In Touch
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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 9 • Issue No. 12 • OCTOBER 2019
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR We live in interesting times, never knowing from one day to the next what’s going to happen. I’ve been fascinated by the House of Commons debates, not so much by the content of what’s being said, but by the sheer drama of it all. At times it’s calm and relatively reasoned, but when it’s not, it’s almost unbearable. Come what may, I do think it’s important to try to keep up with what’s happening, but I’d only just got my head around the ‘backstop’ when ‘proroguing’ became the lead news story. Perhaps it will be all over before the next edition is published!
NEWS THE NEW MASONRY STOVE AT ORCHARD BARN
Meanwhile many of us have been getting children back to school or off to college. I was an emotional wreck on the morning I dropped Jack for his first day in Year 5. I don’t suppose I was the only mum who cried her way to work that day, but we quickly get back into the routine of it all and the summer holiday becomes a distant memory. In fact it’s shocking how quickly that happens! When Jack had to write about the best day of the summer, he wrote about the very last day when we had a couple of friends over to build a den and print initials on t-shirts using grated crayons. Admittedly we didn’t have a fancy holiday, but it seems he’d forgotten about all the lovely days out we had, our week in Ireland and all the clubs and camps he’d been to. Grating crayons won the day! Instructions available on request. Jack is a bit of a mad scientist and I don’t think his grandpa or his dad will object if I say it’s in his blood. The number of weird and wonderful experiments we’d done recently, from avocado ice-cream that tastes like chocolate (it didn’t!) to slime made using liquid detergent and cornflour. And my least favourite, instant ice-cream in a bag. Oh it might sound like a great idea, but when you end up with vanilla flavoured ice all over the sofa, the walls and the ceiling it loses its appeal, even if it’s quite nice to eat what’s left. Still, he’s a useful distraction from more serious issues so I think I’ll keep him! Perhaps I should ask him to invent a Brexit solution! If you’re looking for a distraction or an opportunity to get out and about, I think you’ll find it here, in addition to lots of essential drama-free (mostly) information about local developments.
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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ColourPlan Print: 01473 400379 E: steve@colourplan.co.uk Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the In Touch series of magazines.
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
Autumn is on her way and it’s getting cooler. At Orchard Barn we mostly run courses during the warmer months. However, with demand for heritage skills increasing we are extending our season. With this in mind volunteers and trainees have built a mammoth masonry stove. These thermally efficient stoves have been used in colder countries for centuries. The heat is retained in the huge mass of the stove which is built from clay lump blocks we’ve made from our own subsoil. We’ve even made our own earth mortar to stick the blocks together, along with a clay render on the outer face of the stove. Better still, our stove will run on the many oak offcuts left over from our framing projects! They stay warm for 24 hours on a single firing. While we’ve made most of the building materials for our stove, we’ve also had to purchase new readymade items too, such as the lengthy flue, cast fire doors and a myriad of fire bricks that make up the internal channels that circulate hot gases throughout the stove. Long story short, we’ve started a fundraising campaign to help fund these costs. To support the fundraising campaign, volunteers and supporters of the community project have made and donated items for us to sell. They are crafted by hand from Suffolk trees and make very beautiful and environmentally sound gifts. So with Christmas almost on the horizon we have created a pop-up craft area in the main barn. It will be open from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during October. So, if you like what we do and would like to support our fundraising campaign, do drop in and buy some delightful and unique gifts. Orchard Barn is just to the south west of Mill Road, Battisford IP14 2LY. Come and see the stove in action too! www.orchardbarn.org.uk
We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Thurs 10 October is the advertising and editorial deadline for the November edition
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
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NEWS GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD Cuts to Commercial Bus Routes I wrote to Steve Wickers, Managing Director of First in Norfolk & Suffolk, detailing the problems we had with the proposed changes to the 88 service. His reply reiterated and re-explained points already made. He emphasised the need they perceive to speed services into Ipswich to recover lost passengers. There was a promise to “discuss the particular problem of Bramford again with Suffolk County Council”. Mary Evans, the cabinet member, has said she will be meeting First, but, as you know, services were cut on September 1. The county may be able to negotiate an improvement to the Ipswich Bus route 111 which runs four times a day via Bramford. That would give the village of some 1,000 houses and rising, an acceptable service, but improvement is far from certain. Just how this stacks up with our environmental aims and the wellbeing of people without cars is difficult to understand. Pension Fund move away from Fossil Fuels Suffolk Pension Fund has agreed to move £150m into the UBS Climate Aware World Equity Fund. Although a very small proportion of the £2.9 billion fund, it’s the first step the council has taken to move investments away from fossil fuels. Families still unsure about School Transport SCC’s new Home to School transport policy took effect in September. Children moving to a new school get free transport for journeys over two or three miles, depending on their age, to their nearest school. Parents of children not eligible could buy a spare seat on SCC school buses. 