In Touch
™© ™©
with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham
Volume 7 • Issue No. 11 • SEPTEMBER 2017
AB Photography (Facebook)
March Accounting & Taxation Services Ian Coombes FCCA MBA
• FREE initial consultation to discuss any tax, accounting and general business issues • Payroll, Auto Enrolment,VAT, Self Assessment, and full accounting service • Personable and professional tailored support • Fees agreed in advance • Out of office hours service available Individuals, self employed and limited companies
Please call Ian on: 01449 740285 / 07939 837939 E: ian@marchconsultingltd.co.uk
FLU VACCINATIONS 2017
(Formerly known as Bramford RBL Club)
Important Notice for Patients Registered at Needham Market Country Practice
Entertainment for September
If you are over 65, or have any of the following: heart condition, asthma, COPD, kidney disease, diabetes, are pregnant, have a lowered immunity, have had a stroke or are a carer for someone else – you are entitled to a free flu vaccination. We are not writing invitation letters but if you are in one of the groups above, you are free to turn up on the day to be vaccinated.
71-73 The Street, Bramford IP8 4DX Tel: 01473 745198
The clinic for Barking, Battisford, Bramford, Elmsett, Flowton, Great Bricett, Little Blakenham, Nettlestead, Offton, Somersham, Wattisham & Willisham will be held on
TUESDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2017 at
SOMERSHAM VILLAGE HALL between 9.00am – 11.30am If you are in one of the groups mentioned and are unable to attend this flu clinic, please telephone Needham Market Country Practice on 01449 720 666 where information on further clinic dates can be obtained.
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BRAMFORD SOCIAL CLUB
Sat 2 Thurs 7 Fri 9 Thurs 14 Sat 16 Thurs 21 Sat 23 Wed 27 Thurs 28 Fri 29 Sat 30
70’s Disco Night Quiz Night traveliN light Jazz with New orleaNs Jazz Delights are we there yet? BiNgo scorpio risiNg KaraoKe Quiz Night coffee MorNiNg iN aiD of MacMillan 10aM - 1pM rhythM rocKets
Every Sunday night Bingo at 8pm
As well as a snooker room and pretty outside seating area we now have hot drinks available at the bar, so come and join us for coffee or beer.
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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR As ‘summer’ draws to an end and holidays become a distant memory I think we all need something to make us laugh. I’ve found the perfect thing. A wonderful little book titled F In Exams by Richard Benson (Published by Summersdale Publications Ltd) has provided much hilarity in my house of late. It’s “full to the brim with funny examples of creative answers from clueless but canny students” and I’ve chosen some of my favourites for you. Enjoy! Q: What is a nitrate? A: It is much cheaper than a day rate. Q: What is a fibula? A: A little lie. Q: What does ‘terminal illness’ mean? A: When you become ill at the airport. Q: Explain the concept of homeostasis. A: It is when you stay at home all day and don’t go out. Q: How high is Mount Everest? A: Depends how much snowfall it has had since it was last measured. Q: Freud stated that the superego contains the moral aspect of one’s personality. Define the term ‘superego’. A: A really fast sports car. Q: What is a co-operative? A: It is a shop which is not as expensive as M&S. Q: Jess has been asked to collect data about the amount of television his friends watch. Think of an appropriate question he could ask them. A: How much TV do you watch?
NEWS
CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY Rooted Salon is celebrating one year of opening in September, and what a wonderfully successful year it’s been. The salon has gone from strength to strength and we have become busy enough to now take on another stylist with a view to also introducing beauty treatments. It’s been overwhelming how welcoming the village have been and we have loved getting involved in some of the village events. Clients have come in with some varied and sometimes challenging requests and we have loved every single one of them. Customer service is still at our hearts and we aim to greet and treat every visitor like an old friend whether you are coming in for a full colour service or just popping round to inquire. We have a special offer with our new stylist Claire (pictured right with Rachel) to have discounted services until September 30. Take advantage now by calling the salon and booking an appointment with her on Thursdays and Saturdays. We are closed Tuesdays and offer late nights Mondays and Thursdays. All our stylists are also barber trained ready for any male clients. We specialise in wedding hair and can offer some competitive packages for your special day including a free trial for the bride. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients for their support and loyalty over the past year and we look forward to many more clients and years to come.
Q: Name Britain’s highest award for bravery. A: Probably Nelson’s Column.
In Touch
with Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham
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: bramford@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 Bramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit • Capel St Mary • Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton • Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook • Dedham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary • Baylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • Ipswich East • Kesgrave & Rushmere St Andrew • Brantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley • Martlesham Heath & Old Martlesham • Needham Market & The Creetings • Chelmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone • Burstall & Sproughton • Stowmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham • Chattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
SOMERSHAM CHURCH Christmas Tree Festival, Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26 There will be a meeting in the church on Wednesday, September 13 at 7pm. Any club, organisation, society, group, family or individual interested in decorating a tree for this event is welcome to attend so that positions and sizes can be arranged. If you are unable to provide a tree we can do that for you. For more details please call Christine (01473 830710) or Heather (01473 830068).
