In touch news with capel – december 2017

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CAPEL CAPERS

Volume 9 • Issue No. 1 • DECEMBER 2017

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR It has been a rather hectic month. I think the much overused term ‘rollercoaster ride’ might apply! My ability to cope when emotions are raw and tensions are high has been well and truly tested. I’m an organiser. I tend to dive in, determined to fix the problem, whatever it may be, by facing up to it. This often works, but when the problem is beyond fixing or not within my ability to fix I struggle to cope. Nobody likes to feel powerless, but there are times when we are all forced to place our trust in others whether we want to or not. How others respond can make this more or less tolerable, but don’t ever underestimate the power of a kind word or a smile.

The ability to make others feel at ease is often referred to as ‘good bedside manner’, but in everyday life isn’t it just ‘being nice’? The festive season can be a time of great happiness, as I hope it is for you this year, but it’s also often stressful, frequently lonely and almost always exhausting. ‘Being nice’ may not change things significantly, but surely it can’t hurt. A smile when a weary shop assistant asks if you need a bag, stepping aside to make way for a buggy, holding a door open, ‘sincerely’ asking someone how they are and actually waiting for an answer, all simple acts which can turn a lousy day around.

I’m no angel. I have grumpy days, days when I feel much sorrier for myself than I possibly could for anyone else, days when even my own son knows not to mess with me, but I’ve seen first-hand the astonishing effect a genuine act of kindness can have in even the most challenging circumstance and that’s who I want to be. I want to be the person who makes others feel better. Can I do it 365 days of the year? Possibly not, but I’m going to try and it starts now.

Christmas is a lovely time for most of us and those of us who are in a good place this year can make it better for those who are less fortunate. Whether it’s a smile, a donation to a food bank, carol singing for charity, volunteering, visiting an elderly neighbour, taking someone out for coffee and a mince pie… simple acts, extraordinary effects.

Happy Christmas from everyone at Mansion House Publishing and, in the words of Aunt Lucy in Paddington 2, remember “If you’re kind and polite, everything will come right”.

In Touch with Capel St Mary 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: capel@intouchnews.co.uk Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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

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

01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Capel St Mary is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING AT ST MARY’S You are sure of a warm welcome at Capel St Mary Parish Church and Hall on Saturday, December 2 for delicious refreshments (hall), including bacon butties, and many Christmas stalls (church).

We have crafts, cakes, preserves and plants/Christmas wreaths together with all your garden needs from the allotment association. We will also have handbags, hats and scarves and jewellery; go home with a new look!

If that doesn’t tempt you then there is stationery, books and white elephant together with games, the superb hamper raffle, and much more. Do come and join us from 10am to noon – we’d love to see you.

If you want more details ring Jean on 01473 310992.

VOTES FOR SHELLEY CENTRE TO RECEIVE £25,000 FROM FREEMASONS The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding is to receive a £25,000 Community Award from the Freemasons following an unprecedented public vote.

The charity was one of six to be nominated by Freemasons in Suffolk, with local people voting to decide the level of their award. They were part of 178,801 people who voted across England and Wales.

The Community Awards are a major part of Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations. The Masonic Charitable Foundation is distributing three million pounds to 300 charities across the country, with the public vote deciding on the range of awards from £4,000 to £25,000.

Jan Derbyshire, chairman of The Shelley Centre said: “The grant of £25,000 which we have been awarded following the public vote is hugely important and we would like to express our heartfelt and grateful thanks to everybody who took the trouble to vote for us. This is an amazing amount of money which will make such a difference to our charity and enable the centre to get several much-needed maintenance projects underway so that we can continue to benefit the health of wellbeing of adults and children with disabilities through riding therapies. We are also very grateful to the Masonic Charitable Foundation for this opportunity and their generosity.”

The Masonic Charitable Foundation obtains all of its funding from Freemasons, their families and friends. It is estimated that half of Freemasonry’s total charitable expenditure of over £33m goes to charities that help people in communities across the country.

Neville Warnes, Provincial Grand Charity Steward in the Province of Suffolk said: “We are delighted so many people voted in Suffolk. The Shelley Centre was one of six charities nominated by local Freemasons and I know they will use their £25,000 grant to continue with their outstanding work.”

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JANUARY DEADLINE

1 December 2017 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy

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NEWS CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS CAPEL’S HISTORIC ST MARY’S CHURCH Saturday, January 13 from 4-7.30pm Sunday, January 14 from 4-7pm Quiz Forms £2 Admission free, but donations gratefully received towards the restoration of the East Window Refreshments available throughout the afternoon Preview evening Friday, January 12, 7.45pm Tickets (£6 / £5.50 for members) to include a glass of wine/fruit juice, light refreshments and the quiz form. Tickets available from Chris Terry (311102) and Ondra Butler (310524)

CELEBRATING BEING SIXTY AND SUPPORTING PHABKIDS Several months ago I read an article in this magazine inviting women to apply to become ambassadors for This Girl Can Suffolk, to promote exercise in all its forms, to encourage women and girls to take up exercise and to inspire women who thought they would never be able to do it.

At 50, after doing on/off exercise for most of my adult life, I decided to do the London Marathon. Why not?

I had watched many other ‘ordinary’ people taking part, how difficult could it be? It was tough! From couch to marathon was quite a journey, but one year later I completed it, with encouragement and support from friends and family. I had caught the bug.

I don’t break any records and sometimes need a little push, but I’m still jogging along. I decided to apply to become an ambassador for This Girl Can Suffolk, partly to give myself encouragement and hoping to perhaps inspire other women... especially those of a more mature age. I have been absolutely amazed by how many clubs, activities and events there are available in Suffolk, and what an inspiring group of ladies the This Girl Can Suffolk ambassadors are.

In January 2018 I will be 60 and my partner David has just turned 60. We decided to set ourselves a challenge to celebrate. Almost 10 years on, older, but obviously not wiser, we are doing the 2018 London Marathon. We are reasonably fit (well we think we are), reasonably healthy (well most of the time, although there have been a few health issues along the way) and reasonably active (when we can summon up the stamina). We also decided if we are going to do this challenge we should try to raise some money for a worthy cause. We found PhabKids, a charity formed 60 years ago to encourage and support children and adults with and without disabilities to make more of life together: www.phabkids.co.uk If you would like to follow our journey on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/super60s) or help us celebrate our 60th birthdays by supporting our chosen charity, you can donate at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Super60s.com For more information on This Girl Can Suffolk please visit: www.suffolksport.com/tgcsuffolk

Annual Flu Clinics This year we held four flu clinics and generally this was a successful approach.

We were helped by members of the Patient Participation Group and had as many clinicians as possible available to vaccinate patients. Thank you to all patients who attended on one of the four days. These clinics are the most efficient way of vaccinating a large number of patients and the new arrangements enable us to keep the queues to a minimum.

At the time of writing we have vaccinated 2,389 adults and 261 children against flu, 141 adults against pneumonia and 233 adults against shingles.

We are also in the process of visiting all housebound patients to ensure they are vaccinated. This year is forecast to be a bad year for flu so if you have yet to be vaccinated, and have received a letter confirming you are eligible, please contact the surgery to arrange a vaccination with one of our nurses or health care assistant.

Over the four clinics we also collected for Inspire, a local charity supporting disadvantages children. We raised an incredible £1,044. On behalf of Inspire, thank you for your generosity. For more information about Inspire visit: www.inspiresuffolk.org.uk Syria Collections Dr Ayache is retiring at the end of December and has worked with charities since the conflict began to help Syrian refugees. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to take in donations of clothing and bedding. However, Dr Ayache would like to extend his sincere gratitude to all patients who have made a donation over the last few years. Your generosity has made a real difference.

Training days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday February 8. On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE I have been asked to hold a raffle in aid of the hospice at Replay’s dance party at the village hall on Saturday, December 16. I am seeking donations of prizes which would be very much appreciated, either from individuals or local businesses.

Please bring your donation along on the night or let me have them before noon on December 16. Thanking you in anticipation.

Season’s greetings to you all and thank you to all those who have supported the hospice this year.

Linda Morrison, Hospice Rep for Capel St Mary

SURGERY ROTA We continue to provide this service for those who are unable to get to the surgery for appointments. There is a steady demand, indeed one week we carried out six calls. If you need to use the service do ask the receptionist when making your appointment.

We also welcome new volunteers to the scheme to join a team of about 20, but it goes without saying that more volunteers means less frequent call outs!

For details contact Chris on 01473 310992.

Jo Street

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NEWS

REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: NOVEMBER 2017 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Relocation to Endeavour House (EH) Further negotiations with staff are said to have progressed so that by mid-November all those affected by the closure of offices in Hadleigh and Needham Market should have moved into Endeavour House.

The drop-in centre at Sudbury Town Hall is up and running. All future council meetings are now to be held in Ipswich, i.e. out-of-district.

Merger and opposition ‘call-in’ at Babergh The simultaneous cabinet meeting, the source of much recent controversy, was held at EH on October 13 when they voted on the options for exploring Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s future relationship. They resolved: to provisionally endorse the approach of formally dissolving the two district councils and create a new, larger, district council; to jointly conduct stakeholder, public and staff engagement during autumn 2017; and subject to the outcome of that to draft a business case for the dissolution of BMSDCs and the creation of a new single district council.

By any measure, this has to be considered a key decision, and as such should have been flagged up in Cabinet’s Forward Decision Plan, and therefore subject to pre-scrutiny. In fact, it was bounced onto the agenda without prior notice. Despite cabinet’s arguments about the word ‘provisionally’, and the phrase ‘endorse the approach’ – which they claimed did not amount to a decision – Babergh opposition members

signed a call-in notice to the monitoring officer requesting that scrutiny committee cross-examine both the leader and the signatories of the callin. This was not about the pros or cons of a merger per se, but about the lack of transparent, constitutional process. Added to which, there was no intention to hold a further residents’ poll to see if the former 60/40 against opinion had changed.

