In Touch with East Bergholt - February 17

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 4 • Issue No. 5 • FEBRUARY 2017

Snow Covered Landscape by Johanna Wain

Explore Constable Country this half-term at Flatford

Add some colour to your weekend this autumn at Gibside

Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 15 February

Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities.

nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside Call 01206 297201 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places for ever, for everyone.

When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places <in the region> <like property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone.

© National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\John Millar. #nationaltrust

© National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images.

#nationaltrust

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR The oldest member of my family died just before Christmas. Kathleen, my great-aunt and surrogate ‘godfather’ since the death of her husband Jimmy when I was 15, died at the remarkable age of 97. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews (including my dad).

Despite her age, Kathleen maintained an aura of quiet authority which I’ve always admired. She wasn’t scary or aloof, as often those we defer to can be, but somehow demanded respect from all who knew her. She always had time to chat, putting the kettle on before you’d even sat down. The fact that she was tall and had a very distinctive voice made her standout from the other women I knew as a child. I was never afraid of her, but I would never have wanted to be in her bad books either.

Kathleen’s death has inspired me to do a little research into my family tree. I don’t plan to take it too seriously just yet, but just want to get the last couple of generations in place so I know who’s who. It has been fascinating. My dad helped with his side of the family and we did quite well, though he knows very little of his American cousins and nothing of all about their families. Most of my mum’s family still live in Ireland so that side of the tree is a bit more complete.

They had big families back then. My dad had 15 aunts and uncles! One child, as I have, would have been a complete anomaly. And the same names came up again and again. I know my parents had intended to call me Elizabeth after my grandmother, but my dad decided he didn’t want my life to be as difficult as hers so broke with tradition and found a name which made its first appearance in the Burke family tree (to some astonishment) in 1969. Elizabeth is my second name.

I now wish I knew more about the people who are my family, however distant, and also wonder how I will be perceived when my name is added to a family tree in years to come, perhaps by my great-grandniece. Mostly I wish I could spend time with my long-lost grandparents to talk about their lives. I have so many question. If you can do so, make the most of every opportunity to know those who can still share their lives with you.

I also hope I’ll be doing The Times crossword every day when I’m 97, just as Kathleen did.

In Touch

with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

In Touch with Dedham, East Bergholt & Flatford is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins We also publish Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: bergholt@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

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IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Gt. & Lt. Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

MARCH DEADLINE

© Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

20 FEBRUARY 2017

© In Touch with Dedham, East Bergholt, & Flatford is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

HAVE YOU WORKED ON ORFORD NESS? It’s a strange place. Nobody lives there. It’s a place of contrasts.

It’s called an Island, but it’s not.

If you like wide-open views, our lovely Suffolk skies, nature’s silence, rare plants and wildlife – then you will love it. And if, while walking amongst iconic buildings located in this wonderful landscape, you can imagine the noise of bombs being dropped, of atomic bombs being vibrated or fired into a concrete wall at 150mph, and you can understand the huge commitment of local people to apply cutting-edge technology to improve the effectiveness of various military weapons used in our defense – then you will also love it.

Nowhere else in the UK can you visit such laboratories, learn about the technology used, or hear about the people who worked there in such a unique environment. This place is Orford Ness.

Opened by National Trust as a National Nature Reserve in 1995, Orford Ness has been the site of military testing and development from the beginning of the 20th century, initially with the development of the aircraft as a military weapon, until 1973 when Cobra Mist, an ‘over the horizon’ Radar system used to detect distant military activities in the Cold War, was shut down.In between those dates, Orford Ness became Watson-Watt’s base for the early development of radar (before he moved his experiments to Bawdsey). Much work was done on improving the accuracy of conventional bombing (working with Martlesham-based flight-crews) and improvements in the aerodynamics of Blue Danube (Britain’s first atomic bomb) took place there.

After this research work stopped, bomb disposal engineers spent more than 15 years clearing the Island of unexploded ordinance, including destroying the Bloodhound missile rockets formerly located at Bawdsey.

Working in such an exposed environment could be lovely in the summer, but brutal when travelling between test sites in the bitter winter winds.

In 1963 the River Ore was so frozen that the landing craft used to carry staff to the Island could not do so.

In the race to protect the UK from known and significant enemies, none of this testing and development would have taken place without access to a highly skilled and dedicated workforce: they created and used the innovative methods and engineering facilities for this purpose.

We are looking to meet people who worked for the military or for one of the scientific agencies and companies involved, and also those who built, equipped or maintained the various test labs and many other buildings located on ‘The Island’. Were you – or do you know someone who was – involved in this highly secret and complex work?

Please contact us if so, because we at National Trust have created an audio archive of the work experiences and memories of those who did.

We are keen to record their memories of such an important site in the UK’s military history before they are lost forever.

Lead Ranger David Mason 01394 450900 / david.mason@nationaltrust.org.uk

QUALIFIED PART-TIME BUTCHER

Hall Farm is looking for a qualified part-time butcher to work three-four days a week, including some weekend work.

If interested please contact Will Barrie:

01206 322572 3

NEWS 20 YEARS AFLOAT AND SAILING ON This year the East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) will celebrate 20 years of providing sailing opportunities on the River Orwell for disabled East Anglians and their carers. To deliver those opportunities, EAST owns and maintains a fleet of keelboats and two support boats. Last season, the EAST keelboats took to the water in more than 100 sessions, more than in any previous season. And this coming 21st season looks likely to be just as busy as the demand continues to grow.

EAST also provides two weekend cruises and a week-long cruise where visually impaired sailors from all over the country live aboard a yacht and get a hands-on sailing experience with convivial, communal social evenings. The yachts are privately owned and this cruising in company programme depends entirely on the generosity of their owner/skippers.

The joy that this brings to our ‘customers’ is clear from the feedback.

Here are just a couple of examples.

“You know how much we appreciate you and your marvellous team of volunteers, however I just have to thank you all once again for being so accommodating and delivering another fantastic session. Do not underestimate the difference you all made to those families yesterday. The families were absolutely buzzing afterwards and want to continue to access your services.”

Email from St Elizabeth Hospice “I am registered blind and was given the opportunity last Friday, May 20 to go for a taster sail with EAST. I love sailing, but for various reasons, have not done so for over 25 years. I was therefore delighted to have been given this opportunity and cannot thank your charity enough for arranging the day. Ian and Barbara made us so welcome and let Katy and myself steer the yacht the whole time it was under sail. I cannot thank them enough for their hospitality, for sharing their knowledge and for all the fun we shared together.

It was truly a wonderful day and the weather was on our side too.

“Although I’m visually impaired and have a brain tumour, I also do lots of voluntary work and care for my 90-year-old father, so it was marvellous to have a day to myself and go sailing with such a friendly group of people. I hope I can come again sometime in the future.”

Email from Graham Thompson EAST relies totally on its volunteers both on and off the water (nobody gets paid). There’s not much sailing right now in the depths of winter, but there is still plenty of maintenance work to be done getting ready for the start of the new season. If you can sail or would like to learn, have a yacht or can help with admin, catering or maintenance and want to take part in this rewarding work, please get in touch.

The East Anglian Sailing Trust is based at EAST Waterside Community Centre at Suffolk Yacht Harbour in Levington and it is a Royal Yachting Association (Sailability) Centre of Excellence.

Contact EAST via www.east-anglian-sailing-trust.org.uk or phone 0333 088 3278.

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EAST BERGHOLT COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH Accidents don’t have to happen That’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) with statistics showing that inappropriate speed contributes to around 10% of all injury collisions reported to the police, with 13% of crashes resulting in a serious injury and 24% of collisions which result in a death.

Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop. It removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into crashes.

Around two-thirds of crashes in which people are killed or injured occur on roads with a speed limit of 30mph or less. At 30mph vehicles are travelling at 44 feet (about three car lengths) each second. One blink and the driver may fail to see the early warning brake lights; a short glance away and the movement of a child behind a parked car will be missed.

