In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 10 • Issue No. 5 • MARCH 2020
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Do you ever long for the days when you pulled up at a service station and waited for an assistant to come to your aid? This is just one example of a ‘social’ encounter which doesn’t exist anymore, replaced by self-service or technology. Of course, self-sufficiency is good in many, if not all, aspects of life, but the need for and the benefits of social contact are proven. Loneliness and isolation are rarely freely embraced and Facebook, Twitter and the like have become lifelines for many while the internet provides unparalleled access to... well, to just about everything. However, I find that spending time with ‘real’ people, chatting over coffee, brief conversations over a counter, a helpful assistant when you need to try on a different (invariably bigger) size, even a nod on a cold morning have all become more precious as a consequence. I saw a poster in a coffee shop recently which made me smile: “I saw a man in a coffee shop the other day. He was just sitting there drinking coffee. He wasn’t on his phone or checking his emails. Just sitting there doing nothing like some crazy person!” Not so long ago this would have described most of us and I hope you occasionally find time to ‘just sit’, despite what others may think! We are fortunate to live in an age where access to just about everything we need, and lots more besides, is at our fingertips but we must never forget those who don’t have access or who may need our actual presence in their lives. A message may be appreciated but a hug is everything. Of course, this also applies to local business; without our support they simply can’t survive and where would we be without them. Now more than ever, we need to show some love to our high streets and to consider the carbon footprint of each and every purchase we make. Every face-to-face shopping experience helps us to stay connected with our local community and shopping locally ensures more of our money stays in the local community. Of course, if you prefer to shop online or simply don’t have the means to get out and about, you can still choose to shop local by finding a local supplier online. As you’ll see in the following pages, most, if not, all of the businesses and service providers featured have an online presence.
Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins T: 01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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In Touch 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 We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Tuesday 10 March Printed on gloss paper from FSC certified sources
Please recycle.
is the advertising and editorial deadline for the April edition
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NEWS LIFE BELOW STAIRS A talk by Patrick O’Mahoney from the National Trust about the ‘below stairs’ staff at Ickworth in the 1930s. There will be recorded interviews, facts and anecdotes accompanied by photographs. The talk will take place in Baylham Village Hall on Friday 20 March, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 to include a glass of wine and a finger buffet. Contact Wendy (832885) or Ann (830316) to book.
GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA Wow, what a great start to 2020. Thank you to all who joined us for Yesterday. We were very close to breaking even so your support really is appreciated, as were the very kind raffle prize donations. Yesterday is such a lovely film, made better with the local scenery. In March we celebrate our first year with Bohemian Rhapsody (12A), the story of the legendary British rock band, Queen, and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid. If you would like to support the cinema by donating raffle prizes, displaying a poster, helping set up and clear the chairs, we would love to hear from you. It’s often useful to know how many to expect so if you wish to let us know in advance that you will be attending, send us a message on Facebook or ping an email to: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com We look forward to seeing you. Facebook @Greatblakenhamcinema
BARHAM HALL PICNIC CONCERT Essential Sounds (an 18-piece big band) will entertain us with music from stage and screen while we enjoy our picnics in the wonderful setting of Barham Hall Gardens on Saturday 27 June. We will also have a Michael Bublé tribute act to entertain us when the band takes a break and, as usual, the evening will end with the ever-popular flag waving Last Night of the Proms sing-a-long. The gates will open at 5.30pm to allow plenty of time for visitors to view the beautiful gardens before the band starts. We aim to finish proceedings at 10pm when the light is failing. Tickets go on sale on Sunday 1 March at the early discount price of £12 (instead of £15). This discount will apply to all tickets paid for before Saturday 23 May. Cash or cheques payable to Claydon and Barham PCC should be sent with a self-addressed envelope (and a stamp if you live outside Claydon and Barham) to Roger Colthorpe, 5 Phillipps Road, Barham IP6 0AZ. Please don’t delay as a sell-out is again probable as we have to limit the numbers to comply with the temporary event notice under which this event is held. For those who may not have visited these wonderful gardens before, Barham Hall is opposite the church in Barham (IP6 0PT) and has plenty of parking behind the gardens. The restriction on numbers means that there is plenty of space to spread out on the fabulous lawns with your picnic. In keeping with the surroundings, we hire luxury toilets to avoid the unpleasantness of many outdoor events. In order to avoid damage to the beautiful lawns we cannot allow gazebos, barbecues or emptying of hot water from flasks. Unfortunately, we all have to gamble on the British weather, hence the early discount price before knowing what the forecast will be. Weather like last year would be fantastic. All proceeds go to the Claydon & Barham Church Fabric Fund to help fund the next major project which is restore our ancient bells and get them ringing again with hopefully two additional bells. Barham Church bells haven’t been rung properly since 1947. We look forward to being able to open a concert with a peal of bells from across the road in the not too distant future. Our thanks to Mr and Mrs Burrows for inviting us into their gardens for this wonderful community event for the 13th year.