472 applications were outstanding at the end of August, with families unsure of whether they would be allocated a seat in time for the start of the new school year. Not good! First stage of Boundary Commission Review A review of Suffolk County Council to determine the number of councillors and the boundaries between divisions is underway. The Liberal Democrat, Green and Independent Group submitted a proposal to keep councillor numbers in Suffolk at a minimum of 75. We felt this necessary to keep the workload manageable so that younger people with full time jobs could represent you despite an increasing population. The Conservative and Labour Groups submitted a joint proposal asking for a reduction to 70 councillors. There will be two public consultations and the review is expected to be completed by July 2020. Norfolk and Suffolk Local Industrial Strategy The district and county have agreed an industrial strategy for Norfolk and Suffolk produced by the Local Enterprise Partnership. This was done under pressure from the government that wants such strategies to point a way forward by October 31. It’s an interesting document that details the industries we have, their size and, to an extent, their potential. The Suffolk and Norfolk economy is worth some £36 billion. The importance of Felixstowe Port, the wind farm developments along our coast, the agri-food industry and organisations like the John Innes Centre are examined. However, there are no exciting new proposals. I am concerned that although low carbon industries are mentioned, the major adaptions necessary to meet our carbon reduction targets don’t come through clearly. That’s despite the declaration of a climate emergency by the county and district councils. Most examples of innovative growth are quite small, but to have a plan is a step forward and there are some interesting facts presented in a reasonably compact form. If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk
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LITTLE BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Do you live or work in Little Blakenham? Would you like to be able to contribute to decisions on issues and services for your local community? The parish council has vacancies for councillors. If you are interested in applying or for further information, please contact the parish clerk, Janet Gobey: 07598 282579 / littleblakenhampc@outlook.com
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Friday 4 October, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday 18 October, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix Stowmarket, Suffolk To book online follow the link on: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE
Woodfield Allotments The parish council has heard that there is a rumour that the allotments are going to be closed soon. I can state that this is not true. The agent for the landowners has told us that the land is going to be let to us for the foreseeable future. There is no planning application being put in for the land and to the best of the council’s knowledge, none is being developed. The council urges all plot holders to keep going with their plots and anyone interested in having their own allotment to contact the clerk (details below). The council finds the situation with the allotments as frustrating as our plot holders do. You can rest assured that we are in the process of exploring every possible option to resolve the situation. The allotments remain free to rent and there is no charge for water, so why not come and join us? We have a number of people interested in joining a voluntary litter-picking group, but we need more people for it to be effective. If you would like to join and help improve the quality of life in the village, please contact the clerk. SnOasis As you may remember, your parish council has joined the new group being organised by BMSDC Planning to work with them on outstanding issues around the planned development. The first full meeting will be held at the end of September and will involve local parish councils and MSDC Planning, as well as representatives of the developer and companies they will be using to work on the project. We have vacancies for councillors. Everyone can see things that could be improved in the village, but what we need is people to join the council to help make things happen – a Neighbourhood Plan and a Parish Infrastructure Improvement Plan to name but two. Sounds boring? Getting these completed would mean that money could be accessed to spend on the play area that your children use, the hall where your exercise class is held… so why not join the council and help get these things moving? Please contact the clerk for further details or come along to the next meeting to see what it’s all about. Finally, a lady from the village came along to our July meeting and expressed interest in the position of treewarden. If that was you, please contact the clerk who has some information about the role for you. Our next meeting is in the Parish Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 9 October. 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
Felixstowe Beach Clean In late August, 18 members of the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility team, along with friends and family, took part in a litter pick along Felixstowe beach and promenade. The sun was shining and the beach was busy, however the team managed to navigate the crowds and collect eight large bags of litter, equating to over 40 kilograms. The most commonly found item was cigarette butts, of which hundreds were collected. The litter pick formed part of the #suez4ocean campaign, a worldwide waste collection initiative on beaches and rivers. The campaign encourages SUEZ employees across the globe to organise beach and waterway clean-ups in their local area. To date, the campaign has mobilised over 1,800 people to collect over 65 tonnes of waste. For more information on the initiative, visit: www.suez4ocean.com. Autumn 2019 Shutdown The facility will be undergoing its second planned maintenance shutdown of the year between 1 and 15 October. These shutdowns take place twice a year for essential cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facility continues to run efficiently. There will be an increased number of contractors on site during this period, but there should be no impact on the local community. If you have any queries about the shutdown, please contact us via this details provided below. Come and have a look around If you’re interested in finding out what happens to your waste in Suffolk, why not book onto one of our upcoming open days? Places are available on the following dates: October 24 at 4pm, November 14 at 2pm and December 11 at 6pm. There are up to 20 spaces available on each day and pre-booking is essential. Contact us at: suffolkefw.uk@suez.com / 01473 839149 OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013
Facebook: @greatblakenhampc Twitter: @pcgtblakenham W: www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council, Parish Council Chairman Steve Plume
BAYLHAM VILLAGE HALL We are holding a quiz and fish and chip supper in the village hall on Saturday 9 November at 7.30pm. Please book tickets (£9) with Wendy on 01473 830615 by Wednesday 6 November.
