In Touch with East Bergholt February 2020

In Touch

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 7 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2020

Amanita Muscarias (Fly Agarics) by Nigel Paul, taken in Bentley Woods

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

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

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

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

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

Thur 20 February is the advertising and editorial deadline for the March edition

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NEWS WHEN DID YOU LAST GO INSIDE ST MARY’S CHURCH? At one of the services over Christmas perhaps? Or for a family christening, friend’s wedding or funeral? Whenever it was and for whatever occasion, we trust you marvelled at the wonderful Grade 1 listed building that stands at the heart of our village and attracts so many visitors and tourists. How lucky are we to have such a beautiful church?

Unfortunately such buildings need regular maintenance. In recent years we have had to repair the ruined tower to stop flints falling onto the public path. Now we have an even bigger project – a major roof refurbishment to stop the increasing leakages, which in turn attract death watch beetle in our roof timbers. Some of the roof has been there for more than 200 years so it doesn’t ‘owe’ us anything, however the project costs are estimated to be in the region of £750K so you can imagine that we will need help from the local community and beyond.

Roof refurbishment fundraising events We will be organising a wide range of fundraising events over the next few years to help raise this money. We are planning to appeal to lots of different groups of people to help spread the load of financial assistance and we hope that you will support our appeal in any way you can.

We have already approached a number of celebrities with a degree of success. Matt, the Daily Telegraph cartoonist, has drawn a cartoon for us to use in our campaign. He hopes we “make lots of money”. Griff Rhys Jones has also promised his support. These are the first of many who we hope will feature in our calendar of forthcoming events. Watch this space!

Different ways to help There will be lots of different ways to help us raise the money, perhaps oneoff contributions, coming to our fundraising events, or you might consider setting up a direct debit with our new parish giving scheme to the tune of a cup of coffee a week. Some of you have already kindly sponsored a tile and the opportunity to do so will continue throughout the process. We are going to set up a crowdfunding page, sell special Matt merchandise and produce charity boxes for those spare pennies.

The enormity of this project means we will be seeking funds from many sources. We will be applying for all the grants that will be available to us and are hoping to secure professional help with this to maximise our success.

Most of the grants we can apply for will require evidence of our own fundraising so please support our events as much as you can. We cannot do this without the support of our local community.

We will also be writing to appropriate and connected companies and organisations who might help our campaign to keep our roof watertight so that future generations can continue to enjoy our church building.

It’s not only our church that needs a roof As we have been preparing to launch our fundraising appeal, we have also been mindful there are still many people in our country who find themselves with no roof over their head, not even a leaky one. We feel it is important to use this fundraising time to raise the profile of homelessness so we will be also asking you to consider donating towards two charities that do amazing work to help combat homelessness.

The first charity is one that is new to us – Streetlink. The aim of the charity is to help members of the public easily alert those authorities or outreach services to homeless people they may have seen. This can be done via a mobile app or a website where you will be asked to give details of location, time of day and approximate age of the individual. Once alerted, an outreach worker can visit and offer support to this person. You can also opt to be informed of the outcome of your notification. For more information about this charity please visit: www.streetlink.org.uk The second charity is Shelter, which we have supported before through church. They are another amazing national charity that aims to combat the devastation that homelessness brings to individuals and families. You can find out more about Shelter at: www.shelter.org.uk If any of the above whets your appetite, if you want to help us financially or if you want to be involved in the fundraising campaign, please contact Liz Digby (liz.digby@btopenworld.com) or Fiona Trott (fiona.trott13@gmail.com).

We will be extremely pleased to hear from you!

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON As the General Election is out of the way, council meetings have restarted (apparently if we held them we could have influenced the national vote!) and we can move ahead in a positive way into 2020. To quote a worldwide influencer of younger persons, “to infinity and beyond”! (For those of an older disposition that was Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story) We now seem to have a national government that wants to get things done.

Now is the time for Babergh and other councils to show some leadership and to lobby for the things that matter to us in South Suffolk and adjacent areas.

In my opinion, infrastructure comes before homes because without access to jobs, schools, health provision and other facilities, the ‘homes’ become privately financed ‘prisons’, with occupants cut off from the essentials of life that make us human beings.

