In Touch ™ ™©©
with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
Volume 9 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2018
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Babergh District Council Waste and Recycling
Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2018-2019
Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection
Refuse
Recycling
Refuse
Usual Collection
Monday 24th December Tuesday 25th December Wednesday 26th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Monday 31st December Tuesday 1st January Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January
Revised Collection Monday 24th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Saturday 29th December Monday 31st December Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Saturday 5th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January Saturday 12th January
Change
None 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later
There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 24th December and 4th January) Please refer to brown bin collection calendars available on: www.babergh.gov.uk for details. From Monday 14th January 2019 normal waste and recycling collections resume.
Waste Services: 0300 1234 000 (option 4) email: Recycling@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hate winter! There, I’ve said it. I’ve tried to appreciate the positives but I spend every long dark evening longing for spring, which for me starts on February 11. For this reason I love Christmas; it gives us something to look forward to and brings family and friends together with time to relax. Of course it can be an expensive time and requires a huge amount of planning, but somehow it’s always worth it. So bring it on I say! Let’s embrace this time to relax and to enjoy the company of those we may not see as regularly as we’d like. This year I’m determined to make Auntie Mary smile, even if I have to spend all day working on it. I’m going to find the perfect non-gift for the impossible aunt who says she doesn’t want or need anything, until she doesn’t get anything of course. I’m going to make the bread sauce nobody eats just so my brother can’t complain that it’s not the same without it! I’m going to discuss the timings with absolutely everyone so nobody comes to the table saying ‘I wish I’d known we were eating this early as I wouldn’t have had that fifth mince pie for breakfast’. I’m going to serve custard, brandy butter, ice cream and cream with the Christmas pudding so mum, my husband, my brother and my nephew have no cause to complain, and for those who always say ‘I don’t really like Christmas pudding’ I shall be serving chocolate mousse. My approach to Christmas present shopping has changed over the years. Where once I might have spent hours online looking for something unusual or quirky, this year I’m focused on finding more thoughtful gifts; this requires a hands-on approach so it’s local shops and markets for me this year. I’m taking the same approach with my son. We’ve been influenced by TV ads for the latest gadgets and plastic monstrosities in the past; recent mistakes include Boom Boom Balloon Game, Chippies Robot Dog, Zoomer Dino Robot Dinosaur and Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage. This year I’m determined to find things I know he will enjoy well into 2019 and I’ll be having a word with Father Christmas too. I hope this month doesn’t cause unnecessary stress in your home. Please do support local businesses and local markets in the coming weeks and together we can look forward to a Happy New Year.
InTouch
with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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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 Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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JANUARY DEADLINE
4 DECEMBER 2018
NEWS COPDOCK & WASHBROOK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE We are pleased to announce that Copdock and Washbrook now have a Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group and are fully up and running! A NP will be the only officially recognised tool to assist in shaping future development in our village. We have consulted with representatives of the Lawshall Neighbourhood Planning Group who have completed their plan. They shared their experience with us and recommended a consultant who guided them through the hurdles involved. The consultant from Places4People Planning Consultancy gave our group an excellent in-depth presentation covering all aspects of the task ahead. It did hit home just how much work will be necessary, but he also gave us confidence in that we can achieve a very worthwhile outcome. We have appointed Places4People Planning Consultancy; his fees will be met by a government grant that we are eligible to apply for. We are working towards achieving an adopted Neighbourhood Plan by mid 2020 at the latest. We will endeavour to provide a monthly update and there will be consultation events in the future where all will be invited to attend. We are also in the process of setting up a website where you can track our progress as well as an email address that you can contact the group on. Laura Butters and Mike Watling, on behalf of Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council
BABBLINGS FROM THE BROOK From Charlie, Cat and baby Bear Our new fixed menus and our increased choice of special dishes have been very popular and we are continuing the variety of special dishes, with regular changes on the specials board to keep you interested. All the dishes (with only one or two exceptions) are gluten-free and we are increasing the range of offerings for vegetarian and dairy free options too. All our favourite pub classic dishes are still there to enjoy, with the firm favourites being GF Slow Roast Belly of Pork with Aspall Cider Gravy and Mash and our ever popular GF Fish and Chips, but there are loads of other yummy offerings for you to try. We hosted our third Open Mic Night on Thursday, November 8 and Graham and his band of musicians, and a few guest artistes, played to a packed pub. The next Open Mic Night is on Thursday, December 6; come on down to the Brook Inn and enjoy some great food and a fun atmosphere. We are also hosting our second Quiz Night on Sunday, December 16, with quizmaster John on the mic, promising us another evening of head-scratching fun. There is a prize for the winning team and proceeds raised will go to a worthy charity. Entry is only £1 per person. Christmas is getting nearer and we are taking bookings for Christmas menu meals and for Christmas buffet parties; call us on 01473 730531 to discuss what we can offer for your party celebration. Check out the Christmas Menu and Christmas Buffet menus on our website – we hope to see you soon! www.thebrookinnwashbrook.co.uk www.facebook.com/thebrookinnwashbrook Instagram: thebrookinn_washbrook Once again, a big, big thank you from Charlie and Cat for all the fantastic support we have received from the village.
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD As Armistice Day approaches there are several events being organised. Babergh has sponsored an avenue of oaks in Bourne Park in Hadleigh, the last of which will be planted in a short ceremony on November 2. Why Hadleigh? Mainly because the council owns the park and it’s not likely to be included in planning targets, whereas other sites around the district are at risk. In Bentley and East Bergholt schoolchildren will lay special commemorative crosses and symbols on the graves of First World War servicemen, those few who have both a known grave and are buried at home. All involved in these special events across the country deserve our thanks and appreciation of their commitment. Planning still dominates the agendas. Recent changes to organisation positions seem a little strange as we have enormous gaps in the staff numbers in both policy and approvals! At a recent meeting on the NPPF and Neighbourhood Plans it was clear that government regards local planning authorities as the ‘problem’ when it comes to house building, and that the 6,500 valid permissions that Babergh has are its own fault. When developers show flatline house completion figures but increased profits, and mortgage approvals are down 10 per cent and their average value down 20 per cent (meaning lower house prices), it’s hardly surprising that developers are trying to restrict supply to increase prices. Smaller builders are often more reliable, but skill shortages and material limitations cause problems for everyone. CIL should have eased the regulatory log jams, but when one rule is sidestepped another is introduced and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) run by the county seem to be one of the latest approval problems. The budget left us very little in practical terms, but we can borrow more to build social/affordable houses and increase our total council debt up to nearly £100million! That’s about £1,000 per individual across the district! Commercially acceptable now, but what happens when it’s payback time? At the time of writing East Bergholt still waits anxiously for the outcome of the JR hearing held on Thursday, November 1. If unfavourable, coupling this with the new application for 280 in Brantham and the nearly 1,000 approved or scheduled in Capel St Mary, and all levels of our stretched infrastructure will be at risk. The appeal against a development in Boxford refused by planning committee against officer recommendation was rejected. There was some concern that our five-year land supply figures were to be challenged and could be faulty! Highways still present a challenge, with no news on the signage on the A12 although anyone waiting for a bus at the Four Sisters will have to wait in the rain as it was recently demolished by a vehicle overshooting the exit! Then there was the five car pile-up with one motorist being cut from her vehicle. Since that event another incident has occurred making three in a fortnight, so I am keeping up the pressure for at least some action no matter how small. Bin collections have been a bit erratic due to driver issues. Apparently the contractor, Serco, lost a lot of drivers due to the changes in licence requirements, continuous professional competency, but they have now increased pay levels and are recruiting. Not a job I would like, especially now the weather is deteriorating so they all should be adequately rewarded. Elections are due at the beginning of May 2019 so expect the politicking to increase, but don’t expect too much in hand-outs as we are supposed to be ‘skint’! Councillor John Hinton john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309 We were sad to hear that Peter Jensen, formally of The Willows, Copdock, died on October 15 age 103 at Waterfield House, Hadleigh. This picture of Peter featured on the front cover of the October 2015 edition of this magazine when family and friends joined together to celebrate his 100th birthday.
