In Touch News with East Bergholt – May 2017

So Much More Than a Dance Class Any Age & Ability Very Welcome No Partners Required

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Constable Memorial Hall

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classes also in: - Brantham - Capel St Mary - Hadleigh - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary

janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

Aerial photo by Patrick Squire

Volume 4 • Issue No. 8 • MAY 2017

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m having guitar lessons at the moment. In fact it’s a family guitar lesson, though Jack seems to chit-chat most of the time which is more than a little annoying. I’m not naturally ‘musical’ and have no immediate plans to join a band, but decided to do this to give my brain a bit of a work-out. It’s proving to be a challenge. I spend so long trying to recall each chord I doubt if I’ll ever produce anything which resembles music, but it has been interesting to explore my mental back catalogue to find pieces I want to play (eventually).

Different types of music and different artists have accompanied me through various stages in my life. Johnny Cash was my first love, then Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, U2, The Stunning, The Pale, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Snow Patrol, Regina Spektor, Nick Cave, Ed Sheeran… and always Johnny Cash.

One song I go back to again and again is U2’s Stuck in a Moment. The following words have helped me through some difficult times: “And if the night runs over, And if the day won’t last, And if your way should falter, Along this stony pass, It’s just a moment, This time will pass” Another which reduces me to tears every time I play it, and I play it a lot, is Johnny Cash’s version of Hurt. His video is regarded as one of the saddest ever produced, but on their own the opening lyrics are, in my opinion, the most powerful description of loneliness I’ve ever encountered: “I hurt myself today, To see if I still feel, I focus on the pain, The only thing that’s real” Right now these lyrics make me sad for those who are alone with little or no prospect of human contact. The days may be longer and most of us are getting out and about, but not everyone. Spare a thought for those who are isolated through illness or age and consider what you might do to provide a distraction. In Save Myself, Ed Sheeran sings “...human beings are destined to radiate or drain…” Let’s try to radiate more than drain – and I promise to never, ever, ever play guitar in public.

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

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• NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B arham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •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

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WITH REV CANON STEPHNE VAN DER TOORN On 31 March 2007, The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn arrived from her previous parish in Hampshire to become the Rector of East Bergholt and Brantham.

Ten years later the congregations from both churches marked the special anniversary at a Benefice Service in St Mary’s on 2 April 2017.

A special cake was made to mark the occasion and the usual teas and coffees provided at the end of the service were extended to include a few bubbles and nibbles in celebration.

Rev Steph and her husband Joop were overwhelmed at the surprise announcement at the start of the service. Wardens from both churches thanked Steph for her amazing and dedicated ministry over the past 10 years and also acknowledged the support that Joop and her family have given her in her work in the benefice over the years.

No thanks would be complete without mentioning Coco, Steph’s very special guide dog, who accompanies her everywhere in her duties as rector around both churches, visiting parishioners and at the cathedral.

The Mothers’ Union also presented Steph with a card and a plant to mark the anniversary.

The aerial photo on the cover of this magazine was taken by Patrick Squire, the photographer in your area who can take any aerial or ground photos as requested. Your house and gardens will be looking especially nice at this time of year so have an aerial photo now. He will take a selection of 10 to 15 views at very reasonable cost. Please phone: 07732 425238

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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JUNE DEADLINE 20 MAY 2017

is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS NATURE DAY AT NATIONAL TRUST FLATFORD Get out and about this May half term at National Trust Flatford. Enjoy a relaxed stroll as you take in the stunning views or get the kids exploring with our activity bags, geocache trail or Flatford Nature Day on May 30.

The National Trust, RSPB and Fields Studies Council are all working together to put on a day of natural exploration: take part in pond dipping or bug hunts to see what mini monsters you can find. There will also be nature trails and a variety of natural craft activities to try, all for just £3 per person.

In June we look forward to celebrating Constable’s birthday. Born on 11 June 1776 in East Bergholt, John Constable spent his formative years in and around Flatford and was to return throughout his working life.

His home landscape was to provide him a lifetime of inspiration for some of his most iconic paintings.

To help us mark the day with something a little special, we are welcoming the West Bergholt Concert Band to Flatford to entertain us for the afternoon. Bring a picnic or buy some treats on site and enjoy an afternoon (2.30-4.40pm) of great live music from pop and swing to big band and film classics, there should be something for everyone!

No tickets required, standard Flatford car parking price applies (free to National Trust members).

EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL Following the judge’s decision at the Judicial Review, Babergh are considering the position of their Local Plan policies CS11 and CS2. Until resolved there will be no progress on the reconsideration of the Moores Lane development application.

Matters at the March Parish Council Meeting • One resident attended to comment on the flooding opposite The Chemist in The Street – Roads, Footpaths & Flatford Committee to pursue • District Councillor Hinton reported that Babergh’s new chief executive, Arthur Charvonia, was now in situ • Six planning applications were considered with three approvals and three refusals • East Bergholt Speedwatch equipment/training arriving early April – contact petermcgain@gmail.com to volunteer • EBNP Projects Committee presented their priority list of projects to PC for consideration • Parish councillors to meet with Babergh’s new chief executive on March 29 An Extraordinary Parish Council meeting was held on March 28 to consider what if any action is to be taken following Babergh’s approval to change of use for The Kings Head.

For up-to-date village information, road closures, events visit: www.eastbergholt.org.uk Parish Clerk Valerie Ayton

REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD – MAY 2017 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON Another ‘eventful’ month at Babergh, but for all the wrong reasons!

The fact that they are taking themselves to JR has been confirmed by the courts as a valid application and it will now be heard by a judge. Not a great use of council taxpayer’s money.

On the planning front, everything is up in the air. First it was the JR (Judicial Review) that East Bergholt won creating doubt over how various policies were used. Now it appears that Babergh is ‘shrinking’ at an alarming rate! Well that would be the layman’s interpretation of the fact that suddenly Babergh does not have a five-year land supply for housing. This is a government requirement and is a measure of sites that may realistically come forward for development. Suddenly last year’s figure of 5.7 years’ supply has vanished and is down to about three to four years. Blame is being levelled at the East Bergholt JR (strange when all that decision meant was that policies had to be obeyed rather than ignored), and the fact that we have over 1,600 applications approved but not built!

Trying to find out what has happened to all the other bits of land that are still physically there is proving rather hard, so you can see that keeping an eye on Babergh can be frustrating. Lack of this magical figure means that the National Planning Policy framework, a wonderful piece of government paper that effectively licences development, comes into play.

With over 200 paragraphs of ‘policy’ there is plenty of opportunity to find reasons why an application should be approved regardless of local opinion. It even supplants a neighbourhood plan unless there is a specific site allocation policy with it, so the Localism

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Act that gives power back to the people is just misdirection by politicians.

As you can see from other press sources there are ways to fight back and this local member will certainly not be rolling over and playing dead Finances are another sore subject. Council tax has risen but noone can tell me where the savings are being made. Staff costs are the same, legal costs are rising and nearly £500,000 is being allocated to ‘plan’ how we will dispose of the old council offices but there is no mention of it in the budget. My questions about security costs and maintenance have not been answered, but with £10,000 allocated each year to secure East House, hopefully being sold soon, maybe the old system in Babergh of making savings so that they can be spent elsewhere is in play here and the revenue from East House’s sale has already been spent rather than made available to the public as a reduction in their costs.

I am still chasing Highways England about the pot holes at the Four Sisters. Apparently, they told Transport Focus (the ombudsman for transport) that they were filled in last year. Not sure which junction they mean, but it will not be the first time they have confused Junction 31 with one in Essex.

Sorry about the constant grumbles, you can have a break from me for June while I recharge my batteries and give everyone a chance to get their act together.

Enjoy the improving weather, at least we cannot mess that up!

If anyone has any questions, please contact me: john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309

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NEWS SURGERY TRANSPORT If for any reason you are unable to get to the doctors for your appointment and need transport, remember to tell the receptionists and they will contact the scheme to ensure that you are picked up. We welcome any new volunteers especially in the outlying villages.

Contact Chris Yule: 01473 310992

REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: APRIL 2017

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Now the clocks have sprung forward for spring, the weather is getting better, days are getting longer and people are spending more time enjoying the outdoors, we would ask that you remain vigilant to crime. Before you go out and leave your house or car, check those windows that you opened to allow the fresh air through the house, check that door that you left ajar and check those garden tools or toys that you left out. Have you made it easy for that chance criminal and left any insecure items as an open invitation for a chance burglar.

New Website and Telephone Number Visitors can access the new Babergh website at: www.babergh.gov.uk

The reason we ask you to STOP, CHECK, LOCK, is that over recent weeks some of our smaller villages have been targets for thefts from sheds and other out buildings.

The new site is mobile friendly so you can use it whether you are on a PC, tablet or smartphone. Over the coming months the features and functions of the site will continue to be developed introducing more services for which residents can pay online. Feedback on the site is welcomed, and can be completed on the site itself.

With this in mind, Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding Community Engagements in various villages throughout Babergh with the aim in offering crime prevention advice and reassurance.

We will be advertising these events on Twitter and Facebook and in parish magazines so look out for one near to you.