Opposition parties also argued that only the merger option was being considered for consultation, which does constitute a decision, and that in the absence of a business case, the basis of the consultation could not be sound. In the 2011 referendum there were three substantial documents produced which set out the implications of a merger, with detailed financial analysis. The two administrations want to bring the dissolution and new council into effect at the 2019 election (after which there would have to be another boundary review.) Councillors at Mid Suffolk asked the CEO if they could call-in the decision and were told “no”. They were very annoyed to discover that Babergh’s request had been allowed while theirs had been refused.

Scrutiny committee resolved to ask cabinet to reconsider and to allow a debate to be held at full council. The next cabinet was scheduled for November 9. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAN Babergh Cabinet met on October 13 to debate merging with Mid Suffolk District Council to create one new larger district council. The councils and the financial climate have changed considerably since the 2011 referendum on merging and it is felt that it is time to look at the proposal again. The budget has been scrutinised and cut as much as possible and there is a case for delivering savings and retaining services by merging into one council. The cabinet voted to conduct a stakeholder, public and staff engagement including a telephone poll of 2,000 residents. Subject to the outcome of this public engagement a draft business case for the dissolution of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and the creation of a new single district council for the area could be considered by each council.

This cabinet decision was then called-in to Babergh’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee and, after considerable questioning and debate, it resolved that the decision should be referred back to cabinet for reconsideration with additional information to include a more detailed financial case and further information about the telephone poll. They also requested that cabinet refer the decision to a meeting of the full council for debate before cabinet makes its final decision.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme Babergh District Council has launched a consultation on changes to their Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which could see some working age people on low incomes pay just 5% of their bill. The changes also aim to make provision for the introduction of Universal Credit and align the current

CAPEL COMMUNITY TRUST Capel Community Trust would like to thank Graham and Sue Whybrow and team for once again making Bonfire night in Capel St Mary a successful village event, attracting over 1,000 people and raising funds which will go towards the upkeep of the village hall, playing field and play areas.

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scheme with the Housing Benefit scheme which Babergh operate.

To take part in the consultation visit: www.babergh.gov.uk/council-tax/ council-tax-reduction-scheme-have-your-say The consultation runs from Tuesday, October 31 to November 27.

The current Council Tax Reduction Scheme – which replaced Council Tax Benefit in 2013 – includes a maximum discount of 91.5% for the least well off residents, requiring just 8.5% of the bill to be paid.

Over the last four years there have been a number of changes to Housing Benefit legislation, resulting in some residents seeing their circumstances being treated differently in application for support with Council Tax compared to Housing Benefit. The upcoming introduction of Universal Credit will also significantly change how residents receive financial support.

In light of this Babergh has unveiled proposals to change their Council Tax Reduction Scheme to reduce the burden of administration of the separate schemes, treat customers circumstances the same for Housing Benefit and CTR, support customers in receipt of Universal Credit and continue to support those customers most in need.

Following the consultation a report will be produced and submitted to Babergh’s Full Council Meeting in December, proposing the final changes come into effect on 1 April 2018. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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NEWS A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A PARISH NURSE We launched Capel Parish Nurses in September 2016. I thought the community of Capel might be interested to know of some of the things we have done since then.

The Hope Hub: we have a cafe for anyone and everyone who suffers from mental health problems on the first Saturday of the month from 2-4pm at Capel Methodist Church.

Home Visits: we have visited more than 25 people in their home, totalling over 100 visits. The reasons range greatly including falls, dementia and palliative care. As well as home visits we have visited people in the hospital and the hospice.

Drop-in Clinic: we run a monthly drop-in clinic at Dove Close where we have checked blood pressures, weight, done breathing reviews and given falls prevention and general health advice. More than 20 people have visited us and several have come on a regular basis.

Health Fair: in June we ran our first Health Fair. We had 14 stands from different organisations including Cancer Research, One Life Suffolk, the Fire Service, Parkinsons UK, Adult Mental Health and Inspire Counselling. It was very well received by all who attended and we are planning on making it a yearly event.

Volunteers: we currently have six volunteers who are helping us in a variety of different ways. If you are interested in volunteering for us, please contact us by telephone or email. There are a number of different roles you could do, or you can suggest a project that you help with.

Church toddler group, the Beacon, Men’s Coffee Morning, Network Meeting, Messy Church, Methodist Luncheon Club, Women’s Institute and the Thursday Coffee Morning. If you run a group and would like us to come and visit please let us know.

Fundraising: Capel Parish Nurses is now a charity and we have done some fundraising over the last year. I swam the Great East Swim which raised approximately £500. We had a stand at the summer Fun Day and someone kindly donated soft toys which raised approximately £100. We have also been given some money and been applying for grants to fund future events. If you are interested in running a fundraising event for Capel Parish Nurses, please get in touch with us.

Plans for the future • Visiting people pre and post-surgery to offer support and advice • Increasing support to those living with dementia by becoming a Dementia Friendly Church • Supporting post-natal women and their families Any other suggestions? We are here to help the community of Capel so if you have any suggestions for future events or projects please get in touch with us and we will see what we can do.

Blessings, Caroline, your Parish Nurse

Dementia Friends Training: we organised a Dementia Friends training session at the church which approximately 35 people attended. We hope to increase our support to those living with dementia in the future.

Caroline: 07588 706869 / Caroline@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am-2.30pm Margaret: 07588 698284 / Margaret@CapelParishNurses.org.uk Monday and Wednesday, 9am-4pm

Groups: we have been to the Busy Bees toddler group, Capel Community

www.CapelParishNurses.org.uk

CAPEL ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL Report from the meeting held on Monday, November 13. Present were Councillors Bishop, Bryant, Fenn, Harris, Kilby, Matthews (chair), Powell, Rogers, Thomas, Thompson, Weaver, White, County Councillor Jones, District Councillor Swan, Julie Lawes (clerk) and two members of the public.

Capel St Mary Parish Council recommended approval to Babergh District Council for Planning Application: 10 Long Perry – Erection of two storey side extension (following demolition of garage).

The chair reported on recent development updates within the village (see below).

The Local Government Boundary Review Consultation which proposes the village reduces from two to one district representative is due to close on December 11. Capel St Mary Parish Council will be raising concerns and query if this is acceptable representation on our current growing population.

Residents may view and respond to this consultation at https://consultation. lgbce.org.uk or written details are available from the parish office.

The firework display was a great success and volunteers are to be congratulated on another wonderful achievement with profit being made for both the trust and the association.

Concern was raised regarding an increase in speeding traffic through the village. The Speed Watch Scheme is currently not in operation and volunteers are urgently required. If you can spare a couple of hours each month please contact the clerk.

December 11 in the library.

The actual minutes of meetings are available for viewing at the parish council office at 27a The Street, Capel St Mary, which is open from 10am-noon on Tuesdays and from 1-3pm on Fridays.

The parish clerk can be contacted on 01473 314103 during these times. An answer phone operates outside these hours and messages are picked up every day. Alternatively contact can be made by email: capel.parishclerk@btinternet.com www.capelstmary.onesuffolk.net DEVELOPMENT IN CAPEL ST MARY In September BDC Planning Committee approved the application for 97 houses off Days Road, and the Decision Notice was issued in late October. As a result of this decision Hopkins Homes have withdrawn their appeal for 100 homes on this site. A further archaeological survey will be completed and it is anticipated that work will commence on site in early January.

Persimmon Homes have made a decision to submit an appeal for 150 houses on land off Longfield Road, and have instructed agents. We are informed that this will be submitted in December unless strategy changes as a result of advice received.

Clerk Julie Lawes

Scott Properties are progressing their scheme for 450 houses and light industrial units on land off Red Lane. They have been awaiting further information fron SCC Highways, and will be having pre-application discussions with BDC in late November, early December with an anticipated Outline Application being submitted in early 2018.

The next meeting of the Capel St Mary Parish Council will be on Monday,

Chris Matthews, Chair Capel St Mary Parish Council

Accounts were approved and presented for signing.

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NEWS CAPEL ST MARY WAR MEMORIAL TRUST

School’s Remembrance for the Lost Children A minute’s silence in remembrance of 22 former pupils who died in the First and Second World Wars was observed by 294 children at Capel St Mary Church of England Primary School on Friday, November 10. Each school class discussed the meaning of Remembrance Sunday and together assembled for a service on the playground to remember the former pupils who, as men, died for their country.

A prayer was led by Canon Jim Pendorf, Priest-in-Charge at St Mary’s Parish Church. Twenty-two children each planted a cross of remembrance in a refurbished quiet area, Ben’s Garden, which was first created in memory of a young pupil who died. His father, Ian Alcock (pictured here with his grandchildren), cut a ribbon to open the refurbished garden.

Capel St Mary War Memorial Trust paid for the refurbishment and its volunteers did the work. The trust is also paying for a memorial stone column, topped with an acorn and engraved with the names of the 22 former pupils who were killed. The memorial will be installed early next year.

The total £2,500 cost is funded separately from money raised by the trust to build the village’s first-ever War Memorial Monument. Trust Chairman, Group Captain Gary Bunkell, CBE (pictured laying a Poppy Wreath), is delighted with the support and money from the village. Just a little more is needed.

Quiz Night Success Nineteen teams competed in a quiz night organised by the War Memorial Trust in the village hall on November 11.

It was a very successful event raising £415 for the War Memorial Fund.

The prize-winning teams were: 1 Thor’s Hammer, led by Lorna Zable; 2 Table Near the Door,led by Irene Carder; 3 Hoof Hearted, led by Ruth Rawthorn. The prize for the most original team name went to The Lands Girls, led by Penny Thompson.

Read all about it!