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL New Councillors Needed Urgently We are urgently looking for councillors to join us. By law, there has to be a minimum number of councillors present for the council to be able to meet, make decisions and authorise payments. For Great Blakenham Parish Council the minimum number needed is three. At present, we only have three councillors and the unavoidable absence of one for the planned February meeting meant that it had to be rearranged; otherwise the council would not have been able to meet in February. As you can see, we really need residents who are willing to give up a small part of their time to help their community. The work is wide ranging and there is plenty of variety – from working towards the infrastructure improvements that the village so desperately needs, to overseeing the council’s accounts, the provision of defibrillators and rubbish bins and deciding on grants to 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 meetings a year, all in the evening, and free training is available for new councillors 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. Reluctantly, as another possible solution, we are also considering the possibility of relocating the allotments. 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 must be seen to be used so 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. Our next meeting is in the Parish Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 March. However, this may have to be rescheduled due to the low number of councillors. 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 your interest in the work of your parish council. Chairman Steve Plume Facebook: @greatblakenhampc / Twitter: @pcgtblakenham www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud
EASTER BRIC-A-BRAC SALE 1 Sproughton Brownies are holding an annual Easter Bric-a-Brac Sale in aid of Save the Children, Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy and Brownie funds on Saturday 28 March in Sproughton Church Hall from 2-4pm. st
Please come along, support us and grab yourself a bargain. Admission is free. Stalls include white elephant, toys, books, clothes, next-to-new, cakes, a draw, tombolas, games and refreshments.
GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD Planning Referrals in Barham A massive agenda defeated the planning referrals meeting to consider the Barham Church Lane application and the item was deferred, along with several others. It is vital that councillors get time to read documentation thoroughly in order to make sound judgements in line with policy, including Neighbourhood Plans (which contain local views), the Mid Suffolk Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. One difficulty is that although we now have a five-year land supply, critical policies are not in line with the latest NPPF, are out of date and have little weight. Highways Expertise There is often a feeling at planning meetings that highway issues around developments have not been considered in sufficient detail and that improvements requested are not sufficiently demanding. We have been pushing for a highways engineer to do more work dedicated to developments in Mid Suffolk. So far neither the county or Mid Suffolk are prepared to fund such a person. Enforcement Communities suffer from assertive individuals or companies determined to do whatever they see as in their best interest, despite rules and planning conditions. Controlling this in the best interests of the whole community is, at best, a slow process. We have been asking for an increase in staffing and money for legal action but have been told that more can be achieved by focused work from the current resource. Some communities in Gipping Valley are tired of waiting so we must watch for rapid change. Scrutiny All county or district council scrutiny meetings are open to the public and you can make your points heard. Since the new year, we at county have considered the issues around the highways contract with Kier, the relationship between the company and the council, the stability in the face of turmoil in the contracting industry and the performance of Suffolk Highways as shown by a national survey. Relationships have improved greatly. Contingency plans are in place and the issues around stability and the end of the current contract, which is approaching, are well understood. Performance has improved within the constraints of a very tight budget. Next to come are Home to School Transport, where we will look at the implementation of the new policy rather than analysing the failure of the current policy, and Suffolk’s response to the initial report on the Grenfell tragedy. Ipswich Northern Route project ends Matthew Hicks is recommending that the Ipswich Northern Route should not proceed. He has yet to go along with proposals for work to resolve the transport issues in Ipswich in a sustainable way. Superfast Broadband Currently, 96 percent of properties in Suffolk have access to superfast broadband. Phase 3, which has just been approved, will aim to reach a further two percent of the hardest to reach properties. Scrutiny intends to look at the plans, including those for the final two per cent and those for all digital communication in Suffolk, including 5G. A Permit Scheme for Roadworks In future, utility companies and developers will need to apply for a permit from Suffolk Highways before digging up roads. Currently, they only inform SCC of their intention to work on the highways. The permit scheme will ensure that motorists have more notice of planned roadworks, providing the council with more powers to approve or refuse a request and to co-ordinate and plan works. This should result in less disruption for road users. If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk
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NEWS SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Did you know that household waste left after recycling is no longer landfilled in Suffolk? At the energy-from-waste facility we use waste as a fuel to generate electricity for the National Grid. If you are interested in seeing the process in action, we have spaces remaining on our upcoming open days: March 30 at 2pm, April 8 at 6pm, April 15 at 2pm and June 3 at 10am. Open days are free of charge and available to anyone interested in finding out more about waste and the facility. There are up to 20 spaces available each day but pre-booking is essential: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149 Free educational visits Nearly half of all visits to the facility are from schools, colleges and clubs. We provide age appropriate educational activities for all visitors from ages seven and up and have been awarded a Learning outside the Classroom quality badge for our commitment to providing high quality learning outside of the classroom. Visits are a great opportunity to see first-hand what happens to non-recyclable waste in Suffolk, as well as learning about reducing, reusing and recycling. School visits are available Monday to Friday for class sizes of up to 30 pupils, and evening visits are available for clubs. For all enquiries, please contact: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com We’re on Twitter Did you know that we are 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 @suffolkefw. If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact us at: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 / SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013
ENSURING YOUR RTA CLAIM DOESN’T HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD No matter how serious, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are always distressing experiences. 2018 alone saw over 165,000 casualties of all severities resulting from RTAs. If you are a victim of an RTA, you could have a case for compensation. To assist you ahead of any claim, there are important steps you should take / pieces of evidence that you should gather if possible. Immediately following an accident, if possible, the first steps you should take include: • Get the details of all those involved: For vehicles, this includes registration numbers, the make, model and colour of the vehicles involved.
