In Touch with Copdock February 2020

In Touch

™ ™©©

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock & Washbrook and Tattingstone

Volume 10 • Issue No. 3 • FEBRUARY 2020

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Karen Finch RHAD FSHAA FRSA

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Family run

Private

Independent

In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Have you noticed the days getting the teensiest bit longer? It’s barely perceptible but I’m sure the sky is a little bit brighter when I leave work than it was even a week ago. However, it can be a rather gloomy time of the year so this month I’ve set out to give you something to laugh at! I hope it works.

The Funniest Joke of The Fringe award was introduced 12 years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe. The goal of finding the wittiest one-liners falls to an expert panel of 10 judges, comprising of the UK’s leading comedy critics. Last year’s winner was Swedish comedian Olaf Falafel. He took the title with the gag: “I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets” Ten jokes made the 2019 shortlist. My favourites were: “Someone stole my antidepressants. Whoever they are, I hope they’re happy” Richard Stott “A cowboy asked me if I could help him round up 18 cows. I said, ‘Yes, of course.

That’s 20 cows’” Jake Lambert “A thesaurus is great. There’s no other word for it” Ross Smith “After learning six hours of basic semaphore, I was flagging” Richard Pulsford “To be or not to be a horse rider, that is Equestrian” Mark Simmons Here are a few others which made the shortlist over the years but failed to win: “I’m sure wherever my dad is; he’s looking down on us. He’s not dead, just very condescending.” Jack Whitehall “I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it the ‘brella’. But he hesitated” Andy Field “I’ll tell you what’s unnatural in the eyes of God. Contact lenses.” Zoe Lyons They say humour is subjective and I know (or have been told) mine is somewhat ‘dark’, but you can’t deny the beautiful simplicity of each of the jokes highlighted here, and the talents behind them. Oh just one more…

“I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Ken Cheng

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

Mon 10 February is the advertising and editorial deadline for the March edition

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

NEWS A SIGNIFICANT BIRTHDAY FOR TATTINGSTONE VILLAGE HALL 2020 will be a rather special year for our old and much loved Tattingstone Village Hall, which started life as a hut 100 years ago . This is an early mention of it written by the Rector of St Mary’s at the time: “At the close of the (Great) War, steps were taken to provide an Institute or Recreation Room for the parish; and an army hut was erected, and opened April 24th 1920.”

My general belief is that, other than the tablet in St Mary’s and the wooden board over the door inside the village hall itself, both in memory of the fallen from the village in the First World War, it was chosen by the parish rather than a stone war memorial. Certainly a significant number of survivors returned to the village with injuries and disabilities likely to render them unable to return to their previous occupations, thus making the hut a very practical and useful choice for a gathering place for them and the whole community, as indeed it has been for 100 years and counting.

I intend to research deeds and other archived sources to chart the history of the hall and the changes that have taken place through the decades. I’d love to hear from anyone who has memories of events and occasions, happy or sad, fun or serious. No doubt there will be people in the surrounding villages and beyond who have a connection of one kind or another and will hopefully have something to add.

So what are your favourite memories of Tattingstone Village Hall – recent or past? Obviously the further back the better, but every memory and photo is important. Were you there for the Blind Date fundraiser in the 1980s, one of the village socials in the 1940s or a children’s party in the 1930s? Then there are all the clubs, past and present – drop-in, bowls, WI, Penpix, karate, playgroup and Little Signers as present day examples. What too about those from further back, not forgetting its use by the parish church and the school.

Have you worked on the village hall – repairs, alterations, extensions for instance? The list goes on...

This centenary will be a time to celebrate and we could certainly do with more fun! So with the village hall committee planning an event or two, I’d like you to dig out those photos. Cast your minds back and please get in touch.

Tattingstone Village Recorder Jane Kirk 01473 328328 / 07974 455927 / tattingstonehistory@gmail.com

WIN A SIGNED ITFC SHIRT One of the prizes at last year’s Tattingstone Fete was a 2019/20 signed ITFC shirt, size medium, very kindly donated by Ipswich Town FC. Unfortunately this prize has not been claimed so we have decided to auction it off to the highest bidder, with the proceeds going to one of the charities supported by the village fete in 2019.

The winner of the shirt can choose from the following charities: The Blossom Appeal, Tattingstone Speedwatch, Tattingstone Good Neighbours, Tattingstone Primary School, St Mary’s Church or Tattingstone Playing Fields.

Please email your bid to suegipps@btinternet.com by February 28.

The winner will be announced in March.

The Tattingstone Fete Trust

THANK YOU My grateful thanks to all who supported me and the village carol singers. Once again we were blessed with a fine evening and although numbers were down on previous years, I am pleased to report we collected £215 which has been sent to the Ipswich branch of EACH. Many thanks to Bob and Caroline for their hospitality.

Sorry we couldn’t get around all the houses; time and voices did not allow.

Muriel Pearsons

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NEWS £420K THREE-YEAR GUARANTEE TO SUPPORT CITIZENS ADVICE At cabinet meetings in early January, councillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils gave the go ahead to support Citizens Advice (CA) with more than £420k.

Recognising the value of Citizens Advice which is estimated to have saved £8.1m across Suffolk, and with increasing numbers turning to them for help, both councils have agreed a more sustainable funding approach with two three-year funding agreements.

Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet has granted Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice a minimum of £260,100, £86,700 a year over a three year period starting in 2020/2021.

In Babergh, funds of at least £160,500 for Sudbury and District Citizens Advice were also given the green light over the same three-year period, equating to £53,500 per annum.

Funding for the Suffolk West, Diss and Ipswich CAs will continue to be agreed annually, with the individual CAs needing to apply for the money on an annual basis.

Councillor Julie Flatman, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities for Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice is a really important partner for us, often providing a lifeline to members of our community in genuine need of help – including offering advice on debt management and arrears. We recognise their value in ensuring our district has a bright and healthy future, and hope this three-year agreement provides a more sustainable funding approach, in line with the aims in our Communities Strategy.”

