In Touch News with Capel January 2020

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CAPEL CAPERS

Volume 10 • Issue No. 2 • January 2020

Amanita Muscarias (Fly Agarics) by Nigel Paul, taken in Bentley Woods

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I am utterly addicted to and obsessed by Leonard Cohen, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover a new album was to be released three years after his death. Thanks for the Dance has been arranged by Leonard’s son Adam and features various collaborators and previously unheard material. Every line is a masterpiece, all the more poignant because it was written and recorded when he was “Waiting for the miracle to come”. Death and dying have always been key themes of his work, but is it fair to refer to the man who said “The older I get, the surer I am that I’m not running the show” as ‘the grandfather of gloom’?

I go to one or other of his albums for inspiration, comfort, reassurance, hope and even humour. Tonight Will Be Fine always makes me smile: Sometimes I find I get to thinking of the past.

We swore to each other then that our love would surely last.

You kept right on loving, I went on a fast, Now I am too thin and your love is too vast.

And the ultimate love song must surely be If I Didn’t Have Your Love: If the sun would lose its light And we lived an endless night And there was nothing left That you could feel That’s how it would be My life would seem to me If I didn’t have your love To make it real I can’t imagine a world without music (it doesn’t have to be Leonard Cohen all the time), but for others it might be art or theatre, movies or even long walks in the countryside which provide the indefinable something which makes life better. Whatever it may be, I hope you find time and space to indulge in it this year. Maybe we can help you find it if you haven’t already!

And when you’re having a bad day…

“Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.”

Leonard Cohen

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

Advertising

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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Capel Capers is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd

Please recycle.

THE FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS Capel’s historic St Mary’s Church Saturday 11 January, 4-7.30pm Sunday 12 January, 4-7pm Quiz forms are £2. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully received towards the restoration of the east window.

Refreshments available throughout.

PREVIEW EVENING Friday 10 January, 7.45pm Tickets (£6 / members £5) which include a glass of wine or fruit juice, light refreshments and a quiz form, are available from Chris Terry (311102) and Ondra Butler (310524).

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT ALL SAINTS, LITTLE WENHAM Whether you’re retired and looking to keep busy, a parent with spare time while the children are at school or a student looking for work experience, the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) has a volunteering opportunity to suit you.

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

Friday 10 January Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources

NEWS

is the advertising and editorial deadline for the February edition

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With 20 churches in Suffolk alone, all CCT churches are Grade II listed or above and most are open and ready for visitors all year round. The CCT is the national charity protecting historic churches at risk, repairing the damage from sometime years of neglect and then working with local communities to bring them alive again.

Volunteers are critical to the CCT’s ability to care for, open and promote these often hidden treasures and roles including stewarding, event organising and fundraising, as well as practical roles such as cleaning and gardening. The need is for new volunteers to help ensure that these churches are open, used and there for future generations. Being a volunteer will give you the opportunity to meet likeminded people, learn new skills and even advance your career.

All Saints in Little Wenham is at the end of a farm track and hasn’t changed much since John Constable made a small ink and watercolour picture in about 1798. The church is open from 10am to 4pm daily and makes an ideal walking destination from Capel St Mary. We are looking for volunteers to support the church and are interested to hear ideas on how you would like to use this space.

For more information on volunteering for the CCT can be found online or email Jane Hatton: jhatton@thecct.org.uk www.visitchurches.org.uk

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NEWS

Osteoporosis is the medical term for bones becoming weaker and more fragile due to a reduction in bone density. This then means you are more likely to break a bone. There is a stage before you develop osteoporosis called osteopenia which would show on a bone density scan. Not everyone with osteopenia goes on to develop osteoporosis.

Mary Silburn sadly passed away in October 2019 aged 85 years. Mary was born in Capel and enjoyed her life. She was postlady for 18 years until she gave up with arthritis. Pearson, her husband, who passed away three years ago, was also postman till he retired and was always involved in village life. They are sadly missed.

From daughter Kim

Osteoporosis affects more than three million people in the UK and more than 500,000 people require hospital treatment for a broken bone (fracture) caused by fragility. Like every part of the body, bones become weaker with age and so some loss of bone is inevitable. This is why people shrink as they get older. However, some people lose bone faster than normal and this is what can lead to osteoporosis.

It is a condition often linked to the older generation, but it can occur at any age. Things that can increase the chance of developing the condition: • Taking high dose oral steroids for more than three months • Inflammatory or hormone related conditions • Malabsorption problems or eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia as you do not absorb calcium properly • Family history – particularly if a parent fractured their hip • Having a low body mass index (BMI) • Heavy drinking and smoking • Not exercising regularly The menopause also has a big part to play as women lose bone density rapidly for the first few years after the menopause. So what can you do to reduce your risks?

• Exercise regularly to strengthen your bones • Eat a healthy diet including calcium rich foods • Take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms • Give up smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption If you’re diagnosed with osteoporosis, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of a fall, such as removing hazards from your home. If you would like some help identifying these risks then please contact Margaret, our Parish Occupational Therapist.

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

As Villager of the Year for 2019, I would just like to say a big thank you to Stephanie Bonfield and Sarah Weston for all their hard work in arranging the erection of the Christmas tree outside the village hall. Also well done to Jon Bunkel for providing a fabulous light show during the evening of November 30 when the tree lights were switched on.

Events like this don’t just happen; they take a lot of hard work and they can be proud of what they achieved. I was honoured to be asked to say a few words before I hit the magic button which switched the tree lights on and what turned out to be an enjoyable evening was made even better by the local Co-op giving away free mince pies which went down well!

Happy New Year, Bob Morrison

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello everyone, By the time you read this, the new year will be upon us, so I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and safe 2020.

PC Diane Porter has now retired and I am continuing the role as Community Engagement Officer and Link Officer for Hadleigh and those Babergh and Mid Suffolk Villages that surround it. I will be assisted where needed by three Ipswich-based PSCOs who will help where they can.

As I write in early December there has been a spate of overnight burglaries to outbuildings at properties in the areas of Aldham, Elmsett and Nedging.