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COPDOCK & WASHBROOK SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNING A time to reflect and catch up on the main issues affecting our villages. Belstead Quarry SCC now has to undertake a Habitat Assessment following recent case law that has delayed the submission of the Mineral Plan to the Planning Inspectorate. Planning approval would depend on the outcome of its Examination in Public, SCC agreeing to adopt the plan, the submission of a planning application and finally, the decision of the County Council Development & Regulation Committee. To view the Habitat Assessment, type “Suffolk Minerals & Waste Habitat Assessment 7 November 2018” into your browser; you’ll find the PDF report. Page 41 is relevant to Belstead. On questioning SCC that it could be considered presumptive and in favour of ensuring the granting of permission, we have been assured: “That is just an incomplete summary of the full policy subject to the other relevant policies of the Development Plan.” Due process is therefore ongoing; the inspectorate’s judgement will determine our next move. Babergh’s New Local Plan The new plan should be issued in December this year with a subsequent eight-week consultation ending in late January 2019. It has been significantly delayed for a variety of reasons; the revised Local Plan proposals will be released after the district council elections in May and probably not adopted until 2020. This delay will not assist planners in deciding upon planning applications. In the interim, we await further updates from our two district councillors, Nick Ridley and Barry Gasper. Neighbourhood Plan for Copdock & Washbrook We fully support this project and two members serve on the newly formed committee; its first report is on page 3. It really is important to support as with a NP we can influence development, but without it we would have very few options. James Cartlidge – A12 & Copdock Interchange Reply “James is aware of the problems and has raised them with the Highways England team as a priority for RIS2 funding. At a meeting with executives in the Highways England team it was agreed that Copdock was a number one priority for all Suffolk MPs” “Regarding the Copdock interchange, the RIS2 scheme will be announced at the end of 2019. As a major infrastructure update outlining all works for the following five years, it is unlikely that anything will be committed prior to that.” Colin Hinkins: colinhinkins@gmail.com
SURGERY TRANSPORT ROTA If when you make an appointment at our surgeries you need transport to get you there, ask the receptionists to book you transport through our scheme. We have a band of volunteers who can provide transport to Capel and East Bergholt Surgeries from Capel, Wenham, Bentley and Copdock. If you are a driver willing to join our band of volunteers, please contact Chris Yule on 310992 who will then explain how the scheme works in conjunction with the Patient Support Group.
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NEWS BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MCCRAW REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: Taylor Wimpey Exhibition in Brantham By now we’ve had the opportunity to see proposals for housing here. The event was very well attended with a constant stream of people. Questions were asked and useful information obtained. Much was about the general intentions, time frame, access and the effect on individual properties. I hope that some of you were, at least slightly, reassured that we can talk to the developers. Keeping lines of communication open is going to be vital. Suggestions were listened to as they have a vested interest in making things work. Now a formal application will be being prepared and submitted. That application will contain a lot of detail, but the parish council and myself are well placed to examine it fully. You should be kept fully informed at each stage. The public consultation can be expected around the New Year. It might come to a committee as soon as early spring. I was told that in 2019 we’ll see enabling works to get ready. The access points both north and south, Amy’s Roundabout and the route to the station all require work to be done as an existing condition. Attention is needed in the woods between Merriam Close and Decoy Pond. I’ll be looking to minimise adverse impacts in all this. Again, it is in the owners’ interest to co-operate with the community. Taylor Wimpey are looking at September as a possible start point. Homes and Homelessness Strategy Babergh are carrying out a consultation on these, closing at noon on December 7. They’re not really very complicated. The four areas of focus are: • Increasing new homes delivery (but the right homes in the right places) • Increasing housing options for older households and those requiring accessible homes • Ensuring current housing stock is fit for 21st century living • Supporting the most vulnerable households to find and sustain a home This is our ‘wish list’. It’s what we will use to guide the council in what it encourages developers and any partners to provide. As I’ll explain, the actual delivery of homes is not much within our control. The Homelessness Strategy summarises what we’re already doing under the Homelessness Reduction Act. A council’s responsibilities in this area have been raised. Six months in and expecting a doubling of workload, we’ve found an even larger amount to do. I’m glad to say that we seem to be rising to the challenge, but it’s never going to be easy.
Planning in General The above two items dovetail together. We can produce strategies for an ideal world. The actual world we live in has a different feel. Our strategies will inform and feed into our own planning policies. Babergh & Mid Suffolk are in the middle of producing a Joint Local Plan. The policies in should be used to decide planning applications for years to come (mind you, they said that about the 2013 Core Strategy!). But there are currently three levels of planning policy in England and Wales. The National Policy (NPPF) set by the government, and overwhelmingly in favour of granting permissions. The Local Policy (Babergh’s current Core Strategy), which must conform to the NPPF, but can be more focussed on local needs and specify for them. Neighbourhood Plans (Stutton are preparing) which can further define on a highly local basis. However, they must conform to the two higher levels. These are not a means of stopping development but of making it fit better. Planning decisions often come down to ‘Yes with conditions’ (usually lots of them) or ‘No’. If no, then only the applicant may appeal against the decision. If yes, the applicant has a massive amount of leeway on when to actually do something. They often sit on them, having already increased the value of the land massively. We can’t produce delivery, in English law. A strategy is a good thing to have, but it doesn’t make things happen. A Ward of Awards There’s been some local recognition for Alton recently. Stutton Community Shop won the Babergh Community Group of the Year Award, a deserved accolade for all the volunteers involved. Brantham is the 2018 Most Active Large Village in Suffolk (again: also won in 2014), succeeding Shotley. And the Tattingstone Wheatsheaf is still the current Ipswich & East Suffolk CAMRA Pub of the Year. I like to be able to keep you in touch as much as possible, so please consider joining the Facebook group. It has the huge advantage of being immediate. It is likely there will be a relaunch of the group shortly. Meanwhile, have a Merry Christmas. Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)
HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Flu Days Our second flu day at Shotley on October 18 was well attended but, unfortunately, we ran out of vaccines for those aged over 65. This was due to national supply issues and was beyond our control. However, we had anticipated this and had contacted 140 patients to reserve a vaccine at the clinic on November 1. We predict that we will run out again at this clinic as we have only had a small interim delivery, but there will be plenty of vaccines for our final flu day on November 20 at Holbrook. Thank you to all those who have been patient and understanding with us in the meantime. Saturday Morning Surgery The Saturday morning surgery at Holbrook will cease after the final session on November 24 due to staffing issues. The two hours that we would normally offer on a Saturday will be spread through the week and we will also be offering the services of GP+ in Riverside, Ipswich. This service is run by the Suffolk GP Federation and is well established with high satisfaction rates. All clinicians are local and conversant with the same referral pathways that we use in practice. A record of your consultation will be shown in your electronic record so our GPs are aware
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of the advice and treatment given. Appointments are available from 6.30 to 9pm on weekdays and from 9am to 9pm on weekends and bank holidays. Please contact our receptionists to book into these clinics and give authority to share your record. Blood test results Please remember to phone the surgery one week after having blood tests. This will give our GPs time to assess the results and decide on a course of treatment if this is needed. If results are very abnormal, we will contact you. Otherwise a message will be left with reception to pass on to you when you contact us. GP and Staff Training On Wednesday, December 12 the practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions and book appointments/ make enquiries at reception, but there will be no clinical staff on site. Our telephone lines will be switched over to the out of hours’ service so please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Practice Manager Julia Smith