Even in good conditions, the difference in stopping distance between 30 mph and 35mph is an extra 21 feet, more than two car lengths.

East Bergholt is not immune to this problem. An Automatic Traffic Counter (ATC) placed on Heath Road, East Bergholt indicated that 85% of vehicles were travelling at speeds of approximately 39mph in both the northbound and southbound directions.

And that’s why we want to take some direct action with the formation of the East Bergholt Community Speed Watch group supported by Suffolk Police.

The main aim of the group is to help change attitudes towards speeding with the setting up of four sites to check the speeds of passing vehicles. Inappropriate speeding is then reported to the Suffolk Police.

Evidence from other parts of the country has shown that the presence of speedwatch can contribute to a lowering of speeds.

More details to follow in next month’s magazine. In the meantime, we are seeking more volunteers who are keen to contribute to road safety in East Bergholt by helping us to operate the four sites. If you are interested please contact: petermcgain@gmail.com

FREE DEMENTIA FRIENDS INFORMATION TALK & COFFEE MORNING Saturday, February 4, 10am-noon The Lambe School, Gaston Street CO7 6SD Come and learn more about dementia and what it’s like to live with dementia, partake in coffee and cake, and find out about community first responding Questions to Val Ayton: 01206 298692

IN MEMORY OF RONALD BEAU JACKAMAN A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Ron Jackaman will be held at 11am on Friday, February 10 in St Mary’s Church, Stoke by Nayland.

Everyone is welcome to attend the service and meet the family afterwards at Assington Village Hall, The Street, Assington CO10 5LW.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: JANUARY 2017 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN

Change of governance – adopting a cabinet-leader model At a meeting of the council on December 20, a majority of councillors voted to change from a committee system to an ‘executive’ model of governance. While opposition members have concerns about this change, the administration believes that it will mean greater levels of openness, transparency and collaboration. On the one hand, there should be increased accountability to our residents and possibly a stronger scrutiny function; it could also mean we will have a more efficient and agile decision making process, making it easier for both councillors and officers to deliver the best outcomes for the people of Babergh. On the other hand, fewer councillors will be involved in decision making or be able to influence decisions.

The new joint chief executive for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, Arthur Charvonia, started at the beginning of January.

The detail as to how the new model will actually function is still to be worked out. For example: how much decision-making and spending authority should be delegated to individual members of the cabinet?

Where the boundaries between the decisions councillors or officers will take? What constitutes a ‘significant’ or key decision? What will be the residual role and powers of council as opposed to the cabinet?

How much work and what kind of work will scrutiny undertake?

Constitutionally, each council must have its own cabinet, but possibly the two cabinets for Babergh and Mid Suffolk might meet simultaneously, in the same room, even if they vote separately. There could be a number of joint committees.

The new model will come into effect from May 2017 and cannot be changed for at least five years.

All of this is taking place, at speed, in the context of the Electoral Review being carried out by the Boundary Commission. This review will dictate the future size of the council (numbers of councillors) and how the wards are made up and distributed. Changes are inevitable as there are already population imbalances in some areas and more growth is planned. There must be electoral equality across the district and enough councillors to fulfil council’s responsibilities. There is also the representational role of councillors in a predominantly rural area. How will they engage with residents, conduct case work and represent the council on local partner organisations? Babergh must submit its recommendation on final councillor numbers, backed with evidence, by mid-March.

Sheltered Housing Schemes Proposals for changes to the services provided for residents in sheltered housing schemes across Babergh and Mid Suffolk have been approved by councillors and tenants.

The reshaping of the service took into account the changing needs and aspirations of sheltered tenants and, as a result of a consultation carried out during the review process, Babergh and Mid Suffolk have ensured that the services most important to residents in these schemes will be protected. As a result of the changes, the schemes listed below will be de-sheltered. No tenants are required to move if they do not wish to do so and support and/or an emergency alarm will continue to be provided for any resident who needs them.

The purpose of the review into the services provided for residents in sheltered housing schemes across both councils was to look at the best use of each council’s housing assets and ensure the service is efficient, cost-effective and meets the needs of current and future tenants of sheltered housing. You’ll find more information about the Sheltered Housing Review on the MSDC website and the BDC website news archives.

Building control Babergh and Mid Suffolk Building Control Department recently hosted a professional event at the Ipswich Hotel, Copdock, to showcase and promote Local Authority Building Control across the whole of Suffolk. The event was attended by approximately 90 guests from the local construction industry, including architects, agents and builders, and covered various topics on sustainability.

There were representatives from each building control service across Suffolk so that they could network and answer any questions from the construction industry attendees. There were also various trade stands from local and national companies within the construction industry and 14 technical presentations were held to cover various aspects of sustainability

Village development There is a temporary pause in the progress of the two major applications in Capel St Mary. We are waiting for the written judgement to be published from the recent Judicial Review won by the parish of East Bergholt. It is not yet clear how this might impact on development proposals, or on the interpretation of ‘local need’.

Move to Endeavour House Staff and councillors from Babergh and Mid Suffolk have been given guided tours of Endeavour House in Ipswich to take a look around what will be the new HQ base later this year. Overall, feedback has been positive as well as some issues being raised with regard to staff parking, hot-desking and flexible working.

sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

Dad always brought her roses, today was no different It’s the little things that make a funeral special Here for you every hour of every day

01206 391855

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals

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ADVERTORIAL

Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL Since the last PC meeting in December we learnt that the judge at the two-day Judicial Review of Babergh’s decision on the Hadleigh Road development ruled in favour of the parish council. At the time of writing the judge’s transcript is awaited. The result of the JR means Babergh will need to consider their position and so the reconsideration of the Moores Lane development application at a Babergh Planning Committee may be affected.

Matters at the December parish council meeting: • Tom Barker of Babergh postponed his session with the PC due to the Judicial Review and the reconsideration of Moores Lane • County Councillor Jones confirmed he had processed monetary support for East Bergholt Speedwatch Scheme • District Councillor Hinton informed of the monthly public parish/police forum meetings • Five planning applications were considered – one approval, four refusals • Councillors Ireland and Moss and the clerk attended the Royal Courts of Justice on December 7/8 for the Hadleigh Road Judicial Review and briefed the PC on both days • Approval given to write to James Cartlidge MP as to what other support he can give EBNP publicly • Cemetery fees to be increased from April 1, 2017 • Consideration given to erection of high fencing around Gandish Road Playground • Clerk to write to Babergh Enforcement Team regarding the new build in Dazeley’s Lane For up-to-date village information, road closures and events visit: www.eastbergholt.org.uk Parish Clerk Valerie Ayton

DOCTORS SURGERY ROTA Thanks to all our willing volunteers who provided transport last year.

We are still welcoming new volunteers and would welcome someone from Bentley where we make regular pick ups for both Eat Bergholt and Capel Surgeries.

Remember, if you cannot get to either of our surgeries for your appointment do tell the receptionist and they will make arrangements for you to make use of this scheme.

CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Managing demand over the winter period Demand on the NHS as a whole is at its highest during the winter months. This puts pressure on all our staff so it’s even more important at this time of the year that we deal with patient problems as efficiently as possible. Please help us by following the guidelines below: Tell the receptionist the nature of your problem. They can ensure you see the right clinician (GP, nurse practitioner, practice nurse) and you may not need to come into the practice if it can be dealt with over the telephone. If you need to see a GP, they will be aware of your problem before you see them which helps them prepare for you consultation. Of course, if your problem is personal and you would rather not disclose it, then that’s fine.

If you need a home visit, please let us know as soon as possible.

The doctor will phone you before leaving the practice to ensure they need to see you and they can help with the problem. Home visits can take up to an hour in total so if you can attend to practice please do so.

Order repeat medication well in advance and nominate a pharmacy. Many prescriptions can be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. However, it can take up to three days for the practice to process you prescription as the doctor will need check that it is safe to issue it.