Councillor Derek Davis, Cabinet Member for Communities at Babergh District Council, said: “Our colleagues at Citizens Advice do amazing work to support Babergh’s residents when they perhaps need it most, offering expert advice and guidance on money matters and much more. We hope that with this longer-term funding, they can continue to deliver a much-needed service, helping our communities to thrive and be more self-sufficient, whilst also playing a key role in achieving the aims in our Communities Strategy.”

The exact sums will be confirmed in the early part of 2020, alongside funding to other voluntary sector providers as part of the councils’ grants programme.

IPSWICH DOG DAY CARE CRECHE CELEBRATES SECOND ANNIVERSARY As we reach our second anniversary on our fantastic journey, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported our dog day-care creche in Sproughton over the last two years.

We are a friendly, independent, family-run business and love nothing more than giving your dogs the best time of their life every time they come to creche. No matter what age or breed, we provide every dog with socialisation, play and activities. We educate, stimulate and provide canine enrichment, which is why dogs love coming to us. It’s incredible to see their reactions when they arrive in the morning, literally pulling their owners through the doors with excitement to get to their furry friends.

All the dogs are off-lead in a fully enclosed secure environment and are supervised at all times. We ensure your dog’s safety by temperament testing all new attendees.

It’s all about your dog having the best time. We play brain games to work their minds and also encourage gentle safe play to get rid of that excess high energy. There’s plenty of cuddles and rest time too! Dogs leave tired and content.

Our happy customers have commented on just how well balanced their dog is now that they have been coming to creche. When they meet dogs in the park or out and about, their dog has become calmer and more well-balanced. This all makes for a happier and more content dog, with less destructive behaviour and better manners.

Want to join us as we go into our third year? Call us to arrange a registration for your dog or a visit. We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to our creche family.

‘Aunty Clare’ Holmes, Director of Ipswich Dog Daycare Creche Ltd

The councils will also work with the Suffolk Cross Authority Citizens Advice Task and Finish Group – made up of councillors from Ipswich, Babergh, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk councils with input from Suffolk County Council – which aims to provide a more consistent scrutiny approach to CA services across Suffolk.

RICHARD STEWARD 3 October 1938 to 25 October 2019 We would like to thank all friends, neighbours and family for their love and support on the sad loss of Richard. Richard would have been so touched by the number of people who joined us at the chapel and afterwards at the village hall. Your generous donations amounted to £500 which will be shared between the British Heart Foundation and Heartbeat East Suffolk.

Thank you all, your kindness and support is very much appreciated From Rosemary and family

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The Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme was created 13 years ago to help residents live independently. Our volunteers aim to provide transport to appointments and to assist with minor household chores, shopping and befriending.

Since the bus service has been cut we need more volunteer drivers to assist our existing volunteers to meet the increased transport demands from our villagers.

If you have an hour or two to spare each week, month or every other month, you could be the person for us. Volunteering is rewarding and also looks good on a CV. We are looking for volunteers who are Tattingstone residents, are reliable, fun and have a car. If this sounds like you, contact Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme for more details: tattingns@gmail.com / 07895 052086.

Volunteering or not, come and join us at our drop-ins for refreshments and conversation every Thursday from 10.30am to noon at the Tattingstone Village Hall. All are welcome.

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NEWS SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM With colder weather on its way, and the possibility of a snow flurry or two, making our cars safe is very important. We have all seen that person who clears a hole of ice on their windscreen to peer through before driving off, and many of us have followed a car with a foot of snow on their roof falling off and hitting our windscreen as they drive along.

Consider the following before you drive: • Brush any snow from your car and use a sturdy scraper to clear all of your windows.

• Keep washer fluid topped up.

• Check your lights are clean and working.

• Check your tyre tread depth. Failure to do this may lead to a fine if you are found to have inadequate tread remaining.

• In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely unless you absolutely have to make the journey.

The what3words app Suffolk Police is now using Smart technology to help locate people in need. Known as what3words, it divides the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and allows the user to use a unique three word address. In some remote Suffolk countryside, where it’s difficult to pinpoint a correct location, the app is very useful. Suffolk is one of the first police forces to fully use this app and it’s proving invaluable. The app is free to download and use. For more information visit: https://what3words.com Police Connect A great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in your area is to sign up to Police Connect. This is a free messaging service which gives you the latest policing news for your area. This can be delivered by email, text or telephone. If you are interested in this free service please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Volunteer Transport Scheme Volunteer transport schemes exist to help patients when they need to attend the practice for appointments. These schemes are aimed at patients who have poor mobility, are unable to use public transport and don’t have a friend or relative available to help. Our reception team can provide details of these schemes.

An increasing number of our patients need such assistance, but our transport schemes need more volunteer drivers. If you are interested then please provide your details to the practice to be passed on to the scheme coordinators who would be happy to discuss how the scheme operates.

New Appointment System If you need to speak to a doctor about a medical problem, you will be placed on a call back list and the receptionist will inform you if the doctor will call you either before or after 1pm. Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstance and medical emergencies, the doctor may try to call you at a time other than specified, so it would be appreciated if patients can be as accommodating as possible.

Once you have booked a call back appointment, please keep your phone with you or remain close to a phone until you have heard from the doctor. They will try the number provided twice, but if they are unable to get through then the patient may need to rebook a call back appointment.

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

Call the police on 101 to report non-urgent crimes and concerns which do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency

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

Community Engagement Officer/Link Officer PC 287 Sarah George

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us

BENTLEY COMMUNITY SHOP: Best Possible Service NOT JUST FOR HUMANS!

Now for humans –

Birds Bentley’s birds are feasting this winter as they work their way through our range of bird food. We sell suet balls that attract birds to our gardens and sunflower hearts which appear to be well-loved judging by our sales figures. Bags of peanuts are sold in addition to our small range of bird feeders.

Books by Local Authors Nicky Moxey’s new book, The Priest’s Son, is now available in Bentley Stores. The story continues the Dodnash Priory chronicles and is set in the beginning of the 13th century, with King John causing chaos, the French dauphin invading East Anglia and the whole country being excommunicated in the run-up to the Magna Carta. Amidst all this, little Dodnash Priory wins a crucial court case and is forced to move in its entirety to a marshy meadow.