Issue Two of Capel Times, published to support the village campaign to build its first-ever War Memorial Monument, was delivered door-to-door on the most fitting day, Saturday, November 11.

Other copies were sent to schools, churches, supporters, donors, businesses and archives. Capel Times is published by the War Memorial Trust as part of its campaign to raise money to build the monument and create awareness, particularly among the young, of the First World War One and the affect it had on the people of Capel.

There will be two more Issues, one in the spring next year and the other, dealing with the Second World War, shortly before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War One in November next year.

For further information, please contact David Thompson: 01473 314185

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Dear Readers, Christmas is fast approaching, a time of year for giving, but can also be a time of year for taking by burglars so in order to prevent this happening here are some tips we can all follow to help stop this from happening.

If you are going away over the Christmas period ask a neighbour to open and close your curtains and put out the bins out for you.

Cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries.

Set you lights to come on and off with a timer.

Regarding Christmas presents, don’t place them under the Christmas Tree too soon.

Don’t leave Christmas presents outside in a shed, caravan or in the car. Hide them safely indoors.

Make a note of the serial and model numbers before wrapping and keep them safe.

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Make sure patio doors and windows are locked and secured even when you are at home.

Never leave keys in locks as this makes it easier for a burglar to get into your property. Put them out of view and away from the door.

Use exterior lights to deter burglars as they like the dark.

Secure garden gates with locks and padlocks.

If you can then have a burglar alarm fitted.

Remember 30% of burglaries actually happen as a consequence of people not locking their doors and windows so burglars don’t even have to break in.

If anyone comes to your door who you don’t recognise then please ask for their ID. Remember if a crime is in progress or for an emergency then call 999. For a non-emergency call 101.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year PCSO Denise Ford and the Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team

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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT THE CASE

CELEBRATORY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

– SUFFOLK’S FIRST CO-OPERATIVE PUB

Phoenix Brass will be performing a celebratory Christmas concert on Saturday, December 2 at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Raydon.

Seasonal Opening We very much hope to open every day over the holiday, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (see below), but this will depend on the availability of our wonderful volunteers, so please be understanding if we can’t be there to welcome you on every day.

A Traditional Christmas Lunch This will be on offer on December 3, 10 and 17 as an alternative to our popular Sunday meal. If you’re booking (and booking is vital) please say if you would like this. We regret we’re unable to cater for large groups, and if there are more than eight in your party, we will ask you to pre-order so we can give you the best possible service.

Open Mic Night Who knew there was so much talent in our community? We look forward to seeing you on the first Tuesday in the month as usual, December 5, from 8pm. The first Open Mic Night of 2018 will be on January 2. Newcomers especially welcome – PA system provided.

Tickets at £10 include wine and a light supper and are available from: 01473 310320 / 01473 312123

EVENTS AT ACORN VILLAGE Thank you to everyone who supported Acorn’s Village’s Christmas Market on November 18. The Beauty & The Beast themed Winter Wonderland is open Monday to Friday from 10am-4.30pm until Saturday, December 16 with refreshments and craft stalls between 11am and 2.30pm on the final day.

Our Acorn Actors are putting on a performance of The Happy Prince on Friday, December 8 and Saturday 9. Tickets are just £3. Please book by calling 01206 394124 (EXT 242).

Carol Singing This has become a tradition at the pub, and this year is no exception. Come and raise your voices in the old favourites, lubricated by a glass of mulled wine on December 17 from 4pm.

After an interesting gift for Christmas? Why not have a look at what we have for sale on eBay (AcornVillageCharity) or visit our shops in Manningtree or onsite at Acorn Village. Proceeds from anything you buy will go towards helping adults with learning disabilities.

Quiz and Curry Night The last quiz of 2017 will be on December 30, starting at 9pm. The first quiz of 2018 will be on January 27. If you’d like to host a quiz, speak to a member of the committee or leave a note behind the bar, you’ll be very welcome. Please note that the menu on quiz nights is a choice of two curries – the normal menu is not available for these occasions.

Thank you all for your support throughout the year.

New Year’s Day The Case will be open on January 1 and will be serving bar meals so if you’ve been for a bracing walk on New Year’s Day, why not pop in and get warm.

Finally, a word of thanks…

Firstly to our customers and members, old and new. Without your support the Case wouldn’t be the thriving heart of the community that it has become.

As one satisfied customer wrote: “Keep the pub going! Love it, and it will continue.”

Secondly, we are so grateful to our staff and amazing band of volunteers. The pub wouldn’t have a chance without you and your unstinting efforts. For you, the festive season will be a time of hard work and commitment to make sure everyone has a good time.

A very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year to us all.

01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk

Acorn Village Oak Room, Clacton Road, Manningtree CO11 2NJ

CLASH AVOIDER This diary has been introduced to help avoid date clashes in the village.

Every effort will made to keep this list up-to-date, but please be aware that sometimes dates may be cancelled, postponed or re-arranged at short notice. This diary is not intended to be an all-inclusive what’s on and will only highlight significant dates.

If you want to add an event please submit in the following format (date, event, venue and contact) to sharon@intouchnews.co.uk with Capel Event Diary in the subject line.

Saturday, December 2: Christmas Coffee Morning at St Mary’s January 11-13 2018: The Orchard Players Pantomime, Aladdin, at Capel Village Hall. Box Office: 07933 292175 Saturday & Sunday, January 13 & 14 2018: Festival of Trees & Lights, St Mary’s Church. Contact Chris Terry: 01473 311102 Saturday & Sunday, June 23 & 24 2018: Village Scarecrow Trail. Contact Chris Terry: 01473 311102

They helped us remember Dad at Christmas It’s the little things that count Here for you every hour of every day

01473 851924

for your local funeral director www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 10

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

11

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In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LIBRARY

THE ORCHARD PLAYERS

December sees cold days and early dark nights and the best way to spend them is to curl up with a good book by one of your favourite authors. Keep up to date with new releases by visiting www.suffolklibraries.co.uk and order and pick up at the nearest library of your choice. Don’t forget that you can also download an e-book to your computer, and download music too. If you would like something different to tax your brain then we have a good selection of jigsaw puzzles that you can borrow.

Our next production will be Aladdin by Bradford and Webster at Capel Village Hall from January 11-13 with performances at 7.30pm each evening and a 2pm matinee on Saturday 13.

Please note that the library will be closed at the following times over Christmas: from 12.30pm on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Wednesday, December 27 and Monday, January 1.

CLUBS MEETING THIS MONTH Capel Library Book Group: Friday, December 15 at 2.30pm. Do come along and join in our little group and chat with the members about the latest book.

Open to all.

Baby Bounce: Meets Tuesdays, December 5 and 12 and then breaks up for Christmas. We will start again on January 9. Starts at 2pm and is open to all children under five with their parents/carers or grannies (and grandpas too).

Capel Creators: Meets on Saturday, December 23 at 10.30am. Come and create to the theme or your choice, 50p per child and includes a drink and a biscuit.

Minecraft Club: Sorry, but there will be no club during December. Re-starts on Sunday, January 14.

The staff wish all of our borrowers and users of library services a very Happy Christmas.

Come take a magical carpet ride to Peking Market where you will meet street rat Aladdin! Watch the adventures unfold as he meets Princess Jasmine and falls in love. Will their love triumph? How will Aladdin escape the evil Abanazar? Will the Genie save him? Will Wishee Washee and Widow Twanky get all their laundry done before the curtain goes up for our next panto? All will be magically revealed in January 2018!

Adults £8, concessions £6. Box Office: 07933 292175 This amateur production is by arrangement with NODA Limited.

TEA & COMPANY Monday, December 11 at Wenham View, Dove Close All welcome to come along from 2.30pm £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes Raffle Supported by The Capel Ladies

OPENING TIMES Monday: closed Tuesday: 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Wednesday: 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday: 9.30am-12.30pm Friday: 2-5pm & 5.30-7.30pm Saturday: 9am-3pm Sunday: 10am-3pm Contact: 01473 311699

CHRISTMAS BEGINS HERE When you see this familiar tag line, you will know that you are in for a musical treat.

Capel Singers have been providing their annual mixture of carols and readings since the 1980s. This year’s concert will take place at St Mary’s Church at 7.30pm on December 12. The programme will feature many old favourites and the readings will be chosen to complement the carols, some of them humorous, some searching. The evening is rounded off with seasonal refreshment of the mulled variety, and the inevitable mince pie or three while we take the opportunity to chat with friends old and new.

Fundraising for:

Saturday 9th December: 4.30pm - 8pm Sunday 10th December: 4.30pm - 8pm

Santa’s Float is Touring Capel!

Look out for him between 4.30pm and 8pm on the 9th & 10th of December!

Date undetermined, Look out on both nights!

Capel Community Trust www.capelcommunitytrust.org

Volunteers Needed! Please contact Sandra: � admin@capelcommunitytrust.org � 01473 312114

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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NEWS DOVE CLOSE CHRISTMAS FAYRE There will be a Christmas Fair at Wenham View, Dove Close on December 12 from 7-9pm.

CONSTABLE SINGERS CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME Friday, December 1: Charity event at Capel Bypass Nurseries, 5.15pm Saturday, December 9: East Bergholt, Congregational Church, 7pm Thursday, December 21: Hare and Hounds, East Bergholt, 7pm

Enjoy an evening of Christmas music with Pop Chorus together with tea, coffee and mince pies.

All are welcome.

We will also be singing at Days Road, Capel on November 24 and Brantham Leisure Club on December 14, and at a charity event at Constable Hall on December 3.

Happy Christmas and New Year from all the residents at Dove Close.

