In Touch
™ ™©©
with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock & Washbrook and Tattingstone Volume 10 • Issue No. 4 • MArch 2020
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
Do you ever long for the days when you pulled up at a service station and waited for an assistant to come to your aid? This is just one example of a ‘social’ encounter which doesn’t exist anymore, replaced by self-service or technology.
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK’S SPRING TIDY-UP DAY
Of course, self-sufficiency is good in many, if not all, aspects of life, but the need for and the benefits of social contact are proven. Loneliness and isolation are rarely freely embraced and Facebook, Twitter and the like have become lifelines for many while the internet provides unparalleled access to... well, to just about everything. However, I find that spending time with ‘real’ people, chatting over coffee, brief conversations over a counter, a helpful assistant when you need to try on a different (invariably bigger) size, even a nod on a cold morning have all become more precious as a consequence.
Saturday 28 March, 10am-1pm
I saw a poster in a coffee shop recently which made me smile: “I saw a man in a coffee shop the other day. He was just sitting there drinking coffee. He wasn’t on his phone or checking his emails. Just sitting there doing nothing like some crazy person!” Not so long ago this would have described most of us and I hope you occasionally find time to ‘just sit’, despite what others may think! We are fortunate to live in an age where access to just about everything we need, and lots more besides, is at our fingertips but we must never forget those who don’t have access or who may need our actual presence in their lives. A message may be appreciated but a hug is everything. Of course, this also applies to local business; without our support they simply can’t survive and where would we be without them. Now more than ever, we need to show some love to our high streets and to consider the carbon footprint of each and every purchase we make. Every face-to-face shopping experience helps us to stay connected with our local community and shopping locally ensures more of our money stays in the local community. Of course, if you prefer to shop online or simply don’t have the means to get out and about, you can still choose to shop local by finding a local supplier online. As you’ll see in the following pages, most, if not, all of the businesses and service providers featured have an online presence.
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
Advertising
T: 01473 400380 E: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk Distribution
Tree Martin: 01473 400380 E: tree@intouchnews.co.uk Printing
ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk 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, Bently, Copdock & Washbrook and Tattingstone is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd
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 • Shotley, 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 • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall
Following the fantastic response to our autumn tidy-up day, Copdock & Washbrook has decided to take part in the Great British Spring Clean 2020. Our village has an ever-growing band of volunteers who are willing to donate their time to assist with clearing litter from our paths and children’s playgrounds, and to carry out important tasks such as cutting back hedgerows, verge clearance and grass cutting. Please do support us again on Saturday 28 March between 10am and 1pm. We will meet at the Church Room in The Street where rubbish sacks, litter pickers, hi-vis vests and other equipment will be available (bring your own gloves). Upon returning to the Church Room, sit a while to chat with other helpers and enjoy our delicious seasonal refreshments. For further information, contact Tina on 01473 730162 or Dave at cwfootpaths@gmail.com
COPDOCK & WASHBROOK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 2020 The six-week consultation period has commenced on Copdock & Washbrook’s draft Neighbourhood Plan. It will end on Monday 13 April. All residents were invited to the launch of the public consultation of our draft Neighbourhood Plan on February 29. Six weeks have been allocated for residents to make their views known. All correspondence must be received by 5pm on Monday 13 April. You’ll find the online comment form at: www.cwnpsg.onesuffolk.net The draft plan can be viewed online and at the fortnightly village coffee mornings at The Brook Inn on Wednesdays between 10 and 11am. Contact: copdockparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk / 07849 055699
BROOK INN CHARITY GOLF DAY 2020 Monday 30 March at Seckford Golf Club Supporting Copdock with Washbrook Church Heritage Trust for the upkeep of St Peter’s Church. Teams of three (organise your own team), best Stableford score (two scores to count). £45 per person includes coffee and a bacon roll on arrival, a bucket of balls and use of the driving range, and 18 holes of golf followed by a two-course meal. Nearest the pin and longest drive competitions with great prizes for the winners and runner-ups. Full details of the format and menu options will be announced later. To book email Andrew Burl at: burlcharlottes@googlemail.com Buggies are available but please book directly with the club on 01394 388000.
We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Tuesday 10 March Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources
Please recycle.
is the advertising and editorial deadline for the April edition
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NEWS THANK YOU FROM THE BLOSSOM APPEAL Every year, The Wheatsheaf in Tattingstone nominates a charity for their annual appeal and in 2019 it was The Blossom Appeal. Breast cancer has affected many people in this and other local villages and this appeal is helping to build a new Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital to help families and friends cope better with the illness. The total amount raised was a fantastic £12,835 which was presented to Brian Taylor, community fundraising manager for The Blossom Appeal on Friday 14 February. Blossom Appeal Co-ordinator Sue Gipps said: “For such a huge amount to come from a small village pub and community is truly amazing. I had in my mind a target of £5,000, never in my wildest dreams did I expect such a wonderful amount. There are so many people who supported this appeal, from marketing, event planning, cake baking to tutu sewing. I’m unable to thank everyone but please be certain I’m really grateful to you all. A massive thank you to Kev and Anna who allowed us to use the Wheatsheaf for our events and especially to Anna who has raised more than £1,000 with her Brave the Shave.” Brian Taylor said of the amount raised: “Thank you to Sue Gipps who nominated The Blossom Appeal, to Anna and Kevin, the landlords of The Wheatsheaf Inn, and everyone who supported the magnificent fundraising efforts during 2019 to raise a wonderful £12,835. The Blossom Appeal is aiming to raise £2.5 million to build a new Breast Care Centre at Ipswich Hospital and this donation has pushed the total raised closer to £500,000. The new Breast Care Centre will bring all breast services and staff together to improve efficiency, streamline clinic appointments and improve the patient experience.” This year’s chosen the charity is Prostate Cancer UK, unfortunately another disease affecting friends and families in the village and surrounding areas.
HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Self-referrals There are a number of community clinics that patients can self-refer into. This will save a GP appointment and also save your time. Information is given straight to the clinic who can ask further questions to ascertain the nature of your issue and give appropriate guidance and help. Often our GPs have to refer via these pathways so it really is quicker for you to contact them directly. Suffolk Wellbeing: www.wellbeingnands.co.uk / 0300 1231503 Suffolk Podiatry: www.podiatryreferrals.co.uk / 01473 275257 Physio: www.physioselfrefer.co.uk / 03330 433966 GP and Staff Training Afternoons Our next training afternoon is Wednesday 4 March. The practice will be open for patients to come in to collect/drop off prescriptions and book appointments/make enquiries. However, there will be no clinical staff on site and our telephone lines will be switched to the out of hours service. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Two site practice The practice has two sites and it’s not always easy to find cover at short notice for a GP who is off sick or on leave. On occasion it may be necessary to redirect our patients to appointments at one site or the other to cope with demand. Reception and dispensary will remain open as normal but you may be asked to attend a different site to the one you rang. We endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum but would ask for your understanding in this. Your medication dispensed at your GP practice Every time you use your practice’s dispensary you make a vital contribution to the local economy. Income from dispensing helps to pay for additional consultations, jobs for your dispensing team, extended surgery opening hours, free dosette boxes, extra clinical staff and community phlebotomy. If you have previously collected medication from other pharmacies, please ask us to change back to the surgery and we will be pleased to do so. Practice Manager Julia Smith
BENTLEY COMMUNITY SHOP: Best Possible Service A SOCIAL MAGNET We are very lucky in Bentley as anyone looking for a new home is attracted by one with a village store in preference to a village without such facilities. A village community pub has the same impact. It shows the area has a strong community spirit and this is easily evidenced by popping into Bentley Stores. The store is now an established part of the Bentley community with people popping in for a variety of reasons, and getting to know each other that little bit better every time. If you’re not a regular customer, give it a try. You are sure to be surprised by the variety of some 1,500 reasonably priced items. Since opening we have found our shop has become a social magnet and a good way to learn all about how the village works so please pop in and see for yourself. The Priest’s Son by local author Nicky Moxey is now available in Bentley
Stores. Continuing the Dodnash Priory chronicles, it’s set at the beginning of the 13th century, with King John causing chaos, the French dauphin invading East Anglia and the whole country is excommunicated in the run-up to the Magna Carta. Amidst all this, little Dodnash Priory wins a crucial court case, and as a result is forced to move in its entirety to a marshy meadow. We are entirely volunteer-run and exist for the benefit of our customers and our local community. We are conveniently positioned next to The Case is Altered and open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, and from 9am-noon on Saturday and Sunday. Credit and contactless cards are accepted with no minimum spend. There is ample parking, including blue badge priority parking – which is accessed via Case Lane.
Open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and at weekends from 9am-noon / 01473 310182 / info@bentleystores.co.uk www.bentleystores.co.uk
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NEWS
CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Tattingstone Good Neighbour Scheme was created 13 years ago to support the residents of Tattingstone to 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 makes you feel good and is very rewarding. It 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, join us at our drop-ins for refreshments and conversation every Thursday from 10.30am to noon at Tattingstone Village Hall. All are welcome.
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM During the last month I have been out and about delivering school presentations about careers in the police and internet safety. It’s important for all for us to consider online safety. It’s not just young people who can get into difficulty online and there are many scams still going on around us. Many of you may have received emails using your email address but if your name isn’t used, it’s probably a scam. If it doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t. Tell your friends and family if you think you have been the victim of a scam or if you suspect a scam and call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for practical advice: 0808 223 1133 The Police and Parish Forum dates are set out below. Please take this opportunity to come along and ask any questions. Wednesday 22 April: Hadleigh Swimming Pool / AGM Wednesday 17 June: Claydon & Barham Village Hall Wednesday 12 August: Hintlesham Community Centre Wednesday 14 October: Chelmondiston Village Hall Wednesday 9 December: Brantham Sports Centre Sign up to Police Connect and you’ll always know what’s going on in your own community. This is a free messaging service connecting you to the very latest policing news for your area via email or text. You can register online at Suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect or pick up a leaflet from your local police station. I will be dropping into Paddy & Scott’s (inside the Co-op on Hadleigh High Street) on Wednesday 11 March from about 10am until 2pm. Please come and see me. You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us 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. Community Engagement Officer PC 287 Sarah George E: CEOipwesthadleigh@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
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Avoid the phone queues! With more than 10,000 patients, it’s inevitable that at times you will need to join a queue when you telephone the practice for assistance. Typically, there may be up to 40 calls in the queue when we open the lines at 8am and Mondays are particularly busy. However, there are two easy ways of avoiding the queues! First, if you need to speak with one of our doctors you can request a same-day call-back online from 7am in the morning. You will need to be registered for online services and can then book a call-back via our website or via the NHS app. One of our doctors will then call you back during the day to discuss your issue and will arrange to see you in person if they need to. Second, you can use our eConsult Service which is available via: www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk eConsult enables you to request advice and treatment from our practice online, any time of the day. You can also obtain self-help advice for hundreds of conditions. If your problem is non-urgent and can be dealt with by the practice, we will receive a report which will be reviewed by one of our doctors. They will determine the most appropriate next step which may include a telephone or face to face appointment. You will be contacted by 6pm the following day with advice or to book an appointment if necessary. Training Days Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday 4 March and Thursday 2 April. On these afternoons the Capel St Mary building will be open to enable access to the pharmacy but 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. 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. Practice Manager Pete Keeble