For people, obtain their phone numbers, addresses and insurance details. Also, be sure to write a description of the person involved and who you believe to be responsible for the RTA.
• Seek medical attention – even if you are feeling ok, it is important to get checked over. • If possible, take photographs of the accident location, the vehicles involved and the damage caused. •
Contact the police and report the incident – while they may not always be required to attend the accident, if any person refuses to provide their details at the scene, you must report them to the police.
• If you are the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, inform your insurer at the earliest opportunity.
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday 6 March, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market
• Get the details of any witnesses including their telephone numbers – and their own accounts of what happened – they could back up your claim. • Keep your own record of the incident – this can include writing down what happened and taking photos of any injuries sustained.
Friday 20 March, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket
• Keep records of all expenses that you may have incurred as a result of the incident and any injuries sustained – for example, loss of earnings, travel expenses and any medication costs.
To book online follow the link at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
If your property or vehicle has been damaged as a result of an RTA, or you’ve been injured, then you can make a claim. Personal injury and loss claims following an RTA come in two parts:
GARDENERS’ QUESTION TIME Barking Village Hall, Friday 3 April, 7.30pm Spring is definitely in the air now and there’s lots to do in the garden in order to get ready for summer. Why not come along to the village hall and ask our team of three experts for advice on all aspects of gardening? Barry Gayton, Paul Hansord and Mike Warren are sure to have the answers. The more questions the better! Please email them to Sandra at semreynolds@btinternet.com or contact her on 01449 722422. Tickets £7, to include tea, coffee and homemade cakes
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1. Compensation for the pain and suffering sustained as a result of the accident. 2. Compensation for any financial losses flowing from that accident and injury – this could come in the form of the cost of vehicle repairs, medication and treatment costs or loss of earnings due to injuries sustained. It is important therefore that, if possible, you capture as much information about the accident, injuries and losses sustained so that if you do wish to make a claim at a later date, the evidence and information that you need is already to hand to assist in the progression of your claim as quickly as possible. For more information or advice on how to make a claim, get in touch with Prettys’ Personal Injury team. Contact Louise Plant by calling 01473 298293 or email: lplant@prettys.co.uk
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM During the last month I have been out and about delivering school presentations about careers in the police and internet safety. It’s important for all for us to consider online safety. It’s not just young people who can get into difficulty online and there are many scams still going on around us. Many of you may have received emails using your email address but if your name isn’t used, it’s probably a scam. If it doesn’t seem right it probably isn’t. Tell your friends and family if you think you have been the victim of a scam or if you suspect a scam and call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline for practical advice: 0808 223 1133 The Police and Parish Forum dates are set out below. Please take this opportunity to come along and ask any questions. Wednesday 22 April: Hadleigh Swimming Pool / AGM Wednesday 17 June: Claydon & Barham Village Hall Wednesday 12 August: Hintlesham Community Centre Wednesday 14 October: Chelmondiston Village Hall Wednesday 9 December: Brantham Sports Centre Sign up to Police Connect and you’ll always know what’s going on in your own community. This is a free messaging service connecting you to the very latest policing news for your area via email or text. You can register online at Suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect or pick up a leaflet from your local police station. I will be dropping into Paddy & Scott’s (inside the Co-op on Hadleigh High Street) on Wednesday 11 March from about 10am until 2pm. Please come and see me. 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 PC 287 Sarah George E: CEOipwesthadleigh@suffolk.pnn.police.uk
MENDLESHAM’S 40th STREET FAYRE
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 We are moving into spring and as I write we are selling our first daffodils in the shop. We will soon have plants for sale to go in your gardens, locally grown of course as we aim to support local producers. Have you a little time to spare? We always welcome more staff to our team of volunteers, which is headed by the shop manager, Lucy Barrett. If you are new to the village, recently retired, or have a bit of free time we would love to hear from you. We welcome people who can offer regular times, but also if you can only help occasionally. Please drop in and talk to us to find out what we do. Regular meetings take place in the shop which all are welcome to attend. Meet up Mondays: Every Monday between 10 and 11.30am. Join us for a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, with a lot of chat and laughter. Petrolheads: Those with an interest in all things motor-driven meet on the first Wednesday of the month (March 4) between 2 and 4pm. Join them for tea and biscuits and lots of oily chat.
This year Mendlesham Fayre celebrates turning 40 and will have a ruby theme throughout the day.
Coffee Corner: Available for tea, coffee or hot chocolate whenever the shop is open. Our staff are always ready to chat with you, and the book exchange is open to all.
As the VE celebrations take place at the beginning of May, this year’s farye will be on the last bank holiday in the month so put Monday 25 May on your calendar.
We are collecting crisp packets for recycling in aid of the Air Ambulance, and the green plastic milk bottle tops to help fund a lift in a dementia home.
Old Market Street will be closed to traffic and full of stalls selling crafts, bric-a-brac, plants, jewellery and tickets for our grand draw. Throughout the afternoon there will be live music on stage with Sun of Elvis (Andy Ottley) and others. East Suffolk Morris Men will stop by and The Tricky Twister will be there to entertain the children.
Dry cleaning is collected every Tuesday afternoon and brought back the next week. Newspapers and magazines may be ordered for collection, and we often have some spare copies if you just want the odd one. We have a selection of wines and beers and are happy to consider others which you would like to see stocked. We also have a variety of sweets, fresh fruit and vegetables, and sandwiches for the days when you want to grab and go – with crisps and drinks too.
