In Touch
™© ™©
with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead
Volume 9 • Issue No. 11 • SEPTEMBER 2019
Farewell to Rev Jenny, p3
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’ve just been home to see my family in Ireland and to spend some time on the farm with mum and dad. We had an influx of cousins which, despite the constant cooking, was a lot of fun. It was lovely to see all our children playing together, with the occasional squabble as I suspect there might have been when we were young. Back then, my cousin Eilish and I spent many long summers torturing my older brother with water balloons and nettles (don’t ask!). We even carved his name and the name of a certain girl on a roadside tree for all to see. Needless to say that didn’t go down very well, with either of them! Things have changed a lot since then and what struck me most this time was how quiet everywhere seemed to be. Our local town used to be a thriving metropolis (at least in my mind) but now it’s a bit downtrodden with a few too many boarded-up shops. A number of big employers have either closed down or moved elsewhere in recent years and where jobs go, people are forced to follow, in many cases moving abroad to Australia and Canada. I don’t know exactly when things started to slide so badly, but I’ve returned to Suffolk with renewed determination to support local producers, local manufacturers, local shops and bars and restaurants and local events. Without our support they simply can’t survive and thrive and ultimately we all lose out. We are forced to travel further to shop, we struggle to find employment close to home, our children leave to find jobs elsewhere and, as in my home town, a general lack of ‘vitality’ sets in which may be difficult to overcome. We may not know what the future holds, but we all have spending power and how and where we choose to spend our money will impact the local economy. Every penny we spend locally is an investment in our community, in our children’s future, in the look and feel of our towns and villages… I know I’d rather spend time in a bustling town or village with a mix of shops and cafes and restaurants, where activities are well attended, where people are confident about the future and where ‘community’, the natural outcome when residents and neighbours enjoy where they live, is strong. It’s in our hands to make it so and I’m proud to edit a series of magazines which celebrate community and enable local employers to share their wares. I also believe it’s important to know what’s happening in our local communities, to keep abreast of local developments and to know what’s what and who’s who. So make a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy.
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 • S towmarket & Stowupland • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Melton & Woodbridge • Manningtree, Brantham, Lawford & Mistley • Hadleigh, Chattisham, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon • Ipswich East, Ravenswood, Broke Hall & Warren Heath • Elmswell, Beyton, Drinkstone, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Needham Market & The Creetings •S hotley, Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Stutton & Woolverstone • Martlesham • Claydon, Barham, Henley & Whitton • East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham • Capel St Mary (Capel Capers) • Copdock, Belstead, Bentley, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Gt & Lt Blakenham, Baylham & Nettlestead •W esterfield, Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin & Witnesham • Sproughton & Burstall We also publish Spotlight on Felixstowe
Tues 10 September is the advertising and editorial deadline for the October edition
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NEWS
A MUSICAL EVENING WITH PLUCK AND SQUEEZE Nettlestead Church on Friday 13 September from 7pm Tickets from Pam: 01473 658047 / f.b.shephard@btinternet.com
EVENTS IN BAYLHAM The annual Baylham Walk will take place on Sunday 29 September. Registration at Baylham Village Hall from 10am, walk to begin at 10.30am. Our popular quiz and fish and chips evening will be at Baylham Village Hall on Saturday 9 November at 7.30pm. More details next month.
A HISTORY OF JAZZ Local musician Tony Radford will give a talk about jazz on Friday, October 4 at Baylham Village Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 to include a glass of wine and refreshments. There will be a raffle and all proceeds will go to the Friends of Baylham Church. Tickets are available from Wendy on 01473 832885 or on the door.
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Friday 5 September, 10am-noon: Coffee and Networking Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Friday 20 September, 6.45am: Breakfast The Mix, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket Book online at: https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/networking-events Many local residents joined Rev Jenny Seggar in the churchyard at St Mary’s, Bramford on August 4 to bid her a fond farewell as she departs to take up a new position in Holbrook. Perhaps you will spot yourself in this month’s cover image, taken on the day by Wendy Bones. Jenny’s final service in Bramford is on Sunday, September 8 at 10am so if you missed her farewell picnic you still have an opportunity to say good-bye.
