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CAPEL CAPERS
Volume 9 • Issue No. 2 • JANUARY 2018
A Quiet Day on the Allotments
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NEWS
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR When I was much younger, New Year’s resolutions seemed to be quite important. I remember feeling I had to come up with some genuine pledges to do one thing or another, or to not do one thing or another. Of course, they all fell by the wayside, but I thought it would be fun to share a few I have failed to keep over the years. 1: I will stop biting my nails (every year since I was five)
FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS CAPEL’S HISTORIC ST MARY’S CHURCH
2: I will run 5K (last year) 3: I will learn a new language (every year since I married into a family where everyone else does)
Saturday, January 13 from 4-7.30pm
4: I will not watch daytime TV (rarely happens, but does feel like a treat when I get 10 minutes – got to love those housewives!)
Quiz Forms £2
5: I will eat less sugar (a daily failure) 6: I will not buy any new shoes or clothes for an entire year (I tried this and it made me completely miserable. A girl needs an occasional treat, or at least the possibility of one!) 7: I’m going to do face yoga every morning (recommended by a friend in 2014 – we don’t see much of each other anymore) 8: I’m going to drink six glasses of water every day (oh the guilt!)
Sunday, January 14 from 4-7pm 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)
9: I’m going to listen to less Leonard Cohen and be more positive about everything (can’t do it – Leonard truly holds the keys to my miserable heart) 10: I’m going to make time for a weekly date night with my husband (turns out he would have to make the same resolution and get home from work before 9pm) So I’m going to skip the resolutions this year and just get on with living, always trying to do better, to be healthier, more appreciative, more thoughtful… all of which would be easier if I got more sleep. I’ve just talked myself into a resolution, haven’t I? Failed again!
On December 9 and 10, 2017 a street collection was held for Capel Community Trust in the parish of Capel St Mary in the Babergh District. The amount collected was £1,341.55 of which £193.59 was appropriated for expenses and payments incurred in connection with the collection. The permit for the collection was granted by Babergh District Council to Sandra Bumphrey of 5 Smithers Close, Capel St Mary.
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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NEWS A NEW YEAR = A NEW START Hands up! Who has eaten too many mince pies, chocolate and cheese and drunk too much mulled wine during December? Is it just me then? The New Year is a great time to think about a new start. Is this the year for you to give up smoking? Get more exercise? Lose some weight? So often, we start January with good intentions and then all too quickly they fall to the wayside and we return to our usual unhealthy ways.
CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE On behalf of all practice staff, I wish you a very happy 2018! With the New Year we must expect cold and icy weather. Please be careful on icy paths as a simple fall may mean a trip to A&E. Please also make full use of your pharmacy. Your local pharmacist can offer advice on a range of minor problems and often provide effective over-the-counter medication. They will tell you if they believe you should be seen by a GP.
Setting achievable and manageable goals is the way to long term change – instead of focusing on losing three stone, look at losing half a stone at a time. Instead of training for the marathon five days a week, try getting out for a half an hour walk three times a week. If you can find a friend to hold you accountable, then you are more likely to meet your goals. It is far easier to cancel your walk if it is just you, but harder if you have made plans to do it with a friend. The government recommends half an hour exercise five times a week so two-and-a-half hours a week where we are doing enough to get our heart rate up and a bit out of breath. Walking absolutely counts as exercise if it is a brisk walk. If you are limited with your mobility, then there are still plenty of chair based exercises you can do – if you would like some advice then give Margaret a call.
Please also look out for your neighbours. The elderly can be particularly vulnerable at this time of year. As well as slips in icy conditions, they may be cold or suffering from coughs and colds. Please keep an eye on them.
January is often a tough month for winter blues – money is tight, nights are long, and the temperature is cold. Please do not suffer alone at home – come to our Hope Hub Cafe on Saturday, January 6 from 2-4pm at Capel Methodist Church. Anyone with Mental Health problems or relatives who do, is very welcome. We all feel down at times – come and join us for a free tea or coffee in the warmth and a listening ear. Reach out to neighbours who might be isolated and lonely – offer them a cooked meal or pick up some groceries for them while you are doing your shopping.
Sue Ryder We have been working with Sue Ryder to offer support and advice to patients with dementia or who may wish to find out more about it. We will be setting up monthly information clinics from January where a Sue Ryder representative will be available to provide confidential advice on dementia to patients, their family and friends. The practice is very keen to both identify and support patients with dementia so if you have concerns about yourself, or a family member or friend, please contact the practice.
Capel has a fantastic community spirit – let’s expand on that and reach out to our neighbours. If we can help you with anything, then just give us a call or send an email. Happy 2018! Blessings, Caroline and Margaret 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 www.CapelParishNurses.org.uk
THE ORCHARD PLAYERS PRESENT ALADDIN 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! The Orchard Players present Aladdin by Bradford and Webster on January 11, 12 and 13 in Capel Village Hall at 7.30pm each evening and at 2pm on Saturday, January 13. Adults £8, concessions £6.
Telephone System We have made a number of upgrades to our phone system which now informs patients of their position in the queue. The queue is busiest at 8am when we can have more than 30 calls waiting. We have up to five receptionists answering calls at peak times so your call will be answered as soon as possible. If you are calling for a nurse appointment, to book an annual check or for test results, please call later in the morning or afternoon.
