In touch news with claydon apr18

In Touch

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with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural Volume 8 • Issue No. 6 • APRIL 2018

Suffolk energy-from-waste facility, see page 10

MarksAndMann_Ipswich_88mm145mm_Mar2018.ai 1 12/03/2018 11:31:56

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With you every step of the way Ipswich - 01473 396 296

99-101 Penshurst Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8QB

www.marksandmann.co.uk

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NEWS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Some years ago I was invited to take part in a ‘Grumpy Women’ segment on Radio Suffolk. Each guest was asked to choose one topic, a task I set about with relish. When I met my fellow grumpy women in the green room before the show we chatted about how difficult it had been to choose.

I was embarrassed to discover that while they had struggled to find a topic, I had struggled to select from a rather long list. I’d chosen people who eat from noisy packaging at the theatre or in the cinema, but the shortlist had included people who interrupt all the time, rude drivers who don’t acknowledge when you give way, the pseudoscience used to sell skin creams and cosmetics (just what is a free radical?), people who spit in the street…

When I told my husband about the green room conversation he howled with laughter, until he noticed my silence. “Well you’re hardly surprised are you,” he said. “I’ve never known anyone who gets so easily annoyed about small things.” I’m sure you can imagine how that conversation went, but I’m making no apology for my grumpiness, though I prefer to see it as sensitivity!

Of course this conversation took place at least 10 years ago and I think I’ve become a nicer person since I started working at In Touch. It’s impossible to be angry and judgemental when I’m constantly reminded of the good in people. Every month I hear from people who are raising funds for charity, organising local events (a significant and often thankless undertaking), setting up or leading support groups, promoting social opportunities for people who are otherwise isolated… the list goes on. We are so fortunate to live in a society where people care, where they look out for each other and give their time to make local communities stronger. The least the rest of us can do is turn up.

Of course locally owned businesses are the beating heart of every strong local community, often supporting local causes, investing in the local economy and creating local jobs. Support each other and together we can look forward to a ‘grump free’ future!

In Touch

with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural

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: claydon@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 Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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WALKERS IN SUFFOLK ASKED TO UNITE AGAINST PARKINSON’S Suffolk residents are being asked to unite with thousands of people across the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham on Sunday, June 10.

The event will raise vital funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK, and is one of many walks taking place all over the UK throughout 2018.

Two people are diagnosed with the condition every hour in the UK and Walk for Parkinson’s events aim to raise over £500,000 for research to step closer to a cure.

There are longer and shorter distances to choose from, so whether you’re up for a challenging walk or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone. At Glemham Hall distances include a 1.5-mile, 3.5mile and 5.5-mile walk to choose from.

Last year, 180 people took part in the walk at Glemham Hall to raise £17,000 between them, and Parkinson’s UK hopes to raise even more this year.

Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. He is a keen walker himself and is encouraging people to get involved.

He said: “We want to make 2018 our biggest year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series.

I’d like to invite everyone, whatever their level of fitness, to take advantage of the many different types of walks, scenic routes and distances available. Exercise can be really beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s.

It is as important to me as my medication in helping me take control and manage my symptoms.

“So please join us at Walk for Parkinson’s at Glemham Hall. Every step takes us closer to a cure and our goal of improving the lives of everyone affected

by Parkinson’s.”

The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s. Everyone who registers will receive a free Parkinson’s UK t-shirt, fundraising pack and at the end of the walk, a finisher’s medal.

As the charity is hoping to raise over £500,000 from the 37 events it suggests walkers aim to raise at least £50. All the money raised from the event will fund research to help to find a cure and improve the lives of the 145,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s UK is also looking for volunteers to help register people at the start/finish area, or to be a walk marshal at various points on the route during the day.

To find out more, or to sign up to walk or volunteer at the event, call 02079 639367, email fundraising@parkinsons.org.uk or visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/walkglemhamhall

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NEWS HENLEY VILLAGE WW1 STREET PARTY Join us to celebrate the centenary of the end of WW1

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED THIS SUMMER AT HOPS HOPS Mid Suffolk is a small local charity providing activity clubs for children and young people with severe physical, sensory, behavioural and learning disabilities.

The children and young people are supported in play by teenage volunteers recruited from local high schools in the Mid Suffolk area. Volunteers give up their time during school holidays and weekend. We are now recruiting volunteers for the summer of 2018.

Saturday, June 23 3-5pm at Henley Primary School Come in WW1 dress and celebrate with us!

Bring some food to share, tea and squash provided Games, crafts and fund for all!

FREE ENTRY

HOPS (Holiday Opportunity Play Scheme) have recently gone through a refurbishment process, kindly supported by the young professionals of PPG. Part of the refurbishment work was clearing the very overgrown back garden at our base over in Thorndon to make way for mud kitchens kindly made by Stowmarket Meadlands Men’s Shed (SMMS).

Once installation was complete representatives from SMMS visited HOPS to see the children and young people enjoying activities. A number of the children were busy getting muddy and messy at the outdoor mud kitchens.

This visit and discussion on the day resulted in Alan from the Men’s Shed making a sensory busy board. The children have been delighted with his creation (as shown in the picture).

This sensory board full of switches, bells, springs and strings has bought imaginations to life. Some fantastic roles play has been going on with captains of ships sailing the seas, traveling through time in a Tardis, and being in control of space rockets at NASA. Our grateful thanks go to both organisations that have supported HOPS. For more information about HOPS, volunteering or getting involved visit www.midsuffolkhops.org.uk or find us on Facebook: HOPSmidsuffolk

Laptops AND Tablets FOR Kagera Is your laptop reaching retirement age?

Is your tablet ready for a rest?

ST PETER’S CHURCH, HENLEY

WW1 100 YEARS Friday, June 22 10am-4pm: 100 Years Flower Festival Church open for viewing and refreshment 7.30pm: WW1 Concert in Church

We know some people who’d love to give them a new lease of life in Africa.

If you have a laptop (Windows 7 or later please) or tablet (iPad or other) that you no longer need, we’d be really grateful if you’d consider donating it to our link diocese of Kagera in Tanzania. We could take it with us when we visit this year.

Saturday, June 23 10am-4pm: Church and Festival Open 3-5pm: Henley WW1 Street Party at Henley Primary School (above)

Forty students at the Bible College (KCTC) share five ageing computers which seem to have more problems each time we visit. Replacements are urgently needed.

Sunday, June 24 11am: 100 Years All-Age Service in Church and Picnic Church and festival open till 4pm 4pm: 100 Years Songs of Praise

We’ll wipe off all your personal information before they go and you can be sure your old computers will be put to good use.

If you can help, please get in touch with Chris Dawkins: cdawks@gmail.com / 01473 831423 We (and our friends in Kagera) would be very grateful.

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NEWS CLAYDON & WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL Annual Parish Meetings A reminder that the annual parish meetings will be held on Monday, April 16 in Claydon & Barham Village Hall. These are arranged by the parish council on behalf of both parishes to give an opportunity for residents to have sufficient time to discuss, and put their views publically on issues about which they are concerned. Your parish councillors will be present and would like to meet you, listen to what is said, give any updates or further information or take up matters on your behalf where appropriate. The meeting will also hear annual reports from the various organisations in the village and we hope that representatives from each one will be present to answer any questions.

If you have anything to say about any aspect of village life we want to hear it.

Please do come along to the meeting. Agendas will be available prior to the meeting from our parish clerk.

New Parish Council Website The parish council website has recently been redesigned and we sincerely thank John Tuppen for all the hard work he has put into this project and for maintaining the website as our webmaster. If you have never visited our website you are encouraged to do so as this is where you will find the most

up-to-date information with links to other sites where further details can be found. You can also sign up to receive automatic updates so you will not have to visit the site in order to find out the latest news. In addition, current village news topics can also be found on our Twitter account which is constantly updated.

The next parish council finance committee meeting will be held on Monday, April 30 at 7.30pm in Claydon & Barham Village Hall. Members of the community are very welcome to attend and opportunity will be given at the beginning of the meeting for them to speak on items included on the agenda or other issues about which they have concerns. Agendas will be available prior to the meeting from our parish clerk, Mrs S Eagle: 01473 687384 (answer machine available) / claywhit@btinternet.com / 7 Leicester Close, Ipswich IP2 9EX For the very latest news and information about village life and other items of interest, please visit: www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net / Twitter @claywhitpc

COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: MARCH 2018 Accountability and transparency of Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Board The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Board is made up of council leaders and chief executives from across Suffolk, the PCC, chief fire officer and representatives from Suffolk’s Clinical Commissioning Groups. They control £7.447m from the Suffolk business rates and £3.23m of central government funding.

