In Touch
™© ™©
with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural
Volume 8 • Issue No. 4 • FEBRUARY 2018
Image by Paula Irvine
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NEWS
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR I simply can’t avoid writing about words and language this month as unusual words and phrases seem to be coming at me from all directions. I have just spent a week in Ireland where ‘press’ meaning ‘cupboard’ and ‘yoke’ meaning just about everything else, including people (as in “yer man with the féasóg is a right yoke”) are common parlance, but I’ve also just finished a book by Mike Smith from The Waterboys in which he writes about many of the Irish musicians and writers he has worked with. One is a poet from Co Galway called Tomas McKeown who had a habit of running his hand over his bald head and saying “once there used to be waves, now it’s all shore”. How lovely is that?
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DELIVER IN TOUCH IN CLAYDON AND BARHAM
On my desk I have a word calendar which I received from one of my lovely colleagues. It introduces a new word every day. Today it’s ‘palisade’, but my favourites so far have been ‘algid’ meaning cold and ‘wiseacre’ meaning one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness, otherwise known as a smart aleck. I think we all know a wiseacre or two!
As a volunteer the magazines will be delivered to your door and you will then deliver the magazine to the properties in your allocated area within a week and if possible by the end of the month. If for any reason you are unavailable you can either find a willing neighbour or let us know, as soon as possible, so we can arrange cover.
And just last night a wonderful clip about strange words the Irish use popped up on Facebook. ‘Haymes’ is one we all use to describe getting something wrong, as in ‘he made a haymes of it’, particularly used at hurling matches! Another I might use more frequently is ‘banjaxed’ meaning broken or in a bad way, as you might be after a ‘night on the lash’. ‘Me feiner’ literally translates as ‘me myself’. To be called a ‘me feiner’ is the ultimate insult, meaning you have no thought for anyone but yourself, commonly used to describe politicians in Ireland. I’ll leave you with a wonderful phrase I spotted on a poster at Dublin Airport: Dance as if no one’s watching, sing as if no one’s listening, and live everyday as if it were your last.
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.
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01473 400379 Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements or editorial, the publisher/ editor will not accept responsibility for any unsatisfactory transactions and also reserves the right to refuse to include advertising or editorial. They will, however immediately investigate any written complaints. © Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. © In Touch with Barham, Claydon, Henley & Whitton Rural is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.
We also publish In Touch with... • NEW Beyton, Drinkstone, Elmswell, Haughley, Hessett, Norton, Tostock, Wetherden & Woolpit •B ramford, Offton, Somersham & Willisham •C apel St Mary •B elstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook •D edham, East Bergholt, Flatford & Stratford St Mary •B aylham, Gt & Lt Blakenham & Nettlestead • I pswich East •K esgrave & Rushmere St Andrew •B rantham, Lawford, Manningtree & Mistley •M artlesham Heath & Old Martlesham •N eedham Market & The Creetings •C helmondiston, Erwarton, Harkstead, Holbrook, Pin Mill, Shotley, Stutton & Woolverstone •B urstall & Sproughton •S towmarket & Stowupland • Ashbocking, Tuddenham St Martin, Westerfield & Witnesham •C hattisham, Hadleigh, Hintlesham, Holton St Mary, Layham & Raydon •M elton & Woodbridge
We are now in urgent need of a volunteer to deliver just 10 magazines to Pesthouse Lane and the corner of Pesthouse Lane. Unfortunately, if no one is found who is willing to deliver to these properties they will have to pick a copy up at either the pharmacy or the community centre. We also require a new deliverer for part of Thornhill Road (15-109 and 58-26). The current deliverer has unfortunately had to give up for personal reasons and we thank her for her many years of volunteering.
For many years members of Claydon & Barham Local Community Trust have organised delivery of In Touch through a wonderfully dedicated group of volunteers throughout Claydon, Barham and the rural area around. On behalf of you all we thank them for the amazing job they do ensuring you receive valuable local information. Each year In Touch magazine pays Claydon & Barham Local Community Trust for providing this service and bi-annually that money is distributed to organisations within the local community. If you feel you can help, or for more information, please contact Gail Cornish (07932 478878) or Peter Avis (07921 864042).
THE REV BRIAN TOLL Sadly we have to report that this much loved past Rector of Claydon and Barham for 14 years from 1972 to 1986 died on January 10 after a long illness. Brian was a true Christian, setting an example that most of us could only aspire to. His pastoral care, honesty, generosity and devotion to the roll challenged the Church here and his influence lives on today. Without his vision and leadership our Church in this Parish would be much poorer today. We send our condolences to Joyce, the girls and all his family as they mourn the passing of a much loved husband, father and grandfather. Brian’s funeral service will take place at noon on Friday, February 2 at St Bartholomew’s Church in Ipswich to which all are welcome. The service will be followed by a private cremation, then refreshments and a time for reminiscing at a venue still to be decided at the time of writing. His ashes will be interred in Barham Churchyard at some future date.
This month’s cover image, the first in our ‘My Life in…’ series, was taken by Paula Irvine, a Claydon resident. The picture of her beautiful and rather regal looking Weirmaraner, Miss Frankie, was taken on an early morning walk on the shrublands trail. Paula lay in frosty grass on a freezing cold morning to take it, but I think you’ll agree it was worth it. Thanks Paula.
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MARCH DEADLINE
10 FEBRUARY 2018 is the final date for both advertising and editorial copy
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NEWS WE ARE LISTENING: HAVE YOUR SAY ON CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF HEALTH WHETHER TO CREATE A NEW COUNCIL AND WELLNESS IN HENLEY Babergh and Mid Suffolk residents have until Monday, February 5 to submit their comments on draft proposals to create a new council in the heart of Suffolk. The engagement, which was launched on Monday, December 11, asks residents and businesses in both districts to comment on proposals to dissolve both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and form a new, single council to cover the area. Responses can be submitted online through a survey, directly via email to one.council@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk or in writing to the councils. All of the views submitted will help inform a detailed business case, which will be drafted and considered by councillors later in the year. Every response received will be anonymised and attached, in full, to the business case. An independent telephone survey of 4,000 residents is also being carried out by ComRes. This is a survey of a representative sample of residents in Babergh and Mid Suffolk by age, gender, geography, socio-economic grade and ethnicity. The anonymised results of this survey will be publicly available and will also inform the production of the business case. Councillor Nick Gowrley, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We in Mid Suffolk have always worked hard to deliver the services our residents need, and with local government funding changing so radically over the coming years we need new and innovative ways to keep doing that. Our residents and businesses know best what support they need, and this is just the opportunity for them to tell us. With only three weeks left it’s time for everyone to take part.” Councillor John Ward, who became Leader of Babergh District Council in January 2018, said: “There has already been a lot of debate and publicity about these proposals, but much of that has focussed on whether there will be a local referendum. I have resolved that aspect by making clear my commitment to holding a local referendum once a business case is available for residents to consider. This current engagement offers the chance to have your say on the future of public services in our area and what is most important to you. How people respond to this engagement and what they say will shape the future of local government and I encourage everyone to take the time to let us know their thoughts over the next three weeks.” Additional information, including how to have your say online, is available at: www.babergh.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/the-council/onecouncil Anyone wishing to respond by post can send their responses to: One Council Engagement, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road Ipswich IP1 2BX
Ipswich Sports Therapy is hosting a health fair at Henley Community Centre on Saturday, February 3 and invite all to come along. Tyton Health & Performance who reside at Ipswich Sports Therapy has had a fantastic first year, having seen their biggest year of growth. They have added new members to the team and are excited to offer new fitness classes and health services for 2018. “Last year was exceptional and we couldn’t be prouder of our clients. Their hard work and dedication is very evident in their results and achievements. They have risen above and beyond expectations, inspiring us all on both a personal and professional level.” To mark their one year anniversary, they have gathered their closest associates to invite all to a community health fair. “We know that 92% of people fail their New Year resolutions. By February new beginnings revert to old habits. We want to encourage people to not give up on their health goals.” The fair is a great way to get excited about 2018. Experts in their field will be at hand to offer advice and services to see your goals through. Healthy recipes, organic food, toxic- free cookware and chemical-free cosmetics are all ways to improve health effortlessly. Offering some exclusive discounts and the chance to win six months personal training worth over £2,000, Ipswich Sports Therapy look forward to meeting the local community and wish everyone a happy healthy 2018.