Our concert in aid of MIND on October 28 was a great success. We raised approximately £600. Thank you to those who supported the event and to Fountain House Tea Room, Oranges and Lemons Cafe and Shop, Hare and Hounds Pub, Carriers Pub, Bypass Nurseries, Hearts Delight, Tesco and The Co-op for donating raffle prizes.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Firstly, a big thank you to all those who took part in, and helped lay out and provide food for our quiz in October. Thanks too to all those who provided prizes for what turned out to be a monumental raffle! It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Secondly, a clarification, in our November report we mentioned that County Councillor Gordon Jones was unable to be at the book scheme presentation.

In fact he was unavoidably delayed, but did arrive before the end of the presentation.

We rehearse each Thursday at Lambe School, East Bergholt and on the second Thursday of the month at The Congregational Church, East Bergholt at 7pm. No audition, no need to read music, words provided and the first session is free. Just come along and enjoy. For more details to join the choir, contact Mel (01206 298628) or Yvonne (01206 298428).

CAPEL IRISH SET DANCE GROUP

Thirdly, a reminder that our film in December will be Hampstead, a Romance starring Diane Keaton in which an American widow finds love with a squatter on Hampstead Heath.

Our Hundred Club draw winners for October were Sue Carpendale £20, Alan Watts £10, Steve Lodge £10 and Sandra Bumphrey £5. In November the winners were Sarah Wilson £20, K Weston £10, Alan Butters £10 and Ann Hawes £5. Since November is a bonus month the November bonus winners were Hannah Clifford £20 and J W Row £20.

We also give notice of the annual general meeting of the Friends on Saturday, January 27 at 4pm in the library. We will have a vacancy for a new trustee, and there will be some minor changes to be made to the constitution to reflect the move to annual membership.

BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY Coming soon: a diva, a gang lord, a detective and a stage full of dancing nuns...

After the recent success of Little Shop Of Horrors, here at BATS we’ve set ourselves another sensational challenge and we are excited to announce our next February production will be the musical spectacular Sister Act, a feelgood musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent!

Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in doing so blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Already our cast are busy warming up their vocals and learning all their moves, while the construction crew and wardrobe team are busy beavering away behind the scenes. It’s definitely another exciting year and it’s going to be another fabulous feel-good evening for our audiences, so don’t forget to get your tickets.

The production runs from Tuesday 13 to Saturday, February 17. Tickets (adults £8 / children £6) are on sale from December 1 from Bakes & Blossoms or online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/branthamamateurtheatricalsociety Enquiry line: 07891 974844

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Capel Irish Set Dance Group meets at St Mary’s Church Hall on the third Sunday of every month (except August and the second Sunday in December) from 2-5.30pm. We are a friendly group and it’s not necessary to have a partner. In fact you’re welcome to come along just to enjoy the music. The next date is December 10.

We would like to wish everyone we know in the village a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This year we are sending a donation to FIND, a local charity, instead of buying cards, to benefit the many needy families in the area.

Hille and Trevor Peartree: 01473 310146 Chris and Marjorie Haste: 01473 311615

ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

The next monthly market at St Michael’s, The Church on the Park, Woolverstone is on Saturday, December 9, 9am-12.30pm.

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which make ideal presents. Enjoy carol singing while you get inspired for that last minute Christmas present.

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

In Touch online:

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness

FunDancing Classes St Mary's Church Hall The Street Capel St Mary

every Thursday 10am & 7pm spaces are limited to reserve yours

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

classes also in: - Boxford - East Bergholt - Nayland, & - Stratford St Mary

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

janet@fundancing.co.uk www.fundancing.co.uk FunDancing.Suffolk FunDancing

15

CAPEL ST MARY & LITTLE WENHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

IN THE VILLAGE HALL COMPLEX

BT SPORT Available on the Big Screen in the Vine Lounge!

FREE WI-FI In both Bars!

CARD PAYMENT SERVICE now available!

FREE TABLE TENNIS Subject to Hall availability!

The Member’s Draw takes place every Friday night in the Vine Lounge.

BIG CASH PRIZES The winning member must be present in the Village Hall Complex to win or have had a go on the FRIDAY NIGHT DRAW!

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“CHRISTMAS FLOAT” SATURDAY 9th & SUNDAY 10th December Come out to see Santa in the Village from 4pm “ CHRISTMAS BINGO” THURSDAY 14th December - DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Vine Lounge Includes a raffle & “Stand Up Bingo Books £1 Or 6 Books £5 EYES DOWN 8.30pm “KARAOKE” SATURDAY 16th December - DOORS OPEN AT 7.30pm In the Vine Lounge FREE ENTRY! “CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS PARTY” SUNDAY 17th December 3pm-5pm In the Village Hall Tickets £5.oo “NEW YEARS EVE PARTY” SUNDAY 31ST December In the Village Hall from 7pm Tickets : Adult £5 Child £3 Family (2 Adult 2 Child) £14 “CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS” Xmas Eve - 12pm- 11.30pm Xmas Day - 12pm-2pm & CLOSED Boxing Day - 12pm-5pm & 7pm-11pm Wednesday 27th Dec - 7.30pm-11pm Thursday 28th Dec - 7.30pm-11pm Friday 29th Dec - 5pm-11.30pm Saturday 30th Dec - 12pm - 11.30pm New Years Eve - 12pm-3pm & 7pm-1am New Years Day - 12m-3pm & 7.30pm-10.30pm Tuesday 2nd January - 7.30pm-11pm

* Subject to change*

“MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR” To buy Tickets or book Quiz Teams, call in the Village Bar or ring Ruth - 07548130293 Tracy - 07917440459 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE EVENTS MENTIONED ON THIS PAGE VISIT CAPEL VILLAGE BAR FACEBOOK PAGE OR THE WEBSITE

2017 Association Membership Membership renewal is due in January each year. The costs for 2017 are: Junior 16-17 £2.50, Single including Over 65’s £6, Family £10

www.capelcommunitytrust.org

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY, DECEMBER 2017

Bingo, 7.30-10.30pm, Vine Lounge

Friday 1 Strength and Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, library

Friday 15 Strength and Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, library

Saturday 2 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Charity Coffee Morning, hall

Saturday 16 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Association Karaoke, 7.30-11pm, Vine Lounge Replay, 7.30-11pm, hall

Sunday 3 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Tuesday 5 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Zumba, 9.30-10.30am, hall Zumba Gold, 10.45-11.30am, hall Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, hall Ballroom Dance, private lessons, 6.15-8.15pm, hall Ballroom, all levels welcome, 8.15-9.15pm, hall Wednesday 6 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 7 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Friday 8 Strength and Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, library

Sunday 17 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Children’s Christmas Party, hall (Please see page 16 for times and cost) Monday 18 Community Association Meeting, 8-10.30pm, library Tuesday 19 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Zumba, 9.30-10.30am, hall Zumba Gold, 10.45-11.30am, hall Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, hall Ballroom Dance, private lessons, 6.15-8.15pm, hall Ballroom, all levels welcome, 8.15-9.15pm, hall Film showing, 7-10.30pm, Library Wednesday 20 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall

Saturday 9 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall

Thursday 21 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Capel Ladies, 7.30-11pm, Vine Lounge

Sunday 10 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 2-7pm, hall

Friday 22 Strength and Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, library

Monday 11 Parish Council Meeting, 7.30-10.30pm, library Tuesday 12 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Zumba, 9.30-10.30am, hall Zumba Gold, 10.45-11.30am, hall Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, hall Ballroom Dance, private lessons, 6.15-8.15pm, hall Ballroom, all levels welcome, 8.15-9.15pm, hall Bereavement Counselling, 6-8pm, library

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE If you would like to celebrate the life of someone you loved who has passed away, you can hire the Vine Lounge in the village hall complex most weekdays for just £75. All enquires to Mandy.

FUNCTION ROOMS FOR HIRE If you are organising a party, social event or business meeting, or just want a get together with family and friends, why not book the village hall, Vine Lounge, library or stage? We can cater for parties between 20 and 200 people at very competitive rates.

Wednesday 13 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Flower Arranging, 6.30-10.30pm, library

Rooms are available during the daytime or evenings. Facilities include a fully licensed bar and a kitchen preparation area with prices starting from as little as £10 an hour for the library, £15 an hour for the hall and the Vine Lounge is £88 for an evening. All enquires to Mandy.

Thursday 14 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Women’s Institute, 7-10.30pm, library

CONTACTS Village Bar: 01473 311766 Mandy Marshall (events and hiring): 01473 312026 / bookings@capelcommunitytrust.org

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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OUT & ABOUT CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP

BY ROSIE HAWES Design a festive arrangement on Monday, December 18 at Capel St Mary Village Hall, starting at 7pm. Book early to secure your place. All materials will be supplied to create a wonderful festive design. £35 per person.

Tel: 07747 126112

FORGET-ME-NOT CLUB (OVER 60s) Wenham View, Dove Close It has been another good year for the club. We welcomed four new members and enjoyed some very enjoyable trips out. We are now also looking forward to our annual Christmas lunch outing.

If you would enjoy two hours of fun and games each Wednesday afternoon from 2.15pm-4.15pm, and the occasional day out, why not come and join us? We look forward to meeting you.

The members wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

SING FOR FUN At 2.30pm on December 11, Sing for Fun moves to Dove Close for a thoroughly seasonal sing-along of Christmas songs and carols. This is supplemented by Capel Ladies tea and cake afternoon and a jolly good time will be had by all.

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, 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.

STOUR VALLEY U3A On Wednesday, November 8, event organiser Eve Regelous, who worked closely with Harrods, gave a behind the scenes glimpse 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 Constable Hall on Wednesday, December 6. This is always a popular event and so early booking is advised On Wednesday, January 10, we will be entertained by Ancestral Voices who will take us back to the festive season under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I using words, music and images, including instruments from the period. Many of today’s carols and Christmas traditions originate from the Medieval and Tudor eras. You will hear carols as you may have never heard them before!