CONSTABLE COUNTRY PPG First Aid Awareness Session We will be running a first aid awareness session on March 18 at 7.30pm in Capel Methodist Church (IP9 2EF). This is aimed at parents and carers of babies and children up to age 11. The session will be two hours and we had excellent feedback when we ran one at East Bergholt Primary School at the end of last year. There is no charge for this session. We will also be asking if people would like to sign up for a first aid course, which would result in a first aider qualification. New Appointment System We are aware of the difficulties some people are experiencing with the call back system and continue to discuss these with the practice manager and GPs. The Constable Country practice website lists a number of alternatives for patients to get in touch, including the e-consult service. Do continue to let us know your views by filling in one of the comment cards in either surgery, calling me at on 01473 311384 or emailing us at: constablecountryppg@gmail.com Community Connectors Motorhome Dates Wednesday 4 March at East Bergholt Surgery, 12.30-3.30pm Wednesday 18 March at Capel St Mary Community Centre, 12.30-3.30pm Kathy Pollard www.constablecountrymedicalpractice.co.uk
In In Touch Touch online: online:
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Out & about STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Carducci String Quartet Sunday 8 March, 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG
ENSURING YOUR RTA CLAIM DOESN’T HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD No matter how serious, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are always distressing experiences. 2018 alone saw over 165,000 casualties of all severities resulting from RTAs. If you are a victim of an RTA, you could have a case for compensation. To assist you ahead of any claim, there are important steps you should take / pieces of evidence that you should gather if possible. Immediately following an accident, if possible, the first steps you should take include: • Get the details of all those involved: For vehicles, this includes registration numbers, the make, model and colour of the vehicles involved.
For people, obtain their phone numbers, addresses and insurance details. Also, be sure to write a description of the person involved and who you believe to be responsible for the RTA.
Borodin, Quartet no 2 in D major Shostakovich, Quartet op 108 no 7 Beethoven, Quartet op 59 no 3 Razumovsky We are pleased to welcome back this internationally renowned, UK based Anglo-Irish quartet. They were founded by the present members in 1997 and have won numerous awards in competitions and for recordings. They recently performed a selection of Beethoven Quartets for the Beethoven 250 Festival at the Barbican.Generously supported by Birkett Long Solicitors. Kammerphilharmonie Europa Sunday 29 March, 4pm at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt CO7 6TG Vivaldi, Concerto in G minor FX no 21 Ponchielli, Trumpet Concerto in F major Suk, Serenade for Strings op 6 J S Bach, Violin Concerto in E major BWV 1042 Rachmaninov, Vocalise Elgar, Serenade for strings op 20 Returning by popular request and bringing their virtuoso trumpeter and violinist, this small section of a larger German based orchestra consists of musicians from all over Europe performing much-loved chamber music repertoire. Generously supported by Grier & Partners, East Bergholt.
• Seek medical attention – even if you are feeling ok, it is important to get checked over.
Tickets (£15, students £7.50, under-16s free) can be booked online or from 01206 298426.
• If possible, take photographs of the accident location, the vehicles involved and the damage caused.
www.svam.org.uk
•
NOTES FROM THE CASE
Contact the police and report the incident – while they may not always be required to attend the accident, if any person refuses to provide their details at the scene, you must report them to the police.
• If you are the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, inform your insurer at the earliest opportunity. • Get the details of any witnesses including their telephone numbers – and their own accounts of what happened – they could back up your claim. • Keep your own record of the incident – this can include writing down what happened and taking photos of any injuries sustained. • Keep records of all expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the incident and any injuries sustained – for example, loss of earnings, travel expenses and any medication costs. If your property or vehicle has been damaged as a result of an RTA, or you’ve been injured, then you can make a claim. Personal injury and loss claims following an RTA come in two parts: 1. Compensation for the pain and suffering sustained as a result of the accident. 2. Compensation for any financial losses flowing from that accident and injury – this could come in the form of the cost of vehicle repairs, medication and treatment costs or loss of earnings due to injuries sustained. It is important therefore that, if possible, you capture as much information about the accident, injuries and losses sustained so that if you do wish to make a claim at a later date, the evidence and information that you need is already to hand to assist in the progression of your claim as quickly as possible. For more information or advice on how to make a claim, get in touch with Prettys’ Personal Injury team. Contact Louise Plant by calling 01473 298293 or email: lplant@prettys.co.uk
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This month we are holding the first of this year’s popular themed dining evenings prepared by our visiting chef, Esther. This will be on Saturday 14 March and will be an Italian evening. Phone to reserve a table; booking is advised. Please ask at the bar or check our website or Facebook page and follow the links for the full menu. Open Mic Night is on Tuesday 3 March. Come along and listen to our local performers. If you wish to join in just bring your own instrument, PA is provided. For more details contact Dave: 07885 963882 This month’s games evening will be on Saturday 7 March and will be the last for this winter. As always, you are guaranteed a fun evening with lots of family board games plus a few more up to date ones. So why not join us in what can be a rather noisy but always good humoured evening? Our quiz night will be on Saturday 28 March with Angela’s curry supper before the quiz. Sadly this will be the last curry supper before a quiz for this season. As before, the curry will be available from 6-8pm. Booking for the curry is essential. Quiz starts at 8.30pm. The lucky winning team will receive drinks vouchers. FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Along with our Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bonnet competition on Monday 13 April, we will be holding our final charity event for FIND. Super Savoury Snacks (noon-3pm) will, as the name suggests, have many different savoury snacks to try, a hamper to be raffled and guess the number of eggs in a jar to enhance the Easter theme. To launch our new charity for the coming year, we will be holding an all-day story and poetry event on Saturday 18 April in aid of the Ipswich and East Suffolk branch of the Samaritans. The event will start at 10.30am with story readings for younger members of the community and local authors will then read from their own works throughout the day until 6pm. Cakes and refreshments will be available all day. 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley
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OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK CHURCH ROOM COMMUNITY GET TOGETHER All welcome for tea, coffee and cakes
RANSOMES AND RAPIER ANNUAL REUNION Sunday 15 March at Kesgrave Social Club, Edmonton Road, Kesgrave IP5 1EE. All ex-employees, families and friends are welcomed from 12.30-5pm. Come and see fascinating artefacts, documents and videos. Meet up with old friends at a really enjoyable event and see what new stories and pictures have surfaced.
