In Touch News with East Bergholt December 2018

In Touch

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with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary Volume 6 • Issue No. 2 • DECEMBER 2018

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I hate winter! There, I’ve said it. I’ve tried to appreciate the positives but I spend every long dark evening longing for spring, which for me starts on February 11. For this reason I love Christmas; it gives us something to look forward to and brings family and friends together with time to relax. Of course it can be an expensive time and requires a huge amount of planning, but somehow it’s always worth it.

So bring it on I say! Let’s embrace this time to relax and to enjoy the company of those we may not see as regularly as we’d like. This year I’m determined to make Auntie Mary smile, even if I have to spend all day working on it.

I’m going to find the perfect non-gift for the impossible aunt who says she doesn’t want or need anything, until she doesn’t get anything of course.

I’m going to make the bread sauce nobody eats just so my brother can’t complain that it’s not the same without it! I’m going to discuss the timings with absolutely everyone so nobody comes to the table saying ‘I wish I’d known we were eating this early as I wouldn’t have had that fifth mince pie for breakfast’. I’m going to serve custard, brandy butter, ice cream and cream with the Christmas pudding so mum, my husband, my brother and my nephew have no cause to complain, and for those who always say ‘I don’t really like Christmas pudding’ I shall be serving chocolate mousse.

My approach to Christmas present shopping has changed over the years.

Where once I might have spent hours online looking for something unusual or quirky, this year I’m focused on finding more thoughtful gifts; this requires a hands-on approach so it’s local shops and markets for me this year. I’m taking the same approach with my son. We’ve been influenced by TV ads for the latest gadgets and plastic monstrosities in the past; recent mistakes include Boom Boom Balloon Game, Chippies Robot Dog, Zoomer Dino Robot Dinosaur and Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage. This year I’m determined to find things I know he will enjoy well into 2019 and I’ll be having a word with Father Christmas too.

I hope this month doesn’t cause unnecessary stress in your home. Please do support local businesses and local markets in the coming weeks and together we can look forward to a Happy New Year.

InTouch

with Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary

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Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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

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JANUARY DEADLINE

NEWS KICKSTART YOUR CHRISTMAS WITH SOME FESTIVE JUMPER FUN!

St Helena is inviting local businesses and community groups to get creative this Christmas and do a dress down day with a difference! This December the charity would like people to dress up in their most Christmassy attire and donate to help local people face incurable illness and bereavement.

Corporate Fundraising Manager Sarah Wilson said: “Some may just opt for a Christmas jumper, which is great, but we love a bit of festive cheer and we would like to challenge businesses and community groups to get as artistic as possible.

“This is a great way to bring colleagues together over what can be a busy season for some industries. Businesses and groups can ask members to donate as much or as little as they wish and St Helena will provide a collection bucket to collect the much needed funds.”

Nantmor Blinds are very pleased to be involved with St Helena by sponsoring their Kickstart Christmas campaign this year.

Terry Feek, Director of Nantmor Blinds, said: “For some years now the extent of our donations to St Helena has been limited to having a collection box in our Clacton showroom and heavily discounting any blinds that we’ve installed into their premises. While we’ve been moderately successful with our showroom box – in one three-year period we’d raised over £1,100 – we felt more could be done. My personal experience with the work St Helena does in our community is that this is an absolutely invaluable service and, given the now competitive nature of charity fundraising, it was time we did more. We’re gearing up our social media and digital presence and, especially given that we’re now entering an exciting period of growth for our company, we felt it appropriate to support this most worthy charity.”

Terry added: “I was also taken aback by our staff’s enthusiasm for supporting St Helena – we’re already talking about supporting the various fundraising events through the year and planning on engaging with our staff on these as team building exercises.”

To get involved in Kickstart Christmas, please contact the team at: fundraising@sthelena.org.uk / 01206 931468

SURGERY TRANSPORT ROTA If when you make an appointment at our surgeries you need transport to get you there, ask the receptionists to book you transport through our scheme. We have a band of volunteers who can provide transport to Capel and East Bergholt Surgeries from Capel, Wenham, Bentley and Copdock.

If you are a driver willing to join our band of volunteers, please contact Chris Yule on 310992 who will then explain how the scheme works in conjunction with the Patient Support Group.

11 DECEMBER 2018 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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NEWS BABERGH TAKES LEAD IN SIGNING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE Following a decision by councilors, Babergh will become the first district or borough council in Suffolk to sign the Local Councils’ Mental Health Challenge.

Councillor Luke Cresswell put the motion to the meeting of Babergh’s Council on Tuesday, October 23, calling upon the council to sign the challenge and appoint both a member champion and identify a member of staff within the council to act as lead officer for mental health.

Following an amendment, proposed by Babergh Leader Councillor John Ward and supported by Councillor Cresswell, that committed the council to appoint not one but two members of staff to act as lead officers, one for internal work with Babergh staff and one for work with communities in the district, the motion was passed unanimously.

The Local Councils’ Mental Health Challenge aims to encourage local authorities to take a proactive approach to this critical issue and work to promote wellbeing and mental health in their districts.

The member champion will be appointed shortly and their details will be available on the Mental Health Challenge website.

Councillor Luke Cresswell, who proposed the motion, said: “I am delighted that this important issue received cross-party support and I hope we can build on this in the future. Babergh is taking the lead in Suffolk in signing up to this challenge and I hope to see other councils follow our lead: every council that signs up is another district that is prioritising mental health in their communities.”

The Local Authorities’ Mental Health Challenge is run by the Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Foundation, AMHP, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, Royal College of Psychiatrists and YoungMinds.

ARDLEIGH SURGERY It’s flu season and for the first time this year flu vaccines for those over 65 years and those younger than 65 years are different. We have had a shortage of the vaccine for over 65s and apologise if you have been affected by this and had your appointment cancelled. We have now had a delivery of the vaccine so please contact the surgery to book an appointment if you need one.

As Christmas is just over four weeks away we will begin to get requests for two months’ worth of medication to ‘cover the holiday period’. Please refrain from doing this. We are closed on December 25 and 26 and on January 1 and we are open until 6.30pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Please order your medication online, by post or by telephone and please ensure you allow enough time for our team to process your request.

We congratulate our GP trainee Dr Koralage on the birth of her baby son earlier this year. With two doctors on maternity leave we have the services of two locum GPs, Dr Subramanian and Dr Van Minnen, who cover Thursdays and Fridays respectively. This still leaves us short of appointments with the regular GPs at the surgery so our advice is to make an appointment with any available GP, especially if the matter is urgent. Please bear in mind that the length of appointments is only 10 minutes so if you do have a number of things to discuss with the doctor please book a double appointment to allow sufficient time for this. Ultimately we do want to provide a service to you and if you feel you need to be seen and we have no available appointment, the duty doctor will call you and try to manage the problem.

Ardleigh Surgery is part of The Colte Partnership. As a group of practices we are able to offer appointments up to 8pm on weekdays and also on Saturday and Sunday mornings. These extended access clinics are held at one of four local practices; Creffield Road, Tollgate, Ambrose Avenue and Wivenhoe surgery. A range of clinics are available, from GPs and nurses to physiotherapists. Please speak to a receptionist who can give you further details on the clinics available.

EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL Overgrown Trees, Hedges and Vegetation Just a gentle reminder to local residents to please cut back overgrown trees, hedges and vegetation, especially if these are blocking highway or pedestrian visibility splays and if they could be dangerous. The parish council has received some complaints from some local residents about this. Please note that this is a message to householders only.