HEMINGSTONE HARVEST & FLOWER FESTIVAL Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, 11am-4pm All Things Bright and Beautiful Refreshments, stalls – cards, plants, books in the hut all weekend In aid of St Gregory’s Church Come ye thankful People, Come HARVEST CELEBRATION IN CHURCH Sunday 6 October, 6.30pm
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT
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 Summer is over and we hope those who have been away on holiday had an enjoyable time and are ready to settle down to routine again. We must thank all those volunteers who did extra shifts to cover when there were gaps in the rota and kept the shop well stocked and running during the holidays. We are now looking at our autumn/ winter schedule and a warm welcome will be there for all. As always, we are very happy to welcome new volunteers to help in the shop so, if you’ve just moved to the area, have recently retired, or have time to spare and want to meet new friends, pop into the shop to let Lucy know. Our community spirit gets larger! Tea & Chat afternoons will be held again this year on the last Wednesday of each month between 2 and 4pm. The first will be on Wednesday 30 October. Petrolheads for those of a more motor orientated mind take place on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. Knit & Natter is every other Tuesday between 1 and 3pm. We also have a new venture with Mary’s Meet-up-Mondays which offers tea and coffee on a Monday morning between 10 and 11.30am. So there are lots of opportunities to come along to meet up with others for a cup of tea and a chat when the weather gets cold. We look forward to seeing you there. At the time of writing, the Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning was still being organized, but will now have taken place. Lucy had organised the event this year and if past years are anything to go by, our very generous customers will have raised a good amount for this very worthwhile cause, while enjoying a happy social morning and delicious cakes baked by our local residents. We were delighted to receive a letter from Nettlestead Parish saying that at the annual meeting it had been voted to make a donation of £100 to the shop. We thank the residents of Nettlestead for their generous donation which will be put towards our constant need to invest in our service and facilities. It makes the volunteering all worthwhile when we receive such kindness and support. The main aim of the shop is, of course, to be a shop! We support local producers and local jobs by always offering an excellent range of fresh local produce, eggs, bread, pies, tomatoes, etc. and a whole range of other household goods. Orders can be taken for our fresh produce, either as a one-off or regular placement. Our services are there for all to use, please come in to support the shop and locality and see what is on offer, including a village diary, Coffee Corner, a book exchange and dry-cleaning service (collected each Tuesday), newspapers and magazines ordered for collection at the shop and a delivery service for those with mobility problems. Management Team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Browne – 831321; Mary Carter; Stephen Bullard; Janet Hodge – 832296; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hello from Pc Sarah George and Pc Diane Porter. We are both now in post at Hadleigh Police Station as engagement and link officers and look forward to meeting you all over the coming months. Over the next few months we will be updating you on security, current crime trends and how to report crimes and offences. We get asked lots of questions and will make this month’s report from us more like guidance. Please report any non-urgent crime, theft, retail theft, criminal damage, hate crime and traffic collisions to telephone 101 or report online as this is the quickest way to get hold of us: www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something Walk a New Path Suffolk Police are recruiting at the moment. If you are aged between 18 and 57 and fancy being a police officer, please view the application form at: https://tinyurl.com/y3hmafdl Police Connect A free messaging service connecting you to the very latest policing news in your area via email, telephone or text. For further details visit www.suffolk. police.uk/services/police-connect and sign up for this free service. It’s a great way for the police to get urgent information out to you. County Lines We are sure you have all heard of County Lines and this is something we need to be aware of. Vulnerable children and adults are being recruited as runners to transport drugs and cash all over the country. If you suspect someone is being abused in this way, please do the right thing and help them. You can report to Crimestoppers without giving your name and address: 0800 555 111 or online via their anonymous online form: https://tinyurl.com/y47qn5me Immobilise A free online property database that helps keeps property safe and reunites stolen items with their owners: https://tinyurl.com/y59h94n2 Bumblebee Auctions The national police website that sells lost or stolen items that can’t be reunited to their owners. It’s worth having a look, you may get yourself a bargain: https://tinyurl.com/y2dypskc Finally, if you would like to improve your motorcycle skills, Suffolk Police hold two-day workshops at Martlesham, both practical and theory. We have one workshop left this year on October 4 and 5. They cost £50 for the two days or £25 if you are aged 25 and under. For further details please email: saferider@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Keep safe and look after each other. Kindest regards, Pc Sarah George and Pc Diane Porter
FASHION SHOW Barham Church Friday, October 18 at 7.30pm In aid of the Bell Restoration Fund £5 including a glass of wine We look forward to seeing you for a fun evening. Tickets are available from Dorothy: 01473 830906
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OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB
GREAT BLAKENHAM CINEMA
Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area, the club meets from 2-4pm every Monday from February to December (excluding bank holidays) in Great Blakenham Parish Room.
It’s hard to believe it’s been six months since the doors to Great Blakenham Cinema opened. Thank you so much to all who have been along to see The Greatest Showman, Lego Movie 2, Stan and Ollie and a few in between. It really is great to see the community come together and makes it all worthwhile. We do love catching up with our regulars and welcoming new faces.
