In touch news with copdock september 2017

In Touch

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with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

Volume 7 • Issue No. 10 • SEPTEMBER 2017

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A WORD FROM THE EDITOR As ‘summer’ draws to an end and holidays become a distant memory I think we all need something to make us laugh. I’ve found the perfect thing. A wonderful little book titled F In Exams by Richard Benson (Published by Summersdale Publications Ltd) has provided much hilarity in my house of late. It’s “full to the brim with funny examples of creative answers from clueless but canny students” and I’ve chosen some of my favourites for you. Enjoy!

NEWS CHARITY GOLF DAY

Q: What is a nitrate?

A: It is much cheaper than a day rate.

Q: What is a fibula?

A: A little lie.

Q: Explain the concept of homeostasis.

A: It is when you stay at home all day and don’t go out.

Q: How high is Mount Everest?

A: Depends how much snowfall it has had since it was last measured.

Q: Freud stated that the superego contains the moral aspect of one’s personality. Define the term ‘superego’.

A: A really fast sports car.

Jack and Larissa King, who live on the ‘Australia’ estate in Ipswich, were delighted when their first child, Thomas, was born on Jack’s birthday in November 2016.

Q: What is a co-operative?

A: It is a shop which is not as expensive as M&S.

However the Framlingham Children’s Ward at Ipswich Hospital soon realised something was wrong so premature Thomas was transported by a specially equipped ambulance to The Evelina Unit at St Thomas’s Hospital, London.

Q: Jess has been asked to collect data about the amount of television his friends watch. Think of an appropriate question he could ask them.

A: How much TV do you watch?

Despite the amazing care that Thomas received he sadly died shortly before New Year’s Eve in his young parents arms and with close family members nearby.

Q: Where was Hadrian’s Wall built?

A: Around Hadrian’s garden.

This was a very hard time for all the family and they were very grateful for all the Evelina Unit did for little Thomas.

In Touch

with Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook

Published by: Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd, 20 Wharfedale Road, Ipswich IP1 4JP Editor: Sharon Jenkins Email: sharon@intouchnews.co.uk

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Send editorial copy to: copdock@intouchnews.co.uk

Readers are invited to submit articles, illustrations and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such submissions and cannot accept responsibility for any loss.

Advertising Email: advertising@intouchnews.co.uk

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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 Belstead, Bentley, Copdock, Tattingstone & Washbrook is published by Mansion House Publishing (UK) Ltd as part of the “In Touch with . . . ” series of magazines.

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Throughout his short life his parents stayed close by, staying at a nearby Ronald McDonald House Charities housing complex which has been visited by The Duchess Of Cambridge. This little known charity has accommodation blocks near child intensive care units around the world – with the object of taking away some of the stress by providing parents of seriously ill children – often far from home – with decent and free accommodation for as long as it takes.

Jack and Larissa (pictured) were so grateful for this help – particularly over the Christmas period – that they wanted to help other parents in a similar situation by supporting this charity. On Sunday, July 23 they, with friends and family support, arranged a golf day at Hintlesham Hall Golf Club at which 81 golfers played. They also held a raffle and a silent auction.

On finally totting up the amount donated and collected they were amazed to find that they had raised £4,500 – not bad for something they had never organised before and well ahead of expectations – which will help many other parents in a similar situation.

Via In Touch they want to sincerely thank all those who helped them with raffle prizes, donations and sponsorship for holes at the golf club during the day. Plans have already started for a bigger, even better golf day next year.

COPDOCK AND WASHBROOK VILLAGE GARAGE SALE Saturday, September 23 In support of St Peter’s Church Heritage Trust On Saturday, September 23, come rain or shine, there will be a village garage sale from 10am-4pm.

Many properties around the villages are taking part. Pick up your free map which shows the locations of all those participating in the event and who have supported and donated to St Peter’s Church Heritage Trust from St Peter’s Church, The Brook Inn, Washbrook Service Station, Gladwells or The Antique Shop (maps available from start of September).

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NEWS CENTENARY OF THE AWARD OF THE VC TO WILLIAM HENRY HEWITT VC After all the months of preparation we have at last arrived at 100 years after the events on the Menin Road in 1917. By the end of September 20 nine men’s bravery resulted in their being awarded the VC. One of them was Copdock-born L/Cl W.H. Hewitt 2nd South African Light Infantry whose life we have been following for the past few months.

London Gazette official citation stated: “Near Ypres, Belgium, 20 September 1917, No. 8162, Lance Corporal William Henry Hewitt, 2nd Bn, South African Light Infantry. For most conspicuous bravery during operations. Lance Corporal Hewitt attacked a pill-box with his section and tried to rush the doorway. The enemy garrison, however, proved very stubborn, and in the attempt this non-commissioned officer received a severe wound. Nevertheless, he proceeded to the loophole of the pill-box where, in his attempts to put a bomb into it, he was again wounded in the arm. Undeterred, however, he eventually managed to get a bomb inside, which caused the occupants to dislodge, and they were successfully and speedily dealt with by the remainder of section.”

And this is how he described it 25 years later in an account of it for his family: “… so I make for the pill-box which has a sort of doorway low down on the right hand side. I heave a grenade down it and shout, ‘Come out you so-and -sos’. They do, two of them and fire with rifles at me at about 10 yards (9,1 m) range and miss but the mutt who made it forgot to fill it with the odd bolts and nuts, so apart from blowing off my gasmask and half my clothes, knocking out four teeth, breaking my nose, giving me a couple of black eyes, with a lot of little cuts here and there and knocking me backwards into a convenient shell-hole, it didn’t really do any damage – only made me damn mad. You see I had become engaged to be married before I came out this time, and when I felt my teeth and face I thought that’s spoilt my beauty. She won’t fall for me anymore.

Well, this is the pay-off. As I had only one bomb left I decided to make sure, so I crept right underneath, pulled out the pin, let the lever fly up, counted two and pushed it through the loophole. Some stinker shot me through the hand, but not too badly, and I heard the bomb explode and ran round to the door as I thought there would be some fun and games in that direction - there was. The officer told me that when he got there he saw a small Hun come running out with his hands up, and me behind him, kicking him up the bottom, but I don’t remember a thing about it. I got a bloke to tie my hand up, retrieved my tin hat from the pill-box which was certainly a bit of a shambles, and started to look for my Company.”

“Thank you so much for honouring my beloved father William Henry Hewitt. I am William’s youngest daughter and unable to attend as I am hospitalised in Florida USA. It is so wonderful that he is being remembered this way. Dad loved South Africa and he was the best father in the world. Throughout all the trials in South Africa he was the bravest and most caring father and friend. I am so grateful that Great Britain has not forgotten this hero who was my beloved dad. Sincerely, Barbara Mary Hewitt” A year later Hewitt finally succumbed to the injuries suffered on that day. When he developed Parkinson’s and throat cancer in 1961, he and Lily returned to the UK for treatment but he died in Cheltenham on 7 December 1966 aged 83. His ashes were returned to his beloved South Africa and were scattered by his family off the cliffs near his retirement bungalow in Hermanus. There on September 17, at the same time as the Copdock ceremony, his memory will be honoured on the same cliffs.

His VC medal was given by Lily to Framlingham College. In 2002 the college decided to give it on permanent loan to the Imperial War Museum and a replica now hangs in the college chapel. The college CCF will provide the Guard of Honour for his Centenary Paving Stone.

Copdock and Washbrook Parish Council was given a generous grant by the Big Lottery Fund to celebrate this unique occasion and it is hoped that many will come to the ceremony in The Street on Sunday, September 17 at 2pm and join the family in the Brook Inn for light refreshments afterwards.

This brave but humble man ended the account with these words: “On reading this through it seems a lot of tripe, and when one thinks of what thousands of others did, certainly not deserving of a V.C., but you see the Company Commander, the Platoon Commander and the Cameron officer did not get killed, and apparently all did a bit of recommending besides some N.C.O.s and men.”

He received his medal from King George V on 16 January 1918 and survived the rest of the war. Lily and he were married in 1919 and he returned to farm in East Africa. There they had four daughters. The first, Diana, died aged two. The eldest, Pam, died five years ago but her son Piers will read the citation. The other two are still alive but in residential homes, Jill (92) in Australia but her daughter Diana and son-in-law will be making a special journey to be here, and Barbara (85) in America who sent the organisers this moving email:

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NEWS COPWASH NEWS WELCOME BACK TO THE PHONE BOX LIBRARY How good it was to see the phone box library re-opened with the books on new shelves. We understand that we should thank Councillor Andy Mexome for its restoration; it is a great village facility and hopefully will be used and treated well. From one who has been a constant borrower and depositor.

THE BENEFICE FALLEN SEPTEMBER 1917 On September 18, Lt Col. Roger Orme Kerrison of the Australian Field Regiment died of dysentery contracted on active service in France. He is buried in Wimereaux Cemetery in the Pas de Calais where the sandy soil is too soft to support upright headstones. Also buried there is John Macrae the author of In Flanders Fields the Poppies Blow. Born in Norfolk and educated at Eton and Trinity College Cambridge his parents were living in Tattingstone Place when he died but his name is not on the Tattingstone War Memorial, possibly because he had left the village after an unhappy divorce. Jane Kirk gives a longer version of his story in the Tattingstone Newsletter. Jane has also discovered that the poet Andrew Motion is the great grandson of Roger Kerrison, a fact that the former Poet Laureate did not know.

Two days later on September 20, Cpl. 24518 Stanley Laws Royal Engineers, aged 23, was killed in Belgium in the same action in which W H Hewitt won the VC. He was the third son of John and Alice Laws of Railway Cottages, Sproughton and their second son to be killed. His elder brother George had died in 1916 on the Somme. George was buried in Dantzig Alley Cemetery, but sadly Stanley’s body was never found and his name is inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial. Both names are remembered on their grandparents’ headstone in Sproughton churchyard.