We Lib Dems, Independents and Greens are concerned about the accountability and transparency of the board. Meetings are held in private with no minutes and neither residents nor councillors are made aware of the group’s decisions. We raised our concerns with the chief executive at Suffolk County Council and I have been informed that they will be reconsidering governance arrangements.

Next phase of Raising the Bar strategy The cabinet has approved the Raising the Bar 2018-20 strategy. It will focus on three priorities: 1. Exceptional leadership and governance across the education sector 2. Excellence in teaching and learning, driven by system led improvement and innovation 3. The best opportunities for every child and young person The strategy includes a very ambitious goal to place the education system in Suffolk among the top 25% nationally. These goals will not be achievable without adequate investment, so I am concerned that no new funding has been allocated.

Scrutiny On March 8 we scrutinised Suffolk’s efforts to improve attainment at Key Stage 2 in Mathematics. There are some interesting figures, including some that showed schools in deprived areas performing well and others in prosperous areas doing badly. Leadership appeared to be the vital factor, and that is reflected in the priorities above, but academies where leadership has changed significantly did not necessarily appear to be doing well.

Contract to support adolescents on the edge of care Suffolk’s Cabinet has agreed to set up a new ‘outcomes-based’ contract to provide intensive therapeutic support for adolescents at the edge of care. The idea is to reduce the need for and costs of care by providing

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services that seek to keep children safely with their families. The contract will be funded by a Social Impact Bond: this means that private investors will provide the start-up capital and running costs for a private service provider and will receive a return on investment if the service is successful at keeping children out of care.

I am concerned about the use of a payment by results contract where vulnerable children are involved. The authority’s team of social workers will oversee the service, but the administrative costs of doing this properly could be substantial.

New drone technology for managing blue light service incidents Emergency services across Suffolk now have access to aerial surveillance by two small drones funded by Suffolk Resilience Forum. A multi-agency Air Support Unit will support Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Suffolk Constabulary, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue and Norfolk & Suffolk 4x4 Response.

Barham and Claydon Planning The application for 312 houses at the Whitton end of Old Ipswich Road was rejected at planning referrals, despite the need to follow planning law and the need for housing. I am sure the application will be back, perhaps modified to address its deficiencies or through the appeals process.

One useful step forward was that the county is at last aware of the overall numbers of houses proposed in Gipping Valley, which hosts a large part of the Mid Suffolk Ipswich Fringe. The total so far approaches 2,000 and they will need educational, highway, medical and social infrastructure if they are to be acceptable.

The application for 300 houses on Barham Church Lane will be at Planning Referrals Committee on March 14, over by the time you read this. I will report back If you have any queries, please phone me on 01473 831306 (you will need to say your name and press #) or 07545 423808 or email me at: john.field@suffolk.gov.uk I do have Twitter (@JohnFieldjd) and Facebook (fieldjd) accounts and my website is at: www.johnfield.suffolk.libdems.org

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ADVERTORIAL

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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Whilst a number

of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ipswich, Woodbridge, Manningtree, Hadleigh, Stowmarket & surrounding areas and manager Andy Kerridge agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I get from doing

a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Andy a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

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Monthly​ ​prize draw ──── Win​ ​money​ ​whilst helping​ ​improve your​ ​pre-school ──── Three​ ​prizes drawn​ ​each month ────

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NEWS HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL

FOUR COMMUNITIES ACTION GROUP

The recent cold snap (which is putting it mildly) proved the value of the village email list as a way of keeping people in touch. Residents were brilliant about sending in info about the weather and particularly about travel problems, so we were able to keep a flow of updates going. People on the email list were getting regular news and the feedback was great.

The Four Communities Action Group (4CAG) was created in 2010 by members of the churches of Barham, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Henley. We aim to work together as four parishes to develop new activities and support networks and provide spiritual support and encouragement with a view to enhancing the lives of all members of the community. We currently have five organisations under our umbrella.

To keep the email list going we will have to make it fully compliant with the new data protection rules (GDPR) which come into force in May. These are intended to help keep private information private and to stop unauthorised use of data like email addresses, phone numbers and other details.

That’s why we have sent out a form to everyone currently on the email list, together with a copy of our privacy policy. In order to stay on the email list you will have to fill out and return the consent form, demonstrating that you have specifically given permission for us to use your email address for this purpose.

If you’ve already sent in the form, then thanks – if you haven’t, and have lost it, please contact the clerk for a fresh copy. It’s another thing to do, I know – but once it’s done, it’s done, and it’s in your own interests to keep the data safe and also to stay on our circulation list.

Many thanks to everyone who helped during the attack by the ‘Beast from the East’. There were many stories of people checking on neighbours, especially those not able to get around easily, to make sure they were OK for supplies.

And our farming community did a fantastic job of towing cars out of trouble and clearing roads. It was a real example of a community pulling together and proved yet again what a friendly and helpful place Henley is.

On another note you’ll have noticed that the bus shelter has been redecorated; the graffiti had a good run and has now been replaced by a nice coat of fresh paint. Let’s keep it in good condition!

You will also have noticed that many local roads acquired yet more potholes during the freeze; it’s important to report these and other highways problems to the County Highways team: www.highwaysreporting.suffolk.gov.uk If you are not on our village email list and would like to be, just send a simple request to henleyparishcouncil@gmail.com or rodcaird@yahoo.co.uk and we will sort it out. And don’t forget to keep an eye from time to time on our own website where we publish all sorts of useful (we hope!) information and contacts: www.henley.onesuffolk.net Henley Parish Clerk Rod Caird: 07785 331217

BUS SERVICES THROUGH CLAYDON AND BARHAM The latest information from Suffolk County Council is that the 113/114 Ipswich – Claydon – Diss service will not be altered before the start of the school autumn term in September. We are aware (as our County Councillor John Field has written in the last issue) that SCC is seeking to reduce the public and school transport support bill by another £150,000 pa so we can expect changes to supported bus services.

The Knitting Group Do you enjoy knitting or want to learn how to? The Knitting Group meets in the lounge at Alasdair Place on the first Thursday in the month from 10.30noon. We pay £1 towards refreshments. Do come along and see us there.

The Book Club Do you fancy reading something different to what you would usually choose? The Book Club has a few places left for new members on the last Thursday in the month at The Crown at 10.30am. Just come along and join us for a light-hearted discussion on the book we’ve chosen to read (we don’t go in for debating the author’s use of metaphors!) and perhaps the moral or social implications raised.

The Gipping Valley Art Society We meet every Tuesday afternoon at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms. We are a small, friendly group who enjoy art. We take our own materials and have our own ‘projects’ for painting in various medias, including watercolour, acrylic, oils, pastels, pencils and ink. Membership is free but we pay a weekly subscription to cover room hire, refreshments and so on. We hold a local exhibition of our work once a year and also show our art at other exhibitions and attend small shows and galas.

If anyone is interested in joining our group we are now taking contact details as the group membership is almost full for the size of the room.

Please contact Ann (secretary) on 01473 831031 or Margaret (treasurer) on 01473 830135.

4 Ever Young Men’s Club In 2018, the 4 Ever Young Men’s Club will meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 10.30am in The Crown at Claydon. We are looking for new members to both join the club and lend a hand in helping to run the group, arrange and organise activities, speakers and events and make the club what you want it to be. Pop in and meet us for a chat, the chance to make new friends and maybe a ‘pie and a pint’ at lunchtime!

Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club Unfortunately, the Meet ’n’ Eat Lunch Club is unable to continue at the present time. We are actively looking for volunteers who would be able to take on some of the responsibilty of running the event every month, covering the administration, food safety training, preparation and service and the inevitable washing up! For an informal chat, please contact Mike: 07805 507497 / 4CAG@bigvax.co.uk

This means that the pink Bus Times leaflet is still correct, but unfortunately it is now out of print. However, all such information is available on the Claydon and Barham website.

Claydon and Whitton Parish Council has once again tried to persuade First Eastern Counties to fill the gap in the morning peak 88/89 service into Ipswich (no bus between 08:09 and 09:25) on Mondays to Fridays as well the 45-minute gaps in the afternoon timetable which sometimes leads to crowded buses on busy shopping days, but without success. At least in Claydon and Barham we have a 113 bus into Ipswich at 08:54, but Great Blakenham has to endure the full 76 minute gap.

Barry Moore, Claydon and Whitton PC Transport Representative

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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE

SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA)

I went to Belarus earlier than usual this year to meet the group of children who will be coming to us this summer. I travelled just before the ‘Beast from the East’ hit our area, but rather than missing all the cold weather I found myself in temperatures up to minus 22! Many of the homes I visited were unbearably hot as the heating is state controlled and to avoid pipes freezing it is kept at a constant high.