Flu, Pneumococcal and Shingles Vaccinations We still have plenty of flu vaccinations available. All eligible patients should have received a letter at the end of September. Patients were also informed if they are eligible for a shingles vaccination. If you wish to make an appointment for a vaccination, or are uncertain whether you are eligible, our reception team can advise you. Also note that carers who are patients at the practice are generally eligible for a free flu vaccination. Carers may not have received an invitation letter so should check with the practice. Training Days A reminder that in 2018 the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, February 8; Wednesday, March 7; Wednesday, April 25. 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
DOCTORS SURGERY ROTA Our thanks must go to each and every volunteer driver for the many occasions when they have enabled patients who could not otherwise get to the surgeries at Capel and East Bergholt to attend their appointments. We continue to need new volunteers to provide this service so if you feel able to help, please contact Chris Yule for details of how you might help: 01473 310992 / chris.yule2@tiscali.co.uk
Box Office: 07933 292175
Remember that if you need to attend the surgery and you have mobility or transport problems, especially getting over to Bergholt, tell the receptionist and ask them to put you into the transport book. We still hear of people who have having unnecessary struggles to get to the surgery.
This amateur production is by arrangement with NODA Limited.
Chris Yule
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Babergh District Council Waste and Recycling Collection Calendar 2018
Collection Calendar 2018 December 2017 Mo
Tu
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
Mo
Tu
January 2018
Fr
Sa
Su
Mo
Tu
We Th
Fr
Sa
Su
Mo
6 13 20 27
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28
Sa
Su
Mo
Tu
We Th
Fr
Sa
Su
Mo
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
Mo
7 14 21 28
April 2018 We Th
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
Fr
6 13 20 27
3 10 17 24
Mo
Tu
We Th
Fr
Sa
Su
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
August 2018 2 9 16 23 30
4 11 18 25
Tu
May 2018
2 9 16 23 30
6 13 20 27
February 2018
We Th
3 10 17 24 31
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
We Th
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
March 2018
Fr
Sa
Su
2 9 16 23
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
Mo
Tu
We Th
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
1 8 15 22 29
Mo
Tu
We Th
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
June 2018 Tu
4 11 18 25
5 12 19 26
September 2018 Tu
We Th
Fr
Sa
Su
6 13 20 27
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
October 2018
Su
3 10 17 24 31
4 11 18 25
Fr
Sa
Su
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
November 2018
Fr
Sa
Su
Mo
Tu
We Th
Fr
Sa
Su
7 14 21 28
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
1 8 15 22 29
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
5 12 19 26
6 13 20 27
7 14 21 28
4 11 18 25
Sa
2 9 16 23 30
July 2018
We Th
7 14 21 28
7 14 21 28
Fr
Mo
5 12 19 26
Tu
We Th
6 13 20 27
1 8 15 22 29
7 14 21 28
Fr
Sa
Su
2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24
4 11 18 25
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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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT REPORT TO PARISHES, MID-SAMFORD WARD: DECEMBER 2017 BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR SUE CARPENDALE Merger matters By January 2018 we should have a clearer idea of where the Babergh Cabinet intends us to go in the direction of merger. There will have been a Full Council (December 4) to discuss the independent advice requested to clarify the legality of cabinet’s decision, plus further cabinet and council meetings which will no doubt continue to challenge both the process and principles at stake. Ultimately, any dissolution of the two councils and creation of a new one will be a decision by the Secretary of State, but we are told the SoS will expect to see broad political ‘buy-in’. At present, that is not a given, particularly in the absence of a residents’ poll (referendum) to test public opinion.
borrowing already agreed; the proposed savings regarding members are already lined up as a result of cutting councillor numbers across both councils by 2019, because of the boundary review; Mid Suffolk do have a healthier General Fund with more New Homes Bonus money, and they also charge for parking which generates substantial income, but Babergh have large reserves in their Housing Account and for now, we can park for free for three hours in our two market towns; parking charges in Babergh would be inevitable. Both district councils face financial challenges with the imminent and total withdrawal of government grant, but financial projections appear to show that even with a merger there would still be an income shortfall within a couple of years. So what would we do then?
There could well be some financial and practical working benefits from a merger, for example, fewer council and committee meetings, but the consultation proposed is viewed by many as biased, uninformative and misleading. Many of the basic reasons for rejection in 2011 by Babergh residents remain. Mid Suffolk have a bigger budget and more residents; Babergh’s council tax would have to rise to equalise with Mid Suffolk; current liabilities at Mid Suffolk are higher and they are proposing to borrow £60M more to regenerate Stowmarket, over and above any other
In the long term, thinking by central government appears to be moving away from local government as we know it. It’s possible that we should re-open discussions on unitary authorities for Suffolk – ideally two. That would deliver more savings and also be more efficient and effective. The one council would be responsible for all services, and one tier would no longer be able to pass the buck from one tier to another. sue.carpendale@babergh.gov.uk
BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCILLOR FENELLA SWAn Homeless Reduction Act 2017 Work is underway at Babergh to prepare for the enactment of the Homeless Reduction Act due to be enacted in April 2018. This will place many additional duties on an already stretched service. As a result of the act, new funding has been made available which will be based on the number of preventions of homelessness. A new staffing structure is being brought in to manage the increasing workload. Universal Credit is a new benefit system that takes six existing separate elements and provides recipients with a monthly payment to meet all their costs. Information from areas where Universal Credit has been in place for some time identifies that rent arrear levels increase significantly leading to an increase in homelessness. This has therefore been considered and factored into the new structure of the team at Babergh. Babergh currently offer a Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme. They have significant issues trying to engage with landlords and encouraging them to take on residents through the scheme. A dedicated staff member will be responsible for working with private landlords and encouraging them to take on tenants through this scheme. Also in preparation for the new act, Babergh have just launched a new Lodgings Scheme with a local charity called Solo Housing to try to prevent homelessness for single people. Solo provides practical help and advice to anyone who has a spare room in their house that they would like to rent out, and at the same time use assessment criteria to match suitable
1st CAPEL ST MARY SCOUT GROUP JUMBLE SALE Saturday, February 3, 2-4pm in the Scout Hut at Capel St Mary Primary School IP9 2EG
