In Touch News with Copdock September 2018

In Touch

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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

Volume 8 • Issue No. 10 • SEPTEMBER 2018

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New tenants at The Brook Inn Charlie, Cat and Baby Bear

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR This summer we celebrated my brother’s 50th birthday (the first opportunity we’ve had since he turned 50 last November). I was in charge of the playlist so my task was to compile music he has liked over the years into one handy iTunes list we could play on repeat for the afternoon and evening.

The opening song had to be Neil Young’s Old Man with the line ‘Old man take a look at your life…’. John appreciated the sentiment! Bob Dylan also featured as well as The Cranberries, The Waterboys, The Stunning, The Bangles, The Pogues The Pretenders, The Undertones (who knew so many band names began with THE?), U2, Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash, Christy Moore and Hothouse Flowers. With a few additions (a whole lot more Leonard Cohen along with Regina Spektor, Snow Patrol and Nick Cave), I now have a playlist which brings me a lot of joy. I sing-along when I’m in the mood (and alone) and sometimes I find myself in tears (don’t ever play Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars when you’re feeling sad). I remember people and places from times gone by. I remember items of clothing (my Bananarama phase was a sight to behold!), bus journeys with my Walkman, cycling around Dublin to Lou Reed’s Perfect Day… Music is incredibly powerful and there are many studies into how it can improve brain health and function and make you smarter, happier and more productive at any age. It’s even used to help Alzheimer’s patients.

Music therapy has been very successful at getting through to patients even when nothing else has. It seems that musical memories far outlast other kinds of memories and help alleviate depression, anxiety and agitation.

Imelda May helped me though many long days when I was on maternity leave. Jack and I still dance like lunatics when Johnny Got a Boom Boom comes on the radio or TV. I hope you have access to the music you love, but if you know someone who doesn’t, perhaps an elderly friend or neighbour, wouldn’t it be lovely to make it possible. I’m currently working on a list for my parents. Ever heard of Ray Lynam?

In Touch

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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•B eyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge

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OCTOBER DEADLINE

10 SEPTEMBER 2018 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS BABBLINGS FROM THE BROOK As most readers will be aware, The Brook Inn at Washbrook was purchased by the local community in August 2014 after the owners Punch Taverns had put the pub up for sale. Local people and friends of The Brook raised the money to buy the pub and secure its future for the village.

The pub has been run since 2014 by the board of directors acting on behalf of the shareholders and they, in turn, have appointed managers to deal with the day-to-day running of the pub. However, it was always the objective to return the pub to a traditional tenant/landlord operation and it’s exciting to announce that new tenants have now been granted a lease to operate the pub.

The new tenants are Charlie Cahill, his wife Catherine and their baby boy Bear (pictured above outside the pub on the day after moving in). Charlie comes to join us from The Railway at Westerfield and Catherine (Cat to all who know her) hails originally from Canada. Both have extensive experience in the licensed premises business and the family have now all moved into The Brook to become part of the village community.

Charlie and Cat are young and enthusiastic and will run a family focused pub with a warm welcome for old and new customers alike. You will still see familiar faces behind the bar (and in front of it) and the regular village pub events will continue, including the popular Open Mic nights, quiz nights, charity coffee mornings and music events and, as always, there will be a great selection of beers, wines and food available.

Come down and meet Charlie, Cat and baby Bear and be sure of a warm welcome from the family.

BENTLEY FIREWORKS Following the success of last year’s fireworks, we are nearly ready for 2018 and hope to make it another year to remember. We hope the weather will be wonderful. However, should it rain, just bring a brolly and wellies and we will provide some gazebo cover.

The event will be held on Bentley Playing Field on Saturday, October 27, with early bird discounted tickets on sale two weeks before from Bentley shop and The Case pub. Children’s tickets will be entered into the draw for a lucky ticket winner who will press the button which ignites the bonfire (I’m assured by the mad professor that it will work this year!). Tickets will only be available on the gate on Saturday and will not be eligible for the lucky draw.

Gates open at 5.30pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6pm and fireworks start at 7pm. There will again be a Guy Fawkes competition, so kids and adults start thinking and create your guys, with a prize for the winner. Please bring them to the field on the day from 10am.

Hot drinks will be provided by Bentley Church, light novelties will be available to buy, and a more streamlined BBQ with additional food options.

Please do not bring sparklers due to the danger of the wire causing injuries to dogs or footballers afterwards. See you there.

Eileen Manning, one of our volunteer distributors, has been delivering In Touch for over 40 years. Unfortunately the time has come for her to retire. Thank you Eileen (and husband) for all you have done through wind, rain and sun.

Thanks also go to Tina, who will take over the deliveries in Charlottes.

As always thank you to all our Copdock/Washbrook volunteer deliverers, for all that you do.

In Touch Delivery Sorters Dianne & Dave, Elm Lane

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NEWS COPWASH NEWS The 37th Suffolk 2018 Ride & Stride: Saturday, September 8 Both Copdock and Washbrook churches will be open from 9am to 5pm to welcome riders and striders in this annual event, a main source of income to Suffolk Historic Churches Trust to enable it to make grants to churches and chapels of all denominations towards repair and restoration costs.

The idea started in Suffolk and Suffolk has consistently headed the table of funds raised. Sponsorship money raised is divided between the trust and the church/chapel of the rider or strider’s choice. Fred Green and Adrian Basham will be cycling for St Peter’s Copdock with Washbrook. They would be delighted to sign up more sponsors and suggest that others get on their bikes and have a gentle journey round the county’s churches. For more details (and donations) contact Adrian: 01473 405579 Macmillan Coffee Morning at The Brook Inn: Wednesday, September 26, 10-11am Once again the book group members of Copdock and Washbrook WI have taken on the task of running the village Macmillan Coffee Morning on September 26 in The Brook Inn. There will be the usual cake stall (who can beat the WI when it comes to cake baking?) and a draw. Please continue to support this annual village fundraiser.

BENEFICE FALLEN PRIVATE 82038 EUSTACE JACK CREASY, 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers (London Regt), was born in 1899 and died of wounds on 5 September 1918. He is buried at Aubigny Cemetery in France and is remembered on the Belstead War Memorial although his connection with Belstead is a mystery.

The CWGC database records his having been born and lived in Cricklewood.

CORPORAL 32176 EDGAR VIVIAN PATTERSON, 9th Battalion Tank Corps, was born in 1891and died on 25 September 1918 and is buried in Bellicourt Military Cemetery in France. The son of John Henry and Grace Patterson, he was the husband of Ada Patterson of Kibworth Harcourt (Leics) and is commemorated on the Tattingstone War Memorial.

HEARING CENTRE MARKS 20th YEAR WITH SPECIAL EVENT Ten million people in the UK – one in six of us – have some degree of hearing loss.

One local company is using a milestone in its history to try and help improve the hearing of those who are struggling. The Hearing Care Centre, based on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, celebrates its 20th birthday this year, having been established by audiologist and entrepreneur Karen Finch back in 1998.

To mark the occasion, Karen and her team have organised a free to attend open week at its flagship Ipswich practice between Monday 17 and Saturday 22 September. Patients with pre-booked appointments will be able to benefit from a complimentary appointment with an expert audiologist, who will conduct a full hearing assessment, offer advice and guidance based upon the results and make personalised recommendations on solutions that could help improve the patient’s hearing.

