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with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone Volume 7 • Issue No. 12 • NOVEMBER 2017
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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.
NEWS THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP AT HARKSTEAD VILLAGE HALL
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!
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with Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone
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: shotley@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.
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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 Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
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Suffolk-based Common Ground Theatre Company is currently touring East Anglia with a riotous, theatrically inventive adaptation of Dickens’ masterpiece, with original music by Pat Whymark and featuring Julian Harries as (among others) Nell’s grandfather, Samson Brass and Mrs Jarley. The story follows ‘Little’ Nell Trent, who lives with her devoted grandfather in his London shop, a magical place filled from wall to wall with dust-laden treasures. He keeps his nocturnal gambling a secret, but becomes deeply in debt to the villainous loan shark Quilp. When he gambles away what little money they have, The Old Curiosity Shop is seized by Quilp as payment and Nell and her grandfather are forced to flee London. On the run, and with Quilp on their trail, the pair fall in with a succession of colourful characters, some friendly, some ominous. Over time, she becomes the parent and he the child, a burden which starts to take its toll on her. The tour runs from October 25 to November 25, including Harkstead Village Hall on Thursday, November 16 at 7.30pm. For tickets and further information go to www.commongroundtc.co.uk or call 07807 341364.
SAMFORD VALLEY SCOUT GROUP NEEDS YOU! The Scouts, Cubs and Beavers of 1st Samford Valley (Holbrook, Stutton, Freston, Tattingstone) are desperately seeking volunteers for three key roles: Group Chairman, Group Secretary and Group Scout Leader. All three roles are essential to the management of our successful, friendly and enthusiastic group. They don’t involve attendance at our weekly meetings, but are more ‘behind the scenes’. No prior involvement in Scouting is needed and all training is provided. The roles would be ideal for a parent, grandparent or any member of our community who would like to make a difference. Maybe you are retired and have time and skills to offer? Maybe you are looking for experience beyond your work? Maybe you are a parent whose children have benefitted from Scouting? We would love to hear from you! To find out more, please contact Alison Nichols: anichols@fastmail.fm
FATHER CHRISTMAS DELIVERY IN HOLBROOK If you would like your children to receive a present from Father Christmas on Christmas morning please leave a small, clearly labelled present with you child’s name and address with Millie Gilson at 11 Gifford Close (01473 327016) by Thursday, December 21.
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NEWS SHOTLEY ILLUSTRATOR EMMA GRAHAM PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK The first children’s book which Shotley Gate based illustrator/artist Emma Graham has worked on is due for publication this November. Earlier this year Emma submitted her work to an agency in the US on Twitter and the very next day they called to say they wanted to introduce here to a new publisher who was interested in her illustrations. Introductions were made and a copy of the picture book story was emailed for Emma to read and make a decision. “I fell in love with the characters in the story instantly,” said Emma. “Pictures soon formed in my head of how they would look, so that was it, I agreed to illustrate Symphony Hollow by Jessica Reino, my first fully illustrated children’s book.” Emma has worked closely with Jessica and Callie from Spork Publishing on developing the characters, page layouts and the final illustrations. Emma explains: “The process involved lots of sketching out the characters and there are a few to do, from mice to moose and to incorporate the relevant story elements to those characters, all of whom have a music based theme. We have Bee-Thoven, Pava-RAT-i and Baa-ach to name a few. This for me is probably the hardest part. I am interpreting someone else’s ideas, is my vision the same as the author? “Once we were all happy with those early sketches I then worked them into colour for the final book images for the 14 double page spreads and a front and back cover, all in all over four month’s work. I’m lucky, I love my job; it has taken many years to get to this point, many of which I had a ‘day job’ too to make ends meet.” Symphony Hollow is due for publication this month and can be pre-ordered and ordered through: www.clearforkpublishing.com Emma will be at Wherstead Park Christmas Fair on November 11 & 12, at Beth Chatto Christmas Fayre on November 25 & 26, and has an open studio at her studio on Sunday, December 3 where she hopes to have books available to purchase. Follow Emma on facebook.com/emmagrahampics or view her work at: www.egrahamillustrations.co.uk
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.