A TRIBUTE TO EDDIE KNIGHT It is with great sorrow that we record the death of Eddie Knight previously of Westhill Cottage and latterly of Charlottes. Although Eddie had been unwell for a number of months the news of his sudden passing came as a great shock to his many friends in the village. And indeed he did have many friends. Since arriving with Daphne, Andrew and Mary to

live in Elm Lane in 1986 they have both been stalwart and active members of community. They have been connected with so many village organisations – practically every one of them, apart from the Brook Players and bell-ringing! Eddie was a tireless worker, giving unstintingly of his time and expertise to the outdoor bowls club as a past chairman, to the tennis club as treasurer (it was he who obtained the Lottery Grant for the resurfacing of the courts) and to the carpet bowls club. He instituted the annual village quiz, acting as quiz master himself and in 1999 he compered the village millennium show.

Above all he was dedicated to the churches of Copdock and Washbrook.

As well as being a regular worshipper at both he had served on the PCC, was the reviser of the church Electoral Roll and an enthusiastic chairman of Copdock with Washbrook Church Heritage Trust.

Whatever ‘hat’ he was wearing Eddie was a constant source of ideas for development or fundraising which he then followed up quietly, efficiently and effectively. He and Daphne loved entertaining and annually in September they invited their many friends to a charity lunch, initially in aid of Sight-Savers (for whom Eddie used to give talks), but latterly for other good causes dear to their hearts. It was always felt that the good Lord looked kindly on their efforts as it was invariably a sunny day.

Never one to push himself forward his contribution to the community was recognised, with Daphne, by their being given a joint Babergh Achievement Award in 1999. A quiet, charming, unassuming man he will not be forgotten by the many with whom he came in touch.

To Daphne, Andrew and his granddaughter Poppy, tragically their daughter Mary died last December, are sent the condolences of all those who were privileged to know him.

JOHN GREEN Tributes were paid in the EADT recently to John Green, the noted sculptor, who lived and had his studio at Cookshop Corner on Pigeons Lane and who died earlier this year.

BENTLEY FIREWORKS DISPLAY IS BACK!

BROOK INN MAKEOVER

Bentley village will be holding a firework display this year for the first time in many years. It will see another community venture in a village that has already come together to accomplish the success of its volunteer run local shop and pub.

Shareholders at the community-owned Brook Inn spent two weekends clearing up the outside area of the Washbrook pub. The volunteers painted fences, cleared drains, weeded, pruned and cut back undergrowth around the Brook after the car park area had become a little overgrown.

There has been a lot of interest from local resideants for this to take place so the parish council has agreed to support a bonfire night and firework display. If successful, we hope that it can become an annual event.

Director and co-ordinator Keith Armes said it had been a good effort.

He said: “We appealed for help from shareholders and the volunteers did a great job in a relatively short space of time. Like any property, the Brook needs constant maintenance and upkeep to keep it looking fresh and inviting. Thanks to all those who gave up their time to improve the pub – it’s much appreciated.”

There will be a bonfire to huddle around, hot drinks for sale, a barbecue and lots of good Bentley village atmosphere. We also hope to be inviting children to make a Guy to enter into a Guy Fawkes parade.

So that we don’t clash with any other firework events, it will be held on Saturday, October 28 on the local village playing field. Further information and ticket sales will be forthcoming closer to the date, so watch this space, and do support us in making this a successful and enjoyable venture.

Last month marked the third anniversary of the community buy-out following a £400,000 fundraising effort to purchase the Brook Inn. It is the only independent pub in Suffolk to be accredited by Coeliac UK for its gluten free menu and last month saw it come top of an East Anglian Daily Times top 10 of GF food destinations in the region.

We would welcome any help with planning the event, and also volunteers to help on the night with such things as ticket sales, bonfire monitoring, barbecue and novelty sales. If you are interested in helping please contact Tim or Jan Hamstead: 01473 310897 / bentleyfireworks@yahoo.co.uk

Manager Mark Cooper added: “We’re very proud of our menu and all the fresh and wherever possible, local ingredients. Customers are starting to buy into what we’re trying to do and hopefully the pub will continue to flourish. Getting recognised in that top 10 was great for the pub, the staff and all our patrons.”

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NEWS NEWS FROM HOLBROOK AND SHOTLEY SURGERY Training days Our next training afternoons will be on Thursday, September 7 and Wednesday, October 4 when we will be shut from 1pm. Please ring 111 for advice if your query cannot wait until the following day. In an emergency, dial 999.

Flu days A reminder of our flu clinics for this year. They will run from 2-6pm as follows: Wednesday, September 27 & Tuesday, October 17 at Holbrook Thursdays, October 5 & 12 at Shotley No appointment is necessary, please just turn up at either site (you don’t have to go to your normal site) and book in at reception. If you are over 65 you have automatic entitlement, those patients under 65 who are identified as eligible will be contacted by letter prior to the clinics starting. Please note that if you are not eligible, we are unable to give private vaccinations at the surgery.

JAMES CARTLIDGE, MP FOR SOUTH SUFFOLK At this time of the year, as our towns and villages come alive with visitors, we are reminded of the importance of tourism to our local communities and economy. The constituency reaches from the undisturbed coastal beauty of the Shotley peninsula in the east, to Clare, one of our most distinctive wool towns, in the west.

I have been working with groups from across South Suffolk who are coming together to raise the profile of their area. In Shotley, residents have been fundraising to regenerate their 122-year-old historic pier. As Suffolk’s only remaining railway pier this project celebrates our coastal trading history and holds an ambitious vision for its future tourism offer.

On the other side of South Suffolk, I recently attended the launch of the Visit Clare initiative. By highlighting the wool trading history of Suffolk’s smallest town, and linking with our other best preserved wool towns – Lavenham, Long Melford and Hadleigh – they are increasing the footprint of our area in the tourism market. Due to enormous wealth that surrounded the trade of wool in the 12th-15th centuries our wool towns are lined with timber-framed buildings and boast elegant churches. More recently, one of these streets famously made it into the final Harry Potter film. Now a major tourist attraction, the De Vere House in Lavenham is currently heralded as the second most photographed door in the UK, preceded only by No.10! When you add these projects to the fantastic planned development of Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury it is clear that our tourism sector is extremely vibrant.

As a county, we are already attracting a high level of tourism with data showing that an estimated 52,000 holiday visits were made to Suffolk in 2016 by tourists from abroad. Compared to Norfolk for example, where there were 36,000 holiday visits in the same period, Suffolk is clearly working hard to attract individuals from around the world. In 2016 overseas visitors spent £62 million in Suffolk alone. In addition to our guests from further afield we also attract many hundreds of thousands of domestic tourists each year. By working together it is crucial that we continue to promote the bountiful and unique attractions of our area.

I hold regular advice surgeries offering help and support to local people.

Please see page 10 for my contact details.

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Saturday opening We do hold a surgery at Holbrook on Saturdays which the doctors run on a rotational basis. This is for pre-booked appointments only and not for walk ins. We are available to collect prescriptions, but do not have our phone lines open. If you need to see a doctor over the weekend and haven’t pre-booked please ring 111 and they will be able to book you an appointment at the GP+ service in Ipswich or another Suffolk location.

Patient Survey Results The results of the GP National Survey 2017 ordered by MORI are now online and the practice is proud to report that every single result was above the national average.

Thank you to all those who completed the survey and to the doctors and staff who provide such a valuable service to our patients.

Practice Manager Julia Smith

REWARDING VOLUNTEERING WITH HOME-START Volunteering can be an extremely rewarding role when you make a real difference to someone’s life.

Home-Start in Suffolk is a local charity supporting families in Suffolk. We are recruiting individuals especially in West and Mid Suffolk to join our team of volunteers supporting our Home Visiting Service and You’re in Control projects.

Home Visiting Service Our volunteers are trained to support families for whom the pressures of family life become too much to cope with alone. This can be for various reasons: isolation, illness, bereavement or post natal illness. Volunteers visit a family in their own home once a week for two-three hours. How they help is really down to the family itself. Some need someone to talk to, others need more practical support with meal planning and cooking, reading to the children, going to the local park or finding out about local services.

You’re in Control This is a Children In Need funded project to support children aged seven-12 years in Ipswich. Our volunteers support young people for two-three hours a week – evenings and weekends – providing one-one support, building self-esteem, giving emotional and practical support, doing fun activities and building a trusting and stable relationship.

Volunteers don’t need qualifications; friendliness and a caring attitude are essential as well as an understanding of the pressures of parenting.

We value people who don’t judge others; people who will respect the fact they have been invited into a family’s home. All volunteers undertake a minimum of 30 hours preparation training before they are matched to a family who would benefit from their skills and experience. We shall require a DBS check and references.

Volunteers can get a lot out of volunteering with Home-Start, a boost to self-esteem and confidence, even a foot on the job ladder as we offer OCN accredited Levels 1, 2 and 3 training. We also hold social events and opportunities for our volunteers to get together.

If you are interested in volunteering with Home-Start please contact Stephen Stokes: stephen@homestartinsufflok.org / 01473 822822

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NEWS COPDOCK & WASHBROOK PARISH COUNCIL Playing field/recreation area next to Copdock Village Hall The parish council is considering improving the area next to the village hall and would like to invite all residents to put forward their ideas and look at the proposals the parish council have made. There will be a meeting on Saturday, September 23 in the lounge at the village hall from 10.30am-noon. All residents welcome.

Telephone Box Library Some of you may have noticed the library in the telephone box had disappeared! This was dismantled as it was being used as a dumping ground. However, one of our parish councillors has resurrected the library, putting up new shelves ready for books. Please use the ‘swap library’ sensibly – putting books in only where there is enough space on the shelves. You may take books out without putting any in, but please only take what you need.

Copdock & Washbrook Parish Council would like to thank the local family who started up the ‘swap library’ in the first place; it was very well used and appreciated by residents.

NOTES FROM THE CASE Suffolk’s first Co-operative Pub 01473 805575 / www.thecasepubbentley.co.uk As we drift into autumn we look back on another pub summer with all the events it has brought – beer festivals, a garden party, barbecues, live music sessions. How many of those would we have had without the support and help of the members of our community who not only attend them but also work so hard to make them happen? Many thanks to all, and just keep coming and helping! Please volunteer if you can – we can never have enough volunteers.