Pet Supplies Our pets are spoilt for choice with an excellent variety of brands on offer, including Bonios, Whiskas, Go Cat, Pedigree, Winalot, Dreamies and Dentastix. We also have dog shampoo available in addition to our shampoos for humans. Ecover and Fairy products help to clean muddy clothes after winter walks.

Last year we sold 3,355 dog waste bags, which a customer says are, “good ones of the right strength and size”.

Winter Headaches Walking with pets in chilly winter winds may bring on colds and sneezes, so we have Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Anadin, Lemsip and Lockets, Halls citrus sugar free cough lozenges and Fishermen’s Friends as well.

Our 13 volunteer buyers are always bringing in new products so it’s well worth popping in to see what we have on offer.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and at weekends from 9am-noon / 01473 310182 / www.bentleystores.co.uk

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In Touch online:

NEWS / OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK & WASHBROOK PARISH COUNCIL The parish council shares everybody’s concerns about the accident on Old London Road in December 2019. Our thoughts go out to the victim and their family. We wait for feedback from the police as to the background to this tragic accident.

The parish has been in discussion with Suffolk Highways for some time now with no discernible progress. I think all parties are agreed that the issue is speeding traffic. Rumble strips or sleeping policemen are no longer acceptable and are blamed for damage to road vehicles. They were only ever used with slow moving traffic.

We are a country village and that actually highlights our problem. Nowhere in the county is there a dual carriageway through a village. Some of our villagers are working on a Neighbourhood Plan; as part of that, and recognising that our dual carriageway is unique, the parish council has funded the Neighbourhood Plan team to employ a transport consultant to make recommendations which we can take forward for further discussions with Suffolk Highways. I hope recommendations for a lower speed limit and revised road junction (Elm Lane/Chapel Lane) will emerge. The junction is on the brow of the hill so visibility from both directions is poor. A blanket reduction for the whole of London Rood was rejected by the police a year or so ago. Because of the rural nature of the road, the police felt any reduction would be unenforceable.

The current thinking is to have a reduction by the hotel and mainlining that down to Whights Corner. In the opposite direction, it could apply from Whights Corner up to the hotel. The advice from Suffolk Highways is that speed limits need to be progressive and not stepping up and down. Resulting from our enquiries, the speed camera van is regularly used and is achieving a modest speed reduction while identifying those actually speeding. While we were able to reduce the number of street lights and lower the electricity bill, we deliberately maintained lights on the Elm Lane/Chapel Lane junction.

The parish council will post updates in In Touch.

Parish Council Chair Terry Corner

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2020 DROP-IN CONSULTATION Saturday 29 February, 11am-3pm at Copdock Primary School All residents are invited to the launch of the public consultation of our draft Neighbourhood Plan. This will provide the opportunity for residents to examine the proposals within the draft plan and to discuss the policies that will affect development within Copdock & Washbrook.

We need your feedback on the proposals; every single comment made will be registered and considered and could result in changes to the current draft plan before it is submitted to Babergh District Council for their professional consideration as to its suitability for our village.

NOT JUST A DROP-IN SESSION… This will be another community get-together and a chance to raise funds for the school. The primary school PTA will again provide excellent snacks and light refreshments throughout the session and all the money raised will go directly to the school.

To see where we are now visit: https://tinyurl.com/stomn5b

UNDER 65 AND CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR MEMORY? Dementia Together Younger Person’s Navigator is here to help by providing practical information and support through your journey, empowering you to make your own choices and decisions to live well. Self or professional referrals are accepted via the helpline or email. www.dementia-together.com 08081 688000 / 07975 235416 / SRYC.youngerdementiatogether@nhs.net

HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY GP and Staff Training Afternoons Our upcoming training afternoons are Thursday 6 February and Wednesday 4 March. The practice will be open for patients 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 to allow for staff training. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

National Screening Programmes Our patients are able to access a wide number of national screening programmes, including cervical screening, breast screening and bowel cancer screening. We are among the highest achievers for cervical screening nationally and have consistently hit our targets for bowel screening, but would encourage all of our patients to attend breast screening appointments when they get their letters. Results are received quickly and we can support you through a difficult diagnosis.

Dr James Moore-Smith Dr Moore-Smith has decided to return to being a locum GP but will still see patients at Holbrook and Shotley. His patients will be reallocated to other GPs and those affected will receive a letter in due course informing them of their new named GP. Friends and Family Test There are some changes to the Friends and Family Test coming in April 2020.

To give us feedback, please visit our website and follow the link. If you have any adverse feedback or a complaint, please contact the practice directly so we can deal with this more personally and immediately.

FIRST SUFFOLK WILDLIFE GROUP Wednesday 26 February: The Owl Project by Hugh Hanmer from the British Trust for Ornithology Meeting at Capel Methodist Church at 7.30pm Entrance is £3.

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Route 15

Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/15A

Washbrook

Pearson’s Way

9.50-10.40

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

12.40-13.05

MIP/15F

Whatfield

Wheatfields

14.05-14.50

MIP/15G

Hintlesham

Timperleys

15.05-16.00

2020 Schedule: February 26, March 25, April 22, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 12, September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2 and 30

Practice Manager Julia Smith

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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OUT & ABOUT NOTES FROM THE CASE SUFFOLK’S FIRST CO-OPERATIVE PUB! We have lots to keep you entertained at The Case this month, so why not pop in for a winter warmer, whether it’s a beer or a coffee?

Open Mic Night is on Tuesday 4 February. Come along and enjoy our local talented musicians; you might even feel like joining in yourself. All performers are very welcome. Bring your own instrument, PA is provided. The music starts at 8pm. For more details contact Dave: 07885 963882 This month’s fun and games evening is on Saturday 8. We have lots of old fashioned family board games, plus a few more up to date ones ready to challenge your general knowledge and competitiveness. It can get rather noisy, but it’s all just good fun. If you have a favourite game, bring it along too!