My letter to Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, was published in the Daily Telegraph and I will be contacting him directly to start shouting for investment in our region before we are lost in a flurry of activity to secure the political change in the north.

In the meantime, the fight to reign in the overdevelopment of our rural communities, already suffering from the lack of jobs, schools, healthcare, etc., has to go on. Infrastructure provision should come first or we will continue to play the catch-up game that has plagued our economy for decades.

While posted to my army unit in Germany in the late sixties, I was fascinated by the occasional occurrence of motorway sized bridges sitting astride rural roads, but with no road or other access to them. The Germans has ascertained that bridges took the longest to build so they built the bridges in advance, later joining them up with new roads and making completion faster.

Finally, before making my computer steam with letters to national figures, an appropriate quotation from the late Wing Commander Kenneth Wallis MBE, pioneer of the autogyro as seen in James Bond’s You Only Live Twice, The Practical Mans Definition of Qualifications – “The bloody obvious combined with common sense”.

Perhaps as we meet to set budgets across all levels of government and more into a new decade, it’s something that we should all bear in mind when we make our decisions.

Councillor John Hinton, East Bergholt Ward

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVENTS AT MANNINGTREE LIBRARY Love Your Library Day – Saturday 15 February Join us for a day of activities in the library.

Essex Book Festival: Laura Purcell, author of The Silent Companions and The Corset, will be discussing her latest book, Bone China, at Manningtree Library on Monday 16 March. Pick up a brochure for further detail.

Basic Computer Coaching & IT support: General hints and tips on using computers, iPads, tablets, smart phones and laptops. Tuesday from 10am and Thursday from 2.30pm. This is a free service run by our IT volunteers.

Booking is essential.

MEDICAL CANNABIS: WEEDING OUT THE FACTS An insight into drug trials in medicine and the facts behind the use of cannabis in medicine

Reading Group: Midweek Readers meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 10.45am and would welcome new members.

Adult Craft & Knitting Group: Bring your projects along and meet fellow enthusiasts every Tuesday afternoon from 2-4pm.

For further information contact Essex Libraries on 0345 603 7628 or visit: www.libraries.essex.gov.uk/events

Professor Richard Appleton, Consultant and Professor in Paediatric Neurology, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the University of Liverpool Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm Parish Rooms, Stratford St Mary £8 ticket includes wine All proceeds to Stratford St Mary’s Church Fabric Fund Tickets are available on the door or in advance from Hall Farm Shop or Stratford St Mary Post Office (Vale Garage, Upper Street)

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CHARITY RACE NIGHT Saturday 15 February, 6.30pm for 7pm Constable Memorial Hall, Gandish Road Entry is £3 per person with free snacks, a pay bar and a raffle For tickets contact Valerie: 01206 298692

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY SPRING CONCERT

INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE

Stour Choral Society will perform Handel’s Messiah on Saturday 28 March at Mistley Parish Church at 2.30pm.

Sunday 23 February, 10am-noon East Bergholt High School Admission 50p / Free Car Park Refreshments available

Don’t miss this exciting event when the choir will perform under the baton of musical director Susie Hyman. Soloists will be Lindsay Gowers (soprano), Anna Maria Hyman (mezzo soprano), Mitesh Khatri, (tenor) and Peter Grevatt (bass) with the organist Stephen Smith, trumpeters Glyn Sweeting and Jonathan Abbott and timpanist Ben Steinitz.

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

Tickets (£12) will be available from Howells Hardware Store, High Street, Manningtree, from choir members or on: 01206 619084

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA Friday 7 February: Shoplifters (15) – 121 minutes We don’t often see Japanese films. This one is fascinating. An impoverished family living in Tokyo takes in a small girl who is neglected by her parents. As the story unfolds, it questions the idea of family, culminating in a very surprising ending. It won the Palme D’Or at Cannes last year. The Guardian gave it five stars and said: “For all its calm gentleness, the film, which is based on a news story, is devastatingly clear-sighted about modern Japan, its dysfunctions and hypocrisies.” In Japanese with subtitles.

Friday 6 March: Widow’s Walk (15) – 97 minutes This is a very special showing of a beautiful film. The director, Alexandra Boyd, will be with us to introduce her film and to answer questions.