Pub of the Week: If you were tuned to BBC Radio Suffolk on Friday, August 4, you will have heard our chairman, Kate, being interviewed about The Case on the Lesley Dolphin programme. We’re proud to have been chosen and it’s all good publicity!

Open Mic Night: The first of these, on August 1, exceeded our wildest dreams! The pub was packed with talented performers and appreciative listeners, and is certainly set to be a regular feature. The next one is on Tuesday, September 5 from 8pm. Sound equipment is provided – just bring yourself and your instrument. No need to book.

Quiz Nights: There are two in September: on Saturdays, September 2 (postponed from August) and 30. Curry will be served at both.

Finally, an appeal to our diners We are only a small pub with limited dining space, and recently we have had to turn away people wanting to eat because we simply couldn’t accommodate them. We hate having to disappoint customers and if you have a booking you are certain to get your meal. So please, especially if you are a group of five or more, please ring up beforehand (01473 805575) to book a table. If you are a group of eight or more, we also request you pre-order food to make sure you get exactly what you want.

It saves delays too. Our menus change regularly – find our current choices on the website.

REPORT TO PARISHES: DODNASH WARD – AUGUST 2017 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR JOHN HINTON Middle of the holiday time and normally, along with Westminster, council business tends to be on a slowdown! Not so at the moment.

Planning, as to be expected as there are too many objectors on holiday (well that’s the cynical approach), is racing ahead at a pace that is almost indecent. The three applications in East Bergholt were all approved by the committee with some very lonely votes against. The emphasis is being put upon the five year land supply which means that our local policies have ‘limited weight’ in a ‘tilted balance’. Unfortunately, the impression is that one side of the scales is nailed to the floor, as even with tens of policies against an application, ‘sustainability’ seems to trump all. Not how I read the various policies and I am sure it will be tested elsewhere. If it takes £¾million of contributions to make an application acceptable, is it sustainable? Challenges to the construction of the five year land supply, and the transparency of the information, are being made and I am sure that an acceptable solution will be found, one that does not effectively emasculate the electorate in favour of money making schemes.

The council is also having a special meeting to submit a response to the Boundary Commission on the size of the council and what the ward patterns will be. Unlike Westminster, where variances in electorate to MP numbers are constantly put on hold or delayed, we are being pushed rapidly to even up the ward sizes so that they are within a 10% variance. This will reduce the number of members from 54 to 32/30 depending on the council vote.

There is considerable concern in rural areas that there will be a predominance of ‘urban’ members that could be to the detriment of the countryside. There will be winners and losers, but we must ensure that it is the best possible compromise for all areas. I suspect that the next move will be to a complete reorganisation into ‘Unitary Councils’ with Babergh and Suffolk County Councils disappearing.

Talking of disappearing, the move to Endeavour House appears to be struggling. It was approved by council with considerable opposition in September 2016. The lease with SCC has still not been finalised as space is causing some problems and meetings scheduled to happen in Endeavour House suddenly revert back to Hadleigh. Back in September 2016 councillors were promised a business case with all the costs and savings, but that has still not appeared. It has all the makings of the ‘cost savings’ to be achieved from joining Babergh and Mid Suffolk staff together, which currently costs us more, and that’s without the multimillion cost of redundancies and pension top-ups. I have sympathy with the senior team and all the officers remaining as the architects of the scheme all appear to have left for pastures greener, leaving someone else to pick up the pieces.

Many residents including myself have difficulty contacting appropriate officers to answer queries and resolve problems. Not what we all expected. Only some members of the controlling group of councillors are still there. Some might say that is the reason for the rush to approve new homes regardless as it creates an income stream from government for the council to help balance the books.

SUFFOLK DEMENTIA HELPLINE 01473 353350

So there is plenty to keep your councillors busy, even during the holiday period. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will do my best to assist and obtain a satisfactory resolution for you.

We are here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

john.hinton@babergh.gov.uk / 01206 298309

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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NEWS SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM Dear Readers, As we approach the autumn we will soon be experiencing the darker evenings. May we remind you that when you go out, always try to leave a light on and make sure that all your doors and windows are locked. Make it look like you are at home, so as to deter opportunist burglars. Many DIY stores sell timer switches for lamps and other lights, a good investment through the coming winter months.

If you see anything suspicious, like a burglary in progress, suspicious vehicles or anyone acting suspiciously, please call 999. If you want to report a burglary that has already happened call 101. You the public are our eyes and ears when we are not around, so please do report to us.

When members of Hadleigh SNT are out and about in the villages that we patrol, we are always approached by residents who want to speak to us about parking and speeding within their village. We are totally aware that both of these cause concern to residents and we try our best to enforce and deal with them.

Currently we do have a few Community Speedwatch Schemes that run in villages. Their pro-active presence is often very productive and most often in any given period, many motorists are caught at speeding over the 30 miles per hour limit. These offenders are dealt with by way of a letter for a first and second offence unless very excessive speeds are recorded, and then on the third offence a visit from a police officer is carried out.

Parking is also a major problem in every village and town. May I remind all readers that double yellow lines mean no parking at any time and single yellow lines mean no parking between 0800-1800 Monday to Saturday. Ignoring these restrictions will incur parking tickets and a £30 fine. If there are any zig-zag lines in your town/village, particularly near to a school or a pedestrian crossing, these carry three points on your licence as well as a £100 fine. Depending on how many points you have on your licence, these extra three points could result in the loss of your licence.

Zig-zag lines are a safety measure and should be respected.

Finally, many villages and towns are currently experiencing pockets of anti-social behaviour. If you see or hear anything you feel is anti-social, please contact us at Hadleigh SNT and report what, when and where it is occurring. Please also ask yourself: Do you know where your children/grandchildren are after school and in the evenings?

Do you know who their friends are?

Do you know where they hang out?

Do you know what they are doing?

Better to find out now before you get a visit from police.

Remember you can follow Hadleigh Safer Neighbourhood Team on Twitter: @HadleighPOLICE Contact us via email: hadleigh.snt@suffolk.pnn.police.uk PCSO 3173 Julia Bignell, Hadleigh SNT, Hadleigh Police Station

DEATH CAFÉ 11am on Sunday, September 3 at St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone Did you take a sharp intake of breath when you thought about what a ‘Death Café’ might be all about? Well, you could Google it and we hope some of you will to get some history of how they started.

A Death Café is an event where people drink tea or coffee, eat lovely food and discuss death and related matters. It is a discussion with no agenda, objectives or particular themes and is filled with interesting conversation to raise awareness of death with a view to helping us all make the most of our lives.

Come and enjoy coffee, tea and cake with us and discuss this fascinating and often taboo subject. It is important to note that the Death Café is not a bereavement support or counselling session, rather a time to explore all aspects of death and dying in an objective way.

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CONSTABLE COUNTRY MEDICAL PRACTICE Dementia Dementia is a condition that can have a devastating impact on patients, their family and friends. However, the earlier it is identified, the more likely it is that the patient will retain a good quality of life and their dignity.

The practice has one of the lowest levels of dementia diagnosis across Suffolk. Although we would like to think this really is the case, we suspect the truth is that many patients suffering from dementia have not been formally diagnosed and are therefore not receiving the support and care they need. If you suspect a friend or family member may be suffering from dementia, please persuade them to make an appointment with a GP. A quick assessment at the practice may suggest dementia, in which case they will be referred to the Hospital for a comprehensive assessment, or their symptoms may be attributable to another cause.

For more information on dementia, visit: www.dementiauk.org / www.alzheimers.org.uk Dr Fayez Ayache After more than 30 years as a GP at the practice, Dr Ayache, our senior GP Partner, has decided to retire. He has been a steadying influence on the practice and been crucial in steering us through difficult times over the last few of years. Dr Ayache has earned the respect of not just patients and staff, but the health community in general across Suffolk and further afield. As an ENT specialist GP he has worked in the community at Hadleigh as well as at Ipswich Hospital. However, his biggest challenge has been supporting those in desperate need as a result of the conflict in his country of birth, Syria. He has been frequently interviewed by the media and has been a key supporter of a charity set up to help Syrian refugees. He will continue this work when he leaves the practice at the end of December. Dr Ayache has endeavoured to give all his patients the best care possible and would like to thank them all for their kindness and support over the years.

Annual Flu Clinics We are starting to prepare for our annual flu clinics. This year we will be administering a quadrivalent influenza vaccine to patients over 18.

Previously, the majority of seasonal influenza vaccines were trivalent meaning that they protect against three of the four main flu virus strains.

If the strain not covered turns out to be predominant then the vaccine is less effective. The new quadrivalent vaccine protects against all four strains and so will be effective irrespective of which strains are predominant in any one year. The vaccine is administered exactly the same as in previous years so patients will not experience any difference. The practice sources the quadrivalent vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur, one of the largest and most respected vaccine manufacturers in the world.

Our aim is to vaccinate as many patients as possible and start the vaccination programme as soon as we take delivery of the vaccines. This year we will be holding additional flu clinics at the end of October, though we urge all eligible patients to attend our main flu clinics on the following dates.

East Bergholt Medical Centre: Tuesday, September 26, 2-7pm (patients aged 18 year and over) Thursday, October 26, 3-6pm (children and adults) Capel St Mary Surgery: Thursday, October 5, 2-7pm (children and adults) Tuesday, October 31, 3-6pm (children and adults) The clinics will run on the same basis as previously: all eligible patients will receive a letter by mid-September inviting them to attend on one of the above days. Patients may attend any clinic, irrespective of where they live, and no appointment is needed.

Training Days A reminder that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for staff training: Thursday, September 7; Wednesday, October 4; Thursday, November 16. On these afternoons the doors will be closed so please ensure any prescriptions are picked up well beforehand. If you phone the practice the recorded message will ask you to ring 111 for medical assistance if your problem cannot wait until the next day.

