In Touch News with Claydon – May 2017

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with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 7 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2017

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NEWS

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

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

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

In Touch

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED URGENTLY TO DELIVER IN TOUCH IN RURAL CLAYDON & BARHAM We are now in urgent need of one or two volunteers to deliver In Touch magazines in outlying areas around Barham and Claydon. This round at present consists of 112 properties and takes approximately two hours. A car is required but petrol mileage money will be paid. This would suit anyone with time available once a month and willing to give something back to the community. Again the round could be split if two volunteers come forward.

After the last article in December we found four new volunteers happy to deliver in Barham and Claydon village and we are most grateful to them for volunteering. As a volunteer you will deliver the magazine through the doors of your allocated area within a week and if possible by the end of the month.

For many years members of Claydon & Barham Local Community Trust have organised delivery of In Touch through a wonderfully dedicated group of volunteers throughout Claydon, Barham and the rural area around. Can we on behalf of you all thank them for the amazing job they do ensuring you receive valuable local information.

Each year the publishers of In Touch pay Claydon & Barham Local Community Trust for providing this service and that money is distributed to organisations within the local community. A list of grants given this year will be published next month.

If you feel you can help or want more information, please contact Gail Cornish on 07932 478878 or Peter Avis on 07921 864042.

Claydon and Barham Local Community Trust Limited

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK – MAY 14-20

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: claydon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

ADVERTISING Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 DISTRIBUTION Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 PRINTING Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379 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 Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

A big thank you to everyone who has already offered their time to collect on behalf of Christian Aid this year.

However, we still need more volunteers to collect for us across Claydon and Barham. If you would like to help with collections please call me on 01473 833788 or Mick on 01473 830205.

Thank you.

Michelle

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JUNE DEADLINE 10 MAY 2017

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS

COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: APRIL 2017 As I write the election for the county council is sufficiently close that there are few meetings being held and clearly county facilities must not be used to gain advantage for any candidate. The council of course continues to function, decisions are taken and services deliver to residents but some actions are constrained.

Parish Councils Some parish councils meet for their normal functions and some for annual meetings. I will of course attend them and make reports on the issues where I can give progress information, but much work is stalled for a few weeks.

At our last full council meeting on March 16, there were a number of annual reports.

I have been getting a number of ‘mud on road’, flooding and pothole complaints which I am forwarding for action when it again becomes possible, but of course no decisions will be taken at the moment.

The Audit Committee gave the results of the audit by Ernst and Young, an unqualified opinion, and some details of fraud investigation work routinely undertaken. There were no items requiring other than normal attention.

The Scrutiny Committee summarised its last year’s work and Education Scrutiny, Health Scrutiny and the Police and Crime Panel reported their activities. We had all been active in our role as critical friends seeking to understand service performance, the views of residents and service users and to encourage and advocate improvement.

The Pension Committee introduced the changes necessary to move funds into the pooling arrangements that the government is forcing through. Their intention is to reduce the performance-based fees paid to city institutions for investment advice and activity. The committee were far from certain savings will be as rapid or as large as predicted. However, we have made the best decision possible in the interests of Suffolk taxpayers and pensioners of the many bodies involved, dominantly the county and district councils.

A change to the constitution aimed at reducing delays in the speed limit approval process. Transferring the setting of criteria to the Assistant Director of Highways with the Speed Limits Cases Panel and a revised set of processes was agreed. I hope this will make the limits that people want in Claydon and Barham easier, not more difficult to achieve.

DAY OUT TO DUNWICH AND ALDEBURGH – FRIDAY, JUNE 9 Alasdair Place Retirement Complex on Drury Road invites you to join them on an organised coach trip to Dunwich and Aldeburgh on Friday, June 9.

We have a large coach with tail gate for easy disabled access but room for only two wheelchairs. If you are frail and need assistance you will need to bring someone with you for support. However everyone is welcome, regardless of age or ability as many organisations cannot get a full coach together.

The coach will leave Alasdair Place at 9.30am, returning at approximately 5pm. Other pick ups can be arranged if there are enough people in one location.

I do not feel I can report on most of the other cabinet member documents since I can’t really do that without political judgement on the content, which is not appropriate in this magazine.

One where I will just quote the data presented is school improvement.

At the end of 2013, 72% of Suffolk schools were judged ‘good’ or ‘better’ by Ofsted; as of mid-February 2017, that figure has risen by 17% to 89%. Over the same time nationally, the rise has been 9%, from 80% to 89%.

Suffolk’s national ranking at Key Stage 2 has risen from 141st in 2013/14 to 123rd in 2015/16 for attainment, and from 146th to 127th for progress.

At Key Stage 4, the attainment ranking has risen from 125th to 109th, while the progress ranking has risen from 112th to 55th, which puts Suffolk in the top half of all local authorities for this measure The number of ‘good’ schools is a great improvement.

If you have queries please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808. You can also email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk

BARHAM PARISH COUNCIL (BPC) Report from April 2017 meeting Proposed Housing Scheme in Barham The chairman reported that Pigeon Developments had informed the parish council that the planning application for this site had been delayed due to some revisions. It was likely that the application will be submitted to MSDC by mid-April.

New parish clerk A new parish clerk had been appointed by the parish council following the resignation of Claire Anderson. Joanne Culley will commence in post from 1 May 2017. Joanne’s contact details will be published in the next edition of this magazine but will be posted on parish council noticeboards and the website in due course.

Future meetings, all 7pm at Claydon and Barham Village Hall Monday, May 8 / Monday, June 5 / Monday, July 3

The cost for the coach is £12, but if you want a two-course fish ‘n’ chip meal this is extra and payable on the day.

If you would like a specific topic discussed as an agenda item, please contact the parish clerk, Claire Anderson: barhampc@outlook.com / 01473 839784

If you are interested please contact Scheme Manager Gail Cornish on 01473 830140 or 07785 720293 to book a place and arrange to drop off payment in full.

Your councillors are: Stephen Carr (chairman) 831122; Gordon Musson (vice chairman) 830759; Neil Cooper 01449 760493; Jeremy Lea 07956 149905; Darren Millward 830891.

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THE SUFFOLK

WALKING FESTIVAL

2017

13TH MAY

TO 4TH JUNE

Over 100 amazing walks throughout Suffolk.

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE MID SUFFOLK LINK As I write this I am preparing to go to Belarus to meet with the 18 children who will be coming to us in July.

This is our tenth year in Mid Suffolk and it is amazing how time has flown by. We have brought over 200 children to this area and many of them still keep in touch. I have been thinking recently how this all started for us.

In 2007 my husband and I hosted a child for the very first time and this began our journey with the charity. We have always stayed in touch with Nastia and recently I asked her to write a few words about her experience with the charity. The excerpt below shows just how much these visits mean to the children, far more than I think any of us realise. Thank you so much for helping us to achieve this.

