In Touch News with Claydon March 2019

In Touch

™© ™©

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 9 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2019

A Perfect Spring Morning - taken at Barham Church by Paula Irvine

Building it right Thinking about…

• Building an extension?

• Making internal alterations? e.g. removal of walls • Converting your garage?

• Creating an annexe?

Your council can help.

At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, we have a dedicated, independent and impartial team with over 100 years combined specialist knowledge in the construction industry.

Our team can help guide you through that all-important alteration to your home, whilst ensuring you meet mandatory Building Regulations at a time to suit you.

Want more info or a quote? Speak to one of the team at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/building-control/ or www.babergh.gov.uk/building-control/

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In Touch online:

NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hope you value the fact that we aim to produce a monthly magazine with a balance of advertising and editorial content, providing essential information about products and services we all require and supporting local business in doing so, while also providing relevant local news which enables residents to engage with the local community and keep in touch with local news and events. As editor I juggle this rather delicate balance very carefully and encourage readers to support the advertisers who enable Mansion House Publishing (MHP) to design, print and deliver the magazine every month and to support an enormous range of fundraising activities and charities.

You’ll find quite a few in this edition and I hope you can support the efforts of those who make them happen.

One which I’d like to highlight this month, and which we have made a commitment to support until the project has been completed, is The Blossom Appeal, a Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals charity set up to develop a £2.5 million Breast Centre at Ipswich Hospital. The new centre will bring all elements of breast care at Ipswich Hospital under one roof and provide an environment where patients can be imaged, biopsied where necessary, and see their clinician in one appointment without the need to get dressed and undressed several times. There will also be new dedicated clinics for men and young people.

We’ll provide regular updates, promote fundraising events and let you know how you can help. Right now they are looking for people to open their gardens in 2019. All types and size of garden are welcome. You choose when to open.

Simply ask visitors for a donation to view your garden and sell refreshments, plants or crafts to boost your fundraising. Register your garden at www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/opengardens or for more information contact: charity@esneft.nhs.uk / 0300 770 1369 To find out more about The Blossom Appeal please visit: www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/breast

InTouch

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

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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•B eyton, 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

In Touch with...

APRIL DEADLINE 10 MARCH 2019

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL HSA FAMILY DISCO Saturday, March 30, 7.30-11.30pm Great Blakenham Village Hall Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for children £20 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) We have a fabulous DJ, a raffle and a licenced bar Bring your own nibbles Form/money to the school office by Friday, March 22 Come and have great family time together and support our school with vital fundraising.

LEARN TO RING CHURCH BELLS Would you like to have a go at learning to ring church bells?

Henley Church has a bell ringing group that meets most Saturday mornings at 9.30am and we would love to have some more learners.

If you would like more details please contact Tower Captain Stephen Christian: 01473 890767

GET ACTIVE STAY FIT If you would like to improve your fitness in a fun and friendly atmosphere there are two local Exercise to Music classes for you to join. The class is low impact so you’ve always got one foot on the floor and everyone exercises at their own pace. We start with a gradual warm up to mobilise joints and warm the muscles, followed by exercises to build stamina. We continue with muscular strengthening movements, either holding onto a chair or seated.

You may be pleased to know you don’t need to get down onto the floor and up again during the class! We finish the session with stretching and relaxation.

The classes are easy to follow as I do the whole thing at the front of the group and talk you through it so you know what’s coming next. As well as the physical benefits, exercise is known to lift mood as our bodies release chemicals into the bloodstream, giving us the ‘feel good factor’. Research shows that keeping active is crucial in maintaining good memory and the ability to reason as we age.

So to help you feel more energetic, regain strength and improve suppleness in your joints come and join us on Tuesday afternoons at Henley Community Centre from 2.15-3.15 or Monday mornings at the Ascension Hall, Larchcroft Road, Ipswich from 11am-noon. Classes are run on a pay on the day basis and continue throughout the year.

For more details please contact Julia Drewell: 01473 620511 / julia.drewell.fitness@gmail.com

COFFEE MORNING AT ST PETER’S COURT, CLAYDON First Tuesday of every month There are table top sales and raffles and all the money raised goes to the Air Ambulance.

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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: FEBRUARY 2019 Cabinet approve cuts to Citizens Advice A consultation was held and an Equality Impact Assessment produced over the Christmas period to assess the impact cuts to county council funding of Citizens Advice. However, neither was available prior to the Cabinet meeting, so the county plan remains to cuts by 50 per cent to £184,000 in 2019/20 and to zero in 2020/21.

Austerity is still with us and could shortly take a turn for the worst so money saving is necessary, but at what cost? The CAB receives £1.2m in total from local authorities. They help 21,663 clients with 75,532 issues and claim to save the NHS £1.3m, DWP £2.2m and housing providers £1.7m in a year.

County was suggesting the CAB approach Suffolk crematoria for funds as they give money from gold fillings, etc. to charity, a suggestion I find hard to believe. However, the NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk and the NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Groups have stepped into the gap. Clearly they understand the value of this service despite their own funding issues.

Locality Funding This year, across my county and district locality budgets, I have managed to help Bramford Church redecorate their hall, the Victory Hall improve security, the Playing Field install a ‘castle’ and the parish buy a Vehicle Activated Sign. Henley Community Centre has had a donation towards replacement of their chairs, Great Blakenham Parish Room for redecoration and Bramford Scout Group to improve their kitchen. A bit Bramford and Blakenham focussed, but they had schemes to fund and your district councillors have been active in Claydon and Barham. I hope this meets with your approval.

Investment for Special Educational Needs A cross-party Policy Development Panel has recommended that Suffolk County Council invests £45.1m to develop new SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) schools and specialist units within schools in Suffolk.

This investment would create a desperately needed additional 828 specialist education places in Suffolk. Currently many children struggle to access appropriate provision and are forced to travel to out-of-county

schools to get the support they need. The Cabinet have agreed in principle to the PDP’s recommendations. The capital investment programme will need to undergo a full investment appraisal before the Cabinet will make a firm commitment, but this is good news.

Upper Orwell Crossings Project Cancelled The Upper Orwell Crossings project in Ipswich has finally been cancelled after concerns were raised last summer that the project was likely to go well over the original budget. It was not possible to get additional funding and the DfT funding will go to other national projects and will not be spent in Ipswich.

Suffolk County Council has spent over £8m on the project to date, most of which was on consultants’ fees. Money had to be spent to meet government target timings, but the county committed the cardinal sin of revising specifications significantly and running into cost increases. There were also delays in getting approval from landowners for some work.

New Director of Highways Appointed After a long search, a new Director of Growth, Highways and Infrastructure has been appointed. Mark Ash will join Suffolk County Council in February from Essex County Council.

Hackneys Corner Did I report improvement too soon? The area is tidier and some progress has been made by the new contractors. I have had residents asking about street lamp connection, but I believe that was always scheduled for a later date.

I have to say that in Baylham the contractor for the pipe laying has moved at a good pace, stayed ahead of schedule and keeping people informed.

It can be done!