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OCTOBER DEADLINE
10 SEPTEMBER 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS ‘I’M SURE IT WAS VERY NICE VICAR, BUT I COULDN’T HEAR A WORD!’ I have honestly lost count of the times I have heard these words in St Mary’s Bramford over the last six years, and it is not as if I have the quietest voice in the county either! In theory we at St Mary’s have a sound system which has a hearing loop. We know that it is not good, and to be honest most people with hearing issues cannot hear what is said, even in the restricted part of the church where the loop is effective. It has become more and more obvious that we need to replace our clunky, old fashioned, audio sound system for something more effective. This however will cost a substantial sum of money. Over the last six years we have repaired the heating twice! We have sorted out vandalism, kept the church water tight and made many repairs to the fabric, all without having to ask you for help. We don’t have any money as a church so we have applied for grants and just quietly got down to the hard work of fundraising. This time however we need to ask for your help. A new sound system will benefit any of you who attend our major services (for example, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas), or who come to us for weddings, baptisms and funerals. It will also help our Sunday morning congregations and our families. It should enable us to be more flexible with music (especially at these important events), and those of you with hearing issues should be able (at last) to hear what is going on. We would really welcome donations from anyone who wishes to give a little to help us achieve this new goal. We have already had a few small donations to start the ball rolling, and believe me every little helps. If you would like to donate to this appeal, please contact treasurer Jim Sillett (01473 742340), churchwarden Stewart McGinty (01473 462231), or place your donation in a clearly marked envelope (sound system) in the wall safe at the entrance of the church. The Rev Jenny Seggar
EUSTACE BROKE LORAINE TRUST The Eustace Broke Loraine Trust (Bramford) was set up in 1935 by Sir Percy Loraine to provide money for the ‘further or higher education of children whose parents are or have lately been permanent residents of Bramford and who have been educated in one or other of the Bramford Schools’. The role of the trust is to allocate small grants annually to former pupils of Bramford School who are carrying on their education at university or college. The trust has a small sum of money available at present and the trustees are willing to award grants to pupils who are undertaking further or higher education provided their application fits in with the above terms of the trust deed. The pupil is allowed to use any grant for the purchase of such items as books, equipment, etc, but is not expected to use the grant for everyday living or travelling expenses. I would be pleased to receive applications from students who fit in the above categories. The student should write to me explaining what he/she is studying at college or university, and what he/she would use any grant for. The sum of money available is finite, and therefore the more applicants there are, the less potentially each could get. The trustees will meet in October to consider any applications, so if we can receive your applications by the beginning of October it would be appreciated. If you have any queries prior to writing a letter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
INTRODUCING BRAMFORD & DISTRICT SOCIAL CLUB You may have been hearing rumours about the local British Legion Club in The Street at Bramford village. Well, now we have completed the first major steps of our plan, the time has come for all to be revealed. Over the last six months the committee, staff and members have been working to make massive changes to keep our wonderful club in the village. If we had done nothing the club would most definitely have closed. While functioning for the last 95 years as a British Legion Club we have recently found it increasingly difficult to sustain our future under the BL banner. So we felt it right, like many other British Legion Clubs up and down the country, to break away from the Legion Head Office and totally rebrand ourselves. We are now called Bramford and District Social Club. This move has now guaranteed that this revered building stays where it should be – in our village, for the good people of Bramford and surrounding district. Yes there will be cosmetic changes to the building inside and out, but the main thing is that it will be business as usual. The difference being our club is now a non-profit making club for the benefit of the community with membership open to village inhabitants and surrounding area. Membership applications are readily available to pick up at the club for any resident of this village and villages and towns in the surrounding area. We are very well-known for being a friendly, welcoming club and have a full weekly programme of events. Our identity as a non-profit-making club for the benefit of the community means that not one person makes a profit from any income – it is all reinvested for repairs, renewals and refurbishment for future generations to enjoy. You can check out our events that are taking place in one of these ways: (a) On our website: bramfordsocialclub.co.uk (b) On Facebook: Bramford and District Social Club (c) In this magazine (see page 2) (d) From the noticeboards outside our club. As a club we participate in local indoor sports and are proud to be part of various Ipswich and District leagues having teams participating in crib, darts and snooker and are hoping to have a pool team starting this year. Karaoke, quiz nights, bingo and line dancing help make up our seven nights a week activities. We are locally renowned for being a major supporter of live entertainment catering for all tastes and every Saturday put on top class local and national acts for members’ entertainment. Wakes, birthday parties, society meetings, conferences, etc. are facilities that we also like to cater for wherever possible. If you wish to be part of this fantastic club why not pop in, have a chat and a look around and pick up an application form (currently £20 per annum for full membership)? As an added incentive from August 1 we are offering 14 months for the price of 12. We know you will not be disappointed.
MUSICAL EVENT AT OFFTON AND WILLISHAM VILLAGE HALL We are pleased to have Gina Silburn return to our village hall (IP8 4RA) giving us her renditions of popular songs from the musicals on Saturday, September 16, starting at 7.30pm. Gina is a brilliant singer and the evenings are always great fun. We will have supper during the interval and drinks can be purchased from the bar. Tickets are £12 which covers the entertainment and supper. Please pre-book your tickets by phoning Jean: 01473 658063
Christopher M Bush: 01473 461208 / cbush@brooksandwood.co.uk
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: AUGUST 2017 County Council Structure The Cabinet Committees have not yet determined their forward plans but we are trying to agree the boundaries between their work, Scrutiny and the Audit Committee. Essentially, Cabinet Committees will be working with cabinet members to plan the future, we will be scrutinising current performance and Audit will determine if all is done correctly with satisfactory controls in place. Scrutiny: Highways Our scrutiny of County Highways operations covered a lot of detail around the human resources processes involved in the re-structuring of the county’s area offices and the Kier operations into a single team. Changes had to enable the day to day processes of two organisations to work in an integrated way. In addition, it was essential that the resultant job changes were introduced fairly, correctly and with equality issues fully addressed. We were concerned that the process was delayed and made less effective by reorganisations in progress in critical support functions like HR and ICT at the same time. The work involved in these major changes must not be underestimated and essential functions on which rapid progress depends must not be decimated during reorganisations. All will be in place by early September, around one year late. The ‘lean systems thinking’ review that was underway to improve efficiency has been essentially on hold since the middle of last year. We were warned that we should not expect a significant yield from it for some time. My view is that the highways reorganisation from which we were promised so much delivered chaos and there is still some way to go before we see real benefits. However, there have been improvements in the state of our roads from an extended programme of surface dressing. Early examples of integrated teams have delivered many more flooding reduction schemes and more local improvements from councillor’s local highways budgets. Not what most of us feel, but apparently true. Scrutiny: Waste We moved on to review the effect of changes made to waste collection. County support to districts that collected garden waste free of charge was reduced last year. The hours and days of opening for Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) were changed. The county has ‘saved’ about £2million per year by moving to services paid for by those who use them rather than all households. My interests were: has the waste moved from green bins to black or to various ditches round the county? Has use of HWRCs changed and has that been affected by changed opening hours and charges for disposal of rubble? It was perhaps surprising to learn that in districts where people are now
charged the take up of the service has been between 35% and 50%. The green waste collected has reduced by 12,453 tonnes at a gate fee of £23.50 per tonne. Garden waste at HWRCs has increased by 1,140 tonnes. Residual (black bin) waste has increased by 5,135 tonnes at an incinerator gate fee £85 per tonne. 6,178 tonnes have vanished. Overall Suffolk now recycles 50.1% of its waste. Fly tipping has reduced from 3,100 to 2,884 occurrences and garden waste fly-tips have risen from 123to 156, a small change in the wrong direction. There has been little change in the use of the HWRCs with tonnages up from 58,106 to 59,132 tonnes. The disposal of rubble, soil, and plasterboard where there is now a charge of £2.50 a bag has dropped from 10,342 to 3,357 tonnes. Where has the rest gone? The waste team believe it has gone into skips hired by householders. District Council Ward Boundaries The unelected bureaucrats in Whitehall are concerned that growth, particularly in Stowmarket, means that each district councillor in some wards represents up to 35% more people than the average and in other areas 14% less. To make it fair the differences should not be more than 10%. They have asked for proposals to regularise the position and at the same time the administration want to reduce the number of councillors to 35 to make a small reduction in costs and make the numbers represented the same as in Babergh. That will make it easier to merge the two councils, a process that no longer requires a referendum. After a long meeting, we could not come to an agreement on the proposal. We got to statements like “we are the administration and this is our plan” so other views were not passed to Whitehall. Opinions vary on which parishes fit together best to give a clear sense of a community to be represented by a councillor and whether two councillor wards work. There is a view that with two councillors you have the opportunity to be represented by two parties and that perhaps 60% to 70% of residents can get their problems addressed by someone with views that match their own. Anyone can put in a proposal so we will see what views prevail. If you have queries please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808. You can also email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk I do have Twitter @JohnFieldjd and Facebook /fieldjd accounts and my website is at: www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org
On our way to say goodbye, we drove past our first family home It’s the little things that make a funeral special
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Here for you every hour of every day
01473 858517
for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals In Touch online:
ADVERTORIAL
Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.
