In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 10 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2020
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In Touch online:
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
NEWS
Have you noticed the days getting the teensiest bit longer? It’s barely perceptible but I’m sure the sky is a little bit brighter when I leave work than it was even a week ago. However, it can be a rather gloomy time of the year so this month I’ve set out to give you something to laugh at! I hope it works. The Funniest Joke of The Fringe award was introduced 12 years ago at the Edinburgh Fringe. The goal of finding the wittiest one-liners falls to an expert panel of 10 judges, comprising of the UK’s leading comedy critics. Last year’s winner was Swedish comedian Olaf Falafel. He took the title with the gag: “I keep randomly shouting out ‘Broccoli’ and ‘Cauliflower’ – I think I might have florets” Ten jokes made the 2019 shortlist. My favourites were: “Someone stole my antidepressants. Whoever they are, I hope they’re happy” Richard Stott “A cowboy asked me if I could help him round up 18 cows. I said, ‘Yes, of course. That’s 20 cows’” Jake Lambert “A thesaurus is great. There’s no other word for it” Ross Smith “After learning six hours of basic semaphore, I was flagging” Richard Pulsford “To be or not to be a horse rider, that is Equestrian” Mark Simmons Here are a few others which made the shortlist over the years but failed to win: “I’m sure wherever my dad is; he’s looking down on us. He’s not dead, just very condescending.” Jack Whitehall “I like to imagine the guy who invented the umbrella was going to call it the ‘brella’. But he hesitated” Andy Field “I’ll tell you what’s unnatural in the eyes of God. Contact lenses.” Zoe Lyons They say humour is subjective and I know (or have been told) mine is somewhat ‘dark’, but you can’t deny the beautiful simplicity of each of the jokes highlighted here, and the talents behind them. Oh just one more… “I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.” Ken Cheng
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In Touch Titles • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Mon 10 February is the advertising and editorial deadline for the March edition
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
COULD YOU HELP A LOCAL CHARITY? Suffolk Family Carers is based on Hill View Business Park in Old Ipswich Road, Claydon. We provide information, advice, guidance and support for anyone who is caring for a friend, family member or neighbour. The person they are caring for may be ill, have a disability, a mental health issue or be elderly and frail. How can you help? We have various volunteer roles available including admin and telephone support. You can even volunteer from your own home! What do we offer? Training and support for your volunteer role, out-of-pocket expenses, the opportunity to meet new people, and to make a real difference to the lives of family carers. Who do I contact? If you are interested or you would like to find out more, please call 01473 835450 or email us at: volunteer@suffolkfamilycarers.org
£420K THREE-YEAR GUARANTEE TO SUPPORT CITIZENS ADVICE At cabinet meetings in early January, councillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils gave the go ahead to support Citizens Advice (CA) with more than £420k. Recognising the value of Citizens Advice, estimated to have saved £8.1m across Suffolk, and with more people than ever turning to them for help, both councils have agreed a more sustainable funding approach with two three-year funding agreements. Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet has granted Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice a minimum of £260,100, which equates to £86,700 a year over a three year period starting in 2020/2021. Councillor Julie Flatman, cabinet member for Housing and Communities for Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice is a really important partner for us, often providing a lifeline to members of our community in genuine need of help – including offering advice on debt management and arrears. We recognise their value in ensuring our district has a bright and healthy future, and hope this three-year agreement provides a more sustainable funding approach, in line with the aims in our communities strategy.” In Babergh, funds of at least £160,500 for Sudbury and District Citizens Advice were also given the green light over the same three-year period, equating to £53,500 per annum. Funding for the Suffolk West, Diss and Ipswich CAs will continue to be agreed annually, with the individual CAs needing to apply for the money on a yearly basis. Councillor Derek Davis, Cabinet Member for Communities at Babergh District Council, said: “Our colleagues at Citizens Advice do amazing work to support Babergh’s residents when they perhaps need it most, offering expert advice and guidance on money matters and much more. We hope that with this longer-term funding, they can continue to deliver a much-needed service, helping our communities to thrive and be more self-sufficient, whilst also playing a key role in achieving the aims in our communities strategy.” The exact sums will be confirmed in the early part of 2020, alongside funding to other voluntary sector providers as part of the councils’ grants programme. The councils will also work with the Suffolk Cross Authority Citizens Advice Task and Finish Group – made up of councillors from Ipswich, Babergh, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk councils along with input from Suffolk County Council – which aims to provide a more consistent scrutiny approach to CA services across Suffolk.
