In Touch
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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
Volume 9 • Issue No. 3 • February 2019
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First Signs of Spring by Paula Irvine
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NEWS
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR My husband believes there are two kinds of people; those who see the positives in almost everything, and those who always see the negatives. If opposites attract, we must be the perfect couple, so when Daniel played this song by Kacey Musgraves I’m pretty sure he was making a point. It’s called Miserable. Your heart’s as heavy as the stones you throw Can’t see the flowers for the weeds you grow You blow your bubbles just to watch ‘em burst For you it’s always bad to worse And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable Your neighbor’s dirty laundry’s cleaner And the wolf at your door’s always meaner The sky’s still grey when the sun’s around But you can’t set sail if your anchor’s down And you can’t win unless you lose You try to tell me you want happiness But you ain’t happy unless You’re miserable I’m miserable Can’t liven up for the both of us We have enough for the whole of us If misery loves company Then I can’t keep you company no more He got me good! I don’t think I’m this miserable, but when life is going well, I live in dread of what’s bound to come, and it’s bound to be bad! I think it’s an inherited trait, but it’s not one I want to pass on. Is it possible to change? I sure hope so because my New Year’s resolution is to prove Daniel wrong!
InTouch
with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
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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.
We also publish In Touch with... •B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •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
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March DEADLINE
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NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS AT BENTLEY VILLAGE HALL Once again revellers enjoyed the New Year’s Dance held in the village hall with popular music provided all night by G.R. Disco. Refreshments, supplied by the revellers themselves, offered a delicious choice during the evening and the grand draw contained an abundance of valuable donated prizes. At midnight, the New Year was welcomed in with the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne and was then expertly and ceremoniously piped in much to everyone’s delight by a bag piper who lives locally. Thanks to the small group of dedicated organisers and helpers who ensured that everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves on the night. After expenses, a £380 surplus remained which was divided between three local charities: Bentley Parochial Church Council, Cats Protection Ipswich and The M.S. Therapy Centre in Claydon. A very worthwhile community effort and our thanks to everyone!
TATTINGSTONE WHEATSHEAF WORKS WONDERS FOR LOCAL CHARITY Friday, December 7 saw the final event in The Tattingstone Wheatsheaf charity event calendar with a Christmas party and the annual huge raffle. Prizes were donated by many of the regulars to the awardwinning pub and included a homemade Christmas cake, cable ties(!), biscuits, dog poo bags(!), smellies, chocolates and lots of bottles of various drinks. The Christmas party was the final event in a full year of activities which included the Copdock Bike Run, a Gin Night, the hugely successful 24Hour Pétanque, a Race Night, a Teddy Bears Picnic, an Easter Egg Raffle and not forgetting the jar of 5p coins donated by Bob Munday. The charity which will benefit from this hard work is Ipswich based Livability Icanho. The money is to go towards buying a special piece of equipment called a Dynamic Body Weight Support System. More information on this amazing bit of kit can be found on the Wheatsheaf/ Icanho Facebook page. It’s a piece of equipment which can make a huge difference to the rehabilitation process. The charity committee are delighted to announce that the final total for 2018 was £10,387.84. For a small, rural pub this is an astonishing amount and the committee are grateful to each and every person who has helped in any way to raise this fantastic sum. Sesa Ishaya, committee member and head physio at Livability Icanho, commented: “I am thrilled and so grateful. The people in the surrounding community who frequent the Wheatsheaf have been so generous. I, and the rest of the staff at Livability Icanho, thank each and every one of them. We are getting closer and closer to getting the equipment to help people get back on their feet following a brain injury.” This year the focus of fundraising activity is the Ipswich Hospital Blossom Appeal. The Blossom Appeal aims to raise £2.5m towards a new state-of-the-art facility which will bring all breast services under one roof so that patients can be imaged, biopsied and see their consultant in one appointment. Currently, patients have to visit three different locations during their care, which means they need to get dressed and undressed several times. Breast cancer is unfortunately a disease which has affected a number of people in our local villages. The aim is to hopefully raise at least £5,000 over 2019. There are many events planned, with the first being the Pink Party Launch on Saturday, January 26 at the Wheatsheaf. Keep an eye on The Wheatsheaf Facebook page for more details and events. www.facebook.com/wheatsheafIcanhocharity www.facebook.com/wheatsheaftattingstone
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NEWS BENTLEY COMMUNITY SHOP: Best Possible Service Bentley Community Shop is looking forward to 2019 with confidence and a brand new Tarmac car park with a disabled bay serving the shop and our community pub, The Case is Altered. Since opening it is quite amazing to see the volume of goods sold from our range of 1,500 items. The shop has sold over 55,000 eggs, 16,000 newspapers and 5,500 local pies to the village community. It’s a huge credit to everyone involved that the store has traded profitably since day one; over 46,000 transactions have taken place at the till amounting to over 126,000 items of stock. Our excellent team of volunteers and buyers ensure the shop is fully stocked with new products and good value items all year round.
BABBLINGS FROM THE BROOK From Charlie, Cat and baby Bear Charlie and the two chefs have been reviewing the menus and the special dishes we have on offer, so look out for some truly tasty offerings for February. Nearly all our menu offerings will be gluten free (with only one or two exceptions) and we have received some wonderful reviews on the choice and quality of the GF menu we provide. Top choices are still the GF Sunday Roast, the GF Fish and Chips and our Slow Roast Pork Belly with Aspall cider gravy and creamy mash. Top desserts are the GF Sticky Toffee Pudding and the Chocolate Orange Bread and Butter Pudding, but keep an eye on the specials board for more ideas from the kitchen! We are looking forward to hosting another of the pub’s popular Open Mic music nights on Thursday, February 7. Graham and his band of musicians will be strumming the night away with guest artistes to keep you entertained. Come along and have an evening of music and fun at The Brook! Of course Thursday, February 14 is Valentine’s Day and we will be featuring a special menu for Valentine’s night. Details will be on the website nearer the date. The night is likely to be very popular, so make sure you book your table (01473 730531) to make sure of your places. John, our quizmaster, has had January off, but we are holding another Sunday Quiz Night in February; date to be announced, but coming very soon. As usual, there will be a prize for the winning team and a for the team that comes last. We hope to see you soon! www.thebrookinnwashbrook.co.uk www.facebook.com/thebrookinnwashbrook Instagram - thebrookinn_washbrook
DEATH CAFÉ The next peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, March 3 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 are made very welcome with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins.
A new chiller cabinet installed in January will mean fruit and veg will soon be displayed together in a temperature controlled environment, and the latest technology EPOS till system means you can pay by debit and credit cards, even on phones and watches. Cash-less transactions account for some 40 per cent of sales, which many customers find really helpful, especially as there is no minimum purchase rule. Bentley Stores is a community store and customer feedback is always valuable. As a result our new opening times in 2019 will be 9am to 5pm and at weekends closing as usual at noon. The difference that the shop, and the neighbouring pub, has made to the village over recent years is remarkable and this continues to go from strength to strength. A team of loyal and enthusiastic volunteers is key to the success of the shop and the committee is always looking for extra hands to help. If you can spare a few hours a week, please contact the shop on: 01473 310182 / info@bentleystores.co.uk
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK CAROL SINGING We enjoyed another successful evening for our chosen charity, The African Children’s Choir. My thanks to all 17 who braved the elements to sing carols and collect round the houses, and to everybody who generously supported us to the tune of £335 (£90 up on last year). Special thanks to Ruth and David for the welcome refreshments, which were much appreciated after three hours round the houses, also the welcome reception by The Brook diners. How about joining us this year? If we had more we could do more. Muriel Pearsons.