The sewing workshop in September was entitled Take Heart and we created stuffed lavender hearts with patchwork fronts. The picture shows a few of the finished makes, with no two being the same. Our October workshop will actually be at the end of September due to holidays and is entitled Fabric Cards. For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
The doors would not open without the amazing cinema crew – thank you all so very much. From fetching, setting up and returning equipment, to baking cakes, setting up the hall and all the 101 other jobs involved in making this happen. We have been so lucky to have been supported by East of England Coop which enables us to offer a free drink on arrival. The support from the Localities and Partnership team at Suffolk County Council has enabled us to continue opening our doors and thanks too to Great Blakenham Parish Council for funding the hire of the hall. At each showing we have a charity cake sale. In August £22.45 was raised for Great Blakenham Baby and Toddler Group. We look forward to seeing you soon for Fisherman’s Friend on October 13 and for Elf on December 1, when we will be spreading some Christmas cheer. Tickets are for sale on the door; adults £4, under-18s £3. A warm welcome awaits at Great Blakenham Village Hall, Mill Lane, Great Blakenham IP6 0NJ. Doors open at 2 for a 2.30pm start.
GIRLS HAVE FUN
Should you have any film suggestions, be happy to help out or have any queries, please do get in touch via our Facebook page of contact Becky at: greatblakenhamcinema@outlook.com / 07852 472082
Are you aged between five and seven years? Bramford Rainbows meet on Mondays from 5.30-6.30pm in the Scout & Guide Head Quarters opposite the Victory Hall. Come and join us for crafts, cooking and lots of fun. For more information contact Helen: 07733 070012
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB
We would love to see you.
Open to anyone of that age living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room.
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5
Our programme for the rest of this year is:
Route 5 Town/village
October 9:
Social Afternoon with Brenda
October 23:
Social Afternoon with Sandra
5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 5G 5H 5I 5J 5K
Location
Time
Sproughton Church Lane 9.10-9.25am Sproughton Wild Man 9.30-9.45am Bramford St Mary’s Close 9.50-10.05am Bramford Paper Mill Lane 10.10-10.25am Great Blakenham Chequers 10.35-10.55am Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park 11-11.15am Baylham Post Box 11.25-11.45am Claydon Crown 11.55am-1pm Claydon, Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm Barham Bacon Road 2.25-3.50pm Bramford Packard Place 4-4.30pm
2019: 22 October, 19 November, 17 December
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 Town/village 13A 13B 13C 13D 13E 13F 13G 13H 13I 13J 13K 13L 13M
Location
Crowfield Lay by Coddenham Haysel House Barham Sorrel Horse Creeting St Mary Whissels Farm Creeting St Mary Village Hall Creeting St Peter The Lane Earl Stonham Village Hall Little Stonham Church Little Stonham Magpie Inn Mickfield Church, Debenham Road Stonham Aspal, Walnut Tree Meadow Pettaugh Old Bull Henley Garage
Time 9.25-09.45am 9.55-10.50am 11-11.10am 11.20-11.30am 11.35-11.45am 11.55am-12.10pm 12.20-12.50pm 2-2.10pm 2.15-2.25pm 2.30-2.45pm 2.55-3.30pm 3.35-3.55pm 4.05-4.30pm
2019: 4 October, 1 November, 29 November, 27 December
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November 13: Christmas Idea November 27: Stowmarket Talking Newspaper by John Webb December 11: Christmas Meal New members are always welcome; if you would like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet from 10am-noon on Wednesdays 2, 9, 16 and 30 October in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church. There’s no meeting on 23 October as it’s half-term week. Membership is £1 per school year, payable from September, plus £3 per twohour session. There’s no set programme, but the club is here to help you to get the best out of your computer. Refreshments are available. Why not give us a try?
DEMENTIA Together Call Free 08081 688 000 email: SRYC. DementiaTogether@nhs.net visit: www.dementia-together.com In Touch online:
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OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUP
GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB
Book Club: We meet at 10.30am on the last Thursday of the month at The Crown (Hungry Horse) in Claydon for an interesting discussion on the chosen book. New members have joined us. If you are interested do come along.
Winning tickets for September 2019
Knitting Group: We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10.30am-noon in the lounge at Alasdair Close, Claydon. We have been knitting lap blankets for St Elizabeth Hospice and hats and blankets for the premature baby unit at West Suffolk Hospital, with more projects to come in the future. However, we have now started to work on our display for the Christmas Festival at St Mary’s Church, Great Blakenham. If anyone has any wool they no longer require, it would be gratefully received at one of our meetings. Meet & Eat Lunch Club: We meet at Great Blakenham Parish Room at noon on the first Friday of the month. You can enjoy a two-course lunch for £4, plus the optional raffle ticket for £1. Anyone wishing to attend but has difficulty with transport can arrange a lift by contacting any of the following: The Rev Carl – 833542; Ann – 831031; Pauline – 830723; Dorothy – 830906. Art Club: Meets every Tuesday from 1-4pm at Great Blakenham Parish Room. We use our own materials and work on our own choice of painting. We use all media and we range from novice to amateur. Our president, Mike Wootton, is always happy to offer advice or help if required. We pay £3 a week to cover the cost of room hire and refreshments. We are holding our members’ social evening on 17 October and our Annual Art Exhibition will be held at the Parish Room on Saturday 18 October from 10am-4pm when affordable art (ideal for Christmas presents) and local crafts will be on sale. Do come along and support us. We also have a table at the Christmas Fayre in the Parish Room at the end of November and we’re currently planning our display at St Mary’s Church Christmas Festival. Anyone interested in joining our group is welcome to come along on a Tuesday afternoon for a free taster session as we do have space for a few new members. For further information please phone Ann (831031) or Margaret (830135). Walk & Talk Group: Weather permitting, we meet on the second Thursday of the month at The Crown Car Park, Claydon and enjoy a walk around local footpaths and bridleways, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. All welcome, including dogs.
STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 14 October: Open Competition No. 1 As agreed at the AGM, entries are limited to one monochrome print, one colour print and two PDIs. Judge: Frank Blyth, CPAGB, BPEI
Bob Grenfell (287) Mr Yates (63) Mr Mayhew (78) Karen Peters (220) Maureen Warren (94) Reg Barton (168)
All money raised by your membership goes toward the repair and preservation of St Mary’s Parish Church. You can join at any time and only pay for the months remaining in the year. If you would like the chance to win a prize and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building, please call Marion on 01473 830915.
SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday 24 October: The Royal Naval Patrol Service in the Second World War, an illustrated talk by Leo Whisstock about the build-up of this service from the outbreak of war to its decommissioning in 1946, looking at the various roles undertaken by the service including minesweeping, antisubmarine work and convoy escorts. 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. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Join us on the last Wednesday every month 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. 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
Monday 28 October: Club Night Activity to be advised. Members’ suggestions welcomed. Monday 11 November: Wildlife Photography, a talk by Steve Plume Monday 25 November: Open Competition No. 2 Judge: George Buxton New members are always very welcome. You don’t have to be an expert photographer; all you need is a camera and a real interest in using it. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, usually on the second and fourth Monday of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
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£25 £15 £10 £10 £5 £5
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 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. This month we meet on Thursdays, October 3, 17 and 31 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there. For more information contact me on 01473 833788. This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Ethan and Dougie. Michelle
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ON THE GRAPEVINE FOOD, FILMS AND FUN WITH SUFFOLK LIBRARIES Libraries will be hosting events that will see library-goers visiting their local library to watch a film and indulging in some delicious food inspired by the movie. All events are in collaboration with Film Feast and presented in association with Suffolk Libraries’ Building Libraries on Creativity (BLOC) programme funded by Arts Council England. Melissa Matthews, Creative Programme Manager for Suffolk Libraries, said: “We are really excited about this collaboration with Film Feast and having the chance to bring these types of events to our libraries too. Libraries are relaxed spaces and we want to change people’s perceptions of what libraries have to offer their communities. We are absolutely going for it with the cosy autumn vibes and cannot wait to collaborate with our favourite local cafés providing food!” Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (U) This film showing stars the madcap chocolatier in an adaptation of the famous Roald Dahl book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring the late Gene Wilder. Library goers will have the opportunity to indulge in sweet treats inspired by the movie, courtesy of East of England Co-op. This will take place on Saturday 5 October at Ipswich County Library from 2.30-4.30pm. Tickets for this event cost £3.
Brooklyn (12) This film showing stars Saoirse Ronan as she emigrates from her native Ireland in 1951 to Brooklyn, where she meets a young Italian American with whom she shares a close bond. Screened in Ipswich libraries iconic lecture hall, Applaud Coffee will be providing their famous chocolate Guinness cake and New York style bagels to guests. This event will take place on Saturday 5 October at Ipswich County Library from 6.30-9pm. Tickets for this event cost £6. When Harry Met Sally (15) A screening of the ultimate cosy classic starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, the film jumps through their lives as they both search for love, but fail, bumping into each other time and time again. The late screenwriter Nora Ephron was well known not only for writing this film but was also a best-selling food writer. Inspired by the film The Cooks Shed will be recreating some delicious New York style foodie classics. This will take place on Sunday 6 October at Woodbridge Library from 7.3010pm. Tickets for this event cost £6. To book a ticket, visit: www.suffolklibraries.co.uk
‘YOU’LL CRY WITH LAUGHTER AT GARY TIM BARLOW AND FIRTH’S
SARAH JANE BUCKLEY SUE DEVANEY JULIA HILLS JUDY HOLT
MUSICAL’ THE DAILY MAIL
RUTH MADOC LISA MAXWELL REBECCA STORM AND A FABULOUS COMPANY OF 20
01473 433100
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TUE 22 – SAT 26 OCT In Touch online:
ON THE GRAPEVINE / SCHOOLS BID TO BOOST VOLUNTEERING
THE JUBILEE LADIES CHOIR
New campaign urges county to ‘Get Inspired, Get Involved, Get Volunteering’
We have now returned to rehearsals after our summer break. Our concert with the St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir was very much enjoyed by everyone. We must do it again! We are now preparing for our Christmas concerts, discovering new songs and going back to old favourites. It’s difficult to concentrate on Christmas with glorious weather outside, but by the time you read this it will no doubt be a lot cooler! Here are two concert dates for your diary.