people to available rooms. The scheme has proved successful in other parts of the country. Sproughton Enterprise Zone Babergh has now received a planning application to develop the former sugar beet factory site at Sproughton. The application has been made by Ipswich Borough Council as part of their site Masterplanning, following the borough’s acquisition of the site at the end of 2014 and Enterprise Zone site designation at the end of 2015. The site was allocated for employment purposes in the Babergh District Council Local Plan (2006), Core Strategy (2014) and as a Strategic Employment Site in the revised draft Joint Local Plan for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils of 2015. The site has considerable contamination from its previous industrial use, as well as infrastructure constraints which consequently means redevelopment costs are significant and therefore have contributed to its market failure, making it unattractive to the private sector developers. Babergh DC and Ipswich Borough Council worked together on a bid to the New Anglia LEP for Enterprise Zone (EZ) site status. The bid was successfully completed in 2015 and as such the site will now be better placed to secure public sector funding. The EZ site designation will make this location more attractive to businesses because occupiers of new premises within the EZ might be eligible for 100% business rates relief under Babergh District Council policy, subject to terms and conditions. fenella.swan@babergh.gov.uk
MANNINGTREE POETRY GROUP The next meeting of Poetry Plus will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 9 at the Red Lion, South Street, Manningtree.
Please leave your jumble outside after 9am for collection
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.
We cannot accept underwear, electrical goods or any items larger than a bread bin as we are unable to dispose of them.
To keep up-to-date with this poetry group, please visit: www.poetryplus.org.uk
Admission 50p, accompanied children free
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of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
TEA & COMPANY
Dear Readers,
Monday, January 22 at Wenham View, Dove Close
I never cease to be amazed at the danger that some drivers put themselves in each winter. I often see people driving with windscreens totally frozen or misted over, often so badly they can’t see through. Rather than spending a few extra minutes clearing their windscreen before they set of, they would rather put themselves and others in danger by driving with their head out of the driver’s window or squinting to see through a small patch in the windscreen. A safe journey starts in the preparation the night before. Check the weather forecast; if it’s going to be frosty, put a protective sheet over the windscreen (available online or from most good vehicle accessory shops). Alternatively, get up 15 minutes earlier to allow enough time to fully defrost your car before you set off. Please don’t pour hot water on your windscreen; although the windscreen companies will love all the extra business from the shattered / cracked windscreen, I’m sure you can think of better ways of spending your time and hard earned money. Think carefully if your journey is really necessary. If it is, please allow a greater stopping distance between you and the car in front, especially on apparently wet (potentially black ice) or icy roads. Hopefully, you find these tips useful and will help you have a safe and enjoyable start to the New Year. If you would like any detailed advice on road safety or crime prevention, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team on either our new telephone number of 101 or email us at: Hadleigh. snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk EMERGENCY: CALL 999 NON-EMERGENCY: CALL 101 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HadleighPolice POLICE CONNECT: suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect Until next time,
All welcome to come along from 2.30pm £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes Raffle
CAPEL IRISH SET DANCE GROUP 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 2018 dates are: January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 9. Hope to see you, Hille and Trevor Peartree, 01473 310146
Best wishes for prosperous New Year PC 1220 Garrod, Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh, Ipswich IP7 5AD
BENTLEY TODDLER GROUP Thank you to everyone who helped and supported our latest jumble sale and made it a great success. If you missed this last sale, there will be another in either April or May, so watch this space! Please save all your goodies, but, if this is a problem, we can collect before then. Pam Rayment
Chris and Marjorie Haste, 01473 311615
VILLAGE LINK CLUB Our meeting on January 10 will include a talk on first aid and AED including a demonstration of first aid and other techniques. Future talks: 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
It was the chat with them over a cuppa that got me through the day Here for you every hour of every day
01473 851924
or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals www.keepingintouchwith.com/capelcapers
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OUT & ABOUT FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY Firstly, a big thank-you to all of you who have supported the various events we have organised during 2017. Aided by Jackie’s enthusiasm, the community cinema has been a tremendous success, with most evenings pretty much sold out. The quiz evening was also very successful, and I must also say thank-you to Katherine Liu who has raised £350 in sponsorship for the Friends from her half marathon effort. You will all see some tangible signs early in the New Year as the reception area is thoroughly refurbished. Our thanks also to Irene Carder who is retiring as membership secretary after keeping our records up-to-date for three years. We shall need two more trustees to join the board of trustees so that our vital work to keep the library open and improve facilities can go on through 2018. Our Annual General Meeting takes place on Saturday, January 27, in the library at 4pm. Please come along to hear about our work and the work of Suffolk Libraries, the umbrella organisation which is bucking the trend for library closures throughout the UK. The December 100 Club draw winners are Lillian Calvert £20, Marion Horner and Lynn Knowler £10 and Valerie Fieldsend £5. Please remember to renew your subscription for the 100 Club monthly draw during January, its only £12 a year, with at least four prizes each month. You do the maths, it’s not bad odds! As for the Friends’ subscription (which you need to be able to get the discount price at the cinema events), at £1 a year it must represent the best value in Suffolk! Chris Yule
CAPEL LIBRARY Happy New Year to all our borrowers and visitors to Capel Library. We all like to try to make New Year’s resolutions, however sometimes we extend ourselves too much. Try to make one to come to the library at least once every three weeks; that means taking out books and returning them with in that time. We have a very wide range in stock on our shelves and of course on the catalogue. Are you planning anything this year? There is a wide range of books available for you to read to help you with this process. Try browsing the catalogue and then ordering books to your favourite pick up location. EARLY CLOSING To assist our friends the Orchard Players in helping them to get ready for their pantomime we will be closing early on Friday 12 at 5pm and on Saturday 13 at 12.30pm. Any books due for return can be posted through the library letterbox in the wall and will be dealt with upon the next opening time. Thank you for your consideration. CLUBS MEETING THIS MONTH Baby Bounce: Re-starts on Janaury 9 at 2.30pm and then every Tuesday. Come and join our little group to enjoy singing nursery rhymes and action songs, all accompanied by that musical instrument of your choice. Open to all with parents, carers and grandparents. Minecraft: meeting on Sundays 14 and 28 from 10.30am-12.30pm. Under eights must be accompanied by an adult. Library Book Group: meets on Friday 19 at 2.30pm. Come along and join in the discussion of the latest read. Open to all adults. Look out for the poster advertising the next meeting of Capel Creators (theme to be announced). Could we kindly remind borrowers to bring in their library card upon each visit and inform us of change of address and telephone numbers? Thank you. 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
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. 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
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OUT & ABOUT CRAFTERS UNLIMITED
WEA CAPEL ST MARY BRANCH
A craft club which meets 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.