EAST ANGLIA ONE OFFSHORE WINDFARM PUBLIC INFORMATION DAYS The East Anglia ONE offshore windfarm developer, ScottishPower Renewables, is inviting local communities to attend a series of public information days in Suffolk to find out more about its upcoming programme of work to install cabling under railways, roads and rivers to connect the windfarm to the national grid. In the early stages of planning the East Anglia ONE project, ScottishPower Renewables took the decision to connect the offshore windfarm to the national grid at Bramford using underground cables, rather than constructing pylons. Along the 37km route between Bawdsey and Bramford there are approximately 20 locations where Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is required for crossing under waterways and important infrastructure. HDD is an advanced drilling technique, which will help to minimise disruption and reduce environmental impacts. Residents are invited to find out more about ScottishPower Renewables’ plans by attending public information days. One was held in January with two to follow in February: • Tuesday, February 13, 4-7.30pm Martlesham Heath Pavilion, The Drift, Martlesham Heath IP5 3PL • Tuesday, February 20, 4-7.30pm Claydon & Barham Village Hall, 8 Norwich Road, Claydon IP6 0DF Joanna Young, Stakeholder Manager for ScottishPower Renewables, said: “East Anglia ONE is progressing well, with construction underway at the onshore substation in Bramford. To help connect the cables we have planned a Horizontal Directional Drilling programme of work. “This involves innovative engineering practices and ensures that we won’t impact on train timetables and minimises road works. The largest drilling operation will allow us to install 700 metres of cable underneath the Deben. We would welcome anyone who wants find out more to come and speak to our project team at the public information days.”
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NEWS WHO IS KIRBY RISE NAMED AFTER? Karen from Tennessee stayed with us in Sandy Lane for a couple of days in October. She was researching her ancestry here in Suffolk and then onto Kent and London. One of her ancestors is The Rev William Kirby, a renowned entomologist and long term Rector of Barham Church in the 18th century, until his death at 92years. He is buried in Barham Church and there is a plaque under the window on the right at the front. We think he lived at the Parsonage which is now Barham Hall. The village sign has a butterfly on it which may be a reference to him and there is a portrait of him in the church. William was born at Witnesham, the son of Lucy Meadows and William Kirby senior who lived at Witnesham Hall near the church. His grandfather, John Kirby, surveyed for the Suffolk Traveller while living in Orford. Rev William Kirby’s sister Lucy married George Dominicus of the East India Co. and had a daughter Harriet who married Robinson Kittoe of Kent and went to the USA and so Karen’s family descended from there. Karen enjoyed her further research in Kent. We also paid a visit to the old Claydon Churchyard and looked over the back wall. Take a look yourselves and be amazed! Look up The Rev George Drury; his story is very interesting. Many thanks to the Abletts for their help and time spent at the church. Anne Douglas
This article was published in the January edition but incorrectly listed junctions 50-51 rather than 50-52 in the third bullet point below. This has now been corrected. Apologies for any confusion caused.
A14 TRAFFIC NOISE After consulting Claydon and Barham Parish Council and having had a meeting with our MP, Dr Dan Poulter, it was agreed that a few of us in the village would organise a petition to go via our MP to Highways England. Copies were placed in One Stop and Claydon Pharmacy. This, plus some doorto-door visits results in 261 signatories. The petition was sent to our MP on September 7 asking for his support for onward transmission to Highways England. In our submission we pointed out that at times the noise levels were unbearable, some residents saving they were even considering having to move house if no action could be taken. We asked if some measures, such as noise reduction surfacing and fencing at the edges of the road could be installed. We have now received a reply, extracts from which are as follows: • Defra have published strategic noise maps for England’s roads, which established the locations of ‘important areas’. • Properties stated on the petition send n have not been identified as being within important areas by Defra. • Whilst were are unlikely to provide specific noise mitigation measures, such as noise barriers, at these locations in the near future, we are developing resurfacing schemes in the vicinity of Claydon and Barham. These will be located on the A14 between junctions 50-52 on both carriageways. We expect these schemes to be delivered during 2018-19. We are considering placing petition sheets in January at One Stop and Claydon Pharmacy for signatures of any residents who have not signed before if you wish to do so. These will then be sent as an addendum. We thank everyone involved in this matter and all who signed the petition. Submitted by Graham Beeby gnpbeeby@gmail.com If anyone in the Claydon area would like to volunteer to canvass locally for signatures on the petition please contact Graham (email address above).
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LITTER – AN EYESORE As a regular walker of footpaths in the area and elsewhere, it always saddens me to see so much litter in the most unlikely places. I was walking yesterday, January 1, from near Hill View Business Park, Claydon over to Akenham Church, on to the fishing lakes, returning towards Claydon, behind the church and back to Old Ipswich Road, a distance of approximately four-and-a-half miles. I happened to have a plastic bag in my pocket and began to pick up rubbish as I went; the photo showing the results, as follows: 10 tin cans, six plastic bottles, one birthday balloon, one adult nappy, one glass Calpol bottle plus other plastic packaging. Some was out of reach, but my bag was full before I completed the walk. Do people think that by throwing something away, it will magically disappear? Let this be a reminder to us all that litter spoils other people’s enjoyment of their surroundings so please take your litter home and dispose of it properly. Thank you. A resident of Barham
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. Meet ‘n’ Eat Lunch Club Meets at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms at noon on the first Friday of each month. A selection of delicious soups and bread rolls, and an amazing variety of puddings are available along with the chance to sit and chat with old friends, make new friends, play a game of bingo, win the raffle and have a bit of fun, all for just £4. Pop and see us. The Book Club There are a few places for new members on the last Thursday in the month at The Crown at 10.30am. Join us for a light-hearted discussion on the book we’ve chosen to read and perhaps the moral or social implications raised. Gipping Valley Art Society Meet at Great Blakenham Parish Rooms every Tuesday afternoon. Membership is free but we pay a weekly subscription to cover room hire, refreshments and so on. Now only taking contact details as we have reached capacity. Please contact Ann on 01473 831031 or Margaret on 01473 830135. 4 Ever Young Men’s Club Meets at The Crown in Claydon at 10.30am on the third Wednesday of each month. Pop in and meet us for a chat, the chance to make new friends and maybe a pie and a pint at lunchtime! 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 10.30amnoon. We pay £1 towards refreshments. Do come along and see us there.
SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350 We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The helpline can provide a listening ear as well as information and signposting to services that can help. The Suffolk Dementia Helpline can support anyone who needs to talk.