2-4pm on the last Friday in the month
Food and drinks are available to purchase at reasonable cost. Admission is £2.50 per person. For more information: 07910 659219 / derek@dclarke.me.uk
CAPEL LIBRARY PENINSULAR PIX Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen star in The Good Liar, which we present at Tattingstone Village Hall at 8pm on Thursday 5 March. Roy is a conman who meets wealthy Betty and goes into action, managing to get himself into her life with ease. The only trouble is, the oldest destroyer-of-plans in the book comes to thwart him: LOVE. Here’s a couple of oldies, thinking that the creek dried up long ago, when hey, the snows melt on the mountains and water starts to gush along the gulley. (Not a bad metaphor for an old hack, eh?) It’s not as simple as that though, for this is a mystery thriller with lots of dramatic twists and turns as the pair vie to outcon each other. The audience rating for Rotten Tomatoes is 85 percent to the good. The critics scored it a little less (and what do they know, they’re all cynical misanthropes – I know, I’ve got the t-shirt). Come and join us in watching Helen and Ian battle it out. It’s a doozy. Garry Kilworth
NEW TUNES FOR YOU Out of hibernation with new numbers and renewed enthusiasm is the message from Jazz Galore. The members of this long-established Suffolk group offer a wider range of tunes and play for little more than expenses. They are easy to accommodate: a power socket and a bit of shade against the blazing sun is all they want. Plus a cup of tea and a bun would be nice. Four weekends are already taken up with repeat bookings – a beer festival, two village fetes and a concert – so if you’d like them to play at your event this year contact Mike Smith on 07874 034390 before too long.
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: March 25, April 22, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 12, September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2 and 30
The Friends of Capel Library would like to thank everyone who has renewed for 2020 as both members and part of the 100 Club. If you would like to become a member, forms are available in the library. Membership is £2 for the year and the 100 Club is £12 for the year (pro-rata). If you join the 100 Club in March, you will only need to pay £9. Currently there are four prizes (£20, £15, £5 & £5) which increase with the enrolment of new members. What an amazing time everyone had with Kimmy’s Zoo. Thank you to everyone who came and The Friends of Capel Library for sponsoring the event. We will be celebrating World Book Day at our Tot Rock Session on Thursday 5 March. Please feel free to dress up as your favourite book character. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Tot Rock: Every Thursday, 9.30-10.15am Nursery rhymes and storytime for under 5s. Capel Creators: Saturday 28 March, 10.30am-12.30pm For children and adults of any age. Come along and see what fantastic models you can build with Lego! A £1 charge includes a drink and a biscuit. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Drawing Club: Sunday 1 and 15 March, 10.30-12.30pm Come along and join in with drawing and colouring. Bring your own pad and favourite drawing pen/pencil. A £1 charge includes refreshments. All ages welcome. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Minecraft: Sunday 8 and 22 March, 10.30am-12.30pm Children of all ages welcome and those under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your tablet or phone equipped with Minecraft Pocket Edition or Minecraft Windows 10 Edition. Try to remember to charge your device beforehand! Journaling Club: Second and fourth Friday, 6.15-7.15pm Free of charge. Make your own journal for diary keeping. Run by Capel Parish Nurses. Basic resources provided. All ages welcome; under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Scrabble Club: Every Friday, 2.30-4.30pm All abilities welcome, games boards are provided. Capel Library Book Group: Friday 20 March This adult group meets on the third Friday of each month in the library from 2.30pm. Come along, pick up the book they are currently reading and join in. Don’t forget we sell stamps and book tokens as well as a great selection of sale 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
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OUT & ABOUT MOTHER’S DAY SERVICE St Mary’s Church, Belstead, will be holding a special Mother’s Day Service on Sunday 22 March at 10am. This will be a celebration for all the family – grandparents, parents, especially mothers, and children. There will be flowers for mothers and refreshments after the service.