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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL As I mentioned last month, we get many complaints about litter and how it spoils the look of the village. I asked if anyone would be interested in setting up or joining a volunteer litter picking group to supplement the efforts of our hardworking street cleaning contractors. The parish council pays for a weekly litter pick along the main roads through the village, as well as areas like the village hall carpark, but owing to the amount of litter thrown down or blown off lorries, this doesn’t always keep on top of the problem. We have had expressions of interest in joining a group, but we need a number of 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. The parish council would assist with the costs of equipment, bags, etc. The Village Hall Playing Field Residents have asked for clarification of the status of the gap in the fence between the playing field and Aspen Close. This is being reviewed with the Village Hall Management Committee, but it is unclear who actually owns the fence. If you have any evidence to help clear this up, 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. There has been an initial meeting to start things off, but since then there still has been no contact from Planning, so I am unable to pass any news on to you. Council Vacancies We have vacancies for councillors. The work is wide ranging and there is plenty of variety – from working to get the infrastructure improvements that the village so desperately needs, to the council’s accounts, to the provision of defibrillators, to deciding on grants to local organisations. Please contact the clerk for further details or come along to the September meeting to see what it’s all about. Our next meeting is in the Parish Room at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4 September. Everyone is welcome at any council meeting and there is a 15-minute public forum where you can ask questions or raise issues related to the work of the parish council. Parish Clerk Janet Gobey pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.gov.uk / 07508 830777 For further information about our work please visit: Facebook: @greatblakenhampc Twitter: @pcgtblakenham www.greatblakenham.suffolk.cloud Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. Chairman Steve Plume
GIPPING VALLEY COUNTY & BLAKENHAM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN FIELD Cuts to Commercial Bus Routes First is proposing changes to the 88 and 89 routes, no longer serving residential streets in Bramford, Claydon, Barham and Needham Market, a blow for those who find a long and steep walk to and from the bus a major challenge. The County are trying to negotiate a less damaging change and an improvement in Bramford to the four times a day 111 which would be its only service. Children’s Centres The Cabinet has agreed a new Family Hub model for children’s centres with a much greater emphasis on services delivered by outreach workers in 55 locations. The age range of children served will increase from 0-5 to 0-19. This will allow the County to deliver the range of health visiting and school nursing services it bid for and won last year. It is the source of last month’s media claims that the number of health visitors will be reduced by 25 per cent with a focus on the most vulnerable families. Of the 11 children’s centre buildings no longer required, two will be used for SEND, the rest for early learning. There will be a consultation in the autumn. Speech, Language and Communication A major change will bring County investment with health providers in services for children with speech and language difficulties. The aim is to provide for a much larger number of children. More effective outreach will be available to all schools, with training for early years and primary school staff to catch and correct issues as early as possible. For children aged four to 16 years with the most complex needs, there will be a new Communication and Interaction pathway with specialist units and new special schools. Ipswich Northern Bypass Consultation about the possible Northern Route will last until September 13. Three routes and a questionnaire to which you should respond are shown at: www.ipswichnorthernroute.org.uk. My group wanted an extensive study of the sustainable transport alternatives for shopping, education, leisure and medical appointments or work. We don’t think that this new road fits with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency and commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2030. To persuade the government to spend perhaps £600 million on this road, it has been defined as a growth project bringing with it some 10,000 to 15,000 new houses in addition to those under the Local Plan. There is little improvement to the congestion in Ipswich at major cost to surrounding villages. Mid Suffolk Mid Suffolk has joined the County and declared a Climate Emergency. It has also decided to enhance action on biodiversity. Both won unanimous support, so we are all on the same page on these vital issues. Parking Issues There are several areas in Gipping Valley where inconsiderate parking by employees of companies which lack adequate onsite parking causes a problem to residents. It is, of course, quite legal to park on a road if you don’t cause an obstruction. I could ask for a traffic regulation order to ban on-pavement parking or to provide yellow lines, but both would inconvenience residents as well as the employees. When the police acted, it just moved the problem to other streets but the PCSOs are going to act. If you have any queries, please ring 07545 423808 or email: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Heritage Open Day – 14 September 2019 On September 14, the Suffolk energy-fromwaste facility is taking part in Heritage Open Days. Join us to find out what happens to your non-recyclable rubbish after you put it in the bin.
Open to anyone living in Great Blakenham and the surrounding areas, meeting every Monday from February to December (other than Bank Holidays) in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm.