DOCTORS SURGERY TRANSPORT ROTA Do you have a car and some spare time? The transport rota provides transport from home to the surgery and back for patients in Capel, Copdock, Wenham and Bentley. It has been set up in conjunction with the patient group and the surgery with a clearly understood set of guidelines to ensure that volunteers and patients are properly protected. We currently have vacancies on the rota for driver volunteers, and obviously the more volunteers we have, so the frequency of callout reduces. Most volunteers may do one or more trips in a month. We will arrange for any necessary checks to be carried out. Given the lack of public transport, the scheme has enabled many frail patients who cannot drive to get to their appointments, as well as reducing the number of surgery callouts. If you feel you can help with this valuable work please contact Chris Yule on 01473 310992.
For more information about the Death Cafe please contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com
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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: FEBRUARY 2019 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR ALASTAIR MCCRAW STOCKTAKING 2018 It’s time to have a look back at 2018. There’s been more change at Babergh than might be obvious. We started 2018 facing ‘Options for Change’ as a planned merger with Mid Suffolk was presented to us. Without going into detail, it’s fair to say that opinion was split, particularly on having a local poll to make the decision. The opposition rallied, with support from other members. The result was that the leader resigned and the new leader committed to no further moves in this direction until 2019. I fully expect this to be revived in the run-up to the May elections. Expect presentation in election leaflets as a ‘manifesto’ commitment. My own opinion of manifestos is not high. In local government you’re electing councillors, people capable of doing the work, and not just parties to form a quasi-government. There may be merits of such a merger. There are synergies, financial considerations, and we already work together though as separate sovereign councils. There are also differences and the actual effect would be (how can I put this nicely?) to reduce the variety of thought and representation in Babergh. I personally value that variety and I hope that you do too. You were asked in 2011 if you wanted to merge. You should be directly asked again in the same way. Other associated changes came about through the leadership change. The tone of the council has changed a little. After three years, we know each other better with more of a sense of cooperation. The opposition were brought into the Cabinet with the appointment of another Independent, Derek Davis to the organisational delivery role. That deals with our direct services to the public, computer systems and improving performance across the board. Out of this Derek has launched the popup services at Shotley and Hadleigh and there will be more to follow. A more constructive dialogue within the council is a further bonus. I was genuinely surprised to be voted in as chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee. We’ve always felt that this is a role best suited for an opposition member. In our Cabinet model this is a crucial bridge between the power of the Cabinet and the responsibilities of the members. We report and recommend to both Cabinet and council, work with the officers and staff and act as a ‘critical friend’ to all. Our brief is wide. A third of our constitution relates to overview and scrutiny activity. By
examining decisions and areas of concern before, during and after they are discussed elsewhere, we have aimed to amend, to improve and to inform. My annual scrutiny report to the council in March will contain more detail, but there have been some very successful projects in voids (vacant council properties), investments and in just making Babergh work better. PLANNING One principle change in the year was regaining our ability to demonstrate a five-year land supply. After some pushing from scrutiny, we got out of the trap where we were limited in resisting some very speculative planning applications (Mid Suffolk still lacks this!). In Babergh, we’re now able to apply our own local policies with their full weight. Our emerging Joint Local Plan will probably progress after May, so that the newly elected councils can be fully involved. Locally, the largest focus in Alton right now is on Brantham. The 288-house application in the Regeneration Area/Green Field will be submitted shortly. There has been a recent flurry of applications in the Brantham Church Lane area. One of these, Brantham Place, is a major application to be heard by the planning committee. Documents and public responses are still coming in. I understand these will be accepted until the end of January. Another, on the corner of Ipswich Road and Gravel Pit Lane is a partnership between Babergh and Iceni Homes to provide affordable housing only. That too will go to committee. On any of these and all others, I’m always happy to discuss the situation and provide any information I can. Just ask, phone or email me. The blue Claud Butler has been whimpering about neglect recently, so I’ll be out and about as the days lengthen. I do like to be able to keep you in touch as much as possible, so you could consider joining the Facebook group. It has the huge advantage of being immediate. With the Ward change for the May election, I’ll have to rename it shortly. Meanwhile, I wish you a belated happy New Year. Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD May I first offer my very best wishes for the New Year. With all the confusion at Westminster over Brexit, it’s a wonder that anything elsewhere in government gets done, but somehow they seem to find the time to poke about in the realms of local government with particular attention to housing! (How much is ‘leadership’ campaigning and how much is actual need is debatable!) Planning is supposed to be a ‘local’ issue, so that locally elected representatives can influence what happens in their local area! Let’s face it, they should know best what is desirable and what is not, or do they? Central government always thinks it knows best like any dominant parent, so housing targets are nationally set rather than reflecting the local need, although there is always a report or consultant who can prove otherwise! What always seems to be forgotten is the infrastructure to go with the housing targets. If I sound cynical it’s because the new Draft Local Plan is out for consultation. The original version had so many comments and then the changes of the NPPF came along, so the revision has taken longer than anticipated, delaying the new version until nearer the local elections. Now there is another twist. Babergh will see the number of councillors reduced from 45 to 32 so there will be several new faces even without an election! But they will have to operate on something started by the previous council. The same applies to the budget, agreed and set in February to be implemented by a new set of councillors, with one would hope, new and
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representative views on what is important to the area. No one said the system was logical or fair, so we will need to take a firm grip of the budget, Local Plan, investment strategy, etc. as soon as the new council is in place to insure that it is properly reflective of the views of the electorate. No waiting over two years as with Brexit to mess it about. What will be needed is clear and swift action; after all it’s the money from our residents’ pockets that is at stake! The move to Endeavour House was supposed to save lots of money, but so far the only obvious outcome is poor access to council services by residents unless utilising a computer (and then it relies on someone getting back to you). Cost savings are difficult to pin down, as are the savings supposedly achieved by joining up the two council workforces into one team. The current ‘Cabinet’ system of governance suits the largest group, but makes any ideas, constructive or not, from elsewhere in the council virtually impossible to implement. Not what I call representative democracy, but then May will bring an opportunity for change! I will try and represent the views of all of the residents of Dodnash Ward up until the elections, but if anyone has any comments or questions please do not hesitate to contact me. In the meantime let’s hope that the legal system is more representative of local wishes than perhaps elected officials outside of the ward. Councillor John Hinton john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309