If you have any queries, please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545423808 or email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk I do have Twitter (@JohnFieldjd) and Facebook (fieldjd) accounts and my website is at: www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE Easter Chocolate Bingo April 6 is our Easter Chocolate Bingo. Do remember that this was sold out in 2018 so get your tickets early! It’s not your normal Bingo! Using a big screen, all Bingo numbers are called by celebrity voices such as Michael Cane, Victor Meldrew, Ozzie Osborne and others. Prizes are given for one line, two lines and a full house and everything is chocolate related, though not all edible!

There are six games played, cards for games one to five are £1 each and for game six they are £3 each as the full house prize is £100 cash! During the interval a hot meal is provided followed by scrummy deserts. There will also be a free competition with a prize for the winners. We have a magnificent raffle – all Easter and Chocolate themed of course.

If you want a really good family night out, where children are welcome, a full bar is available and you get fed as well, all for only £6 (£3 for under10s), tickets are available from our charity shop on Coddenham Road in Needham Market or from: 01449 760343 / 07974 424374 Can you help us to help our children?

As many of you may know, the children arrive with only the clothes they

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are wearing. We are busy collecting nearly new items which we give to the children on arrival. They take clothes not only for themselves, but also for siblings at home. If you have any children’s clothing, particularly for ages six to 13, which you would like to donate we would be extremely grateful. We are now collecting clothing for all ages as any surplus to requirements for the summer group will be taken to the social shelter in Belarus, a home for children who have been removed from their parents care. The children can be in the home for up to six months while a decision is reached as to whether they can be returned home or will go on to be fostered or adopted. Donations can be left at the charity shop or call the number below to arrange collection.

If you are interested in finding out more about the charity in general, or maybe you would like to help in our charity shop we would love to hear from you. Please do get in touch.

Thank you to everyone for your support as always.

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / enquiries@ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk / www.facebook.com/ccllmidsuffolk

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NEWS CLAYDON & WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL MARCH 2019 We offer our sincere condolences to the family of the late Councillor Gerald James who died suddenly in January. Regrettably, Gerald only served as a member of the parish council for twelve months, but we record our gratitude for his contribution during that time.

Precept At a time when the county and district council and the Police & Crime Commissioner are all intending to increase Council Tax charges in 2019/20, Claydon & Whitton Parish Council have agreed a budget of £40,995 and a Precept (Parish Council Tax) of £52.55 for a council Band ‘D’ equivalent property which will mean that its proportion of the total Council Tax charge will not increase. However, it has been able to fund all its services and projects at the same level as in 2018/19 and also increase its donations to charitable organisations who work within the local community. In particular, because of the county council’s decision to withdraw funding to Citizens Advice, the council agreed to make a substantial increase to its annual contribution to Mid Suffolk CAB because its free advice services are likely to be used by a wide range of residents from our local community.

Local Elections Local council elections, including parish councils, will take place on May 2.

All existing Claydon & Whitton Parish Councillors will have to stand for reelection and, in addition, there are four vacancies on the council for which we require candidates. Some frequently asked questions about becoming a parish councillor are: •

What do councillors do? Parish councillors are democratically elected from the local community for four years. Becoming a councillor allows you to make a real difference in your community by engaging with residents, local groups and businesses to find out their needs; making decisions on which services and projects the council should take forward; and getting involved locally to ensure that services are meeting the community’s needs.

• How much time does it take? A recent survey found that councillors spend an average of three hours a week for council work which

often includes attending council meetings, engaging with residents and representing the council on local groups.

•

Who can stand for election? To stand for election you must be a British citizen, a citizen of the Commonwealth or the European Union, 18 years of age or older and live in an area that is served by the parish council (i.e. Claydon or Whitton Rural).

• How can I get involved? Anyone who wishes to stand for election as a parish councillor or who would like further information should contact our parish clerk in the first instance.

Paperless Billing Mid Suffolk District Council is promoting the use of paperless billing with a free online portal, MyAccount, with features that include: • Paperless billing (eBilling) • Viewing bills, reminders and notices • Applying for discounts and exemptions • Notification of a change in circumstances • Updating your personal details • 24/7 access to your account • Printing bills if you need them for proof/evidence To sign up (this only takes a few minutes) go to: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/ctpaperlessbilling Meetings in March The next parish council meeting will be held on Monday, March 11 at 7.30pm in Claydon & 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 C Greenan, 129 Poplar Hill, Stowmarket IP14 2AX / 07887 459989 / claywhit@btinternet.com

HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL At the January meeting of the parish council it was decided to make grants under Section 137 of the 1972 Local Government Act to local organisations. This is an annual process and the council sets aside some money in its annual budget for the purpose. Section 137 entitles the council to make grants to local groups for the benefit of the community – so anyone can apply.

Separately, the parish council decided to support the plan to replace all the chairs in the community centre, which are getting to the end of their useful life. The total cost of this will be £9,500. County Councillor John Field is able to provide £1,500 from his budget and District Councillors John Whitehead and James Caston can give £2,500. The remaining £5,500 will be divided equally between the parish council and the community centre charity itself. Section 133 of the Local Government Act 1972 gives the council the power to provide and furnish community buildings.

This year £200 each was handed to the East Anglia Air Ambulance, Henley Senior Citizens, Henley Players and the St Peter’s Parochial Church Council. In the case of the church, the money has to be spent on the upkeep of the churchyard, and not the church itself – the law is quite clear about that. Other groups can spend the money as they see fit, though the parish council does ask for an account of how the funds were used.

The next scheduled parish council meeting is on Tuesday, March 12 at 7.30pm in the community centre. A village litter pick will be arranged in March and details will be published as soon as available.

Although these decisions were made at the January meeting, which is usual, local groups can apply at any time for a grant. They just need to outline what the purpose of the application is and how it will benefit the community. The parish council has set aside £1,200 in its 2019/20 budget for this purpose.

If you are not on our village email list and would like to be, just send a simple request to henleyparishcouncil@gmail.com or rodcaird@yahoo. co.uk and we will sort it out. 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.

You can find our privacy notice on the Henley website. If you have any questions about this or anything else to do with the parish council, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Parish Council Clerk Rod Caird: 07785 331217 / www.henley.onesuffolk.net

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In Touch online:

NEWS BARHAM PARISH COUNCIL Following lasts month’s request for locations for additional waste bins, the parish council would like to thank residents for their feedback. The parish council will be purchasing new bins to be placed at Sandy Lane, at the entrance of The Crescent and near to the post box on Kirby Rise.

Since last month’s issue of In Touch, the council commissioned an external consultant to review the latest submission of the planning application for Church Lane (1856/17). P & DG provided a letter for the parish council, which has been submitted to the case officer at Mid Suffolk District Council. This can be viewed on MSDC planning portal and the village website.

The parish council were made aware of a document by Suffolk Highways which related to the planning applications for Church Lane (1856/17) and Ely Road (DC/18/00861), as well as other local areas. We commissioned THaT Consultancy to review this and provide a further transport report. Once completed, this will be submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council.