Alexandra has enjoyed a successful career as an actress (including work on Coronation Street and the film Titanic). She grew up in Suffolk and this is her first feature film, which was shot in Bawdsey on the Suffolk Coast. We’re sure our audience and any budding film makers or film students will enjoy the opportunity to find out how a film is planned, cast, directed, financed and brought to the screen.

Widow’s Walk is a ghost story. Eve’s husband has been killed in Afghanistan.

She takes her young son to a remote Suffolk beachhouse to grieve but someone else is in the house grieving her loss from another war.

The film has already won an award for its cinematography and great reviews: “Set against a beautiful and haunting Suffolk landscape the film depicts an emotional and supernatural journey through connected lives, death and war.”

“I am quite honestly overwhelmed with emotion. The film took me on this beautiful, haunting journey and I was completely immersed to the very end. I cannot stop thinking about that ending. It affected me so strongly.”

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

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

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

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

1st CAPEL SCOUT GROUP JUMBLE SALE Saturday 29 February 2-3.30pm in the Scout Hut at Capel St Mary Primary School IP9 2EG Admission 50p, accompanied children free Please leave your jumble outside before 9am for collection

“Widow’s Walk has immortalised the stunning Suffolk coast. It was breathtaking and artistically shot, gripping and completely captivating. I can’t wait to see it again and to visit the nearby film locations starting with Orford Lighthouse.”

We regret that we cannot accept electrical goods or any items larger than a bread bin as we are unable to dispose of them.

All films start at 8pm at Constable Hall on Gandish Road. The doors to the Benneworth Lounge open at 7.30pm and the cinema doors open at 7.45pm. Tickets (£4 for adults / £2 for under 18s) are available from the Fountain House Tea Room and on the door, or can be reserved by contacting Noelleen on 01206 299774. Bar and refreshments available.

Sandra Bumphrey 07557 237501 / sandrabumphrey@talktalk.net

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We will not be delivering leaflets to each house this time so please remember the date.

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

CAPEL LIBRARY

Following on from last month’s talk on Prisoner of War Camps in the Second World War, Carole Wheatley will enlighten us on Internment in Guernsey during the Second World War on February 5. Two weeks later, on February 19, Colin Hopper will present The Story of London Bridge.

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

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

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

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily at providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

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

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

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

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

STOUR VALLEY U3A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. Further information is available online.

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

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.

OPENING TIMES

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

For updates visit: www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk

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

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 / SPORT MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Our Christmas social was enjoyed by a good number of members and their partners. Once again we were entertained by certain club members with a variety of comedy and cultural turns and the annual quiz, with Dave posing some very interesting questions!

Club activity has been a little quiet over the Christmas period so I have included a couple of quotes to inspire all you photographers out there.

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything” – Aaron Siskind “The only photographer you should compare yourself to is the one you used to be” – Unknown On January 30 there is a talk on Creative Expression with Roy Essery. On February 13 we have a Landscape and Seascape print competition and on February 27 a Weather PDI competition.

Meetings are held on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays of the month between September and May at 7.30pm at the St Johns Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join us or may attend initially as a visitor. Please contact our secretary for details: 01206 393751 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

LAWFORD FOOTBALL CLUB Congratulations to the reserves who have successfully progressed to the quarter-finals of the Essex Junior Cup following wins over favourites Witham U23, Eastside and Arsleford Reserves. The quarter-final will be on January 25 at School Lane against Clacton Reserves. Manager Jay Welham has signed in excess of 20 players and continues to build the team. This season nine of the U18s have played for the Reserves, three of whom have progressed through to the first team.

Club officials had the wool pulled over their eyes after being caught unprepared for a recent pitch invasion. Play was interrupted during two games while managers and coaches tried to shepherd the culprits away, last seen disappearing down the footpath towards Wignall Street.

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 11 February at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.

All those interested in poetry are invited to attend, either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets. There is no admission charge.