The committee have regretfully decided to close the branch at the end of the year and not to run our class in the spring term. We have had dwindling numbers over the last few years and have tried in vain to encourage more people to attend classes. We had hoped that this term’s subject matter – Art and Gardens – would appeal to more people, but this did not happen and we have now run out of money.
Monday, January 8: Bulls Head Safety Pin Keeper (Jill) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available. Contacts: Ann 01473 780298 / Jill 01473 713534
BENTLEY TUESDAY CLUB November’s get-together began with our last session of chair aerobics for the year, followed by cards and Scrabble, and we concluded the month with our annual Christmas Lunch at Acorn Village in Mistley. As always the members and their friends enjoyed a delicious meal and afterwards visited the craft centre where this year’s Christmas theme was Beauty and the Beast. Afterwards we returned to the village hall for a cuppa with hot mince pies and the draw. Our final meeting in 2017 was our Christmas Party when John Mills paid us a return visit and entertained us with a variety of Christmas music which concluded with familiar carols. After a delicious tea, a raffle was held and every member took home a present, thus ending our activities for the year. The club re-convenes on January 16 at 2pm in the village hall. Moira Usher will be talking to us about her holiday to Uzbekista, with slides to illustrate. On January 30 we begin with a session of chair aerobics followed by our Annual General Meeting. If you would like to join our friendly afternoon club which meets fortnightly throughout the year, please contact the secretary on 310655 for a copy of the 2018 programme.
We are very sad about the closure, especially as some of us have been involved in running the branch since the beginning 25 or so years ago. We would like to thank all those who have supported us over the years. Your nearest branches offering classes at the moment are: Brantham: History Transports of Delight with Steve Worsley Tuesday evenings, starting in January. Contact Penny Hynes: 01206 396376 Hadleigh: Philosophy – Makers of Modern Thought with David Sharp Wednesday afternoons, starting in January. Contact Judith Kelly: 01473 822214 Ipswich: Aviation Glory Days with Ian McLachian Friday mornings, starting in January. Contact Mary Fisk: 01473 251151 Dedham: East Anglian Art with Sue Pownall Visit: www.wea-essex.org.uk/branches/dedham I am sure you will be made most welcome at any of these classes. I hope to keep leaflets about branch courses starting over the county in September in our local library. Chair Veronica Bramer
We wish a Healthy New Year to all members and friends. Margaret Blackmore
CAPEL LADIES CLUB A coachful of Capel Ladies Club members and friends left Capel at 9.30am on Wednesday, November 15 for a spot of shopping – whether it be window or Christmas – and a look round for bargains. Our destination was Bury St Edmunds, where it was market day and the town was bustling, but not too overcrowded. Some of us had a list but most were just browsing or looking to pick up a bargain from one of the many sales that seemed to be on. I think we all started with a coffee, and there were lots of options for lunch or afternoon tea as well. One group ventured as far as the cathedral (the model pictured is available to buy as a Lego Kit from the gift shop) where after a look round they took part in a charity fundraising scheme, first launched in May 2016, by buying a Lego brick for £1. The brick will be added to a scale model of the cathedral which is being built to raise funds for a youth outreach project to provide a lasting legacy which can be used by all the community. Their target is to raise £200,000 (200,000 pieces of Lego) to create the model, and it’s reckoned this could take several years! To date 32,000 bricks have been installed. Only four cathedrals in the UK have been interpreted in this way, and Bury’s is the only build in the East of England. If you visit Bury over the next few months, why not add a brick or two yourself? At 4.30pm we all returned to the coach, some carrying bags of goodies and others with heads full of good ideas for gifts. Everyone agreed it had been a successful trip, and it was a nice change to go somewhere different. To join future trips or simply to enjoy an entertaining evening out, why not come along to one of our meetings? Please contact Di Barker for further information, or visit: www.capelladies.com
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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY U3A We don’t have a speaker meeting in December, but held our Christmas lunch at the Constable Hall on Wednesday, December 6. This popular event was sold out and enjoyed by all who attended. 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!
