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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook Volume 8 • Issue No. 8 • JULY 2018
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR You know what it’s like when you have a few precious minutes to catch up on a million tasks. It’s usually a mad dash involving at least one bruise, multiple encounters with people you’d love to chat to at any other time (just not right now) and, almost always, a whole lot of frustration. Well, last Saturday I left home with a mile-long list and 30 minutes to complete them. Parking took at least 10 minutes so the pressure was on from the get-go. First, the library where I grabbed the first Jo Nesbo book I saw (turns out I’d read it before but I’m enjoying it nonetheless). Then I lost precious minutes standing in a queue at the pharmacy. Next the pet shop and then back to the car with a bale of hay. Round two took me first to the gift shop for a baby gift and card, then to the homeware shop for window cleaner and a new squeegee (still unused by the way) and finally to the hairdressers to make an appointment (which I’ll probably have to cancel). I’m exhausted just writing about it, but as I raced from shop to shop and criss-crossed the market square at least four times, I noticed a father and son sitting on a bench under a shady tree. Each time I raced by I was struck by how still they were, dad with his arm draped over his son’s shoulders as they sat close together in silence watching the world go by. I stopped at one point to watch them from behind and in that moment I felt like a complete lunatic. I tried to remember the last time I’d simply sat with my son, doing nothing, just being together, and it had been a while. With one last admiring glance at the relaxed pair on the bench, I headed to the car and home to Jack. After a quick kick around (always his first choice) we snuggled up on the sofa to watch a movie. Of course, I do wonder what the wife/mother was doing while the dad and son relaxed! Perhaps she was tearing about like me, but I hope not. That list of things to do will always be there, but I’m determined to find that happy balance and to spend more time with my nearest and dearest. Now who’s going to clean those windows?
In Touch
with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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NEWS
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNING Submission Draft Minerals & Waste Local Plan Consultation www.suffolk.gov.uk/mineralsandwaste Their very first drop-in meeting was held at Belstead Village Hall on Tuesday, June 12 and was our last opportunity to openly discuss with SCC planning officers why the site has been deemed suitable for inclusion in their Minerals & Waste Plan up to 2036. Unless we can convince SCC Councillors otherwise, the site will go forward for an eventual decision by a government inspector and, if approved, the Brockley Wood Quarry would commence operation by 2020. That would be within one year of when in 2013 the National Highways Agency plainly stated that the Copdock Interchange would be operating above capacity – and that was made before any plans for a major new quarry adding extra heavy traffic. Please note that SCC states: “In all cases the correspondence must be received by 5pm on July 23 or the views expressed will not be able to be taken into account.” Only residents living within 250 metres of the proposed new quarry were sent a letter informing of those drop-in meetings as required by law. We, as SDG, informed (via email) circa 182 Copdock & Washbrook residents of that letter. Yes, SCC did comply with the law, but we contend that any fairminded person would agree that a development measure of such potential magnitude needs to be circulated to as many people as possible within any local community. In Copdock & Washbrook, it affects us all – it will never be the same should permission be granted. Colin Hinkins: mail@colinhinkins.plus.com
Childrens Fair
COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK CHARITY CHILDREN’S FAIR
The first Copdock and Washbrook Charity Children’s Fair will be hosted at Copdock and Washbrook Village Hall on Sunday, July 8 in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. The event, which runs from 11am-4pm, is aimed at children of all ages with lots for them to see, do and try and we’d love to see you there! Come along and bring the family for a day of fun! Entrance is £1 (including a raffle ticket). Find us on Old London Road (the old A12), Copdock IP8 3JN. More information, including timings for the taster sessions, can be found on our Facebook page – Copdock and Washbrook Charity Children’s Fair – or contact Genna (07545 002478) or Jo (07729 863223).
Dawn Hynes Photography
AUGUST DEADLINE
Dawn Hynes is a local semi-professional photographer specialising in pictures of stunning Suffolk scenery and also the very popular pet photography, as modelled on the front cover by Hugo the French Bulldog. Dawn has had personal coaching from an award winning photographer and has even sold some of her prints of the Suffolk Countryside in the USA!
is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
Based in Harleston near Stowmarket, her passion for photography and many requests for prints has led her to build a website portfolio and turn her talent into a business. To view Dawn's work please visit: www.dawnhynesphotography.co.uk
10 JULY 2018
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NEWS BABBLINGS FROM THE BROOK Elvis will be entering the building on the evening of Saturday, July 21 when impersonator and tribute artist Andy Ottley relives the best of The King here in Washbrook! Andy is well-known for his Elvis style and sound and has quite a following, so if you want a taste of good old rock ‘n roll, head down to The Brook and swing those hips. The night will be the latest musical extravaganza at the pub which has enjoyed some great music, not to mention weather in the garden in recent months including the talented Clare Free, who has appeared on local radio, entertaining us with her guitar and beautiful voice at the end of May. On Thursday, July 26 we will also be hosting our monthly Open Mic Night which has generated a large following. Enjoy a juicy steak on our £10 ‘Steak Mondays’ throughout July, washed down with a good beer or perhaps a chilled glass of white or rose. Our ever popular quiz night will be taking place on Sunday, July 29, so why not flex both brain and memory and challenge yourself with a variety of topics? With the good weather upon us, take a stroll down to The Brook for a cool drink for yourself and your four-legged friend (water for the dog is free). Information regarding offers and events can be found on the boards outside or just give us a call. Enjoy the sunshine and see you at The Brook!
CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Patient Feedback The practice is always eager to receive feedback from patients. We are a busy practice. Our clinicians have hundreds of appointments every week, and we process hundreds of test results, letters from hospitals and other healthcare organisations and referrals in addition to monitoring patients who are on medication and/or have long-term health conditions to ensure they are receiving the best treatment. Inevitably, with such a high volume of work, issues will occasionally arise. When they do we want to hear about them and try to resolve them as soon as possible. However, over the past six months in particular we have received many compliments about our doctors and other staff, and the way we operate. This is really encouraging for our staff who work very hard in a challenging environment. We really want to hear from you when things go well, in addition to when issues arise. There are many ways you can provide feedback including our PPG comment cards and Friends and Family comment cards available in the waiting rooms, the NHS Choices website, the Healthwatch Suffolk website, or by a letter or note addressed to the practice manager. You can also leave a comment via our website.