Visitors will be able to speak to members of our team and go on a guided tour of the facility which includes a trip to our control room, the heart of our operation. Visitors will also be able to spend time in our purpose-built visitor’s centre which uses interactive displays and activities. The facility will be open to the public between 10am and 2pm, and tours will be run at 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm. Check out our listing on the Heritage Open Days webpage: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/suffolk-efw Pre-booking for the tours is essential. To reserve your slot, or with any further questions, please email: suffolkefw.uk@suez.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. The maintenance of the two furnaces will be staggered so that we can continue to accept waste throughout the shutdown period. 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 concerns about the upcoming shutdown period, please contact us via the details provided below. Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 839149 / suffolkefw.uk@suez.com Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01934 524013
BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS – Robin Hood arrives in Claydon Following lively auditions in July, BMM are ready to launch rehearsals of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, our upcoming pantomime in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. All the classic panto elements are there: romance, villainy, comedy and, of course, plenty of singing and dancing. The show dates are 24, 25 and 31 January and 1 February. It’s not too late to be involved backstage or front of house. For more details, email: vera.rogers1@btinternet.com
In August we enjoyed a card making workshop entitled Autumn is Coming and a number of the finished makes are pictured. Our September workshop is entitled Take Heart and is a sewing project. For further information please get in touch with Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690
GIRLS HAVE FUN Are you aged between five and seven years? Bramford Rainbows meet on Mondays from 5.30-6.30pm in the Scout & Guide Head Quarters opposite the Victory Hall. Come and join us for crafts, cooking and lots of fun. For more information contact Helen: 07733 070012 We would love to see you.
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 Town/Village 5A 5B 5C 5D 5E 5F 5G 5H 5I 5J 5K
Friday 6 September, 7.30pm at Henley Community Centre Tickets £5, maximum tables of six Reserve a table or just turn up on the day: henleyplayersboxoffice@gmail.com / SMS 07803 796706 Funds in aid of Henley Players
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Time
Sproughton Church Lane Sproughton Wild Man Bramford St Mary’s Close Bramford Paper Mill Lane Great Blakenham Chequers Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Baylham Post Box Claydon Crown Claydon, Edinburgh Gardens Barham Bacon Road Bramford Packard Place
9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-10.55am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm
2019: 24 September, 22 October, 19 November, 17 December
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 13 Route 13 Town/Village
HENLEY PLAYERS QUIZ NIGHT
Location
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 11.55-12.10pm 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: 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 29 November, 27 December
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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 from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room. The club will reconvene on September 11 with our AGM and a social afternoon. 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
GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB Winning tickets for August 2019 £25 £15 £10 £10 £5 £5
Peter Andrews (252) Janet Haddow (161) Margaret White (45) Maureen Bowman (34) Nick Miller (192) Janice Scott (107)
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.
RIVER GIPPING TRUST The trust continues the process of restoring part of the footpath at Baylham to its original position. The primary objective is to improve the walking experience of those who use the Gipping Way, but the purchase of the bridge is beyond the resources of the trust so we are embarking on a major fundraising initiative. Our potential sponsor seeks proof that we have local and community support.
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The club will meet from 10am-noon on Wednesdays 11, 18 and 25 September in the upstairs room at Bramford Methodist Church. Membership is £1 for the year, payable in September, and £3 per two-hour session. There is no set programme, but we are here to help you to get the most out of your computer. Why not give it a try?
SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Annual Fair, Saturday 14 September, 10am-4pm The University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QL The event, entitled Your Family History – From Starting to Finishing, is free to enter. It begins at 10.15am with a free talk entitled How to Start Researching Your Family History. Later we present How to Preserve Your Research for The Future and How to Get More From the 1939 Register, both of which are free to members and £2 for non-members. The society AGM (members only) is at 11.30am. The fair consists of stands and displays by associated societies, history groups and commercial suppliers offering specialist advice and useful genealogical materials. There is also a family history research help area. For more in information go to: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk Thursday 26 September, 7.15pm: To Relieve Need and Distress: The Story of East Anglian Almshouses by Sarah Doig Almshouses have a long and rich history, stretching back to our medieval monasteries. Sarah will chart the evolution of the almshouse, exploring the life of these institutions from the perspective of both donor and beneficiary. She will also take a look at the differing styles of architecture, as well as dipping into the various rules and regulations the inhabitants had to adhere to if they were to keep their highly-prized place in the almshouse. 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.