For more information please email: poetry.plus@gmx.com

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

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

FIXTURES 1 Team Senior Division 1 Feb: Benhall St Mary (H) 8 Feb: Capel Plough (H) 15 Feb: Old Newton Utd (A) 22 Feb: Henley Athletic (H) 29 Feb: Bildeston Rangers (H) st

Reserves: League A 25 Jan: Trimley Red Devils Res (H) 8 Feb: Sporting 87 Res (A) 15 Feb: Haughley Utd Res (H): 29 Feb: Claydon Res (A) A Team: League C 25 Jan: Ransomes Sports Res (A) 1 Feb: Coplestonians A (A) 8 Feb: Stowupland Falcons Res (A) 15 Feb: Wickham Market Res (H) 22 Feb: Henley Athletic Res (A)

A club spokesman warned that this type of behaviour would not be tolerated and that, inevitably, repeat offenders would be baaed!

Fixtures subject to change; to confirm visit: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069

Congratulations to the ladies team and those who support them behind the scenes on achieving FA Charter Status. Club chairman John Duchars said: “This means that all sections of the club have charter status, an achievement that we can be truly proud of.” Manager Si Collinson added: “I am delighted that we have achieved charter status and look forward to the ladies becoming even more integrated with the rest of the club.”

EVENTS The FIFA tournament will be repeated and is open to all-comers so keep an eye out for the next one.

Former Lawford lads Secretary Bob Wheatly has shared images of teams from the 1960s. Bob was secretary from 1956 to 1964 and then vicechairman and chairman. In 1968 he was elected vicechairman of the Colchester and East Essex League before serving as chairman, president and now patron. Bob’s father-in-law Bob Broom was one of the founders of the Lads.

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

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

We are looking for new teams, ladies, boys and girls, of any age group to join us as we look for the club to grow. If you are interested please contact David George: davidgeorge5000@hotmail.com Steve Butcher, secretary: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com Facebook: East Bergholt United Football Club Instagram: east_bergholt_united_fc Twitter: @EBUFC1

The images that Bob has shared, clearly the work of a talented photographer, can be found online at: www.lawfordfc.co.uk

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Shaped padding for day-long support and comfort • Large waterfall seat and contoured back • Adjustable back height • Heavy duty • 2 lever model – back tilt and height adjustment • EN1335 certificated • Gas lift tested up to 150kg

Finish options

Blue (B)

Black (K)

Telephone 01473 212000

To order or for more information please call officesupplies@boswellos.co.uk www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk 01473 212000 www.boswellofficesupplies.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SPORT / SCHOOLS MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB The AGM was held on December 10. Andy Birch retired after nearly 30 years as treasurer. The club is very grateful to him for his dedication. Myles Churchill is taking over the role. The club was pleased to approve life memberships for Bruce Gladwin and Geoff Cullum.

Senior Nets will be moving to a Monday evening and will begin on February 24 at RHS. Junior Nets will begin on Valentine’s Day at Manningtree Sports Centre.

December 2019 100 Club Winners 1: Bruce & Pauline Gladwin (72) £120 2: Callum O’Connell (78) £60 3: Dave Kemsley (65) £50 The club runs three Saturday sides and two Sunday sides at men’s adult level.

The first eleven will play in the Two Counties Division One, the second team in Division 3 and the third team in either Division Eight or Nine, depending on the final structure of the league in 2020. So there is cricket available for all levels of player.

For anyone new to the area, you will always be welcome at New Road, either as a player or spectator. For more information please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS The festive season seems like a lifetime ago now but we wanted to say a big thank you to everyone in the community who came to support our Christmas fayres. It was especially lovely to see so many former pupils. The PTAs and school councils at both schools worked extremely hard on the events and everybody who came along had great fun.

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

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

Finally, do you have finance or HR experience and can spare a little time to help support our wonderful little schools? If so, we would love to hear from you as we are seeking new people to join our governing body. For more information about the role, please get in touch with either school.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

Toddling Tigers Tigers have been working very hard on developing their independence with self-care. Through the use of ‘teachable moments’, they are being encouraged to take off and put on their own clothes. This supports their progression to toilet training, which half our Tigers are also mastering. Another interest at present is the understanding of different concepts, such as hot and cold. The Tigers make their own homemade play dough; in doing so, they learn that water from the kettle is hot; they can tell this from looking at the steam.

They are also very aware that they do not touch hot water, or any other hot objects, and must get help from an adult. They have been very inventive with the play dough by adding a range of different elements such as cinnamon, dried herbs and lemon extract.