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In Touch Full Page December 2018.indd 1
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16/11/2018 08:59:11
NEWS / OUT & ABOUT CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP Flu Vaccinations Members of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) have provided help with flu days for the third year running. This year has been more complicated with five different vaccines, including a separate one for the 65s and over. Add vaccinations for shingles and pneumonia for eligible patients, and it gets even more complicated! This year the practice was concerned about potential problems with the supply of vaccines for each session. A brand new supplier had been awarded the contract by NHS England and there were worries about having enough of each vaccine to meet demand. Unfortunately vaccines ran out for certain groups at the second flu day in East Bergholt. Many patients were understandably upset by this, but it was beyond the control of the practice. Missed Appointments In October there were 133 missed appointments, which equates to 22 hours of wasted clinical time. Most of these are blood tests and appointments with the practice nurse or doctors. Now that repeat text reminders can be sent to patients closer to the appointment date, hopefully the number of missed appointments will reduce. Getting an Appointment PPG members are currently monitoring the availability of appointments by ringing the surgery at set times during the day, Monday to Friday, from early morning to late afternoon. We are keeping a record and will discuss the results at our regular monthly meetings. Regular Blood Tests We know that there are still issues with getting appointments for blood tests at both surgeries. Please let us know if you are experiencing difficulties and we will take this up with the practice. Christmas and New Year The run up to Christmas is often very busy. As the weather turns colder and the coughs and colds start, you can, in the first instance, ask pharmacists for advice. Please also remember that the receptionists will do their very best to get an appointment for you, but they may need to offer alternative appointments with the GP+ service if it’s very busy. Also don’t forget that there is a volunteer driver service to take you to appointments at either of the two surgeries in Capel St. Mary and East Bergholt. Just ask the receptionist when you book your appointment. New Development in the Area We are frequently asked what plans are in place to accommodate additional patients from new housing. In the longer term the practice will need to review the facilities available at both surgeries in order to plan for the future of health care. It may be, for example, that practices will be asked to provide accommodation for outreach clinics for the merged Colchester and Ipswich hospitals. This issue will be kept under review by the practice and the PPG. Kathy Pollard, Chair Constable Country Patient Participation Group constablecountryppg@gmail.com / 01473 311384
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Route 15
Town/village
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Washbrook
Pearson’s Way
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MIP/15B
Washbrook
Brook Inn Car Park
10.45-11.15
MIP/15C
Washbrook
Fenn View
11.20-11.40
MIP/15D
Burstall
Telephone Kiosk
11.50-12.15
MIP/15E
Elmsett
Rose and Crown
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MIP/15F
Whatfield
Wheatfields
14.05-14.50
MIP/15G
Hintlesham
Timperleys
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DATES: December 5, January 2 & 30
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NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on Winter is really upon us now, and if you haven’t been in the pub lately, just pop in and see how cosy it is. We will be open to welcome you right through the holiday, as follows: Christmas Eve: 7-10.30pm Christmas Day: noon-2pm & 7-10pm Boxing Day: normal hours New Year’s Eve: 7pm-late New Year’s Day: noon-2pm Christmas Carols We will be gathering to sing carols in the pub on Sunday, December 23 from 5pm. Come along and start your Christmas in the traditional manner. Kitchen News Christmas meals will be prepared by Esther, our visiting chef, on Saturday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 12. See the website for details. Booking is essential. To give Jane, our hardworking mid-week lunchtime cook, a well-deserved break over the holiday period, please note that the kitchen will be closed from Monday, December 24 and will reopen for light lunches on Wednesday, January 9. Also, Esther’s Sunday lunches will be available every Sunday except December 30, but she will be back on Sunday, January 6. Events This month’s quiz will be on Saturday, December 29, starting at 8.30pm. A curry supper will be available for £9.50 from 6-8pm. Booking is essential. Our popular games evenings resume in January. The first will be on Saturday, January 12 from around 7.30pm. If you haven’t been to one, they’re very informal, with tables playing (for example) Mexican Train, Balderdash, Logo and many others. Do come and join in. There will be no open mic in January as the first Tuesday falls on New Year’s Day. The next one will be on Tuesday, February 5. Lastly, we would like to give a huge thank you to the team of 15 volunteers who turned up for our autumn garden tidy-up. They were rewarded with hot bacon rolls and coffee and enjoyed it so much they want to do it again in the spring! www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley
ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 8, 9am-12.30pm. Come and get those hard to find Christmas presents and hear the carol singers. Of course we will also have all your favourite market stalls; fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190. Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue. New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777
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OUT & ABOUT JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK As attention turns to Christmas – and a welcome escape from Westminster drama – it falls on me to make my annual festive appeal. It’s very simple: please support our local shops, pubs, restaurants, kiosks, markets, social events and village halls. For all the gloom around the future of the high street, we have some fantastic outlets in South Suffolk to buy gifts or enjoy a few hours of pleasant socialising. I hope that all readers take full advantage. Of course, some may say – so what are you doing about it and what action is the government taking? Personally, I always try to support my local farm shop, particularly with an order for a locally reared turkey, and if we eat out it’s usually at one of the excellent pubs in the constituency where the standard of dining continues to go from strength to strength. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to do all of their Christmas shopping in local family owned stores, and I imagine most people reading this article will do a fair chunk of their shopping online and at supermarkets, as well as in smaller shops. But we can all ‘do our bit’, and I am included in that. As for the government, we should be clear that there is no easy answer to the structural challenges facing businesses that sell via conventional retail premises. The rise of internet shopping has been blistering, and has brought many economic advantages, driving down prices in a range of retail channels. But, as the headlines of well-known chains struggling to adapt have underscored, these are challenging times. Thus, for me, a priority has been a fairer tax system so that shops and family firms pay lower business rates, and – without hitting internet start-ups – mega-wealthy web firms contribute more. I therefore warmly welcomed the budget’s twin track approach: cutting business rates for small business rates by up to a third and introducing a new tax on ‘tech giants’. However and wherever you spend this festive break, my I take this opportunity to wish you and your family the very best for Christmas and the New Year. I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people. Please see page 19 for my contact details.
BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY Presenting Off to Treasure Island, a swashbuckling adventure by Lisa Butley, at Brantham Village Hall from February 20-23 with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets (£9 / children £6) available from December 1 at Bakes & Blossoms and at: www.ticketcource.co.uk
PENINSULAR PIX I’ve just been to the larder cupboard to see if there was anything to go with my breakfast coffee. I found the bread to toast, then went for the butter and marmalade. Marmalade! Something twanged in my half-asleep brain. Marmalade! Ah, yes, January’s Pen Pix film – the one for all those adults who like to keep in touch with their childhood! Paddington 2 will be shown on January 3 at 8pm precisely. You know you liked the first one and this one is better. Stars? There’s a whole host of them. There’s two Hughs, a Julie and a Sanjeev. Oh, and a Joanna, would you believe. There’s posh for you. Gosh, I’m striving for superlatives here. Anyway, come along and see our favourite bear cause chaos and confusion when he turns detective and solves a major crime. So, that’s the brilliant article done, now back to the toast and marmalade. Oh rats, the coffee’s cold – and who left Marmite on the jam knife?