COPWASH NEWS NEW COPDOCK & WASHBROOK VILLAGE DIRECTORY The parish council has agreed it is time to issue a new village directory to replace the one published in 2011. A lot of names have changed since then and new businesses have moved into the village. Should anyone wish to advertise in it or if you would like to know more about the scale of charges, please contact the directory co-ordinator, Jennifer Jones: jmkj.copwash@gmail.com A SOUTH AFRICAN VISITOR TO COPDOCK
As a sequel to the W H Hewitt Centenary Celebration last September, Peter and Jennifer Jones met Angela Heslop from Hermanus on the east coast of South Africa to take her round Hewitt’s Suffolk connections. Hermanus had celebrated the VC Centenary simultaneously with Copdock and Washbrook on September 17 last year near the point where his and Lily’s ashes were scattered and a bench was placed in his memory. To watch the Hermanus ceremony go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3YwnpWTZFw Framlingham College was the first stop; there she was shown the Great Hall where he was greeted by the school in the 1950s. Sadly he could not address the pupils as the shrapnel of 1917 had by this time left him with no vocal chords. In the chapel she saw not only his memorial, but those of the other two Framlingham College First World War VCs. Next stop was lunch at The Brook Inn; whether or not he would have been a drinker there we do not know, but it was a good lunch! Then, of course, she admired the Centenary Stone and plaque and was delighted to see the Poppy Crosses from Copdock School. Finally, she was taken to Copdock Church where Hewitt was baptised and where his father lies buried in the churchyard. Inside she noted the two memorials to his step-brother and cousin. She was delighted by her visit and took photographs everywhere. Now back in Hermanus she has given a talk to the historical society. The town, like Copdock, remembers with pride its association with William Henry Hewitt VC. Hewitt was also ‘on show’ at the Suffolk Show where the Seven Ages of Henry boards were displayed in the Looking Back area. THANKFUL MONTHS Those villages that were lucky enough to have no Fallen in the First World War were known as Thankful Villages, doubly thankful if no more were lost in the Second World War. June and July could be called Thankful Months in the North Samford Benefice as no man fell in these months in 1918.
We meet with our Patient Participation Group every month and discuss patient feedback. When we can make positive changes to the way we operate, we do. We also monitor social media and are fully aware of comments posted on various Facebook pages. It isn’t appropriate for the practice to respond via Facebook, but we would invite patients to share their comments, both positive and negative, directly with the practice. Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, June 28 and Thursday, September 13. 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
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THE BROOK COFFEE MORNING The Brook Coffee Morning on July 4 will be in aid of Cancer Research UK. I am hoping to raise a good amount in memory of my dear brother-in-law, who sadly died on March 16. There will be a raffle and the usual delicious scones and cakes. I hope to see you there. Judy Wood
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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD, JULY 2018 Can I first report a bit of good news? At the beginning of May, Highways England resurfaced the slip roads at the Four Sisters and also repaired other stretches of the carriageway. After three years of pressure, a very constructive meeting with East Bergholt Parish Council, myself and Highways England has finally paid off. Please note that a meeting between the Secretary of State for Transport, the local MP and county councillor appears to have achieved nothing, and if it did they are keeping it very quiet! It is far from satisfactory and I will continue to lobby for the signage to be upgraded and potential accident areas addressed. Unfortunately, we may have to wait until the 2025/2030 spending round to see the slip roads lengthened! The Annual Babergh Council Meeting was apparently interesting, with the Conservative group hanging on to its control and chair of some committees by the skin of its teeth. There appears to be reluctance in the group to take on any of the portfolios which may be an indication of the confidence within the group that they are doing a good job.
PARKING IN COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK At the June parish council meeting residents raised issues with the number of vehicles being parked in the village. A number of houses have multiple cars and work vehicles. It proves difficult to find parking spaces that don’t obstruct another people’s access. I felt it would help our deliberations if we summarised the issues and any solutions. Feedback welcomed. Cars are overflowing from Swan Mews onto The Street. It would help if the cars parked in direction of travel so their reflectors can be picked up by approaching traffic. Vehicles should not be parked on the pavement or across access to properties. This conflicts with the way the Swan Mews overflow park. The footpath stops near to the end of The Street so they would not obstruct any pedestrians. People ignore the Highway Code requirement to avoid parking within 15 metres of a road junction. The bottle banks and the bungalow in Pearson’s Way are often obstructed. There is no provision for parking on the lower section of Pearson’s Way.
Planning still seems to be rushing through applications with indecent haste and with scant regard for the quality of the ‘consultations’ from interested outside parties. Another 100 homes were approved in Capel in what was, in my opinion, a completely un-necessary grab for ‘company profits’ and with no regard for the impact upon the community. Nothing appears to be being done to encourage the vast number of permissions yet to be started.
Temporary no waiting cones could be placed in front of the bungalows. Many would wish to avoid double yellow lines in the village.
We need better paid jobs first as houses would be unaffordable on local wages. Legal challenges still abound with several due before judges shortly. The cost to our pockets will be considerable as it is always our money that is ultimately being spent. Officer morale is not good and with 47% vacancies in Planning and everyone I speak to moving to another job, something must be done. This may not be Denmark, but Hamlet had the right idea!
Any ideas welcomed.
Activities in East Bergholt over the past couple of weeks indicate that community spirit is still strong and the ability of Constable’s name to attract tourists, helped by the brilliant weather, helped the coffers of the church and other village organisations considerably. I hope that Babergh take note and realise that artists were active across the district and not just in Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury. Warm weather usually means windows left open, so please be careful; burglars are active in the area and police officers are nearly as rare as the Dodo. Crime stats show a slight increase into April and that was before two rather nasty burglaries in East Bergholt in May. Be vigilant and at the same time take sensible individual precautions. Councillor John Hinton john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309
ISOBEL STRICKLAND RIP Isobel passed away on Monday, May 7. Isobel was a great community champion who worked tirelessly for the village of Washbrook. She worked with the Women’s Institute, St Peter’s Church, footpath clearing groups and worked for Suffolk County Council for many years. Isobel was a passionate lady who deeply cared for the local environment and wildlife. Many readers will remember seeing her on Swan Hill collecting rubbish from the hedgerow in a high vis jacket with little regard for her own safety. She even received a community award from SCC for her work in clearing footpaths and rubbish. David Strickland
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The local Police Forum is to be approached for advice. Use of The Brook car park was suggested although it would affect the business.
Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council Clerk Angela Chapman: copdockparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk / 07849 055699
JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP SOUTH SUFFOLK Last month I was delighted to host a meeting with councillors from South Suffolk’s parishes regarding neighbourhood plans. The meeting, which was held at Hadleigh Town Hall, was well attended with representatives from many of the villages across the constituency. The purpose of the meeting was clear; I wanted to impress upon those gathered the necessity of drawing up a neighbourhood plan, and allocating sites within that plan. A neighbourhood plan is a way for parishes, or groups of them, to have greater control over development in their area. The plans cannot stop development but there is no doubt that a community without such a plan will be more vulnerable to speculative development than one with a made plan and where – crucially – they have used the plan to allocate sites for new housing. What does ‘allocating sites’ mean and why it is so significant? The answer is that I have not known a community yet that is unable to answer fairly forthrightly the question of where they don’t want development to go. Allocating sites is the much harder question for communities of where they do want it. But by going through that process and drawing up a plan with a reasonable allocation of homes for the future, the neighbourhood plan has far greater weight in law. I would describe this as the classic trade-off between ‘pain’ and ‘gain’. There is no point denying that the process for a community to allocate sites could be very controversial and divisive. But going through that pain brings the gain of far greater control in future, and the likelihood that housing numbers in the area will be more sustainable than in the absence of such a plan. I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people. Please see page 11 for my contact details.
