In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 9 • Issue No. 10 • AUGUST 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR When I roll out of bed in the morning I immediately head to the kitchen, put the kettle on and switch on the TV news. I like to know what’s happening in the world before my day begins, but it’s often quite depressing and sometimes makes me quite grumpy. By the time I get into the car to drive to work I need an antidote, which I usually find in music. However, earlier this week I switched on just in time to catch a programme on Radio 4 called The Pleasures of Brecht, a celebration of the simple joys in life and the story of Brecht’s much-loved poem that described them. Brecht’s poem, Vergnügungen, is a list of pleasures, moving from “the first look out of the window in the morning” via showering, swimming, the dog and “comfortable shoes” to “being friendly”. As I listened I began to consider the simple pleasures in my own day to day existence and my mood soon lifted. Predictably that first cup of tea topped the list, closely followed by my son’s face when I catch him watching something funny on TV. I also include a perfectly boiled egg, a free checkout at the supermarket, the smell of dinner cooking when I get in from work (rarely happens), discovering someone has emptied the dishwasher (never happens but I’m hoping my husband reads this), a perfectly chilled glass of white wine at the end of a productive day, chatting with friends, finding £5 I didn’t know I had, dark chocolate, an unexpected smile from anyone, running into a friend I haven’t seen for a while, finding the perfect pair of jeans, meeting someone who inspires me, hitting a deadline, new socks, clean windows, feeling included, cake… I could go on and on, but every day since I’ve identified new pleasures (and been forced to accept that I am a chocoholic) which I would probably have ignored if this hadn’t been on my mind. And that’s the point. We rarely take the time to appreciate the simple things in life but when we do we are likely to find much to be thankful for. I’m still going to watch the news, I want to be socially and politically aware, but I’m determined to acknowledge and appreciate the simple pleasures because it makes me happier. I hope you can make a list and that it gives you lots to be thankful for, especially when the news gets you down. I wonder how many lists begin with a perfect cup of tea!
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In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead • Westerfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall
NEWS
REASONABLY PRICED TRANSPORT IN YOUR COMMUNITY We urgently need volunteer drivers to keep our much-valued services operating. BSEVC Connecting Communities provides reasonably priced transport for those wishing to travel, and who for whatever reasons are unable to access public transport near their homes. Often in more rural locations public transport is so infrequent that it’s not possible to get to and from appointments, work or schools at the necessary times, or where there are bus stops and train stations they may not be within the passenger’s walking capacity. Our chief aims are to prevent people from becoming isolated in their homes and to offer them the opportunity to be independent, not totally reliant on their families and friends. All our services are available by just ringing our office in Stowmarket to book a journey. We have four fully accessible vehicles which cover Mid Suffolk and Ipswich/ Kesgrave areas. We also operate a community car service. Most of the cars used are owner drivers. We are totally reliant on volunteer drivers to keep our services running. With more volunteer drivers we can take more passengers to hospital appointments, clinical appointments, day centres, social clubs, shopping, and visiting relatives and friends. We have a number of care home and shop staff who rely on us to get them to and from work. We also have passengers who use us regularly to get to pick up points for public transport. The office staff in our Stowmarket base will be pleased to give more information on full fare structures and the registration procedure along with how to book journeys. Francesca, also in our Stowmarket office, will be so grateful to hear from any prospective volunteers and will be able to give you all the information you need to apply to join us. We know from passengers’ comments that we provide a necessary, much loved and much valued service, and for us and our volunteers this is very rewarding and satisfying. For all details please contact us at: bookings@bsevc.co.uk / 01449 614271
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com
We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Saturday 10 August is the advertising and editorial deadline for the September edition
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NEWS GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD Cuts to Subsidised Bus Routes Suffolk County Council has announced that, in a bid to save £340,000, 23 subsidised bus routes will no longer be funded. This is over a third of subsidised bus routes in the county. The council will be engaging with bus operators to determine if they can continue to run the routes. Details of which routes will be affected can be found at: www.suffolkonboard.com We will lose the 88 Sunday service. Cut to Health Visitor Numbers? It was reported in The Guardian and Observer that Suffolk County Council is planning to make savings of £1million by dramatically reducing the number of health visitors. These plans have not been shared with councillors or the public yet. The media claim to have seen internal SCC documents showing that the number will be reduced by 25 per cent. Health visitors would only focus on the most vulnerable families. These services are vital to new parents and should not be cut. SCC Misses Children’s Care Plan Targets Last month Scrutiny looked at Suffolk County Council’s issuing of new education, health and care plans (EHCPs). They exceeded the legal time limit of 20 weeks in 75 per cent of cases in 2018. Children were left waiting for support. This appeared to be caused by a reorganisation of staff structures which resulted in a high level of vacancies and a need for significant time-consuming training. Scrutiny recommended caution in any similar re-organisations. The chair and I were instructed to write to the Secretary of State for Education. The letter will lobby for more funding for education in Suffolk and in particular for those with high needs.
GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL We have installed a number of new dog bins and waste bins around the village and will be installing more in the near future. The council would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who makes use of the bins to help keep the village tidy and attractive. You may have seen that we have had the two bus shelters repaired and repainted. A new bin has also been installed on the outside of the bus shelter near Jack Brands. There is a big problem with litter in the area around the bus shelter – please use the bin. Speaking of litter, we get many complaints about litter and how it spoils the look of the village. Would you be interested in setting up or joining a volunteer litter picking group to supplement the efforts of our hard working street cleaning contractors? If you are, please contact the clerk. The parish council would assist with the cost of equipment. The Village Hall Playing Field Residents have asked for clarification of the status of the gap in the fence between the playing field and Aspen Close. This is being reviewed with the Village Hall Management Committee. SnOasis As you may remember, your parish council has joined the new group being organised by BMSDC Planning to work with them on outstanding issues around the planned development. There has been an initial meeting to start things off, but since then there has been no contact from planning, so I am unable to pass any news on to you. We have vacancies for councillors. The work is wide ranging and there is plenty of variety – from working to get the infrastructure improvements that the village so desperately needs, to the council’s accounts, the provision of defibrillators and deciding on grants to local organisations. Please contact the clerk for further details or come along to the September meeting to see what it’s all about. Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 September in the Parish Room. There is no meeting in August. Everyone is welcome at any council meeting and there is a 15-minute public forum where you can ask questions or raise issues related to the work of the parish council. Parish Clerk Janet Gobey pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777
Ipswich Northern Bypass The consultation about the possible Northern Route round Ipswich has begun and will last until September 13.
For further information about our work please visit:
For details including route option maps, dates for local events and a questionnaire visit: www.ipswichnorthernroute.org.uk
www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud
Babergh & Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Councillors approved the Joint Local Plan for the next round of consultation on the strict understanding that MSDC will respond to peoples’ views and that changes would not be limited to minor matters. The total housing target for our area, the Ipswich Fringe, is 1,881, including the 698 approved at 1 April 2018. There is an additional proposal making two at Barham Church Lane. In Great Blakenham two small sites are proposed, and in Bramford the site by Fitzgerald Road is included. The maps do not show some developments that have been approved since 1 April 2018. This is a consultation on a plan that we need to take back control from speculators. There will be exhibitions in challenged areas so you can put your views directly to officers, but completing the online survey is important. If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk
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Facebook: @greatblakenhampc Twitter: @pcgtblakenham Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. Chairman Steve Plume
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday, August 2, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday, August 16, 6.45am: Breakfast & AGM The Mix, Stowmarket To book online follow the link on: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
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OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm / Saturdays: 9am-1pm A COMMUNITY SHOP FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND RUN BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY A happy buzz of conversation filled the shop at our anniversary coffee morning in early July, when we were pleased to be able to thank customers and volunteers who support us throughout the year. Sue, Mary and Wheaten Mill did us proud with their generous donations of home-made cakes for the occasion. The raffle prize of a well-filled hamper was won by Cheryl with ticket 147 being drawn. Mary’s husband Nick also deserves a round of applause for having created and put up a new sign – it’s already having an effect on the number of passing customers who would not otherwise be aware of us. Our volunteers do so much more than work in the shop and we thank all the unsung volunteers who do various jobs without praise or recognition. Also the management team who organise the daily running of the shop and make it all appear so easy. It takes many people to keep the community shop such an active, lively and wellstocked facility for our locality and we are so grateful to all those committed people who do so much for our community, and to the customers without whom it couldn’t happen. No doubt this community spirit will be evident for Lucy’s Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 27 September from 10am-2pm. Delicious cakes, hot drinks, a raffle with lots of different prizes and good company will be the order of the day, so do make a date for the diary and come along and give support to such a good cause. We are so fortunate to have a local shop, especially as so many villages are now without one of any kind. We are also at the forefront of today’s conservation concerns; very little plastic is used, recycling is a big part of our ethos, many of the fresh products are sourced locally, and using the shop cuts down on travel miles and the carbon footprint. As you can see, we are most proud to have been working so well over the past seven years. It is, of course, all down to our very much appreciated volunteers and customers. We look forward to seeing everybody in the shop during the next year of trading and keeping up a valuable social asset for all as we go towards our next anniversary. As always, our services include meat, bread and cake orders, Coffee Corner for a relaxing chat, a book exchange, dry-cleaning service (collected on Tuesday afternoons), newspapers and magazines ordered for collection and a delivery service for those with mobility problems. Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Mary Carter; Stephen Bullard; Janet Hodge – 832296; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288