“My name is Nastia. I first came to England when I was 7. Someone could not go so there was a spare space on the program and my mum and dad had to say if I could go or not. They said yes. I was very excited about going there but also a bit frightened. I’m 18 years old now and still remember my first visit. I spent wonderful and unforgettable time in England seeing things I had not even dreamed of. Since that moment even though I was a child my life has changed completely. After my first meeting my hosts become a true family for me as for my parents and sister. For the past 11 years they did a lot for our family. My hosts brought me and my sister to England many times.”

“Coming to England has always been so inspiring and exciting for me.

I met a lot of people who not only became friends but gave me an aspiration to learn English and also made me a confident person. England gave me a good knowledge of English, which gave me an opportunity to enter a lyceum and finish it with good results and later on enter the best university in Belarus. I’m so grateful that I had an opportunity to see a world and find an inspiration for my new achievements. I think many of us don’t go the next step because they don’t know what to do yet. We don’t have enough confidence to pursue our dreams.”

“And that’s why I want to say thank you that you helped me to build my self-esteem and also helped me find myself. I know that everything is possible and my biggest achievements are yet to come. I’m happy that more and more people join CCLL program to give this amazing time to children from my country. Believe me, this time they won’t forget as long as they live. CCLL you are a wonderful people with big hearts. You’re such a great example to others. The world would be better if more people were like you!”

Written in English by Nastia We urgently need to raise funds to help other children like Nastia.

Could you spare a few hours once a week to help in our charity shop in Needham Market? A very friendly team, lots of tea and chat, only three hours per session. Please get in touch if you can help.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343

CLAYDON & WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL

Recent changes to parish council membership At our last meeting we were pleased to co-opt Caroline Barber as a parish councillor and wish her well in her new role. However, at the same meeting we accepted the resignation of Councillor Gavin Wood, our vice chairman, and we thank him for his contribution to the work of the council. Councillor Gail Cornish was elected as vice chairman until the annual general meeting in May. Dog fouling on Claydon Recreation Ground The parish council is extremely disappointed to learn that dog fouling has once again become a major problem on the recreation ground.

This is particularly so as there are two dog bins provided in which dog waste can be placed. Inexplicably, a minority of irresponsible owners, having cleaned up after their dog, seem to think it is acceptable to throw contaminated bags into the nearest hedgerow. The parish council wishes to make it absolutely clear that either not cleaning up after your dog or disposing of dog waste, other than in the bins provided or your black domestic wheelie bin, is totally unacceptable.

Therefore, we are appealing to responsible dog owners who see someone failing to clean up after their dog on the recreation ground or in any other public place, to note down as much detail of the incident as possible, including the date, time and location, and the name and address of the offender if you know it. Where a vehicle is involved please note the make, colour and registration mark of the vehicle, together with a description of the person.

Incidents of dog fouling can be reported either to the parish clerk or direct to Mid Suffolk District Council by completing the online form at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/dog-control/dog-fouling The district council has powers to issue ‘on the spot’ fixed penalty notices of £50, or to prosecute in the criminal courts, which could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record for the dog owner.

Update on village security arrangements The parish council is continuing its review of existing and future arrangements for keeping the village environment safe following the withdrawal of a dedicated Police Community Support Officer.

Unfortunately, as yet, we have not been able to get agreement from Suffolk County Council to keep all the street lights it owns switched on throughout the night as its current policy is for lights to be switched off both to reduce energy costs and improve the environment. However, we believe that since this policy was made, a number of factors have changed, such as the reduction in regular police patrols in the evenings, and it should now be reviewed. The costs and benefits of installing CCTV cameras in strategic village locations are also being considered and it is hoped that a decision will be made shortly.

Parish council meetings in May The Annual General Meeting of Claydon & Whitton Rural Parish Council will be held on Monday, May 15 at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Members of the community are very welcome to attend and opportunity will be given at the beginning of the meeting for them to speak on items included on the agenda or other issues about which they have concerns. Agendas will be available prior to the meeting from our parish clerk, Mrs S Eagle: 01473 687384 (answer machine available) / claywhit@btinternet.com / 7 Leicester Close, Ipswich IP2 9EX. For the very latest news and information about village life and other items of interest, please visit: www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net / Twitter @claywhitpc

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ADVERTORIAL

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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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NEWS SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Now the clocks have sprung forward for spring, the weather is getting better, days are getting longer and people are spending more time enjoying the outdoors, we would ask that you remain vigilant to crime.

Before you go out and leave your house or car, check those windows that you opened to allow the fresh air through the house, check that door that you left ajar and check those garden tools or toys that you left out. Have you made it easy for that chance criminal and left any insecure items as an open invitation for a chance burglar.

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

With this in mind, Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding Community Engagements in various villages throughout Babergh with the aim in offering crime prevention advice and reassurance. We will be advertising these events on Twitter and Facebook and in parish magazines so look out for one near to you.

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

While I have this opportunity, I would like to give you all updates on recent crimes that have occurred in our area and the work that has been carried out: • Operation Fireside: Burglaries around East Ipswich and Shotley. A detective inspector has been appointed to oversee this, two people arrested, one warrant executed for stolen goods and enquiries ongoing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 7.30pm in the community centre, followed by the AGM of the parish council as usual.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

The annual meeting gives all the groups and organisations in the village a chance to report what they have been doing over the past year. It’s always impressive to hear what the WI, the senior citizens, the preschool, the bowls club and all the other groups in the village – from the church, to the guides, to the golfers – have been up to. Henley is a lively village and it’s amazing how active our community is.

The meeting is also a chance for anyone to come along and talk about any matter they would like to raise – housing, buses, the pub (!), traffic, planning or anything else. The parish council can’t be effective unless it knows what people are interested in or concerned about. So do come along and if you can’t make it, send your clerk an email and he will pass its content on to the meeting for discussion.

We need volunteers to take up two vacant seats on the council. We meet every two months (occasionally more than that if a planning application needs attention) and each councillor usually takes responsibility for some aspect of our work – maybe looking after our website, keeping track of planning applications, campaigning for better transport links, or any other issues.

If you’d like to join the council, please contact the clerk. You would be extremely welcome. A thriving parish council really is the basic building block of effective democracy; it’s the forum for the people to have their say on the day-to-day issues which really matter to all of us.

See you at the annual parish meeting.

If you’re not on our village email list and would like to be, just send a simple request to: henleyparishcouncil@gmail.com / rodcaird@yahoo.co.uk And don’t forget to keep an eye from time to time on our own website where we publish all sorts of useful (we hope) information and contacts.

