In Touch with Gt Blakenham - May 2016

In Touch

™© ™©

with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead Volume 6 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2016

Skiphire www.collins-skiphire.co.uk

For a fast, efficient & price friendly local service

01473 327596

orders@collins-skiphire.co.uk Blackthorn Blossom

by Martin Chambers

Stowe Veterinary Centre

Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre

Ipswich Veterinary Centre

The Mustard Pot Veterinary Surgery

The Old Tea Room Veterinary Surgery

54 Bury Road, Stowmarket

2 Boldero Road, Bury St. Edmunds

Scrivener Drive, Ipswich

Coddenham Road, Needham Market

Station Road, Elmswell

Tel: 01449 613 130

Tel: 01284 747 000

Tel: 01473 555 000

Tel: 01449 722 198

Tel: 01359 241 761

2

In Touch online:

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS

Yesterday we had thunder, lightening, rain, hailstones… Today the most glorious spring day of the year so far. I think this is it! I can feel it in my bones. Summer is finally on the way. Time to get out the sun cream, to pack away the woolly jumpers and to open the doors and windows and let the fresh air in. At last!

It’s a busy, busy year with many extra events to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday in addition to annual fun days, galas, regattas, fairs and fetes. There isn’t a single weekend between now and the end of June when there isn’t at least one event every Saturday and Sunday and many more on Bank Holiday Mondays. I’m currently trying to organise a Star Wars birthday party for my six-year-old son and the kitchen table is covered in scrapped invitation cards (Jack was writing the names!), lists (food, games, shopping, goodie bags, decorations), recipes (Chewy Wookiee Cookies look particularly challenging!), and information about keeping rabbits! Don’t ask! This I have to do but those who plan, organise and promote local events often do so by choice and I can only imagine how much time and energy, never mind the blood, sweat and tears, they invest to bring it all together and pack it all away again.

I’m hoping at least 10 of Jack’s friends turn up, but at least I’ll know in advance and can plan accordingly. I may not need 16 inflatable lightsabers after all and I may be eating Obo-Wan Kabobies for a month, but I’m not sure I could cope with not knowing if anyone would turn up! Yet our valiant teams of local event organisers do it year after year, hoping the weather will play along, hoping their neighbours will roll up, hoping there will be a sufficient number of people to make all the effort worthwhile, hoping to raise a significant sum for the cause, whatever it may be.

SPROUGHTON PRIMARY SCHOOL SET TO PACK A MIGHTY PUNCH Sproughton Primary School, one of the smallest schools in Suffolk with just 105 pupils, is set to pack a mighty punch, slip, slide and other fun and raise some much need funds this summer at the first annual Sproughton Family Knockout – and they need you!

Surely the least we can do is turn up. Make the effort this year and you may find new reasons to appreciate your local community.

In Touch

with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead

In Touch with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Send editorial copy to: blakenham@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.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Distribution Tree Martin Email: tree@intouchnews.co.uk

01473 400380 Printing Colourplan Print Email: steve@colourplan.co.uk

01473 400379 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 Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

We also publish

IN TOUCH WITH . . .

• Hadleigh • Stowmarket • Capel St Mary • East Bergholt, Dedham & Flatford • Needham Market, Creeting St Mary & Creeting St Peter • Sproughton & Burstall • Claydon, Barham & Henley • Manningtree, Mistley, Lawford & Brantham • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Kesgrave & Rushmere • Woodbridge & Melton • Bramford, Somersham & Offton • Westerfield, Witnesham & Tuddenham St. Martin • Copdock, Washbrook, Belstead, Bentley & Tattingstone • Ipswich East, Broke Hall, Ravenswood & Warren Heath • Shotley, Chelmondiston, Pin Mill, Holbrook, Woolverstone & Erwarton

IN TOUCH WITH...

JUNE DEADLINE 10 MAY 2016 is the final date for both advertising & editorial copy

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

The fun and frolics will take place on Saturday, July 2, 10am-4pm, at Jimmy’s Farm and local businesses, friends and families are invited to enter a team or simply come along and watch the hilarity as the charity teams pit their agility and wits against their peers as they are pushed to their absolute limits. Giant inflatable courses, water and full-on games warfare, the event is all in the name of some jolly good fun and all for a worthy, local cause.

Paul Baker, chair of Sproughton School Association, said: “We are really excited about the It’s a Knock Out event and are looking for teams to compete and join in the fun. The event is to raise much needed funds to replace the playground equipment at Sproughton Primary School and simply by entering you will help the school and have a great laugh!”

There will be free entry for families to come and watch the tournament, visit the market stalls, enjoy the children’s entertainment, take up the sport and health opportunities on offer and to savour some of the most spectacular summer activities seen in the area, sponsored by First Strokes Swim Schools. An event simply too good to miss!

To learn more about booking a charity team to compete for your chance to win great prizes please visit: www.pta-events.co.uk/sproughton

3

NEWS BLAKENHAM, BARHAM AND CLAYDON COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS Celebrating 10 Years of Helping Local People On May 1 the Blakenham, Barham & Claydon Community First Responder Group celebrate their 10th anniversary of helping people living and/or working in the villages around Claydon, and directly supporting the East of England Ambulance Service by responding to medical emergency calls.

Since becoming operational in 2006 our responders have attended patients aged five to 97 years who were experiencing life threatening problems including cardiac arrests, heart attacks, unconsciousness, chest pains, breathing difficulties, diabetic and other medical conditions. Over the last year alone they have responded to 40 emergency calls and reached the patient’s location before an ambulance on a good number of those occasions. While on scene they have been able to commence life-saving treatment, or to obtain valuable information about the patient’s condition and the events leading up to the 999 call by carrying out prescribed observation protocols. They have also actively assisted the ambulance crews and the patients by using their clinical skills, training and knowledge, or provided reassurance to the patient and their families.

Community First Responders (CFRs) are unpaid volunteers who are trained and willing to be called out by the ambulance service to attend serious medical emergencies in the local area where they live or work, ideally within eight minutes. Some CFRs are only able to be on call during the daytime, while others can cover night time hours as well. In 2012, as part of the Queen’s 60th anniversary celebrations, five of our CFRs were awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of their service to the local community. It is a privilege and has been very rewarding to know that over the years we have done our best to help fellow members of our community in their hour of need, even if the outcome was not as we would have hoped or worked for on a few occasions. We will endeavour to carry on providing this voluntary service, to the best of our ability, in the future.

Like all Community First Responder groups, of which there are more than 60 in Suffolk, the Blakenham, Barham & Claydon Group is self-funded.

Although provided with ‘consumable items’ and on-going training by the ambulance service, we have had to raise money to purchase and maintain the major items of our operational medical equipment, including the group’s two automated external defibrillators and pulse oximeters. We have been very fortunate to have received donations from Claydon & Whitton Parish Council and The Bar-Clay Music Makers. Their generosity has allowed us not only to purchase and equip our two kit bags, but also to buy our Hi-Viz jackets and much used training defibrillator and Resusi– Annie. The Claydon & Barham Local Community Trust kindly provided us with a Sat-Nav system. We would like to thank all the organisations and people who have given us their support, encouragement and much appreciated financial donations over the past ten years.