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NEWS CLAYDON & WHITTON PARISH COUNCIL
Closure of Community Café Claydon & Whitton Parish Council very much regrets that the Community Café closed unexpectedly in December. However, following a number of enquiries to our parish clerk we would like to make it clear that this was not a facility introduced, run or financed by the parish council although it had its full support. The café was begun as an initiative by the owners to provide a place for members of the community to meet and socialise. The provision of the premises in which to do this was an arrangement between the owners and Claydon & Barham Local Community Trust Limited overseen by the Community Centre Management Committee. Crime and Policing in the Village It is with regret that after much discussion with Suffolk Constabulary, and despite having sufficient funds, the parish council has been unable to secure the services of a replacement dedicated Police Community Support Officer and is unlikely to do so in the foreseeable future. During meetings with the Constabulary, parish council representatives argued strongly that the regular local presence and knowledge of a dedicated PCSO was a strong deterrent to potential criminal and anti-social behaviour in the area but were told that insufficient resources existed from which this post could be filled. Current advice from the police to anyone who wishes to report a crime is to ring 101 or 999 if they see a crime taking place. There have been a number of incidents in the village recently involving thefts from cars and vans and owners are asked to ensure that vehicles are emptied of all valuables when being left unattended, particularly during the hours of darkness. So as things stand members of the community are in effect being asked to be ‘the eyes and ears’ of the police force and report all crimes, however minor, as these are logged by the police and reported back to the parish council on a regular basis. Also, anyone who sees any suspicious activity should also report this and if it involves vehicles to note the make and registration number and any other information which could assist the police should a crime subsequently take place. Vacancy for Parish Councillor At the last parish council meeting we were told that Mary LeMay had resigned as councillor for Whitton Rural. We thank Mary for her service as a councillor over a number of years. We would like to fill this vacancy as soon as possible, ideally with someone living in this area, so that the parish council can be kept up to date with issues relating this part of our parish. Anyone who is interested should contact our parish clerk for more information without obligation. Vacancy for Webmaster There is still a vacancy for a webmaster to maintain the Claydon & Barham website which now needs to be filled urgently. At the end of January the website will be moving to a new platform with some enhanced facilities, which is an ideal time for a new person to take over. Owing to current health issues the current webmaster will be retiring as soon as possible after the changes are introduced, but is willing to offer help and support during the changeover period. Unfortunately, if no replacement can be found the website will have to be closed down. If you are interested and would like more details, please contact: claydonandbarham-web@mybtinternet.com / 01473 830084 For the very latest news and information about village life and other items of interest, please visit: www.claydonandbarham.onesuffolk.net / Twitter @claywhitpc
BARHAM PARISH COUNCIL The parish council would like to thank residents for raising concerns about vandalism to the redundant telephone box on the corner of Bacon Road/ Phillips Road. As it is not safe for residents when the glass is smashed, we are currently in communication with BT to arrange for the removal of the telephone box. Following concerns raised about speeding on various roads in the village, the parish council would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that they will be requesting speeding checks and observations to be carried out in the village. Parish Clerk Jo Culley: 07958 402335 / barhampc@outlook.com
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SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM BURGLARIES Recently across the county there have been a number of dwelling burglaries. Please don’t make it easy for them. Burglars look for homes with no signs of life. Leave a light on, or the radio, or better still both. Think of PIR lighting for the outside which may alert you or your neighbours. There are a number of preventative measures you can take. Remember to lock your doors, windows and gates. Make sure your valuables are not in view, are secured safely somewhere within your home, or placed in a place that you wouldn’t necessarily think to look for such items. Burglar alarms and cameras are also good deterrents. Marking your property and/or taking photos of valuables is also useful to you and to us should the worst happen. Keeping a note of serial numbers may help us reunite you with your items in the event of a burglary and the items being found. Don’t forget the outbuildings either. These can be alarmed and should be secured at all times. Theft from Motor Vehicles Unfortunately this type of crime is also very easy if you haven’t secured your vehicle. If your vehicle is left insecure you will probably not be covered on your insurance if items are stolen. Remove tools overnight, secure the vehicle and leave nothing that may entice someone to break in. You can register your items/valuables at: www.imobolise.com Until next month, if you any queries or questions please contact Hadleigh SNT at Hadleigh Police Station, Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5AD / hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk EMERGENCY: CALL 999 NON-EMERGENCY: CALL 101 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @HadleighPolice POLICE CONNECT: suffolk.police.uk/policeconnect
SnOasis PARISH ALLIANCE (SPA) 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. For full details visit: www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning It’s important to be aware that this is not a renewal of the original planning approval for SnOasis, which remains in place. Reserved Matters cover the detail of such topics as design, appearance, transport, drainage, ecological mitigation, etc. Our questions and comments about Reserved Matters were summarised in a document which was submitted to MSDC in the summer as the comments from the SPA and all its 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. As you are no doubt aware, Onslow Suffolk have finally submitted the missing information for the SnOasis Reserved Matters application. By the time you read this, the deadline of February 2 for comments will be very close. If you haven’t commented, please do so as quickly as possible – this may be our last chance to give our views. Follow this link to the application: https://tinyurl. com/yabaywx7 Once this stage is over, the council’s Planning Committee will consider the application. Whatever the outcome, the SPA will continue to monitor the progress of the application and activities at the site. We will keep the focus on the needs and concerns of residents who will be affected by whatever eventually happens with the site. For further information, please email SPA clerk Janet Gobey: snoasispa@icloud.com SnOasis Parish Alliance Chairman Steve Plume
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NEWS COUNTY & DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT JOHN FIELD’S REPORT TO GIPPING VALLEY: JANUARY 2018 Last month’s celebration of gas main work completed without a major road closure at Hackneys Corner appears to have been a bit premature. They will be back in early April, hopefully conscious of the need to minimise disruption on this important route.
and People. Secondly, to offer Suffolk as a pilot area for the introduction of a nationwide plastic bottle Deposit Return Scheme. This scheme would improve recycling rates, reduce costs and reduce harm to our environment and wild life.
On a more positive note, the 50 mph speed limit on the B1113 will be extended from Pound Lane to the start of the 40 mph limit at Bramford. This is to cover the entrance to the Greenhouse project and the Water Park.
Labour asked the council to offer support to the 35,000 women in Suffolk who are suffering from changes in state pension age. The chief executive will write to the government calling on them to reconsider transitional arrangements. econdly, they asked the council to improve the delivery of high needs services for children and adults with autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD. The council agreed, and proposed that it should be a priority for the newly-formed Care, Health and Wellbeing Cabinet Committee.
School Travel Consultation A consultation on the revised proposals for home to school transport will run until February 28. There are several options including ‘no change’, but the cabinet wish to cut to the statutory minimum of transport to your nearest school. See: www.suffolk.gov.uk/schooltravel Schools The planning application for the extension to Claydon Primary will be considered by the county in January. It is designed with two phases going to two-and-half and then three form intake to ensure it can accommodate children from the new houses in Great Blakenham and a sensible number in Barham. Planning The Pigeon outline planning application 1856/17: Land off Norwich Road Barham and Claydon for 300 houses was updated on December 22 and is getting close to the point where it will go to committee. All documentation is available on the Mid Suffolk website. The proposals include land for a new primary school to supplement Claydon Primary. This would be necessary if all the developments proposed for Barham and Claydon went ahead. Early Years Funding After last month’s opposition concern, SCC is changing the Early Years funding for 2018-19. The key proposals are that SCC will retain 3.8% of the three- to four-year-old allocated funding down from 6.3% in 2017-18 and the hourly base rate for three to four year-olds will increase from £3.87 to £4. The distribution of the disadvantage funding will change to an hourly rate from a lump sum per eligible child. The SEN inclusion fund will go to those supporting SEN children. In 2017-18, all received an added four pence per hour. To achieve this SCC will need to shift towards digital information for families and revise training for providers. Outbreak of Unanimity Just before Christmas the council unanimously agreed two Lib Dem, Green and Independent Group motions and two from the Labour Party. LDGI wishes were to sign up to the Woodland Trust’s Charter for Trees, Woods
Scrutiny of the Broadband Programmes We involved the county officers in the Suffolk Broadband project, a senior rep from the government and BT people responsible for the East of England. At a pre0meeting, the Scrutiny chair and I met the minister and the full broadband team. We established the programme is behind schedule, but that after robust action by Suffolk BT resources have been increased to get back on track by April. The project is moving from current technology, Fibre to the Cabinet, which involves copper wires for the final stretch to your home or business to Fibre to the Premises, FTTP. This gives you 50 to 300 Mbit / Sec depending on the depth of your pocket. It is also good news that the current technology can be upgraded easily. FTTP is clearly more future proof, more comparable to broadband as installed by advanced economies like Singapore and better suited to the smaller villages where small groups of remote houses must be served. We emphasised the need to make more use of self-dig, like the successful example in Baylham, to get cables to remote locations. Communication and order processes also need an upgrade so that people know when higher speeds are available and can place the necessary orders with their ISP without a challenge to their perseverance. Scrutiny of Highways (again) There was evidence of improvement. The number of potholes fixed by permanent repairs continues to increase and councillor requested schemes are getting done. But we still need to keep a close watch on the contract. I hope to see the Great Blakenham Zebra in place by the time you read this. Fingers crossed! 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
Dad always gave her roses. With their help, today was no different Here for you every hour of every day
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or visit www.eastofengland.coop/funerals 10
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NEWS HENLEY PARISH COUNCIL There are still two vacancies on the parish council. Here’s the thing: no village is perfect, no community runs like clockwork. There are always problems and issues, big, small and medium. I got a whole pile of emails the other day about people parking on the grass verges (residents and visitors, by the way). That’s not a huge issue in the great scheme of things, but it’s important to the people who live here and there are ways of tackling it – better communication, more and clearer signs, putting notices on car windscreens. At the other end of the spectrum, how is the village going to develop in the future? What sort of new housing does it need and where? What will be needed by way of infrastructure to support more residents? What about transport, what about shops, what about school places?