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD 2020-21 County Budget Proposals Proposals will be agreed by full council on 13 February. Services are expected to cost £545.4m and income to be £550.8m including Council Tax, with an extra £13m grant from the government for social care. The £5.4m surplus will be used to fund a £1.8m increase in reserves, an extra £0.5m for Highways and a £3m Suffolk 2020 fund. There are no major cuts to services proposed. However, the budget relies on £7.2m savings from transformation programmes, and a further £12.3m from ‘mitigations and savings’, a major challenge! Council Tax Council Tax will increase by two percent plus another two percent increase for social care. Suffolk 2020 Fund The Suffolk 2020 fund of £3m is for projects focused on carbon reduction, road safety, natural environment, built environment, innovation and use of technology. All projects must be capable of delivery within 12 months, before the next county election. They must have a clear economic, social or environmental return on investment and not involve recurring expenditure. We don’t yet know how this funding will be allocated, or who can bid for it. Citizens Advice In last year’s budget, Suffolk County Council announced that it would be removing its £368k grant to Citizens Advice. Scrutiny recommended this cut be phased in, half in 2019-20 and half in 2020-21. In the event, the CCG’s stepped in to fill the 2019 gap. The budget proposals for 2020-21 include a £120k grant for Citizens Advice which will remain in place for three years. There is a view in the Conservative group that CAB must be re-organised on the lines adopted in the west of the county and a determination to force them to do that. It remains my view that Citizens Advice is a high value service delivering much from skilled volunteers and in doing so reduces spend by many government bodies. It gives effective debt management advice and helps people to secure benefits they are entitled to. Future bus projects The council is planning to bid for around £20 million from the Department for Transport for a pilot electric bus pilot scheme to start within 18 months in the Bury St Edmunds area. First new SEND units announced In January 2019, Suffolk County Council agreed to spend £45.1m on additional schools and specialist units for children with SEND. The first 10 units, providing 168 spaces, are due to open in September 2020. Mid Suffolk budget proposals 2020-21 Mid Suffolk’s budget for 2020/21 proposes a 1.66 percent Council Tax increase worth £109k, and an increase in the tax base which will raise £76k. As opposition group we have presented proposals involving action on the environment, house building, planning enforcement and highways input to planning. The administration has so far agreed to reserve £500,000 for each of the next two years to fund many of the environmental proposals via the Climate Change Working Group. If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk
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We are looking for councilors to join us. The work has plenty of variety – from infrastructure improvements the village so desperately needs, to overseeing the council’s accounts, the provision of defibrillators and rubbish bins and deciding on grants for local organisations. Please contact the clerk for further details or come along to the next meeting to see what it’s all about. There are ten evening meetings a year and free training is available for new councilors. The Allotments We have signed a new licence for the Woodfield Allotments which will take us up to October 2020. As you know, the council is actively seeking a solution which will provide plot holders with long term security by purchasing the land or negotiating a longer lease. We are also considering the possibility of relocating the allotments as another possible solution. If you have any suggestions about land within the parish that might be available, please contact the clerk. In the meantime, everyone wants to see the allotments at full capacity. They need to be used so that the landowner cannot argue that there is no demand for them. Why not join our friendly plot holders? Plots and the water supply remain free of charge and there is plenty of help and advice available. Gardening is a healthy outdoor activity and has been proved to reduce stress. Please contact the clerk if you want to find out more. SnOasis The SnOasis Liaison Group has had an initial meeting. Since my last article there have been no further meetings. Once meetings take place regularly we will provide regular updates. The parish councils are concerned about the delays in taking this forward, which seem to be caused by the failure to sign the necessary agreements between the developer and MSDC planning. Our next parish council meeting is in the Parish Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12 February. Everyone is welcome at council meetings 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 Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. Chairman Steve Plume Facebook:@greatblakenhampc / Twitter: @pcgtblakenham www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud
SOMERSHAM/CHALLAIN-LA-POTHERIE VILLAGE LINK We are planning to visit Challain-la-Potherie in the Loire Valley on the weekend of the last spring bank holiday, Friday 22 to Monday 25 May. This will be the 20th year of the link between our villages and many longstanding friendships have been made over the years. New people travel with us each time, many of whom go on to make new friends themselves, both in France and locally. We travel by coach from Somersham to Challain and stay with host families where food and entertainment is provided. There is always a good mix of English and French on these occasions and language does not present a problem. We welcome people from our surrounding villages to join us. The cost is determined by the number who travel, so the more who go, the cheaper it is. A fantastic group of people go from our local villages and we’d love to have new people of all ages, either individuals or families, join out next trip. Over the time we have been going to Challain we have had all ages, the youngest being three years old and the oldest 80, and everybody in between. So if you’d like to know more please contact one of the following. Gill Fordham: 831529; David Haughton: 831511; Janet Hodge: 832296; Pat Woolhouse: 831080
In Touch online:
Here for you every hour of every day Meredith Greengrass Ground Floor, Station Yard, Needham Market
01449 798267 www.eastofengland.coop/funerals
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Come and have a look Are you interested in finding out how your waste is used to generate electricity for the national grid? We’ve just announced a series of open days for 2020 which are free of charge and available to anyone interested in finding out more about waste and the facility. We have places available on the following dates: March 25 at 2pm, April 8 at 6pm, April 15 at 2pm and June 3 at 10am. There are up to 20 spaces available each day and pre-booking is essential. To book a space email suffolkefw.uk@suez.com or call 01473 839149.
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham /
01473 833416
OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm / Saturdays: 9am-1pm
SUEZ Communities Trust SUEZ Communities Trust provides funding for projects that support community and environmental improvements. In 2019, the trust awarded in excess of £60,000 to projects local to the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility.
A COMMUNITY SHOP FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND RUN BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Funding is available to projects within close proximity to any SUEZ sites that meet certain criteria. If you know of any local projects that could be deserving of funding, for more information about the trust and how to apply visit: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk
We’re well into 2020 now and looking forward to greeting all our customers throughout the coming year. Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time to keep the shop open over the Christmas and New Year period; your efforts were much appreciated.
We’re on Twitter Did you know that Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility is on social media? For more frequent facility updates, fun facts and all the handy tips you could ever need about rubbish, recycling, and food waste, follow us on Twitter at: @suffolkefw
We very much welcome new volunteers in the shop. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and learn new skills. It’s also an excellent way to gain work experience to put on CVs for anybody wishing to join the world of work or going forward with education.
Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please don’t hesitate to contact us: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013
If you’ve recently moved to our locality, are recently retired or have a bit of time on your hands and wish to get to know more people, our community shop is an excellent place to meet with other people and provide heart to the community. Our Meet up Mondays are thriving and welcoming lots of people each Monday morning between 10 and 11.30am. It sprung from the Coffee Caravan project and provides information as well as a hot drink and a chance to meet up with others for a chat during the cold weather. The Petrolheads afternoons in the Coffee Corner on the first Wednesday of each month from 2-4pm are also going well. If this is your thing you will be welcomed by other like-minded people.
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday 7 February, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday 21 February, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, Stowmarket To book online, follow the link at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church from 10am to noon on Wednesdays 5, 12 and 26 February. Please note there is no club meeting on 19 February as this is half term. The cost is £3 per two-hour session plus £1 membership per school year, payable from September. There’s no set programme but the club is here to help you get the best out of your computer. We have a very fast internet connection and refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits) are always available. Why not give us a try?