The new 0300 123 4000 telephone number for both councils went live on Wednesday, March 29. On dialling this number customers will be led through options designed to put them directly through to the most appropriate team.

Last month we were in Shotley for several hours with our mobile police station at the village vall. Colleagues patrolled the village on foot and incorporated speed enforcement during the day. We spoke to local residents, listening and responding to their concerns and issues.

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN

New Repairs Service A new repairs service has been launched for council tenants across Babergh. The new service provides the housing maintenance service to all the council housing stock, dealing with day to day repairs, emergency services, empty property repairs and planned maintenance works for kitchens and bathrooms. Tenants can report a repair on the website, by phone using the new single point of contact telephone number – 0300 123 4000 – or by email: housingrepairs@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk In the past repairs were carried out by an in-house team at Mid-Suffolk and by an external contractor at Babergh. This new service within the councils is made up of the former Mid Suffolk Direct Labour Organisation and staff from Babergh District Council’s former external contractor Morrison Facilities Services. The service is managed by Justin WrightNewton, corporate manager for BMBS, along with a contract support manager, four team leaders, an admin team, more than 40 repairs staff and four apprentices.

East Anglia ONE ScottishPower Renewables, who are working on the East Anglia ONE (EA ONE) offshore windfarm, intend to commence construction works at the onshore substation at Bramford on May 1. These works will include vegetation clearance, the installation of temporary cabins, a temporary stone access road, permanent drainage, fencing and construction of a level platform for the substation and as such is deemed as ‘commencement’ under the Development Consent Order.

Recycling Centres A reminder that summer opening hours began at Suffolk Recycling Centres on Saturday, April 1. From April 1 to September 30 all sites are open from 9am-5pm every day, apart from Wednesdays when all sites are closed. They stay open late on Thursdays from May 1 to August 31 when all sites open until 7pm. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk In view of the rules governing the period immediately preceding an election, the publication of the usual Babergh monthly report from one of the Mid Samford District Councillors will be deferred to next month.

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While I have this opportunity, I would like to give you all updates on recent crimes that have occurred in our area and the work that has been carried out: • Operation Fireside: Burglaries around East Ipswich and Shotley.

A detective inspector has been appointed to oversee this, two people arrested, one warrant executed for stolen goods and enquiries ongoing.

• Burglaries in Bentley: One person given a 10 year prison sentence.

• Holbrook Burglaries: One person on Court Bail until March 30.

• Series of ram raids on February 8, including Hadleigh and Capel.

One person has been arrested and is on bail, two others are being sought.

• Anti-social behaviour in Hadleigh: Four young people have been dealt with and referred to the Youth Offending Service.

• Pinewood Burglaries: One person on bail waiting for a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service.

As you can see, Suffolk Police in our area have been very busy dealing with incidents with positive outcomes.

I would encourage all readers to: Follow us on TWITTER @HadleighPolice Join up to POLICE CONNECT at: www.suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect Obtain statistics from: www.police.uk As always, Hadleigh SNT is at Hadleigh Police Station and can be contacted at: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: 999 Non-Emergency: 101 Until next time, PC1220 Garrod, Hadleigh SNT, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD

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NEWS NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub Spring has well and truly sprung and our customers are already enjoying the sunshine in our garden which, thanks to our volunteers, is looking lovely. We’ve made good use of it with the Easter Egg Hunt and are about to do so again with our Best of British Beer from Thursday, April 27 to May Bank Holiday Monday. Martin, our tireless cellarman, has selected a range of the best beers from around the country – come and sample them, with the bonus of a barbecue and live music on Monday, May 1.

Our gastronomic tour of the world continues with a Taste of Italy on May 20. Previous ‘Tastes of…’ have been a big successes so book early for this one.

Fathers’ Day is on Sunday, June 18 and we’ll be serving the usual Sunday lunch with a free pint for dads.

If you’ve eaten at The Case lately you’ll have noticed our menus have changed and new specials are appearing all the time. Come and try them! There’s also a children’s menu, so no excuse for not bringing the family. The Case is for everyone! If you prefer to eat at home, don’t forget you can pick up a takeaway. Come and have a pint while you wait for your fish and chips to be ready, or ring to order beforehand. Ask about a choice of meals on offer.

Our pub quizzes continue on the last Saturday of each month, and you can combine them with a curry (book in advance) or just turn up for the quiz. Food served till 8pm, quiz starts at 9pm. Winners get drinks tokens.

Did you know The Case also has a thriving book club? The next meeting is on April 26 at 7.30pm when the group will be discussing M.R James’ Collected Ghost Stories. All welcome.

One ghost we wouldn’t mind meeting is the gallant Mr Cooper, landlord of The Case in 1879. If not for him, a Mr Munnings, carrier of Bentley, would have met a nasty end. From the Ipswich Journal, 7 Jan 1879: ’Mr Munnings had been to a funeral as one of the bearers, and on his return home went to the well to draw a pail of water. Somehow he lost his balance and fell headfirst down the well, which is 30 feet deep. Mr Cooper, from The Case is Altered, came up at the time and rescued Mr Munnings from his cold and perilous position. On reaching terra firma he was found to have sustained no serious injury, and walked to Ipswich the next day.’ Insulated by beer consumed at the funeral, perhaps!

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK President Trump’s decision to launch Tomahawk missile strikes against Syria has opened yet another high stakes chapter in the whirlwind that is international affairs today. Parliament rose for Easter following the UK’s formal notification to the EU of our intention to leave. It looks like we will be returning to debate the prospect of military conflict – not just in the Middle East, but also in dangerous, dubious North Korea.

It has been well remarked that Mr Trump’s move to back armed action by the US against President Assad represents a significant volte face on his part. Who knows, perhaps this unpredictability is an asset as despots like Assad and North Korea’s Kim are unable to second guess him, and perhaps feel more wary of aggression?

Of course, if we are to assume that US sources are right in stating that Assad was responsible for launching chemical weapons on his own people, there is an argument for a limited and proportionate response.

We certainly now need maximum international pressure applied to the Russians to cajole them in to breaking with Assad; equally, we need the Chinese to lean on North Korea so that they don’t proceed with further missile tests. Wishful thinking, perhaps.

Whatever we do, in my view we must proceed with maximal caution.

My fear is that we risk repeating the now tried and tested pattern of a bellicose linguistic ratchet that creates its own self-fulfilling momentum for conflict. With an unpredictable world, and an unpredictable president, we need to support our allies without adding to the growing sense of a militaristic adrenaline rush.

I have only voted once in parliament on sending UK forces to war, and that was very strictly to extend existing UK air strikes against ISIL terrorists in Iraq over the border into Syria – with no evidence of civilian casualties to date. I certainly did not vote for ‘regime change’, a phrase now re-emerging in Washington in relation to Assad. The policy of ‘regime change’ has failed in Iraq, and this is why I repeat the need for caution rather than a rush of blood.

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

Please see page 24 for my contact details.

BUMPER BOOK SALE Saturday, June 24 at Manningtree Methodist Church, South Street CO11 1BQ from 10am-4pm.

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for your nearest funeral director visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE – APRIL 2017 GP+ Service Suffolk GP Federation provides out-of-hours services on behalf of the majority of practices in Suffolk. It operates from a number of sites, the nearest to the practice being Stowmarket (Stow Health), Ipswich (Riverside) and Felixstowe (Felixstowe General Hospital). Typically, services are offered from 6.30 to 9pm during the week and through the day on Saturday and Sunday. Fifteen minute GP and nurse practitioner appointments are available but can only be booked by the practice or other healthcare organisations.

At the time of booking, patients will need to provide their consent to share their medical notes with the clinician they see. This service is proving to be very popular as it relieves pressure on the practice on busy days and also provides patients with alternative options for addressing a medical problem. You may be offered an appointment with GP+ or you can ask the receptionist for current availability.

Repeat Prescriptions Please note that it may take the practice up to 72 hours to process a repeat prescription. When issued they can be sent immediately to the patient’s nominated pharmacy but it may take up to 72 hours for the pharmacy to have your medication ready for collection, depending on workload and the availability of the items required. In the majority of cases your prescription will be processed and ready for collection much sooner, but please allow ample time by ensuring the practice receives repeat prescription slips a week in advance of when the items are required.

Annual General Meeting Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, June 1 at Capel Methodist Church in The Street. There will be light refreshments from 7pm and the meeting will start at 7.30pm. We’ll be reporting back about our activity in the last year and there will be an opportunity for you to talk to us on an individual basis about your experience with the practice.

We have invited a number of organisations to the event including : • ActivLives, which runs exercise classes for the over 50s • 4YP which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of 12-25 year olds in Suffolk • OneLife which provides stop smoking services, adult and child weight management and NHS health checks • Sue Ryder to talk about their new dementia service • Capel Parish Nursing Scheme • Everyone is invited and we look forward to seeing you.

Men’s Health Talk We enjoyed a fascinating evening listening to Professor Chris Booth, a retired consultant urologist. He said men were particularly bad at seeking medical help when there was a problem. Poor diet, excess weight, smoking, alcohol and poverty all contributed to lower life expectancy for men. He talked in particular about the need for a national screening programme for prostate cancer. Early diagnosis has made a huge difference to survival rates in other European countries where they have routine screening. He also said that ‘plumbing problems’ can be a sign of cardiovascular disease. You can ask for a PSA test if you are between the age of 50 and 75.