Karen was keen to point out why people should consider coming along: “We offer an informal and relaxed atmosphere for our patients to enjoy their visit with us. Our audiologists are some of the best in the country and you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands.”

To book your appointment call 01473 230330 or visit: www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk On Thursday, September 20 (9am-5pm) The Hearing Care Centre staff will also be holding a Barking Bake Off event at their Ipswich practice in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. All employees will be selling their own homemade baked goods to help get closer to the company’s £20k fundraising target for 2018.

Thursday, September 10 from 10am TTV Industrial Ltd, Old London Road, Copdock Join us and help raise vital funds for Macmillan so everyone facing cancer can have a Macmillan team in their corner.

The Porch Project is a well-established youth charity providing services and support to young people aged 11 to 20 in Hadleigh, Great Cornard and surrounding areas.

We are growing and expanding our services so need another youth worker to join the team.

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, a good team player with a youth work qualification and/or experience working with young people.

Salary is up to £25,000 pa depending on experience and qualifications.

The hours are 37 per week involving evening and some weekend work.

Although based in Hadleigh you will be working in both Hadleigh and Great Cornard so access to your own transport is essential.

This is a great opportunity to join our vibrant and enthusiastic team.

For full details and application form contact the treasurer: treasurer@porchproject.co.uk The closing date for applications is September 21.

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NEWS

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Over the past month, officers from the local SNT have been busy carrying out high visibility patrols in Hadleigh and the surrounding villages as part of Operation Parkland, the constabulary’s initiative in South Suffolk to tackle anti-social behaviour and associated criminality in the summer months. Working alongside officers from the other Ipswich SNTs, a number of youths have been encountered at various locations and a large amount of alcohol has been seized from either underage drinkers or because Hadleigh has a DPPO (designated public place order) with the alcohol then being disposed of.

Having received reports of antisocial behaviour in Stoke by Nayland, extra patrols have now been implemented to deal with the issues. If you witness any anti-social behaviour, whether drug related, alcohol related or simply people shouting and being abusive, then please report this to the police.

As part of a TISPOL campaign, officers from the Road Casualty Reduction Team have been out and about in several villages, including Woolverstone, carrying out speed enforcement and the SNT are hoping to complete another speeding enforcement day in the next couple of weeks. If there is a particular problem in your area then please get in touch and we will add it to our list of locations to try and visit. With one of the SNT priorities being the illegal use of roads, officers on the team have seized two vehicles for having no insurance and have dealt with the drivers for other document offences as well as carrying out a number of breath tests.

Bobbits Lane continues to be a priority for the SNT with patrols being carried out to target off-road motorbikes illegally using the area. There have been a number of reports of bikes in the area and also criminal offences where the installed warning signs have either been damaged or stolen. These are being investigated and a number of options are being considered to try and prevent any further offences taking place.

Due to recent residential burglaries across the area in the past month, officers have been carrying out reassurance patrols and we would again like to remind people to ensure their houses are secure before going out. Please also consider items left outside which offenders may be able to use to force entry to your property and ensure that outbuildings are secure. The Constabulary has secured a number of RING video doorbells which can be applied for by residents in Suffolk free of charge and act as a deterrent to potential burglars. This is a great initiative and opportunity and would allow people to feel safer when away from their property. To register an interest please email: doorbell@suffolk.pnn.police.uk If you have any quires or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD. Hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: Call 999 Non-Emergency: Call 101 Follow us on Twitter@ HadleighPolice Police Connect: Suffolk.police.uk/police connect

Our 6th Annual

BENTLEY FAMILY FUN DAY & FUN DOG SHOW Enjoy a fantastic fun filled day with lots of stalls, games, music, raffles and rides‌ Tea and Cakes

Where: When:

Bentley Playing Field Sunday 9th September

Time: 11am - 3pm (Dog Show 1pm) Free Parking and Free Entry

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP

NOTES FROM THE CASE

NHS 70 Anniversary Tea Parties

What a summer it’s been! Unless of course you’re a gardener as conditions have been a bit challenging, to say the least. But we’ve been so grateful for our lovely pub garden, with its shady seating and safe access to the playground.

And huge thanks to all those who keep it looking good – you know who you are – with special thanks to Ian who has been nobly battling in the heat to keep the grass green.

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Patient Participation Groups across East Suffolk were asked to run NHS 70th anniversary tea parties in July. We ran two, one at Holton St Mary and one at Capel St Mary. We are grateful to the organisers of the monthly lunch in Holton and the Beacon Coffee Shop in Capel for hosting the events with us.

We invited people to share their NHS memories and we had many positive comments. This was one: “The NHS has saved several lives in my family. It saved my mother’s and my life when I was born, my mum’s life when she had a heart attack, my nephew’s life when he had an aneurism, my son’s life as he has anaphylactic reactions and also the tablets I take for my heart keeps me healthy. Amazing service.”

Thanks to people’s generosity, we also raised just over £166 towards children’s toys in the waiting rooms.

Access to your NHS Records In May the new data protection act came into force. Previously you could give verbal permission to look at your GP notes if you attended, for example, the out of hours doctors’ service. While you still must give verbal permission you also need to have signed a form in advance. This would also allow access to your records at A&E and if you had to see a GP when you were away. The forms are available at the surgery.

Phlebotomy Appointments We’re aware that there has been a shortage of phlebotomy appointments recently due to staff shortages. Measures are being put in place to increase the number of appointments at both surgeries.

Suffolk’s first co-operative pub

Events in September Tuesday, September 4: Open Mic Night where you get a chance to showcase your musical talents, or come along to enjoy our local performers. Just turn up – PA provided.

Sunday, September 9: See us at the Bentley Funday where there will be a ‘beer tent’ with a range of drinks to keep you cool.

Saturday, September 29: Quiz Night, teams of up to six at £2 a member.

Winning team gets drinks tokens, bottom team gets a wooden spoon. Supper will be served from 6.15-7.45pm – booking essential.

Sunday lunches continue, supplied by Esther’s Best. These are deservedly popular, so if you can, book ahead to secure your table at the time you want it.

Snack lunches are served on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon2pm. Booking isn’t necessary – just turn up.

Did you know that there are 2.5million people in the UK currently living with cancer? We all know of someone – or perhaps we are someone – who has been supported by the wonderful Macmillan Cancer Charity. Well, it’s time to give something back.

Patient Transport Scheme Don’t forget to speak to the receptionists if you need a lift to attend your appointment. Teams of volunteer drivers are available throughout the area covered by the practice.

On Saturday, September 29 we are holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning from 10am to noon-ish. There will be a super selection of home-made cakes as well as tea and coffee, and the bar will be open if you fancy something stronger. If you’re doing the rounds of the Garage Sale in the village, come in and refresh yourself and support this very worthwhile charity. You or someone close to you may need it one day.

Chair Kathy Pollard: 01473 311384 / constablecountryppg@gmail.com

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Flu Clinics The influenza vaccination programme will be different this year. Public Health England has decided that all patients aged 65 on or before 31 March 2019 will be offered a free trivalent adjuvanted vaccination. This is more effective for over 65s than the quadrivalent vaccine administered last year. There is only one supplier of the adjuvant vaccine in the UK and the practice is currently waiting for vaccine delivery dates to be confirmed.

Patients in ‘at risk’ groups under the age of 65 will be offered a free quadrivalent vaccination. Children in ‘at risk’ groups between the ages of two and 18, and all children aged two-three (born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2016) will be offered a free quadrivalent nasal vaccination. Note that children between the ages of four and nine years old will be offered a free vaccination via the school immunisation programme.