In the autumn of 2016, Onslow Suffolk Ltd put in an application to Mid Suffolk District Council for SnOasis Reserved Matters to be considered – Planning Application no. 4494/16.

I met with many of the children who had been to the UK on previous visits and delivered letters and gifts from their host families. The children are so happy that they are still remembered and as soon as I get to their school they all come running out to greet me. I also spent some time with several English classes as they all look forward to being able to practise speaking with a ‘real’ English person.

It is important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage and ecological mitigation.

We were due to bring a group of 14 children this year, but just before leaving I was introduced to a child I simply could not leave behind. She is eight years old, but incredibly small for her age and having had a mother who was an alcoholic for the duration of the pregnancy suffers with both learning and physical disabilities together with poor health. Yet despite this she remains a happy and smiling child who will really benefit from time spent in the UK. At the end of August there will be a group trip to Belarus and many people from this area will be joining us. This is a project based trip and we will be visiting many families, helping where possible using our pooled resources and skills. We will also be visiting the Children’s Cancer Hospital in Minsk and several social shelters which are a cross between an orphanage and a foster home. We will be taking as many clothes as possible for the children we will encounter so together with the need for clothing for our group arriving in July we really are making a major appeal to everyone to donate clothing for children aged three to 16 years, especially in the six to 11 years range as this should cover the majority of the children we will see or who will be visiting us.

Full details can be found at: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning

Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all it’s member parishes, giving the comments extra weight because they come from a significant number of local communities, representing over 11,000 registered voters. The SPA member parishes are Baylham, Barham, Bramford, Claydon and Whitton, Great Blakenham, Little Blakenham, Needham Market, Nettlestead and Somersham.

The SPA recently held a meeting with BMSDC Planning to find out the latest position on Reserved Matters. It was confirmed that there is no date planned for the application to be considered by the Planning Committee and there are still several major issues where information is still required or where the technical experts have not yet made their comments. These include wildlife and the environment, transport and drainage.

It was also confirmed that the station in Great Blakenham is no longer being considered as part of the plan and that public transport for the development would take the form of shuttle buses from Stowmarket station. If you would like to comment on this or any other matter relating to Reserved Matters, the Planning Committee has said that, because of the unusual scale and nature of the application, they are still accepting comments.

All contributions are greatly appreciated and can be dropped in to our charity shop in Needham Market or I am happy to arrange collection. Also required are basic medicines and for each child we try to collect the following items: Lemsip, decongestant capsules or drops, vapour rub, menthol nasal sticks, Immodium (or similar), menthol crystals, Sudacrem cream, oil of cloves or similar, digital thermometers, cold sore cream, Iglue mouth ulcer cream, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen tablets.

The SPA also asked if the developer could provide more detailed information about their responses to the comments made by the SPA last year on the application. Planning agreed to forward this request and we await their response. We remain committed to highlighting the issues of concern to residents and will use every opportunity to press for the best result for our community. As part of this process, we are meeting with Planning on a regular basis.

So little can mean so very much.

For further information, please email SPA Clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com

Link Chair Elizabeth Parker 01449 760343 / 07771 550868

SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume

SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY Spring shut downs The site will be undergoing routine cleaning and maintenance between April 15 and May 14. Cleaning and maintenance takes place twice a year to ensure the integrity and longevity of the facility. During this planned shutdown, and for the first time since we began operation, the turbine will have a minor service and the superheaters in the boiler will be replaced in part. There will be extra contractors on site, but there should be no impact on the local community.

Want more Suffolk energy-from-waste facility news?

You can now sign up for our twice-yearly e-newsletter. The e-newsletter is packed full of news, from how much waste we have processed to visitors we have welcomed on site. If you would like to receive these then sign up at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/suffolkefwnewsletter Paper copies of the newsletter are available on request by calling 01473 839149 or emailing: suffolkefw@sita.co.uk If you would like to keep in touch more regularly, Suffolk energy-fromwaste is now tweeting site updates and tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste; follow us on Twitter @suffolkefw.

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SUEZ Communities Trust The Suez Communities Trust provides funding to projects that improve community life and the natural environment. It distributes money donated by SUEZ recycling and recover UK, although it is independent and has its own board, which decides which projects to support. Funding is available for projects within a three-mile radius of the Suffolk energy-from-waste site and applications can be made online. If you know a project that could be deserving of the funding please visit: www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk Any questions?

If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149.

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836821

Environment Agency: 0800 807060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910

In Touch online:

NEWS SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Hadleigh SNT (Safer Neighbourhood Team) is based in Hadleigh and cover 49 parishes in parts of Babergh & Mid Suffolk. The area is diverse, covering a predominantly rural area, but also the Pinewood Ward on the outskirts of Ipswich and the Shotley peninsula south of Ipswich.

Hopefully by the time you read this the weather will be getting warmer and you will be thinking about getting into the garden or onto the allotment.

We are fortunate that many of the areas we cover have access to allotment space; on the downside, due to the locality of many allotments they can often be vulnerable targets for damage and thefts.

It is worth considering the guidelines below to ensure you do not become a victim of crime.

• Fit good quality mortise locks to BS 3261 standard or closed shackle Sold Secure police approved padlocks and hasps.

• Don’t forget hinges as they can be a weak point, so use coach bolts or oneway security screws so they cannot easily be undone.

• Cycle locks and good quality closed shackle Sold Secure approved padlocks and chains can be used to secure equipment to a strong anchor point or to each other using a closed shackle padlock.

• Protect your shed with a ‘shed bar’ across the door to prevent access.

This and other approved security products will improve the security of your shed or outbuilding and can be found at www.soldsecure.com or www.securedbydesign.com.

• Consider whether you really do need a window as it is another way in for thieves. Make sure you lock windows and either paint over or cover the glass to avoid people looking in to see what you have to steal. Wire mesh can be used on the inside to improve overall security.

• Remove high value items and store at home.

• Gates should be securely locked out of hours and have anti-climb features.

• Perimeter fencing should be in good condition, visually open, 2m high, (removed) so any suspicious or criminal activity can be seen.

• Consider planting thorny shrubs inside the fence at low level to stop climbing.

Shrubs/trees adjacent to fencing gates should not provide climbing aids.

• If shed alarms are in use, consider noise to adjacent properties and have procedures in place for if the alarms are activated. If secluded, consider GPS alarms or similar.

• If there is an electricity supply, good levels of lighting are advised especially if allotments can be seen from passing members of the public via footpaths, adjacent properties and roads.

• Make a property list detailing the make, model, serial number, value and description of valuable items. Use photographs to aid identification.

• Overtly mark your property with your house number and postcode so that marking is permanent and property is less attractive for a thief to sell. See property marking section for more information.

• Consider setting up an ‘asset register’ for the whole allotment scheme.

• Consider investing in one large secure metal alarmed container for the storage of valuable items for all allotments.

• Consider holding property marking days with the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing team.

• Register your property at www.immobilise.com. This is a free web based property registration service approved by the police.

See details below for help organising a property marking day or to contact police on any other matter.

The next parish forum meeting is on Wednesday, April 11 at 7.30pm at Hadleigh Leisure Centre; all are welcome to attend to discuss local priorities and concerns.

EMERGENCY: ALWAYS CALL 999 NON-URGENT INCIDENT: CALL 101 EMAIL: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk (non-urgent, should you wish to contact local officers FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HadleighPolice

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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News / OUT & ABOUT THE DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH

BARHAM PARISH COUNCIL

The pub continues to go from strength to strength and as such we are now open five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. March saw the start of the events diary in the pub with a host of interesting and varied events, including a quiz, live music, cookery demonstration and a charity fundraising evening.

Following the snowy weather at the end of February/early March many residents are concerned at the number of potholes in the village. If you spot a pothole please report it to Suffolk County Council at: www.suffolk.gov. uk/roads-and-transport/roads-pavements-and-verges/potholes/report-apothole (or the shorter link: https://tinyurl.com/y8ocnzao)

April continues in the same vein with the following events:

If it poses an immediate danger to public safety call: 0345 606 6171

Wednesday, April 4: The Duke of Marlborough Quiz

Following more complaints from residents, the parish council is republishing the advice it gave in the December edition of In Touch regarding dog fouling.

Wednesday, April 11: The Offton & Willisham Carpet Bowls Club Presentation Dinner Wednesday, April 18: An Open Mic evening for budding local talent Wednesday, April 23: Music Hall Evening with Maggie and Stan. Lots of choruses to join in with, so bring your voices, have a drink and a good oldfashioned sing song, 7.30pm, free admission.