Our main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those who are no longer in full time employment and emphasis is always placed on making learning active and fun as well as helping in developing friendships. We have a wide range of groups including language study, country walking and computer studies and groups that visit gardens, churches and historic buildings. In the main, membership is drawn from communities in the lower Stour Valley and adjacent areas including Brantham, Capel St Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt, Holbrook, Lawford, Manningtree, Raydon and Stratford St Mary. We are affiliated to the ThirdAge Trust, have over 260 members and 21 groups. For further information please visit www.stourvalleyu3a.org.uk where membership secretary Gillian Gibbs may be contacted.

We meet at Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TP at 2.15pm. Annual membership is £12 which entitles members to attend meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, except August and December.

It’s never too late to learn! Join the 361,477 members across 969 U3As throughout the UK today.

MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 12 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.

Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

All those interested in poetry are invited to attend either to listen to the spoken word or to read poetry themselves. Some people will be reading their own poetry and some will choose to read the work of other poets.

There is no admission charge.

Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534

To keep up-to-date with the group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk

Monday, January 8: Bulls Head Safety Pin Keeper (Jill)

STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Ted Wheatley presented Overland to India on November 1 and Dennis and Ann Kell presented Wildlife in the Falklands on November 15. Both presentations were much appreciated by our members.

On December 6 Paul Oliver presents his popular Christmas quiz and at the final meeting of the year on December 20 Barbara Faulkner will tell us about The Man in Red. We don’t have a speaker meeting in January, but instead have our New Year Lunch for members, their spouses and Probus widows. This will take place on Wednesday, January 17 at The Haywain, Bentley Road, Little Bromley CO11 2PL. Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at St John Ambulance HQ, Manningtree CO11 1EB at 10.30am. For further details please contact speaker secretary Dave Carman: 01255 880202

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VILLAGE LINK CLUB Roger Fern presented a talk entitled A Year as Mayor of Ipswich at our November meeting. In this he showed some photos of the ceremonial articles the council owns and uses at mayoral functions. There are two maces, one of which precedes the mayor into the council chamber at council meetings and lays on the table before him/her throughout. There is also the mayor’s chain of office which is worn at all official functions. This contains a casting of the Ipswich coat of arms among other symbols and is quite heavy. Roger also showed photos of some of the events he has attended as mayor.

Christmas messages and carols will be presented by two of our club members on December 13. There will also be a small Christmas buffet in lieu of biscuits with our coffee. Please bring a small plate of food to share. Instead of our usual raffle please also bring a small wrapped gift as a tombola item.

The main raffle this month will be a hamper with hopefully one or two secondary prizes.

Future talks: First Aid and AED The Legendary Dad’s Army, A History of Scarecrows, Pray Silence for ? and The History of Butley Priory.

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments, when there is time for a chat with other members, and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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Mid Suffolk District Council

Mid Suffolk District Council

Waste and Recycling

Waste and Recycling Collection Calendar 2018

Christmas & New Year Bin Collection Schedule 2017-2018

Collection Calendar 2018 December 2017 Mo

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Please ensure your bins are presented by 6.30am on the day of collection

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Monday 25th December Tuesday 26th December Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Monday 1st January Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January

Revised Collection

Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December Saturday 30th December Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January Saturday 6th January Monday 8th January Tuesday 9th January Wednesday 10th January Thursday 11th January Friday 12th January Saturday 13th January

Change

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There will be no brown bin collections over Christmas and New Year (between 25th December and 5th January) Please check www.midsuffolk.gov.uk for further details From Monday 15th January normal waste and recycling collections resume.

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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Recycling collected this week Rubbish collected this week For Christmas and New Year weeks (25th Dec-13th Jan) Please refer to the Christmas & New Year schedule Bank Holiday Week - Everyone’s collection will be a day later all week. For Christmas and New Year weeks, please refer to the Christmas Schedule.

Visit Recycle Now

www.recyclenow.com to find your nearest recycling banks

Waste Helpline: 01449 778678

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www.nantmorblinds.com In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT CAPEL LADIES CLUB A small group of Capel Ladies went to the Assembly Rooms in Dedham to see a production of One Man, Two Guvnors by the Dedham Players on October 25.

This is a quirky, crazy farce, set in 1960’s Brighton, and involves Francis Henshall, an out-of-work musician, who ends up working for two different bosses – one, a supposed gangster and the other, an upper-class fool – while trying to stop them from meeting each other and discovering his ploy.

Further complications occur involving a heavy trunk, mixed-up letters, an elderly waiter and several unlucky audience volunteers. By the end of the play Francis has managed to hold down both jobs, while getting paid and fed, and finally finds love. It’s a happy ending too for the other characters, who have also gone through an equally confusing time. A real romp with some energetic performances! A very entertaining evening.

With the planned inauguration of Capel’s own new War Memorial coming in 2018 it seemed appropriate a week before Remembrance Day this year to find out something of the origin and history of such monuments, and Bill and Griff came to Capel Ladies Club on November 2 to give an interesting and informative talk about this very subject.

The term ‘war memorial’ can be used to describe a monument, building or statue which has been erected to celebrate or honour a war or a victory, and an example of this is Trajan’s Column, erected in Rome during the second century AD. It commemorates the victory of the Roman emperor Trajan over the Dacians and is a 126-foot marble pillar with carvings spiralling around it of the various battles that were involved, so that it reads like a comic strip.

There are also a number of triumphal arches around the world that glorify victories and commemorate famous generals and leaders.

However, the Great War of 1914/18 – the ‘war to end all wars’ – was so terrible and inflicted such large numbers of casualties on all sides that many thousands of families around the world were affected by the tragedy of the wounding or loss of one of their own, and whole communities were depleted of many of their young men. Consequently, after the war there was a strong feeling and a need felt by those left behind to preserve the memory of the dead and the wounded, and those people and places scarred forever by their involvement in such an appalling and world-changing event.

Memorials to the First World War are many and varied, and throughout the UK most villages and towns erected their own memorial, be it a stone column on the village green or a plaque in the local parish church. Names of the dead were also included on the memorial so that they should never be forgotten.

Although we have a plaque in St Mary’s Church to those killed in the Great War, and a Book of Remembrance which honours those killed in the Second World War, there is no stone memorial in the centre of the village.

As some injured soldiers from Capel were cared for at the old Anglesea Road hospital in Ipswich, the village decided to send its money to the hospital rather than spend it on an inanimate object like a war memorial, however worthy.

However, in recent years, after thoughts were galvanised into action, former Royal Marine Griff Johns found himself archivist of The Capel St Mary War Memorial Trust – a small group of villagers determined to unveil a permanent memorial in the centre of Capel on the 11th day of the 11th month, 2018: the 100th anniversary of the guns falling silent. Griff has been researching the 33 men so far identified who did not see Suffolk again. They are all associated with the parish through school, family or birth, and their names will be carved on the granite memorial.

To this end there has been active fundraising and publicity, and after giving a very informative and well-illustrated talk to our members, Griff and associate Bill Dimond were presented with a cheque towards this worthy fund.

For more interesting talks, and evenings out with a friendly bunch, why not come along to one of our meetings or give Di Barker a ring on 311870? Or visit our website to find out more: www.capelladies.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

SUFFOLK BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT (SBS) Recently bereaved or experiencing a delayed reaction? Are you in need of help and support?

Why not join a small focused group of five to 10 sharing bereavement issues? Groups are led by an experienced facilitator creating a warm, safe environment in which to explore the many aspects of loss.

Groups are held in Hadleigh (afternoon) and Capel St Mary (evening) and are free to Suffolk residents. For more details or to reserve a place contact Patrick or Margaret: sbsg246@gmail.com / 01206 299832 www.suffolkbereavement.org.uk Main funders: Suffolk Community Foundation and Comic Relief Community Cash

CAPEL

ST MARY GARDEN CLUB

Programme secretary Penny Thompson writes that Friends and Foes in the Garden was the subject of an entertaining and informative talk by Karen Kenny on October 26.

These friends such as birds, wasps, bees, butterflies, bats, moths, beetles and worms to name but a few are just as essential and integral to the health of our gardens and the food chain as, for example, foes in the shape of slugs, snails, aphids, caterpillars, pigeons, moles, lily beetles and cabbage whites.

Nature, Karen informed us, has a wonderful way of keeping the balance, but man has a wonderful way of messing up this balance. To man a pest is anything with or without legs that tries to share his or her garden, so the question was asked, is a blackbird a friend or foe? When the blackbird comes along and messes up the newly dug beds he may be seen as a foe; but a friend when eating caterpillars and aphids.

To obtain the balance needed we should be placing the pest and predator together. Nettles in the garden are important for ladybirds who in turn will eat the aphids on your roses, as will blue tits, especially if a ball of fat is hung high over the roses. Blue tits love fat and aphids. Planting nectar rich flowers under those that have aphids will also encourage the wasps who not only need the sugar to survive, but will also eat your aphids. But no beer traps please as they can trap other creatures necessary for the food chain.

We should for example, Karen told us, encourage thrushes whose habitat is trees and shrubs, along with slow worms, nocturnal creatures who live under corrugated sheeting. Frogs and toads who live in perennials around ponds or under broken flowerpots as well as beetles and caterpillars who like piles of wood or stones in which to live are all important as they eat slugs and snails.

Throughout her lighthearted talk Karen stressed the importance of keeping the balance as we need both friends and foes in our gardens. Observation is the best control and the gardener’s aim should be to get things at the very beginning and not halfway through the growing season.

We have now completed our 2017 programme and the first event of 2018 will be our lunch at Hintlesham Golf Club on Thursday, January 25. Full details have been sent to all members. Please ensure that I have your order and payment by January 1.

We are always happy to welcome new members; £8 a year or £2.50 if you want to attend a particular meeting as a visitor. Any queries, please let me know.