A new county-wide campaign to encourage volunteering is being launched by a collective of Suffolk’s charities and voluntary organisations.
The first will be on Friday 6 December in Mendlesham. The second will be held on Friday 13 December at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket. Entry to this concert will be free to encourage a wider audience to come along and hear what we have to offer. There will be a retiring collection for our nominated charity to be decided at a later date. More information about these concerts will follow.
The first Suffolk Action Week will take place between Monday 30 September and Sunday 6 October, with events and fairs being held throughout the region.
Are you thinking about joining a choir? Why not give the Ladies Jubilee Choir a try? We are a very friendly and enthusiastic group. There are no auditions and you don’t necessarily have to read music; you just need to enjoy singing.
The eight library-based fairs will take place between 10.30am and 2pm. These will be on Monday at Ipswich, Tuesday at Woodbridge and Halesworth, Wednesday at Lowestoft, Felixstowe and Eye (until 1pm), Thursday in Haverhill and Friday in Newmarket.
You are welcome to come along to a couple of rehearsals and join in or listen before making up your mind. We meet from 7.30-9.30pm in term time on Tuesday evenings at the United Reformed Church in Stowmarket. For further information please contact our chairman, Di Balaam: 01449 736374
Latest national research suggests 22 per cent of the population take part in volunteering at least once a month, and organisers of Suffolk Action Week have aspirations of making this county a shining example to the rest of the UK of a community committed to giving their time to causes.
If you would like the choir to sing at your event please contact Norma Bolton on 01449 740439. Follow the choir on Facebook, where you can see photographs and listen to rehearsal and concert tracks.
Being led by Community Action Suffolk, Suffolk Libraries, The East of England Coop and charities such as Family First, West Suffolk Sight, Emmaus, Volunteering Matters, Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Suffolk Family Carers, Age UK Suffolk and Suffolk Community Foundation, the campaign will showcase the wide variety of roles and opportunities which are available to potential volunteers.
HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL
Business owners will also be encouraged to learn more about Employer Supported Volunteering, which can more easily enable staff to give their time to organisations in Suffolk which they feel passionately about. Janet Perry, Volunteer Services Officer for Community Action Suffolk, said: “Volunteering is something which can fit into the lives of the vast majority of people – whether you’re 12 or 80 years old. As a county, we have such a diverse range of organisations in the voluntary sector, that it provides scope for people to take a role which is a perfect fit with their lifestyle, their hobbies, or their passions. You can give as little as an hour a month, or 25 hours a month, and be taking on a responsibility as a mentor, an event fundraiser, a museum visitor guide, a scout leader, a reader for young children – or countless other options. Throughout the campaign week, a total of eight volunteer fairs will be staged at Suffolk libraries. These will provide opportunities to meet with charity leaders, find out about specific roles, and learn more about why volunteering is good for mental health and wellbeing. One person who is already benefiting from having committed to regular volunteering, is Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service volunteer, John Sones. He said: “Being retired and with more free time, I wanted to have a more regular volunteer commitment that also provided a variety of activities. As a Community Fire Volunteer with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, and issued with the service uniform, I feel a real part of the Prevention Team and valued for what I do. For more information about becoming involved in Suffolk Action Week, visit: www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/volunteering/suffolk-action-week
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As autumn approaches we look at the changes in the natural world. We have planted pumpkins and hope to see them ready at the end of October. Fundraising Shopping Trip As a registered charity we rely on fundraising events. Our next fundraising event, which is open to everyone, is a Christmas shopping trip to Lakeside Shopping Centre on Saturday 16 November. It’s just £17 per person and the coach departs from Henley Community Centre (free parking) at 8.30am. We will leave Lakeside at 6pm. Please contact Bridget to book or for further information: 07738 423170 We are a small, rural, friendly setting based at Henley Community Centre. We pride ourselves, on having a high ratio of staff to children and therefore providing the maximum care and learning for the children. Our highly trained staff continue regular training to build 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 together to ensure we work in partnership. We also hold stay and play sessions each term that are very well supported by parents/carers. We currently have spaces available. We accept eligible 30hr funded children (the codes must 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 that provides lots of information and you can see what the children have been doing. It’s also another way to contact the setting directly. For further information please call 01473 833848 between 9am and 3pm or email: enquiries@henleypreschool.com Bridget and the team
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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
We have welcomed lots of new children and their families this term and they are all settling in well. This term we have lots of exciting things coming up including stay and play sessions, Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas activities and craft. Also, our Christmas Nativity will be held at Barham Church in December. The children will be learning lots of songs and performing them to their family and friends.
Seventy-four per cent of the 123 students at Claydon High School achieved grade four in both English and Maths. This impressive achievement equals last year’s excellent results. There are many students who have a set of GCSE results to be proud of and which will take them onto their choice of education or training in September.