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!
Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!
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NEWS REWARDING VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding role when you make a real difference to someone’s life. Home-Start in Suffolk is a local charity supporting families in Suffolk. We are recruiting individuals especially in West and Mid Suffolk to join our team of volunteers supporting our Home Visiting Service and You’re in Control projects. Home Visiting Service Our volunteers are trained to support families for whom the pressures of family life become too much to cope with alone. This can be for various reasons: isolation, illness, bereavement or post natal illness. Volunteers visit a family in their own home once a week for two-three hours. How they help is really down to the family itself. Some need someone to talk to, others need more practical support with meal planning and cooking, reading to the children, going to the local park or finding out about local services. You’re in Control This is a Children In Need funded project to support children aged seven-12 years in Ipswich. Our volunteers support young people for two-three hours a week – evenings and weekends – providing one-one support, building self-esteem, giving emotional and practical support, doing fun activities and building a trusting and stable relationship. Volunteers don’t need qualifications; friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting. We value people who don’t judge others; people who will respect the fact they have been invited into a family’s home. All volunteers undertake a minimum of 30 hours preparation training before they are matched to a family who would benefit from their skills and experience. We shall require a DBS check and references. Volunteers can get a lot out of volunteering with Home-Start, a boost to self-esteem and confidence, even a foot on the job ladder as we offer OCN accredited Levels 1, 2 and 3 training. We also hold social events and opportunities for our volunteers to get together. If you are interested in volunteering with Home-Start please contact Stephen Stokes: stephen@homestartinsufflok.org / 01473 822822
SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE SITE Maintenance planned in September The facility will be undergoing routine cleaning and maintenance between September 10 and 29. Work on the two lines will be staggered so we will continue to accept waste throughout this period, with only a few days when the processing is completely shut down for maintenance of common areas. There will be extra contractors on site, but there should be no impact on the local community as the usual arrangements for operations, parking and transport are in place. The major works planned for the shutdown are inspection and minor repairs to the martin grate on both lines. The boiler is also going to be cleaned and modified to support a continuous improvement plan on site, along with the replacement of some valves. Ducklings on site Following a mother duck and her ducklings making the pond here on site their home last year she has returned this year with eight ducklings. Everyone on site is pleased to see them and they all look very happy and healthy. Come and have a look around The Suffolk Energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in October which include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. There is space on the following days: Wednesday, October 11, 6-8pm / Wednesday, October 25, 10am-noon There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre book. To book please email c.davies@suez.com and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come to an open day but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned. If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149. Other useful contacts: To book a visit: 01473 836821
Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFE LINE & CHARITY SHOP On Sunday, July 30 the group of 18 children returned home, sad to be leaving but happy to be seeing their families again. On Tuesday the parents held a meeting at school and told of how happy they were that their children had such a wonderful experience. The children were all running around smiling, talking about their fantastic holiday in England. They wanted to pass on a very big thank you to everyone who had made this possible and said they were amazed at the generosity of the English people and how even the second hand clothing was of such good quality. The children have made Memory Books and will always have these to look back upon as a permanent reminder. The clothing given on arrival has mostly been donated to us via our charity shop for which we are very grateful. We continue to collect clothing and good quality second hand trainers and shoes covering ages six to 12 years as with a second group coming in December and planning already underway for next year’s summer group we need to start collecting right away. A video showing the highlights of the children’s visit can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnQi0C7vtV8 We thank our host families for their work in this project and also the many people who support us throughout the year, raising funds to enable us to bring the children and providing sponsored outings and giving their time to arrange events for them during the visit, providing valuable dental services
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free of charge, collecting clothing, donating medicines to take home and many other items which all benefit either these children or those at home in Belarus. NMCC who have been involved with our program from the very beginning took the children on a fun filled day to Easton Farm Park. MSDC provided a great morning pond dipping and a slap up lunch at Angels Coffee House. Beeston’s Coaches of Hadleigh took the children to Chessington World of Adventure. Stowmarket Lions sponsored a great activity at Planet Laser in BSE. So many local people have contributed to our cause and supported us in many ways with donations and gifts for the children and via our charity shop. It is not possible to mention everyone here, but without you the children would not have had the wonderful time they have had, this is appreciated more than you will know. On August 27 I will once again travel to Belarus as part of a group visit on a fact finding tour for one week and several people from Suffolk will be coming with me so not only will they be able to see the real Belarus, they will be able to visit with children they have hosted over the years. I will bring back news and updates for everyone in the next newsletter. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker: 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
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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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NEWS SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) In the autumn of last year, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16. Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-andbuilding/planning It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC as the comments from the SPA and all it’s member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham. The document is available to view on the Great Blakenham Parish Council website: http://greatblakenham.onesuffolk.net/snoasisparish-alliance. Since my report in the August edition of In Touch, the SPA had a meeting with staff from MSDC’s Planning Team who are working on SnOasis Reserved Matters. As a result, it has been agreed that there will be regular meetings, usually on a monthly basis, as new or missing information already requested by MSDC is provided by the developer. This means that the parishes who will be affected by the development will continue to be able to put forward their views on what will be the best possible outcomes for residents. The SPA has been clear from the beginning that it wished to work with MSDC in a positive way so that any development on the site will take account of the requirements and concerns of local people. We look forward to participating in this process. At the time I am writing this, no date has been set for MDSC councillors to consider Reserved Matters, but the SPA will continue to work for local people on this development, both up to that point and beyond. For further information, please email Janet Gobey, SPA clerk: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