In addition to offering flu vaccinations we will also be administering pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations to eligible patients.

year, but maximising vaccination of young children, over 65s and ‘at risk’ patients offers the best protection. If you receive a letter from the practice confirming you are eligible, please ensure you attend one our clinics.

Patient Feedback Thank you to all patients who have completed one of our new comment cards or put a smiley face on the magnetic board in the waiting area at East Bergholt (we will shortly be installing one at Capel). We review all feedback received and discuss it with our Patient Participation Group to agree further improvements we can make to the service we provide. Comment cards are available from all our clinicians and our receptionists. You can also provide feedback via our website, NHS Choices or the Healthwatch Suffolk website. We appreciate all feedback.

Training Days A reminder that in 2018 the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, September 13 and Wednesday, October 10.

Because of the introduction of a third flu vaccine and staged vaccine deliveries, the vaccination programme is far more complex this year. We will therefore hold a number of flu clinics and will send personalised letters to every eligible patient inviting them to attend on specific dates. These letters will be sent through September and October.

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.

It is difficult to predict how serious flu outbreaks in the UK will be this

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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NEWS Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: SEPTEMBER 2018 WARD BOUNDARIES After a seemingly endless process of consultations on new ward boundaries for Babergh, we have received the final recommendations from the Local Government Boundary Commission. We had some wards that were getting too big or too small for equal representation. At the same time, the council decided that we didn’t need so many councillors. That might say something about the fair division of the work done. So, in cutting from 43 members to 32, we’ll end up with fewer ‘politicians’. I’m fairly sure that might be well received. It also means each member will represent more people, previously about 1,650 and, by 2023, an estimated 2,330. Obviously the wards have to change accordingly.

but it’s actually on the small side (less than nine per cent of the average) of the range. I have to confess that it’s not a perfect combination, but it is road connected. I think I looked at every other possible combination here (the same is true of Bentley) and analysed all the numbers. They were all either too big, too small or even weirder.

The basic unit is always the parish (or divisions of the larger Sudbury and Hadleigh areas). I’ve always maintained throughout that the 12 largest communities should form the basis of a ward. Round here, that means Brantham, East Bergholt, Capel St Mary, Holbrook and Shotley. It’s also a very good idea to have single member wards. It means both accountability and an even sharing of workload. People will know who their district councillor is.

Ideally, where there are smaller parishes, you’d like to group them with others that have similar concerns. It’s been my experience, so far, that parishes tend to focus on their own concerns. It’s fairly rare that shared concerns need to have the same councillor.

You can find the full report on this at: https://tinyurl.com/ycnehf6k (Click on Final Recommendations)

We’ll have a larger number of single member wards from 2019, 17 of them.

Brantham, East Bergholt and Capel St Mary will all be one-member wards.

Across the peninsula, Shotley and Erwarton will form Ganges Ward. Stutton will be represented together with Holbrook and Harkstead to form Stour Ward. Tattingstone joins with Wherstead, Belstead, Freston, Woolverstone and Chelmondiston in a new Orwell Ward. It might seem an unusual shape,

These recommendations will now go to parliament. A draft order will be laid and about 40 days or so later, subject to scrutiny. The new electoral arrangements will come into force at the May 2019 local elections. On a personal note, the Alton Ward that Harriet and I represent will disappear. But not yet! I’m still here until the end. I also suspect I’ll always keep a weather eye out for the two villages. And I do like the new names!

We moved from Hadleigh last year. People asked for Customer Service access closer than Sudbury. A Customer Services Pilot is underway at Shotley Village Hall on Monday afternoons for eight weeks (not the bank Holiday) from August 13. Derek Davis (Independent Cabinet Member) has been instrumental in setting this up. If it’s useful, we’ll likely look at extending these ‘pop-up’ services.

The warm weather is maybe gone for a while, but I’ve given the Claud Butler a good workout recently. Next up is the 37th annual Suffolk Historic Churches Bike Ride on September 8, one of my favourite days. I can always be contacted as below.

Alastair McCraw 07812 564188 / alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (a joint open group)

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Environmental Management Increasingly your parish council finds itself undertaking tidying up exercises which we would expect the district council and/or Suffolk Highways to undertake. The parish council budgets for environmental works each year, but these are being used up more quickly, with priority decisions having to be made.

Many thanks to those residents on London Road who mow ‘their’ portion of the central reservation. This contribution takes a significant cost away from the parish council and the resultant improvement to the street scene is immeasurable. There are risks involved in working on the central reservation so please take great care.

Due to heavy rains a number of trees have fallen into the brook adjacent to the Mill Lane recreation area. With nobody accepting ownership, the fallen trees form a potential flood risk. The parish council has employed a contractor to clear them away in order to ensure a continual flow once the rain returns.

The hedge between the cattery and Folly Lane, on Old London Road, has once again overgrown the footpath. This was last cleared by the voluntary footpath team and the parish council has arranged for a contractor to tidy up this area.

While Suffolk Highways mows portions of the central reservation, exceptionally in our parish twice a year, they do not strim around bases of street lights or traffic signs, and again the parish council has arranged for this work to be carried out on a regular basis to keep the central reservations tidy and safe, with good vision for vehicle traffic.

Should you wish to contact the parish council please use the email address below or visit the parish council website.

Chairman Terry Corner copdockparishcouncil@hotmail.co.uk www.copdockwashbrook.onesuffolk.net

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NEWS HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Dispensary Over the last couple of months we have experienced severe staff shortages in our dispensary due to a change of staff and unforeseen sickness. This has meant that sometimes we haven’t had medication ready or that it has taken us a long time to find your order. We dispense a high number of items per month and our staff work very hard to minimise disruption. We have brought in locum staff from Lowestoft and other staff have done many extra hours, including working over the weekend when we are shut to try and catch up.

We have now filled all our vacant hours and recruited an additional bank dispenser so we should soon be back to ‘business as usual’. Thank you for bearing with us over this difficult period; we do appreciate how frustrating this can be for our patients and have taken every step possible to minimise disruption.

Paramedic As part of our collaborative working with a number of other rural Suffolk practices, we have engaged the services of a paramedic, Terry Dix, who will be working with us on Mondays. Terry will primarily be undertaking home visits to care home and community patients who need to see a GP. He will be in communication with your named GP and will discuss treatment accordingly.

Terry will be wearing a practice name badge and will carry identification should you wish to see this.

GP and Staff Training Our next training afternoons will be Thursday, September 13 and Wednesday, October 19. 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.

JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK At last, some good news for constituents on the controversial matter of housing. Of all the issues that face our communities, I can think of none more controversial – including Brexit – than where homes should or should not be built. But for the time being at least, we have just gained a little more control over that difficult decision making process.

Babergh’s biggest issue with housing developments has been the five-year land supply planning policy. Since April 2017, Babergh has not been able to demonstrate this supply which left them open to speculative planning applications that would not normally have been accepted under their local planning policies. In fact, I recently held a parliamentary debate on this policy to outline the issues that we have faced.

As such, I am delighted that Babergh District Council has now announced that they have restored the five-year land supply bringing much greater control over planning decisions back to local people. It also means that local policies once again become the priority in considering applications, including neighbourhood plans, ensuring the development is decided by our locally elected representatives, instead of increasingly relying on the planning inspector over whom we have little or no accountability.