In In Touch Touch online: online:
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NEWS SUMMER FETE The Lodge, Old London Road, Copdock Saturday, July 28, 2-5pm Live Music, Prize Raffle, Bouncy Castle Tea & Cakes
Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: JULY 2018 I thought that I didn’t have much to say this month, but that never seemed likely to anybody. Babergh held its Annual Council Meeting in May where, like all councils, we appoint our chair, vice chair and the other statutory appointments to committees and outside bodies. The new chairman is Barry Gaspar, previously chair of Overview and Scrutiny. I thought I’d write about that a bit, so you might have a little more information on at least one committee. I’m sure this is exactly what you were hoping for when you started reading this. Please bear with me, because in our cabinet system of operation it’s a great deal more useful, and even important, than it might appear. The cabinet are considered to be the executive, with a wide range of decision making powers. They are appointed by the council leader, currently John Ward. The votes of the largest number of councillors decide who the leader is. The leader then appoints the cabinet with individual areas of responsibility. The council are considered the non-executive. Although they make decisions, they have been limited in what areas those decisions can be in. Those are the people that everybody voted for. The majority get to appoint a leader. He appoints the cabinet members. The rest get to use what powers they have to influence. One of the checks and balances is a having a strong Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Exciting stuff, yes? I voted against the cabinet model, the opposition voted against it and some of the people who voted for it have apologised. But there we are for some years to come. OK! This last year I’ve been serving as the vice chair of Scrutiny in our first year of this cabinet government. Looking back, I think we challenged quite a few assumptions about how the council should run. The idea of Scrutiny is not to make decisions, but to allow the council and cabinet to make better decisions in the future. In the extreme, our recommendations might see a serious re-examination of a previously made decision. In one notable instance, we found that the suggested move to merge with Mid Suffolk had not been decided correctly and with the proper process. The fact that the then leader subsequently resigned was not our intent. We sent it back for a, more or less, binding recommendation for proper debate based on a proper case. If you haven’t fallen asleep yet, and I wouldn’t blame you, opposition pressure for a repeat referendum on merger saw that result. The new leader then changed policy. In a cabinet run council, Scrutiny is the link between the cabinet and the councillors you elected. We’re part of a triangle that should reinforce and protect those viewpoints. It’s a surprisingly non-party-based process. ‘Make it work, make it fair and make it open’ seem to be the basis we’ve operated on this last year. That was all fairly obscure for many, but I think you should know something more about the operation of this particular committee. (I could do a series). As it happened, I was elected as the new chair of that Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Babergh. I’ll be working with my counterparts at Mid Suffolk as well. I also look to both focus and expand the range of topics we examine. There’s an expression we seem to use in Scrutiny matters. ‘ADD VALUE’. Both of those words apply, together and apart. As ever, I can be contacted as below, and I’ll be out and about on that old blue Claud Butler pushbike, even to the Women’s Tour of Britain in Southwold (just watching for many obvious reasons). Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)
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AN AFTERNOON FOR THE VILLAGE BELSTEAD VILLAGE HALL AND ST MARY’S Saturday, July 21 from 2pm A get-together for all ages with an exhibition of village history, the opportunity to vote for your favourite in the photo competition and see the children’s entries of an A4 collage or painting/drawing of something in the village. Enjoy cream teas and a chance to meet your neighbours new and old, to meet the village hall committee and members of the parish church council, all working together for the village. We look forward to seeing you there from 2pm. Valerie Clift and Marilyn Wosahlo
NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first co-operative pub OOPS! First a correction: in last month’s copy we said that lunchtime snacks were available from Monday to Wednesday. Well done to the eagleeyed readers who spotted that The Case isn’t open on Mondays and Tuesdays! Lunchtime snacks are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – and great value with a great range of sandwiches from £4.50, ploughman’s, tapenade and daily specials. No mistake here though… From Sunday, June 17 we are delighted to announce the return of our popular Sunday lunches. We’re very fortunate to have established a partnership with Esther Brunning of Esther’s Best, a well-known local chef with an excellent reputation who will be cooking for us every Sunday. Booking is strongly advised. Vegetarians and children catered for. See Esther’s menus and prices at: www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on Our regular events continue through the summer with the next Open Mic Night on Tuesday, July 3, when we will be entertained by the village community choir. The next quiz is on Saturday, July 28, starting 8.30pm. The Village Garden Party is back for its third year on Sunday, July 15, with all the attractions of previous years and maybe a few more. Bentley must surely have the best cake-makers in Suffolk if the spread in previous years is anything to go by. And we’re hoping to match last year’s fantastic effort when sales of cakes made enough money to pay for the professional jazz band who kept us entertained all afternoon, and they’ll be back this year too! We’ll be asking for donations of home-made cakes, so if you would like to showcase your talents, please email me at: gill.redcotts@icloud.com Entry is free, but to help us to gauge numbers, please pick up your free ticket from the pub or from Bentley Stores. It also entitles you to a free cup of tea. The Garden Party starts at 3pm. All are welcome to this community event – see you there! And remember – this is your pub. It’s here for the community and run by the community – and if you want it to be here in the future, please consider volunteering in one of the many roles needed to keep it going. Customerfacing or behind the scenes – there are lots of ways you can help support The Case, even if it’s only for an hour a week. Pop in and pick up a leaflet or talk to one of our volunteers. You all helped to save The Case – let’s keep it thriving! 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on
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NEWS HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY
EBONY’S BLOG:
Training Days Our next training afternoons are Thursdays, June 28 and September 13 (there is no meeting in July or August). The practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions and book appointments or 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 staff training. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.
LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE
Return, Recycle, Reuse The NHS ‘equipment amnesty’ held in Suffolk has this week been highlighted by the Royal College of Physicians as being an excellent example of reducing waste and saving money for the NHS. Last year, in conjunction with our local health partners, we asked people to consider returning items they no longer need, such as commodes, mattresses and wheeled adjustable frames. Within a month almost £800,000 worth of equipment had been returned. The campaign is not over and we would still very much like you to encourage patients to return any NHS items they no longer need or use. Anyone with equipment to return can contact Medequip to arrange for them to come and collect it: 01473 351805 / suffolk@medequip-uk.com
I know the instructors (now called coaches) have to keep progress reports on their own riders and hopefully show improvement. Some of the improvements we generate can’t actually be quantified so I thought I’d steal some information off the RDA national website. At national level they like unpicking data and coming up with verifiable statistics. Enjoy!
Return of Unopened Continence Products Our colleagues at the community bladder and bowel service are calling on people and care staff to return unopened continence products and save the NHS thousands of pounds a year. In Suffolk, the NHS provides continence products to eligible patients at a cost of £2million a year. Often these products, such as pads, remain unused because they are no longer needed, but they do not need be discarded. Unopened packets or boxes can be returned through a free collection service, saving an average of £2,000 per month, resources that can be reinvested into this vital service. To arrange collection of unopened products, please call the Care Co-ordination Centre: 0300 123 2425 Collection of Repeat Prescriptions Please remember that we now require three working days in which to dispense your prescription medication. This has helped us to ensure that the majority of the time patients are not waiting for ‘owed’ items. If you have the same medication each month and rarely change this, please ask at dispensary about our Managed Repeat Service. NHS 70 Tea Party The Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group has asked us to arrange a tea party to celebrate the NHS being 70 years’ old this year. This will be sometime in July and we will be putting up notices when more information is known. Do you have any memories of the early days of the NHS? Are you turning 70 years’ old yourself this year? Do you know someone who is socially isolated who might like to attend this event? Please let our receptionists know so that we can include these people on our guest list.