There will be a craft fayre in the community hall, remote controlled trucks, a hog roast, bygone farm machinery and bouncy castles and karts for the children. Our 50/50 shop will be open with good as new clothes and you will find plenty of refreshments, hot dogs, teas, sandwiches and cakes, all provided by village charities. Entry is by programme (adults £3, under-16s free) and there is a free car park.
We are happy to take food orders for bread, eggs, cakes, meat and milk, especially if you are going on holiday and want us to have some ready for collection on your return.
To book a space in the street contact 01449 766483 (no food outlets needed) and look out for more details in the coming months.
We welcome your used carrier bags and egg boxes for our customers to reuse.
NEW TUNES FOR YOU
We hope that you will all visit the shop and look at the local produce in stock – bread, eggs, tomatoes, meat, bacon, pies, cakes, cheese… There is also a variety of frozen meals and foods available in our freezer, and plenty of different tins and packets on the shelves.
Out of hibernation with new numbers and renewed enthusiasm is the message from Jazz Galore. The members of this long-established Suffolk group offer a wider range of tunes and play for little more than expenses. They are easy to accommodate: a power socket and a bit of shade against the blazing sun is all they want. Plus a cup of tea and a bun would be nice. Four weekends are already taken up with repeat bookings – a beer festival, two village fetes and a concert – so if you’d like them to play at your event this year contact Mike Smith on 07874 034390 before too long.
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Drop in and see us – you will be most welcome. Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Mary Carter; Stephen Bullard; Janet Hodge – 832296; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288
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OUT & ABOUT A STORY 84 YEARS IN THE MAKING…
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.
Since the Regal first opened its doors in 1936, improvements have continued with the addition of the stage, dressing rooms, bar, 3D digital projector, sound and satellite systems. The current redevelopment project between Stowmarket Town Council and Mid Suffolk District Council is the next step in that journey and I’m confident that the end result will be an entertainment venue that respects the charm and character of the current building while providing all the modern facilities that today’s customers expect. We have been wrestling with how best to deliver the project for some time and have reluctantly concluded that the project can be managed most effectively by handing the site over to the contractor during the construction period. Consequently the Regal will be closed from February 24 to the beginning of December to allow for the project to be delivered in the most cost effective and timely manner. However, we can’t leave you without a cinema for that long so we’re excited to announce that we’re taking the Regal on the Road and converting the John Peel Centre on Church Walk into a cinema for around 10 screenings a week. All tickets will be £5, except for Pocket Money Movies which will continue at £2.50 with an accompanying adult going free. Regal Golden Tickets will also be accepted. Watch this space for exciting news and our Regal on the Road launch programme. Thank you for your continuing support. David Marsh
The club reconvened on February 3 with every member receiving a craft magazine full of papers and toppers together with some cards and envelopes for a card making session. We were also pleased to welcome new members and hope they will enjoy our meetings. March 2 April 6 May 4 June 1 July 6 August 3 September 7 October 5 November 2 December 7
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
With the recent influx of new members I cannot accommodate anyone else right now but will happily place your name on a waiting list if you are interested in joining. For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUP Knitting Group Meets in the lounge at Alasdair Place on the first Thursday from 10.30am to noon. In addition to knitting lap blankets for St Elizabeth Hospice and hats and blankets for the premature baby unit at West Suffolk Hospital, the group have more projects in the pipeline. If anyone has any spare wool that they no longer require, it will be gratefully accepted at any of the meetings. Meet & Eat Lunch Club Meets at Gt Blakenham Parish Room at noon on the first Friday. A two-course lunch is served at a cost of £4, with optional raffle. The group has become very popular with many new members during the last year. If you would like to attend but require a lift, any of the following will be pleased to offer: Wendy (846642); Ann (831031); Pauline (830723); Dorothy (830906). Walk & Talk Group Weather permitting, meets at 10.30am in the car park of The Crown (Hungry Horse) in Claydon on the second Thursday for a 90-minute walk around local footpaths and bridleways. Everyone welcome, including dogs. Glenda will be taking over the group in March. Book Club Meets in The Crown on the last Thursday of the month at 10.30am for an interesting discussion on the chosen book. Gipping Valley Art Society Meets in Gt Blakenham Parish Room every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4pm. We use our own art materials and help is always on hand from our president, Mike Wootton. We have a few places available for new members. You don’t have to be able to draw or paint so if you’re interested give Ann (831031) or Margaret (830135) a call. Or just turn up; you will be made very welcome. On behalf of all the groups, we would like to wish The Rev Carl Melville all the very best for the future when he leaves to take up his new benefice in March. We would like to thank him for his support for the groups. He will be missed by so many people.
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com 10
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OUT & ABOUT 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. Our meetings in March will be on Wednesdays 11 and 25. 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
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 23 March: Route 66 by David Steele DPAGB Tuesday 21 April: Granville Foulger Trophy at East Ipswich Camera Club. To be judged by Sarah Kelman ARPS DPAGB. Thursday 23 April: A45 Inter-Club Challenge at Bury Photographic Society. To be judged by Barbie Lindsay MPAGB EFIAP/s FBPE. Monday 27 April: Colin Stubley Shield (Portraiture) and A/V Trophy to be judged by Alan Sarsby. 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
SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 26 March at 7.15pm A Suffolk Bevin Boy Barbara Mcelroy tells the story of her father who, with thousands of others, expected to go into the forces but was instead conscripted by ballot to go down the mines in the Second World War, no excuses allowed. The talk looks at the reasons for the schedule, the conditions down the mines and subsequent problems. We meet 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.