Rod Caird, Clerk: 07785 331217 www.henley.onesuffolk.net

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE

FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP

Shutdown update The first of the twice yearly shutdowns at the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is now complete. Shutdowns are a normal part of operational life and offer the opportunity to carry out inspections and maintenance work. For example, during this shutdown we have installed scaffolding to give access to the boiler and grate, and we have carried out repairs to the lining of the boiler and a major overhaul of the grate (where the rubbish is burnt). All these tasks will ensure the plant continues to run safely and efficiently.

Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club The Meet ’n’ Eat Lunch Club meets at noon on the first Friday of each month at the Parish Rooms in Great Blakenham. For only £4 we serve a choice of soup with a roll and butter, followed by homemade puddings with cream or custard and a cup of tea or coffee. Our jacket potato menu in February was a great success and will return during the year.

We manage shutdowns to ensure minimal disruption to the local community, making parking and transport arrangements for the contractors who are working at the site, and confining any night working to within the building itself.

Civic Trust award Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility was one of 45 projects recognised in this year’s Civic Trust Awards, which aim to encourage the very best in architecture and environmental design and to reward projects that benefit their local communities. Described as ‘a striking innovation in industrial architecture’ the awards highlight the important role the facility plays in processing the waste left after recycling to generate electricity.

Any questions?

If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149.

Other useful contacts: To book a visit: 01473 836812

Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

In addition, we offer the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo, win the raffle and have a bit of fun.

If you need more information, please contact Mike on 07805 507497 or just come along with your friends on May 5. You will be very welcome.

4Ever Young Men’s Club The 4Ever Young Men’s Club meets at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of each month in the Crown at Claydon.

We’re always looking for new members to join us and in preparation for our AGM in June, need to think about electing (or re-electing) our chairman, secretary and treasurer. If you fit the bill (Forever Young) please come along and see what we’re all about.

For more information, contact Mike Biddle on 07805 507497, or just turn up on the third Wednesday of the month. You will be very welcome.

CLAYDON AND BARHAM VILLAGE HALL Dates for May Monday 1

Craft Addicts 1-4pm

Tuesday 2

Mums and Tots 1.15-3pm

Wednesday 3

Slimming World 5.30 & 7.30pm

Thursday 4

Local Elections 7am-10pm

Monday 8

Barham PC Meeting 7-10pm

Tuesday 9

Mums and Tots 1.15-3pm Women’s Institute 7.30-10pm

Thursday 11

Young Families 9.30-11.30am Silver Surfers 11.30am-2pm Slimming World 5.30 & 7.30pm

Saturday 13

Private Hire 11am-5.30pm

Monday 15

Craft Addicts 1-4pm Claydon PC Meeting 7.30-9.30pm

Tuesday 16

Mums and Tots 1.15-3pm

Thursday 18

Silver Surfers 11.30am-2pm Slimming World 5.30 & 7.30pm

Tuesday 23

Mums and Tots 1.15-3pm Claydon PC Meeting 7-9.30pm

Thursday 25

Young Families 9.30-11.30am Silver Surfers 11.30am-2pm Slimming World 5.30 & 7.30pm

Monday 29

Craft Addicts 1-4pm

For more information on village hall activities visit the Claydon and Barham website and follow the links. Hall bookings now only online.

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We’re walking for Parkinson’s Join us

ge Glemham Hall, Woodbrid Sunday 9 July parkinsons.org.uk/ glemhamhall 020 7963 3912

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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5

PAWS FOR TEA

Route 5

Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A

Sproughton

Church Lane

9.10-9.25am

MIP/5B

Sproughton

Wild Man

9.30-9.45am

MIP/5C

Bramford

St Mary’s Close

9.50-10.05am

At Blue Cross Suffolk Animal Rehoming Centre Join staff and volunteers at the charity’s annual Paws for Tea event at Blue Cross Suffolk, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ on Saturday, May 6 between 11am and 4pm.

MIP/5D

Bramford

Paper Mill Lane

10.10-10.25am

MIP/5E

Great Blakenham

Chequers

10.35-1055am

MIP/5F Great Blakenham

Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park

11-11.15am

MIP/5G

Baylham

Post Box

11.25-11.45am

MIP/5H

Claydon

Crown

11.55am-1pm

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens

2.05-2.20pm

MIP/5J

Barham

Bacon Road

2.25-3.50pm

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

4-4.30pm

As well as refreshments, take time to look around our various stalls and have a go on our grand draw. There will also be guided tours of the centre including kennels and cattery. Entrance is by way of a monetary donation.

For further information please contact the centre on 03007 771480 or Ian Hendry on 01449 767747.

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with Claudia Myatt, writer, painter and illustrator.

Claudia Myatt lives afloat an elderly tugboat near Woodbridge. Her portfolio consists of a monthly cartoon in Practical Boat Owner alongside numerous sailing-themed illustrated books.

2017 DATES: May 9, June 6, July 4, August 1, August 29, September 26, October 24, November 21, December 19

CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE – SATURDAY, MAY 20 Saturday, May 20 sees the fifth annual Stowmarket Salvation Army Charity Motorbike Ride. The ride will take riders through approximately 50 miles of beautiful Suffolk countryside before returning back to the Salvation Army for refreshments.

Claudia will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA) on Thursday, May 11 as part of the Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. Doors open at 7pm.

Event starts at 7.30pm. General admission is £8 with students free.

To reserve tickets email: tickets@sbl.org.uk www.sbl.org.uk

Riders are asked to meet at the car park from 10am where hot drinks and bacon sandwiches will be available and the ride will start at 11am. Our infamous BBQ food will be available when we return, back by popular demand to the original burgers.

On Saturday, May 13 we will be holding our popular plant sale at Bramford Church Room with lunches available between noon and 2pm.

Even if you don’t have a bike, why not come along and have a coffee and see the wide range of bikes that take part?

Proceeds go towards the upkeep of the village church.

PLANT SALE AND LUNCHES Come along and find a variety of different plants – I’m sure advice will be available at no extra charge if you need it – then sit down and enjoy lunch.

The suggested donation to take part is just £5 and all funds raised this year will go towards helping the Salvation Army Youth visit to Romania.

Stewart McGinty

For more Information please contact: jenny.johnson@salvationarmy.org.uk / 01449 614133

As we walked through the bluebell woods, I thought he’d like this It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851731

for your nearest funeral director visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT AN INVITATION TO ALL MEN Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir is inviting all men who love to sing to some open rehearsals in May. On Tuesday, May 2 an open rehearsal is being held at Stowupland Village Hall, 3 Church Road, Stowupland IP14 4BG and on Tuesday, May 16 an open rehearsal is being held at Ipswich and District Indoor Bowling Club, 136 Rushmere Road, Ipswich IP4 4JU. Both events commence at 7pm.

Formed in April 1968, Suffolk Constabulary Male Voice Choir has built a reputation and tradition for music to entertain a wide variety of audiences. One of its main purposes is helping local communities and charitable organisations by assisting them in their fundraising whilst representing the Constabulary.