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CHRISTMAS MARKET AT COPDOCK HALL Sunday, December 2, 1-4pm Christmas Gifts, Homemade Cakes, Chutneys, Preserves and lots more Brass Band & Refreshments
CAMEO The 250 Club draw was made at our October get-together – great for the winners and our beautiful church too. We were missing many of our regular attendees due to holidays and illness, so it was a much smaller meeting than usual, but still pleasant to catch up over coffee and cake. In December we will have our usual mulled wine and Christmas nibbles, and some surprise guests. It would be lovely to see you there! The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come and Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a drop-in basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated. Nonresidents are very welcome at a charge of £1. Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, both on personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have noticeboards showing events, along with information on businesses and charities. You would be amazed at the wealth of talent and scope of business in our small village! It’s always good to know if somebody in the village has recommended the businesses whose cards and information we display. We meet at Belstead Village Hall on the second Monday of the month (excluding July and August) between 2.30 and 4.30pm and our next gettogether is on November 12. Sandra Howard
STOUR VALLEY U3A Our meeting on November 14 featured Davis Simmonds, a National Trust speaker and volunteer, introducing The Coast of East Anglia. The East Anglian coast is full of contrasts and has much beauty, history and wildlife. His presentation focused on National Trust coastal properties in Essex and Suffolk. We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but hold our popular Christmas Lunch, this time at the Best Western Hotel in Copdock on Wednesday, December 5. This is always a very popular event so early booking is advised. On Wednesday, January 9 Sally Dearman will present Woman Can Fly. This is the story of one women’s journey from jumping out of a landing window, then out of planes, to becoming a civil pilot and the first women through the RAF’s fast-jet flying trains system. Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday, December 28. Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted. We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except in December.
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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY
FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY
December brings longer days and darker evenings so it’s the perfect time to cuddle up on the sofa with a good book, either with the children or alone. Indulge with a warming cup of tea or hot chocolate and lose yourself inside a good crime novel or thriller. There’s nothing better.
I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas again; the year seems to have flown past. I hope you are more organised than me, I haven’t even started my shopping yet! Although I have started our annual tasting to find the best mince pies. Even if I say it myself, aside from my mothers, I think my homemade ones are the best.
There are lots of new films to order from the catalogue so if you missed one at the cinema you can borrow it for one week. If it’s good you can watch it a couple of times, making it good value for money! Premier release films are £3, older titles £1. Do browse the catalogue for more information: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk We hold reservations for two weeks after receipt of acceptance on our hold trolley. If the title is not collected after this time the book will be forwarded onto the next person who has requested the title and the reservation dropped from your account. Please make sure your details are updated when moving house or you have updated your mobile phone or email address. Thank you. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Baby Bounce: Will meet on Tuesdays, December 4 and 11 and then take a break over the Christmas/New Year holiday period. Starts at 2pm with lots of shaking of the instruments and singing, progressing to finger rhymes. Open to all under-fives and their parents/carers, this activity is free of charge. Minecraft: Not meeting in December, re-starting on January 8. Capel Creators: Saturday, December 22, 10.30am-12.30pm. A small charge of 50p to cover refreshments is made. Suitable for all children; under-eights to be accompanied by an adult. Capel Library Book Group: The next meeting is in January. The library will be closed on December 25 and 26 and will re-open with normal opening hours on Thursday 27. Any returns may be posted in the letterbox in the wall and will be dealt with accordingly. We shall also be closed on Tuesday, January 1. Don’t forget that we sell books of first and second class stamps and book tokens of any denomination. We wish all borrowers and users of the library service a very Happy Christmas and Joyous New Year. Happy reading! OPENING TIMES Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm & 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Contact: 01473 311699
Our last film of 2018 is Mama Mia – Here We Go Again on Tuesday, December 18 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets are now on sale at the library. We’re expecting this to be a very popular film, so make sure you get your tickets early and bring along your singing voices. Set five years after the events of Mama Mia (2208), but starting “in 1979 when young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University – leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with, but he’s also the man who breaks her heart. In the present day, Donna’s pregnant daughter, Sophie, dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother’s old friends and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi.” As we approach the year end, membership of the Friends Group will be due for renewal. In this respect we will be sending out reminders early in December and hope you will help to support us in our efforts to raise funds in order that we may continue to provide and improve facilities provided to the community at Capel Library. As in previous years the annual subscription remains at £1. To become a member you must simply be over 18 years of age and also be a member of Suffolk Libraries. As you can imagine, this time of year is really busy for everyone involved, so I would be grateful if you could renew or take out your new memberships as soon as possible in order that we may get them processed quickly. We are extremely lucky to have a library in the village and for all those who make use of it; you will know that it runs many events over and above just borrowing books. If you are reading this article and are not currently a member, please consider joining and making sure that we can continue to help the library provide ongoing facilities for the community (membership application forms are available from the library). Season’s Greetings, Trevor Stevenson
EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE East Bergholt High School Sunday, February 24, 10am-noon Admission 50p / Refreshments Available Free Car Park Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open 9am to set up ( 07776 291445
BELSTEAD MONTHLY MARKETS
VILLAGE LINK CLUB
A market takes place in Belstead Village Hall from 9am-noon on the first Saturday of every month to raise vital funds to support refurbishment of the kitchen and ladies toilet.
Wednesday, December 12, 10am at Tattingstone Village Hall: Life as a Tudor Housekeeper
With an extensive range of tables, a raffle and refreshments, the market is the perfect place to meet with friends for a chat over a cuppa and a piece of cake while supporting this essential local amenity. You can also support Macmillan who will have a table laden with homemade goodies for sale. If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk
Instead of our usual raffle, please bring a small wrapped present if you would like to take part in our tombola. Also bring a small plate of food to share with tea/coffee after the talk. The club aims to bring communities together and we have over the years attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10amnoon. I would like to welcome back any former members and to see new members from all local villages, either as visitors or members in readiness for our 25th anniversary celebration in 2019. Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262
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OUT & ABOUT
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE STARS OF BABERGH AND MID SUFFOLK AWARDS The winners of the Stars of Babergh and Mid Suffolk Awards have been announced following a night of glamour and celebrations on Thursday, October 18.
Community Project of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Inspire Suffolk’s Princes Trust Team at Stowmarket Finalist: Search for the Stars
The finalists gathered at St Mary’s Church in Hadleigh for a star-studded event to celebrate their outstanding efforts in the community. The awards received over 150 entries and the church was packed with businesses and individuals who have all played a vital role in making the districts what they are today.