Professor Booth’s charity is called CHAPS. It aims to raise awareness of health services directly targeted at men’s needs to enable them to take care of their own health and wellbeing. You’ll find more information at: www.chaps.uk.com

Nurse Practitioners I’m delighted to announce that we have an additional nurse practitioner joining the practice. June will be joining us at the end of April. She is an experienced nurse practitioner who also specialises in the treatment of diabetes. Our two nurse practitioners, June and Sarah, are able to address a wide range of medical conditions. On contacting the practice our reception team can advise patients whether it is appropriate for them to be seen a nurse practitioners or if they need to see a GP.

Collection for Sat Shergill (former pharmacist at Capel St Mary) Thank you for your generous contributions to this collection and to Drayton Insurance (formerly Mallwood) for hosting the collection box.

The total in loose cash came to £305. We didn’t open any of the cards so there may well be extra money in those. Sat was delighted and very touched and will be writing to say thank you. He is now working with a practice in Wembley and this has cut his commuting time down considerably, allowing him to spend more time with his wife and young daughter.

Wheelchair The practice has wheelchairs available at both Capel and East Bergholt to assist patients with mobility problems getting in and out of the practice. Unfortunately, one of the chairs at East Bergholt has broken and is not repairable. If you have a wheelchair you no longer need, and it is not on loan from the NHS, the practice could make very good use of it.

01473 311834 / constablecountryppg@gmail.com

Training Days A reminder that in 2017 the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, May 18 and Wednesday, June 7. On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP

Chair Kathy Pollard

FASHION SHOW BY EDINBURGH WOOLLEN MILL Manningtree Methodist Church Wednesday, May 3 at 7pm Clothes for ladies and gentlemen, accessories and gifts for discounted prices Free money off voucher for the Ipswich branch of EWM Light refreshments and raffle All welcome – bring friends

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OUT & ABOUT ARDLEIGH SURGERY Patient Choice – What Choices?

It has been a successive government aim to offer people choice, not only with commodities such as gas and electricity supplies, but also within the NHS. So what actually does patient choice mean in practical terms?

Everyone has the right to be registered at a GP practice of their choice.

However in reality this ‘choice’ is limited to whether you are living within the catchment area of the practice. For the residents of Manningtree, for example, this means the choice at registering with Ardleigh, Riverside or Lawford surgeries. There was an optional scheme introduced several years ago, permitting practices to take on patients who did not live in their area, but who wished to register. This was aimed at those who say lived in Ardleigh, but worked in Chelmsford and wanted to register with a GP in Chelmsford. However this proved to be unpopular with practices and less than 5% of practices nationally joined this scheme, mainly due to a lack of clarity about home visiting.

Patients also have the right to express a preference to see a certain doctor within the practice and the practice must try to facilitate this where possible.

The right to medication Every patient has the right to drugs that the doctor feels are clinically appropriate and the right to get their prescription filled by the pharmacy of their choice. This sounds quite straightforward, but of course it isn’t!

Ardleigh Surgery dispenses medications to those patients who live more than 1.6km (or one mile) as the crow flies from a pharmacy. In reality this means we dispense for patients who live in Ardleigh, Langham, Stratford St Mary, Bromley etc, but not to most people in Dedham or Manningtree because of the pharmacies. Patients who we can dispense for have the right to take their prescription to a different pharmacy, but non-dispensing patients do not have the right for us to dispense their medications. That seems a little unfair to us.

The right to choose your hospital Patients have the right to receive care appropriate to their needs and this will sometimes mean a referral to hospital. Patients have the right to choose which hospital they attend, however this right is restricted by the contracts that the Clinical Commissioning Group has in place.

For example all orthopaedic referrals have to be sent to a triaging service first and cannot be booked outside this and all suspected cancer referrals have to go to either Ipswich or Colchester on specific pathways.

Wherever possible the practice will try and comply with patients’ wishes and if you are told you need a referral, please talk to your clinician about your choice of hospital.

THE EAST BERGHOLT SOCIETY – A CARD FOR CONSTABLE John Constable, England’s greatest landscape artist, was born in our village on June 11, 1776. It’s a fair bet that you have sent or received a card bearing an image from one of his paintings. In recognition of this, in celebration of his contribution to art and in appreciation of the wonderful ‘Constable Country’ we still enjoy, the East Bergholt Society is inviting everyone to pick up one of our cards and make it a card for John Constable.

We will have supplies of plain cards in St Mary’s Church and the Fountain House Tea Rooms, both in The Street, East Bergholt, and Flatford Mill Field Studies Centre, Flatford. We ask that you take a card, paint or draw on it, make a collage, stick on a favourite photo or embellish it any way you choose, and return it in one of the boxes provided in the same locations. Just have a go: who knows, we may even find the next John Constable.

On Sunday, June 11 we will display all the cards between 11am and 5pm at the Lambe School, Gaston Street (with tea and birthday cake at tea time). The cards will all be offered for sale and the profits will go to St Mary’s Church, the Lambe School and the Constable Hall.

We are asking well known professional artists to contribute too but all the cards will be on sale at the same price. So you might get lucky and buy something by a famous artist at a truly knock down price of a few pounds.

For further information, or if you would like a supply of cards, perhaps for an art group, please contact Patricia Wright, Hon Secretary of the East Bergholt Society: 01206 298258 / secretary@eastbergholt.org If you are inspired by this landscape we urge you to paint it now: Our Country – Constable’s Country – Celebrate it!

The East Bergholt Society, formed in 1972, is a local amenity society and registered charity.

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA Friday, May 5: Arrival (12A)

Why is choice so complicated?

Stephanie Durrant

EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CAR BOOT SALE East Bergholt High School Sunday, May 21, 9.30am-noon Admission 50p Refreshments available, free car park PITCHES In advance: cars £5, with trailers £7, domestic vans £10 On the day £1 extra No traders Gates open 8.30am for sellers ( 01206 298122

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads an elite team of investigators when gigantic spaceships touch down in twelve locations around the world. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must race against time to find a way to communicate with the extra-terrestrial visitors.

Friday, June 2: Lion (12A)

Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman star in the story of five-year-old Saroo, who gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twentyfive years later, armed with a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home. Based on a true story.

A BAFTA winning and Oscar nominated film, The Times of India says of it: “Sad yet uplifting, frightening yet inspirational, Lion breaks your heart into a thousand pieces and puts them back together in the end.” Consider bringing a box of tissues!

Films start at 8pm, doors open at 7.30pm. Bar and refreshments available.

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY

DEDHAM FILMS

May sees the real start of lighter evenings and it makes you want to do different things. We have been inspired by the latest series of Masterchef and the sultry melt in the mouth dishes that the chefs have created.

Don’t have any inspiration? Check out some of the cookery books on offer, either on the shelf or on catalogue and give it a go. I’m sure that there is a Masterchef in you waiting to come out – be inspired!

Wednesday, May 17, 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)

NEW CLUB Capel Creators, a brick building club for all the family, comes to Capel Library on April 29, 10.30am-12.30pm. Budding builders of all ages are invited to come along and create a brick-based structure based on the theme for the month. For 50p per person you also get a cold drink and a biscuit. A prize will be given to the most imaginative creation. We have the bricks, you have the skills – let’s see what you can make. If you make whatever comes into your head, that’s great, free-play is also welcome.

Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Capel Creators will meet once a month. Look out for posters advertising the next date.

REGULAR CLUBS Baby Bounce will meet every Tuesday at 2pm, but not May 30 due to school half term. Come along to shake instruments and sing nursery rhymes. Open to all children aged 0-5 and their parents, grandparents and carers.

The library book group meets on Friday, May 19 at 2.30pm. Do come along and share the latest book. If you haven’t been before, the group is very friendly. You may wish to choose a book for the group to share; we are always looking for new titles to discuss.

Minecraft Club meets on Sundays, May 7 and 21, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.

La La Land, Dir Damien Chazelle (2016) The much publicised Oscar winning Hollywood musical Tickets £4 from Shakespeare House Gallery Dedham High Street or online at: www.dedhfilms.co.uk

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, May 13, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier.

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

We kindly ask all borrowers to bring in their library card when they visit to enable us to issue books and to search online for new titles for reservation. Don’t forget that we sell stamps and book tokens of any denomination and accept good quality second hand books for sale.

ADVANCE NOTICE We shall once again be offering the children’s Summer Reading Scheme throughout the summer holidays. If you would like to volunteer, please speak with us and fill out the necessary forms. We very much appreciate all the help that our volunteers give us through this busy time of the year.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY The Community Cinema is going from strength to strength with pretty much full houses for our last films. In May we are showing Deepwater Horizon, based on the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and caused its director Peter Berg quite a few problems when BP would not collaborate with him. This all action film gained good reviews on its release. Book early to get a seat. It’s always on the third Tuesday of the month, doors open at 7pm.

One spin off from the Community Cinema has been an increase in the numbers joining both the friends and the 100 club. The prizes have been increased to £20, £10 and £7, and there will be bonus months when we offer more £20 prizes.