The choir, who normally rehearse at Martlesham Police Headquarters, is pleased to recruit and welcome members from all walks of life with or without a connection to the Constabulary to continue its social function and charitable work. There are no auditions and the ability to read music is not essential. On average the choir performs one concert per month in aid of local good causes.

For more details contact choir secretary Stephen Wade: 01449 672600 / scmvc@scwade.eclipse.co.uk

CLAYDON & BARHAM WI We had a most enjoyable evening on April 11 when Jane Sago cooked quick and easy suppers, one microwaved, another in a frying pan, both delicious. The most extraordinary was microwaved meringues – just egg white mixed with icing sugar, rolled into small balls and cooked for a short time. They were delicious served with cream and homemade jam.

HENLEY MOTHERS’ UNION Mothers’ Union is a worldwide organisation with many members in overseas dioceses. Here in the UK, local branches fundraise so that Mothers’ Union can finance a wide range of projects overseas, usually supporting a local MU worker with their work locally, helping to educate women on health matters, improving literacy and numeracy or supporting orphans. By giving financial aid in this way the money gets straight to the people ‘on the ground’ and makes a very big difference. Mothers’ Union has recently sent an initial grant of £10,500 to Madi and West Nile in Uganda for the South Sudanese refugee crisis. The money will be specifically used to train psychosocial support workers who will work with those refugees suffering from trauma.

In our Henley branch we had a very interesting Bible study session last month with The Rev Carl Melville about Mary, mother of Jesus. We looked at a number of passages from the Old and New Testament and learnt just how much more she was than ‘just’ mother of Jesus. We also had our spring afternoon meeting where we discussed how commercialism, marketing and advertising affect our lives.

Visitors and new members are always welcome to our meetings, so why not come along and find out more? Future meetings are: Monday, May 8 at 7.30pm: Away From It All Holidays Monday, May 22 at 2pm: Our Link Dioceses Monday, June 12 at 6pm: Visit to Otley Hall Monday, July 10 at 7.30pm: Wave of Prayer Service For more details and meeting locations, contact Clare Thomas: 01473 832808 / clare.thomas@btinternet.com

The competition for a decorated green heart was won by Jane, second Jill.

Next month is our resolutions evening when we will debate Protecting our Oceans and Loneliness. The results of these will go forward to the national AGM in Liverpool in June. The competition will be homemade biscuits and scones.

Our walking group had a most enjoyable morning walking along the Slade, past the chicken huts, up Pest House Lane, over the railway line and beside the river, eventually ending up at The Chequers where we had a delicious two course meal. Just as well we had the walk back! Thanks so much to Sue who thinks these walks up and leads us.

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

NO VAT

Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com

ClaydonTiling Ltd CERAMIC TILER Shaun Richardson 4 Rowan Close, Claydon, Suffolk IP6 0RD

Tel: 01473 831247 Mob: 07810 291157

E: claydontilingltd@btinternet.com

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT You’re invited to make an appointment at our Wherstead Park office to discuss:

Powers of Attorney Wills

Probate Court of Protection * We also offer a range of other services

Our out of town Ipswich location is very convinient for parking and has Contact us for an appointment at your convenience: excellent disabled access. www.ellisonssolicitors.com enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ 01473 556 900 Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336

HENLEY WI We celebrated our 87th birthday in March with a special visit from Stephen Bayfield, a well known local personality who kept nearly 60 members, guests and friends well entertained for the evening.

Stephen’s performance was followed by supper, with wonderful food provided by the committee (well done, as always, girls) and a raffle.

From comments made by a number of guests, a good time was had by all and hopefully we have spread the word that being a WI member can be very good fun. We look forward to our next meeting when we have a speaker talking about old pub signs.

HENLEY SENIOR CITIZENS Since our last report our meetings have been the usual format with bingo, dominoes and plenty of socialising.

Sadly, Clarence (Clar) Groom passed away peacefully on March 1. He had been a member for just over two years but thoroughly enjoyed the company of the club and was a keen member of one of the domino teams. He will be sadly missed by everyone.

On a more cheerful note, since the beginning of the year we have five new members which is really pleasing. We feel maybe we are doing something right to encourage people to join us.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER FIFTIES CLUB This club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area.

It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

Our programme up to our summer break is: May 10: Social Afternoon May 24: A presentation by Liza Jones titled Behind the Bathroom Door looking at how the multitude of items we have in our bathroom cabinets came about and the history of items such as the toothbrush, toilet paper and deodorants.

June 14: Social Afternoon with Brenda June 28: A visit by Hannah Barton from the Citizens Advice Bureau explaining the work they do and the services they provide to the community July 12: Social Afternoon with Sandra July 26: Summer tea party with entertainment by one of our members, Dot Chapman, on her accordion As you can see we have quite a varied programme. New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB May is a month with holidays! There will be no meetings on May 1 and 3 because of May Day, and also not on May 29 and 31 because of the school half-term break. Meetings will go ahead on Mondays 8, 15 and 22 (7.309.30pm) and Wednesdays 10, 17 and 24 (10am-noon). Membership is £1 for the school year, £2 per session. Internet and refreshments available.

We aim to help you to get the most out of your computer. Meetings are held in the upstairs room at the Methodist Church.

IPSWICH EPILEPSY GROUP QUIZ

DIABETES UK, IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP The next meeting is at 7pm on Thursday, June 8 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH. The main speakers will be Dr Zoe Waller on her work on the genetics of diabetes and Martin Hoskins from Silver Lining Estate Planning Ltd, who are sponsoring the evening, will give a short talk on estate planning, power of attorney and wills.

This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to others in similar situations.

Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee.

The Ipswich Epilepsy Group is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers who either have epilepsy or know someone with epilepsy.

We support people in Ipswich and the surrounding areas and offer social events such as family bowling, meals out and day trips. We also have a help line run by group members to offer advice, information or just be there to listen to people in difficult times. We offer a large range of free hire books, DVDs and information fact sheets and provide advice and training about Epilepsy. We also offer financial support helping with aids, adaptations and assistance technology where possible.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY

Our new website is regularly updated with new information: www.ipswichepilepsy.org.uk

Wednesday, May 24, 7pm: Time Flies at The Old Warden – The Story of the Shuttleworth Collection, illustrated talk by Alan Reed

One of our annual fundraising events is a quiz night which this year is on Friday, May 12 at Westgate Ward Social Club, 74 Victoria Street, Ipswich IP1 2JX from 7pm. This is a fun evening for teams of up to six people. Entry is £6, including a buffet and licensed bar. We also hold a raffle during the evening. If you would like to come and join us please contact 01473 461407 to reserve a table. We look forward to seeing you there.

We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.