We are in need of new members, so if you would like to become a responder with our group, or just find further information about the Community First Responder Scheme, please visit the East of England Ambulance Service website at www.eastamb.nhs.uk/get-involved or contact the Suffolk & South Cambridgeshire Community partnership manager, Jon Needle: suffolkresponder@eastamb.nhs.uk For an informal chat about being a CFR please contact our group co-ordinator Alan Seager (07766 443400) or Dick Bound (01473 83209).

4

DAVID CARD, MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

Covering the parishes of Barking, Baylham, Darmsden, Nettlestead, Offton, Somersham and Willisham Housing growth Last month I reported the mounting pressure for more new homes to be built in Suffolk. Several controversial applications have been reported in our local press.

Local councils have incentives to support this drive for more homes. The Community Infrastructure Levy (about £10,000 for each new home built) aims to provide funding for much needed infrastructure to sustain these developments. In addition, the New Homes Bonus (worth about £1,000 paid every year for up to six years) may allow current council service and spending levels to be maintained.

As I go around the ward some unease is being expressed about these large development applications. To keep you informed I plan to arrange a meeting where interested residents can learn more and ask questions on the plans our council’s officers have on these planning matters.

Affordable homes to rent Any resident who is looking to take a tenancy ought to consider registering their interest with Gateway to Home Choice: 01473 825757 / homechoice@midsuffolk.gov.uk / www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk Three for rent properties are in the course of construction in Barking right now.

Devolution The government’s Devolution Bill deliberations, conducted behind closed doors, may finally be shared with us all in the next few weeks. While the government pushed for a joint Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough bid, Cambs County Council, Cambs City Council and their Local Enterprise Partnership have rejected that approach.

The government’s idea for an East Anglian mayor needs close scrutiny.

The devolution benefits claimed must be proven and must outweigh the disadvantages of yet another tier of government and bureaucracy. It worries me that a province of East Anglia could lead to Suffolk losing its historic identity. As your district councillor I am sceptical and will need to be persuaded that the devolution bid led by others on our behalf really is in Suffolk’s interest.

For further information contact David Card: 01449 722267 / david.card@midsuffolk.gov.uk In my election address I said I would use my “single voice to unite my like minded colleagues to continue to put local people first”. As some of you know I have some significant differences of opinion with the strategies and the way Mid Suffolk District Council conduct their affairs.

I have concluded that in the foreseeable future my time and talents will not succeed in altering the strategies, approach and culture of this organisation.

Life is too short to waste.

I have enjoyed working with the parish councils, who do an excellent job, and who so often are ignored. Helping my constituents has also being very rewarding. Debating issues with the Green and Liberal opposition members has been stimulating and I have to say even enjoyable!

My best wishes to you all for the future.

David

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

5

Trusted by local families since 1925 47 St Helens Street 01473 257242 283 Norwich Road 01473 232837 Meredith Greengrass Stowmarket 01449 612765

The East of England Co-op has been your local funeral service for 90 years.

We are not part of the national Co-operative Funeralcare chain based in Manchester.

6

In Touch online:

NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT John Field’s Report to Gipping Valley: April 2016 Parking Sorry to preach, but his month I have had many complaints about parking. There are problems at the three primary schools in Gipping Valley as parents and carers take children to, or collect them from, school.

Drivers leave cars and vans on Old Ipswich Road while they catch a bus or share the journey to work. In Coopers Road, it’s just people parking work vehicles.

The local schools were built before so many of us could afford cars and at a time when parents had local jobs and the time to walk their children to school. Of course, the walk to school keeps parents and children fit and prolongs life, but requires a bit of time.

It would be easy to paint even more yellow lines, but that tends to move the problem around rather that providing a solution. Doing nothing is even easier, but it doesn’t help people who find they cannot see oncoming vehicles as they leave their road or drive.

Perhaps if drivers could try harder not to make residents life difficult and residents could be a little more tolerant we can avoid the legal expense and the conflict attached to yellow lines.

Scrutiny We held a workshop session to determine the scrutiny programme. The next session will cover the apparently endless consultations that are undertaken, trying to determine why some are effective and some are not. We will use the Fire and Rescue Service and the Children’s Centre consultations as examples to determine what leads to a good consultation and what is best avoided. Consultations should ask for opinions that will form the basis for decisions. Often it appears that decisions are already in place and there is little or no chance of change. If the intention is just to inform then we believe that is acceptable if it is made clear. I will let you know what we recommend.

The Education and Learning Infrastructure Plan Cabinet agreed an update on last year’s plan. It responds to the rapid expansion of house building in the county. The need for expansion to Claydon and Bramford Primary Schools to accommodate the Blakenham Fields and Fisons developments is included. However, it does not yet recognise the latest crop of development proposals at Acton Road in Bramford, on land between Chequers Rise and the allotments in Great Blakenham or the very recent proposals for Barham Church Lane. I was assured that these proposed developments, some of which are very tentative, would be considered in the next revision, which is already underway.

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE

Trading Standards Cabinet also agreed to develop plans for a joint Suffolk and Norfolk Trading Standards service. Suffolk Trading Standards is a high performing efficient service. They focus on traders who are a problem but not those who operate fairly, honestly and within the law. The proposed amalgamation will reduce overheads by combining the management structures of the two counties. Suffolk does of course have the country’s largest container port, but I was told that does not affect the logic behind the move.

Emergency Services Mobile Communications The emergency services plan a replacement for the Airwave system. It uses a technology with poor support for data. The replacement will use the 4G LTE technology, as in your current fourth generation of smart phones. It provides secure voice and high speed date. We were told that the company involved has purchased the Airwave system and will use the mast sites as part of the new programme. Costs should reduce and capability increase without a forest of new masts.

Full Council The meeting opened with a petition presented by a firefighter and signed by some 3,675 people asking that full council, and not just the cabinet, should vote on the Fire Service reductions. That view was rejected.

We then debated at length a Liberal Democrat motion, seconded

by Labour and supported by all opposition members, to reverse the proposed reductions in the Fire and Rescue Service that in the Ipswich area amount to 50%. In Ipswich, there are high-rise buildings that require four appliances in attendance before rescue work can begin. In a fire they are particularly hazardous structures. The fourth appliance would take time to get from Needham Market, Felixstowe or another station.

We were also concerned that across the county resources will reduce to such an extent that risk to property and life will increase significantly. The argument for reduction in staff and appliances is based on a reduction in call outs produced by the preventative work undertaken by the service.

Improvements in building construction standards, materials and safety rules have also helped. In the motoring arena improvements in vehicle safety features, seat belts, airbags, reduction in risk from materials and improvements to the basic strength of the passenger compartment have had similar effects. However, if you are in an accident you still need urgent help. We must wait the response to the consultation.

If you have queries please contact me: 01473 831306 / john.field@suffolk.gov.uk www.john.field@suffolk.libdems.org Little Blakenham: £4,000 to St Mary’s Church

SITA Trust is a funding organisation which distributes money provided by SITA UK (now SUEZ). In the last four years £553,000 has been given to Suffolk projects, most of which has been spent within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk Energy-From-Waste Facility.

Applications for funding must be done online and the next deadline is July 25, 2016. Grants of up to £20,000 are available for smaller projects with a total value up to £40,000 and grants of up to £50,000 for projects with a total value up to £250,000.