Residents are reminded that dog waste should be collected and disposed of in the bins provided. Advice from Mid Suffolk District Council also states, if you see someone failing to clean up after their dog in a public place then try to remember and note down as much detail of the incident as possible, including the date, time and location, and the name and address of the offender if you know it. Where a vehicle is involved please note the make, colour and registration mark of the vehicle, together with a description of the person. To report an incident of dog fouling that you have witnessed, a dog bin which requires emptying, or some fouling on public land which needs clearing please contact Mid Suffolk District Council.

The council would also like to apologise to the residents of Barham for not submitting a report in last month’s edition of In Touch. Unfortunately the clerk was taken ill suddenly and also moved house. Therefore, please note the new address for correspondence to the parish is now 23 Old Rectory Close, Barham IP6 0PY.

Volunteers Keith and Chrissie McKeown

Parish Clerk Jo Culley: 07958 402335 / barhampc@outlook.com

Thursday nights continue with pizza night, the perfect way to spend the evening with family and friends, either in the pub or enjoying the outside terrace garden.

CLAYDON AND BARHAM VILLAGE HALL

The chef, Richard, continues to receive rave reviews for his menus. Booking is always recommended so as not to be disappointed. He uses many local suppliers for his meat, fish and vegetables, helping the local economy as well as ensuring we have the highest quality ingredients.

We are always open to suggestions, so if you have a favourite meal that you would like to see featured on the menu then please do speak to us and we will do our level best to incorporate it.

The Marlborough Suite, as well as operating as a fantastic restaurant, is also the perfect space for a private function. Please speak to Kevin if you are planning an event and he will be happy to help you organise your special celebration.

The pub is also a great place to stop off for refreshments now that the nicer weather is here, and many are back on their bicycles or venturing out on foot to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. The light lunch menu is available from Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 3pm and includes many firm favourite dishes.

If you have a big occasion you’d like to celebrate, simply fancy meeting up with a friend, or you’d like to get away from the home office for a couple of hours, the pub welcomes you to spend some time in its charming building.

For all the latest news from the Duke of Marlborough, please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marlboroughsomersham, on Twitter @DukeOfMarl or visit: www.thedukeofmarlborough.com 01473 831283 / enquiries@thedukeofmarlborough.com

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Dates for April Monday 2 Tuesday 3 Thursday 5

Saturday 7 Monday 9 Tuesday 10 Thursday 12

Saturday 14 Monday 16

Tuesday 17 Thursday 19

Monday 23 Wednesday 25 Thursday 26

Monday 30

Craft Addicts Table Tennis Silver Surfers Slimming World Private Hire Barham PC Women’s Institute Silver Surfers Slimming World Private Hire Craft Addicts Claydon PC APM Table Tennis Silver Surfers Slimming World Barham PC APM BMM AGM Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World Craft Addicts Claydon PC

1-4pm 7.15-10.30pm 11.30-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm 1-5.30pm 7-10pm 7.15-10pm 11.30-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm 1-5.30pm 1-4pm 7-9pm 7.15-10.30pm 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm 7-10pm 7.30-9.30pm 9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm 1-4pm 7.30-9pm

Because of work on the Claydon and Barham website the online booking process has changed a little. Please follow the notes on the bookings page.

If you have a problem please email us at cbvillagehall@btinternet.com or call Geoff on 01473 836972.

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT CLAYDON AND BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE Monday: Short Mat Carpet Bowls / Bar Open Tuesday: Karate (all ages, 4-7pm), Carpet Bowls, Ladies Darts / Bar Open Wednesday: Bingo / Bar Open Thursday: Street Dance for Young People, 6.30-8pm Friday: Karate (all ages, 4-7pm) / Bar Open The hall is available on Friday evenings for your suggestions New to the centre: Weight Watchers from 5.30-6.30pm on Friday in the Compton Lounge. Enter at the rear gate on the school side of the community centre.

Money Box: A new competitive game held at 10pm on Friday. Purchase a ticket and if your ticket is drawn, you select a key from the secret container.

If your key opens the Money Box you win the accumulative cash contents of the Money Box. At the time of sending this article the prize is a staggering £413 with five keys left.

Saturday: Bar open from noon-3pm and from 7pm Sunday: Bar open from noon-6pm, Christmas Saving Club and a traditional Meat Draw We are looking for groups or solo performers to use our stage in the hall.

Contact us to book your slot.

The American pool table is available to all to use during opening hours. Come and have a game; £1 for three games.

The bar is fully stocked with popular lagers and cask ales, plus spirits and the hall or Compton Bar is available for hire.

BARHAM HALL OPEN AIR CONCERT Claydon & Barham Church presents an eleventh Open-Air Concert in the gardens of Barham Hall by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Burrows with music by the Essential Sounds 18-piece big band and Pete Wayre on Saturday, July 7.

Open from 5.30pm for garden viewing, music from 7-10pm, ending with a Last Night of the Proms type session.

Essential Sounds is an East Anglian based modern big band line up of 18 experienced musicians and top quality singers in the style of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble. Pete Wayre is a renowned and award winning vocalist who is one of the leading names on the 1940s event circuit.

Admission strictly by ticket, number limited to 450. Bring your own picnic, drink and seats/blankets. Early bird ticket price £11, full price £14 after May 31 if any remain. Cheques payable to Claydon & Barham PCC to be sent with stamped self-addressed envelope to Roger Colthorpe, 5 Phillipps Road, Barham IP6 0AZ.

You’re invited to make an appointment at our Wherstead Park office to discuss:

Powers of Attorney Wills

Probate Court of Protection * We also offer a range of other services

Our out of town Ipswich location is very convenient for parking and has Contact us for an appointment today: excellent disabled access. www.ellisonssolicitors.com enquiries@ellisonssolicitors.com Wherstead Park, The Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ 01473 556 900 Ellisons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA Number 49336

Contact for queries: rogercolthorpe@aol.com / 01473 831079

BAR-CLAY MUSIC MAKERS AGM BMM’s production of The Little Mermaid in January proved one of the group’s most successful shows in recent years, with sell-out audiences at each of the six performances. Thank you to everyone who came along; we really appreciated the great comments we heard from both adults and youngsters.

This means that BMM has set itself a higher bar than ever and we are already thinking about January 2019. Suggestions for our next panto will be considered at the AGM on Wednesday, April 25 at 7.30pm in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. Do come along if you would like to find out more about Bar-Clay Music Makers and our future plans – it should a lively meeting!

For more details email Vera Rogers: vera.rogers1@btinternet.com

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT MENDLESHAM STREET FAYRE

COFFEE MORNING AT ST PETER’S COURT, CLAYDON First Tuesday of every month There are table top sales and raffles and all the money raised goes to the Air Ambulance. All welcome.

On Bank Holiday Monday, May 7 the village of Mendlesham will be holding its 38th annual Street Fayre. The fayre will start at noon with a procession of May Princess and the May Queen accompanied by Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band.

Old Market Street will be closed to traffic and full of stalls selling crafts, bric-a-brac, plants, jewellery and tickets for our grand draw. Throughout the afternoon there will be live music on stage from the The Emmatones, Suffolk School of Samba with dancers, dancing from East Suffolk Morris Men, clog dancing from the Haughley Hoofers and the Tricky Twister to entertain the children.

Visit Wings Elite Birds of Prey, the craft fayre in the community hall and the famous armoury in St Mary’s Church will be open. This year The Mix in Stowmarket will be bringing their portable skate park for you to try with instruction for children and adults. You will find plenty of refreshments including a hog roast, hot dogs, teas, sandwiches and cakes, all provided by village charities. Not forgetting the bygone farm machinery.

Entry is by £3 programme for adults with under-16s free and a free car park.

To book a space in the street contact Angela on 01473 766483 (no food outlets needed).

The event is run by Mendlesham Community Council and the money raised each year goes to help support village charities, the school and the community.

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 5 Route 5 MIP/5A MIP/5B MIP/5C MIP/5D MIP/5E MIP/5F

MIP/5G MIP/5H MIP/5I MIP/5J MIP/5K

Town/village Location Sproughton Church Lane Sproughton Wild Man Bramford St Mary’s Close Bramford Paper Mill Lane Great Blakenham, Chequers Great Blakenham, Blue Leighs Mobile Home Park Baylham Post Box Claydon Crown Claydon Edinburgh Gardens Barham Bacon Road Bramford Packard Place

Time 9.10-9.25am 9.30-9.45am 9.50-10.05am 10.10-10.25am 10.35-1055am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm

2018 DATES: April 10, May 8, June 5, July 3 & 31, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 20, December 18 Please note that Mobile Library Route 13 stops off at the Sorrel Horse in Barham from 11-11.10am on the following dates: April 20, May 18, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7, October 5, November 2 & 30, December 28

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SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE WELCOMES POET HELEN MORT Helen Mort is a multi-award winning British poet. She is five-time winner of the Foyle Young Poets award, received an Eric Gregory award from The Society of Authors and won the Manchester Poet Young Writer Prize in 2008. She was the Derbyshire Poet Laureate from 2013 to 2015 and has won many more poetry prizes. Her latest collection, No Map Could Show Them, is filled to the brim with poetry inspired by Mort’s two passions: mountaineering and running.