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And in between those extremes of concern, what can we do about irresponsible speeding? What can we do about the parking problem outside the school? How can we encourage volunteers to help with all the day-to-day stuff which a village like ours needs? The parish council is the front line of local government; it’s the first rung of democracy, it’s where the nuts and bolts of daily life get sorted out. The parish council feeds its ideas and concerns to the district and county councils through their elected councillors who attend all our meetings and take a really close interest in the village’s concerns. It’s easy enough to grumble and mutter about this or that not being done, about delays here and there – but is it all that much harder to turn up to a meeting every eight weeks or so, have your say about how the village should be run, and take on an area of interest to see if you can make a difference? We need two parish councillors to get us back up to strength (we should have seven). The existing councillors do a great job, but how much more effective could we be with two fresh pairs of hands joining in? All you have to do is drop us a note and we can talk it over. If you aren’t 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. Parish Council Clerk Rod Caird: 07785 331217 www.henley.onesuffolk.net
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 10.35-10.55am 11-11.15am 11.25-11.45am 11.55am-1pm 2.05-2.20pm 2.25-3.50pm 4-4.30pm
2018 DATES: February 13, March 13, 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: February 23, March 23, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7, October 5, November 2 & 30, December 28
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NEWS CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S LIFELINE & CHARITY SHOP On December 29 we were up at 4.30am to get ready to take the children to the airport for their journey home. Unfortunately the flight was a really early one and we had to make allowances for the weather conditions and possible delays on the roads. While all of the children were obviously looking forward to seeing their families again, there were a few tears at the airports as we said goodbye to one of the best groups of children we have had visiting us. There was nothing other than lots of fun and great enjoyment during the month, both for the visiting children and the families who hosted them. The children enjoyed everything, no matter how small and each new experience was greeted with appreciation and delight. These children came from some of the poorest families and I am sure we have given them memories that will last a lifetime. We are now looking towards the summer group visit and would appeal to anyone interested in supporting our work to think about us now rather than waiting until the summer as we have to make our preparations a soon as possible in advance of the children’s arrival. The children will be with us for four weeks from July 1 to 29. Children will be aged between eight and 10. We are asking for donations of good quality second-hand clothing for the summer group for age range seven to 11 years. The children arrive with only the clothes they are wearing so both summer and winter clothes are appreciated. For further information about our program or to donate clothes for the children please email or call me and I will be happy to provide further details. We also have a very active presence on Facebook both for our visiting children’s activities and for our charity shop based in Needham Market. For those of you who have friends and families who may be interested in hosting but are not local to Stowmarket, we do have links covering the areas of Cambridge and Norfolk and we would be happy to provide details of the local contacts for these areas and indeed any other area in the UK where we have representation.
Here we see the children when they arrived in Minsk airport. When they landed I got a phone call from Tanya, our interpreter, who put her phone on hands free and all the children shouted out loud, “we miss you all, come and see us in Belarus”. We are very aware that there are now more charitable causes than ever all needing support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us, you may think you only do a little but without you we could not survive. Link Chair Elizabeth Parker, 01449 760343 www.ccllmidsuffolk.org.uk
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NEWS / OUT & ABOUT SUFFOLK ENERGY-FROM-WASTE FACILITY CLAYDON & BARHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE 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. If you would like to keep in touch more regularly, Suffolk energy-from-waste is now tweeting site updates and tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste. Follow us on Twitter @suffolkefw. Come and have a look around The Suffolk energy-from-waste facility is holding a series of open days in February and March which will include a tour of the facility and time to explore our visitor centre. Places are currently available on the following days: • Tuesday, February 6, 10am-noon • Thursday, February 15, 2-4pm • Tuesday, March 20, 6-8pm There are 20 spaces on each day and you must pre-book. To book your place, please email suffolkefw@sita.co.uk with your preferred dates and we will confirm your place by email. If you would like to come but cannot make these dates, you can email us to register your interest and we will let you know when the next open days are planned. We also organise trips for interest groups and schools so get in touch if your group or class would like to come and have a look around. Recycle your electrical items Have you treated yourself to new electrical items in the January sales? Remember that here at the energy-from-waste facility we only take the rubbish that’s left over after recycling. Your old electrical items contain precious metals and must not go in your black bin, but they can be reused or recycled.
Saturday, February 17: Valentine’s Night with Rachel and The Reverbs, 8pm-midnight, playing pop and rock classics through all eras from The Monkees and James Brown to Crowded House and Adele. Tickets £5 each for members, £6 for non-members. REGULAR ACTIVITIES 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) / the hall is available in the evening for your suggestions / Bar Open Saturday: Bar open from noon-3pm and re-opens at 7pm Sunday: Bar open from noon-6pm / Christmas Saving Club and a traditional Meat Draw MONEY BOX A new competitive game held at 10pm on Fridays. Purchase a ticket, if your ticket is drawn, then you select a key from the secret container. If your key opens the money box you win the accumulative cash contents. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Saturday, May 12: Cabaret Evening with Ian Larkin and Terry Lee Tavis. Tickets £7.50 for members, £8.50 non-members. GALA DAY – SATURDAY, JULY 21 Keep your diary free of our bi-annual day, a full day of entertainment and activities. The American pool table is available to all during opening hours. Why not come and have a game? We are looking for groups or single performers to use our stage in the hall to show us your capabilities. Contact us to book your slot.
If your electrical item is still working you can take it to a local charity shop or to the reuse point at your local recycling centre. You can also find a new home for these items online via sites like Freecycle, Preloved and Gumtree. If your electrical item is broken and no longer working you can recycle it at your local recycling centre.
The bar is fully stocked with popular lagers, cask ales and spirits and the hall or Compton Bar are available for hire.
Any questions? If you have any queries about our operations, please do not hesitate to contact the facility on 01473 839149.
CLAYDON & BARHAM VILLAGE HALL
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS To book a visit: 01473 836 821 Environment Agency: 0800 807 060 SUEZ Communities Trust: 01454 262910
PUZZLE EVENING Join us for an evening of fun Friday, February 9, at 7:30pm Henley Community Centre Tickets from Margaret Gerrard: 01473 831463 All proceeds will go to St Peter’s Church, Henley ALL WELCOME
We have a few vacancies for staffing; please apply to the community centre on 01473 831805.