Please ensure your outbuildings are secure and items of value are not left on display. This has also been true of vehicles with tools on board, not only causing costly vehicle repairs but also loss of earning until tools can be replaced.

A great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in your area is to sign up to Police Connect. This is a free messaging service which gives you the latest policing news for your area. This can be delivered by email, text or telephone. If you would be interested in this free service please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect Please remember that on these dark evenings, and with homes in darkness for longer, it’s more obvious when someone is not at home. Please consider PIR lighting outside your property which may alert a neighbour if you’re not home and someone enters within the perimeter of your property. Also consider leaving a light on, maybe on a timer. Again, please hide away those lovely presents which may have arrived into the house over Christmas.

Always think ‘security’.

You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us Call the police on 101 to report non-urgent crimes and concerns which do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Happy New Year once again, PC 287 Sarah George

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE Donate your unwanted presents to St Elizabeth Hospice shops. Unwanted gifts provide valuable stock for the network of more than 30 shops. Last Christmas, our shops received a surge in donations of candles, toiletries, clothing, accessories, books and DVDs. People often receive perfectly good gifts that are just not to their taste, are the wrong size or even two of the same gift. If you donate these items to our shops your unwanted Christmas gifts can help raise vital funds for the hospice. You can also leave them at 86 The Street, Capel St Mary and I will pass them on. Thanking you in anticipation.

Capel St Mary Hospice Rep Linda Morrison

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

The parish council recommended approval to Babergh District Council for planning application 24 Snowcroft – Works to Oak tree.

Refusal was recommended to Babergh District Council for Capel Court, 107 The Street – Conversion and extension of commercial/residential building to create nine flats and erection of five dwellings and Village Hall PC01 The Street – Removal of phone box at the above address (consultation) .

Persimmon Homes have now completed negotiations for more land to increase the public open space to the north of the site. They are waiting for written confirmation from the landowner. An application will be submitted before Christmas.

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

Accounts were approved and presented for signing.

The next meeting of Capel St Mary Parish Council will be on Monday 13 January in the library. There is an open session at each meeting when members of the public may speak. The actual minutes of the meeting are available for viewing at the parish council office at 27a The Street, Capel St Mary, which is open on Tuesdays from 10am-noon and on Fridays from 1-3pm.

The parish clerk can be contacted on 01473 314103 during these times.

An answer phone operates outside these hours and messages are picked up every day. Alternatively contact can be made by email to: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com www.capelstmary.onesuffolk.net

GET TO KNOW YOUR PARISH COUNCILLORS Councillor Malcolm Fenn Where were you born? In Ipswich.

How long have you lived in the village? I moved here in November 1972.

How long have you been a parish councillor?

Eight years.

What made you want to become a parish councillor?

Health curtailed my sporting activities and having served on the playing field committee I felt that the parish council would be an avenue to give something back to the village.

What do you like most about Capel St Mary? Its sense of community, lots of people prepared to work for the benefit of others.

What changes, if any, would you like to see within the village?

Somehow provide activities for our young people What is/was your job? I worked for GRE in general insurance for 33 years and was a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and Chartered Insurer. When made redundant I operated my own consultancy.

What are your interests or hobbies? I was one of only three original plot holders at the local allotments and have been ‘auditor’ for 42 years. I’m treasurer of St Mary’s Church and an Ipswich Town season ticket holder. Also looking after my grandchildren.

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE: DECEMBER 19/JANUARY 20 By the time this report is published we shall know the outcome of the General Election. As usual, in any pre-election period, there is a virtual shut down of activity at council. Full council was cancelled and other committees and several working groups were cancelled in case they could be seen to favour one party or another. The fact that parliament had become stuck on the big issue of the day contributed to a stymied agenda on all other matters too. For local government, this has meant inaction on crucial issues such as sustainable funding for local public services and real reform for adult social care.

However, we are allowed to release some news about Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) allocations.

Communities across Babergh and Mid Suffolk have received funding totalling £791,000 for local projects including a community gallery at Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury, as well as a new car park and bus shelter. £492,425 worth of Neighbourhood CIL funding has now been handed over to 51 town and parish councils across the districts to support local community projects. Areas that received funding during this spending round from CIL monies collected between 1 April and 30 September 2019 included Stowupland, Elmswell, Capel St Mary and Lavenham. Two parish areas that are governed by a parish meeting also received funds to spend in their areas. This year, both councils also approved bids to give a cash-boost totalling a further £299,160 to seven local infrastructure projects funded through District CIL. District CIL is income retained by the district councils to spend on infrastructure to support development. This money must be applied for and spend is approved by cabinet.

New Hadleigh Pool Suffolk-based artist Jo Chapman has been commissioned to work with community groups in Hadleigh to design a sunshade for the new pool. Jo will work with local community groups in Hadleigh, including Hadleigh Dementia Action Alliance, to look at themes to inspire the sunshade (brise soleil) design for the new swimming pool. The groups will explore themes such as wellbeing and exercise, the pool environment, local landscape and more.

This work forms part of a £2.4m investment by Babergh District Council, with £200,000 of funds provided by Hadleigh Town Council and a Sports England grant (£150k) to build a new swimming pool at Hadleigh Pool and Leisure. You may have seen that a roof is now in place as construction continues. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PPG Community Connectors The Community Connectors vehicle will be at the East Bergholt surgery on Wednesday 15 January from 12.30-3.30pm, and outside Capel Community Centre on Wednesday 22 from 12.30-3.30pm.

What do Community Connectors do?

The Community Connectors offer up to five one-to-one sessions to help link people who may be socially isolated or have long term physical or mental health conditions with services that can help improve their lives. You can just pop in for an informal chat to find out more.

Active Wellbeing Service You can pick up a card in either surgery if you would like to know more about becoming more active. Janet Lawrence can offer one-to-one sessions on Thursdays at East Bergholt surgery – or can make arrangements to see people at the library in Capel St Mary. You can pick up a self-referral card in either surgery or speak to a doctor or nurse to ask for a referral.

New Appointment System We are aware that the new appointment system has had mixed reviews.