CAPEL ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION, JANUARY 2018 ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE Half plots are available now at £16 per annum plus membership. If you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: 01473 310988 / site.manager@capelallotments.co.uk
On February 14 Robert Burridge will speak on Scott, Amundsen & the Race to the South Pole. He will concentrate on the personalities of both men, their leadership styles and the equipment they used to show their characters and their epic achievements in the face of huge difficulties. The Life and Times of Sir Alfred Munnings is the subject on March 14. Marcia Whiting, Curatorial Associate at The Munning’s Museum will give an illustrated presentation exploring his life and wide ranging subject matter, including portraits, landscapes and rural scenes as well as the horse paintings for which he is so well known. 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.
STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB Paul Oliver presented his popular Christmas Quiz on December 6 and on Wednesday, December 20, Barbara Faulkner told us about The Man in Red and we all believed her. 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. Dudley Chignall presents Journey to Paradise on February 7 and on February 21 David Whittle presents a talk entitled How the Victorians Developed Dovercourt. On Wednesday, March 7, Grant Elliot returns again and this time his subject is The Life of Chic Murray. We hold our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 21. 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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Welcome to 2018 Our monthly column aims to help you enjoy your gardening while keeping costs down. Around 80% of our members do not have an allotment, but still enjoy the benefits of our bulk buy prices and seed scheme. Membership is just £5 per annum. You can join by visiting The Hut, going online to our website or by emailing us. THE VEG PLOT Continue winter digging incorporating well-rotted manure or composted garden waste. Apply bone-meal. Sow peas and broad beans. Plant rhubarb. Empty compost bins and rebuild if necessary. FRUIT Apply winter tree wash to control over-wintering insect pests. Order and plant trees and bushes with a dusting of bone meal. Feed trees grown in grass with nitrogen and potash. Prune soft fruit bushes removing a third of old blackcurrant stems to ground level. Other currents and gooseberries reduce side shoots to two buds and cut out dead, diseased and over-crowded branches. GREENHOUSE Empty greenhouse and wash down with Jeyes. Line with bubble plastic. Spray white fly. Sow main crop onions, leeks, lettuce and sweet peas in pots. Sow broad beans in plugs. Water plants sparingly. Make a final sowing of carrots in a large pot. Wash pots and trays on a warm day. FLOWERS Tidy boarders and mulch with chipped bark or peat. Plunge dahlia stools into dry peat and protect from frost. LAWNS Aerate badly drained areas. Lay turf in favourable weather. Clean and overhaul equipment. Contact Steve Blake on 07813 814623 for repairs and service or TGC Garden Machinery Services, Tattingstone (01473 327737) for repairs and service and new equipment at very competitive prices. Take care; stale fuel over four weeks old can damage carburettors and cause poor starting and engines to run rough. Use fuel additives to keep fuel fresh. ALLOTMENT NEWS THE HUT The Hut will be open from Saturday, February 3, 10am-noon for our members. SITE VISITS If any groups would like to visit the site and the wildlife area please email Philippa Brandon to discuss what is available to you. Finally, the Allotments Association and the Allotments Management Committees wish all of our members and readers a Happy and Healthy New Year. For the full version of this report visit: www.capelallotments.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT VILLAGE HALL DIARY, JANUARY 2018 Tuesday 2 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Carpet Bowls, 1.30-5pm, hall Bereavement Counselling, 6-8pm, library Wednesday 3 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 4 Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Monday 8 Parish Council Meeting, 7.30-10.30pm, library Tuesday 9 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Friday 12 Strength and Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, library Orchard Players Panto, hall Saturday 13 Orchard Players Panto, hall Monday 15 Community Association Meeting, 8-10.30pm, stage Allotments, 7-10pm, library Tuesday 16 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Zumba, 9.30-10.30am / 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 Community Cinema, 7-10.30pm, library Wednesday 17 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 18 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Capel Ladies, 7-10.30pm, library Bingo, 7.30-11pm, Vine Lounge Friday 19 Strength and Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, library Saturday 20 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall
Tuesday 23 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Zumba, 9.30-10.30am / 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 Wednesday 24 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Thursday 25 Coffee Shop, 10am-noon, hall Orchard Players, 6.30-10.30pm, hall Friday 26 Strength and Balance Class, 10.30-11.30am, library Saturday 17 Dog Training, 9.30-11.30am, hall Association Karaoke Event, 7.30-11pm, Vine Lounge Sunday 28 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall Monday 29 Blood Donating, all day, hall Tuesday 30 Beacon Coffee Shop, 9am-12.30pm, Vine Lounge Zumba, 9.30-10.30am / 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 31 Carpet Bowls, 6.30-10.30pm, hall 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 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.
Sunday 21 Trampoline Club, 9.30am-noon, hall
FREE ROOM HIRE: SPECIAL OFFER FOR A TRIAL PERIOD If you are a member of Capel Community Association you may be eligible for free room hire for an adult party in the hall or Vine Lounge. For further details, please contact Mandy. Terms and conditions apply.