The clinicians at the practice are not equipped to deal with every problem. If you have a serious acute problem you should attend A&E or dial 999 for emergency assistance as contacting the surgery may delay treatment being provided to you. Serious problems include broken bones, severe allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, severe chest pain, severe burns, seizures, very ill children, severe bleeding, poisoning, foreign body in your eye or ear. This list is not exhaustive and the practice may advise you to attend A&E if it is in your best interest to do so.

Training days A reminder that in 2017 the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, February 9; Wednesday, March 8; Wednesday, April 19 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

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

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Constable Memorial Hall

Gandish Rd, East Bergholt every Monday at 10am spaces are limited to reserve yours

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

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

janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS NOTES FROM THE CASE

REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD

Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON

Happy New Year to all our members, volunteers and customers. This year brings with it some exciting opportunities to get more involved with your community pub. We are re-launching the share offer so if you’re not already a member, this is your chance to become a part-owner of this successful pub by buying shares in The Case.

Consider the benefits: not only can you say you part-own your local pub and have a voice in the way it’s run, but there are very tangible financial benefits too. Your investment attracts 30% tax relief, so if you’re a taxpayer and invest £250, the taxman will refund £75. And from 2018, we hope to be able to pay interest of up to 3% above base rate. Where else would you get this? You’ll also receive information and updates which aren’t available to non-members. The minimum investment is £250, maximum £20,000. The Case already has more than 200 members. Why not join us and help us reach our target of £72,000 worth of new shares sold by the offer closing date of March 25? For full details and an application form visit: www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk Why is it so important to attract more investment?

We have identified a number of repairs and improvements to the building, the most urgent being the replacement of the bay windows at the front of the pub which you may have noticed are looking distinctly ropey. We all know the difference the pub has made to our community (without it we wouldn’t have a shop either), so please show your commitment by becoming an investor. If you’re already an investor, why not increase your stake?

Want to know more?

David Westley and Peter Cross will be available to answer questions and deal with any share applications at two informal sessions in the pub on Wednesdays, February 8 and 22 from 8pm. Just turn up.

And that’s not all – once you become a member by buying shares in The Case, you are eligible to stand for the management committee which is responsible for running the pub. Now the pub has been running for three years (hard to believe) some of the committee members are standing down, and we will be seeking new members for election in March.

Pub quizzes Our popular quizzes will recommence on the last Saturday in January.

Join us for a fun evening and give your brain cells a work-out, starting at 9pm. Entry £2 per person, maximum six in a team.

And finally: New Year, new challenges!

Why not learn new skills or polish up old ones and make new friends by joining our team of volunteers? Speak to any committee member (there’s a list on the website) or a volunteer, or pop into the pub and pick up a leaflet to find out more.

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

The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk. Perhaps you have memory worries yourself or even a recent diagnosis and want someone to talk to. Maybe you have concerns about a loved one, or need support in your caring role. Perhaps it’s just information you are after, or a confidential chat with someone. The line can help anyone who is looking for practical support and is able to provide you with local information and get you in touch with organisations that can help.

The apparent distancing of Babergh as a representative/servant of the people continues.

At the December council meeting the controlling Conservative group voted to introduce a ‘cabinet’ system. This means the leader appoints members to ‘portfolios’ and they have delegated powers to act before other councillors may be aware of or object to their decisions. It’s a bit like planning where notification is received after the decision.

Personally I do not like the system as it creates a two tier council with some areas of the district effectively becoming ‘second class’ with even more underrepresentation than now. Furthermore it is another example of the council proposing changes without all the other controls and safeguards in place, just a vague promise that ‘they will follow’. Scrutiny of cabinet members and decisions is currently done by the full council and no one has separate powers. Under a cabinet there would be separate powers and they need to be scrutinised and controlled. Otherwise we might as well have a council of 10 and the rest of us stay at home. The example of the move of the HQ to Ipswich without public consultation or any idea of the costs, with no business case being presented and before starting negotiations with Suffolk County is a clear example of aspects of the council running out of control.

Planning continues to be a challenge, but with success for East Bergholt in their Judicial Review of the application for 10 homes on Hadleigh Road.

The judge apparently (his full ruling is not yet available) tore into the Babergh planning policies and its interpretation of ‘local’ with regard to housing need. It has certainly created a stir with applications being delayed from committee until the full transcript and judgment plus the necessary action has been evaluated.

Watch out for more fireworks as the Bildeston JR goes before the judge, not necessarily the same one, in January, but the East Bergholt decision will certainly count as a precedent.

There is still a lot of talk about ‘Modern Government’ which really means let’s do it all by computer, which is great if you are computer literate and if you have good reliable fast internet. The Babergh planning pages are a nightmare and are supposed to be being sorted out, but if you like to spend all day gazing at a computer screen then ‘Modern Governance’ may be to your liking! Every day I encounter some problem or other, but I can ask the council for help. Who should the public turn to if they have the will?

I keep asking questions regarding the financial situation and keep getting referred to obscure references within the Babergh accounts and strategy reports, but they in themselves need further questions and explanation; questions regarding the Transformation Fund which was supposed to support a reduction in staff numbers and costs by amalgamation are referred to a document which includes absolutely no mention of the words ‘Transformation Fund’. The quest for transparency and clarity continues.

I scarcely dare mention the word (it’s a bit like Beetlejuice in the film of the same name), but devolution has gone very quiet. Well no-one is telling ‘ordinary’ councillors anything. It may be because of Christmas, but normally that’s a good time to release bad news as it gets lost in the festivities!

Well this cynic will keep on holding the spending of ‘our’ money to account and try to get what is best for the ward and all its residents.

Any other problems please give me a call.

A Happy New Year to you all.

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

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA

Firstly, welcome from all the Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team. Just to confirm that, although the police station is not open to the public, the SNT is still based at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD.

At Constable Hall, Gandish Road Friday, February 3: I Daniel Blake (15) Before the film, we will hear briefly from Alexandra Boyd, a director who is currently shooting a film set in Bawdsey called Widow’s Walk. Come and hear about the making of a Suffolk ghost story.

Just a reminder when to call the police: Emergency: please dial 999 Non-emergency: please call 101.

Road accidents: need to be reported to the police if unable to exchange details at the time of the incident within 24 hours.

Burglary in progress: please phone 999 Theft or burglary has occurred: call Suffolk police on 101 Incident at school: please ask the school to deal with this Fly tipping, abandoned vehicles, noise nuisance and stray dogs: report to the local council Witness drug use and have information about drugs: telephone Suffolk police on 101 or crime stoppers on 0800 555111 Lost mobile phone: report to the phone company and IMMOBILISE website: www.immobilise.com Lost credit cards: report to the bank or company Fraud: contact Action Fraud on 03001 232040 You, the public, are our eyes and ears when we are not around, so please report anything suspicious.

If you have ever been a victim of crime you will understand the importance of witnesses. Please phone 999 if you witness anything suspicious.

If you are organising an event or work in the community and would like the police or PCSOs to attend, please contact us in plenty of time so we can arrange to attend: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Finally, an update about recent anti-social behaviour committed in the Hadleigh area by local youths. All youths have been interviewed at the police station under caution and as a result all youths have been placed on diversion courses and also assisting with community work as punishment for their behaviour.

Thank you for working together with the police to make our area a safer and nicer place to live.

Keep safe, PC 167 Diane PORTER Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD

Friday, March 3: Mustang (15) It’s the beginning of summer in a village in rural Anatolia, northern Turkey. Lale and her four sisters come home from school innocently playing with boys. The supposed debauchery of their games causes a scandal with unexpected consequences. The family home is progressively transformed into a prison; instruction in homemaking replaces school and marriages start being arranged. The five sisters who share a common passion for freedom, find ways of getting around the constraints imposed on them. Mustang was nominated for best foreign language film at the 2015 Oscars.

Remember, we have a bar, ice cream, comfy chairs and a warm welcome.

Hope to see you soon. Doors open at 7.30pm, films start at 8pm. Tickets (£4 / 18 and under £2) are available in advance from the Fountain House Tearoom inSET UP AS POSTER OR IN A PANEL IN East Bergholt or call 01206 299774 to reserve tickets until 7.45pm. Tickets are also available on the door.