Over recent months the parish council have been looking to instruct a contractor to complete various tasks around the village. We are pleased to say that we have contracted someone local to clear the footpath between Coopers way and Station Road, as well as clearing the ditch area alongside the footpath between Thornhill Road and the slade.

The next full parish council meetings are on Mondays, March 4 and April 1 at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. The Annual Parish Meeting is still to be confirmed but will be advertised on the noticeboards and website.

Future meeting dates and agendas are available via the website or can be viewed on the village noticeboards located near the entrance of the Co-op and at Barham Green. If you would like a specific topic discussed as an agenda item please email the parish clerk. The agendas have to be published at least three clear working days before the meeting date, so any items received after this would have to be added to the next council meeting.

WORK ALONG THE RIVER GIPPING After closure of the Stowmarket Navigation in 1934 there followed many years of neglect, which resulted in the navigation becoming impassable and in some places, little better than an open drain.

The River Gipping Trust was formed just over 10 years ago to help preserve the historic heritage of the Stowmarket Navigation by restoring the structures that enabled navigation of the River Gipping from the centre of Stowmarket to the docks in Ipswich and to care for the flora and fauna of The Gipping Valley. Over the last few years, members of the River Gipping Trust have put in tens of thousands of hours of volunteer work along the river. Much restoration work on the four locks between Needham Market and Baylham has been done, but there is still much more to do. Three of the locks are virtually complete, ready for lock gates. The Trust is hoping to complete work on the fourth (at Pipps Ford) this year, so it too will be ready for lock gates.

Over the next couple of years the Trust is planning to build a new footbridge across the river near Baylham and thus restore the original footpath route alongside the river bank. Discussions with the landowners to build the bridge, with a permissive path to it are ongoing, and the Trust needs to raise the necessary funds for the bridge material. Our team of volunteers will carry out bridge installation works. Work has already commenced on the permissive path alongside the river leading to the bridge.

If you would like to join our work party please contact Martin Bird on 01394 380765.

Find our more at: www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk

Barham Parish Council Clerk Jo Culley 07958 402335 / barhampc@outlook.com For the latest news and information relating to the villages visit: www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net

NEW ANGLE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE Entries have now been received for the fifth biennial New Angle Prize for Literature, awarded to celebrate and encourage excellence in the regional literature of East Anglia.

The competition is organised by the Ipswich Institute and sponsored by Gotelee Solicitors and Scrutton Bland accountants. With a prize of £2,000 and £500 for the runner-up, the award is for recently published books of literary merit associated with or influenced by East Anglia.

The judges for 2019 are: Julia Blackburn: Poet and author of fiction and non-fiction, Her most recent book, Threads, won the East Anglian Book of the Year Award in 2015 and the 2017 New Angle Prize. Julia lives in Suffolk and sometimes in Italy.

Andrew Burton: Writer and teacher of playwriting and radio drama at University of Essex. Andrew has been on judging panels for playwriting and literature and also managed writer development programmes for Essex Book Festival.

Amanda Hodgkinson: An award winning, internationally bestselling novelist, journalist and lecturer. Her novel 22 Britannia Road won the Waterstone Award for best debut novel and the New Angle Prize EADT Readers Award in 2013. Amanda grew up on the Blackwater estuary in Essex and now lectures in creative writing at University of Suffolk.

Authors of the six short-listed books will attend a showcase book-reading event to be held at the Ipswich Institute on Wednesday, May 1 and prizewinners will be announced at a special awards dinner at Hintlesham Golf Club on Wednesday, July 3. Tickets for these events, which are open to nonmembers, are available from the Ipswich Institute. www.ipswichinstitute.org.uk / 01473 253992

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROMWASTE FACILITY

In February Mr Ken Lightfoot told us many hilarious stories about his time on the railway.

Our next meeting is on March 4 when our talk is about the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

We meet at the Guide and Scout HQ in Ship Lane Bramford at 2pm. Visitors and new members always welcome.

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, March 28: Zeppelin Raids Over East Anglia by Ian Mclachlan Wednesday, April 24: The Steam Tug by Janet Hall We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich; entrance via the rear car park. visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

01473 422145 / www.idhts.co.uk

CLAYDON & BARHAM VILLAGE HALL Dates for March Friday 1

Moo Music Gipping School of Dance

10am-noon 4-5.30pm

Monday 4

Barham PC Meeting

7-10pm

Thursday 7 Young Families

Silver Surfers

Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 8

Moo Music Gipping School of Dance

10am-noon 4-5.30pm

Sunday 10

Private Hire

1-6pm

Monday 11 Crafts Addicts

Claydon PC Meeting

1-4pm 7.30-9.30pm

Tuesday 12 Women’s Institute

7-10pm

Thursday 14 Sunshine Service

Silver Surfers

Slimming World

10am-noon 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 15

10am-noon 4-5.30pm

Moo Music Gipping School of Dance

Thursday 21 Young Families

Silver Surfers

Slimming World

9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 22

10am-noon 4-5.30pm

Moo Music Gipping School of Dance

Monday 25 Crafts Addicts

Claydon PC Meeting

1-4pm 7.30-9.30pm

Thursday 28 Silver Surfers

Slimming World

11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm

Friday 29

10am-noon 4-5.30pm

Moo Music Gipping School of Dance

Saturday 30 Private Hire

9.30am - 1pm

Please visit the Claydon and Barham website and use the online booking process. Follow the notes on the bookings page. If you have a problem please phone Geoff on 01473 836972 or email us at: cbvillagehall@btinternet.com

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Come and have a look around Are you interested in finding out how your household waste is turned into energy? We are hosting a series of open days throughout the upcoming months. We have places available on the following dates: March 15 at 10am, April 2 at 6pm and June 3 at 2pm.

There are up to 20 spaces available on each day, and pre-booking is essential.

Email suffolkefw.uk@suez.com or call 01473 839149 to enquire about a space. Can’t make the dates? We host tours for groups or five or more people, or alternatively we can contact you when our next open days are scheduled.

SUEZ Communities Trust SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding to projects that support community and environmental improvements. In 2018, the trust awarded over £15,000 to projects local to the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility.

Funding is available to projects within close proximity to any SUEZ sites that meet certain criteria. If you know of any local projects that could be deserving of funding, visit the following website for more information about the trust and how to apply: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk We’re on Twitter Did you know that Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility is on social media?

For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and all the handy tips you could ever need about rubbish, recycling, and food waste, follow us on Twitter: @suffolkefw Any questions?

If you have any queries about our operations, please contact the facility at: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB Chris Parfitt gave a talk on the gardens of the Isle of Wight at our first meeting of the new year. As usual, this was a very interesting evening, especially as Chris spent a few years there as a boy.

Our next meeting is on Monday, March 11 at 7.30pm in Offton and Willisham Village Hall when Neil Bradfield will give a talk on Ulting Wick Gardens, which are in the heart of rural Essex.

For further information please call: 01473 254941/830600

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09/05/2018 16:33

Pip’s Tree Services Pruning, shaping and reductions.

Felling and dismantling.

Hedge cutting and stump grinding.