Practice Manager Pete Keeble

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NEWS MESSAGE FROM YOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR: AUGUST 2017 Suffolk County Council launches its new strategic priorities On July 20, Suffolk County Council adopted its new strategic priorities document. This outlines SCC’s priorities for the next four years, building on the Conservative manifesto from the recent county council elections, in addition to several carefully considered strategies already in place. At its heart are three core principles – inclusive growth, health care and wellbeing, and efficient and effective public services. The council will focus energy and resources on these priorities, now and throughout this administration. Sound financial management, careful planning and a passion for finding new ways to deliver and protect frontline services are all fundamental to the approach. These priorities are deliverable because of the hard work and commitment of councillors and staff – working with partners, businesses and residents to make Suffolk a healthier and more prosperous place to live and work. The document can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/y8u2nkbh Council accepts recommendations for councillor allowances Suffolk County Council voted to accept the proposals made by an independent body called the Independent Remunerations Panel to increase allowances of the cabinet, deputy leader and leader. Every four years any council is required to appoint an Independent Remuneration Panel to look at and report on the allowance scheme for councillors. Last year the monitoring officer of the council put together an independent panel to undertake the work. The panel is unpaid and seeks to balance the need to make sure the scheme reflects the work undertaken with the need to keep costs down. They were asked to look at how the role of a councillor has changed since the last review and the workload some of the members take on.

The panel recommended no change to the level of basic allowance county councillors receive, but suggested an increase to the level of allowance for the roles of leader, deputy leader and cabinet by raising the way this is calculated which is by a multiplication of the basic allowance.

These recommendations put Suffolk County Council in line with other county councils.

The panel also felt that in comparison to other councils, Suffolk County Council had too many committees and so have recommended mergers of some with the removal of two committee chairman and less members with special responsibility which have been reflected in the number that have been appointed down to four. The overall effect of the proposals is cost neutral and that means they will not cost the council tax payers of Suffolk any more money.

Getting your recycling right The Suffolk Waste Partnership has launched a campaign in two of the county’s towns to tackle the cost of people placing the wrong items in their recycling bins. Getting your Recycling Right will be working with

around 1,800 homes in the Chantry area of Ipswich and a further 1,800 homes in central Lowestoft to help residents understand what can and can’t go in their recycling bin, while also aiming to reduce the £500,000 annual taxpayer cost of removing the wrong items from recycling bins.

The two areas identified are being targeted as historically they have had higher than average levels of recycling bin contamination.

In Suffolk, more than half of our household waste is recycled, but contamination levels have been rising as people increasingly put unsuitable items such as food, glass, electrical items and used nappies in their kerbside recycling bins. These items are potentially dangerous, can have a negative impact on the environment and ultimately cost the taxpayer extra money to clean up.

Homes in the campaign area can expect to receive a new information pack through their door as well as a helpful information sticker on their bins. In addition, contractors from Groundworks, working on behalf of the partnership, will be visiting homes to raise awareness and ask people to get their recycling right.

All recyclable waste collected from Suffolk households is taken to the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Great Blakenham where it is sorted and baled before being sent on for recycling. This facility is designed to only accept and process certain materials. If the wrong items are delivered they have to be removed, sometimes by hand.

To ensure the correct items are put into their recycling bins, residents are being asked to remember the following points to combat contamination: •

Food waste, glass, electrical items and batteries are just some of the common contaminants found. These items can’t go in your recycling bin at home, but they can be recycled elsewhere. Information on where they can be recycled is in the leaflet and online.

•

Textiles and clothes can no longer go in the recycling bin, either bagged or loose. Instead people are asked to donate their clothing to charity shops or to take it to their nearest recycling banks.

•

Some people are even putting used nappies in their recycling bins.

These must always go in the rubbish bin.

•

Anything smaller than 4cm, such as loose bottle tops or shredded paper, won’t get recycled as they fall through the sorting process. However, bottle tops can be recycled by simply washing and squashing plastic bottles and putting the tops back on.

•

Aluminium foil needs to be rolled into a tennis ball size before being placed in the recycling bin.

Regards and best wishes, Christopher Hudson

On our way to say goodbye, we drove past our first family home It’s the little things that make a funeral special

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OUT & ABOUT BRANTHAM AMATEUR THEATRICAL SOCIETY

IPSWICH MOBILE LIBRARY ROUTE 15 Route 15 Town/village MIP/15A Washbrook MIP/15B Washbrook MIP/15C Washbrook MIP/15D Burstall MIP/15E Elmsett MIP/15F Whatfield MIP/15G Hintlesham

Location Pearson’s Way Brook Inn Car Park Fenn View Telephone Kiosk Rose and Crown Wheatfields Timperleys

Time 9.50-10.40 10.45-11.15 11.20-11.40 11.50-12.15 12.40-13.05 14.05-14.50 15.05-16.00

2017 DATES: September 13, October 11, November 8, December 6

STOUR VALLEY ARTS & MUSIC Castalian String Quartet: Sunday, October 22, 4pm at St Mary the Virgin Church, East Bergholt Rebecca Hoskyns as Audrey and the Audrey 2 puppet, photography by John Simpson

Programme: Haydn’s Quartet op20 no2, Schumann’s Quartet in A minor op41 no1, Beethoven’s Quartet in A minor op132

The society is delighted to announce the next show they will be producing in February 2018 will be the smash hit comedy musical Sister Act. This is a musical adaptation of the Whoopi Goldberg film of the same name and is a wonderful combination of 1970’s Philadelphia soul (think Barry White and the Three Degrees) and fast action story with disco singing nuns and mean hoodlums.

Formed in 2011, this outstanding young quartet with its “richly romantic energy and passion” (Strad Magazine) is fast becoming a favourite of audiences in the United Kingdom and abroad. Almost immediately they were offered an award by the Elias Fawsett Trust and also the Countess of Munster Trust among others. In 2011 they achieved a Masters Degree in Chamber Music at the Hannover University of Music, Dance and Theatre, they then won first prize at the Lyon International Chamber Music Competition in 2015 and in 2016 they won third prize at the Banff International String Quartet Competition.

The music is by Alan Menken, who also wrote the music for Little Shop of Horrors, the previous year’s show, which BATS is also delighted to announce has been the recipient of no less than seven nominations in this year’s North East Essex Theatre Guild awards. The categories in which the show is recognised are: Best Musical, Best Musical Direction, Best Actor (Ryan Maslen), Best Young Actress (Rebecca Hoskyns), Best Costume, Best Set Design/Construction and Best Technical Achievement (for Audrey 2 Puppet).

There is also recognition for Bunkered, produced by the group in June, which is nominated for Best Costume, Best Supporting Actor (Mark Hinson) and Best Supporting Actress (Sophie Mercer). The awards evening is on Friday, September 8 at the Princes Theatre, Clacton, after which we hope to bring news of some positive results for the group.

There will be an introductory meeting for Sister Act on Tuesday, September 26 at 7.30pm in Brantham Village Hall to which anyone with an interest in getting involved will be warmly welcomed. Anyone wishing to find out more about the show and the group before this meeting should contact John Hoskyns: 07739 899414

EAST BERGHOLT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CAR BOOT SALE East Bergholt High School September 17, 9.30am-noon Admission 50p Refreshments available Free car park Pitches In advance: Cars £5, with trailers £7, domestic vans £10 On the day: £1 extra No traders Gates open 8.30am for sellers ( 07776 291445

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SVAM’S 67th season continues with: Sunday, November 12: Trio con Brio Copenhagen, St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt, 4pm Sunday, December 3: Gold and Dirt – Reflections on an Architectural Journey, illustrated lecture by architect John Lyall, Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, 4pm Sunday, January 21: Bartosz Glowacki, classical accordion, Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, 4pm Sunday, February 18: Savitri Grier (violin) and Richard Uttley (piano), St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt, 4pm Sunday, March 4: Young Musicians Concert* with talented local musicians 16 and under, Constable Hall, Gandish Road, East Bergholt, 4pm Sunday, March 18: Sacconi Quartet and Michael Collins (clarinet), St Mary’s Church, East Bergholt, 4pm *not included in season ticket Tickets: 01206 298426 / svamtickets@btinternet.com / www.svam.org.uk

INFORMAL PERFORMANCE BY FATHER AND SON Don’t miss this chance to hear the father and son duo Andrew and Carl Sterling playing together in St Michael’s Church, Woolverstone. They have an exciting programme of jazz, soul, classical music and original works. The concert is on Friday, September 29, starting at 7.30pm.

Donations in the region of £7.50 will be welcome on the day and this will include nibbles and drinks.

All money made will go to the Babergh Green Party. For more information contact Laura Smith: lsmith68@yahoo.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT ST MICHAEL’S MONTHLY MARKET

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

Fruit, vegetables, cakes, bread, meat and an interesting range of handcrafted items which helps present buying.

East End Butchers are pleased to be the market’s resident meat supplier.

CAPEL LIBRARY We have had a very busy summer with the annual Summer Reading Challenge. To date 116 children are registered and are well on their way to completing the reading of their six books throughout the summer holidays. We have had an interesting selection of books shared with the children and they have very much enjoyed the continuity of reading throughout the school break. We are sure that the teachers will have noticed a difference in their reading ability when they return to school in September. The presentation ceremony will be on Sunday, September 24 at 1.30pm in the village hall so we do hope that you will be able to join with the staff on congratulating the finishers and celebrating their achievements.

To all those who registered and finished at Capel Library, we invite you to join with us on Sunday, October 1 at 2.30pm in the village hall where we will be entertained by Ollie the Magician. That is sure to be a good time.

If you would like to place on order with them it can be collected at the market each month. Their number for orders is 01206 392190.

The staff would like to pass on our very grateful thanks to our small band of volunteers who have helped us through our busy six-week period, without them the challenge would not be the success that it is.

Come along to mingle with your friends, have a cup of coffee and a bacon buttie and enjoy the lovely venue.

Our regular clubs restart this month.