Your Support is Vital While donations are always welcomed, written support from walkers, landowners and the wider community is key to the trust succeeding with this important project. You can offer your support in a number of ways:
For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: www.suffolkfhs.org.uk
• By writing to: The Secretary, River Gipping Trust, Church Cottage, Capel St Mary, Ipswich IP9 2EL
ORWELL PROBUS CLUB
• By emailing us at: support@rivergippingtrust.org • Via Facebook: The River Gipping Trust Unfortunately, we were unable to complete the restoration of Pipps Ford lock. We did start, but the ground was too soft and muddy from the heavy rain, making the steel pile insertion impossible with the heavy weight of the equipment that had been specified. We will now be reviewing this activity with a view to finding a procedure that uses lighter equipment and will be returning to the project once this is achieved.
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We meet for lunch at Ipswich Sports Club on Henley Road on the second Thursday of each month and usually a speaker entertains us afterwards. 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
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OUT & ABOUT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES GROUPS Book Club We meet at 10.30am on the last Thursday of the month at The Crown (Hungry Horse) in Claydon for an interesting discussion on the chosen book. We have a few spaces for new members so please feel free to come along. Knitting Group We meet on the first Thursday of the month from 10.30am-noon in the lounge at Alisdair Place, Claydon. We are currently knitting lap blankets for St Elizabeth Hospice and hats and blankets for the premature baby unit at West Suffolk Hospital, with more projects to come. If anyone has any wool they no longer require, which may be useful to us, it would be gratefully received at one of our meetings. Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club We meet at noon on the first Friday of the month at Gt Blakenham Parish Room. A two course lunch costs £4, plus the optional raffle ticket for £1. Anyone who wishes to attend but has difficulty with transport can arrange a lift by contacting: The Rev Carl – 833542; Ann – 831031; Pauline – 830723; Dorothy – 830906. Gipping Valley Art Society We meet every Tuesday afternoon from 1-4pm at Gt Blakenham Parish Room. Weather permitting we sketch outdoors once a month. We have plans to visit art museums and have stands at local fetes. We will be holding our annual exhibition in the autumn. Walk ‘n’ Talk Group Weather permitting, we meet at 10.30am on the second Thursday of the month The Crown car park and go for a walk lasting approximately 1.5 hours along local footpaths and bridleways. All welcome, together with dogs. Afterwards we enjoy the hospitality of The Greyhound for coffee and cake. Do come along and enjoy our local countryside and a chat. Great Blakenham Parish Room was closed for two weeks from August 15 for refurbishment so we are all looking forward to seeing the work that has been done when we meet there in September.
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Monday 23 September: Cracked Lens Competition. Best PDI of the Night. Judging by club members. 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. Judging by Frank Blyth. Monday 28 October: Club Night: Activity to be advised. Members’ suggestions welcomed. 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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SCOUTS JET OFF FOR ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME Unit 18 Iceni and Unit 19 Teagulls, both from Suffolk left on 20 July to fly off to the World Scout Jamboree in North America. The Scouts from Suffolk joined 5,000 others from across the UK, and 40,000 more from nearly every country in the world, for two weeks of activities and skills development, while, best of all, making new friends at one of the most truly international events on the planet. The UK Scouts flew to New York for 24 hours in the Big Apple. The city was taken over by the Scouts getting to know each other, seeing the sights and learning to navigate the big city, before they travelled to the Jamboree site in wild and wonderful West Virginia. The World Scout Jamboree includes opportunities for Scouts to learn new skills with other young people from across the globe. They will experience high adventure in a community of new residents from nearly every country in the world. Ollie Smith, Unit 19 Leader, said: “I can’t believe we are actually here about to jump on the plane, the airport is full of Scouts. I have been counting down the days until we leave and finished packing two weeks ago. The people I am going with have become my closest friends and I can’t wait to make friends with Scouts from all over the world! We have skills to share food to taste. It’s going to be awesome.” As well as being a fantastic opportunity for young people, the event is an amazing chance for adult volunteers such as me to take part in activities and learn new skills that they can use in other aspects of their life. Groups from Wolsey District include 26th and 32nd Ipswich and Castle Hill Cobras. Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “Scouts from Suffolk have travelled 3,800 miles to wild and wonderful West Virginia, USA for the 24th World Scout Jamboree. These are some of our brightest and best and every one of them will be an ambassador for the Scouts, the UK’s largest mixed movement, helping prepare girls and boys with skills for life. “World Scout Jamborees only happen every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts attend each one. They are incredible festivals of peace, friendship and adventure. Young people will make friends for life with people from over 150 countries, experience different food, language and culture while learning new skills. It will be the journey of a lifetime. “The 2019 Jamboree, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet. The theme is Unlock A New World – focusing especially on how we can create a sustainable world together.” Mark Pearson
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SCHOOLS / SPORT 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, September 5 and 19 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.