Our very popular quiz night will be held on Leap Year day, Saturday 29 February. The quiz starts at 8.30pm. As always teams can be up to six members and entry is £2 per person. All profits from this and the raffle will be donated to our charity of the year, FIND. If you would like to host a quiz this year, please contact Chris Pink at cottage.garden@btinternet.com and he will add you to the rota.

Especially for all those who enjoy local history and a good story, this month we are holding a very special evening on Saturday 22 February. Nicky Moxey, our local resident author, has now completed the sequel to her first book, Sheriff and Priest, and to launch her new book, The Priest’s Son, she will be giving a talk about the research behind her latest accomplishment. The original story was a fascinating account of the life of a local boy, Wimer the Chaplin who in the 12th century became the founder of a nationally important site, Dodnash Priory. In this second book, Nicky unveils a true tale about land grabs and skulduggery and the life of Jean, Wimers adopted son. If you came to the first launch, you’ll know it’s a fascinating evening and Nicky will be giving her usual entertaining account of her research behind the book, along with readings from the story. The evening starts at 7.30pm.

01473 805575 / savethecase.bentley@gmail.com

STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Sunday 8 March at 4pm: Carducci String Quartet St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG / Tickets £15 Founded in 1997, this internationally renowned Anglo-Irish quartet based in the UK is known for being extremely versatile. They are holders of many awards and have performed everything from brand new quartets, classic works by Haydn, complete Shostakovich cycles and even partnered with folkrock icon Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. They also have their own annual festival in Gloucestershire and still manage to fit in a busy touring schedule in the UK and abroad. “high-octane playing balanced control with devil-may-care spontaneity” The Guardian Sunday 29 March at 4pm: Kammerphilharmonie Europa St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG / Tickets £15 Kammerphilharmonie Europa, or Chamber Orchestra Europe, is an orchestra of talented young musicians recruited from 18 European nations.

Founded in Cologne, Germany in 2006 by Russian-born Leonid Tritus, it has achieved an outstanding artistic level and tours widely across Europe.

In this concert Kirill Gusarov (trumpet) and Michel Gershwin (violin) will showcase their talent in two diverse concertos and the nine-member ensemble will treat us to some well-loved repertoire.

www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

Tickets can be booked online or by contacting: svamtickets@btinternet.com / 01206 298426

www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley

www.svam.org.uk

THE ORCHARD PLAYERS

PENINSULAR PIX

Quiz Night Join us for our fundraising quiz night on Saturday 21 March. More details to follow – keep an eye out in the next edition, check out our Facebook page or pre-register your team now via: info@theorchardplayers.com Summer Show 2020 – Musical of Dreams (July 2-4) Everyone has dreams, but for one young man his dreams may actually come true. Follow him through his tough times, his fun times and his simply magical times as he embarks on a musical adventure with all your favourite characters and songs.​ Will he find the courage and confidence to make dreams come true? Or will others force him to take a different path? All will be revealed in our musical of dreams!​ ​ dream you dream alone is only a dream​… a dream we dream together A becomes reality!​ Read through and auditions in February: Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details. New members always welcome.

Join Us! Are you creative, good with young people, calm in a crisis, a bit of a techie, but not keen to get up on stage? We’re always looking for people to get involved behind the scenes in creating props and scenery, chaperoning the juniors, helping back stage and front-of house and working with the technical team on sound and lighting.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please get in touch via Facebook, or email us at: info@theorchardplayers.com

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On Thursday 6 February Peninsular Pix will be showing Downton Abbey at Tattingstone Village Hall. What does one say about a mansion that at one time must have been chock full of monks, but now has a dysfunctional bunch of nobles in it? Marmite? Personally I like both Marmite – and Downton.

I would think most of our usual audience will know exactly what to expect of the characters and who is starring and directing. Sadly the one big question – whether the dithering Lady Mary will ever choose between her suitors – has already been answered.

However, I shall go through the paces at a horsey trot. The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives: a royal visit from the king and queen of England. This devastating event soon unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue, leaving the future of Downton hanging in the balance.

There is pandemonium upstairs and great excitement downstairs until the servants realise that the royals, horror of horrors, carry their own crew with them. However, our faithful domestics soon begin to fight back but do they triumph over the snooty royal retainers?

See the movie and discover the answer to this intriguing question. I enjoyed the film, even though I’m a republican at heart.

Garry Kilworth

In Touch online:

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY The Friends of Capel library would like to thank everyone who attended their AGM on January 25 and we hope you found it interesting and helpful.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please pop into the library to find out more.

Kimmy’s Zoo is coming to visit us on Wednesday 19 February. There are two slots: 9.30am and 10.45am. Tickets are limited to 20 per session and each session will last one hour. Please purchase your tickets at the library, £5 each including refreshments. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sponsored by the Friends of Capel Library

COPDOCK CHURCH ROOM COMMUNITY GET TOGETHER All welcome for tea, coffee and cakes 2-4pm on the last Friday in the month

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

Capel Creators: Saturday 29 February from 10.30am-12.30pm, for children and adults of any age. Come along and see what fantastic models you can build with Lego! £1 includes a drink and a biscuit. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS

Drawing Club: Sundays 2 and 16 February from 10.30am-12.30pm; join in with drawing and colouring. Bring your own pad and favourite drawing pen/pencil. There is a £1 charge which includes refreshments. All ages are welcome and children under the age of eight must be accompanied by an adult.

A market takes place in Belstead Village Hall from 9.30am-12.30pm on the first Saturday of every month from March till December to raise vital funds to support the upkeep of the village hall.

Minecraft: Sundays 9 and 23 February from 10.30am-12.30pm. Children of all ages are welcome and those under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your tablet or phone equipped with Minecraft (pocket or Windows 10 Edition). Try to remember to charge your device beforehand!

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 our chosen charity at a table laden with homemade goodies for sale.

Journaling Club: Run by Capel Parish Nurses, this new club takes place on the second and fourth Friday every month from 6.15-7.15pm and is free of charge. Make your own journal for diary keeping. Basic resources provided and all ages are welcome; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk

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

Belstead Village Hall, Grove Hill, Belstead IP8 3LU

Capel Library Book Group: Friday 21 February. This adult group meets on the third Friday of each month from 2.30pm. Come along, pick up the book they are currently reading and join in.