Thank you in advance.

EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCILLORS Bob Elmer: 01206 298547 Clive Totman: 01206 298935 Graeme Woodcock: 01206 395752 Joan Miller: 01206 298517 Lois Hickey: 01206 299235 Nick Wood: 01206 298150 Nigel Roberts: 01206 298461 Paul Ireland (Chairman): 01206 298736 Rob Steele: 01206 298451 Robin Lansdell: 01206 298390 Rodney Moss (Vice-Chairman): 01206 298897 Rupert Eley: 01206 298385 Stephen Williams: 01206 298877 PARISH COUNCIL COMMITTEES Burial Grounds: Joan Miller, Nigel Roberts, Paul Ireland, Rodney Moss (chairman/ contact) Rupert Eley East Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan Projects Bob Elmer, Graeme Woodcock, Joan Miller (chairman /contact), Nigel Roberts, Paul Ireland, Rodney Moss Playing Fields Bob Elmer, Nick Wood, Paul Ireland, Rob Steele (chairman / contact), Rodney Moss, Stephen Williams Roads, Footpaths & Flatford Clive Totman (chairman / contact), Graeme Woodcock, Paul Ireland, Robin Lansdell, Rodney Moss Strategy, Policy & Finance Clive Totman, Joan Miller (chairman / contact), Paul Ireland, Rob Steele, Rodney Moss The chairman and vice-chairman of the parish council are ex-officio members on all committees. east.bergholtpc@btconnect.com www.eastbergholt.org

DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com

We wish all of our patients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: NOVEMBER 2018 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Question and Answer Sessions The council leader and deputy will be in Capel St Mary Library on Saturday, December 17 from 10am-noon to meet local residents.

New Housing Strategy 2019-2024 Consultations Sitting alongside the emerging Local Plan – adoption of which could now be as far away as spring 2020 – are two new strategies for housing, one of which will try to reduce and prevent homelessness. They are joint documents with Mid Suffolk. The ‘vision’ is for residents to be able to live in affordable, high quality homes that enable people to build settled, safe and healthy lives in sustainable and thriving communities.

There is a strong link between housing provision and the Joint Local Plan (JLP.) We don’t yet know which sites will be allocated or where, but it is likely that the A12 and A14 corridors will be significant targets.

Babergh must now deliver 420 completed new homes per year, 73 of which should be ‘affordable’. Its best performance to date is well short of that, despite the thousands of permissions already granted.

Government has changed its definition of affordable in its revised NPPF and now includes homes for purchase and tenures other than social rent. Between 2014 and 2036, there will also be a need for an additional 1,273 private rented homes and 1,125 households requiring sheltered housing (106 of them ‘enhanced’ sheltered).

The population in our districts is expected to increase by 16,600 by 2036 (from 2018) with the number of jobs to rise by 10,090. By then, a third

of the population in this area will be over 65. Some residents worry that their present homes will not be suitable for them in ten years’ time. As the population ages, there will be different demands on services and facilities, especially housing, transport, medical and social care.

Sixty-nine per cent of Babergh’s population live in rural areas.

House prices remain high at 10 to 11 times the level of average wages, making parts of the district unaffordable for many to buy. This means an increased demand for affordable home options. The lack of affordable new homes for local people in villages causes out-migration of young people.

The Housing Strategy therefore sets out nine key aims. In essence they are to ensure: provision of homes which are affordable for local people and the local economy; a wide and varied choice of good quality, sustainable homes of different sizes, types and tenures; prevention of homelessness and rough sleeping; a council which is an effective social landlord; homes in sustainable environments with jobs and community facilities, green space, transport links and infrastructure; best use is made of the private rented sector; communities are vibrant and well connected; residents are able to live healthily, safely and as independently as possible; strong relationships are built between the council, residents, developers and partners to deliver housing, infrastructure and services appropriately. The consultation closes on 7 December 2018. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Homes and Homelessness Reduction Strategy Consultation Launched Babergh and Mid Suffolk district councils have developed a draft Homes Strategy covering the period 2019-24. It lays out how the councils aim to increase the number of new homes being delivered in their districts.

This strategy also aims to increase housing options for older households and those requiring accessible homes and to ensure the existing housing stock is fit for 21st century living.

The councils have also worked together on a Homelessness Reduction Strategy, covering the same period, which aims to reduce homelessness in both districts and support the most vulnerable Babergh and Mid Suffolk residents in finding and sustaining a home.

These draft documents, including priorities for action, have been developed with and informed by the views of a wide range of partners at consultation events held earlier this year. These have helped to shape and inform the priorities in the draft strategies, based on our understanding of local, current and future housing market challenges.

Both strategies are now open for public consultation, which runs for six weeks, closing at noon on Friday, December 7.

Information, including how to take part, is available at: www.babergh.gov.uk/housing/homes-strategy The strategies will be amended in light of the feedback received, before being taken to the Full Councils of both Babergh and Mid Suffolk in February 2019.

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Strategic Property and Land Investment Fund At the council meeting in October, Babergh District Council members voted to establish a Strategic Property and Land Investment Fund of £3million to be funded from borrowing as required. This is to enable the council to act immediately when opportunities are available for strategic purchases. The allocation of this dedicated fund will provide the council with the opportunity to react and secure strategic properties and land within the district.

The ability to act quickly with authority is particularly important when properties are sold by auction or by way of other restricted timescale methods such as best bids with a set completion date. For example, if a key piece of property within a regeneration area were to be listed for sale at auction, the council would need the ability to act quickly to acquire it. Failure to do so could result in a lengthy and costly compulsory purchase order process to enable the regeneration to come forward, or alternatively would result in the inability to deliver the proposed regeneration to the detriment of the wider community.

Some other councils have also recently adopted this process and following benchmarking with similar councils, £3million was agreed as the most appropriate amount to allocate to this type of fund. A review will be carried out after the first year to measure the success of the fund and enable the funding allocation to be reviewed to ensure it is appropriate moving forward. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD Several events were organised to commemorate Armistice Day. Babergh sponsored an avenue of oaks in Bourne Park in Hadleigh. Why Hadleigh?

Mainly because the council owns the park and it’s not likely to be included in planning targets, whereas other sites around the district are at risk.

In Bentley and East Bergholt schoolchildren laid commemorative crosses and symbols on the graves of First World War servicemen, those few who have both a known grave and are buried at home. All involved in these special events across the country deserve our thanks and appreciation.

Planning still dominates the agendas. Recent changes to organisation positions seem a little strange as we have enormous gaps in the staff numbers in both policy and approvals! At a recent meeting on the NPPF and Neighbourhood Plans it was clear that government regards local planning authorities as the ‘problem’ when it comes to house building, and that the 6,500 valid permissions that Babergh has are its own fault. When developers show flatline house completion figures but increased profits, and mortgage approvals are down 10 per cent and their average value down 20 per cent (meaning lower house prices), it’s hardly surprising that developers are trying to restrict supply to increase prices. Smaller builders are often more reliable, but skill shortages and material limitations cause problems for everyone. CIL should have eased the regulatory log jams, but when one rule is sidestepped another is introduced and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) run by the county seem to be one of the latest approval problems.

The budget left us very little in practical terms, but we can borrow more to build social/affordable houses and increase our total council debt up to nearly £100million! That’s about £1,000 per individual across the district!

Commercially acceptable now, but what happens when it’s payback time?