Of course, it is worth stressing that this doesn’t mean we will suddenly stop seeing new homes built in Babergh. Nor will ‘unpopular’ development cease since homes have to go somewhere. What we need to see is a sustainable level of delivery, a sweet spot resulting in neither disproportional development in inappropriate locations nor seeing any single proposal for new homes opposed and defeated.

We should also remember that developers could potentially appeal the presence of a five-year land supply and so it remains vital not only that Babergh continues to work to deliver its joint local plan, but that communities continue to prepare neighbourhood plans. If anyone in a village considering a neighbourhood plan thinks this positive change is reason not to produce one I would argue the opposite: this is the ideal time to get a neighbourhood plan in place so that communities are ready if at some point in the future we once again lose our five-year land supply.

I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people.

Please see page 19 for my contact details.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Flu Days The way we run our flu vaccination clinics will be different this year due to a change in vaccinations and a very late and spread out delivery schedule. We will have one vaccine for eligible patients under 65 (those with certain long term conditions such as asthma and diabetes), and a different vaccination for those aged 65+, called Fluad. There is only one national supplier for the Fluad vaccination, which means that our delivery dates have been staggered from the end of September to the end of November. This is a national issue and there we have had to set a strict timetable accordingly.

Open access flu clinics for all eligible patients will be as follows: Monday, October 1, 2-6pm at Holbrook Thursday, November 1, 2-6.30pm at Shotley Wednesday, November 21, 2-6.30pm at Holbrook Eligible patients under 65: there will be an additional pre-booked clinic and we will write to you as usual with details of this. You may also attend any of the above clinics.

Patients who will be 65 and over by 31 March 2019: please attend any of the above clinics.

For those patients due to have shingles or pneumococcal vaccinations, we are now inviting you just after your birthday so this will ease the pressure on the flu clinics.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD

Enjoying the hot weather? Those of us who can remember 1976 are still enjoying the temperatures, but it’s a problem for some and especially some of the elderly and those with breathing difficulties. I am not advocating the ‘nanny state’, but a little bit of consideration for our neighbours will, I’m sure, be appreciated.

It is sometimes a bit difficult to keep up with district council business, with meetings being cancelled and whole new items being inserted into council agendas at the start of the meeting, thus necessitating a delay so that they can be properly read. Add to that misprints in the Voter Registration forms that came out to all households and one can only surmise that the ship is creaking and could spring a major leak at any time.

Importantly the next draft of the Joint Local Plan is coming out for consultation, just in time for the holidays, and it should incorporate comments from the thousands of responses that the council received after the last consultation.

I have yet to see it, but I have requested a hard copy with the comments/ alterations highlighted.

Planning seems to have slowed down, perhaps due to the fact that we now have a five-year land supply. What a surprise, but the rush to push through applications certainly has slowed. I suppose with 4,500 permissions granted but not started, the competition for labour, materials and customers would make the profits seem too small. Add to that our expensive house prices and possible interest rate rises and buyer reluctance can be appreciated.

Outline accounts/projections for expenditure and income are being circulated to Cabinet, and they variously show a deficit and increased income from council tax rises and the spurious New Homes Bonus. As this is being phased out and relies on actually building homes, it seems a rather mysterious figure to rely on for financial survival. No apparent signs of costs reduction to fit the income cloth, except for the publicised public toilet initiative which covers some £53K! I am sure that the end of the parliamentary recess and summer holidays will produce a spurt in council initiatives and responses so watch this space for the next issue.

Councillor John Hinton john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL CAR BOOT SALE East Bergholt High School Sunday, September 16, 9.30am-noon

COPDOCK & WASHBROOK SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNING Babergh has signalled a significant re-appraisal of its 2017 draft housing and commercial development plans that met with furore when initially released.

Those draft Babergh proposals have now been put to one side. A new Joint (Babergh with MidSuffolk) Local Plan is now underway; it will be published in October or December this year.

Admission 50p, refreshments available, free car park Pitches in advance: cars £5, with trailers £7, domestic vans £10 / £1 extra on the day

No traders

Gates open 8.30am for sellers

( 07776 291445

Babergh now has 6.7 years in their housing pipeline that more than meets its official obligation to have a minimum of five years. The planning review now being undertaken by a newly led Babergh planning team will publish its preferred options in either November or December as above.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY

The re-appraisal is very welcome; we must emphasise that Robert Hobbs’ door has remained open. By the time this article has been printed, a second meeting with him will have taken place in August. Robert is Babergh’s Corporate Manager Strategic Planning.

I was lucky enough to have been invited on a sailing holiday around the Ionian Islands. Due to the rather unique bathroom facilities it was difficult to shave and so I have returned to my computer classes in the library with a full beard and the new nickname, ‘Captain Pugwash’.

SDG is not going away; we’ll see this through until the end, but the village also needs an extra tool – a Neighbourhood Development Plan that once adopted, would be a recognised part of the National Planning Policy Framework. It cannot be ignored by prospective developers and can achieve:

This isn’t the only new thing to have happened while I was away. The Suffolk Libraries Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge was also in full swing.

As last year, all those who complete the challenge at Capel Library will receive an invitation to see Olly the Magician at Capel Village Hall on October 14.

• The development of a shared vision for our village

The other big change is the installation of air conditioning in the library, which makes it a much more pleasant experience to visit during the summer. As many of you will know, when we have a large audience for the community cinema it can become very, very warm, so I for one am looking forward to seeing the next film without melting.

• Choose where new houses and other development should be built • Identify and protect important local green spaces • Influence what new buildings should look like PUBLIC MEETING The parish council has arranged a public meeting on Monday, September 3.

4-7pm at Copdock Village Hall to share some of the development options available for Copdock and Washbrook. Large boards will provide visual displays similar to SCC’s recent consultations. Refreshments will be available.

Please do make every effort to attend.

Colin Hinkins: colinhinkins@gmail.com

TATTINGSTONE VILLAGE FETE & FUN DOG SHOW 2018 Saturday, September 8, 11.30am-4pm Raising funds for: Icanho Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre Good Neighbours Blue Cross Village Glower Planters Chief Sponsor: Highcliff Veterinary Practice

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, September 26: The Ipswich Transport Museum, an illustrated talk by Chris Turland We meet at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

Details from: 01473 422145 / 01394 420490 www.idhts.co.uk

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The great films keep on coming and due to the overwhelming number of requests our next presentation will be The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on Tuesday September 18 (doors open 7pm). Following on from the best-selling book, the film follows “correspondence that begins between Juliet Ashton and members of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, with them sharing their experiences of Nazi Occupied Guernsey.”

Don’t forget, we will be attending Bentley Funday on September 9, so please come along and see us and take the opportunity to buy some books at unbelievably low prices. We look forward to seeing you on the day and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the work we do or about joining the Friends group. We are always looking for volunteers to help at events, so if you can spare an hour or two, please contact us via Jackie Harman at the library.

As mentioned above, we now have a fully air conditioned library and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Capel Community Trust for arranging and funding the installation.

Trevor Stevenson

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

DATES: September 12, October 10, November 7, December 5

In Touch online:

notes & nibbles

Recital Hall, Music School / Tickets: ÂŁ7 on the door Pupils from the Royal Hospital School perform a programme of solo and chamber music Lunchtime concerts with a buffet lunch available from 12.30pm

Monday 17 September

1.30pm

Monday 8 October

1.30pm

Monday 12 November

1.30pm

Monday 10 December

1.30pm

Monday 21 January

1.30pm

Monday 11 March

1.30pm

Monday 6 May

1.30pm

Monday 20 May

1.30pm

Monday 24 June

1.30pm

Concert lasts approx. 40mins. Parking available around the School Chapel.