Please let us know of any particular issues that you’ve had and we will discuss them at our regular meetings. Email us at: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Kathy Pollard: 01473 311384

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In In Touch Touch online: online:

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NEWS / out & about NOTES FROM THE CASE CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Accessing Your Local Clinical Team Our new appointment system is working well, but I thought it would be useful to provide a few tips on how to get the most out of your local clinical team: • If you work and find it difficult to attend the practice during the day, our reception team can book 15-minute face to face evening and weekend GP appointments with GP+. Nurse appointments are also available.

• Use your local pharmacy! Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice and over the counter medication for a wide range of ailments. If they feel you need to speak to a doctor, they will tell you.

• Our reception team is experienced and well-trained. They cannot offer clinical advice, but they can advise on how best to get the treatment you need. For example, this may be self-referral to a physio or wellbeing service or signposting to one of a number of specialist health organisations such as Dementia Together, Travel Clinic, the Community Connector scheme, Sexual Health or Suffolk Mind.

• You can request a same-day call-back from one of our doctors online from 7am. You will need to be registered for online services and can then book a call-back via our website or via the NHS App. • You can request a doctor to call you before or after 1pm.

Unfortunately, the nature of primary care is that emergencies and unforeseen events often occur. These have a knock-on impact and may mean the doctor needs to phone at a different time, so please bear in with us.

• If you are only available to take a call at a specific time (e.g. lunch break) then inform our reception team and they will let the doctor know. They will do their best to contact you at this time.

• If you miss a call from a doctor, they will try again. If you miss the call a second time, please phone the practice to confirm you still need to speak to a doctor. They will normally leave a voice or text message on both occasions.

Christmas already feels like a distant memory and January, as always, is feeling rather long and cold.

So here at The Case we have lots going on this month to help brush away those January blues.

Our increasingly popular Open Mic Night is on Tuesday 7 January (for more information contact Dave on 07885 963882) and the January games night will be on Saturday 11 from around 8pm. If you have a favourite board game, bring it with you!

To help blow away the winter blues, on Saturday 18 January we have a local band, The Tea Ladies, to entertain you. They will be performing their eclectic mixture of Elvis to heavy rock, via a dash of reggae, played in their own unmistakable style. By the way they aren’t ladies and they rarely drink tea!

The music starts at 8.30pm.

A curry supper will be available before our first quiz of the New Year on Saturday 25 January. The curry will be served from 6-8pm; please ensure to book early as places are limited. A dessert will also be available. The quiz starts at 8.30pm and all profits from this and the raffle will be donated to our charity of the year, FIND. Jane, our mid-week lunchtime cook, returns from holiday on Wednesday 8 January and will again be serving light lunches from noon-2pm. Esther’s Sunday lunches will recommence from Sunday 12 January.

2020 looks like it’s going to be another busy year for The Case as we have plans for more events, and we will be carrying out much needed improvements and renovations. Of course we wouldn’t be able to complete any of this work without our incredible group of volunteers, so we would like to give a huge thank you to the all those who have volunteered to keep our wonderful pub going and to say thank you in advance for this coming year. Having said that, we are always looking for new volunteers, so if you are interested in helping out in any way, whether it’s behind the bar, changing a barrel or tidying the garden, or any of the other 101 jobs that need doing, please ask for more information at the bar or by emailing the chairman at: savethecase.bentley@gmail.com 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Jamal Alivev Cello Recital with Maria Tarasewicz on piano Sunday 26 January, 4pm at the Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt

• You don’t need to ring us first thing in the morning, but don’t leave it too late in the day. Doctors will try to call all patients on their list by 5pm just in case they need to be seen in person.

Jamal Aliyev was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after cellists of his generation.

• Every day is different. Mondays are usually very busy and to ensure we operate safely we sometimes have to limit the number of patients our doctors speak to in one day, unless you have an urgent need which can’t wait. We start every day with no appointments booked, so if it’s busy one day and your need can wait, then try the following day.

In 2017 Jamal made his solo debut at the BBC Proms with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, won the Arts Club – Sir Karl Jenkins Music Award and released his debut CD, Russian Masters, with pianist Anna Fedorova.

Training Days Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday 6 February and Wednesday 4 March.

On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy, but the practice reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. Our phone lines will be closed for the afternoon. If you need medical assistance please contact 111. If your need is urgent then please dial 999 or attend your local A&E. Practice Manager Pete Keeble

Jamal and Maria are often duo partners and she has an enviable international reputation.

This concert is supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust.

Programme Beethoven, 12 Variations on Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen Rachmaninov, Vocalise Popper, Elfentanz op 39 Popper, Hungarian Rhapsody op 68 (1894) Tchaikovsky, Pezzo Capriccioso op 62 Lutoslavski, Sacher Variation Franck, Sonata in A Tickets (£15, students £7.50, under-16s free) can be booked online or by contacting: svamtickets@btinternet.com / 01206 298426 / www.svam.org.uk

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

FunDancing Classes

Wed 10am Nayland Village Hall 7pm Boxford Village Hall

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

Thu 10am 7pm

St Mary’s Church Capel St Mary

Fri

The Institute Stratford St Mary

10am

spaces are limited to reserve yours

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

ÂŽ Kitchen Makeovers S O U T H

E A S T

Another year has flown by...

Where has the time gone?

Everyone at Cherry Kitchen Makeovers hopes that you had a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Invitation We are pleased to invite you all to our Kitchen & New Bedroom showroom open day on the 11th January.

There will be plenty of tea, cakes and of course bottles of bubbly for everyone to enjoy whilst looking at the new kitchen & bedroom ranges we have to offer.

We are offering an extra 5% off our existing 25% sale on all furniture, to everyone who attends.

CONTACT US ON

01206 615858 www.cherry-kitchens.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year from everyone at Capel Library.

CLASH AVOIDER

The Friends of Capel Library will be holding their AGM in the library on Saturday 25 January at 4pm. Please come along to find out what they got up to in 2019 and what’s planned for 2020.

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.

The library will close on Friday 10 January at 5pm and on Saturday 11 at 12.30pm to accommodate the Orchard Players’ pantomime, Little Red Riding Hood. We will be open as usual in the morning of Saturday 11 January.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Tot Rock: Every Thursday from 9.30-10.15am with nursery rhymes and story time for the under fives.