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The main purpose of the shop is to provide our customers with good quality, reasonably priced, produce. We support local producers and offer an excellent range of fresh local produce (eggs, tomatoes, bread, pies, cakes, etc.), all produced within a very short distance from us. Goods can also be pre-ordered to ensure what you require is in stock. We also have frozen foods and a whole range of other household goods. Our other services are there for all to use; please come in and you will be greeted by our friendly volunteer staff. Regular or one-off orders can be placed for meat, bread, cakes, etc. The Coffee Corner is a good place for a relaxing chat and you might even find something new to read in the book exchange. Dry-cleaning is collected on Tuesday afternoons and newspapers and magazines can be ordered for collection. We even offer a delivery service for those with mobility problems We also promote reuse and recycle and are always happy to receive reusable carrier bags and egg boxes. Sproughton Community Shop is a great place to shop, find local produce and keep in touch. It also gives real heart to the local community. Hurrah for our shop, we look forward to seeing you there. Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Mary Carter; Stephen Bullard; Janet Hodge – 832296; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288
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www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
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SUFFOLK HOW ARE YOU? Are you a PTA or Friends of Schools/PRUs or community group such as Brownies, Scouts or a youth project? Would you like £1000 to help children and young people be a part of a project about reducing sugar in their diet? Find out more at: www.suffolkcf.org.uk/grants/sugar-reduction-fund or contact Suffolk Community Foundation and ask about Sugar Reduction Fund on 01473 602602 or info@suffolkcf.org.uk
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In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM With colder weather on its way, and the possibility of a snow flurry or two, making our cars safe is very important. We have all seen that person who clears a hole of ice on their windscreen to peer through before driving off, and many of us have followed a car with a foot of snow on their roof falling off and hitting our windscreen as they drive along. Consider the following before you drive: • Brush any snow from your car and use a sturdy scraper to clear all of your windows. • Keep washer fluid topped up. • Check your lights are clean and working. • Check your tyre tread depth. Failure to do this may lead to a fine if you are found to have inadequate tread remaining. • In very bad conditions, avoid driving completely unless you absolutely have to make the journey. The what3words app Suffolk Police is now using Smart technology to help locate people in need. Known as what3words, it divides the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and allows the user to use a unique three word address. In some remote Suffolk countryside, where it’s difficult to pinpoint a correct location, the app is very useful. Suffolk is one of the first police forces to fully use this app and it’s proving invaluable. The app is free to download and use. For more information visit: https://what3words.com Police Connect A great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in your area is to sign up to Police Connect. This is a free messaging service which gives you the latest policing news for your area. This can be delivered by email, text or telephone. If you are interested in this free service please visit: www.suffolk.police.uk/services/police-connect You can report a number of non-urgent crimes online at: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us Call the police on 101 to report non-urgent crimes and concerns which do not require an emergency response. Always call 999 in an emergency Community Engagement Officer/Link Officer PC 287 Sarah George
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 24 February: Overlanding through East & South Africa by Glenda Taylor Monday 9 March: Open Competition No. 4 / Judge: Frank Blyth CPAGB BPE1 As agreed at the AGM, entries are limited to one monochrome print, one colour print and two PDIs Monday 23 March: Route 66 by David Steele DPAGB New members are always very welcome. You don’t have to be an expert photographer; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings, which start at 7.30pm, are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room every Monday from 2-4pm. The cost is £2 per week to include workshop materials, raffle prizes and refreshments. The club will reconvene on February 3 and our programme for 2020 is: February 3 March 2 April 6 May 4 June 1 July 6 August 3 September 7 October 5 November 2 December 7
A Little Light Reading Forever Flowerz Birds, Butterflies and Flowers Have a go at Bargello Prick and Stitch for Men The Vintage Look Sewing/Paper Mash-Up Wobble Wobble Christmas Tableware Christmas Card Medley AGM