The Enhancing Communities Fund has been available in this area since construction of the site began in January 2012. This funding is only available to projects close to a qualifying site. The first project was awarded funding in April 2105, and so far 14 projects have shared around £403,000, including: Great Blakenham: £103,000 to the village hall, bowls club and scout group Claydon: £80,000 to the football club (actually in Great Blakenham) and the community trust Bramford: £62,500 to the playing field, Lorraine Victory Hall, British Legion and tennis club Sproughton: £49,000 to the church Somersham: £22,000 to the tennis and football clubs

SITA Trust also has other funds available, which are not specific to this site, and in January this year Little Blakenham Parish Council was awarded just over £9,000 from The Big Play fund to refurbish a play area.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust has had over £130,000 for various projects including protecting dormice, saving Suffolk barn owls and improvements at Rendlesham Forest.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

SITA Trust funding officer for this area is Pete Sessions: 01454 262943 www.sitatrust.org.uk USEFUL NUMBERS Site offices: 01473 839149 To book a visit: 01473 836812 Environment Agency: 0800 807060

7

NEWS SAVE THE DUKE UPDATE

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP A community shop for the local community, run by the local community.

We head into spring full of optimism as the campaign continues to raise money and step closer towards re-opening the pub doors and ‘Saving the Duke’. Having raised over £200,000, and nudging nearer £210,00, the goal is in sight. Still more help is needed and anything more you can do to chip in or encourage others to chip in will help make it into a reality!

Buying the Pub, Adapting the Plans The priority is to get enough money to buy the pub and open the doors.

Loans and selling a few more shares will help us to do this. It’s taking longer than we’d have wanted, but we will get there!

We can start off with voluntary staff, opening at the most popular times and offering simple food on a limited basis. That way a cash flow can be built up. Once there’s enough profit, we can look to employ people.

We’ve seen firsthand how other community-owned pubs have done it.

They have gone on to flourish, run by paid staff or a combination of paid staff and volunteers, and providing great menus. We will do it!

Loans We’ve been expecting HRMC approval for the SITR 30% tax relief on loans for some time – and are hoping that by the time In Touch is published we will have confirmation. If so, we’ll be talking to lenders who have promised support to organise the loans. Then there will be nothing stopping us from putting in an offer on the pub. Exciting times!

Pub For Sale The current owners are keen to sell, and have put the Duke on the market again. You may have seen the sign up. By way of re-assurance, the property has not been de-licensed and can’t be sold off as a house. It has been listed as an Asset of Community Value (AVC), which means the community will have first option over a period of time. In the end, we want the pub to open again and to secure its long term future.

Fundraising Campaigners hosted The Bash in the Barn, a party and auction designed to raise money for the Duke campaign. It seemed to go down a treat, with 180 people attending and raising an impressive £3,300 for the campaign.

The community banded together to provide food, live music and auction prizes.

Thanks to Lucy for taking control and doing such a great job, to all those who helped her with the organisation and running of the event, and to the many people who brought along scrumptious desserts!

There were even some signed Coldplay goodies donated by Rupert Berryman, father of Coldplay bassist Guy Berryman. Ed Sheeran isn’t the only celebrity who wants to see the Duke re-open!

Chipping in a bit more We hope to be back soon with news of SITR confirmation. In the meantime, if you could afford to buy shares or simply donate a sum to the cause, please visit our website. You can do it all on our investment pages at: www.savetheduke.net If you’d rather send a cheque or make a BACS payment please contact Gerard, our treasurer: grdkroon@gmail.com / 01473 657178

8

When the only shop in the village closed in 2007 we were a village without a shop, not a happy prospect. A public meeting was held in 2008 to ascertain interest in founding a community shop, and from that a steering group was formed. It meant lots of hard work in locating a suitable place in the village to have a shop (thanks to the Community Association), raising funds, gaining planning permission, dealing with legalities, overseeing the building and finally setting up shop. Now in our fourth year of trading, it’s very gratifying for the small team that set out in 2008 to see the proposed project working so well.

To celebrate our fourth birthday and entering a fifth year of trading we will be holding a coffee morning on Saturday, July 2 to thank all our customers and volunteers for their involvement in keeping our shop working as such a great asset to our community. Without volunteers to man the shop and customers to keep it viable there would be no shop – so if you haven’t been before come for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of celebration cake, and see what is happening in our community. Watch out for more information on this later.

SUNDAY OPENING We have been asked many times if we are open on a Sunday. We would like to open for at least a couple of hours on a Sunday morning, but for this we need volunteers to cover that time. If you are interested in helping out and getting to know people locally, but have commitments during the week, this may be an opportunity to get involved. We would need to have a team of at least eight people so that would mean just two hours a month for each volunteer. If this is of interest to you, please get in touch with one of the committee members and we will see if this can be something to get off the ground.

Recently an article appeared in the local press about walks around our footpaths, and the shop was mentioned as a place to visit for coffee and cake. We have had several walkers from outside our district visit already and we look forward to welcoming many more over the summer months – a great boost for our shop. Local walkers would be very welcome as well of course for a well-earned rest after a pleasant walk.

With summer coming our ice-cream cabinet is newly stocked, and all our locally sourced products are there as well, our fresh farm eggs, vegetables, bread, cakes, pies and meats. We like to support our local suppliers and are pleased to have their fresh produce available. We have a new line of wine, cider and beer, with much cider and beer being produced locally (especially local beer brewed just down the road from the shop).

Our services include: orders taken for bread, meat, pies and other produce; coffee corner is a good place for a relaxing chat; a new read in the book exchange; dry-cleaning service, at present collected on Tuesday mornings; reuse and recycling in the shop, always happy to receive reusable plastic carrier bags and egg boxes; newspapers and magazines can be ordered for collection at the shop; village diary so events don’t clash; delivery service for those with mobility problems.

So, not only a good place to shop and find local produce, meet up with people you haven’t seen in ages, but also it gives real heart to the local community. We look forward to seeing you there.

Management Team: Lucy Barrett, 831890; Terry Fordham, 831529; Jenny Hitchcock, 832060; Peter Jousiffe, 833577; Anne MacFadyen, 831288; Steve Woolhouse, 831080 The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 Opening times: Monday to Friday 8am-6pm / Saturday 8am-1pm

In Touch online:

NEWS / OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Our next parish council meeting is on Wednesday, May 11 at 7.30pm in the Parish Rooms. This will be the annual council meeting and on Wednesday, May 18 we are holding our annual parish meeting, also in the Parish Rooms at 7.30pm.

MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE – FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY! Mendlesham Community Council Street Fayre will take place on Monday, May 2, starting at noon and finishing with the grand draw at 4.45pm. There will be a procession at noon and entertainers in the street.

An agenda for both meetings will be on all noticeboards and the website and all residents are welcome to attend.

All future parish council meeting dates for 2016 are on all noticeboards and the website for your information.

Your parish councillors are: Chairman Mr S Plume, steveplume@me.com Councillor Mrs K Peters, karengbpc@gmail.com Councillor Mr G Scott, guymarkints@yahoo.co.uk Councillor Mr J Waller, j_waller2003@hotmail.com

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Regular networking opportunities and just a touch of lunacy!