RBL 100-YEAR GREAT WAR COMMEMORATION EVENTS AND POPPY APPEAL 2017 Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston and District RBL Branch This year so far has been a quiet one for Shotley. However, with the 100year commemoration of the end of the First World War next year, it will see an increase in activity for all Legion branches in Suffolk. The branch has a new committee of seven with four officers making up the management team. So we can carry on for three more years. Shotley is aiming to have several consecutive events on the lead up to 11-11-2018. In conjunction with the parish councils of Shotley, Erwarton and Chelmondiston, the hope is that we will have activities involving the schools and other organisations in the area, from making proper Remembrance Poppies (yes, we have the kits) to the formal Submariners Service on November 4, the Remembrance Church Service on November 11, Schools Remembrance Services on November 9 and a concert and Sunset Ceremony on November 11. More will be announced as time goes on. We hope other organisations on the peninsula (Scouts, HMS Ganges Association, RNA) will also help in other events as soon we can arrange a meeting of all interested parties at Shotley Village Hall. A date will be published by poster so we can get the events up and running. We would like all parishes and interested bodies that wish to participate to attend the meetings, all are welcome. First meeting: held on October 4 Second meeting: October 31, HMS Ganges Museum Third meeting: TBA / for details call: 01473 787168 Remembrance Sunday Church Service: November 12, starts 10.30am approx. Ganges Waterside: November 12, starts 11.55am approx.. Poppy Appeal 2017 This year’s Poppy Appeal will kick off on October 28, and we are looking for help. Over the past few years the Poppy Appeal has lost many collectors due to age and moving on to other places. We are looking to recruit a few collectors to help the Poppy Appeal Organiser in both Shotley and Chelmondiston. It’s only for a few hours for one to two days, but the rewards are great for those ex-service, service personnel and their dependants who are in need. The RBL, who we raise the welfare funds for, unfortunately cannot brag about those they help under confidentiality rules, but last year having raised more than £700,000 in Suffolk approximately £300,000 was spent in Suffolk helping those in need and the rest went to help others in areas where not so much is raised. Nationally we raised £47.6million, but we spent £108.8million (the difference was raised through corporate sponsorship and other ventures) on welfare (ranging from The Battle Back centre in the Wirral to local welfare needs such as repairing washers, changing fuses and light bulbs through our Handy Van Scheme. For more information about this or any aspect of the RBL, including how to join, visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk Please note you do not have to have been in the armed forces to join the Royal British Legion. For more information call our helpline: 0808 802 8080 Brian Ives, Branch Chairman Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston and District RBL and Poppy Appeal Organiser for Shotley, Brantham and Chelmondiston
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NEWS EMILY’S FUNDRAISING EFFORTS CONTINUE
REPORT TO PARISHES, ALTON WARD: OCTOBER 2017
In August we ran a piece about Emily’s Pugh’s efforts to raise funds to do a midwifery placement in Tanzania. Emily has kindly provided an update and details of her next fundraising event.
Babergh District Councillor Alastair McCraw
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated towards my midwifery placement in Tanzania next year and a massive thank you to those who sponsored me on my 24 mile swim which I have now completed. I still have a bit more fundraising to do and have arranged a quiz night at Shotley Rose Pub on Saturday, November 18 if anyone would like to come along and support me. It will start at 7.30pm and tickets can be purchased from Sarah at the Shotley Rose or from my. It’s just £10 for a team of four and there will also be a raffle. My contact details are: 07974 411063 / em_pugh@hotmail.co.uk Many thanks, Emily Pugh
CHELMONDISTON PARISH COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF CLERK & RESPONSIBLE FINANCE OFFICER TO THE PARISH COUNCIL To start as soon as possible, Part-time (15 hours per week) Salary will be in accordance with NJC salary scales starting at pay point LC1 SCP 21 (£10.467ph) based on level of experience and qualifications. This post is ideally suited to someone who is prepared to work flexibly and has a genuine interest in helping our parish council develop and deliver quality and innovative services to the local community. You will ensure that all legal, statutory, financial and other governing provisions relating to the council are observed, all council meetings are properly administered and decisions effectively implemented whilst developing healthy working partnerships with key local and regional bodies. Training will be available. Attendance at evening meetings, on average two meetings per month, will be required. For further information about the parish and the parish council please visit the website. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact either the chairman (01473 780456) or the vice-chairman (01473 780178) or email: rosiekirkup@chelmondistonpc.info Applications may be made by email or by post to Chelmondiston Parish Council, Stone Cottage Pin Mill Road, Chelmondiston, Ipswich IP9 1JE (marked Private & Confidential). www.chelmondiston.suffolk.gov.uk
EAST SUFFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND A local charity for local people An independent and voluntary charitable organisation promoting the welfare of blind and visually impaired people in East Suffolk since 1914. Membership is free. We also hold a social on the last Wednesday of every month at Stutton Community Hall from 2-4pm when we provide entertainment, afternoon tea and a raffle, and twice a year we have a lunch at a local hotel. If you would like to join us, contact Ian, our community support worker, for more information: 01473 788380 We are always in need of volunteer drivers to assist us with our monthly social event. If interested please contact Barbara McDonald: 01473 328907
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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)
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NEWS DISTRICT COUNCILLOR DEREK DAVIS – BERNERS WARD Shotley, Erwarton, Chelmondiston, Woolverstone and Freston Community groups, transport provision, Shotley Primary School, the Ganges Mast and other heritage assets, along with a proposed cycle path and public use building projects, are all likely to benefit from an £8.2million Housing Infrastructure Fund grant application by Babergh. The funding is part of a £2.3billion scheme to kick start housing developments which have permission, but for one reason or another are slow in delivering new homes. Babergh chose the 285-home site at the former HMS Ganges site, an area of brownfield land, which has planning permission, along with a residential care home and a small hotel and retail units, as it is designated as a site with marginal viability due to a number of reasons, including lengthy and costly legal battles. The developers will be able to use the grant to deliver the link road through the site from opposite Great Harlings, down to the marina development, and crack on with the first batch of 35 homes. It also means work on important heritage assets, such as the Ganges Mast, can be brought forward. An application has been made to dismantle the Grade 2* mast and work on repairing and renovating it to as close to its former glory as possible. Work on the Napoleonic fort is also being carried out. We expect to hear a decision regarding the grant in late December/early January. On a smaller scale, I was delighted to be able to facilitate a meeting between Ian Peters from the village hall committee, parish council chairman Barrie Powell and Babergh’s external funding officer Chris Knock, which resulted in a £10,000 grant towards much-needed improvements on the car park being provisionally awarded. My thanks to all those who supplied supporting letters. Merger Having a referendum, then ignoring a 60-40 majority never seems to be a good idea, yet that is exactly what the Conservative group at Babergh want to do and go against the will of the electorate. The cabinet, made up of eight Conservatives, want to merge with Mid-Suffolk yet have refused to let the people have another vote on it. Instead they plan to use a telephone poll to gauge opinion. Hardly ideal, certainly not democratic and will see a further increase in council tax charges to match Mid Suffolk. The move from Hadleigh to Endeavour House in Ipswich has been a particularly painful process for many of Babergh’s staff, with redundancy notices being handed out to council officers who were reluctant to accept new contracts without due compensation and agreement with the union. The handling of all this by the Conservative administration has not gone down well in many quarters, with staff morale described as being at an all-time low from people who have been around Babergh politics a lot longer than me. Boundary Changes The Boundary Commission has released its proposed changes to wards in Babergh and Mid Suffolk. They plan to reduce councillors in Babergh to 32, and will reconfigure the boundaries for our wards on the Shotley peninsula. Erwarton, Harkstead and part of Lower Holbrook would be included with Shotley and be a single member ward. Chelmondiston would remain with Woolverstone and Freston, but would now also include Wherstead and Bentley, also a single member ward. The report can be found online on the Babergh website. It is still in the consultation stage and the report and full map can be found online on the Babergh website.