Helen will be appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA on Thursday, April 5. This is the Book League’s AGM event. Doors open at 6.30pm, the AGM starts at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm. Members free, non-members (welcome after the AGM) £8.

Students (also welcome after the AGM) are free with ID. To avoid disappointment on the door, seats can be reserved by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk Cash payment required on arrival (sorry no cards accepted). Pop-up bookshop courtesy of Woodbridge Emporium.

GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER-50S CLUB Great Blakenham Over-50s Club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and a raffle.

On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea.

The weather at the end of February meant that our meeting on February 28 was cancelled so our bring-and-buy has been rescheduled for April 25. As I am writing this before our meeting on March 14, I will bring you up-to-date next month.

Forthcoming Programme April 11: A visit from Andy Malcolm from the Fisherman’s Mission April 25: Social afternoon including a Bring-and-Buy May 9: A visit from Andrew Bingham, Independent Funeral Service May 23: Social afternoon with Brenda June 13: TBA June 27: A visit from Malcolm Crowe – Capricorn Crafts Toymaker July 11: Social afternoon with Sandra July 25: Summer party before our summer break New members are always welcome, but if you would just like to come along and see what goes on we will be pleased to see you.

Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT

We met on the evening of March 13 when unfortunately our speaker was unable to attend, but we had a most enjoyable evening playing Beetle and having various quizzes and flower anagrams. In February Stephen Hope spoke about his life and times in the Falklands – a most interesting presentation.

Our book club continues apace and our lunch club will be at Westerfield Railway at the end of the month.

We will hear about the work of a veterinary nurse at our next meeting on April 10.

Should anyone wish to get in touch, please contact Linda: 01473 839948

GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Great Blakenham Craft Club is open to anyone living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. The club meets every Monday from 2-4pm (other than bank holidays) in Great Blakenham Parish Room which is fully accessible. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes.

If you would like to bring your own project to work on, enjoy our company and make new friends without doing the workshops the charge is £1.50 per meeting. Members take it in turns to make the tea.

As mentioned last month, one of the projects undertaken by members was knitting bonding squares to go to the hospital. In all 75 pairs of squares have been sent.

At our meeting on March 5 members were given a goody bag of papers, toppers and die cuts together with some blank cards and envelopes all with an oriental theme. As well as making cards the items could be used for notebooks, making framed pictures and other items of home décor. Pictures to follow next month, 2018 Programme April 9: Take a Piece of Card May 14: Layers for the Lads June 4: Bag Ladies July 2: Felting August 6: It’s a Jungle Out There September 3: No Tune on this Accordion October 1: Christmas Stockings November 5: Christmas Card Making December 3: AGM and Christmas Party If you have been interested in our entries to the magazine over the past year and think it all sounds interesting, there is currently room for new members so please get in touch if you would like to join us. Although the club is all ladies at present gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome.

Unfortunately I can’t accommodate children.

Jackie Durrant: 01449 672690

BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD At our last meeting we had an extremely interesting talk and video presentation about the tunnels of Arras that were used in the First World War. We had several male visitors interested to hear this presentation.

This month we meet on April 9 at Bramford Scout and Guide HQ, starting at 2pm. We will be having a craft afternoon. We would be very pleased to have any visitors. We meet on the first Monday of each month.

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB Owing to the Easter Holidays, we will not meet until Wednesday, April 18 (10am-noon), but will then meet on Monday, April 23 (7.30-9.30pm) and again on Wednesday, April 25. Membership for the academic year is £1, and then £2 per each two-hour session. Broadband and refreshments are available. There is no set programme; we are here to help you to get the most out of your computer. Why not give us a try?

ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY In February Barry Venning kept us all spellbound with a talk on the local and world famous animator and cartoonist Carl Giles. Entitled Giles – His Life, Times and Cartoons, the humour and stories of the cartoons and captions had the audience both laughing and sometimes mulling over his reasoning.

The cartoons were also interspersed with the life story of Giles from his schooldays until his death. A near full house enjoyed a thoroughly well rounded talk, excellently presented.

On Wednesday, April 4, John Benjamin, familiar to all those who watch The Antiques Roadshow, will give a talk to mark the Golden Jubilee of NADFAS. A History of Jewellery from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth Taylor is a lecture close to one given in early 1969 which looked at the evolution of design in jewellery.

We will see beautiful things.

Why not join us and enjoy good company and interesting talks? We meet at Tower Hall, Broadlands Way, Rushmere St Andrew on the first Wednesday of most months. Talks last about an hour, commencing at 2.15pm, with tea and coffee served from 1.30-2pm. Guests and non-members are welcome provided we have enough space. Exceptionally popular lectures will have a visitor limit of 20 spaces. Please contact Wendy Robbins in advance on 01394 823807 to check if there is available space.

For the latest events and news please visit: www.orwelldfas.org.uk

Henley Mothers’ Union Please note that we have had to change the date of our talk on Dementia Friends – this will now be on Monday, May 14. Councillor Roger Fern will talk about the Dementia Friends programme, and as it will be an open meeting anyone is welcome to join us to learn about dementia and how we can help those living with it and their carers. Why not come along with a friend?

Prayer is a really important aspect of Mothers’ Union and underpins all the work we do. We have a prayer chain where a series of people will take turns to pray for someone who is sick or in need of support. We also have a biennial retreat and quiet days. Just putting your busy life on hold and making time and space to pray, listen and think can have a profound impact.

If you would like to know more about Mothers’ Union, come along to one of our meetings or visit: www.musuffolk.org.uk Our next meetings are: Monday, April 9, 7.30pm: Women’s World Day of Prayer Service from Suriname Monday, May 14, 7.30pm: Roger Fern speaking about Dementia Friends in St Peter’s Vestry, Henley For more details contact Clare Thomas: 01473 832808 / clare.thomas@btinternet.com

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION

Wednesday, April 25: The 100 (Bomber Support) Group Radio Counter Measures (WW2), an illustrated talk by Wing Commander John Stubbington (Rtd)

If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, we invite you to get more out of your membership by joining our association where a warm welcome awaits you. We meet at Ropes Hall War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave IP5 1JF. The start time is 7.15pm.

We meet at 7.30pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments.

Our next meeting is on April 17 when John Field will be talking on the historic buildings of Ipswich. John will be aiming to create greater awareness of the many buildings and features of national importance within the town. He will review over one hundred buildings and features, explaining their historical and architectural importance. Many of the town’s listed buildings, churches mansions, parks and halls will be included. A must for those who love our county town.

On May 15 Peter Lawrence will talk on stately homes in England, explaining how they reflect the power, wealth and influence of their owners.

Visitors (even if not National Trust members) are welcome, entrance fee £3 each. National Trust members/volunteers can join us for £8 a year (£12 a couple at same address). We publish three newsletters a year for members and enjoy interesting day outings and other events.

For more information, including details of future events and outings, contact our membership secretary – membershipesnta@gmail.com / 01473 723761 – or visit: www.membershipesnta.btck.co.uk

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Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk

IPSWICH AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB Probus clubs are for retired or semi-retired business gentlemen.

The primary objective is to provide fellowship between members and to share similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

We meet monthly at the Masonic Hall in Soane Street, Ipswich on the last Wednesday of each month for lunch, followed by talks and lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition we hold social events including outside visits when we invite our spouses, partners and friends to join us.

If membership appeals to you, please contact our secretary, Ken Stanley, for further details: 01473 274898 / probus174@gmail.com

In Touch online:

OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS STOWMARKET STROKE SUPPORT GROUP Come and join us at our 10th Anniversary Celebration with coffee and home-made cakes at the United Reform Church Hall, Stowmarket on Saturday, May 19 from 10am to 12.30pm.

Everyone welcome.

SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB For our next meeting, Alexander Bass will be giving a talk on The Heathlands of East Anglia. This will be held in Offton and Willisham Village Hall on Monday, April 9 at 7.30pm. Refreshments are available, with a raffle and a selection of greetings cards. For any further information please ring: 01473 254941/830600

Our group meets weekly to support local people of all ages who have had a stroke.

For further information please contact Mrs Anne Helliwell: 01449 673237

“Together we can conquer stroke”

STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL The children are all enjoying a well-earned break for Easter. They had a busy term with Stay & Play week, our Easter Eggstravaganza, Mother’s Day and lots of craft work. We hope they got lots from the Easter Bunny.

