In Touch News with Gt. Blakenham – May 2017

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Volume 7 • Issue No. 7 • MAY 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I’m having guitar lessons at the moment. In fact it’s a family guitar lesson, though Jack seems to chit-chat most of the time which is more than a little annoying. I’m not naturally ‘musical’ and have no immediate plans to join a band, but decided to do this to give my brain a bit of a work-out. It’s proving to be a challenge. I spend so long trying to recall each chord I doubt if I’ll ever produce anything which resembles music, but it has been interesting to explore my mental back catalogue to find pieces I want to play (eventually). Different types of music and different artists have accompanied me through various stages in my life. Johnny Cash was my first love, then Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, U2, The Stunning, The Pale, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Snow Patrol, Regina Spektor, Nick Cave, Ed Sheeran… and always Johnny Cash. One song I go back to again and again is U2’s Stuck in a Moment. The following words have helped me through some difficult times: “And if the night runs over, And if the day won’t last, And if your way should falter, Along this stony pass, It’s just a moment, This time will pass”

NEWS AFTERNOON TEA FUNDRAISER Horizon invites you to afternoon tea with music from The Carpenters from 2-4pm on Sunday, May 21 at Great Blakenham Village Hall to raise money for East Anglian Air Ambulance. Tickets are £8 which includes afternoon tea. For tickets contact Sarah (07496 041768) or Wendy (01473 832885). www.horizon-ipswich.org

WHY SHOULD I BECOME A PARISH COUNCILLOR?

Another which reduces me to tears every time I play it, and I play it a lot, is Johnny Cash’s version of Hurt. His video is regarded as one of the saddest ever produced, but on their own the opening lyrics are, in my opinion, the most powerful description of loneliness I’ve ever encountered:

It doesn’t matter whether your family have lived in Great Blakenham for generations or if you are a newcomer, Great Blakenham is where you live and that means you have a real interest in your local community. What better way of helping the community than via the parish council?

“I hurt myself today, To see if I still feel, I focus on the pain, The only thing that’s real” Right now these lyrics make me sad for those who are alone with little or no prospect of human contact. The days may be longer and most of us are getting out and about, but not everyone. Spare a thought for those who are isolated through illness or age and consider what you might do to provide a distraction. In Save Myself, Ed Sheeran sings “...human beings are destined to radiate or drain…” Let’s try to radiate more than drain – and I promise to never, ever, ever play guitar in public.

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with Baylham, Gt. & Lt. Blakenham & Nettlestead

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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I wanted to know how things get done, how local planning works and represent the parish on local issues (whether environmental, infrastructure, education and health). Councillors have information on and make decisions on a whole range of things that really affect the village. Where does our money come from? If you look at your council tax bill, you will see that the parish council has a line which shows how much of your total bill comes to the parish council to spend. How is this amount decided? How is it spent? What should the priorities be? All these things are discussed and decided on at our meetings (usually held monthly). When I became a councillor, I found that I wasn’t just a representative of the community, I was also part of the parish council team. Training and support were there to help me in my new role. It’s such a positive feeling when working with others for the good of the community. We may not always have the same views on things, but through constructive discussion and voting on decisions, we reach agreement on what the parish council needs to do and put plans in place – among many other things, to help ensure that new pedestrian crossing is put in place, support local charities, school and sports clubs, ensure the cemetery is an appropriate place where bereaved families can remember their deceased or help maintain allotments that are eagerly used by the community. I was keen on introducing the community to their parish council via social media, finding new ways of engaging the public; it’s all possible with an idea and an agenda item to be decided on. With the support of your council, you can shape the future for the benefit of your community – that’s my primary reason for being a councillor. If, like me, you care about your parish and want to help shape it for the benefit of the community then contact Janet, our clerk: pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.go.uk / 07508 830777 Steve Plume

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NEWS GREAT BLAKENHAM WEDDING FESTIVAL GREAT BLAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Wedding fairs are usually held in grand country homes or large hotels. We are bucking the trend and holding a church-based wedding fair. We want couples to have their dream church wedding, so we are teaming up with local businesses to run our very own wedding festival. Over the weekend of May 27-29, from 10am-4pm daily, St Mary’s Church, Great Blakenham, will play host to one of the very first and only churchbased wedding fairs. The unique event will be held in the church, the Chequers Free House and Church Hall opposite. Join us for prosecco and canapes at our preview evening at 7pm on Friday 26 with Bishop Mike (tickets are £5). On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28, the church will be open to view show-stopping flower arrangements from various local companies and flower arrangers, beautiful wedding dresses throughout the ages, as well as dresses for sale. Hear wedding music on the organ, and chat to local vicars who can advise you on matters about your special day, and can also support you as you begin married life together. At 4pm on Sunday 28, there will be a Renewal of Vows Service which will also enable unmarried couples to experience a church wedding, and there will be plenty of favourite wedding songs to sing. On Monday 29 there will be over 30 local exhibitors and stall holders to give you ideas how to make your wedding day special – from photographers to wedding cakes, dresses, entertainment and music, jewellery, beauty, cars, clothing and so much more! There will also be goody bags for wedding couples. The Chequers Free House will be open all weekend, providing a great wedding menu to try. The Rev Carl Melville, Vicar of Great Blakenham Church, writes: “This is such a unique and exciting event. If anyone can do weddings well, it’s the Church of England. We can be traditional and formal or contemporary and quirky and we want to show couples that a church wedding is the perfect choice for them. A church wedding ceremony is a similar price to other venues, and much more personal and meaningful. By teaming up with local businesses and bespoke exhibitors, I hope people can catch a glimpse of how a church wedding can make the most special day of their lives perfect.” So, if you’re thinking about marriage, if you’re getting married soon or if you’re been married for 40 years, come along and have a great day. Admission is free, donations are welcome.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Our regular networking opportunities for May 2017

In the near future, we will also be installing another general rubbish bin and two new grit bins. If you feel that there is an area of the village where it would be useful to have a bin – dog waste or for general rubbish – please contact Janet, our clerk: 07508 830777 / pc@greatblakenham.suffolk.co.uk We post information on Facebook (@greatblakenhampc) and Twitter (@pcgtblakenham) about the parish council and its work, but also items of interest locally such as road closures, the allotments, SnOasis Reserved Matters and mud on the roads. If you want to leave us a message this way, please do so. You’ll find information about all the above and the work of the council, as well as copies of agendas and minutes of meetings on the council website. As always, members of the public are very welcome to attend council meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at the Parish Meeting Room on Mill Lane. We start promptly at 7pm. There is a public forum at the beginning of each meeting. The purpose of this is to give members of the public, especially residents of Great Blakenham, the opportunity to raise concerns or ask questions about topics that are related to the work of the parish council. Some of you have already attended our monthly meetings and participated in the public forum. Thank you once again to all the members of the public who have taken the time to come along and give us important feedback on what are the important issues for residents of the village. Thank you for reading this and for your interest in the work of your parish council. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Wednesday, May 10 at 7pm in the Parish Meeting Room. Great Blakenham Parish Council Chairman Steve Plume www.greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net

BAYLHAM VILLAGE HALL GOOD NEWS! We shall be re-starting our monthly coffee mornings on Saturday, May 6 at 10.30am following the refurbishment of the hall. Hope to see you there. Tuesday, May 9 at 7.30pm: Meeting to discuss Baylham Summer Fun Day. Volunteers to help with arrangements will be very welcome.

Please check the online events page for further details and to book: www.stowmarketchamber.co.uk

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Two new bins for dog waste have been installed on Masons Drive. These have been donated by Orbit Housing. The parish council has already provided a number of dog bins around the village and pays for them to be emptied regularly. We will soon be adding another two, so there are plenty of bins available for your dog waste bags. We have received a number of complaints about bags being left on paths or on shrubs and trees. Please be a responsible dog owner, clean up after your pet and use the dog waste bins or take it home with you!

Future dates for your diary

Coffee Morning Networking: Friday, May 5, 10am-noon, at Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market Networking Breakfast: Friday, May 19, 6.45am at our new summer venue, The Bistro, Stonham Barns

We are continuing to press for solutions to the various problems of mud and flooding on the roads in the village. You may have noticed that some of the road signs in the village are looking cleaner. We became aware that the amount of mud and dirty water being splashed up from the roads was making signs like the ones at the entrances to the village very hard to read, so the parish council arranged for regular extra cleaning for the signs it is responsible for.

Tuesday, May 23 at 7.30pm: AGMs of the Parish Meeting, Baylham Village Hall and Friends of Baylham Church Saturday, June 10 or Sunday, June 11: Official opening of refurbished village hall with a celebration tea. More details to be announced later. Saturday, July 22, 2pm: Baylham Fun Day, proceeds in aid of the hall and friends of the church.

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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: APRIL 2017 As I write the election for the county council is sufficiently close that there are few meetings being held and clearly county facilities must not be used to gain advantage for any candidate. The council of course continues to function, decisions are taken and services deliver to residents but some actions are constrained. At our last full council meeting on March 16, there were a number of annual reports. The Audit Committee gave the results of the audit by Ernst and Young, an unqualified opinion, and some details of fraud investigation work routinely undertaken. There were no items requiring other than normal attention. The Scrutiny Committee summarised its last year’s work and Education Scrutiny, Health Scrutiny and the Police and Crime Panel reported their activities. We had all been active in our role as critical friends seeking to understand service performance, the views of residents and service users and to encourage and advocate improvement. The Pension Committee introduced the changes necessary to move funds into the pooling arrangements that the government is forcing through. Their intention is to reduce the performance-based fees paid to city institutions for investment advice and activity. The committee were far from certain savings will be as rapid or as large as predicted. However, we have made the best decision possible in the interests of Suffolk taxpayers and pensioners of the many bodies involved, dominantly the county and district councils. A change to the constitution aimed at reducing delays in the speed limit approval process. Transferring the setting of criteria to the Assistant Director of Highways with the Speed Limits Cases Panel and a revised set of processes was agreed. I hope this will make the limits that people want in Claydon and Barham easier, not more difficult to achieve.

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE Shutdown update The first of the twice yearly shutdowns at the Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is now complete. Shutdowns are a normal part of operational life and offer the opportunity to carry out inspections and maintenance work. For example, during this shutdown we have installed scaffolding to give access to the boiler and grate, and we have carried out repairs to the lining of the boiler and a major overhaul of the grate (where the rubbish is burnt). All these tasks will ensure the plant continues to run safely and efficiently. We manage shutdowns to ensure minimal disruption to the local community, making parking and transport arrangements for the contractors who are working at the site, and confining any night working to within the building itself. Civic Trust award Suffolk’s energy-from-waste facility was one of 45 projects recognised in this year’s Civic Trust Awards, which aim to encourage the very best in architecture and environmental design and to reward projects that benefit their local communities. Described as ‘a striking innovation in industrial architecture’ the awards highlight the important role the facility plays in processing the waste left after recycling to generate electricity. Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149. Other useful contacts: To book a visit: 01473 836812 Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

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Parish Councils Some parish councils meet for their normal functions and some for annual meetings. I will of course attend them and make reports on the issues where I can give progress information, but much work is stalled for a few weeks. I have been getting a number of ‘mud on road’, flooding and pothole complaints which I am forwarding for action when it again becomes possible, but of course no decisions will be taken at the moment. I do not feel I can report on most of the other cabinet member documents since I can’t really do that without political judgement on the content, which is not appropriate in this magazine. One where I will just quote the data presented is school improvement. At the end of 2013, 72% of Suffolk schools were judged ‘good’ or ‘better’ by Ofsted; as of mid-February 2017, that figure has risen by 17% to 89%. Over the same time nationally, the rise has been 9%, from 80% to 89%. Suffolk’s national ranking at Key Stage 2 has risen from 141st in 2013/14 to 123rd in 2015/16 for attainment, and from 146th to 127th for progress. At Key Stage 4, the attainment ranking has risen from 125th to 109th, while the progress ranking has risen from 112th to 55th, which puts Suffolk in the top half of all local authorities for this measure The number of ‘good’ schools is a great improvement. If you have queries please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808. You can also email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk

FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club The Meet ’n’ Eat Lunch Club meets at noon on the first Friday of each month at the Parish Rooms in Great Blakenham. For only £4 we serve a choice of soup with a roll and butter, followed by homemade puddings with cream or custard and a cup of tea or coffee. Our jacket potato menu in February was a great success and will return during the year. In addition, we offer the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo, win the raffle and have a bit of fun. If you need more information, please contact Mike on 07805 507497 or just come along with your friends on May 5. You will be very welcome. 4Ever Young Men’s Club The 4Ever Young Men’s Club meets at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of each month in the Crown at Claydon. We’re always looking for new members to join us and in preparation for our AGM in June, need to think about electing (or re-electing) our chairman, secretary and treasurer. If you fit the bill (Forever Young) please come along and see what we’re all about. For more information, contact Mike Biddle on 07805 507497, or just turn up on the third Wednesday of the month. You will be very welcome.

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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5

Now the clocks have sprung forward for spring, the weather is getting better, days are getting longer and people are spending more time enjoying the outdoors, we would ask that you remain vigilant to crime. Before you go out and leave your house or car, check those windows that you opened to allow the fresh air through the house, check that door that you left ajar and check those garden tools or toys that you left out. Have you made it easy for that chance criminal and left any insecure items as an open invitation for a chance burglar. The reason we ask you to STOP, CHECK, LOCK, is that over recent weeks some of our smaller villages have been targets for thefts from sheds and other out buildings. With this in mind, Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding Community Engagements in various villages throughout Babergh with the aim in offering crime prevention advice and reassurance. We will be advertising these events on Twitter and Facebook and in parish magazines so look out for one near to you. Last month we were in Shotley for several hours with our mobile police station at the village vall. Colleagues patrolled the village on foot and incorporated speed enforcement during the day. We spoke to local residents, listening and responding to their concerns and issues. While I have this opportunity, I would like to give you all updates on recent crimes that have occurred in our area and the work that has been carried out: • Operation Fireside: Burglaries around East Ipswich and Shotley. A detective inspector has been appointed to oversee this, two people arrested, one warrant executed for stolen goods and enquiries ongoing. • Burglaries in Bentley: One person given a 10 year prison sentence. • Holbrook Burglaries: One person on Court Bail until March 30. • Series of ram raids on February 8, including Hadleigh and Capel. One person has been arrested and is on bail, two others are being sought. • Anti-social behaviour in Hadleigh: Four young people have been dealt with and referred to the Youth Offending Service. • Pinewood Burglaries: One person on bail waiting for a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service. As you can see, Suffolk Police in our area have been very busy dealing with incidents with positive outcomes. I would encourage all readers to: • Follow us on TWITTER @HadleighPolice • Join up to POLICE CONNECT at: www.suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect • Obtain statistics from: www.police.uk As always, Hadleigh SNT is at Hadleigh Police Station and can be contacted at: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk Emergency: 999 / Non-Emergency: 101

Route 5

Town/village

Location

Time

MIP/5A

Sproughton

Church Lane

9.10-9.25am

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

Until next time, PC1220 Garrod, Hadleigh SNT, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD

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2017 DATES: May 9, June 6, July 4, August 1, August 29, September 26, October 24, November 21, December 19

CHARITY MOTORBIKE RIDE – SATURDAY, MAY 20 Saturday, May 20 sees the fifth annual Stowmarket Salvation Army Charity Motorbike Ride. The ride will take riders through approximately 50 miles of beautiful Suffolk countryside before returning back to the Salvation Army for refreshments. Riders are asked to meet at the car park from 10am where hot drinks and bacon sandwiches will be available and the ride will start at 11am. Our infamous BBQ food will be available when we return, back by popular demand to the original burgers. Even if you don’t have a bike, why not come along and have a coffee and see the wide range of bikes that take part? The suggested donation to take part is just £5 and all funds raised this year will go towards helping the Salvation Army Youth visit to Romania.

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OUT & ABOUT www.facebook.com/claydonchurches @ClaydonChurches

ST MARY’S CHURCH Great Blakenham

Wedding Festival

ENGLISH WINE WEEK IS NEARLY HERE

27th – 29th May 2017 10am-4pm each day Free admission With inspiration, help & advice from wedding specialists, beautifully designed dresses and show-stopping floral displays, the Great Blakenham Wedding Festival is a fantastic opportunity to plan the perfect wedding. Plus, lots of giveaways, goodies & freebies to wedding couples. Saturday 27th

Sunday 28th

Monday 29th

Wedding Dresses on display, Flower Displays, Hear the Organ being played, Meet local Vicars, Bridal & classic Cars, Wedding Menu at the Chequers Pub.

The Festival continues but with the addition of a Renewal of Vows Service with favourite Wedding hymns at 4pm

Our biggest day of exhibitors including: Florists, Wedding Favours, Reception Venues, Bridal & Groom Wear, Photographers, Wedding Cakes, Disco and Party ideas, Wedding Food at The Chequers & loads more! See website for full list of exhibitors.

See claydonchurches.com for further details

This year English Wine Week commences on May 27. This is an event that celebrates the growth of the industry and the quality of English wines. English sparkling wine in particular has received international acclaim and Valley Farm Vineyards, a small independent vineyard near Halesworth, is joining the celebrations. This year will mark our fourth celebration of English Wine Week and is now an important event in our calendar. It gives us a chance to celebrate life on the vineyard and to launch our new vintage. This year we will have a sparkling rosé and our 2016 Madeleine Angevine, a still white wine, to complement our stock of View East rosé, a lovely delicate wine with summer fruits on the nose. Visitors are welcome to the vineyard during the week. Our special event on Wednesday, May 31, is an English sparkling wine offer at our ‘EWS -1’ pop-up wine bar at the vineyard. Twitter: @VFVineyards / Facebook: valleyfarmvineyards 07867 009967 / www.valleyfarmvineyards.co.uk

PLANT SALE AND LUNCHES On Saturday, May 13 we will be holding our popular plant sale at Bramford Church Room with lunches available between noon and 2pm. Come along and find a variety of different plants – I’m sure advice will be available at no extra charge if you need it – then sit down and enjoy lunch. Proceeds go towards the upkeep of the village church. Stewart McGinty

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OUT & ABOUT THE ENPOINTE SCHOOL OF DANCING

GREAT BLAKENHAM 200 CLUB Winning tickets for March £25 97 Mrs Chervington £15 81 Wendy Grimmer £10 140 Ann Hood £10 224 Lisa Turner Smith £5 107 Janice Scott £5 33 Wendy Dix Winning tickets for April £25 113 Kevin Gleed £15 312 Paul Doe £10 93 Pat Winfield £10 194 Anna Shea £5 143 John Hood £5 267 Mrs Monger

Pupils at The Enpointe School of Dancing, based in Witnesham and Great Blakenham, have been working extremely hard over the past nine months in preparation for their forthcoming show, The Princess and the Frog. The production will be staged at Henley Community Centre on Friday 12 and Saturday, May 13 with any profits raised going to our chosen local charity, EACH Ipswich. Regular, full cast rehearsals are currently underway at Henley, the script has been written, costumes have been fitted and the cast of over 40 pupils (aged from three to 22 years) are excitedly polishing up their ballet and tap routines and learning the art of mime. For more information about The Enpointe School of Dancing please visit: www.enpointedancing.co.uk / Facebook @enpointedancing

IPSWICH BRANCH, SUFFOLK FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Thursday, April 27 at 7.30pm: Frances Saltmarsh presents Fig Leaves, Farthingales and Fichus, a fascinating and entertaining introduction to costume evolution with some real examples for you to examine. This talk follows our brief branch AGM. We meet at the Co-op Education Centre where the pedestrian entrance is at 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW, and the car park entrance is in Waterworks Street IP4 1JG. Admission is £2 for society members and £2.50 for non-members, who are warmly welcomed. You can join the society at the meeting if you wish. Tickets are not required, just turn up and pay on the door. For more information contact Howard on 01473 274300 or visit: http://suffolkfhs.org.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/gtblakenham

Tickets are £1 a month, collected at the beginning of the year, but you can join at any time and just pay for the remainder of the year. If you’re not yet a member and would like the chance to win a prize and help maintain the beauty of our ancient church building, please call Marion on 01473 830915.

IPSWICH EPILEPSY GROUP QUIZ The Ipswich Epilepsy Group is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers who either have epilepsy or know someone with epilepsy. We support people in Ipswich and the surrounding areas and offer social events such as family bowling, meals out and day trips. We also have a help line run by group members to offer advice, information or just be there to listen to people in difficult times. We offer a large range of free hire books, DVDs and information fact sheets and provide advice and training about Epilepsy. We also offer financial support helping with aids, adaptations and assistance technology where possible. Our new website is regularly updated with new information: www.ipswichepilepsy.org.uk One of our annual fundraising events is a quiz night which this year is on Friday, May 12 at Westgate Ward Social Club, 74 Victoria Street, Ipswich IP1 2JX from 7pm. This is a fun evening for teams of up to six people. Entry is £6, including a buffet and licensed bar. We also hold a raffle during the evening. If you would like to come and join us please contact 01473 461407 to reserve a table. We look forward to seeing you there.

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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB

The club meets every Monday other than bank holidays in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham from 2-4pm from February to December. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and a weekly raffle prizes. For our April workshop we had a card making session for wedding cards using a variety of die cuts appropriate to the occasion. Pictures to follow next month. 2017 Programme May 8: Stamping Techniques June 5: Guinness Book of Records July 3: Backgrounds August 7: Painting and Decorating September 4: Boxed-up October 2: Kantha November 13: Mini Makes Month December 4: Christmas Party If all this sounds interesting there is currently room for new members. If you would like to join us please get in touch. Although the club is all ladies at present, gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I cannot accommodate children. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER FIFTIES CLUB This club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in 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 raffle. On afternoons when we may 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. It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within. Our programme up to our summer break is: May 10: Social Afternoon May 24: A presentation by Liza Jones titled Behind the Bathroom Door looking at how the multitude of items we have in our bathroom cabinets came about and the history of items such as the toothbrush, toilet paper and deodorants.

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB We welcomed Mike Cowling to the club on February 13. Mike is a new judge to us, so we wondered what he would be like and if he would like our work. The answer to both of these questions was a resounding ‘yes’. He gave good and timely feedback as well as tips to improve. Our meeting on February 27 was a club night and we watched the EAF portfolio CD. This is what we must aspire to, although not all images are to everyone’s taste. On March 13 we welcomed another new judge, Mike Lloyd, and he did a very good job with his precise and helpful critique. On March 27 we welcomed Terry Ward with a talk titled Depth of Feeling. He was like a breath of fresh air and totally unlike any other speaker we have had. He managed to renew our photographic passion with some of his novel ideas. Our AGM is on Monday, May 8. New members are always welcome. 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, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7 for a 7.30pm start. We’d love to see you there. www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net

RE-INSTATING THE SUFFOLK LONG HOUSE AT ORCHARD BARN

Exciting news! Planning permission has been passed for the reinstatement of the timber frame at Orchard Barn. The Long House was first built in the 1580s. Last lived in during the 1930s, this important heritage building is to be rescued from the brambles and constructed ‘like for like’ using local trees, coppiced hazel and home-dug daub. Wherever possible original timbers will be repaired and re-used. With over 2,000 students and volunteers involved so far, OBee Community Interest Company is looking forward to welcoming more people from the local and wider community to this unique living history project.

July 26: Summer tea party with entertainment by one of our members, Dot Chapman, on her accordion

Orchard Barn has a unique link to Sir Thomas Gresham who in 1565 founded the Royal Stock Exchange in London. Sir Gresham owned some fine woodland in Battisford. He brought 200 carpenters to the area to convert his trees into the frame for the Stock Exchange. The remains of the sawpits can still be made out on Battisford Common. Of course he would have taken the best timber for the main project, but there would have been lesser grade timbers left over. We think they may have been used in the Orchard Barn Long House as its timbers are completely oversized.

As you can see we have quite a varied programme. New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer or participating in a timber frame/repair course, please make contact: 01473 658193 / sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk

Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690

The photograph shows the old house in the 1960s before it fell over!

June 14: Social Afternoon with Brenda June 28: A visit by Hannah Barton from the Citizens Advice Bureau explaining the work they do and the services they provide to the community July 12: Social Afternoon with Sandra

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRIMARY SCHOOL It has been incredibly busy here at CPS with World of Work week for Years 5 and 6, visits to Colchester Zoo, a busy school council, new clubs, art exhibitions and ticking off some of our ‘50 things’. Inspired by the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you are 11¾’, we launched our ‘50 things to do before you leave Claydon Primary School’ in the autumn term, a list of 50 things which children will do, achieve or take part in over the course of their time here. The list was compiled to ensure that children have a range of experiences during their time with us, some of which are activities outside of their ‘normal’ classroom learning. We feel the activities help develop various character traits (for example, resilience, ambition, respect, curiosity and much more) in our pupils that will assist them in their education at CPS and beyond. All children have their own personal scrapbook that they use to document their experiences of the ’50 things’ which they will then keep when they leave at the end of Year 6. As well as documenting the ’50 things’, the scrapbook will also be used to record other achievements and memories in a variety of formats – photographs, drawings, memorabilia and writing. In the last month children have been scrapbooking experiences such as a trip to Colchester Zoo for Years 1 and 2, raising money for charity, trying food from other cultures, writing and posting a letter and much more. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 have been inspired by our new World of Work unit, encouraging them to think about their aspirations for the future. They have researched their dream job and the skills, qualities and qualifications required in order for them to achieve this. Following this they had to write their own CV and letter of application and give a presentation to their peers. In addition to this, a number of parents come in to speak to the children about their careers. The children were inspired by the talks given as well as the various activities they have undertaken.

Sport continues to play a large part in life at CPS as we have competed in many more festivals and competitions, as well as our weekly school clubs. We were very excited to take 47 of our pupils across Years 4, 5 and 6 to RHS to compete in the IPSSA Cross Country competition along with 800 other children. Historically, this has been a tough course that has got the better of many pupils, but we were extremely proud of all of our runners as they showed great determination and resilience with every single one of them completing the course. A special mention to Taylor and Robyn who finished third and ninth respectively. Huge congratulations and well done to all of our runners – we are very proud of every one of them.

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In additional to cross country our Year 4 Keysteps gymnasts competed in Bury St Edmunds against Stowmarket schools. It was a very closely fought competition where we finished fourth overall as well as being awarded the ‘best teamwork’ award for supporting each other so positively. A special thank you to Tamsin Beresford who gave up her time to coach the children. We recently trialled a completely new club at CPS. Club GO! is our very own take on the very popular Pokemon Go app. This club has been set up with a great deal of help from a group of Year 6 pupils, our Pokemon experts! Similar to the app, the children have to use their orienteering skills and team work to read a map of the school grounds to locate the various hidden Pokemon characters. It has been a huge hit with the children and great to see them really involved as the club evolves. At CPS we pride ourselves on our partnership work with our very close neighbours, Claydon High School. Our pupils greatly benefit from this as it really aids a smoother transition to high school as they are so familiar with the school and various members of staff. A highlight recently was our involvement in the KS2/3 Art Exhibition at Claydon High School where many of our pupils’ fantastic artwork was proudly displayed. It was also great to see so many of our pupils and their families visit the exhibition (pictured left is Jess proudly pointing to her artwork). Well done to Claydon High School for the terrific exhibition. Finally, a huge thank you to all parents, carers and other family members for their continued support, be it at sporting events, cooking in school, helping on visits, attending assemblies or sharing sessions. Your support is hugely appreciated by us all. Deputy Headteacher L Collins

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SCHOOLS – CHURCH NEWS 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 26 years! We welcome parents, 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 11 and 25 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. At our regular sessions we welcome anyone with babies or children under five for imaginative play, singing and lots of fun. Families can enjoy a craft activity where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available. We also share songtime for a bit of noise. It’s a good opportunity for parents/carers 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 and Dolcie. 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

BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings guff lovers, first of all let me reassure you that this is a Brexit free zone (the person at the back muttering that it is a tennis news free zone can stay behind, I shall deal with you later). Big news this month is the AGM report; we have a new committee (phew) and we are pleased to have the services of a new coach. Carl Douglas is to start coaching at the club. His first course starts on Sunday, April 23 and we agreed with him to participate in the Great British Tennis Weekend on April 11. The annual Maureen Sillett Cup tournament with Sproughton is due to be hosted by us this year. We are hoping that this will take place in September. Special thanks were given to Ann Russ who has decided to stop playing after 33 years at the club as chairman, committee member and ladies captain. On a brighter note this does mean that there will be some chocolate left for the other players after matches. Lorna Jones too has had injury cut short her playing days, though she has graciously stayed on the committee as secretary (it only took two Chinese burns before she gave in). Wine sales in the sports club are expected to plummet as a result. We are entering a men’s team in the summer league, but having lost several players we are unable to enter a team in the women’s league. Perhaps if the Summer League change their format to two pairs in a team instead of the present three it would help smaller clubs such as ours to participate more. However, it seems the larger clubs are reluctant to back our attempts to change the status quo, so we shall have to persevere with our efforts to alter the format next year. Just time for the eagerly awaited Joke of the Month! A man is showing a friend his new state of the art hearing aid. “It cost over £4,000,” said the man. “Really?” replied his friend, “what kind is it?” The man looked at his watch and said: “Half past twelve!” Sorry about that. More guff next month, Mick Russ

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CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB March prize winners No. 51: Laura Payne No. 30: Linda Firman No. 10: Laura Brown

£14.40 £7.20 £2.40

New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 per 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 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

BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH 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: Morning Worship with Holy Communion every second Sunday of month, 10.30-11.30am* Lighthouse Club for children, term time only, 10.30-11.30am Monday: Bible Study, an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss. Every third Monday of month, 2-3pm Computer Club, term time only, 7.30-9.30pm Tuesday: Network/MWiB, our ladies meeting, although gentlemen are always welcome, 2-3pm*. Second and fourth Tuesdays of month from October -April and second Tuesday from May-September. Wednesday: Computer Club, term time only, 10am-noon Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing, second Wednesday of month, 7.30-8.30pm Thursday: United Service (very informal) at Cherryfields, first Thursday of month, 3-3.30pm* Saturday: Coffee Morning – either at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see diary below for location), third Saturday of month, 10-11am Sunday: Families @ 4, an informal get-together with tea provided, 4-6pm. Come and go as you please, not a service but our Minister usually joins us, once a month – please check diary. *tea and coffee served afterwards DIARY FOR MAY Thursday 4: United Service at Cherryfields, 3pm Sunday 7: Morning Worship, Mrs R Loggie, 10.30am Tuesday 9: Network/MWiB, soup lunch followed by social afternoon, 2-3pm. Please bring a photograph of yourself as a teenager! Wednesday 10: Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing, 7.30pm Sunday 14: Morning Worship with Holy Communion, The Rev D Grimshaw, 10.30am Saturday 20: Coffee Morning at church, 10-11am Sunday 21: Morning Worship, The Rev M Cassidy, 10.30am Families @ 4, The Rev D Grimshaw, 4-6pm Monday 22: Bible Study, 2pm Sunday 28: Morning Worship, The Rev M Allen, 10.30am

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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 Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Carl Melville, Claydon Rectory 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmaill.com Or visit: www.claydonchurches.com Services in May Barham Church – every Sunday at 10am Henley Church – every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church – every Sunday at 11am

WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN! Our series of family services continues with Pentecost. Balloons will be provided – free refreshments. All welcome! Sunday, May 7, Gt Blakenham Church, 11am Sunday, May 14, Henley Church, 10am Sunday, May 21, Barham Church, 10am Baptisms March 12:

Bella Jean Mollie Cole, Barham Church Beryl Vincent Reginald Robert Flatman Heather June Moore Clive Alan Fisher Clarence Sidney Groom Emily Frances Snell Heather Yvonne Davies

Sunday, May 7 – Easter 4 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Quiet Communion 11am family@blakenham

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church

Sunday, May 14 – Easter 5 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am family@henley 11am Holy Communion

Funerals March 17: March 23: March 24: March 28: April 3: April 7: April 8:

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church

Weddings April 8:

Sunday, May 21 – Easter 6 8am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 10am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church

Thursday, May 25 – Ascension Day 7pm Holy Communion

Barham Church

Sunday, May 28 – Easter 7 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Café Church 11am Elevenses@GB 4pm Renewal of Wedding Vows 6.30pm Evensong

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church

Sunday, June 4 – Pentecost 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 10am Quiet Communion 11am family@blakenham 12.30pm Pentecost Praise and Picnic

Barham Church Barham Church Henley Church Gt Blakenham Church The Rectory, Claydon

Further services can be found on our website. Hall Bookings Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Paul Corbett, 830201 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463

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James Brooks and Harriet Taylor

NEWS Lent Appeal: Over Lent we supported our link Diocese of Kagera, Tanzania. Donations can still be given by visiting the diocese website: www.cofesuffolk.org Renewal of Vows: There will be a big renewal of vows service at Gt Blakenham on Sunday, May 28 at 4pm, with all your favourite wedding hymns. If you’d like to renew your vows, please contact Rev Carl on 833542. Thy Kingdom Come: This is a national initiative to get people praying! There will be a number of events happening in our churches over the week of May 25 to June 4. Wedding Festival, May 27-29: Our Wedding Festival and Fair is fast approaching. Please encourage people to come along – those thinking about marriage and those already married! The church will look beautiful on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 and the Chequers Freehouse and Parish Room will be filled with wedding stalls on Monday 29. Please see the poster on page 18. Pentecost Picnic: All are welcome to come and picnic is the rectory garden, Back Lane, Claydon, on Sunday, June 4 from 12.30pm as we celebrate Pentecost. Please bring a picnic and something to sit on. Music and singing will be provided. All welcome! Fete & Flowers, Saturday, June 10: This year’s fete will be held at Barham Church with a weekend-long display of flowers in the church. The fete will be at 2pm on the Saturday. We shall be hoping to organise transport from the village so put the date in your diary and watch out for further detail. Gt Blakenham Church Fete, Saturday, June 24: 10am-noon in the Parish Room and garden with fun games, refreshments, tombola and raffle. Barham Hall Picnic Band Concert: The first 200 tickets for this year’s

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CHURCH NEWS picnic concert on July 8 have already been sold. It is therefore reasonable to anticipate that when you are reading this less than half the tickets are left for sale. As before we will provide great music in a great setting but the quality of the food, drink and company is up to you! Unfortunately, none of us can guarantee the British weather, which is why we offer a discount for buying in advance! You have until May 31 to buy tickets at the early discount price of £11. If any are left after that date, they will only be available at the full price of £14 each. For further details please see page 14. OTHER SERVICES AND EVENTS Friday, May 5

Gt Blakenham Church Quiz Night

Friday, May 12

Alasdair Place Holy Communion

May 27-29

Wedding Festival, Gt Blakenham

Wednesday, May 31 St Peter’s Court, Holy Communion Saturday, June 10

Claydon and Barham Fete, Barham Church

Sunday, June 18

Family BBQ, Barham Church, 4.30pm

Saturday, June 24

Gt Blakenham Fete, Parish Room, 10am-noon

Saturday, July 8

Open Air Picnic Band Concert, Evening

Saturday, July 15

Gt Blakenham Doggy Day, 11am-3pm

Saturday, August 12 Gt Blakenham Church Quiz Night Letter from the Vicar Easter is such a refreshing time of the year! For Christians, the season of Easter lasts much longer than just one day, rather it goes right up to Pentecost, this year on June 4, when we party again and celebrate the ‘birth-day’ of the church. Of course, this means Easter Eggs in abundance for nearly seven weeks! First, we have to celebrate Ascension Day, always 40 days after Easter. Ascension is the time when we celebrate Jesus being taken back up into heaven. His disciples watched him ascend into the clouds. It is there in heaven where Jesus is now at work, preparing a place for each and every one of us. This is one of the harder events in our faith – Jesus, who is flesh and bone, enters into heaven. Not an image of him. Not a ghost or a shadow, but flesh and bone. Easter is not the end. Ascension and Pentecost is not the end. In fact, it’s not even the beginning! The point of Jesus entering into heaven and leaving us his life-giving Spirit is that we might love him so much that we want to join him there. Saying that we want to join him changes the way we live and in turn the world around us. So I hope you had a great Easter and have a great Ascension and Pentecost. Why not join us as we journey together?

ROAD WORKS We all know that road works have to be done and I am sure we all have an opinion regarding them. We have road works outside our house at the moment with traffic lights controlling the traffic. I watched to see what the driver of an ambulance would do as it fast approached the red light and was impressed by the drivers’ ingenuity in making his way through the road works to his final destination. We don’t know what challenges these drivers face as they seek to get to an emergency as quickly as they can. Nor do those waiting know what kind of journey has been experienced to get to them. We ought to be thankful for all that they do to try and help. These things made me think of the journey that Jesus made in order to save us from our sins. We can know the challenges He faced and what He experienced as they are recorded in the Bible. We read how he dealt with the challenges to who He is, His mission and how He endured opposition from sinful men. He came to rescue us from our sin and for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. God doesn’t want any to perish but all to come to a knowledge of the truth. I am thankful for what God, in Jesus, has done for me. WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 9.30-10.30am Wednesday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Thursday: Home Group, 7.45-9.30pm Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon For more information contact: info@blakenhambaptist.org.uk / 01449 720357 www.blakenhambaptist.org.uk

The Rev Carl Melville

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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

service, our work with the school, and the slow steady building up of links with the community to name but a few.

Assistant Curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250

I hope by the time you read this that St Peter’s, Baylham will be well on the way to building the toilet and kitchen over the wonderful crypt we found last August. We are very excited about the plans which will mean that the church will be useable by the community and as a place of retreat and refuge by other churches if they wish.

www.stmarybramford.co.uk Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service SERVICES IN MAY Thursday, May 4 3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday, May 7 / Easter 3 10am Holy Communion with Prayer for Healing, Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer for Rogation, Baylham Tuesday, May 9 11am Communion with Reserved Sacrament at Baylham Care Centre Wednesday, May 10 7.30pm Healing Service at the Methodist Church Saturday, May 13 Noon-2pm Plant Sale and Lunches in the Church Room Sunday, May 14 / Easter 4 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm 5 O’clock Service, Bramford Tuesday, May 16 2pm The Gathering in the Church Room Sunday, May 21 / Easter 5 10am Parish Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Baylham Thursday, May 25 / Ascension Day 7pm Ascension Day Service, Bramford Saturday, May 27 10am-noon Coffee Morning in the Church Room Sunday, May 28 / Sunday after Ascension Day 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Family Service, Bramford 10am Morning Prayer, Nettlestead Please check porch notices for any changes. Dear friends, This year I celebrate my sixth anniversary as priest-in-charge of these parishes. It has gone very quickly and I still feel like the ‘new priest’! Since we came here though, my daughter has completed GCSEs and A levels and is about to complete her dissertation for her degree, she has learned to drive and has turned from a teenager into a confident young woman. A thought provoking reminder of how time has passed! We have achieved great things in the church too, our 5 O’clock Service and attached family

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As we are heading towards summer, keep your eyes on the various summer fundraising events that are being undertaken this year. Each of our church communities needs to raise money not just for our wonderful ancient church buildings, but so that we can function as an organisation. We are always so grateful for the way that our villages support us, especially as our costs have gone up as have everybody else’s over the last few years. Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to catching up with you all over a cup of tea. Blessings, Jenny CHURCH EVENTS Our annual plant sale will take place on Saturday, May 13 in conjunction with our popular sale of lunches. As usual it will be at the Church Room between noon and 2pm. If you have any surplus plants we can sell, please bring them along. All donations welcome. The proceeds go towards the maintenance of the church building. This month’s coffee morning will be on Saturday, May 27. If you haven’t been to one of our coffee mornings come along and see what you’re missing. Cleaning Rota: Mrs Bardwell Flower Rota: May 6 & 13 W McGinty / 20 & 27 Weddings Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week. LECTIONARY Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship are taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians, both Catholic and Protestant, across the world. May 7 Acts 2: 42-end

Easter 3 1Peter2: 19-end

White St John 10: 1-10

May 14 Acts7: 55-end

Easter 4 1Peter2: 2-10

White St John14: 1-14

Easter 5 (Rogation Sunday)

White

1Peter3: 13-22

St. John 14: 15-21

Sunday after Ascension Day 1Peter4: 12-14, 5: 6-11

White St John 17: 1-11

May 21

Acts17: 22-31

May 28

Acts1: 6-14

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