Dates for February Thursday 1 Silver Surfers Slimming World Friday 2 Stowe School of Dance
11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm 4-5.30pm
Monday 5
Craft Addicts Barham PC Meeting
1-4pm 7-10pm
Thursday 8
Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World
9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm
Friday 9
Stowe School of Dance
4-5.30pm
Tuesday 13
Women’s Institute
7.15-10pm
Thursday 15
Sunshine Service Silver Surfers Slimming World
10am–noon 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm
Monday 19
Craft Addicts
1-4pm
Tuesday 20
Scottish Power Renewables Public Information Event 3-8pm (see page 4)
Thursday 22
Young Families Silver Surfers Slimming World
9.30-11.30am 11.30am-2pm 5.30 & 7.30pm
Friday 23
Stowe School of Dance
4-5.30pm
Tuesday 27
Table Tennis
7.15-10.15pm
For more information on village hall activities visit the Claydon and Barham website and follow the links. Hall bookings now only online.
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OUT & ABOUT 1ST CLAYDON SCOUT GROUP CLAYDON & BARHAM WI We met on January 9 and it was good to see each other again after the Christmas break. We spoke about the fact that 2019 is the centenary of our WI and how we want to celebrate it. It seems sensible to start thinking about this early as the time will pass quickly. We also looked through the competitions for the Suffolk Show. Angie offered to compose a poem about ageing. One of the competitions is for a photograph of a pet behaving badly, and another a quilt for a pram/cot. In respect of the forthcoming Chinese New Year, there was a picking up of food items with chopsticks, which caused much amusement, and a quiz led by Pat, our president. On January 24 the lunch club will meet at the Beagle, on February 2 the walking group will meet at Christchurch Park, followed by lunch at The Key, and on February 9 the book club will meet at Lucy’s. We next meet on February 13 when Stephen Hope will speak about the Falklands, how he got there and about his work. The competition will be to make a Valentine’s heart in any medium. Should anyone wish to get in touch, please ring Linda on 01473 839948.
GREAT BLAKENHAM CRAFT CLUB Open to anyone living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. The club meets from 2-3pm every Monday (other than Bank Holidays) in Great Blakenham Parish from February to December. The Parish Room is the building with a green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House. The building is fully accessible with parking at the rear. Members pay £2 per meeting to cover hall hire, refreshments, the monthly workshop goody bag and weekly raffle prizes. Alternatively, if you would just like to come and bring your own project to work on, enjoy our company and make new friends without doing the workshops the charge is £1.50 per meeting. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The club will restart on Monday, February 5 and the programme for 2018 is as follows: February 5 Charity Projects with a visitor from the craft group at St Elizabeth’s Hospice with ideas on how we can help them March 5
A Taste of the Orient
April 9
Take a Piece of Card
May 1
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 if you would like to join us please get in touch. Although the club is all ladies at present gentlemen who would like to learn crafts are welcome. Unfortunately I cannot accommodate children. Jackie Durrant, 01449 672690
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Hot off the press! Scout visit to In Touch magazine Following an insightful evening earlier in 2017 about how In Touch magazine is produced, the Scouts had the opportunity to see the full workings of designing and printing the magazine. In December the troop visited Wharfedale Road, home of Mansion House Publishing, and saw first-hand the production of the Christmas edition of the magazine. The team demonstrated how printing plates were produced and loaded onto printing presses. The speed of printing and the complexity of printing so many editions of the magazine surprised Scouts and Leaders alike. We were then shown the finishing shop where the paper was trimmed and the pages bound on very large machines. Finally, the troop were shown the designing of pages on the In Touch design team Macs. The Scouts would like to thank all those at In Touch for the evening. 1st Claydon fundraising – more than £500 raised 1st Claydon Scout Group once again was invited to pack bags at Waitrose supermarket in Futura Retail Park. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts all helped during the day and the generosity of customers meant that £403 was raised. The group would like to thank Waitrose and their customers once again. The money will be used towards the up keep of the HQ and ongoing replacement of worn out equipment. Further funds were raised from another of the groups regular curry nights too. Group Scout Leader Terry Sutton commented: “Yet again we have seen the generosity of people to give and ensure that children from Claydon, Great Blakenham and Barham continue to have a venue to meet in and equipment to use in our full programme of activities.” He went on to say: “Despite our lively and active group we now have a most critical need for adults of any age to step forward and help us run our Beaver, Cub and Scout sections. Though we have leaders in each, we need them to be supported.” You don’t need prior experience to join as a leader or helper. Training is provided and can be done online at weekends and on the job with guidance from our current leadership team. We would very much appreciate support from adults over 18 years to any age above. With the growth of the three villages and more children needing places we’d appreciate the help of the growing number of adults also living in Claydon, Barham, Great Blakenham and the surrounding area. Please call or text 07802 249686 if you are able to help.
GREAT BLAKENHAM OVER 50’S CLUB The club is open to anyone of that age living not just in Great Blakenham but anywhere in the surrounding area. We meet from 2-4pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in Great Blakenham Parish Room. The cost per meeting is £1.50 which includes whatever activity is programmed for the afternoon, refreshments and raffle. On afternoons when we may play a couple of games of bingo the tickets are £1 each. Members take it in turns to make the tea. The Parish Room, which is fully accessible and has parking at the rear, is the building with the green door more or less opposite the Chequers Public House. Our meetings started again on January 10 when members were given the sad news that June Vale had died. June was one of the founders of the club with Shirley Scott and although she had stood down as the organiser, she continued to attend and support the club and will be greatly missed. At the meeting we talked about New Year’s resolutions, their origin and history together with their relevance to modern life. Our meetings for February will be on Wednesdays 14 and 28, the programme for which is still being finalised. 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
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IPSWICH MUSIC DAY S U N D A Y 1 J U LY 2 0 1 8
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OUT & ABOUT
HENLEY WI We ended 2017 with our Christmas party which was well attended and very much enjoyed. A few days later our annual Carol Service at Henley Parish Church was enjoyed by all who were able to attend. The collection was given to the local Stroke Association. Thanks to Kay, our event organiser, we have a number of very interesting speakers, visits and events lined up for this coming year. If any of this appeals, you will always be made welcome at Henley Community Centre on the third Thursday of the month. For further information contact Alice Robertson: 01473 831281
ClaydonTiling Ltd CERAMIC TILER Shaun Richardson 4 Rowan Close, Claydon, Suffolk IP6 0RD
Tel: 01473 831247 Mob: 07810 291157
E: claydontilingltd@btinternet.com
HENLEY SENIOR CITIZENS It seems such a long time since Christmas, but here we are updating our activities to the end of 2017. On December 3 we enjoyed our Christmas lunch, once again cooked by Robert, Jim and Mike – The Henley Chefs. Everyone was full of praise for the delicious meal and would like to thank them most sincerely for giving up their Sunday for us, and also Barbara and Doreen for their assistance to the men. This year’s entertainment was provided by the ukulele group What No Cake who kindly returned after a previous visit and really finished the day off with Christmas cheer. Once again we had our usual chocolate tombola and hamper stall at the fair on December 9 which proved very successful and we would like to thank everyone who kindly donated items and supported us on the day. The hamper was won by Peter Wright – one of our members. A lady from Ipswich won the bottle of Southern Comfort, Doreen Harvey the bottle of wine, Christine Robinson the family of teddy bears and the arrangement of flowers was won by one of the stallholders. We would like to wish everyone who reads this report a very prosperous 2018 and look forward to our club continuing to grow from strength to strength.
HENLEY MOTHERS’ UNION Our Henley group raised a fantastic amount of money last year, which meant we were able to send over £700 to various Mothers’ Union projects. Top of the list was AFIA – the Away From It All holiday scheme – to which we gave £364. Last year in Suffolk five families were offered short holidays – each had been referred by a social worker, school or similar professional. We also sent £110 to the Mothers’ Union Overseas Fund which supports projects around the world, typically funding a local person to set up literacy and numeracy classes, facilitate groups to tackle gender based violence or other issues, or run a parenting group. The rest of our donations were split between other projects based in the UK and emergency worldwide relief. One of our fundraising schemes is the little blue bags in which people collect loose change. Thank you to everyone who has already returned their bag, but if you have one at home do please bring it back to St Peter’s Church or drop it in to The Rev Cathy Austin at Henley Primary School or 7 Freeman Avenue, Henley.