FREE TRAINING AT ORCHARD BARN For several years now Orchard Barn volunteers have bartered their time for oak trees for the replacement Long House frame, and participants on courses have been slowly progressing the framing. OBee (the Community Interest Company which runs the project) is delighted that funding from The Alfred Williams Charitable Trust and Radcliffe Trust has now been granted and will enable us to provide free timber framing training this autumn and through the winter. If you would like to learn traditional timber framing on our live restoration project, please email for an application form: carole.orchardbarn@gmail.com
Michelle
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Eat, Sleep, Tennis, Repeat! Although Wimbledon is over, there’s still plenty of time to get involved in tennis at your local club through our special membership offers or one of our coaching courses. Please do get in touch; it would be great to see you on court!
Building with materials sourced directly from the landscape and local woods is very rewarding. At the end of the day there is something tangible to look at, touch and be proud of being a part of. And, we’re building a community of like-minded people who are keeping these (deeply sustainable) old trades alive and relevant to the 21st century! Want to learn woodworking skills on a smaller scale? Thanks to the Pargiter Trust we can now offer seven free Greenwood Working workshops in how to use traditional hand tools and locally sourced wood to make items such as tool handles, dibbers, bowls, benches and chairs. Courses will be held weekly on Thursdays and start at the end of September. Priority will be given to those over 65 and living within a 10 mile radius of Orchard Barn. If you would like to apply for a place please email: sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk Come to our Heritage Open Afternoon on Saturday 7 September (2-4.30pm) and see how we are getting on with the reinstatement of the Long House and have a chat about getting involved. We hope to see you soon. If you are local, please walk or cycle. Orchard Barn is to the south west of Mill Road, Battisford IP14 2LY.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL By the time you read this our summer break will be coming to an end and everyone is, hopefully, all refreshed and ready to start the new autumn term. We will be welcoming back some of our existing children, along with quite a few new ones and we are really looking forward to meeting them all and to starting on lots of new creations, fun times and memories. We will be open for all our term-time children from Wednesday 4 September. From September 2019 we will be opening the pre-school from 8am to 6pm all year round (except for bank holidays and the Christmas period). We take children from and age of two, funded two, three and four year olds, and those 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 further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
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Ladies Tennis – This Girl Can! The aim of our ladies’ group is to encourage more female players to engage with the sport through a friendly non-competitive and supportive coaching environment. Sessions take place on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm and cost just £5/session (£4 for members). All playing abilities are welcome and each week we use a mixture of shot progressions, drills and fun tennis related games to develop our tennis skills. New 12+ Junior Invitation Squad Following the success of our Mini Tennis programme (ages 5-11), we are now keen to establish a squad for older juniors (age 12+) and other invited junior players who are able to rally. The squad will commence on Saturday mornings in September. If you are interested in a place please contact our coach, Carl. To find out more at about any of the items mentioned above please visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub www.facebook.com/BramfordTennisClub Call or text our coach, Carl Douglas: 07553 966380
CLAYDON & DISTRICT BADMINTON CLUB While the high school hall has been unavailable to us, I have been lucky to play at Whitton with some friends. While it has been great fun, it really isn’t a patch on playing with the crowd at Claydon & District Badminton Club. Besides there being no booking process (you simply turn up on a Monday night), you also get to play with a bigger group of players which, of course, improves your game! It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut with the same three friends, only to find you are playing to their weaknesses rather than your strengths because you know them so well. What’s more, if you pay for the whole term, or even a year in advance, it works out a lot cheaper, even if you miss some Monday nights during that time. So what are you waiting for? Our first night this term is Monday 9 September so come along to Claydon High School Sports Hall from 7-9pm and revitalise your enjoyment of the game!
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH, BRAMFORD Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 747819 / revjseggar@outlook.com Safeguarding Officer: Mr John Chenery, 01473 742797 www.the-tew-family.co.uk/stmbramford Dear Friends, this will be my last contribution to the various publications that we take part in. My final service is on September 8 at 10am at St Mary’s, Bramford, joined by the Bramford Methodists, with The Rev Derek Grimshaw preaching. Everybody is invited to join us.