For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUP Knitting Group Meets in the lounge at Alasdair Place in Claydon from 10.30am-noon on the first Thursday of the month. Members are currently knitting lap blankets for St Elizabeth Hospice, along with hats and blankets for the premature baby unit at West Suffolk Hospital. They have more projects in the pipeline. If you have any spare wool you no longer require, it would be gratefully accepted. Meet & Eat Lunch Club Meets from noon on the first Friday of each month at Gt Blakenham Parish Room (the hall with a green door) where a two course lunch is served for £4, with the optional raffle ticket for £1. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends. If you require a lift, please phone one of the following: Rev Carl – 833542; Ann – 831031; Pauline – 830723; Dorothy – 830906. Walk & Talk Group Weather permitting, this group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30am in the car park of The Crown (Hungry Horse) in Claydon for a 90-minute walk along local footpaths and bridleways. Dogs are welcome. The Book Club This group meets on the last Thursday of the month at 10.30am at The Crown in Claydon for an interesting discussion on the book of their choice. If anyone is interested in joining any of the above groups please phone Rev Carl for further details: 01473 833542 Gipping Valley Art Society This group meets at Gt Blakenham Parish Room every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4pm and welcomes all standards. We take our own art materials and choose our own projects. Friendly advice and help is always on hand from our club president, Mike Wootton. We pay £3 per week for room hire and refreshments. Any profit goes back to the club. If you are interested in joining Gipping Valley Art Society, please contact Ann (831031) or Margaret (830135). We have a few spaces available at present. The first week is free. Alternatively, you are welcome to turn up at 1pm on Tuesday and will be made welcome.
DEMENTIA TOGETHER CALL FREE 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com 9
OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 27 February: Suffolk Windmills – Past, Present and Future by Chris Hullicoop of Suffolk Mills Group Suffolk has had hundreds of windmills but where were they, what is visible today and what does the future hold for them? We meet at 7.15pm at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required; just turn up and pay on the door.
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB Open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, we meet in Great Blakenham Parish Room on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 2-4pm. The £2 attendance fee includes the raffle and refreshments, and £1 extra when we have a game of bingo. This month we shall have a social afternoon on February 12 and on February 26 a visit by Patrick O’Mahony from The National Trust. Patrick will give a presentation on Ickworth House during the First World War, how world changing events affected an aristocratic family living in a stately home in rural Suffolk and the impact on the staff and villagers. His talk will be illustrated with moving personal histories and photographs. 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
For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
RIVER GIPPING TRUST
Join us on the last Wednesday every month (excluding July & August) for a three-course lunch followed by an interesting speaker and a prize raffle. On the second Wednesday we meet for coffee and a chat.
The trust’s new footbridge planning application across the river at Baylham has been delayed by a request from Natural England to undertake a preliminary ecological appraisal report into the hibernating and breeding of bats around the bridge vicinity. This has been extended to consider the impact on otters and water voles. The trust have commissioned Graven Ecology to undertake this appraisal and we look forward to working with Graven to improve the wellbeing of bats, otters and water voles along the river.
In July and August, and at Christmas, our wives, partners and friends are invited to join us. They also accompany us to theatres, shows, musicals and trips to places of interest in East Anglia and beyond. Why not come and meet other gentlemen, all retired or semi-retired and from a wide range of careers, interests and backgrounds? Our objective is to provide fellowship for members and their families. Prospective new members are always welcome and there is no requirement to have belonged to any other organisation previously. If you wish to join us, as a guest initially, or require further details, please contact our secretary, Malcolm Kemp: 07711 689130 / secretary.ipswichprobus@gmail.com
GREENWOOD WORK AT ORCHARD BARN – the solution to the plastic problem
The trust are contributing to the TCV I Dig Trees campaign to plant more than one million native trees by planting 50 trees along the banks of the River Gipping. These trees were planted early in the new year along the south (sunny side) of the river at locations where there is currently little or no shade from the sun. We have noticed large areas of reeds, silt and aquatic weed growth along the river at these open locations, with much more free flowing open water where the river gets some shade. If you would like to see canoes and boats along the River Gipping, you may wish to consider signing a petition raised by British Canoeing. Of the 42,700 miles of inland waterways in England, only 1,400 miles can be paddled uncontested. British canoeing wish to change this. Go to www.clearaccessclearwaters.org.uk/petitions-map or click on the link on our Facebook page. There was much flooding along the River Gipping when it burst its banks. This photo shows the towpath under water alongside Pipps Ford lock. There are many more photos of the river in flood on the River Gipping Facebook page. Restoration Manager Ian Petchey