We have lots planned for the summer term, with lots of expectation for warm sunny weather to enjoy playing in the garden.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Saturday, June 23: Summer Spectacular Wednesday, July 4: Pre-school Sports Day W/C July 9: Stay & Play Sessions As we are now open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. The next bookings are for May half term (Tuesday, June 29 to Friday, June 1) and the summer holidays (Wednesday, July 25 to Tuesday, September 4). Please contact the administration assistant for more details.

Don’t forget that from September 2017 the government are introducing an additional 15 hours funding for working parents of three and four year olds. This means that parents who both earn the equivalent of 16 hours at National Minimum Wage (£115.20 per week) or more per week and less that £100,000 per year (or just one carer if a single parent) will be eligible to claim up to 30 hours of funding. You can register at Childcare Choices to see if you are eligible and also register for the Government Childcare Vouchers Scheme.

If you are using the 30 hours you must provide us with the 30-hour code (given once registered) and your national insurance number. Once we have checked these details you can book sessions (subject to availability) for the following term.

If you would like an application form or any further information please contact administration assistant Lisa Read: Claydon Pre-school, Old Scout Hut, Thornhill Road, Claydon IP6 0DZ / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk / 01473 831648

CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB February 2018 Prize Winners 1: Linda Harman (36) £17.70 2: Keith Sparrow (11) £8.85 3: Amanda Harkett (75) £2.95 £29.50 was raised for Claydon Pre-school.

New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 a month and the draw takes place on the last Thursday of each month. The more entries we get the greater the prize money and all money raised is used to enhance he lives of our children within the pre-school.

For an entry form please contact Claydon Pre-school: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk

www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon

The April meeting is a members’ workshop. New members and visitors are always welcome; why not come along and see what we do? Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm in Woolpit Village Hall IP30 9QX. For further details contact chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900

JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL (SPROUGHTON) AT NEEDHAM MARKET After Easter Jigsaw Pre-School (Sproughton) at Needham Market will be open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

We offer childcare from the age of two years to school age, with school intakes into various catchment schools.

If you would like more information about our setting or to enquire about availability, please contact Laura: info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk / 01449 722717 We look forward to hearing from you.

Facebook: Jigsaw Pre School, Needham Market The Drift, School Street, Needham Market IP6 8BB

CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mothers’ Union project which has been run by Mothers’ Union members and supporters for 27 years! We welcome mums, dads, carers and grandparents from Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding villages with babies or children under five.

Entry is just £1.50 per family.

This month we meet on Thursday, April 26 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall.

At our regular sessions families can enjoy a themed craft activity where children can be creative and try out different materials to produce an individual masterpiece. Playdough and all sorts of toys that encourage children’s imaginative play and physical and social development are available.

For parents and carers it is a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children.

This month we would like to wish a happy birthday to Elliot and Rosie-May who both celebrate in April.

Why not come along and join in the fun? You can make friends and enjoy some valuable play. Hope to see you there.

For more information contact me on 01473 833788 or check our listing on Netmums.com.

Michelle

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SCHOOLS / SPORT CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL Despite the snow putting an unfortunate and unavoidable stop to teaching and learning for a few days, the month of March was extremely busy for staff and students with various trips, visits and activities taking place.

On March 15, a group of Year 8 students took part in the BBC’s annual School Report Day. The school has been participating in this event since 2008 and students spent the day planning, researching and interviewing staff and students, before writing articles which are featured on a dedicated online news website. This project offers great opportunities for all of those taking part, while offering everyone else a fascinating snapshot into life at Claydon High School. Mrs LovellBrown, English teacher and organiser of the event, said: “I was really impressed by the dedication shown by students on the day. Every single article was produced from scratch and to a 2pm deadline, which was a tough challenge. The students continue to impress me with their enthusiasm for developing their media literacy skills and producing their own stories about subjects that matter to them. Please visit our news page at www.claydonhigh.co.uk to read reports produced on the day.”

On Monday, March 19, the art department held an exhibition featuring work from our Key Stage 3 students alongside work from Key Stage 2 students at our feeder primary schools. Students, teachers and parents/carers were invited along to view the colourful and talented work on display, which included some cityscape pictures from Witnesham Primary School, mixed media portraits, Fauve landscapes from our Year 7 and 8 students and much more.

During the month of March we had two trips to universities. A group of Year 9 students visited Cambridge University on March 22 to tour their Gonville and Caius Colleges, meet staff and students and join them for lunch, before heading out to Cambridge Arts Theatre in the afternoon to watch their production of The Jungle Book. On March 27 a group of Year 11 French students visited the University of Reading for a GCSE French Student Conference run by PiXL. The interactive and motivational revision conference was designed to encourage and support students to be ‘exam ready’, equipping them with a range of strategies and techniques which will maximise their exam performance and achievement in all four language skills.

We have also had two Maths Challenge events, as well as celebrating British Science Week. We will update you further with the results of these activities in the next edition.

Time is flying by and we are now in the Easter holidays with only one more term left in this academic year! We have lots to look forward to when we return, including rehearsals for our forthcoming production of Madagascar in June. The cast has been announced and students are very excited. More information will follow, but if you would like to be involved in sponsoring our show, please contact Nikki McGuinnes: nmcguinness@claydonhigh.com If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, please come along to one of our open mornings. The next one is on Monday, April 23. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders, on 01473 836110 to book a place.

Headteacher Maéve Taylor

STONHAM ASPAL PRIMARY SCHOOL On Monday, February 19 we held a share afternoon when parents and carers come into school to spend time with their children, looking at the work they have done so far this term. The children really enjoy this special time. An amazing 58 parents and carers were able to attend. Every space around the school was filled with children and their grown-ups. It was lovely to see how proud the children were of their work.

On Thursday, February 22 we were extremely lucky to have a visit from Will Mabbitt, author of a number of very popular children’s books: The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones, Mabel Jones and the Forbidden City, Mabel Jones and the Doomsday Book, This is NOT a Fairy Tale, This is not a Bedtime Story and I Can Only Draw Worms. He started the day with an assembly where he explained to the children how he became an author and gave them some top tips about how to get started. He had the whole school completely enthralled.

He then spent the rest of the day visiting each class to lead workshops on creative writing and share more stories from his books. It was a fabulous day and really inspired the children.

In the week beginning Monday, February 26 the weather unfortunately took over. The exceptional weather conditions created by the ‘Beast from the East’ and Storm Emma forced the school to close for four days which is unprecedented. During this time a number of school events had to be cancelled including World Book Day, Year 6 Sharing Assembly and a school disco!

We are now getting back to normal and putting plans in place to re-arrange all the missed events.

If you would like to know more, our website is a good source of information or contact the office to arrange to come and visit us. www.stonhamaspal.suffolk.sch.uk

NEEDHAM MARKET BOWLS CLUB Hello again, from NMBC, After a very successful outdoor season a large number of our bowlers are enjoying indoor bowling at the Meadlands. Any member wanting information about indoor bowling can contact me, David Hindley, on 01449 613144.

The green was successfully put to bed and the green team have been busy with maintenance, although as I write five inches of snow is proving a bit of a hindrance! Anyone interested in joining the green team should contact Alastair Bailie on 01449 720759.

Our winter socials have again proved popular with good attendances. The ‘Big Quiz’ was won by Captain Cook’s Mutineers after a close contest with Keith’s Angels and we will have finished off with cash bingo by the time you read this article. Plans for summer events are already under way.

The opening drive will be on Saturday, April 14 at 2pm, or Sunday 15 if wet on the Saturday. Please bring food for an American tea. Raffle prizes would be appreciated.

MEET AND GREET DAYS AT CROWLEY PARK These have been very successful and will resume on Saturdays, April 21 and 28 at 10am so come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit. Bowls and basic instruction will be provided, but if you just want to watch and chat that’s fine.

Although bowls is an ideal sport for the active older person, remember: YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO BOWL. Contact names and numbers for NMBC: Pat Hadden 01473 831308 / Alistair Bailie 01449 720759

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SPORT / on the grapevine TALES FROM THE 19th HOLE We cut the ribbon on the 2018 programme with a visit to Ufford Park. It was a bright day with a keen breeze making it a chilly, however nothing compared to the ‘Beast from the East’ which would visit Suffolk a few days later. New captain Brian Shaw received a standing ovation upon his arrival, promising a good selection of jokes for his maiden post golf speech – he would go on to produce a captain’s performance on the course too.

IT’S TIME TO GET OUT ON COURT AND PLAY SOME TENNIS Welcome everyone to this, our first In Touch article at the start of an exciting new tennis season. Firstly we would like to thank Mick Russ for his articles on behalf of Bramford Tennis Club in recent years. We are extremely grateful to Mick and hope to build on Mick’s efforts going forward with interesting tennis related news relevant to our local community.