Sporting Achievement of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Sudbury Cricket Club Finalist: Kelly Mires, Hadleigh Stars Gymnastics
FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND FINALISTS Business in the Community Award – Babergh Winner: Manish Patel, Shotley Stores Winner: Mukunthan Thurairajah (Muku) Business in the Community Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Cabbages & Kings and the Mix Finalist: Orbital Media Business Growth Award – Babergh Winner: Suffolk Market Events Finalist: Hollingsworths Store & Butchers, Chelmondiston Finalist: Stour Sort & Sparkle Business Growth Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Ocala Finalist: C&K Meats Ltd Community Group of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Stutton Community Shop CIC Finalist: Ansell Memories Café Community Group of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Information Line Volunteers – Suffolk Family Carers Winner: Talk & Support Volunteers – Suffolk Family Carers Community Spirit of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Joes Golf & Activity Park Finalist: Shotley & Erwarton Good Neighbour Scheme Community Spirit of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Redgrave Community Society Finalist: Radio Stradbroke Best Community Achievement Award – Babergh Winner: Team Together Tuesday Finalist: Kernos Centre (KERNOS) Best Community Achievement Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Courthouse Café Volunteers Finalist: Stradbroke Good Neighbours Community Project of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Lavenham Community Land Trust Finalist: Diane Chase & Audrey Lorford, producers of Hintlesham & Chattisham, The Story of Two Suffolk Villages
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Sporting Achievement of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Mark Trent, Scorpion Martial Arts Academy Finalist: Tim Carr, Claydon FC Community Champion of the Year Award – Babergh Winner: Norman Bugg, Community Volunteer Finalist: Janet Dicks, Hollywood, Ansell Centre, Hadleigh Community Champion of the Year Award – Mid Suffolk Winner: Irene Davis, Community Volunteer Finalist: Roger Rehan, Founding Trustee of Mid Suffolk CA Finalist: David Goodlad, Community Volunteer Volunteer of the Year – Babergh Winner: Will Hunt, Cornard Dynamos Finalist: Jane Snowdon, Community Volunteer Volunteer of the Year - Mid Suffolk Winner: Carol Prybus & Chris Brook, Stowmarket Rookery Bowls Group Special Recognition – Babergh Winner: Caroll Reeve, Lavenham Community Volunteer Special Recognition - Mid Suffolk Winner: Kat Terry, Community Volunteer Overall Star – Babergh Winner: Will Hunt, Cornard Dynamos Overall Star - Mid Suffolk Winner: Redgrave Community Society Councillor Julie Flatman, Mid Suffolk District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Last night was about celebrating the real heroes and heroines who’ve done so much in our districts. We feel so proud to be able to offer these awards to recognise such outstanding achievements. We couldn’t have done it without any of our nominees or sponsors so well done to everyone involved.” Councillor Margaret Maybury, Babergh District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’ve been able to celebrate those who do amazing things throughout our towns and villages, often unnoticed. This exciting and important work helps our communities thrive and makes a big impact in out districts. The look on people’s faces last night when they received their awards made the event and I’m sure that the happiness and memories will resonate long after the music and lights went down. Congratulations to all.
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OUT & ABOUT OVER £1,000 OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS IN LOCAL CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW
EBONY’S BLOG: Life at The Shelley Centre The race was cancelled! Not round the arena here at Shelley of course, but in Nayland Village Hall. Everyone was too busy on that Armistice weekend to be able to attend, so the wonderful fundraising committee had to pull the plug on the event. It’s a blow, but I think we’ll survive. The ponies still look well fed from what I can see. We have been able to welcome more volunteers to the team of helpers who commit to a session a week. It’s nice to see the newbies getting the hang of the job and being so much appreciated by our clients (and especially their carers). No two sessions are the same as our riders have to be matched to the available ponies, the standard of the other participants in each ride, their own personal timetables, and the number of volunteers present at any given time. I myself take two volunteers to look after me and my riders, as the picture of Matthew ‘in the saddle’ shows.
One local family run hearing care company has announced details of a charity Christmas Prize Draw, giving the local community the chance to win one of twelve prizes with a combined value of over £1,000. The Hearing Care Centre, which has 26 centres across Suffolk and Norfolk including one at Health By Design, Hadleigh, is holding its annual Christmas Draw in aid of deafness charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, with the winners being declared on Wednesday, December 19. The charity delivers expert training for Hearing Dogs which provides invaluable emotional support to their deaf recipient. New found owners gain confidence, independence and companionship. This year to celebrate their 20th anniversary, The Hearing Care Centre have pledged to raise £20,000 for the charity, with many fundraising initiatives having taken place this year, including quiz nights, a pudding club and a huge drive to collect 20 pence pieces. The prize draw has received generous support from local businesses including Fred Olsen Travel, Theatre Royal Norwich, Archant and Coes Department Stores. On offer in the draw is a luxury break at The Swan Hotel in Southwold, a fivecourse tasting menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant in London, a giant festive hamper, Hotel Chocolat goodies, travel vouchers and more. Tickets cost only £1 and can be purchased online at hearingcarecentre.co.uk/prizedraw or in person via The Hearing Care Centre’s audiologists at their regular clinics throughout East Anglia.
SAMARITAN BOOKSHOP When you find after Christmas that you have no more room on those bookshelves to accommodate all those generous gifts, and you need to do a cull of the shelves, the Samaritan Bookshop will be pleased to receive your unwanted books.
We are all looking forward to our carol service in Shelley Church on December 8. With the yard full of riders and their families, and all the horses wearing tinsel in their head collars, it’s a very festive atmosphere before the procession sets off down the candle-lit lane to the church. Squidgey and Camilla are the lucky ones who lead the walk. I wonder whether there is room for them in the church at all! It can’t have been Shetlands who witnessed the birth of Christ in that stable long ago; donkeys more likely, and pigeons. We are having a bit of a battle with the latter and their friends the partridges, all of whom like to roost above the office door and do what birds will do all over the ground: something else to sweep up. We are about to take time off for the Christmas holidays so I shall have my door locked with Babs for my only company. Outside people will come and go as the live herd still needs to be exercised and fed. I hope none of you has to be alone on Christmas Day, and that everyone has a good holiday as this year comes to its close. With very best wishes to all my readers; see you in 2019. www.shelleyrda.com / 01473 824172
KENNY'S SESAW NEWS We would like to thank our volunteers for looking after the animals, buildings and garden, whatever the weather, and for organising sales and fairs. Also the unseen army of people who donate food or other items for the sanctuary and goods for our fundraising events. Last but not least, we thank the visitors who attend those events.
Collections can be arranged for larger amounts of books. To arrange a collection ring Janice on 01473 287727 and we will find a date and time to suit you. If, however, you are searching for a sequel, or looking for fresh inspiration visit the Aladdin’s Cave, otherwise known as the lower floor of the Samaritan’s Shop in Carr Street, Ipswich, where you’ll find a veritable treasure house of books on almost any subject.
DEATH CAFÉ The next Peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, January 6 in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook. We meet for an hour and a half from 10.30am. We are very grateful to The Compasses for allowing us to use their lounge where we were made very welcome in November with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins. For more information about the Death Café contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com
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We always have animals awaiting new home, but some stay with us and are available for sponsorship. If you are looking for that elusive present to buy, what about choosing to sponsor one of us, either a one-off or a monthly donation to help with costs throughout the year. For more details visit www.sesaw.co.uk or leave a message on 01787 210888. Best wishes for health and happiness over the Festive Season from everyone at SESAW including Ollie (the Black) Cat and me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua! Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS ALTON BELLES WI Our exciting October meeting attracted many guests (men too) who had come to listen to David Whittle from the Harwich Society talk about naval activity in Harwich Harbour in the First World War. Under the command of Sir Reginald Tyrwhitt, the Harwich force comprised of about 40 destroyers and six light cruisers. At the end of the war, Harwich saw the surrender of the German U-boat fleet. All the submarines came into Harwich Harbour where the U-boats were handed over to British crews and the German sailors were put directly onto troop ships to be returned to Germany, thus insuring that no German forces from the fleet ever set foot on British soil. The submarines were moored four abreast on the northern shore of the Stour, all 180 of them! They stretched from Shotley to Holbrook Bay. They were eventually sold to ally countries or broken up. On Friday, October 26 members assisted Garry Kilworth with one of his popular quizzes when ploughman’s suppers were served and £300 was raised for the Air Ambulance. Our Annual General Meeting took place on Thursday, November 15. Our president, Tamzin Howell, and our treasurer, Nicci Kenny, remain in post. Ann Mcnair stood down and Sheila Paxman has taken on the role of secretary. There were no other changes to committee members. After the business had been taken care of, members split into small groups and had great fun making edible gifts. This was a hands-on programme and included making peppermint creams, coconut ice, marzipan fruits and decorating tiny Christmas biscuits. Each member took home samples packed in pretty bags and boxes. The last meeting of the year will be on Thursday, December 20 when members will have a potluck supper and welcome a local bluegrass band. Alton Belles WI is small and friendly. We have a great new programme for 2019 and newcomers are very welcome. For further information contact Tamzin Howell (01473 328670) or Jane Connell-Smith (01473 327865).