Together with volunteers, Jackie and her staff continue to offer new experiences for children. The Minecraft Club has been successfully relaunched and now there will also be a Lego club. If you have any Lego getting under your feet that you would like to donate, please let Jackie know. The Lego club meets for the first time on April 29 between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

If you want to know what the friends are up to, we now have a Facebook page; just look for Friends of Capel Library. Thanks to Trevor for setting this up, we’ve had lots of hits already.

Watch out for us too at the fun day early in June. We will have lots of books for you to browse in our distinctive gazebo.

The lucky winners this month are Steve Lodge £20, Ann Powell £10 and Lynda Ward £7.

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BRANTHAM 2017 ANNUAL GARAGE SALE Saturday, September 16, 9am-4.30pm Open garages selling items throughout the village. Look for the balloons and signs throughout Brantham on the A137.

Table Top Sale at Brantham Village Hall Refreshments, handcrafts and preserves, tombola, ice cream and much more.

We need a £5 minimum donation to book your garage or village hall table. For more details please contact Maya, Louise or Maggie.

If you like to help in any way either on or before the day, or wish to donate items for sale or for the tombola, please call Maya or Maggie.

Proceeds will go to St Elizabeth Hospice (Carla Dawson’s Tribute Fund) and Nepal Children’s Trust which supports children in Nepal.

Maya: mayawatling@hotmail.com / 07508 430671 Louise: Louloumadley@btinternet.com / 07792 236414 Maggie: maggie1woods@googlemail.com / 07867 54684 Facebook: Brantham Garage Sale

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM 5 MILE & JUNIOR FUN RUN 10th ANNIVERSARY 2007-2017

STRATFORD ST MARY OPEN GARDENS / OPEN VILLAGE

Friday, July 21 – Brantham Leisure Centre Junior (14 years or under) race starts at 7pm Senior (15 years or over) race starts at 7.30pm

CHANGE OF DATE Saturday, June 24

Available facilities include changing rooms, showers and toilets, refreshments, first aid and free car parking. For the safety of competitors, cars for junior runners will only be allowed to exit the car park between 7.30 and 7.45pm or then only after the last senior runner has finished.

ALL WELCOME Beautiful gardens to inspire you Art Exhibition Boat Rides Pop-up stalls Arts and Crafts exhibitions/demonstrations Village History Music Refreshments …and much more

ONLINE REGISTRATION Visit www.runbritain.com/races and search for ‘Brantham’.

Any queries should be directed to Janet Webb (01206 398027) or Phil Wainwright (07721 591748).

NEW ART CLASS IN CAPEL ST MARY

Put the date in your diaries.

We look forward to welcoming you to our village.

If you are feeling inspired after watching the recent BBC Painting Challenge, you might be interested to know about the new Inspirational Art Class in Capel St Mary that is due to start on May 10, 2-4 pm in the Methodist Hall.

Sylvia Philpot is an intuitive art teacher who believes that everyone has creative ability, but that it is a case of inspiring students to take risks with colour, texture and composition to discover innovative ways of creating artistic outcomes.

Sylvia is currently studying for a BA(Hons) in Fine Art and is keen to share her knowledge with beginners as well as experienced artists who may be looking for help in discovering their hidden talents. She works on a 1:1 basis to help students explore new mediums and methods as well as nurturing individual skills.

For further information contact Julie: Julie@jj-associates.co.uk / 07989 639583

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with Claudia Myatt, writer, painter and illustrator.

Claudia Myatt lives afloat an elderly tugboat near Woodbridge. Her portfolio consists of a monthly cartoon in Practical Boat Owner alongside numerous sailing-themed illustrated books.

By sharing her knowledge of traditional and contemporary artists, where relevant, students may be encouraged to think about different styles and techniques in relation to their own work.

“People often think art is some mysterious high flown concept but it really isn’t, it is a way of expressing our ideas and feelings about the world around us, so the options are unlimited. In the words of Marcel Duchamp ‘everyone can be an artist’ and that is exactly what I think,” says Sylvia. “ I am keen for my students to feel a sense of progress in their work and indeed pleasure in their success. We can’t all be Leonardo da Vinci, but we can have great fun trying!”

If you would like to know more about the course ring Sylvia on 01473 310737 or email: sylviaphilpot@hotmail.co.uk

Claudia will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA) on Thursday, May 11 as part of the Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events. Doors open at 7pm. Event starts at 7.30pm. General admission is £8 with students free. To reserve tickets email: tickets@sbl.org.uk www.sbl.org.uk

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

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54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

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Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

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Tel: 01449 613 130

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Tel: 01359 241 761

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT MAYFLOWER CROSS COUNTRY RUN AND WALK Greater Anglia Offering Free Train Travel to Participants Manningtree Rotary is delighted to confirm that once again Greater Anglia will offer participants in the Mayflower Cross Country Run and Walk free travel between Manningtree and Harwich on the day. This will be on production of their Eventbrite booking form.

Rotary is also able to announce that this year the finish will be at the Welcome Home Field, New Road, Mistley. This will give more space for finishers to have a proper welcome with the opportunity to stop for a picnic before setting off for home. A bus will be on hand to drop people off in the town or at the station.

The event is taking place on May 28 and check in is at the Harwich Low Lighthouse from 9.30am. Runners will start at 10.30am and walkers 10 minutes later. Entry costs £10 in advance and £12 on the day. Children under 12 go free, but must be registered. To join in the fun, register online now at: www.mayflower17.eventbrite.co.uk The entry fee covers the administrative costs of the event and contributes to the club’s own charity fund. It’s also a great opportunity for participants to get sponsorship for their own favourite charity.

The route follows the beautiful Essex Way from Harwich to Manningtree through 13 miles of lovely Essex countryside. For those wanting a shorter route there is an alternative finish at Wrabness. Rotarians will be on hand as usual to marshal the route and man the water stations.

Rotary President Colin Daines said: “We have been really pleased with the support we have had from local businesses for this event and delighted that Greater Anglia is again offering free rail travel.”

East Bergholt Horticultural Society

PLANT SALE SATURDAY 20 MAY 2017 10 - 12 noon at the Lambe School East Bergholt Come along and pick up some bargains.

If you have any plants to donate we would be pleased to receive them.

Please contact James Bolton 01206 392520

www.eastbergholthorticulturalsociety.onesuffolk.net

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OPEN GARDEN Treetops, Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt CO7 6RZ ‘A small but interesting garden packed with plants and with no lawn to mow’ For St Elizabeth Hospice and Suffolk Bereavement Support Sunday, June 4, 11am-5pm Hospice Plant and Craft Stall Refreshments Entry £5 – Children Free Free parking on village car park www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk www.suffolkbereavement.org.uk

MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The Dick and Dave Digital Show No 2 in late March introduced us to another fascinating collection of short audio visual compilations. Engaging hosts Dick Williams and Dave Wilcox are both leading and enthusiastic members of the Essex AV Group based in Rayleigh, Essex. We were very pleased to welcome them back once again to Manningtree.

An audio visual presentation adds another dimension and can really bring a collection of images to life, but at an easily assimilated pace. Members were able to appreciate just how well the high quality images had been complemented by well-chosen and carefully blended musical accompaniment, an art in itself, where the aim is to ensure that each sequence tells a story in which sound and vision are equal partners. An extract from the presentation titled Namibia by David Wilcox is shown here. For further information about the Essex AV Group please visit: https://avgroup.jimdo.com FUTURE MEETINGS May 11: Inter-Club Open Competition – Manningtree v Harwich / Judge Howard King May 25: Annual General Meeting.

We meet twice monthly on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at the St John’s Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. New members are welcome to join or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Please contact our secretary, Margaret, for more information: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

NEW MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP Poetry Plus is the name of a new poetry group which will meet monthly at the Red Lion in South Street, Manningtree. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 7.30pm and subsequent meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month.

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 charge for admission.

To keep up to date with this new poetry group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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BY Pop in store this spring to see our full poultry care range to keep your hens healthy and happy.

Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA 01473 731117 Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP

STOUR VALLEY U3A

Sunday, May 7 at 10.30am Meet near the bridge at back of car park on Mill Lane, Dedham (charge will apply) for a 4/5 mile walk.

Leader Geoff D’Arcy: 01206 323489

On Wednesday, April 12, Amanda Richmond presented a talk titled Two Teachers Ascent of Everest. Amanda is a teacher, mountaineer, skier, traveller and bell ringer. She told of the ascent of Everest and the six years preparation, planning and hardships involved in tackling this formidable ascent.

Friday, May 26 at 6.30pm Meet at Dedham War Memorial for a short walk prior to the AGM which will commence at the Marlborough Head at 8pm.

Leaders Martin and Pauline Broom: 01206 322578 Sunday, June 4 at 10.30am Meet at Stour Wood car park for a woodland ramble of approx 4 miles.

Leader Alan Bridges: 01206 323901 Friday, June 16 at 6.30pm Meet at old road (dead end) to the left of The Street, Wherstead immediately south of the A137/A14 junction for 4/5 mile evening walk.

Leaders Jan Jukes (01473 684893) and Helen Edevane

VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our March meeting was postponed from the normal second Wednesday of the month to the third as a number of members and the committee wished to attend the funeral of a long standing member. With the hall unavailable on the third Wednesday, our thanks to Tattingstone Church authority for allowing us to hold the postponed meeting in the church, where Professor John Midwinter presented a talk titled Wolves, Dogs and Us. In his talk he explained how dogs evolved from wolves and how they consequently changed from potential predators to man’s best friend.