For those who can’t face people and a full English at silly o’clock try Coffee ‘n’ Cake networking on Friday, May 6, 10am-noon, at Needham Market Community Centre.

Otherwise come along to our next networking breakfast at 6.45am on Friday, May 20 at Stowmarket Golf Club when our special guest speaker, Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill, will talk about her first year as an MP. You can book online at: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk Dates for your diary Monday, June 27 at Stowmarket Golf Club: Our latest Learn, Laugh and Loiter series will be all about taking care of your customers.

Tuesday, September 20: Joint Suffolk and Stowmarket Chamber event Friday, October 28 at Hillside Community Centre: Quiz Night.

For further details or to sign up for our e-newsletter visit: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

BAYLHAM PARISH MEETING

We have booked the Tricky Twister for the children, Stowmarket Boys Brigade Marching Band, East Suffolk Morris Men, Urban Allstars Majorettes, The Mad Hare Marching Band, Harbour Lights and 6 Foot 3 Steppers step dancers. There will be birds of prey, children’s rides, a craft fayre, hog roast, plenty of refreshments around the village and the church armoury will be open. Ralph and Daphne will have their garden open with vintage farm machinery on display.

Heronbuild have sponsored the draw and we have had sponsorship from Jaiger Engineering, Galloways, Tramspread, Bluesky, Classic Renovations, Classic Stoves & Fireplaces and Baronia Developments. Entry by programme (£2 in advance, £3 on the day, under 16s free) for sale from the Mendlesham Bakery, Mendlesham Post Office or Michael Denny Hairdresser, Mendlesham.

Stall bookings contact Angela: 01449 766483

SUFFOLK BLUE CROSS ANIMAL REHOMING CENTRE This year’s Paws for Tea event is at our new flagship centre at Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich IP2 8NQ on Saturday, May 14, 11am-3pm. Entry is free, but donations will be gratefully received.

Do come and support us.

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5

Baylham Village Hall Committee and The Friends of Baylham Church will be holding their Annual General Meetings on Wednesday, May 11 at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Route 5

Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A

Sproughton

Church Lane

9.10-9.25am

Hope to see you there.

MIP/5B

Sproughton

Wild Man

9.30-9.45am

MIP/5C

Bramford

St Mary’s Close

9.50-10.05am

MIP/5D

Bramford

Paper Mill Lane

10.10-10.25am

MIP/5E

Great Blakenham

Chequers

10.35-1055am

MIP/5F Great Blakenham

Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park

11-11.15am

MIP/5G

Baylham

Post Box

11.25-11.45am

MIP/5H

Claydon

Crown

11.55am-1pm

MIP/5I

Claydon

Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm

MIP/5J

Barham

Bacon Road

2.25-3.50pm

MIP/5K

Bramford

Packard Place

4-4.30pm

Henley Community Centre Friday 3rd June 7:30pm Saturday 4th June 2:30pm & 7:30pm

01473833226

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

DATES: May 10, June 7, July 5, August 2, August 30, September 27, October 25, November 22, December 20

9

OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH ROOM Hire rates for Great Blakenham Parish Room are very reasonable.

The main hall is approximately 42ft long and 19.5ft wide (13 x 8 mtrs) and is able to hold 100 people, or 60 if seated. It is ideal for meetings, small parties and gatherings and can be hired between 9am and 11pm.

DOGGY DAY AT GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH ROOM Saturday, July 16, 10am-3pm A day devoted to dogs and the goodies they like, toys they might like to play with and practical things like winter coats and nutrition advice.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a fridge, oven, microwave oven, electric kettles, crockery and cutlery, perfect for making hot drinks and snacks.

There will be competitions for the waggiest tail (11-11.30am), cutest puppy (1-1.30pm), and best behaved dog (2-2.30pm). There will also be a doggie tombola and raffle with prizes for your pet.

There is a car park and small, grassed area with patio, to the rear of the hall.

Refreshments will be available all day, including morning tea, coffee and cakes, light lunches and afternoon tea and scones.

For details of our fees, conditions of hire and to book please contact Paul or Jane Corbett: 01473 830201

If you are interested in having a stall or attending this fun event, please contact Wendy Hooper: 07710 508792 / wendydhooper@gmail.com

IPSWICH HOSPITAL BAND CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY Ipswich Hospital Band is celebrating its 40 anniversary this year and is holding a celebratory concert on Saturday, July 9 to mark the occasion. th

We would particularly like to invite past conductors and band members, including those who have learnt to play as beginners in our training band, to celebrate with us at the concert which, as well as playing some of our favourite music, will be a trip down memory lane.

Past conductors and members are invited to join current members for a get together party after the concert. Tickets are £5 and will include concert admission and after party refreshments. Admission to the concert will be by ticket only.

We are hoping that many will come along to celebrate with us.

To reserve a ticket please contact Betty Green: bgreen144@btinternet.com / 01473 725144

Bramford Church Room Saturday, May 28, 10am-noon Also bring & buy and cakes – and tea!

PLANT SALE AND LUNCHES We are holding our popular plant sale at Bramford Church Room on Saturday, May 14. Lunches will be available between noon and 2pm.

Come along and find a variety of different plants. I’m sure that there will be advice, if you need it, at no extra charge. Then sit down and enjoy a lunch.

Proceeds go towards the upkeep of Bramford Parish Church.

Stewart McGinty

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, May 26, 7.30pm: What are Weavers, Higglers and Moze Makers? by Michael Holland These trades and others are based on a document by a parish overseer in Halstead for the 1831 census detailing names, addresses and obscure occupations. You may come across some of these and other strange occupations during your family tree researches. New family history researchers (including non-members) are welcomed to attend. This talk follows our brief branch AGM. We meet at The Co-op Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW. The pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street and the car park entrance is on Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £3 for society members and £3.50 for non-members who are warmly welcomed.

For more information contact Howard King: 01473 274300

MEET ‘N’ EAT LUNCH CLUB Our lunch club has enjoyed a good start to 2016 with themed meetings based around Valentine’s Day in February, spring arriving in March and Easter bunnies in April. Maypoles may feature at our next meeting!

We meet at noon on the first Friday of each month in the Parish Rooms in Great Blakenham. For only £3.50 we serve a selection of soups with a bread roll, home made puddings with cream or custard and a cup of tea or coffee. In addition, we offer the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo and have a bit of fun.

If you’re interested, telephone Sue Broomfield on 07890 512828, Mike Biddle on 07805 507497, or just come along on the first Friday of the month. You will be very welcome.

10

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

11

OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB

GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB

The winning tickets for March £25 218 Helen Staff £15 237 Frank Bass £10 230 Debbie Parker £10 43 Mr Bickers £5 70 Clive Crane £5 177 David Mayhew

The club meets every Monday (other than bank holidays) in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from 2-4pm. Members pay £2 per meeting and this covers hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes.

The winning tickets for April £25 123 Jane Corbett £15 125 Sackers £10 230 Debbie Parker £10 153 John and Kim Coe £5 235 Michelle Cullen £5 73 Marion Little All money raised by your 200 Club membership goes towards the repair and preservation of St Mary’s Parish Church.