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Town/village
Tracking the results of RDA Therapy • 80% of riders experience physical improvement in 12 weeks or less • 90% of riders demonstrated improved confidence • 70% of riders demonstrated an improvement in their riding skills. The key therapeutic factor in RDA is the movement of the horse. Riding provides physiotherapy on the move; the warmth and three dimensional movement of the horse is transmitted through the body of the rider helping you to relax, and strengthen your core muscles, enabling you to become stronger and more supple. Many riders also find that riding helps improve their posture, balance and coordination. RDA research shows that our riders experience significant positive change in their capacities for communication, confidence, enjoyment, socialising, physical improvement and learning horsemanship. So that’s it, folks! Not to mention what our volunteers get out of it, and I guess the herd has a pretty good time as well thanks to the skills and knowledge of our stable manager, Lyn Bensusan. Next month the therapeutic work comes to a grinding halt while the schools are out, but the live herd will not be stranded. Their holiday time is carefully managed so they remain fit and healthy without getting too fat. Babs and I won’t be giving anyone any trouble while we rest up; the grass is not our concern! www.shelleyrda.com / 01473 824172
BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS
Practice Manager Julia Smith
Route 15
Who hasn’t been inundated with data protection notices recently? Needless to say, my lovely trustees have been addressing the new law and seeing that we are compliant. There is no limit to their skill in and dedication to keeping us all safe and happy here. The AGM takes place on July 3, when all the hard work comes to a head. All who attend the AGM enjoy a great BBQ afterwards to celebrate the passing of another year here.
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
July 18, August 15, September 12, October 10, November 7, December 5
A market is set to take place in Belstead Village Hall from 9am-noon on the first Saturday of every month to raise vital funds to support refurbishment of the kitchen and ladies toilet. With an extensive range of tables, a raffle and refreshments, the market is the perfect place to meet with friends for a chat over a cuppa and a piece of cake while supporting this essential local amenity. You can also support Macmillan who will have a table laden with homemade goodies for sale. If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT PENINSULAR PIX – TATTINGSTONE
The film for July 5 (my birthday, as it happens, but I won’t get the day off) is The Shape of Water starring Sally Hawkins, who you will remember was Maudie in April’s PenPix movie. Sally plays a cleaning woman called Elisa in a highsecurity government laboratory in Baltimore. In the lab there is a water tank containing a strange, squamous, aquatic creature which resembles a fullygrown man. Government officials are keen to dissect this being, despite some obvious signs of intelligence and sentience. Are there any good government officials? I’m inclined to think not! Elise, who is mute and therefore sympathetic to a creature who has difficulty in communicating with humankind, develops an emotional relationship with the beast. Those of us who are old enough to remember The Creature from the Black Lagoon will see parallels between the two movies, but The Shape of Water directed by Guillermo de Toro, has a beauty and depth to it which raises it above the fantasy or horror genre and into the ethereal. Sally Hawkins has a lot to do with that and is swiftly becoming one of those actors who you can rely on to give an excellent performance every time. Please come along to Tattingstone Village Hall on my 77th birthday and join me in watching Sally do her stuff. For further details visit: www.peninsularpix.co.uk Garry Kilworth
KNIT ‘N’ STITCH If you can sew, knit or crochet, or like to make or create in any other medium and fancy working alongside others with a creative streak, come along to our new club. Bring your own project or get inspiration to start a new one. We meet at Belstead Village Hall every Tuesday afternoon from 1-3pm. Refreshments available. For more information contact Diane: 07981 335859
65th BURSTALL SHOW Saturday, August 4 Flowers, Vegetables, Cakes & Crafts in the Marquee Traditional Side Shows, Punch & Judy Vehicles of Interest, Ipswich Hospital Band Morris Dancers, Wacky Races Fun Dog Show to enter on the day Lunches from noon-2pm Cream Teas from 3pm Flower Show open from 1pm Fete open from 2pm FREE ENTRY – FREE CAR PARKING Come along with friends and family and enjoy a traditional flower show and fete. Burstall Memorial Hall IP8 3DR Entry schedule at: www.burstall.onesuffolk.net
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OUT & ABOUT FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY
CAPEL LIBRARY
Most people think of a library as a place where you can borrow books, but it is far more than just that. The library is a place where old friends meet for a chat, come to use, learn how to use or borrow a computer/tablet or to attend one of the various clubs or activities which are run on a regular basis such as Community Cinema, Scrabble, Minecraft, Capel Creators and more. It is an important part of the community and I would urge you to make full use of this wonderful facility. Full details of planned activities and events can be found on either the Capel Library or Friends of Capel Library Facebook pages. Why not like both pages and keep up-to-date with forthcoming events and lots of other useful information about Capel and the surrounding villages.
Advanced Notice: To enable our friends The Orchard Players to get ready for their summer show the library will be closing early at 5pm on Friday, July 6 and at 12.30pm on Saturday, July 7. Any books for returning may be posted in the letterbox in the wall and they will be dealt with upon next opening time.
It was good to see so many of you at Capel Funday. Thank you for dropping by our stall to say hello. I hope that while you were there, we were able to answer your questions about the Friends Group and that you were able to find plenty of books to enjoy reading over the summer. The 100 Club continues to attract new members and as a result we have been able to increase the monthly prizes, which from June are one £20 and three of £10. It’s not too late if you want to join, just pick up an application form in the library. What a fantastic night was had by all on June 19 when we screened The Greatest Showman. It’s a hard act to follow but we will try on Tuesday, July 17, when we will be showing the romantic comedy Finding Your Feet starring Imelda Staunton, John Sessions, Josie Lawrence, Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley and David Hayman. Tickets are available from the library and are discounted if you are a member of the Friends Group or if purchased in advance. See you there! Trevor Stevenson
May we kindly remind borrowers who have recently moved house or changed email addresses to update their details. For change of address could you bring in a letter addressed to you as confirmation? Library cards can easily be at the bottom of the list when there are so many other people to inform. Could borrowers please ensure they bring in their card upon each visit as the member of staff may be busy in which case you can use the self checking machine to both return and issue books. Many thanks for your assistance. You may renew online at: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk CLUBS MEETING THIS MONTH Minecraft: Sunday, July 1, 10.30am-12.30pm. Under eights to be accompanied by an adult. Capel Creators: Saturday, July 1, 10.30am-12.30pm. A charge of 50p per child which covers refreshments of a drink and a biscuit. Under eights to be accompanied by an adult. Baby Bounce: Meeting on Tuesdays, July 3, 10 and 17 at 2pm. Open to all children under five and their parents and carers. Library Book Group: Friday, July 20 at 2.30pm to discuss the latest book chosen. More members are welcome to join in this group. Much of the summer is taken over by the Reading Challenge, this year entitled Mischief Makers. Our volunteers will be in the library at the following times to hear the children talk about the books that they have read. Once again we will allow one book per visit during busy times and up to two if the volunteers have no one else waiting. We do encourage all children to take part reading six books throughout the summer break from school, but please be patient if there is a queue ahead of you. Children can come in from Saturday, July 21 to choose their first books for the challenge.