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet from 10am-noon on Wednesday 4, 11, 18 and 25 March in the upstairs room at the Bramford Methodist Church. 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?
BRAMFORD ART GROUP We are currently looking for more people to join our group which meets every Wednesday from 9.30am to noon in Loraine Hall, Ship Lane, Bramford. For further information contact Ann Woolnough: 01473 743794
ORWELL PROBUS CLUB We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month, usually followed by an entertaining speaker. Probus clubs provide an opportunity for active retired or semi-retired gentlemen to attend regular meetings and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded people who appreciate similar interests. We have social events, outings and holidays which, of course, include spouses, partners and friends. If you think Orwell Probus Club could be for you, please contact our secretary, Chris Flint, for further details: 01473 226996 / mailto@1878.me.uk
WAKING UP WITH SPRING – COURSES AND ACTIVITIES AT ORCHARD BARN
With the snowdrops and crocuses waking up it’s clear that spring is making its way to us, and what better time to start getting out and about more. As the weather warms up this year’s courses begin at Orchard Barn. We have so many lovely things planned and plenty more to be confirmed too. We are focusing on using greenwood as a solution to the plastic problem and will be having taster days on the third Thursday of the month to teach you the skills to make instead of buy. For March you will have the opportunity to learn how to make a spatula or chopsticks We also have courses to introduce you to timber framing or timber frame repairs, along with advanced lime finishes. You could also learn where to source building materials for free, and how to convert them using low impact and environmentally sound traditional techniques and human energy. What a great way to improve your skills and get fitter.
For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
If you’d like to find out how you can get involved and learn, create or volunteer with us at Orchard Barn, Ringshall, visit our website or drop in between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Thursday, or whenever our gate is open (IP14 2LY).
Picture published with permission from the Imperial War Museum
www.orchardbarn.org.uk
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SCHOOLS HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL We have been celebrating Chinese New Year, The year of the Rat, with food tasting, noodle and chopstick play, crafts and stories. As World Book Day approaches the children look forward to dressing up and sharing their books. To promote reading at home the children have been given a story reading record to complete at home. 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. Every staff member is highly trained and continues 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.
CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL Hello from the school council. Here at Claydon Primary School we try to make our school as safe as possible and one of the ways the school council has been helping is by focussing on road safety. We do this every year and have won two gold awards over the past two years. We have assemblies about road safety, safe parking and the importance of wearing a helmet when cycling and looking both ways when crossing the road. Learning Highlights Years 1 and 2
We currently have limited afternoon spaces available. Applications for September can be downloaded from our website and must be filled in as soon as possible to ensure you get the sessions you require. Please feel welcome to visit the pre-school during opening hours so you can see the children play. 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.
Years 1 and 2 have been constructing bridges and listening to bagpipes as part of their topic, What Makes a Culture Special. Each class looked through the keyhole and used clues to determine if the room was in England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland. As part of their topic, they have also enjoyed using cardboard boxes to create Big Ben and coding using our ICT suite.
For further information please call 07979 468467 during session time (9am3pm) or email our manager, Bridget Wyatt: enquiries@henleypreschool.com
Year 3 Year 3 created wanted posters to find Scotty the dog who had mysteriously vanished. They believed that the mischievous Bad Bear had dog-napped him so they set up traps to help find the culprit, as well as working on instructions to catch a villain. They were very happy when Scotty was found.
Bridget, Sarah and Kerry
Year 4
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.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL The children have been enjoying activities and crafts to do with Chinese New Year – The Year of the Rat – and are looking forward to dressing up for our Valentine’s dress-up week. There are lots of exciting things coming up for the children, including outings and growing their own vegetables, as well as the events listed below. We are hoping that the lighter nights will also bring some better weather to make outdoor play more enjoyable and help get the nature garden into full bloom. SCHOOL EVENTS World Book Day Dress-Up Week: w/c Monday 2 March An opportunity for the children to dress up as their favourite book characters. Sport Relief Day: Friday 13 March The children can come to pre-school dressed in their sporty clothes. Stay & Play: w/c Monday 16 March A chance for parents and carers to come into the pre-school to spend some time joining in the activities within the setting. PUBLIC EVENTS Firstly, a huge thank you to Claydon & Barham Community Centre who kindly sponsor our events with the use of their hall. It is every much appreciated and helps with our fundraising. Easter Eggstravaganza: Thursday 2 April An opportunity for children to show off their Easter hats, and for everyone to have a go at our Easter Egg Trail, try their luck with our chocolate tombola and enjoy the refreshments on offer. 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
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Year 4 have enjoyed learning about Greek democracy, a system that is one of our British Values. Instead of using paper, the ancient Greeks used different coloured stones (black and while) to vote on laws. Normally the Greeks would use their system to vote for a new leader. They have learnt that democracy is still important because it shows that people don’t always agree.