SHOTLEY PARISH COUNCIL (1918-2018) 100th Anniversary Commemorations Shotley Parish Council is extremely proud and honoured to work with Shotley, Erwarton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion (Mr Brian Ives being the local representative) in order to organise a once in a lifetime event which will probably be the last national commemoration of the First World War. So far, Councillors Green and Wrinch and I have met with Brian and great ideas have already been put forward, such as an environmentally friendly virtual Poppy balloon release, an augmented reality display of glowing Poppies, a musical extravaganza, a parade, and many more. We would very much like to get as many people involved and needless to say we could do with some helping hands, so please get in touch with Shotley Parish Council if you would like to be involved. Parish Council Election The by-election for a new parish councillor will take place on Thursday, November 9 at Shotley Village Hall between 7am and 10pm. Please don’t miss out the opportunity to exercise your right and vote for your chosen representative. Ganges Development A meeting with SCC Highways and developers is eagerly awaited to look at whether the roundabout access onto Ganges (as per approved plans) is indeed the best option for the village. Those involved will look at alternatives such as a smaller roundabout or a priority junction. Shotley Gate Post Box The parish council continues to work very hard towards getting this facility reinstated and there may be a way forward, but we will not know until we receive final confirmation from Royal Mail, so watch this space Shotley Business Directory and Welcome Pack Shotley Parish Council has started work on the next long-awaited issue of this much appreciated publication, which will hopefully feature much more of the peninsula. If you are a business wishing to advertise, full details of how to do so will be published very soon. Note from the Dina Bedwell, Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth Our parish council meetings are always open to the public and we would really love to see more of you there. There are times when matters of a confidential nature are considered, such as contracts, employment and legal matters, and this takes place during the confidential section of a meeting. However, the same laws that govern a council apply at all times. Social media can be a wonderful way of communicating, but can also be misused and spread inaccurate information to the masses. There is nothing we can do about that, but what you can do, as a responsible or just interested resident, is consider whether the information you are reading is viable or merits further enquiry. If it is anything to do with the parish council please just ask any of us or check our legally binding minutes of meetings. I am afraid our members, who already volunteer a lot of their time to their parish, would not have the time to put right inaccuracies that are routinely posted and we really would not be able to justify a clerk being paid tax payers funded wages to do it either. However, I am just a phone call away, so please just ask!
If you have an issue you would like to discuss please contact: derek.davis@babergh.gov.uk / 07824 167196
Please send updates, news and any other contributions to shotleypc@ btinternet.com or call me on 01473 788248 with your details. Our website is regularly updated and is visited by people all over the world, so please help us populate it with interesting and useful facts. We look forward to hearing from you.
My Facebook page is: Derek Davis-Your Independent Councillor
www.shotley.onesuffolk.net
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT HOLBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Key points from the meeting held on September 18 The Swan Public House – An Asset of Community Value Confirmation of the intention to bid has been received from Babergh District Council and the full moratorium has been triggered. Councillor Ingleton has spoken to a local marketing specialist and has passed on details of ‘The Pub is The Hub’ and other useful contacts. Councillor Ambrose confirmed that the parish council would not be purchasing The Swan, but would be supporting any community bid that emerged. Dog and Litter Bins It was resolved that two Earth Anchors Beau 42-litre litter bins and four HGN 45 dog bins would be purchased. Additionally a Wybone post mounted bin would be purchased to replace the bin on Heathfield Road if this is approved by SCC. Funds would be taken from reserves to make this significant purchase. Full minutes of this and all other meetings are available at www.holbrook.onesuffolk.net or by contacting the clerk. Future meeting dates are: November 20, December 11, January 15, February 19, March 19 and April 16. Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Consultation Public consultation on the Joint Local Plan is underway and the first stage closes on November 10. This is a very important document which will define planning policy and shape development across the area for the next 20 years. Holbrook Parish Council will be making comments on the plan; parishioners are welcome to contribute their views to the parish council’s response as well as to comment as individuals. For example, the boundaries of settlements (villages) have been updated and if you believe that they are inaccurate, you can ask to have them changed. Boundary Commission Review of Ward Boundaries The LGBC draft recommendations are now available for comment. The consultation runs until December 11 and everyone is encouraged to respond whether you support the proposals or have alternative views. You can take part in the consultation through the interactive consultation portal on the LGBC website. Links to this are on the Holbrook Village website. For further information on any of these items, please contact the clerk: holbrookparishclerk@outlook.com / 07999 583017
CHRISTMAS FAIR AT ALL SAINTS All Saints Church, Holbrook, is holding a Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 18, from 11am-2pm in Holbrook Village Hall. Lunches and refreshments will be available. Attractions will include a model railway, crafts, cakes, books, CDs, white elephant, raffle, a visit from Santa, and there may even be rides on a full sized antique rocking horse!