Contact me for a free quote or advice:

Philippa@pipstreeservices.co.uk

07538 797 302 All Aspects of tree work undertaken. www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

IPSWICH & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY ANNUAL EXHIBITION

Church Lane, Claydon IP6 0EG Monday: Abi Dance for Fitness 6-7pm / Short Mat Carpet Bowls 7pm / Bar Open 7-10pm Tuesday: Karate (all ages) 4-7pm / Carpet Bowls / Ladies Darts / Pool League in the Compton Lounge / Bar Open 7pm-midnight Wednesday: Bingo / Pool League / Crib / Bar Open 7-11.30pm Thursday: Street Dance for Young People 6.30-8pm Friday: Karate (all ages) 4-7pm / Bar Open 7pm-midnight / Weight Watchers in the Compton Lounge 5.30-6.30pm – entry via the rear gate on the school side of the community centre.

Money Box: Drawn on Friday evenings at approximately 10pm. It starts with 15 keys and the prize increases until the key turns the lock. December was won with a jackpot of £800 and it has now re-started with keys for just £1.

The hall is available on Friday evenings.

Saturday: Co-Op Juniors Dance Company 9am-noon / Bar Open 7pm-midnight Sunday: Bar Open noon-4.30pm / Christmas Saving Club and a traditional meat draw Don’t forget the full size pool table where you get three games for £1. The table cloth has been upgraded to match quality.

We have several popular lagers and real ales, plus soft drinks, wines and spirits (including the latest gins) at very competitive prices (cheapest in the locality).

The Main Hall and Compton Lounge are available for hire.

Contact: claydonandbcc@gmail.com / 01473 831805 Claydon and Barham Community Centre raised £215 from donations and other events held at the traditional Christmas Party. The charity was chosen on the evening from a list distributed at the party and Dementia Support was selected. On Monday, January 28, Trevor Messenger and Peter Avis presented the cheque to Vicky Hutchinson from Age UK (Suffolk) who organise this important support. presented the cheque.

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

Ipswich & District PS stages its 2019 Annual Exhibition in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Cornhill Ipswich IP1 1DH from Tuesday 5 to Saturday, March 16, 10am-5pm each day (closed Sundays and Monday, March 11 and at 4pm on Saturday 16). Entrance is free and visitors are very welcome. There will be prize draw for visitors to win a framed image of their choice.

Nearly 300 prints and 250 digital images (on wide screen TV) will be on display covering a wide range of genres including monochrome and colour, landscape, pictorial, creative, record, photojournalism, sport, record, portraiture and natural history. In all some 40 members of the society will have their work exhibited, including High Toss Serve by Roger Hance and Glen Coe across Loch Achtriochtan by David Robinson shown above.

The exhibition is always independently selected. This year, from around 1,000 entries, the prints where selected by Chris Palmer FRPS EFIAP DPAGB APAGB and the projected digital images by Ian Wilson ARPS. IDPS has an impressive collection of silverware to be presented for the best image in each of the genres. The trophies and awards will be presented by the Worshipful the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Jane Riley at the society’s annual awards dinner at the Ipswich and Suffolk Club. This will include the Mayor’s Cup for the image selected personally by the mayor as the Best in Exhibition at a preview on Tuesday, March 5 at 3.30pm.

IDPS continues to be one of the largest photographic societies in East Anglia and one of the leading photographic clubs in the country. The society meets at Burlington Baptist Church Centre, London Road, Ipswich IP1 2EZ. Meetings are on Mondays at 7.30pm. For further information visit the website -and for membership enquiries email: membership@idps.org.uk Exhibition Secretary David Robinson ARPS www.idps.org.uk

If you are a member of, or a volunteer for, the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on March 19 when Nick Collinson, general manager for East Suffolk National Trust, will talk about the National Trust properties in East Suffolk. He will be placing particular emphasis on Sutton Hoo where major changes across the site have transformed the way in which the stories of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time are presented to the public. The meeting will be preceded by a short AGM. On April 16 an ambassador from Trinity House will talk about the lighthouses around our coast.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING EVENT

EASTER BRIC-A-BRAC SALE 1st Sproughton Brownies are holding our annual Easter Bric-a-Brac Sale on Saturday, March 23 in Sproughton Church Hall from 2-4pm.

Live music from the 50s 60s and 70s, singing and dancing are coming to Great Blakenham Village Hall on Friday, April 5, 7.30-11.30pm.

Tickets are just £7.50.

This year’s sale is in aid of Save the Children, H.O.P.S and Brownie funds. Please come along, support us and grab yourself a bargain.

Following the highly successful pig racing night which raised £1,000, the Suffolk British Heart Foundation volunteer group in Great Blakenham is hosting their second event to raise funds for the charity.

Admission is free! Stalls include white elephant, toys, books, clothes, next-to-new, cakes, a draw, tombolas, games and refreshments.

If you enjoy live music, singing and dancing, and are partial to a great party atmosphere, then this will be for you. Kevin Barry will be performing at Great Blakenham Village Hall so make sure that you don’t miss out as tickets will sell out very quickly.

GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA

Tickets can be ordered from any of the people below. Don’t forget to dig out those outfits from the back of the wardrobe and come dressed for the era.

In a change to the previously announced schedule we shall be showing The Jungle Book on March 31. This is due to the fact that the film company is not permitting showings of Mary Poppins while the original is in the cinema and as there is no guarantee that the license for Mary Poppins Returns will be out in time we have had to change the film.

After a Facebook poll where 47 of 86 people voted, the film for March will now be The Jungle Book.

In addition to a raffle to raise funds to make the cinema sustainable, we will also be holding a cake sale to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. Brain Tumour Research holds a Wear a Hat Day to raise awareness and funds in March. It would be great to see the biggest, boldest and hattiest hat yet for which there will be a prize.

Working with the Suffolk Cinema Network, films are shown on a 10ft x 7.5 ft screen. Doors open at 2pm and movies begin at a 2.30pm. We are trying to make the event accessible to all and to be dementia friendly with all our volunteers being Dementia Friends. Thanks to Suffolk Cinema Network, the first three showings are being funded by the National Lottery without whose support this would be impossible.

This is a not for profit business run by volunteers with any funds raised going back into the venture to improve the experience. We have been lucky enough to be supported by Power to Change whose vision is to create better places through community business.

If you feel you could give some time once a month, or join the rota of volunteers, donate raffle prizes or help spread word then please do get in touch at greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com, via the Facebook page (Great Blakenham Cinema) or by calling Becky on 07852 472082.

Fantastic raffle and a fully licenced bar at club prices. You just need to bring your own snacks.

Keely: 07816 498095 / keely.crane@gmail.com Tracey: 07938 705578 (6-9pm Mon-Thurs / noon-9pm Fri) Nigel: 07387 261861 / donkinn@bhf.org.uk Please help the Great Blakenham BHF Volunteer Group to Beat Heartbreak Forever.