Capel St Mary CEVC Primary School NEARLY NEW SALE
BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS 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. 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. If you can sew, make or create and would like to hire a table (£10) please contact: 07981 335859 / market@belsteadvillage.co.uk Belstead Village Hall, Grove Hill, Belstead IP8 3LU
Saturday 7 March 1.30-3pm at Copdock & Washbrook Village Hall Old London Road IP8 3JN Maternity clothes, baby equipment, clothes (ages 0-11), toys, books and games 50p entrance fee (children free) Do you have any baby/children’s items you would like to sell? You choose the price, 70% goes to you, 30% to our charity (+ £1 administration fee per seller).
EASTER BRIC-A-BRAC SALE 1st Sproughton Brownies are holding an annual Easter Bric-a-Brac Sale in aid of Save the Children, Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy and Brownie funds on Saturday 28 March in Sproughton Church Hall from 2-4pm. Please come along, support us and grab yourself a bargain. Admission is free. Stalls include white elephant, toys, books, clothes, next-to-new, cakes, a draw, tombolas, games and refreshments.
For more information or a free seller’s pack please contact Jo: JoAtChildrensNearlyNewSale@gmail.com / 07484 256903 Please only call/text between 9am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, or between 10am and 8pm at weekends.
INDOOR BAZAAR Sunday 29 March, 1-4pm at Tattingstone Village Hall
IPSWICH TRANSPORT SOCIETY 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.
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You may or may not be aware that there will not be a village fete and dog show run by the fete trust this year. As it’s the 100th anniversary of the village hall, the committee thought we would celebrate by holding several family events in the village hall throughout the year. We are pleased to announce our first event, an indoor bazaar at Tattingstone Village Hall on Sunday 29 March in aid of the village’s good causes. There will be arts and crafts, refreshments with homemade cakes, tombola, cake stall, children’s games, a raffle and lots more for all the family. For anyone wishing to sell or advertise their wares at the bazaar, the cost is only £5 for a small table (3’ x 2.6’) or £10 for a larger one (5’ x 2.6). To book contact Tricia at: tattvfc@gmail.com
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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY U3A COPDOCK & WASHBROOK WI What a feast we had for our January meeting when one of our members, Lucy, gave us a cookery demonstration. The topic was One Chicken - A Dozen Dinners and she really delivered. We watched delicious dishes appear before our eyes and then, even better, got to taste them. We had chicken noodle soup, curry, risotto, arancini balls and stuffed chicken thighs just to mention a few of the amazing things Lucy produced in under an hour. We are looking forward to one of our members giving us a talk about China at our next meeting and in March we have Linda Haylock showing us all about lace making. Copdock and Washbrook WI share a wide variety of interests and we enjoy some wonderful outings and events. There are opportunities to get involved or you can just come for friendship. All visitors and new members are warmly welcomed. If you want to join us you can come as a visitor to see what we get up to before deciding if you would like to become a member. We meet at Copdock Village Hall on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August). Please arrive around 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday 25 March: Tallboy vs Tirpitx – Sinking the Tirpitz, an illustrated talk by Robert Owen 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.uka
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED Monday 2 March: Felt Lavender Bouquet with Debbie Monday 6 April: Mosaic Coaster (Committee) Monday 4 May: Watercolour Picture with Debbie and Jill We meet at Wherstead Village Hall at 7.30pm and new members are always welcome. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
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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. Wednesday 13 May: The Insights of a Provincial Auctioneer Steve Lister has been an auctioneer for 15 years, selling everything from Faberge to cream eggs and classic to Corgi cars for commercial, charity and fundraising events in Essex and London areas. 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. For further information please visit: www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk 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. Coffee Grinders meet from 10am-noon on the last Friday of each month at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD. 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
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB On Wednesday 4 March Maureen Clarke will talk to us about the plight of street orphans in India and we will hold our annual general meeting on Wednesday 18 March. Francis Sparrow will speak about the Black Death on April 1 and on April 15 Mike Rines will tell us why the English language is under attack. On May 6 David Lilley will introduce the Mitford sisters and Chris Parfitt will take us on a circuit of Central India on May 20. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB, 10 for 10.30am. For further details please contact our president Dave Carman: 01255 880202
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Mind Body Moment
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for more information
www.mindbodymoment.co.uk 07506 350 455 - janet@mindbodymoment.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT SOUTH SUFFOLK WILDLIFE GROUP Wednesday 25 March, 7.30pm: The Swift Project by Ed Jackson Meeting at Capel Methodist Church; adults £3, children free.
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION
BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB Our next meeting is on Wednesday 18 March (7.15 for 7.30pm) when Ruth Goudy will present a demonstration titled The Spiritual Meaning of Flowers. Refreshments, draw and a warm welcome.
VILLAGE LINK Alex Bass will present a talk on Suffolk Wildlife and Landscapes at our next meeting in Tattingstone Village Hall on Wednesday 11 March at 10am.
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. On March 17 Richard Symes will give a talk on Dunwich Heath. Over the last 300 years the heath has had a varied and colourful history. It has been the site of brandy and tobacco smuggling and trawlermen cleared mines to keep vital supply lines open during the Great War. More recently, the heath was used for military exercises to prepare for the Normandy landings, in particular how to breach enemy defences. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. On April 21 Mark Beesley, a local artist and historian, will give a talk on East Anglian artists. The talk will feature both the well-known and lesser known local artists. 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
KENNY’S SESAW NEWS I don’t know who Ciara is but she caused a dreadful storm in the garden. Mum was nearly blown over when she went out to check the kennels and stables. The dramatic weather may be a distant memory now but our volunteers are still repairing the damage.