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How did we manage before disposable plastics entered the world? We wrapped food in paper, put it in cans, jars, glass and ceramic dishes. We used wooden bowls, spoons and spatulas and the average two parent, three child household only filled their waste bin once a month, if that! We can achieve the same in 2020; we just need to learn from the past. Over the course of 2020, Orchard Barn will offer free workshops designed to learn from the past and teach us skills to live a less wasteful life, all with the opportunity for further learning and volunteering. Our first workshop on Thursday 13 February will focus on making tool covers, followed by our Love Wood Open Day on Saturday 15, where visitors will have the opportunity to get a taste of what’s to come over the rest of the year. On March 19 you can learn the skills needed to create your own spatula or chopsticks and go home with a new addition to your kitchen along with new skills to use in your free time or at future workshops. If you’d like to find out how you can get involved and celebrate, create or volunteer with us at Orchard Barn, Ringshall (IP14 2LY) visit our website or drop in between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Thursday, or whenever our gate is open. Follow us on social media for more news about upcoming workshops and events. www.orchardbarn.org.uk
In Touch online:
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL
The children returned well rested from their Christmas break and we have welcomed some new children this term too.
We have been busy getting the garden ready to sow seeds so that we have lovely flowers and vegetables in the coming months. Our special waterproof clothing is well used as the children have been making mud pies and enjoying messy play in our mud kitchen. This allows them to develop their imagination and encourages them to talk about what they are doing. The excitement of being outside and involved in messy play gets young learners feeling even more confident about speaking and sharing their thoughts.
We have lots of exciting things planned for this term such as Stay & Play sessions, Valentine’s Day crafts and Easter events. As we are now open all year (except bank holidays and Christmas) we can take children up to five years old for additional sessions during the school holiday weeks, subject to availability. If you would like to book days during the holidays, please contact the administration assistant for more details. We can take children who are entitled to 30 hours funding. Simply register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact Lisa Read at: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL The spring term has started in earnest with Year 11 students undertaking internal exams in preparation for the real thing in the summer. It can be a stressful time but lots of support is offered, especially in the form of afterschool revision sessions. Later this month they will take part in a Revision Bootcamp on Mersea Island in Essex. As well as learning some useful revision strategies, they will attempt some challenging physical activities including high ropes and a climbing wall to build confidence and prove to themselves that if they have a go – they will succeed! Hopefully in addition to returning home cold, tired and muddy they will feel more confident moving towards their exam season. On 10 January, a group of Year 8 students took part in a creative workshop at the Guardian News and Media Education Centre in London. The Guardian is one of the biggest newspapers in the UK and their education centre provides a range of programmes to enable visitors to interact with the news and to get a realistic understanding of what it’s like to work in a busy news gathering organisation. Students had the opportunity to work together as an editorial team, writing front page and feature articles in a bustling and high-demand newsroom. Drama students from all year groups are being given the opportunity to experience live theatre during the spring season at the New Wolsey Theatre, with five separate trips planned. Students study drama at KS3; analysing and evaluating live theatre is also a key component of the GCSE course. We hope they enjoy the productions and experience a wide variety of skills and performance styles. This term will remain busy into March as we look forward to a number of activities and events including a rock band workshop, art exhibition, readathon, a trip to the Globe Theatre and a return visit from our Spanish exchange students. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Thursday 5 March. Please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place. Headteacher Maéve Taylor
CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 28 years. We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five. Entry is just £1.50 per family and it’s a great opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. There is also a prize draw for the children. This month we meet at Claydon and Barham Village Hall from 9.30-11.30am on February 13 and 27. Why not come along and join in the fun? For more information contact me on 01473 833788.