WOOLVERSTONE ANNIVERSARY MONTHLY MORNING MARKET
Volunteer hours for The Reading Challenge: Tuesday: 10am-noon and 2-4pm
July is the anniversary month for St Michael’s Church Morning Market and this year marks our third anniversary.
Thursday: 10am-noon
We are inviting anyone with a quirky vehicle to bring it along and show it; this could be a classic or kit car, a motor bike or trike, an old tractor or fire engine… the list goes on.
Saturday: 10am-noon and 1.30-2.30pm
Wednesday: 10am-noon Friday: 2-4pm and 5.30-6.30pm Sunday: 10.30am-12.30pm and 1-2.30pm
We’d love a tandem to go with the chimney sweep’s bike that I think is joining us!
Going on holiday and don’t want to take a library book with you? Browse the sales trolleys and make a donation for books from the Friends of Capel Library. See the price list for books from withdrawn library stock.
The market opens at 9am on Saturday, July 14, but if you have a quirky vehicle please come any time from about 8.30am onwards.
We sell books of first and second class stamps and book tokens.
There will be the usual stalls selling fresh local produce, meat, craft items and much more as well as our famous bacon butties. It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and make new contacts as you drink a coffee. We finish around 12.30pm, or when everyone has had enough! All money made at our markets goes to church funds and your generosity allows us to support local, national and global charities too. For more information or to book a stall please contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com
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OPENING TIMES Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm and 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Contact: 01473 311699
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OUT & ABOUT SONGS OF PRAISE Sunday July 1 at 2.30pm St Mary’s Church, Belstead Come and join us to sing some of your favourite hymns followed by afternoon tea. Everyone will be very welcome.
STOUR VALLEY U3A Tony Diamond’s subject on Wednesday, June 13 was Chocolate. He presented the history of the colourful discovery of chocolate and the spread of the hot drink in Europe, its astonishing aspects and an overview of its financial importance to the UK. Around the World in a Container Ship is the interesting talk by Peter Hesketh, a former police officer and merchant navy purser, on Wednesday, July 11. As a lone passenger for around four months it positively was not a cruise. He explains the attraction of and comments on, life at sea when the ship spends so little time in port. As suggested by members we are introducing our first August meeting on Wednesday, August 8, when Tania Harrington MA, artist, art lover and researcher will talk on Art Attack – A History of Vandalism In Art. She will look at works of art that have been vandalised over the years and the reasons behind these criminal attacks, divided into political motivations, mad attacks and artist attacks. It will be a serious, at times disturbing, but also humorous illustrated talk. On September 12 historian Taff Gillingham will present a very British view on Remembrance and The Great War. Taff advises filmmakers, emphasising the need for historical accuracy on the 1914/18 War. 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 August and December.
VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our next meeting will be on July 11 when our talk will be Nature through the Seasons by Tony Brown. Future talks will include Special Music Box Eggs on Display, Collecting Hobbies – Or Obsession, Fused Glass Demonstrations & Sales, Remnants of War, Life as a Tudor Housekeeper, Acorn Village – History to Present Day, The Mystery of Going Underground, My Life as a Live Drawing Cartoonist Comedy Impressionist and Life as a Thames Waterman/Lighterman. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall at 10am. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WI Our speaker for May was Anny Owens who presented an excellent talk entitled When Neanderthals Met Humans. She has obviously done a lot of research over the past few years and was very passionate about her subject. Her presentation with video clips included was very good. Apparently we have four per cent Neanderthal in our DNA! There are many good reasons to join the WI. We enjoy a wide variety of interests and outings, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with campaign supported by the WI, to learn new skills and improve existing skills, or just to come along to meetings for companionship and interesting speakers. You can come to three meetings as a visitor to see what goes on before deciding if you would like to join. All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed. We meet at the village hall on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August). Please arrive around 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.
CAMEO We had a good attendance last month despite several regulars being on holiday. In June the Belstead 250 Club draw will be made and Meg, who has replaced Gary on The Coffee Caravan, will be visiting us for the first time. We will also be supporting Age UK’s Big Chinwag campaign, which aims to raise funds to help tackle loneliness and social isolation. It’s a frightening statistic that one in 10 older people go for a month or more without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come and Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a drop-in basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated. Nonresidents are very welcome at a charge of £1. Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, both on personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have noticeboards showing events, along with information on businesses and charities. You would be amazed at the wealth of talent and scope of business in our small village! It’s always good to know if somebody in the village has recommended the businesses whose cards and information we display. We meet at Belstead Village Hall on the second Monday of the month (excluding July and August) between 2.30 and 4.30pm and our next gettogether is on June 12. Sandra Howard
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 (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms. Monday, July 2: Henry will bring his potter’s wheel for a demonstration with an opportunity to try, also making a pinch pot or tile Coming Up: Ribbon Dragon Fly in August and Block Printing in September Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
Roger Felgate: 01473 311684
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
KENNY’S SESAW NEWS
In a talk entitled The Man & His Poetry, Dr John Knight spoke about John Betjeman on June 6, and on June 20 Chris Parfitt presented A Portrait of a Suffolk River. Both talks were much enjoyed by members.
Just a few lines to let you know the annual SESAW Open Day will be held on Sunday, July 29 at the sanctuary in Leavenheath. There will be lots to see, do and eat during the afternoon for you and your family with stalls, games, a raffle, wildlife corner, spinning demonstration and entertainment from Hadleigh Ukulele Group. Also snacks, BBQ, lots of homemade cakes and an ice cream van for the humans and a fun dog show and scurry for all their pooches. Gate opens at noon and don’t forget to meet the animals awaiting new homes and the residents including me,
John Field will introduce us to The Treasures of Ipswich on July 4 and we hold our summer buffet at the popular Haywain on July 18 when our spouses and Probus widows join us for what is sure to be an enjoyable event and a tasty meal. We don’t meet in August and return on Wednesday, September 5 when Tracey Mackneww of the Giggly Pie Co will present her life story. Then on Wednesday, September 19, David Ablewhite will return to tell us about The Other Prince William.
Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua! Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP / 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk
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
ALTON BELLES Alton Belles programme of talks has been really varied this year. We have covered the history of the stage coach between Ipswich and Yarmouth, learned about complimentary therapies, fed and cuddled baby lambs and voted on the WI resolution, Awareness of Mental Health, to go before parliament. June saw us welcoming Martha Loader who gave us a one-off talk on William Shakespeare. Most of us think we know about William Shakespeare. He wrote a few plays, a few hundred years ago. You may have seen one or two of them, but Martha offered us a new perspective on the Bard’s life and work. Some of it was familiar, some was a little more surprising... On July 19 we will need to be Aware, Alert and Alive as we welcome Harare Mata Hari! Come along and join us for more surprises. Alton Belles are a friendly group of women who meet once a month for a programme of talks, tea and a chat. Tattingstone Village Hall provides a lovely venue with easy parking. If you would like to learn more about how you could get involved in our vibrant and forward-looking WI, but feel nervous about coming along, just contact Tamzin (328670) or Jane (327865) who will make sure you are looked after.
BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB Our next meeting is on Wednesday, July 18, 7.15 for 7.30pm, entitled Garden Bugs! Why Bugs Invade Our Gardens. We look forward to Ian Bedford enlightening our members. A warm welcome awaits you with refreshments, a plant table, a draw and good company. See you there. Marilyn Wosahlo
ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears We are so happy to welcome our new Baby Bears and have been spending our time getting to know each other over messy sensory play and planting in our garden. Our Bears are a very happy, friendly bunch and they waste no time at all bonding with one another. We have enjoyed a water week and sploshed and splashed in the water trays, and made our own sensory bottles with materials gathered indoors and outside. Some of our Bears are learning to walk with the help of our walkers and love this new method of exploration. Toddling Tigers The Tigers have been exploring lots of natural materials in their role play. Using bricks, shells, logs and wood pieces, they have made wonderful creations, structures and shapes. By introducing weight, size and shape we have been helping to develop their mathematical skills. The Tigers have been very proud of their achievements and shared their successes with one another. Gruffalos What a busy few weeks we have had! We have been preparing for our ‘older Gruffalos’ to fly the nest on their new adventure off to school. Transitions are very significant for children and we take them very seriously. Children cope with different transitions at various times in their lives and by the time they come to us in the Gruffalo Pre-school room they may have already experienced several different transitions, such as a new baby in the family, moving house and starting with us at Robin’s just to name a few. The children are supported by us through all of these different times. We understand the importance of the change for the children and how it can impact on their emotional development. Our ‘leavers’ are only a few weeks away from starting school and of an age where they understand the excitement and nervousness of starting school. To help them we have created our own school classroom. The children have the opportunity to take ownership of their classroom while in familiar surroundings with supportive familiar adults. They can explore what a classroom is like, try on uniforms and role play school. We continue our group times in the classroom, sharing stories about school and doing our phonic sessions too. We have photo books of several local schools and we make contact with the teachers in the schools that the children will be attending. The school transition is very successful and we have already received wonderful feedback from parents about how it is helping their child in this big step. If you would like further information about our transitions or Robin’s Childcare please contact us on 01473 310767 and we will be more than happy to help. www.robinschildcare.co.uk
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SCHOOLS / SPORT TATTINGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL
BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB
So another busy term and year at Tattingstone CEVC Primary school is coming to an end. A year where our children have competed in numerous events such as dodgeball and gymnastics festivals, a swimming gala, netball tournaments, tag rugby, cross country, spelling bee, hockey and Kwik cricket and that’s just since the beginning of the year. All these opportunities give our children a chance to mix with children from other schools and to work together as a team.
Our captains have had a bit of a job getting teams out for our last couple of games, with people away on holiday and other commitments, but they have managed it. We have had to rearrange one game as it was impossible to get a team together. However, we are doing well in the Triples League, but not so well in the Samford League. The weather has been kind with only our first match of the season called off because of the rain.
Years 2 and 6 have completed their Sats and Year 1 their phonics assessment. All were very calm throughout and we are very proud of them and their positive attitude to these assessments. The whole school took part in the Pentecost Day held at St Mary’s Church, Tattingstone on Thursday, May 17. The children learned a great deal about why Christians celebrate Pentecost through thought provoking, interactive activities. James Campbell is visiting again to carry out workshops with pupils in Kingfishers and Grebes classes (and we’re hoping we can squeeze some Puffins in too!). At the end of June our children in Grebes are taking part in a day of celebration at Hadleigh United Reformed Church and learning how to play the flute as a class. On the day, children will have the opportunity to join together with their peers from other schools to learn new music and musical skills and share their learning from across the year. Grebes are also off to Hilltop in July for their residential trip and are taking part in a Bridging Diversity Project which opens the children’s eyes to the multicultural nature of Britain. In DT, Puffins are tie-dying some tee-shirts, and in topic are learning about The Great Fire of London. Ducklings have worked with local artist Julia Temple and the children produced some amazing work. They started with drawing portraits and then moved on to colour mixing and free flow painting followed by printing. Forest School continue to be a highlight of the children’s week. The children are gaining a lot from the sessions including learning new skills such as whittling (removing bark from a piece of hazel with a potato peeler), using a fire striker to light their own fire and also moving on to use a bow saw, palm drill and brace and bit. The children are certainly rising to the new challenges. As with all teaching, Forest School sessions are also linked to the EYFS and National Curriculum and the variety of cross-curricular skills and objectives they are able to cover from a set of sessions is amazing. Have a look at the pictures on the school website where you can see the children in action. Our Junior Road Safety Officers have been invited to the JRSO awards event on June 29 and have been asked to do a presentation. We are currently awaiting news as to whether the school has maintained their gold standard. Fingers crossed! Transition days are under way for Year 6, with teachers from both East Bergholt and Holbrook High also visiting the children at Tattingstone. As a school we also have transition days where the children spend time with their teacher for next year. For some children this is a new class and teacher. We welcome the new Reception children for induction sessions where they also meet their buddies, older children in the school who will look after them in September and help them to settle into school life. We are fortunate that there are a number of members of the community who come in to hear our children read; this makes all the difference to the children and we thank you all for your support in this and in attending our various community events each term. The children enjoy entertaining you and it helps build their confidence and self-esteem. Practise is now under way for the end of school production, Aladdin, which the children will perform twice on June 29, once in the afternoon and again at 6pm. Do come and along and see the children perform. Governor Rebecca Wallis
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We have played our Club Pairs competition with Ken Scoulding and John Boyland coming out as winners with Jane Day and David Howe runners-up. Our Friday night roll-ups continue from 6.30pm. If you would like to try the game of bowls do come along. You will just need flat soled shoes; we have woods in the hut for you to try. Lillian Calvert, 01473 311756 Apologies from your editor for missing out last month’s report. Must do better!
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB The AGM took place in the Pavilion. The officers for 2018-9 are: Chairman: Martin Peck Secretary: Steve Butcher Treasurer: Ben Bibby First Team Manager: David Goodchild Reserve Team Manager: Richard Moss A Team Manager: TBA Juniors & Ladies: David George, Darren Hogg, Dale Vince Pre-season training will commence in the first week of July We are pleased to announce East Bergholt Utd Junior and Ladies are to join with East Bergholt Utd Men to become one club, East Bergholt United Football Club. This will help the club look forward to a bright and exciting future. We are looking for new teams, boys or girls, of any age group to come and join us as we look for the club to grow. If you are interested please contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether on the playing side or just in the background. EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village. Please come along and give us a look sometime. Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
LOCAL YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB SEEKS NEW PLAYERS Holbrook Hornets is a friendly local football club, primarily serving the villages on Shotley Peninsula, but increasingly extending beyond and catering for boys and girls football from Reception through to Under-16s. For the upcoming 2018/19 season, the club is re-forming the Under-15s team under a new manager, Darren Cooper, and is seeking new players to come and join the fun. If you are moving into Year 10 next year then you can play for the team! For further information and details contact Darren: cooperman66@gmail.com / 07722 065447 Players are also being recruited into other age groups, from Under 5s, 6s and 7s through to Under 14s. Kit is provided and training is focused on player enjoyment and development with a fair-playing-time ethos. The season starts in September with pre-season from August and Hornets teams train and play at Holbrook Academy. Interested? Please contact the club at info@holbrookhornets.co.uk or text 07719 577846 and get yourself in on the action!