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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Wow! Doesn’t time fly when you are having fun! Chelpin Players really enjoyed our last show, Murder, Mystery and Mayhem, and we know our audiences did too. Our summer has been taken up with our latest bit of fun, The Murder Room by Jack Sharkey. This was such fun last time we did it (20 plus years ago) I felt it deserved another airing and with the addition of a bar and a light buffet we guarantee a good evening. I don’t want to give anything away, but just to say murder has never been this funny! A spoof of all crime thrillers – good clean mirth all the way with never a dull moment. Performances at Chelmondiston Village Hall at 7.30pm from November 23-25. Tickets £8 on the door which includes light refreshment as last time. Bar available. Pat Lakey
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
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OUT & ABOUT HOLBROOK SOCIETY EVENTS Friday, November 10: Holbrook First World War Trail The trail – researched and devised by the primary school – involves a short walk taking in 10 houses or sites which were once the home of a First World War soldier and learning something of that soldier’s life. It should take about an hour, ending up at The Sorrel Horse. Meet outside Holbrook Primary School at 10.30am. Saturday, November 25: Bus trip to Norwich £10.50, places now limited. Names to Joy Squirrell: 01473 327304 Friday, January 12: History of Farming on the Peninsula by Richard Wrinch at Holbrook Village Hall, 7.30pm
HARKSTEAD VILLAGE AUCTION Our very popular twice yearly auction will be held on Saturday, November 4, in the village hall starting at 10am. If you haven’t been before, this is good fun and an enjoyable and profitable way of recycling those household goods that are too good to throw away. It’s also an opportunity to pick up collectors items and a bargain. Please put this date in your diary. If you would like more information or to book lots in for sale, please contact: 01473 328649 / harksteadauction@btinternet.com Lots will be taken in on Thursday, November 2 between 2 and 8pm, however it is essential to book items in for sale in advance as we will again be limiting the number of lots to about 250. First come first served! The hall is open for viewing on Friday, November 3 from 11am-1pm and again from 4-8pm as well as from 9am on the Saturday of the auction itself. There is ample parking and refreshments will be available.
SUTTON CHRISTMAS MARKET Sutton’s annual Christmas Market will be held on Saturday, November 25 in Sutton Memorial Hall from 10am-1pm. The hall will be packed with a selection of craft stalls selling jewellery, painted glassware, cards with local views, Christmas decorations, wicker ware and woodenware goods, children’s gifts, flower festival calendars and cards, together with a cake stall, tombola, raffle and much more. Light refreshments will also be on sale for the duration of the market. It’s a great opportunity to view local crafts, see what’s on offer and buy for Christmas.
ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET
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. 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. Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue. New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777
PIE AND PUNCH Christmas themed table tops, Berners Village Hall, Woolverstone Sunday, December 3, 10am-12.30pm Woolverstone is again looking forward to its pre-Christmas Pie and Punch event on December 3, a gathering for old and new friends of the peninsula. All are invited to join in the festivities. Friends of Woolverstone not only invite you to join them, but are also inviting people who have a hobby that they would like to turn into a small business, or a small business they would like to showcase to hire a table for the duration of the event to sell wares. They are particularly looking for Christmas themed products such as greeting cards, table, door and churchyard Christmas decorations, pottery, woodcraft, jewellery and anything else that might be suitable for sale ahead of the Christmas season and associated with the time of year and Santa. If you would like to book a table (£10), please contact Elspeth: 01473 780750 / ciskander@aol.com
REMEMBERING TOGETHER St Andrew’s Parish Church, Sunday, November 5 This is a time for those who wish to remember loved ones who have died in recent years, a time to reflect and be thankful for their lives. The service lasts 45 minutes including readings, music, prayer and lighting of candles. Please invite family and friends to come along. Everyone is warmly welcomed. Tea and cake served from 3pm, service begins at 4pm Enquiries to Christine Ward: 01473 780621 / cmward1@btinternet.com
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OUT & ABOUT SHOTLEY SOCIAL CLUB (OVER 60s)
SHOTLEY WALKING CLUB
Our next meetings are in the village hall on Thursdays, November 9 and 23. Villagers are invited to join us on November 23 for a concert. On arrival there will be orange juice, wine or sherry and refreshments will be served in the interval. The only thing to be paid for is the raffle. We start at 2pm and everyone is welcome; just turn up.
Seven adults did a lovely walk around Holywells Park on October 8. Lorraine joined us for the first time and Carol brought her little dog on a mild and dry day. We all had a welcome cup of tea in the café before walking back to the start at the Riverside Clinic car park.