Details from: 01473 414746/422145 www.idhts.co.uk

For further information please contact: dsgipswich@gmail.com / 07547 513730 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, then we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you.

We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, May 16 when Anthony Cobbold will talk about one of Suffolk’s best known families, the Cobbolds, and their contribution to Suffolk life. Anthony founded the Cobbold Family Trust which seeks to collect and preserve archival material and artefacts relating to the family. Anthony will be delving into the family history, which, as we will see, consists of more than beer and football.

This is our last meeting until September 19 when the subject will be the Garretts of Leiston. Further details will be published in the September issue.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SOMERSHAM & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB So far this year we have had some very interesting meetings with excellent speakers, the last being a visit from David Hack talking on how to make your garden count.

Our next meeting is on Monday, May 8 at 7.30pm in Offton & Willisham Village Hall when Margaret Thorpe will be telling us about the work of Plant Heritage. If you require further information please contact: 01473 830600 / 254941

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB March prize winners No. 51: Laura Payne

£14.40

No. 30: Linda Firman

£7.20

No. 10: Laura Brown

£2.40

New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 per month and the draw takes place on the last Friday of each month from September through to July. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance the lives of our children within the pre-school.

For an entry form please contact Nadine Harrison: 01473 831857 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

www.facebook.com/claydonchurches @ClaydonChurches

CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 26 years! We welcome parents, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 per family.

This month we meet on Thursdays, May 11 and 25 from 9.3011.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

At our regular sessions we welcome anyone with babies or children under five for imaginative play, singing and lots of fun. Families can enjoy a craft activity where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. We also share songtime for a bit of noise. It’s a good opportunity for parents/carers to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children.

This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Jacob, Flyn, Nathan and Dolcie.

Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there.

For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.

Michelle

ST MARY’S CHURCH Great Blakenham

Wedding Festival 27th – 29th May 2017 10am-4pm each day Free admission With inspiration, help & advice from wedding specialists, beautifully designed dresses and show-stopping floral displays, the Great Blakenham Wedding Festival is a fantastic opportunity to plan the perfect wedding. Plus, lots of giveaways, goodies & freebies to wedding couples.

Saturday 27th

Sunday 28th

Monday 29th

Wedding Dresses on display, Flower Displays, Hear the Organ being played, Meet local Vicars, Bridal & classic Cars, Wedding Menu at the Chequers Pub.

The Festival continues but with the addition of a Renewal of Vows Service with favourite Wedding hymns at 4pm

Our biggest day of exhibitors including: Florists, Wedding Favours, Reception Venues, Bridal & Groom Wear, Photographers, Wedding Cakes, Disco and Party ideas, Wedding Food at The Chequers & loads more! See website for full list of exhibitors.

See claydonchurches.com for further details

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL It has been incredibly busy here at CPS with World of Work week for Years 5 and 6, visits to Colchester Zoo, a busy school council, new clubs, art exhibitions and ticking off some of our ‘50 things’.

Inspired by the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you are 11¾’, we launched our ‘50 things to do before you leave Claydon Primary School’ in the autumn term, a list of 50 things which children will do, achieve or take part in over the course of their time here. The list was compiled to ensure that children have a range of experiences during their time with us, some of which are activities outside of their ‘normal’ classroom learning. We feel the activities help develop various character traits (for example, resilience, ambition, respect, curiosity and much more) in our pupils that will assist them in their education at CPS and beyond. All children have their own personal scrapbook that they use to document their experiences of the ’50 things’ which they will then keep when they leave at the end of Year 6.

As well as documenting the ’50 things’, the scrapbook will also be used to record other achievements and memories in a variety of formats – photographs, drawings, memorabilia and writing.

In the last month children have been scrapbooking experiences such as a trip to Colchester Zoo for Years 1 and 2, raising money for charity, trying food from other cultures, writing and posting a letter and much more.

Pupils in Years 5 and 6 have been inspired by our new World of Work unit, encouraging them to think about their aspirations for the future.

They have researched their dream job and the skills, qualities and qualifications required in order for them to achieve this. Following this they had to write their own CV and letter of application and give a presentation to their peers. In addition to this, a number of parents come in to speak to the children about their careers. The children were inspired by the talks given as well as the various activities they have undertaken.

Sport continues to play a large part in life at CPS as we have competed in many more festivals and competitions, as well as our weekly school clubs. We were very excited to take 47 of our pupils across Years 4, 5 and 6 to RHS to compete in the IPSSA Cross Country competition along with 800 other children. Historically, this has been a tough course that has got the better of many pupils, but we were extremely proud of all of our runners as they showed great determination and resilience with every single one of them completing the course. A special mention to Taylor and Robyn who finished third and ninth respectively. Huge congratulations and well done to all of our runners – we are very proud of every one of them.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

In additional to cross country our Year 4 Keysteps gymnasts competed in Bury St Edmunds against Stowmarket schools. It was a very closely fought competition where we finished fourth overall as well as being awarded the ‘best teamwork’ award for supporting each other so positively. A special thank you to Tamsin Beresford who gave up her time to coach the children.

We recently trialled a completely new club at CPS. Club GO! is our very own take on the very popular Pokemon Go app. This club has been set up with a great deal of help from a group of Year 6 pupils, our Pokemon experts! Similar to the app, the children have to use their orienteering skills and team work to read a map of the school grounds to locate the various hidden Pokemon characters. It has been a huge hit with the children and great to see them really involved as the club evolves.

At CPS we pride ourselves on our partnership work with our very close neighbours, Claydon High School. Our pupils greatly benefit from this as it really aids a smoother transition to high school as they are so familiar with the school and various members of staff. A highlight recently was our involvement in the KS2/3 Art Exhibition at Claydon High School where many of our pupils’ fantastic artwork was proudly displayed. It was also great to see so many of our pupils and their families visit the exhibition (pictured left is Jess proudly pointing to her artwork). Well done to Claydon High School for the terrific exhibition.

Finally, a huge thank you to all parents, carers and other family members for their continued support, be it at sporting events, cooking in school, helping on visits, attending assemblies or sharing sessions.

Your support is hugely appreciated by us all.

Deputy Headteacher L Collins

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SPORT TALES FROM THE 19TH HOLE

SPROUGHTON TENNIS CLUB

The first meeting of 2017, in late March at Ufford Park, was extremely well supported by 15 HOGS. There was a buzz in the air with much anticipation as to how the new season would pan out. Would this be the year it all clicked? Would the drives finally fly straight down the fairways instead of showing an interest in the rough stuff? Would the sand traps remain perfectly raked and undisturbed by misdirected shots? Will ‘three putting’ be a thing of the past as your ball disappears into the hole first time? What was evident was mixed preparations for this first event – some had continued to play regularly throughout the winter break, others had been on the driving range for the past couple of weeks to get rid of any ring rust while several hadn’t hit a ball since Seckford Hall in December (or even since Bury in October).