Capel Creators: Saturday 18 January from 10.30am-12.30pm for children and adults of any age. Come along and see what fantastic models you can build with Lego! The £1 charge includes a drink and a biscuit. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

NEW – Manga Drawing: Sunday 5 and 19 January, 10.30am-12.30pm. Come along and join in with drawing and colouring Manga. Bring your own pad and favourite drawing pen/pencil. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Minecraft: Sunday 12 and 26 January, 10.30am-12.30pm. Children of all ages welcome and those under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Please bring your tablet or phone equipped with Minecraft Pocket Edition or Minecraft Windows 10 Edition. Try to remember to charge your device beforehand!

NEW – Journaling Club: Second and fourth Friday every month, 6.15-7.15pm.

Free of charge. Make your own journal for diary keeping. Run by Capel Parish Nurses. Basic resources provided. All ages welcome, under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. The first session is on Friday 24 January.

Scrabble Club: Every Friday from 2.30-4.30pm, all abilities welcome, games boards are provided.

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

We have a great selection of books for sale which are perfect for holiday reads.

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

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.

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

Thursday 9-Saturday 11 January: The Orchard Players present Red Riding Hood Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 June 2020: Village Scarecrow Trail. Contact Jim Hill: 07951 411720 / jimhill1@live.co.uk Saturday, February 29: Scout Jumble Sale. Contact Sandra Bumphrey: 07557 237501 December 5 2020: St Mary’s Christmas Coffee Morning

VALENTINE’S DINNER Saturday 15 February, Church Hall, Sproughton, 7 for 7.30pm MENU Carrot, Ginger & Turmeric Soup or Smoked Salmon Vegetarian Curry or Beef Bourguignon Filled Meringue Nests Choc Mousse with Shortbread Apple Crumble Tickets £15 with a glass of prosecco included BYO Drinks Sponsored by Sproughton Community Shop

Tel: 01473 311699

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LADIES CLUB Coach Trip to Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift and Food Fair Now in its eighth year, this popular event is widely acknowledged as one of East Anglia’s exceptional Christmas shopping experiences. More than 120 trade stalls are located in the cathedral’s magnificent nave, its famous Lady Chapel and a heated marquee in the beautiful cathedral grounds.

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 first event of 2020 is on Sunday 19 January Hille and Trevor Peartree, 01473 310146 Chris and Marjorie Haste, 01473 311615

INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE Sunday 23 February, 10am-noon East Bergholt High School

Admission 50p / Free Car Park Refreshments available Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open at 9am to set up T: 07776 291445

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

According to the tourist information, this popular event inside one of Cambridgeshire’s most iconic venues makes Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair a perfect day out. And so it was for Capel Ladies Club. Undaunted by the wet weather (as everything was under cover), members spent an enjoyable day visiting all the stalls, Christmas shopping and sampling some of the goodies on offer! There were Christmas bits, jewellery and clothing, and a food hall where, amongst other things, there was gin and cider tasting!

Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was a grand day out, well-organised by deputy chairlady Linda Evans.

Coming up we have our two annual favourites – the Christmas Social in the Vine Lounge and our club’s Christmas meal out, this year at Great Blakenham Chequers. By the time you read this, Christmas will be over and our January AGM imminent, so on behalf of Capel Ladies Club let me wish all who read this a very Happy and Healthy New Year! And if anyone needs to make a New Year’s resolution, why don’t you resolve to come and join us? You’ll find details at: www.capelladies.com Sue Woolgar

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.

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

Groups are held in Hadleigh (afternoon) and Capel S Mary (evening) and are free to Suffolk residents

Our speaker on December 4 was Simon Gallop with The Unknown Constable Country and we end the year with our popular annual Christmas quiz.

For more details or to reserve a place contact Patrick or Margaret: sbsg246@gmail.com / 07469 201337 / 01206 299832

We will not meet on January 1 and so our first meeting in the New Year will be on Wednesday 15 January when Michael Hole, one of our members, will talk to us about Second World War Prisoner of War Camps.

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Carole Wheatley will enlighten us on Internment in Guernsey during the Second World War on February 5 and on February 19 Colin Hopper will present The Story of London Bridge.

On Wednesday 4 March Maureen Clarke will talk to us about The Plight of Street Orphans in India and we will hold our AGM on Wednesday 18 March.

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB, 10 for 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY, JANUARY 2020 Saturday 4 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall Sunday 5-Saturday 12: Orchard Players Pantomime Tuesday 7 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Monday 13 Dancing, 2-10pm, Hall Dementia Café, 2-4pm, Library Parish Council Meeting, 7.30-10pm, Library Tuesday 14 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-4pm, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Bereavement Counselling, 6.30-8.30pm, Library Wednesday 15 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Thursday 16 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall Capel Ladies Club, 7.30-10.30pm, Vine Lounge Bingo, 7.30pm, Vine Lounge Friday 17 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Saturday 18 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall Sunday 19 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall Monday 20 Capel Community Association Meeting, 7.30pm, Stage Dancing, 2-10pm, Hall Capel Allotments Meeting, 7.30pm, Library Tuesday 21 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Suffolk Wellbeing Drop-in, 10am-noon, Hall Carpet Bowls, 1.30-4pm, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Community Cinema, 7.30pm, Library Wednesday 22 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Thursday 23 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall

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Friday 24 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Saturday 25 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, Hall WW Wrestling Event, evening, Hall Sunday 26 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, Hall Monday 27 Blood Donation, 10.45am-8pm, Hall Dementia Café, 2-4pm, Library Capel Community Trust Meeting, 7.30pm, Library Tuesday 28 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-4pm, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall Bereavement Counselling, 6.30pm, Library Wednesday 29 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, Hall Thursday 30 Coffee Shop, 9am-noon, Hall Orchard Players, 7.30-10.30pm, Hall Friday 31 Strength & Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, Hall Dancing, 4-10pm, Hall CONTACT NUMBERS Village bar: 01473 311766 Events and hiring: Carolyn Love 07732 025676 / bookings@capelcommunitytrust.org FUNCTION ROOMS FOR HIRE Are you organising a birthday, anniversary, wedding, engagement, christening, children’s party, celebration, social event, business meeting or just want a get together with family and friends? Why not book the community centre, Vine Lounge, Library or stage where we can offer rooms for 20 people up to 200 at very competitive rates. Rooms are available during the daytime or evenings.