At the time of writing East Bergholt still waits anxiously for the outcome of the JR hearing held on Thursday, November 1. If unfavourable, coupling this with the new application for 280 in Brantham and the nearly 1,000 approved or scheduled in Capel St Mary, and all levels of our stretched infrastructure will be at risk. The appeal against a development in Boxford refused by planning committee against officer recommendation was rejected. There was some concern that our five-year land supply figures were to be challenged!

Highways still present a challenge, with no news on the signage on the A12 although anyone waiting for a bus at the Four Sisters will have to wait in the rain as it was recently demolished by a vehicle overshooting the exit! Then there was the five car pile-up with one motorist being cut from her vehicle.

Since that event another incident has occurred making three in a fortnight, so I am keeping up the pressure for at least some action no matter how small.

Bin collections have been a bit erratic due to driver issues. Apparently the contractor, Serco, lost a lot of drivers due to the changes in licence requirements, continuous professional competency, but they have now increased pay levels and are recruiting. Not a job I would like, especially now the weather is deteriorating so they all should be adequately rewarded.

Elections are due at the beginning of May 2019 so expect the politicking to increase, but don’t expect hand-outs as we are supposed to be ‘skint’!

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

CONSTABLE COUNTRY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP Flu Vaccinations Members of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) have provided help with flu days for the third year running. This year has been more complicated with five different vaccines, including a separate one for the 65s and over. Add vaccinations for shingles and pneumonia for eligible patients, and it gets even more complicated!

This year the practice was concerned about potential problems with the supply of vaccines for each session. A brand new supplier had been awarded the contract by NHS England and there were worries about having enough of each vaccine to meet demand. Unfortunately vaccines ran out for certain groups at the second flu day in East Bergholt. Many patients were understandably upset by this, but it was beyond the control of the practice.

Missed Appointments In October there were 133 missed appointments, which equates to 22 hours of wasted clinical time. Most of these are blood tests and appointments with the practice nurse or doctors. Now that repeat text reminders can be sent to patients closer to the appointment date, hopefully the number of missed appointments will reduce.

Getting an Appointment PPG members are currently monitoring the availability of appointments by ringing the surgery at set times during the day, Monday to Friday, from early morning to late afternoon. We are keeping a record and will discuss the results at our regular monthly meetings.

Regular Blood Tests We know that there are still issues with getting appointments for blood tests at both surgeries. Please let us know if you are experiencing difficulties and we will take this up with the practice.

Christmas and New Year The run up to Christmas is often very busy. As the weather turns colder and the coughs and colds start, you can, in the first instance, ask pharmacists for advice. Please also remember that the receptionists will do their very best to get an appointment for you, but they may need to offer alternative appointments with the GP+ service if it’s very busy. Also don’t forget that there is a volunteer driver service to take you to appointments at either of the two surgeries in Capel St. Mary and East Bergholt. Just ask the receptionist when you book your appointment.

New Development in the Area We are frequently asked what plans are in place to accommodate additional patients from new housing. In the longer term the practice will need to review the facilities available at both surgeries in order to plan for the future of health care. It may be, for example, that practices will be asked to provide accommodation for outreach clinics for the merged Colchester and Ipswich hospitals. This issue will be kept under review by the practice and the PPG. Kathy Pollard, Chair Constable Country Patient Participation Group constablecountryppg@gmail.com / 01473 311384

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NEWS JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK As attention turns to Christmas – and a welcome escape from Westminster drama – it falls on me to make my annual festive appeal. It’s very simple: please support our local shops, pubs, restaurants, kiosks, markets, social events and village halls.

For all the gloom around the future of the high street, we have some fantastic outlets in South Suffolk to buy gifts or enjoy a few hours of pleasant socialising. I hope that all readers take full advantage.

Of course, some may say – so what are you doing about it and what action is the government taking? Personally, I always try to support my local farm shop, particularly with an order for a locally reared turkey, and if we eat out it’s usually at one of the excellent pubs in the constituency where the standard of dining continues to go from strength to strength. It is unrealistic to expect everyone to do all of their Christmas shopping in local family owned stores, and I imagine most people reading this article will do a fair chunk of their shopping online and at supermarkets, as well as in smaller shops. But we can all ‘do our bit’, and I am included in that.

As for the government, we should be clear that there is no easy answer to the structural challenges facing businesses that sell via conventional retail premises. The rise of internet shopping has been blistering, and has brought many economic advantages, driving down prices in a range of retail channels. But, as the headlines of well-known chains struggling to adapt have underscored, these are challenging times.

Thus, for me, a priority has been a fairer tax system so that shops and family firms pay lower business rates, and – without hitting internet start-ups – mega-wealthy web firms contribute more. I therefore warmly welcomed the budget’s twin track approach: cutting business rates for small business rates by up to a third and introducing a new tax on ‘tech giants’.

However and wherever you spend this festive break, my I take this opportunity to wish you and your family the very best for Christmas and the New Year.

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

Please see page 12 for my contact details.

NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk/whats-on Winter is really upon us now, and if you haven’t been in the pub lately, just pop in and see how cosy it is. We will be open to welcome you right through the holiday, as follows: Christmas Eve: 7-10.30pm Christmas Day: noon-2pm & 7-10pm Boxing Day: normal hours New Year’s Eve: 7pm-late New Year’s Day: noon-2pm Christmas Carols We will be gathering to sing carols in the pub on Sunday, December 23 from 5pm. Come along and start your Christmas in the traditional manner.

Kitchen News Christmas meals will be prepared by Esther, our visiting chef, on Saturday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 12. See the website for details.

Booking is essential.

To give Jane, our hardworking mid-week lunchtime cook, a well-deserved break over the holiday period, please note that the kitchen will be closed from Monday, December 24 and will reopen for light lunches on Wednesday, January 9. Also, Esther’s Sunday lunches will be available every Sunday except December 30, but she will be back on Sunday, January 6.

Events This month’s quiz will be on Saturday, December 29, starting at 8.30pm.

A curry supper will be available for £9.50 from 6-8pm. Booking is essential.

Our popular games evenings resume in January. The first will be on Saturday, January 12 from around 7.30pm. If you haven’t been to one, they’re very informal, with tables playing (for example) Mexican Train, Balderdash, Logo and many others. Do come and join in.

There will be no open mic in January as the first Tuesday falls on New Year’s Day. The next one will be on Tuesday, February 5.

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

Lastly, we would like to give a huge thank you to the team of 15 volunteers who turned up for our autumn garden tidy-up. They were rewarded with hot bacon rolls and coffee and enjoyed it so much they want to do it again in the spring! www.facebook.com/TheCaseBentley

The next market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 8, 9am-12.30pm.

Come and get those hard to find Christmas presents and hear the carol singers.

Of course we will also have all your favourite market stalls; fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents.

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

DEATH CAFÉ The next Peninsula Death Café will be on Sunday, January 6 in The Compasses, Main Road, Holbrook. We meet for an hour and a half from 10.30am.

We are very grateful to The Compasses for allowing us to use their lounge where we were made very welcome in November with tea, coffee, fresh scones and muffins.