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Free Educational Visits for Schools and Clubs With the new school year fast approaching, why not enquire about a booking for your school or educational group? A visit to the energy-from-waste facility would include a presentation about waste and recycling, a tour of the facility and a trip to our two interactive education centres. Visits are available for class sizes of up to 30 pupils from age seven and up. All visits are free of charge and can be adapted to suit curriculum needs. Alternatively, our community liaison manager can visit your class with interactive lessons about waste and recycling and resources. Enquiries to: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Come and Have a Look Around Are you interested in finding out how your household waste is turned into energy? We are hosting a series of open days throughout the upcoming months. We have places available on the following dates: 6 August 6pm, 28 August 2pm, 9 September 10am and 24 October 6pm. There are up to 20 spaces available on each day, and pre-booking is essential. Enquiries to: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149 Can’t make the dates? We host tours for groups or five or more people, or alternatively we can contact you when our next open days are scheduled. If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
NETTLESTEAD FLOWER FESTIVAL ARROWS OF DESIRE Flower Festival and demonstration of Archery through the Ages St Mary’s Church, Nettlestead Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August, 11am-4pm Lunches, cakes and ‘have a go archery’ with a prize for the best score All proceeds go towards the costs of repairing the church roof
CODDENHAM VILLAGE SUMMER FETE Saturday 7 September, noon-4pm It will soon be time for our annual village fete, which this year will be bigger and better than ever. The dog show is back by popular demand, so please bring your dog and enter. There will be live music and a bar, along with lots of other refreshments, home-made cake and ice-cream. Also all the usual fun and games including the coconut shy, chuck the chicken, splat the rat, raffle, bric-a-brac and tombola, along with some new ones, lots of games for children and face painting. Takes place on the rec by our fabulous children’s play equipment. Plenty of free parking. Grow, bake and make for the keenly contested produce competition. For categories and classes visit: www.coddenham.website
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB The club, open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, meets every Monday from February to December (excluding bank holidays) Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm. Our workshop in July was A Bit of Bling, at which we made necklaces. Our August workshop is entitled Autumn is Coming and will be a card making workshop. For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The club is currently on its summer break and will reconvene on September 11 for the AGM and a social afternoon. Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm. New members are always welcome so if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
GIRLS HAVE FUN Are you aged between five and seven years? Bramford Rainbows meet on Mondays from 5.30-6.30pm in the Scout & Guide Head Quarters opposite the Victory Hall. Come and join us for crafts, cooking and lots of fun. For more information Contact Helen: 07733 070012, We would love to see you.
CLAYDON & BARHAM WI
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 5G 5H 5I 5J 5K
Town/village Location Time Sproughton Church Lane 9.10-9.25am Sproughton Wild Man 9.30-9.45am Bramford St Mary’s Close 9.50-10.05am Bramford Paper Mill Lane 10.10-10.25am Great Blakenham Chequers 10.35-10.55am Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park 11-11.15am Baylham Post Box 11.25-11.45am Claydon Crown 11.55am-1pm Claydon Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm Barham Bacon Road 2.25-3.50pm Bramford Packard Place 4-4.30pm
2019: 30 July, 27 August, 24 September, 22 October, 19 November, 17 December
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 13A 13B 13C 13D 13E 13F 13G 13H 13I 13J 13K 13L 13M
Town/village Location Crowfield Lay by Coddenham Haysel House Barham Sorrel Horse Creeting St Mary Whissels Farm Creeting St Mary Village Hall Creeting St Peter The Lane Earl Stonham Village Hall Little Stonham Church Little Stonham Magpie Inn Mickfield Church, Debenham Road Stonham Aspal, Walnut Tree Meadow Pettaugh Old Bull Henley Garage
Time 9.25-09.45am 9.55-10.50am 11-11.10am 11.20-11.30am 11.35-11.45am 11.55am-12.10pm 12.20-12.50pm 2-2.10pm 2.15-2.25pm 2.30-2.45pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm
2019: 9 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 29 November, 27 December
Our centenary lunch took place at the Claydon Hotel in June. It was a very enjoyable experience. Current and former members, plus four members of Suffolk East Federation met up for great food and great company. Jill, our oldest member, cut our delicious celebration cake which depicted lots of our activities. At our July meeting Trevor Messenger gave us an interesting talk about the Second World War and the part that East Anglia played. Harwich was the testing ground for sea planes which subsequently flew from Harwich and Felixstowe. Shrubland Hall was a base for the Red Cross. Troops, who eventually went to Dunkirk, were trained within the grounds. The Claydon rector of the time regularly used to write to everyone from Claydon who was fighting in the war. We meet in Claydon Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm. For further information call Sue on 01473 831396, or just pop along on the night where you will receive a warm welcome.