New stalls welcome. Contact Jane Gould: 01473 780777

CAPEL SINGERS We shall begin rehearsals for Christmas in October. It is clear that we shall need more sopranos and basses for the concert this year as Lis Lifford, one of our stalwarts, has moved home to Wales. If you would like to take part, please ring Chris: 07723 333238

Minecraft: Sundays 10 and 24, 10.30am-12.30pm (free) Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Babybounce: Tuesdays 12, 19 and 26, starting at 2pm (free) Open to all, children under five to be accompanied by an adult. The numbers at this group are small so it is a good opportunity to come along and make new friends while singing nursery rhymes and shaking musical instruments.

Capel Library Book Group: Friday 15 at 2.30pm (free) Do come along and join in this group to discuss their latest book and make recommendations for new ones to read and enjoy and share your thoughts with others.

On September 10 we will be at Bentley Fun Day with our stall of books for sale. Stock up on your winter reading. Out thanks to all who have donated books to enable us to have such a wide selection.

Capel Creators: Saturday 30, 10.30am-12.30pm Do drop in to create something special and make new friends. 50p per child which includes a drink and a biscuit. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. All creations are displayed in the Library for all to see.

September 19 is the community cinema at 7.30pm. Make sure you book tickets as we are frequently close to the permitted number for the library room. It is so nice to walk to a local cinema with people who have come to watch the film, indeed may have voted for it, as we take our customers views seriously.

Don’t forget that we sell books of first and second class stamps and book tokens.

FRIENDS OF CAPEL LIBRARY

On September 14 at 12.30pm we have the presentation of awards to all those who have completed their reading challenge during the summer.

It is so good to see so many signing up and hopefully many will have completed their quota of books by the time you read this. For those who have completed the challenge there is an extra incentive; reading game entertainment with Ollie the Magician on October 1. So hurry up and finish your books to be able to attend.

The continuing success of the community cinema takes us closer to our target to modernise the reception area. With the help of our county councillor we hope to be able to begin this work early in the New Year.

Have you put off buying an iPad because you feel unsure about using one? Why not borrow one from the library to see how you get on with it.

We have two available and we also have someone who will show you the ropes. Be quick though because Trevor is booked up into October now.

Katherine and Ali are running again in the East of England Run in October.

Please sponsor them so that the Friends can benefit. Forms are at the library desk.

Friends of Capel Library Community Cinema: Viceroy’s House on Tuesday 19; doors open at 7pm for film commencing at 7.30pm.

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

TEA & COMPANY Monday, September 18 at Wenham View, Dove Close All welcome to come along from 2.30pm £1.50 for tea/coffee and homemade cakes Raffle Supported by The Capel Ladies

Lottery winners for August: A Watts £20; Alison Stewart £10 ; Bryn Hurren £8; Sandra Robson £5.

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OUT & ABOUT

BENTLEY CARPET BOWLS BEETLE DRIVE Saturday, September 2, 7.30pm Tickets £5 to include supper and wine or a soft drink Tickets available from Veronica Howe: 01473 310344 Raffle

We would appreciate your help in sending filled shoeboxes to children abroad who have very little at Christmas. There are leaflets telling you about this in various places including Tattingstone CoE Village Hall, Lodge Cottage and Bentley CoE. You can fill boxes or give us items, donations or empty boxes 12x6x4” deep so we can make them up at the end of October at our workshop in Tattingstone. Any queries please contact Kath Chalkley: 01473 328118 / kathchalkley@gmail.com

NEW FILM SEASON AT PENPIX

SUFFOLK BOOK LEAGUE Spend an evening with award winning novelist Emma Healey.

Emma grew up in London, where she completed her first degree in book binding and graduated from the MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in 2011. Her debut novel, Elizabeth is Missing, won Best First Novel at the Costa Book Awards.

Emma will be appearing at Ipswich Institute Reading Room (15 Tavern Street, IP1 3AA) on Wednesday, September 13 as part of Suffolk Book League’s 2017 programme of events.

Doors open at 7pm, event starts at 7.30pm. General admission is £8 (members £4). Students free with ID. Tickets to be paid for on the door.

Reservations can be made by emailing: tickets@sbl.org.uk www.sbl.org.uk

BRANTHAM 2017 ANNUAL GARAGE SALE

Tattingstone Penpix kicks off the new season with Hidden Figures, the heart-warming story of the African-American women who performed the complex calculations (they were actually called ‘Calculators’!) needed for the NASA first manned space flights. In those dark days, these ladies were badly treated but they overcame prejudice and excelled both personally and for their country.

Join us at Tattingstone Village Hall at 8pm on Thursday, September 7.

Refreshments available. £4.50 on the door or £4 in advance from: The Wheatsheaf, The White Horse, Stutton Community Shop, Bentley Community Shop or The Case is Altered. We have a text service – just text your name and the numbers of tickets required to: 07732 709656

Saturday, September 16, 9.30am-4.30pm Open garages selling items throughout the village. Look for the balloons and signs throughout Brantham, on the A137

This film show also serves as the Peter Ward Memorial screening. Peter was a staunch supporter of Penpix and also of Ipswich Diabetic Society.

There will be a collection at the screening for the society.

Table top sale at the village hall, also refreshments, handcrafts, preserves, tombola, ice cream and much more.

See you there!

The Penpix Team

We need a £5 minimum donation to book your garage or village hall table. For more details please contact Maya, Louise or Maggie.

ALTON BELLES

If you like to help in any way either on or before the day, or wish to donate items for sale or for the tombola, please call Maya or Maggie.

Proceeds will go to St Elizabeth Hospice (Carla Dawson’s Tribute Fund) and Nepal Children’s Trust which supports children in Nepal.

Maya: mayawatling@hotmail.com / 07508 430671 Louise: Louloumadley@btinternet.com / 07792 236414 Maggie: maggie1woods@googlemail.com / 07867 546484 Facebook: Brantham Garage Sale

MANNINGTREE METHODIST CHURCH BOOK SALE Saturday, September 30, 10am-3pm

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Formerly Tattingstone and Wherstead WI Alton Belles met at Tattingstone Village Hall on July 20 when Sean Day from the Harwich Mayflower project spoke about his dream to build a replica of the Mayflower and sail it to the USA in 2020.

The Harwich Mayflower Project is a UK registered charity based at Harwich Town railway station. The project was begun several years ago with the idea of providing apprenticeships in marine engineering as well as business administration for young people in Harwich.

To date, the project has trained more than 600 young local people. Sadly though, the project has run into financial difficulties and it would seem that most of their efforts at present are going into raising money. They have recently received a donation of railway memorabilia and their plan is to re-open the station as a museum.

This is the last sale we are holding this year with more than 2,000 titles for your perusal.

Our next meeting will be on September 21 at Tattingstone Village Hall when Viv Newman will be our guest speaker with a talk entitled Tumult and Tears: First World War Female Poets.

So pop along on September 30 and buy quality books at bargain prices, then stay a while and enjoy a bowl of homemade soup, a slice of cake or just a hot drink.

If you would like more information about our meetings and how you can join the WI please give Tamzin a ring on 328670. Visitors are always welcome and the first meeting is free. Come and join us.

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OUT & ABOUT CAMEO

1st CAPEL ST MARY SCOUT GROUP

There was no get-together in July or August, but we will be back on September 11 with a Macmillan fundraising afternoon. We will be joined

by Garry from The Rural Coffee Caravan, who always brings us news and information.

Next year is a special year for 1st Capel St Mary Scout Group as we will be celebrating our 50th birthday. We have various activities planned to mark this but our big event will be a group camp from Friday, June 29 to Sunday, July 1 at Vauxhall Farm, Great Wenham. On Saturday, June 30 we will be inviting friends and past members to join us there for a special celebration. Please watch this space for further details, or contact Gill Williams for more information: gillianwillia@btconnect.com

The aim of Belstead CAMEO (Come and Meet Every One) is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet each other for tea, coffee, refreshments and chat on a drop-in basis. The club is not-for-profit and there is no charge, but a small donation towards refreshments is much appreciated.

Non-residents are very welcome at a charge of £1 – the set-up costs were part funded by the parish council so in fairness we need to levy a small fee for anyone not paying council tax to the parish.

Belstead is a friendly village and we want to increase this community spirit, both on personal and business levels. We aim to promote all types of local interests and have notice boards showing events, along with information on businesses and charities. You would be amazed at the wealth of talent and scope of business in our small village! It’s always good to know if somebody in the village has recommended the businesses whose cards and information we display.

We meet at Belstead Village Hall on the second Monday of the month between 2.30 and 4.30pm. We hope to see you on September 11.

Sandra Howard

EAST SUFFOLK NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION 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 at 7.15pm.

Our next meeting is on September 19 when Stuart Hines will be talking about the Garretts of Leiston and in particular the Long Shop Museum.

He will tell us the history of the museum, an integral part of the Garrett Engineering Works and a company which played a prominent role in bringing the industrial revolution to rural Suffolk. He will also outline the wider influence of the Garrett family in Suffolk, including two pioneering women – Millicent Garrett Fawcett and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.

Saturday, September 23, 2-4pm in the Scout Hut Capel St Mary Primary School Admission 50p, accompanied children free.

Please leave your jumble outside after 9.30am for collection.

We cannot accept underwear, electrical goods or any items larger than a bread bin as we are unable to dispose of them.

CRAFTERS UNLIMITED A craft club for people who like to try different crafts in a light hearted atmosphere, meeting on the first Monday of the month (except for bank holidays when it’s the following Monday).

Monday, September 4: AGM plus demonstration and talk on barge painting by Janet Prince (with a chance to have a go) Samples of each project are displayed the month before and other projects are available.

On October 17 John Field will tell us about the history of the Ipswich Wet Dock, from its opening in 1842, its decline and subsequent regeneration.

Saturday workshops (10am-4pm) and Monday meetings (7.3010pm) are held in Wherstead Village Hall Meeting Rooms.

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

Contacts: Ann: 01473 780298 / Jill: 01473 713534

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

IPSWICH & DISTRICT HISTORICAL TRANSPORT SOCIETY Friday, September 29: On the Railway Lines to Yarmouth and Lowestoft, illustrated talk by Stuart Mcnee We meet at 7pm at the Salvation Army Citadel, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Entrance via the rear car park. Visitors welcome – £3.50 at door including tea/coffee.