On November 29 members will be going to the Stoke Ash White Horse for our Christmas meal. We are very lucky to have a coach with a lift for anyone who cannot use the steps. For information concerning this, please contact Norman and Eileen: 01473 787358 On December 6 we are going to Wyevale Garden Centre, leaving Shotley at 10am. Again, for information concerning this outing, please call Norman and Eileen. Everyone is welcome to join us. Norman and Eileen
CHELMONDISTON OVER SIXTIES We have organised our Christmas meal at the White Horse, Stoke Ash, for December 14, also a Christmas musical afternoon with The Banjo Man on December 7. Come along to Chelmondiston Village Hall any Thursday afternoon between 2 and 4pm. Mike and Michele Rutherford
CHELMONDISTON WI October was a busy month for us, starting with our Cake Heaven stall at the table top sale. Members had produced some totally wonderful cakes of all sizes and tastes, and the stall was practically sold out within the first hour. Our October speaker on A Year in the Life of a Racehorse was Geoff Evans, with a fascinating talk about all aspects of a racing stable. Racehorses are broken in at two years and have a racing life of up to 12 years. Mares are precious as mothers, and the very fast colts go off to stud. Apparently Frankel now has a stud fee of £120,000. Geoff is very involved now with Riding for the Disabled, such a worthwhile cause, and his photographs of happy children on ponies were heart warming. Our girls will have bowled again in the WI Carpet Bowls Competition by the time this article comes to print, so let’s hope we can win again this year! We shall have our AGM in November and December brings a speaker on Christmas decorations. Meetings are held in the village hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. New members are always made very welcome.
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Our next walk is on Remembrance Sunday, November 12, and is a local walk starting at 2pm from Shotley Village Hall car park. We will walk through Golden Wood to Wades Lane and Hill House and up the valley and back to the church and village hall. Anyone new to the village is welcome to join us. Our December walk will also be a local walk. It costs nothing to walk with us so come and enjoy the fresh air and open countryside in our village. Call Jill (787504) or just turn up on the day.
SHOTLEY CHURCH HERITAGE 700 CLUB September Draw Winners 1: £25 Mrs M Warren (105) £20 Miss M Baxter (055) 2: £15 Mrs M Whitton (126) 3: £8 Mr E Amner (135) 4: 5: £7 Mrs N Bembridge (088) New members are always welcome to join the 700 Club at a cost of £1 a month. This can be paid at intervals of three, six or 12 months. To join contact Norman: 01473 787358 October Draw and Bingo This event raised £221 for heritage funds; our sincere thanks to everyone who supported it. The first three winners were: £25: Mrs A Baxter (0145) Cosmetic Hamper: Mrs M Coulson (0442) Bottle of Whisky: Kathy (1007) Norman has the complete list of 25 winners if required.
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. Meetings are held at 10am on the second month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following refreshments (when there is time for a chat and a raffle. New members and visitors are
Wednesday of every the speaker we have with other members) welcome to join us.
Roger Felgate, 01473 311684
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OUT & ABOUT ANYONE FOR CHESS OR CRIBBAGE? Anyone on the peninsula interested in chess or cribbage who would like to play on an informal, occasional and ‘non-league’ basis, please contact Martin Gosling: 01473 780463 / goslingmartin@hotmail.com
SHOTLEY WHIST DRIVE This month we meet in the village hall on Thursdays, November 2, 16 and 30 from 1.50-4pm. At the moment we have six tables, which is lovely. It is also a friendly afternoon. For more information, please contact Norman and Eileen: 01473 787358
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
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-to-day 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 secretaryGillian Gibbs may be contacted. 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.
SHOTLEY AND ERWARTON WI It’s not unusual to present posies to our members celebrating birthdays, but our September meeting started with big bouquets of flowers for two of our members celebrating special birthdays: Doreen Bacon on the left, who has been with the WI for 19 years, and Jo Lee who has been with us for 25 years, served on the committee for 23 and was our secretary for 10 years. Liza Jones then took us back in time with her History of Knickers. It wasn´t until Ancient Rome that the first underwear was recorded – a bikini, used by women in sport. Underwear wouldn´t reappear until the 14th 16th centuries as bodices, stomachers and corsets in whalebone for shaping women’s bodies. Pantaloons were invented in the 19th century. These were two separate pieces of material for the legs, joined together by cord at the waist which you would draw apart, like you would curtains. So all those young things thinking they were risqué and daring with crotchless panties, it’s all been done before. On a dank and foggy night in October we welcomed our speaker who braved the weather to give us a talk on Jin Shin Jyutsu, a Japanese healing therapy involving rubbing a particular finger to alleviate physical conditions or emotional problems such as worry, fear, anger or sadness. It was a fascinating talk enjoyed by all. We also celebrated the special birthday of one of our long standing members, Sheila Mower, in fine style with home-made birthday cake and Prosecco. It was a happy evening and we are a welcoming crowd so if you fancy joining us for our meeting on November 15 don’t be shy. The competition is for a wrapped present to be donated to the Over 70’s Christmas Party and our talk will be on the Associated Country Women of the World, an international charity supported by the WI. There are still tickets for our Swinging 60s dance on November 18, with Babycham to start, followed by a three-course 60’s inspired hot meal and dancing to Tyler Kemp. Tickets are £25 from Lin Howell: 01473 787429
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OUT & ABOUT ALTON BELLES
1st HOLBROOK BROWNIES
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!
Thank you to Ipswich Fire Station for a fabulous evening. We all had fun looking at the impressive fire engines, though it had to be playing with the water hoses that created the loudest shrieks of laughter!
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. They presented us with a wonderful success story and the programme culminated in tasting and buying their cheeses. In November we will be welcoming Alison Suzan and her dog Rufus for a talk on assistance dogs. 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. Come and join us.