IPSWICH TRANSPORT SOCIETY

Don’t forget we sell stamps and book tokens as well as a great selection of books, which are ideal for taking on holiday.

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 Tel: 01473 311699

1ST CAPEL SCOUT GROUP

Monday 17 February: Annual General Meeting followed A 1982 Summer in New York (Shipping) by Ron Davies Monday 16 March: Bahamas Locomotive Society – The Story So Far by John Hillier Monday 20 April: City of Norwich Aviation Museum – The Collection & the Story by Trevor Eady All meetings take place at Greenfinch Church Hall, Greenfinch Avenue, Ipswich at 7.30pm. Refreshments available.

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

Admission 50p / Free Car Park Saturday 29 February 2-3.30pm in the Scout Hut at Capel St Mary Primary School IP9 2EG Admission 50p, accompanied children free

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

Refreshments available Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open at 9am to set up T: 07776 291445

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OUT & ABOUT

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WI Linda Scoles, an American who arrived in England in 1971 with her husband Jim, an American Air Force Officer, and their three children was our guest speaker in December. Linda delivered a highly entertaining series of stories about Christmas presents and how she never quite manages to get her husband’s gifts right. We laughed from beginning to end; if you’ve never heard Linda speak then you’re really missing out. We followed Linda’s anecdotes with a Christmas party and it was an opportunity to catch up with each other in a lovely relaxed atmosphere (the mulled wine helped!).

We are really looking forward to some lovely speakers and entertainers in 2020, including cookery demonstrations, lace making and Beatrix Potter – an eclectic mix.

Copdock and Washbrook WI members share a wide variety of interests while enjoying some wonderful outings and events. There are opportunities to get involved or you can just come along for friendship.

All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed. If you do want to join us, you can come as a visitor to see what we get up to before deciding.

We meet at Copdock Village Hall on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August). Please arrive around 7.15 for a 7.30pm start.

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.

Our next meeting is on February 18 when Brian Dyes will give a talk on Ipswich Transport Museum. Brian is a former chairman of the museum and was one of the founder members over 50 years ago. Nowadays he looks after the photographic collection as well as giving talks and guided tours to visitors.

This is a must for all bygone transport enthusiasts.

On March 17 Richard Symes will give a talk on Dunwich Heath and its colourful history over the last 300 years, from being dug up, burnt, smugglers to poets – it all happened at Dunwich Heath.

We meet at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre IP5 1JF at 7.15pm.

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

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

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED

STOUR VALLEY U3A Wednesday 12 February: The Life & Times of an Essex Bad Girl From prison to a successful brand by Tracy from the Giggly Pig Co, how she managed to change the direction of her life to become a pig farmer and successful sausage producer.

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

Wednesday 8 April: Colchester Roman Circus & The Fenwick Treasure Philip Crummy, Director & Principal Archaeologist at Colchester Archaeological Trust, speaks about the two most interesting archaeological discoveries in Colchester in recent years.

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. Further information is available online.

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. While visitors are welcome to join us on a limited number of occasions, paying a donation each time, members are given priority due to limited capacity.

Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am-noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee.

For updates visit: www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk

BENTLEY WI Our guest speaker in December was most entertaining. We learnt all about how Jenny Gibb found herself living with Mustafa in a derelict farmhouse in a remote Turkish village. She enlightened us about traditional Turkish festivals, many of which are centred on religious feast days, and how the older you are in the community the more you are respected. The Turkish are equally as curious about our festivals, especially Christmas.

We were all made very welcome at the Kings Head, Stutton for our delicious Christmas meal and we left very satisfied.

We attended a carol concert organised by Brantham WI at Brantham Village Hall. We were accompanied by the Brantham village singers and a pianist. Each WI in the group gave a reading on the theme of stars.

We started the new year with a very entertaining evening with Horry and Sue Parsons. They have spent the last 40 years in amateur dramatics, especially pantomime. They kept us enthralled with stories about tradition and superstition in the theatre and demonstrated many of the tricks used on stage during performances.

Monday 2 March, 7.30pm: Felt Lavender Bouquet with Debbie

We have had a few new members join us recently but there is still space in the hall for new faces. Why not come along with a friend; you will be made very welcome and it is good way to have an evening off once a month. Meetings are held in Bentley Village Hall and start at 7.15pm.

Most of the year is now planned. We meet at Wherstead Village Hall and new members are always welcome.

Our next meetings are on Wednesday 12 February, Adventures in India, and Wednesday 11 March, Active Lives.

Monday 3 February, 7.30pm: Dream Catchers with Jill

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

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OUT & ABOUT EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE What with the dark evenings, the rain and the mud, the winter months can be rather boring. Noting very exciting has happening here since Christmas and I failed to get 30 people to give me their reasons for being involved here before our 30th anniversary ended. Fortunately, our umbrella organisation copied my idea and found 50 people to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Riding for the Disabled Association. Reach about it at: www.rda.org/50-faces I thought I’d borrow a couple of examples to whet your appetite. Tyrone Williams is an ex-jockey and now an RDA client: “In my career I rode about 850 winners. When you’re an apprentice you can’t wait to go racing. Fifteen years in, it’s just another day. I never got nervous, but I promise you now you’ve got to have bottle. I can’t think about that now. I had a stroke three years ago when I was 49. I wasn’t racing anymore but I was still riding out. I couldn’t tell you what happened for the first three months. I didn’t know where I was. Every day since then I’ve been trying to get better. I didn’t know about RDA until I moved back to Lambourn. It’s a big step. I’d been used to riding horses my whole life but I hadn’t ridden for two years. I wasn’t sure I could do it. Right from the first day I was determined to walk to the mounting block and leave my wheelchair at the gate. Getting on wasn’t pretty, but we’ve found a way. When I got on that first time I remember feeling so happy and thinking that’s it – I’m back. Coming to RDA is a new step. From where I am now, I can only get better.”