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on the grapevine QUESTIONS ON CASH SUFFOLK RESIDENTS URGED TO BE SCAM AWARE As part of Scams Awareness Month, Suffolk Trading Standards is urging Suffolk residents to not miss a trick and be scam aware. Last year, Citizens Advice found that almost three quarters of people surveyed had been targeted by a scam in the previous two years (2015-17). It’s estimated that only 5-15% of scams are reported, and some people don’t even know they have been scammed. Scammers target people by post, phone calls, text messages, emails, and they even visit homes without any warning. Scams come in a variety of forms, from lottery scams to fake ticketing and emails, but ultimately a scam is any attempt to fraudulently obtain money or something else of value. While new scams crop up all the time, the tactics of scammers remain the same, they will often: • Contact you out of the blue • Ask for personal or financial details • Put you under pressure to respond quickly • Ask you to keep their offer secret • Make promises or offers that sound too good to be true Suffolk Trading Standards is advising residents to: • Verify the identity of strangers • Look out for grammatical or spelling mistakes in letters or flyers • Never give out bank details • Never send money to strangers • Say no to persuasive sales talk Suffolk Trading Standards has the ability to prosecute those who undertake these misleading actions and provides support and advice to victims of scams. As part of the fight against scammers, Suffolk Trading Standards implements ‘No Cold Calling Zones’, just one way that doorstep scams can be stopped.
With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Charles from Manningtree asks: “In order to reduce the value of our estate for Inheritance Tax purposes, my wife and I intend to gift our house to our two sons. We will live in the house for the remainder of our days under a ‘peppercorn’ rental agreement with our sons. After we have both died, they would be able to sell the house. However, a friend tells us that they don’t think this would save Inheritance Tax. Why is this?” Many people who have substantial property assets believe that to reduce the potential Inheritance Tax liability on their estate, they can gift their house to their children during their lifetimes and carry on living there. There is a common misconception that after seven years have elapsed, the house would then no longer form part of their estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. A ‘peppercorn’ rent is one that is well below the true market rental value of the property. While peppercorn rental agreements may have stood up to the scrutiny of the Inland Revenue many years ago, such schemes will not pass muster now. In reality, if you gifted your main residence to your sons and you continued to live in the house rent free, or by paying a so-called ‘peppercorn’ rent, the Capital Taxes Office of HMRC would almost certainly deem the transfer to be a Gift With Reservation (of Benefit). In effect, this means that although you made a gift of the house to your sons, you continued to enjoy the benefit of living there for less than the proper market rate of rent. On this basis the gift would not be recognised and in the event of your deaths, the full value of the house at the date of death would be included in your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. Your sons would be the legal owners of the house (assuming you transferred the property title to them by a deed of gift) and they would not need grant of probate to sell it, which means they could raise the money to pay the tax bill with, but the Inheritance Tax bill would still be there. You would be far better to meet with a good independent financial adviser to review your position and to explore your estate planning options. That meeting might open up some other options for your financial planning that would help to reduce or mitigate the Inheritance Tax that might be due on your estate. Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser. Send your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email them to nick@plumbfs.co.uk, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require specific financial advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial meeting to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
More information is available at: www.suffolk.gov.uk/nocoldcallingzone They also manage a Consumer Champion Network, where residents receive the latest information on scams which they pass on to their local communities. Anyone can become a Consumer Champion by visiting: www.suffolk.gov.uk/JoinTheFight Throughout June, the Consumer Champions are working with Suffolk Trading Standards to raise awareness of scams and ‘Meet up Monday’ organisers will be talking to residents at events. More information about Meet up Mondays is available at: www.meetupmondays.org.uk Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, said: “Scammers often target the county’s most vulnerable residents, but this is not always the case, therefore all Suffolk residents must be vigilant. I urge anyone who is concerned that they or a friend or family member might have been scammed to call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on: 03454 040506 or Action Fraud, the UK national fraud office on: 0300 1232040.”
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A BIG THANK YOU Wednesday, March 8 was designated as World Kidney Day and to raise awareness of this various activities took place in The Renal Unit at Ipswich Hospital. The driving force behind it all was Tonya Overett, a health care assistant in the unit. By providing a cake stall and running a series of pub cards, Tonya raised the magnificent sum of £662 over two days. Of the four charities being supported by World Kidney Day, Tonya chose to donate the money raised to Kidney Research as it was felt this would provide long term benefit for more people in the future. On behalf of the charity, the committee of Ipswich and District Kidney Association would like to say a very big thank you to Tonya for all her efforts and also to all the patients and staff who got involved to support her in this worthwhile cause.
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CHURCH NEWS
CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES At Capel Methodist Church we have just celebrated a wonderful wedding. It all began 16 months ago when a young doctor asked his girlfriend’s father for his daughter’s hand in marriage at 6.15am on a Sunday. Happy consent was given (not that it was required). Before he had had a chance to actually propose to her, his grandfather died and it was several weeks later before the right opportunity came for him to propose. He chose Mount Carmel in Israel. Eight months later they arranged a day together for both sets of parents to spend time together in Cardiff with them. The wedding was planned for Capel. Both of them are doctors working in different hospitals in South Wales, often on different shifts, so time to the plan the wedding together was difficult. The bride’s parents made the local arrangements. There were over 150 invited guests, some camped at Vauxhall Farm and a curry evening was provided for those who arrived in the area on Friday evening. Refreshments in Capel Village Hall were provided for those arriving for the wedding on Saturday morning. The service was held in Capel Methodist Church, with an overflow video link to the coffee lounge. The groom’s family minister from Aberystwyth preached, the bride’s father conducted the service, Capel Methodist Worship Band lead the singing of six songs. One of the bridesmaids sang a classical piece of Mozart. The couple had put the service together reflecting their deep commitment to God, each other and their families and friends. The reception was held in Vauxhall Farm Events Barn. Welcome drinks and ice cream were served in a beautiful garden, then into an amazingly decorated barn. The caterers provided the best quality food. The best man’s speech was humorous and very affirming. A barn dance followed with most dancing. It was a wonderful evening The bride and groom returned on Sunday morning to join their guests for a brunch at the venue. The whole weekend was amazing, no hitches, just joy and a great time. If you have not already guessed the bride was my daughter Deborah, and her husband Tom is now my son-in-law. I have written this to celebrate the institution of marriage. It is what God has ordained, it has the potential for beautiful relationships and bringing much joy. In an age when relationships are entered into without real
commitment, it was beautiful to see a couple so deeply committed and bringing joy to all their guests. If anyone would like help in planning a wedding or re-affirmation of marriage vows please get in touch. Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 SERVICES AT CAPEL Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 1 10.30am 6.30pm Sunday 8 10.30am 6.30pm Saturday 14 10.30am Sunday 15 10.30am Sunday 22 10.30am 7.30pm Sunday 29 10.30am
AT HOLBROOK METHODIST (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Tea and Chat (HCT): Mondays, 2.30-4pm Home Groups: First and third Tuesdays at 7.30pm and Thursdays at 2pm (ring for venue) Sunday 1 10am Saturday 7 10-11.30am Sunday 8 10am Sunday 15 10am Sunday 22 10am 6.30pm Sunday 29 10am 6.15pm
Worship with Harry Chicken Coffee Morning Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Family Friendly Worship with Marilyn Watsham Worship with Diana Sawyer Something Different Worship with Rev Derek Grimshaw At Chelmondiston with Elmsett Brass Band
Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in November. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478
Saturday, July 14, 10.30am-12.30pm The next Messy Church on Saturday, July 14 is our annual BBQ from 10.30am-12.30pm at Capel Methodist Church. It will be a fun time of games and challenges for all the family with a selection of crafts, a short celebration time and plenty of food. Bring your friends even if they have never been to Messy Church before. All are welcome. Just bring the sunshine with you! There is no charge, but a donation tub is available if you would like to contribute. Messy Church is a way of being church particularly suited to families of all ages. There are well over 2,000 Messy Churches running in the UK and many worldwide.
