brantham. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or onlne at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the parish room and all are very welcome to join us. There will be no December event and the next one will be on Thursday, January 31. Supporting our Local Hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice. The Sick & Homebound Please let Fr Peter know of anyone who is ill at home or homebound so that they can receive appropriate pastoral care. If you or someone you know is going into Ipswich Hospital and would like the ministrations of the church while there please inform Fr Peter or leave a message on Deacon Clive’s answerphone on 01206 396319. All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services; it’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.
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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTIANS IN CAPEL CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS Join us when you can to celebrate Christmas Our whole village celebration in the precinct area Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24 at 7pm CAROLS IN THE PRECINCT OTHER SPECIAL SERVICES AT THE CHURCHES Sunday, December 15 10.30am Nativity Service (Methodist) 10.45am Carols/Lessons (St Mary’s) 6.30pm Candlelit Carol Service (Methodist)
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Sunday, December 23 10.30am Christmas Communion (Methodist) 10.45am Carols/Lessons (St Mary’s) 4.30 pm Traditional Carol Service (Community Church) Christmas Eve, December 24 4pm Christingle (St Mary’s) 7pm Carols in the Precinct 11.30pm Midnight Mass (St Mary’s) Christmas Day Services, December 25 9.30am Capel Methodist Church 10.45am St Mary’s, Capel CHURCH LEADERS OF CHRISTIANS IN CAPEL For times and details of other services and events, please contact: 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 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 Revd. Andrew Sankey 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk
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01473 311178 07966 187216
Please refer back to the November edition for contact details of groups.
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
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