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB
RIVER GIPPING TRUST
Winning tickets for July 2019 £25 Joyce Hyde (240) £15 Wendy Dix (33) £10 SACKERS (156) £10 Emma Harman (74) £5 David Hall (22) £5 Denise Hansen (46)
Progress on the new/restored foot bridge just above Baylham continues behind the scene. The trust is putting together a £20,000 grant application which we are aiming to submit in September. The funds are for the design, construction and delivery to site only, as trust volunteers plan to install the bridge on site. Realistically, completion is a couple of years away unless we can secure funds earlier. The trust would be happy to consider giving naming rights to a company or person sponsoring the bridge. If interested in sponsoring the bridge please phone the trust on 033 038 08531 or email our chairman, Brian Annis: chairman@rivergippingtrust.org.uk
All money raised by your membership goes toward the repair and preservation of St Mary’s Parish Church. You can join at any time and only pay for the months remaining in the year. If you would like the chance to win a prize and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building, please call Marion on 01473 830915.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUPs Book Club We meet at 10.30am on the last Thursday of the month at The Crown (Hungry Horse) in Claydon for an interesting discussion on the chosen book. We have a few spaces for new members so please feel free to come along. Knitting Group We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10.30am-noon in the lounge at Alisdair Place, Claydon. We are currently knitting lap blankets for St Elizabeth Hospice and hats and blankets for the premature baby unit at West Suffolk Hospital, with more projects to come. If anyone has any wool they no longer require, which may be useful to us, it would be gratefully received at one of our meetings. Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club We meet at noon on the first Friday of the month at Gt Blakenham Parish Room. A two course lunch costs £4, plus the optional raffle ticket for £1. Anyone who wishes to attend but has difficulty with transport can arrange a lift by contacting: The Rev Carl – 833542; Ann – 831031; Pauline – 830723; Dorothy – 830906. Gipping Valley Art Society We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4pm at Gt Blakenham Parish Room. Weather permitting we sketch outdoors once a month. We have plans to visit art museums and have stands at local fetes. We will be holding our annual exhibition in the autumn. Walk ‘n’ Talk Group Weather permitting, we meet at 10.30am on the second Thursday of the month The Crown car park and go for a walk lasting approximately 1.5 hours along local footpaths and bridleways. All welcome, together with dogs. Afterwards we enjoy the hospitality of The Greyhound for coffee and cake. Do come along and enjoy our local countryside and a chat.
CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mother’s Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 28 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers, grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 per family. We don’t meet in August but look forward to seeing you on September 5 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.