Chairman Edwina Cox: 01473 311121

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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION’S GUIDE TO GARDENING IN DECEMBER 1977 to 2017: We’ve been growing for 40 years Season’s greetings to all our members and readers!

ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE AT CAPEL Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership, so if you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk VEG PLOT Continue winter digging. Mushroom compost at £30 a bucket load delivered to the Pound Lane site; 01473 310380 to order. Sow or plant lettuce under cloches. Check brassicas for white fly and spray as necessary. Harvest sprouts and winter cabbage. Leeks and parsnips can be left in the ground until needed.

FRUIT Apply a winter tree wash to fruit trees and bushes. Plant trees and bushes with a dusting of bone meal.

GREENHOUSE Empty and wash down with Jeyes. Line with bubble plastic. Bring in all frost tender plants. Check for white fly. Sow carrots in a pot and main crop onions and leeks in trays on Boxing Day. FLOWERS Tidy borders and mulch. Wrap potted plants in fleece.

LAWNS Aerate badly drained areas. Mow with blades set high. Clean and overhaul equipment.

ALLOTMENT NEWS We have a Christmas stall at St Mary’s on Saturday, December 2. See you there for garden sundries, fresh wreaths, curly willow, bird food, Christmas lights and cyclamen. Phone Sue if you would like to pre-order a fresh wreath.

The Hut is now closed for the winter and will reopen on the first Saturday in February 2018.

It has been a busy year with additional ventures to celebrate our 40th anniversary which included trawling through 40 years of minutes to produce a history of the Pound Lane Allotments Site and 3,500 photographs to produce a 600 photo display for Fun Day, the AGM, the barbecue and The Flower and Produce Show. We had a presentation to four plot holders who were there from the start, developed a new computer programme to assist in running our show, updated the website, had two work-ins, a promotional stall at Bentley Family Fun Day and we grew and displayed plants and provided support for the SSALG Gold Medal and Best in Show winning stand at The Suffolk Show. We have adopted the new computerised ordering system for the seed scheme from Kings. We also facilitated several group visits to our wildlife area, supported several other events by supplying tables and raffle prizes and organised a visit to Mauldons Brewery.

All this in addition to maintaining and running the site and The Hut! Our thanks to all our members for your continued support throughout 2017.

Finally, we hope you have had a productive year and are looking forward to the new season. We have already ordered our stock for The Hut, planned improvements for the site and we are in advanced stages of preparation for the show and barbecue. See you in 2018.

For a more extensive version of this report visit: www.capelallotments.co.uk

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KENNY’S SESAW NEWS It’s December already and everyone is rushing around with too much to do before Christmas. I’m glad you made time to read In Touch because I want to send a great big thank you to all our local friends. We are particularly grateful to Darrell and his team at Gladwells, the staff and children of Copdock School and Betty’s Stitchers and Knitters. Our volunteers really enjoyed meeting you throughout the year and look forward to seeing you again in 2018.

At SESAW we have a German shepherd cross looking forward to a new, very lively, home. Ten month old Lola loves jumping in swimming pools, playing ball, frolicking with other dogs and cuddling up on the children’s bed at night. On the other paw is Romany, a bull terrier, now an ex-breeding bitch. This big strong lady loves fuss and cuddles, but isn’t good with other animals so needs to be the only pet.

Ollie is still fretting about our teenage kittens, all spayed and neutered and waiting to go, and eight year old sisters Chloe and Izzy still waiting for a new home. Mum says we will not rehome over the festive season, but prospective owners are welcome to view the animals from 10am-1pm Thursday-Sunday until Saturday, December 23. SESAW will be closed on December 24 onwards, reopening TBA, depending upon the weather. Please check before visiting in January or phone for an appointment. Best wishes from all of us to all of you for Christmas and the New Year. I’m off to my bed by the Rayburn because it’s much too cold out there for me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua!

Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath CO6 4PP / 01787 210888 / www.sesaw.co.uk

ROBIN’S CHILDCARE Baby Bears We have been exploring how different materials and textures such as toothbrushes, cotton buds and cardboard tubes can create varying patterns in paint. We made some amazing firework patterns using these methods. The Bears have been learning new rhymes for World Nursery Rhyme Week and have created lovely artwork based around each rhyme. Creating lots of artwork and displaying it around our room often sparks up conversations between the children and adults, helping to develop their communication and observational skills.

Toddling Tigers It’s been busy here with the Toddling Tigers looking at Halloween, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day. We used our senses to explore pumpkins, using our hands and feet to feel and remove the insides and our sense of smell. We have had an exciting time using lots of glitter to create wonderful firework pictures and a variety of materials to help stick the glitter including coloured glue, paint on dish brushes and shower puffs. Our Remembrance Day crafts included making paper plate poppies, using our scissor skills to cut out and stick a selection of poppies and making red playdough to shape and create our own poppies. Our fabulous artwork is proudly displayed around our room.

Gruffalos November has been a very busy month in the Gruffalo room, starting with bonfire celebrations and finishing with rehearsals for our annual nativity play. In between the children have been celebrating World Nursery Rhyme Week. During this week we learnt a new nursery rhyme each day and joined in with different activities based around each rhyme. As well as a couple of favourites (Wind the Bobbin Up and Hickory Dickory Dock) we learnt Bobby Shafto, Lavender’s Blue and Old King Cole. It was lovely to hear the children singing the new rhymes they had learnt. Now it’s on to Christmas…

If you would like information about Robin’s Childcare please contact us on 01473 310767, visit www.robinschildcare.co.uk or follow us on Twitter/Facebook.

In Touch online:

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SCHOOLS

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS November has been a busy month of activities in school with parents coming in to share learning, open evenings for next year’s intake, singing and sporting events. The children have posed beautifully for their school photos – some of them for the first time, and some for their last time with us.

Our Under 7s had a football tournament earlier in November which was the first time they had represented their schools at a sporting event. They all did really well and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Some were even scouted by local football clubs!

Not to be outdone, pupils from Years 5 and 6 across the federation took part in a Tag Rugby competition at St Joseph’s School. We are particularly proud of the teamwork and support the children demonstrated towards each other.

Bentley pupils enjoyed a spooktacular Hallowe’en disco with a great deal of help from our fabulous parents who stayed to help out. Three of the mums even did face painting.

Pupils from Copdock laid crosses with names of the fallen at the new village memorial as part of our Remembrance Service. The whole of Bentley School walked to the War Memorial in Bentley and, joined by members of the British Legion, held a service there to commemorate those who fought to keep our country free.

We’ve had dress down days to raise money for BBC Children in Need and to kick start our Christmas festivities with decoration making. Some of the KS2 children have been working hard in the Christmas Cake Club and are nearing their masterpiece completion.

The children are now preparing songs and learning scripts for their Christmas productions which will soon be upon us.

We currently have two small, friendly cockerels at Bentley School in need of good homes. They are well handled (they have no choice having been picked up by children every day of their lives) and gentle natured and are free to good homes. They are a small breed with beautiful feathery feet.

If you think you could give one of our lovely chooks a place to call their own, please call the school on 01473 310253.

For more news and up-to-date information about the schools, please visit: www.copdock.suffolk.sch.uk

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In Touch online:

SPORTS CAPEL ST MARY BOWLS CLUB

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Although our outdoor season has now ended we are still keeping very busy.

Green renovation and site maintenance continues throughout the winter months. This is very hard work and we are so lucky as a club to have members who give their time freely to provide us with excellent facilities. Special thanks are due to David Evans, Mike Heather and several other members.

The First Team had a much better month, unbeaten in the League with the only defeat a narrow one on penalties in the Suffolk Senior Cup at Bramford.

They ended the month with a victory over reigning champions Henley Athletic which should lift spirits considerably.

We held our annual Presentation Dinner on October 21, a chance to reflect on a great season over a good meal. Various awards have been documented previously, but each year there is a special award for achievement made by our president, John Wright. This year the recipient was Lew Dyer who has been a member for over 35 years and has been an everpresent club officer. Lew has announced that he will not be playing next year due to health reasons, and he received a standing ovation from all present.

Next up was our AGM on Monday, October 23, and we have already started to look forward to 2018. We have been busy planning our annual trip to Potters Leisure Resort for the World Indoor Bowls Championships on January 24 and now have a full coach making the trip into Norfolk.

Christmas is now around the corner. May I take this opportunity to wish all members, their spouses and partners a very Happy Christmas and another successful New Year.

Jack High

CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB The club is running 15 sides, including 11 youth teams, this season, making it one of the largest in South Suffolk. Games featuring girls and boys are played at the playing field on Saturday and Sunday mornings under the watchful eyes of our qualified coaches.

Suffolk County FA run courses for coaches which include first aid training and issue what is known as a Level 1 Certificate for those who pass as well as a Children’s Welfare Certificate. All our coaches seem to enjoy teaching the youngsters.

At the other end of the scale is our Veteran side which features players over 35 years old. They recently beat Stowupland 7-0 with goals from John Chinnery (3), Matt Chinnery (2), Chris Stewart, and a 30-yard special from midfield dynamo Ross Dorward. December 10 sees them play Whitton United at home in the league cup.

Our Sunday morning team drew 3-3 with the Fat Cat Public House in the league cup, going out on penalties with the club’s oldest player, David Cubbins, now in his middle fifties, still showing the younger members how to do it, Meanwhile our Saturday Reserves lost 4-1 to Kesgrave Kestrels with Alex Parry getting our goal.

The Reserves got their show back on the road in October with three victories in four to take them up to fourth in the League A and back in contention.