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All Age Worship Prayer Worship with Mr Ted Jack Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Messy Church BBQ Worship with Rev Julian Pursehouse Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer Time at St Mary’s Worship with Dr Liz Cope
To find out more visit: www.messychurch.org.uk Who can come? All age families; all children must come with an adult. No need to book, just turn up. Why not come and join the fun with family and friends? We will then be taking a break for the summer, but Messy Church will be back on September 15. For more information please contact: Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / Maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com
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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead and 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 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell, northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116 Dear Friends, Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed can often feel like the millennial equivalent of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’! Don’t get me wrong, I think Facebook is great; it enables me to keep in touch with my friends who are globetrotting and share in their adventures. I use it for my business too. However, one of the problems with Facebook is that often it solely portrays the ‘best bits’ of our lives, the sunny Devon beach selfie, but not the six-hour car journey with the screaming kids that preceded it. The happy couple in the restaurant, but not the argument they had on the way there. The hill walker at the top of Mount Blanc, but not the reality of the physical and mental journey it took her to get there. For me living life as a Christian is not always easy. Thankfully I live in a country where I can openly talk about my faith without the risk of persecution, so it’s not difficult from that perspective. For me there is pressure to conform, pressure to follow a path against living the Gospel. I picture my journey with God as a scenic bicycle ride in the beautiful countryside. Sometimes I encounter a bumpy road and I have to weave in and out of the rocks; these are the obstacles and temptations that try to throw me off course. The struggle of a steep hill, trying to overcome an immense challenge, then the sheer joy and exhilaration of freewheeling all the way down the other side. There are moments in my journey where I completely come off my bike, but God is there, waiting patiently for me to ask for His help. Imagine what this journey would look like on Facebook! Would it be an image of me on the ground with my head in my hands sobbing, cycle lying beside me? No, of course not, it would be the freewheeling picture wouldn’t it? I am not perfect. There will be many times in my journey through life with God that I need to seek His forgiveness. Life is not the perfect picture that we like to present, but it is full of challenges for us all. Part of my faith is knowing that when I mess up and fall off my bike, I can ask for forgiveness from God. 1 John 1:8-10: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness With love, Lay Elder Alison Hobson North Samford Churches Baby and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Sproughton Church Hall on Mondays in term time Leader: The Rev Annette Shannon, 01473 807674 Belstead Songs of Praise Sunday, July 1, 2.30pm with afternoon tea to follow Bentley Boules and Barbecue: Sunday, July 8 Messy Church: Monday, July 30 in Sproughton Church Hall, 10am-1pm Burstall Flower Show, Fete & Dog Show Saturday, August 4, lunches from noon, flowers from 1pm, fete from 2pm FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Clare Evans and Stephen Beal – Bentley Joanne Tucker and Carl McCarthy – Copdock Felicity Olle and Robert Berry – Sproughton Emily Weston and Benjamin Thomas – Belstead
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IN JULY Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Saturday 7 Sunday 8 Wednesday 11 Saturday 14 Wednesday 18 Wednesday 25 Monday 30
Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Copdock Morning Market, 10am Bentley Boules and Barbecue Burstall PCC Meeting, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Copdock Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Messy Church, 10am-1pm
IN AUGUST Wednesday 1 Saturday 4 Wednesday 8 Saturday 11 Wednesday 15 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 Wednesday 29
Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Burstall Flower Show, Fete & Dog Show Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Copdock Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Ministry Meeting, Sproughton Church Hall, noon Bentley Mothers Prayers Bentley Mothers Prayers
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday, July 1 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am 2.30pm Sunday, July 8 9.30am 9.30am 10am 10am 6pm Sunday, July 15 9.30am 10am 11am 10am 6pm Sunday, July 22 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 10am 10am Sunday, July 29 10am Sunday, August 5 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 11am
Copdock Holy Communion Burstall Holy Communion Bentley Pet Service Copdock Morning Prayer Tattingstone Holy Communion Sproughton Holy Communion Belstead Songs of Praise (afternoon tea) Sproughton Church HallCroissant Church Burstall Family Service Copdock Holy Communion Bentley Holy Communion Tattingstone Evensong Burstall Holy Communion Bentley Family Service Sproughton Matins Copdock Simply Sunday Tattingstone Holy Communion Sproughton Holy Communion Burstall Matins Bentley Holy Communion Belstead Morning Celebration Copdock Holy Communion Tattingstone Family Service Sproughton Family & Friends Bentley Benefice Communion Burstall Holy Communion Bentley Family Service Copdock Morning Prayer Tattingstone Morning Prayer Sproughton Holy Communion
Please submit church letters and copy for the August edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by July 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
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CHURCH NEWS
HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB
Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR JULY Sunday 1 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 3 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 8 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 10 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 15 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 17 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 22 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 24 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 29 17 Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass th
Tuesday 31 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 Pope Francis recently commented, in a homily in Rome, that Love is not empty words or what is depicted in romantic films – it is action and
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service toward others. “Love is not what they say in movies... Love is not the romantic playing of violins. No, love is work. Love shows itself in works, not in words. Sometimes people might think that love is what they see between couples in films, but love is actually found in always working for others.” Referencing the day’s Gospel, he invited Catholics to strive to remain in God’s love, looking into their heart and asking themselves: “Do I remain in the love of the Lord or do I go out to look for other amusements and conduct of life? If you speak badly of others, then you do not have love,” he said inviting Catholics to pray to the Lord for help to remain in his love and to serve others well. He concluded that Catholics should follow the example of Jesus, who gave his life as a servant, “Because the Lord always loves first, “love is always first.” Events and Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place at Holy Family on Sunday, June 17 when three lucky winners shared a record £154 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, July 22. 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 and 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. The next coffee morning is on Thursday, July 26. 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. Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Father Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital. Please contact him (01473 726701) if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services. All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services, it is not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic faith are always welcome. Please contact the presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.
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