For any enquiries please contact the Music School 01473 326222 or music@royalhospitalschool.org the royal hospital school, holbrook, ipswich ip9 2rx

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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Fo re s t S c h o o l

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Fu n d in g Te le p h o n e : 01473 310767 Ag e 2, 3 a n d in fo @ro b in s c h ild c a re .c o .u k 4 ye a rs www.ro b in s c h ild c a re .c o .u k Th e S t r e e t , C a p e l S t Ma r y 30 Ho u rs Ip s w i c h , S u f f o l k Gra n t IP 9 2 E G Fu n d in g

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT BELSTEAD VILLAGE MONTHLY MARKETS 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

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

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY AUTUMN AUDITIONS Brantham Amateur Theatrical Society is proud to announce that a pantomime will be presented from February 20-23 with a matinee on Saturday 23 from 2.30pm. The panto is called Off to Treasure Island and will be filled with all things piratey, dancing and singing. While including contemporary themes, it’s a traditional romantic story, with principal boy and girl. The original script was written by Lisa Butler, also our secretary and the executive producer.

We shall be holding auditions in Brantham Village Hall. The first audition will actually be an information session on Sunday, September 30 from 9.30am-noon where we will introduce you to the story and some of the music. Children from the age of eight are welcome and some dancing ability would be helpful, but can be taught by us. There are plenty of parts for older children and teenagers, as well as adults of all ages.

After you have taken in the information and possibly decided to join our crew, our first audition, mainly for adults, will be on Thursday, October 4 at 7.30pm. The second will be on Sunday, October 7 from 10am-1pm with Alice Eldridge, our children’s director, for all children interested in the chorus (this does include some small speaking parts). Please bring suitable footwear, such as jazz shoes or trainers.

You may be disappointed if you cannot make some of these dates for any reason; do contact us as we may be able to arrange another time: Director Val Eldridge – 01473 311553 / Lisa Butler – 07905 392606 BATS will need backstage crew for sewing, make-up, props, lighting, setbuilding and painting. We shall also be needing chaperones. If you are interested come along to our information session.

BUMPER BOOK SALE Manningtree Methodist Church in South Street on Saturday, September 29 from 10am-3pm.

Free admission, refreshments available.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS BEETLE DRIVE Saturday, September 1 at Bentley Village Hall at 7.30pm Tickets £5 including refreshments, glass of wine or fruit juice Raffle Tickets available from Veronica Howe (01473 310344) or any club member

CAPEL LIBRARY The summer months have seen us enjoying yet another successful Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s theme is Mischief Makers featuring characters from Beano magazine.

At the point of writing, more than 90 children are nearing the end of reading six books and many just have two to go. On completion we will invite them and their families to a ceremony celebrating their achievement. This will be held on Sunday, September 23 at 1.30pm in the village hall where they will be presented with a certificate and medal. All Capel finishers will also be invited to watch Olly the Magician on Sunday, October 14 at 11am. This event is being supported by the Friends of Capel Library.

Library staff appreciate all the support given by our small band of volunteers who have given valuable time throughout the holiday season. The volunteers have heard about a wide variety of books, seeing the children become more confident in their speaking and their reading skills which will be appreciated by their teachers when they return to school in September.

Regular clubs in September Baby Bounce: re-starts on Tuesday 11 at 2pm. Come along and join in with the singing of nursery rhymes and shaking of instruments and finger rhymes. The session lasts about half an hour. Open to all under five with their parents/careers.

Minecraft: Sunday 9 and 23 at 10.30am. Children under eight to be accompanied by an adult.

Capel Creators: Saturday 29 between 10.30am and 12.30pm. A charge of 50p per child to cover the cost of drinks and a biscuit. Children under eight to be accompanied by an adult. The theme will be announced on the day. Free style building is also encouraged.

Capel Library Book Group: meets on Friday 21 at 2.30pm.

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

Capel ST MARY Primary School NEARLY NEW SALE Saturday, October 6, 1.30-3pm NEW LOCATION Copdock & Washbrook Village Hall, Old London Road IP8 3JN Maternity Clothes, Baby Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Books and Games 50p Entrance Fee (children free) Do you have any baby/children’s items which you would like to sell?

You choose the price, 70% goes to you, 30% goes to our charity (+ £1 administration fee per seller) For more information or a free sellers pack please contact Lisa: 01473 312248/07745 520564 / Jo: 07484 256903

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OUT & ABOUT ALTON BELLES WI QUIZ NIGHT We are delighted to announce our annual quiz night with quizmaster Garry Kilworth on Friday, October 26 at 7pm in Tattingstone Village Hall.

All welcome with tables of up to six people. The cost is £6 which includes a ploughman’s supper. There will be a raffle. Bring your own drinks.

To book your place please contact Tamzin (01473 328670), Annette (01473 328499) or Jane (01473 327865).

THE BROOK PLAYERS The Brook Players’ October production is a poignant, romantic comedy entitled We’ll Always Have Paris by Jill Hyem.

The play is about three English ladies ‘of a certain age’ and their enduring love affair with the French capital, while fending off the attentions of Charlot, their handyman, who describes himself as not being France’s answer to Johnny Depp.

More details next month.

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE WELCOMES SARAH PERRY Sarah Perry is the author of two novels – After Me Comes the Flood which was published in 2014 and The Essex Serpent which was nominated at the 2016 Costa Book Awards and named Waterstones Book of the Year 2016. It was also placed on the 2017 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction. Told with exquisite grace and intelligence, the novel is a celebration of love and the different guises it can take.

Sarah is appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street on Monday, September 10. Doors open at 7pm and the event will start at 7.30pm. The cost for Suffolk Book League members is £4 and £8 for nonmembers. Students get in free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door, seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Tickets for reserved seats must be collected by 7.15pm. Cash payment required on arrival. Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.

PENINSULAR PIX The film for October is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society which is obviously set on Guernsey, just after the Second World War. It stars Lily James, Jessica Brown Findlay and Matthew Goode and is directed by Mike Newell. The plot involves one Julia Ashton, an author, who in 1946 goes on tour to promote her latest book.

Julia receives a letter from a Dawsey Adams about Charles Lamb and is intrigued to learn that Dawsey is a member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. On further investigation she discovers that in 1941 four friends were stopped by German guards who questioned why they were breaking the curfew. One of their number, quick on the uptake, told the guards they were returning from the Literary and Potato Peel Society (this is definitely the last time I shall mention the full title).

After this narrow escape the society was actually formed as a cover in order to break curfew during the occupation of the island. Julia gathers stories from the inhabitants, including a French woman called Remy. There is a love interest of course, which I’m going to leave you to ponder on your own.

I have no idea where the potato peel comes into it, but I know we used to feed the chickens on potato peelings during the war (yes, I’m that old) and perhaps one of the members of the society is a chicken.

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STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Our autumn term begins on Wednesday, September 5 when Tracey Mackness 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. Norman Jacobs talks about Pie ’n’ Mash and Prefabs on Wednesday, October 3 and two weeks later on October 17 Sally Chicken’s talk is on The Regeneration of Shotley Pier.