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Visitors and new members are always welcome to our meetings, so why not come along and find out more? Our next meeting is on Monday, February 12 at 7.30pm, with a talk about Mothers’ Union in Byumba, Rwanda, one of our link Dioceses. For more details contact Clare Thomas: clare.thomas@btinternet.com / 01473 832808
STOWMARKET & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB The club will meet at Woolpit Village Hall on Wednesday, January 24, 12.30 for 1pm for a workshop entitled Out of the Box and a soup and bread lunch. Members £6, visitors £11. For details contact chairman Vicki Hease: 01449 770900
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OUT & ABOUT BRAMFORD COMPUTER CLUB In February the Monday group (7.30-9.30pm) will only meet on Monday 26, and the Wednesday group (10am-noon) will meet on Wednesdays 7, 21 and 28. The club will be closed on Monday 12 and Wednesday 14 for the school half-term holiday. Membership is £1 per school year and £3 per two-hour session. All meetings take place in the upstairs room of the Methodist Church. Broadband and refreshments are available. There is no set programme; our aim is to help you to get the most out of your computer. Why not give us a try?
IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Wednesday, February 28: Lost Railways of Suffolk, an illustrated talk by Nathan Dodd We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors £3.50, members £1.50 including refreshments. Details from Martyn (01473 422145) or Peter (01394 420490). www.idhts.co.uk
BRAMFORD TREFOIL GUILD Our December meeting was a lovely Christmas meal at the Blakenham Chequers. This was really enjoyed by the members who attended. Our January meeting was our annual meeting where we discussed the past year and elected a new committee for 2018. Pat Caddick has stood down after four and a half years as chairman. Thanks go to her for her hard work at the helm. Our new chairman is Linda West and I know she will put her all into carrying on the good work. This month we meet on February 5 at 2pm. We will be telling the meeting about our holidays and hobbies. I wonder what kind of hobbies we will be hearing about.
ORWELL DECORATIVE AND FINE ARTS SOCIETY
IPSWICH AND DISTRICT SUPPORT GROUP, DIABETES UK Our next meeting is on Thursday, February 8 at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Bucklesham Road, Ipswich IP3 8TH from 7-9pm. Our guest speaker will be Norma Howell from the charity Medical Detection Dogs. This is a social gathering for people who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes to have the opportunity to talk to those in a similar situation and receive support. Family and friends are most welcome to join us too. Refreshments will be available free of charge. No admission charge or joining fee.
A Happy New Year to all!
For further information please contact: dsgipswichduk@gmail.com / 07547 513730 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
Our first lecture of 2018 will be on Wednesday, February 7, when Barry Venning presents a talk entitled Giles: His Life, Times and Cartoons.
www.ipswich.diabetesukgroup.org
On Wednesday, March 7, Louise Schofield will present a talk entitled Rescuing Zeugma from the Floodwaters of the Euphrates. Here we see Acheloos, a detail of Roman Mosaic from Zeugma. 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
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
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EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION If you are a member of or a volunteer for the National Trust, then 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. Our next meeting is on February 20 when Sheila Charrington will be talking about her current home, Layer Marney Tower near Colchester. Layer Marney is an incomplete palace built for Henry VIII’s Lord Privy Seal. Since then it has been owned by 11 different families, and Sheila will be explaining how successive generations have influenced how the building has been used. Sheila’s talk will include the Charrington’s family life at the tower and her vision for the future of the tower. On March 13 John Gandy will be highlighting the vast 12,500 book library at Blickling Hall. The talk will be preceded by a short AGM. 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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OUT & ABOUT / SCHOOLS SOMERSHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB The next meeting is on Monday, February 12 when Chris Parfitt, a very well-known speaker, will give a talk entitled Flowers and Traditions of Bhutan. This will take place in Offton and Willisham Village Hall at 7.30pm. We have several good speakers lined up for 2018. Membership is only £8 per person per year, and visitors or guests can come for £1.50 per meeting. If you would like more information please contact: 01473 254941/830600 Christine Barrell
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL 100 CLUB December Prize-winners 1: Vanessa Welham (27) 2: Amanda Harkett (75) 3: Wendy Hicks (24)
£13.50 £6.75 £2.25
This raised £22.50 for Claydon Pre-school. New members are welcome at any time. Entry is just £1 per 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 the lives of our children within the pre-school.
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Hard to believe we are nearly half way through the first half of spring term. The children have been enjoying their time again with lots of crafts and managing to get outside to play as well, even if they have been wrapped up well to do it! 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 February half term (Monday 12 to Friday 16) and the Easter Holidays (Tuesday 3 to Monday, April 16 inclusive). 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 your 30 hour code (given once registered) to use 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
For an entry form please contact Claydon Pre-school: 01473 831648 / admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
CLAYDON HIGH SCHOOL
CLAYDON & BARHAM YOUNG FAMILIES
The spring term has started with a flurry of activity, especially our Year 11 students who are already undertaking more internal exams in preparation for the real thing in the summer.
Claydon and Barham Young Families is a Mother’s Union project which has been run by Mother’s Union members and supporters for 27 years. We welcome parents, 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 February 8 and 22 from 9.30-11.30am in Claydon and Barham Village Hall. At our regular sessions we welcome anyone with babies or children under five for imaginative play, song time and lots of fun. 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. We also enjoy singing together. For parents/carers it’s a good opportunity to meet others with pre-school children or babies. There is also a prize draw for the children. 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
JIGSAW PRE-SCHOOL AT NEEDHAM MARKET Are you looking for childcare? At Jigsaw Pre-School (Sproughton) in Needham Market, we offer term time care and education for children aged two years to school age. If you would like more information about our setting or to enquire about available sessions please contact Laura: info@jigsawsproughton.org.uk / 01449 722717 The Drift, School Street, Needham Market, Ipswich IP6 8BB
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They have also been completing coursework and practical assessments in a range of subjects including music, drama, art, PE, DT, computing science, business studies, health and social care and leisure and tourism. It can be a stressful time, but lots of support is offered especially in the form of afterschool revision sessions. Later this month we are taking them on a Revision Bootcamp on Mersea Island in Essex. As well as learning some useful revision strategies they will attempt some challenging physical activities including high ropes and a climbing wall to prove to themselves that if they have a go – they will succeed! Hopefully in addition to returning home cold, tired and muddy they will feel more confident moving towards their exam season. Year 9 are just starting out on their GCSE journey and made their choices of which subjects to study at our options evening. We offer a lot of career guidance throughout the school and it is always exciting to hear of their dreams and aspirations for their future careers. Elsewhere in school the Readathon has proved very popular with students in Years 7-9 reading thousands of pages and hundreds of books and sharing reviews of what they have enjoyed. Reading is a lovely pastime and developing it as a lifelong habit is an excellent one to establish; research shows the more young people read the better their writing becomes and they are more likely to be successful across all GCSE subjects. In addition it is a relaxing hobby and the students who have also raised money to provide books for sick children in hospital have supported an excellent cause. Thank you to anyone who has supported our students with sponsorship. If you would like to visit the school and see us in action, then please come along to one of our open mornings. The date of the next one is Monday, February 26. Please telephone my PA, Mrs J Saunders to book a place: 01473 836110 The term will remain busy into March and as we move towards some lighter evenings I hope everyone enjoys the arrival of signs of spring. Headteacher Ms Maéve Taylor
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SPORT / ON THE GRAPEVINE BRAMFORD TENNIS CLUB Greetings Guff Lovers, in the absence of any news of league action over the festive period, and in celebration of regaining the column from that Mystic Mick, here are 10 things you may not know about our tennis club. 1 We were formed in the late 1970s by a keen bunch of villagers who wanted to play on hard courts instead of the old grass court which stood behind the village hall. Their hard work resulted in the facility you see today, three hard courts with floodlights. 2 We are one of the smallest clubs in the county (but beautifully formed). 3 We have a qualified coach (carl.douglas@talk21.com) who offers junior and senior coaching sessions (be gentle with him as he has been coaching Nick’s serve; the tranquillisers will help though). 4 All tennis club members are social members of the sports club which offers liquid refreshment in many forms (I have been informed) as well as quizzes, etc. 5 All club members have the option of entering the ballot for Wimbledon tickets (unfortunately Nick has had to withdraw this year due to age and ability). 6 Membership entitles unlimited use of the courts (except when league matches are scheduled) which can be booked online. 7 Club mornings are held on Sundays from 10am-noon and club evenings on Tuesdays from 6-8pm from April for social play and the chance to see Graham duck out of his round in the bar. 8 Non-members can play on a maximum of two occasions upon payment of a guest fee before being required to join. Guest fees payable to the treasurer; you will know him as he is usually driving a new Bentley at membership renewal time.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS Are there people living in your community who would benefit from a Good Neighbour? A Good Neighbour Scheme is a group of people who help others in their community. This could be by giving a lift, checking a smoke alarm, changing a light bulb, fixing a tap, tidying a garden, or perhaps befriending someone who is lonely or new to the village. It is run by a group of local residents who want to help their neighbours enjoy a better quality of life. Each scheme is operated via a phone (normally a mobile) which is held in turn by a core group of volunteers. A duty period is usually one week but can be negotiated between members of the volunteer team. Anyone who needs help can call the number and speak to the duty officer, who will locate a suitable volunteer. Would you like to be involved with setting up or volunteering for a scheme? Are you already involved with a similar scheme and would like some support and to be part of a network? Community Action Suffolk can support you in setting up a scheme, we can provide you with all the advice and guidance you will need. Please contact Good Neighbour Scheme Development Officer Sally Connick: 01473 345359 / 07884 563370 / sally.connick@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk
9 Nick is available for autographs, usually given in exchange for searching for lost serves in the meadow by the river. 10 The AGM is held in March or early April at the sports club, usually after the first club morning of the year. Now that water boarding is illegal we are having a bit more trouble forming a committee, but all volunteers are welcome. If you are interested in joining contact Clive Jones on 01473 574379, or look up Bramford Tennis Club on Clubspark.