We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves on the high ratio of staff to children, providing maximum care and learning. All our staff are highly trained and continue regular training to enhance their knowledge further. We provide an extensive range of resources and activities to suit all ages and abilities, ensuring all levels of development and play within the EYFS are explored. Parents play the most important role in children’s lives so we work closely in partnership with them. We also hold well supported stay and play sessions each term. We currently have limited availability for morning spaces but afternoon sessions are available. We accept eligible 30-hour funded children. These codes need to be in place the term before they are needed. Children can join us from the age of two and we accept government funded and fee paying children. We are open term time only from 9am-3pm. We have a well-supported Facebook page where you will find lots of additional information and see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 07979 468467 during session time (9am3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget, Sarah and Kerry
CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB Your new year may have started well but perhaps you are finding the gym a lonely place, despite being surrounded by like-minded souls. Why not change it up a bit for Fit February and get your exercise while still being in a very social atmosphere? Claydon & District Badminton Club is a social badminton club which meets on Monday nights from 7 to 9pm during school term time at Claydon High School Sports Hall. Although we are a popular club we still have some spaces available and you would be very welcome. As we have to pay for the use of the hall. Our fees are ever so slightly higher than if you booked a court for four people at the local sports centres but you don’t have to find three other people to play with and you get to play with a mixture of talents (each game has a different group). All the games are doubles and each has a different partner and opponents. Please do come along to meet us and have a few games. For more information, visit www.claydonbadminton.wordpress.com or contact our chairman, Dik Langan: 01473 831692 / claydonbadders@gmail.com
Michelle
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD SERVICES IN FEBRUARY Sunday 2 Candlemas, Presentation of Christ in the temple 10am Communion Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer Baylham Sunday 9 8am 10am 5pm
Third Sunday before Lent Communion Bramford Communion Nettlestead 5 O’clock Service Church Room
Tuesday 11 11am Communion by Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Sunday 16 Second Sunday before Lent 8am Said Communion Bramford 10am Communion Baylham
The PCCs have been busy planning services, arranging the priests to conduct them and with other day to day duties as we try to carry on as normal without a vicar. I must admit that it’s enjoyable to welcome visiting priests, some of whom are old friends. We hope that during January the diocese will let us know their plans for our parishes as to a replacement priest. I am sure we will have quite a few discussions with them as nowadays replacing a priest isn’t as straightforward or easy as we would like. Be assured, the PCCs of our benefice will want the best for us all. Stewart, on behalf of the PCC PARISH REGISTERS
Tuesday 18 2.30pm The Gathering
Church Room
Saturday 22 10am Coffee Morning
Church Room
Sunday 23 Sunday before Lent 9am Communion Bramford Dear Friends, Soon we will be head for Lent, closely followed by Easter. Easter is not only a very important Christian festival, showing God’s love to us all, but is also the harbinger of spring and both aspects give us hope for the future.
Funerals 16 December: Denis Gilbert, Bramford We extend to his family our sympathy and prayers Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church 17 January: In memory of Philip Stewart on his birthday If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart: 01473 462231 Recycling of aerosol cans Unfortunately, the outlet we use to dispose of aerosol cans is no longer open to us so we have to cease collection. Thank you to those who have donated in the past. Cleaning Rota: V Mather & K Orvis
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw; 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com
7.30pm: Prayers for Healing (second Wednesday). Contact: 01473 831117
Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117
Thursday 3-3.30pm: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday)
Please 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. Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every second Sunday 10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (first and third Sundays, term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. 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 (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and the second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only)
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Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month) FEBRUARY 2020 Sunday 2, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Rev S Yelland Thursday 6, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 9, 10.30am: Morning Worship/Holy Communion, Rev D Grimshaw Tuesday 11, 2pm: Network/MWiB, Rev D Grimshaw Wednesday 12: Prayers for Healing (see above) Sunday 16, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mission in Britain Monday 17, 2pm: Bible Study Sunday 23, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr M Ellis Tuesday 25, 2pm: Network/MWiB – Powerpoint presentation of the Suffolk Coast with Mr and Mrs Howlett Please note: Coffee Morning and Families@4 – to be advised
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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@hotmail.com
February 2 when we will be thinking about Baptism. We have loads of fun so why not come along and join us? It helps if you book in advance with The Rev Carl or Roger Colthorpe (see contacts). All welcome!
www.claydonchurches.com
Home Group Every Tuesday at 7pm at Claydon Rectory. All welcome for Bible study, reflection and fellowship.