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

MANNINGTREE CHESS CLUB

Saturday 15th September 2018 An 8 mile circular walk (also 6 mile option)

Starting from The Railway, Westerfield > The Barley Mow, Witnesham > The Tuddenham Fountain > The Swan, Westerfield then back to The Railway Westerfield to finish.

Registration via our website: www.wolseypubwalk.org.uk Email: wolseyrotary@btinternet.com For more information tel: 07545 854801 (Terry)

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The new chess season starts on September 5 and Manningtree will be fielding three teams in the Suffolk League. The A team retained the title of Suffolk champions last season and hope to be challenging for the title again this season. The B and C teams will both be playing in the third division.

Manningtree Chess Club meets in Methodist Church Hall (South Street) at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings from the beginning of September to the end of April. However, this season we hope to occasionally start at 6pm to cater for younger players. Please check the meeting times on the club website.

New players are always welcome.

Contacts: Carl 01206 391051 / John 01206 391628 / Jim 01473 310561 www.manningtreechess.info

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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OUT & ABOUT CAMEO

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK WI

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.

Our speaker in July was Professor Midwinter who presented a talk on climate change. Professor Midwinter retired in 2004 and in 2005 he started to read about climate change. There was no obvious trend in East Anglia between 1910 and 1982, but since 1980 there has been a 1.5°C increase in temperature. The sea ice in the Arctic has halved in 30 years. If the Greenland ice sheet melts, the global sea level would rise.

He spoke about these facts and many more. It really made us speculate as to the changes the younger generation would see and feel in the next 50 years.

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 September 10.

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 campaigns supported by the WI, to learn new skills or 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.

Sandra Howard

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.

STOUR VALLEY U3A

MANNINGTREE ROTARY CLUB

Our summer dinner and social was held at a new venue, The Ipswich Best Western, Copdock, and this sell-out event was enjoyed by all members present who enjoyed good company and food. As suggested by members, we introduced our first August meeting on Wednesday 8 when Tania Harrington MA, artist, art lover and researcher talked on Art Attack – A History of Vandalism in Art. She looked 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 was 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 film makers, emphasising the need for historical accuracy on the 1914/18 war. Richard Heap, Production Director of Stephen Walters & Sons Ltd, will talk on silk weaving in Sudbury on Wednesday, October 10. In a talk entitled The Silk Road from China to Sudbury, he will cover the history of silk weaving and how it came to Sudbury, how silk yarns are processed, the silk trade, partnerships and relationships between supplier and customer and how the company engages with the local community and the environment.

The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am-noon on the fourth Friday of each month. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday, September 21.

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.

CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB We resume our monthly meetings on Tuesday, September 11 when Alex Bass presents a talk entitled The River Colne; From Source to Sea. This should be a very good evening as Alex leads a lot of wildlife trips and is very knowledgeable on this area.

New members and visitors welcome. We meet in the lounge at Capel Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available after the talk.

Hope to see you there.

Doreen Parker, 01473 311267

Manningtree Rotary Club has just completed the presentation of 167 dictionaries to the leavers of local primary schools in the area.

These illustrated dictionaries are financed through local fundraising and over the last few days were donated to Ardleigh St Mary’s, Bradfield Primary, Brooklands Primary in Brantham , Dedham C of E, Highfields Primary, Lawford St Mary’s, Mistley Norman C of E Primary Schools.

The picture is of Ardleigh St Mary’s Primary School with their dictionaries presented by Rotarians Diana Grice and David Shearmur.

Manningtree Rotary Club seeks to serve the community and meets on Thursday evenings in the Crown Pub function room at 7.30pm for a meal and at 8.30pm for its meeting. The club is active in seeking ways to promote the town and area and raise support for local, national and international good causes. We welcome women and men to support and join in our efforts.

Bra Collection for Against Breast Cancer Last year with the support of Manningtree Co-op and the general public we collected over 450 pair of spectacles on behalf of Vision Aid. We are collecting again his year with support of Manningtree Co-op. This time its bras for Against Breast Cancer, so ladies, if you have any unwanted bras don’t throw them away; put them in our collection box which can be found in the entrance lobby of Manningtree Co-op.

BELSTEAD GARDEN CLUB I hope you all enjoyed the wonderful summer and are ready to prepare, plant and reorganise your gardens for next year! We start the autumn meetings on September 19 with Garden Antiques, and our AGM is on October 17 when we will have a social evening. We look forward to seeing you there.

Marilyn Wosahlo

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club which meets on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

Monday, September 3: Block Printed Fabric with Debbie Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK PRE-SCHOOL

If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The start time is 7.15pm.

In the summer term at pre-school we have been updating and making some exciting changes to our garden. Earlier in the year we won £2,000 in funding from the Tesco Bag for Life scheme which enabled us to buy some fantastic new benches from Ipswich based Realise Futures who make outside equipment from recycled materials. The new benches provide us with a lovely area to enjoy reading books, colouring and for outdoor snack time.

We are now back from our summer break and our next meeting is on September 18 when Andrew Wiltshire tells the story of how Leslie Linder broke the coded alphabet of Beatrix Potter. During her lifetime Beatrix had invented her own coded alphabet to record over 200,000 words of private thoughts and observations. This is the story of Leslie’s 13-year quest to unravel that code.

On October 16 Ben Cowell, Director General of the Historic Houses Association, will be talking on some of the fine country houses in Essex.

We also have an exciting new mud kitchen area for the children to play in. It consists of wooden units including a sink, a washing machine, a microwave, pots, pans, cutlery, table and chairs.

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

In preparation for our new benches and mud kitchen we held a garden tidy-up evening where staff and parents were invited to come along to help construct the benches and spruce up the garden.

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

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Meets at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Tattingstone Village Hall.

Village Link will celebrate 25 years in March 2019. The Children’s Day Centre parents, staff and personal friends had a big had in getting Village Link started at Raydon Village Hall. It moved to Tattingstone as the club grew. Its aims were to bring communities together and we have over the years attracted members from many villages.

I would like to see new members from all local villages at our meetings, either as visitors or members in readiness for our March celebration when members will be able to enjoy a free main meal paid for by the club. As membership is only £5 per year, this is good value for money. A small admission fee is payable at each meeting.

We are a mixed group of men and women, with partners and without. I feel it is one of the few groups offering professional speakers on a variety of subjects throughout the year in a rural setting.

We would like to attract more housewives and househusbands when their children are at school or retired, part time workers of all descriptions and ages, and anyone who would like company for one morning per month.

I hope you will join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, September 12 when Derek Firman presents a talk entitled Collecting Hobby or Obsession?

Founder & Chairlady Linda Evans / 01473 311262

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS Here we are at the start of another new academic year. With summer holidays already a distant memory, we welcome all our new pupils into Foundation at both schools. At Copdock, they are joined by their class teacher Mr Ross who we’re sure is just as excited as the children for the year ahead. At Bentley we welcome back Di Rivers joining us once again as a TA. We have a term full of exciting learning ahead, including some excellent clubs on offer, both before and after school.

Once again, Bentley and Copdock will be hosting Macmillan coffee events in September. Look out for the dates on the village noticeboards. Cake donations would be gratefully received.

For more news and up-to-date information about the schools, please visit: www.copdock.suffolk.sch.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

The much anticipated mud kitchen was officially opened on July 9 when the children did a countdown before it was revealed in all its glory.

We’d like to thank Gladwells and Jewsons for donating pallets, Glen for donating the bark chippings, James, David and Kristen for building the units and all of the staff and parents who kindly helped with the project. The children have loved using their imagination and playing in the mud kitchen and will do so for years to come.

ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears Some of our younger Bears are learning to walk and crawl; through adult encouragement and colourful walkers we are picking up the skills quickly and confidently. We have been revisiting our favourite nursery rhymes and singing them each morning during circle time. Each Baby Bear has the opportunity to choose their own song by selecting our song spoons. We change the set up and selection of equipment and natural objects for our Baby Bears throughout the day to keep them interested and stimulated while exploring indoors and outdoors.

Toddling Tigers We have been focusing on our physical activities and building on our fine motor and gross motor skills. We have been mark making with lollipop sticks in sand, using pens and paper, cotton buds in paint and many more different types of tools. Our obstacle courses have been challenging with balance beams, climbing sections, going over, under and through a variety of objects and jumping from various heights and markers. Using stencils and felt tips has helped us to practise our tripod grip. We have enjoyed exploring and discussing different animals and singing along to Old McDonald had a Farm, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on The Bed and Sleeping Bunnies. Playing What’s the time Mr Wolf? encourages us to count and join together with our friends.

Gruffalos The end of last term saw us say goodbye to 28 children who are off to school. Some of these children have been with us since they were babies and we have watched them grow up into happy schoolchildren who are excited for their next adventure. We said goodbye at our graduation ceremony, a highlight of the year where along with parents and family members we can celebrate the children’s time with us and wish them well for the future. This was followed by a big picnic for everyone involved. We would also like to thank everyone for the wonderful gifts, cards and kind words, it means a lot.

As the new term starts we are looking forward to welcoming back some familiar faces and getting to know the new children and their families. We are also looking forward to getting back to our Forest School sessions and starting the programme again to share the great outdoors with the children.

If you would like further information about our transitions or about Robin’s Childcare please contact us on 01473 310767 and we will be more than happy to help.

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SCHOOLS / SPORT BENTLEY BOWLS CLUB We have one more game and the season is over – all too quickly. We have done well in the Wednesday Triples League to win 12 of the 14 games played and will probably be winners, or runners-up. We will have to await confirmation. In the Samford Monday League, it looks as though we will go down a division having only won four of the games played.

We have been bowling in lovely weather, quite a change from the usual cold and wet evenings we have experienced in past seasons. Our Friday night rollups continue until we close the green for maintenance in September.

Lillian Calvert: 01473 311756

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB This season our village football club will be running 19 teams made up of four adult sides and 15 youth sides, the most that we have ever had, making us one of the biggest clubs in South Suffolk. All of this takes a lot of work and the club will always be grateful to all those adults who give up their spare time to help coach our many young players who now number over 200.

During the summer break work was carried out at the Playing Field by members of the club as well as by Capel Community Trust who own the field.

This included painting our two containers green, installing a new ceiling and lighting in one of the dressing rooms, completing the tiling and flooring in the kitchen at long last and clearing out the garage and fitting some new shelves which should help keep it tidy.

Some new players have joined the club and we hope that they enjoy their football with us. The season should have started for our Saturday First team, who play in the Senior Division of the Suffolk and Ipswich League, on August 18 with a trip to Achilles (last season’s champions), followed by a home game on Wednesday, August 22 against last season’s runners-up, Crane Sports.

Whatever the results it’s certainly a tough start for our players.

Home games in September include Bramford United on September 8, Trimley Red Devils on September 15 and Leiston St Margarets on September 29. Kick offs at 2.30pm with refreshments available at half time.

Finally, after the problems we had with illegal parking in Friars last season, which included parking in front of driveways and on pavements, the police have informed the club that tickets will be issued to anyone who parks in an illegal manner during games from now on.

CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES What did I (almost) forget to say?

I’ve just got back from holiday and it’s deadline day for the In Touch. What should I write about? Well first we had a wonderful holiday. The weather has been amazing, though farmers, gardeners and water industry authorities are anxious for more rain. Having lived in Zimbabwe for 10 years, we also love rain – you long for it after seven months of a dry season and there is great excitement when the first rains come. I’ve even sensed some British people getting excited about the rain this year, and we have come back to an almost green lawn, which was very brown when we left.

On holiday we did the things I wrote about last month; we walked, swam, sailed, read, relaxed, went on a ferry, ate in and out, worshipped, met with friends, family and acquaintances. My parents had been leaders in a church in Falmouth and we left when I was five years old. I met for the first time since then the son (then 19 now 80) of some dear friends of my parents. A 61-year gap and yet a fascinating conversation with many shared memories with him, his wife and the next two generations!

I also visited my first Sunday School teacher, recently moved into a residential home and will be 90 by the time this is printed. My father had conducted her marriage service and they had celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary before her husband died. She kept in touch with my parents until they died and continues to keep in touch with me and my siblings. I was able to thank her for her faithfulness in teaching me, my siblings and many other children about Jesus and for her regular prayers for our extended family over the years.

She was one of several people who helped me in my Christian walk. I am glad that I was able to say “thank you” before it was too late. I know there are others whom I wish I had thanked, but who had already died. Don’t put off thanking people who have made a difference in your life. If you have no idea where to find them, contact Radio 4’s Saturday Live for it to be broadcast.

I would like to say “thank you” to the many volunteers who offer service to individuals and communities. Perhaps you have thought about giving up because few or even no-one has said thank you. What you do for even the least important person is still a significant gift of time, of love, of yourself and God has noticed. On behalf of all those unsaid thank yous please accept this thank you.

BOB THE POUGHMAN

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

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home groups and prayer meetings on various days and times with a new group starting in September. Contact Rev Andrew Sankey.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team / Senior Division Tue, Aug 21: Felixstowe Harpers Utd (A) Sat, Sep 1: Leiston St Margarets (H) Sat. Sep 8: Benhall St Mary (A) Sat, Sep 15: Haughley Utd (H) Sat, Sep 22: Wenhaston Utd (A) Sat, Sep 29: Henley Athletic (H) Reserves / League A Sat. Sep 8: Westerfield Utd Res (H) Sat, Sep 15: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) Sat, Sep 22: To be announced Sat, Sep 29: To be announced A Team / League C Sat. Sep 8: Stowupland Falcons Res (H) Sat, Sep 15: Framlingham Town A (H) Sat, Sep 22: To be announced Sat, Sep 29: To be announced Ladies and Juniors 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 Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

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Sunday 2

Sunday 9

Saturday 15 Sunday 16 Sunday 23

Sunday 30

10.30am 6.15pm 10.30am 6.30pm 3.30pm 10.30am 10.30am 7.30pm 10.30am

Worship with Mr Paul Gold Circuit Service at Chelmondiston Worship with Mr Victor Jack Worship with Rev Sankey Messy Church Worship with Mrs Emily Hannah Harvest Worship with Rev Sankey United Prayer at Capel Community Church Worship and Communion with Rev Dawes

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST (HCT: Holbrook Churches Together) Tea and Chat (HCT): Mondays, 2.30-4pm Home Groups: First and third Tuesday’s at 7.30pm – ring for venue Saturday 1 Sunday 2

Sunday 9 Sunday 16 Sunday 23

Sunday 30

10-11.30am 10am 6.15pm 10am 10am 10am 6.30pm 10am

Coffee Morning Worship with Mr Roger Theobold Circuit Service at Chelmondiston Come to the Movies: Evan Almighty (HCT) Family Friendly Worship with Alicia Holmes Worship with Dr Liz Cope Something Different with Rev Sankey Harvest – Worship with Heather Bentley

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

In Touch online:

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In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07904 972116

Sproughton: September 23, 11am Bentley: September 23, 11am / 12.30pm Lunch Burstall: October 7, 11am, followed by lunch in the village hall at 12.15pm Copdock: Harvest Service at 10am on October 7 / Harvest Supper at 7pm on October 5 (including classical entertainment)

ALWAYS IN THE LOVE OF GOD

Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Bike Ride: Sunday, September 8, 9am

Dear Friends,

FROM THE REGISTERS

It’s September. Will it rain today? Back in June and July the answer was definitely ‘No’. The weather continued dry. Weeks passed with nothing more than an odd shower here and there. Weather forecasting seemed redundant.