Years 5 and 6 Invaders was the topic in Years 5 and 6. They have learnt about Vikings and Anglo Saxons and have all made exquisite Viking finger puppets. Very excitingly, the Year 5s got the chance to visit West Stow to learn even more astonishing facts. Both years had the opportunity to dress up as a Viking warrior/Anglo Saxons for Viking Day, as well as doing activities such as learning how to read Viking words, acting out a Viking saga and making clay boats to see if they could float on water. Reading competition All classes were challenged to read every day for a whole week in order to enter a raffle set up by the school council to win tickets to watch Ipswich Town FC. More than 40 lucky children won a ticket for themselves and an adult, which were presented to them by ITFC midfielder Alan Judge. The winners got to ask him lots of questions and got his autograph. Sports Update Every Tuesday there is a basketball club for Year 4 just before school (8-8.30am) with Miss Linton to practise for an upcoming competition. As well as Tuesday basketball, there is a club early on Thursday mornings for Years 5 and 6 run by Ipswich Basketball Club. Five girls and five boys will be selected from this squad to represent the school in a tournament in the second half term. Next the school council will be looking at how to become an ecoschool by reducing plastic usage and trying to reuse things to reduce the amount of waste we produce.
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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 29 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.
We have been busy with various trips, visits and activities, including our GCSE Bootcamp at Mersea Island, indoor rowing championships and an A Level languages taster session at Cambridge University, as well as some successful sporting achievements in cross-country, athletics, basketball and futsal. On February 10 a group of students were joined by a fantastic local band called Scarlet and a team from IEM (Industry Education in Music) to take part in a rock band workshop and concert. Students from across all year groups split into groups to form separate bands and spent the day composing original pop music from scratch. With a very tight deadline this was a huge challenge, but our talented students worked extremely hard, using advice and guidance from the professionals to come up with some impressive and original material that was performed at a concert on the very same evening. Elsewhere in school, the art department have been busy with students taking part in an exclusive portrait workshop with the world-famous artist Colin Davidson at the Made in Suffolk: Ed Sheeran Exhibition in Christchurch Mansion. The day included a tour of the exhibition by John Sheeran (Ed’s dad) and an oil painting masterclass at Suffolk One led by their Level 4 course leader, Emma Connolly. A group of Year 11 art students also had the opportunity to visit the Sainsbury’s Centre in Norwich on Wednesday 12 February to view their permanent collection and participate in a practical workshop which will form part of their preparation for their GCSE Art/Art Textiles exam. Drama students from across all year groups have been given the opportunity to experience live theatre at the New Wolsey Theatre this term, kicking off with Year 7 watching Aladdin.
A big thank you to everyone who came along to our birthday party to help us celebrate and we wish belated happy birthdays to Sebastian, Evelyn and Jacob who celebrated in February and happy birthday to Oakley, Harrison and Tia who all celebrate in March. This month we will meet at Claydon and Barham Village Hall from 9.3011.30am on March 12 and 26. Why not come along and join in the fun? For more information contact me on 01473 833788. Michelle
2020 could be the start of something big. Why not use the start of this new decade as your springboard to get fit, learn a new sport or maybe return to a sport you used to take part in. So, why not come and join us at Bramford Tennis Club? We are a friendly, welcoming club and are keen to welcome players of all ability levels. Our membership year runs from April 1 to March 31 and our membership prices start from just £25 for adults and £10 for juniors. So, don’t be shy, come along, get on court and #gohitit.
As I write we still have so much to look forward to including a BBC School Report Day, maths competitions, a trip to the Globe Theatre to see Macbeth, a visit by students from the Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria Alixar on the return leg of our Spanish exchange programme, and our PTA quiz night on Thursday 12 March at 7pm. If you would like to join us for this fun and popular evening, please contact Lisa: admin@claydonhigh.com 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. To book a place please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders, on 01473 836110. Headteacher Maéve Taylor
BRAMFORD CARPET BOWLS CLUB We started the new year with our annual dinner and presentation evening at Bramford Golf Centre. We all had a very enjoyable evening with a lovely meal. Thanks to the staff for all their help and good service. The prizes for the club pairs competition were presented to the winners and runners-up by our chairman Michael Peck. Because the winners were Michael Peck and Paul Warne, their prizes were presented by Peter Castle. The runners-up were Janet Challis and Sue Withell. We are well into the second half of the winter league where we are hoping to be in the top half of the table. The next thing on the calendar is the AGM in early April.