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, January 23: The Massey Shaw Fireboat, an illustrated talk by Tony Roome 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
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club which meets on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms. Monday, December 3: Napkin Folding & Decorated Candle (Debbie) with Christmas Nibbles Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
KNIT ‘N’ STITCH If you can sew, knit or crochet, or like to make or create in any other medium and fancy working alongside others with a creative streak, come along to our new club. Bring your own project or get inspiration to start a new one. We meet at Belstead Village Hall every Tuesday afternoon from 1-3pm. Refreshments available. For more information contact Diane: 07981 335859
TATTINGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE IN CAPEL Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. So if you live in or near Capel and fancy a go at ‘Growing Your Own’ please contact Dennis: site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Recently we were privileged to have Sally Chicken introduce The Regeneration of Shotley Pier. Sally is one of a committee focused upon bringing Suffolk’s only railway pier back to life and unfortunately were recently refused planning permission for their plans. Peter James talk about The Great Essex Earthquake and Jo Harrison’s talk entitled Going Underground were also much enjoyed by members. Our December meeting features Brantham’s famous quizmaster Paul Oliver presenting his now famous Christmas Quiz with a valuable prize for the winner! We hold our New Year Lunch at The popular Haywain on February 6 when our spouses and Probus widows join us for what will be an enjoyable event and a tasty meal. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202
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Where do I start? It’s been such a busy autumn term. The Harvest Festival in the last week before half term break had a bountiful collection of food contributions, all of which were passed on to Families in Need (FIND). FIND provide free food parcels to help people in Ipswich and the surrounding areas who are experiencing poverty or crisis. With the charity’s busy Christmas period coming up the school is pleased to be able to support this local charity again. You’ll find photographs from the Harvest Service at: www.tattingstonecevcpschool.co.uk Recently the children took part in an Africa Day which included singing, dancing and drumming. Also the children have all been creating art work for the First World War Remembrance Day. On November 6 the school had an open day which was well attended by local families. November also brought a whole flurry of other activities including the monthly Kidspix film in the village hall, a school disco (bring on the sequins), a trip to Colchester Zoo for the Puffins and Ducklings classes and fundraising activities for Children in Need. The school is also very proud of its student led activities and the school council have been busy working on activities for UK Parliament Week and Women in Parliament. In December we look forward to the festive build-up, culminating in two very busy weeks leading up to the Christmas break that includes: a Bad Hair Day, a Dress Down Day, Christmas Dinner and Parties, a Christmas Jumper Day, the Celebration of Achievement Assembly and a Christmas Fair, and all topped off with the nativity. This year the Nativity for the Community will be performed in Tattingstone Village Hall at 2pm on Tuesday, December 18 and we hope to see many local residents there. Phew! What a busy time. Now, pass the mince pies – I think I need a sit down and a nice cup of tea. School Governor Lisa Butler
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SCHOOLS / SPORT BENTLEY AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS This term has been poignant in so many ways, not least due to the events surrounding this landmark Remembrance Sunday. Children from both schools reflected on the sacrifices made by people in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts to protect our freedom and way of life. Poppy wreaths were laid at both the memorials and on the war grave at Bentley Church. We would like to thank most sincerely the representatives from the Royal British Legion and the War Veterans for joining us at such an important time of reflection. Colour and cake permeated through the schools this term; a celebration of diversity and equality culminated in a rather delicious Bake Off during AntiBullying Week. The incredible creations crafted by our families were entered into a competition run by Educate & Celebrate, an organisation we have done lots of work with to promote acceptance and positivity throughout our schools. The theme this year was Choose Respect and our families did us proud with their inventive designs. The cakes were raffled off after the event and money raised was donated to Children In Need.
The children have been on some exciting trips and events this term including a trip to Ipswich School to take part in a very special Hollywood Jazz event; some of our pupils were even invited up on stage to join in with the musicians. Year 6 took part in the annual Forensic Science Day at East Bergholt High School and came back full of knowledge of DNA! The Halloween Disco at Bentley was a big success, raising over £100 for the Eco Council. With the money they have raised this year, they have bought a brand new, spacious chicken coop for our lovely feathered friends. The Eco Council also organised a walk to school that was so well supported that we are hoping to create a walking bus from the memorial to school every Wednesday morning as part of our Active Schools program. At the time of writing, we have a huge selection of clubs going on at the school in the run up to Christmas. Both schools are running their annual Christmas Cake Club and we are exceedingly grateful to the army of volunteers who make these clubs possible. The children’s designs are beautiful, colourful and imaginative and always a joy to see at the end. Bentley’s annual Secret Stocking Christmas Club is bigger and better than ever this year with what seems like an endless supply of chocolates being produced by the children! Lego Club at Copdock has been continuing this term; they have a different theme each week and a timed build. The children then vote on their favourite which gets entered into the national competition. This gets sent to www.kidswithbricks.com where it gets entered into a competition and parents get to and vote. We’re hoping to creep up the leaderboard! Up-coming events include our Christmas Fayres (3.15pm on Friday, November 30 at Bentley and 3.30pm on Friday, December 7 at Copdock), a trip for Adders and Foxes classes to see Goosebumps 2 at Empire Cinema and a trip for every child in the federation to see Cinderella at The New Wolsey Theatre in January. Finally, do come along and support our children as they perform at the annual Christmas Carol Performance at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary, on Friday, December 7. It is a lovely evening and a chance to get some inspiration for Christmas.
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Baby Bears In the Baby Bears room we are continuing to use our unique outdoor sleeping area. On colder days we have been snuggling up in our sleeping bags and cosy blankets. We have chosen to continue through the colder weather to help build up the Baby Bears immune systems and to release stress. We are lucky to naturally fall asleep to the sounds of children playing and the birds singing. Through the next few weeks our older Bears will be focusing on baking while learning turn taking skills and developing their fine motor movements. Our younger Bears are learning to walk and control their own movements, so lots of time outdoors will be accessible to provide large spaces to develop their gross motor skills. Toddling Tigers The Tigers have started back at Forest School this term and have been exploring the wonderful autumnal season. They have made ‘leaf snakes’, found a frog, relaxed in the hammock, listened out for birds and used binoculars to try and find them! They have been learning new boundaries and responding to the sound of Debbie Duck’s whistle. The Tigers have also enjoyed talking about the colours of the leaves and covering Kimberley with them! The Tigers found hidden puppets and used them to create stories by giving them names and telling us what happens next. Gruffalos This month is flying away in a flurry of fireworks! We celebrated Bonfire Night with hotdogs around the campfire at Forest School. This led on to exploring the festival of Diwali. Diwali, The Festival of Lights, provides a great opportunity to explore different cultures and celebrations. We created Rangoli patterns and made lanterns and Diwali sweets too. The children asked lots of very thoughtful questions about the Diwali celebrations we watched on the computer. We are continuing to promote curiosity and intrigue in the room. Another area we have introduced is a self-service painting station. The children have access to the three prime colours which are in pump dispensers. They take a jam jar lid and put in the paint required and a re able to mix and experiment with the paint to creating the shades. They then select the size of paintbrush they wish to use and the paper of their choosing. This simple act of painting is promoting independence, a ‘can do’ attitude, problem solving and decision making, all before they even get creative with the paint! All these skills are valuable life skills that will hopefully be carried with them throughout their time as Gruffalos. As you read this we are excitedly preparing for Christmas and, of course, our nativity. If you would like further information about Robin’s Childcare please contact us on 01473 310767 and we will be more than happy to help.
BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB We have fared better since my last report with an 8-2 win at newly promoted Hintlesham & Chattisham. This was a very close encounter where three games could have gone either way and the bonus points were won by one shot. Next up we were at home to Chelmondiston who put up a good show before losing 9-1. The last game to report on was a visit to Barking. This was always going to be difficult but made worse with us being three players short on the night. Although there were three close games, we came away having been beaten 10-0.
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB There was a good turnout for the funeral of club official Ian Powell on Thursday, November 8 at Seven Hills Crematorium. Ian had worked for almost 40 years behind the scenes for the club that he loved and will be missed by all that knew him. Ian passed away knowing that the First team were top of the Senior Division in the Suffolk and Ipswich League, going top on October 6 after a thrilling 4-3 win away to Claydon thanks to goals from Joe Bigmore, Anthony Jackson and a brace from Shaun Webb. The team recorded a 2-1 win at Benhall St Mary with goals from Danny Garrard and Daniel Page, and despite defeats against Felixstowe United (3-2) and East Bergholt (3-1) they remained top of the league. The Senior Cup game away to Leiston St Margarets was won 3-0 with goals from Kieran Lawler and a brace from Sean Gunn, with the side travelling to play Haverhill Borough from the Eastern Counties League in the next round. Our young Reserve side are having a mixed season, winning 1-0 against Coplestonians A before losing 4-3 against Cockfield with our scorers Daniel Hudson-Smith and a brace from Jack Reddington. They then lost 1-0 against Benhall St Mary after a close game. Our Sunday morning side beat Greshams 5-2 with Abdul Kaium scoring three of the goals, but lost 4-0 against Felixstowe Rangers, then 2-1 against Shotley with Stirling Mayes our scorer, while our Veteran side were beaten 4-0 at Bacton, but bounced back beating Coplestonians 3-0. BOB THE PLOUGHMAN
THE ORWELL CHALLENGE – FUNDRAISING THE EASY WAY – Do you need to raise funds for a charity, good cause, sport’s club or youth organisation? The ready-made answer is the Orwell Challenge. Just enter and arrange your own sponsorship and Ipswich East Rotary Club will organise the event for you. The Orwell Challenge, previously known as the Orwell Walk, has been organised for the last 42 years by Ipswich East Rotary Club and has enabled £3million to be raised for local good causes. The next event will be held on Sunday 23 June 2019. Each entrant pays an entrance fee to take part in the event and then raises sponsorship for their charity or good cause. Entrants can book their place in the event by registering on the Ipswich East Rotary Club website. There is a discount for early registration. The annual event ranges over private land between Ipswich and Felixstowe which is not usually open to the public. The event has become known as the ‘Happy Walk’ because Rotarians go the extra mile to be welcoming and encouraging to all the entrants. You can walk between three and 25 miles, or run distances up to a full marathon. Rotary provides check points, toilets, ice cream vans, food stalls and a rescue service to ferry walkers and runners back to the start when difficulties occur. Sign up now to raise funds for your good cause: www.ipswicheastrotaryclub.co.uk
CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES BE PREPARED These two words have been etched in my life from the days I was in the Scouting movement. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement, was asked the inevitable question: “Prepared for what?”. His response: “Why, for any old thing!”. He wrote: “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.”
The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216
Every week I work to deadlines – the most public is that on a Sunday morning I’ve got to stand up and preach to one of my congregations. I can’t tell them to come back tomorrow when I’m ready. Preparation includes studying the Bible passage, reading around the subject and praying through the message. I was caught out once when I went to work in Zimbabwe. My family and I have travelled overnight and attended an English speaking service where we warmly welcomed as new missionaries. As I was going to be working in rural areas among the Shona people, I slipped into an afternoon service to experience their worship and observe. When they found out I was a minister I was invited to preach. I wasn’t due to preach for several weeks (language school was my first assignment), and I can’t remember what I preached, but I know I was unprepared. I learnt then that I must always be prepared to share a word from the Lord with people.
Sunday 2 Saturday 8 Sunday 9 Sunday 16 Sunday 23 Christmas Eve Christmas Day Sunday 30
So many of my days don’t turn out exactly as scheduled. God surprises me with a person I meet, I have an interruption through a phone call or message that requires a visit, someone shares something of significance. I need to be ready to respond and discover God appointments. For years the people of Israel had been told that Christ was coming and to look forward to his coming. Prophecies told the place of his birth, that he would be a descendent of King David, the manner of his birth and much more. Yet when the moment arrived many failed to see it. The people thought they knew how God would work and were unprepared for anything else. It’s as though they had put God in a box. But God cannot be confined to a box. We should live our lives with a sense of expectancy. God is at work in many ways, constantly able to surprise us. Are we ready and willing to be surprised, are we ready to meet him in the lives of people we know. I’m sure most of us will prepare for Christmas with presents, food and drinks. We could easily miss the greatest gift God has prepared for us, a relationship with his Son Jesus Christ, after whom this festival is named.
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AT CAPEL METHODIST Home Groups and prayer meetings on various days and times. 10.30am Worship with Stephen Walker 6.30pm Prayer 3.30pm Messy Church 10.30am Worship with Tom Boswell 10.30am All-Age Worship – The story of Christmas 6.30pm Carol Service with Rev Sankey 10.30am Worship and Communion with Rev Sankey 7pm Carols in the Precinct for All 9.30am Worship with Rev Sankey 10.30am Worship with Chris Jowett
AT HOLBROOK METHODIST/ HCT (Holbrook Churches Together) Tea & Chat: Mondays 2.30-4pm (HCT) Home Group: First & third Tuesday, 7.30pm (ring for venue) Saturday 1 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 2 10am Worship with Martin Ellis Friday 7 3.30pm Messy Church Sunday 9 10am Worship Arranged Locally Sunday 16 10am Worship & Communion with Rev Sankey Thursday 20 7pm Carol Service Sunday 23 10am Family Friendly Worship with Alicia Holmes Christmas Day 10.30am Worship with Rev Sankey Sunday 30 10am Worship with Rev Dawes Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in December. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: 07979 233125
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CHURCH NEWS
HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB
Parish Priest: Fr Peter Raj 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR DECEMBER Sunday 2 First Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 4 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 9 9am
Second Sunday of Advent Mass
Tuesday 11 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 16 Third Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 18 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Monday 24 Christmas Eve 5.30pm Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 8pm Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB Tuesday 25 Christmas Day 9am Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB 11am Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ Sunday 30 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 9am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door. Catholic Commentary Probably many of us are already thinking about and preparing for Christmas, some with eager anticipation, others with a little dread. The church season of Advent beginning on Sunday, December 2 anticipates Christmas by getting us in the mind to reflect on the incarnation which together with Christ’s death and resurrection is the basic premise of Christianity; this is God’s amazing love and action for humanity and the
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world. Fully explored; Christianity is a grand narrative that gives meaning to existence and guidelines for life. On the basis that each person is known and loved by God, a high value is placed on the dignity of every individual and from this comes the modern emphasis on rights. But the individual does not exist apart from others; he/she is a member of a nation and a family and much of Jewish/ Christian teaching is directed at social life, how people can and should live together in peace. If we are looking for a slogan for Christmas we can do no better than to use the traditional one: peace on earth and goodwill to all. Happy Christmas to all readers of this page in In Touch. Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, November 18 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £156 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, December 23 at Holy Family, Brantham. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or onlne at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the parish room and all are very welcome to join us. There will be no December event and the next one will be on Thursday, January 31. Supporting our Local Hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas, and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice. The Sick & Homebound Please let Fr Peter know of anyone who is ill at home or homebound so that they can receive appropriate pastoral care. If you or someone you know is going into Ipswich Hospital and would like the ministrations of the church while there please inform Fr Peter or leave a message on Deacon Clive’s answerphone on 01206 396319. All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services; it’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.