Upcoming Events – Open to Everyone Photographer: Our photographer is coming in on Saturday 2 November from 9am till 1pm. If you would like a slot for your family, even if they don’t attend the pre-school, please contact Lisa on the details below. Sitting fees are £5 per slot payable at time of booking. Halloween Family Fancy Dress Disco: Saturday 26 October in Claydon Community Centre from 6.30-10.30pm. There will be a disco and fun stuff going on. Further details will follow next month. Christmas Disco: Saturday 21 November in Claydon Community Centre from 7-11pm. Further details next month. As we are now open all year (except bank holidays and the Christmas period) so 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 any days during the holidays, please contact the administration assistant for more details. We can take children who are entitled to 30hr funding. Simply register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible. For an application form or further information, please contact our admin assistant, Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
Congratulations to all of our students upon their achievements; we ask each of them to aim to achieve the best that they are capable of and they have certainly done this. We are especially impressed by students who overcame significant personal challenges during their GCSE studies. We will miss all of the students who contributed so much to the school community, including sporting talent, debating success and acting as role models in their student leadership roles. There were successes in many areas across the school including pass rates in the following subjects: Spanish (85%), Biology (96%), Chemistry (98%), Physics (92%), Business Studies (85%), Drama (73%), PE (70%) and English Literature (75%). The maths results were exceptional, as they were last year, with 82% of students passing at Grade 4 or above. Students in School Years 9 and 10 also celebrated excellent results in statistics and further maths. These individual and group achievements reflect the combined efforts of students and their families, teachers and the wider school community, and my congratulations and thanks are extended to everyone who contributed. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new staff, Year 7 students and their parents/carers. We have had a very busy start to the autumn term and I am delighted at how well our new students have settled in. Starting high school is an exciting time and it’s pleasing to see how brilliantly they have adapted to the big changes in their school day and environment. If you would like to know more about our school and were unable to attend the recent open evening, please telephone my PA, Ms J Saunders on 01473 836110 to book a place on one of our open mornings in the autumn term. The dates of the next two are Thursday 3 and Monday 7 October. Headteacher Ms M Taylor
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Just two years ago our community tennis club had just nine adult members left, no juniors at all and we were in danger of having to close. However, after a tremendous effort from lots of people, including a new coach, we have seen a real surge in adult and junior membership to the point where we have just passed the 100-member milestone! We are keen to go even further, so why not come and join us and get involved in your local community tennis club? Monster Smash Team Challenge
Our next tennis festival event is a parent and child Halloween themed doubles event using short courts, mini rackets and red balls. The event will take place on Saturday 26 October at 2.30pm with the emphasis on fun rather than serious competition. Halloween costumes are encouraged, the scarier the better, so come along and play if you dare! Visit the website for details or contact Carl. Club Awards Night For the first time we are also going to hold a club awards event to recognise the contribution and progress of our adult and junior players over the last year. The awards will include several players’ player awards, most improved and volunteer of the year. The winners will be announced at a celebration event in the sports pavilion immediately following on from our Monster Smash event on Saturday 26 October. To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub Coaching enquiries: carl.douglas@talk21.com / text/call 07553 966380
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY’S CHURCH BRAMFORD Dear Friends, If you were with us on September 8 you’ll have joined with us in saying farewell to The Rev Jenny, as she was known to so many of us. By the time you read this, will be in her new parishes of Holbrook, Stutton, Wherstead, Woolverstone and Freston, and we wish her God’s blessings as she starts to work there. However, in Bramford, Nettlestead, Baylham and Little Blakenham, church life will continue. The 5 O’clock Service on October 13 will be led by the same team, and is a great time for children and their parents, coming together to enjoy learning about our Great God.
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 arrangeament with the minister, who will also arrange Holy Communion for the housebound.
The coffee morning on Saturday 26 October will be a great time to break for a cuppa, and a, treat. We will be in the Church Room between 10am and noon.
Sunday 10.30-11.30am*: Morning Worship with Holy Communion (every third Sunday)
Bramford Harvest Festival will be at 10am on Sunday 6 October. As we’ve seen the crops in the fields all around us being harvested, this is an opportunity to thank God for all that he gives us, as well as all the food that we see growing in the fields.
10.30-11.30am: Lighthouse Club for ages 5+ (first and third Sundays, term time only). Bible stories, painting, card making, biscuit decorating, etc. plus free leaflet to take home.
If you are near Baylham, the Baylham Harvest Festival is also on October 6, starting at 6pm. You are, of course, welcome at all of these services. CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER St Mary’s Bramford, St Mary’s Nettlestead, St Mary’s Little Blakenham & St Peter’s Baylham Wednesday Morning Prayer: 9.30am (venue to be announced) Sunday 6 October – Trinity 16 (proper 22) 10am Harvest Festival, Bramford 6pm Harvest Festival, Baylham Sunday 13 October – Trinity 17 (proper 23) 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm 5 O’clock Service, Church Room
4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea provided and a children’s activity (see diary for theme). Come and go as you please. This is not a service but our minister usually joins us (once a month; please check diary). Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) First Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields
Tuesday 15 October 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room
Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month)
Wednesday 16 October 7.30pm Healing Service, Methodist Church
*followed by tea/coffee
Sunday 20 October – Trinity 18 (proper 24) 10am Parish Communion, Baylham
Thursday 3: 3pm United Service at Cherryfields
Saturday 26 October 10am Coffee Morning, Church Room Sunday 27 October – Bible/Dedication Sunday 10am Informal Family Communion Service, Church Room 6pm Traditional Prayer Book Evensong, Little Blakenham Please check porch notices for any changes. FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS Baptisms 25 August: Arlo Catchpool, Bramford 1 September: Aurelia Hollands, Bramford
DIARY FOR OCTOBER
Sunday 6: 10.30am Harvest Parade Service – All-Age Worship, The Rev Pat Wright – followed by a sale of produce Tuesday 8: 2pm Network/MWiB – Update on Operation Restoration Bolivia (Christian Ministry among Street Children) with Roger and Isha Hulford Wednesday 9 : 7.30pm Prayers for Healing Sunday 13: 10.30am Morning Worship, Mr B Nichols Saturday 19; 10-11am, Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 20, 10.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw
May they grow in grace and the knowledge of God.