Adults; burn off those winter blues with our Cardio Tennis sessions Are you are looking for great new fitness workout that can burn up to 600 calories per hour? If so, our cardio group could be just the thing. Just £5 per session, the cardio group meets on Thursdays at 7.10pm. No prior tennis experience is needed and all equipment, including rackets, is provided. The group is open to non-members and members (discounted rate for members). Cardio sessions must be booked in advance so please contact Carl to register your interest. Juniors; get involved with a Mini Tennis or Hot Shots squad Mini Tennis uses short rackets, sponge balls and small nets and is a great introduction to tennis for juniors from 5-11. We run Mini Red (ages 5-7) and Mini Orange (ages 8-11) on Tuesdays and for older juniors (11+) there’s a Hot Shots squad on Saturday morning at 10am. Visit the website for more details or call Carl for further information. To find out more please visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub/ Coaching enquiries: carl.douglas@talk21.com / 07553 966380
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS CLAYDON FC It’s been a little while since we provided an update, a symptom of not having enough admin support. It’s been another good year so far as we continue to grow our youth teams, especially younger age groups where we have had more teams than ever before. The coaches and support crew for each team put in a lot of time and effort and it’s been fantastic to see the youngsters grow and develop. We have a couple of projects on the go; refurbishment of the new port-acabin and improving drainage on the main pitch. Both are at the planning stage but we are committed to getting the new changing room in place to provide additional facilities for youth teams and our men’s A Team. Our senior teams are having a good season with the 1st Team currently in fourth place in the senior division, the Reserves in second and the A Team in third, so not bad all round. This is a reflection of good coaches and support staff working hard to maintain momentum as players move up the ranks. Of course, the background staff are vital to this, through to the ‘ground force’ that is Tony, John, Charlie and Mick who keep the ground in tiptop condition. We have much to do but the quality of the ground has been noticeable over recent months so I thank them for their efforts and commitment. Every big club relies on volunteer support groups to work together to ensure it meets the obligations and needs of the community. Our recreation committee has been transformed in the last year to enable us to take on the challenges we face. With the number of players wishing to play for Claydon on the rise, we rely on them to maximise capacity. It’s great that the rec is firing on all cylinders as we work together to ensure we meet our community commitments. We have numerous youth team sponsors and the senior teams are sponsored by Whip Street Motors. Their three-year commitment has assisted us enormously and we are now playing in smart new kits. My thanks to WSM – we look forward to their continuing support. Up and coming events include a race night at the community centre and our annual clairvoyant evening, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks. We now turn our attention to an event for players, parents, grandparents and friends, the club presentation day on Saturday 16 May. We look forward to providing challenges, entertainment and trophies to the youth section. To ensure continuity, we need more people to assist in running the administration and governance of the club. Please contact me to discuss. Chairman Tim Carr
AN INVITATION FROM BARKING CARPET BOWLS CLUB Barking Carpet Bowls Club has been running for some 35 years and we would like your help. Ours is a gentle sport; from some it offers gentle but necessary movement, for others a bit of lively competition and for everyone a fantastic social outing. It’s open to all, the young, the more mature and the recycled teenagers, all playing on the same level. We normally meet from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays in Barking Village Hall, with one practise night and one match night, both ending with a cuppa. This is where we would like your help. We are looking for new members and to encourage you to come and see what it’s all about we have arranged an open day on Saturday 21 March in Barking Village Hall between 2.30 and 4.30pm. You can meet the members, have a chat, give it a go – see if you could sit on the Jack. Please don’t be shy; we are a friendly bunch and we will supply you with a lovely cup of tea and a biscuit. If you like what you see you can come to one of our practise nights. Who knows where that may lead! If you can’t make Saturday 21 give Mick, our chairman, a call on 01473 780661. He can advise when our next practise night is and you can have a go then.
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw / 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117 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. 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 in term time; see noticeboard). 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, 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 the second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) 7.30pm: Prayers for Healing (second Wednesday). Contact Ms R Palmer: 01473 831117 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 MARCH 2020 Sunday 1, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr M Castle Thursday 5, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 8, 10.30am: Morning Worship/Holy Communion, Rev D Grimshaw Tuesday 10, 2pm: Network/MWiB; A Life through Poetry with Mrs Nicky Seabrook, our pastoral visitor Wednesday 11: Prayers for Healing (see above) Sunday 15, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs J Patterson Monday 16, 2pm: Bible Study Sunday 22, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Rev D Smith United Service for Mothering Sunday Tuesday 24, 2pm: Network/MWiB; The Confessions of a Retired Methodist Minister with Rev Sue King Sunday 29, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs N Glasse Lent Meetings Wednesday 4, 11, 18 & 25 March and 1 April at 7.30pm with Rev D Grimshaw. Tea/coffee available from 7pm. All welcome Please note: Coffee Morning and Families@4 – to be advised.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 21 March.
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFord SERVICES AT ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Sunday 1 March: First Sunday of Lent 10am Communion Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer Baylham Wednesday 4, 11, 18 & 25 March 7/7.30pm Lent Course Methodist Church Sunday 8 March: Second Sunday of Lent 8am Communion Bramford 10am Communion Nettlestead 5pm 5 o’clock Service Church Room Tuesday 10 March 11am Communion by Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Sunday 15 March: Third Sunday of Lent 8am Communion Bramford 10am Communion Baylham Tuesday 17 March 2.30pm The Gathering
Church Room
Saturday 21 March 10am Coffee Morning
Church Room
Sunday 22 March: Mothering Sunday / Forth Sunday of Lent 10am Parish Communion Bramford Sunday 29 March 10am Group Communion Bramford Please check porch notices for any changes. Dear Friends, As I write this the sun is shining and spring flowers are beginning to appear in the garden, a sign that the dreary days of winter are at last over and brighter times are ahead of us. Spring is, indeed, a very special time of year, a time of re-awakening and new beginnings. For Christians it is doubly special as it is also the time when we look ahead to Easter, the most important time of the Christian year. Lent, the time leading up to Easter, is traditionally a time of self-denial, when Christians remember Christ’s sacrifice by giving up life’s comforts and living more simply. However, it is probably true to say that this practice is not taken too seriously by most of us today and that ‘giving up something for Lent’ really has little significance in our lives.