Facilities include a fully licensed bar, kitchen, tables and chairs, with prices starting from as little as £12 per hour for the Library and £17 per hour for the Hall. The Vine Lounge is £90 for an evening. All enquires to Carolyn.

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

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK Happy New Year to our members and visitors. The next meeting is on January 8 at 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall when Stephen Govier will present a talk on Suffolk Buildings – Architecture and Architects.

The club aims to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon. I would like to welcome back former members and to see new members from all local villages, either as visitors or members.

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY On November 14 we were treated to a brilliant evening of images and photography tips by two of our club members in the Ian and Tim Show. Two very differing styles of photography, ranging from patterns and landscapes to wildlife and aircraft, were illustrated with wonderful images and the opportunity to view the cameras, lenses and equipment used.

Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 14 January 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 with the group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Happy New Year to all our members past and present.

We start 2020 on Monday 6 January at 7.30pm when Janet will show us how to make a sock kitty. Please remember to bring your craft boxes with scissors, needles, cotton, etc. On Monday 3 February, Jill will be making dream catchers.

We meet at Wherstead Village Hall and new members are always welcome.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

The open mono print competition on November 21 attracted a large number of high quality images and was judged by Gill Adams. The winner was Martyn Scurrell with Chapel of the 9 Altars (pictured).

There are three meetings in January. On Thursday 9 we have a workshop entitled Thinking in Colour to see in Black and White with Alan Sarsby. On Thursday 23 we have a PDI competition, the subject of which is Patterns and Textures to be judged by Chrissie Hart. And on Thursday 30 we have a talk on Creative Expression by Roy Essery.

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

STOUR VALLEY U3A Wednesday 8 January: The Mysteries of Easter Island Chris Parfitt, a retired teacher, will present an illustrated talk looking at life on this remote island today and explore its unique history revolving mainly around the famous statues and some of the theories surrounding them.

Wednesday 12 February: The Life & Times of an Essex Bad Girl From prison to a successful brand by Tracy from the Giggly Pig Co and how she managed to change the direction of her life into being a pig farmer and successful sausage producer.

Wednesday 11 March: Bees and Flowers Master beekeeper Jeremy Quinlan will talk on the contest between them to gain benefits from the relationship explained.

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. For further information please visit: www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk 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.

Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am-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 31 January.

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CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB We held our Christmas meeting on November 28 with cheeses and biscuits, mince pies, a raffle and a quiz. How political correctness has taken over! Our quiz was from the year 2000 and even though all the answers were the names of plants, we had to delete one of the original questions and alter another one. The snowflake generation would have been proud of us!

Part of the meeting discussed the future of the club and we reluctantly decided that with falling membership and problems with committee numbers, it is not feasible to carry on. So, after 57 years, we have decided to close. As some of you may know from the Book of Capel (page 118), the original horticultural society ran from 1895 to 1939. The offshoots were the garden club which ran from 1962 to 2019 and the allotments association which started in 1978 and is still going strong. Who knows – we might reappear in a different guise sometime in the future!

Thanks to everyone who has supported the club over the years, Edwina Cox: 01473 311121

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB Our first talk for 2020 is on Tuesday 14 January when Steve Everett will give an illustrated talk on Winter at Minsmere, focusing on birds and wildlife and providing up to date information about visitor centre attractions. Hopefully this will be popular. It will follow a very short AGM. The committee will all be standing again in 2020.

Doreen Parker

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OUT & ABOUT / on the grapevine SHLOMO’S BEATBOX ADVENTURE FOR KIDS CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION Allotment Plots Available Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus £5 membership. If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk Welcome to 2020 Our monthly column aims to help you enjoy your gardening while keeping costs down. About 80 per cent of our members do not have an allotment, but still enjoy the benefits of our bulk buy prices and seed scheme. Membership is just £5 per annum. You can join by visiting The Hut, online or by emailing us.

The Veg Plot Continue winter digging, incorporating well-rotted manure or composted garden waste. Apply bonemeal. Sow peas and broad beans and plant rhubarb.

Empty compost bins and rebuild if necessary.

Fruit Apply Winter Tree Wash to control over-wintering insect pests. Order and plant trees and bushes with a dusting of bonemeal. Feed trees grown in grass with nitrogen and potash. Prune soft fruit bushes removing a third of old blackcurrant stems to ground level. Other currants and gooseberries, reduce side shoots to two buds and cut out dead, diseased and overcrowded branches.

Greenhouse Empty greenhouse and wash down with Jeyes. Line with bubble plastic. Spray white fly. Sow main crop onions, leeks, lettuce and sweet peas in pots. Sow broad beans in plugs. Water plants sparingly. Make a final sowing of carrots in a large pot. Wash pots and trays on a warm day.

Flowers Tidy boarders and mulch with chipped bark or peat. Plunge dahlia stools into dry peat and protect from frost.

Lawns Aerate badly drained areas. Lay turf in favourable weather. 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.

TAKE 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 The Hut The Hut will be open from Saturday 1 February, 10am to noon, for members.

Site Visits If any groups would like to visit the site and the wildlife area please email Philippa Brandon to discuss what’s available to you.

Seed potatoes at £1.50 for 1kg are now in stock.

And finally, the committees of Capel Allotments Association and the Allotments Management Committee wish all of our members and readers a Happy and Healthy New Year.

For the full version of this report visit: www.capelallotments.co.uk

Following a blistering 2019 that included a 5-star run at the Edinburgh Festival, a breathtaking live performance on BBC’s Blue Peter and performing on the Other Stage at Glastonbury Festival, the record breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo returns to UK theatres with his sell-out family show, Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids.

Shlomo’s groundbreaking vocal skills gained him international recognition as a pioneering beatboxer, plus a Guinness World Record and the chance to work with famous musicians like Bjork, Ed Sheeran, Rudimental and Lily Allen.