Gruffalos We have explored Chinese culture and celebrated Chinese New Year. The children enjoyed having traditional Chinese items within their role play.

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

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

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

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

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CHURCH NEWS DEDHAM AND ARDLEIGH PARISHES

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

SERVICES AND EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2020

Un-denominational/meeting at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford CO1 2JG and the Venture Centre, Bromley Road, Lawford CO1 2JE

Sunday 2 February 8am Holy Communion, Dedham 9.30am Rise ’n’ Shine, Dedham 11am Morning Prayer, Ardleigh 5pm Evensong, Dedham Sunday 9 February 8am Holy Communion, Ardleigh 11am Holy Communion, Dedham Sunday 16 February 8am Holy Communion, Dedham 9.30am Matins, Dedham 11am Eucharist, Ardleigh Methodist Church 3pm Sunday@3, Ardleigh Methodist Church Sunday 23 February 8am Holy Communion, Ardleigh Methodist Church 9.30am Morning Praise, Dedham 5pm Revive@5, Dedham Wednesday 26 February: Ash Wednesday 6pm Holy Communion, Dedham Sunday 1 March 8am Holy Communion, Dedham 9.30am Rise ‘n’ Shine, Dedham 11am Morning Prayer, Ardleigh Methodist Church 5pm Evensong, Dedham Weekly Midweek Services Tuesday Morning Prayer at Dedham at 10.30am Thursday Evening Prayer at Ardleigh at 5pm Alpha Course Every Tuesday at 12.30pm or 7pm, Dedham Men’s Breakfast Saturday 1 February, 9am at The Vicarage Dedham Lunch Club Monday 3 February, 12.30pm at Essex Rose Tea Rooms Sunday Night Skeptics at the Sun Inn Sunday 23 February at 8pm Ardleigh Friendship Group Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month throughout winter, 10am-noon at Ardleigh Methodist Church Lent Quite Day Sunday 7 March, 10am-4pm at Bradfield Church

Pastor Frank King: 01206 272064 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk Over recent days the word ‘new’ has been very much on my mind. Maybe it’s because the recent election has produced a new government intent upon putting legislation in place to the extent that we will all be affected in one way or another.

One thing is certain; we all have the opportunity to seek, find and prove what measures of benefit and sound purpose are to be found that are of good report and proven value. From a Christian standpoint, we equally have the same opportunity to make known the benefits and blessings by way of what God has given to us.

We are certainly living in momentous and challenging times but I am convinced that much of what is going on around us is foretold in the scriptures, that we are living in the end times and that we can expect the imminent second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We take heart and are given peace by way of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Corinth (2 Cor. 5 vv 16 - 18) where we read "If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation". While this age of grace lasts, God can, by way of his gift of salvation, prepare us for whatever comes along. It is imperative that we seek and find that full and free salvation while the days of grace last.

We warmly invite you to join us, Frank For details of services/activities visit: www.linklinecmnortheastessex.co.uk Contact our office for all pastoral matters, Christian literature and details of our supportive transport services.

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus John 3:16 For God so loved the world he gave his only son.

That if we believed in him he gives us life.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

If you need to talk to someone about any needs please contact us and we will do all we can to help.

Sunday Service: 11am-12.30pm The Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE Contact David: 07787 572977 / davidrhule@icloud.com www.keytoloveministries.com

www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk

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A warm welcome guaranteed Bentley Road, Little Bromley, CO11 2PL www.thehaywain.co.uk | 01206 390004

BREAKFAST |LUNCH | DINNER | FUNCTION ROOM HIRE Enjoy a meal in front of our fire in the pub, in our private dining room or our large function room Events

Breakfast & Brunch Saturdays and Sundays 9.30am - 12.00pm

8th February - Pudding Night 14th February - Valentine’s Day

Winter Warmer Wednesday

21st February - Pub Quiz

A specially selected main and Dessert - £14.50

Book Now for Mother’s Day!