On Wednesday, May 10 Horry Parsons will present a talk titled The Building of Bury Tower. This will be followed by our AGM. The program for the next year has not yet been finalised but we hope to have it available at the May meeting.

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

On Wednesday, May 10, Emma Roodhouse, art curator of the Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service, will talk on Leonard Squirrel, known as the ‘grand old man’ of East Anglian painting. Emma’s talk will highlight his prolific career, concentrating on the artworks in the Ipswich Borough Council collection, including drawings, watercolours, etchings and pastels from 1912-1978.

On Wednesday, June 14, Alan Goldsmith from Stansted will present a talk titled Giving it Both Barrels, an amusing and light-hearted talk of his 50 years in the rock ‘n’ roll and entertainment business.

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

It’s never too late to learn! Join the 361,477 members across 969 U3As throughout the UK today.

EAST BERGHOLT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

Gardening tips for May Writing this on April 1, we have had some really hot March days and very little rain. Hopefully April showers will make up for that. The daffodils and their relatives are over but what a show they made. If possible, feed the bulbs to ensure an ‘encore’ in 2018.

May is the month and still plenty to do – here are but a few of the jobs.

Planting, sowing, weeding, hoeing and mowing. Divide large clumps of primulas and polyanthus now they have finished flowering. Trim back aubretia and yellow alyssum. Prune montana and other early flowering clematis if they are ‘straggly’. Make sure new shoots on rambler and climbing roses are secure. Towards the end of the month, hanging baskets and some tubs can be planted up, preferably in a greenhouse or put them in a sheltered spot to establish and protect with fleece if frost threatens (available in the store on Sundays from 9.30-10.30am).

Smarten cordylines by removing dead leaves and give plants a feed.

Don’t cut the grass too short and hopefully most of the moss will have gone. Feed and apply a selective weedkiller. On the veg plot/allotment, earth up early potatoes. Continue to sow seed of your choice, i.e. dwarf and runner beans. Plant out tomatoes, courgettes, marrows, and cucumbers when danger of frost is over.

Do keep up the hoeing in all areas – weeds seem to grow without moisture. Let’s hope May will be a memorable month for its weather, in a good way.

Janet Alcoe

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

At our recent Annual General Meeting, Graeme Forsyth took up presidency of the club for the year, supported by Brian Rolfe as vice president, Paul Woodgate as the new secretary and Peter Stanway-Williams as treasurer.

On Wednesday, April 5, Julian Wong spoke about the good work undertaken by the charity Mary’s Meals and on Wednesday 19 Jim Lowe informed us of the work undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Society.

On Wednesday, May 3, Liz Bruce will tell us about the mission of The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service in the Second World War and two weeks later on Wednesday 17 Chris Parfitt’s presentation is titled The Arctic Circle Express. Tom Tyler returns on June 7 with a talk titled When Holidays Were Fun and on June 21 John Field will speak to us about the redevelopment of Ipswich Docks.

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 Wednesday of each month at St John’s Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Have you paid a visit to Flatford Wildlife Garden yet this season? Well, it’s peak nesting time now and the birds are busy, busy, busy. As I write this in April, we have cameras in three nest boxes, all showing the beginnings of nests. One pair of blue tits in particular seem to be taking matters very seriously and we’re looking forward to seeing a clutch of eggs nestled into the fluffy depths very soon. Last year we had 11 blue tit chicks hatch and fledge successfully from one nest, all on camera. The parents worked very hard to raise their brood and looked pretty exhausted by the end of it all, but they were helped by the close proximity of a bank of butterfly friendly plants. Caterpillars were in plentiful supply just a short flight away when there were 11 hungry chicks to keep up with. Up in the barn we have a screen showing all the dramas, so why not come along and keep up with all the latest nesting news?

Visitors of all ages are also invited to explore the treasures of the nature table. Examine the skull collection and feel the texture of the grass snake skins that were shed last summer. As part of our refurbishment, we also have a new ‘colouring wall’. Intrigued? Come and see for yourself.

Of course, most birds will have built their nests in hedges, shrubs and trees rather than nest boxes, so we need to remember not to risk disturbing them by cutting back at this time of year. They need our cooperation if they’re to successfully raise their broods.

As well as birdsong, the garden is full of the gentle humming of bees and the fluttering of butterflies in the sunshine. Our borders are full of good bee and butterfly plants, useful pollen and nectar providers, and we have lots of information to share about how to make gardens more wildlife friendly overall.

The half-term holiday at the end of May is approaching fast, and we’re planning a range of nature-themed family activities every day between May 27 and June 4, 10.30am-3.30pm. Bring your children along and join in some outdoor fun in the garden with no need to book in advance.

There is a small charge that covers all activities on the day, with a discount for those who are RSPB members.

Free for everyone to enjoy in the garden, among other attractions we have a child-sized nesting box, a log pile house to climb over and through, and a special living willow tunnel begging to be run through.

For full details of all activities visit: www.rspb.org.uk/Flatford If you have some spare time available and would be interested in volunteering with the RSPB locally, do get in touch for information about the range of roles available: 01206 391153 / sharon.barker@rspb.org.uk Visitor Experience Officer Sharon Barker

COPDOCK & BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOLS

The whole of Key Stage 1 across the entire federation spent a day in Colchester visiting the synagogue and eating lunch in the park before touring the natural history museum.

We finished the spring term with Easter Bonnet parades at each school with many pupils sporting some fantastically creative headwear in return for some Easter treats.

To round off this year’s swimming lessons at the end of last term, we had an inter-federation gala at First Strokes. Photos and a report of the event can be found on the news pages of the school website.

Head pupil update Children have now met with our Community Police Officer, Denise Ford, and will be monitoring speed and parking at both school sites after Easter. The children have designed a leaflet promoting safe parking and asking for parent support to keep everyone safe.

Head pupils are doing a fantastic job and show a commitment to improving school life for everyone within our community.

Well done!

Last term the focus of the after school club was cross country in preparation for events such as the one hosted by RHS at the end of March which saw 30 children from Years 4, 5 and 6 across the federation participating. Clubs last term also included writing, cooking and SATS math’s revision. This term we’ll be concentrating on dance and tennis.

The summer term launched with a Mad Science workshop, followed by the annual Farm & Country Fair at Trinity Park. Pupils from Years 3 and 4 at Bentley enjoyed learning about different aspects of farming and stroking some of the animals. Copdock Woodpeckers headed to Braintree for a look at the Stone Age to Iron Age exhibit at the museum and KS1 across the federation visited Orford Castle.

During this time, Year 6 will work hard towards their Spelling Bee competition at East Bergholt High.

At Copdock Primary we have a vacancy for a midday supervisor.

If you are interested in the role please contact the school office for further information: 01473 730337 The schools are collecting Sainsbury’s vouchers to help fund sports and cooking equipment. If you are wondering what to do with any you receive, please pop them in our post box or send them into the office. Please encourage friends and relatives to share their vouchers with the schools too. Thank you.

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SCHOOLS / SPORT ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears As the days grow longer we have taken advantage of the warmer evenings and enjoyed dancing in our cosy garden. Through the daytime sunshine, the Baby Bears have been outside exploring and have helped to plant many seeds. Some have already sprouted and we are excited to watch them grow. Our water trays have been happily splashed in and we have added lots of different items which the Baby Bears love to investigate.

We have also been trying to hop like the Easter bunny, giggling as we watch each other jumping about.

Toddling Tigers We have been very busy with Easter crafts and have made so many things including Easter bunny headbands, painted chicks and bunnies and an Easter bunny collage. We have been colouring, baked bunny biscuits, made nest cakes and even found time to make and eat our own mini egg cupcakes! We are also very excited and looking forward to our planned water week and animal week both coming soon.

Gruffalos The Gruffalos had a busy month preparing for Mother’s Day. They each made a lovely flower card using painted hands to create the petals. We also had a busy week of colour mixing, experimenting with the prime colours and mixing with hands and paint brushes. Spring has been of great interest to the Gruffalos when playing outside. We have been looking at and listening to the birds, been on flower hunts and watched the frogs in the pond. Our preposition play was amazing; we explored what we know about behind, onto, in front, inside and beside.

If you would like information about Robin’s Childcare please contact Vicki on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook.

EAST BERGHOLT TENNIS CLUB East Bergholt Tennis Club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities on its all-weather floodlit courts located behind the playing fields at Gandish Road, East Bergholt. Whether you are a complete beginner, coming back into the game after a number of years off or a regular player there is something in it for you.

In spring 2017 the club will be operating three coaching programmes for members and non-members, catering for both children and adults. In addition there is an adult coaching programme exclusively for members.

Membership subscriptions, allowing free use of the courts until 10pm every day, are: adults £50, family £70-100, juniors (under 18) £15, students £25. Rates are reduced if starting part of the way through the season, which starts on April 1 each year.

Prices for coaching programmes, which are higher for nonmembers, will depend on the course.

All enquiries about the coaching programmes should be directed towards Pete Richmond, whereas membership enquries can be directed to either Pete Richmond or Elaine Fenn.