Dear Readers, As we approach the autumn we will soon be experiencing the darker evenings. May we remind you that when you go out, always try to leave a light on and make sure that all your doors and windows are locked. Make it look like you are at home, so as to deter opportunist burglars. Many DIY stores sell timer switches for lamps and other lights, a good investment through the coming winter months. If you see anything suspicious, like a burglary in progress, suspicious vehicles or anyone acting suspiciously, please call 999. If you want to report a burglary that has already happened call 101. You the public are our eyes and ears when we are not around, so please do report to us. When members of Hadleigh SNT are out and about in the villages that we patrol, we are always approached by residents who want to speak to us about parking and speeding within their village. We are totally aware that both of these cause concern to residents and we try our best to enforce and deal with them. Currently we do have a few Community Speedwatch Schemes that run in villages. Their pro-active presence is often very productive and most often in any given period, many motorists are caught at speeding over the 30 miles per hour limit. These offenders are dealt with by way of a letter for a first and second offence unless very excessive speeds are recorded, and then on the third offence a visit from a police officer is carried out. Parking is also a major problem in every village and town. May I remind all readers that double yellow lines mean no parking at any time and single yellow lines mean no parking between 0800-1800 Monday to Saturday. Ignoring these restrictions will incur parking tickets and a £30 fine. If there are any zig-zag lines in your town/village, particularly near to a school or a pedestrian crossing, these carry three points on your licence as well as a £100 fine. Depending on how many points you have on your licence, these extra three points could result in the loss of your licence. Zig-zag lines are a safety measure and should be respected. Finally, many villages and towns are currently experiencing pockets of antisocial behaviour. If you see or hear anything you feel is anti-social, please contact us at Hadleigh SNT and report what, when and where it is occurring. Please also ask yourself: Do you know where your children/grandchildren are after school and in the evenings? Do you know who their friends are? Do you know where they hang out? Do you know what they are doing? Better to find out now before you get a visit from police. Remember you can follow Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team on Twitter: @HadleighPOLICE Contact us via email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk PCSO 3173 Julia Bignell, Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station
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NEWS DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH, SOMERSHAM Bought and owned by the community, now with a new professional management duo If you live locally you will know that since the purchase of the Duke of Marlborough a few months ago, the doors have been opening regularly. You will have seen that a huge amount of refurbishment has been achieved inside and out and that work is still ongoing. It takes time, not least because it involves people who are giving their skills on a voluntary basis! New Manager and Chef – food coming soon! Good news! A new pub manager and chef are in place as from early September. Kevin Long (manager) and Richard Podd (chef), bring with them lots of experience in hospitality, catering and events. Duke of Marlborough volunteers are looking forward to welcoming them and to working with them to make a success of the business. It won’t be long before good food is being served daytime and evening. The exact timings – and the menus – are yet to be worked out by Kevin and Richard. Keep an eye open for updates on the Duke of Marlborough website and Facebook. Get Involved The Duke of Marlborough is the 51st cooperatively-owned pub in the country and the second in Suffolk (the other one being The Case Is Altered in Bentley). We have around 250 investors as well as the backing of several funding and statutory organisations. If you would like more information about becoming a shareholder (part-owner of a 15th century pub, no less!), please contact marlboroughsomersham@ gmail.com or call Keith McKeown on 07817 418942. Equally, if you are in a position to volunteer time and skills, please contact: marlboroughsomersham@gmail.com Or, get involved by just using the pub – you are most welcome!
LORAINE VICTORY HALL, BRAMFORD Do you appreciate having a village hall in your village? Can you spare a very small amount of your time to join our committee? With only four committee meetings a year this is not an onerous job, but your involvement could help secure the future of this important village amenity. Please come along to our AGM on September 7 at 7.30pm at the Parish Room in Ship Lane and/or phone Barry, chairman, on 01473 749033 for more information.
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY SHOP
A Community Shop for the local community, run by the local community The Playing Field, Princes Gardens, Somersham / 01473 833416 OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm Saturdays: 9am-1pm We hope that everybody has been able to enjoy the fine summer. Holidays of course meant that many of our volunteers were away and at times there were often big holes in the rota, so a huge round of applause for all those who put in extra time to cover and help with the smooth running of the shop. We now look forward to autumn and the fresh produce that season brings. We pride ourselves on having local produce in the shop and it’s a pleasure to know the producers who supply our goods. Bread, cakes, eggs, pies and meat, even beer and cider as well as honey, are all sourced locally. Most come from well within a 10-mile radius of the shop and so very much support our local economy, taste good and cut down on travel miles, thus helping the environment as well. Try our locally produced sausages – reported to be “the best ever”. We extend a very warm welcome to a new member to our management team. Sue Browne has long supported the shop as a customer and volunteer and has now added her support to its organisation and dayto-day running. Sue brings lots of good experience and new ideas and we look forward to a long and happy association with her. Our community-based events are growing in number – we now have several groups who use our shop to meet and enjoy each other’s company. Petrolheads, for those who enjoy motors and anything engine-driven, gather for a cup of tea and an exchange of ideas and experiences on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month. Sometimes there is an interesting motor-linked mystery object passed around to see if anyone knows what it is – always a good conversation piece. The Golden Link members meet every other Tuesday afternoon in Coffee Corner and from October we will be having our regular Tea and Chat afternoons on the last Wednesday of the month. Do come along to meet up with others as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. It’s a good place to meet like-minded friends and to get to know others in the community. We extend our community ethos to the wider community and again this year our shop manager, Lucy, is organising the World’s Largest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Nurses in the shop on Friday, September 29. Do come along and support this very worthwhile cause. Of course, as well as fresh produce we stock everyday household goods, provide a dry-cleaning service, newspapers for collection, a book exchange and delivery for people with mobility problems, plus much more – a fantastic facility for our local area. Come along if you haven’t already, you’ll find lots to interest you. Management team: Lucy Barrett – 831890; Sue Brown – 831321; Terry Fordham – 831529; Peter Jousiffe; Anne MacFadyen – 831288; Steve Woolhouse – 831080
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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Bramford Christmas Bazaar will be held on Saturday, November 25. If you would like to book a table, they are £8 each. Please contact Sue (462599) or Beryl (747979) and leave a message if there is no reply.
BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS ARE ALL SYSTEMS GO! There was an enthusiastic turnout at the read-through and auditions for BMM’s January 2018 panto, The Little Mermaid, with the result that all 17 parts have been cast. It was great to welcome some new members (both adults and youngsters) to the cast and chorus, as well as the return of longstanding members. This encouraging start means that our next production will be all systems go when we meet for our first rehearsal on September 6. Show dates are January 19/20 and 26/27 – we will all be working hard to make The Little Mermaid a show to remember. For more details, email: vera.rogers1@btinternet.com
IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 MIP/5A
Town/village Sproughton
Location Church Lane
Time 9.10-9.25am
MIP/5B
Sproughton
Wild Man
9.30-9.45am
MIP/5C
Bramford
St Mary’s Close
9.50-10.05am
MIP/5D
Bramford
Paper Mill Lane
10.10-10.25am
MIP/5E
Great Blakenham, Chequers
10.35-1055am
MIP/5F Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park 11-11.15am MIP/5G
Baylham
Post Box
11.25-11.45am
MIP/5H
Claydon
Crown
11.55am-1pm
MIP/5I
Claydon
Edinburgh Gardens 2.05-2.20pm
MIP/5J
Barham
Bacon Road
2.25-3.50pm
MIP/5K
Bramford
Packard Place
4-4.30pm
2017 DATES: September 26, October 24, November 21, December 19
TRADITIONAL FOLK TUNES Informal concert of folk tunes of the world for violins by Jessie Ridley, friends and pupils at St Mary’s Church, Burstall Saturday, October 7 at 3pm Tickets: £7.50 to include tea and cake (children free) For tickets phone 01473 652396 or on the door
BRAMFORD ART GROUP Bramford Art Group held an exhibition at Bramford Fun Day. Thanks to everyone who visited. We received many lovely comments about our work.
BRAMFORD WI Christian Bone will present a talk entitled Memories of the Co-op on Monday, September 11 at 7.30pm at the Loraine Victory Hall. The competition will be announced on the evening.
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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB
There was no meeting in August. We hope you all had a good summer break despite some rainy weather. Our September meeting will be a garden party at the home of one of our members. Please bring a fold-up chair if you can.
Open to anyone living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area, the club meets from 2-4pm every Monday other than bank holidays in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area at the rear. It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within. Members pay £2 per meeting to covers hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. Alternatively, if you would just like to come and bring your own project to work on, enjoy our company and make new friends without doing the workshops, the charge is £1.50 per meeting. Members take it in turns to make the tea.
We are meeting at the Scout and Guide HQ in Bramford at 1.45pm.
BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB The new club year begins on Monday, September 11 (7.30-9.30pm) and Wednesday 13 (10am-noon). Annual membership is £1, plus £3 for each two-hour session. There is no set programme; we are here to help with any problems you may have and to help you to get the most out of your computer. The club is a Bramford Methodist Church community activity and we meet in the upstairs room behind the church.
BRAMFORD CRAFT & CHATTER GROUP We are back to two mornings a month again now, which will be September 12 and 26 from 9.30am to noon in the Parish Room as usual. We now have two tables of Scrabble players, plus knitters, painters, wood carvers, card makers, crocheters (is there such a word?) and toy makers.
Our first picture shows our first batch of more than 350 Suffolk Puffs. We mentioned in an earlier report that we are contributing to a project involving the Embroiderers Guild and the Museum for East Anglian Life who are both celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year and are aiming for an entry in The Guiness Book of Records to make the longest caterpillar in the world from Suffolk Puffs. Various schools, clubs and individuals are taking part and the caterpillar will then be on display at the museum in Stowmarket. In July our workshop involved using Brusho, a pigment powder activated by spraying a mist of water. Each of the pigments is made up of many colours and no two pieces will ever be the same. Members had fun ‘playing’ with the powders to create different backgrounds and samples to be used in their card making.
If you’d like to join us you would be very welcome; we just ask for £2 a session to pay for the room hire. Hope to see you then.
INFORMATION PLEASE – SUNKEN BARGE AT THE OLD PAPER MILL This photo from 1957 shows an abandoned barge – probably one of the last to ply the River Gipping, possibly carrying fertiliser from the factory to Ipswich docks. The only other one that is known to have survived is now a houseboat at Pin Mill. Although much of this will have rotted away over last 60 years, it’s likely that some of the timbers will be preserved in the mud. Does anyone remember this? More importantly can you remember exactly where it was? Was it ever removed by the river’s authorities? We believe it was about 90 metres (100 yards to those of an age to remember the 1950s) upstream of the paper mill. Any information gratefully received. Please contact Kelvin Dakin, Bramford Local History Group: kelvin.dakin@btinternet.com / 01473 464502
BRAMFORD GUIDES We have enjoyed another active summer term. In April we went to see two leaders and a Guide from our unit perform in the Ipswich Gang Show, followed by beachcombing on Nacton shores, swimming at Crown Pools, trampolining at Flux, a sleepover in Bramford Church with the bats and not much sleep followed by breakfast at HQ, climbing on the indoor climbing wall at Copleston School with some of the girls overcoming their fears, a hike from Burger King on West End Road back to Bramford along the river path, a fundraising evening playing bingo and our annual camp fire at Hallowtree. By the time you read this we will have been to camp. This year we are attending Moot, a four day action-packed camp at Bentwaters Park run every four years in Suffolk for Guides and Scouts, with activities from morning until night with a disco, Camp’s Got Talent and a band night. We return to Guides in September for a less active term.