Monday 22 Community Trust Meeting, 8-10.30pm, library
Village Bar: 01473 311766 Mandy Marshall: 01473 312026 / bookings@capelcommunitytrust.org
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OUT & ABOUT CAPEL ST MARY GARDEN CLUB On October 26 we welcomed back Sonya Burrows who presented a lively talk entitled Do Plants Have Coats?. Of course we all said ‘yes’. Sonya talked of hot and cold weather extremes and how individual plants cope with this. We had the scientific descriptions of photosynthesis and how this takes place at five degrees and above – below this it stops. How plants cope with the cold by shedding their often large, flat and pointed leaves (deciduous), and in colder climates how plant leaves are often smaller and tougher. These plants are also huddled together creating a canopy of warmth, (microclimate). Sap is often produced and this stores plant nutrients and its own ‘anti-freeze’ preventing them from dying. Alpines for example are low ground covering plants, the wind blows over them and the warmer air gets trapped underneath. Snow also protects them and adds warmth. In hot climates Sonya talked of transpiration and how stomata over the leaves (mainly on the underside of the leaves) can open and close. Oils in plants often act as a ‘sunscreen’ and this assists deflection of the sun. Fleshy plants like sedum store water in the leaves and have a wax coating. Some plants, such as the hotdog plant, store water in their stems and grow their leaves in winter. Christmas cactus is another example; what we think are leaves are actually the stems of the plant storing water. The talk concluded with a small sale of plants bought along. We thanked Sonya for her interesting talk and enjoyed a mince pie with our tea and coffee (thanks Eddie). This was the last meeting of this year and we will all be meeting again on January 25 for our annual meal at Hintlesham Golf Club.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR SUFFOLK’S YOUTH PARLIAMENT Nominations are now open for Suffolk’s Youth Parliament and young people in Suffolk have until January 7 to submit their nominations. The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) is the largest elected body of young people in the UK who influence policy. Made up of elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and deputies, they meet locally and nationally to give young people a voice. There are currently two MYPs in Suffolk and up to 15 MYPs and deputies will be appointed when elections are held in February. MYPs assist in running Make Your Mark, the UK›s largest youth consultation. The results of the consultation are used to develop services locally and nationally. There are also opportunities to attend British Youth Council conventions and attend the Make Your Mark debate in the House of Commons. Above all, young people are given the opportunity to meet new people, make lasting friends and make a difference. Results of the recent Make your Mark consultation can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/ya9jhx5b
In their absence, Eddie and Geoff wished everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.
Councillor Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “I would always encourage young people to get involved in politics and UK Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people to be a part of important decisions made both locally and nationally.
We are always happy to welcome new members; £8 a year or £2.50 if you want to come to a particular meeting as a visitor. Any queries, please let me know. Chairman Edwina Cox: 01473 311121
CAPEL ST MARY COUNTRYSIDE CLUB We start off our New Year speakers with a talk on Water Aid on January 9 at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church lounge (down steps to back of church building). This will follow a very short AGM giving a summary of our meetings in 2017. We would welcome visitors to the meeting. If you are in another group please come and give us a try – we are a small group trying to keep going as other groups in the village are. For one meeting we charge £2.50 or £5 per year. Any queries contact: Chairman Roger Felgate: 01473 311684 Secretary Doreen Parker: 01473 311267
“Being a Member of Youth Parliament gives young people a powerful voice to present views, opinions and issues of Suffolk’s residents to local decision makers. Elected MYPs will demonstrate a passion and energy to drive real change for the better.” Current Member of Suffolk’s Youth Parliament, Meg Day, said: “Youth Parliament has given me so many opportunities and experiences that wouldn’t have been offered to me otherwise. I’ve met likeminded people from up and down the country and made some of the best friendships I’ve ever had. UKYP holds the largest youth consultation in the world and you really do feel like you’re making a positive difference for young people.” The UK Youth Parliament holds elections for UKYP members to be elected in Suffolk in February to start their term in March. To apply, you must: • Be aged 11-18 • Live, work or study in the area you are standing for • Be able to commit seven hours a month (or one-two hours a week) to Suffolk UKYP To run for election, young people will need produce a short video or a written manifesto, addressing three areas they are passionate about and would like to change in their local area – one of these must be taken from the top 5 a Make Your Mark results. Manifestos must be submitted by January 7, 2018. Full details of how to apply can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y9x2a828 For more information about the UK Youth Parliament, visit: www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk
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SCHOOLS / SPORT BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS It’s that time of year for making resolutions again! The pupils are coming back to school refreshed from their festive holiday having worked tirelessly at the tail end of term to produce some amazing Christmas performances enjoyed by families and friends alike. Father Christmas took some time out of his busy schedule to visit the children. Last month was mostly focussed around Christmas with wreaths, decorations and cake making, song learning, production rehearsals and tree services, all culminating in Christmas Fayres. We’d like to thank everyone for their continued support. This term we are looking forward to sporting events such as an Under 9s rugby tournament, the Internet Safety Day next month and the climax of the term being the Voice in a Million trip to London in March.
EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB One win, one draw and one defat thus far in November has seen the First Team make some progress in the Senior Division. However, the Bob Coleman Cup draw wasn’t very kind, handing them a trip to League favourites Achilles on January 6. The Reserves achieved one victory and two draws to consolidate their position in the pack chasing top spot in League A. The A Team drew one and lost one in League B and were unfortunate to exit the Club Colours Cup at BROB, the tie going to extra time. We have had a number of incidents of dog fouling both at Gandish Road and more particularly at Flatford Lane. Residents are reminded that youngsters also use these facilities and are asked to ensure that they clean up after their pets. UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team: Senior Division Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic (A) Sat, Dec 30: Capel Plough (H) Sat, Jan 6: Achilles Bob Coleman Cup R3 (A) Sat, Jan 13: Bramford Utd (A)
In the New Year we will be launching an enterprise scheme to encourage parents and children to work on projects to make money grow, the profits of which will be used to enhance exciting learning environments at both schools. In Copdock we are looking to kit out our new conservatory for use in the summer term. A joint venture with Gladwells and the parish council has enabled Copdock to prepare for the conservatory to be installed over Easter. In Bentley, Adders are looking to install a sink into the conservatory and to enrich our other classrooms.