Chairman/Coach Pete Richmond: 07932 815201 / NEETacademyHQ@gmail.com Membership Secretary Elaine Fenn: 01206 298908 / elfenn@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB With the weather being kind this season there were only a couple of fixtures through March for the First Team. A win and a draw kept them in a mid-table position. They have continued to find penalties difficult to convert, but skipper Ben Bibby did score in a penalty shootout when he deservedly was selected for the SIL representative team alongside teammate Gary Hammond.

Two wins and two defeats for the Reserves have maintained third place in League A. The semi-final of the Goals of Ipswich Cup, where they meet Benhall St Mary Reserves, is now approaching quickly.

There have been lots of goals in the A Team’s games. It looks as if it will go to the wire as the team looks to maintain their League B status.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team / Senior Division Sat, April 29: Leiston St Margarets (A) Sat, May 6: Stanton (A) Reserves / League A Sat, April 29: Coplestonians Res (H) A Team / League B Sat, April 29: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm, please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition: http://fulltime.thefa. com/Index.do?league=4358069 We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee member, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background.

If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays all offer potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

Steve Butcher, stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

EAST BERGHOLT BOWLS CLUB Congratulations to the carpet bowls team on finishing in second position in the Winter League East, Division 3. This should guarantee promotion to Division 2 next season. This is a great effort considering the team had the loss of two or three experienced players before the season started.

The introduction of several new members who gelled well, played their part in achieving this success.

John and Shirley Mann were the winners of the Club Pairs one day annual event, defeating Linda Bestow and Robbie Goodchild in the final.

Roll-ups continue on Monday evenings throughout the summer at Holton Village Hall, starting at 7pm.

In March the touring team of outdoor bowlers had a great time on the Algarve, although the weather was more English than Portuguese! At least four matches were unaffected by the wind and rain, apart from a 10 minute delay starting one match when the heavens opened for five minutes. In all the years of touring Portugal this was the first time that we have had bad weather, followed by a five hour delay coming home at Faro airport.

The outdoor green opened on April 15 and by now we should be well into league and cup games. We have eight league teams playing every night and one afternoon, from Monday to Friday.

Roll-ups take place on Sunday mornings starting at 10am and Tuesday afternoons from 2pm. Newcomers are welcome to join in at these sessions. Bowls provided, just a pair of flat shoes needed. For more information please contact me by email.

Melvyn Powell: melpowell46@gmail.com

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SPORT MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB

March 2017 100 Club Winners 1: Paul Lawrence (no 16) £110 2: Amarjeet Mehmi (no 77) £50 3: Rose Garwood (no 19) £50 Pre-season nets have continued at RHS. April 1 was Natwest Cricket Force Day and a good cross section of members busied themselves in preparing the club for the upcoming season. A number of local businesses have signed up for sponsorship, for which the club is very grateful. Their boards will soon be seen around the main pitch.

The season gets under way with fixtures for all sections of the club.

We’re all hoping for a great summer. We welcome two new players from the Southern hemisphere for a cricketing summer at Mistley CC – James Stamatis from Durban South Africa and Dylan Day from Melbourne, Australia.

The club is always looking for new members for all of its sides at men’s, ladies and junior level. If you are new to the area and like your cricket then we are the team for you. We also welcome volunteers who may like to umpire or score, training in these skills can be given. Please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com

Watched by a crowd of 290 spectators, the Saturday First team lost the Suffolk Senior Cup semi-final 2-0 against Achilles FC in a game played under floodlights at Needham Market on Friday, March 31.

An even first half saw both teams miss chances before our opponents scored twice during the second half to go through to the final to be played at Portman Road later this season. So no new cups in the trophy room this season with the side having seven league games remaining and their last two league games seeing them lose 2-1 to Grundisburgh with Gary Collins getting our goal before they drew 2-2 with Haughley United thanks to goals from Miles Donovan and Shaun Webb. The last home league game should be on April 29 against Stanton.

SATURDAY CRICKET 1ST TEAM / TWO COUNTIES DIV 1 Sat, Apr 29: Worlington (H) Sat, May 6: Hadleigh (A) Sat, May 13: Woolpit (H) Sat, May 20: Haverhill (A) Sat, May 27: Frinton II (H) Sat, Jun 3: Witham (A) 2ND TEAM / TWO COUNTIES DIV 3 Sat, Apr 29: Little Bardfield Village (A) Sat, May 6: Sudbury II (H) Sat, May 13: Woolpit II (A) Sat, May 20: Exning (H) Sat, May 27: Haverhill II (A) Sat, Jun 3: Tuddenham (H) 3RD TEAM / TWO COUNTIES DIV 9 EAST Sat, May 6: Kesgrave II (H) Sat, May 13: Yoxford II (A) Sat, May 20: St Margarets II (H) Sat, May 27: Stradbroke (A) Sat, Jun 3: Felixstowe & Corinthians III (H)

Our Sunday side beat Claydon 2-1 thanks to a brace of goals from Curtis Fleming, then beat Bourne Vale 3-2 with a hat trick from Abdul Kaium.

Meanwhile our Veteran team lost 2-1 to Coplestonians before beating Suffolk Punch in the league cup 2-1 with goals from Wayne Pannell and an own goal.

SUNDAY AND MIDWEEK CRICKET NECL AND NATIONAL VILLAGE COMPETITION Sun, Apr 30: Woodham Mortimer NVC (A) Sun, May 7: Ipswich T20 (H) Sun, May 14: NVC R2 (H) Tue, May 16: Two Counties O70s (VS) Sun, May 21: Clacton (A) Sun, May 28: NVC R3 Mon, May 29: Tendring Hundred Farmers Friendly (H) Sun, Jun 4: Eight Ash Green (A) SUNDAY DIV TEAM TWO COUNTIES Mon, May 1: Copford (A) Sun, May 7: Gt Bromley (A) Sun, May 14: Copford (H) Tue, May 16: Suffolk/Norfolk O70s Sun, May 21: Frinton (H) Sun, May 28: Abberton (A) Sun, Jun 4: Wivenhoe (H) LADIES TWO CRICKET Fri, May 5: Colchester (A) Sun, May 7: IES Friendly (H) Fri, May 12: Copford (A) Sun, May 14: Felixstowe (H) Fri, May 19: West Bergholt (H) Sun, May 21: Copdock am / Bury pm (Both H) Fri, May 26: Sudbury (A) Fri, Jun 2: Eight Ash Green (H)

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Our Reserves are bottom of their league despite a recent 3-0 win over Bacton United with Nick Tigges grabbing a hat trick, followed by a 3-2 defeat against Coplestonians with goals from Alex Parry and Harry Taylor. The team are looking for a manager for next season so if interested please contact a club member.

The season should finish on May 13 when all those connected with running the club can have a well-earned break before training starts in July.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

GUBA DOCE PARES IPSWICH Congratulations to Ben Harper who recently passed his green belt grading at the East Bergholt class held at the Constable Memorial Hall, Gandish Road on Thursday evenings, 6.30-7.30pm.

The grading covered hand to hand selfdefence drills plus the use of single and double 28 inch sticks, 5ft staff and forms. Ben had been working incredibly hard to prepare for his grading, so the first class pass was well deserved.

Guba Doce Pares Ipswich teaches a practical self defence system which includes how to improve self-confidence, deal with bullies, manage weight and improve fitness.

Our mission is to: “Help children and adults to improve their lives by the continual development of their mental and physical capabilities through the study of the Filipino martial art of Guba Doce Pares Eskrima.”

The system is very well structured so you will be able to gauge your progress as you train at a pace that suits you. There is considerable variety and you will be constantly learning and developing, so you should find it mentally and physically stimulating.

The classes have a relaxed and social atmosphere, even though the training can sometimes get quite intense.

Who knows, in a few years you too could earn the coveted black belt and teach a class of your own?

“Small daily improvements are the key to staggering long term results.” www.docepares-ipswich.co.uk

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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb answers your questions

BRAVE BEARS WANTED

Colin, Graham and David from Great Blakenham ask: “We are partners in a small but successful engineering business.

We have no formal arrangements in place in the event of one of us dying, and we are unsure how to protect the business and ensure that the other partners could carry on if that happened to any one of us. What do you suggest?”

TEDDY BEAR 1st Prize PARACHUTE £50 CHALLENGE 2nd Prize Saturday 24 June 2017 from 9:30am St Michael’s Church Brantham Sponsorship forms are available in the church

£30

THE SUFFOLK

WALKING FESTIVAL

2017

13TH MAY

TO 4TH JUNE

Over 100 amazing walks throughout Suffolk.

www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk 26

When one of the partners or shareholders in a business dies, it is important that the surviving owners can continue trading, and keep control of the business. If you are a partner or shareholder, you will probably have two concerns: that the business you have worked hard to build will be able to carry on successfully if one of your partners dies, and that your family will get the full value of your share of that business if you die before your partners.

This process can actually be put into place using a partnership protection strategy. That’s a special legal ‘buy out’ agreement linked to some basic life insurance policies. The most flexible option is for each of you to arrange an insurance policy covering your own life, written in trust for the other business owners, or, if there are only three of you, you can each have a policy, which covers the life of the other business owners. That way, when one of you dies, the

others receive the funds, and can use them to buy the share of the deceased partner from his family.