For more information about the Death Café contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777 / jane.gould@btinternet.com

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EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION INDOOR CAR BOOT SALE East Bergholt High School Sunday, February 24, 10am-noon Admission 50p / Refreshments Available Free Car Park Tables £5 in advance, £7.50 on the day Doors open 9am to set up 07776 291445

EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE Tuesday, December 11, 6-9pm at St. Mary’s Church The Street, East Bergholt CO7 6TG Entry is free, all welcome.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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Babergh District Council Waste and Recycling

Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2018-2019

Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection

Refuse

Recycling

Refuse

Usual Collection

Monday 24th December Tuesday 25th December Wednesday 26th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Monday 31st December Tuesday 1st January Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January

Revised Collection Monday 24th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Saturday 29th December Monday 31st December Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Saturday 5th January Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January Saturday 12th January

Change

None 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 2 days later 3 days later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later 1 day later

There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 24th December and 4th January) Please refer to brown bin collection calendars available on: www.babergh.gov.uk for details.

From Monday 14th January 2019 normal waste and recycling collections resume.

Waste Services: 0300 1234 000 (option 4) email: Recycling@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT STOUR CHORAL SOCIETY Stour Choral Society will perform The Manchester Carols, an inspired collaboration between composer Sasha Johnson Manning and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, at Mistley Parish Church on Saturday December 1 at 2.30pm.

A collection of 12 carols, linked with a gentle, entertaining narration, these carols are for everybody, for the believer and non-believer, for people of various faiths and simply for the curious. The concert will also include a selection of audience participation traditional carols.

Solists: Jemima Whatling (Soprano) and Gary Griffiths (Baritone) Conductor: Duncan Archard (Duncan’s last concert as conductor) Accompanist: Stephen Smith Tickets are £10 and available from SCS members, 01206 392820 or Howell’s Hardware Shop, High Street, Manningtree.

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY

EAST BERGHOLT CINEMA Friday 7, December: Mama Mia! Here We Go Again (PG) Get ready to sing and dance, laugh and love all over again. Ten years after the original, you are invited to return to the magical Greek island of Kalokairi in an all-new original musical based on the songs of ABBA. Plus the original stellar cast including Julie Walters, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan.

Friday, January 4: Menashe (U) Menashe, a hapless grocery clerk, has lost his wife and strict religious tradition dictates that his son cannot be brought up in a house without a mother. This is the story of how Menashe tries to prove that he is fit to bring up his son.

Filmed inside the ultra-orthodox Hassidic community in New York using non-actors, this film (in Yiddish with subtitles) is a glimpse into a world rarely seen by outsiders.

“Affectionate, amusing and ultimately very moving” Mark Kermode “A gentle human comedy” New York Times

Presenting Off to Treasure Island, a swashbuckling adventure by Lisa Butley, at Brantham Village Hall from February 20-23 with evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

All films start at 8pm. Tickets (£4 / £2 for ages 18 and under) are available at the Fountain House Tearoom in East Bergholt, on the door or phone 01206 299774 to reserve tickets. Bar open with ice creams at the interval.

Tickets (£9 / children £6) available from December 1 at Bakes & Blossoms and at: www.ticketcource.co.uk

CONSTABLE SINGERS Our Christmas music will be performed at Dove Close, Capel St Mary on Friday, November 30 at 7pm, at a charity event at Bypass Nurseries in Capel St Mary on Friday, December 7 at 5.30pm, the Christmas Bazaar in Constable Hall, East Bergholt on Sunday, December 9 between 11am and 4pm, and on Sunday, December 9 at The Cross Inn, Bromley at 6.30pm.

We welcome new singers, especially sopranos, to join us; no audition, words provided, first session free. We sing to enjoy ourselves at Lambe School in East Bergholt each Thursday of the month from 7pm, apart from the second Thursday when we meet at the Congregational Hall in East Bergholt. We sing music from the musicals and various popular songs. We currently have members ages 16 to 80. For more information, contact Mel (01206 2​98628) or Yvonne (01206 298428).

NEW YEAR’s CONCERT From Bach to the Beatles with Elmtree Music St Lawrence Church, Bradfield Saturday, January 19 at 7.30pm Piano, Harpsichord, Guitar, Brass, Woodwind and Voice Tickets (£10) from 01255 870681 / normabarrow@btinternet.com Interval Refreshments Proceeds to St Lawrence Church and Rotary Supported Charities

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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OUT & ABOUT FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY

CAPEL LIBRARY

I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas again; the year seems to have flown past.

I hope you are more organised than me, I haven’t even started my shopping yet! Although I have started our annual tasting to find the best mince pies.

Even if I say it myself, aside from my mothers, I think my homemade ones are the best.

December brings longer days and darker evenings so it’s the perfect time to cuddle up on the sofa with a good book, either with the children or alone.

Indulge with a warming cup of tea or hot chocolate and lose yourself inside a good crime novel or thriller. There’s nothing better.

Our last film of 2018 is Mama Mia – Here We Go Again on Tuesday, December 18 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets are now on sale at the library.

We’re expecting this to be a very popular film, so make sure you get your tickets early and bring along your singing voices. Set five years after the events of Mama Mia (2208), but starting “in 1979 when young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University – leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with, but he’s also the man who breaks her heart. In the present day, Donna’s pregnant daughter, Sophie, dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother’s old friends and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi.”

As we approach the year end, membership of the Friends Group will be due for renewal. In this respect we will be sending out reminders early in December and hope you will help to support us in our efforts to raise funds in order that we may continue to provide and improve facilities provided to the community at Capel Library. As in previous years the annual subscription remains at £1. To become a member you must simply be over 18 years of age and also be a member of Suffolk Libraries. As you can imagine, this time of year is really busy for everyone involved, so I would be grateful if you could renew or take out your new memberships as soon as possible in order that we may get them processed quickly.

We are extremely lucky to have a library in the village and for all those who make use of it; you will know that it runs many events over and above just borrowing books. If you are reading this article and are not currently a member, please consider joining and making sure that we can continue to help the library provide ongoing facilities for the community (membership application forms are available from the library).

Season’s Greetings, Trevor Stevenson

EVENTS AT MISTLEY PARISH CHURCH Mistley Parish Church is the venue for two very attractive musical events in December.

First on December 1 at 2.30pm, Stour Choral Society’s Christmas Concert (see page 13). Followed on December 5 at 1.45pm and again at 7pm when four local primary school choirs and musicians combine for the Magic of Christmas Music. Admission on December 5 is free, but a ticket is required which can be booked at 01206 395263.

ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE IN CAPEL Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. So if you live in or near Capel and fancy a go at ‘Growing Your Own’ please contact Dennis: site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk

There are lots of new films to order from the catalogue so if you missed one at the cinema you can borrow it for one week. If it’s good you can watch it a couple of times, making it good value for money! Premier release films are £3, older titles £1. Do browse the catalogue for more information: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk We hold reservations for two weeks after receipt of acceptance on our hold trolley. If the title is not collected after this time the book will be forwarded onto the next person who has requested the title and the reservation dropped from your account.

Please make sure your details are updated when moving house or you have updated your mobile phone or email address. Thank you.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Baby Bounce: Will meet on Tuesdays, December 4 and 11 and then take a break over the Christmas/New Year holiday period. Starts at 2pm with lots of shaking of the instruments and singing, progressing to finger rhymes. Open to all under-fives and their parents/carers, this activity is free of charge.

Minecraft: Not meeting in December, re-starting on January 8.

Capel Creators: Saturday, December 22, 10.30am-12.30pm. A small charge of 50p to cover refreshments is made. Suitable for all children; under-eights to be accompanied by an adult.

Capel Library Book Group: The next meeting is in January.

The library will be closed on December 25 and 26 and will re-open with normal opening hours on Thursday 27. Any returns may be posted in the letterbox in the wall and will be dealt with accordingly. We shall also be closed on Tuesday, January 1.