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/village 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 5G 5H 5I 5J 5K

Location

Time

Sproughton Church Lane Sproughton Wild Man Bramford St Mary’s Close Bramford Paper Mill Lane Great Blakenham Chequers Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Baylham Post Box Claydon Crown Claydon, Edinburgh Gardens Barham Bacon Road Bramford Packard Place

9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-10.55am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm

2019: 12 March, 9 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July, 30 July, 27 August, 24 September, 22 October, 19 November, 17 December

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 Town/village 13A 13B 13C 13D 13E 13F 13G 13H 13I 13J 13K 13L 13M

Location

Crowfield Lay by Coddenham Haysel House Barham Sorrel Horse Creeting St Mary Whissels Farm Creeting St Mary Village Hall Creeting St Peter The Lane Earl Stonham Village Hall Little Stonham Church Little Stonham Magpie Inn Mickfield Church, Debenham Road Stonham Aspal, Walnut Tree Meadow Pettaugh Old Bull Henley Garage

Time 9.25-09.45am 9.55-10.50am 11-11.10am 11.20-11.30am 11.35-11.45am 11.55am-12.10pm 12.20-12.50pm 2-2.10pm 2.15-2.25pm 2.30-2.45pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm

2019: 22 March, no visit in April, 17 May, 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 29 November, 27 December

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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, the club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) from 2-4pm. The building is fully accessible. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. Alternatively you may wish to bring your own project and enjoy our company and make new friends. Members take it in turns to make the tea.

We started back in February and were pleased to welcome Sue Grayston from Nettlestead to the club. Our first workshop for the year was a new baby and toddler card making workshop with lots of materials in the goody bags to make at least five cards or a picture or mobile for the nursery.

OUR PROGRAMME FOR 2019 March 4: Seaside April 1: Fact and Fantasy

CLAYDON & BARHAM WI We ended 2018 with our Christmas party which was helped on its way by a generous donation from the Co-Op. In January, Jenny Ablett gave us an interesting talk on her journey into priesthood.

February saw Bridget Keevil from Travel Stop giving us an insight to her amazing experience of taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 2015/16. She had never sailed before, but responded to an advert to achieve something remarkable. The race lasted 11 months and her boat came in seventh overall out of 12.

Bridget experienced 130mph winds, a waterspout and saw many whales. During a storm in the Pacific Ocean the boat was flipped and she was trapped underwater, injured. Still she carried on to the bitter end after a short stay in hospital. It was an amazing thing to do, but I don’t think any of us will be following in her footsteps!

May 13: Village Life and Little Mice June 3: Summer Sewing July 1: A Bit of Bling August 5: Autumn’s Coming September 2: Take Heart

In March we are welcoming Sarah to give us a taste of Zumba. Come and join us and give it a go.

October 7: Fabric Cards November 4: Christmas Cards with a Twist December 2: AGM There is currently room for new members so please get in touch if you would like to join us. Although the club is all ladies at present, gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children.

Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

2019 is Claydon and Barham WI’s centenary year. One of our celebratory activities will be lunch at the Claydon Hotel. Invites have been sent out to past members to join us. If we have missed anyone out, please contact Pat: 01473 831308 Being our centenary year we have other activities planned such as a BBQ and an evening with the Stowmarket Strummers.

We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm in the village hall. If you would like further information please contact Pat on 831308 or Sue on 831396, or you can just turn up on the night where you will get a warm welcome.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50’s CLUB

Henley WI INVITATION

The cost per meeting is £2 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and the raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each.

to our Birthday Meeting

when

We started back on January 9 and though few in number had an enjoyable Beetle Drive in the afternoon. On January 23 we enjoyed quizzes and bingo. Our remaining programme for the first half of the year is:

Anne Reeder, Milliner will present “All about Hats” on Thursday 21 March 2019

One of her creations

7.30pm Henley Community Centre Church Meadows, Henley IP6 0RP Light Refreshments £4.00 non-members

RSVP: 14 March 2019 Alice Robertson, Henley WI Secretary alice.robertson@btinternet.com Tel: 07840360899

Open to anyone over-50 living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm in Great Blakenham Parish Room (opposite the Chequers PH) on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The building is fully accessible.

Anne in her workshop Ever considered joining the WI? Why not come and enjoy the evening with us

March 13:

On This Day

March 27:

The History of Mother’s Day

April 10:

Spring Raffle and Bring-and-Buy

April 24:

Celebrating the Queen’s Reign

May 8:

Games Afternoon

May 22:

Social Afternoon with Brenda

June 12:

TBC

June 26:

TBC

July 10:

Social Afternoon with Sandra

July 24:

Summer Party

New members are always welcome so if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT ORWELL DECORATIVE SOCIETY Our 2019 program started with an interesting talk from Andrew Spira who took us on a fascinating journey through St Petersburg using examples of art and architecture.

In a change to our previously published program, on Wednesday, March 6, we are delighted to welcome Christopher Garibaldi as our guest speaker.

His subject is Treasures of the Turf; The Fine and Decorative Arts of Horse Racing. On April 3 our guest speaker is Simon Inglis with a talk entitled Beer and Skittles.

The talks throughout the year cover a broad spectrum of art. If this is something which appeals to you please come and meet us.

We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew IP4 5SU on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing promptly at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins before the day on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

WOMEN TOGETHER RECOVERY GROUP (WT) Meetings are self-help recovery groups for all women regardless of their addiction or life problem. They are facilitated by women who are in recovery themselves and people who have supported others in their journey to freedom. We provide an environment where women can talk about their daily struggles, share their experiences, strength and hope openly and honestly in a safe place. They can be with others who share a common desire to overcome addictive behaviour. It’s somewhere women can seek healing for one another. WT wants women to regain the self-confidence, self-belief and self-worth that addiction has stolen from them.

Meetings are held on Monday at 10.30am at Whitton Baptist Church, 209 Highfield Road, Ipswich IP1 6DH, on Monday evenings at 7.45pm at Shepherd Drive Baptist Church, Shepherd Drive, Pinewood, Ipswich IP8 3SL and on Thursdays at 1.1 pm at Ipswich Community Church, Clarkson Street, Ipswich IP1 2JL For more information please visit the Women Together Recovery Group Ipswich Facebook page, or contact us at: womentogether@talithakoum.org.uk / 07503 416576

STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB This month’s meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 7.30pm at Woolpit Village Hall, when Dulcie Lofting from King’s Lynn will give a demonstration entitled Renaissance. Her arrangements will be raffled at the end of the meeting, when refreshments will be served.

Our January meeting involved a demonstration by Vicki Hease entitled Twiggy Foam-Free Design. This was followed by hot homemade soup provided by members of the committee, before club members tried their hands at Vicki’s design, which just required an empty plastic bottle, some twigs and tulips. There was lots of laughter and a fun time was had by all. Why not come along and see what inspires you?

Henley Mothers’ Union The AGM took place on January 14 and was kindly hosted by Joyce. Meetings are usually held in members’ homes and offers of venues for the 2019 programmes were very much appreciated.

The annual report was given by Clare. It was reviewed and accepted by members, with thanks to Clare for her leadership. It was noted that both Clare and Jane had come to the end of their first three years in role as chair and treasurer. They were both prepared to stand again and there were no other nominations. Sincere thanks were given to both.