Details from: 01473 414746/422145 www.idhts.co.uk

VILLAGE LINK CLUB At our August meeting Janet Dann presented a very entertaining talk entitled Suffolk Chapter & Verse. In this she read excerpts from a number of poets who lived in Suffolk over the years. Afterwards members enjoyed a fish and chip lunch followed by a selection of desserts.

The subject of our meeting on September 13 is elderly drivers. Future talks this year will be: Jewel of the Canaries, A Year as Mayor of Ipswich, Christmas Special Message & Carols, First Aid & AED – Demonstration of First Aid & Techniques, Dad’s Army Legendary TV Programme, History of Scarecrows, Pray Silence for ? and History of Butley Priory.

Meetings are held at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month in Tattingstone Village Hall. Following the speaker we have refreshments (when there is time for a chat with other members) and a raffle. New members and visitors are welcome to join us. We normally hold a members’ lunch after the August and February meetings.

Roger Felgate, 01473 311684

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OUT & ABOUT STOUR VALLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB On Wednesday, July 19 we held our summer lunch, to which we invited our spouses and Probus widows. This year we moved to The Haywain and the occasion was enjoyed by all. We don’t hold speaker meetings in August We return after our break on Wednesday, September 6 when Tom Williams presents Everyone Has a Book in Them. Philip Roberts’ talk on Wednesday, September 20 is entitled The Mary Rose.

Our first October meeting is on Wednesday 4 when Roy Wood will tell us how to enjoy a healthy retirement, followed on October 18 with a talk entitled The Royal Family by David Ablewhite. On November 1 Ted Wheatley presents Overland to India and on November 15 Dennis and Ann Kell will present Wildlife in the Falklands.

RSPB FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN Who did the barn owl have for supper?

Reluctant feet have put on new school shoes and it isn’t long before the summer holidays are a distant memory. Our summer visitors have watched, drawn and attempted to identify bumble bees, measured trees to estimate their ages, made pine cone hedgehogs, starling finger puppets and bird feeders.

We don’t have a speaker meeting in August, but our popular summer dinner took place on August 4, once again in the Constable Hall and was much enjoyed by all who attended.

As usual, the star family activity of the summer has been dissection of owl pellets. Little do the local barn owls know that the indigestible remains of their suppers, privately coughed up in neat pellets, have provided so much intrigue and speculation. Once soaked in water, the gentle teasing away of the softened fur of the prey starts to reveal clues about the identity of the victims. Tiny bones from voles and shrews emerge and it’s amazing how complete a lot of them still are. With a good guide sheet, families have even been able to identify ear cavities. And what joy when a complete skull is revealed! Some pellets contain two or three of them. Occasionally the remains of small birds are found, leg bones and beaks. But perhaps the most exciting, and for some strange reason ‘personal’ finds, are tails from small mammals, still slightly furry. Maybe it’s because we can imagine these being the very last part of the wriggling, live prey to disappear through the beak and into the depths of the owl’s stomach.

Apart from being something out of the ordinary for children to do during the holidays, this activity is a great way to engage them with the natural world and the idea that everything in nature is linked. It illustrates the food chain in action.

Our speaker on September 13 is David Whittle, vice-chairman of the Harwich Society, whose presentation is entitled I Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside. The presentation tells how the Victorians were suddenly able to travel due to the harnessing of steam in the form of paddle steamers and railways, leading to the development of seaside resorts on the Essex and Suffolk coasts, including Harwich and Dovercourt.

In a nutshell, that’s what Flatford Wildlife Garden is about. In the garden we aim to look after all the smallest creatures and thence the bigger creatures higher up the pecking order too. Without them, how much poorer we would all be, if we could survive at all. Why not come along to the garden, see what goes on here and take home some ideas. Autumn is a good time to start.

Being a woman racing driver and racing at Le Mans is the subject of our talk by Celia Stevens on October 11. She will talk of her experience of racing historic cars three times at Le Mans Classic, once at Nuremburg and all over the UK. And she is still racing!

If you have some spare time available and would be interested in volunteering with the RSPB locally, do get in touch for information about the range of roles available. for more details contact: 01206 391153 / shirley.sampson@rspb.org.uk

On Wednesday, November 8, event organiser Eve Regelous, who worked closely with Harrods, will give a glimpse of behind the scenes of day-today life in this world famous company, including its history.

Visitor Experience Officer Sharon Barker Image By David Braddock (rspb-images.com)

Our club endeavours to be simple in structure, free of the constraints and obligations of service clubs and involve members at minimal cost. The club is directed primarily to providing fellowship between members who are compatible with each other and the opportunity for development of acquaintances. New members are welcomed.

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

STOUR VALLEY U3A

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

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

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

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CAPEL COUNTRYSIDE CLUB We resume our meetings on September 12 with a talk by Suffolk craftsman Roger Kennell entitled Our Heritage of Brick Building in East Anglia. It promises to be an interesting evening. You are welcome to join us as a visitor for the evening.

We meet in the Methodist Church Hall lounge at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Refreshments are served after the meeting, do come and join us.

Doreen Parker: 01473 311267

ALLOTMENT PLOTS IN CAPEL Half plots are available at £16 per annum. So if you live in or around Capel and fancy a go at growing your own please contact Dennis: sitemanager@capelallotments.co.uk / 01473 310988

In Touch online:

Shimmy, Shake, Wiggle & Giggle Dance Fitness

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

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

Call Janet on 07506 350 455

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

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

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

Full, part-time and sessional care for children aged 3 months to 11 years.

Forest School Te l e p h o n e : 01473 310767

Ofsted Registered

info@robinschildcare.co.uk www.robinschildcare.co.uk The Street, Capel St Mary Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 2JE

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

Grant Funding 2, 3 and 4 year

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ON THE GRAPEVINE EBONY’S BLOG: LIFE AT THE SHELLEY CENTRE It’s the start of a new year for our school age riders we are so excited to see you all again and to hear about your new classes. Even our adult riders are embarking on new challenges, some of them aiming to get more qualifications, some of them trying for certificates, and some just wanting to enjoy the contact with horses again after a long summer break.

For those of you who are new to Shelley, a big welcome!

I write my blog from the ‘quiet room’ in which I am firmly anchored, facing the yard that I can spy through the door. It is an interesting position to be in; my sister simulator Babs is much older and smaller than me but she works just as hard because she is easier to mount for some of our older riders who use the hoist. We may be machines, but our action replicates that of a real horse. As I am more sophisticated than Babs I actually look rather handsome, and my riders can use the normal aids to make me change pace, etc. So if you are coming up to the yard for any reason please come in to our room and meet us, we love to show off.

As is always the case, we should love to have more human help too.

If you are suddenly an empty nester with your darling last child safely launched, or your big four year old starting school this term, do think about doing a couple of hours a week here with us, You will be surprised at how good it feels to be helping the Shelley team do what we do!

01473 824172 / www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS My goodness, what a lovely open day we had last month. Lots of people came to see the animals awaiting new homes, to browse the games and stalls or show off their pets in the Fun Dog Show.

Darrell from Gladwell & Son came to help dispense the rosettes his company had kindly sponsored and pupils from Bentley and Copdock Primary Schools who won the art competition came to collect their prizes. We were amazed to find £4,650 was raised, thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success. The icing on the cake is that several dogs were rehomed as a result of the event which celebrated 25 years of animal rescue at Leavenheath.

The fundraisers are busy preparing for a £1 sale in Hadleigh next month and our Christmas Fair in November, but first they are holding a Barking Basement weekend sale at the sanctuary. There will be everything from curtains to cameras, bags to books, toys to trousers so bag a bargain, 10am-1pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24. Hope to see you there.

The days are beginning to grow shorter so it’s time for my evening trot around the garden before dinner. Soon all the animals will be tucked up safe and sound, including me Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua!

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

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QUESTIONS ON CASH With Independent Financial Adviser Nick Plumb Gary from Kesgrave asks: “I recently read an article about being under-insured. It has been a while since my wife and I took out life insurance and it made me realise that the value of our existing policies could probably do with being ‘topped up’. So, I went onto a popular comparison website to get some insurance quotes. I was amazed to find that five years after taking out life insurance policies with our bank, we can now get the same amount of cover elsewhere for much less money each month. How can this be? Surely the cost of life insurance should get more expensive as you get older?”

Gary is right. Many people are under-insured, usually because their financial situation has not been regularly reviewed. For most couples, life insurance is purchased to protect the spouse and children in the event of the death of the main income provider. To calculate the sum assured, most financial advisers will work on a multiple of net salary for a term that would enable the surviving spouse and children to maintain their standard of living. For example, if the net (after tax) income to be replaced on death is £12,000, and the children would need financial support for the next 10 years, the sum assured would be 10 x £12,000 = £120,000.

However, since they took out their original policies the salaries of most people will have increased, and the sum assured within their existing policy may not now provide enough cover. It is therefore important to review this on a regular basis. The good news for those who do that, is that it is often possible to re-broke existing life insurance policies to a new policy for a lower price. In some cases, it is even possible to find more cover for less money than you are already paying.

Although this would seem strange, there are good reasons for it.

Firstly, banks have traditionally sold their own life insurance policies to their customers. Unfortunately, if you shopped around, you would find that these are generally not the lowest cost policies available and the premiums can in fact be quite expensive. Secondly, the life insurance business has become very cut-throat in recent years, with many new providers such as supermarkets and internet-based companies entering the business. This has driven down the cost of premiums generally and it is therefore not unusual to find that you can now get the same cover at a lower price than you are currently paying, or get a much higher level of cover for the same premium.

This means that your existing life policy may not now offer you the lowest premium, and as Gary has found, by shopping around and changing your policy, you could save yourself some money! However, beware price comparison websites as not all insurers are listed on these sites. In my opinion, you would be better to contact an independent financial adviser and ask him or her to conduct a free search of the entire marketplace for you, so that you get the best possible life insurance prices.