Don’t forget that we sell books of first and second class stamps and book tokens of any denomination.

We wish all borrowers and users of the library service a very Happy Christmas and Joyous New Year. Happy reading!

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

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Stratford St Mary Church CO7 6LS

ARDLEIGH WEA The 10-week spring course, The First World War by Roger Cooke, begins at Great Bromley Village Hall (Parsons Hill, Great Bromley CO7 7JA) on Thursday, January 17, 2.30-4pm. The course will explore the causes and course of the most bloody battlefield war in history.

The course fee is £54.75 and you can book online at: http://wea-essex.org.uk Alternatively, just turn up for the first week and see if it is the course for you.

For more details contact Jill Frostick: 01026 250263 / jill@frostick.net John Terry: 01206 397101 / john@terrys.org.uk

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Launch Party Friday, December 14, 7.30pm / Tickets £5 Afternoon Tea Saturday, December 15, 2.30-5pm Enjoy beautifully decorated trees Sample the best of SSM’s bakers Join in with Carols Creative gifts also available

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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• Williams Farrall Woodward is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – FCA 175614.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle accident claims arising out of incidents at work, home, on the roads, on holiday or in a public place in the UK or abroad.

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In Touch online:

16 PR534 Personal Injury Advert (InTouch) v3.indd 2

09/05/2018 16:33

OUT & ABOUT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW CHALLENGE? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A VOLUNTARY ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY? Why not train to become a Community First Responder in East Bergholt?

Full training given By East of England Ambulance Service (Qualification also covers First Aid at Work) Coordinator Carol Moss 01206 298483 / carol-moss@uwclub.net

LAWFORD WEA: UK WILDLIFE HAVENS Discover a range of wildlife habitats, flora and fauna found in the UK, shown through seasoned slides, including landscapes, nature reserves, birds and insects.

Explore cliff dwelling seabirds and plants of the south coast, orchids and butterflies of the Kent Downs, wildlife and nature reserves of the New Forest, East Anglia, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands and islands.

Nine afternoon sessions (2.30-4pm) with tutor Alex Bass, starting on Monday, January 7 at Manningtree Methodist Hall, South Street, Manningtree CO11 1BQ. The course fee is £49.28; if you receive certain benefits you may be entitled to a free course.

Book today: enrolonline.wea.org.uk / 0300 303 3464 / 01206 547405

STOUR VALLEY U3A Our meeting on November 14 featured Davis Simmonds, a National Trust speaker and volunteer, introducing The Coast of East Anglia. The East Anglian coast is full of contrasts and has much beauty, history and wildlife. His presentation focused on National Trust coastal properties in Essex and Suffolk.

We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but hold our popular Christmas Lunch, this time at the Best Western Hotel in Copdock on Wednesday, December 5. This is always a very popular event so early booking is advised.

STOUR VALLEY LADIES PROBUS CLUB Stour Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at The Haywain, Bentley Road, Little Bromley at 10am on the first and third Thursday in each month, except August. The first meeting in the month includes lunch and the second is a coffee morning. At each meeting there is a general interest speaker.

The aim of our club is to encourage interest and fellowship among our members, all of whom are retired and have a lively and informed outlook on life.

New members are welcome and anyone interested in attending a coffee morning should contact our president, Jill Nicholls: 01206 393680

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Recently we were privileged to have Sally Chicken introduce The Regeneration of Shotley Pier. Sally is one of a committee focused upon bringing Suffolk’s only railway pier back to life and unfortunately were recently refused planning permission for their plans. Peter James talk about The Great Essex Earthquake and Jo Harrison’s talk entitled Going Underground were also much enjoyed by members.

Our December meeting features Brantham’s famous quizmaster Paul Oliver presenting his now famous Christmas Quiz with a valuable prize for the winner! We hold our New Year Lunch at The popular Haywain on February 6 when our spouses and Probus widows join us for what will be an enjoyable event and a tasty meal.

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

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

On Wednesday, January 9 Sally Dearman will present Woman Can Fly. This is the story of one women’s journey from jumping out of a landing window, then out of planes, to becoming a civil pilot and the first women through the RAF’s fast-jet flying trains system.

VILLAGE LINK CLUB

Each month The Coffee Grinders meet at The Lambe School, Gaston Street, East Bergholt CO7 6SD from 10am to noon. This meeting especially welcomes new members and gives all members the opportunity to meet the activity group leaders and the committee while enjoying a cup of coffee. The next meeting is on Friday, December 28.

Instead of our usual raffle, please bring a small wrapped present if you would like to take part in our tombola. Also bring a small plate of food to share with tea/coffee after the talk.

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. 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 in December.

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

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

To keep up-to-date please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

Wednesday, December 12, 10am at Tattingstone Village Hall: Life as a Tudor Housekeeper

The club aims to bring communities together and we have over the years attracted members from many villages, men and women of various ages.

Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 10amnoon. I would like to welcome back any former members and to see new members from all local villages, either as visitors or members in readiness for our 25th anniversary celebration in 2019.

Chairman Linda Evans: 01473 311262

DEDHAM FOOTPATH GROUP Enjoy walking, meeting new people?

Then why not come along to walks organised by Dedham Footpath Group.

We walk 4-5 miles on the first Sunday morning of each month from various locations.

This month’s walk will be on Sunday, December 2 at 10.30am. Meet in the car park at The Case is Altered, Bentley IP9 2DN for a two-hour walk along some of the many footpaths in the village. If you wish to have lunch at the pub on our return, booking is essential (01473 805575).

The group welcomes all walkers and those with well-behaved dogs, kept on leads at all times, are welcome to join us.

For more information email: Dedhamfg@gmail.com

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS MANNINGTREE & DISTRICT PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

BENTLEY AND COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS

On October 8 we enjoyed a very informative evening learning how to put our images to music and add sound effects with Keith Leedham FRPS, EFIAP, FIPF. Our first competition of the season on October 25 was Open Colour which attracted a good number of very high standard images, including Stinking Iris Seedpod by Ann Laverock (below) one of the winning entries. All the winning images can be viewed on our website.

This term has been poignant in so many ways, not least due to the events surrounding this landmark Remembrance Sunday. Children from both schools reflected on the sacrifices made by people in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts to protect our freedom and way of life. Poppy wreaths were laid at both the memorials and on the war grave at Bentley Church.

We would like to thank most sincerely the representatives from the Royal British Legion and the War Veterans for joining us at such an important time of reflection.

December meetings are a competition entitled Dereliction and Decay on December 6 and our Christmas social on December 13. Meetings are held twice monthly on the second and fourth Thursday evenings at 7.30pm at the St John’s Ambulance Centre, Station Road, Manningtree CO11 1EB. A number of informal rookie club evenings are also arranged where members can refresh their skills and share experiences.

New members are welcome to join us or may attend initially as a visitor.

Please contact our secretary for details: 01206 393751 / madps@post.com www.manningtreeanddistrictphotographicsociety.co.uk

Colour and cake permeated through the schools this term; a celebration of diversity and equality culminated in a rather delicious Bake Off during AntiBullying Week. The incredible creations crafted by our families were entered into a competition run by Educate & Celebrate, an organisation we have done lots of work with to promote acceptance and positivity throughout our schools.

The theme this year was Choose Respect and our families did us proud with their inventive designs. The cakes were raffled off after the event and money raised was donated to Children In Need.

ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears In the Baby Bears room we are continuing to use our unique outdoor sleeping area. On colder days we have been snuggling up in our sleeping bags and cosy blankets. We have chosen to continue through the colder weather to help build up the Baby Bears immune systems and to release stress. We are lucky to naturally fall asleep to the sounds of children playing and the birds singing.

Through the next few weeks our older Bears will be focusing on baking while learning turn taking skills and developing their fine motor movements. Our younger Bears are learning to walk and control their own movements, so lots of time outdoors will be accessible to provide large spaces to develop their gross motor skills.

Toddling Tigers The Tigers have started back at Forest School this term and have been exploring the wonderful autumnal season. They have made ‘leaf snakes’, found a frog, relaxed in the hammock, listened out for birds and used binoculars to try and find them! They have been learning new boundaries and responding to the sound of Debbie Duck’s whistle. The Tigers have also enjoyed talking about the colours of the leaves and covering Kimberley with them! The Tigers found hidden puppets and used them to create stories by giving them names and telling us what happens next.

Gruffalos This month is flying away in a flurry of fireworks! We celebrated Bonfire Night with hotdogs around the campfire at Forest School. This led on to exploring the festival of Diwali. Diwali, The Festival of Lights, provides a great opportunity to explore different cultures and celebrations. We created Rangoli patterns and made lanterns and Diwali sweets too. The children asked lots of very thoughtful questions about the Diwali celebrations we watched on the computer.

We are continuing to promote curiosity and intrigue in the room.

Another area we have introduced is a self-service painting station.

The children have access to the three prime colours which are in pump dispensers. They take a jam jar lid and put in the paint required and a re able to mix and experiment with the paint to creating the shades. They then select the size of paintbrush they wish to use and the paper of their choosing.

This simple act of painting is promoting independence, a ‘can do’ attitude, problem solving and decision making, all before they even get creative with the paint! All these skills are valuable life skills that will hopefully be carried with them throughout their time as Gruffalos. As you read this we are excitedly preparing for Christmas and, of course, our nativity.

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

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The children have been on some exciting trips and events this term including a trip to Ipswich School to take part in a very special Hollywood Jazz event; some of our pupils were even invited up on stage to join in with the musicians.

Year 6 took part in the annual Forensic Science Day at East Bergholt High School and came back full of knowledge of DNA! The Halloween Disco at Bentley was a big success, raising over £100 for the Eco Council. With the money they have raised this year, they have bought a brand new, spacious chicken coop for our lovely feathered friends. The Eco Council also organised a walk to school that was so well supported that we are hoping to create a walking bus from the memorial to school every Wednesday morning as part of our Active Schools program.

At the time of writing, we have a huge selection of clubs going on at the school in the run up to Christmas. Both schools are running their annual Christmas Cake Club and we are exceedingly grateful to the army of volunteers who make these clubs possible. The children’s designs are beautiful, colourful and imaginative and always a joy to see at the end. Bentley’s annual Secret Stocking Christmas Club is bigger and better than ever this year with what seems like an endless supply of chocolates being produced by the children!

Lego Club at Copdock has been continuing this term; they have a different theme each week and a timed build. The children then vote on their favourite which gets entered into the national competition. This gets sent to www.kidswithbricks.com where it gets entered into a competition and parents get to and vote. We’re hoping to creep up the leaderboard!

Up-coming events include our Christmas Fayres (3.15pm on Friday, November 30 at Bentley and 3.30pm on Friday, December 7 at Copdock), a trip for Adders and Foxes classes to see Goosebumps 2 at Empire Cinema and a trip for every child in the federation to see Cinderella at The New Wolsey Theatre in January. Finally, do come along and support our children as they perform at the annual Christmas Carol Performance at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary, on Friday, December 7. It is a lovely evening and a chance to get some inspiration for Christmas.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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In Touch online:

SPORT WELL DONE AMY Congratulations to Amy Ellison who recently passed her Yellow Belt grading at the East Bergholt class held at the Constable Memorial Hall, Gandish Road on Thursday evenings from 6.30-7.30pm.

Pride of place currently goes to the carpet bowls team who have won their first three matches back in the third division of the Suffolk Carpet Bowls League.

The grading covered hand-to-hand self-defence drills plus the use of a single 28 inch stick and forms. Amy had been working incredibly hard to prepare for her grading, so the First Class Pass was well deserved.

Players have settled down well in their new home at East Bergholt Sports Centre. Roll-ups take place on Wednesday evenings from 7pm. Newcomers welcome.

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

The final month of the outdoor season saw 35 members tour the Isle of Wight with three matches played against local teams. Due to the wet weather for two of the matches, quick thinking resulted in both matches being moved indoors under short matt and indoor rules. The outdoor match at Bembridge Warners saw the team win five rinks, with the other rink drawn. Both indoor matches were lost, not unexpectedly.

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

EAST BERGHOLT BOWLS CLUB

The club’s Heartwatch charity day event was won by Val Ayton, Sylvia Worden, Jill Head and Vic Saunders, with a total of £237.75 being donated to the local charity.

Winners of the club’s knockout competitions were as follows: Ladies Singles Sylvia Worden Men’s Singles

Melvyn Powell (EBF and BE)

Handicap Singles

Alan Burstall

Pairs

Tony Furtado and Geoff Barford

Triples

Peter Dent, Martyn Reeve and Melvyn Powell

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

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

In a few years you too could earn the coveted Black Belt and teach a class of your own.

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

Secretary Melvyn Powell: melpowell46@gmail.com

BRANTHAM FOOTBALL CLUB Brantham Athletic is a local football club which runs a senior section, junior section, Sunday and ladies teams. Our home ground is Brantham Leisure Centre, New Village, Brantham.

Since November’s issue the joint managers of the 1st team have moved on to pastures new and we now have a new management team in place with Ben Swann assisted by senior players Craig Hughes and Jack Sibbons. We wish them well in these roles. Congratulations to the club’s management for a seamless transition.

On the field results have been very mixed for all three senior sides, but the performances have been good and it is hoped that results will start to improve. The 1st team at present sit in sixth place, but with games in hand.

I will remind supporters that the 1st team have a home match on Boxing Day, kicking off at 11am at the leisure centre, WE hope to see you there.

Forthcoming home matches will be publicised on the website and on Twitter.

As soon as fixtures are received they will be published.

There is also a thriving junior section with ages ranging from Under-7 to Under-16. Our Sunday teams play their matches on Sunday mornings at the leisure centre whilst our ladies team play on Sunday afternoons at the centre, The 1st team play their home matches at the leisure centre, kicking-off at 3pm on a Saturday and at 7.45pm on a weekday evening. The A team play at Raydon. The Under-18s play on a weekday evening, 7.45pm kick-off.

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB There was a good turnout for the funeral of club official Ian Powell on Thursday, November 8 at Seven Hills Crematorium. Ian had worked for almost 40 years behind the scenes for the club that he loved and will be missed by all that knew him.

Ian passed away knowing that the First team were top of the Senior Division in the Suffolk and Ipswich League, going top on October 6 after a thrilling 4-3 win away to Claydon thanks to goals from Joe Bigmore, Anthony Jackson and a brace from Shaun Webb. The team recorded a 2-1 win at Benhall St Mary with goals from Danny Garrard and Daniel Page, and despite defeats against Felixstowe United (3-2) and East Bergholt (3-1) they remained top of the league. The Senior Cup game away to Leiston St Margarets was won 3-0 with goals from Kieran Lawler and a brace from Sean Gunn, with the side travelling to play Haverhill Borough from the Eastern Counties League in the next round.