During the meeting it was suggested that MU could meet for lunch. Through circumstance this has not happened in the last two years, but as it was such a popular idea, perhaps we might be able to manage it this year. A rota is being set up for members to tidy and replenish the MU children’s bags which are used regularly in church.

During the treasurer’s report the fact that our small group had managed to raise a lot of money was again commented upon, therefore enabling to make sizeable donations of around £1,000 to MU causes. The ‘little blue bags’ are to continue as they are still a very worthwhile means of raising money, last year bringing in £224. The cake sales to Henley Orchestra are to continue in 2019 as a fundraiser with Anji acting as coordinator.

Although this year’s programme is not yet finalised, the discussion brought in lots of suggestions which means 2019 is going to be varied and interesting.

They will continue to meet in the evening of the second Monday in the month, and three times in an afternoon, dates to be decided. At the March meeting Richard Stainer will be speaking on the subject of plastic and the environment.

If there is anything you would like to know about this group, please contact Clare: 01473 832808 Alex Pratt

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS AT ORCHARD BARN IN 2019 We have planned an excellent range of courses and workshops at Orchard Barn this year.

Some are offered free and for others there is a charge to cover our costs. All courses are taught by well-known experts in their fields. Here is a selection of those taking place in the early months of the year: March 5: Restorative Fruit Tree Pruning Thanks to Orchards East and the Heritage Lottery Fund this workshop is free.

March 15-16: Hurdle Making Make and take home a Suffolk gate hurdle.

April 4-6: Shave Horse Make and take home a wooden shave horse, an item of equipment that will last for many years.

April 9: Introduction to Timber Framing This popular course covers the techniques and tools used in traditional timber-framed constructions.

Further details of these courses and workshops, including information on how to book, can be found at: http://orchardbarn.org.uk/courses Orchard Barn, situated in Bildeston Road, Ringshall, provides opportunities for volunteers to experience and develop skills in a delightful rural setting.

These include organic gardening, maintaining the Orchard Barn site, orchard and pond maintenance, woodwork and administration. If you would like to know more, or if there are other skills that you would like to offer to Orchard Barn as a volunteer, please email: carole.orchardbarn@gmail.com

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Out & ABOUT / Schools IPSWICH & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired gentlemen.

We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects.

In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us.

If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com

CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Despite last half term being short, we have been busy with various trips, visits and activities including, our bi-annual ski trip to Austria, GCSE Bootcamp at Mersea Island, indoor rock climbing as well as some successful sporting achievements in cross-country and basketball.

We recently enjoyed hosting students and staff from schools in Shanghai, China. These students joined us to experience lessons in an English school, but the cultural exchange has been both ways. Year 7 students have been taught some basic Mandarin phrases, how to count to ten on one hand and to write some basic characters using traditional calligraphy. Our Year 10 mathematicians worked alongside the students from China to deliver some Maths Mastery lessons to students in Year 7 and also to students at Claydon Primary School. We are looking to explore a future fuller exchange visit with some of the people we have met.

On February 4 a group of students were joined by a fantastic local band called Gemma and the Night Jars and a team from I.E.M. (Industry Education in Music) to take part in a rock band workshop and concert.

Students from across all year groups split into groups to form nine separate ’bands’ and spent the day composing original pop music from scratch. With a very tight deadline, this was a huge challenge but our talented students worked extremely hard, using advice and guidance from the professionals to come up with some impressive and original material that was performed at a concert on the very same evening!

Elsewhere in the school, auditions for this year’s production of We Will Rock You have taken place and the cast will soon be busy rehearsing the popular songs by Queen as we look forward to staging another fantastic musical. Our Duke of Edinburgh students are busy planning to undertake their expeditions, doing a test run first a bit closer to home where they can practise their walking, map reading, cooking and camping skills. Donations of unwanted, good quality two/three man tents will be gratefully received. Please contact Mr Davenport at gdavenport@claydonhigh.com for more information. We are also currently painting our baby ‘Elmer the Elephant’ who will form part of Elmer’s Big Parade and be on display at the Suffolk Show in May to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice.

As I write this article, we still have so much to look forward to including an art exhibition featuring work from our feeder primary school students alongside Years 7-9, BBC School Report Day, a visit by students from the Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria Alixar on the return leg of our Spanish Exchange programme and our PTA Quiz Night on Thursday, March 21 at 7pm. If you would like to join us for this fun and popular evening, please contact Lisa on: admin@claydonhigh.com If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Thursday, March 7. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place.

Headteacher Maéve Taylor

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL At the time of writing the children have been enjoying tasting Chinese food and doing different pig crafts relating to Chinese New Year 2019, The Year of the Pig. They are looking forward to dressing up in their pyjamas next week for Crackerjacks Children’s Trust and will be doing a cooking activity for Valentine’s Day. The children enjoy playing outside in all weathers, especially when it snows. We have recently had our Ofsted inspection and we’re very proud to have received a ‘Good’ rating. A number of companies have come to have a look at our garden as we are going to revamp it. We have sent out the Smartie challenge to parents and children to raise money for our garden improvements.

As we are now open all year (except bank holidays and the Christmas period) we can take children up to five years old for additional sessions during the school holiday weeks, subject to availability. If you would like to book any days during the holidays, please contact the administration assistant for more details.

We can take children who are entitled to 30 hours funding. Simply register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible.

If you would like an application form or any further information please contact Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk www.claydonpreschool.co.uk

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Our Quiz and Curry night was other great event raising a grand total of £1,100 which will go towards a trip to Jimmy’s Farm later in the year and other new resources. Thank you to all who supported this event and look forward to it next year.

The beginning of March celebrates National Book Week and the children will be dressing as their favourite characters and bringing along their books from home to share. We have our Stay and Play sessions in the week commencing March 25 and the children will be planting daffodils for Mother’s Day gifts and will be out in the garden planting vegetable and flowers.

We are a small, rural and friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre.

We pride ourselves on high levels of staff to children ratios and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children. All staff are highly trained and continue with regular training to build their knowledge further.

We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely together to ensure we work in partnership. We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers.

Session places are currently available. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children plus two and three-year-old funded. We are open in term time only from 9am to 3pm.

We have a well-supported Facebook page that provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been doing.

It’s also another way to contact the setting directly.

For further information please call 01473 833848 during session time (9am3pm) or email Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget and the team www.henleypreschool.com

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Schools / SPORT CHINESE NEW YEAR AT CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY

GIPPING VALLEY BOWLS CLUB

Members of Gipping Valley A Team received their trophy for winning Division D of the Ipswich & District 2 Wood League at the league’s annual dinner dance held at the Ipswich Hotel. Pictured left to right are John Alderton, Linda Tricker, Pat Ward, Keith Page, Norman Bright (Captain), Mick Roberts, Jim Porter, Edie Roberts, John Hooper and Tony Adams.