Monthly prize draw ──── Win money whilst
JOKE OF THE MONTH A wife was complaining to her husband that he never took her out anymore. The man protested: “How can you say that? Only last week you said how much you enjoyed it when I took you out for tea and biscuits”. “Yes I did,” said his wife, “but I didn’t enjoy giving blood beforehand though!”
helping improve your pre-school ──── Three prizes drawn
Oh dear, things must improve next month,
each month
Mick Russ
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GIPPING VALLEY BOWLS CLUB Trophy winners at the Annual Presentation Dinner
100 CLUB
Only £1 a month to play
The 100 club is a type of lottery.
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You pay a monthly entry fee of £1 and in return are allocated a draw number.
many goes a month
The draw takes place once a month and three numbers win cash prizes. 50% of the funds go to improving pre-school, 1st prize gets 30%, 2nd prize gets 15% and 3rd gets 5%. The more people playing the greater the prize.
You can have as as you like
CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL Recreation Ground Thornhill Road Claydon IP6 0DZ 01473 831648 www.claydonpreschool.co.uk admin@claydonpreschool.co.uk
www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon
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ON THE GRAPEVINE QUESTIONS ON CASH Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb answers your questions Tony from Woolpit asks: “What is a multi-fund investment and how does it work? Do they cost more in fees and charges? And can I have a multi-fund stocks and shares ISA?” Several investment companies now adopt a multi-fund or multi-manager approach, where investors can access a huge range of funds from some of the very best fund managers available, all within the one investment holding. In this way, you can diversify your portfolio across several different funds and fund managers, which reduces investment risk and provides the opportunity for flexibility. Fund choice can be changed at any time by effecting a switch within the investment wrapper. Also, unlike a surrender with one investment manager and re-investment into another, a switch within a multifund investment from one fund to another within the same wrapper will not necessarily trigger a tax charge. This means that the investment can be constantly tailored to suit an investor’s needs for income or growth at any time. Like all unit trust and OEIC investments, most multi-funds have an annual management charge that applies to the overall fund and there can also be charges made by the individual funds held within the multi-fund wrapper. These charges will vary according to the funds selected. However, with many multi-manager investment companies, the charges that would be applied if you invested directly with the companies concerned are significantly discounted. The total combined charges of a multi-fund investment can definitely be higher than those of a single fund held with one manager. However, you don’t pick a multi-fund investment because they have the lowest charges, but because they offer a wider fund choice and variety of investments held. So, in reality, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The obvious advantages of this multi-manager or multi-fund approach is a wider spread of investment assets and reduction of risk and volatility, but there is also a lot to be said for simplifying administration. If you have a multifund investment spread across ten funds, you still only get one statement every six months – not ten statements. And yes, you can invest into a multifund using an ISA, a Bond, a Unit trust or an OEIC wrapper. 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, or 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.
BECOME A BEANSTALK READING HERO IN 2018 Could you help transform the prospects for a child through the power of books and stories? Local literacy charity Beanstalk has launched a new campaign for 2018 to highlight the extraordinary difference members of the community in Suffolk can make by volunteering in primary schools to support children who struggle with reading. The work Beanstalk’s ‘reading heroes’ carry out will improve the lives of children that need extra help to prevent them from falling behind at school and to bring enjoyment into reading. For over 40 years Beanstalk has recruited, trained and supported reading helpers in primary schools to provide one-to-one support where it is crucially needed. Many children in Suffolk still leave primary school not having met the expected standards of reading which can lead to all sorts of problems in later life. By working with children who have either fallen behind with their reading, lack confidence, or struggle with their fluency or comprehension, Beanstalk’s reading helpers can make a significant difference to their future prospects. Their one-to-one sessions twice a week with the children they support will help them progress while also helping to encourage reading enjoyment. In 2016-2017 Beanstalk reading helpers supported approximately 840 children in the East of England with their reading. “Beanstalk reading helpers really are local heroes within our communities and do so much more than just read. They develop confidence, self-esteem and very importantly help make reading fun and enjoyable. We regularly hear from volunteers who have had ‘breakthrough’ moments with a child because they found a particular book, poem or story which captivated that child’s interests. These moments are often the turning point for a child and happen as a result of regular and consistent reading opportunities,” explains Jo Burns, Area Manager for Beanstalk East of England. Fraser Simpson has been a Beanstalk reading helper in the area for four years: “Firstly and very quickly after I started with Beanstalk I learnt that working with children is fun. I then realised that I got as much out of the sessions as the children. More recently I have learnt that the Beanstalk sessions have helped make a real difference to children’s performance in the classroom and at home. “I would recommend anyone to consider volunteering. If you enjoyed reading bedtime stories it is very likely you would enjoy helping children find joy in reading and language. It is not teaching in a formal sense and it is not just about reading. If you enjoy playing Scrabble or doing crosswords, these are great activities to introduce children to, have fun with and develop their language. “I would say as a Beanstalk volunteer you are going on a voyage of discovery with children to find what it is that they really enjoy amongst literature, poetry, word games, crosswords etc. The eventual rewards of finding you are regularly beaten at ‘Hangman’ or having a child ask to take their book home so they can continue reading, are immeasurable.” Once trained by Beanstalk, reading helpers on the Beanstalk Reading 321 programme work with three children at a local primary school and spend 30 minutes with each child twice a week, during term-time, for at least one academic year. Each session is meant to be relaxed, informal and fun. By having this one-to-one time with each child the reading helper can help tailor resources to the child’s interests and develop reading skills in a fun and engaging way. If you would like to become a Beanstalk reading hero in 2018 and would like to help children in your community reach their full potential please: Visit: www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk Call: 0845 450 0307 Email: info@beanstalkcharity.org.uk
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ON THE GRAPEVINE / CHURCH NEWS STOWMARKET AND DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB
NEW RURAL CRAFT COURSES AT ORCHARD BARN
Accompanied by Nigel Rea, Chris Carne gave an instructional talk about how to approach audio visual presentations on November 13. Chris showed us several of his own presentations to illustrate his points. We will hopefully be able to put his advice to good use when we have our AV competition later in the year. Harold Mousley judged our Open 2 competition on November 27 with his usual wit and humour. It was a very good night. Unfortunately our wildlife competition on December 11 had to be cancelled due to the very bad weather conditions. It has been re-scheduled for February 26 and fortunately the same judge is available on that night. Let’s hope the weather is OK! Club member Glenda Taylor gave us a wonderful picture show of her travels through the Americas. It was quite eye opening to follow her seven-and-ahalf month trip. NEXT MEETINGS Monday, February 12: Open 3 competition to be judged by Howard King Monday, February 26: Wildlife competition to be judged by Mike Lloyd New members are always very welcome; all you need is a camera – any camera – and a real interest in using it. Our members use DSLRs, mirrorless, compacts and bridge cameras. Regular meetings are held at Stowmarket Community Centre, Hillside, Stowmarket IP14 2BD, usually on the second and fourth Mondays of the month between September and June. We start arriving at around 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
New craft courses are planned over the coming months at Orchard Barn near Battisford as the centre’s hand-made craft room takes shape. As a tree and wood orientated enterprise it was decided to make a start with a spoon carving course on Saturday, March 10. What better way to spend some time than learning new skills carving small pieces of greenwood into beautiful and functional spoons? Much of the greenwood is sourced from Orchard Barn’s own orchard, so with apple pruning coming up the bigger pieces will be saved for carving. The smaller sticks are greatly enjoyed by one of volunteer’s pet rabbits and the rest are chomped up and converted into compost for the vegetable garden. Upcycling, repurposing and recycling are central to everything that Orchard Barn does. If you are interested in spoon carving, restorative orchard tree pruning or compost making please have a look at our courses by visiting: www.orchardbarn.org.uk/calender If you’re interested in volunteering and helping develop the rural craft course programme please email: sarah@orchardbarn.org.uk.