Monday 21: 2pm Bible Study
Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church 29 September: In memory of Phil Sawyer on his 12th anniversary 7 October: In memory of Amy Fillis on her birthday
Tuesday 22: 2pm Network/MWiB – AGM and Social Afternoon
If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week.
Sunday 27: 10.30am Morning Worship, Mrs N Glasse Sunday 27: 4-6pm Families@4, The Rev D Grimshaw – Theme: All Saints
www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford
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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:
9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Prayer 11am Morning Prayer
Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
SERVICES IN OCTOBER Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am
Sunday 27 October – Trinity 14 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion 4pm Evensong
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church
Sunday 6 October – Trinity 16 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Harvest Holy Communion 10am Morning Prayer 11am family@blakenham 4.30pm families@4.30
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Barham Church
Sunday 3 November – Fourth before Advent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am Holy Communion Henley Church 10am Morning Prayer Barham Church 11am family@blakenham Gt Blakenham Church 4.30pm families@4.30 Barham Church
Sunday 13 October – Trinity 17 8am Holy Communion 9.30am family@henley 10am Holy Communion 11am Harvest Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday 20 October – Trinity 18 8am Holy Communion
Barham Church
Rector: The Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com www.claydonchurches.com
HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463 NEWS Departed Loved Ones Service: Our annual service of remembrance takes place at Barham Church on Sunday 27 October at 3pm. There is a chance to pray and light a candle in memory of those who have died. All welcome. families@4.30: Our new congregation for families and young people meets on the first Sunday of the month at Barham Church. The next one will be held on October 6. We have loads of fun so why not come along and join us? It helps us if you could book in with The Rev Carl or Roger Colthorpe beforehand (see contacts). Communities Activities Groups: See p14 Great Blakenham Coffee Morning: Second Saturday in the Parish Room, 10am to noon. All welcome. 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. Spuds and Sparklers: Come to Henley Churchyard on Saturday 2 November between 5-7pm and have fun as we wave sparklers. There will be hot spuds with tasty fillings too. All welcome. Fashion Show: See p9 CHURCH BUILDING PROJECTS Barham Bells: We are planning to restore the bells so that they can be rung again. Please visit our website for more details about the project. It’s hoped to have them ringing by the middle of 2020. Look out for more events. Gt Blakenham Church: The reordering of St Mary’s has been given the green light so we await work to be started. There are lots of ways you can get involved to help us raise money including sponsoring a floor tile in memory of a person or event. FUTURE DATES Saturday 16 November: Claydon Christmas Bazaar, 2pm, Claydon High 29 November – 1 December: Christmas Tree Festival, Gt Blakenham Church Tuesday 17 December: Carols on Blakenham Fields and Budgens Further dates can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com Social Media: Find us on Facebook and Twitter by searching The Claydon Group of Churches.
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CHURCH NEWS
I HEAR THE TRAIN A COMIN’
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
As we waited for the train taking us to Cromer to arrive at Norwich Station, a large number of passengers gathered. The train was delayed and then the platform from which it was scheduled to depart was changed. We all made our way to the announced platform and waited for what would turn out to be a one carriage train. As we wondered how we would all get aboard, the doors opened and the passengers wanting to board parted, allowing those on board to get off. It seemed that there would be no end as passengers kept piling off with bags, bikes and buggies. Finally, our turn to get on came and amazingly everyone got on, along with everyone’s possessions, including two dogs! All this reminded me of travelling by train from Burnley to Blackpool in the summer, also on a short train in a busy period. I always wondered why extra carriages were not attached, but I guess there must be a reason. We got to our final destination a little later than timetabled, but still had a good day out. A large crowd had gathered at one man’s house to listen to Jesus. When four men brought their paralysed friend to see Jesus they couldn’t get in because of the crowd. So they went onto the roof and made a hole big enough to be able to lower their friend down right in front of Jesus. If you would like to know what happened next you can either read it for yourself in the second chapter of the Gospel of Mark or come along to one of our events during the week or on Sunday morning. These four men took great pains to get their friend to see Jesus, but they got to their destination and everybody there that day heard and saw more than they could have imagined. What lengths would you go to in order to hear what He has to say to you? 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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