SHOTLEY GARDENING CLUB We met on October 9, giving me the rare opportunity to meet the deadline for In Touch. Graham Procter from the Crown Nursery was our first speaker of the new season and as usual did not disappoint. He has a gift of sharing his wide knowledge of all things horticultural, blended with an easy interactive delivery – more like a conversation with a witty friend. There’s lots of laughter, but at the end you come away knowing a lot more than when you arrived. Graham also brought some lovely plants to illustrate the topic Autumn Colour in the Garden. Quite a number left in the backs of our cars. I wish I had space in the garden for a lovely new Hydrangea Paniculata – Vanilla Fraise with an arching habit and flowers that start white but which develop pink from the outer rims of the sepals and deepens as the autumn advances. Maybe I can make some space! The programme for 2017-2018 was distributed to members and, I hope, printed here. If you see anything that would interest you please come along to any of the talks for a nominal £2. For more details contact Karen Smith (787731) or June Edwards (787422). As usual we will open some of our outings, and more particularly the summer holiday (which is currently being planned), to non-members. The competition of a photograph featuring water was won by Carole Davis. Our next meeting is on November 20 (a week later than usual) and will be a workshop on making Christmas wreaths led by Jo Lee. SHOTLEY GARDENING CLUB PROGRAMME 2017-18 November 20: Wreath Workshop with Jo Lee (NB: third Monday) December 11: Christmas Party in the village hall – members catering January 8: New Year Dinner at the Red Lion (NB: Tuesday) February 19: Tyler’s Wood by Simon Leatherhead (NB: third Monday) March 12: Plant Swap April 9: Spring Flowering Bulbs by Sonya Burrows May 14: Visit to Bourn Bridge Garden Centre with Claire Muckleston June 11: Golden Wood Re-visited; a guided walk with Ian Peters July 11: Outing to Henstead Exotic Garden and Aldburgh or Snape August 13: Cream Tea September 10: AGM
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We’ve also had some very enthusiastic singing around a traditional campfire at Hallowtree, followed of course by s’mores and chocolate biscuits, and the Brownies had a great time running, chasing and sliding during our evening at Snakes and Ladders. Brown Owl’s challenge was to see if all 35 brownies could get on the big slide without slipping down. SpiderMan must have been giving the girls lessons as they all managed to stick like glue. Just as well as the Owls at the bottom didn’t fancy being flattened! Twenty-four of our Brownies are now looking forward to our sleepover weekend at Stoke Ash. They have chosen ‘Under the Sea’ as the theme. If your daughter (aged seven-10) would like to enjoy a variety of activities, take part in new challenges, make lasting friendships and, above all, have fun, please register on Girlguiding UK. We currently have a waiting list, so don’t leave it until they are seven to register.
MOTHERS’ UNION, SHOTLEY PENINSULA BRANCH Simon Scott from Christian Youth Mission was our speaker in October. Simon explained his duties and talked of the events arranged and his responsibility for a team of volunteer workers who visit and work alongside local churches to reach children and teenagers in schools and colleges. Claire Staddon from Emmaus, Ipswich, a charity which helps long term unemployed and homeless people rebuild their lives, is our speaker when we next meet on Wednesday, November 1, in St Andrew’s Church Room, Chelmondiston at 2pm. Make a note in your diary for our Advent Carol Service at Freston Church at 2pm on Wednesday, December 6, led by The Rev Geoffrey Clements. We have time for tea, cakes and a chat after each meeting. If you need a lift, please contact Christine (790621) or Pam (780796). We welcome friends and visitors to join with us.
HOLBROOK & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB Our meeting at Holbrook Village Hall on Tuesday, September 12 opened the autumn season with a demonstration by one of our favourite demonstrators, Barbara Collins from Norfolk, entitled Shades of Autumn. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month when we have an outing and an afternoon tea instead. All our demonstrators are qualified by NAFAS, The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, and give us an entertaining afternoon. Their flowers are raffled off for us to win and enjoy at home if we are lucky. Members can enter a flower arranging competition every month if they wish. It is also a chance to meet up with friends and make new ones and there’s a plant stall and a sales table to enjoy while you have a cup of tea. There is also a workshop for members once a month at the same venue. On November 14 our demonstrator will be Sandra Adcock from Martlesham. On December 12 Lee Berrill will give us a Christmas demonstration entitled All That Glitters. Visitors are very welcome and meetings start at 1.30pm.
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SCHOOLS STUTTON CEVCP SCHOOL Our school community continues to be busy. Our Harvest Festival at St Peter’s Church went very well and the children sang, read and recited brilliantly. We are so proud of them. Thank you to those members of the community who came to enjoy and support the children’s efforts. The children’s autumnal art box displays added a different dimension to the flower festival arrangements and were much admired. We were very grateful for the food donations made to our chosen charity FIND (Families in Need), an Ipswich food bank. Our children attended a Macmillan Coffee Morning at Stutton Village Hall and were greeted warmly by volunteers and guests. They enjoyed cordial and cake and gave an impromptu performance of some harvest songs to the delight of those in attendance. We have a fantastic video of our KS2 sailing at Neptune Marina which we hope to put on our website soon. The Coffee, Cake and Clothes event was equally successful and we look forward to our open mornings throughout the coming weeks. Our Key Stage 1 and Reception children visited Canham’s Wood and were so happy to find that ‘Stutton Grows’ have been busy bees. The trees have all been labelled with names and the woods were tidy and inviting for us to enjoy. We will be visiting it regularly to enjoy the great outdoors and enhance our learning opportunities. This year we are holding a European Christmas Market from 5-7pm on December 8. We are happy to include outside stalls. Do get in touch if you would like a table at this exciting new event: admin@stutton.suffolk. sch.uk / anne.clarke@stutton.suffolk.sch.uk We are delighted to share the news that one of our previous Year 6 pupils will be reading at the Arthur Ransome Marathon Poetry Reading. We wish all the poetry readers the very best of luck. It has been really good to see the school building being used by the community: we have welcomed First Samford Valley Cubs, Stutton Presents (a drama group) and now Jackie Dawson is offering yoga on Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm. We apologise that the new swings are out of action and are hoping to get the wooden posts repaired as soon as possible.