Our aim is to bring communities together and over the years we have attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon. Former and new members are welcome, either as visitors or members. Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262
EBONY’S BLOG: Life at The Shelley Centre At last the sun! For however short a time, lets enjoy the blue sky and the welcome warmth in the stable yard. This month’s photos feature boys from Chalk Hill School in Sudbury enjoying their Thursday morning at the centre. Part of their therapy is to learn responsibility, gentleness around the ponies, good manners and listening skills. No swearing allowed, always thank the helpers and your own horse after a ride and, of course, if you don’t listen to instructions you can come a big cropper.
It’s been a rough year so far. Apart from battling the elements, we lost dear old Peg, one of our Kune Kune pigs. She and Bob, her lifelong pal, arrived a few years ago after their owner died. Sadly Peg became ill recently and on the morning of her demise, Bob was laying by her side with his head laid across her. As you may imagine, a few tears were shed that day. I also suffered a much smaller loss when the vet removed three of my teeth. It can’t be my fault, although every time Mum tried to clean them I bit her just to let her know they were still there. Perhaps I should have let her clean them. We have lots of bargains ready for our £1 sale on March 14 at Newton Green Village Hall, CO10 0QS. Don’t miss it, if only for the delicious homemade cakes! Which reminds me, it’s nearly dinner time! As the rain lashes against the window and the wind howls down the chimney, here ends this under the duvet report from me,
Jan, their coach and our chairman, stands for no nonsense and she and her team thoroughly enjoy helping theses boys to a better attitude and confidence in their own abilities. When all the boys turn up it’s a great ride to watch. It’s fun seeing six of our live herd in the arena together, with physically fit young riders aboard and Jan putting them through their paces. Shelley is such a lovely place to spend time; even though I never get out of my ‘room’, I hear the comments.
01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk
Charity Quiz Night Behind all the fun there’s a vast body of volunteer work that keeps us all going. The fundraising team would like you to join it on Saturday 25 April for a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire charity quiz night at Polstead Village Hall. Tickets (£15 including supper) are available from Chris Southgate (58aldham@gmail.com) and you can now pay online.
Please check opening hours before visiting.
www.shelleyrda.com / 01473 824172
Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP
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Schools / Sport ROBIN’S NEWS
BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB
Baby Bears One chilly morning we wrapped ourselves and the babies up warm to explore the village. We walked to the memorial statue where we stopped for a snack, then set off towards the garden centre. The babies all fell asleep before we got there so we decided to carry on walking, allowing them to have a nice relaxing nap. They woke up naturally and were intrigued by watching cars, vans, dogs and trees on our journey home. We had a lovely time and hope to go on another adventure soon. Toddling Tigers Tigers have had an interesting time exploring paint, adding everyday items such as pasta to create many different patterns. This fun activity generated lots of conversation. Gruffalos The Gruffalos have enjoyed experiencing ice and cold, exploring how quickly they can make ice melt and using hammers to make it crack. They have demonstrated great concentration as they worked out how to rescue the animals that were frozen into the ice. This provoked great story telling and imagination, as well as great team work as they rescued the animals. Within the Gruffalo room we add ‘provocations’ and ‘invitations to learning’, based either on existing interests or to introduce something new. The children were particularly interested in having some flavoured tea bags, teapots and water to make their own tea! Forest School We enjoyed taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, learning about the birds that come to visit us at Forest School. We have been on bird hunts, listened to the beautiful bird song, kept the bird feeders well stocked and have been busy counting the many gulls that have joined us for snack. The Gruffalos have been showing great interest in fishing in our very muddy puddle. Following their interest we made our own nature fishing rods and went fishing. What a great test of hand eye coordination skills and patience. We waited a long time to catch our snack, but the wait was worth it when we cooked trout on the campfire. Meerkats We have been exploring Chinese New Year with a range of activities including food tasting and fun chopsticks challenges. The Meerkats have been very interested in learning about Joyce’s (our club leader) culture and her childhood experience in Hong Kong. If you would like further information about Robin’s Childcare, please contact Emma: 01473 310767/ info@robinschildcare.co.uk
A reminder that our race night is on Saturday 21 March in Bentley Village Hall, doors open at 7pm with racing staring at 7.30pm. Tickets (£8 including a fish and chip supper) are available from Ray Savage (311122) and Colin Rose (313102). Our annual quiz is on Saturday 2 May in Bentley Village Hall and will follow previous formats. More details later. Lillian Calvert: 01473 808652
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FC 2020 has started well for the 1st team with three wins and a draw, scoring 13 goals alone the way. By so doing they have maintained their upward path and now find themselves in fourth place in the SIL Senior Division. However, the reverse is true for the Reserves with only one victory to date in 2020. That record has been mirrored by the A Team. The ladies’ team have had another good season and have made the semi-final of the Homestore UK Suffolk Women’s Cup. They will play Brett Vale at Hadleigh Utd on Sunday 15 March. FIXTURES 1 Team: Senior Division 29 Feb: Bildeston Rangers (H) 7 Mar: Cranes Sports (H) 21 Mar: Westerfield Utd (A) 28 Mar: Coplestonians (H) 4 Apr: Claydon (A) st
Reserves: League A 29 Feb: Claydon Res (A) 7 Mar: Bacton Utd 89 Res (A) 21 Mar: Claydon Res (H) 28 Mar: Old Newton Utd Res (A) 4 Apr: Cockfield Utd Res (A) A Team: League C 7 Mar: Benhall St Mary Res (A) 14 Mar: Kirton Athletic Res (H) 21 Mar: Sporting 87 A (H) 28 Mar: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) 4 Apr: Capel Plough Res (H) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 The FIFA tournament will be held on March 7 and is open to all-comers. Check our social media feeds for details. 125th Anniversary This season marks the 125th anniversary of the club and there will be special events to mark this momentous achievement. There will be day of football with matches featuring past and present Bergholt teams as well as ladies and juniors. This will be held on Sunday 12 April (Easter Sunday) at Gandish Road and there will also be a BBQ, bar, raffle and auction. Keep in touch for more details. Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc Twitter: @EBUFC1
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sport / CHURCH NEWS BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS
BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS
This month we report on three away matches. The first was at Martlesham where, after some up and down bowling, we managed to come home with a 6-4 win.