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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Missed Appointments The high number of missed GP and nurse appointments nationally has recently been highlighted by the press. Unfortunately, our practice also suffers from this problem. Through December 2018 the number of missed appointments and the time wasted was as follows: Doctors: 12 missed appointments, 2.5 hours wasted Nurse Practitioners: 3 missed appointments, 40 minutes wasted Practice Nurses: 24 missed appointments, 6.5 hours wasted Health Care Assistants: 7 missed appointments, 1 hour wasted Phlebotomists: 10 missed appointments, 75 minutes wasted When an appointment is booked, patients receive a text message confirmation, so please ensure we have an up-to-date mobile number recorded for you. Patients will also generally receive a reminder text message the day before their appointment, though not in every case. If you cannot make an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so it can be made available to other patients. There is nothing more frustrating than our clinicians preparing for a patient consultation or procedure only for them not to turn up. If you are going to be late then let us know and we will try to accommodate you, though it may not be possible if it will result in other patients being delayed. Community Connector Bus If you sometimes you wake up and think ‘more of the same’ and wish for something different and interesting to happen in your life, or if one of life’s many challenges has been thrown at you recently and you don’t know where to turn for advice, or if you need to take greater care of your health and wellbeing or be more active physically or socially, or if you find yourself alone because of bereavement or other circumstances… then the Community Connector scheme could be for you! The Community Connector Bus will be visiting the practice at East Bergholt between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday, February 6, Tuesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 27. The scheme will connect you to others for support and advice on matters such as debt, benefits, housing, health and fitness, walking, cycling, dance, volunteering, social activities, clubs, arts and much more. This initiative is supported by Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Family Carers. No appointment is necessary, just turn up! National GP Patient Survey Questionnaires You may receive a survey from Ipsos MORI over the next couple of months requesting feedback on the how the practice has performed. If you receive one, please complete and return it. Feedback is really important to us. We have been working hard over the last couple of years to improve the service we offer and patient feedback is vital in understanding the progress we have made and which areas we need to focus on. Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, February 13 and Thursday, March 14. On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy but the practice reception will be closed. East Bergholt reception will be open. Please note that there will be no clinicians at either building after 1pm as they will be attending training off-site. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day. Practice Manager Pete Keeble
BUMPER BOOK SALE AT MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH Saturday, March 23, 10am-3pm / Free admission Refreshments to include bacon butties and homemade cakes
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By way of an introduction, I am Police Constable 710 Michael Small and I have recently taken up the post of Community Engagement Officer for the Ipswich West and Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team. I have been a police officer in Suffolk for 26 years and have worked in a number of areas of Suffolk including Leiston and Ipswich, both as a response officer, roads policing officer and a community ‘beat’ officer. I have most recently been a trainer at our training school, teaching new student police officers. I am really looking forward to the opportunity of returning to community policing in my new role. I work as part of a committed team of Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers on the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Our remit is to react to issues in the community with a problem solving approach to policing. We work closely with our partner agencies, responding to reports of crime and anti-social behaviour with the aim of making your areas a safer place to live and work for the whole community. In order for us to achieve our goals, we rely on our communities to inform us of the issues in their areas that are a cause for concern. I aim to engage with your through traditional methods of patrolling your area and attending public events and forums as well as providing you with updates on social media and through our constabulary website. You can do this by following us on Facebook @IpswichWestPolice and on Twitter @HadleighPolice. In addition to our social media posts we are promoting Police Connect. This is a free messenger service for those who do not use social media, which means you can receive texts messages or emails with up-todate information about policing in your area. You can register online at www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect or request a form from us via: CEOlowestoft@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Since the start of the New Year, I have been looking at crime trends in the rural areas around Suffolk. There have recently been a number of domestic burglaries. Please be vigilant with your home security as some of these offences have occurred where properties have been left insecure. A typical crime of this nature now involves criminals taking car keys from within a dwelling and then stealing vehicles from a driveway or garage. Avoid leaving keys hanging near to access points such as letterboxes or cat flaps where they can be easily accessed by the offender. Another alarming crime trend involves something known as a ‘distraction’ or ‘artifice burglary’. This usually involves the perpetrator pretending to be someone of authority such as a police officer of someone from a service industry. They convince the occupant to allow them access to the property and then either steal items from inside or deceive the occupier into giving them money. Please be extra vigilant in relation to this type of crime and support elderly or vulnerable people in your community who may be more trusting of this type of caller at their door. Our Suffolk police website has advice on preventing these and other crimes through our First Principle scheme. Please visit our website and go to the ‘Advice’ section. If you have any quires or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD Hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: Call 999 Non-Emergency: Call 101 Follow us on Twitter@ HadleighPolice Police Connect: Suffolk.police.uk/police connect
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com 9
NEWS NOTES FROM THE CASE If the Beast from the East strikes again this winter you will always find a warm and cosy welcome at The Case with lots to keep you entertained during the dark winter months. If you’re making it a dry January and February, do pop in as we have lots of alternatives to tempt you, including the very popular Adnams 0.5% Ghost Ship. As always we have a busy month ahead. Open Mic Night on Tuesday, February 5: Come along and enjoy our local talented musicians. You might even feel like joining in yourself and, of course, all performers are very welcome. Bring your own instrument, PA provided. Fun and Games Evenings on Saturday, February 9: With more old fashioned family board games. It can get rather noisy, but it’s all just good fun and there are always plenty of groups for you to join. If you have a favourite game, bring it along! Quiz Night on Saturday, February 23: As usual a curry supper will be available from 6pm onwards, last sitting 8pm, quiz starts at 8.30pm. Booking for the curry is essential. If you would like to host a quiz, please contact Chris at cottage.garden@btinternet.com and we’ll add you to the rota. Looking forward, we will be holding a Spanish evening on Saturday, March 16. Food will be prepared by Esther, our very popular visiting chef. So dust off your sombreros and practise your flamenco dancing! Booking is essential. Please check the website or Facebook page for more details. Believe it or not, on April 13 The Case will have been open as a community pub for five years and to mark this important occasion we are planning a celebratory weekend. We would love to hear from you any ideas you have for this, but would also like to receive copies of any photographs you may have taken during this period showing events or occasions held at the pub. Please email the chairman at: savethecasebentley@gmail.com
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNING We follow last month’s article with a brief update on Babergh’s progress regarding its Local Plan. Originally scheduled for release in December 2018, it has been put back for an intended release in June or July 2019. There is more than one reason for the delay. A major consideration is that the district council elections will be held in May 2019 and it is inevitable that some present councillors will not hold their current positions. The newly elected councillors can then be held duly responsible for the new Local Plan. A consultation with residents will take place after the revised Local Plan is released; this was the case with Babergh’s original 2017 Draft Plan that in our parish at least, was not well received or distributed. That is now behind us. We need to give the new Babergh Strategic Planning team a chance to revisit it with a fresh approach; we have no doubt it will be. Once the new Local Plan eventually goes through due consultative process, it will be subject to a final review by a government inspector to eventually decide the outcome. Our present district councillor, Nick Ridley, has advised that it will be mid-2020 before it is finally adopted. Our chance to influence matters To have any official and meaningful influence over future planning issues, a Neighbourhood Plan must be prepared and this is now underway with a newly formed residents’ committee. We have been advised that it is intended that all village residents will be able to follow progress online; details to follow.
As you know, our pub depends heavily on volunteers to keep it running. If you love the pub and want to see it continue to be successful, would you consider joining the team? No experience is necessary, nor is pulling pints as we have many other jobs that need doing. Let someone behind the bar know or leave a note with your name and contact details.
If we do not have a Neighbourhood Plan East Bergholt did not and does not have a Neighbourhood Plan, but has fought hard (and at considerable expense) to have three large planning applications rejected. However, in December 2018 is was announced that: “East Bergholt Parish Council has failed in a High Court challenge to decisions by Babergh District Council to grant planning permissions for 229 new homes in the Suffolk village.”