Beat the Winter Germs
by Keeping Your Desk Clean!
A more meaningful way of observing Lent would be to indulge in some selfevaluation, considering our values, our lifestyle, questioning how well we are living up to our Christian principles and asking ourselves what we could do better. Like spring, this is an opportunity for a new awakening, a new beginning and to bring a new freshness to our lives. As usual, we will be joining with our Methodist friends in holding a series of meetings to mark Lent, to examine, discuss and learn from issues related to Easter. These will take place in the Methodist Church on Wednesday evenings, 7 for 7.30pm with the first on March 4. Please join us. All are welcome. Jim PARISH REGISTERS Funerals January 23: Jean Dennis, Bramford We extend to her family our sympathy and prayers. Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church March 6: In loving memory of Ronald Lewis Brown, 40 years but still missed. March 18: In loving memory of Tom Wardley March 21: In loving memory of Peggy Wardley March 20: In loving memory of Joe Gibson on his Birthday If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 for each dedication.
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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
as well as looking at the vision for the year ahead. It’s also a chance to thank those who do so much for our churches. Four Communities Activities Groups: See page 10
Services in March Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am
Great Blakenham Coffee Morning The second Saturday of the month in Gt Blakenham Parish Room from 10amnoon. All welcome. Bacon and sausage butties are available during the winter months, in addition to cakes, tea and coffee.
Sunday 1 March – 1st 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 4.30pm families@4.30 Barham Church
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.
Sunday 8 March – 2nd Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am family@henley Henley Church 10am Holy Communion Barham Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Sunday 15 March – 3rd Sunday of Lent 10.30am Rev Carl’s Leaving Service at Claydon High School Followed by a bring-and-share buffet in the community centre Sunday 22 March – Mothering Sunday 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am All-age Family Service Henley Church 10am All-age Family Service Barham Church 11am All-age Family Service Gt Blakenham Church No Evensong Sunday 29 March – 5 Sunday of Lent / Passiontide begins 10am Benefice Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church th
Sunday 5 April – Palm Sunday 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Worship 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Further services can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com NEWS Revd Carl’s Leaving Service You are most welcome to join us at Claydon High School at 10.30am on Sunday 15 March for Revd Carl’s last service with us. Afterwards we will have a bring-and-share buffet in the community centre. 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 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. All welcome! Church AGMs All three parishes will join together for one APCM on March 12 at 7pm at Gt Blakenham Parish Room. We will elect our churchwardens and PCC members,
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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. This might be at home or in hospital. LETTER FROM THE RECTOR This is my final letter for this branch of In Touch. It won’t be long until everything is packed in boxes ready for the move to Bacton. I’ll be throwing out lots of stuff and making a list of things I need. I exchange four busy villages for six smaller rural ones. I will, of course, miss the area very much but am pleased to have made new friends here that I’m sure I’ll keep in contact with. Lent is always a good time to reflect on looking back and looking forward in our journey with God and with our neighbours. We often think Lent is about ‘giving something up’ but it means much more than that. Lent is about making space for something Holy and meaningful to take hold within our lives. For example, rather than giving up chocolate to lose weight, why not give up chocolate and donate the spare cash to charity? If you’re giving up drinking or refraining from social media, why not devote the time you would have spent doing those things to your family, to a homeless shelter or doing community work? When Jesus gave up food and drink for 40 days in the desert he was making room to pray, to spend time with his Father, to prepare himself for his future work. We could all learn from him. Wouldn’t it be nice to be less selfish, greedy, more environmentally friendly and more generous? Life is full of comings and goings. Lent is the perfect time to take stock of what our lives are filled with and occupied by, a chance for us to throw out the old stuff and go forward with the new. May I take this opportunity to thank those within the villages for their support and love over the past three and a half years. Revd Carl HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom – 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton – 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard – 831463 Find us on Facebook and Twitter by searching ‘The Claydon Group of Churches’. www.claydonchurches.com
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CHURCH NEWS
A GREAT INJUSTICE
A far bigger injustice took place at the trial of Jesus. Having healed the sick, given sight to the blind and many other miracles, He was falsely accused and brought to trial. Jesus didn’t say anything and no one stood up in His defence. Pilate could find no basis to charge Jesus but failed to release Him and handed Him over to be put to death. We come again to this period before Easter, a time for reflection, or in football terms, ‘a post-match analysis’. Why not take the opportunity to read the accounts of Mark and Luke in the Bible to see exactly what happened and draw your own conclusion?
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We hope to be running Christianity Explored in March, seven sessions focusing on Mark’s account of Jesus. If you are interested in attending please feel free to contact me or check out our website where more information will be made available. 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
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On February 1 this year I went to watch Needham Market v Hednesford Town with some of my family and a friend. It was a good game to watch with seven goals and the Marketmen winning four goals to three. During the match the Hednesford Town goalkeeper collided with his own defender and the game stopped while they both received treatment. The referee then booked a Needham player seemingly for the incident, though there may have been another reason the fans were unaware of. If not, then to me and many watching, this player was innocent of any wrongdoing and was unjustly booked. As I watched this unfold I wondered why no one said anything in defence of the player who got booked. The game continued and we went home happy the Marketmen had won but with a lot of post-match analysis on the way.
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