MT, CAP, COP & EAST B

Capel St Mary CEVC Primary School

Nearly New Sale

EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION East Bergholt High School Sunday, February 26, 10am-noon

Saturday, March 18, 1.30-3pm Capel Community Church Days Road, Capel St Mary GOOD QUALITY ITEMS ONLY

Admission 50p, refreshments available, free car park Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open 9am to set up ( 01206 298122

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Maternity clothes, baby equipment, clothes (0-11 years), toys, books and games 50p entrance fee (children free) For more details or to order a seller’s pack, please contact: Lisa 01473 312248 / Jo 07709 724133

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OUT & ABOUT CONSTABLE SINGERS

DEDHAM FILMS

Our next concert will be at East Bergholt Congregational Church on Saturday, April 22 at 7pm. Further details from posters and magazines nearer the time.

Wednesday, February 15 (doors open at 7pm, film starts at 7.30pm): Bridget Jones’ Baby, directed by Sharon Mcguire

Constable Singers meet every Thursday at Lambe School, apart from the second Thursday when we meet at East Bergholt Congregational Church at 7pm. We sing music from the musicals and pop songs. Words provided, no audition.

Tickets £4 from Shakespeare House Gallery, Dedham High Street, online at www.dedhamfilms.co.uk or from 7pm on the door.

Further details from Mel (01206 298628) or Yvonne (01206 298428).

CAPEL LIBRARY February sees the days beginning to draw out which means that spring is just around the corner when we see crocus and snowdrops peeping through the soil. The new colour emerging gives us all a boost from the dreary days of winter, so start planning those projects with the help of a good library book.

Do browse the catalogue as a helpful aide-memoir and see what you can find. Possibly you will find an author that you haven’t read and give them a go.

When you visit the library we politely ask that you have your library card with you to be able to take out books. Thank you.

This month sees the start of a new Friends of Capel Library Community Cinema showing Bridget Jones’s Baby on February 21 at 7.30pm. Come along if you can and have a good laugh if you missed it when it was released at the cinema.

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY It’s your last chance to buy tickets for Little Shop of Horrors, BATS’ next production in Brantham Village Hall running from February 14-19 at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 19.

We all enjoy a good musical and this spoof science fiction about a nerdy florist shop worker who raises a vicious, raunchy plant is one of exceptional quality by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman. With catchy songs, music provided by a live band, romance and an introduction to life on Skid Row, BATS as usual, present a colourful, dazzling show, with dancing and puppetry to bring the story to life.

This scintillating show, directed by John Hoskyns and Pippa Revell, is suitable for most ages. Tickets (£8 / children £6) can be bought online from www.ticketsource.co.uk or from Bakes and Blossoms, Acacia Court, Brantham (9.30am-2.30pm). Enquiries to 07891 974844 (text or voicemail).

Other clubs meeting this month Baby Bounce: February 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 2pm. Come along and enjoy playing with the instruments and singing nursery rhymes and doing action rhymes. This lively group is open to all children (from birth) and their carers.

Book Group: meets on Friday 17 at 2.30pm. This group is open to all and new members are very welcome. A wide variety of books are chosen by the group, some they have enjoyed reading, others not so much.

Don’t forget that we offer an IT training session with Trevor, which is prebookable on Tuesday mornings. If you need any assistance then please book a one-hour slot.

We also sell books of postage stamps and book tokens.

OPENING TIMES Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm & 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Contact: 01473 311699

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY By the time you read this we shall have had our annual general meeting on January 28 and re-elected the trustees for 2017. As I pointed out in December, the library service is coming under increasing financial pressure caused by cuts in funding. We as friends are committed to maintaining and improving the service that is provided here at Capel.

One new innovation is the Community Cinema, and you can support our work and see a good film by coming along. See above for details. Watch out too for events being planned for March and April.

If you are not a member of the friends yet, don’t delay as there are benefits on events and it only costs £1 a year, less that the price of cup of coffee. Even better join the 100 Club for £12 a year and have the chance of winning one of three monthly money prizes.

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Presents

a Klezmer Ceilidh with live music from Tanz

Saturday 11th March 2017 7:30 to 11pm Copdock Village Hall Old London Road, Copdock. IP8 3JN Fancy a Freylechs?

Think you can handle a hora?

Then take a trip from East Anglia to Eastern Europe at a Klezmer Ceilidh. Learn some classic dances from a rich tradition based on Jewish wedding celebrations.

Dances will be taught by Jon Hooton, with music from Tanz, a Norwich-based Klezmer trio with Helen Boreham on accordion and clarinet, Fran Broady on fiddles and vocals and Louisa Young on clarinet and vocals.

Bring you own refreshments and enjoy a great evening of dancing with live music.

Price £8 per person on the door (£7 if pre-paid) Open to all aged 16 and above Spaces are limited so best advised to book

For Booking & Pre-payment before Friday 3rd Mar 2017 email: janet@fundancing.co.uk call / text: 07506 350 455 FolkEast 2016 - Klezmer Workshop

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY ARTS AND MUSIC Friday, February 10 at 8pm: Love and Loss – The Story of Orpheus and Eurydice in Art and Music, illustrated lecture by Dr Lois Oliver at Constable Hall, East Bergholt Telling how the legendary singer lost his lover through a single glance. This tragic story has inspired much great music including the first masterpiece of opera, Monteverdi’s Orfeo. Tickets £10, students £5.

Sunday, February 26 at 4pm: Vanbrugh String Quartet at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt / sponsored by Birkett Long Solicitors The legendary Vanbrugh Quartet was a regular fixture for SVAM during the 1990s and there is great excitement that they have agreed to find time to come back to play a wonderful programme including Beethoven’s String Quartet no 11 in F minor op 95. Tickets £14, students £7, 16 and under free with paying adult.

Sunday, March 5: Young Musician’s Concert, Constable Hall, East Bergholt Sunday, March 19 at 4pm: Kammerphilharmonie Europa at St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt Box office and information: www.svam.org.uk / 01206 298426 / svamtickets@btinternet.

BUMPER BOOK SALE Attention all you book lovers.

Another bumper book sale is planned for Easter Monday, April 17 at Manningtree Methodist Church in South Street from 10am-4pm. This will be run alongside our highly successful four day art show.

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, February 11, 9am-12.30pm, just in time to get that vital St Valentine’s gift to show your partner you care.

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

MANNINGTREE ROTARY SANTA RAISES £4,765 Manningtree Rotary had a very successful 2016 season with Santa. A total of £4,765 was raised in the run up to Christmas, £127 up on 2015. Santa toured the streets of Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford for 10 nights with his elves collecting house to house. There were also collections in the town and Rotary ran a sell-out mulled wine stall at the Christmas Fayre. All the proceeds will go to charities and local good causes.

Rotarian organiser Rob Sharratt said: “We have had a great response again this year. The children love to see Santa touring the streets and people have been most generous with their donations. We are very grateful for everyone’s support.”

The Rotary Club of Manningtree Stour Valley is a friendly club of men and women who meet every Thursday night at The Crown Hotel, Manningtree. If you wish to know more about the club please contact David Willis: 01473 310076

EASTER ART SHOW Manningtree Methodist Church will be holding their annual Easter Art Show again this year.

Any artist wishing to exhibit should contact Brian Cuthbertson: 01206 298635 / Briancuth@Supanet.com

SPEND AN EVENING WITH THE POET AND PERFORMER HOLLIE MCNISH Hollie McNish will be appearing at the Ipswich Institute, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Wednesday, February 22 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.

In Nobody Told Me, published in 2016, Hollie writes about poetry and parenthood. Her poems are personal, touching and funny. They are brilliant to read, but hearing her perform them lends them a whole other dimension. If you want to hear how great she is there are clips of her performances on YouTube and you can check her out on: www.holliepoetry.com Doors open at 7pm with the event starting at 7.30pm. The entrance fee is £4 for members of Suffolk Book League and £8 for non-members.