THE MAGIC CUBE In 1974, Erno Rubik, a professor from Budapest in Hungary, invented the ‘Magic Cube’. It took him over a month to solve his first built cube.
We’d love to see you there, so why not join us? www.stowmarketanddistrictcameraclub.onesuffolk.net
The cube became more and more popular in Hungary, but it wasn’t until 1980 that the cube, having been given its new name, The Rubik’s Cube, went global. Since its international launch in 1980, an estimated 400 million Rubik’s Cubes have been sold. An amazing one in seven people have played with this fascinating and frustrating puzzle. Source https://uk.rubiks.com/about/the-history-of-the-rubiks-cube/ At the end of last year a Rubik’s Cube found its way into our home, bringing back memories of watching my brother trying to solve it nearly 30 years ago. I have been able to complete the puzzle, but more by luck than judgment. According to the Rubik’s Cube official website the puzzle is almost impossible without some instructions so now I’m trying to learn how to do the cube following the company’s method. The good news of Jesus started out in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago and has been spreading worldwide ever since. Many have heard the life-changing message of peace with God through Jesus. I don’t know if it is one in seven like the Rubik’s Cube or not, but there are many who still haven’t heard the good news. Maybe you are in the one in seven who have had a go at the Rubik’s Cube, maybe even know how to do it! Or maybe you’re in the six in seven who hasn’t had a go. More importantly, have you heard the good news of Jesus or not? Where I am looking to discover how to complete the puzzle would you seek to find out more about Jesus? 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
www.keepingintouchwith.com/claydon
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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 FEBRUARY Henley Church: every Sunday at 9.30am Barham Church: every Sunday at 10am Gt Blakenham Church: every Sunday at 11am Sunday, February 4: 2 before Lent 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, February 11: Sunday before Lent 8am Holy Communion Barham Church 9.30am family@henley Henley Church 10am Holy Communion Barham Church 11am Holy Communion Gt Blakenham Church Wednesday, February 14: Ash Wednesday 7pm Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes, Gt Blakenham Church
NEWS families@4.30: February 11 at Barham Church Hall. All are welcome as we have loads of fun. For catering purposes, please contact Roger Colthorpe to book: 01473 831079 Claydon Church: Currently open during daylight hours, thanks to a few volunteers. If you can spare a few minutes one day a week to open/close the church, please contact Rev Carl. After a super candlelit carol service there in December, we’re looking forward to the St Peter’s Songs of Praise on Saturday, June 30 at 4pm, followed by a picnic tea. Sunday’s Cool: Meets on the second and third Sunday of every month in Great Blakenham Parish Room from 10.30am (February 11 & 18, March 11 & 18). Stories, games, songs, loads of fun! It’s free – no need to book! Contact Irene for more info: 01449 676567. 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. Lent 2018: Ash Wednesday kicks Lent off on February 14. We’ll be holding the traditional Ashing Service at 7pm in Gt Blakenham Church. Please do join house groups during Lent, where we’ll be looking at The Shack by William Young. These meet at various places which can be found on our website. Henley Church Services: please note the new time of church services at Henley – every Sunday at 9.30am.
Sunday, February 18: 1st Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am family@barham 11am Holy Communion
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
Sunday, February 25: 2nd Sunday of Lent 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
OTHER SERVICES AND EVENTS February Tuesday 6 Holy Conversations, Rectory, 7pm Sunday 11 families@4.30, Barham Church Hall, 4.30pm Tuesday 13 Pancakes!! Gt Blakenham Parish Room, 6.30pm Wednesday 14 Ash Wednesday Service, Gt Blakenham, 7pm
Sunday, March 4: 3rd Sunday of Lent 8am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 11am family@blakenham
Barham Church Henley Church Barham Church Gt Blakenham Church
March Tuesday 6 Saturday 10 Saturday 17 Sunday 25 Friday 30
Further services can be found at: www.claydonchurches.com HALL BOOKINGS Barham Church Hall: Zoe Groom, 831804 Gt Blakenham Parish Room: Paul Corbett, 830201 Henley Church Vestry: Margaret Gerrard, 831463
February Candlemas: Light to the Church Jesus is the light of the world: shine bright so people will see you and love him. Gt Blakenham Church: Sunday, February 4, 11am Henley Church: Sunday, February 11, 9.30am Barham Church: Sunday, February 18, 10am Refreshments available at all of our services. Everyone welcome!
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Church AGMs: This year all three parishes will join together for one APCM on March 24. At this meeting we will elect our churchwardens and Church PCC members as well as look at the vision for the year ahead. It’s also a chance to thank those who do so much for our churches.
Holy Conversations, Rectory, 7pm Beetle Drive, Henley Church, 6pm Joint APCM, Venue TBC Palm Sunday and start of Holy Week Good Friday with Children’s Workshops
Further dates can be found on our website. Letter from the Vicar One of the most exciting parts of my job is being able to walk alongside all sorts of people as they experience life. It might be assisting at a funeral or sitting with those who mourn, or rejoicing with a couple at a wedding or baptism. Often people ask me to be there in the quiet moments of faith and in the normality of life. Whatever the reason I’m there, one thing that I see in each situation is change. After every one of life’s moments there is often change – sometimes big change, sometimes small. That part of my job is exciting because I see transformation. As we look to Lent (which begins on Valentine’s Day this year) I am reminded that Easter is about transformation – being changed. The 40 days of Lent are given to us to help us prepare for that transformation and change. God asks us to leave the old things and walk towards the new; to step out of darkness into the light; to opt out of slavery and be free! Whatever you are going through in your life, there will be change – big or small. Why not journey with us as we let God transform us together? The Rev Carl Melville
carlmelville@hotmail.com
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