Lawns didn’t need mowing. The first hay crop looked like being the last. Then we were reminded that it isn’t always dry as the World Cup match ended with a downpour that soaked the presidents of France and Croatia but not, of course, their host, Mr Putin, who sheltered under an ample umbrella.

Eventually more brollies were produced. Too late! Two soggy presidents remained as reminders that we cannot predict everything correctly, even on a short timescale. We have our expectations, but events often don’t match them.

Weddings Lauren Turner and Sam Woodward, Belstead Hannah Humphrey and Matt Debnam, Sproughton Stephanie James and Alec Hughill, Copdock Danielle Stannard and Daniel Whitehead, Belstead Aimee Howlett and Jamie Mitchell, Burstall Jade Greaves and Carl Stevens, Copdock Chantelle Greene and James McCormack, Copdock

Why don’t things get better as we hope and expect? In Jerusalem 26 centuries ago people were saying: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” [Jeremiah 8:20]

SEPTEMBER Saturday 1 Wednesday 5

Thursday 6

Saturday 8

Wednesday 12 Tuesday 18 Wednesday 19

Wednesday 26

Friday 29

The Rev Annette Shannon: The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674

There was a national crisis and no sign of relief. National disappointment is not new. Then as now, disappointments and crises often come from our own attitudes and behaviour. Common sense ignored, rules broken, a desire to have our cake and eat it too are among the causes. Personal disappointments often have the same roots in unrealistic expectations and plain simple selfishness. But overlaying it all is God’s determination to offer us unending loving kindness and an opportunity to love in return. For that to happen he has made us free and created a world of real consequences and uncertainties. We will often forget the umbrellas and stay dry, but one day we will get soaked!

What then should we do? We all have some expectations. The sun will rise tomorrow even if clouds cover the sky. So why not take a new look at our expectations, personal and national? Might it not help to step back and take a new perspective, see things the way others do? It’s good to talk and God is always ready to listen and perhaps nudge our thinking along if we accept his wisdom. Prayer is not the last resort, but the first. Many pray privately and often. A few pray together regularly. If words fail don’t worry – God knows all our hopes and fears. But God loves to hear from us and sometimes a formal prayer to start the day can be a blessing.

I pray that more and more of us will walk through each day knowing that God loves us whatever may befall.

Don Mehen Michael Earey, a Lay Elder in the benefice, retired from duties at the end of August. I would like to say thank you for the many years of service given by Michael who is both a friend and colleague. On behalf of the Ministry Team and the people of Sproughton, I thank Michael for the long term contribution he has made, his loyalty to the church and for sharing his experience and wisdom with others. Michael has had to adapt to many changes over the years and has made significant sacrifices to ensure that things continued.

We pray for God’s continued blessings on both Michael and Heather. May they find much enjoyment alongside their many friends and their family in the journey that lies ahead. God keep them vigorous in body, mind, soul and spirit. Open new doors of service that will satisfy their desire to give and to make a difference in their community. May they find many receptive hearts and minds for the wisdom they have to offer and many recipients to receive their love and care. Amen The Rev Annette North Samford Churches Baby and Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am at Sproughton Church Hall on Mondays in term time HARVEST SERVICES Belstead: September 23, 10am Tattingstone: September 23, 10am Children’s Harvest / October 14, 6pm Harvest Service

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

Baptisms: Layla Eadie, Belstead Funerals: Pat Enefer, Tattingstone Copdock Morning Market, 10am Bentley Home Communions, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am Suffolk Historic Churches Trust bike ride, 9am Bentley Mothers Prayers Churchwarden’s Meeting, Sproughton Church Hall, 10am Bentley Mothers Prayers Copdock Home Communions, 10am Joint PCC meeting at Sproughton School, 7.30pm Bentley Mothers Prayers Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Sunday, September 2 8am Copdock 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 9.30am Burstall 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion

Sunday, September 9 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 9.30am Sproughton 6pm Tattingstone

Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Croissant Church Evensong

Sunday, September 16 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Bentley 11am Sproughton 2pm Copdock 6pm Tattingstone

Holy Communion Songs of Praise Family Service Baptism Family Service Dedication Plaque Ceremony Holy Communion

Sunday, September 23 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10am Belstead 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton 11am Bentley

Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Harvest Service Children’s Harvest Harvest Service Harvest Service

Sunday, September 30 10am Burstall

Benefice Communion

Please submit church letters and copy for the October edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by September 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR September Sunday 2 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 4 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 9 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 11 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 16 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 18 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 23 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 25 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 30 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the church’s front door.

This month we say farewell to Father Christopher who has been our very popular parish priest for seven years. He moves to Newmarket and we welcome Father Peter Raj who joins us from Cambridge.

Catholic Commentary Pope Francis recently said that God does not conform to people’s expectations and he often presents himself and his graces in surprising ways. “God does not conform himself to preconceptions. We have to make an effort to open our hearts and minds to accept the divine reality that presents itself to us.”

He said, for example: “The people of Nazareth could not understand how Jesus, a simple carpenter with no formal education, could perform miracles and outdo even the scribes with his teachings. Being so familiar with Jesus’ family and modest roots, the residents go from being in awe to being incredulous at what the Lord had to say.”

“Instead of opening themselves up to reality, they are scandalised,” he continued, “because in their minds, God would never lower himself to speak through such an ordinary man. It’s the scandal of the incarnation which still exists today when people have preconceived notions about God, which keep them from recognizing him. It’s about having faith; the lack of faith is an obstacle to God’s grace. Many baptised live as if Christ didn’t exist, they repeat the gestures and signs of faith, but these do not correspond to a real bond to the person of Jesus and his Gospel.

“The Lord invites us to adopt an approach of humble listening and waiting meekly because God’s grace often presents itself to us in surprising ways that do not match our expectations. St Teresa of Kolkata is a good example of this, she was a petite, poor nun who with prayer and good works did miraculous, great things and revolutionized the charitable work of the church.”

Pope Francis concluded: “St Teresa is an example for our day, asking that people open themselves up to God’s grace, truth, mission and mercy, which is meant for everyone, without anyone excluded.”

Events and Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, August 26 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £154 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, September 30. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or online at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place from 10.30am-noon at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the Parish Room and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, September 27.

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.

challenges for all the family, related to a theme, followed by a short celebration time of songs and Bible stories.

We then finish with a meal together.

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Saturday, September 15, 3.30-5.30pm

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? There is no charge, but a donation tub is available if you would like to contribute.

We hope you have all had a lovely summer and enjoyed the sunshine!

For more information please contact

The next Messy Church is on Saturday, September 15 at Capel Methodist Church. Messy Church is a fun time of crafts, games and

Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / Maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com

In Touch online:

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