Our young Reserve side are having a mixed season, winning 1-0 against Coplestonians A before losing 4-3 against Cockfield with our scorers Daniel Hudson-Smith and a brace from Jack Reddington. They then lost 1-0 against Benhall St Mary after a close game.

Our Sunday morning side beat Greshams 5-2 with Abdul Kaium scoring three of the goals, but lost 4-0 against Felixstowe Rangers, then 2-1 against Shotley with Stirling Mayes our scorer, while our Veteran side were beaten 4-0 at Bacton, but bounced back beating Coplestonians 3-0.

BOB THE PLOUGHMAN

www.branthamleisurecentre.com / Twitter: @branthamath

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CHURCH NEWS BENEFICE OF EAST BERGHOLT AND BRANTHAM Rector: The Rev Canon Stephne van der Toorn 01206 392646 / revstephvdt@googlemail.com www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk SERVICES IN DECEMBER Sunday 2: Advent 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion, Brantham 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Monday 3 10.30am St Michael’s and BYE Nativity Rehearsal, Brantham Wednesday 5 9.30am BCP Communion, East Bergholt Thursday 6 9am Christingle at School, East Bergholt 10.30am EBYE Nativity, East Bergholt

RAMBLING RECTOR FOLLOW THE STAR Speaking at an assembly recently I reminded the children that walking along a crowded area with your mobile jammed on the end of your nose is no way to show respect for other pedestrians. Coco and I have often been forced to stop completely because the person approaching us is as unaware of us as I am of them, but with less excuse. It amazes me that we can’t manage without our phones even while walking quickly along a busy street, and more worryingly while we are driving (which is an offence if it is a handheld gadget). My own need to check my emails 50 times a day if I am out and about must be confessed here.

It does make you wonder how those wise men long ago travelled so far over field and fountain, moor and mountain without the assistance of Google Maps, leaving frank comments on the service they received at the Wayside Inn: “Delicious bean stew last night, pity about the bed bugs!”

Sunday 9: Advent 2 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am EBYE Nativity Family Service, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham Monday 10 10.30am BYE Nativity, Brantham 9am-3pm All-day High School Rehearsal, East Bergholt Tuesday 11 6pm High School Carol Service, East Bergholt Friday 14 11.30am

Toddler Party, East Bergholt

Sunday 16: Advent 3 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am St Michael’s and BYE Nativity, Brantham 3pm Carols by Candlelight, East Bergholt Tuesday 18 9.30am East Bergholt Primary Assembly, East Bergholt Thursday 20 2pm Brooklands Church Assembly, Brantham 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight, Brantham Sunday 23: Advent 4 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 10am Communion, East Bergholt 11am Communion, Brantham Monday 24: Christmas Eve 3pm Christingle, Brantham 3pm Children’s Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 5pm Children’s Candlelit Service, East Bergholt 10pm Nearly Midnight Mass, East Bergholt 11.30pm Midnight Mass, Brantham Tuesday 25: Christmas Day 9.30am Christmas Communion, East Bergholt 9.30am Christmas Communion, Brantham Sunday 30 10am Benefice BCP Communion (Said), East Bergholt Sunday, January 6: Epiphany 8am BCP Communion, East Bergholt 11am Benefice Communion, Brantham 4pm Family@Church, East Bergholt Check the website for details. There is a BCP Communion every Sunday in East Bergholt at 8am, except between Christmas and New Year. Choral Matins is on the fourth Sunday in East Bergholt.

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Whatever the star was that they followed (and the debate is still open on this), it certainly brought them to their destination. A baby in a manger who would change people’s lives forever, if they let him. Not a megalomaniac with a hugely inflated opinion of himself with a need to call others names to make himself feel better, not someone wanting to get to the top no matter what the cost to others, not one who told the truth only when forced to do so.

He was born in a stable, called us his beloved brothers and sisters, humbled himself even to death and embodied and lived the truth.

Following this star is a good idea, even today!

The Manningtree Foodbank is asking for food to make up Christmas parcels. We are asking for donations of mince pies, tinned ham, Christmas puddings, nice biscuits (description – not a brand name) and chocolate. Please could you leave them in the church porch in the basket provided by December 10? Thank you very much. Please do not donate baked beans! For some reason our thoughts automatically turn to them and there is a limit to the number of beans you can safely eat. Ask the wise men!

Rev Steph

BIG CHRISTMAS CARD Instead of sending Christmas cards to people you will see anyway, why not sign the big card at the back of the church and donate the money you would have used on postage and stationary to Ipswich Night Shelter? Place your donation in an envelope marked Night Shelter and hand it in at church.

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/eastbergholt

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CHURCH NEWS DEDHAM AND ARDLEIGH PARISHES

CAPEL & BRANTHAM METHODIST CHURCHES

Services and Events for December 2018 Sunday, December 2 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Dedham 9.30am Rise N Shine – Angels, Dedham 11am Morning Worship (CW), Ardleigh 5pm Evensong with Advent Carols (BCP), Dedham Sunday, December 9 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Ardleigh 9.30am Holy Communion (CW), Dedham Thursday, December 13 2pm Ardleigh School End of Term Service, Ardleigh Sunday, December 16 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Dedham 11am Parish Eucharist, Ardleigh 6pm Carol Service, Dedham 6pm Ardleigh Christians Together Carols, Ardleigh Monday, December 17 6.30pm Ardleigh School Carol Concert, Ardleigh 7pm Dedham School Carol Concert, Dedham Wednesday, December 19 10am Dedham School End of Term Service, Dedham Thursday, December 20 5pm Christmas Carols for Businesses, Dedham Sunday, December 23 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Ardleigh 9.30am Morning Praise, Dedham Monday, December 24: Christmas Eve 3.30pm Crib Service, Dedham 4pm Crib & Christingle Service, Ardleigh 5.30pm Crib Service, Dedham 11pm Midnight Mass, Dedham 11pm Midnight Mass, Ardleigh Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day 8am Holy Communion (BCP), Ardleigh 10am Family Communion (CW), Dedham Sunday, December 30 11am Joint Family Worship, Ardleigh BCP – Book of Common Prayer / CW – Common Worship Weekly Midweek Services Tuesday Morning Prayer at Dedham at 10.30am Thursday Evening Prayer at Ardleigh at 5pm All-Age Advent Prayer and Meditation installations – both churches Dedham Lunch Club: Mondays, December 3 (Christmas Lunch – book on 01206 323101) and January 7, 12.30pm at Essex Rose Tea Rooms, Dedham.

Dedham Christmas Tree Festival: Saturday, December 1 to Saturday 8; entry forms available at the back of Dedham Church.

Dedham Christmas Market: Saturday, December 1 on Dedham High Street with Christmas stalls, food, drink and a spectacular raffle, 3-6pm.

Men’s Breakfast: Saturdays, December 8 & January 12 at The Vicarage.

Ardleigh Friendship Group: Tuesdays, December 11 and January 7 & 22, 10am at Ardleigh Church.

Alpha 2019: Alpha Course on Tuesdays from January 15 at the Assembly Rooms. Contact the Parish Office for further details. www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk

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BE PREPARED These two words have been etched in my life from the days I was in the Scouting movement. Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement, was asked the inevitable question: “Prepared for what?”. His response: “Why, for any old thing!”. He wrote: “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.”