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Our programme for the rest of 2017 September 4: Boxed-up October 2: Kantha November 13: Mini Makes Month December 4: Christmas Party If all this sounds interesting there is currently room for new members so if you would like to join us please get in touch. Although the club is all ladies at present, gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
BRAMFORD RAINBOWS Rainbows are celebrating their 30th birthday during 2017. The theme for the 30th birthday challenge is Under the Sea which was taken from the 30th anniversary being pearl. Over the summer term we have made octopuses and clay creatures, done sand art, walked by the river, eaten ice cream in oyster shells and played themed games to gain our challenge badge. In July, 12 members attended a Norfolk/Suffolk counties event at Bewilderwood in Wroxham. A lovely day had by all who attended. On our last night of the term we went to Hallowtree to play games and enjoy hotdogs and singing around the camp fire. When we return in September we will have a full unit with a waiting list of girls looking to join. If you are interested in joining Guiding as a member or volunteer please register your interest at: www.guiding.org.uk Helen, Nyree and Linda
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 In Touch online:
OUT & ABOUT GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50S CLUB
SPROUGHTON BADMINTON GROUP
The club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Parish Room, Stowmarket Road, Great Blakenham. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House and it has its own parking area at the rear. It is fully accessible for anyone in a wheelchair and has disabled facilities within.
These friendly ladies are always keen to welcome newcomers of all ages and abilities. We meet up for an hour of recreation and fun each Tuesday from 2-3pm in Sproughton Tithe Barn. Your first visit will be completely free so you’ve nothing to lose – just new friendships to gain. Come along soon.
We have had a break in August following our summer tea party on July 26 when we partook of a lovely spread followed by a sing-along led and accompanied by member Dot Chapman on her accordion. This proved a most enjoyable and entertaining afternoon. Our programme up to the end of the year September 13: Social Afternoon with Sandra September 27: AGM October 11: Social Afternoon October 25: Halloween History and Customs November 8: Beetle Drive with Jean November 22: Social Afternoon December 13: Christmas Meal at The Chequers We have quite a varied programme and new members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you. Jackie Durrant
ST MARY’S CHURCH GATHERING: SEPTEMBER 19 We invite you all to join us for our September Gathering on September 19 in Bramford Church Room. As well as the usual mixture of chat and tea we will end with a short harvest Songs of Praise. We will be taking requests for your favourite hymns including the traditional harvest favourites. Contact Janet on 741331 or Judy on 743363 with your requests. Donations of fruit, vegetables, jams, pickles would be very much appreciated. Welcome to all. Please invite your friends to join us.
SUFFOLK DISTRICT GIRLS’ BRIGADE Suffolk District Girls’ Brigade began the summer session with their annual sports night. The younger girls, Explorers and juniors had outdoor, traditional and fun races while the seniors and Brigaders did sports skills and potted sports in the sports hall. The trophies were well spread out throughout the companies, so all went home very happy. For the second half of the summer term companies have taken part in many outdoor activities – rambles, treasure hunts, barbecues, swimming, visits to parks, the seaside and many other days out, camps and holidays. Companies are now on a summer break, but all are preparing for the new, indoor session beginning in September. Are you looking for a midweek activity for girls aged five to 16 years? Girls’ Brigade offers a full, fun-filled programme of activities in a safe, caring environment, with fully qualified leaders. If you enjoy games and sports, stories, arts and crafts, music and singing and would like to earn badges in a wide variety of subjects, learn new skills, make new friends come and join the Girls Brigade, we would be very pleased to see you.
June: 01473 745246 / Jean: 01473 461568
SPROUGHTON SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB By the time you read this short article the club will have had their outing to the Waterfront Cafe, but I hope by then we will have planned our last outing of the year. I was about say we are now in the doldrums, but that would be an exaggeration as the club is not quite in a state of stagnation – just a lot of members on holiday and, for once, cursing the heavy rain. I have had my short holiday of three days, in between short stays in hospital, but hope to be fully active very soon. Regards, John Bates
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen. The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us. If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com
24TH IPSWICH SCOUTS JUMBLE 24th Ipswich Scouts are holding their monthly Jumble Sale on Saturday, September 16 from 1-3pm at 24th Ipswich Scout HQ, 330a Bramford Road, Ipswich (beside the Railway Bridge).
SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB To date we have had some really good meetings with excellent speakers, also a visit to Bob Lawrence’s garden in Ipswich where we enjoyed a super strawberry cream tea. Our next meeting on Monday, September 11 should be just as good as Janet Parsons from Suffolk Orchids will be coming to give a talk. The meeting starts at 7.30pm in Offton & Willisham Village Hall. If you require any further information please ring: 01473 830600/254941
SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with award winning novelist Emma Healey. Emma grew up in London, where she completed her first degree in book binding and graduated from the MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 2011. Her debut novel, Elizabeth is Missing, won Best First Novel at the Costa Book Awards. Emma will be appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, IP1 3AA) on Wednesday, September 13 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.
Find us on Facebook or email durnfordj@tiscali.co.uk to find out where your nearest company is.
Doors open at 7pm, event starts at 7.30pm. General admission is £8 (members £4). Students free with ID. Tickets to be paid for on the door. Reservations can be made by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk
www.facebook.com/GBSuffolkDistrict
www.sbl.org.uk
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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL
BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB
So the summer break is already over and we are now, hopefully, all refreshed and ready to start the new autumn term. We will be welcoming back some of our existing children, along with quite a few new ones and we are really looking forward to meeting them all and getting starting on lots of new creations, fun times and memories.
Greetings guff lovers, here I am again suitably refreshed after my annual hols. We went somewhere different this year, spending two weeks trying to get through security at Palma airport. The weather looked very hot outside, and we were thankful for the air conditioning in the terminal building, though it was a bit chilly at night (not that we got a lot of sleep anyway as the floor was full most of the time). The food was nice in the vending machines, and it was quite cheap to live, especially when the Red Cross were giving away food parcels and water rations. On a positive note it made the return journey quite quick as we still hadn’t got through passport control, so we simply went straight to the departure gate. We may go somewhere different next year though; my wife has heard there are some really nice airport terminals in Greece so that looks promising.