“Beatboxers can create the sound of an entire orchestra or rich electronic music – the drums, the instruments,the basslines and sound FX, all performed with just the voice,” says Shlomo. “In my kid’s show, I teach everyone how to become a superstar beatboxer.”

“It’s an amazingly empowering way for people from all walks of life to express themselves,” he explains. “I love teaching people how simple it is to make vocal rhythms. I love to share my passion for music with the next generation of music makers and also to encourage people of all ages to find their voice and believe in themselves. The kids always get excited but the parents have just as much fun!”

Join this sonic superhero at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on Sunday 16 February and become one of his sidekicks in a world of funny sounds, brilliant noises and cool music, whether you’re aged one or 101! Book now at: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk

COULD YOU BOOST A YOUNG PERSON’S CHANCES? Emma’s story (fictional name, real story) Emma loved school. However, her studies were not going well and she struggled deeply with anxiety. This prevented her even considering the next step in continuing her learning. Emma was offered one-to-one time with a Seckford Springboard mentor. Too scared to attend her first meeting at all, and attending the second with a friend to speak on her behalf, she clearly had a lot to work through. But she was chatting away by the end of that second meeting and thereafter, all it took was a listening ear and an hour a week for about eight weeks to grow her confidence through conversation, building trust and being there.

Emma is now employed and confidently maturing as an apprentice chef, all thanks to someone simply volunteering for a few hours to give a young person someone to talk to.

Could you do that for a young person?

Seckford Foundation’s mentoring programmes support young people in rural Suffolk with well-being and careers. By focussing on positives and skills, it boosts the young person’s confidence when seeking employment and resilience when dealing with personal challenges. These programmes follow a tried and tested structure which includes plenty of resources and support for mentors, together with a clear start and finish point for mentees.

Are you a good listener?

Due to the success of the mentoring programmes, Seckford Foundation is now recruiting volunteer mentors to join the team. It is a mutually rewarding programme for both mentor and mentee, often with tangible results being quickly achieved. No previous mentoring experience is needed as training and development is ongoing. All that’s needed is some life experience, a nonjudgemental attitude, a good listening ear and a desire to make a positive difference to someone’s life.

Both mentoring programmes are funded jointly by the Seckford Foundation, Prince’s Countryside Fund and the Salvation Army, and they are available to young people aged 25 and under to access for free. To find out more, call 01394 615199 / 0783 1120873, email enquiries@seckford-foundation.org.uk or visit: www.seckfordspringboard.org.uk/can-we-help-you/mentoring

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on the grapevine QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Tom from Hadleigh asks: “My daughter gave birth to our first grandchild last June, and as his first birthday approaches, we thought that a good gift would be to open a Junior ISA for him. However, when we called into our local building society branch, they said we could not do that as only the parent can open a Junior ISA. What other options do we have to put a lump sum away for our grandchild?”

This is something that regularly comes up when grandparents try to open a Junior ISA for a grandchild. Very few people realise that they are not able to open a Junior ISA for their grandchildren. Only a parent of the child can open a Junior ISA. However, once a Junior ISA has been set up by the child’s parents, grandparents can then make contributions into that ISA up to the annual limit, which is £4,260 per annum for the current tax year.

Like the adult version, a Junior ISA can be a cash ISA or it can be a stocks and shares ISA. Like most financial advisers, I would suggest that you should opt for the stocks and shares ISA for young children as they have plenty of time before they can take over the fund at age 18 and stocks and shares will invariably do better than cash over the longer-term, particularly with the current all-time low interest rates paid on cash accounts.

If the parents have not already set up a Junior ISA, a grandparent can open a bank or building society cash savings account for their grandchild as long as they have documentation, such as the child’s birth certificate.

For grandparents, the big benefit of doing this is that no amount of interest earned on the money they contribute will be subject to tax. As long as the child has earnings of less than the personal allowance, a grandparent can fill

out an R85 form to ensure that any interest is paid gross without tax being deducted. Effectively, this has the same effect as the cash being held in a Junior Cash ISA. However, you will still be at the mercy of those low interest rates on cash.

Another alternative is a pension. It might seem strange to be thinking about pensions for a child who cannot even speak yet, but there are huge longerterm benefits for the child and tax advantages. Grandparents can invest into a personal pension for a child, up to a maximum of £3,600 gross per annum, and the child doesn’t need to have any income to justify that level of pension contributions. To achieve a contribution of £3,600 the grandparent would actually only need to pay in £2,880, as the extra money is added in the form of tax relief reclaimed from HMRC. By the time the child reaches age 55 (the earliest you can currently access a pension fund) there could be a significant sum sitting in their pension.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301.

Nick’s comments and answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice on their own situation should contact Nick to arrange a no-obligation complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

SUFFOLK-BASED MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CHARITY SET FOR NEW YEAR’S ReLAUNCH Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre was formed over 35 years ago as the Suffolk Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre to provide oxygen therapy and support to those living with the disease. Since then, the charity has grown to support people living with many other conditions and now undertakes more than 3,000 therapy sessions per year.

OPEN WEEK In the last year, the charity has made a number of alterations to its existing building which has allowed it to start developing a complementary therapy service and provided us with the room for power-assisted exercise chairs. In February 2020 the centre is launching these new services and invites health professionals and the public to visit the centre during the open week: Monday 3 (10.30am-2pm & 3-6pm) to Thursday 6 (Tue-Thu 10.30am-2.30pm) February.

Centre Manager Victoria Barber is keen for as many people as possible to come along and see for themselves the good work that the charity does: “We’re always happy for people to pay us a visit, but this is a good chance for people to come along and enjoy a cuppa and have a chat, meet some of our members, volunteers, staff and trustees and learn about oxygen therapy. It will also be an opportunity to try our power assisted exercise chairs and learn more about the other therapies on offer.”

For more information in advance contact Victoria at: 01473 830359 / victoria@suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk

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Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre (SOTC) receives no state funding and relies entirely on donations, legacies and fundraisers to function, with any fundraising put towards service development and improvement. The public self-refer for therapy at the centre, which is staffed by fully trained operators and supported by a team of willing volunteers.