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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon, The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116
CHRISTMAS SERVICES & EVENTS
Dear friends, What does Christmas mean to you? Time with family and friends? Carols, cards, television specials, hectic shopping, parties and eating too much? What about the first Christmas? Does the original stor – the baby in a manger, shepherds, wise men, and angels – have any relevance today? For two millennia, people have told of the child in a Bethlehem manger. While that does not prove its truthfulness (Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy survive in the popular imagination) it does prompt further investigation. Jesus’ society knew great pain and oppression. Rome ruled. Corrupt tax collectors burdened the people. Some religious leaders even sanctioned physical beating of Jewish citizens practising religious duties. Joseph and Mary had their share of family challenges. Joseph’s fiancée became pregnant though she was a virgin. Mary believed an angel told her she was pregnant by God. How would you feel if your fiancé/fiancée exhibited apparent evidence of sexual activity with someone else during your engagement? Suppose your intended said that God had sanctioned the whole thing. Joseph decided to break the engagement quietly so as not to disgrace Mary publicly. But an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived in her by God, and told him to “name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins”. And Joseph followed the instructions. Joseph’s continuing commitment to Mary and Jesus played a significant part in the boy’s birth and early childhood. Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary travelled a long distance to Bethlehem to register for a census, but could not obtain proper lodging. Mary bore her baby and laid him in a manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eventually, King Herod sought to kill the baby. Warned of impending risk, Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt, only returning home after Herod’s death.
Copdock Christmas Market at Copdock Hall: December 2, 1-4pm Bentley Christingle: December 2, 10am Sproughton Christmas Market: December 8, 10am Burstall Christingle and Gift Service: December 9, 9.30am Copdock Nativity: December 9, 10am Bentley Mulled Wine & Carols in the village hall: December 13, 7pm Bentley Carol Service: December 16, 10am Burstall Carol Service: December 16, 4.30pm Belstead Carol Service: December 16, 6pm Copdock Carol Service: December 16, 6pm Tattingstone Carol Service: December 16, 6pm Sproughton Carol Service: December 16, 6.30pm Bentley Crib Service: December 23, 3pm Sproughton Nativity: December 24, 3pm Tattingstone Holy Communion Service: December 23, 10am Tattingstone Crib and Christingle Service: December 24, 4pm Copdock Midnight Mass: December 24, 11.30pm Belstead Midnight Mass: December 24, 11.30pm Burstall Holy Communion: Christmas Day. 9.30am Bentley Holy Communion: Christmas Day, 10am Sproughton Sung Communion: Christmas Day, 10am
Imagine how Mary felt. Traveling while pregnant would be challenging. Fleeing to another nation lest some king kill your son would not be pleasant. Yet she, Joseph and Jesus survived the ordeal. Two-thousand years later there are still people facing similar challenges – refugees, the homeless, those facing unplanned pregnancy or family discord, or living in daily fear for their own and their family’s lives. Mary’s and Joseph’s story is one of hope, survival and faith against what appear to be insurmountable odds. Christmas offers hope for everyone. No matter how bad things are, no matter how hopeless they seem, there is hope! Don’t be discouraged, don’t lose heart. Christmas is a beacon of hope to all who need hope. That baby boy was to grow up to deliver an ultimate message of hope. “It is impossible to conceive how different things would have turned out if that birth had not happened whenever, wherever, however it did … for millions of people who have lived since, the birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it. It is a truth that, for twenty centuries, there have been untold numbers of men and women who, in untold numbers of ways, have been so grasped by the child who was born, so caught up in the message he taught and the life he lived, that they have found themselves profoundly changed by their relationship with him.” Frederick Buechner Christmas is meant to celebrate peace and joy. Amid the busyness of shopping, parties, presents and fun, remember the Prince of Peace came to spread hope, peace and joy to all. Sending you love and prayers this Christmas, Annette
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Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year from all at North Samford Benefice. FROM THE REGISTERS Funerals Peter Jones – Copdock Michael Cross - Copdock Burial of Ashes Brenda Ling – Burstall Betty Nolan – Copdock Ivan Gooch – Belstead DECEMBER Sunday 2 Tuesday 4 Wednesday 5 Thursday 6 Saturday 8 Thursday 13 Wednesday 19
Copdock Christmas Market at Copdock Hall, 1-4pm Ministry Meeting, Church Hall Sproughton, noon Bentley Home Communions, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Bentley Mulled Wine & Carols, 7pm Burstall Singing Carols around the village Copdock Home Communions, 10am
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CHURCH NEWS JANUARY Wednesday 2 Thursday 3 Thursday 3 Saturday 12 Tuesday 15 Saturday 19 Tuesday 22 Wednesday 23 Saturday 26
Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Sproughton Morning Market, 10am Churchwarden’s & Treasurer’s Meeting, 10am at Sproughton Church Hall Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Ministry Meeting, noon Burstall Approval of Accounts Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm
Sunday, December 9 9.30am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Belstead 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone
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SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday, December 2 8am Copdock Holy Communion 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Bentley Christingle 10am Copdock Morning Prayer 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion 11am Sproughton Holy Communion Croissant Church Christingle & Gift Service Holy Communion Nativity Holy Communion Evensong
Sunday, December 16 10am Bentley Carol Service 4.30pm Burstall Carol Service 6pm Belstead Carol Service 6pm Copdock Carol Service 6pm Tattingstone Carol Service 6.30pm Sproughton Carol Service Sunday, December 23 10am Tattingstone 3pm Bentley
Holy Communion Crib Service
December 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Sproughton 4pm Tattingstone 11.30pm Belstead 11.30pm Copdock
Nativity Crib & Christingle Service Midnight Mass Midnight Mass
December 25: Christmas Day 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Sung Communion
Sunday, December 30 10am Copdock
Benefice Communion
Sunday, January 6 8.30am Copdock Holy Communion 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion 10am Copdock Morning Prayer 10am Bentley Family Service 11am Sproughton Family@Church Sunday, January 13 9.30am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone
Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evening Prayer
Please submit church letters and copy for January edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by December 1: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
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A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
THE FIRST NOWELL
SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER, 7PM HOLBROOK CHORAL SOCIETY, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL CHAPEL CHOIR, THE READE ORCHESTRA, WILLIAM SAUNDERS, CONDUCTOR, DANIEL JOY, TENOR
Full: £12 | Conc: £10 | U18: FREE Tickets available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic 01206 573948 SCHOOL CHAPEL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX