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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
Volume 7 • Issue No. 12 • NOVEMBER 2017
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Pop in store this autumn to see our full range of equestrian care items, from bedding and feed to supplements and accessories. Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA 01473 731117 Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Being a parent is challenging enough but having a full-time job 40 minutes from home requires some manic juggling at times. I’m fortunate to work in a company which accommodates my occasionally frantic schedule with mid-afternoon parent consultations and Friday morning Harvest Festivals, not to mention the celebration assemblies and share sessions. Not everyone is so lucky, but like my lovely employers I believe in a give and take approach to most things and it appears to work. I’m happy to work in the evenings and at weekends in return for some flexibility on schooldays. Strangely this seems to have backfired in one unexpected way. My son has concluded that his dad’s job is far more important than mine! Apparently I “just do words” while daddy “does important things like bringing us electricity” (he doesn’t!). So all my running and racing from one thing to another so my lovely son has a parent at all of his many, many school events means my job is less important in his eyes. I was livid. Jack quickly realised he’d upset me but struggled to understand why, which made me even angrier. After I’d calmed down we talked about my job for some time and I believe he now appreciates the extra effort required in order to be there when daddy can’t be. But daddy didn’t get off lightly either and though his job doesn’t facilitate the same degree of flexibility as mine he has now promised to attend at least one school event each term. However, this ‘incident’ forced me to consider how my behaviour may have contributed to Jack’s assumption. Perhaps trying to do it all is the wrong approach. After all if daddy is too exhausted after a day of doing important things to do the many, many invisible tasks which seem to have become my responsibility, maybe I should be too! Maybe doing less is the answer. Maybe I won’t put the bins out this week! Maybe I won’t do all the Christmas shopping this year! Maybe I’ll introduce a cleaning rota! I’ll let you know how it works out!
In Touch
with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook
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: copdock@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
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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 Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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DECEMBER DEADLINE
10 NOVEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS YOUR HALL NEEDS YOU!
Copdock & Washbrook Village Hall Management Committee invite you to the AGM on Monday, November 13 at 7.30pm Please come and support us More information, phone Joanna: 07729 863223
COPDOCK WITH WASHBROOK HARVEST SUPPER St Peter’s Church was beautifully decorated for the annual Harvest Supper. There was a fantastic spread of freshly cooked ham, pork and poached salmon salad, as well as an amazing choice of homemade desserts ranging from pavlova to trifles, apple pies and many more. Between courses members of Ipswich School Saxophone Ensemble played an arrangement of modern classics and Dixieland Jazz, led by their teacher Mr David Abbott. We had our usual rendition of humorous poems from Sheila Pryke. There were nearly 100 people, who had a really lovely evening
COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK VILLAGE GARAGE SALE We would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who participated in the garage sale on Saturday, September 23, from the pitch holders to the volunteers from St Peter’s Church Heritage Trust and the buyers who purchased lots of treasures and bargains. The day was a great success and I am very happy to announce the total money raised for St Peter’s Church Heritage Trust is a grand total of £197.36. This is a fantastic amount, and we really do appreciate everyone’s donations and kindness. As the garage sale was a great success, we will be organising another next year, so please do keep an eye out for adverts.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help.
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NEWS A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS I would like to thank all those who sponsored Fred Green and myself for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride on Saturday, September 9. We visited a total of 42 churches between us, Fred taking a rout in the Hadleigh direction and I in the Holbrook direction, also taking in all the churches in our Benefice. Fred also had a photo taken on his bike which was featured in the East Anglian. We were sponsored to a sum of £421.80 for which we are most grateful. St Peter’s Copdock will receive £210.90, well worth getting wet for toward the end of the ride. Churchwarden Adrian Basham
NEW GIANT TIPI AT THE STRANGERS HOME The Strangers Home in Bradfield is proud to welcome their new Giant Hat tipi, a perfect venue for parties and wedding receptions. Solid wooden poles and a light tan-coloured canvas produce a natural ambience that’s really like nothing else. Dress it up, or keep it simple, either way you can be sure to create an exciting alternative to a typical white box marquee. One event you can look forward to enjoying in this wonderful space is a New Year’s Eve party with Coolsounds professional DJ and buffet. Tickets are £10 and available now.
COPDOCK WITH WASHBROOK SHOE BOX APPEAL The youth group from St Peter’s Church, Copdock are once again working very hard to fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Last year the group even went to the local processing centre to help check boxes and pack the container ready for shipping. The shoeboxes are given to children around the world who have very little. If you are able to donate a few small items for the shoeboxes, or a few pennies so the youth group can buy items to fill boxes, we would be very grateful. The cost of shipping the boxes has gone up to £5 per box this year, so every penny really does help. Donations can be brought to The Church Room (in The Street) on Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm until November 14, or telephone Teresa on 01473 730319 and we will gladly collect from you.
NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first co-operative pub Open Mic Night Firstly, many thanks to all who turned up to sing on October 3 and made the evening go with a swing. The next event will be on Tuesday, November 7. Come and join in, whether as a spectator or performer. PA system provided. Next Pub Quizzes Our next quiz nights are October 28 and November 25 (the latter will be a Christmas quiz, just right to count you down to the special day). Remember on quiz nights food is served until 8pm. We’ll soon be sorting out our calendar of quizzes for 2018, so if you’d like to host one, just let a member of the committee know. Once again, and only too soon, we’re coming up to the Christmas season. Here are some early warning arrangements. Christmas Meals We will be serving Christmas dinners on Sunday lunchtimes in December. Because we want our customers to have the best possible experience, we will be unable to cater for large groups. If you would like to book a Sunday lunch in December, please say if it’s for a Christmas meal, and we will make sure you get the full festive treatment. During this period our normal menu will be available as usual – why not have a change from turkey and mince pies? Carol Singing To be held in the pub on Sunday, December 17 from 4pm. Mulled wine will be for sale to lubricate your singing voices. A reminder that our menus change regularly. We can’t put each day’s menu on the website, but you can find typical menus there. Booking is advised to ensure you get a table at peak times, and if you are a party of eight or more, we will ask you to pre-order so you get exactly what you want. 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk
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COPDOCK & WASHBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Keen eyed observers will have noticed that the village bench adjacent to the old village sign disappeared in July 2017. Not stolen, but taken into store to de-clutter what was expected to be a busy building site while the village sign was replaced and the Hewitt VC Memorial prepared. While it was being moved it was obvious that all four feet had rotted and the central support beam cracked. In store it quickly became evident that it had a bad attack of woodworm and it was quickly moved out of the wooden barn to avoid infecting anything else. While the VC Working Party applied to Suffolk Highways as the landlord to the area occupied by the old and new village sign the replacement bench was included. Suffolk Highways asked that both items were moved up the hill and further from The Street in order to improve visibility to and from Pearson’s Way. Thoughts turned to a possible replacement. With no trace of the donor, family or relatives, no maintenance fund and no evidence that it was ever used the thought was it may not need to be replaced. Replacing the bench fell outside the cost of the village sign and VC Memorial. Patrons of the Brook Inn however were aware of the bench as they had subscribed to its purchase and installation. An offer was made by the parish council to pay for a replacement. In the end the parish council suggested a stronger and almost maintenance free bench made from recycled tea and coffee cups would cost about the same. Modern railway sleepers are being made from the same material that looks like wood and can be worked just like wood. The new bench, similar to the one outside the Church Room and the one on Old London Road, is on order and should be fitted in the latter part of November. The plaque commemorating Ted Phillips will be transferred from the old to the new bench. The original bench along with woodworm and shortened legs is available complete with woodworm. User collects. If not required will be winter fuel. The parish council welcomes the support shown by the customers of the Brook Inn during the transition. The delay is due to the discussions over type and cost of the replacement.
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NEWS COPWASH NEWS Belated thanks for Help with W. H. Hewitt VC Commemoration Day Last month’s In Touch copy date came well before Sunday 17 and the account of the commemoration had to be put in at speed. That meant a number of thank-you’s were left out. So, late, but most sincerely… Thanks to all who contributed to the success of the day and especially to: • Mark and Jo Manning for their generosity and hard work on the new plinth and memorial • Tom Cat Farm for not only providing the seats, but bringing then to and from the site. • All the marshals who guided the traffic and the parking • The members of WI Book Group (and others) who made all the bunting • Everyone who rushed for umbrellas and towels when it poured with rain • Dr Wilkinson for stepping in to provide a first aid post when we had been let down • Muriel Pearsons for creating the lovely wreath of South African flowers • The WI members who provided the refreshments and poured out the tea • Clive Pearsons for filming the event and putting it onto DVD • Sarah Carter of BDC/MSDC for suggesting Celebrate England Big Lottery Fund We also thank all the residents who had to endure the very essential temporary parking and traffic restrictions for their tolerance and understanding – only two persons were vociferous in their objections! Thanks also to the In Touch team for such splendid coverage of the event in last month’s issue. We continue to receive thanks from William Henry’s relatives in Australia and America who were unable to attend. Illegal Butchery in Amor (Scramblers) Hall Field on Tuesday, October 10 Tim Hanmer, the shepherd, found the head, legs and entrails of one of his sheep in the field on the morning of Wednesday, October 11; the main body had been removed. The police have been informed but Tim wonders if anyone living nearby heard movement along the footpath that night. It is the only means of entry to the field. If you did please let the police know. This is a horrific thing to happen in our village – please help if you can. Copdock & Washbrook Brook Inn Macmillan Coffee Morning Organised by the WI Book Group, members raised £177 pounds. Add
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT COPDOCK HALL Sunday, December 3, 1-4pm Christmas food, Christmas gifts, wreaths and decorations Christmas afternoon teas, brass band playing Christmas music and much more, all set in a beautiful medieval barn
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this to the magnificent sum raised in Copdock School and the village has continued to maintain its high level of support. Thanks to all who made cakes, donated raffle prizes and gave generously. Village Tea Donations to Help For Heroes There was £74 in the collection boxes in the Brook Inn after the W. H. Hewitt commemoration tea party and a further cheque for £20 was sent separately. Apple Day
Many thanks from the PCC to all who helped in every way to make a success of Apple Day. “We picked loads of apples from a local orchard and then made cakes, pies, turnovers and chutneys, as well as selling boxes of apples,” reports Ruth Lincoln. “We made an amazing £430 in aid of the church restoration at St Peter’s.” THE BENEFICE FALLEN, NOVEMBER 1917 A/B SEAMAN J/18562 HERBERT SCOTT Died on HMS Calypso on 17 November 1917 during the Second Battle of Heligoland Bight in the North Sea. Aged 20, he was born in Bentley, but his parents were living in Newson Street, Ipswich at the time of his death. His name is recorded on panel 22 of the Chatham Naval Memorial in Kent, but not on the Bentley Church Memorial, one of those inexplicable quirks of recording. The naval memorials to those missing at sea at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth are of the same design with local differences for the Second World War extensions and are well worth visiting for their fine sculptures. PRIVATE 11360 DAVID KINSEY, 9th BATTALION ROYAL FUSILIERS Killed in action in France on 25 November 1917. He has no known grave and his name is commemorated on the Cambria Memorial at Louveral Military Cemetery. Although he was born in Copdock in 1893 his parents had moved to Chantry Row, Sproughton by 1901 and his name is on the memorial in Sproughton Church. At the time of his death his wife Grace was living at 31 Rosebery Road, Ipswich.
FUNDRAISING JUMBLE SALE Saturday, November 11 from 2pm at Bentley Village Hall If you have anything you wish to donate, please bring it along to the hall from 9am on the day or telephone Pam (01473 310283) or Aimée (01473 311311) and we will arrange to collect it from you. If you would like to come to our sale, the hall will be open from 2pm. Tea and coffee will also be available. We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your support.
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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number
of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!
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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD – OCTOBER 2017 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
Another month has gone by and the actual permissions for the three unwanted planning applications in East Bergholt have not yet been issued so cannot be challenged. Others including the holiday lets on Flatford Lane have come forward and been approved and one in Capel for 100 which was previously refused has been resubmitted and approved having had three houses removed from the list. Still the same transport, access and employment problems, but apparently 97 is better than 100!
Welcome to this month’s SNT article. The Babergh area has recently seen an increase in theft of lead from rooftops – although this is commonly associated with church roofs it has also been reported on residential properties.
There have also been approvals in Stutton and elsewhere across the district. Considering the population growth of less than 200 people per year (according to the Office of National Statistics), one wonders who is going to fill all these houses. Since May they must have approved over two years’ worth of inflated ‘housing need’ and still the applications come forward.
While there are many materials produced for flashing use, lead offers the most durability and lasts for many years. Unfortunately, lead flashing is prone to being stolen due to the high value of scrap metal, which makes it appealing to thieves.
The council’s move to Ipswich keeps staggering ahead, with staff issues approaching a conclusion. What the whole issue has done to morale is anyone’s guess. Perhaps the number of senior officers leaving is an indication. For residents in the Eeast of the district, the only point of contact with officers is now going to be Endeavour House, and then only by appointment. I keep on pushing against the revolving door that is attempting contact with infrastructure providers. Some may have seen my letter in the EADT about the Orwell Bridge, purely as an opener to infrastructure in general. Enquiries with Highways England and their contractors seem to be perpetually met with “We will get back to you”! I am still waiting. Anyone trying to drive to Ipswich has a challenge with the Copdock Mill roundabout. Queues back to Capel and the petrol station are ever more common. Watch the back roads as they are becoming just as full. At least the cat’s eyes (road studs) have finally been replaced on the B1070 to Manningtree after only three months, just in time for the dark nights. The nights are getting longer and the weather less favourable so take care out and about. We hear about all the problems in the health service so let’s not add to them if we can help it. Arriving a little later is preferable to not at all. Any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me. In the meantime I will do my best to inject some ‘common sense’ into local government. john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309
Installing lead flashing is a standard step for most homeowners, especially when expanding your house with a conservatory or an extension. Flashing covers gaps in roof material and forms an impervious barrier to prevent intrusion from rain and weather.
Many homeowners don’t even realise their flashing has been stolen until a rainy day comes and water enters their home – potentially causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. TIPS FOR SECURING YOUR PROPERTY Remove all means of access to your roof Criminals often get onto your roof via a wheelie bin, gate or ladder that is near your garage. Secure ladders out of view and try to store your bins in a garage or storage area. If you must leave them out, locate them a short distance from your walls – meaning you may hear the bin being dragged towards your roof. Prevent unwanted vehicle access Metal thieves often rely on a vehicle to remove the metal from the scene. These generally take the form of trucks and vans, so try to limit access your driveway – either with a gate or possibly a bollard Install CCTV and lighting Although this tip is more applicable to commercial premises such as schools and churches, you can get a relatively cheap home CCTV system installed, considering a spotlight or anti-theft light will help deter attempts. Paint your flashing with anti-climb paint Homeowners can purchase anti-climb paint from almost any DIY store and paint it on your flashing to deter theft. However, you must ensure the paint is only on objects at least two metres from the ground and you legally have to install a sign warning that your property has anti-climb paint. Consider replacing lead flashing with non-leaded material While lead is the superior material in terms of longevity, it may be worth replacing your flashing with non-leaded materials. There are brands available that are lighter than lead, safer to handle and also have little to no scrap value. These lead-free solutions may not be as durable, but can be more than suitable for most uses around chimneys, roof lights and solar panels. DNA-identification While this may not apply to smaller homes, if you own a larger house and the value of your lead justifies it, perhaps consider painting your flashing with a microdot, chemical or DNA marking system. These methods help police identify the culprits of theft and help secure convictions. Finally if you see anything suspicious or want to report anything to police they can be contacted as follows: Phone: 101 (to report any non-urgent incident) Email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk (non-urgent, should you wish to contact local officers) In an emergency always phone: 999
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NEWS REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: OCTOBER 2017 Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw MERGER BY STEALTH? You may have forgotten the referendum by now. Not THAT one, but the 2011 one whereby 60% of Babergh voters chose to reject a merger with Mid Suffolk. It was promised that that decision would be respected, though moves were made to achieve savings by sharing our entire staff. By now the two cabinets will have agreed to provisionally endorse such a merger. You can find the report to the cabinets at: https://tinyurl.com/ yah6z5qt (Item 8, pp 15-34). Apparently things have changed now! They certainly have. Central Government have removed over a third of our funding, we’re ‘incentivised’ to grant planning permissions willy nilly, and going into the property investment business. Abandoning our two headquarters, to the loss of our own economies, we’re decamping to Ipswich at a still yet to be determined cost. (It’s not going well at all, but that’s another story.) Staff morale is rock bottom and some good people are leaving. We’re reducing the number of councillors to equalise the ward sizes across both councils, in part as preparation for this slow back door merger. You may ask ‘Who benefits?’ Savings are always promised, but rarely prove to be as advertised. Do you think that your Council Tax will be lower? Do you expect services or delivery to improve? Will planning decisions or policy improve when considered by people from the other side of the county? (They’re nice enough people, but that’s not local.) In truth this is about consolidation of political control. Until 2015 Babergh always had a balanced council with no overall control. All shades of political opinion were represented. This is not so true of Mid Suffolk, noticeably dominated by the Conservatives, who also dominate SCC. Those Conservative votes at Mid Suffolk will outweigh the wider range of political expression from Babergh in the new much larger council (one of the biggest in England). The devolution debacle had a similar hidden agenda. And all based in Ipswich!
No referendum is proposed. Consultation with the public will largely rely on telephone polling. A demographically selected sample of people will get 15 minutes to respond to some loaded questions designed to produce the correct response, assuming they don’t just hang up. They will not be clearly told that they are providing evidence for what should be a democratic decision by you, the proper electorate. These responses are considered by the leadership to have more weight than any responses you might send in. You will apparently be deemed to have ‘an axe to grind’ and to be politically motivated. I’d call that informed and engaged myself, as opposed to ‘trapped’ by a survey with little time to consider any implications. As an Independent, trying to represent all, I generally restrict any political comment here. This is a notable exception. There may be merit to the proposal, but that should be a matter for the electorate to consider. If the council leadership have faith in the arguments, the most honest course is to present it at a referendum again. Some have suggested it could be included within a ‘manifesto’ commitment, but we all know where election leaflets go. This would be the most open, transparent and straightforward approach. Contact Babergh, the leaders, the chief executive, the councillors (all of us) and ask to be heard with equal value for all views in a referendum. By all means provide any views you may have as well, but give them a reason to make the right decision (all contact details are freely available). After all, none of us were elected by telephone polling. As ever, I can be contacted as below, or look for me on the Blue Claud Butler bicycle, visiting a variety of places, but back to wearing the high visibility jacket and warmer clothing. alastair.mccraw@babergh.gov.uk / 07812 564188 Facebook: Alton, Alastair McCraw & Harriet Steer (an open group)
MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR Suffolk Highways Update Suffolk Highways Transformation Phase 2 of the Suffolk Highways organisational change process has now been completed and the new structure was launched on Monday, September 4. All Suffolk Highways staff are now located in one of three service delivery centres at Phoenix House in Ipswich, Rougham Depot and Halesworth Depot. Teams worked hard to ensure that the buildings and ICT were ready in time to accommodate staff, with significant changes in layout, improvements to facilities and upgrades in ICT taking place in all three locations. The new structure brings together Kier and SCC staff into integrated teams under the Suffolk Highways banner, working as ‘one team’ to deliver the priorities and objectives of the service. The new structure and processes are in the early days and it is hoped that these will bed in quickly and enable the service to move forward in driving efficiencies and improvements in service delivery. A further phase of recruitment to fill the remaining vacancies is underway and a number of interim arrangements are in place to help manage workloads while this takes place. ICT teams in both SCC and Kier have been working together to find solutions to make joint working simpler and easier for councillors and all staff, including moving to a single email domain for all staff; ability to share outlook calendars across the two organisations and opening up IT systems for use by all staff.
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In order to support and oversee the on-going transformation and improvement works, the senior leadership team at Suffolk Highways are now meeting regularly with the cabinet member and members with special responsibility for highways. The joint meetings focus on issues, risks, and opportunities affecting all areas of the service. Suffolk County Council Guidance on Neighbourhood Planning In recent months, there has been a significant uptake in local communities beginning work on neighbourhood plans across Suffolk. Their principal engagement is with district councils. However, many of the issues raised in these plans relate to county council services from education through to the rights of way network. Therefore a document has been prepared giving guidance on the impact that neighbourhood plans may have on matters that are this council’s responsibilities. For each topic there are sections on: • What does the national policy say? • What can a neighbourhood plan do and how we can help? • What have others done? It is intended that this will prove useful for those groups developing neighbourhood plans and provide a more focussed discussion with county council officers. Regards and best wishes, Christopher Hudson
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NEWS HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Flu Clinics At the time of writing we have had only one of our four flu clinics, which was very well attended with more than 350 patients being vaccinated. Last year less than 300 patients attended the first clinic. A few emergencies during the clinic and the additional patients meant that the wait was a little longer than normal, for which we apologise. Patient Confidentiality Please note that we can only give information to a relative or friend if we have authorisation from the patient. If we ask to speak to the patient to give us this authorisation, please do not get annoyed with our staff as they are only protecting your medical information. If you wish us to give your information to someone else, please ensure you drop us a line to give us authorisation. This will avoid any issue at a time when perhaps you are unable to give authority. Thanks from Maggie Leggett Maggie would like to send her thanks for all the good wishes, cards and gifts she received on her retirement. She’s enjoyed her years meeting you all and ‘doing her bit’ for the surgery and extends her good wishes to you all for the coming years. Apologies Our regular drugs supplier had IT issues in September, which meant that no drugs we ordered came through. Our lead dispensers acted quickly to use another company for a few days and to minimise the disruption to our patients, but we apologise if you were adversely affected by this. Training Days Our next training afternoons will be on Thursday, November 16 and Wednesday, December 13 when we will be shut from 1pm. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999. Antibiotic Prescribing Antibiotics don’t work in up to 90% of sore throats. Don’t worry if your sore throat lasts for up to a week – that’s perfectly normal. Rather than asking the doctor for an antibiotic, ask a pharmacist about treatments to relieve sore throat symptoms. That way you’re helping to stop antibiotic resistance – so antibiotics work when you really need them. Practice Manager Julia Smith
DOCTORS SURGERY ROTA We continue to provide this service for those who are unable to get to the surgery for appointments. There is a steady demand and if you need to use the service do ask the receptionist when making your appointment. We also welcome new volunteers to the scheme to join a team of about 20, but it goes without saying that more volunteers means less frequent call outs! Contact Chris for details: 01473 310992
CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE – OCTOBER 2017 Annual Flu Clinics NHS England has warned of a severe winter flu outbreak in the UK this year after Australia has experienced its worst outbreak ever. This year we are administering a quadrivalent influenza vaccine to all eligible patients over 18. This is the most effective flu vaccine available. We aim to vaccinate as many patients as soon as possible. We have already held flu clinics on September 26 and October 5 and are holding two addition clinics as follows: East Bergholt Medical Centre: Thursday, October 26, 3-6pm Capel St Mary Surgery: Tuesday, October 31, 3-6pm These clinics will run on the same basis as previously: all eligible patients will have received a letter inviting them to attend. Patients may attend any clinic, irrespective of where they live and no appointment is needed. Please make every effort to attend to ensure you are protected against flu. Patient Satisfaction Unfortunately patient satisfaction with the practice, as measured by the national patient survey, is poor compared to many other practices in Suffolk. I have discussed this with the doctors and staff working at the practice and we believe the practice offers a much better service than is currently being acknowledged. Indeed, many patients thank clinicians and admin staff for the service they receive. We need to understand problems experienced by patients, but we also need to know what is working well. If you have a good experience when needing help from the practice then please leave a comment on one of the Friends and Family Test cards in the reception area, fill in a Patient Participation Group (PPG) comment card, or post a comment on NHS Choices. If you experience a problem then we also need to know. Problems often result from genuine misunderstandings and on many occasions are due to issues beyond the control of the practice. Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, November 16 and Wednesday, December 13. On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day. Practice Manager Pete Keeble
His medals took pride of place, they helped us think of everything Here for you every hour of every day 01473 851924 or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock
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OUT & ABOUT EAST BERGHOLT DRAMATIC SOCIETY East Bergholt Dramatic Society presents Full Circle by Janet Shaw at the Constable Hall, East Bergholt from November 23-25 at 7.30pm. Full Circle is a comedy drama that revolves around the stresses involved in organising a wedding and explores a family’s current relationship problems that have all resulted from a single decision taken 44 years earlier. If only feelings had been explored and if only questions had been asked then, would today’s circumstances have been different? More importantly would broken hearts have been mended sooner? With warring grandmothers, a mum and dad with very different expectations for her wedding, an unusual neighbour, family secrets from the past and a deluge of rain, will Nicola’s wedding be the day of her dreams? Skeletons will tumble out of cupboards at an alarming rate in this wonderful comedy presented by the award winning East Bergholt Dramatic Society. Tickets (£6 in advance / £7 on the door if available) are available from 01473 311553, 07803 475750 or from The Fountain House Tearoom in East Bergholt.
CAPEL LIBRARY A very large well done and thank you to Katharine Liu, a member of our staff, who completed the Great East Run on September 24. Katharine has raised £400 for The Friends of Capel Library. Thank you to all who sponsored her. Community Cinema: The Time of Their Lives, Tuesday, November 21, doors open at 7pm A former Hollywood star (Joan Collins) leaves her London retirement home with a friend to go to her ex-husband’s funeral in France. On the way, the two women get romantically involved with a Frenchman. CLUBS THIS COMING MONTH Babybounce: Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 2pm. Come and join in our little group of instrument shakers and movers. All are welcome, open to all children under the age of five accompanied by an adult carer. Minecraft: Sundays 5 and 19 from 10.30am-12.30pm. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult. Capel Creators: Saturday 25from 10.30am-12.30pm. Open to all children at a cost of 50p per child. This includes a drink and a biscuit. Under eights must be accompanied by an adult. Capel Library Book Group: Friday 17, starting at 2.30pm. Come and join in our little group and suggest a title to read and share at the next meeting. Don’t forget that we sell stamps and book tokens of any denomination, have a battery recycling box on site and books for sale. OPENING TIMES Monday: closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm
FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY September is always a very busy month for us, beginning with Bentley Fun Day and then moving on to the presentation of awards for those who completed the Summer Reading Challenge. Thanks to Sarah who stepped in to make the presentations when our county councillor was unavoidably unable to come. This presentation was followed a week or so later by a magic show for those who took part, and a good time was had by children and parents. Membership of the Friends of Capel Library continues to go from strength to strength. Buoyed by the success of the Community Cinema Club we have seen membership increase by 77 in the last few months alone. At the current time membership is run on a rolling basis, but with the increase in members the associated administration has also increased significantly. In addition we have also noticed that our members are finding it difficult to remember when their renewals are due. We have therefore decided to simplify our membership process and administration by moving to an annual basis (Jan-Dec). Costs will remain the same at £1 per year. There’s no need for you to do anything at present and we will be in touch, in due course, when renewals are due. If you have paid three years in advance, again we will remind you when your membership ends and then switch you to the annual renewal. We hope that this change will simplify things for both you and us, but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Talking of the Community Cinema, this month we are showing a romantic comedy, The Time of Their Lives, which promises to be very popular so early booking is advised. Those who come regularly will know that we offer the audience a choice of film for the programme ahead, and for the December showing there will be Christmassy options, as well as a possible children’s showing during the afternoon of December 22. We hope that our quiz night on October 21 is a success and thank all the following for donating prizes: Cafe Rouge, Bury St Edmunds (meal for two to the value of £60), Hadleigh Leisure Centre (two family swim tickets), Colchester Zoo (two children’s tickets) MSC Shipping (a bottle of champagne), Co-op (£10 gift voucher), Sew Soft Furnishing (make a pair of curtains or four cushion covers), East Bergholt Sports Centre (one-hour PT session), Bypass Nurseries Garden Centre and also many personal donations of wine, biscuits, sweets and lots of others bits. We have already had 15 tables booked for our first foray into this arena, so expect more in the future. We know there will be a trustee vacancy to be filled at our AGM at 4pm on January 27, so if you are enjoying the events and activities we organise and would like to bring your ideas to the table, we would love to welcome you. The exciting news though, is that through your generosity, and with the help of County Councillor Gordon Jones, we have now raised sufficient funds to begin work on modernising the reception area in the library. This will be happening during January.
VILLAGE LINK CLUB Roger Fern will present a talk entitled A Year as Mayor of Ipswich when we meet on November 8.. Future talks this year will be: Christmas Special Message & Carols; First Aid & AED – Demonstration of First Aid & Techniques; Dad’s Army – Legendary TV Programme; History of Scarecrows; Pray Silence for ?; History of Butley Priory.
Sunday: 10am-3pm
Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.
Contact: 01473 311699
Roger Felgate, 01473 311684
Friday: 2-5pm & 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm
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OUT & ABOUT IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15
CHRISTMAS BEGINS HERE
Route 15 Town/village MIP/15A Washbrook MIP/15B Washbrook MIP/15C Washbrook MIP/15D Burstall MIP/15E Elmsett MIP/15F Whatfield MIP/15G Hintlesham
When you see this familiar tag line, you will know that you are in for a musical treat.
Location Pearson’s Way Brook Inn Car Park Fenn View Telephone Kiosk Rose and Crown Wheatfields Timperleys
Time 9.50-10.40 10.45-11.15 11.20-11.40 11.50-12.15 12.40-13.05 14.05-14.50 15.05-16.00
2017 DATES: November 8, December 6
ST MARY’S CHRISTMAS SALE Saturday, November 25, 10am-12.30pm Belstead Village Hall Christmas gifts, games, stalls and refreshments All in aid of St Mary’s Church general and fabric funds
ZUMBA/ZUMBA GOLD FITNESS CLASSES Weekly Zumba fitness classes are now running on Tuesday mornings in Capel Village Hall at 9.30am and a Zumba Gold class at 10.45am. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance workout that is lively, energetic and great fun! Drop the children off at school and come and start your day in the best way. Zumba Gold still has the lively Zumba music and moves but at a modified pace with no impact. It’s great for the older active adult or people new or returning to exercise. It helps improve muscle strength, balance, range of motion and co-ordination. My classes are only £5 and are friendly, welcoming and fun. Wear cool comfortable clothing and trainers – and don’t forget to bring some water!
Capel Singers have been providing their annual mixture of carols and readings since the 1980s. This year’s concert will take place at St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm on December 12. The programme will feature many old favourites and the readings will be chosen to complement the carols, some of them humorous, some searching. The evening is rounded off with seasonal refreshment of the mulled variety, and the inevitable mince pie or three while we take the opportunity to chat with friends old and new.
TEA & COMPANY Mondays, November 20 & December 11 at Wenham View, Dove Close All welcome to come along from 2.30pm £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes Raffle Supported by The Capel Ladies
ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET
sarahjlaflin@gmail.com / www.sarahlaflin.zumba.com
CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AT ST MARY’S You are sure of a warm welcome at Capel St Mary Parish Church and Hall on Saturday, December 2 for delicious refreshments (hall), including bacon butties, and many Christmas stalls (church).
The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, November 11, 9am-12.30pm. Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. Get in some early Christmas shopping.
We have crafts, cakes, preserves and plants/Christmas wreaths together with all your garden needs from the allotment association. We will also have handbags, hats and scarves and jewellery; go home with a new look! If that doesn’t tempt you then there is stationery, books and white elephant together with games, the superb hamper raffle, and much more. Do come and join us from 10am to noon – we’d love to see you.
East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier. If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.
If you want more details ring Jean on 01473 310992.
New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777
Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.
Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness
FunDancing Classes St Mary's Church Hall The Street Capel St Mary
every Thursday 10am & 7pm spaces are limited to reserve yours
Call Janet on 07506 350 455
classes also in: - Boxford - East Bergholt - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary
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janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing
In Touch online:
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You’re invited to make an appointment at our Wherstead Park office to discuss:
Powers of Attorney Wills
Probate Court of Protection * We also offer a range of other services
Our out of town Ipswich location is very convenient for parking and has Contact us for an appointment today: excellent disabled access. www.ellisonssolicitors.com enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ 01473 556 900 Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336
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OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK WI Our Speaker in September was Marilyn Coates from the Samaritans Purse, a national charity. Marilyn gave a talk on the work they do for Operation Christmas Child. Their supporters fill shoeboxes with small gifts for needy children which are distributed in 17 countries around the world. Boxes are taken to post code centres where they are checked by the charity for suitability before they are despatched. They have found half a tube of toothpaste, liquids and chocolate amongst their searches. All soft toys must have a maker’s label on them to ensure that the contents aren’t harmful. Last year 15,000 boxes were delivered. Marilyn and her husband visited Macedonia at Christmastime, which is celebrated on January 6, and helped to distribute boxes to children. They showed pictures taken at the villages and churches where they distributed boxes to the children. There are many good reasons to join the WI – we enjoy a wide variety of interests and outings, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved with the campaigns supported by the WI, to learn new skills and improve existing skills, or just to come along to the meetings for companionship and interesting speakers. You can come to three meetings as a visitor to see what goes on before deciding if you would like to join. All visitors and new members will be warmly welcomed. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month (excluding August) at the village hall – the next meeting is on November 21. Please arrive around 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.
CAMEO As usual CAMEO had a break in July and August. In September we participated in the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning by having extra home-made cakes, sausage rolls and scones available. Despite the absence of eight of our usual attendees we had 20 people at the hall and raised £48. The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come and Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a drop-in basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated. Non-residents are very welcome at a charge of £1 – the set-up costs were part funded by the parish council so in fairness we need to levy a small fee for anyone not paying council tax to the parish. Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, both on personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have notice boards showing events, along with information on businesses and charities. You would be amazed at the wealth of talent and scope of business in our small village! It’s always good to know if somebody in the village has recommended the businesses whose cards and information we display. We meet at Belstead Village Hall on the second Monday of the month (excluding July and August) between 2.30 and 4.30pm. Our next get-together is on November 13, followed on December 11 by our Christmas celebration. Sandra Howard
STOUR VALLEY U3A We held our AGM followed by a most interesting talk entitled Being a Woman Racing Driver & Racing at Le Mans by Celia Stevens on October 11. She talked of her experience of racing historic cars three times at Le Mans Classic, once at Nuremburg and all over the UK. And she is still racing! On Wednesday, November 8, event organiser Eve Regelous, who worked closely with Harrods, will give a glimpse of behind the scenes of day-today life in this world famous company, including its history. We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but have our popular Christmas lunch at the Constable Hall on Wednesday, December 6. This is always a popular event and so early booking is advised. Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www. stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.
CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club meeting on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday). Saturday workshops (10am4pm) and Monday meetings (7.30-10pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms. Monday, November 6: Bottle Top Decorations (Jill) Monday, December 4: Wow – another year gone! Debbie will be away for a few months working abroad and we will do our best to bring more craft projects in 2018 after our Christmas celebration meeting with nibbles and cakes and Jill will show us how to make beaded snowflakes. Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December. It’s never too late to learn! Join the 361,477 members across 969 U3As throughout the UK today.
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OUT & ABOUT WOLSEY’S ANGELS ARE IN IPSWICH
EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, then we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The start time is 7.15pm.
On loan from the V&A, the bronze angels that Cardinal Wolsey commissioned to adorn his tomb, along with many of Ipswich Museums’ rarely displayed Tudor objects, will be on show in Christchurch Mansion until 11 March 2018 Walking with the Angels To complement the exhibition the Ipswich tourist guides are offering guided walks around the town visiting the sites particularly associated with Ipswich’s most famous forefather. The cost is £4 per person with a minimum charge of £40. Parties are limited to 20 people per guide. To book contact the TIC; 01473 258070 / tourist@ipswich.gov.uk Wolsey and his Angels If walking is a problem you may like a guide to visit your venue to give an illustrated talk about Thomas Wolsey, his birth place and the exhibition. To make a booking contact the TIC as above and the charge will be £50.
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP, DIABETES UK
Our next meeting is on November 21 when Captain Peter ChapmanAndrews RN Ret’d. will be sharing his experiences of serving on board two of the most famous RN vessels, Ark Royal and Britannia. Peter, who was a navigation officer, will explain the roles that both ships played in representing the UK to the outside world and the contrasts between the two appointments. There is no meeting in December so the next meeting is on January 16 when Mark Mitchels will be discussing the role Samuel Pepys played in establishing the Royal Navy. Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events. For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB
Our next meeting is on Thursday, November 9 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH from 7-9pm. It will be an evening of festive fun, quizzes, information and support. This is a social gathering of people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to share information on diabetes and to talk to other people in similar situations. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee. For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org
ALTON BELLES Alton Belles recently welcomed Jason and Katherine Salisbury from Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses. Their programme was titled Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses – Our Journey, the story of the trials and tribulations of setting up a dairy when dairies seemed to be closing down! Jason has over 20 years experience of the dairy industry, and Katharine is a qualified veterinary surgeon. In August 2007 they bought their own farm two miles from Creeting St Mary and began planning a new dairy unit. By the end of May 2009 they had opened two new dairy buildings and installed a milking parlour and purpose-built cheese dairy. The milk used for Suffolk Gold is taken from the farm’s own pedigree herd of award winning Guernsey cows, whom Jason is particularly fond of, knowing each of them by name and character. Due to their superb care and feed quality the milk produced from Jason’s cows is a golden, lusciously creamy milk, used to make cheeses, cream, butter and yogurt.
Our first October meeting was on Wednesday 4 when Andrew Morton talked of the work undertaken by Colchester Food Bank, followed on Wednesday 18 by David Ablewhite who returned to present a talk entitled The Royal Family. On November 1 Ted Wheatley presents Overland to India and on November 15 Dennis and Ann Kell will present Wildlife in the Falklands. On December 6 Paul Oliver presents his popular Christmas quiz and at the final meeting of the year on December 20 Barbara Faulkner will tell us about The Man in Red. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202
They presented us with a wonderful success story and the programme culminated in tasting and buying their cheeses.
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY
In November we will be welcoming Alison Suzan and her dog Rufus for a talk on assistance dogs.
Wednesday, November 22: The TSR2 Aircraft Story, illustrated talk by David Morton
If you would like more information about our meetings and how you can join the WI please give Tamzin a ring on 328670. Visitors are always welcome and the first meeting is free.
We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.
Come and join us.
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Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk
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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
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OUT & ABOUT COPDOCK & WASHBROOK RAMBLERS Our winter rambling season got off to an excellent start when a sizable group walked the footpaths around Washbrook Street on a warm autumnal afternoon. During the ramble we encountered a small herd of inquisitive cows who wished to accompany us while we walked across their meadow! The next ramble takes place on Sunday, November 12, and will commence from Belstead Church. We shall use footpaths, farm tracks, bridleways and a short road section to complete a circuit over to Jimmy’s Farm and then back via Wherstead and Spinney Woods – an interesting route, but maybe quite muddy in places. As usual, we will meet at the Church Room in The Street, Washbrook at 1.30pm, and car share to the official start point in Belstead. For more information about our rambles please contact Tina: 01473 730162
CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB In October we had a very illuminating talk by David Morton on the wonders of light. Dave began his talk with the sun and its related energy and benefits, then artificial light, scanners, x-rays, etc. He finished with the next generation televisions and the solar powered car that is being trialled in Australia. We were amazed at how many things are powered by light! Our next meeting is on November 14 when Ann Day returns with a talk entitled Ipswich Then and Now. We meet in the lounge of the Methodist Church at 7.30pm. You are welcome to come and join us as a visitor, £2.50 a meeting with refreshments after the talk. Doreen Parker, 01473 311267
SCHOOLREADERS NEEDED Do you have an hour or two a week to listen to children read in a local primary school? The highly successful Schoolreaders scheme is looking for more volunteers in this area. No qualifications are required, simply a good command of spoken and written English. Schoolreaders is flexible and will match your availability to an appropriate, local school. Volunteers find it most rewarding seeing the impact that their time can make on a child’s reading ability and confidence. If you or anyone you know would like to join or learn more about the scheme and charity, please visit: www.schoolreaders.org Volunteers and schools can join the scheme via the website or for more information can contact: 01234 924111 / admin@schoolreaders.org
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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS LIFE GOES ON AT RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Flatford Wildlife Garden’s main open season finished at the end of October, but there is still wildlife about. We usually notice more blackbirds and thrushes in our gardens now, pecking around on the lawn for worms. They’ll also be enjoying any windfall fruit they come across. Traditional hedgerows, heavy with rose hips, haws, sloes and elderberries are not so plentiful now as they used to be, so perhaps we could be making up for some of the losses by planting up berry-bearing trees and bushes in our gardens. It’s a good time of year for bare-root planting, while the soil still holds some warmth. Apart from the birds, another small creature still about in the garden and making use of bushes and other vegetation is the garden spider. Look carefully and they can be found sitting in the middle of an orb web which they use to catch their insect prey, rushing out to wrap them in sticky silk ready for a later meal, giving ‘here’s one I prepared earlier’ another dimension. They are easily identified by the white cross-shaped pattern on their abdomens. Varying in size and colour, ranging from yellowy brown right through to dark brown/grey, a female can be as much as 20mm across and sometimes devours her much smaller mate as a tasty snack. She protects her eggs in a silken cocoon until she dies in late autumn. The spiderlings hatch during the following May, when some of them may make a meal for hungry birds such as bluetits. The circle of life continues, with our gardens playing an important role. There are still a few more opportunities to visit the garden this year. We’ll be joining with our neighbours, the National Trust, in some early yuletide celebrations over two weekends: November 25/26 and December 2/3 from 10.30am-3.30pm each day. The National Trust will be celebrating a Victorian Christmas at Valley Farm, and we’d love you to join us, the RSPB, at the wildlife garden, where you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of information about how to make your garden more wildlife friendly. Our family activities will include preparing for a ‘Green Christmas’ with simple decorations and seasonal bird feeders, and our amazing volunteers will be running a craft and cake stall – very popular last year! We’ll also be toasting marshmallows and we’re hopeful that the green Mother Christmas will be calling in too, so why not have a relaxing day in beautiful Flatford and come and join us? For full details of activities and future events visit: www.rspb.org.uk/flatford RSPB Visitor Experience Officer Sharon Barker
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ALLOTMENT PLOTS IN CAPEL Half plots are available at £16 per annum. So if you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk / 01473 310988
ROBIN’S NEWS Baby Bears Autumn is here and the bears have been exploring the different smells, textures and sounds. Baby Bears have made some cinnamon and ginger play dough and they loved smelling the different spices. They used different sized conkers and pinecones to push through the play dough helping to develop their fine motor skills. Exploring colours and mixing lots of autumnal shades of paint has been very messy and very creative. Baby Bears have collected lots of leaves on their walks around the local community and brought them back to our garden to look at and compare with our own garden leaves. Toddling Tigers Our Tigers have been exploring the change in season by collecting leaves, sticks and pinecones and we have discussed the colours, textures and shapes of our natural materials. We used the sticks to make our own stickmen, a personal favourite for many as they have the story at home. The Tigers have also been working on their skills when following instructions by taking part in baking biscuits! Gruffalos
Forest School is off to a flying start this term and we are taking our inspiration from Julia Donaldson’s fantastic book Superworm. The Gruffalos have been using palm drills to make holes in conkers before threading them together to make their own conker superworms. The search to find superworms has been successful and many different shades and lengths of worms have been found. Our mini-beast area, made by the Gruffalos to provide a nice winter home for their tiny friends, has been extremely busy and the Gruffalos are thrilled to find many minibeasts have moved in. The colourful autumn leaves have been used in many ways to benefit the Gruffalos, helping with their coordination and throwing skills, team work collecting and gathering, awareness of others while burying or hiding each other and even more physical activity and spatial awareness when chasing around trying to catch the leaves as they fall. If you would like any information about Robin’s Childcare please contact us on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook.
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SCHOOLS BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS
HELP NEEDED AT TATTINGSTONE BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Tattingstone Baby and Toddler Group is a lively and fun group which provides a safe and happy environment for all children aged birth to four to come and play, enjoy a healthy snack and learn to sing songs together. We have a nice mix of mums, dads, grandparents and carers who attend with their children every Wednesday (except the second in the month). We make rainbows and snakes and undertake many other interesting activities! We also have a Facebook page. We meet in Tattingstone Village Hall every Wednesday from 9-11am and enjoy a cuppa and a cake while watching the children enjoy themselves.
Back in July Copdock welcomed an Ofsted inspector. Here is an extract from a letter sent to parents in October from headteacher Jo Austin. “I am absolutely delighted to be able to finally share the outcome of our Ofsted inspection. It is fantastic to have our hard work, commitment and expertise acknowledged by Ofsted with another ‘Outstanding’ judgement. “Staff and governors are thrilled with the report and the many areas identified as exceptional in meeting the needs of the children and families we support. “I would like to extend my thanks to all parents and children for supporting our continued drive to achieve high standards in both learning and personal development. Without partnership work from families, we could not have achieved such great outcomes.” For further information or to read the report please see our website. We’re already half a term into the new school year and it’s been busy. We’ve had a science day at East Bergholt High School for our Year 6s to enjoy, and get a sneaky peak at life at high school. There’s been a football tournament as well as an after school club focusing on handball. Bentley’s Adders and Copdock’s Foxes have been away on an African Adventure where they have had an exhausting week challenging themselves and building confidence. They’ve learnt to co-operate, work together and push themselves, but all in the guise of having fun. Their experiences will be drawn upon in the classroom to guide their learning over the next few months. For those children looking to start school in September 2018 we will be holding open evenings during November – Bentley’s is on Wednesday, November 8 and Copdock’s is on Thursday, November 9 – both at 6.30pm. Please come along and take a look at our schools if you are interested in joining us. Our harvest festival this year was in aid of FIND, a charity based in Ipswich helping Families in Need. We are very grateful for all the contributions received. We also held coffee and cake events for Macmillan at the end of September, raising £140 at Bentley and £256 at Copdock. Again, many thanks for all the donations, whether cake or cash. For more news and up-to-date information about the schools, visit: www.copdock.suffolk.sch.uk
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Currently the regular help that existed has diminished, leaving the organisation of the group to one person and the goodwill of anyone who is around on the day. This leaves the continuation of the group under threat. If you think you would enjoy helping to run the group on a regular basis, or even from time to time, I would love to hear from you. There is no age limit. Please ask friends and family too, and contact me with any interest. Jackie Slattery: slattery781@googlemail.com 01473 327133 / 07730 006923
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Wow, to think the first half term is over and we are now in the second half with Halloween, fireworks and – dare I say it – Christmas! The children have been doing lots of activities around Halloween and fireworks and are now looking forward to Christmas crafts and preparing for their nativity on December 13 at Barham Church. We also had our Halloween dress-up week the first week after half term. There is also a stay and play session for parents and carers coming up at the end of November – giving them the opportunity to see what goes on during the normal sessions. Now we are open all year round we will have some spaces in the school holidays for children aged two to five years old. If you are interested in sending your child please contact the administration assistant, details below, for more info and a booking form. Don’t forget that the government has introduced an additional 15 hours funding for working parents of three and four year olds. This means that parents who both earn the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage (£115.20) or more per week and less that £100,000 per year (or just one carer if a single parent) will be eligible to claim up to 30 hours of funding. You can register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible and also register for the Government Childcare Vouchers Scheme. If you are using the 30 hours you must provide a code to us with your national insurance number in order to be eligible. If you would like an application form or any further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: admin@ claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648 Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ
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Full, part-time and sessional care for children aged 3 months to 11 years.
Forest School Te l e p h o n e : 01473 310767
Ofsted Registered
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info@robinschildcare.co.uk www.robinschildcare.co.uk The Street, Capel St Mary Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2JE
Grant Funding 2, 3 and 4 year
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SPORTS CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB The First team produced an excellent second half display to beat AFC Sudbury Town Reserves by 3-0 in the Suffolk Senior Cup on September 30 at the very impressive Sudbury Town ground. Goals from Kieran Lawler, Shaun Webb and a Stephen Morrison penalty saw the team go through to the last 16. The first seven league games played by the side saw them pick up just seven points after defeating AFC Hoxne 3-1, but losing games against Wenhaston United (2-1) and Benhall St Mary (1-0) before drawing 2-2 at Leiston St Margarets after conceding an equalising goal in the 94th minute. New signings Dan Page and Scott Cooke have put in some good performances in midfield while Kieran Lawler has done well up front. The Saturday Reserves won their first five league games going top of the Inter C League after some excellent performances. The team has several teenagers playing with Christian Foxhall playing well in goal and Harry Franklin and Dan Alderson scoring plenty of goals. Many of the players came through our youth system which is good to see and they certainly enjoy their football which is what it’s all about. Our Sunday team has been involved in some high scoring games with manager Kevin Morrison pleased with the way the season is going. The side beat Cornard United 11-0 in the Sunday Shield which included hat tricks from Bill Boosey and Adam Moore, then lost 6-3 against Chantry Phoenix before beating Playford 11-1 which included a Stephen Morrison hat trick. Next month a report from our Veteran (Over 35) team and all the latest from the Youth teams.
PLAYERS WANTED Capel Plough FC is a friendly, popular and successful football club. We aim to substantially develop ‘grassroots’ football within Capel St Mary and the surrounding area, providing an inclusive football centre and hub for the community and beyond. Capel Plough FC will endeavor to help players to realise and fulfill their potential, developing personal skills and confidence while always providing a safe and positive way of coaching football to players of all abilities. We are currently looking to strengthen our teams in the following age groups: U11 Boys U12 Boys: U13 Girls: U13 Boys: U14 Boys:
Contact Adrian: 07775 581837 School Year 7 – goalie and all players required Contact Vicky: 07739 170483 School Year 8 / Contact Tony: 07772 107838 School Year 8 / Contact Craig: 07595 730446 School Year 9 / Contact Chris: 07767 657504
Please visit www.capelploughfc.co.uk for further information or email: info@capelploughfc.co.uk
Bob the Ploughman
REMEMBERing TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS For more than a decade, the East of England Co-op Funeral Services has brought people together at Christmas to celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones sadly no longer with us.
Christmas Concert Free Admission
This year, East of England Co-op Funeral Services in Ipswich will be hosting a Christmas Concert on Wednesday 6th December in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite at Ipswich Town Football Club. Guests are welcome from 6.15pm, the concert led by Celebrant Donna Sparrow featuring singing from Andrew Spall and music from the East of England Co-op band will begin at 7pm. Tanya Carlton-Smith, Funeral Manager at East of England Co-op Funeral Services, explains: “Christmas can be a very difficult time for many people who have lost someone special. This concert will bring the community together at a time when people need support the most, while celebrating the memories of loved ones who are no longer with us.”
Wednesday 6th December 2017 Welcome from 6.15pm Concert begins 7pm
On the night guests will also be able to share memories and messages of loved-ones on special memory pebbles. Donations will be raised through collection boxes at the concert and all funds will be shared equally with the East Anglia Children’s Hospices, St Helena Hospices, St Elizabeth’s Hospices, St Nicholas Hospice, Norfolk Tapping House and Farleigh Hospice.
Ipswich Town Football Club The Sir Bobby Robson Suite, Portman Road, Ipswich
Next year a new memorial of the memory pebbles will be created and a service will be held to celebrate these memories shared of loved ones.
Led by Donna Sparrow Featuring Andrew Spall Join us to remember loved ones this Christmas To book your place call
01473 851948
Tanya adds: “Sharing a treasured memory on a pebble is a small thing that can make a big difference, and is just one of the things we do as part of our ongoing support services for bereaved families in the local community.” The Ipswich Christmas Concert is free but tickets are limited and must be booked in advance. To book tickets call 01473 851948 or visit an East of England Co-op Funeral Services branch where colleagues will be able to assist. For more information visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals.
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SPORTS / CHURCH NEWS EAST BERGHOLT UFC The season got under way in earnest. However, all the club sides have struggled somewhat with their early season form and victories have been hard to come by. UPCOMING FIXTURES & EVENTS 1st Team Senior Division Sat, Oct 28: Henley Athletic (H) Sat, Nov 4: Coplestonians (A) Sat, Nov 11: Benhall St Mary (H) Sat, Nov 25: Ransomes Sports (A) Sat, Dec 2: Westerfield Utd (H) Reserves League A Sat, Oct 28: Henley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Nov 4: Framlingham Town Res (H) Sat, Nov 18: Coplestonians Res (A) Sat, Nov 25: Old Newton Res (H) Sat, Dec 2: Mendlesham Res (A) A Team League B Sat, Oct 28: Coplestonians A (H) Sat, Nov 4: Stowupland Falcons Res (A) Sat, Nov 11: Stonham Aspal Res (H) Sat, Nov 18: BROB Res Club Colours Cup (A) Fixtures are subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website to confirm: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 Race Night: provisionally scheduled for November 25 We are always looking for people who can help the club as committee members, whether it be on the playing side or just in the background. If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK TENNIS AND BADMINTON CLUB Badminton is played in the village hall on Monday evenings from 7pm. We play from the beginning of September through the winter months to the end of April. If interested contact Maureen on 01473 730409 or come along to the village hall on any Monday evening.
TATTINGSTONE CARPET BOWLS CLUB We don’t need much of an excuse to get around a table for a meal, so when it was our 30th anniversary our committee got together to think of a way to celebrate. As you can see, we enjoyed a fish and chip supper. Good decision folks, and all nicely paid for as well as drinks by the club, what a gesture. The desserts were all made by our lovely ladies. By the time you have read this, we will have again been for a Sunday lunch at the Copdock Hotel (Western) after a tournament (Doug Wade Pairs) at the club, just another excuse for a meal and get together. Carpet bowls, what carpet bowls? Oh, ok then, played three, lost two, won one. What a club! Tony Coward
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CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES TIME & TIDE WAIT FOR NO ONE At the beginning of my adult life, I read George Orwell’s 1984 which described a world of power and control. I also took Margaret on our first date to the Sci Fi film 2001 Space Odyssey. At the time both seemed so far away and futuristic, but one was only 15 years away, the other 30 years away. Now as we look back upon those two stories, the years they seek to describe are 33 years and 16 years ago. The world has moved on, there have been some aspects that have been fulfilled but others have fortunately not. There have also been some different developments which are tragic for human kind. I realise I have more history behind me than future ahead – another 16 years on and I’ll be in my 80s and another 33 years I’ll be nearing my century – if I make it! Time is running out on me – or is it? We measure time in years, months, days or hours. The Psalmist said for God a thousand years are like a single day, and the apostle Peter reminded us that also for God a day is like a thousand years. God has an overview of the huge expanse of time, but he is also aware of every moment and detail of our lives. He shares with us the agony we may go through and delights with us in the joys we experience. A Psalm tells us that ‘the years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty’. Today I think these figures may need to be revised to 90 and 100 years, but even then our days on earth are described as fleeting and very short compared with eternity. One of the gifts of hope of the Christian Faith is that if we trust in Jesus, these years prepare us for an eternity with him. I may think I have more history than future, but I have an eternity still ahead. I don’t know exactly what it will be like, but I know it will be good. If you think I sound arrogant that I know I have this ahead of me, it is not because I am especially good but because God’s word (the Bible) promises it to me, and the apostle John particularly wrote his gospel and letter so that we might know we have eternal life. I’d love to hear from anyone who wants to know this certainty before it’s too late. Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 NOVEMBER SERVICES CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 5 10.30am Worship with Jayne Green 6.30pm Prayer Sunday 12 10.30am Remembrance Sunday Worship with Mrs Alicia Holmes 6.30pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 19 10.30am Worship with Mr Andy Jelfs Sunday 26 10.30am Commissioning of Parish nurses with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.30pm United Prayer at Community Church, Days Road HOLBROOK METHODIST / (HCT Holbrook Churches Together) Tea and Chat: Mondays, 2.30-4pm (HCT) Home Groups: First and third Tuesdays at 7.30pm & Thursdays at 2pm Saturday 4 10-11.30am Sunday 5 10am Sunday 12 10am Friday 17 3.30pm Sunday 19 10am Sunday 26 10am 6.30pm
Coffee Morning Worship with Rev Michael Allen Remembrance Sunday at All Saints Messy Church (HCT) Family Friendly Worship with Dr Liz Cope Worship and Communion with Rev Jo Jacobs Something Different with the Vivo Singers
Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in November. For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478
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CHRUCH NEW THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713863023 “You have been recommended for training for ordained ministry.” These words were relayed to me in May 2016 and after the initial joy had worn off, not surprisingly the doubts and anxieties set in. I had spent two years discerning my calling to be a priest which had culminated in a three day intensive selection panel. And now it appeared that others also felt I was called to be a priest. Random thoughts went through my mind. How would I cope with two years of residential training at theological college in Cambridge and what would preaching a sermon be like? Well, residential training has been an enjoyable and at times, challenging experience, not least because I have had to get used to living in community with others who are also in training. We worship in chapel together, we study together, we eat all our meals together. The hardest thing was getting used to sharing a bathroom with seven other people, especially when I’d been used to having a bathroom to myself at home. I learnt so much during that first year and know that will continue in the second year. And I have had the perfect opportunity to put into practice what I have been learning by being invited to spend my eight week summer placement with North Samford Benefice lead by The Rev Annette Shannon.
FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Christopher Ralph and Christina Price – Copdock Jamie Davies and Stephanie Ramsey – Copdock Andrew Cooke and Stephanie Potter – Copdock Baptisms Madison Pirie – Belstead Funerals Kevin Swarbrick – Sproughton NOVEMBER 1 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 2 Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm 3 Sproughton Fireworks 4 Copdock Morning Market, 10am 5 Bentley Bereavement Service, 3pm 10 Bentley Visit to Thurlston Christmas Spectacular. Contact Sandra: 01473 310383 11 Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am 13 Comfort Corner, Sproughton Church Hall, 1.30pm 15 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 25 Belstead Christmas Sale, Village Hall, 10am Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm Burstall Christmas Bazaar, 10am
I have been warmly welcomed by the ministry team and the congregations of all six churches in the Benefice, enjoying many opportunities to meet and get to know people living in the different parishes. I’ve had the opportunity to assist at worship services, attend social events and meetings, join Open the Book assemblies in schools and attend Burstall Show amongst other things.
DECEMBER 6 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 7 Ministry Meeting, 7.30pm Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm 9 Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am 11 Comfort Corner, Sproughton Church Hall, 1.30pm 14 Bentley Carols in the Village Hall 17 Tattingstone Carols, 6pm Burstall Carols, 4.30pm Belstead Carols, 6pm 20 Copdock Home Communions, 10am
I’ve now preached a few times and it isn’t quite as scary as I initially thought it would be! The time I spent with the Benefice this summer has had a big impact on my calling to priestly ministry. I feel the experiences I’ve had and the affirmation I’ve received have confirmed that calling and given me the confidence to believe that God willing, I will be ordained next summer in the cathedral at Bury St Edmunds. I’m very grateful to all those I’ve met during my placement, for their kind words and generous support as they demonstrate how the church continues to support the needs of those living in the Benefice.
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE NOVEMBER 5 8am Copdock 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton 3pm Bentley
Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion Bereavement Service
Sarah Jenkins
NOVEMBER 12 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 10.15am Sproughton 10.50am Bentley Memorial 10.50am Belstead Memorial 10.50am Tattingstone
Remembrance Service Remembrance and Holy Communion Remembrance Service Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance Act of Remembrance
NOVEMBER 19 9.30am 10am 10am 11am 6pm
Burstall Copdock Bentley Sproughton Tattingstone
Holy Communion Simply Sunday Family Praise Holy Communion Holy Communion
NOVEMBER 26 8am 9.30am 10am 10am 10am 3.30pm 5pm
Sproughton Burstall Bentley Copdock Belstead Tattingstone Sproughton
Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Celebration Family at Church Christingle
North Samford Churches Baby and Toddler Group Starting on November 6 and meeting every Monday in term time at Sproughton Church Hall from 9.30-11.30am with toys, an interactive story, songs, drinks and healthy snack. Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers are welcome with a parent, grandparent or carer. Suggested donation £2 per family. Contact The Rev Annette Shannon: 01473 807674 Sproughton Fireworks Friday, November 3 on the Millennium Green: barbecue from 7pm, bonfire lit at 7.15pm, fireworks at 8pm. For more information call: 01473 857955 Secondary aged young people living in Sproughton If you would like to be involved in any of the Christmas services in All Saint’s, such as the Christingle Service or the Nativity, reading, acting, singing, playing an instrument or helping to lead, please contact The Rev Annette by November 10: revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 I would love to have you on board so that we can generate some even more exciting worship this year. Please submit church letters and copy for the December edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by November 4: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com
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