CHELMONDISTON C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL What a fantastic start to the new term it has been here at Chelmondiston Church of England Primary School. First of all I want to say a huge thank-you to all readers and the members of the PTA for the autumn fayre which we held in late September. It was a slightly overcast day, but the sun came out for us and we were able to raise in excess of £1,100. Part of the fundraising involved a wonderful device called the Gunge Gallows. Children, parents and staff all contributed to getting me covered in a lovely mixture of gunk! As you can see I got absolutely covered! However, it was all in a good cause and the money that has been raised has already been spent. If you come into the classrooms you will see that the children are now benefiting from having new smart boards which are back lit. This means that clear and clean images can be displayed which will certainly support the children’s learning. We don’t have the money to purchase these boards from the budget we are allocated so it’s fantastic to be able to give our children these advantages. We have also held our first fundraising event of the year. On Tuesday, October 3, the children in Edme class supported the Macmillan Coffee Morning. Year 6 pupils were on hand to deliver cups of tea and coffee together with a wonderful array of cakes and biscuits. The rest of the school also got in on the act and sang three songs to entertain everyone who had come along. It is really important that the children contribute to charity and see the value of supporting such events. Our house groups have also met to discuss what they are going to do for the Chelpin Awards. Here the children must devise, document and carry out a fundraising activity for the local area. As they go along the children create a scrapbook which is then judged by the members of the parish council to see which group has done the best and so will be awarded the Chelpin Trophy.
Do visit our website and look for notices outside and around the school for news of upcoming community events.
Don’t forget our open day on Wednesday, November 22, where the whole community is welcome to come into school and see the different things that we get up to. Look out for more details.
Anne Clarke www.stuttonprimary.school
Sean Cornish
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SPORTS IPSWICH RAVENS VOLLEYBALL The new indoor season is now well under way and the Ravens entered two teams in the first tournament of the monthly Suffolk Indoor 6-a-side series held at Northgate School. Ravens have a new look this season showing our emphasis on developing our juniors and ladies in particular. Our First team which entered Division 1 included three of our most promising U18 boys, giving them some fantastic experience against the top adult sides around the county. Although we lost all four games we were highly competitive throughout, with some tight finishes sparing us from last place on point’s difference. Captain Chris Giles summed up with cautious optimism: “That was our highest standard of volleyball ever at this early stage of the season. Despite not winning a game there were positive signs putting into practice the new tactics we’ve been working on in training.”
We recently enjoyed a very happy evening trying out wines, thanks to the generosity of the East of England Co-op which provided a great selection of wines for us to taste while listening to words of wisdom about wine from Mike Unsworth of Bancroft Wines. As I write, we have hosted another successful regatta and are looking forward to the smack and working boats putting themselves through their paces and looking wonderful in the process. We are now heading to a very busy time in the club as the winter evening programme kicks off with such delights as a tribute evening for recently departed pop stars, a children’s Halloween party, a pizza bake-off and our traditional Shanties and Ditties evening. clourfence ad march2016 WIP_Layout 1 03/03/2016 09:25 Page 1
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Meanwhile our developing ladies team entered Division 2 and brought us a degree of success, finishing fourth with two wins and two defeats. Especially pleasing was a very mature performance from U14 Alana Flewitt, including the winning strike in an exciting game against Bury with the scores tied at 24-24. Captain Georgina Greenham was also quick to praise Cynthia Obeng-Asare for groundwork in particular. If you have ever thought about giving volleyball a try, now is a great time to do so. It’s a fast and exciting sport, it’s perfect to help build fitness, and being non-contact it is largely free from injuries. At Ravens we are actively seeking new members and will welcome anyone male or female, experienced or complete beginner, and any age from 13 upwards. We meet every Saturday from 2-4pm and every Tuesday from 7-9pm at St Alban’s School, Rushmere. If you are interested in joining this growing sport, visit: www.ipswichravens.org.uk or call/text 07508 351875.