Sat, Jan 20: Wenhaston Utd (H)
Following feedback from parents we are looking to offer a more diverse range of clubs for our pupils, both musical and physical, and also some art thrown in too! Watch this space for more details.
Sat, Jan 13: Cockfield Utd Res (A)
At Bentley we are still on the lookout for someone to rehome two of our gorgeous cockerels who can no longer live together. Please contact the school directly if you feel you may be able to help. For more news and up-to-date information about the schools, please visit: www.copdock.suffolk.sch.uk
Sat, Feb 3: Grundisburgh (H) Reserves: League A Sat, Dec 23: Henley Athletic Res (H) Sat, Dec 30: Wenhaston Utd Res (A) Sat, Jan 6: Westerfield Utd Re (H) Sat, Jan 13: Coplestonians Res (H) Sat, Jan 27: Ipswich Athletic Res (A) A Team: League B Sat, Dec 30: Benhall St Mary Res (A) Sat, Jan 6: Trimley Red Devils Res (H) Sat, Jan 20: Bacton Utd 89 Res (A) Sat, Jan 27: Wickham Market Res (H) Fixtures are subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website to confirm: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 The popular Darts Night returns on Saturday, January 20. This is an open event so anyone in the village can test their skills with the arrows. Please contact the secretary for more details if you are interested. The Race Night will now be held towards the end of February. Again this is an open event, please email for details. 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 and boards on matchdays are all potential 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
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SPORT / CHURCH NEWS CAPEL PLOUGH FOOTBALL CLUB
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
From the middle of October to the end of November the Saturday First team played six league games and won all six with the side moving up to third place in the Senior Division of the Suffolk and Ipswich league. A 1-0 win on November 4 against last season’s league champions Henley Athletic, thanks to a goal from Stephen Morrison, was followed by a 4-2 victory against Benhall St Mary with goals from a Sean Gunn penalty and a hat trick from Sean Webb. On November 25 the team produced their best display of the season (so far) to beat title favourites Achilles 5-2 thanks to a hat trick from Daniel Alderson and further goals from Joe Whitley and a Sean Gunn penalty. However, the side were knocked out of the Suffolk Senior Cup losing 4-0 to Woodbridge Town who are top of the Thurlow Nunn Division 1.
There are at least four significant church dates in January starting on New Year’s Day with the naming (and circumcision) of Jesus. As this New Year the date falls on a bank holiday, unfortunately there will be no services at St Mary’s but the feast will be ‘transferred’ to the weekly Wednesday 10am service of the Holy Communion.
The first local derby of the season is at East Bergholt on December 30 (KO 2pm) while a week later on January 6 they are at home to Old Newton in the Bob Coleman Cup.
Twelfth Night, the Epiphany, and the Feast of Lights takes place on Saturday, January 6, and this year it will also be ‘transferred’ to Sunday and joined up with the celebration of the Baptism of Christ both at St John, Great Wenham (9.30am), and St Mary’s, Capel St Mary (10.45am and 11.45am). At this dark time of the year, it is good to be reminded that Christ is the Light of the World for everyone regardless of their views. It is also good to recall that baptism is not just for babies, as Jesus was 30 years old. It’s never too late to consider this meaningful act, and I would be pleased to speak to anyone about this if interested.
Our young Reserve team have been playing some good football and are fourth in the Inter C league at the time of writing these notes on November 29. They lost to Barham Athletic 2-1, but beat Somersham 1-0 with Daniel Dixon the scorer before they went goal crazy and beat Stowupland A side 15-0 with Daniel Hudson Smith scoring four and Harry Franklin grabbing a hat trick. Our Sunday side beat Playford 5-0 and then went on to beat Westbourne Warriors 2-0 with goals from Bill Boosey and Alex Parry. Finally, a Happy New Year to all our players, officials and our many supporters, especially those who follow the teams at home and away. Bob The Ploughman
TRAMPOLINING – A SPORT FOR ALL Did you know that a Trampoline Club runs a class on Sunday mornings between 10am and noon in Capel Village Hall? We have with a fully qualified coach and good quality trampolines which mean a large range of moves can be taught in a safe and fun way. There is a friendly atmosphere with people of many abilities and you don’t have to be a great sportsperson to have a go. You may well surprise yourself by how well you can do.
Week in and week out on average the faithful 15 come along for this 15 minute (or so) service followed by a cup of freshly brewed coffee and chat. You would be most welcome whether or not for a one time come and see or to become a ‘regular’. This service includes a brief homily, and for some it provides a ‘make-up’ when away on weekends. I hope in 2018 we might Grow in God weekly on Wednesdays.
On Thursday, January 25, Christians observe the Conversion of St Paul. This is the traditional time for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In Capel, Christians come together at 6.30pm on the fourth Sunday, January 28. This year the venue is St Mary’s Church, and a goodly support would be very much appreciated. When last at St Mary’s in October, with members of the Roman Catholic preparing an inspirational act of worship, almost 30 prayed for the village and the needs shared by all. Previously on Christmas Eve many hundreds of us ‘locals’ had gathered in the precinct shops to celebrate with carols and biblical readings the birth of the Saviour. We will next come together on Good Friday for a Walk of Witness along The Street on March 30, 2018. As always this letter comes with every good wish and blessings to you and yours throughout 2018, as ever.