We will be open from Monday, September 4 for all our year round children and from Wednesday, September 6 for all of our term-time children. From September 2017 we will be opening for 51 weeks of the year, not including bank holidays, and from 8am to 4pm. Due to the year round hours and the introduction of the additional 15 hours funding for parents of three to four year olds who work, we are proving very popular from September. As we will be open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. Please contact the administration assistant for details. Don’t forget that from September 2017 the government is introducing 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 per week) 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 our administration assistant Lisa Read, Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648
Next month we have the annual American Mixed Tournament match against Sproughton for the Maureen Sillett Memorial Trophy which we are hosting this year. It is being played on September 3 at 10am. Maureen was a popular and well-known figure in both villages, being a teacher at Bramford Primary for many years and regularly playing for Sproughton for their league sides. Now for a bit of cut and pasting for news from the coach. A further Great British Tennis Weekend was held on July 23 and was well attended. As a result, further members joined the club and a good time was had by all including various coaching activities. Light refreshments were provided (the strawberries were lovely) and prospective members also brought their own picnic. Thanks to Carl, the coach, Tracey, Clive, Lorna, Graham and Nick for use of his ball machine which again proved very popular. The men’s summer league team have won seven and lost two matches with one match to play so have a good chance of promotion. Happy tennis! JOKE OF THE MONTH Nick discovered a suitcase by the courts and inside he found four small puppies. He immediately phoned the RSPCA for advice. The officer on the other end of the phone asked if the puppies were moving. “Oh I don’t know,” replied Nick, “but I suppose it explains the suitcase!” More guff next month – you have been warned, Mick Russ
SPROUGHTON BOWLS CLUB By the time you read this, the season will be all but over. With the league programme completed in mid-August, the remaining action on the green is around club competitions. But before then there has been plenty of action with two of Sproughton’s teams recording success in their leagues. Kate Sarginson’s Mixed 4s went through their league fixtures unbeaten to finish top of their division. They will play in the league play-offs on August 19 so news of that next month. John Tyler’s EBF Mixed 3s confirmed their position as Champions of Division C with two games remaining. Other teams are still in with a chance of gaining promotions from their respective leagues. A full round up will be included in the next edition. Club president Kate Sarginson held her President’s Day on August 6 with a drawn pairs competition for the Fincham Cup. Twenty-two pairs competed during the day for the trophy that was won by Kath Caley and Geoff Spice (pictured with Kate) after a closely matched final against Tony Caley and Michael King. During the presentation Kate also revealed a cheque for just over £1,704 to be presented to St Elizabeth Hospice, money raised during her presidential year. For full details of the season’s fixtures, results and competitions visit: www.sproughtonbowlsclub.com
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS BRAMFORD BOWLS CLUB
BRAMFORD METHODIST CHURCH
What an achievement – our ladies have won the county double. Having already won the Federation County Ladies Triples title, Jean Taylor, Rachelle Barber and Stella Utteridge played in the final of the BE Ladies Triples on July 29 at the Borough of Eye BC against a triple from that club. It was a keenly fought contest, but our ladies played well and came out county winners. I think this double win might be a first for the club, and perhaps for the county. Congratulations to them all. Here we see them accepting the cup for the BE title.
Minister: The Rev Derek Grimshaw 01473 805486 / dkgrimshaw@msn.com Steward: Ms R Palmer, 01473 831117
Allen Davey and Mary Saunders got through to the Federation County Senior Mixed Pairs final at Ixworth BC on July 23. They were behind throughout the game, but a spirited come-back resulted in a tie after 21 ends. An extra end had to be played which unfortunately went the way of the opposition!
Sunday Morning Worship with Holy Communion: Every second Sunday of month, 10.30-11.30am* Lighthouse Club for Children: 10.30-11.30am (term time only) Families @ 4: Informal get-together, 4-6pm once a month with tea provided – come and go as you please – not a service but our minister usually joins us Monday Bible Study: an informal look at issues that those present wish to discuss, 2-3pm every third Monday of month Computer Club: 7.30-9.30pm (term time only) Tuesday Network/MWiB: our ladies meeting (although gentlemen are always welcome), 2-3pm* on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from October-April and the second Tuesday from May-September Wednesday Computer Club: 10am-noon (term time only) Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing: 7.30-8.30pm on the second Wednesday of month Thursday United Service (very informal): 3-3.30pm at Cherryfields* on the first Thursday of month Saturday Coffee Morning: 10-11am either at the Methodist Church or at Cherryfields (see below for location) on the third Saturday of month. Tea, coffee, cakes and homemade jams and pickles will be on sale on Saturday, September 23. *Tea and coffee served afterwards Diary for September Sunday 3 10.30am Morning Worship
The club celebrated 40 years this year and to celebrate the event a fancy dress bowls drive was held on August 6. The format for the afternoon was three games of eight ends. The winner was Janet Paternoster who was presented with an engraved cut-glass vase depicting details of the event. The runner-up was Rodney Wedgewood who received an engraved glass. A spider was held half way through the afternoon and the winners were Callum Bradshaw and Ann Thaine. The winner of the best fancy dress went to Tony Turner who also received an engraved glass – he looked fab! We then retired to the club house for a buffet meal. The bonus of the day was the fact that drinks were all half price. Thanks to Bridget, our keeper of the scores. Our team in the Stowmarket Knock-out Cup played at Debenham BC on August 4 and after a thrilling finale came out winners by just two shots. They will now play the semi-final on a neutral green on August 18. Mary Saunders
Thursday 7
3pm United Service at Cherryfields
September 9
Suffolk Historic Churches Trust annual cycle ride; our church will be open from 9am-5pm
Sunday 10