Victoria is clear that the charity has capacity to help more people: “This launch will raise the profile of this wonderful charity and we hope that local businesses and organisations will want to help us to reach more people living with long term and chronic disease and life limiting conditions. We have many events coming up in 2020 such as a Race Night on 3 April at Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club, Open Gardens in May and a James Bond Ball at Ufford Park on 10 October.

“We hope local businesses may wish to support us with these in addition to corporate sponsorship, being chosen as charity of the year and match funding to name a few.”

The charity’s longer term goal is to fundraise for a new centre, including the purchase of its own oxygen generation facilities, which will bring long term cost efficiencies by reducing both ongoing costs of oxygen delivery and the carbon footprint, thus protecting its future as a sustainable charity. The charity is in the early stages with its appointed architect, but early indication is that it will take approximately 10 years from now to fund this in its entirety.

For more about the centre, visit: www.suffolkoxygentherapy.co.uk

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SCHOOLS BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS Happy New Year! Once again we have made our way through the autumn term with trips, visits and Christmassy fun and are all set for the spring term and the fun it will bring to enhance our learning.

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC A series of high scoring victories combined with just one defeat at league leaders Cranes, have seen the First Team rise to seventh in the Senior Division.

The Reserves have been on an unbeaten run and are now moving upwards, albeit exiting the Senior Reserve Cup. The A Team are still battling away in the bottom half of the table and keeping their heads above water.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division 28 Dec: Bourne Vale Utd (H) 4 Jan: Leiston St Margarets (A) 11 Jan: Bramford Utd (H) 18 Jan: Achilles (A) 25 Jan: Haughley Utd (H) Reserves: League A 4 Jan: Coplestonians Res (H) 11 Jan: Achilles Res (A) 18 Jan: AFC Kesgrave Res (A) 1 Feb : Bramford Utd Res (H)

Before the holidays, parents joined us to make decorations, we had Christmas Tree Services, sang for the residents at The Lodge and performed plays and concerts for our school communities. The children, staff and families all entered into the spirit with plenty of festive cheer. Our Christmas fayres were well attended and helped to raise some wonderful funds in return for our PTA’s amazing efforts.

During the festivities both schools were raising funds to support our community churches in their endeavours to install new toilets. This will make toilet experiences more pleasant for our children when they visit the churches. Thank you to those who have helped us raise money for this cause.

Towards the end of term we bid a fond farewell to Mrs Duff as she went on maternity leave at Bentley, and welcomed Miss Underwood who will be covering her leave. We also welcomed Mrs North back to Copdock following her maternity leave. With Mrs North’s return we said goodbye to Mr Collins who had been working with Woodpeckers during the autumn term. No doubt he’ll be back in a supply role during the year so it’s more of an au revoir!

Our topic for next term will be looking at the local environment.

If you know of any community groups who might appreciate our involvement, please do contact either school to discuss any aspects of how we can engage with them.

Bentley Primary: 01473 310253 / Copdock Primary: 01473 730337 For more news and up to date information about the schools, please visit: www.bentleycopdock.co.uk

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A Team: League C 4 Jan: Ransomes Sports Res (H) 25 Jan: Ransomes Sports Res (A) 1 Feb : Coplestonians A (A) We would like to thank our sponsors for this season: Smy IT Specialists, JAK Services Ground Care, Riverside Taxis Manningtree, Marquis, Bergholt Travel, G & C Timber & Joinery Ltd, Primus and Kitchen Worktops Online. If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you.

EVENTS The darts tournament will be held on January 18. Keep an eye on our social media feeds for more details and get in contact early if you want to take part in this annual event.

The FIFA tournament will be repeated and is open to all-comers so keep an eye out for the next one.

This season marks the 125th anniversary of the club and there will be special events to mark this momentous achievement. We want to get in touch with as many former players and officials as possible. Please let us have your details by replying to the secretary or on our Facebook page. Keep in touch for details but keep Easter Sunday 2020 free.

LADIES & JUNIORS We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. Also ladies who would like to join are welcome.

If you are interested contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com.

Steve Butcher (Secretary): stevebutcher55@btinternet.com Facebook: Ease Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc / Twitter: @EBUFC1

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

TRAMPOLINING: WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY? Did you know there is a Trampolining Club running classes on Sunday mornings between 10am and noon in the village hall?

We have a fully qualified coach and good quality trampolines, so a large range of moves can be taught in a safe and fun way.

There is a friendly atmosphere with people of many abilities and ages.

Why not give it a try? You don’t have to be a great sportsperson to have a go and you may well surprise yourself.

The new term starts on January 19 so don’t be shy; come along one Sunday morning for a free try.

Trampoline Coach Sharon Haddock Club Chairman Richard Warr

For times and details of Sunday services, Alpha and Home/Life Groups, please contact one of the following: The Parish Church, St Mary the Virgin For all church matters during the interregnum, please contact churchwarden Mel Sutcliffe 01473 310967 / melandjudith@btinternet.com The Catholic Church Father Peter Raj St Mark’s Church, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich / 01473 684963 Capel Community Church David Owen, 18 Bushey Close, Capel www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk 01473 310454 / 07752 921135 The Methodist Church The Rev Andrew Sankey 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 INTER-CHURCH MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES The following church groups welcome new members.

TREKKERS For ages 7-11, meets on Thursdays at the Methodist Church from 3.45 to 5.15pm during school term time. Contact Margaret Sankey: 01473 311178 YOUTH GROUPS AT THE METHODIST CHURCH Life Group: Wednesdays, 7.30-9pm / Year 10+ Junior Life Group: Thursdays 7-8.30pm / Years 7-9 Junction Club: Fridays, 7-9pm for School Years 7-9 Contact Caitlan Mower: 07465 414870

By the time you see this, Christmas may well be over! We hope you all had a lovely time and are now ready for the next Messy Church which is on Saturday 25 January at the Methodist Church from 3.30-5.30pm. We are now back to our regular fourth Saturday of the month.