01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk
We do not want that result replicated in Copdock and Washbrook!
www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley
Colin Hinkins: colinhinkins@gmail.com
HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY GP and Staff Training Afternoons Our next training afternoon will be on Wednesday, February 13. The practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions and book appointments/make enquiries at reception. However, there will be no clinical staff on site and our telephone lines will be switched over to the out of hours service on these afternoons to allow for staff training. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Thank you Huge thanks to all those who kindly gave biscuits, cakes, chocolates and other seasonal gifts to our staff at Christmas. These are much appreciated and we are always overwhelmed by your generosity. It is a fantastic recognition of the hard work of our staff who provide an excellent service. Flu or a Cold? The NHS website (www.nhs.uk) has good advice on how to differentiate between a cold and flu. Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include: a sudden fever (temperature over 38oC); aching body; feeling tired or exhausted; dry cough; sore throat; headache; difficulty sleeping; loss of appetite; diarrhoea or tummy pain; nausea and being sick. The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in the ear and appear less active. Recommended treatment is rest and sleep, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains, drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your urine should be
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light yellow or clear). If you are concerned about a child, are pregnant, 65 or over, have a long-term medical condition or a weakened immune system or if you continue to have symptoms after seven days, please contact the surgery for an appointment. GPs don’t recommend antibiotics for flu because they won’t relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. Don’t forget, if you are eligible for the flu vaccination, we still have vaccines at the practice so please book an appointment at reception. Urine Samples We may ask you to bring a urine sample in to the practice for testing if a urine infection is suspected or for a routine review for diabetes and some other long-term health conditions. We are no longer supplied with free bottles for collecting these samples so if you have a small, sterilised bottle at home (e.g. one that has been cleaned in a dishwasher or with boiling water) then we can accept these, but you must take them home with you after testing. This will reduce the cost to the practice and avoid us having to charge patients for a bottle. We are able to supply a free Monovette syringe system to those able to use them, but these can only be sent away for testing and cannot be dipped in practice. Our receptionists can guide you if you have any queries but please be prepared for these changes. Practice Manager Julia Smith
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out & about PENINSULAR PIX
ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, February 9, 9am-12.30pm. Pick up a Valentine’s present for that special person and visit all your favourite market stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items. 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.
On Thursday, March 7, Peninsular Pix presents the Queen. (No, not her, the other Queen). Bohemian Rhapsody is an acclaimed biopic of singersongwriter Farrokh Bulsara’s great band and follows his career with them, his breakaway into an attempt at going solo that failed and his final reuniting with the band prior to his death. Lots of terrific songs of course, including the title number which it was said took Freddie seven years to write. Or he took seven years to write it. (There is a difference). Anyway, part of the lyrics are Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia and you know what a magic draw those words are for Pen Pix patrons! Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon were glitzy college lads who forsook the excitement of studying for a geology or macrame degree for the boring life of rock stars. Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton and Gwilym Lee play the parts and play them well.
Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.
Farrokh Bulsara? Well, you’ve probably guessed, that’s Freddie’s real name. As my cockney actor friend would say, not many people know that.
New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777
Garry Kilworth http://www.peninsularpix.co.uk
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
YO HO! HEAVE TO MY HEARTIES Get your tickets for BATS Pantomime 2019 Off to Treasure Island by Lisa Butler will be presented at Brantham Village Hall from February 20-23 at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 23. This swashbuckling tale of two opposing crews is an original script especially written for BATS, which suits their long-established traditional style. A mixed age cast of idle deckhands, glamorous principal boys and girls and two beautiful Dames, with singing, dancing, live music and typical jokes. Come along and have some fun at half-term with all the family. Tickets (adults £9, children £6) are available from Bakes & Blossoms, Acacia Court, Brantham, and online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk
CAPEL LIBRARY February! What a beautiful time of the spring calendar. Snowdrop, crocus and early daffodils are out and the catkins have been showing on the trees since the middle of January. Spring is a time of invigoration. Some use the time wisely in pouring over seed catalogues and new garden furniture ready for the summer. We have a huge range of gardening books on the shelf and in the catalogue ready for your perusal to make those changes to your outside space at home. Missed the latest blockbuster at the cinema? Then look out for new DVD releases from the library; a current poster is on the doorway for you to look at. Don’t forget that the Friends of Capel library also runs a cinema club every third Tuesday; come along and enjoy the film of the audience choice. CLUBS MEETING THIS MONTH Baby Bounce: Tuesdays 5, 12 and 26 at 2pm for some instrument shaking and singing of nursery rhymes. Suitable for all children under-five and their parent/carers. No meeting on February 19 due to school half term holiday. No charge for this event. Capel Creators: Saturday 16 between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Come along and show your creative side with Lego and Duplo bricks. Suitable for all children; children under eight must be accompanied by their parent/carer. A charge of £1 per child includes a drink and a biscuit. Minecraft: Sundays 10 and 24 between 10.30am and 12.30pm. No charge; children under eight to be accompanied by parent/carer. Capel Library Book Group: Friday 15 at 2pm. Come along and join in the discussions of the latest book and recommend one to the group to enjoy and discuss another time. Build a Bird or Bug Box: Wednesday, February 20 in conjunction with Ipswich Wildlife. There are three sessions available at a cost of £6.50 per child including refreshments. Limited numbers so buy your tickets early. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Call into the library for further details.
Here we see Brantham Amateur Theatrical Society’s Sister Act cast celebrating with their trophy for ‘Best Musical’ awarded by North Essex Theatre Guild in 2018. This was produced by Tina Burns, directed by Pippa Revell and the musical director was John Hoskyns.
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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
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OUT & ABOUT TABLE TOP SALE Saturday, February 16, 2-4pm at Belstead Village Hall Tables will include bric-a-brac and books. Refreshments available. All welcome. In aid St Mary’s Church General Fund.