Every week I work to deadlines – the most public is that on a Sunday morning I’ve got to stand up and preach to one of my congregations. I can’t tell them to come back tomorrow when I’m ready. Preparation includes studying the Bible passage, reading around the subject and praying through the message.

I was caught out once when I went to work in Zimbabwe. My family and I have travelled overnight and attended an English speaking service where we warmly welcomed as new missionaries. As I was going to be working in rural areas among the Shona people, I slipped into an afternoon service to experience their worship and observe. When they found out I was a minister I was invited to preach. I wasn’t due to preach for several weeks (language school was my first assignment), and I can’t remember what I preached, but I know I was unprepared. I learnt then that I must always be prepared to share a word from the Lord with people.

So many of my days don’t turn out exactly as scheduled. God surprises me with a person I meet, I have an interruption through a phone call or message that requires a visit, someone shares something of significance. I need to be ready to respond and discover God appointments.

For years the people of Israel had been told that Christ was coming and to look forward to his coming. Prophecies told the place of his birth, that he would be a descendent of King David, the manner of his birth and much more.

Yet when the moment arrived many failed to see it. The people thought they knew how God would work and were unprepared for anything else. It’s as though they had put God in a box. But God cannot be confined to a box. We should live our lives with a sense of expectancy. God is at work in many ways, constantly able to surprise us. Are we ready and willing to be surprised, are we ready to meet him in the lives of people we know. I’m sure most of us will prepare for Christmas with presents, food and drinks. We could easily miss the greatest gift God has prepared for us, a relationship with his Son Jesus Christ, after whom this festival is named.

AT CAPEL METHODIST Home Groups and prayer meetings on various days and times.

Sunday 2

Saturday 8 Sunday 9 Sunday 16

Sunday 23 Christmas Eve Christmas Day Sunday 30

10.30am 6.30pm 3.30pm 10.30am 10.30am 6.30pm 10.30am 7pm 9.30am 10.30am

Worship with Stephen Walker Prayer Messy Church Worship with Tom Boswell All-Age Worship – The Story of Christmas Carol Service with Rev Sankey Worship and Communion with Rev Sankey Carols in the Precinct for All Worship with Rev Sankey Worship with Chris Jowett

The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 AT BRANTHAM METHODIST Sunday 2 11am Sunday 9 2.30pm Sunday 16 11am

Sunday 23 11am Sunday 30 11am

Worship and Communion with Rev Gardner Christmas Songs of Praise United Service with East Bergholt Congregational, Rev Gardner Carol Service with Martin Ellis Worship Arranged Locally

The Rev Ian Gardner, Minister at Brantham Methodist 34 Medway Road, Ipswich IP3 0QH ig.gardner@ntlworld.com / 01473 411507

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CHURCH NEWS

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

Parish Priest: Fr Peter Raj 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR DECEMBER Sunday 2 First Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 4 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 9 9am

Second Sunday of Advent Mass

Tuesday 11 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 16 Third Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Tuesday 18 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9am Mass Monday 24 Christmas Eve 5.30pm Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ 8pm Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB Tuesday 25 Christmas Day 9am Mass, Holy Family, Brantham CO11 1TB 11am Mass, St Mark’s, Ipswich IP2 0QQ Sunday 30 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 9am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet by the front door.

Catholic Commentary Probably many of us are already thinking about and preparing for Christmas, some with eager anticipation, others with a little dread. The church season of Advent beginning on Sunday, December 2 anticipates Christmas by getting us in the mind to reflect on the incarnation which together with Christ’s death and resurrection is the basic premise of Christianity; this is God’s amazing love and action for humanity and the

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world. Fully explored; Christianity is a grand narrative that gives meaning to existence and guidelines for life.

On the basis that each person is known and loved by God, a high value is placed on the dignity of every individual and from this comes the modern emphasis on rights. But the individual does not exist apart from others; he/she is a member of a nation and a family and much of Jewish/ Christian teaching is directed at social life, how people can and should live together in peace.

If we are looking for a slogan for Christmas we can do no better than to use the traditional one: peace on earth and goodwill to all. Happy Christmas to all readers of this page in In Touch.

Events & Diary Dates The 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, November 18 at Holy Family when three lucky winners shared a £156 prize pot. The next draw takes place on Sunday, December 23 at Holy Family, Brantham. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish, has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or onlne at: www.stmarksparish.org.uk Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for a new carpet for the parish room and all are very welcome to join us. There will be no December event and the next one will be on Thursday, January 31.

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.

The Sick & Homebound Please let Fr Peter know of anyone who is ill at home or homebound so that they can receive appropriate pastoral care. If you or someone you know is going into Ipswich Hospital and would like the ministrations of the church while there please inform Fr Peter or leave a message on Deacon Clive’s answerphone on 01206 396319.

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.

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS LINK LINE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES “For the truth of God’s Word and The Light of The Gospel Un-denominational / meeting at Ogilvie Hall, Wignall Street, Lawford CO11 2JE (unless otherwise stated) Our Worship Services are held on the second Saturday monthly (except in May when it’s the first Saturday) in addition to other events.

Saturday, December 8 From 9.30am: Advent Cafe/Oasis Coffee Morning & Sales Event and Link Line Annual Christmas Party incorporating Link Line Vehicle Fund Gift Day Note: There is no Cafe/Oasis Event in January Sunday, December 16: Supportive Outreach 3pm: Songs of Praise at Fingringhoe Methodist Chapel Friday, December 28: Link Line Prayer Fellowship 10am: The Irwell Suite, Venture Centre, Bromley Road Services and Events re-commence on Saturday, January 13 To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

We thank all who attended and contributed in various ways to our very happy and successful Harvest Thanksgiving Service on October 13.

Freewill offerings amounting to £147.58 were forwarded to the Manningtree & District Food Bank At our Prayer Fellowship on October 26 we welcomed Mr Tim Abbott, Director of CYO (Colchester Christian Youth) outreach who gave us an indepth appraisal of the work and witness that is being put in place within the schools in Colchester & District, together with news of a new branch being set up at Manningtree Senior School in April Tours & Holidays Our new schedule of mini bus day excursions will be published shortly.

NOW BOOKING Christian Holiday to Eastbourne (five days), departing Monday, September 23. There are a few places left.

Christian Heart & Home: Our mobile resources unit is available to visit churches and Christian Fellowship Groups within a 17-mile radius of Colchester. Call our office for details.

Group Catering Services: 07812 582754 (office hours only) Mini Bus Fellowship Tours: 01206 272064 (Mon-Fri) Soldiers & Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association Representative: 01255 504050 Mini Bus Support, Pastoral Needs (including hospital transport or home visitation): 01206 272064

KEY TO LOVE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Where Jesus is Love and Love is Jesus COME AND WORSHIP THE LORD JESUS WITH US – ALL ARE WELCOME Hear the teaching of our saviour and King, lively praise and worship every Sunday at 11am at the Ivell Suite at The Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford CO11 1AH. Do you need someone to listen or in need of prayer?

Please contact David and Rosie: 01206 615228 / 07787 572977 info@thekeytoloveministries.co.uk www.keytoloveministries.com

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A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

THE FIRST NOWELL

SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER, 7PM HOLBROOK CHORAL SOCIETY, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL CHAPEL CHOIR, THE READE ORCHESTRA, WILLIAM SAUNDERS, CONDUCTOR, DANIEL JOY, TENOR

Full: £12 | Conc: £10 | U18: FREE Tickets available from experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic 01206 573948 SCHOOL CHAPEL, ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH IP9 2RX