Nick Plumb is an Independent Financial Adviser and Practice Principal at Plumb Financial Services. Post your questions to Nick at Plumb Financial Services, The Old Police House, Baylham Business Centre, Lower Street, Baylham, Suffolk IP6 8JP, email Nick at nickplumb@aol.com, or telephone him on 01473 830301. Nick’s answers to reader’s questions in this column are provided only as a general guide and do not constitute personal financial advice. Any readers who require advice should contact Nick to arrange a complimentary and without obligation initial consultation to discuss their own position and requirements. Plumb Financial Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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SCHOOLS CLAYDON PRE-SCHOOL So the summer break is already over and we are now, hopefully, all refreshed and ready to start the new autumn term. We will be welcoming back some of our existing children, along with quite a few new ones and we are really looking forward to meeting them all and getting starting on lots of new creations, fun times and memories.

We will be open from Monday, September 4 for all our year round children and from Wednesday, September 6 for all of our termtime children.

From September 2017 we will be opening for 51 weeks of the year, not including bank holidays, and from 8am to 4pm. Due to the year round hours and the introduction of the additional 15 hours funding for parents of three to four year olds who work, we are proving very popular from September. As we will be open throughout each of the school holidays we will have the option to take children up to five years old for additional sessions during these weeks, subject to availability. Please contact the administration assistant for details.

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

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

BENTLEY & COPDOCK PRIMARY SCHOOLS With the summer holidays already feeling like a distant memory, we embark upon a new school year. With last year’s Year 6 children heading off to high school, we welcome a new group of children to our schools to start their journey with us.

The children have been learning about William Henry Hewitt who was awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War. As a school we are looking forward to the celebrations organised to recognise his connection to the village.

Bentley has seen some visible changes over the summer with the construction of a new conservatory creating a new learning space which will be well used by the children.

We would like to thank everybody who donated Active Kids vouchers from Sainsbury’s. We collected more than 5,150 at Copdock and more than 3,000 at Bentley and have used them to purchase some exciting new sports equipment. We are all looking forward to using that in the coming months.

If any of our recent leavers discover they have uniform or PE kit that they no longer need, they could donate it to our spares box at school.

We are looking forward to the annual Macmillan Coffee get-together scheduled for Friday, September 29 – look out for posters around the village confirming the time and place.

Bentley currently has a vacancy for a midday supervisor; if anyone is interested please contact the school office on 01473 310253 for more information.

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

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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SCHOOLS / SPORT PUPILS RISE TO FIELD GUN CHALLENGE

BELSTEAD CARPET BOWLS CLUB

Aching muscles and sore bruises were forgotten for pupils of Royal Hospital School when they took third place at the Junior Leaders Field Gun competition, one of the toughest physical contests of its kind.

It’s been a much busier month with four games to report. We started with the return match against Chelmondiston and against a weakened team we ran out on top 10-0, this meaning we had beaten them twice in five days. The next match was again at home against Brantham who were totally outclassed which gave us another 10-0 win with a shot count of 86-16.

The team from RHS dismantled and re-assembled a 1.5 tonne field gun while hauling it from one end of a Royal Navy parade ground and back again, competing against teams from across the country. The weight of the gun is equivalent to a small family car without any brakes – it has to be moved and, more importantly, stopped using the physical exertions of the team.

The 17 and 18-year-old boys and girls from Holbrook were one of the youngest teams in the competition pitted against teams from Royal Navy training establishments at HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan and a team from RAF Cosford. Other teams represented sea cadets, university technical colleges and other mainstream colleges. Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Jeremy Woodcock was the guest of honour for the event held at HMS Collingwood in Hampshire.

The RHS crew spent four days with the other teams based with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth learning and training for the field gun competition.

The RHS team ran a perfect first heat winning it with no penalties against them. A strong performance in their second heat put them into the final where they were narrowly beaten into third place.

RHS Crew Vice Captain Josh Mellors said: “We did incredibly well to achieve third place overall in the competition beating the team from HMS Sultan as well as all of the UTC and college teams that entered this year. The crew bonded together superbly, showing true grit and teamwork throughout the week, never losing hope or faith even when battling multiple injuries.”

RHS Royal Navy liaison Mark Edmondson said: “All of the young people in the RHS team have done an amazing job and should be really proud of what they have achieved. We have got some very tired students – some bruises, some strains and some aches and pains from what is a very physical challenge – but we also have young people who have grown and matured before our eyes during this week.”

The field gun tradition came from the Boer War when the Royal Navy landed guns from two ships and then transported them over difficult terrain to relieve the siege of Ladysmith.

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Then came Great Blakenham, a team that we have had some very close and enjoyable games against so it was very satisfying for us to inflict a 10-0 win. The last match was at Harkstead and after some very good bowling we won 7-3, so with four wins and 37 points things are looking good in the league, but we still have four games to play.

EAST BERGHOLT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB Pre-season training commenced on July 3 and there have been a number of friendly matches to bring the players up to match fitness. There is much anticipation at this time of year.

UPCOMING FIXTURES 1st Team / Senior Division Sat, Sep 2: Leiston St Margarets (A) Sat, Sep 9: Felixstowe Harpers Utd (A) Sat, Sep 16: Crane Sports (H) Sat, Sep 23: Grundisburgh (A) Sat, Sep 30: Bramford Utd (H) Reserves / League A Sat, Sep 2: Achilles Res (A) Sat, Sep 9: AFC Hoxne Res (H) Sat, Sep 16: To follow (A) Sat, Sep 23: To follow Sat, Sep 30: To follow (A) A Team / League B Sat, Sep 9: Bacton Utd 89 Res (H) Sat, Sep 16: To follow Sat, Sep 23: To follow Sat, Sep 30: To follow Fixtures are subject to change. Please refer to the fixtures website and chose the appropriate competition to confirm: http://fulltime.thefa.com/Index.do?league=4358069 If you would like to sponsor the club in some capacity we would also be delighted to hear from you. Club strips, dugouts, banners or boards on match days are all potential exposure for your business while supporting a local organisation.

Steve Butcher: stevebutcher55@btinternet.com

In Touch online:

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

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CHURCH NEWS THE NORTH SAMFORD BENEFICE Sproughton with Burstall, Copdock with Washbrook and Belstead & Bentley with Tattingstone For parish queries please contact: The Rev Annette Shannon The Rectory, Glebe Close, Sproughton IP8 3BQ revannettes@aol.co.uk / 01473 807674 Benefice Administrator Hayley Purnell northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com / 07713 863023 NOT BY ICE CREAM ALONE Seen this summer on a family size tub of ice cream: “Bring your family together! With W….’s delicious ice cream that everyone loves, it is so easy to connect, laugh and truly bond. So get the spoons ready and say goodbye serious, hello joy!”

They make it sound so easy: share ice cream, share joy! But we know it takes more than shared ice cream to make happy families. What’s more, happiness and joy differ. Happiness is an emotion and joy is an attitude.

Emotions come and go, but attitudes come and grow. From our growing attitudes we develop our normal habits.

Sitting round the dining table chatting recently my phone buzzed; it had received a text. Out of habit, I took a look at the message, whereupon my 47-year-old son-in-law remarked: “I don’t know! These young people with their tech at table habit. It wasn’t like that in my young days!” His gentle irony (I’m 73) highlighted the difficulty of keeping the connections between people in each other’s company strong and joyful, when we easily become distracted.

Of course, phones and Skype can help link far flung families, but the same technology can divide us from our situation and those nearby. You have probably seen someone go through the entire checkout of their shopping at the supermarket, while talking on their phone and ignoring the person serving them. More disturbing is the white van hurtling towards us erratically while the driver takes a call. Driver distraction is not new. Most of us have seen drivers reading maps, books and newspapers on the M25. Eating, smoking, applying makeup… They all contribute to the hazards we face daily because some don’t care about other people.

Such unsociable and sometimes dangerous habits stem, I think, from our attitude of undervaluing the ordinary, the everyday, familiar aspects of life. We get into the habit of only giving them part of our attention. We seem restless and impatient, easily distracted from the here and now, just getting by rather than paying full attention to who and what is close.

Each day is a God-given gift. Each person is loved by God. Yes, despite our natural selfishness, our knack of messing up relationships, hurting those nearest to us and not giving each person the value God places on them, God keeps on loving us because that’s his nature.

Saint John wrote: “God is love and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them.” (1 John 4:16) Many wedding ceremonies begin with those words. They show how God can share our closest relationships by his Holy Spirit. But he will only do that by invitation. Normally, God does not force himself upon us. If we accept his love and behave towards others recognising them as his dearly loved children, we reap a harvest of joy. But not joy alone. Like the fruits we gather as summer ends, joy comes with other ‘fruits of God’s Spirit’: love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So don’t just rely on shared ice cream! Let’s share life as God’s dearly loved children, praying to our Father in heaven, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

With my prayers and best wishes for a fruitful autumn, Don Mehen All services and events are updated at: www.facebook.com/northsamfordbenefice

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Bentley Evening Prayer Join us for quiet contemplation on Fridays, September 8 and 22 at 6.30pm.