Tickets are £1 a month. If you would like to take part and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building, please contact Marion: 01473 830915

4 EVER YOUNG MEN’S CLUB The February meeting saw our very own Colin Shackleton give us an insight into his interest as an amateur radio enthusiast. It was fascinating to hear of some of the people he had been in contact with throughout the world, as well as the technical aspects of the hobby.

Our workshop meeting for April was entitled Just a Note. Members were given a selection of picture toppers and cards and envelopes to make notelets, extra card to make a folder to hold the notelets and an assortment of papers and embellishments to decorate them. The folder makes a nice present when you just want that ‘little something’, perhaps to say thank you.

This is our programme for 2016, but I give no clues as to the project!

May 16: Fly Away Peter, Fly Away Paul June 6: Cats and Dogs July 4: Butterflies and Flowers August 15: Always Need Storage September 5: Lovely in Lace October 3: New Baubles, Mind the Furniture November 7: Getting Ready for Christmas December 5: Christmas Party There is currently room for new members so if you are interested in joining us please get in touch. Although the club is all ladies at present gentlemen are welcome, but I cannot accommodate children.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

YOUR LOCAL RAINBOWS NEED YOU!

In March, Tony Green from Cancer Campaign in Suffolk came to tell us about the work of this Ipswich based charity, helping to reduce fear before, during and after cancer. Tony is a regular visitor and a good friend of the club.

Claydon Rainbow Unit is currently looking for some special people to volunteer on a regular basis, taking over the weekly running of the unit and helping the Rainbows learn more about their world. The current leadership team will be standing down in July and, having started the unit 22 years ago, would love to see it continue to offer fun activities for girls aged five-seven with new committed leaders at the helm.

We meet at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of the month at The Crown in Claydon. We often have a guest speaker for an hour or so, along with a chance to sit and chat with old friends, meet new friends and learn of new interests and ideas. We’re always looking for members and speakers, so please come along to listen or talk, or both!

Adults (18+) and young people (14+) alike can help our young members continue to experience their guiding journey. Being a guiding volunteer can help enhance your CV and count toward the service element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. No previous experience is necessary, training is provided and a DBS check is required for all those over 18.

The Crown very kindly accommodates us and provides coffee for our meeting, and some of us often stay for a spot of lunch afterwards.

If you would like to join us, telephone Mike Biddle on 07805 507497, or just come along on the third Wednesday of the month. You will be very welcome.

If you can commit to one or two hours per week, we’d love to hear from you.

Rebecca, Rainbow Guider: barker_bradgate@yahoo.co.uk Jo Dixon, Suffolk Outreach Worker: jo.d@btinternet.com www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

AKENHAM CARPENTRY & JOINERY Fitted kitchens, bedrooms, offices, windows, doors, staircases etc in any timber • Kitchen fitting service available on your own units • All interior and exterior carpentry • Competitive rates

NO VAT

Mobile: 07790 370030 Email: dalewatts@btinternet.com 12

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50s CLUB The club is 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 the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle.

On afternoons when we play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area at the rear. It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.

We had a very enjoyable meeting in March when Mr Tyler of the River Gipping Trust presented a slideshow of the work the trust has been doing along the Gipping with pictures of the various locks and sluices along the route.

Our meetings for the next few months are: May 11: Social Afternoon May 25: Mrs Jane Paley with her lighthearted talk What do you know about tea?

June 8: To be confirmed June 22: To be confirmed July 13: Mrs Pauline Walker on The History of the Co-Op Juniors Theatre Company July 27: Social afternoon including quiz time with Brenda Cooper We would be pleased to welcome anyone who would like to come to one of the talks. There is no obligation to become a member, so do come and join us.

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR AT HELMINGHAM HALL

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB Alan Sarsby gave his usual witty critique of open competition (4) entries on March 14 and invited comments from members.

Future meetings May 9

AGM

June 13 Club night – EAF Exhibition DVD June 27 End of season photoshoot – venue TBA New members are always very welcome at the club. All you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras.

Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30 start. We’d love to see you there.

For more information visit: www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

LODGE AN INTEREST WITH ORCHARD BARN The building now known as Orchard Barn dates from the 17th century and has probably gone through different uses and been repaired, updated and modified several times over the years.

The annual spring plant fair organised by Suffolk Plant Heritage in partnership with Helmingham Hall will be held in the beautiful grounds of Helmingham Hall on Sunday, May 29, 10am-4pm.

From old maps and the remains of collapsed buildings we know there were two adjoining structures on its west side. These were cart lodges used for storing farm machinery and tools under cover.

For 2016 our plant fair will be renewed and expanded with specialist nurseries, new artisan and conservation zones, entertainment and children’s activities.

We have recently received planning permission to reconstruct these cart lodges. We plan to use them as craft rooms.

A plant of the lovely, unusual Campanula zangezuea (rock bellflower) will be given to the first 800 visitors to claim them. Giving a plant away is the best form of conservation; the seed for our free plant has been given to us by Sue Wooster, National Collection Holder of alpine campanulas.

Children will receive a free goodie bag with a pumpkin plant and there will be children’s activities in the garden marquee.

If you’d like to be involved in our next ambitious building project that involves lots of traditional tree to timber conversion and construction, including sourcing local trees, then visit www.orchardbarn.org.uk or phone 01473 658193. We also need volunteers on Thursdays to learn how to make wooden roof tiles.

Enjoy live music, a dance tent, homemade teas and lunches as well as a range of food stalls and visit the Grade 1 listed gardens of Helmingham Hall, with its walled kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, roses and ancient deer park.

A range of workshops will take place in the garden marquee, including with garden designer Lady Tollemache, and our plant doctors will be available to offer advice on any gardening topic, to identify your mystery plants and plant problems.

Tours of the gardens with Lady Tollemache (tickets £10) are bookable from the Helmingham Estate Office: 01473 890799 Entry to the plant fair is £7 with children free.

Helmingham Hall IP14 6EF is nine miles NE of Ipswich on the B1077

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

13

SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB March prize winners were: No 35 No 41 No 55

Margaret Harvey Katie Lee Colin Dawson

£20.40 £10.20 £3.40

New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 a month and the draw takes place on the last Friday of each month from September through to July. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all the money raised is used to enhance the lives of our children within the pre-school.

For an entry form please contact Nadine Harrison: 01473 831857 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

HENLEY PRE-SCHOOL Now the children have settled back into the summer term following the Easter break, we are making the most of the warmer weather and the extra hours of sunshine by getting the children out in the garden to learn and play. We feel that it is important for children to get fresh air so, weather permitting, the children are outside playing in the garden every session, be it with the bikes, trykes, toy buggies, in the water or sand pit, with bats and balls or simply with their own imagination.

The children will be planting flower and vegetable seeds in our new garden and flower beds, and watching them grow throughout the term.

We hope to enjoy the fruits of our labour by the end of term, with some wonderful vegetables and beautiful flowers to brighten up the setting.

We will spend this term looking at staying healthy and healthy eating.

This will work in with growing our own vegetables, and the children will learn about the joys and benefits of being active and the importance of a varied and balanced diet. We hope to make budding young gardeners out of them by the end of term!

We are a small rural pre-school situated in the light and airy Boughton Room within Henley Community Centre which is less than a ten minute drive from Ipswich town centre (straight out on Henley Road). There is a large car park on site making drop off and collection of your child a safer and easier experience.

We have both grant funded and paid sessions for two to five year olds.