It’s good to see many walkers along the river pulling, snapping and stomping the alien Himalayan Balsam. The trust pulled up thousands of the plants last year, and there do seem to be fewer this year, although sadly still too many. Facebook: River Gipping Trust / www.rivergippingtrust.org.uk
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL As you read this article we are all busy enjoying the summer holidays. However, the last few weeks of the term were action packed, full of trips, activities, events and, of course, learning! On July 9 and 10 we held our eagerly awaited production of the musical Schools Will Rock You. With high energy, humour, great choreography and all the favourite songs everybody knows and loves, the students did the school proud with outstanding vocals and strong performances all round. My thanks go to everyone involved including performers, back stage crew, front-of-house, staff and parents/carers for their support during a very demanding rehearsal schedule. It really was a fantastic show! On July 17, the PE department hosted its annual Sports Award Evening. Celebrations got off to a brilliant start with certificates awarded to students in Years 7-10 for Endeavour, Excellence and Team Sports, culminating in a trophy for Claydon High School’s ‘Sports Personality of the Year’. The winner of this special award was nominated and voted for by students. It was a lovely evening celebrating so many individual and team sporting achievements across the year. In other areas of the school we have held a GCSE Art Exhibition, Year 9 Design and Technology students visited Harry Potter World and took part in a skills day with visiting experts from West Suffolk Woodturning Club, Art and Textiles students visited Cambridge Botanical Gardens to get inspiration from the wonderful flora and fauna on display, Year 10 students took part in an enterprise language day, a taster day at Suffolk One Sixth Form College and experiencing the exciting world of work on their work experience placement, English students from across the year groups took part in a spelling bee, public speaking competition and Shakespeare competition and, finally, the PE department held a very successful sports day, with six school records broken!
This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Grace who celebrates in August.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank colleagues who will be leaving Claydon High School for pastures new come September and welcome new teachers who will be joining us for what I hope is another very successful year. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term.
Michelle
Headteacher Ms M Taylor
Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.
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SCHOOLS / CHURCH NEWS CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL We have been excited to watch our new block being built this year and it is nearly complete! In September, our older children will be moving into the new classrooms and enjoying learning in their new surroundings. The new block will have five classrooms, a small hall and some group rooms and offices. The children are excited that for the first time we will have classrooms upstairs! In the original school building, there will also be lots of alterations during the summer holidays to reconfigure the school to meet the demands of higher numbers. Many of you will have seen that the Recreation Ground car park has already been resurfaced as part of our development. It is great to see so many parents using this facility and we have launched a walking bus each morning to encourage this. We hope that this will reduce the traffic congestion around the school. September also sees the expansion of our Nursery provision. For many years, we have only had our Nursery open in the mornings, but now children can join us from 7.45am and stay through until 6pm – within these times we have much more flexibility to meet the needs of parents. We still have spaces for September, so if you have a child born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 and are looking for early years education please contact the school.
CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB Our last night of the season is July 22, but we look forward to welcoming you all back, along with anyone wishing to join us, on Monday 9 September. If you haven’t been to play with us before, please do think about coming along in the new term to try us out. Your first night will only be £3 for two hours of fun badminton. Have a lovely break everyone!
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB At the time of writing Wimbledon is in full flow with the winners yet to be decided. I was fortunate to be there on the second Tuesday and saw some great on court action. Wimbledon is a fantastic experience, but tickets can be hard to come by. However, if you become a member of a registered venue, such as Bramford Tennis Club, you can opt into the club ballot and increase your chances of having an option on tickets for next year’s championship, so why not join today? Cardio Tennis Cardio Tennis is a fun, sociable group tennis-themed fitness class that takes place on Thursday evenings at 7.10pm. The class is supported by music and a qualified instructor and you get to hit lots of tennis balls during your class, giving you a great cardio workout. No prior experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided so sign up now to get fit on a tennis court! Tennis 3’s – Fast and Furious Tennis As we are keen to get more adults and older juniors playing, we run fun Tennis 3’s competitions so on a number of Sundays throughout the summer. These are very informal, but are a great introduction to tennis as you get to play in a team of mixed abilities and everyone feels included. Why not come along and join us and see just how much fun you can have on a tennis court? The next events are planned for Sundays 4 August and 1 September at 10.30am.
GREAT BLAKENHAM CYCLE SPEEDWAY CLUB Hot on the heels of the recent success of the Women’s Tour of Britain passing through Suffolk, another national cycling championship comes to the county with the 2019 National Cycle Speedway Championships being held over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The grand final day is being held at the Great Blakenham track at the village hall and recreation ground on Monday 26 August with three finals for the Under-16 Boys, Women and Open Men’s competitions starting at 11am. A large crowd from across the UK is expected to descend to the village track which is recognised as one of the best in the country. As usual entry is free with hot and cold food and drinks available, and we extend an open invitation to all Great Blakenham residents to come and watch a world class event taking place right in the heart of the village.