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

Numbers lent themselves perfectly for five three-ball groups competing in a team stableford competition. The course was in good order despite the preceding poor weather and, following an overcast and slightly chilly start, the sun made a welcome appearance resulting in most of the round being played in warm and bright conditions.

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

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

For further details visit: www.sproughtontennis.co.uk/gbtw

Hole 10 was the ‘Nearest the Pin’ hole and a challenging shot required over sailing a large pond to reach an elevated green. Though few balls caused a splash, not many reached the green either. Simon Fisher proving the most accurate of the day. The 18th was the ‘Longest Drive’ prize.

Grahame Hughes looked nailed on to win this with an outstanding shot, but was passed by Terry Aldis in the last group out. Terry departing with a bottle of wine, a far better prize than the golden boot he had arrived with. He had clearly shown the boot plenty of love (and polish) with it exhibiting a bright sparkle rarely seen before. Darren Nunn would end up taking this away, but not without a great display on the back nine scoring 16 points. His downfall however was an uncharacteristic two points on the front nine much to the relief of several others who thought their round would have secured them this booby prize.

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

The numbers available for these sessions are strictly limited, so you must pre-book. Please see our website for details: www.sproughtontennis.co.uk/tennisforkids

Despite the main competition being a team game, individual scores were also recorded and the best of the day, scoring just one over par with 35 points, was Peter Cleave with a consistent performance throughout the day. No surprise then that Peter, along with Scott and Shaun Vincent, won the team prize too with an impressive 68 points (six points under par).

The next event will be at Stowmarket on Friday, May 26.

Greetings guff lovers, first of all let me reassure you that this is a Brexit free zone (the person at the back muttering that it is a tennis news free zone can stay behind, I shall deal with you later). Big news this month is the AGM report; we have a new committee (phew) and we are pleased to have the services of a new coach.

Other results: Team 5 (60pts) – Terry, Ian & Chris / Team 2 (55) – Brian, Darryn & Steve Team 4 (50) – Grahame, Mike & Simon / Team 1 (49) – Alan, Keith& Nick

WITNESHAM CARPET BOWLS CLUB We held our AGM on Tuesday, March 21 at which we were pleased to present a cheque for £350 to Marian Brown from Parkinson’s UK, Ipswich and East Suffolk Branch.

Witnesham continues to be a very friendly, successful club with two players in the Suffolk squad and several members playing for other clubs in Division 1. Peter Elmy and Donny Allum qualified to play in the Closed Suffolk Singles on April 2.

In-house competitions during the year the have been won by the following: Singles: Peter Elmy Doubles: John Brace and Donny Allum Random Triples: Jacqui Lucas Captain’s Invitation: Peter Elmy and David Howe Social activities staged by the club include a Winter Warmer when the men cook curry, chili and casseroles for all, visits to a Chinese restaurant, a show at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe, Christmas Memories at the Corn Exchange and a wonderful Christmas tea provided by our ladies who also do a great job catering throughout the year.

We welcome new members if you are interested in joining us. We meet in Witnesham Village Hall at 7pm on Tuesday evenings and at 2pm on Thursday afternoons. No experience necessary, all equipment provided.

Just come along and enjoy yourself.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

The club can be found at The Playing Fields in Church Lane, Sproughton IP8 3AX.

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

Carl Douglas is to start coaching at the club. His first course starts on Sunday, April 23 and we agreed with him to participate in the Great British Tennis Weekend on April 11.

The annual Maureen Sillett Cup tournament with Sproughton is due to be hosted by us this year. We are hoping that this will take place in September. Special thanks were given to Ann Russ who has decided to stop playing after 33 years at the club as chairman, committee member and ladies captain. On a brighter note this does mean that there will be some chocolate left for the other players after matches.

Lorna Jones too has had injury cut short her playing days, though she has graciously stayed on the committee as secretary (it only took two Chinese burns before she gave in). Wine sales in the sports club are expected to plummet as a result.

We are entering a men’s team in the summer league, but having lost several players we are unable to enter a team in the women’s league.

Perhaps if the Summer League change their format to two pairs in a team instead of the present three it would help smaller clubs such as ours to participate more. However, it seems the larger clubs are reluctant to back our attempts to change the status quo, so we shall have to persevere with our efforts to alter the format next year.

Just time for the eagerly awaited Joke of the Month!

A man is showing a friend his new state of the art hearing aid. “It cost over £4,000,” said the man. “Really?” replied his friend, “what kind is it?”

The man looked at his watch and said: “Half past twelve!”

Sorry about that. More guff next month, Mick Russ

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CHURCH NEWS THE CLAYDON GROUP OF CHURCHES The Church of England in Claydon and Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham We offer you a warm welcome to all our events and services.

For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com Or visit: www.claydonchurches.com Services in May Barham Church – every Sunday at 10am Henley Church – every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church – every Sunday at 11am

WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN! Our series of family services continues with Pentecost.

Balloons will be provided – free refreshments. All welcome!

Sunday, May 7, Gt Blakenham Church, 11am Sunday, May 14, Henley Church, 10am Sunday, May 21, Barham Church, 10am Baptisms March 12:

Bella Jean Mollie Cole, Barham Church Beryl Vincent Reginald Robert Flatman Heather June Moore Clive Alan Fisher Clarence Sidney Groom Emily Frances Snell Heather Yvonne Davies

Sunday, May 7 – Easter 4 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Quiet Communion 11am family@blakenham

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church

Sunday, May 14 – Easter 5 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am family@henley 11am Holy Communion

Funerals March 17: March 23: March 24: March 28: April 3: April 7: April 8:

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church

Weddings April 8:

Sunday, May 21 – Easter 6 8am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church

Thursday, May 25 – Ascension Day 7pm Holy Communion

Barham Church

Sunday, May 28 – Easter 7 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Café Church 11am Elevenses@GB 4pm Renewal of Wedding Vows 6.30pm Evensong

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church

Sunday, June 4 – Pentecost 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Quiet Communion 11am family@blakenham 12.30pm Pentecost Praise and Picnic

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church The Rectory, Claydon

Further services can be found on our website.

Hall Bookings Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Paul Corbett, 830201 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463

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James Brooks and Harriet Taylor

NEWS Lent Appeal: Over Lent we supported our link Diocese of Kagera, Tanzania. Donations can still be given by visiting the diocese website: www.cofesuffolk.org Renewal of Vows: There will be a big renewal of vows service at Gt Blakenham on Sunday, May 28 at 4pm, with all your favourite wedding hymns. If you’d like to renew your vows, please contact Rev Carl on 833542.

Thy Kingdom Come: This is a national initiative to get people praying!