The A Team have found life difficult and picked up only one point in the month as they search for a successful formula.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Nov 25: Ransomes Sports (A) Sat, Dec 2: Westerfield Utd (H) Sat, Dec 9: Crane Sports (A) Sat, Dec 16: Felixstowe Harpers Utd (H) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Dec 30: Capel Plough (H) Sat. Jan 6: Bob Coleman Cup R3 Reserves: League A Sat, Nov 25: Old Newton Res (H) Sat, Dec 9: Achilles Res (H) Sat, Dec 16: Bramford Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) A Team: League B Sat, Dec 2: Haughley Utd Res (A) Sat, Dec 9: Coplestonians A (A) Sat, Dec 16: Trimley Athletic Res (A) Sat, Dec 23: Cedar Park Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Fixtures subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition to confirm.

Race Night: This will now be held in January. Details will be in the January edition.

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. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on matchdays are all potential for exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

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

Our Saturday First Team have now been in the Senior Division of the Suffolk and Ipswich League for 20 years and won three games in October to move up to sixth in the league table. They beat Ransome Sports 4-1 with Nick Middlebrook scoring twice, Bramford United 2-1 thanks to a last minute winner from leading scorer Stephen Morrison and Haughley United 1-0 with Daniel Alderson getting the goal. Home games in December are Coplestonians on December 9 and Leiston St Margaret’s on December 23.

Finally, a Happy Christmas to all our players, officials and supporters. Some people like new clothes or maybe some chocolates for Christmas, but I like to be different as I hope to have a replacement hip fitted by then which will be a great relief.

Bob The Ploughman

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Harold and Janet from Woodbridge ask: “We have been appointed as the trustees of Janet’s late father’s Discretionary Will Trust. His estate has been settled, and the solicitor advised us to open a trustee bank account, into which approximately £220,000 has been paid. We want to invest this money to generate tax efficient income for Janet’s mother, who is a beneficiary of the trust. What would you suggest?”

An Investment Bond would be a particularly suitable investment for you in your capacity as trustees. Investment Bonds are very ‘trust-friendly’ investments, particularly when used to generate income within a trust fund.

Most ‘income bearing’ assets, such as Unit Trusts, OEICs, Shares, Investment Trusts, and even bank or building society accounts, produce interest or income. When held in a trust fund, any such interest or income is taxed at the trustee Income Tax Rate, which is currently 45%. Obviously such a harsh tax penalty would not make these types of investment advisable because in this case, the main potential beneficiary of the Will trust will be a basic rate taxpayer, and it simply would not make sense to pay tax on income passed to her at 45%.

With an investment bond, there is no liability to tax for you as trustees on any capital gains or income produced by the bond. This is because life assurance company tax is paid within the funds on any income they receive and on any capital gains they make, and thus the Inland Revenue deem that basic rate income tax at 20% has been paid within the fund.

This means that like a personal investor, trustees can make use of a special income tax break in relation to any income taken from the bond. Under current Inland Revenue legislation, you can withdraw up to 5% of the original investment from the bond each year without liability to income tax, for up to 20 years. This is because the Inland Revenue currently deem that the ‘income’ received is technically not income, but a withdrawal of the original capital, which as stated above, they deem has already had tax paid on it.

As trustees, you can then make tax-efficient ad-hoc payments of the funds so released to your mother as one of the discretionary beneficiaries of the trust. It is best to make ad hoc payments rather than regular monthly payments as that could result in HMRC deeming that your mother has carved out a life interest in possession in the trust assets, which could cause tax problems later.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk, IP6 8JP, email them to: nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s opinions and views in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE Hello again friends! Hasn’t it been a great autumn? The colours around the Shelley Centre have been fantastic, and the valley looks so beautiful. If I were a live horse I think I should be riding out every day to look at the view.

Our clients have some interesting journeys to reach us here. We also have a Spanish lady helping us this term; she found her way here from Polstead in a left hand drive car, round all the right angle bends, with the lanes getting narrower all the way, we do congratulate and thank her!

Our new boy Bryn has settled in really well and enables larger people to have riding therapy in the arena. The photos are of him being mounted at the mounting ramp, something he found difficult to begin with, and in the arena doing his work with Georgia in the saddle. Bryn’s best friends are Alfie and Bob who appeared in last month’s blog.

The centre is getting ready for our end of term carol service on December 9, but as we go to press, we haven’t found a new-born baby! There is always a tableau in Shelley Church as the Christmas story is re-enacted, with our riders taking all the parts.

This must be the first year when none of our riders’ families are producing.

What has happened? Shall we have to use a doll for baby Jesus? It won’t spoil the wonderful evening anyway and the herd and Babs and I will enjoy seeing everyone assemble in our yard before the candle-lit procession to the church sets off.

All our volunteers will be gathering for their Christmas party, a rare chance for the many different groups to meet each other. When helpers are leading or side walking in a lesson they have to be so focused on the rider that there is no chance to chatter. I expect they will be making up for it at the pub. Wish I could be a fly on that particular wall!

We shall be shutting up shop during the Christmas holidays and wishing our riders well. I hope my readers have a happy and blessed time. Thank you for reading my piece and thank you to the kind editor who makes my blog possible. Happy Christmas! www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html / 01473 824172

JANET DRAKE LAUNCHES MIND BODY MOMENT TO TEACH YOGALATESTM From Monday, December 4, Mind Body Moment will teach YogalatesTM in a course like structure, starting with a oneto-one assessment followed by an introductory course (six 90-minute classes – max six clients). On completion the client can join any of the general sessions (four 90-minute classes – max 10 clients).

Despite life’s detour, Janet attended many forms of daily fitness including Aerobics, Step, Body Pump, Yoga and Pilates. More recently, Janet wanted to discover more about Yoga and Pilates and how to safely improve strength, core stability and all the other good things that these two disciplines provide.

This is how she found YogalatesTM.

Louise Solomon developed YogalatesTM over 20 years ago It is the original award winning exercise method integrating Pilates and Yoga, creating a system that develops core stability and strength, while enhancing stamina, flexibility and balance, and brings relaxation and wellbeing to mind and body, all with particular attention to safety, for all body types, during practice.

A year of continual study including an intensive two-week practicum, Janet completed the Solomon YogalatesTM Method Teachers Training (September 2017) at 60.

Janet Drake, the owner of Mind Body Moment, is ballet trained from eight years old, attending Elmhurst Ballet School between the ages 1118. After a short stint on the professional stage “life got in the way” of her dance teaching ambition until her 50s, when she started FunDancing (her dance fitness business).

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“The safety of YogalatesTM, the constant discovery about my mind and body as I work through the vast array of exercises, poses, meditations and breathing techniques, is giving me a stronger, leaner and healthier body and mind. I am looking forward to sharing my experience with others” For more information, class bookings and prepayments please visit www.mindbodymoment.co.uk or contact Janet at: 07506 350455 / janet@mindbodymoment.co.uk

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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CHURCH NEWS THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH In the dark month of December the Feast of the Nativity provides brightness to our lives like no other. Perhaps one of the highlights for our village is the annual Christmas Eve Carols at 7pm in the precinct, when some 400 of us gather to celebrate the reason for the season. For more than 40 years this event organised by the four faith communities has uplifted and inspired us, and I expect this year will be no different.

There are of course at least five other important church feasts in the 12th month starting with Wednesday, December 6. This is when we celebrate the Bishop of Myra in Asia (270-343), now universally known as Santa Claus.

Stories with the most likely historical basis are of St Nicholas helping three girls as well as coming to the aid of sailors. He is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, and students in various cities and countries around Europe.

On Friday, December 8, the Feast of the (Immaculate) Conception Blessed Virgin Mary is marked. According to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, it is the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary free from original sin by virtue of the foreseen merits of her son Jesus Christ. The teaching is that Mary was conceived by normal biological means in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne, but God acted upon her soul, keeping it “immaculate”.

On Thursday, December 21, there is the traditional date for St Thomas, who was called Didymus which means ‘the twin’ or Mar Thoma in Syriac, and was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ according to the New Testament. He is informally called Doubting Thomas because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told (in the Gospel of John only), followed later by his confession of faith, “My Lord and my God”, on seeing Jesus’ wounded body.

On Tuesday, December 26, St Stephen is remembered. He is traditionally venerated as the Protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity, and was according to the Acts of the Apostles a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem who aroused the enmity of members of various synagogues by his teachings.

Accused of blasphemy, at his trial he made a long speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgement on him and was then stoned to death. His martyrdom was witnessed by one Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who would later himself become a follower of Jesus and known as Paul the Apostle. He was one of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows.

On Wednesday, December 27, St John the Evangelist is commemorated. He is the patron saint for Great Wenham. His name is traditionally given to the author of the Gospel of John. Christians have traditionally identified him with John the Apostle, John of Patmos, and John the Presbyter, though this has been disputed by modern scholars. John is traditionally depicted in one of two distinct ways: either as an aged man with a white or grey beard, or alternatively as a beardless youth.

On Thursday, December 28, The (Massacre of the) Holy Innocents is remembered. It refers to the biblical account of infanticide by Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed King of the Jews. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod ordered the execution of all young male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a new-born King of the Jews whose birth had been announced to him by the Magi. In typical Matthean style, it is understood as the fulfilment of an Old Testament prophecy: “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.’” The number of infants killed is not stated. The Holy Innocents, although Jewish, have been claimed as martyrs for Christianity.

As we finish one year and prepare to start a new one, may the Lord continue to bless and keep you and yours. Every blessing through the coming holiday season, as ever.

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CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST CHURCH Communication We love receiving Christmas letters and cards, particularly from people in former places where we have lived, or from friends we have made all over the world. Several people send ‘round robins’ – a letter with family and personal news of things the family have been doing, including births, new relationships, work and study.

It’s a catch up on the news often of the last 12 months.

These days it’s a slow way of communicating – I could put everyone on a social media account and I could update my status, give information and news and as soon as it’s posted everyone on my contact list can know. But it is still great to have a year’s short digest of our friends’ activities.