MEADLANDS INDOOR BOWLS CLUB At Claydon Nursery we plan activities around children’s interests, along with events and celebrations that come up throughout the year. A range of stimulating adult-led activities run alongside continuous provision, with carefully planned enhancements to support children’s learning through exploration and play.

We have been very busy learning about Chinese New Year. We looked at where China is on a map of the world and we talked about different foods that are eaten and grown in China. We learnt about the Chinese Zodiac and found out that it is The Year of the pig.

OPEN MORNING Don’t forget our open mornings during the week beginning March 18. Please phone our school office on 01473 830439 to book a visit if you would like to come and see us.

Nursery Teacher Georgina Chapman

This is my first article about MIDC and is mainly aimed at outdoor bowlers who haven’t tried indoor bowling and anyone who would like to try bowling, especially those looking for a sport/pastime in which to participate, bowls being an ideal sport for everyone whatever their age.

So who and where are we? We are the bowls section of Stowmarket Meadlands Recreation Club and our three lane rink is situated on Needham Road, Stowmarket (next to the Cedars Hotel). It is open seven days a week all year round from 10am to 10pm.

Daytime and evening league matches are played between September and April at the following times: • Birdie League, 3-wood Triples: Monday to Friday mornings, 10am-noon • Rivers League, 3-wood Triples: Monday and Friday afternoons, 2-4pm • Herbert Rampling Mixed Pairs (one male one female), 4-wood: Tuesday afternoons, 2-4pm • Alan Pile Mixed Pairs (any combination), 4-wood: Thursday afternoons, 2-4pm • Roll-ups (social bowling): Mondays at noon, Wednesdays at 2pm and Thursdays at 6pm

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 27 years. We welcome mums, dads, 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 from 9.30-11.30am on March 7 and 21 in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

At our regular sessions families can enjoy a themed 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.

For parents and carers it is a good opportunity 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 Olivia, Oakley, Harrison and Ethan who all celebrate in March.

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

• Freddie Dew (Drawn 3-wood Triples): Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 6-8pm, September to December • Ken Wright (Drawn 3-wood Triples): Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 6-8pm, January to April • Freedom League (Drawn Triples): Wednesday at 7pm. A relaxed format league played either 14 ends with 3-woods or 18 ends with 2-woods. A point is awarded for hitting the jack and team formations can be changed at any time. This is a very popular league.

• Village League (team of up to 9), 3-wood triples: Any evening, 8-10pm All free slots (daytime and evenings Monday to Friday and at weekends) can be booked via a diary located in the bowls hall.

We are open all year round and a summer league runs on Wednesdays from 10am-noon. All other slots are free to be booked by any member.

For further details, such as membership costs and rink fees, contact David: 01449 613144 / 07717 940270 I hope all this talk of leagues and formats hasn’t put you off as we are really just a very friendly bunch of people who enjoy bowling, so why not come and join us?

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

Our next article will be for our current bowlers with all the up-to-date league positions and any other interesting news.

Michelle

David Hindley

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SPORT SPRING IS IN THE AIR – It’s TIME TO PLAY TENNIS! Spring is just around the corner and at Bramford Tennis Club we hope you are getting ready to get outdoors as the weather improves and will join us at your local community tennis club. We aim to have lots on offer for all ages and abilities. Our AGM is set for Sunday, March 24 and Carl, the tennis coach, will return with some great coaching offers and fun events including:

Tales from the 19th Hole As I write, we have yet to commence the 2019 season, but following the recent AGM, re-elected club secretary Keith Lawrance is now compiling this year’s programme. Grahame summed up Keith’s role, re-iterating, should anyone forget, what a fundamental part he plays as the heartbeat of our organisation.

All officers were re-appointed, so Brian Shaw remains captain, Steve Brock his deputy as well as competitions director, and following a second year of increased funds, Simon Fisher as treasurer. Number 10 may yet come calling after April. Grahame Hughes continues as subscriptions officer and yours truly, Shaun Vincent, as press officer.

Quorn Family Cup: Saturday, April 6 at 2pm Fun doubles parent/child competition based on the mini tennis format, using soft balls and short rackets.

Road to Wimbledon: Saturday, May 4 at 2pm Fun singles tournament for kids 14 and under (14U) with the winner going on to represent the club at regional finals and possibly going all the way to Wimbledon!

Tennis for Kids 2019 The LTA’s flagship Tennis for Kids programme will return in the spring for beginner players in the 5-7 or 8-11 age brackets. TFK is a great way to introduce your kids to the fantastic sport of tennis and each six-week course includes a racket, t-shirt and set of balls.

Mini Tennis Mini Tennis RED (5-7) and Mini Tennis Orange (8-11) squads will return to the club after the Easter break and are a great way for kids to continue to build their tennis skills after Tennis for Kids.

Tennis 3’s One for the adults and older kids, a fast paced and fun version of tennis played as a team. This one will get your pulse racing and help develop your skills, reaction levels and tactical awareness.

Cardio Tennis Cardio Tennis is a high energy fitness activity that combines the best features of the sport of tennis with cardiovascular exercise, delivering the ultimate, full body, calorie burning aerobic workout. No prior playing experience required and all equipment is provided.

To sign up or express interest in any of the above please contact our coach, Carl Douglas: 07553 966380 / carl.douglas@talk21.com To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub

This is the first year in several where the captain had actually prepared a report, rather than winging it on the night. We will return to Dunston Hall for a weekend in June and to France in September for our 15th tour. The quiz night makes a return on October 19 with tweaks made to the format following constructive feedback by several attendees. We will strive to serve the three-course menu earlier in the evening than in past years.

Brian introduced a fine system at the start of 2018 for minor golfing indiscretions. Over the year the negligible 50p fines had totalled £89 and it was agreed to round this up to £100 from funds and donate to Brookes Wish to Walk. We were pleased to hear that our membership may be increased in the coming year with a number of people having expressed an interest in joining our ranks. Over the years new faces have joined us, while others have found it difficult to get to many events; this includes several second generation members who show us elders just how far a golf ball can be struck. New members are always welcomed with contact details to be found on the Henley website. Why not join us for one of our events and see how you fit in? You may not need to be embarrassed by taking home the Golden Boot following a proposal to potentially retire this iconic symbol.

Finally, I was interested to look back at the past season’s performances with data provided by Steve (which excluded France and Christmas).

A presentation at the AGM rewarded Shaun as HOGS highest scorer with 196 points, just pipping Peter and Paul C with 192 and 189 respectively. It was a slightly disingenuous measure of success with all three players attending every event. Shaun commented that it was like his school report and rewarded his attendance more than his attainment, but those prize bottles don’t drink themselves and thus was gratefully received. Average scores may have been a more accurate analysis, but this throws up odd results depending on the number of rounds played. Results are noted below but the average across the whole year was a respectable 27 points. The best individual score in the year was Terry A with 42 points. It was good to see that the average score per event improved across the year, starting on circa 23 points and finishing on nearly 32. Plotted on a graph this shows a steady increased line, the only blip being the second round at Dunston Hall which is probably due to poor weather conditions and not by any means a late night bar. Hopefully things will continue to improve in a similar manner in 2019 so here’s to a good year’s golf!