There will be a number of events happening in our churches over the week of May 25 to June 4.

Wedding Festival, May 27-29: Our Wedding Festival and Fair is fast approaching. Please encourage people to come along – those thinking about marriage and those already married! The church will look beautiful on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 and the Chequers Freehouse and Parish Room will be filled with wedding stalls on Monday 29. Please see the poster on page 18.

Pentecost Picnic: All are welcome to come and picnic is the rectory garden, Back Lane, Claydon, on Sunday, June 4 from 12.30pm as we celebrate Pentecost. Please bring a picnic and something to sit on. Music and singing will be provided. All welcome!

Fete & Flowers, Saturday, June 10: This year’s fete will be held at Barham Church with a weekend-long display of flowers in the church.

The fete will be at 2pm on the Saturday. We shall be hoping to organise transport from the village so put the date in your diary and watch out for further detail.

Gt Blakenham Church Fete, Saturday, June 24: 10am-noon in the Parish Room and garden with fun games, refreshments, tombola and raffle.

Barham Hall Picnic Band Concert: The first 200 tickets for this year’s Continued

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CHURCH NEWS picnic concert on July 8 have already been sold. It is therefore reasonable to anticipate that when you are reading this less than half the tickets are left for sale. As before we will provide great music in a great setting but the quality of the food, drink and company is up to you! Unfortunately, none of us can guarantee the British weather, which is why we offer a discount for buying in advance! You have until May 31 to buy tickets at the early discount price of £11. If any are left after that date, they will only be available at the full price of £14 each. For further details please see page 14.

OTHER SERVICES AND EVENTS Friday, May 5

Gt Blakenham Church Quiz Night

Friday, May 12

Alasdair Place Holy Communion

May 27-29

Wedding Festival, Gt Blakenham

Wednesday, May 31 St Peter’s Court, Holy Communion Saturday, June 10

Claydon and Barham Fete, Barham Church

Sunday, June 18

Family BBQ, Barham Church, 4.30pm

Saturday, June 24

Gt Blakenham Fete, Parish Room, 10am-noon

Saturday, July 8

Open Air Picnic Band Concert, Evening

Saturday, July 15

Gt Blakenham Doggy Day, 11am-3pm

Saturday, August 12 Gt Blakenham Church Quiz Night Letter from the Vicar Easter is such a refreshing time of the year! For Christians, the season of Easter lasts much longer than just one day, rather it goes right up to Pentecost, this year on June 4, when we party again and celebrate the ‘birth-day’ of the church. Of course, this means Easter Eggs in abundance for nearly seven weeks!

First, we have to celebrate Ascension Day, always 40 days after Easter.

Ascension is the time when we celebrate Jesus being taken back up into heaven. His disciples watched him ascend into the clouds. It is there in heaven where Jesus is now at work, preparing a place for each and every one of us. This is one of the harder events in our faith – Jesus, who is flesh and bone, enters into heaven. Not an image of him. Not a ghost or a shadow, but flesh and bone.

Easter is not the end. Ascension and Pentecost is not the end. In fact, it’s not even the beginning! The point of Jesus entering into heaven and leaving us his life-giving Spirit is that we might love him so much that we want to join him there. Saying that we want to join him changes the way we live and in turn the world around us.

So I hope you had a great Easter and have a great Ascension and Pentecost. Why not join us as we journey together?

ROAD WORKS We all know that road works have to be done and I am sure we all have an opinion regarding them. We have road works outside our house at the moment with traffic lights controlling the traffic. I watched to see what the driver of an ambulance would do as it fast approached the red light and was impressed by the drivers’ ingenuity in making his way through the road works to his final destination.

We don’t know what challenges these drivers face as they seek to get to an emergency as quickly as they can. Nor do those waiting know what kind of journey has been experienced to get to them.

We ought to be thankful for all that they do to try and help.

These things made me think of the journey that Jesus made in order to save us from our sins. We can know the challenges He faced and what He experienced as they are recorded in the Bible.

We read how he dealt with the challenges to who He is, His mission and how He endured opposition from sinful men. He came to rescue us from our sin and for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. God doesn’t want any to perish but all to come to a knowledge of the truth. I am thankful for what God, in Jesus, has done for me.

WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 9.30-10.30am Wednesday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Thursday: Home Group, 7.45-9.30pm Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon For more information contact: info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / 01449 720357 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

The Rev Carl Melville

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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ON THE GRAPEVINE FREE BREEZE LADIES CYCLE RIDES

DR DAN POULTER, YOUR LOCAL MP, REPORTS BACK Last month I was pleased to visit a number of schools in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and also welcomed a group of students from the University of Suffolk to parliament. Although planned for some time, the staff and tutors made the trip from Suffolk to London on one of parliament’s busiest days – not only did their visit coincide with Prime Minister’s Questions, but there was certainly an added buzz around the Houses of Parliament ahead of the triggering of Article 50.

More women are cycling more often thanks to HSBC UK Breeze, British Cycling’s biggest programme ever to get women into riding bikes for fun. This was set up five years ago and the plan is to get one million women on bikes by 2020.

Breeze is all about remembering how good it is to ride a bike with friends. Organised by British Cycling trained Breeze Champions, these free rides explore local, accessible routes in small friendly groups.

Rides are taking place all year round and are ideal for women who are looking to get back on a bike or begin riding and are a great way to make new friends.

These rides are taking place in various locations in Suffolk on a weekly basis so check www.letsride.co.uk for further details of date, time and location. A typical example is the Maglia Girls Group who meet at Maglia Rosso Cycle Shop & Cafe at Hawstead near Bury St Edmunds on a Wednesday at 10am. There are generally between two and eight ladies every week and age varies from 30 to 70 years.

Sara Hale, the Breeze Champion for this group, started cycling only 18 months ago after many years of ill health. She was nervous of joining any local cycling groups because of speed and distance but went out with her local Breeze group. After going out weekly, gaining confidence, riding technique, building distance, being encouraged and the all-important café stop at the end of the ride with cake she decided to undertake the training so she could help others. Since then she has entered many sportives, joined a local cycling group and has the confidence to ride out on her own or with friends she has made through these groups and it is a great way to keep active.

The rides are gentle and vary in distance from two to 20 miles depending on riding level and experience of participants. They will be on quiet country roads and nothing too hilly (to start with).

Ladies (16 years upwards), it is preferable you wear a helmet, although it isn’t compulsory. It is advised you wear suitable clothing, bring a drink for the journey, a puncture repair kit or spare inner tube and a pump. If you need advice on anything contact your Breeze Champion who will be happy to help.

I was also delighted to take part in this year’s annual BBC News School Report Day, where a group of students from Claydon High School joined Mark Murphy on BBC Radio Suffolk to talk about mental health and what they are doing to tackle the issue in their own school. I was very impressed at the professionalism and understanding of the topic demonstrated by the students and I will be supporting them in their call to ensure that greater awareness of mental health should also become compulsory in all schools.