We held our AGM recently to review the last 12 months and plan for the coming year, and what a year it was! Big strides were made since bringing in a new head coach, Carl Douglas, who has helped us to breathe new life into the club by establishing a much more active junior and family membership and by creating a modern website and Facebook page for us.

Now we want to build on this success and get more people from the local community involved. So, each month we will highlight a couple of key activities to whet your appetite to come along and give tennis a try.

Tennis4Kids Tennis4kids, the LTA’s flagship programme for kids aged four-11, is coming to Bramford Tennis Club for the first time in May 2018. For just £25 your child will get six weeks coaching, a racket, a personalised t-shirt and a pack of mini-tennis balls. Places are limited so contact Carl quickly on 07553 966380 to express your interest or pre-register at: www.tennisforkids.co.uk.

I heard so many stories about the day that this report will also stretch into next month’s edition. I start however with a wardrobe issue. Some say that golfers must dress in the dark as bright colours and eccentric patterns are a staple of any course; today however the plain waterproof jacket was the popular choice (for most). As my group approached the third tee I commented upon the importance of warm clothing and questioned whether Terry Aldis had received his bright white jacket for Christmas? He replied that he had kindly been gifted it by his golf coach who receives plenty of freebies.

He confirmed that it was well insulated, but the colour wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea – he seemed unaware that we were not so concerned about the colour but, with his coach being called Sarah, his penchant for wearing women’s clothing!

Ian Addicott had a nightmare front nine, but managed to put things right on the way in to finish in a respectable fourth place – a fine effort for someone who blobbed six holes and lost eight balls. More about his difficulties next month. Also having a bad round were the first group out, Steve Brock, Paul Challener and Scott Vincent. As the only three ball they should have had little trouble in keeping ahead of the following group but, as the score cards would testify later, they were getting their monies worth and playing far more strokes than was healthy. They ended up at the base of the pack with Steve taking the boot, in spirit at least. Scott commented that at one point Steve went to walk off the course completely, but was having such a bad day that he ended up in a bush instead! Paul improved greatly just a week or so later as I understand he scored a ‘hole in one’ at Woodbridge – congratulations on behalf of the HOGS for this great achievement.

Peter Cleave collected a prize for ‘Nearest the Pin’ while Brian not only took the ‘Longest Drive’ but also finished top dog with 32 points, a good five points clear on count-back of runner-up Grahame Hughes. A lovely gesture by the rest of us to ease off for his first outing as captain – not really, a well-deserved win and the after dinner jokes were worth waiting for too.

The overall scores were: Brian 32, Grahame and Simon 27, Keith, Ian, Peter and Terry 25, Shaun 23, Paul and Scott 17, Steve 13.

HAUGHLEY PARK GARDENS & BLUEBELL WOODS

Great British Tennis Weekend A free tennis experience event on Sunday, May 13. Come along and meet our coach, have a go against the ball machine or just meet other tennis minded people. Exclusive offer memberships available on the day with adult starting from just £25/year and junior starting from just £10/year.

The above is just a taste of what’s coming up but we need your support to make Bramford Tennis Club the best village club in Suffolk.

Visit our website to find out more or call/text our coach, Carl Douglas, on 07553 966380. Hope to see you on court soon! https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/BramfordTennisClub

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The gardens and bluebell woods at Haughley Park, near Wetherden, IP14 3JY, are open once again this year on Sunday, April 29 and Sunday, May 6 from 2-5.30pm to help raise funds for St Mary’s Church, Wetherden.

To enjoy the gardens and the six acres of bluebell woods, entry for adults is £4 per person while entry for accompanied children under 16 years is free.

After walking in the gardens and woods you can relax in the barn with a cup of tea or coffee and your choice from the selection of homemade cakes on offer. Some cold drinks will also be available. The church relies on members and friends to volunteer to make cakes and to be on duty in the barn or at the gate. Without them the event could not happen.

St Mary’s Church, Wetherden, Parochial Church Council is also very grateful to Robert Williams and his family for allowing us, as they have done for a number of years now, to use the grounds and barn on these occasions to raise valuable funds to help keep our Grade I listed church in good order.

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on the grapevine PAKENHAM WATER MILL Another season started at your local historic, picturesque water mill on March 31.

Do come and visit this special mill which is the last working water mill in Suffolk and owned by the Suffolk Building Preservation Trust. We depend on public support and it is a little gem right on your doorstep. The mill is administered and maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Tours of the mill are available at weekends and on Thursdays (when you can usually see the mill in action, producing fine wholemeal, rye and spelt flour).

The tearoom is open for coffee and cakes, light lunches or afternoon tea, using scones with a high proportion of mill flour and other local produce. Our website gives details of all opening times.

Private tours are available for groups (minimum 15) followed by refreshments on afternoons or evenings when the mill is not open to the public. We would be happy to hear from any groups, including art or photography groups that would enjoy the special surroundings of the mill.

We can also cater for private parties at lunchtime or on evenings when the mill is closed to the public.

This summer we are planning to cater for children’s traditional birthday parties where the special surroundings of the mill and the quality of the food offered will appeal to so many parents.

Keep a look out for all our other periodic special events advertised on our website.

In the warmer weather there is little more relaxing than sitting by the mill pond with your tea and cake. Dogs are welcome in the outside area, and they will enjoy our circular walk around the pond and beyond. Other attractions include our heritage orchard and wildlife area.

For updates please like our Facebook page or visit: www.pakenhamwatermill.org.uk Please come as a visitor, but why not also think about becoming a volunteer?

OLD NEWTON OPEN GARDENS Sunday, June 10, 11am-5pm Old Newton’s gardens are to be open on June 10 between 11am and 5pm.

About 15 gardens will open, ranging from cottage, wild-life friendly to ones more formal in style. In addition the village allotments will be on show.

Refreshments will be available in two of the open gardens. In addition there will be plant stalls in some gardens and two showings (11am and 2pm) of the film Bygone Years of Old Newton in the Church Institute (IP14 4ED) Standing on guard in many of the gardens and elsewhere around the village will be scarecrows made in response to the theme Weddings/Marriages, topical in that there will have been a very recent Royal Wedding. You will have the chance to vote for the best scarecrow.

The gardens can be found on a circular route around the village: Church Street, Chapel Road, Brown Street, Silver Street and Station Road. Each open garden will be identified by a sunflower sign and number.

Parking is available at the village hall (IP14 4ED) where there will be a large map of the route. Entry is by programme (£4), available at any of the open gardens. Children are free when accompanied by an adult.

The day concludes with a Songs of Praise at 6pm in St Mary’s Church (IP14 4PP). Funds raised will go towards the upkeep of this ancient church.

For further information contact: Mrs Brooks: 01449-775334 / familybrooks@btinternet.com

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on the grapevine / Church news QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb David from Bramford writes: “My father left £100,000 to my son in his will. The executor (a local solicitor) says that as my son is eleven years old, this gift will need to be held in trust until my son reaches age 18. He says that I have been appointed as trustee, and that I should invest the money into stocks and shares. My own financial adviser has said it would be better to invest into an investment bond, but I am concerned that he is just suggesting this as he will earn commission. Who is right?”

I think your financial adviser is offering the best advice here David.

Investments like stocks and shares are deemed by the Capital Taxes Office to be ‘income bearing’ assets. That means they produce interest or income.

When held in a trust, any such interest or income is taxed at the Trustee Income Tax Rate, which is currently 45%. However, an investment bond is a very ‘trust-friendly’ investment in terms of taxation, as unlike stocks and shares, an investment bond is not deemed to be an ‘income bearing’ asset.

The ‘income’ produced by an investment bond is very tax efficient, particularly when held in a trust fund. Under current rules, you may withdraw up to 5%

THE KETTLE GIRLS LOVING LIFE CHARITY EVENT The Kettle Girls, a Suffolk based trio of singers, are hosting an evening of musical entertainment at the John Peel Centre Stowmarket where they will be joined by local act, Bex and Freda. All profits will be split between the Ipswich Hospital Blossom Appeal and Cancer Research. The Blossom Appeal is in aid of building a new breast care centre at Ipswich Hospital where all patients can receive state-of-the-art care under one roof.

At a time when so many people receive a diagnosis of cancer, it is unusual to find someone who hasn’t been affected, whether it be themselves or someone close to them. Management and care has come a long way over the years, but there is still so much to learn and it is vital that we are all given hope in future treatments, but for this, there needs to be continuous funding and research.

At the beginning of 2017, one member of The Kettle Girls was diagnosed with breast cancer and only weeks afterwards another member of the group had a close relative also diagnosed with the disease. Both received treatment at The Ipswich Hospital and felt that the care they received was exceptional.

The group, made up of Heather, Ilona and Jenny, want to not only say thank you to the amazing staff at Ipswich Hospital, but do something that will benefit other cancer patients.