Students are free on production of a valid student card. Tickets can be paid for on the door or if you want to book in advance please email: enquire@sbl.org.uk Suffolk Book League, established in 1982, is a quite unique organisation which provides what is essentially a year-long literary festival. Further information about the league, including the benefits of membership, can be found at: www.sbl.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY Buildings, the seemingly mundane subject of our December competition, produced some surprising results when judged incisively by Peter Espley, an experienced hand who says it like it is.

It was the fascination with these faces, adding vitality to the arched features of this otherwise plain brickwork, captured in Bruges by Chris Rogers, which won the judge’s heart. A wellattended meeting produced a number of high quality entries, with top marks also shared by Harold Mousley, Frank Pearson, Mark Rivers, Tim Stott and Barry Weaver.

The year ended with our Christmas social, enjoyed by all thanks to the sterling efforts of the catering crew and in particular to Frank and Sue for organising a superb festive buffet.

FUTURE MEETINGS January 26: Open Monochrome / Competition Judge: Alan Sarsby February 9: Making Photobook with Roy Essery DPAGB February 23: Mounting Workshop / Critique evening with Dave Edwards and George Fossey 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 the society or may attend initially as a visitor (£3). Please contact Margaret, our secretary, for more information: 01206 396958 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP Sunday, February 5 at 10.30am Meet at Dedham War Memorial for a 4/5 mile walk Leader Ian Chapman: 07914 749520 Sunday, March 5 at 10.30am Meet at Dedham War Memorial for an approx 5 mile walk Leaders John Osborn (07919 521607) and Marlene Townes Sunday, April 2 at 10.30am Meet at the free car park High Street, Wivenhoe for a 4/5 mile walk Leader Margaret Smith: 01206 822797 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 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

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STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, January 11, Dr Geoffrey Kay, former lecturer at Norwich School of Art and Anglia Ruskin University, spoke on Drugs, Sex & Death – The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. In the mid-19th century a group of young artists began to sign their work with the initials PRB. For a short time gallery visitors were baffled. Dr Kay informed us what united these artists and how and why they were determined to alter the course of British art for the next 50 years.

On Wednesday, February 8, Prof John Midwinter FRAE, FRS, formerly at BT and UCL, will speak on The Truth About Climate Change. His lecture will explore evidence that we are changing the climate of our planet, probably irreversibly, and this will be linked to a discussion of what this probably portends and why we should be very concerned.

On Wednesday, March 8, Mark Mitchels will speak on The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial. This will be an illustrated lecture that attempts to recreate the moment. It will tell the story of the excavation and when a remarkable people sent their leader on his final voyage. This was one of the greatest treasures ever found on English soil.

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.

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

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Our only January meeting was on Wednesday 18 when Tom Tyler talked about When Motoring Was Fun. This sentimental journey reminded us all of many happy memories.

On Wednesday, February 1 Peter Gant will talk on 100 Years of Postcards and on February 15 Dudley Chignell will present The Four Seasons in East Anglia. On Wednesday, March 1 Joyce Kimber speaks on Ciphers & Enigma and the Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 15.

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 Brian Rolfe: 01206 393665

In Touch online:

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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We are a local charity on your doorstep with our office located in Martlesham Heath and we are focused on supporting vulnerable young people and adults across the county.

We are looking for volunteers to become Appropriate Adults (AAs) to support young people or vulnerable adults when detained in custody at a time when they need it most. As an AA you would be present to ensure that all questioning is carried out as it should be and that the wellbeing of the vulnerable person has been addressed. AAs are independent of the police, social care or solicitors and in 2015 ACT responded to 2018 callouts.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to fit this role around other commitments as the AA Service operates across Suffolk seven days a week on a rota basis. You are able to choose a fortnightly four-hour slot that is convenient for you.

If you have some spare time and would like to support a young person over a longer period of time, then becoming an Independent Visitor may be for you. For young people living in care homes, acting as Independent Visitors, volunteers meet with the young person, act as a positive role model, offer support and opportunity to participate in meaningful, fun activity. This is a monthly commitment of approximately four hours.

Our volunteer team comes from a range of backgrounds: retired police inspectors, nurses, social workers, criminology students, parents and people with varied life experiences. We welcome all applications and even if you have no professional experience we can support you through valuable training, shadowing and supervision. We have recently employed two of our AAs: a criminology student volunteering as an AA now works full time supporting homeless offenders to resettle in the community and another of our AA volunteers now works full time in our domestic abuse refuge. This role has opened many doors for our volunteers.

Contact Lisa Miles: 01473 622888 / LisaMiles@angliacaretrust.org.uk

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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE LINK CLUB

STOUR VALLEY TREFOIL GUILD

For our December meeting we were entertained by Harry and Sue Parsons with a number of short sketches from pantomimes they have performed in over a number of years.

Stour Valley Trefoil Guild would like to thank all those who sent knitted items and books, pencils, toys, soap, toothbrushes and the like to fill shoeboxes for children at Christmas. We managed to fill 165 boxes, which brings our total over ten years to 1,145. Apart from using up some spare items already in stock for next year, we ask that no more be sent to us now as the task has become rather large for the small team who fill the boxes. Thank you all very much for your generosity in the past.

Alicea Holmes will present ta talk entitled The Chaplain of the Methodist Homes when we meet on February 8. Future talks will be: Wolves, Dogs and Us, Easter Parade and The Building of Bury Tower.

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. After the August and February meetings, we normally hold a members’ lunch – funds permitting.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

Pamela Robinson, chairman

EAST BERGHOLT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Gardening tips for February

The unit experienced an increase in membership in 2016 with many explorers taking part in activities including a winter based mountain event in the Peak District and water activities, canoeing and sailing on the River Deben. Another explorer was fortunate to obtain a place on an offshore sailing event.

All new members have registered for the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme and after recently forming an eleventh bronze team we are already considering setting up team number 12 for 2017.

Most of last year’s D of E programme was devoted to training and preparing for the expeditions being carried out during the April to October season. Practice expeditions for the bronze, silver and gold teams took place in south Suffolk, north-west Norfolk and the Peak District respectively.

In addition, several expedition related events such as emergency aid, hiking and lightweight camping and cooking events take place within the scouting programme during the November to March sessions adding to the experience for explorer Scouts working towards meeting the challenges set by both D of E and scouting programmes.

In the coming year the unit will continue to provide these opportunities and most of the unit membership will be involved in both practice and qualifying expeditions in various locations throughout the UK. Planning for these events is already fairly advanced with a D of E Gold qualifying event in Dartmoor National Park this summer.

The core age range for explorer scouts is 14 to 18 years but we also offer scout network members aged 18 to 25 years the opportunity to complete their D of E award programmes with the unit.

Last year an additional leader joined the team, but due to personal circumstances is unable to continue. As a result the need for further additional adult support is vital so if you are a holder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and would like to help more young people achieve theirs too, or wish to know more, please contact Roger for an informal chat.

Cattawade Explorer Scout Unit Roger S Dann, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Leader: 01206 395285 07778 463172 / catt-explorers@outlook.com www.wolseyscouts.org.uk/explorers www.brantham.onesuffolk.net/the-parish-council/groups

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Sometimes February can be colder than January, but the days are getting longer and we should be able to start some activity in our gardens. There’s always a bit of tidying up to do – longer/stronger twigs can be used to support sweet peas and perennials later on. Give ornamental grasses a ‘haircut’ to make way for new growth. Later in the month, if the weather is favourable, rose pruning can begin and don’t be too ‘timid’ about it. It’s also the last chance to plant bare root roses and other shrubs.

Cut back summer flowering clematis. Most shrubs appreciate a feed of a slow release fertiliser such as bone meal. Deadhead pansies in baskets and tubs and feed occasionally – make sure they don’t go short of water.

Check dahlias in sheds. Lift and divide clumps of snowdrops that have become too large. Prune winter jasmine once it has finished flowering.

Sweet peas can be sown in pots – either in the greenhouse, cold frame or on a cold windowsill. Not a bad idea to sprinkle fertiliser around emerging clumps of spring bulbs.