Services in February Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am Sunday 2 February – Candlemas 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am Holy Communion Henley Church 10am Morning Worship Barham Church 11am family@blakenham Gt Blakenham Church 4.30pm families@4.30 Barham Church Sunday 9 February – Third Sunday before Lent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am family@henley Henley Church 10am Holy Communion Barham Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Sunday 16 February – Second Sunday before Lent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am Holy Communion Henley Church 10am Morning Worship Barham Church 11am Morning Worship Gt Blakenham Church Sunday 23 February – Sunday next before Lent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am Café Church Henley Church 10am Holy Communion Barham Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church 4pm Evensong Henley Church Wednesday 26 February – Ash Wednesday 10am Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes, Barham Church 7.30pm Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes, Gt Blakenham Church Sunday 1 March – First Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am Holy Communion Henley Church 10am Morning Worship Barham Church 11am family@blakenham Gt Blakenham Church NEWS families@4.30: Our congregation for families and young people, meeting on the first Sunday of the month at Barham Church. The next one will be held on
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Four Communities Activities Groups: See page 10 Great Blakenham Coffee Morning: The second Saturday of the month in Gt Blakenham Parish Room, 10am-noon. All welcome. Bacon and sausage butties are available during the winter months, in addition to cakes, tea and coffee. Pancake Evening: Our popular pancake evening takes place from 6-8pm at Gt Blakenham Parish Room on 25 February – pop along for yummy pancakes! Lent Lunches: Our Lent Lunches will run every Wednesday (March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1) between noon and 2pm in Barham Church Hall. Donations welcome for a soup and roll lunch. All welcome. Compline: A short candlelit service at 9pm every Wednesday in Lent at Henley Church. 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, The Rev Cathy or The Rev Jenny. This might be at home or in hospital. Further dates can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter by searching ‘The Claydon Group of Churches’. ANNOUNCEMENT It was recently announced that The Rev Carl Melville has been appointed as Rector of the nearby Bacton Benefice. He says: “I look forward to the next stage of my ministry with the Bacton Benefice. I will, of course, find it very difficult to leave Claydon having built up many friendships in and out of church circles. The love and sense of community that has surrounded me over the past three and a half years has been immense. That will stay with me.” The Rev Carl’s final service will be on March 15 – venue to be decided. This will be a chance for the community to wish him farewell and pray for him and for the next stage of his ministry. More details about this service will follow in next month’s In Touch. 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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CHURCH NEWS
I remember the black radio (wireless) in our home when I was a boy and the variety of sounds it made as my dad attempted to find a good signal. World Radio Day, February 13, began in 2012 to celebrate the power of radio and aims to bring together broadcasters from around the world to share knowledge and reach out to new audiences from major networks to small community stations.
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
The power of radio to improve lives is in its ability to reach a huge audience quickly with educational and informative programmes. At health clinics in Africa, 1,525 new clients were asked what source of information brought them to the clinic. Fifty-seven percent said is it was radio. Where radio programmes may improve lives, the good news that Jesus is the power of God, not only to transform lives but also to rescue those who believe and call on His name. The task Jesus gave to his disciples was to take and preach this good news to the whole world, reaching out to all people everywhere. All this before radio was ever invented! Those who heard them speak either responded immediately by believing or asked to know more. We would love for you to hear about what God has done for the world through Jesus. There are radio stations and programmes available to listen to but why not tune in to any of the weekly events at the church by coming along or contacting me to find out more. WEEKLY EVENTS Monday Fortnightly: Little Owls Toddler Group, 10am-noon Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 7.30-8.30pm Wednesday: Coffee Morning, 10am-noon; all welcome Thursday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon For more information contact Michael: 01473 839785 / admin@blakenhambaptist.org.uk
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