Club Singles Competition
The second was a visit to Tuddenham where the floor definitely favours the home team. When we won the first two games there was a reasonable expectation that we would get more points on the night. This was not to be and we lost only the second game of the season 4-6. Then it was off to Bentley who aren’t having the best of seasons but seemed to up their game. We finished with one win and two drawn games each and we took the bonus points to win 6-4. So after three away matches we had 16 points. A few years ago this average would have won the league but the bar has been raised so probably the best we can hope for would be to finish third.
On Sunday 26 January we held our annual club singles competition. The afternoon started with a very nice lunch for competing members and their guests. Sixteen members were arranged into four groups of four and each player played three matches over seven ends. The following were the winners of the groups: Brian, Margaret, Sheila and Veronica. Brian played Veronica and Margaret played Sheila in the semi-finals and after some very good bowling the two who went on to play in the final were Sheila and Veronica. A competitive final ensued and Veronica was the winner for the second time in two years. Congratulations to Veronica and a big thank you to everybody who made the afternoon such a success. Jill Mills
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 MARCH 2020 Sunday 1 9am
1st Sunday of Lent Mass
Tuesday 3 9.30am 10am
Morning Prayer Mass
Sunday 8 9am
2 Sunday of Lent Mass nd
Tuesday 10 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 15 3rd Sunday of Lent 9am Mass Tuesday 17 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 22 4th Sunday of Lent 9am Mass Tuesday 24 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 29 5th Sunday of Lent 9am Mass 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.
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Catholic Commentary As China has confirmed it will enforce new restrictions on religious groups, organisations, meetings and other related events starting in the past month, Pope Francis has urged the world to let the light of Christmas remain and pierce the ‘darkness in human hearts’ that leads to religious persecution, social injustice, armed conflicts and fear of migrants. He said “There is darkness in personal, family and social relationships but the light of Christ is greater”. Francis singled out the persecution of Christians by militant groups, asking God to console those who suffer for their faith. The Pope continued to defend refugees and migrants whom he said “hoped for a dignified life but instead find themselves before walls of indifference”. He concluded by saying that while there were many huge problems in the world, people could make a difference in their own communities as a start to correct injustices. Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday 23 February at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £166 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 29 March. 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 this year. All are very welcome to join us; the next event is on Thursday 26 March. The Sick & Homebound Fr Bineesh Elanjikkal is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital, assisted by Deacon Clive Brooks (01206 396319). Please be aware that for reasons of patient confidentiality, the NHS will not inform the chaplains of any Catholics admitted to hospital. Unless you or your relatives inform the chaplain, you will not be visited by a priest or any other member of the chaplaincy team. Please let Fr Paul Vincent know of anyone who is ill at home or housebound, so that they may receive appropriate pastoral care. Both Fr Paul and Fr Bineesh can be contacted on 01206 684963.
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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES Mistaken identity “Have you given a talk on cottage gardens in a village near Cambridge recently?,” I was asked by a colleague in a phone call. Some friends of his had been at this talk and he thought the speaker, Andrew Sankey, might have been me. A couple of years ago, several people in this area saw a report in a local magazine of this same person speaking at a horticultural club and thought that I was moon-lighting, as if I had time to fit in a second job!). I discovered he was a landscape gardener so I told those who knew me that it couldn’t possibly be me – just look at my garden! Some of you may have known namesakes for a long time, but mine is a relatively unusual name and so it has only recently happened with me. I note that in London there is another Andrew Sankey, an orthopaedic surgeon. No one has mistaken me for him, but I was once mistaken for a registrar when I did a late evening visit to a hospital ward to see a patient who was a member of my church. For a moment, I toyed with the idea of going with the mistaken identity, but thought better of it and quickly informed her that I wasn’t the medic she had called for but was simply offering a pastoral visit.