I’VE GOT A BRAND NEW COMBINE HARVESTER When I was a boy, summer holidays were often camping trips to Norfolk. Being brought up in a town, I always found it fascinating to watch the combine harvesters at work in the fields as we drove past. The history of the combine harvester dates back to 1826 when the Reverend Patrick Bell designed a reaper machine. It used the scissors principle of plant cutting – a principle that is still used today. In the United States in 1835, Hiram Moore built and patented the first combine harvester, which was capable of reaping, threshing and winnowing cereal grain. Early versions were pulled by hors e, mule or ox teams. In 1835, Moore built a full-scale version with a length of 5.2 m (17ft), cut width of 4.57 m (15ft) and by 1839 over 50 acres of crops were harvested. This combine harvester was pulled by 20 horses fully handled by farmhands. By 1860, combine harvesters with a cutting, or swathe, width of several metres were used on American farms. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combine_harvester Today, I am aware that farm machinery is very high tech with onboard electronics to measure threshing efficiency, which allows the operators to get better grain yields by optimizing ground speed and other operating parameters. God gave laws to His people with regard to when they gathered in their harvest by which they were required to leave the gleanings of their fields. They were not to gather a second time in order to leave something for the poor and foreigner. To show mercy to those who were in need was the right response to having received mercy from God. God has demonstrated His love to us in His Son Jesus in that while we were still sinners He died for us. Having been raised and now seated in heaven we can come to Him through faith to receive mercy, not being given that which we deserve. It is in response to God’s mercy towards me that I want others to know who God is and what He has done for the all people. To that end all our weekly activities will restart in September. Why not come along and join us to find out more about our God? 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 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk
On September 9 the removal vans arrive and we move over to the next parish. It has been a thought-provoking couple of months for all of us as we head into an uncertain future. Uncertain does not necessarily mean bad; with prayer and a sprinkling of faith we will get to where we need to be! Of course, my prayers will be with all of you, and I hope you will pray for John and I as we move into a new community. It will be business as usual in the churches; as we get sorted out, church contacts will be published. In the meantime, please contact the churchwardens for the church you wish to get in touch with, or look on the noticeboard for the parish contact details. In case of funerals or other emergencies, please contact The Rev Canon Diane Williams, our rural dean: 01449 720316 / diane.rev@btinternet.com It really has been a remarkable eight years, and I have learnt a lot from you all. My hope and prayer for you is that you will continue in your calling and your service to God in this wonderful place, and that you will be open to the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Blessings to you all, Rev Jenny September Services at St Mary the Virgin Bramford, St Mary Nettlestead, St Mary the Virgin Little Blakenham & St Peter Baylham Wednesday 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service Sunday 1: Trinity 11 10am Parish Communion with Prayer, Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer, Baylham Sunday 8: Trinity 12 10am Benefice Communion, Bramford 5pm Five O’clock Service, Bramford Parish Room Wednesday 11 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Thursday 12 7.30pm Healing Service, Methodist church Sunday 15: Trinity 13 10am Parish Communion, Baylham 3pm Harvest Festival with 1pm Harvest Lunch, Nettlestead Wednesday 18 2pm The Gathering, Bramford Parish Room Sunday 22: Trinity 14 10am Communion Service, Nettlestead No fourth Sunday Communion Service at Bramford Saturday 28 10am Coffee Morning, Bramford Parish Room Sunday 29: Trinity 15 10am United Harvest Festival Communion Service, Little Blakenham FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS Baptisms July 7: Oscar Spinks, St Mary’s, Bramford July 28: Emily Palmer, St Mary’s Bramford August 11: Archie Littleboy, St Mary, Little Blakenham Weddings July 27: Richard Davey & Nicole Corrigan, St Mary, Little Blakenham Floodlighting of the spire of St Mary’s Church August 29: In memory of Sue Cave on her birthday October 7: In memory of Amy Fillis on her birthday To have the spire floodlit, please ring Stewart: 01473 462231
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
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CHURCH NEWS THE CLAYDON GROUP OF CHURCHES The Church of England in Claydon and Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham We offer you a warm welcome to all our events and services.