DRIVER 67 – Controller have mercy on me I like to get a bargain, so when I saw an item I needed on eBay I made an offer. I thought my offer would be refused and the seller would come back with a counter offer. However, my offer was accepted whereupon I had a mild panic as I began to think the item would not fit. On discovering I had made a mistake I checked the terms and conditions of eBay to see if I had to go ahead with the purchase. It turns out that if an offer is accepted it is considered as bought and so I was now to pay for an item unsuitable for my requirements. I messaged the seller to see if we could come to an agreement over the situation and I had to wait for the reply. I hoped that the seller would have mercy on me and was relieved that they did. In the same way as I looked for mercy from the eBay seller, so too we need to come to God to seek mercy, not for a mistake like mine on eBay, but for what the Bible calls sin. The Bible tells us we have all sinned against God and it is only He who can forgive us. It is out of our hands, we are at the mercy of God. Mercy is ‘not being given what we deserve’. The good news is that God has made it possible for us to be forgiven through His Son Jesus. Just as the eBay seller freed me from paying what I owed, so God sets us free from paying the debt we owe for our sin as Jesus has paid the price with His life. We cannot earn it or buy it. It is a gift from God to all who will come to Him through Jesus. WEEKLY EVENTS Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon Discover & Do: Sunday 1 September, 4-5.30pm All other activities will not be on during August. For more information contact Michael: 01473 839785 / admin@blakenhambaptist.org.uk www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk
To find out more at about any of the items mentioned: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub Facebook: www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub Call or text our coach, Carl Douglas: 07553 966380
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CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community
ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, BRAMFORD Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 747819 / revjseggar@outlook.com
Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com
Safeguarding Officer: Mr John Chenery – 01473 742797
Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117
Dear Friends,
Please feel free to contact either of us with any queries. Baptisms, marriages and funerals by arrangement with the minister, who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound.
Leaving the position of Parish Priest is an odd sensation. As a family we have built our lives here, and got to know many of you well. I have seen several year groups go right the way through the primary school and some of those in my first Year 6 will now be at university!
Sunday 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every third Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. plus free leaflet to take home. 4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea provided and a children’s activity (see diary for theme). Come and go as you please. This is not a service but our minister usually joins us (once a month; please check diary). Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday) Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month) *followed by tea/coffee DIARY FOR AUGUST Thursday 1: 3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 4: 10.30am Morning Worship, Prof. D Welbourn
www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford
August is my last full month here, and I have already started my goodbyes. Hopefully, you will receive this in time to put August 4 in your diary – we have had posters up for some time! We are holding a farewell picnic in the churchyard at St Mary Bramford; the church will be open, and we will provide tea and cake. Please bring a plate of food to share and something to sit on! It’s an opportunity to catch up with you properly before I go. My final service will be at Bramford on September 8 at 10am and you are more than welcome to attend that as well. We will have a visiting choir, so hopefully some good sing-able hymns! We actually move to the Rectory in Holbrook on September 10. Another date for your diary; my licensing service in the new parishes will be on September 25 at 7.30pm at All Saints Holbrook. I would appreciate it if you would let me know whether you will be coming – these are usually magnificent services, and a good chance for you all to fill in the new parishes about what they have taken on! Now back to domestic matters at Bramford Benefice. The pattern of services will have changed slightly this month to accommodate holidays. Please look carefully before you commit to a service! We are going to keep that pattern of services during the vacancy to ensure that we can find adequate cover. We had a lovely group of clergy covering services during my study leave, and I really hope that they will continue to support you during the vacancy. My last piece for the parish magazines will give you contact details for pastoral matters including what to do about baptisms, weddings and funerals. CALENDAR FOR AUGUST 2019 St Mary the Virgin Bramford, St Mary Nettlestead, St Mary the Virgin Little Blakenham, St Peter Baylham Wednesday 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service (location as announced) Sunday, August 4: Trinity 7 10am Parish Communion, Bramford Sunday, August 11: Trinity 8 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead No 5 o’clock Service in August
Saturday 10: Jumble Sale from 2-4pm at the church. Free admission. Clothing, books etc. All welcome. If you have any donations to be collected phone Rita: 01473 831117 Sunday 11: 10.30am Morning Worship. Local Arrangement Saturday 17: 10am Network/MWiB Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 18: 10.30am Morning Worship / Holy Communion, Rev. D Grimshaw Sunday 25: 10.30am Morning Worship, Rev. C Jowett
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Sunday, August 18: Trinity 9 10am Parish Communion, Baylham Tuesday, August 20 2.30pm The Gathering, Bramford Parish Room Sunday, August 25: Trinity 10 10am Parish Communion, Bramford No Saturday Coffee Morning in August. Please check porch notices for any changes. Floodlighting of the Spire of St. Mary’s Church August 15: In memory of Maria Whight If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week.