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There is a case of mistaken identity in the Bible. Jacob was looking for a wife and he loved the younger daughter of Laban, Rachel. His father-in-law insisted on seven years work for Rachel to be his wife and once completed, staged a banquet. After the banquet, Laban brought his elder daughter, Leah, to Jacob and it wasn’t until the morning that Jacob realised he had been deceived. Laban then insisted on another seven years to work for Rachel. Perhaps we feel sorry for Jacob being so outrageously duped on his wedding day. Perhaps it was a bit of restorative justice by Laban because Jacob had deceived his father years earlier by dressing up as his elder brother Esau (with the help of his mother) and stealing the family birth right. (You’ll find the story in Genesis Chapters 27-30) There is an old proverb that says “Do as you would be done by”. As Jacob deceived his father and had stolen from his brother, so his father-in-law does the same thing to him. If we spin a web of deceit, the chances are we will end up getting caught in it ourselves. We are accountable for our actions in this life as well as the next. Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CAPEL METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the Minister Sunday 1 10.30am Worship with Mr Ted Jack 6.30pm Prayer Sunday 8 10.30am Worship with Rev Chris Hill 6.30pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 15 10.30am Worship – Local Arrangement Sunday 22 10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm United Prayer at St Mary’s Saturday 28 3.30pm Messy Church Sunday 29 10.30am Worship and Communion with Rev Martin Dawes 6.30pm Contemporary worship with Mr Jim Ross AT HOLBROOK METHODIST HCT: Holbrook Churches Together Tea and Chat: Mondays, 2.30-4pm (HCT) Home Groups: Second & third Tuesdays at 7.30pm Sunday 1 10am Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm Lent Group 1 with Rev Andrew Sankey Friday 6 3.30pm Messy Church (HCT) Sunday 8 10am Worship with Rev Jo Jacobs 6.30pm Lent Group 2 with Rev Jenny Saggar Sunday 15 10am Family Friendly Worship with Mrs Heather Bentley 6.30pm Lent Group 3 with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 22 10am Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Sunday 29 10am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm Lent Group 4 with Rev Jenny Saggar Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in March. For more information about Messy Church and Tiddlers (HCT) contact Gerald Laws: geraldolaws@aol.com / 01473 328507
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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:
Burstall Craft Fair: Saturday 4 April in Burstall Village Hall
The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton, Ipswich IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674
FROM THE REGISTERS
Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116 Dear Friends, As I write I am part way through a ‘dry January’ (a challenge I agreed to after the Christmas and New Year festivities). I would like to stress that I am not an alcoholic but admit that it hasn’t been especially easy to break the habit of a drink at weekends or on social occasions. Temptation is all around us. I expect many of you also took up the challenge of a ‘dry’ or vegan or smoke free January and hope that you felt better for it. You will almost certainly be physically healthier for it. It has led me to reflect on Lent, which runs throughout March leading up to Easter. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday (February 26 this year) and ends on Easter Saturday 11 April. It is seen as a time of observance, reflection and preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. It has traditionally been a period for fasting or abstinence in order to get our minds and hearts ready for remembering Jesus’ life, death and bodily resurrection. Fasting is common practice in other religions and was much more common in Christian England prior to modern times. A pillar of Islam is the practice of fasting in daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. Many of us know something about this from our Muslim friends and colleagues and I have great respect and admiration for the very many of those who practice it. So why has abstinence gone so out of favour in this country and indeed why bother to do something so alien to our modern way of life? Should we consider giving up alcohol or chocolate or tobacco or similar pleasures, or go for the full fasting experience? Abstinence may be very helpful in encouraging us to reflect on our faith when before we would have reached for a drink, a snack or a cigarette. Much better for us too than a short-lived dopamine boost! We will not be giving up the things that we truly need. We will still have shelter, sufficient food, family and friends, community and our faith. However, an observance of Lent with some form of abstinence may well help us to focus better on the things we need to do to build our spiritual life. A different approach might be one with an outgoing positive action rather than the somewhat inward-looking one of giving something up. I have recently found and enrolled on the (free) ‘40 Acts’ scheme run by Stewardship, which sends participants daily readings and optional small challenges (such as saying thank you to people in your community, or small donations or acts of help) every day of Lent. Look it up if you are curious: https://40acts.org.uk I hope this will give me that little extra nudge to spread the Christian message this Lent. Yours in faith, Simon Harley Churchwarden St Mary’s Tattingstone 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) The Red Barn Murder Come and hear the tragic tale of a poor Polstead maiden and the aftermath. Friday 27 March in Bentley Village Hall at 7pm. Tickets £6 (including a glass of wine, cheese or pate and biscuits) from Sandra (01473 310383) or Peter (01473 310518).
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Funerals Frank Terence Tunstall, Sproughton (January) Bob Hardwick, Sproughton (January) Burial of Ashes May Talmadge, Tattingstone (January) Events in MARCH Tuesday 3 Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Thursday 5 Friday 6 Tuesday 10 Tuesday 17 Wednesday 18 Saturday 28
Copdock Approval of Accounts Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am Bentley Home Communions, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Burstall World Day of Prayer, 7pm Ministry Meeting, noon Afternoon Tea Sproughton Church Hall Tattingstone PCC Meeting Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday 1 March 8am Belstead* 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church
Sunday 8 March 9.30am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone
Croissant Church Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Evening Prayer
Sunday 15 March 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton
Holy Communion Simply Sunday Healing Service Family@Church Holy Communion
Sunday 22 March 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Belstead 10am Bentley 6pm Tattingstone
Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Mothering Sunday Non-Eucharist Holy Communion
Sunday 29 March 10am Copdock
Benefice Service
Sunday 5 April 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton
Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Prayer Morning Prayer Holy Communion Family@Church
*Copdock Service at Belstead Please submit church letters and copy for the April edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by March 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
In Touch online:
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23
CHARITY GALA CONCERT
SATURDAY 21 MARCH, 7PM
FEATURING: ALEX BAKER, TENOR | CHAPEL CHOIR | CHAMBER CHOIR MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP | SCHOOL ORCHESTRA | CONCERT BAND BIG BAND | MUSICIANS FROM MANNINGTREE HIGH SCHOOL
Full: £10 | Conc: £7 | U18: FREE 01206 573948 | experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic All proceeds raised will go to the Suffolk Community Foundation.
CHAPEL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH, IP9 2RX Kindly sponsored by MansionHousePublishing