You will then need to draw up an agreement, the partnership agreement or ‘Business Will’, to ensure that your wishes are carried out. This will require the assistance of your solicitor. You could have a Double Option agreement, where the partners have the right to buy your share and your family has a right to ask them to buy, or a Single Option agreement (often used for critical illness claims) so you can ask the other business owners to buy your share, but they cannot force you to sell.

Having the correct agreement in place can also mean that the assets are potentially eligible for Business Property Relief and therefore not liable to Inheritance Tax. If you would rather transfer the assets into a trust rather than be paid directly to your estate, a separate ‘Bypass Trust’ can also be arranged to accommodate your requirements. Good legal advice from a specialist business lawyer is essential when setting up such a partnership protection arrangement.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services of Baylham in Suffolk.

The information within this column is provided only as a general guide and does not constitute personal financial advice. If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary meeting to talk over your options for your own investments or financial planning you can contact Nick by email at nick@ plumbfs.co.uk or by calling the office on 01473 830301. Plumb Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS SUFFOLK LIBRARIES SURVEY CLOSING DATE: MONDAY, MAY 8 Library customers are being asked to have their say on the future of the county’s library service.

Suffolk Libraries is an independent organisation which has a five-year contract with the county council to run the county’s library service. At the end of 2016, Suffolk Libraries’ Board voted unanimously to trigger a fiveyear extension to this contract which will run from August 2017 to 2022.

Suffolk Libraries is now looking ahead to the next five years and will be undertaking a review to define how it can run a modern and affordable library service which meets the needs of the people of Suffolk. A new customer survey is being launched, asking people what they feel is important about the county’s library service, and there is also a new membership scheme giving people a new opportunity to support Suffolk Libraries.

EAST BERGHOLT & DISTRICT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Cemetery Lane, East Bergholt CO7 6RZ Pastor: Mrs Maralyn Bambridge 35 Birch Drive, Brantham, Manningtree CO11 1TG 01206 393022 / maralyn.bambridge@yahoo.com Services Sunday morning at 10.30am, all welcome Communion taken at the end of the service on the second Sunday of each month.

Coffee Mornings: Every Thursday, 9.30-11.30am Space for Hire: If you need room for a meeting, fundraising activity, etc. call: 01473 298737

The library service budget has been reduced by a further £200,000 for 2017/18 and year-on-year reductions means the library service budget is now 33% less than in 2010.

SERVICES & EVENTS IN MAY

Tony Brown, Chair of Suffolk Libraries, said: “Whilst there are challenges ahead for our library service, we are now looking to the future and want to build on the successful work we have done since 2012 to protect and improve services across Suffolk and to local communities.

Wednesday, May 10: Engalynx Lunch, noon

“There is much to be positive about; all our libraries are still open, some have even increased opening hours. Suffolk Libraries has strived to make improvements and innovations, whilst offering a diverse range of services and there are now even more activities in libraries. We may have to make difficult decisions but we are still committed to doing everything we can to protect local library services which we know mean so much to their communities.”

Alison Wheeler, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We have been warning that further cuts would be challenging and as we have less money, we will have to make further savings. We want to approach these challenges in the right way, by carrying out a review to help us make a longer-term plan. We also intend to listen to people. We have built up trust and support in the community and we want as many people as possible to have their say.

“We must be realistic; staffing is our biggest cost so it is likely there won’t be as many jobs in the future. However, we want to reassure people as much as we can – we do not anticipate that any changes we have to make will include library closures, handing over libraries to volunteers or charging for what the law or our contract says must be free. Our review is likely to take several months and until we’ve done that we can’t say what changes we’ll have to make.”

Suffolk Libraries are running a customer survey until 8 May 2017. This can be done via www.suffolklibraries.co.uk, via www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ SuffolkLibraries2017 or there will be hard copies available in libraries.

Tony Brown added: “We anticipate that council funding will continue to shrink so we will keep looking for alternative funding to supplement what we get from the county council. Our community groups who support libraries have been a big part of this and have raised thousands of pounds every year which have funded things like refurbishments, equipment in many libraries and the cost of Wi-Fi. “We want to do our bit and we are launching ‘Suffolk Libraries Extra’, a new supporter scheme offering people the chance to make an annual donation to get more involved and help the library service.

“We believe there may be individuals or local businesses out there who may want to become Suffolk Libraries Extra supporters. It won’t affect the service to everyone else, it’ll just mean that for those who feel they can, there’s a way of giving us some extra support. There will be more details about Suffolk Libraries Extra soon but anyone who is interested can get in touch or visit www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/extra.”

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Sunday, May 7: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Sunday, May 14: The Rev Patrick Baxter, with Communion Sunday, May 21: Joint Service with Brantham Methodist Church at Brantham (no service at East Bergholt) Sunday, May 28: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge Wednesday, May 31: Engalynx Lunch, noon Sunday, June 4: Pastor Maralyn Bambridge As I write this at the beginning of April we are looking forward to our anniversary celebration weekend, hoping that many of you will come to support us and see our re-furbished church. If you did come we hope you were pleasantly surprised. Now that the church part of our building refurbishment is finished we turn our attention to the schoolroom and the garden. Hopefully, what we have done will confirm our intention to continue our presence in the village.

We know that a number of you expressed concern a while ago when a rumour spread that we were about to close. Although we experienced some difficulties, they have now been overcome and we have also stabilised our financial position. Our aim is to continue as a church and also maintain a facility for the benefit of the community of East Bergholt and the surrounding area.

We know many of you may not be members, but do support us in our activities whenever possible. We also understand that there are others who wish to see the church continue but do not attend church on a regular basis. We would therefore like to introduce a Friends of East Bergholt Congregational Church group. This would enable those of you who have an interest in the church, the building and the activities we organise to get involved in what we do and have your say on how we do it. We wish to expand what we offer for the benefit of the community and your help would be appreciated. Please let me or another member of the church know that you are interested.

Engalynx We continue to support our nominated charity led by our Pastor Maralyn and are pleased to announce that there will be two charity lunches at our church in May. These events have previously been popular and we hope that you will be able to join us again for a light lunch in good company.

The dates are Wednesdays, May 10 and 31, both noon for 12.30pm.

Please contact Maralyn or myself to book a ticket.

Church Secretary John Jeffreys

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT & BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk Sunday, April 30: Easter 3 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion, Brantham Wednesday, May 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, May 7: Easter 4 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Communion, East Bergholt Sunday, May 14: Easter 5 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion Service, East Bergholt 11am Family Service, Brantham Sunday, May 21: Easter 6 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Family Service, East Bergholt 11am Communion with Healing, Brantham Thursday, May 25: Ascension Day 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 7.30pm Archdeacon’s Visitation, Sproughton Sunday, May 28: Easter 7 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Benefice Choral Matins, East Bergholt Saturday, June 3 1pm Wedding of Olivia Langdown and Chris Brice, Brantham Sunday, June 4: Pentecost 8am BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion with Healing, Brantham Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral Matins is usually on the fourth Sunday.

This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

Rev Steph will be in Bakes and Blossoms, Brantham from 10.30-11am on Thursdays, May 11 and June 8 if anyone would like to pop in for a chat. She will also be in Fountain House tearooms in East Bergholt on Fridays, May 6 and June 2 from 10-11am.

THY KINGDOM COME An ecumenical prayer initiative between Ascension Day and Pentecost, Archbishop Justin has issued a call to prayer. The three aims are: • To join in prayer with the whole family of God the Father • To pray for the empowering of God the Holy Spirit • That we may be effective witnesses to God the Son, Jesus Christ It’s not complicated; the Archbishop’s invitation is simply asking people to pray in whatever way they want, with whoever they want and wherever they can, that others might know Jesus Christ. The daily pocket prayer booklet will be available in both our churches and can also be accessed from the Thy Kingdom Come website: www.thykingdomcome.global/prayerresources#individuals

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KNITTING FOR CHRISTMAS For Christmas 2017 the St Mary’s East Bergholt project is to knit Mary and the baby Jesus. Patterns will be available at the back of the church and on the church website. Contact Carrie Hinton for more information.

ST MARY’S BANK HOLIDAY MARKET: Monday, May 29, 10am-2pm Donations are welcomed for this annual event. We need jewelry, brica-brac, nearly new gifts, and books. Regretfully, even we, with our most persuasive expressions, can’t sell old atlases, school text books, maps, books without covers, old format videos or broken vases. Donations may be left in the church porch. Cakes on the day please. Helpers will be needed to set up at 8am and to clear away at the end. Thank you very much indeed. Refreshments including light lunches will be served in the West End. PLEASE NOTE At the annual church meeting it was decided that the August Bank Holiday Market this year will be moved to Saturday morning, September 9.

HOSPITAL VISITS If we don’t know you are in hospital, we can’t arrange for you to be visited. Please do let Rev Steph know if someone is in hospital so that we can alert the hospital chaplains and include you in our prayers. Even though Rev Matthew works in the hospital chaplaincy on a regular basis, he is not permitted to trawl the records to see if anyone from the village is a patient.