Now Matt, a para showjumper and dressage competitor who is deaf: “There are lots of bits to my RDA story and it’s all really important to me. I think in sign language and then have to recall the English words and grammar before signing. In my family, I am the only one who is deaf. It’s difficult when there’s lots of hearing people having a conversation and I don’t know what’s going on, or I say something and I’m interrupting because they are talking about something different. The autism also makes it hard for me. I don’t always like being with people. I suppose now my life is all about the horses and everything that links with them. We came here when I was six and I was happy when I was with the horses. When I started riding I had a leader and side walkers. We went slowly so it was easy for someone to walk next to me and do signing. As I got better and faster, that was a bit of a problem. These days I have my own horse and I compete in para showjumping and dressage.

ALTON BELLES WI January marks the time of year where many resolutions are made.

This is true also for the WI whose democratic model means that individual members can have a say over the national campaigns by creating resolutions on topics that are important to them. This year we have five resolutions which require serious debate, discussion and deliberation. The resolution shortlist is: • Female crash test dummies • Time to talk about death and dying • Ending modern slavery • Protect our precious helium • A call to increase potential stem cell donor registration Alton Belles WI have adopted a novel ‘speed dating’ approach to this activity where members are divided into small groups which carousel their way around the room. Under the guidance of a facilitator they discuss each of the resolutions for five minutes, then move onto the next. This gave everyone the opportunity to share their thoughts and knowledge about the subject, or equally, to just listen to the views expressed.

As usual, there was a buzz from all the groups in the room as each resolution was proposed, arguments for and against examined and finally, each individual member voted on the one they felt warranted the most attention to go forward for further discussion and voting at the annual general meeting in June. The most popular resolution for Alton Belles was ‘female crash test dummies’ with 60 percent of the votes. We will wait to see if this reflects the national picture.

February’s meeting focus will be on My Life as a Stone Carver by guest speaker Antonia Hockton. Please do come along, visitors are always welcome.

If you are interested in joining our vibrant and forward looking WI but feel nervous about coming along on your own, just contact our secretary, Sheila Paxman, on 01473 327319 and she will make sure you are looked after.

“I’m really proud to be a volunteer. When I started I did things like grooming, helping with tacking up and things around the yard. As I got older and started doing more on the computer, I found there were other things that I could do to help. That developed into social media, and now that’s my focus. The aim is to make people aware of what’s happening, to get them involved and get more people to understand what we do.”

I’m grateful to Tyrone and Matt who showcase different aspects of the RDA and I do hope you’ll enjoy exploring the lives of the other 48. They are full of surprises.

Looking ahead to early March, on Thursday 5 there will be a charity bingo night with cash prizes at Polstead Village Hall. Tickets are £5 and include one book of bingo tickets. BYO drink and glasses, tea and coffee free. Tickets are available from the centre www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Following on from last month’s talk on Prisoner of War Camps in the Second World War, Carole Wheatley will enlighten us on Internment in Guernsey during the Second World War on February 5. Two weeks later, on February 19, Colin Hopper will present The Story of London Bridge.

On Wednesday 4 March, Maureen Clarke will talk to us about The Plight of Street Orphans in India and we will be holding our annual general meeting on Wednesday 18 March.

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 at providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

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

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday 26 February: Moving Abnormal Loads (R Norman Transport) by Steve Huggins 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

Baby Bears We have reorganised the baby room to create an open space for physical skills and are currently working on a range of developmental areas. Children are learning to sit up, roll over, crawl, walk and climb while younger babies have been enjoying sitting and rolling on our soft, fluffy rug. Meanwhile, our confident walkers have been climbing on small tables and have made the most of our variety of cushions for soft landings.

Toddling Tigers Tigers have been working very hard on developing their independence with self-care. Through the use of ‘teachable moments’, they are being encouraged to take off and put on their own clothes. This supports their progression to toilet training, which half our Tigers are also mastering. Another interest at present is the understanding of different concepts, such as hot and cold. The Tigers make their own homemade play dough; in doing so, they learn that water from the kettle is hot; they can tell this from looking at the steam. They are also very aware that they do not touch hot water, or any other hot objects, and must get help from an adult. They have been very inventive with the play dough by adding a range of different elements such as cinnamon, dried herbs and lemon extract.

Gruffalos We have explored Chinese culture and celebrated Chinese New Year.

The children enjoyed having traditional Chinese items within their role play. Learning to use chopsticks has been challenging but the children have amazed us with their determination and fine motor skills. Tasting and eating Chinese food has been a highlight. The children have also explored the textures and smells of food within their play.

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS Eavesdropping can be very confusing. I thought the volunteers were celebrating having perfect eyesight when they were talking about seeing in 2020 last month. Mum explained this year marks the start of a new decade which inspires many resolutions like getting fit – as she eyed my bulging tummy!

If you want to shed some extra festive pounds, the Nayland 10K takes place on July 5. SESAW is one of the beneficiaries of this family friendly day and dogs are welcome to accompany their owners. Anyone wishing to register will be able to do so at: www.nayland10k.co.uk A big thank you to Betty and her Washbrook Stitchers and Knitters for making some blankets for my friends and I. As you can see in the photo, we couldn’t wait to snuggle into the cosy covers which will keep us warm through the winter.

I may not have 2020 vision but there’s nothing wrong with my sense of smell which tells me dinner is nearly ready. Time to see what’s cooking in the kitchen for me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

Forest School Babies, Tiger’s and Gruffalos are continuing to enjoy our Forest School sessions, fully embracing the British weather and getting very muddy. We are very lucky to have a bell tent to take shelter in on very cold or wet days; it’s a great place to share a story and to refuel with a yummy snack and a warm drink.

Meerkats The Meerkats had a great time at the holiday club during the Christmas break, with different festive and winter activities. They had a great time making decorations for the Festival of Light including gingerbread houses, people and hearts for our gingerbread themed tree. February half term is fast approaching and the theme will be Random Acts of Kindness.

If you would like further information about Robin’s Childcare, please contact Emma: 01473 310767/ info@robinschildcare.co.uk

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SCHOOLS / SPORT BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB We will have a race night in Bentley Village Hall on Saturday 21 March. Doors open at 7pm with racing starting at 7.30pm.