We also accept childcare vouchers. Lunch club is also available (noon1pm). You don’t need to live in the Henley catchment area to come and play with us – we have children from Ipswich, Claydon, Needham Market and other surrounding areas.

If you would like to come and join in the fun, please call 01473 833848 during session time any weekday morning or Monday, Wednesday or Friday afternoon before 3pm. Out of hours, or if you wish to leave us a message, please call: 07979 468467

CLAYDON AND BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mother’s Union project which has been run by mothers union members and supporters for 25 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, May 12 and 26 from 9.30 to 11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

Our regular sessions include storytime, singing, imaginative play and lots of fun. Families can enjoy themed craft activities where children can produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and others toys which encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. For parents/carers it’s a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children.

This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Jacob, Flyn, Nathan, Harley and Matilda.

Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there.

For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.

Michelle

CLAYDON MUMS ‘N’ TOTS GROUP Calling all mums, dads, grandparents and carers with children 0-4 years old! Are you looking for somewhere to entertain your children and make new friends at the same time?

Claydon Mums ‘n’ Tots meet every Tuesday (term time) from 1.15-3pm in Claydon & Barham Village Hall. We charge just £1.50 per family (one adult + children) which includes a drink and a biscuit for both the adults and children. There is a great selection of toys and activities to stimulate the children and help them let off some steam!

Each week we have a different theme at our arts and crafts table where the children can make and create something amazing to take home and show the family. We always end our session with a sing-a-long.

This month we will be on May 3, 10, 17 and 24 and new faces are always welcome. So why not come along, have a cuppa and meet some people in your area? We look forward to seeing you and your little ones soon.

www.henleypreschool.co.uk

GIPPING NETBALL Over 16s club with two teams in the South Suffolk Netball league.

This season has been full of ups and downs for both squads. The First team are currently second in the league with only six games left. This fantastic result is testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment. The Second team, who got promoted to Division 2 last season after a three year unbeaten streak, have had a mixed season so far. However, they continue to fight hard to win every match and will hopefully finish mid-table.

With the end of season fast approaching this is a great time for any budding netball players to join our club. We train from 7-8pm once a week at Needham Market Community Centre. Come along and join us for a training session or contact Emily for more information: 07963 377007 / elp653@gmail.com

14

In Touch online:

SPORT BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB

CLAYDON FC

Greetings guff lovers Spring has sprung! Though with the state of my Achilles’ tendons there isn’t much springing about on the courts these days. For league players, April means waving goodbye to the winter league, though in the case of Matt and Adam they had the added satisfaction of finishing above their dad, Graham, who with Nick did a Leicester and just avoided relegation.

CLAYDON FC SCORES NEW GOALS

For social players summer usually involves the annual racquet hunt which, depending on where you left it last, can be quite an athletic pastime. No such problems for me as I always know where mine is, though it also means we don’t eat any spaghetti from now until September as we don’t have anything to strain it with once I put it into the sports bag.

The AGM last month saw a new (smaller) committee formed which means that there are vacancies for anyone who wishes to join. We have had some new members join and hope that with the proposed new developments in the village we will see membership rising again. Nick and myself have been asked to play a few games against each other so that potential members aren’t daunted by the thought that our standards are too high.

We have entered one men’s team this season as injuries and other commitments have meant the ladies availability is seriously affected, especially as the summer format involves three doubles pairs, as opposed to two doubles pairs in the winter. We are seeking friendly fixtures during the season for those interested in competitive play, though the best competition is often seeing who can persuade Graham to buy a round afterwards!

Claydon Football Club entered the Harrod UK competition to find the areas saddest goal posts and tweeted a picture of our senior portable training goals which are well past their best and not portable any longer. We were delighted to find out we had won one of the sets available to the Suffolk entrants and so we will be receiving a new set of senior goals for the adult and older junior teams.

The club would like to thank Harrod UK for this fantastic prize and look forward to using the new goals for a long time to come.

NEW MEN’S 1st TEAM MANAGER APPOINTED Claydon Football Club are pleased to announce the appointment of a new men’s First team manager who takes over with immediate effect.

Richard ‘Kenny”’ Kennedy lives in Claydon and previously managed the Reserves, but left in 2011 to manage Somersham who he took to Division 1 before leaving in October 2015. He will assume First team duties for the last match of the season on Saturday, April 23 against Coplestonians at Greshams Sports Club.

Club chairman Tim Carr said: “We had a few applications for the role and the standard and competition was very high which shows the quality and commitment of coaching in local football. This made our job all the more harder in selecting someone who shares the ethos of the club and will drive the senior section forward, improving the status of not only the men’s standard of football but also provide a focus for the youth section of the club to aim at.”

We are hoping to get the courts cleaned to remove the winter algae build up. This wasn’t helped when Nick was seen pouring thick dairy products over himself before he started playing last week. He claimed to have read that it helps you to relax and improve your flexibility. I had read the same article and pointed out that it referred to ‘yoga’ and not ‘yoghurt’!

New club sessioans are on Sunday mornings from 10.30am and Tuesday evenings from 6’ish. To prevent players turning up and finding insufficient partners we are planning on a group texting system to assure any players thinking of attending that there will be enough opponents on the courts.

Joke of the month A woman is placing flowers on a grave when she sees a distraught man standing over a headstone repeatedly saying: “Why did you have to die?”

Concerned, she asked him if it was his wife’s grave. “No,” replied the man, “it’s my wife’s first husband!”

More guff next month, Mick Russ

GIPPING VALLEY BOWLS CLUB We will soon be commencing our warm-up programme for the start of the new season; the green opened officially on Monday, April 18.

With this in mind, we will be holding a taster session on Saturday, May 7, 10am-1pm, for anybody who might be interested in taking up a new sport, or even experienced bowlers would be very welcome. Our current bowlers will be on hand to help anybody who is interested; just come along and bring some flat shoes.

If you require further information contact our secretary, Rita Adams: 01473 830845

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

NOW RECRUITING JUNIOR ARTWORKER Mansion House Publishing, Ipswich seeks to recruit a junior artworker who is competent in InDesign and Photoshop to join our small and very busy team.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS At least one year’s experience in a studio environment The ability to work well within a team To work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines A keen eye for detail Natural creative flair If you meet the criteria outlined above, or wish to discuss the position further, please contact our studio manager Jo Wain as soon as possible: jo@intouchnews.co.uk / 01473 400380 To see some of the publications we produce visit http://issuu.com/mansionhousepublishing or www.GrapevineLIVE.co.uk Mansion House Publishing 20 Wharfedale Road • Ipswich IP1 4JP

15

ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS WIN A WEDDING WITH ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE

ST MARY’S CHURCH, GREAT BLAKENHAM Priest-in-charge: position currently vacant Churchwardens Wendy Hooper, 01473 846642 / Jane Corbett, 01473 830201 MAUNDY THURSDAY SUPPER Twenty-six adults and children from our benefice enjoyed a very meaningful Agape Meal on Maundy Thursday before a service in the church at 7.30pm.

Would you like to get married for free? St Elizabeth Hospice is offering one lucky couple the chance to Win a Wedding!

The local charity launched the new challenge at Glemham Hall which has also been donated as the venue for the big day. Local businesses have sponsored the challenge, donating their services for the wedding, including the dress, suits, rings, catering and everything you could want for your special day.