Open Wed - Fri - 12.00pm - 3.00pm - 6.00pm - 11.00pm Saturday - 9.30am - 11.00pm | Sunday - 9.30am - 6.00pm

10% off lunch menu - Wednesday - Saturday Just show this promotion when you arrive

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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DIDO & AENEAS CHOIRS’ CONCERT

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

SATURDAY 7 MARCH

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

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

THE ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX 16

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CHURCH NEWS

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB

Parish Priest: Fr Paul Vincent OCD Assistant Priest: Fr Bineesh Elenjikkal OCD 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2020 Sunday 2 9am

The Presentation of The Lord Mass

Tuesday 4 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 9 9am

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 11 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 16 9am

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 18 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 23 9am

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass

Tuesday 25 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

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

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

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

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

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

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday 26 January at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £166 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday 23 February. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www. stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am to noon. We are raising funds for our centenary celebration on 15 August 2020. All are very welcome to join us; the next event is on Thursday 27 February.

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

Mind Body Moment

Each weekly 90-min workshop style class teaches wellbeing methods including combinations of: • Breathing & Centring • Yogalates™, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga & Somatics • Relaxation & Meditation Max of 8 class members per class Pre-booking & payment is required Mon(pm) & Tues (am) in Raydon (IP7)

for more information

www.mindbodymoment.co.uk 07506 350 455 - janet@mindbodymoment.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Rev Ian Gardner, Minister at Brantham Methodist 34 Medway Road, Ipswich IP3 0QH ian.gardner@methodist.org.uk / 01473 411507 Sunday 2 Sunday 9 Sunday 16 Sunday 23

11am 11am 11am 11am

Communion with Rev Ian Gardner Worship with Mr Harry Chicken Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Worship with Mr Mike Castle

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

6.30pm Sunday 9 10.30am Sunday 16 10.30am

7pm Saturday 22 3.30pm Sunday 23 10.30am

6.30pm

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

BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk SERVICES IN FEBRUARY Sunday 2: Candlemas 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion with Procession, Brantham 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Wednesday 5 9.30am BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt Sunday 9: Third before Lent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Family Service, Brantham Sunday 16: Second before Lent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Informal Service, Brantham 3pm Baptism of Jude Mayne, Brantham Sunday 23: Sunday next before Lent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Choral Matins (Healing) , East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham Wednesday 26: Ash Wednesday 9.30am Imposition of Ashes and Communion, East Bergholt 7.30pm Imposition of Ashes and Communion, Brantham Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday in East Bergholt at 8am and Choral Matins on the fourth Sunday.

Come to Choral Matins, one of the glories of the Anglican Church, and be ministered to in word and song by our choir.

Sunday 23 February, 10am at St Mary’s, East Bergholt

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RAMBLING RECTOR As I write we are planning for the enormous task of raising more than £750,000 to reroof our beautiful East Bergholt Church. No vanity project this, it’s an essential effort to preserve it in all its beauty for future generations and for those of us for whom it is special now. The regular congregation is a small group of people but this will have to be a community effort as the church belongs to the whole community.

Listening to the news of the apocalyptic fires in Australia, floods in Jakarta and famine in Sahel Africa, I realise our church building is a small item in a big world. It would be easy to lose heart but on the Camino I learnt that a pilgrimage is one step at a time. Looking too far ahead can be demoralising.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time the sage replies.

Climate change affects us all. We can no longer ignore it or accuse others of trying to politicise the issue for their own ends. Governments need to act, but we can play our part. Maybe we can start by taking seriously the need to cut our use of plastic. My niece uses a charcoal product as toothpaste and declined to buy an electric toothbrush because it is plastic. A local farm shop no longer has plastic bags for vegetables; we were offered a brown paper bag. Those cotton buds with plastic in between, do you still use them? And what about all those toilet rolls wrapped up in a big plastic bag on the shelf for ease of carrying? It is embarrassing chasing a toilet roll down the stairs.

There are alternatives! Greta Thunberg has shot into the news and antagonised Donald Trump, which to be fair is quite easy to do, amongst others. Uncomfortable truths spoken by a child can be irritating when you think you are the fount of all knowledge.

The rectory is on a beautiful bridleway leading down to the estuary. Even I have noticed an increase in the number of beer cans, plastic wrappers, fast food detritus and general junk littering it. Shame on us all.

As Christians we are called to look after the earth entrusted to us, not just the buildings. It is a big ask.

The Rev Steph

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