CHILDREN’S NEARLY NEW SALE Saturday, March 9, 1.30-3pm Copdock & Washbrook Village Hall, Old London Road IP8 3JN Maternity Clothes, Baby Equipment, Clothes (aged 0-11 years) Toys, Books and Games 50p Entrance fee (children free) Do you have any baby/children’s items which you would like to sell? You choose the price; 70% goes to you, 30% goes to our charity (+ £1 administration fee per seller) For more information or a free sellers pack please contact Lisa (01473 312248 / 07745 520564) or Jo (07484 256903)
FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Here we are, a month into the New Year and it’s interesting to see how those resolutions are doing. I gave up making them years ago as I nearly always gave up. How about you? One of my friends actually managed to last an hour and a quarter before having an epic fail. It was nice to see so many of you at our AGM on Saturday, January 26. During last year our fundraising activities allowed us to replace the reception area, all of the rotating shelving, children’s equipment and many other pieces of equipment used in the daily running of the library. We are currently in the process of buying new soft furnishing and agreeing an action plan for this year. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our team of dedicated trustees and volunteers for all of their hard work and support. Our popular Community Cinema goes from strength to strength and is held in Capel Library on the third Tuesday of every month. Films are selected by the audience, so if there is one you would like to see please let us know. The next film, Adrift, will be screened on Tuesday, February 19 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets are now on sale at the library. The film is the true story of Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp who couldn’t anticipate that they would be sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in ruins. With no hope of rescue, Tami must now find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved. On Wednesday, February 20, we will be holding a Build a Bird/Bug Box event in association with Ipswich Wildlife. This supervised event will take place in hourly sessions from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Tickets for the event are limited and are currently available from the library. We are also in the early stage of planning a Beetle Drive which is pencilled in for April/May; watch this space for further details. Finally, a quick reminder that membership renewals for the Friends Group and The 100 Club are now due. If you haven’t renewed yet or wish to become a member please collect an application form in the library. Trevor Stevenson
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Out & About STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Embraceable Ella featuring Joanna Eden & Chris Ingham Trio Saturday, February 23, 7.30pm at Constable Hall, East Bergholt CO7 6TP Joanna Eden presents a ‘labour of love’ celebrating the music of her vocal hero Ella Fitzgerald. She is ccompanied by Chris Ingham on piano, Arnie Somogyi on bass and George Double on drums. Tickets (£15 including light refreshments) are available from 01206 298426, from Grier & Partners, or using CC payment from TicketSource via: www.svam.org.uk
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB John Hammond explained the skill of will writing at our meeting on January 16, a most interesting subject for all those retired! We hold our New Year Lunch at the popular Haywain in Little Bromley on February 6 when our spouses and Probus widows will join us. Brian Wilcox will introduce New Ways of Working on February 20 and Brian Wills will present a lecture of particular local interest when he speaks about Constable and his Paintings on March 6. Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 20. 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
CAMEO Jane and Julie entertained us at our Christmas get-together in December and I can highly recommend them. They are entertaining ladies with beautiful voices and a very wide repertoire of songs, musical instruments and related anecdotes, with some of our audience also participating (Brian, this means you!). We had a good turnout and were joined by visitors from Copdock. The afternoon was helped along with mulled wine and a good assortment of nibbles. 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. Non-residents are very welcome at a charge of £1. Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, on both personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have notice boards 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 that 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 2.30pm and 4pm. Our next couple of get togethers are February 11 and March 11. Sandra Howard
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100 years ago, ladies of Copdock Washbrook and Belstead organised an open meeting to discuss forming a WI. A coffee morning will be held from 10.30am-12.30pm at 8 Charlottes, Washbrook on Wednesday, February 6 to celebrate. EVERYONE WELCOME!
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION 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 February 19 when Marcia Whiting, Curatorial Associate of the Munnings Museum, will speak on the life and works of Sir Alfred Munnings. Sir Alfred, born and educated in Suffolk, is famous for being one of England’s finest painters of horses. Possibly less well known, he was also a significant artist of the Great War. In her talk Marcia will be paying particular attention to his collection at the Munnings Museum in Dedham. On March 19 Nick Collinson, General Manager for East Suffolk National Trust, will talk about the properties in East Suffolk, with particular reference to Sutton Hoo. The meeting will be preceded by a short AGM Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome; the entrance fee is £3. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 per year (£12 per couple at same address). For more information contact our membership secretary at: membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
ALTON BELLES Six resolutions have been put forward for WI members to discuss and vote on in 2019. Resolution 1 Improving Plant Biosecurity in the UK Resolution 2 Trees – Improving the Natural Landscape Resolution 3 Pelvic Floor Education Resolution 4 Suffering in Silence; why we need to end the taboo around menstrual health Resolution 5 A Call against the Decline in Local Bus Services Resolution 6 Don’t Fear the Smear A committee member will lead each of the above resolutions and members will discuss the issues in small groups. Each member will then vote on the resolution she thinks should go forward for discussion at the national AGM in June. In February we look forward to learning some ballroom dancing steps. Our programmes are always varied and meetings always include time for a cup of tea, a piece of cake and socialising. If you want to hear more about how you could get involved in our vibrant and forward-looking WI, but feel nervous about coming along just contact either Tamzin (328670) or Jane (327865) and we will make sure you are looked after.
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OUT & ABOUT 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.
VILLAGE LINK Wednesday, February 13, 10am in Tattingstone Village Hall: Acorn Village – History to Present Day
Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.
The club aims are 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 10am to noon. I would like to welcome back any former members and to see new members from all local villages at our meetings, either as visitors or members in readiness for our 25th celebration.
Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262
Monday, February 4: Cardboard Trug (Jill) Monday, March 4: Clock (Debbie) Monday, April 1: Easter Table Decoration (Anita & Mary)
STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, January 9 Sally Dearman presented Woman Can Fly, 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. An Afternoon with Joyce Grenfell by Gillain Grinham is the subject for our meeting on February 13. Gillian is an author, former teacher and a director of plays and musicals. She will perform a series of monologues and songs from Joyce’s repertoire, interspersed with details of her much loved entertainer’s life. Family historians and authors Toni Neobard and Kate Broad will present For Better or For Worse on March 13. This will be a lighthearted look at marriage and relationships through the eyes of Victorians. What happened if they didn’t marry and what if you did but weren’t happy with your choice? It will be a glimpse at bizarre goings-on showing wedded bliss wasn’t always so! On April 10 the popular speaker Mark Mitchels will talk to us on The Genius of Charles Dickens. Dickens rose to become a great novelist by sheer talent and determination. He worked a self-imposed schedule that never relaxed and in the end he probably brought about his early death. But the novels survive, to be rediscovered by each generation. What sort of man was he? His genius is astonishing and this talk uses biography and extracts from his books to re-create the man and his achievements. 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, February 22. 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. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. 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.
1st CAPEL ST MARY BROWNIES Please support our fundraising morning at Capel St Mary Methodist Church on Saturday, March 9 with half the proceeds going to New Dawn India. Doors are open from 9.30-11.30am. All are welcome, free entry. Refreshments available along with cake and plant stalls, games, crafts, name the teddy, sweet making, arty fun, a bits + bobs stall and much more! Please contact Heather (01473 310083) if you have things you may be able to help with or donate for us to sell on the day. We look forward to seeing you.
WEDNESDAY BRIDGE GROUP IN EAST BERGHOLT The start of a new year, time to start a new hobby? Do you know the basics of Bridge and would like to play regularly in a social environment? Then how about coming along to Lambe School for Wednesday Bridge Group? We meet up in Lambe School, East Bergholt at 7.30pm each Wednesday. A regular partner is not essential as we ensure everyone who turns up gets a partner for the evening. If you would like to know more contact Nigel Clover: 01206 323422
KNIT ‘N’ STITCH / crafting afternoon 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 1.30-3.30pm. Refreshments available. For more information contact Diane: 07981 335859
DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP Enjoy walking, meeting new people? Then why not come along to walks organised by the Dedham Footpath Group? We walk four to five miles on the first Sunday morning of each month from various locations. On Sunday, February 3 we will meet at 10.30am at Wivenhoe village centre car park, CO7 9AZ for a morning walk. The group welcomes all walkers and those with well-behaved dogs, kept on leads at all times, are welcome to join us. For more information email: DedhamFG@gmail.com
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OUT & ABOUT BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB A very happy New year to you all; we hope you are looking forward to warmer days and getting the gardening gloves out very soon. Our next meeting is on Wednesday, February 20 when someone from Woottens Nursery in Wenhaston will join us. They have the largest collections of herbaceous perennials in East Anglia. Get there at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Refreshments, draw and friendly faces. All welcome. Marilyn Wosahlo
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, February 27: Lost Railways of Suffolk by Nathan Dodd Wednesday, March 28: Zeppelin Raids over East Anglia by Ian Mclachlan 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
MURDER MYSTERY THE CASE OF THE NAKED GARDENER
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK ALLOTMENTS Over indulged over the Christmas period? Fed up with being cooped up indoors watching dreary TV repeats? In need of some fresh air and light exercise? Why not take on an allotment? Fresh air, exercise and wonderfully healthy fruit and vegetables guaranteed. Copdock and Washbrook Allotment Group currently have a number of plots (full, three-quarter or half) for rent. Rates are very reasonable – currently £24 for a full plot. If you’re tempted contact Rich: 07547 324439 / copdockandwashbrookallotments@gmail.com
CAPEL ST MARY COUNTRYSIDE CLUB Our AGM was held in January and all the committee agreed to stay for another year. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church lounge. Our meeting on February 12 will be a talk on the photographic wonders of the night sky by David Murton.