If the ground isn’t frozen, dig over veg beds and cover in polythene to warm up the soil. Prune autumn fruiting raspberries right back to the ground. Broad beans can be sown in the same way as sweet peas. Early potatoes can be chitted.

Weather permitting, it will be good to start and enjoy some gentle gardening. Don’t forget to feed the birds and provide water. Does you lawn mower need servicing?

So, quite a few jobs, but no rush!

Janet Alcoe

East Bergholt Horticultural Society Founded 1895

Advance notice of

GIANT PUMPKIN COMPETITION Friday 13 October 2017 Open to all - members and non-members Adult and Under-12 classes Seeds need to be sown soon! www.eastbergholthorticulturalsociety.onesuffolk.net email:ebhs@btinternet.com

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OUT & ABOUT THIS WINTER AT FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN

By Shirley Sampson, warden

ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE AT CAPEL Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk

DEDHAM AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Our first speaker’s evening of the year is on Wednesday, February 1 in the Assembly Rooms, High Street, Dedham at 7.30pm. Our guest speaker is David Holmes who will be talking on the subject of garden antiques.

Admission is free for members and £2 for guests who are very welcome.

There will be the usual raffle and light refreshments are provided. Look forward to seeing you there.

East Bergholt Horticultural Society

Cottage Cures and Superstitions A talk by Andrew Sankey Garden Designer/Landscaper, Nurseryman and Lecturer

FRIDAY 24 MARCH 2017 7.30 pm Constable Hall East Bergholt Tickets are available from the Fountain House Tea Room in East Bergholt If£3you would like to go please write your name, address and for members, £5 for non-members

telephone number plus preferred pick up point on an envelope www.eastbergholthorticulturalsociety.onesuffolk.net email: ebhs@btinternet.com

Sun shining? Crisp chill in the air? If you feel like a bit of fresh air, or somewhere to give the kids a run for an hour or two, why not visit Flatford Wildlife Garden? We’re open for the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend, namely January 28/29, 10.30am-3.30pm, with fun family activities. We’ll be making bird feeders to take home, taking a closer look at the birds visiting the garden, and doing a fun nature trail around the wintery garden.

In February we will be running two Snowdrop Weekends on 11/12 and 18/19. The garden is full of drifts of lovely snowdrops to enjoy at this time of year… We’ll also have potted snowdrops for sale, and seasonal advice on wildlife gardening for you to take home.

After a bracing stroll in the garden or along the river, repair to the National Trust tearoom for a well-earned cuppa and to warm up! Park at the National Trust car park at Flatford (£4 per day).

The garden at Flatford is designed to inspire people to help wildlife in their own gardens. Many people don’t realise that they could very easily be helping conserve local wildlife by thinking differently about their gardens. For creatures like honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and many birds, gardens can allow them to travel across the landscape with access to food and shelter, which is vital to their survival. Gardens are no less important for creatures without wings – many gardens offer ideal habitat for hedgehogs, provided that the gardens are all connected.

Surprisingly, hedgehogs need to travel up to two miles per night in order to find sufficient food, and therefore they not only need to be able to get INTO your garden, but also into your neighbours’ gardens from there…

Once they’re in, apart from being charming in their own right, they will munch on your slugs and snails!

Here are some ideas to transform your winter garden into a mini-nature reserve: Safe and warm in winter…

Don’t cut back the summer’s growth come autumn, but be patient and leave the summer’s bounty until spring. The dead plant material and autumn leaves will create an insulating blanket over the soil’s surface, creating a warm, dry haven for many small creatures hibernating away the winter months. You may then be lucky enough to have songthrushes and other hungry insect eaters rummaging in the leaf litter, searching for insect food in the depths of the winter. You can then have a satisfying tidy-up in early spring, once the worst of the winter is over.

So mulch more…

Mulch your borders – choose something with an organic origin – homemade compost, well-rotted woodchips or bark chippings. This mulch not only nourishes the soil and plants, but also provides a source of food for soil invertebrates. Healthy populations of earthworms and other invertebrates have real benefits for the soil, and hence the plants, but will also provide food for a long list of carnivorous garden friends, such as hedgehogs, all the amphibians, song thrushes, blackbirds, robins, and many more.

Winter hibernation sites Train a dense evergreen up your walls or fences, it will provide a safe haven for birds to nest, or butterflies to hibernate in winter. The five common garden butterflies, namely the comma, the small tortoiseshell, brimstone, peacock, and increasingly the red admiral, all overwinter by hibernating as adult butterflies, and need somewhere dry and insulated to shelter. In many cases, a thick evergreen climber such as ivy up against a fence or wall, provides an ideal hibernating place.

More information at www.rspb.org.uk/flatford

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ONE LIFE ONE BODY

ING

TRAMPOLIN

rdination, Improves co-o y as well ilit ag & balance ss and as general fitne N! FU t it’s grea es iliti ab & es All ag or 6pm m 5p ay sd ne Wed al Booking essenti

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Have fun skati ng around the sports hall with your friends to pumping music Friday 7pm

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to many We are home ts clubs, or sp t differen r website or why not visit ou er! ha w t is on off pop in to see

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www.ssleisure.co.uk/east-bergholt-sports-centre BODYTONE Monday 6pm

CIRCUITS Wednesday 7.30pm

www.ssleisure.co.uk

01206 299340

...Leading the way to active living

TRIM IN THE GYM Thursday 10am

H. I. I. T Friday 6.15pm

BOOTCAMP Saturday 9am

*Booking is Essential

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www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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ADVERTORIAL A CONFIDENT CHILD IS A HAPPY CHILD to excel at sport, music. art and drama. Staff liaise closely with each other to help the children to balance their commitments and this close support allows individuals to focus on their academic studies and many other key activities outside the classroom.

Every child is good at something and at Littlegarth we strive to ensure that each child is given every chance to succeed in school. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum and this, combined with a high level of specialist teaching, ensures that we can spot potential from a very early age and nurture the skills of each individual.

We believe strongly that each child must be given a solid grounding in the basic skills of a wide range of activities and this firm foundation provides a springboard to a range of achievements at home and at school. Subject specialist staff work closely together to ensure a high level of academic rigour while the children are also provided with numerous opportunities

This year the children of Littlegarth will also benefit from considerable improvements to the fabric of the school as a new building development will provide specialist facilities for art, drama and music, just ten years after the school built an excellent sports hall. Littlegarth is also investing in a large library incorporating a class computing suite and new Year 5 and 6 classrooms will ensure that our senior children will be situated adjacent to the library to allow immediate access to an exceptional learning and research facility.

A tried and tested curriculum delivered by outstanding subject specialists in outstanding purpose built facilities will provide Littlegarth children with even more opportunities to succeed in 2017. A successful child is a confident child and a confident child is a happy child.

A very happy and successful New Year to you all.

A truly independent school and nursery for children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 11

OPEN MORNING

Friday 24th February - 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

01206 262332 www.littlegarth.essex.sch.uk

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Littlegarth School, Horkesley Park, Nayland, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4JR.

In Touch online:

SCHOOLS BENTLEY CEVC AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS It may be cold outside, but the curriculum in Bentley and Copdock is really heating up.

Despite the chilly weather at present, we are looking forward to lots of activities planned for the forthcoming spring.

Dennis Kell, our chair of governors, will be launching the Big Birdwatch event in both schools in the next few weeks, kicking off with a special assembly to introduce the children to the event and explain how we can help this big, national project. Miss Cross at Copdock and Miss Wilding at Bentley will be leading a veritable host of Forest Schools activities through the remainder of the school year, meaning that the pupils will be engaged in a much greater depth of learning in the outdoor environment. We are extraordinarily lucky to have such beautiful grounds around our schools, meaning that the Forest Schools scheme of learning can be accessed by all the children in all year groups.