Suffolk Churches Ride & Stride: September 9, 9am-5pm Harvest Lunches/Supper September 24: Bentley Harvest Lunch, noon September 24: Belstead Harvest Lunch, 12.30pm October 6: Copdock Harvest Supper, 7pm October 8: Burstall Harvest Lunch, 12.15pm October 8: Tattingstone Harvest Supper from 6pm / supper at 7pm FROM THE REGISTERS Weddings Samuel Chaplin and Jemma Bell – Belstead William Hepworth and Kathryn Harrison – Copdock Justin Curtis and Theresa King – Sproughton Patrick Yates and Holly Narborough – Copdock David Burt and Jessica Loomes – Copdock Christopher Hodges and Sophie Fitch – Sproughton Daniel De Vaux Balbirnie and Anita Grinham – Tattingstone James Cameron and Holly Eade – Belstead Baptisms Sophie Margetson – Copdock Funerals John Green – Sproughton Internment of Ashes Derek Wilfred Brown – Tattingstone SEPTEMBER 2 Copdock Morning Market, 10am 5 Churchwarden’s Meeting, Sproughton, 10am 6 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 7 Bentley Coffee and Company, 10am

Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm 8 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am 9

Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride, 9am-5pm 11 Comfort Corner, Sproughton Church Hall, 1.30-3pm 20 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 22 Bentley Evening Prayer, 6.30pm 24 Bentley Harvest Lunch, noon

Belstead Harvest Lunch, 12.30pm 27 Joint PCC Meeting, Sproughton School, 7.30pm 30 Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm OCTOBER 4 Bentley Home Communions, 10am 5 Bentley Coffee & Company, 10am

Burstall Community Lunch, 12.30pm 6 Copdock Harvest Supper, 7pm 7 Copdock Morning Market, 10am

Burstall Informal Family Concert with tea, 3pm 8 Burstall Harvest Lunch, 12.15pm

Tattingstone Harvest, 6pm (supper at 7pm) 9 Comfort Corner, Sproughton Church Hall, 1.30pm 14 Bentley Quiz Night, 7pm

Sproughton Monthly Market, 10am 17 Ministry Meeting, noon 18 Copdock Home Communions, 10am 28 Sproughton Beetle Drive, 7.30pm

In Touch online:

CHURCH NEWS SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE

11am 6pm

Sunday, September 3 8am Copdock 100 Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 9.3am Burstall 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion

Friday, September 8 6.30pm Bentley

Evening Prayer

Sunday, September 10 9.30am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 9.30am Sproughton 6pm Tattingstone

Family Service Holy Communion Holy Communion Croissant Church Evensong

Sunday, September 17 9.30am Burstall 10am Washbrook 10am Bentley

Holy Communion Songs of Praise Family Service

Sproughton Tattingstone

Holy Communion Holy Communion

Sunday, September 24 8am Sproughton 9.30am Burstall 10am Copdock 11am Belstead 3pm Tattingstone 11am Sproughton 11am Bentley

Holy Communion Matins Holy Communion Harvest Children’s Harvest Family & Friends at Church Harvest

Sunday, October 1 8am Copdock 10am Burstall 10am Bentley 10am Copdock 10am Tattingstone 11am Sproughton

Holy Communion Holy Communion Family Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion

Church letters and copy for the October edition of In Touch to Hayley Purnell by September 4 please: northsamfordbenefice@gmail.com

CAPEL & HOLBROOK METHODIST CHURCHES I have just read The Axe and the Tree. Having spent 10 years serving as Mission Partner in Zimbabwe, it’s always fascinating to get different perspectives. The author, Stephen Griffiths, is the son of a man I knew in Zimbabwe, Peter Griffiths. In 1960 Peter went to join the work begun some 12 years earlier in the eastern Highlands of what was then Rhodesia. He joined a multicultural team, offering medical, educational and spiritual services.

The next 20 years were both exciting and challenging. On several occasions the team considered pulling out of the area because lives were in danger. The liberation war years were the toughest, with both the liberation fighters and the army threatening staff and students.

There were landmines, helicopter gunships, ambushes, beatings and executions, and food, medicines and money were frequently stolen. It was so dangerous the school was evacuated to an abandoned school much nearer roads and city. But the threats still came.

Many wanted the missionaries to move to the city and to commute to school, but as missionaries, they wanted to live amongst the people they served. Under pressure they agreed and places were found for them. The night before they moved guerrilla fighters came in, massacred the whites and closed the school. Peter and his family were in UK on leave having just overseen the move.

This was in 1978, two years before independence and four years before we went to Zimbabwe as missionaries. We experienced some wonderful times, but knew something of the hardships and tensions described.

Stephen, 11 years old at the time of the massacre, wrote the book to try and understand whether out of something so evil and bad, God could bring some good. For him those who were massacred were like his aunts, uncles and cousins. You’ll have to read the book to get his answer, but the subtitle of the book gives a hint: “How bloody persecution sowed the seeds of new life in Zimbabwe”.

It’s a great read (ask for a copy). I’m happy to talk through these issues, or any other questions you have.

Rev Andrew Sankey, Minister at Capel & Holbrook Methodist Churches 8 Roundridge Road, Capel St Mary IP9 2UG apsankey@gmail.com / 01473 311178 / 07966 187216

www.keepingintouchwith.com/copdock

SEPTEMBER SERVICES AT CAPEL ST MARY METHODIST Home Groups on various days and times – contact the minister Sunday 3 10.30am 6.30pm

Worship with Mrs Emily Hannah Circuit Service at Heath Road Hospital

Sunday 10 10.30am Worship with Rev Alan Palmer 6.30pm Worship and Communion with Rev Andrew Sankey Saturday 16 3.30pm

Messy Church

Sunday 17 10.30am

Worship with Mr Paul Law

Sunday 24 10.30am 7.30pm

Harvest Worship with Rev Andrew Sankey United Prayer

AT HOLBROOK METHODIST Mondays, 2.30-4pm: Tea and Chat (HCT / Holbrook Churches Together) Saturday 2 10-11.30am Coffee Morning Sunday 3 10am Family friendly worship with Mrs Alicia Holmes 6.30pm Circuit Service at Heath Road Hospital Sunday 10 10am

Songs for a Sunday at the village hall (HCT)

Friday 15 3.30pm

Messy Church

Sunday 17 10am

Worship with Mr Bryan Nichols

Sunday 24 10am 6.30pm

Harvest Worship with Rev Alan Palmer Something Different with Rev Andrew Sankey

Please see the noticeboard on the front of the chapel for all events in September For more information about Messy Church, Tiddlers and Family Live (HCT) contact Alicia Holmes: ajnholmes@gmail.com / 01473 658478

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CHURCH NEWS HOLY FAMILY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Ipswich Road, Brantham CO11 1TB Parish Priest: Fr Christopher Smith, 180 Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich IP2 0QQ / 01473 684963 We are part of St Mark’s RC Parish, Ipswich. For up-to-date information please visit: www.stmarksparish.org.uk SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER 2017 Sunday 3 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 5 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 10 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 12 9.20am Eucharistic Adoration 10am Mass Sunday 17 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 19 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass Sunday 24 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9am Mass Tuesday 26 9.30am Morning Prayer 10am Mass The weekly newsletter, with weekly mass times, is always displayed in the cabinet alongside the front door.

Catholic Commentary The Suffolk Theology Forum holds regular meetings in Ipswich. The speaker at the last meeting was Dr Anna Abram, principal of the Margaret Beaufort Institute, Cambridge which runs high quality theology courses, mainly for women. She spoke on salvation, taking a broad approach, exploring and analysing what salvation might mean for people of today.

Another pointer readers may like to note is the Christian Think Tank Theos which produces well researched papers, usually in A5 booklet format,

on a variety of faith and related topics. Though there are fewer nominal Christians in Britain, those who are church-goers are more committed.

This is fully explored in the Theos report Doing Good; A Future for Christianity in the 21st Century with a foreword by Archbishops, Justin Welby and Vincent Nichols.

In the same vein it is worth mentioning there are many excellent resources available to Christians, committed or tentative, on the internet including www.wednesdayword.org which provides brief commentary for the readings each Sunday based on the Catholic calendar.

The Catholic charity CAFOD is running a campaign called Power to Be which aims to provide renewable energy to people round the world who still live without electricity. The campaign calls on the World Bank to move money it spends on polluting fossil fuels towards providing electricity in poor communities. Less than three per cent of the total money spent by the World Bank on energy is used to provide ‘off-grid’ renewable electricity. We have been asked to sign and post cards in support to the UK representative at the World Bank.

Events & Diary Dates The last 100 Club draw took place on Sunday, August 27 when three lucky winners shared a record £149. The club, set up to support the life and mission of our parish has grown from strength to strength since its launch. New members are always very welcome and the newsletter, that includes an application form, can be found at the rear of the church or online at www.stmarksparish.org.uk. The next draw takes place on Sunday, September 24.

Every last Thursday of the month a Bring & Buy Coffee Morning takes place at Viv & Wyn’s home, Paddock Gate, Whitehorse Road, East Bergholt CO7 6TR from 10.30am-noon. We are raising funds for the Parish Room refurbishment and all are very welcome to join us. The next event is on Thursday, September 28.

Supporting our Local Hospice All parishioners are asked to collect used postage stamps and to place them in the box at the rear of the church to help support the outstanding work of our local hospice.

Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital Fr Adrian Gates is the Catholic Chaplain at Ipswich Hospital (01473 726701). Please contact him if you or a Catholic is in or due to go into hospital and requires his services.

All are very welcome to attend Holy Family services. It’s not necessary to be a Catholic and enquiries about the Catholic Faith are always welcome.

Please contact the Presbytery, as above, or a local person whom you know is a Catholic.

MESSY CHURCH, SEPTEMBER 16 The next Messy Church is on Saturday, September 16 at the Methodist Church from 3.30-5.30pm.

What is Messy church, I hear you ask? Well it’s a fun, new way of doing church relevant to families today. We have craft activities and sports challenges suitable for all ages, followed by a short celebration including some singing and a Bible story/drama related to the theme for the day. Sometimes Granddad and Lucy (puppets) make an appearance.

This is followed by a hot meal together. It’s all free, but donations are gratefully received.

We will be celebrating our fifth birthday this time, so Happy Birthday Messy Church. There will be lots of birthday activities.

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

Maggie and Sue For more information please contact Maggie Boswell: 01473 310766 / maggie3@btinternet.com Sue France: 01473 310034 / sue.france4@btinternet.com

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notes &

nibbles

Tickets: ÂŁ7 on the door

Recital Hall, Music School

Pupils from the Royal Hospital School perform a programme of solo and chamber music Lunchtime concerts with a buffet lunch available from 12.30pm

Monday 18 September Monday 9 October Monday 20 November Monday 22 January Monday 19 February Monday 5 March Monday 23 April Monday 7 May Monday 21 May Monday 25 June

1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm

Concert lasts approx. 40mins. Parking available around the School Chapel.

For any enquiries please contact the Music School 01473 326222 or music@royalhospitalschool.org