Other average scores in 2018: Tom 40 (1), Terry A 29.3 (4), Terry L 29 (5), Paul G 29 (1), Simon 28.8 (5), Keith 28.7 (6), Shaun 28 (7), Peter 27.4 (7), Paul C 27 (7), Grahame 27 (2), Scott 27 (4), Brian 26.8 (6), Mike 26.3 (6), Darryn 25.5 (2), Alan 23.3 (3), Ian 26.3 (4), Nick 22 (3), Steve 21.8 (6).

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CHURCH NEWS I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW THE RAIN HAS GONE!

One of the buzz phrases of the last year is ‘Fake News’. When I try to find a definition, it seems to vary from flat out lying to spinning the truth to say what we would like it to say. A similar example might include the Russian ‘troll factories’ where people are allegedly employed en mass to deliberately spread certain opinions and agendas to the world on social media sites.

It was Winston Churchill who perceptively said: “A lie can be half way round the world before the truth has got its trousers on!”

In a world of smartphones and the internet, we have immediate ‘news’ updates as events happen all around the globe. We hear daily from world leaders, politicians and news reporters. It’s up to us to be discerning in what we accept as truth. We can either take everything we hear and read at face value, or we can look into further ways to verify and corroborate the truth.

The word Gospel literally means ‘good news’ and the four gospels in the Bible are eye witness accounts of those who lived their lives alongside Jesus and saw His life, His teaching, His death and resurrection. The gospels make some extraordinary claims about Jesus and if there is any chance that they can be true then there can be no more important news to hear and examine.

One of the most interesting films I saw last year (and highly recommend) is called The Case for Christ, based on the book by author Lee Strobel. Lee, a journalist working for a newspaper in Chicago, had been an atheist for many years and was more than a little annoyed when his wife became a Christian. He set out to systematically disprove Christianity by attacking all of the areas that would cause it to collapse. He started with the evidence for the Resurrection, recognising that if this was disprovable the rest of it would of course fall flat. Over the next two years he went on to investigate the evidence for the authenticity of the gospel accounts, their reliability as historical documents, the archaeological evidence of Jesus life, medical evidence regarding His death, psychological factors that may have affected His followers and much more.

The book is a collection of interviews that he had with leading experts in each field, many of whom were not Christians themselves, but who gave impartial opinions of the questions asked of them within their fields. As the weight of evidence increased he ultimately reached the conclusion that the gospels were trustworthy and he joined his wife in trusting fully in Jesus Christ.

Discover & Do continues on March 3 at 4pm where there is craft and/or opportunity to chat before a short talk followed by food.

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance.

The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” C S Lewis WEEKLY EVENTS Monday Fortnightly: Little Owls Toddler Group, 10am-noon Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 7.30-8.30pm Wednesday: Coffee Morning, 10am-noon. All welcome.

Thursday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon For more information contact Michael: admin@blakenhambaptist.org.uk 01473 839785 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

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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 Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com Letter from the Vicar All change! Lent challenges us to think about change. We often give things up or take things on, like our 40acts daily challenge, to help us prepare for Easter.

The point of giving things up is to change and shape us into better people. It might be a small change, but sometimes it’s a big change. The challenge to be more generous or hospitable to those around us, the change of talking less and listening more or the change to become more fit and healthy. For Christians it also involves something spiritual too – to pray more, for example.

Later this month, another change will happen. The title of ‘Rector’ will be restored to this post after 20 years of it being ‘Priest-in-Charge’. Rector means the same as Vicar or Priest – but is an old legal name for the type of living the Priest had. It might not mean much to you all, but it will make some aspect of the legal side of my job much easier. Other changes include work to our church buildings which are all launching major restoration and reordering projects this year.

All these things, and the aim of Lent, is to draw us closer to God. You are welcome to join us as we prepare for the change that Easter brings.

The Revd Carl Melville: carlmelville@hotmail.com SERVICES IN MARCH Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am Sunday, March 3: Sunday Before Lent 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church

Wednesday, March 6: Ash Wednesday 7pm Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes, Barham Church Sunday, March 10: Lent 1 8am Holy Communion 9.30am family@henley 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church

Sunday, March 17: Lent 2 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Prayer 11am Holy Communion

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church

Sunday, March 24: Lent 3 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Holy Communion 11am Elevenses@GB 4pm Evensong

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church

Sunday, March 31: Lent 4/Mothering Sunday 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am All Age Holy Communion Henley Church 10am All Age Holy Communion Barham Church 11am All Age Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Sunday, April 7: Lent 5 Passiontide 10am Passiontide Holy Communion Barham Church

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MARCH: LENT – PREPARING THE WAY I’m a Celeb, Get Me Outta Here!

Family@church Services for all at: Gt Blakenham Church: Sunday, March 3, 11am Henley Church: Sunday, March 10, 9.30am Refreshments available at all of our services. All welcome!

Further services can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com Facebook and Twitter: ‘The Claydon Group of Churches’ NEWS Pancakes & Puzzles: Why not celebrate Shrove Tuesday with us from 6.30pm in Gt Blakenham Parish Room. Open to all ages. No charge, but donations welcome.

Lent 2019: Ash Wednesday kicks Lent off on March 6. We will be holding the traditional Ashing Service at 7pm in Barham Church. Please do join a Home Group during Lent, where we’ll be looking at the theme of ‘giving’. The groups meet at various places which can be found on our website by clicking LENT. 40acts: Over Lent we will be challenging ourselves to fulfil a daily task and act. Everyone can join in with this by downloading the 40acts challenge from our LENT page on the website.

Lent Soup Meals: Held each Wednesday during Lent (starting March 6). Just £2.50 for soup and rolls and all the money goes to UNICEF and Stowmarket Food Bank.

Four Communities Activities Groups: The groups continue to thrive and run, including Meet ‘N’ Eat and our new Walk ’N’ Talk group.

Visiting: If you, or anyone you know, would like a visit from a member of our pastoral team, please get in touch with Revd Carl, Revd Cathy or Revd Jenny.

This might be at home or in hospital.

Lifts to Church: If you’d like a lift to your local church, please contact Revd Carl who can organise this for you.

Church AGM: All three parishes will join together for one APCM on March 28 at Claydon Community Centre. At this meeting we will elect our churchwardens and church PCC members as well as looking at the vision for the year ahead.

It’s also a chance to thank those who do so much for our churches.

FUTURE DATES March 5 March 16

April 7 April 14-21 May 27 June 8 June 15 June 29 June 30 July 13 August 7-9

Gt Blakenham Pancake Evening from 6pm Vestry Café, Henley Church from 10.30am-1pm Gt Blakenham Quiz Night Bishop John Waine, 10am at Barham Church Holy Week (see poster p21) Wedding Festival at GB Village Hall Barham Church Fete Henley Church Fete Barham Picnic and Band Concert Songs of Praise, St Peter’s, Claydon Gt Blakenham Village Fete and Doggy Day J-TEAM at Barham Church

HALL BOOKING: Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463

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