The school has become only the second school in Suffolk to embark upon the mental health first aid course run in conjunction with Suffolk charity Volunteering Matters. I would like to see all schools in Suffolk sign up to raising awareness of the importance of mental health in schools. The mental health course will help young people to gain an understanding of their own mental health needs and to recognise when a classmate may be experiencing poor mental health.

The old adage that school years are supposed to be some of the happiest of our lives should still stand and although we all experience the pressures of growing and navigating our teenage years, it’s important to keep things in perspective and to recognise that it’s OK to ask for help or to talk to a trusted friend, family member or teacher if things are getting on top of us.

In parliament, I was very pleased to play my part in supporting a new law ensuring that in future every child will receive compulsory sex and relationship education in school. This new law will ensure that sex and relationships education is delivered in an age appropriate manner, taking into consideration religious and cultural beliefs, but also being sensitive of the environment the children find themselves in.

It is vitally important that our young people are knowledgeable and well informed about what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour in this rapidly evolving world – by being well informed, young people can be empowered and confident in knowing what positive relationships look like.

For more information please visit: www.drdanielpoulter.com

A SPEAKER IN RESERVE

The rides are for the complete novice, those returning to cycling after a break or the keen and experienced cyclist. It is not a race or competition we just want you to get out on your bike, so come along meet new people and have some fun.

Many local clubs and organisations have guest speakers at their regular meetings. Most plan up to a year ahead with speakers booked to attend.

Booking so far ahead there is always the chance that for whatever reason a speaker cannot make the planned date.

Breeze is part of British Cycling’s programme of free events, activities, information and support, designed to help and inspire people of all ages and abilities to get back on their bikes.

If you need a speaker in reserve and more than likely available at very short notice you may like to keep a note and contact details of Brian Wilcox. Brian was until recently the local area governor of ToastMasters International. He has been involved in the computer industry from as far back as 1961 and can speak on a number of subjects, from running your own business to fox hunting, stock car racing and lateral thinking. Currently Brian is giving talks entitled New Ways of Working/Time Leverage.

For more information and to register your free place on a Breeze bike ride, visit: www.letsride.co.uk Or contact your local Breeze Champion, Sara Hale: 07757 102526 / saradowsing@btinternet.com

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You can contact Brian anytime on 01473 658496.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE POPULAR COLOUR DASH RETURNS TO IPSWICH

SUFFOLK LIBRARIES SURVEY CLOSING DATE: MONDAY, MAY 8 Library customers are being asked to have their say on the future of the county’s library service.

Suffolk Libraries is an independent organisation which has a five-year contract with the county council to run the county’s library service. At the end of 2016, Suffolk Libraries’ Board voted unanimously to trigger a fiveyear extension to this contract which will run from August 2017 to 2022.

Suffolk Libraries is now looking ahead to the next five years and will be undertaking a review to define how it can run a modern and affordable library service which meets the needs of the people of Suffolk. A new customer survey is being launched, asking people what they feel is important about the county’s library service, and there is also a new membership scheme giving people a new opportunity to support Suffolk Libraries.

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) will be bringing a splash of colour to Suffolk again this year with tickets for one of the charity’s most popular fundraisers on sale now!

EACH’s Ipswich Colour Dash will be held on Sunday, May 28 at Christchurch Park.

Colour dashes are 5K (3.1-mile) fun runs, the ‘fun’ aspect being that participants are showered with clouds of coloured powder paint as they run!

Hannah Walker, EACH Suffolk Community Fundraiser, said: “We’re very excited to be launching tickets for this event. As anyone who’s taken part before knows, it’s an impressive sight and great fun for all the family.

“There’s no competitive aspect, so you can run, jog or walk the five kilometres – just be prepared to get covered in coloured powder paint. It creates truly impressive multi-coloured results!

“Tickets are expected to sell quickly so please secure yours as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and take advantage of our special early bird offer.”

Ipswich is one of nine places in the region and three in Suffolk that EACH is holding Colour Dashes this year. Last summer more than 5,300 runners took part across seven locations, raising £150,000.

EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia and supports their families. For both families accessing care and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. It costs the charity almost £6 million a year to deliver its services and all funds raised at this event, to begin at 11am, will help.

To book your place in EACH’s Ipswich Colour Dash visit www.each.org.uk/ colour-dashes or contact the Suffolk Fundraising Team on 01473 276193.

For more details on the EACH Colour Dash series, as well as the charity’s care services, visit: www.each.org.uk

The library service budget has been reduced by a further £200,000 for 2017/18 and year-on-year reductions means the library service budget is now 33% less than in 2010.

Tony Brown, Chair of Suffolk Libraries, said: “Whilst there are challenges ahead for our library service, we are now looking to the future and want to build on the successful work we have done since 2012 to protect and improve services across Suffolk and to local communities.

“There is much to be positive about; all our libraries are still open, some have even increased opening hours. Suffolk Libraries has strived to make improvements and innovations, whilst offering a diverse range of services and there are now even more activities in libraries. We may have to make difficult decisions but we are still committed to doing everything we can to protect local library services which we know mean so much to their communities.”

Alison Wheeler, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We have been warning that further cuts would be challenging and as we have less money, we will have to make further savings. We want to approach these challenges in the right way, by carrying out a review to help us make a longer-term plan. We also intend to listen to people. We have built up trust and support in the community and we want as many people as possible to have their say.

“We must be realistic; staffing is our biggest cost so it is likely there won’t be as many jobs in the future. However, we want to reassure people as much as we can – we do not anticipate that any changes we have to make will include library closures, handing over libraries to volunteers or charging for what the law or our contract says must be free. Our review is likely to take several months and until we’ve done that we can’t say what changes we’ll have to make.”

Suffolk Libraries are running a customer survey until 8 May 2017. This can be done via www.suffolklibraries.co.uk, via www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ SuffolkLibraries2017 or there will be hard copies available in libraries.

Tony Brown added: “We anticipate that council funding will continue to shrink so we will keep looking for alternative funding to supplement what we get from the county council. Our community groups who support libraries have been a big part of this and have raised thousands of pounds every year which have funded things like refurbishments, equipment in many libraries and the cost of Wi-Fi. “We want to do our bit and we are launching ‘Suffolk Libraries Extra’, a new supporter scheme offering people the chance to make an annual donation to get more involved and help the library service.

“We believe there may be individuals or local businesses out there who may want to become Suffolk Libraries Extra supporters. It won’t affect the service to everyone else, it’ll just mean that for those who feel they can, there’s a way of giving us some extra support. There will be more details about Suffolk Libraries Extra soon but anyone who is interested can get in touch or visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/extra.”

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