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CHURCH NEWS THE CLAYDON GROUP OF CHURCHES The Church of England in Claydon and Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham We offer you a warm welcome to all our events and services.
For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact: Rector: The Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com www.claydonchurches.com SERVICES IN AUGUST Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am Every Wednesday in August, there will be a service of Holy Communion at 10am at Barham Church. Sunday 4 August – Trinity 7 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Prayer 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday 11 August – Trinity 8 8am Holy Communion 9.30am family@henley 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday 18 August – Trinity 9 / Blessed Virgin Mary 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am Holy Communion Henley Church 10am Morning Prayer Barham Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Sunday 25 August – Trinity 10 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church
Sunday 1 September – Trinity 11 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am Holy Communion Henley Church 10am Morning Prayer Barham Church 11am family@blakenham Gt Blakenham Church 4.30pm families@4.30 Barham Church Further services can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com Facebook / Twitter: The Claydon Group of Churches NEWS Rectory Garden Party: Sunday 4 August, 2-5pm, The Rectory, Back Lane, Claydon. Enjoy strawberry tea served alongside music by Maggie and Stan. Tickets (£10) from Rev Carl or online at: www.ticketgun.com/events/rectory-garden-party families@4.30: Our new congregation for families and young people, meeting on the first Sunday of the month at Barham Church. We take a break in August because of J-Team, so the next one will be held on September 1. We have loads of fun so why not come along and join us? J-TEAM 2019: 7-9 August at Barham Church. For details and to book, contact Roger or Ann Colthorpe: 01473 831079 Communities Activities Groups: Mentioned on page 10, the groups continue to thrive and run, including Meet ‘n’ Eat which meets every first Friday of the month at Gt Blakenham Parish Room from noon-2pm, and the Walk ‘n’ Talk group which meets on the second Thursday of the month.
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Visiting: If you or anyone you know would like a visit from a member of our pastoral team, please get in touch with The Rev Carl, Rev Cathy or Rev Jenny. This might be at home or in hospital. Lifts to Church: If you’d like a lift to your local church, please contact The Rev Carl who can organise this for you. Ride and Stride 2019: Saturday 14 September. A chance to get sponsored to cycle round as many Suffolk churches as you can in one day. Our churches will be open. Open Churches: We are pleased to say that you should find all our churches (including Barham Church and Claydon Churches) open during daylight hours for quiet space, prayer and to look round. If you find it locked please use the contact on the board for a key. If you see any damage or anything suspicious, please contact Revd Carl. Gt Blakenham Church History: Once again we will welcome Roy Tricker to Gt Blakenham Church on Saturday 21 September at 7pm. He will open up the glorious history of the church building and church life in Gt Blakenham. Tickets £10 includes nibbles and wine. FUTURE DATES Sunday, August 4: Rectory Garden Party (see above) August 7-9: J-TEAM at Barham Church Friday, August 9: Communion at Alasdair Place Saturday, August 10: Coffee Morning, Gt Blakenham Parish Room Tuesday, August 13: Communion at Barham Care Centre Saturday, August 17: Vestry Café, Henley Church Wednesday, August 28: Communion at St Peter’s Court Sunday, September 1: families@4.30 Barham Church Friday, September 6: Vestry Night Out, Henley Church Saturday, September 14: Ride and Stride Cycle/Walk Event Saturday, September 14: Coffee Morning, GB Parish Room, 10am-noon Saturday, September 21: History with Roy Tricker at GB Church Sunday, September 22: Harvest Festival, Barham Church LETTER FROM THE RECTOR Our church buildings are a real blessing to us. They stand out in our communities and inside we can often catch a glimpse of God’s love and peace and also of heaven. They are also a bit of a nightmare! They cost an incredible amount of money to keep standing in good order, all being Grade 1 listed and of important historical value to the community. We are proud that they are now all kept open for visitors during the day. Please do visit them! Our church buildings have been changed and adapted by every generation and our generation is no exception. We have a building project active in each of our churches: Great Blakenham plans to add a small kitchen, toilet and new window; Henley plans to reorder the back of the church and Barham will be restoring the ancient bells in the tower. All this is only possible through the remarkable work of those who raise funds, visit and worship with us. Fetes, concerts, party evenings and other social events not only raise funds, but bring the community together. Long may that continue! Do visit your local church and see how you might get involved! Revd Carl HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463
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