On April 28 they will be hosting an event at the John Peel Centre, titled Loving Life. The a cappella group are known for their eclectic mix of styles including jazz, folk, comedy and original songs and will be performing a selection of such on the night. Along with local act Bex and Freda, who will begin the evening with their wonderful original music, there will be a raffle, the proceeds of which will also go to the named charities. Prizes have been donated by The Regal Theatre, Paul Wright & Co, Harts Homebrew & Crafts, G Tydeman Jewellers, Molls and Dolls and Roots and Shoots Garden Centre “All the staff I met while receiving cancer care at Ipswich Hospital were wonderful,” says Jenny. “Receiving a diagnosis of cancer at the age of 35 was hugely frightening and although nothing will make the treatment and side effects from it easy, I always felt cared for and listened to. I hope our Loving Life event will not only show our appreciation for all cancer professionals, but will also give a positive message that you can still live and love life during and after a cancer diagnosis.”

Loving Life is being held at the John Peel Centre, Stowmarket IP14 1ET on April 28, 8pm (doors 7.30pm). Tickets £8 from the JPC Box Office / 01449 774678 or £8.80 online: www.johnpeelcentre.com

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of the original investment from the bond each year and advance this money to the beneficiary, without any liability to income tax, for up to 20 years. This is because the Inland Revenue deem that the 5% ‘income’ is technically not income, but a withdrawal of the original capital. If you don’t take the full 5% in any year, you can carry it forward to another year and take 10%, and so on.

In my opinion, providing the wording in the will allows you as trustee to invest as if beneficially entitled, and to advance income or capital to the beneficiary, an investment bond would be a much more suitable investment than stocks and shares for your son’s trust fund.

As for commission, this should remunerate your adviser for his advice, and the work he undertakes for you in the same way a stockbroker would earn commission for buying or selling shares for you. If you are concerned that the amount of commission might be excessive, ask your adviser to rebate some of his commission into the bond for you, or ask him to work on a fixed fee basis.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser. Send your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email them to nick@plumbfs.co.uk, or telephone Nick on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice.

Any readers who require specific advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary initial meeting to discuss their own position. Plumb Financial Services are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

RUNNING IS EASY That is the title of a book I have on my shelf and I question it sometimes. It is designed to help you get into running with training schedules, even for a marathon. I thought about running a marathon once, but the thought didn’t last long. This year’s London Marathon will be on April 22 and no doubt those who have entered will be, or ought to be, well on in their preparations. All who complete it, helped by others along the way, receive a medal and I am sure will be very happy having reached their goal. Having had a look at how to enter the race I notice that you are not guaranteed a place because of so many who want to take part.

There are a number of ways you could apply to enter next year’s marathon though. The ballot entry receives applications for five days in May and applicants find out the outcome in October. You could qualify through the charity entry. Each charity has a limited number of spaces and so runners are selected based on their connection with the charity and how much they could raise, so no guarantee there.

Finally, you could qualify through the Good for Age entry if you have a run a marathon before in the same or a faster time given in the guidelines, but you would have to prove it. That rules me out so I’ll just think about it for another year!

The Bible likens the Christian life as a race, which all can enter because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. How do I enter? By turning from your sins to God and believing in Jesus to receive forgiveness. Just like the marathon this life is not always easy, but to know God’s help through it and to receive the ultimate prize of life everlasting with Him makes it all worthwhile.

WEEKLY EVENTS Monday fortnightly: Little Owls Toddler Group, 10am-noon Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Meeting, 7.30-8.30pm Wednesday: Coffee Morning, 10am-noon / all welcome Thursday: Home Group, 10-11.45am Friday: Children’s Club (primary school age), 6.30-7.30pm Sunday Morning Service: 10.45am-noon For more information contact Michael: 01473 839785

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CHURCH NEWS THE CLAYDON GROUP OF CHURCHES The Church of England in Claydon and Barham, Henley and Great Blakenham We offer you a warm welcome to all our events and services.

For enquiries about baptisms, weddings and funerals contact Priest-in-Charge: The Rev Carl Melville 01473 833542 / carlmelville@hotmail.com SERVICES IN APRIL Henley Church – every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church – every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church – every Sunday at 11am Sunday, April 1: Easter Sunday 9.30am Easter All Age Communion 10am Easter All Age Communion 11am Easter All Age Communion

Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham

Sunday, April 8: Easter 2 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am family@henley 11am Holy Communion

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church

Sunday, April 15: Easter 3 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 11am Holy Communion

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church

Sunday, April 22: Easter 4 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Café Church 10am Holy Communion 11am Elevenses@GB 4pm Evensong BCP

Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church Henley Church

Sunday, April 29: Easter 5 10am Benefice Holy Communion

Barham Church

APRIL – EASTER: JESUS, JOY TO THE CHURCH What does Easter mean to you?

Easter reminds us that in the end, love always wins.

Gt Blakenham Church: Sunday, April 1, 11am Henley Church: Sunday, April 8, 9.30am Barham Church: Sunday, April 15, 10am Refreshments available, all welcome.

NEWS Claydon Church: Currently open during day light hours, thanks to our volunteers. If you can spare a few minutes one day a week to open/close the church, please contact Rev Carl.

Sunday’s Cool: Meets on the second and third Sundays of every month in Gt Blakenham Parish Room from 10.30am (April 8 & 15 / May 13 & 20). Stories, games, songs, loads of fun and it’s free – no need to book! Contact Irene for more info: 01449 676567

Wedding Festival: We are looking forward to our Wedding Festival at Great Blakenham which takes place from May 26-28. The main event will be a wedding exhibition on Monday 28 in the church, Chequers pub and Parish Room (page 8).

Holy Conversations: A relaxed home group that meets once a month at The Rectory in Claydon. All are welcome and the group is particularly suitable for those new to church or faith. We discuss all sorts of things from faith to prayer, as well as chat and meet others.

Tots Groups: Henley Tots meets in Henley Church on the first and third Fridays, the Claydon group meets on alternate Thursdays in the village hall, and the Gt Blakenham Group meets on the second and fourth Fridays in the Parish Room. See our website for more details.

OTHER SERVICES AND EVENTS APRIL Tuesday 3 Holy Conversations, The Rectory, 7pm Friday 6 Henley Tots, Henley Vestry, 9.30-11.30am Friday 13 Pram Service, GB Parish Room, 9.30-11am Wednesday 18 Midweek Communion, Barham Church, 10am Friday 20 Henley Tots, Henley Vestry, 9.30-11.30am Saturday 21 Vestry Café, Henley Church, 10.30am-1pm Saturday 21 Fish ’n’ Chip supper for St George, GB Parish Room,

6.30 for 7pm, bring your own drinks Wednesday 25 Midweek Communion, Barham Church, 10am Friday 27 Pram Service, GB Parish Room, 9.30-11am Saturday 28 Pudding Night, Henley Church Vestry, 7.30pm MAY Tuesday 1 Holy Conversations, The Rectory, 7pm Wednesday 2 Midweek Communion, Barham Church, 10am Friday 4 Henley Tots, Henley Vestry, 9.30-11.30am For further dates visit: www.claydonchurches.com LETTER FROM THE VICAR Easter is such an exciting time of the year and a great time of celebration in the church calendar. Whatever you’ve given up for Lent may be taken back on again, or if your life has been changed by what you’ve given up, then you can learn to live without it now throughout Easter which also last for 40 days, like Lent.

Going through Lent helps us really celebrate Easter with style. It’s a bit like Christmas and brings the same sense of excitement for me.

There are so many symbols around us that help us focus on what is good and pure and holy. Signs of new life in creation, the Easter egg, the flowers… For Christians it is the knowledge that Jesus is alive. He is alive today and lives with the Father in heaven. He is alive for me and alive for you.

Jesus being alive today means that we can live life to the full – that is why he came and lived and died. Are you living life to the full? What can you do to start?

Jesus wants to live his life in you. Why don’t you start living your life in his too?

Godparents’ Sunday: If you have godparents come along to Barham Church at 3pm on Sunday, May 6 for a special service followed by crafts, games and an afternoon tea. Please let Ann and Roger Colthorpe know numbers for catering purposes.

Happy Easter! He is alive. Alleluia!

WW1 100 Years Festival: Over the weekend of June 22-24, Henley Church will be filled with displays of flowers and wartime memorabilia to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The church tower will be covered in a fountain of poppies. On Saturday 23, there will also be a War Time Village Street Party at Henley School to which all are welcome (page 4).

HALL BOOKINGS

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The Rev Carl Melville: carlmelville@hotmail.com Facebook & Twitter: The Claydon Group of Churches Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Reg Barton, 839958 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463

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