The wedding package is worth £15,000 and couples can now enter the competition to win their big day, all paid for!

When the couples enter, they have to give reasons why they deserve to win the wedding package. Their stories will then be shared on the hospice’s social media pages and the public will vote for the six couples they want to go forward to be semi-finalists.

The six semi-finalists then have four months to fundraise as much as they can for St Elizabeth Hospice, with the top three fundraisers going into the final. The final three couples then have another four months, until February 2017, to raise even more charity cash, with the couple raising the most winning their dream wedding.

The runners-up are also rewarded for their hard work and support of the hospice, and they will win vouchers for money off their wedding.

Joanne Rodger, the hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser, said: “We’re really excited to be launching our Win a Wedding challenge and we’re sure that there are lots of local couples who are planning to get married, but can’t meet the expense of a £15,000 wedding at the moment.

“By entering our competition they can not only win their wedding, all paid for, but they will be supporting and raising vital funds for their local hospice to help provide care and support for local people living with a progressive illness, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure. We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses who are sponsoring the challenge, donating their services to give the lucky winner a beautiful and special wedding package.”

Sponsors of Win a Wedding include: Glemham Hall, providing the venue; The Bridal Lounge supplying the wedding dress; bridesmaid dresses from Just a Day; makeup up by Victoria Bradfield; hair and nails by Hair Ministry; suits from Coes; chair covers by Table Angels; catering by Serendipity Street; rings from Carats; cake made by Amelie’s Kitchen; invites, name cards and seating plan by Lemon Pie Stationary; flowers by Kaye Souter; mobile recording studio from Songstream Studios; photography by Patrick Stockley; videography by TJS Video; aerial videography by Echo Alpha; and registrar from Suffolk County Council.

Miss Rodger added: “If you just got engaged this is the ideal opportunity for you to get married for free, whilst supporting the hospice and helping make a difference to the lives of our patients and their families.”

To enter the competition to Win a Wedding and for full terms and conditions, please visit www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/winawedding, call 01473 723600 or email: fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk St Elizabeth Hospice provides vital care and support to around 2,000 local people every year. It costs millions of pounds a year to run the hospice and it relies on the generosity and support of the local community to meet the majority of these costs through fundraising, donations and the income generated from its shops.

16

ANNUAL AGM The church annual general meeting took place on Wednesday, April 6. Judith Williams stood down as churchwarden and Wendy Hooper was elected to take over this role. The Parochial Church Council would like to thank Judith for her many years of service and are very pleased that Judith will continue to be part of the Parochial Church Council and our church.

The PCC was elected as follows: Wendy Hooper, churchwarden; Jane Corbett, churchwarden; Paul Corbett, secretary and vice-chairman; Peter Ewing, treasurer; Marion Little, Hilary Gould, Judith Williams and John Hooper.

The archdeacon’s visitation at which the churchwardens will officially be installed in their post will take place on May 12.

COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNING The next community coffee morning in the Parish Room will be on Saturday, May 14, 10am-noon. Come and join us for tea/coffee, homemade cake and a chat. We hold a community coffee morning in the Parish Room on the second Saturday of each month.

GREAT BLAKENHAM’S GOT TALENT Unfortunately due to lack of interest, we have had to cancel the Great Blakenham’s Got Talent event planned for June 18.

TRADITIONAL VILLAGE FETE FOR ALL THE FAMILY We will be holding a traditional village fete at Great Blakenham Parish Room from 2-4pm on Saturday, June 18. There will be refreshments, a book stall, bric-a-brac, a raffle, games for all ages, and more. All welcome.

DOGGY DAY Please see page 10.

PRIEST VACANCY At the time of writing we are preparing to interview candidates for our priest-in-charge vacancy that will take place on April 14 and 15.

We continue to remember in our prayers all those involved in the selection process and that the right person will be found to lead our parish to grow in faith.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE There will be a confirmation service in our deanery on September 25. The venue and time is still to be advised. If you are interested in being confirmed or would like more information please contact Jane Corbett: 01473 830201 MAY SERVICES Morning Prayer Service: Sunday, May 8, 10am Holy Communion Service: Sunday, May 22, 11.15am Coffee and homemade cakes are available after the 10am services.

May 14 May 29 June 11 June 12 June 18 June 26 July 9 July 10 July 16 July 24

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Community Coffee Morning Benefice Service at Barham Church, 10am Community Coffee Morning Family Service, 10am Traditional Village Fete Holy Communion Service, 10am Community Coffee Morning Holy Communion Service, 11.15am Doggy Day Family Service, 10am

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest in charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar, 01473 748914 / Stmarybramford@aol.com Assistant curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250 www.stmarybramford.co.uk Morning Prayer at Bramford: 8.30am Monday to Friday Wednesday morning quiet reflective communion service: 9.30am at the vicarage, unless otherwise advised.

Please check Porch notices for any changes.

villages, however I think we are facing some of the most testing times that the church has faced for many generations. We have weathered the reformation, civil war, puritanism, new services, and new types of ministry, but now we are facing indifference, and the rise of a secular society.

I am really aware that at some point we will start to lose our smaller parish churches unless something innovative is done to try to save them.

Funnily enough, this is probably not up to our ministers, and shrinking congregations, but it is up to you out there in the community. If you want us, we will be here serving you for many years to come, but if you do not need us any more then at some point we will quietly disappear.

May 1 8am 10am

6pm

Rogation Sunday BCP Holy Communion Holy Communion with Prayer for healing Evening Prayer for rogation

May 5 3pm 7pm

Ascension Day United Service at Cherryfields Ascension day service

Bramford

May 7 3pm

Wedding

Bramford

Blessings to you all Jenny

Bramford Nettlestead Bramford Bramford Bramford

Fundraising events Saturday, May 14: Our annual plant sale combined with lunches and a few books for sale – if you have any surplus plants or have sown too many seeds we would welcome donations (see page 10).

May 8 8am 10am Noon 1pm 5pm May 10 11am

Easter 7, Sunday after Ascension Holy Communion Parish Communion Baptism Baptism Five o’clock service

Little Blakenham Bramford Baylham

Communion from reserved sacrament Baylham care centre

I do not expect a huge revival in Sunday church going, but it is a start of you take an interest in our wonderful historic buildings. Also I do not believe the media hype, Christianity has had a really bad press over the past few years. Actually the church is still here quietly serving you when you need us, no ulterior motives, no prejudice or demands for money, just as we always have trying to serve our community in whichever way we can.

Saturday, May 28: Coffee morning this is a very popular event and great for meeting friends and family (see page 10).

PARISH REGISTERS

May 11 7.30pm

Healing Service

Methodist Church

May 14 1pm

Wedding

Bramford

May 15 10am 10am

Pentecost Holy Communion Holy Communion

Bramford Baylham

May 17 2.30pm

The Gathering

Church Room

Baptism April 3: Max Daniel and Oliver Edward Mowbray May they grow in grace and the knowledge of God. Cleaning Rota: Mrs Bardwell Flower Rota: May 7, 14 Weddings, May 28 J Patterson

May 22 8am Holy Communion

Bramford

Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church April 7: In memory of Jim Thacker on his 65th birthday April 8/10: In memory of Brian Corker April 19: In loving memory of Margaret Heasley on her birthday May 4: In memory of Phil Sawyer on his 70th birthday May 4: For Robert Orlando Cracknell’s 90th birthday

10am 10am

Family Service & Baptism Morning Prayer

Bramford Nettlestead

If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 a week.