Our 144th Church Anniversary Day: 10.30am Morning Worship with Rev D Kemble, Holy Communion 6.30pm Evening Worship with Rev D Grimshaw United Service with our friends from the Parish Church
Tuesday 12
2-3pm Network/MWiB – speaker to be advised
Wednesday 13 7.30pm Prayers and Laying on of Hands for Healing September 16 Coffee Morning at Cherryfields Sunday 17
10.30am Morning Worship with Rev D Grimshaw
Monday 18
2pm Bible Study
Sunday 24
10.30am Morning Worship with Rev D Smith 4-6pm Families @ 4 with Rev D Grimshaw
ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, September 9, 9am-12.30pm. Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying. 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
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CHURCH NEWS ST MARY THE VIRGIN BRAMFORD, ST MARY NETTLESTEAD, ST MARY THE VIRGIN LITTLE BLAKENHAM, ST PETER BAYLHAM Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Jenny Seggar 01473 748914 / Stmarybramford@aol.com Assistant Curate: The Rev Julian Fennel, 01473 833250 Wednesday, 9.30am: Quiet Reflective Communion Service Sunday, September 3: Trinity 12 10am Parish Communion with Prayer for Healing, Bramford 6pm Evening Prayer, Baylham Thursday, September 7 3pm United Service at Cherryfields Sunday, September 10: Trinity 13 8am Holy Communion, Bramford 10am Parish Communion, Nettlestead 5pm Five o’clock Service, Church Room Tuesday, September 12 11am Communion from Reserved Sacrament, Baylham Care Centre Sunday, September 17: Trinity 14 8am Holy Communion, Baylham 10am Parish Communion, Bramford 1pm Nettlestead Harvest Lunch followed by… 3pm Harvest Festival Tuesday, September 19 2.30pm The Gathering, Church Room with Songs of Praise (see page 15) Saturday, September 23 10am Coffee Morning, Church Room Sunday, September 24: Trinity 15 10am United Parishes Harvest Communion, Bramford 3pm Harvest Service, Lt Blakenham Please check porch notices for any changes. Dear Friends, September always feels like a changing point in the year. We come out of summer and start to turn our eyes towards autumn and winter. In church terms we enter into what the national church are calling ‘A Season of Invitation’. This begins with the harvest celebrations in each of the parishes, leads on to Remembrance Sunday and then towards Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all at these special services. This year we have a brand new harvest appeal. We have a new and exciting project in the parishes we are calling The Tabitha Project. Our aim is to collect small items that we can place in Christmas stockings which we hope will be distributed to those who do not have family at Christmas. By the time you read this, we will have lists available through the primary school, at the back of the church and in the pub and shops, of the things we will need and details of our collection points. The Tabitha Project has come out of one family’s desire to reach out to those
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who are alone this Christmas by the simple act of giving them a gift, and a little time. We are looking for volunteers, and will let you know how to refer people to the project and who we are hoping to help in the October issue. Anything that is left over, will be donated ‘with love from the Tabitha Project’ to charities which support those in need, the homeless and the lonely just to give a little cheer this Christmas. If you wish to find out more, do not hesitate to contact me; any help would be gratefully accepted for this genuinely exciting project. Blessings, Jenny PARISH REGISTERS Baptisms July 23: Mollie Elizabeth Studd, Bramford May she grow in grace and the knowledge of God. Weddings July 15: Matthew Bell and Samanta Chaitoo, Baylham August 4: Tom Page and Heidi Brown, Bramford August 5: Patrick Williment and Sharna Upson, Bramford May they grow in their love for each other. Funerals July 13: Edith Turner, Bramford August 4: Margaret Garnham, Bramford We extend to their families our sympathy and prayers. Cleaning Rota: V Mather and K Orvis Flower Rota: September 2/9 – G. Wardley, 16 – H. Breitsprecher, 23 – Harvest Floodlighting of the Spire of St Mary’s Church August 1: In memory of Chris Bradshaw on his birthday August 29: In memory of Sue Cave on her birthday If you would like to have the spire floodlit please ring Stewart on 01473 462231. The requested donation is £10 per week. LECTIONARY Bible Readings for our Sunday Worship taken from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is good to share the reading of Scripture with Christians – both Catholic and Protestant – across the world.
September 3 Exodus 3:1-15
Trinity 12 Romans 12:9-end
Green Matthew 16:21-end
September 10 Exodus 12: 1-14
Trinity 13 Romans 13: 8-14
Green Matthew 18: 15-20
September 17 Exodus 14:19-end
Trinity 14 Romans 14:1-12
Green Matthew 18:21-35
Trinity 15 Philippians 2:21-30
Green Matthew 20:1-16
September 24 Exodus 16: 2-15
www.stmarybramford.co.uk
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MID-SUFFOLK FENCING
SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING
SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR
TIMBER & STEEL GATES DECKING PATIOS WOODEN BRIDGES FREE ESTIMATES 31 Alexander Drive, Needham Market IP6 8XG
www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk
YOU GROW IT I’LL MOW IT
GROUNDS & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We offer the following services all year round: Grass cutting • Garden clearance Fences & Gates • Patios & Paths Hedge Cutting • Tree Cutting Sheds • Summer Houses Digger & Dumper work
For a free quotation please call Nigel Coton 01449 721025 or 07801 515505 Dry Foam Upholstery Cleaning
Dry Carpet Cleaning Professional Local Service For a FREE no obligation quotation
call John Burch: 07870 347486
Tel: 01449 721441
To advertise in this section, which appears in 18 magazines in areas across Suffolk and Essex, please contact a member of our sales team on 01473 400380
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19
BIG OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO ALL From 16 to ‘I’d rather not say’ West Suffolk College is open to everyone, whether starting out or changing career
Open for school leavers
Open for mature students
A place is waiting for you in 2018
The chance to change things
If you’re in your final year at school and thinking about the future, make no decisions until you’ve visited West Suffolk College.
Think you are too old, not clever enough, don’t have the time or can’t afford a Degree or Higher Apprenticeship? We don’t.
Whatever you want to do, we guarantee you the business connections to start your career.
Find out about the range of subjects and the comprehensive support we offer to help you achieve a big goal.
OPEN DAYS FOR 16+
OPEN DAY FOR MATURE STUDENTS
SAT 4 NOV 9.30AM – 1.30PM MON 13 NOV 5.30PM – 7.30PM THU 30 NOV 5.30PM – 7.30PM
westsuffolk.ac.uk uos.ac.uk
SAT 11 NOV 9.30AM – 1.30PM