PATH CLOSURE IN THE CHURCHYARD On the advice of our architect, the path under the Church Tower will be closed from the end of April until further notice. You will have noticed that part of the wall has already been roped off on safety grounds. Urgent repairs to the tower have had to be delayed to allow a careful survey of bat activity in the churchyard and church. Our licence from Natural England to carry out repairs stipulated that neither the scaffolding nor repointing work must obstruct any cracks or crevices in the masonry, which bats might use for daytime roosting.

This will restrict the usefulness of the works that can be done because it is important to point up cracks and crevices in order to exclude moisture from the fabric and thus arrest decay. We have therefore been advised to appoint an ecological consultant experienced in working with bats in churches to assist in managing these immediate works and to survey bat activity more generally in preparation for future works to the tower or the church itself. Such a consultant would be best placed to apply for any further licence/s that may be required if bats need to be disturbed because of the works. A nighttime survey will be conducted to assess emergence and re-entry and two detectors will be placed in the church.

We are most grateful to St Mary’s Church East Bergholt Preservation Society who will be assisting with the funding of this important project.

Rev Steph

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

CHURCH NEWS DEDHAM AND ARDLEIGH PARISHES Services and events for May 2017 Sunday, May 7 8am Holy Communion BCP, Dedham 11am Morning Worship CW, Ardleigh 5pm Songs of Praise, Dedham Sunday, May 14 8am Holy Communion BCP, Ardleigh 11am Holy Communion BCP, Dedham Sunday, May 21 8am Holy Communion BCP, Dedham 11am Parish Eucharist CW, Ardleigh Sunday, May 28 8am Holy Communion BCP, Ardleigh 11am Matins BCP, Dedham 5pm Revive@5, Dedham Weekly Midweek Services Tuesday Morning Prayer at Dedham at 10.30am Thursday Evening Prayer at Ardleigh at 5pm Thursday, May 25 Ascension Day Service at Dedham at 7am

CAPEL & BRANTHAM METHODIST CHURCHES LOOK AT YOURSELF AND LAUGH! I find myself in Cornwall the weekend before Easter on a few days break, normally reserved for after Easter. The weather is amazing. I spent the first five years of my life in Cornwall. My wife’s family roots are here and we have met up with her cousins and other friends who are still in the area, some of whom we haven’t seen in over 25 years.

We are staying in a friend’s flat overlooking the River Fal Estuary and I always love looking through other people’s bookshelves. I spotted eight Bill Bryson books, whom my son had recommended but I hadn’t got around to reading. I’m loving it. His observations of people and in particular the British, makes you want to laugh. I was warned not to read the book in public “for fear of emitting loud snorts”!

The evening after meeting our cousins, I read a chapter that described several of the things we had done that very day in catching up 25 years and I laughed! Bill, who is from the USA, has spent most of his adult life in the UK, and can get us to look at our lives and laugh at the quirky things we sometime do, me included!

I think we sometimes take ourselves and life too seriously. Jesus came that we might have life and life in all its fullness. He went to a wedding party and was far from a party pooper. He was accused of mixing with the wrong crowd and of not taking the disciplines of the faith seriously!

OTHER EVENTS

In our Bible reading on the day we met with our cousins, it suggested “going with the flow”, connecting with people and “learning the unforced rhythms of grace”. Today’s mantra is often “busy, busy, busy” and we miss living life with people.

Saturday, May 13: Mission Bake Sale at Dedham Church from 9am-noon to raise funds as part of Christian Aid Week

I love my job, I have quite a bit of flexibility and every day is different.

Those I work with, I sometimes frustrate, because I haven’t done all the admin work expected of me, or done things in a timely way because I have gone with the flow and met with someone and given them time.

Others, I might have unintentionally hurt, either because of being “busy, busy, busy” or another person came into the flow of my life and someone else was overlooked.

Saturday, May 20: Rogation Weekend Parish Pilgrimage A day’s walk through the parish starting at Dedham Church at 9.30am (more details in Church Chimes in porch)

CELEBRATION SERVICE AT MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH The Methodist community in Manningtree dates back to the 18th century and this year Manningtree Methodist Church celebrates 210 years of its present building. The celebration service is on Sunday, June 4 when we welcome The Rev Martin Turner, recently retired as the minister of Westminster Central Hall, London. Martin is a renowned preacher in Methodism.

The weekend will include the church’s Gift Day on Saturday, June 3 and a concert in the evening at 7.30pm featuring local musical instrumental talent. Come and celebrate with us.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

I don’t always get the balance right. Come to think of it, I’m meant to be on holiday; the rest of the day is my wife’s and daughter’s in the beautiful Cornish countryside!

The Rev Andrew Sankey Minister at Capel & Brantham Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT CAPEL METHODIST Sunday 7 10.30am Sunday 14 10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 21 10.30am Sunday 28 10.30am

7.30pm

Worship with Mr Terry Tennens Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Mr Chris Jowett Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer at St Mary’s

AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday 7 11am Sunday 14 11am Sunday 21 11am

Sunday 28 11am

Worship with Mrs Jane Paterson Worship with Mr Martin Ellis United Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Mr Colin Westren

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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 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR MAY 2017 Tuesday 2 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 7 9am

FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER Mass

Tuesday 9 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 14 9am

FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER Mass

Tuesday 16 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 21 9am

SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER Mass

Tuesday 23 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 28 9am

ASCENSION OF THE LORD Mass

Tuesday 30 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

Catholic Commentary It’s just over four years since Jorge Mario Bergoglio stepped onto the balcony of St Peter’s to begin his mission, a ministry which might be described as a ‘start-up’ pontificate aimed at a ‘compassionate disruption’ of Catholicism. Two months after his election Pope Francis held a meeting with senior figures from the church’s charitable arm inside his new home, the Casa Santa Marta, where he made a startling claim.

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Un-denominational / meeting at the Venture Centre Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE (unless otherwise stated) Sunday Services: 3pm Saturday, May 6 at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street Our popular monthly Cafe/Oasis Coffee Morning event, 9.30-11.45am, with stalls, information and refreshments. Free entry.

Sunday, May 14: Friends & Neighbours Service Friday, May 19: Monthly Prayer Meeting, 10am at the Venture Centre Friday, May 26: Fellowship Day Outing to Maldon & Beeleigh Abbey Sunday, May 28: Worship & Witness Service A free transport service is available for all services and events.

For pastoral visits, further information and bookings contact: 01206 272064 / 01255 714544 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk

The work of Caritas, he stressed, was not just about providing first aid to people in a crisis but must focus on giving on-going care to the most vulnerable. He admitted this was a big, expensive task but nevertheless there shouldn’t be compromises. “If that is too expensive,” Francis explained, “we’d even have to sell the churches to feed the poorest of the poor.”

Caritas executives were stunned although pleasantly surprised by Francis’ willingness to stake the church’s assets to help further their good work, a global operation which helps everyone from the homeless in Rome to Syrian war victims. Inside the Vatican, however, they were worried.

Anxious phone calls were made to Caritas from senior officials explaining what the Holy Father really meant to say while stressing the new Pope was not about to put the Holy See’s real estate portfolio on the market.

This is a story that gives an insight into this papacy, where the old ways of being Pope have been upended in order to push a radical message of mercy out into the world’s margins. That meeting with Caritas revealed a simple truth for this Pope: the needs of the institutional church come second to the needs of humanity.

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday, April 23 when three lucky winners shared £147. The club, set up to raise much needed funds 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 and online. The next draw takes place on Sunday, May 21.

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 the parish room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next coffee morning is on Thursday, May 25.

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps and tp 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 Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please contact him 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’s 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.

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus COME AND JOIN US IN OUR NEW FELLOWSHIP – EVERYONE IS WELCOME Hear the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, with our lively worship and service. Refreshments served afterwards.

Every Sunday morning at 11am in The Ivell Suite at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 2JE. If you or someone you know needs prayer for anything, please contact us.

David and Rosie Rhule 07787 572977 / 01206 397533 info@thekeytolove ministries.co.uk www.thekeytoloveministries.co.uk

We warmly welcome people of all ages. www.linklinecmnortheastessex.co.uk

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3RD EAST OF ENGLAND ORGAN DAY: AMERICANA SATURDAY 13 MAY

10AM – 6PM Royal Hospital School Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2RX

Featuring the 1933 Four-Manual Hill, Norman & Beard Grand Organ & Celebrity Recitalist NATHAN LAUBE (USA) 10.15AM: LECTURE/RECITAL £5 Tom Bell (UK) Music by Bolcom & Babbitt 11.30AM: ‘AN AMERICAN SONGBOOK’ £5 Quinn Ankrum Patrick (USA) Music by Rorem, Gershwin, Berlin, Porter & Kern 1.45PM: ‘STARS & STRIPES FOREVER’ £5 The winners of the London Organ Competition 2016

3.00PM: ‘CLOUDBURST’ £8 Prometheus Singers & William Saunders (UK) Bernstein, Chichester Psalms Music by Lauridsen & Whitacre 5.00PM: CELEBRITY RECITAL £10/7 Nathan Laube (USA) Music by Willan, Sowerby, Cook, Hampton, Muhly & Buck

ALL DAY TICKET £25 Tickets available from www.experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic 01206 573948