May 29 10am

Trinity 1 Group Holy Communion

Bramford

Dear Friends This May marks my five year anniversary as priest in charge (vicar) of St Mary’s Bramford, St Mary’s Little Blakenham, St Mary’s Nettlestead, and St Peter’s Baylham. This kind of anniversary always makes me look back and reflect. So much has happened, my daughter Emma has done her GCSEs, A Levels, and is now in the second year at university, an independent young woman.

In that time in the parishes so many things have changed, we have introduced new services in most of the parishes, changed service times, we have lost some folk, and gained others. However, I am aware that five years is a very small time in the life of a church which has been here for around 1,000 years.

I am also aware that I am just one in a long line of priests in our

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

Lectionary Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to be sharing the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world.

May 1

Acts 16:9-15 May 8 Acts 16: 16-34

Fifth Sunday of Easter (Rogation Sunday) Rev. 21:10, 22-22:5 Sunday after Ascension Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

White John 14:23-29 or 5:1-9 White John 17:20-26

May 15 Acts 2:1-21

Pentecost Romans 8:14-17

Red John 14:8-17 (215-27)

May Prov. 8:1

Trinity Sunday Romans 5:1-5

White John 16:12-15

May 29 First after Trinity 1 Kings 18:20,21 Gal.1:1-12

Green Luke7:1-10(22-29)30- 39

17

CHURCH NEWS HOW MUCH ARE YOU WORTH?

of a loved one in modern times amounted to (with inflation) £302million.

I wonder how much you feel you are worth? I remember when I was back in school there was a fun fact going around stating that the human body was worth around £1.79 based on its chemical makeup! Apparently we have enough iron in our system to make a three inch nail, enough fat in our body to make seven bars of soap, enough carbon for 900 pencils, enough sulphur to cure a dog of fleas and enough phosphorus to coat 2,200 match heads!

I asked at the start: “how much do you feel you are worth?” The Bible tells us that God loved us so much that he gave his life to redeem us. It didn’t cost him £302million, or a lung, or some bone marrow. It cost Him His life.

When I searched the Internet to remind myself of these amusing facts I was surprised to discover that we have increased in value up to £45million!

While this may sound like good news the reason for the increase is not so encouraging. With the advances in medicine and transplant success, along with the lack of organ donors, there is a growing problem of human organs being sold on the black market. Apparently a heart can sell for up to £75,000, a liver for up to £150,000, two corneas for up to £10,000 and if you were able to extract all the bone marrow in your body it could be worth up to £23million!

It can be quite difficult to place a value on some things. Having sold various things on eBay over the years, some things have ended up selling for much more than I expected, while other things, that I had thought quite valuable, made only a pittance! I have reached the following conclusion: Something is only worth what someone else is willing to pay!

So what is the most that someone would pay for someone else? As far as I could find online it seems the largest ransom paid to secure the return

Isn’t that an amazing thought? Jesus loves us so much that he would rather give his own life to pay the price for our sin and provide a way of restoration to God, than be without us for eternity. I wonder what He is worth to you?

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45 SERVICES Sundays: 10.45am at Great Blakenham (including Sunday Club for children); 6.30pm at Mickfield Wednesday: Fortnightly women’s meeting, 2.30pm; fortnightly prayer and Bible study, 10am Friday: Action Bible Club, meeting at the church, 6.30-7.30pm – games, crafts and stories for ages five to 12 For more information: 01449 720357 / info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

CHRISTCHURCH, NEEDHAM MARKET

Methodist/United Reformed Church, High Street, Needham Market IP6 8AP Ministers The Rev Mary Playford (URC): 01449 711798 The Rev John Boardman (Methodist): 01787 372738 Sunday Morning Worship: 10.30am, including crèche and Sunday Club Service of Holy Communion: Second Sunday WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHRISTCHURCH HALLS Tiddlers: Monday 9.30-11am (term time) For mums and toddlers, 12 months to four years.

Contact Hannah: 07969 482360 Scrabble Club: Monday 2-4pm New players please contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Knit for Peace: First Wednesday, 2.30-4pm Contact Sheila Norris: 01449 720871 Women’s Fellowship: Second Wednesday 2.30-3.30pm Contact Linda Hills: 01449 721258 Christians Together Ecumenical Group: Thursday, 10am Contact Ann Devereux: 01449 721575 Coffee Morning: Second Saturday, 10am-noon Always with a selection of cakes for sale.

OTHER REGULAR BOOKINGS Weight Watchers: Monday, 7-9pm Children’s Musical Theatre: Tuesday, 4-6pm Contact Faye: 01449 722354 Karate: Wednesday; juniors 6.30-7.30pm / adults 7.30-8.30pm Rainbow Guides: Thursday, 5.30-6.30pm (term time) Brownies: Thursday, 6.30-7.30pm (term time) Self Defence: Thursday, 8-10pm

I like May – and not just because my birthday is in this month! It’s a time of year when spring has definitely grasped the year, it’s a busy time in the garden and summer warmth is tantalisingly close. May is a month to be ‘doing things’, to get out and about, and I note that the Suffolk Walking Festival starts on May 15 – I really must book up!

This year, May is a busy month in the church calendar – with Thursday 5 being Ascension Day (marking the ascent of Jesus into heaven), Sunday 15 is Pentecost Sunday and the following Sunday is known as Trinity Sunday.

Pentecost is the time when the early believers started to ‘get out and about’. They left the sanctuary of their room in Jerusalem and started to preach the gospel to anyone and everyone who would listen. Within a few years the word had spread to countries as diverse as Syria, Macedonia and Italy.

We are so used to picking up a telephone to speak to someone, texting or emailing our friends and families all over the world, or using social media to make an instant message, that I think we don’t appreciate that so much communication centuries ago was by word of mouth, or perhaps handwritten letters. There was a personal connection with any news – good or bad.

Now I’m a great social media user, but even I think that face to face personal conversation is still the best way to communicate. It’s when you see each other’s face, listen to the intonations in your voices that you really make a connection.

Church contact: Ann Devereux, 01449 721575

Apart from our weekly Sunday services, we run other groups where people get together to chat, to laugh, to play Scrabble, to knit, to meet new and old friends. So, this May if you’d like to get out and about and perhaps don’t fancy the Suffolk Walking Festival, why not take a stroll down to Christchurch?

www.christchurchneedhammarket.co.uk

The Rev Mary Playford

Hall lettings: 07851 742847

18

In Touch online:

LOCAL SERVICES March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA

• FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll, Auto Enrolment,VAT, Self Assessment, and full accounting service • Personable and professional tailored support • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies

Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk

Advertise here for

£20 a month

*

Please call 01473 400380 *price excluses VAT Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning

Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation

call John Burch: 07870 347486

Tel: 01449 721441

MID-SUFFOLK FENCING

SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING

SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR

TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG

www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk

YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT

GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work

For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 To advertise in this section, which appears in 17 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

19