In March, we will be giving a lot of thought and attention to Science Week. All the classes across the federation will be taking on significant science projects. In addition to this, each class has started a new class topic for the half term. Wolves and Squirrels are doing a topic called Super Scientists, Woodpeckers are doing Judaism, Adders are doing Marvellous Mayans and Foxes are doing Science and Materials. If you have any expertise or artefacts that you think might be useful in any of these topics, and you are willing to lend them to us, please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears The Bears have been exploring new textures of winter, such as the snow, frost and ice, making the most of the fresh mornings and running on the field and in our garden. Recently they have been using and developing their physical skills by climbing and crawling on the slide and their communication and language skills with lots of singing and dancing.

Toddling Tigers In the last month we have been exploring the changes in the weather and have enjoyed making footprints in the snow and watching it fall. We have made and hung bird feeders from the trees in our garden and have enjoyed watching the birds. The school field is a great place to look for birds on our bird hunts.

Gruffalos The children are embracing the bear hunt topic with much enthusiasm. We have been on many bear hunts and have found bears of all different sizes.

The children decided that bears were friendly and that we should bring them inside and look after them, making dinner for them, reading them stories and generally involving the bears in their play. One of the children decided that bears liked honey so we made honey sandwiches. Some of us liked the honey just as much as the bears! This led to a child creating a ‘trap’ using honey as the bait to see if we could catch any more bears. Such great thinking! Many children played detective, looking for clues to see if there have been any bears in our garden. They found scratch marks in logs and bite marks in wood and even some bear poo! Great detective work!

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.

Diversity within the curriculum and extra curricula activities are being further enhanced by our variety of clubs running this term. Across the two schools, we offer two sports clubs, a singing club, a cooking club, a film club and drum and guitar lessons. In addition to this, Eco Council at both schools are looking at how to improve the grounds and are hoping to set up a gardening club.

Finally, we are looking for a midday supervisor at Bentley for either one or two days a week. If you are interested in this post, please call the office on 01473 310253 for more information.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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SPORT EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB EAST BERGHOLT TENNIS CLUB The last month was mixed for the First Team, with them registering one victory, one draw and one defeat, and thereby maintaining a mid-table position.

The Reserves continued their impressive form. They had three matches in December with three wins and 15 goals scored. This saw them end 2016 at the top of League A, albeit that the teams immediately below them had games in hand.

The A Team’s struggles continued in December. They failed to pick up a point in League B and consequently slipped to 11th place.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st TEAM Senior Division Trimley Red Devils Bob Coleman Cup (A) Sat, Jan 28 Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Feb 4 Grundisburgh (H) Sat, Feb 11 Bramford Utd (A) Sat, Feb 25 Ransomes Sports (H) Sat, Mar 4 RESERVES League A Sporting ’87 Res (H) Sat, Jan 28 AFC Hoxne Res (H) Sat, Feb 4 Sat, Feb 18 Coplestonians Res (H) Mendlesham Res (H) Sat, Feb 25 Achilles Res (A) Sat, Mar 4 A Team League B Sat, Jan 28 Sat, Feb 4 Sat, Feb 11 Sat, Feb 18 Sat, Feb 25 Sat, Mar 4

Stonham Aspal Res (A) Haughley Utd Res (H) Henley Athletic Res (A) Capel Plough Res (H) Trimley Athletic Res (A) Stowupland Falcons Res (A)

Fixtures are subject to change. To confirm please refer to: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, 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 are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in, or have links to, the village. Please come along and give us a look sometime.

Secretary Steve Butcher stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

MISTLEY CRICKET CLUB December 100 Club Winners 1st Matt Bibby (1) £100 2nd Jack Jiggens (52) £50 3rd Diane Barlow (48) £50 Plenty of work is going on behind the scenes to prepare for 2017.

New players are always welcome, please email: mistleycc@btinternet.com Mistley CC is a community club with strong traditions. Please come along and give us a look sometime.

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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 or £90 per couple, juniors (under 18) £15, students £25, plus special offers for family membership. 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 non-members, will depend on the course.

All enquiries about the coaching programmes should be directed towards Pete Richmond, whereas membership enquires can be directed to either Pete Richmond or Paul Lake as below.

Pete Richmond, chairman/coach: 07932 815201 / NEETacademyHQ@gmail.com Paul Lake, secretary: 01206 396556 / 55paullake@gmail.com

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB We are nearing the end of the current season and already starting to think about the next.

Capel Plough Football Club runs 10 teams covering ages nine-17, playing in local leagues on Saturday or Sunday mornings with all participants enjoying their football. Training is usually held weekly on different days for different age groups. The purpose of the youth section is to allow the youngsters to develop their game from a young age, helped by team coaches who have all undertaken the correct qualifications.

Having more than 100 young people playing youth football for the club is pleasing to see and promising both now and for the future. It is the ambition of the club that these youngsters progress into adult football at Capel Plough. We are also an FA Charter Standard Club. The FA Charter Standard programme recognises and rewards high quality levels of provision in club and league football. The kitemark is awarded to clubs and leagues that are well run, sustainable and which place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount.

The youth setup has developed considerably over the last 10 years and is one of the bigger offerings of youth football in the local area.

This season we have started our first all-girls team at the Under-12 age group (pictured above). The girls’ team in particular are looking for additional players next season as they move up to nine-aside football.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact manager Tony Eagen: 07772 107838 / rontone01@sky.com The opportunity to sponsor the team’s kit is still available. If you have an interest in running a team or joining a team, be it boys, girls or mixed, or indeed in sponsoring an individual team or the club through banner advertising please contact chairman Gareth Millar: gareth@xsitems.com

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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ON THE GRAPEVINE

QUESTIONS ON CASH With Nick Plumb This month, I have responded to two questions from In Touch readers that landed in my email in-basket over the Christmas period.

GET UP AND GLOW FOR ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE St Elizabeth Hospice’s biggest event of the year, the Midnight Walk, is back for its 11th birthday event and if you sign up before the end of January you can save £5.

The hugely popular event, which saw a record-number of people taking part in May earlier this year, will return on May 20, 2017 and back by popular demand is the neon theme.

Alan from Ipswich asks: “I have just started receiving my state pension and a company pension of £14,000 a year from the old GEC scheme. The state pension is paid to me gross with no tax deducted, but my GEC pension has income tax deducted and is paid to me net of that tax. Why is there a difference, and should I be paying tax at all?”

Yes, you will pay a certain amount of tax on both pensions, as your total pension income is above your annual personal income tax allowance of £11,000, which is what you are allowed to earn before income tax is deducted at basic rate (currently 20%).

Pension income (from state or private pensions) is classed as ‘earned’ income and is therefore taxable above £11,000 a year.

There are also two brand new routes – a six mile and a 12 mile – both of which will pass the hospice on Foxhall Road so all walkers will have the opportunity to hang a personalised tag on the Tree of Remembrance.

Although your state pension is paid to you gross, this does not mean that you don’t pay tax on it. The tax is actually collected by an adjustment to your tax code. Check your last notice of coding, and you will see that your tax code is different to when you were working. The pension system would not be able to cope with working out everyone’s individual income tax, so they leave the tax to HMRC, who alter your tax code to compensate.

Catherine Sheppard, St Elizabeth Hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “We are very excited to launch the Midnight Walk 2017 and we hope it will be as successful as 2016 which raised an incredible £220,000 for the hospice, making a huge difference to our patients and their families.

The GEC pension is taxed at source, and tax is deducted by the company pension administrators before the pension is paid to you. However, it is important to check that you have been put on the correct tax code as I have seen many examples of people paying too much tax on their company pensions over the years.

“The neon theme proved very popular. It was fantastic to watch Ipswich glow last year and we wanted to bring that back again to the town.”

Peter from Needham Market asks: “I am the director of a limited company employing 12 members of staff. I would like to introduce a free life insurance scheme that pays out a lump sum to the staff member’s family if they died. What is the best way to do this through the company?”

However, this year’s Midnight Walk will have a few alterations, with a brand new start and finish location – the Cornhill in Ipswich town centre.

All participants will receive an exclusive Midnight Walk 2017 T-shirt, medal and a hot chocolate at the finish line.