An entertaining murder mystery is brought to the Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE by The Rotary Club of Manningtree Stour Valley Radio Broadcasting.
On March 12 we have a local speaker from East Bergholt on the life of a beekeeper, with honey tasting and sales by Paul White. He may bring some of his bees along to the meeting.
This is the team that, a few years ago, brought you 50 Shades of Grain (a cereal killing). You can be assured of laughs and mystery.
Everyone is welcome to come as a visitor or to join as a member. We hope to see some new members in 2019.
The event takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 9 and costs £18 which includes a fish and chip supper. A cash bar is available (own drinks prohibited). Tickets can be obtained from David Willis at rotarydemon@sky.com or Sue Clark at petersueclark@btinternet.com.
In March /April we have our bluebell walk, which is always lovely.
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING Join us ar St John’s URC Hall, Cowper Street, Ipswich on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 8pm. For more information contact: Helen at howefamily96@yahoo.co.uk / 01473 717979 John at johnaadams1942@gmail.com / 01473 710406
LEADING TINNITUS EXPERTS GATHER IN IPSWICH FOR SPECIAL EVENT Leading experts from the world of tinnitus and hearing loss are to speak at an exclusive event being held this February in Ipswich. The Hearing Care Centre has organised a series of interesting presentations and an exhibition designed to educate the public about what tinnitus and hearing loss are, how they affect us, possible solutions to help and where researchers are in their quest to find way to relieve the symptoms for tinnitus. The event is being held to mark Tinnitus Awareness Week (February 4-10) which is organised annually by the British Tinnitus Association. Tinnitus is a condition where noises are heard when there is no external source, usually in the ears or in the head. This affects around 10 per cent of the UK population and research has shown that a high proportion of tinnitus sufferers also experience hearing loss. The Tinnitus and Hearing Care Show is free to attend and will take place on Thursday, February 7, 9am-1pm at Fynn Valley Terrace, just outside of Ipswich. Headlining the event will be one of the UK’s leading experts on tinnitus Professor David Baguley of Nottingham University. He has co-authored
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over 150 research papers and has received many awards for his work, including twice having received the British Tinnitus Association’s Shapiro Research Prize. The event will also feature talks from David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Tinnitus Association, and The Hearing Care Centre’s Managing Director and lead audiologist Karen Finch. Guests will have the opportunity to ask the experts any questions they may have at regular Q&A intervals between each talk. Karen Finch said: “I’m delighted to have been able to put this event together for the people of Suffolk. Tinnitus and hearing loss affect so many people but there is still reluctance for people to seek professional help. We are very grateful to have secured the time of specialists in this field so that the public can come and find out valuable information without the pressure of going into a clinic room.” Although free to attend, spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. To secure your place call The Hearing Care Centre on 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/tinnitus
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SCHOOLS
BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS Baby Bears We welcomed the babies back after Christmas by creating some lovely New Year firework pictures using cut tubes dipped in paint and glue and glitter! We have also been exploring lots of textures, smells and tastes, have made cupcakes, played in a tray of oats, painted pictures using our hands and loved getting involved with one another. Toddling Tigers The Tigers (or should I say barn animals?) took part in their first nativity in December. They dressed up as pigs, cows, sheep, horses and donkeys dancing and singing to our nativity songs for the parents and families to enjoy! They are still singing some of the songs in January as they are so catchy! Recently the Tigers have been reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. They have tried a variety of fruit and vegetables that the caterpillar ate in the story such as watermelons, oranges and pears. Together they made a very big caterpillar paper chain to decorate our cosy corner and made lots of messy crafts such as fingerprint caterpillars. Gruffalos We are all well and truly back in the swing of things in the Gruffalo room! We are continuing with our Forest School sessions, which give us a great opportunity to explore wintertime using all of our senses.
What a start to the new year! Our feet barely touched the ground after the Christmas break, before we were straight back into exciting learning opportunities and visits out. Our first adventure was to the New Wolsey Theatre to see the rock and roll panto, Cinderella. We took every child from both schools, which was no small logistical feat! We thoroughly enjoyed our ice lollies in the interval and the children were enthralled by the hilarious performance. Our huge thanks go to the PTAs of both schools who kindly donated half the money towards the cost of the whole trip, thereby making it much more affordable for parents. Thank you. All the children in Years 2-4 across both schools resumed their weekly swimming lessons this term. This is the second year that we have been able to secure the booking for the beautiful, warm and clean First Strokes pool. We have the whole pool to ourselves for a whole afternoon, allowing us to provide swimming lessons for so many of our children. Some of the children from Adders and Foxes classes took part in a morning of first aid training designed specifically for children of that age. The children all agreed that they learnt some really valuable lessons and that it had been time well spent. Events like this are just part of all the life skills we teach our children in the federation, so they leave us as confident and responsible young people. Coming up this term, we are focussing a great deal on Internet Safety and Science Week. We have lots of lessons and activities planned around helping our young people to keep themselves safe online. Children and parents alike will be invited to explore what threats are out there and how to prevent becoming a victim. Science Week is our other focus, with a whole week of hands-on interactive events planned, culminating in a final day of celebration of scientific learning at Copdock Village Hall. STEM is hugely popular with our pupils; who knows, the next great scientific discovery could come from one of our children.
Before Christmas we had a wonderful visit to Blackbrook House care home in Dedham. The children performed our nativity play to the residents and were met with much enthusiasm and big smiles. The children were amazing, singing beautifully and demonstrating their fantastic behaviour. We were incredibly proud of them all. Many thanks also go to our wonderful parents who supported us and made this trip happen. We are looking forward to making more trips to the care home this year and watching the bonds between the children and the residents develop and grow.
Other events we are looking forward to include the Spelling Bee Competition at East Bergholt High School and basketball competitions for children in different age groups.