For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact: Rector: The Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am Every Wednesday to September, there will be a service of Holy Communion at 10am at Barham Church. Sunday 1 September – Trinity 11 8am Holy Communion 9.30am 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 8 September – Trinity 12 8am Holy Communion 9.30am family@henley 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday 15 September – Trinity 13 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Morning Prayer 11am Morning Prayer
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday 22 September – Trinity 14 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Harvest Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion 6.30pm Evensong
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church
Lifts to Church: If you’d like a lift to your local church, please contact The Rev Carl who can organise this for you. History Evening: On September 21 we welcome church historian Roy Tricker to Great Blakenham Church. He’ll be giving a history of the building as well as telling us about some colourful characters. Tickets are £10 on the door, includes wine and nibbles. Harvest Festivals Barham: 10am on September 22 (lunch by ticket only) St Peter’s Court: 2.30pm on September 25 Henley: 9.30am on October 6 Gt Blakenham: 11am on October 13 FUTURE DATES Saturday, September 14: Coffee Morning, GB Parish Room, 10am-noon Saturday, September 21: History with Roy Tricker at GB Church Sunday, October 6: Families@4.30pm, Barham Church Sunday, October 27: Departed Loved Ones Service, Barham, 3pm Saturday, November 2: Spuds and Sparklers, Henley Churchyard, 5-7pm LETTER FROM THE RECTOR
Sunday 29 September – Trinity 15: Michael & All Angels 10am Benefice Holy Communion Henley Church Further services can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com Facebook / Twitter: The Claydon Group of Churches families@4.30: Our new congregation for families and young people, meeting on the first Sunday of the month at Barham Church. The next one will be held on September 1. We have loads of fun so why not come along and join us? Community Activities Groups: Mentioned on page 10, the groups continue to thrive and run, including Meet ‘n’ Eat which meets every first Friday of the month at Gt Blakenham Parish Room from noon-2pm, and the Walk ‘n’ Talk group which meets on the second Thursday of the month.
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Visiting: If you or anyone you know would like a visit from a member of our pastoral team, please get in touch with The Rev Carl, Rev Cathy or Rev Jenny. This might be at home or in hospital.
As I write, we have just finished our annual JTEAM holiday club. We welcomed more than 60 children and shared God’s love with them, allowing them to have loads of fun and explore the themes of the six Cs: Change, Calling, Commitment, Challenge, Courage and Choice. Of course, these issues are not just for children to explore, but adults too! One of the roles of a Christian is to work out how we live out God’s love in our world – that requires those six Cs! A new school year, a new leap of faith, a new start within the family – these moments in life require us to stop and reassess where we’re heading. Remembering the six Cs can help us go forward with a sense of new life and energy. Why not come along and explore the six Cs with us? Are you being called or challenged? Are you struggling to choose? Are you fearful of change? Whatever, come and explore with us. Revd Carl HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463 www.claydonchurches.com
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CHURCH NEWS
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH At the Heart of Community Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: 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 third Sunday
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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. 4-6pm: Families@4, an informal get-together with afternoon tea provided and a children’s activity (see diary for theme). Come and go as you please. This is not a service but our minister usually joins us (once a month; please check diary). Monday 2-3pm: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss (every third Monday) Tuesday 2-3pm*: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, but gentlemen are always welcome (second and fourth Tuesdays from October-April and second Tuesday from May-September) Wednesday 10am-noon: Computer Club (term time only) Thursday 3-3.30pm*: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields (first Thursday) Saturday 10-11am: Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below / third Saturday of month) *followed by tea/coffee DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER Sunday 1, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mrs M Watsham Thursday 5, 3pm: United Service at Cherryfields Sunday 8, 10am: At St Mary’s where we will join our friends for Rev Jenny Seggar’s final service at Bramford Tuesday 10, 2pm: Network/MWiB, Rev Jo Jacobs Wednesday 11, 7.30pm: Prayers for Healing Saturday 14, 9am-5pm: Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Annual Bike Ride. Rita will open the church during this time to welcome cyclists and walkers and would be grateful to receive sponsorship for our church funds.
Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Sunday 15, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Rev M Dawes – our 146 Church Anniversary Service, All-age Worship
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Sunday 15, 6.30pm: United Service with our friends from St Mary’s, Mr John Chenery Monday 16, 2pm: Bible Study (no coffee morning in September) Sunday 22, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Mr M Ellis
Dry Carpet Cleaning
Sunday 29, 10.30am: Morning Worship, Rev M Allen
Professional Local Service
Sunday 29, 4-6pm: Families@4, Rev D Grimshaw – A Harvest Theme
For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham
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