You can save £5 and register for just £10 with the early bird offer before January 31, 2017. From February 1 registration will be £15.

Be part of Suffolk’s biggest celebration of life and sign up now at: www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk To request a paper form contact: 01473 707043 / midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

CAPEL ART FOR FUN ART EXHIBITION AND SALE March 4-12 at the Harvest Moon Café, 9.30am-3.30pm For more information call Pauline: 07923 470404

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A ‘death in service’ scheme for a group of employees is usually arranged as a Group Life Insurance scheme, which falls under the ‘tax approved’ rules that also apply to group pension schemes.

Such schemes offer various tax advantages for you as the employer and for your employees.

The premiums the company pays are tax-deductible as a business expense and the premiums are not treated as a ‘benefit in kind’ for your employees, so they will not suffer a tax charge on them.

Any Lump-sum death benefit paid on the death of an employee would be paid free of income tax and, if it is paid out under a discretionary trust, it will not normally be liable for inheritance tax when paid to the beneficiaries of the deceased staff member.

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 Services Authority.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM

BRANTHAM AND CAPEL METHODIST CHURCHES

JANUARY

How do you feel about yourself?

We hope that most of the time we feel reasonably good about ourselves.

There will be times when we have made a mistake or done something wrong, on purpose or in error, and we will feel bad about ourselves. If we are someone who is living under constant criticism our self-esteem might be low and depression might weigh us down.

Sunday 29 8am 11am

Epiphany 4 BCP Communion (Healing), East Bergholt Benefice Communion (Healing), Brantham

FEBRUARY Wednesday 1 9.30am

BCP Communion, East Bergholt

Sunday 5 8am 10am

Candlemas BCP Communion, East Bergholt Benefice Communion, East Bergholt

Sunday 12 8am 10am 11am

Third before Lent BCP Communion, East Bergholt Communion Service, East Bergholt Family Service, Brantham

Sunday 19 8am 10am 11am

Second before Lent BCP Communion, East Bergholt Baptism of Jessica Alderton, East Bergholt Communion Service, Brantham

Sunday 26 8am 10am 11am

Next before Lent BCP Communion, East Bergholt Choral Matins, East Bergholt Informal Service, Brantham

MARCH Wednesday 1 Ash Wednesday 9.30am Imposition of Ashes and Communion, East Bergholt 7.30pm Imposition of Ashes and Communion, Brantham Sunday 5 8am 11am

Lent 1 BCP Communion, East Bergholt Benefice Communion (Healing), Brantham

Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday at 8am and Choral Matins is usually on the third Sunday.

This service schedule may change without prior notice if needed.

I count myself privileged to have grown up in a loving family, to have had the option of a good education, to have had people who have inspired and encouraged me, to have had employment all my working life, to have a wife and growing family (grandchildren), to have friends, to have faith and to be content with life.

Last month I wrote under the heading Done and Undone! and invited you to one of our Covenant Services. I am part way through sharing these in my five churches. I found a contemporary version of the Covenant Service on the internet and will happily send a copy to anyone who asks. It includes a prayer which suggests things for which we might want to say sorry.

As implied at the beginning of this article, I feel reasonably good about myself and I think most of my friends wouldn’t call me wicked (but they would also certainly agree that I’m not perfect either). As I have led this prayer, I have felt uncomfortable at some of the areas mentioned and have to agree that I am guilty of some of these wrong attitudes, thoughts and actions. I feel unclean, dirty and ashamed. I could easily end up feeling depressed.

But every time the service lifts that guilt, we ask God to create a clean heart, to renew a right spirit within and to give us the joy of his help.

There is a freedom and a joy. I am glad I will have prayed this prayer five times in January and experienced the joy and release that come from being in the presence of Jesus who forgives, cleanses and renews.

Probably by the time this is published I will have completed the series, but I would always welcome an opportunity to talk and pray with you if you would like to invite me.

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

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

SERVICES IN FEBRUARY

International and Interdenominational

AT BRANTHAM METHODIST

On Friday, March 3, Britain will join a worldwide network of Christians who prayerfully focus on the life and needs of women in a chosen country. This year it’s the Philippines. This area’s service will be held at 10.30am at St Lawrence’s Church, Bradfield. The theme was chosen by the Philippines and is Am I Being Unfair to You?. That and more about the Philippines will be explored in the service.

Sunday 5

11am

Worship with Mrs Alicia Holmes

Sunday 12

11am

Worship with Mr Roger Theobald

Sunday 5

10.30am Worship with Mr Guy Fairweather 6.30pm Prayer

Everyone is welcome to attend

Sunday 12

10.30am Worship with Mr Rod Stone 6.30pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey

Sunday 19

10.30am Worship with Mr Andy Jelfs

Sunday 26

10.30am Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm United Prayer at St Mary’s

For further information about the service, please contact Fontaine Woods: 01255 870411 www.wwdp.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Sunday 19 11am

United Service at East Bergholt Congregational Church

Sunday 26

Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis

11am

AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST

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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 all up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk The weekly newsletter is displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2017 Sunday 5 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 9am Mass Tuesday 7 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 12 9am

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Mass

Tuesday 14 9.20am 10am

Eucharistic Adoration Mass

Sunday 19 9am

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Mass

Tuesday 21 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Sunday 26 9am

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Mass

Tuesday 28 9.30am 10am

Morning Prayer Mass

Catholic Commentary Where do such principles as human dignity and freedom, the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity, from a Christian standpoint, come from? These fundamental ideas are expressed in the teaching of the church and are found in her Encyclicals (Letters to the Church) and other documents including the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Scriptures, the long history or tradition of the church and human intelligence and reason are all factors that contribute to her teachings. More specifically there is Catholic Social Teaching based on a series of Encyclicals issued

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@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.thekeytoloveministries.co.uk

by Popes starting with Rerum Novarum (Of New Things) in 1891 through to Laudato Si (the Care of our Common Home) in 2015. These elaborate a set of moral principles or guidelines for action which are proposed by the church as part of her dialogue with people and the problems of human society.

It is worth bearing in mind that if we value variety and diversity in nature then we ought also to value religious freedom and the avoidance of extremes in the conduct of human affairs. Unfortunately there is growing alarm and dismay at the persecution and oppression of minorities (including Christians) in many countries. On Tuesdays at 10.30am during Lent we will be running a study group at Holy Family, Brantham on Catholic Social Teaching to which all are welcome.

Events and Diary Dates The Parish Epiphany was much enjoyed by all on Thursday, January 5 at The Ipswich Hotel. This lunch followed 11.30am mass at St Mark’s.

The 100 Club Draw took place on Sunday, January 22 when three lucky winners shared £144. The next draw takes place on Sunday, February 26. The club has grown from strength-to-strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv and Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR, 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, February 23.

Supporting our local hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps, all year, not just at Christmas and place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital 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 at Holy Family 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.

LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Free (undenominational) Evangelical Church celebrating 25 years of witness Services are held fortnightly at the Jubilee Hall at Lawford Venture Centre SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY Saturday 4 First in the new series of popular Café Oasis Coffee Morning events at the Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, 9.30-11.45am, free admission Sunday 5 Gospel Service conducted by our pastor, 3pm Friday 17 Prayer & Bible Fellowship at The Venture Centre 10-11.45am (note change of venue) Sunday 19 Friends & Neighbours Service with visiting Witness Team; your opportunity to bring a friend.

Tuesday 21 Coffee, Cake and Chat Event at the Venture Centre, 10-11.45am Everything free, transport provided. Meet new friends.

01206 272064 / linklinecm@hotmail.co.uk www.linklinecmnortheastessex.co.uk

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In Touch online:

End of

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SWING LEGENDS

BBC BIG BAND

WITH MATTHEW FORD Barry Forgie, conductor

SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY 7PM, ASSEMBLY HALL Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RX

Full: £15 | Conc: £10 | U18: FREE 01206 573948 | experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic Sponsored by Colourplan Print & BQP