Another way of communicating is by visiting family and friends, again an activity often increased around Christmas time. This was what God did 2,000 years ago. What could be more meaningful than the birth of a baby, growing into boyhood and manhood, sharing love and compassion, knowing loneliness and hatred, suffering pain and agony and in the end, death? Martin Luther (who initiated the reformation in Europe 500 years ago) wrote: “He ate, drank, slept, walked: was weary, sorrowful, rejoicing; he wept and laughed; he knew hunger and thirst and sweat; he talked, he worked, he prayed… so that there was no difference between him and other people, save only this, that he was God and had no sin”.

God communicated with us through a person, Jesus. In the New Testament we have a short digest of those three years of active ministry that I go back to time and time again to grow in my understanding of him and of God, because Jesus shows me what God is like. God’s communication is not just historic, this ‘round robin’ is the Bible.

More than that, he is open for instant messaging, I can talk with him, sharing my concerns, hopes and fears and discover a variety of ways in which he answers prayer, sometimes “yes”, sometimes “no”, sometimes “wait”, sometimes an opportunity I had not been expecting presents itself. If you want this instant messaging with God, try it for yourself or get in touch with me and I’ll help you to connect.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 DECEMBER SERVICES Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 3 10.30am 6.30pm Sunday 10 10.30am 6.30pm Sunday 17 10.30am

6.30pm Sunday 24 10.30am 7pm

Monday 24 9.30am

Sunday 31 10.30am

Worship with Jim Ross Prayer Worship with Mrs Marilyn Watsham Communion with Rev Sankey Worship – Christmas All-age Celebration Carol Service Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Christmas Eve Carols in the Shopping Precinct Christmas Day Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey Worship with Rev Chris Jowett

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CHURCH NEWS CHRISTIANS in Capel The members of all the churches foster a closer fellowship and understanding between the respective Christian communities in Capel St Mary. They endeavour to co-ordinate common interests and where practical share common resources to meet specific needs.

For times and details of Sunday services, Alpha and Home/Life Groups, please contact one of the following: The Parish Church, St Mary the Virgin The Rev Canon Jim Pendorf The Rectory, Days Road, Capel 01473 312225 / 07973 265037 The Catholic Church Father Christopher Smith, St Mark’s Church 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich 01473 684963

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Capel Community Church David Owen, 18 Bushey Close, Capel www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk 01473 310454 / 07752 921135 The Methodist Church The Rev Andrew Sankey 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary www.capelmethodistchurch.org.uk 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 INTER-CHURCH MIDWEEK ACTIVITIES The following church groups welcome new members:

Copdock Mill, Old London Road, Copdock, IP8 3LA • 01473 731117 Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm gladwells.copdock@copdockmill.co.uk www.copdockmill.co.uk

TREKKERS For ages 7-11, meets on Thursdays at the Methodist Church from 3.45 to 5.15pm during school term time. Contact Margaret Sankey: 01473 311178 YOUTH GROUP Junction Club: Fridays at the Methodist Church, 7-9pm for School Years 7-9​. Contact Caitlan Mower: 07465 414870 Life Group: Wednesdays at the Methodist Church, 7.30-9pm.

Contact Caitlan Mower: 07465 414870 PARENTS AND TODDLERS • Tuesday – 9-11.30am, Capel Community Church, Days Road Contact Margaret Beard: 01473 311219 • Wednesday – 9-11.30am, Busy Bees, Methodist Church Contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 • Wednesday – 10am-noon, Twins & Multiples Group at CCC Contact Chris Matthews: 01473 311368 SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCH CLUBS • First Monday, Capel Community Church, 01473 311368 • Third Tuesday, St Mary’s Church Hall, 01473 310596 • Last Thursday, Methodist Church, 01473 310635 NETWORK FELLOWSHIP Third Tuesday, from 2.30pm, Methodist Church. Anyone welcome to come to the meeting. Contact Judy Steward, 01473 310799 BEACON COFFEE SHOP EVERY TUESDAY 9am-12.30pm, in the Vine Lounge, Capel Village Hall AEROBICS AT CAPEL METHODIST CHURCH Fridays from 10.50-11.50am, Young at Heart (slower paced).

Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 PILATES • Tuesdays – 7pm and 8.10pm, Capel Methodist Church • Fridays – 8.30am and 9.40am, Capel Methodist Church Contact Jill Sharp, 01473 311546 R.O.M.E.O. Lunch for Men at Wenham View, Dove Close off Days Road: Third Thursday, 12.30pm. Book with Peter Ellis: 01473 310096. Also Coffee Drop-in from 10am on the first Wednesday at Dove Close.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers

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CHURCH NEWS / ON THE GRAPEVINE CAPEL COMMUNITY CHURCH Christmas is coming – but are we really prepared?

Many of us have had some sort of negative experience when dealing with a customer service call centre. Be it waiting in a seemingly endless call queue listening to inane music, or trying to successfully navigate through an incomprehensible number of menu choices. Perhaps it’s that sense of frustration we can feel when we’ve been inexplicably cut off just at the crucial moment, or maybe we’ve become completely exasperated when the voice recognition software simply can’t understand our most simple requests!

Clearly those responsible for improving our call centre customer satisfaction ratings are aware that things need to improve. I think I’ve recently observed one way they are training their call staff in an attempt to reduce our blood pressure when we’re on a call. Engage the customer in friendly conversation unrelated to the purpose of the call. “Have you any plans for the rest of the day?” they may enquire, in a thinly veiled attempt to appear genuinely interested in your life. Or, “What’s the weather doing where you are?”, followed by a description of the climatic conditions in their location in order to reassure you that you are speaking to someone in the UK! So, back in mid-October, when I was on such a call centre conversation, I wasn’t totally surprised that the service advisor wanted to engage me in polite chit-chat. Bearing in mind this was pre-bonfire night, what did take me aback somewhat, was her opening question. “Have you done your Christmas shopping yet?”, she enquired, with a tone that seemed to communicate mild interest in what my response may be, mixed with a slightly smug intonation hinting that she may be a little ahead of the game on this one!

I said that I was typical of many blokes I know (a huge generalisation I realise, and apologies to all you guys who are well organised when it comes to this sort of thing!) and that I’ll probably get round to my festive present buying on December 23! She then proceeded to proudly inform me that she had, in fact, completed her Christmas shopping on Boxing Day last year! I think my response was a simple, “Wow”.

The next Messy Church is at the Methodist Church on Saturday, December 9 from 3.30-5.30pm. This will be a special Christmas/Advent Celebration.

What is Messy Church, I hear you ask? Well it’s a fun, new way of doing church relevant to families today. We have an hour of craft activities, games and challenges followed by a short celebration with Bible stories, songs and other activities related to the theme for the day. This time there will be a Christmas atmosphere. There is no charge, but donations are welcome.

Who can come? All age families. Kids you must bring at least one adult. If you haven’t been before, talk to someone who has and I’m sure they’ll tell you it’s great fun and you must come. No need to book just turn up. Hope to see lots of you there.

CHRISTMAS NATIVITY COMPETITION Our competition this year doesn’t involve trailing round the village in the cold and wet, you’ll be pleased to hear. Instead we invite you to decorate a nativity character. Templates and an instruction sheet can be collected from school, the library or 10 Barnfield. Once decorated they can be returned to the same locations.

Prizes will be announced at the Christmas Celebration at the Methodist Church on Sunday, December 17 at 10.30am, where we will build up the whole picture. Winners will be contacted. Anyone can enter; you don’t have to have been to Messy Church.

ANGELS Going along with the Christmas theme, you may notice angels appearing on trees around the village from the beginning of December. Please take these angels and hang them on your Christmas trees at home as a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas.

I concede that there probably is real validity in being well prepared for the Christmas festivities, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus – the first time God’s Son came to earth. But this call centre conversation also got me thinking – how is it that some people can be so organised when it comes to celebrating the birth of Jesus and yet have no awareness or concern that he’s coming back? Surely it makes sense to also get ready for the return of Christ?

From Maggie and Sue

In the closing chapter of the Bible, Jesus declares: “Look, I am coming soon!

My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:12

CALENDAR LAUNCHED IN AID OF DEAFNESS CHARITY

So while I admit that I really must try and get started a tad earlier with my Christmas shopping this year, perhaps more importantly, I want to seek to live life in a way that better prepares me for the return of Jesus.

The winners of a local photography competition, raising awareness about untreated hearing loss, have been rewarded with their photos being featured in 2018 charity calendar.

Mark Firmin

The Sounds of Suffolk competition, created by family run hearing care specialists, The Hearing Care Centre in association with Archant Suffolk, has helped encourage those struggling with hearing loss to seek help, as well as highlighting some of the incredible sounds that can be found in and around our county.

CHURCH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WORKER Part time – Dedham Parish, Essex We’re looking for a special person to help us reach out to the children and families in our parish. There’s great potential with a welcoming primary school and good support but not much yet in place so it’s a great opportunity if you like starting from scratch!

Salary: £8,500 for 14 hours each week.

For more information or an informal conversation contact Rev Antony Wilson: antonywilson39@gmail.com / 01206 323919 www.dedham-and-ardleigh-parishes.org.uk

For more information about any of these events please contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com

During a prize giving presentation organised at the company’s headquarters on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, the calendar was officially unveiled, along with a series of greeting cards which are both to be sold in the run up to Christmas. Competition winner James Stannard and second place runner up Stephen Squirrell attended the presentation, along with Brian Platt and his hearing dog Elton.

All sales from the calendar and cards will be donated to the company’s chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Hearing dogs not only help deaf people by alerting them to sounds they would otherwise miss, but they also give a deaf person a newfound sense of independence and confidence with their loyal companion and true friend at their side.

The Sounds of Suffolk calendar and greeting cards can be purchased for £4.99 and £3.50 respectively from The Hearing Care Centre’s website or from their premises on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich. www.hearingcarecentre.co.uk/shop

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