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SPORTS / CHURCH NEWS SAIL TRAINING IN AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY Neptune Sailing is a sail and power boating training centre on the River Orwell at Woolverstone in an AONB. We are a RY Training Centre, approved for training adults and young people with full safety and safeguarding procedures in place. NEPTUNE YOUTH GROUP If you would like to join one of our Neptune youth groups in 2018 apply on our website (existing group members will automatically be contacted). Our youth group section runs three nights a week for all skill levels and has been training youngsters in the local community for many years. Many of the young people who have gone through the stages from beginner to advanced sailors have gone on to train as assistant and full instructors with a recognised RYA qualification. Not only has this given them a skill on which some have built a career, but in many cases it has started them down the route of volunteering to give something back. SCHOOL GROUPS Neptune has helped to build links between schools and communities and provides a much-needed outlet for young people to focus some of their energies and leisure time in an outdoor environment on a beautiful river. All this in addition to gaining sailing skills, achieving a greater understanding and respect for nature and wildlife in and on the river and surrounding area, the best way to appreciate the beauty of the river. Our objective is to expand the number of schools involved and to encourage teachers and staff to obtain qualifications to become actively involved in the sessions. RYA CERTIFIED TRAINING COURSES Power and Safety Boat RYA Dinghy Sailing (junior and adult) Instructor and Assistant Instructor First Aid Neptune has a large fleet including toppers, fevas, wayferers, 420s ribs and displacement powerboat. CRAFT FOR SAIL We currently have six sailing dinghies for sale due to updating our fleet, three Wayfarers and three Omegas. Contact our website for all details. www.neptunesailing.org.uk
PLAYERS WANTED at capel plough fc Capel Plough FC is a friendly, popular and successful football club. Our home ground is Friars, Capel St Mary, Ipswich IP9 2XS. 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.
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. EBUFC is a community club with very strong village traditions. The majority of the players either live in or have links to the village. Please come along and give us a look sometime. Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com
SHORELINE BENEFICE ST ANDREW’S, CHELMONDISTON November 5 9.15am Holy Communion November 5 3 for 4pm Commemoration (All Souls) November 12 9.30am at The Methodist Chapel, 10.45am at The War Memorial for Service of Remembrance November 19 9.15am Holy Communion November 26 9.30am Family Service ST MARY’S, ERWARTON Please visit www.shorelinebenefice.co.uk for information on services.
We are currently looking to strengthen our teams in the following age groups:
St MARY’S, HARKSTEAD November 5 9.30am November 12 10.55am November 19 9.30am November 26 9.30am
Holy Communion Service of Remembrance Holy Communion Holy Communion
U11 Boys: U12 Boys: U13 Girls: U13 Boys: U14 Boys:
ST MARY’S, SHOTLEY November 5 10.15am November 5 12.15pm November 19 10.45am November 26 10.45am
Family@Church (Service of Remembrance) Ganges Remembrance Worship for All Holy Communion
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
www.keepingintouchwith.com/shotley
Please check on the website or the church noticeboards for any change to the service times and places.
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CHURCH NEWS TWO RIVERS BENEFICE ST PETER’S, STUTTON November 2 7.30pm November 5 8am 10.30am November 12 10am November 19 9.30am November 26 11am
All Souls’ Holy Communion Worship for All Remembrance Service Holy Communion Informal Service
ALL SAINTS, HOLBROOK November 5 4pm November 12 10am November 19 8am 10am
Afternoon Tea Remembrance Service Holy Communion Informal Service
ST MARY’S, WHERSTEAD November 5 No Service November 12 10.55am Remembrance Service November 19 No Service November 26 11am Holy Communion ST PETER’S, FRESTON November 5 11am Matins November 12 10.55am Remembrance Service November 19 11am Holy Communion Morning Prayer every Friday at 9am ST MICHAEL’S, WOOLVERSTONE November 5 11am Café Church November 11 Monthly Market, 9am - 12.30pm November 12 10.55am Service of Remembrance, Berners Hall November 19 11am Morning Prayer November 26 11am Holy Communion Evening Prayer every Wednesday at 6.30pm, first Wednesday in the month includes Holy Communion. ADVENT 2017: Week beginning December 3 Advent is a word we seldom use today; it derives from the Latin ‘adventu’s meaning ‘arrival’ anticipating the birth of Mary’s first born child Jesus. For us living in the 21st century, December is a busy time: choosing and buying Christmas presents, decorating the house, making mince pies, preparing and attending school carol services with small shepherds wearing tea towels on their heads, angels with net-curtains and carol singing. But we need to stop and think amongst all the business, about why we celebrate Christmas. The season of Advent is a rich and challenging preparation for Christmas. Through the days of Advent we prepare to celebrate: • The coming of Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem • The coming of Jesus into our waiting hearts • The Christ who will come again in triumph The strands of these themes intertwine and weave a rich tapestry. There are feelings of joy at the coming of Jesus threaded with apprehension, for Advent is a season of preparation and penance, when we are invited to recognise our own brokenness in the presence of a Holy God. We prepare anew for the coming of the ‘Son of Righteousness’ whose presence comes ‘with healing in his wings’ to lead us back to the wholeness which is God’s gift to us. Marian Carter
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CHELMONDISTON & 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 Chelmondiston & Holbrook & Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 CHELMONDISTON METHODIST Sunday 5 10.45am Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey 6.15pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Sunday 12 9.30am Remembrance Sunday United Service at St Andrew’s 6.15pm Local Arrangement Sunday 19 10.45am Worship with Mrs Jane Paterson 6.15pm Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Friday 24 7pm Pots & Pudd Evening Sunday 26 10.45am Worship with Mr Luke Rokobuli 6.15pm Worship with Rev Michael Ayden 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 (ring for venue) 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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COME SING
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG
WITH BEN PARRY (NYCGB) & THE READE ENSEMBLE A great afternoon out for all the family! Fancy dress is optional but there will be an exciting prize for the best costume!
SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER, 3PM
BURNS RECITAL HALL ROYAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL, HOLBROOK, IPSWICH, IP9 2RX
£5 PER SINGER experiencetickets.co.uk/rhsmusic
01206 573948