For nursery care, pre-school, before and after school care or our holiday club activities please contact us: 01473 310767 / info@robinschildcare.co.uk
Copdock: 01473 730337/ admin@copdock.suffolk.sch.uk
As ever, if you would like to volunteer in either of our schools, or if you are a parent who would like the opportunity to come and have a look round, please do contact us on: Bentley: 01473 310253 / admin@bentley.suffolk.sch.uk
WILL YOU OPEN YOUR GARDEN IN 2019? Help us to raise £2.5m to build a new breast care centre at Ipswich Hospital. We are looking for people to open their gardens in 2019 to raise money for the Blossom Appeal. Our vision is for every breast care patient to have the best possible experience when they come to Ipswich Hospital. All types and size of garden are very welcome. You choose when to open. Simply ask visitors for a donation to view your garden. Sell refreshments, plants or crafts to boost your fundraising. Make it a day for everyone to remember! To help us to blossom, register your garden at: www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/opengardens Or for more information contact: charity@esneft.nhs.uk / 0300 770 1369
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB Just two matches to report. The first was a visit to Bentley before Christmas and a slight improvement in our fortunes as we managed to win two games, but lost the bonus points by two shots. The New Year break saw us on the bottom of the leaque, but with three home games to start the year we hoped that our position would improve. The first was a visit from Nayland and we ran out very easy winners on three carpets and lost by one shot on the other. This meant an 8-2 win and a move off the bottom of the table. We are even more desperate for players because of long term illness and we would welcome anyone who would like to try the game. John Hayward
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB December 2018 was not a good month for the 1st Team. There were some decent performances, but a combination of poor finishing and sloppy goals conceded meant that they went through the month with only three points from one win. However, 2019 started well with a 3-0 home victory over Bramford Utd. Just two matches in the month for the Reserves. They won the League game to keep them in a very solid mid-table position, but unfortunately exited the Travel Plus Tours Cup. They began the new year with a high scoring 4-4 draw. A clean sweep of three victories in December has left the A Team well placed in Intermediate C where just one point separates the top five sides in the table. A home victory in the opening match of 2019 kept the team well in the promotion mix. UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Jan 26: Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Feb 2: Crane Sports (H) Sat, Feb 16: Wenhaston Utd (H) Sat, Feb 23: Bramford Utd (A) Sat, Mar 2: Westerfield Utd (H) Reserves: League A Sat, Jan 26: Sporting 87 Res (H) Sat, Feb 2: Henley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Feb 9: Trimley Red Devils Res (H) Sat, Feb 23: Bramford Utd Res (H) Sat, Mar 2: Framlingham Town Res (A) A Team: League C Sat, Feb 2: Ransomes Sports Res (H) Sat, Feb 16: Grundisburgh Res (H) Sat, Mar 2: Kesgarve Kestrels Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm please refer to the fixtures website: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Ladies and Juniors We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. If you are interested please contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com
CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB The Saturday First team had a mixed December with two wins and two defeats and at the time of writing these notes are fifth in the senior division of the Suffolk and Ipswich league. A 5-2 defeat against Haughley United with Danny Garrard getting both our goals was followed by a 1-0 win against Trimley Red Devils with Garrard on the score sheet again. A 2-0 loss against Coplestonians was followed by a 3-1 win at Bramford United thanks to goals from Daniel Alderson, Shaun Webb and a superb free kick in the last minute from Garrard. The club hopes for a top six finish in what is our 21st consecutive year in the senior division. We have always given teenagers from the Reserves a chance in the First team with Harry Golding the latest player to pull on a First team shirt and he looks a good prospect. No games for our Reserves in December who suffered from a couple of call-offs while our Sunday morning team beat Ipswich Rangers 2-1 thanks to goals from Charlie Reid and Richard Farnham with Adam Rawthorn having an excellent game up front. Our Over-35 team known as the Veterans drew 2-2 with Achilles with goals from Robin Wain and Glen Crisp with Patrick Tynan playing well in defence and Archie Arnold controlling the mid-field. Finally, plans for a new clubhouse that were recently put on display have certainly got people talking and it remains to be seen if it goes ahead. With 19 teams the club has got a lot bigger in recent seasons and villages a lot smaller than Capel St Mary have better facilities than we have. An all-weather five-a-side pitch is part of the plans which would make a nice change from the muddy conditions that we are use to. Watch this space! Bob the Ploughman
EBONY’S BLOG: Life at The Shelley Centre We were very proud to have been featured across the front page of Hadleigh Community News in January, so everyone will know what a special year this is for the Shelley Centre and the RDA as a whole. The RDA is in effect a federation of some 500 small independent groups, such as The Shelley Centre, and currently supports over 26,500 adults and children by providing riding, carriage driving and vaulting each year. Our president, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, is a great supporter of RDA, championing our work as a national charity and keeping us in the public eye. In September 1979 Hadleigh RDA Group started at Frog Hall in Hadleigh so we could celebrate 40 years of being your local RDA branch, but when Mike and Jane Crow generously rented us land in Shelley we moved. The purpose-built Shelley Centre opened for business in 1989, so that’s the anniversary we shall be celebrating this year. Please, if you have a spare morning or afternoon each week of the school term, do come and work here! Every new volunteer enables us to move somebody up the waiting list for the therapy we provide. Many of our riders require three volunteers to support them, either leading their pony or walking beside them to give them security and help. Expert training is provided, and it’s very rewarding work. Babs and I live indoors and get used as much as the outdoor herd, but we still need volunteers to participate in our sessions, so if you want to keep warm and dry, apply within.
Just a reminder for your new diaries – our quiz this year is on Saturday, May 4 in the village hall. More details later.
My photo shows Bob being cuddled by Lindsay, one of our able-bodied riders who helps keep the horses fit. He’s a lucky fellow. All the horses and ponies look for stimulation from these able-bodied team members; a horse’s working day means many circuits of our arena in the lessons, so they much look forward to being taken out in the countryside whenever possible.
Lillian Calvert: 01473 311756
www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172
Steve Butcher (Secretary): stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB
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In Touch online:
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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 Friends, We are now a whole month into 2019 and although the weather may not be getting any warmer just yet, we can at least expect lighter mornings and evenings. I often find February can be a hard month to get through. All the excitement of a new start in January has worn away, and yet the warmth and anticipation of spring can still seem far off. However, if you look hard enough, there are signs that spring is coming. There are flowers beginning to bloom; you may have already noticed snowdrops, but as we move into February we are likely to be greeted with daffodils, lesser celandine and, if we have a mild February, we may even see some blossom. February also brings us the beautiful sound of the dawn chorus, sights of buzzards in the sky and maybe even frogspawn! So although it may feel dark, cold and that we are still in the depths of winter, the sights and sounds of spring are all there. We just have to look for them. Occasionally, we can feel like our own lives are like the days of winter: bleak, cold, lonely and miserable, perhaps because we are experiencing troubled or uncertain times or because we are suffering pain or illness. Perhaps because of the loss of someone we love. All these things can make us feel very down. And sometimes it can feel like the hardness of these experiences is lasting forever. There is no sign of change – just darkness ahead. Like the warmth that spring can bring to a dark winter, we too can experience freedom from the darkness by having a relationship with God. Having faith in Jesus that there are greater things to come can help us get through times of real difficulty. The Bible tells us that the Lord has plans to prosper, not harm us. Plans to give us a future filled with hope. So even when we can’t see any positivity ahead, we can have faith that God’s future plans for us are warm, peaceful and full of hope. Just like there are glimpses of spring in the dark winter months, we too can always find signs of Jesus, willing us to invite Him into our lives. Just have a look and welcome Him in. On the first Sunday of every month at Sproughton church we have a Families@Church Service at 11am. We welcome everyone; all ages are encouraged to come and join us in our family friendly service. If you have young children, don’t be alarmed if they won’t stay seated. My own twoyear-old son regularly joins me at the front of the service and my fouryear-old daughter enjoys participating as long as I hold her hand! There are many other family friendly services across our benefice; do look in the In touch magazine for future services or on our Facebook page (North Samford Benefice). Blessings, Ellie Wepener North Samford Churches Baby and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Sproughton Church Hall on Mondays in term time. Suggested donation £2 per family. Leaders: The Rev Annette Shannon (01473 807674) / Doreen (01473 311122) Wedding Preparation Day: Bentley Village Hall IP9 2DW on Saturday, February 2. We start promptly at 10am and will finish by 3pm.