Don’t be shy – come along on a Sunday morning for a free try. The new term starts on January 21 and will run until March 25. Trampoline Coach Sharon Haddock Club Chairman Richard Warr
We hope you have all had a lovely Christmas. The next Messy Church is on Saturday, January 20, at the Methodist Church. At the time of writing this we are not sure of the timing. It will probably be 3.30-5.30pm as usual, but watch out for posters confirming the time. 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 we will be thinking about a special Journey. We then finish with a meal together. There is no charge but donations are always welcome. Who can come? All age families, but 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. From Maggie and Sue For more information please contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / Maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com
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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 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: 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.
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CHURCH NEWS CAPEL COMMUNITY CHURCH
Capel st mary Methodist Church
Another New Year is almost here!
NEW HOPE FOR A NEW YEAR IN ZIMBABWE
How do you feel as we are near the threshold of another New Year? Do you feel excited, positive and upbeat? Or, do you feel disappointed, apprehensive and fearful? I expect many of us will feel confused and uncertain about our hopes and fears for 2018.
Ten years of my life was spent in Zimbabwe with Robert Mugabe, first as prime minister (Head of Government) and then as executive president (Head of State and Government). The constitution could not be changed for seven years after independence in accordance with the Lancaster House Agreement which paved the way for independence and the end of white minority rule. Mugabe took the first opportunity to change the constitution to take the status and the powers to himself. The president for the first seven years was a Methodist Minister, The Rev Canaan Banana, but he had no real power and had no option but to relinquish his post when Mugabe changed the constitution.
Charles Dickens said, “A new heart for a New Year, always.” This throws a positive spin on things and encourages us to adopt a personal attitude of hope and anticipation, which comes from the centre of our beings. The heart is the central organ of the body; it keeps pumping life blood around us and keeps the other parts of our bodies functioning correctly. Annie Dillward said, “I wake expectant, hoping to see a new thing.” I think in all of us there is a desire to hope for new and better things at the beginning of a New Year. How can we improve things not just for ourselves but for others? We often blame world leaders, politicians, public figures and others for the plight we find ourselves in. However, what can you and I do in 2018 that will give us a goal to aim for and will make a difference not just for us but also for others? I know some families, who over the Christmas period and before the New Year review their goals and targets set for the previous year and then set some more for the coming year. They don’t have to be so big that we have no chance of achieving them but start with smaller achievable things. We can then be successful and have the encouragement of seeing others benefitting too. The prophet Isaiah in the Bible had some very helpful things to say about the past and the future. In Isaiah 43 v 19, he says, “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going on over old history. Be alert, be present. I am about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (The Message) These are God’s words given to Isaiah to pass on to the people of his day. They can be God’s words to us today, also. A personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and the presence of God’s Holy Spirit gives us hope for the future. The best is yet to come! As Christians, we can have hope for the future in this life and beyond. It also reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words in his second letter to the Corinthians 5 verse 17 (NIV); “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he (or she) is a new creation, the old has gone, the new is come!” Have a wonderful New Year; give God a place in your thinking and planning – it will make all the difference! If you would like further help, you can find details on our website: www.capelcommunitychurch.org.uk Peter Matthews
We got to know Canaan’s wife, Janet Banana, who visited our church and home at Kwenda Mission while she was first lady and we visited her with her two-and-a-half-year-old toddler (Nobuhle) in State House with our threeyear-old toddler (Joanna). After she had sought asylum in the UK in 2002 she described that time when her husband was removed from the Presidency: “At the beginning, when Mugabe was prime minister, he was a friendly and approachable gentleman. But when he became the executive president he became a different man. They say power corrupts and it does. It corrupts absolutely.” For the next 30 years, Mugabe’s despotism, corruption and paranoia has been evident to the world and to many in Zimbabwe. The secret police (CIO) were everywhere and fear prevented real challenges. Any sign of questioning Mugabe’s authority, whether from the opposition or from within his party was dealt with brutally. Most people kept quiet. Even those in his own party became ‘Yes men’, agreeing to everything he dictated. If you didn’t, you were no more. Mnangagwa, the new president, has obviously been alongside Mugabe all these years, and until very recently when he was sacked, Mugabe had presumed him to be loyal. A ‘Yes man’ of Mugabe! I have watched with great interest the development. The popular uprising, when the lack of fear of speaking against Mugabe had disappeared. His days were numbered. The dismay when his first speech did not include a resignation bought gloom to the country after the euphoria of the previous days – a sudden fear that his days weren’t over and somehow those caught on camera might yet be visited by the secret police and beaten up. I think and hope a seed change has taken place in Zimbabwe and I think Mnangagwa will have picked up that the Mugabe way of instilling fear is not to be repeated. He will know he has enough skeletons in his past that will be exposed if he does not allow free and fair elections, if he does not allow people to speak their minds. Several generations have only known fear. Now people have found their voice. Mnangagwa has been described as pragmatic. I hope that a different kind of politics will emerge. Zimbabwe is a wonderful country with some wonderful resourceful people. May they flourish, together may the country recover its agriculture and industry that people have work, food and good governance. The Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel Methodist Church 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216 JANUARY SERVICES Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister for details Sunday 7
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10.30am 6.30pm
Worship with Mr Roger Hulford Prayer
Saturday 13 3.30pm
Messy Church
Sunday 14
10.30am 6.30pm
Worship with Mr Guy Fairweather Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey
Sunday 21
10.30am
Worship with Mrs Alyson Ellis
Sunday 28
10.30am 6.30pm
Covenant Service with Rev Andrew Sankey United Service for Week of Prayer at St Mary’s
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