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS The festive season seems like a lifetime ago now but we wanted to say a big thank you to everyone in the community who came to support our Christmas fayres. It was especially lovely to see so many former pupils.

Tickets are £8 to include a fish supper and can be obtained from Ray Savage (311122) or Colin Rose (313102). We shall have a bar and raffle.

Our annual quiz is on Saturday 2 May, also in Bentley Village Hall. Charles is once again setting the questions so it should be another good evening. More details later.

Lillian Calvert: 01473 808652

The PTAs and school councils at both schools worked extremely hard on the events and everybody who came along had great fun.

Wolves, Kittens and Squirrels are in the midst of a rather exciting topic this half term, looking at what life was like for their grandparents when they were children. We kicked off with a 1960s dress-up day and are looking forward to welcoming members of our communities to an afternoon tea to hear about local residents’ experiences of childhood.

Children from Adders and Foxes will be representing the federation in the forthcoming basketball competition. They will be competing against many other schools and we wish them luck.

Finally, do you have finance or HR experience and can spare a little time to help support our wonderful little schools? If so, we would love to hear from you as we are seeking new people to join our governing body.

For more information about the role, please get in touch with either school.

Bentley CEVC Primary School: 01473 310253 / admin@bentley.suffolk.sch.uk Copdock Primary School: 01473 730337 / admin@copdock.suffolk.sch.uk

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC The First Team continued their high scoring form with two five goal victories to take them to fifth in the Senior Division table going into 2020. In their only fixture in December, the Reserves exited the Travel Plus Tours Cup at Old Newton. The A Team also lost the only fixture played last month.

The club held a social Vets game against near neighbours Capel over the Christmas period, which was played at Flatford Lane due to the excessive rain. A very enjoyable event saw the Bergholt Old Boys run out 5-1 victors, but the result was not really the most important aspect of the afternoon.

FIXTURES 1st Team Senior Division 1 Feb: Benhall St Mary (H) 8 Feb: Capel Plough (H) 15 Feb: Old Newton Utd (A) 22 Feb: Henley Athletic (H) 29 Feb: Bildeston Rangers (H) Reserves: League A 25 Jan: Trimley Red Devils Res (H) 8 Feb: Sporting 87 Res (A) 15 Feb: Haughley Utd Res (H): 29 Feb: Claydon Res (A) A Team: League C 25 Jan: Ransomes Sports Res (A) 1 Feb: Coplestonians A (A) 8 Feb: Stowupland Falcons Res (A) 15 Feb: Wickham Market Res (H) 22 Feb: Henley Athletic Res (A)

SUFFOLK HOW ARE YOU? Are you a PTA or Friends of Schools/PRUs or community group such as Brownies, Scouts or a youth project?

Fixtures subject to change; to confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 EVENTS The FIFA tournament will be repeated and is open to all-comers so keep an eye out for the next one.

This season marks the 125th anniversary of the club and there will be special events to mark this momentous achievement.

Would you like £1000 to help children and young people be a part of a project about reducing sugar in their diet?

We want to get in touch with as many former players and officials as possible. Please let us have your details by contacting the secretary or on our Facebook page. And keep Easter Sunday 2020 free!

Find out more at: www.suffolkcf.org.uk/grants/sugar-reduction-fund or contact Suffolk Community Foundation and ask about Sugar Reduction Fund on 01473 602602 or info@suffolkcf.org.uk

We are looking for new teams, ladies, boys and 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 Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc Twitter: @EBUFC1

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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, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674

North Samford 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)

Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116

Wedding Preparation Day Saturday 1 February from 10am at Bentley Village Hall

Dear Friends,

FROM THE REGISTERS

As part of the governor role in Sproughton, I have taken on responsibility for monitoring religious education and helping the school to prepare for their SIAMs inspection (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools).

Two of the three church schools (Copdock is a community school) were inspected last term and I’m delighted that both received high praise .

Funerals Frank Tunstall – Sproughton Andrew Dunn – Bentley Robert Hardwick – Sproughton

One of the issues raised for the governors in Sproughton was the value we place in encouraging respect and understanding of different faiths. I am passionate that our young people are well prepared to engage in positive interfaith dialogues. I believe it is essential in order to make communities work. Today we live in a multi-cultural 21st century Britain. People have come from different places and worship different gods. Our diversity should be a great strength by bringing together many different views, experiences and outlooks.

Saturday 1 Tuesday 4 Wednesday 5 Thursday 6

Tuesday 11 Saturday 15 Wednesday 19

Tuesday 25 Thursday 27 Friday 28 Saturday 29

On a personal level, my beautiful three-month old granddaughter Simran is dual heritage. Her paternal grandparents were born in India and are committed Sikhs. My daughter and son-in-law respect both Sikhism and Christianity and are finding ways to embrace and celebrate their family’s diversity. I think Simran will have much to gain from that wider understanding.

For many, their religion and faith reflects who they are and is an integral part of their lives. Nobody has the right to impose their faith or their theological perspective on others; this only serves to foster resentment and legitimise intolerance. In order to live, work and appreciate each other, we have to understand each other.

So whether you worship in the local church as I do, or a synagogue, mosque, temple or gurdwara, or don’t have a faith, we need opportunities to come together and see just how much common ground we share. There are still people who feel rejected, face threats, intimidation and or even violence simply because of who they are. One of the things that shocked my daughter was how people would call out racist comments when she was out with her husband; he would shrug and just ignore them. Now, fortunately, the incidents are very rare but it reminds me of how important it is that extremism, racism and violence are stopped in their tracks.

Our young people will be much better adults if they are equipped to build friendships across ethnic and religious divides. Friendships create trust, which is so important in resolving issues, overcoming suspicion and defeating intolerance.

We might look different and sound different and believe different things, but we are the same community.

I am not advocating ignoring our differences or diluting beliefs but understanding and appreciating them and working together to beat extremists whoever they are.

May you have a blessed year ahead, The Rev Annette St Peter’s Church in Copdock will be closed for refurbishment until March 8.