Messy Church is a fun, new way of doing ‘church’ which is particularly suited to families, but welcoming to all. It is an international organisation run by many churches in the UK and around the world, particularly aimed at people who have never belonged to a church before or maybe haven’t been for a long time, but anyone can come.

To find out more visit: www.messychurch.org.uk Our theme this month will be based around New Beginnings/New Year.

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. If you have been before, why not bring a friend along? There’s no need to book – just turn up.

For more information please contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com

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PARENTS AND TODDLERS • Tuesday – 9-11.30am, Capel Community Church, Days Road Contact Margaret Beard: 01473 311219 • Wednesday – 9-11.30am, Busy Bees, Methodist Church Contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 • Wednesday – 10am-noon, Twins & Multiples Group at CCC Contact Chris Matthews: 01473 311368 SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCH CLUBS • First Monday, Capel Community Church, 01473 311368 • Third Tuesday, St Mary’s Church Hall, 01473 310583 • Last Thursday, Methodist Church, 01473 310635 NETWORK FELLOWSHIP Third Tuesday, from 2.30pm, Methodist Church. Anyone welcome to attend.

Contact Judy Steward: 01473 310799 BEACON COFFEE SHOP EVERY TUESDAY 9am-12.30pm, in the Vine Lounge, Capel Village Hall AEROBICS AT CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH Fridays from 10.50-11.50am, Young at Heart (slower paced).

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

25

CHURCH NEWS

CAPEL COMMUNITY CHURCH As I write this article, I am conscious that when you read it, we will have started the second decade of the 21st century and have a new parliament in Westminster. I am becoming more aware of what my grandmother used to say: “Don’t wish your time away young man, as you get older in years it will go faster than ever.”

This is very true and I find myself looking back over the years of my life and realising how quickly they have passed. It’s good to learn from the past but it’s not good to dwell on it too much.

We have so much to enjoy in our western society and the advances in technology over the past 30 years have been phenomenal. We had no mobile phones, laptops or tablets in those early days. Computers were beginning to take over, but these were normally the larger main frame installations. As we think of these technological advances, including social media, are we any happier, do you think? There seems to be some connection between them and our physical and emotional wellbeing.

Many people of all ages are saying they are lonely, which may be because they don’t have face-toface contact with others. Email, texting and Facebook seem to have taken the place of personal contact.

Communication skills are being sacrificed by using texts and emails.

Physical exercise is also sacrificed with the result that we become less healthy.

Of course there are many benefits from this advance in technology, but there needs to be a balance with its use and our own face-to-face communication. The fraudsters have taken advantage of technological advances. With the facilities of online banking and the transfer of personal information so quickly throughout the world, there is a vast area of opportunity for fraud and theft.

What does 2020 hold for us all? With all the advances and inventions of our modern age, surely things must improve in our world. You don’t have to look for long to see that the reverse is happening. World hunger is increasing and in 2017, it reached 821 million. Wars continue in many places in the world. Climate change is causing extreme patterns of weather; one could go on.

The Bible has much to say about the world and its Creator. God’s intention was for mankind to have a living relationship with Him and to live in a beautiful world. However, we live in a fallen world and we need the relationship to be made new again. The only person, who could make this possible was Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who came into the world as a baby in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, lived a perfect life and then died on a cross. He was raised to life again and if we choose to accept His free gift of new life, we can have relationship with God in a personal way. (“…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6 v 23b) Finally, going back to the last sentence of the first paragraph above about not dwelling on the past too much, Solomon said in the book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament: “Do not say, why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise to ask such a question.” (Chapter 7 v 10). Good advice indeed!

I trust that you look to God in 2020 and experience the difference that He can make in our lives.

Peter Matthews www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk

26

Hope for 20/20 What will 2020 be like? At the time of writing, I have no idea what the political situation will be like when this is distributed. We will have had an election, but many commentators are saying it’s too unpredictable to call at this stage.

All I know for certain is that some will be really pleased and others may be devastated. There will be some new members of parliament and some shattered because they lost.

Writing the year ‘2020’, my mind turns to ‘20/20 Vision’. I’ve never researched the meaning before, but as I expected, it’s normal visual clarity/sharpness, seeing at 20 feet with the right degree of sharpness. My vision for the year 2020 is unclear, but for the long term I do have hope.

We’ve just celebrated Christmas, the story of a baby born in Bethlehem, in an occupied country, the family seeking asylum in Egypt for two years because his life was threatened. One of the unusual gifts given to baby Jesus was myrrh, an ointment to embalm dead bodies. Thirty-three years later Jesus was anointed with an expensive perfume, a week before he was hung on a cross dying. From the cross he spoke words of forgiveness to those who had done the deed. When the women came with myrrh to anoint his dead body in the tomb, he was not there and a young man said, “He is risen”.

Last summer I visited the garden tomb in Jerusalem where perhaps Jesus’s body was laid after he was crucified. One evening, a choir and ensemble gave an open-air performance of Handel’s Messiah. They sang “I know that my redeemer lives” in the very place where Jesus was raised 2,000 years earlier.

The apostle Peter, who was there on that day, wrote: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Peter was to live through difficult times in occupied territory, he was persecuted. The resurrection of Jesus bought a living hope that death is not the end, but there is something glorious beyond for those who have learned to trust in Jesus as Saviour.

Whatever the outcome of the election, God calls us to live at peace with one another – hurtful language, arrogance and lies should have no place in our lives. We can disagree with one another; we can be passionate for our cause but we need to live with respect for others. Please pray for those elected that they may be people of integrity and working for the common good.

Pray also for those not elected that they may find other ways of serving their communities. The words Jesus spoke from the cross are offered to all of us – our sins are forgiven. As we start the year 2020, may we have clear 20/20 vision of the hope set before us by Jesus and the difference our individual lives can make to peace in our communities.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 5

Sunday 12

Sunday 19 Saturday 25 Sunday 26

10.30am 6.30pm 10.30am 6.30pm 10.30am 3.30pm 10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Mr Matthew Forsyth Prayer Worship with Mr Guy Fairweather Worship with Mrs Sue France Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Messy Church Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey United Service at St Mary’s

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