FROM THE REGISTERS Burial of Ashes Ivan Gooch – Belstead Mabel Hunter – Bentley Sidney George – Sproughton Annette Clare Forsdike - Sproughton FEBRUARY Saturday 2 Saturday 2 Wednesday 6 Thursday 7 Thursday 7 Saturday 9 Wednesday 13 Wednesday 20 Wednesday 20 Thursday 21 Saturday 23 Wednesday 27
Copdock Morning Market, 10am Wedding Preparation Day, 10am at Bentley Village Hall Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Joint PCC meeting Copdock Home Communions, 10am Burstall Adoption of Accounts Burstall Messy Church Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Tattingstone PCC
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday, February 3 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Family@Church Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church
Sunday, February 10 9.30am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone
Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evening Prayer
Sunday, February 17 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 3.30pm Tattingstone 11am Sproughton
Holy Communion Simply Sunday Morning Prayer Family@Church Holy Communion
Sunday, February 24 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Belstead 6pm Tattingstone
Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Celebration Holy Communion
Sunday, March 3 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church
Burstall Messy Church: Thursday, February 21 at Burstall Village Hall
Ash Wednesday, March 6 7.30pm Sproughton Holy Communion
Trad Jazz Concert at Burstall Village Hall: Saturday, March 16 at 7.30pm. Includes a two course supper. Tickets £12 from Gillian: 07985 558014
Please submit church letters and copy for the March edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by February 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
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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 FEBRUARY Sunday 3 9am
4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass
Tuesday 5 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 10 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 12 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 17 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 19 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 24 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 26 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door. Catholic Commentary In a recent address the Pope said: “The service of fraternal voluntary work is a choice that makes one free and open to the needs of the other; to the demands of justice, to the defence of life, and to the protection of creation, with a tender and special attention to the sick and especially the elderly, who are a treasure of wisdom!” He emphasized: “I encourage you to continue your mission with passion, seeking all the possible and
constructive forms for reawakening public opinion to the need to commit oneself to the common good, in support of the weak and the poor. There is a need for people who persevere, who face difficulties with a spirit of unity and always place the ultimate goal, service to others, at the basis of everything. Doing so, you will continue to be a point of reference and an example for all.” Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, January 27 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £159 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, February 24 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 online 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, February 28. 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.
MINDING THE GAP KICK STARTS YOUNG PEOPLES’ FUTURES The New Year is a time of resolutions and looking to the future, and Minding the Gap is making that future brighter for hundreds of young people in Suffolk. The project has helped hundreds of Suffolk based youngsters (aged 15-24) already but they want to do even more and are looking for more people in need of support. They provide free targeted and intensive support to help Suffolk’s young people gain and sustain employment and education. The people we support can be unemployed, economically inactive, facing significant challenges to accessing employment or currently experiencing or are at risk of social isolation. Minding the Gap programme manager Emma McConville said: “We help young people who are struggling with getting a job or getting back into education. Sometimes they just need a small kick start to get them back on
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track. This is where we come into our own. We offer free 1-1 tailored support to all our participants. They tell us what help they need and we then provide them with that help. It could, for instance, be help with CVs, job searches or interview techniques. Or it could be support in gaining confidence, experience and new skills to enter the world of work. “Last year 57 per cent of the participants who finished the project from July to September got back into education and 24 per cent of them got a job. The numbers speak for themselves. “So, get in touch, if you are in this situation or know someone who is. We want to help, that’s why we’re here, and we can make that difference.” Led by Community Action Suffolk, Minding the Gap works with Suffolk based partners and they are funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery, though the Big Lottery Fund. If you think you are eligible for support, know someone who could be, or would just like some more information you can contact Minding the Gap at: 01473 345352 / mindingthegap@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk
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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES How was 2018, and how was Christmas for you? I hope many of you will have had a good time with family and friends. For some of you, there may have been difficulties, loved ones or yourself seriously ill – normal Christmas plans didn’t work out. For some there was family tension being together longer than you normally are. For some there would have been an empty space at the table, through death or ill health or breakdown in relationships. Living together is often not easy. Before we moved into Suffolk, we lived in a community house in Norfolk with six to ten other people. We learnt much about ourselves as we reacted well and badly with other community members. Relationships had to be worked at, not necessarily to bring unity, but to live peaceably with one another.
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
Our nation, our local communities are also places where disagreements are bound to happen. The Brexit debate has divided families, communities, political parties, churches. Sometimes that results in offensive language and name calling of people who think differently from us. There are many other things that cause division among people, including priorities, theology, lifestyle, language, etc. Think of the situations in which you have been in conflict with others. What language did you use? What attitude did you have to the other person(s)? Did you get aggressive? Did you call (offensive) names, face to face or behind their backs? Did you listen to the other point of view? There was an interesting series of programs on Radio 4 last year trying to help people understand the others points of views better. One side would listen to their opponent’s argument and then feed it back to them in their own words. Then they would reverse roles. Trying to argue the opposite case to the one you hold. You have to listen and understand, rather than just marshaling your own arguments. The Archbishop of Canterbury invited us to approach this new year in a “spirit of openness towards each other” choosing to see ourselves “as neighbours, as fellow citizens, as communities each with something to contribute”. With the struggles and divisions of recent years it won’t be easy. It will involve commitment to one another in the variety of communities that we are part of. May we play our part in having a hope and peace filled year. The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 FEBRUARY SERVICES AT CAPEL Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 3 10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Docherty 6.30pm Prayer Sunday 10 10.30am Worship with Mr Matthew Forsyth Sunday 17 10.30am Communion with Rev Pauline Bailey Saturday 23 3.30pm Messy Church Sunday 24 10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm United Prayer at the Community Church FEBRUARY SERVICES AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat (HCT): Mondays 2.30-4pm Home Groups: Second and fourth Tuesdays 7.30pm Saturday 2 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 3 10am Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Friday 8 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Sunday 10 10am Family Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Sunday 17 10am Worship with Mr Harry Chicken Sunday 24 10am Worship with Mr Chris Finbow 6.30pm Something Different
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Please see the noticeboard on the front of the Chapel for all events in February. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 831120 SAVE THE DATE Holbrook Methodist Church celebrates 190 years of the building of the Chapel in The Street. A special anniversary weekend is planned for Saturday & Sunday, June 29/30 with an exhibition of the Chapel’s past and present featuring many photos of the life of this community church. The Rev Tim Crome will lead the Sunday morning worship. Tim was Minister at Holbrook in the 1980s. More details in In Touch nearer the date.
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O SING JOYFULLY!
©Paul Hurst
RHS CHAPEL CHOIR AND NORWICH CATHEDRAL CHOIR
CONDUCTORS: ASHLEY GROTE & WILLIAM SAUNDERS ORGAN: DAVID DUNNETT & DAVID PICKTHALL
SATURDAY 9 MARCH, 7PM PRE-CONCERT DRINKS FROM 6.30PM
SCHOOL CHAPEL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX
Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE Available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic 01206 573948 SPONSORED BY MR & MRS A K SAUNDERS