All services will be held at St Mary’s Church, Belstead. We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is being carried out.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

FEBRUARY Wedding Preparation Day (see above) Treasurer’s Meeting Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Churchwarden’s Meeting, Copdock Church Room, 10am Coffee Morning, 10.30am-noon Copdock Home Communions Burstall Adoption of Accounts Joint PCC Meeting, 7.30pm Afternoon Tea Copdock Community Get-together, 2pm Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday 2 February 8am Belstead* Holy Communion 9.30am Burstall Holy Communion 10am Bentley Family Service 10am Belstead* Morning Prayer 10am Tattingstone Holy Communion 11am Sproughton Family@Church Sunday 9 February 9.30am Sproughton Croissant Church 9.30am Burstall Family Service 10am Belstead* Holy Communion 10am Bentley Holy Communion 6pm Tattingstone Evening Prayer Sunday 16 February 9.30am Burstall 10am Belstead* 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton 3.30pm Tattingstone

Holy Communion Simply Sunday Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church

Sunday 23 February 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Belstead* 6pm Tattingstone

Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion

Wednesday 26 February – Ash Wednesday 7.30pm Sproughton Holy Communion *Copdock Services will be at Belstead while essential work is being carried out.

Please submit church letters and copy for the March edition 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 Paul Vincent OCD Assistant Priest: Fr Bineesh Elenjikkal OCD 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2020 Sunday 2 9am

The Presentation of The Lord Mass

Tuesday 4 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 9 9am

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 11 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 16 9am

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 18 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 23 9am

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 25 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Wednesday 26 Ash Wednesday 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

Catholic Commentary This year St Michaels Parish Church hosted the annual service for Christian Unity on Sunday 26 January. The theme was They Showed

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Unusual Kindness from a line in the Acts of the Apostles. The materials were prepared by the Christian Churches of Malta and Gozo who mark the Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul on February 10 and give thanks for the arrival of the Christian faith in those islands. The service was well attended and greatly appreciated.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference is supporting the rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary, on behalf of every Catholic on 25 March 2020, the Feast of the Annunciation. Each cathedral is to include a suitable service of rededication as a commitment to renewed evangelisation.

Hopefully we will be joined by many others at these services. The initiative is being promoted by the rector of the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. England has been called the Dowry of Mary since the 11th century. The title means that she acts in a special way as the nation’s protectress. If ever prayers were needed for our country then now is the time.

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday 26 January at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £166 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 23 February. 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 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 to noon. We are raising funds for our centenary celebration on 15 August 2020. All are very welcome to join us; the next event is on Thursday 27 February.

The Sick & Homebound A new Catholic Chaplain is yet to be appointed and in the meantime Fr Alan Hodgson (01473 728115), assisted by Deacon Clive Brooks (01206 396319), will provide cover. Please be aware that for reasons of patient confidentiality, the current practice in the NHS is not to inform the chaplains of any Catholics who are admitted to hospital. So unless you or your relatives inform the chaplain of your hospital stay yourselves, you will not be visited by a priest or any other member of the chaplaincy team. Please let Fr Paul know of anyone who is ill at home or housebound, so that they may receive appropriate pastoral care.

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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES I’ve just returned from a conference on transformational leadership. We began by each sharing three ‘wow’ moments, moments in our lives when we felt fully alive.

There was someone at the conference I hadn’t seen for 28 years. Neither of us recognised each other or knew in advance the other would be there. My wife and I had been friends with her family for two years when we lived in the same town. She was just eight years old when we left, but we did keep in touch with her parents and some 14 years later her mother wrote and asked if her daughter, who wanted to travel, could visit us in Zimbabwe.

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She spent four weeks with us in a busy household, sharing a bedroom with our eldest daughter. She and I visited several of the 123 churches that I shared pastoral care of with two other ministers. She saw the work of the Family AIDS Caring Trust which I had set up and witnessed the contrast between rich and poor and the vibrant worship in the rural villages. We ensured she was shown some of the great sights Zimbabwe has to offer.

In a breakout group at the conference, she shared the story of this visit as one of her ‘wow’ moments. I wasn’t in that group, but she came to find me when she heard my name (her name had changed – she had married and has children). She reminded me of so many details about that trip that I had totally forgotten. For her it had been a life changing trip. We had no idea that it had made such an impact on her life. We often don’t know the impact of our lives on other people.

Driving home, I listened to an audiobook that my son had lent me, where bosses had thought they were appreciating the staff working for them but the reality was that the staff felt oppressed by the numerous demands placed upon them and the short deadlines imposed. The boss had been insensitive.

Having had an affirmation, I recognise that I too can be insensitive and can leave a negative impact on people’s lives. Our words and attitudes can hurt or build up others. I pray may my life bless others.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 2 10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 9 10.30am Sunday 16 10.30am

7pm Saturday 22 3.30pm Sunday 23 10.30am

6.30pm

Worship with Rev Andrew Docherty Prayer Worship with Mr Richard Spencer Worship with Rev Pauline Bailey Contemporary Worship with Jim Ross Messy Church Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at Capel Community Church

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AT HOLBROOK METHODIST Tea and Chat: Mondays 2.30-4pm (HCT) Home Groups: Second & fourth Tuesdays at 7.30pm Saturday 1 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 2 10am Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Friday 7 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Sunday 9 10am Worship with Mrs Maggie Finbow Sunday 16 10am Family Friendly Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis Sunday 23 10am Worship with Mrs Diana Sawyer

6.30pm Something Different with Rev Andrew Sankey Tuesday 25 6.30pm Pancake Party (HCT) Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in February.

For more information about Messy Church and Tiddlers (HCT) contact Gerald Laws: email: geraldolaws@aol.com / 01473 328507

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DIDO & AENEAS CHOIRS’ CONCERT

A SEMI-STAGED PRODUCTION OF ONE OF THE GREATEST ENGLISH OPERAS ALSO FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY THE RHS CHAPEL CHOIR, CHAMBER CHOIR, MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP AND HOLBROOK CHORAL SOCIETY

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

7PM, BURNS RECITAL HALL (PRE-CONCERT DRINKS FROM 6.30PM)

Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE 01206 573948 | experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic

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